There are many productive ways to channel your energy during a pandemic. For restless homeowners with a DIY spirit, the COVID-19 lockdown seems to be providing a great incentive to tackle home improvement projects.
“We have noticed a lot of people planning projects like bathroom renovations and basement renovations,” said Andre Belisle, owner/operator of the three family-run locations of JL’s Home Hardware in Guelph. “There’s also a lot of painting going on this time of year.”
Having an abundance of extra time is a great motivator for people who have considered completing long-overdue home renovation projects. However, finishing a successful renovation is not always as easy as it sounds, especially for those with limited experience who’s decided to renovate a bathroom or build a new family room.
For the novice DIYer, Belisle offers this important piece of advice.
“Getting a good understanding of the total scope of the project to determine what tools might be required would be a big help,” said Belisle, whose father opened the first location in 1983. “There is nothing worse than starting a project and getting halfway done and suddenly realizing you don’t have something you need to finish the job or to make your life a lot easier. The right tool can definitely go a long way to making a project go smoothly.”
While there are literally thousands of standard and specialty tools custom made for plumbing, carpentry and electrical work, Belisle says there are a few basic tools that should be part of every tool box when starting a home reno.
“A good measuring tape is definitely important,” he said. “Not everyone needs to have the best mitre saw, but a good saw that can put together right angles is handy. Having a good angle finder is also a plus, because not all walls are square. And a good cordless impact driver for driving screws can help a lot.”
Staring at the same four walls for months on end has certainly inspired a lot of people to repaint the interior of their residential spaces. Unfortunately, many people are under the impression that painting is a renovation project that requires little skill or knowledge. In truth, not everyone knows the difference between a flat or eggshell paint or whether to roll or use brushes. There is also another important element to considering before starting to paint according to Belisle.
“The big thing before you start any painting project is prepping your wall and having a smooth surface to work on,” he said. “Once you’ve prepped the wall, then you can choose the right products for what you’re trying to achieve. That’s where we come in to help, helping you pick the right products to achieve the desired results.”
While there are endless tutorials available online for anyone considering a home renovation project, Belisle says the staff at each location of JL’s Home Hardware can offer a lot more than just construction tips, lumber and building materials.
“We can do anything from design to consultations on colour and products. We can assist you by providing the knowledge required to complete your project. We also offer delivery services. We are here to provide pretty much anything for renovation projects.”
While demand has been high for materials like lumber during the pandemic, Belisle says JL’s Home Hardware is ready and stocked with inventory to meet the needs of home renovators.
“Right now we’re anticipating a strong spring. We’ve taken that forecast and bulked up on our stock. We are starting in a strong position to be able to support customers all summer. It’s going to be a strong summer for lumber.”
Visit JL’s Home Hardware online at www.jlshomehardware.ca.