Laminate Flooring in 2022?
Laminate flooring is one of the most popular flooring options available today. It’s not uncommon to see laminate in commercial spaces, such as office buildings, hotels, and schools. Its resilience to scratches, dirt and moisture, and perhaps most importantly, affordability, makes laminate floorring are a great fit for almost any home too.
As with any other type of flooring, manufacturers are constantly coming up with new design trends and ideas. These will all have an impact on the durability and appearance of your next laminate installation. In this blog post you will learn about laminate flooring in 2022 and what that means for you if you want to invest in a new laminate floor for your home or business.
Should you replace your existing flooring with laminate?
The main reason to replace your existing flooring is that it could be damaged, weathered, old and consequently, just not in style anymore. Laminate flooring is a great option for businesses who want to cut down on costs and spend on other areas of their operation. Here we’ll explore several different reasons why people should have laminate floors in their homes and businesses.
Is laminate flooring a popular type of flooring for home renovations?
Yes, laminate is a popular choice for home or office renovations because it’s easy to clean and maintain. In addition, it can be installed in almost an unlimited number of colour choices too. Because of the variety in colours available, you have a lot of flexibility when specifying your laminate flooring order and subsequent installation. The most common type of laminate flooring you will find in homes today is engineered wood.
What is engineered wood?
This type of laminate flooring is made up of bits of recycled wood that are compressed together to create a hard surface beneath your feet. It has a tight grain pattern and can be made from many different types of wood including maple, walnut, birch and oak. Other popular brands include DuraMaxx and DuraFloor. These two brands offer vinyl-laminated floors that are also durable but give off a softer look than engineered wood floors.
How long does a laminate floor project last?
There are two main factors that influence how long a laminate flooring project will take: the type of installation and the size of your space. Installing new laminate floors on an area smaller than 1,000 square feet can typically be finished in a day or less. When you are installing laminate flooring over a larger area, such as an entire 2,500-square-foot room, it may take up to three weeks. Laminate floors applied over concrete or tile may take longer than others because concrete and tile have different densities.
Conclusion
Laminate flooring is one of the most popular types of flooring for home renovations, but it can be difficult to decide which type is best for your home. There are many different types of laminate, each with its own unique properties. If you have questions, or wish to speak with someone about your next flooring project, reach out to the Red Carpet Handyman and we’ll promptly get back to you!
A Kitchen Renovation Project: 6 Planning Tips from the Red Carpet Handyman for Easy, Affordable and Successful Renovations
Is it fair to say that every household experiences a kitchen renovation at some point in its lifetime? Whether it’s to replace the old cabinets with a more modern look, or update the appliances for the 21st century, every kitchen remodeling presents unique challenges that need to be addressed. With so many options available and varying price points, it can be difficult to know where to begin when looking to renovate your kitchen. Fortunately, most projects don’t require an engineering degree or super technical knowledge. They just require a pinch of planning, creativity and the Red Carpet Handyman to get the job done! Below are six simple tips you can implement right now that will help streamline and simplify your project.
Decide What Type of Kitchen Renovation You Want to Do
Before you begin with any project, it’s important to decide on your desired outcome. Do you want to update your appliances? Should you completely redo your cabinets or backsplash? Do you want to update your appliances AFTER you completely redo your cabinets or backsplash?
The great news is that there are many projects you can consider to get your kitchen “red carpet ready.” By deciding what type of renovation you plan to do, it will make it easier for you to narrow down your initial research and start budgeting. For example, if you are looking to update the appliances in your kitchen and replacing them with a more modern look, then this is the type of renovation that would be appropriate. If you are looking for a simpler project such as updating the cabinets or upgrading the countertops, then this is a better option for your needs.

Kitchen Renovation Planning
When you are looking to renovate your kitchen, it is important to plan the project before you even start. You should have a general idea of what you want to change and how much you would like to spend. Start by making a list of all of the changes that you want to make in your kitchen. Think about all of the different factors that will impact your project.
Think about:
- which appliances or fixtures need to be replaced,
- what colours and materials are going to work best together,
- how large or small of a space you want your new kitchen, etc.
It is also important that throughout this planning process, factoring in cost is something that must happen early on; otherwise it will be difficult for you to determine if your desired changes are feasible at all.
Use a trip to your local hardware store, to start looking at the various options. Check local store locations and hours:
Take photos and write down respective pricing for easy reference.
Picking the Right Handyman For the Job
One of the most important aspects of a kitchen remodeling project is the skilled tradespeople you hire. It’s vital that you pick out a professional who has the expertise to execute your dream kitchen redesign. This will ensure that your project goes as smoothly as possible and your vision becomes a reality.
Reach out to the team at the Red Carpet Handyman and fill in the form on the request service page. Even if you haven’t figured out all the project details, fill in your name, email address, phone number, city, postal code and any of the service details you have. Someone from our team will get back to you to discuss your plans, and give suggestions where required.

The Red Carpet Handyman team has years of renovation experience required to work with you and your budget. We will help with price estimates for your kitchen renovation project and how much work needs to be done. We’ll also get back to you with what materials are going to be used, and how long it is expected to take.
Maximize Your Kitchen Renovation Budget Without Skimping on Quality
First, you need to figure out what the budget for your project is. When it comes to kitchen renovations, you can spend anywhere between $5,000 and $50,000 on a single project! While this range may seem like an overwhelming amount of money, it really just depends on how much you want to invest in your kitchen. A budget is crucial because it helps avoid overspending on unnecessary items.
Next, take the time to choose the best materials. This means making sure that all of your materials are high-quality and durable enough for the job. Finally, know what your timeline is – and make sure that you have enough time to complete the project!
Don’t Skip the Small Stuff
In order to make the big changes you’re planning without any mistakes, it’s important that you don’t skip the smaller ones. Take stock of all the items in your cupboards and drawers before you make a decision on what to keep and what to toss. This will save you from buying new items that might not be necessary. When it comes time to renovate your kitchen, don’t forget about your small appliances! They may seem insignificant now but they are such an integral part of your kitchen.
Final words
A kitchen renovation project should excite and bring joy and utility to arguably one of the most important areas of your house. Fashion and functionality are almost equally important here.
Mike and the Red Carpet Handyman team can do most jobs and kitchen renovation projects you can think of. In fact, we excel at kitchen renovations like backsplashes, replacing cabinets, faucets, and more.
We are trained in most renovation projects. However if we can’t help you, we’ll be happy to recommend a trusted contractor who can. Start your kitchen renovation project today. Give us a call at 705.796.6619 or fill in our request service form.
Your kitchen deserves to be “red carpet ready.” The Red Carpet Handyman looks forward to making that happen for you!
Home Improvements Tips to Increase Your Home’s Value from a Handyman in Barrie
Renovating a home is just as much an art as it is a science. Property value is clear when it comes to square footage and the age of the home, but it is the character of a home that really gives it its value.
But before we go into some home improvement projects you should consider maximizing your home’s value, remember, a renovation project doesn’t need to be prohibitively expensive to be successful and impactful. Even minor improvements can make major impacts in the eyes of the right buyer. When preparing to sell your home, try to make your renovation projects appealing to the general purchasers to entice more people, which will hopefully lead to more interest, more offers and ultimately, more money.
At the same time however, you need to remember that your home is not worth more than what people are willing to pay for it.
It’s no secret that while the housing market is still hot, it has slowed down a bit. According to Zolo.ca, there were around 1300 listings in Barrie over the past 28 days (April 30 to May 28, 2022), with 204 houses sold for an average of 101% of selling price despite the average house lasting 13 days on the market.
What’s the Average Home Price in Barrie?
The average detached home price in Barrie was $868,000 from April 30 to May 28. This was down 2.4% from the $906,000 average selling price in Barrie from April 2 to the 30. A two-bedroom townhouse’s average price dropped from $768,000 three months ago to just over $711,000 this past month.
So, with more houses on the market, Mike asked his realtor friend what some of his buyers are looking for to cut through the clutter, and what some of his sellers are doing to prepare their homes to stand out and ultimately get more than the asking price.
The Red Carpet Handyman Has a Few Home Improvement Projects to Consider to Maximize Your Value:
Whether you’re hoping to boost your home’s value or just want to improve its appearance and functionality, these small updates can go a long way.
Some of the most popular home improvements that sellers make include painting, landscaping, shelving/storage and upgrading the kitchen or bathroom.
Painting: a splash of colour can put your home’s value back into the black.
Painting your house will increase its value by making it look fresh and new. A splash of paint is an inexpensive way to make it more attractive to buyers, which in turn can raise the property’s market value.
Lawn Maintenance: a freshly manicured lawn, some colourful flowers will have buyers seeing green.
It’s crazy how you can improve the appearance of your home simply (and inexpensively) by adding new plants, flowers, and shrubs.
Storage: don’t just put it down, put it away
Everything should have its place, and that includes storage. Adding shelves in garages, in the furnace room, basement, cold room or in your shed is an easy renovation project we do all the time, and will help declutter your space, and equally as important, help buyers see more potential in your space.
The kitchen is often the heart of your home
A recent study by the National Association of Home Builders found that kitchen renovations are one of the most popular home improvement projects. Buyers will notice outdated counters, vinyl flooring, and laminate countertops. A small kitchen renovation should focus on a functional layout that will make cooking and cleaning easier.
Now all renovations add value to your home
It’s important to keep in mind that not all renovations will add value to your home – it’s important to do your research ahead of time. If you’re not sure where to start, talk to your real estate agent or, better yet call the Red Carpet Handyman in Barrie who can give you honest and professional advice. Mike and his team will help you think about the scope of your project and help determine your budget.
Remember, by making simple upgrades, such as updating the paint, landscaping, fixtures and adding new flooring, buyers are more likely to consider your home as a good investment. When potential buyers see that you’ve taken care of the most important features of your house, they’ll be more likely to buy it.
When considering these home renovation tips, think about creating a unique living experience that isn’t easy to replicate and you will be on your way to real improvements in the value of your home.
Red Carpet Handyman offers fast and free estimates but there’s no obligation to hire us if you’re not interested. We’re confident that once you read our client testimonials, you’ll see why we are the handyman of choice for Barrie and the surrounding areas.
Call us at 705.796.6619 and be sure to like the Red Carpet Handyman in Barrie on Facebook for contests!
For home and office renovations and repairs, we do that…
Why should you hire a professional handyman?
DIY projects can haunt you for years if you lack the skills, equipment, or time to complete them correctly.
If you are in need of a professional handyman in Barrie to help you finish your next project, you should know that hiring a professional handyman is about ensuring that the job gets done right the first time.
The Red Carpet Handyman
Mike Gagne is a professional handyman who is skilled in several areas of construction, which means he can handle more complex projects with ease. Mike is the Red Carpet Handyman and has over 30 years of construction service experience and has handled residential and commercial projects big and small in Barrie, Alliston, Wasaga Beach, Angus, and surrounding areas.
Mike and his team apply their skills to solve your problem—whether it’s fixing your flooring, installing a new dishwasher, hanging a TV on your wall, renovating your bathroom, or putting up shelves and cabinets.
Why Hire a Professional Handyman?
Professional handymen are a wise choice rather than doing the repairs yourself. Here are a few more reasons why you should hire the Red Carpet Handyman for your next project.
- Mike and his team are trained and licensed professionals.
- They do not underestimate the job or overestimate their ability to do the job.
- They have experience working on all sorts of projects and can recommend products and solutions for your specific needs.
- They know what materials you need to purchase, and can recommend where and what you should expect to pay. They can even source and pick up the materials for you if you prefer.
- They literally roll the red carpet out when they arrive to protect your home and family while they are working.
An advantage to having a professional handyman handle your project is that they can do it more efficiently. Due to their experience and skills, professional handymen can move around your home quicker and complete more complex tasks in less time.
Red Carpet Handyman Reviews
Heather in Barrie said “He (Mike) gave me a fair quote and completed everything with incredible speed and accuracy. He will work with you, not against you, to make sure your dream becomes reality. It’s so nice to know I can call him for his expertise and know that I will always get the “red carpet” treatment.”
Conrad and Heike said “we’ve worked with Mike and the Red Carpet Handyman team for our bathroom ensuite renovation, and most recently, when we needed them to bring our “tired” kitchen to life, the Red Carpet Handyman was the first (and only) call we made! Not only was the outcome better than what we had originally imagined, but the whole process was so much easier than we expected too. Mike took the time to understand what we wanted and made sure he got back to us when he said he would with a detailed quote that carefully explained everything we had discussed. When it came time to work on our kitchen, he made our dream of an eat-in kitchen and quartz island into reality! Thanks for putting us first!
Check out our testimonials page to read, and get in touch with us if you have any questions or would like more information.