Your go-to blogs if you want to learn about the "how-tos," "methods," "tips," and "trends" related to construction.

"Is there a problem with my bathroom fan if it works non-stop? Especially if it does not depend on any button?"

If you live in British Columbia, particularly in the Tri-Cities, the answer is,

None, your exhaust fan works just fine.   

A continuous vent fan is a BC building code rule to ensure ventilation within your unit. It was a method chosen by the builder of the home. With in-floor hydronic heating, which you have in your unit, there isn't a direct method to draw fresh outside air (unlike furnaces that draw fresh air from outside directly and blow it to each room). 

You will notice a vent in the rooms (usually circular ones) that can control the amount of fresh air, and the bath fan is continuously on to draw stale and moist air out.

A continuous exhaust fan is part of the BC building code and is normal.

We at Lucullan have long avoided exhaust-based fans to handle moisture and air freshness. Instead, we use HRVs or ERVs to control the air mechanically. These devices manage the levels based on actual humidity and or temperature automatically. They both do a bit of mixing to ensure heat or energy is not wasted or on all the time. HRV unit itself heats the incoming air so that you're not paying to heat that air coming into the home. An ERV takes an extra step and manages the moisture as well.

Is there a problem with my bathroom fan if it works nonstop? Especially if it does not depend on any button? 

Whether it is a simple home appliance or not, we always want to make sure it functions properly.

In 2021, the Canadian Home Builders' Association (CHBA) noticed another trend in homes all over houses in Canada--the appearance of painted wooden cabinets. Kitchen cabinets are no longer limited to steel and neutral colors. More homeowners from Vancouver, Tri-Cities, and Canada as a whole have become open to the idea of painting and repainting kitchen cabinets with unusual kitchen colors because it saves them from the high cost of pulling a full kitchen revamp. However, note that unless it is done correctly, painting kitchen cabinets may incur a higher cost. To prevent this from happening, Lucullan properties have prepared a step-by-step process on how to paint kitchen cabinets. It is always good to be prepared and knowledgeable by learning how professionals do it, so without further ado, here are the steps you need to know on how to paint kitchen cabinets properly. 

Step 1: Inspect your kitchen cabinet’s condition.

Can your kitchen cabinet accommodate a makeover? The answer to this question will be known once you have taken out everything inside it and inspected each part of it. 

Is it warped, chipped, or damaged? If so, painting it might not be the best choice for your kitchen revamp plan.

Avoid the mistake of failing to recognize the condition of your kitchen cabinet and save money. Have your kitchen cabinet painted only if it can accommodate the makeover you have in mind.  

Step 2: Prepare your surrounding, materials, and the cabinet 

If the cabinet is in good shape, the next step is to prepare everything that you will use–the place, materials, and of course, the kitchen cabinet. 

Place
Protect your kitchen floor and everything else in your kitchen. Tape a drop cloth or use a newspaper or another protector over the countertops and the surrounding work area before painting. 

Materials
Use the best materials available. Select the equipment that you are most knowledgeable with. For most non-professional painters, using a spray gun is highly recommended because utilizing a paintbrush on a cabinet usually leaves unwanted brush marks behind. If you still prefer a paintbrush, get a premium Sherwin-Williams nylon or polyester brush. 
In terms of paints and primer, we recommend purchasing directly from any Sherwin-Williams store if you’re from Coquitlam, Port Moody, or Burnaby. The brand also partnered with some stores in Port Coquitlam, Vancouver, and more regions in Canada.  

Cabinet
Pull out the cabinets carefully and remove the doors off of the hinges. Don’t forget to label each kitchen cabinet that has been taken out, so you know where to return them.
Once the cabinets are taken out, clean them gently with a grease remover. Use a damp sponge to wipe the cabinets and let them dry for a while. 

Before fully starting the painting process, ensure that the cabinets are not too smooth or glossy by sanding them with a 100-220 grit sandpaper. Making the cabinet a little rough can make the application of primer smoother. 

Before priming, vacuum the cabinet and the whole workspace to ensure that no dust will settle in the paint or primer. 

The first step to priming your kitchen cabinets is knowing what type of primer you will apply. For wooden cabinets, Sherwin William recommends Extreme Bond Primer because this product provides exceptional adhesion needed to provide the proper foundation for any finish. 

As we stated a while ago, sanding is vital in ensuring the smoothness of the final coating. That is the reason why sanding will be done until the final coating. 

To start the second round of sanding, ensure that the primer is completely dry. Sand all surfaces using 220-grit paper or sanding block. Focus on areas that may have drips or pools until the surface is as even as possible so you can smoothly paint your kitchen cabinets. Once done, don’t forget the last step in sanding, and that is ensuring that no dust will settle in the paint by using a vacuum cleaner or a damp cloth. 

Once the cabinet is cleaned and dried after sanding, prepare the materials you’ve gotten and apply the first coat of paint using your preferred equipment carefully. Upon painting cabinet doors or other similar large surfaces, you may use a foam or microfiber paint roller instead of a brush or spray gun to save time. If you’re using a brush, apply in a thin layer and let dry for about 8 to 12 hours before proceeding to the next step. 

This is done just the same as steps 3 and 5. 

The way this is done is also the same as step 6. Just like how you did every step with complete care and excellence, do this step with an equal goal–complete and smooth coverage for all surfaces. 

Step 9: Drying and reinstalling the kitchen cabinets back 

Dry your paint for at least 24 hours or longer. The longer, the better to ensure durability and easier reinstallation. Once your kitchen cabinets are fully dry, don’t forget to put back the hardware you initially took out. Make sure you clean the area where you will reinstall your kitchen cabinets. Once done, carefully return the kitchen cabinets back into place and test their stability to ensure everyone’s safety. Clean the whole kitchen afterward. 

Repainting kitchen cabinets require knowledge, skill, and patience to ensure the success of your kitchen revamp plan. If you think you’re not yet ready for this but want to spruce up your tired kitchen with freshly painted cabinets, we highly recommend seeking painting service providers. 

Getting professional help might be a little costly, but this is better if you’re not yet confident. The service of professional painters often costs around $1,000, which might get higher or lower depending on the size of your kitchen, the location of your home, and other factors. If you’re from Coquitlam, Burnaby, Port Coquitlam, and Port Moody, asking for the help of certified single-family home contractors from the area will provide you with higher-quality painted cabinets due to their connection with credible painters with proven expertise and access to professional-grade products. 

In 2021, the Canadian Home Builders' Association (CHBA) noticed another trend in homes all over houses in Canada–the appearance of

A step-by-step guide to help your kitchen achieve a “new” look without spending too much!

When you take into account all of the materials, equipment, contractors, and preparation, it can be quite costly. However, spending more in the renovation stages will also save you money down the line. 

I'm not going to sugarcoat it. Renovating your home can be costly if you want it done right. Although the actual renovation cost might change due to where your house is based and just how much of a fixer-upper it needs, you're still looking to shell out tens to hundreds of thousands. 

At the same time, spending money on ensuring your home is in a habitable state before renovation will save on costs down the line. The same can be said for the renovation itself. As another way of putting it, quality doesn't come cheap. In home renovation, you pay for what you get.

As we said, how much the overall cost will be, depends on a few different factors. Size, the region you live in, and how much work needs to be done should all factor in.

According to Home Advisor, renovation for a 2,500-square-foot home costs anywhere from $15,000 to $200,000. Here's a breakdown of that range: 

Low end: $15,000-$45,000 - covers inexpensive updates like trim, paint, landscaping, flooring, and counters.

Mid-range: $46,000-$70,000 - includes everything on the low-end, plus a bath or a complete kitchen remodel and possibly higher-end flooring.

High end: $71,000-$200,000 - covers low- and mid-range projects options, plus custom or high-end cabinetry, a chef's kitchen, a private dock with boat lift, double-sink, and vaulted ceiling in your bathroom, and an extravagant entertainment area.

Start by getting free estimates from local contractors

When you're planning to remodel your home, you should always ask the experts for advice. Asking questions can only broaden your mind, and any local contractors will be able to give you their estimates, which you can then take into account. Note that different contractors have different ways of showing you their estimates. So here are some tips: 

Never go with your first option. - If you have three contractors to choose from, and your first choice is the contractor who gives you the cheapest estimate, better validate your option first. The first contractor may present you with the cheapest estimate, but the 2nd or 3rd contractor offers much better work quality that justifies their higher estimates. While our guts are often correct, it is way better to verify things--after all, your home is at stake.

Interior projects: Kitchens, baths, flooring and electrics, painting, lighting, drywall, etc.

Roofing: Installation and replacement costs for various types of roofs, prices for materials (asphalt shingles, metal, cedar, slate, etc.)

Siding: Installation and replacement costs for the most popular types of siding, such as vinyl, wood, and aluminum. Also, siding repair costs.

Additional exterior renovations: Exterior painting of doors, windows, fences, decks, etc., as well as gutter repair costs.

Mechanical: plumbing, HVAC, solar panels, etc.*

*All estimates listed below are sourced from more than 40 medium-large general contractors and extensive research. 

Additions to your home can be as low-cost as buying a build-it-yourself sunroom or as expensive as full-scale house additions that scale up your house's resale value. 

Large sunroom (24 x 15 feet):  $23,000 (installation not included)

Small sunroom (9 x 15 feet): $15,000 (installation not included)

A common misconception is that remodeling the basement will be the easiest (and cheapest) job.  On the contrary, remodeling the basement also means you need to deal with plumbing and electrics. Taking this into account, as well as the sheer amount of physical work, you might be looking at similar costs to a small room addition.

As a DIY project by scratch: $15,000 - $25,000

With a proprietary finishing system: $50,000 - $75,000

With a contractor by scratch: $55,000 - $100,000

If you take plumbing out of the picture, renovating your bathroom can be a great DIY project. However, when plumbing is involved, it's going to get complicated and costly fast.

I strongly suggest calculating a quote for your bathroom based on square footage and tile installation. If you're just looking to do cosmetic updates or small remodels such as painting or tiling, you can do it yourself for less than $2,000.

Kitchen remodeling is a complex undertaking if you're planning to do it yourself. That's generally why almost every homeowner turns to expert contractors for this project. A good kitchen renovation also requires high-cost materials and appliances, so you're looking at that plus the cost for the contractors.

Full-scale remodel with contractor: $21,000 - $126,000

Full-scale DIY remodel: $20,000 - $50,000

Basic surface-level remodel: $2,000 - $20,000

Note: If you plan to do up your kitchen in 2022, find out what kind of investment return you'll get from it. It can aid you in budgeting for the actual project, so you don't lose money if you decide to sell.

If you are thinking about selling your home in the future, kitchen remodels are responsible for one of the highest investment returns. Roughly 70% of buyers pay special attention to the functionality of the kitchen as well as the aesthetics. 

A few kitchen remodeling ideas add the most value to the room, and they're not always the most expensive either.

Good floor installation has room for both worlds: DIY and professional. If you want to do the floor yourself, floor installations such as the plank, laminate, and tile vinyl are all super easy to do. However, it's always a good idea to call professionals for wall-to-wall carpeting and hardwood.

Sanding and finishing a hardwood floor: $3-$5 per square foot

Ceramic tile installation: $15-$28 per square foot

Vinyl tile installation: $4-$6 per square foot

Wall-to-wall carpet installation: $5-$12 per square foot

Handling the electrics on your own is a good way of cutting the price. While a lot of electrical work such as replacing outlets can be done by the homeowner, wiring new electrical circuits and performing a heavy-up is more of a job for a contractor. 

Heavy-up (increases electrical service): $1,000-$1,500

Running electrical circuits in open walls: $250-$400 (electrician); $25 (DIY)

Although most homeowners hire a professional plumber to help them out, there's been a rise in people doing plumbing repairs by themselves. This is due to the advent of push-fit connectors and PEX pipes, doing projects like water heater installation quickly done by homeowners.

Septic system installation: $4,000-$6,000

Sump pump installation (sans outlet): $500-$700

Copper pipe connection (with a push-fit connector): $5

Unless you're planning to oversee the entire renovation yourself, you need to budget in a contractor. Usually, they charge between 10-15% of the project's total budget. Therefore, for a renovation that costs $50,000, you're looking to pay a contractor between $20/hr and $150/hr.

Tip: See if you can negotiate costs on finish materials. Some contractors get discounts on retail prices that can save you some money.

The real key to renovating your home is to be realistic about what work you can and can't afford. If your property hasn't yet been checked to see whether or not it's in a habitable state, this should be your priority. The home should be safe and dry with working hot water and heating before you even consider beginning a remodeling job.

Sure, renovating your home can be costly - but it's also great fun. 

Unless you're planning to oversee the entire renovation yourself, you need to budget in a contractor. Usually, they charge between 10-15%

When you feel like it’s time for a renovation, will the cost really matter?

How much does it cost to renovate [my house]?

A home provides comfort and safety no matter how big or small it is. But if your home is not maintained correctly, will it be able to offer the same amount of reliability when it was still new? Like humans who encounter different stages in life, homes experience different phases, too--we call them seasons. 

All these seasons affect our homes differently. Thus it is only important to know how to properly maintain your home in different seasons to keep it healthy and spare you from costly repairs and other unnecessary expenses. Having said this, allow us to share with you some tips on maintaining your home in every season. 

Ensure that air intakes, exhausts, and meters are clear of snow

Check basement floor drain trap; replenish if needed

Inspect all faucets for signs of dripping

Clean furnace humidifier; close its damper to applicable areas where aircon is centralized.

Check fireplace and chimney; service or clean if needed

Inspect air conditioning; service as needed (usually every 2-3 years)

Check/clean HRV; wash or replace the filter

Clean windows screens and hardware; install screens

Check that air intake and exhausts are clear of debris, nests, etc. 

Check foundation walls, sump pump, eaves troughs, and downspouts

Undertake spring landscape maintenance; fertilize young trees

Test plumbing shut-off valves to ensure they are working

Check roofing and flashing for signs of wear or damage

Air out damp basements on dry days or use a dehumidifier

Check chalking and weather stripping of doors and windows

Inspect chimneys for possible end-of-season problems

Repair any areas that may compromise your and your household’s safety

Clean furnace humidifier; open its damper to applicable areas where aircon is centralized.

Have furnace/heating system serviced(every two years)

For central air conditioning, clean the filter in the air handling unit

Cover the exterior of air conditioning units

Ensure that the ground slopes away from the foundation wall

Inspect the basement or crawl space or signs of leakage/seepage

Vacuum ducts behind warm air and return air grilles

Since every season impacts our home uniquely, different ways of home care should be done. Keep those maintenance tips in mind, or have them printed on a piece of paper. Repeat checking the list twice, and inspect your home thrice but never forget to perform them even once.

Have a safe and comfy living inside your Port Coquitlam home all year round!

Having said this, allow us to share with you some tips on maintaining your home in every season. 

The Port Coquitlam Single Family Home Maintenance Checklist

A home provides comfort and safety no matter how big or small it is. But if your home is not maintained correctly, will it be able to offer the same amount of reliability when it was still new? Like humans who encounter different stages in life, homes experience different phases too--we call them seasons. 

Clean furnace humidifier; close its damper to applicable areas where aircon is centralized

Clean furnace humidifier; open its damper to applicable areas where aircon is centralized

Since every season impacts our home uniquely, different ways of home care should be done. Keep those maintenance tips in mind or have them printed on a piece of paper. Repeat checking the list twice, and inspect your home thrice but never forget to perform them even once.

Have a safe and comfy living inside your Port Moody home all year round!

A home provides comfort and safety no matter how big or small it is. But if your home is not maintained correctly,

Maintenance Checklist for Your Single Family Home at Port Moody

Repair any areas that may compromise you and your households’ safety

For central air conditioning, clean filter in the air handling unit

Ensure that ground slopes away from the foundation wall

Inspect basement or crawl space or signs of leakage/seepage

Since every season impacts our home uniquely, different ways of home care should be done. Keep those maintenance tips in mind or have them printed on a piece of paper. Repeat checking the list twice, inspect your home thrice but never forget to perform them, even once.

Have a safe and comfy living inside your Burnaby home all year round!

Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall. All these seasons affect our homes differently. 

Maintenance Checklist for Your Single Family Home at Burnaby 

A home provides comfort and safety no matter how big or small it is. But if your home is not maintained correctly, will it be able to offer the same amount of reliability when it is still new? Like humans who encounter different stages in life, homes experience different phases, too--we call them seasons. 

Have a safe and comfy living inside your Coquitlam home all year round!

Thus it is only important to know how to properly maintain your home in different seasons to keep it healthy and spare you from costly repairs and other unnecessary expenses.

A healthy Coquitlam home for every season

Maintenance Checklist for Your Single Family Home at Coquitlam

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