O'Brien Home Improvement

02/07/2024

Why Choose a Suspended Ceiling?

Finishing your basement? Consider the advantages of a suspended ceiling. Today's improved ceiling materials are durable, lightweight and eco-friendly. They resist sagging, reduce sound transmission, and retain heat in your space below. A properly installed suspended ceiling hides all plumbing, electrical wiring and air ducting, provides simple access if needed, and looks great. It's easy to incorporate low-cost compact LED lighting to completely transform your space.

Call now to connect with business.

08/15/2016

LUXURY VINYL TILE
/PLANK (LVT/P) - ATTRACTIVE AND PRACTICAL

When replacing kitchen flooring, consider using a Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) or Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) product. It is relatively inexpensive, and a good quality click-lock system ensures simple installation and makes it virtually waterproof. It is soft under foot, less likely to break dropped glassware, and available in many realistic stone and wood patterns and colours.

The small 8' x 10' basement apartment kitchen shown in these photos was covered with a pressed paper core laminate, and was badly damaged by water exposure. I first removed the moldy laminate, exposing the earlier-vintage linoleum tile seen in these photos. Then I leveled the floor area under the stove, sprayfoam sealed a couple of large gaps between the floor edges and the concrete wall behind and below them, and then installed the new LVT. Total time was under 12 hours.

The renovation is ongoing, but now has a beautiful and durable floor upon which to create the remaining touches.

Shawn
SO-HANDY Repairs, Upkeep & Renos

07/29/2016

See what I uncovered when I investigated a little "dampness and a few ants" around the threshhold of a garage entry door for a client in Dartmouth...

The hidden damage posed a serious structural issue: approximately 7 feet of the foundation sill, to which a 1-1/2 story exterior wall is supposed to be firmly anchored, was completely disintegrated. In time, if unaddressed, the side of the house could potentially have collapsed.

This project ended up taking 60 labour hours to properly rectify. Have a good look around the perimeter of your house walls, inside and outside, particularly where there are door openings, and check for suspicious dampness and/or insect activity. If you find issues, it is recommended you have it checked out by an expert.

Shawn - SO-HANDY Repairs, Upkeep & Renos

07/01/2016

Happy Canada Day to all my clients, friends and family!

06/20/2016

Last week's emergency was this ruptured electric water heater...

By the time I got to it, the basement floor was holding approximately 750 liters of water. I shut off the water and power to the heater, removed the water from the basement floor, disconnected and removed the old heater, and installed a new 60-gallon unit. Job completed in one (long) day. :)

06/12/2016

This is my ground level deck. 18 years old and looking a little tattered, I gave it a facelift by pressure washing it.

Once cleaned and dry, I recommend application of a quality water sealer to keep it looking bright, rich and well protected from the elements.

If you have a tired deck itching to be revitalized, please contact me - it's another service provided by SO-Handy Repairs, Upkeep & Renos. :)

06/09/2016

I replaced existing bulky surface-mounted fixtures with recessed energy efficient LED lighting, and designed the lighting layout to optimize illumination of work and traffic areas

06/09/2016

I replaced existing bulky surface-mounted fixtures with recessed energy efficient LED lighting, and designed the lighting layout to optimize illumination of work and traffic areas

06/08/2016

A recent masonry repair project...

06/08/2016

06/08/2016

"Befores" & "Afters"

06/07/2016

Hi Everyone - I am excited to tell you about my new enterprise - "SO-Handy Repairs, Upkeep and Renos".

If your home "to do" list is growing and you lack the tools, skills, time or desire to undertake typical DIY projects yourself, I can help you. You do not need an expensive certified tradesman for these tasks, and most general contractors are not interested.

I am a professional engineer, I have built my own home, and I am meticulous with detail. I guarantee high quality workmanship at an affordable price. Seniors receive a special discount.

Please email me at: [email protected] for a comprehensive listing of services provided or for inquiries.

My website is currently under construction but will be live very soon.

If you think any of your other FB friends may be interested in my services, please feel free to share this page.

Thanks - Shawn