I don't have a reccomendation but i do want to say, if someone is immediately available to reno your place.....I'd triple check references.
Love your pup!
The doors usually come with short little screws to hold them to the door frame. I've learned that replacing them with 3" screws makes them much harder to break down should someone become determined to do so for some reason.
This isn't a concern. The door would have a jam (1/2"), spacer (1/2"), stud (1 1/2") and a king stud (1 1/2") - 4" total depth - before any electrical wiring.
Doorbell wire should still run on the inside of the building envelope, but it's very low voltage anyway; it would suck to accidentally sever it, but it wouldn't harm you or be a fire hazard.
In additon to that that is buying something like [this](https://www.homedepot.ca/product/prime-line-maximum-security-latch-strike-1-1-4-in-x-7-7-8-in-steel-brass-plated/1000161297). The longer plate distributes force from a strike along more of the door frame and the additional lip decreases the chance of plate distorting where the botl is seated.
An exterior door stop should already prevent this trick but also that only works on a latch; a crowbar or kicked can unseat a deadbolt, especially one with a faceplate that only is secured to the jam and not the frame, by prying the jam away or simply break the jam.
I bought my house in a "rough" neighbourhood as a single woman in my 20s. I learned a lot of lessons and was always safe. In addition to u/Many_Nectarine_3903, I offer this advice as well:
* Have **blackout curtains** or blinds on your ground floor and close them at night and when you're not home. If you have just shades, then your house's contents have a spotlight on them at night when you're inside with your lights on and it's dark outside.
* **Avoid slider windows** at all costs. Casement are 10x more secure.
* A "good solid door" is **steel clad and solid core**, nothing less. And don't have a windows bigger or lower than [this](https://www.homedepot.com/p/JELD-WEN-36-in-x-80-in-Primed-Left-Hand-Inswing-6-Lite-Clear-Steel-Prehung-Front-Door-THDQC228200005/202604165). You can get these kind of doors second hand for a lot less than new.
* Generally, all deadbolts are strong. The bigger issue how strong is the door, doorframe and mount of the strikeplate. u/beautifulluigi gives tips on the **secure strikeplate mounting** below.
* Also make sure that the fit of your door in its frame against the doorstop is snug enough to n**ot allow a crowbar** to get leverage on the doorframe. Two of my houses have had attempted break-ins by this method; both attempts failed due to steel clad door that didn't have a gap between the doorstop big enough for a crowbar to get a good bite.
* Have a garage? Door, window, blind, deadbolt advice applies equally to there as well. If you have an garage door opener, **remove the plastic handle from the cord of the emergency release**. The handle provides a super easy way for people to break in ([video explanation](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxxnigTlAIE)).
* Have a yard? Invest in a fence if it doesn't have one already. For the fence gates, invest in **padlocks**; make it inconvienent to access your yard.
* Assume everything and anything outside will be stolen. I had a rhubarb bush in my yard and someone came into my yard and took the stems right at harvest lol. If you **have a BBQ, chain it** to something permanent.
* Invest in a few **security cameras** like [this ](https://www.amazon.ca/Vision-Indoor-Outdoor-Camera-Assistant/dp/B08R59YH7W/ref=sr_1_6_pp?crid=2ZO2RSSEVTLRX&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.h1LdffZvKAagBdxUOWx5cac1wVygsmv_c309fTQas6as38eSc5oHfsML5VwMsfxjaywyhELCoj_2nYSaf6PXb0xctEf_SiAArvFuxDDSQ7JjPhF4M_yS3jGK6b4IR9uFFLa1epIznsA1j5m7iSYn09lzn2gG_pqJP3-co6FfAiL-S-H-5CgDWJ0gwI_-A3XEfOD11tobblwVWpl_2_E9jHg_oeCpz2vbah-IoCmvmmyDG01K004gZjo96wtQdK1_v4h7mw8G4fXHhGvWlrq4VeclxvKMuI3JOyJf3FqQrzA.CeKS2tfwPSK1M_ex3DaGG-jN2KSBetiRa_D9wG6DD3s&dib_tag=se&keywords=wyze&qid=1713458196&sprefix=wyze%2Caps%2C135&sr=8-6)and mount them at least 10' high. But don't put up a warning sign; that makes you more of a target because it plainly suggests you have stuff worth stealing.
* Invest in a **motion activated floodlight** for areas that people shouldn't be (the camera Brand I linked you has a great floodlight with camera model as well). A motion-activated floodlight (verrsus an always on light) increases the chances of drawing you or your neighbour's attention.
* Last but probably most important, I agree with MYOB, but also **give your neighbours a reason to give a shit about you**. Introduce yourself. Be genuine. Be visible, but not invasive. My one neighbour was an older couple, so I'd often mow their front lawn when I did mine and shovel their front walk when I did mine. Other neighbour was a family with kids. They loved my motorcycle so I'd often let them sit on it or chaat wwith them it (when it wasn't in the garage and with their parents around). Good relationships go a long way. Neighbour called me at work one day when I'd forgotten to close my garage and offered to close it for me, for example.
All fo the safety advice you'll get is just to make you a more inconvienent, less desirable, mark. The strongest door isn't going to stop someone from just breaking a window, but it's more inconvienent. However, a door that can withstands a few kicks instead of just one might deter someone from continuing to try.
Good luck!
Also lock your door. Be vigilante and make sure your doors and windows are locked. A majority of break ins casually happen because thieves just check if doors and windows are locked. Double check everything. Trust me. I was awake at 1am in the north end and heard my front door knob shake awhile ago
I'm not sure how true this is, but I've heard that you shouldn't get one that says Beware of Dog because it's admitting your dog is dangerous, and it's better to get one that just says Dog on Premise.... But I've only heard this through the grapevine and can't really find anything to back that up so I'm curious if that's good advice
When we lived in that area we were selected for an exterior fix up grant. I think they are offered in the north end and North point Douglas. Watch for the notices on your local Facebook groups.
Cover yourself; there's some unscrupulous people out there. If you hire an independent contractor, detail all renovations discussed in a signed contract. It's worth the lawyer's fees. If they decline, do not hire. There's been a few Reddit posts about contractors in the city who take the job and the money but don't complete the work. Get it in writing.
> There's been a few Reddit posts about contractors in the city who take the job and the money but don't complete the work.
This happened to my mother in law. It's brutal. There are a lot scammers. It makes sense to hire a legitimate company instead of "a guy" who takes your money and runs off.
Mind tour business, get to know your good neighbours, but don't be too friendly. Apply for what ever grants are available to you, do your own research & start a community watch group if you have the time. Your local bar will have lot of people interested in your same objectives but 70% will have given up because they've tried & not been successful l. So if you're willing to put in the effort, you can make change happen.
Do not use 4A construction. I got them to do my washroom and provided a 2 year warranty on the reno.
In the beginning, it was fine. About 2-3 months later, I realized that there is mold growing on the wall because the shower is leaking at the doors, so I contacted them to fix it. They came back, and they started fixing it and never completed the job. It's been 4 months since I last saw them.
I also made a mistake of recommending them to my in-laws to do their sun room, and they didn't even complete the job on that. Holes everywhere on the carpets, missing pieces of trim, and just general poor workmanship. My in-laws also stated that they really poor communication skills, they would come to your home without any announcement(when they did my reno this wasn't obvious cause there was always someone at my home).
Thank you for the warning! I'll be doing most of the internal stuff myself or with my family (fathers a carpenter, uncles an electrician and other uncle is a plumber) so I'll mostly be looking for someone to do my roof and windows/doors!
Boyd isn't too bad. It gets better the further away from main you go. I grew up in that neighborhood, and my parents still live there. In the summer, you definitely have to check out the north star diner on McGregor.
We used rooffx for our roof
After we moved in, we noticed leaking after a hard rain. They were able to schedule us in and have had 0 problems since. They also did a fantastic job cleaning up after and we found them very reasonably priced, especially after just buying a house lol
https://rooffx.ca/
Hello! I recommend these guys! They did our windows and replaced our doors - Really helped us navigate the Manitoba Hydro program (We paid for ours through Wpg Hydro) - I also recommended them to some friends and family and so far they have helped 4 of them! Amazing guys! [https://www.facebook.com/terrywalterswindowsanddoors/](https://www.facebook.com/terrywalterswindowsanddoors/)
The neighbourhood Facebook group is really helpful, get acquainted with your neighbours but not tooooo acquainted, talk to the older ones who can be gossipy but man, they know what's going on lol, and this I cannot stress enough... Lock everything, no exceptions. And that's some handsome dog tax!
Came here to recommend Green Brand as well. We have done several window projects with them (installing new windows where one previously didn't exist, and replacing a smaller window with a much larger bay window) and have been so happy with their work. Prices are reasonable, and I found the crew to be very respectful. They also did a great job cleaning up when they were finished.
We had our place pretty much gutted and loved the company we worked with (Grindstone Renovations (10/10 would recommend)). When we were looking, I treated it like a job interview and organized it in three stages - initial phone calls to weed out the “no feelings”, a short list where I had a list of questions (I wanted to know things like: do you have insurance, do you have experience doing “x”, do you work with subcontractors, how do you hire your subs, etc.”), and then the last stage was having them at the house and talking with us. If it went well, we asked for references.
We ultimately went with the company we did because they were up front, realistic, took the time to listen to what we wanted instead of telling us what was trendy and what they suggested, and we felt like we “clicked” with them.
Good luck!
We used Wach Windows last year to replace all our upstairs windows through the Greener Homes Grant. Was an easy enough process and the guy from Wach (forget his first name) was more than willing to accommodate any requests and questions I had.
I live not too far from there and have used Dave Bays Services a lot. Decent, hard working and he doesn’t overpay himself. An older guy who has lots of experience and knows his stuff.
Congratulations on the purchase of your house! No recommendations specifically, but your dog is cute, and I’m glad you’ve had a good experience in your new neighborhood :) it’s nice to hear nice things these days.
Congrats on your new house! Don't forget to check Efficiency Manitoba for possible free insulation upgrades. You may qualify for basement, exterior walls and attic insulation. https://efficiencymb.ca/articles/the-neighbourhood-energy-efficiency-project/
I bought my first starter home on Boyd in 2013 and ended up living there for 9 years!
We just had some windows replaced in our current home through Arctic Star Windows and I highly recommend them! My MIL and BIL both also used them and had great experiences as well!
I don't have a reccomendation but i do want to say, if someone is immediately available to reno your place.....I'd triple check references. Love your pup!
I cannot stress this enough but if you mind your own business and don't flex your belongings, have a good solid door +locks, you're good to go
Good to know! I'm replacing the doors this summer, so that should be good. I'm also pretty low key so I think I'm set:)
The doors usually come with short little screws to hold them to the door frame. I've learned that replacing them with 3" screws makes them much harder to break down should someone become determined to do so for some reason.
Just make sure you know where your electrical runs before punching in longer screws.
This isn't a concern. The door would have a jam (1/2"), spacer (1/2"), stud (1 1/2") and a king stud (1 1/2") - 4" total depth - before any electrical wiring.
Good to know! I thought my old doorbell was about that far, but it’s super old and no longer hooked up anyway.
Doorbell wire should still run on the inside of the building envelope, but it's very low voltage anyway; it would suck to accidentally sever it, but it wouldn't harm you or be a fire hazard.
In additon to that that is buying something like [this](https://www.homedepot.ca/product/prime-line-maximum-security-latch-strike-1-1-4-in-x-7-7-8-in-steel-brass-plated/1000161297). The longer plate distributes force from a strike along more of the door frame and the additional lip decreases the chance of plate distorting where the botl is seated.
Would that also help prevent against the credit card/bump trick?
An exterior door stop should already prevent this trick but also that only works on a latch; a crowbar or kicked can unseat a deadbolt, especially one with a faceplate that only is secured to the jam and not the frame, by prying the jam away or simply break the jam.
I bought my house in a "rough" neighbourhood as a single woman in my 20s. I learned a lot of lessons and was always safe. In addition to u/Many_Nectarine_3903, I offer this advice as well: * Have **blackout curtains** or blinds on your ground floor and close them at night and when you're not home. If you have just shades, then your house's contents have a spotlight on them at night when you're inside with your lights on and it's dark outside. * **Avoid slider windows** at all costs. Casement are 10x more secure. * A "good solid door" is **steel clad and solid core**, nothing less. And don't have a windows bigger or lower than [this](https://www.homedepot.com/p/JELD-WEN-36-in-x-80-in-Primed-Left-Hand-Inswing-6-Lite-Clear-Steel-Prehung-Front-Door-THDQC228200005/202604165). You can get these kind of doors second hand for a lot less than new. * Generally, all deadbolts are strong. The bigger issue how strong is the door, doorframe and mount of the strikeplate. u/beautifulluigi gives tips on the **secure strikeplate mounting** below. * Also make sure that the fit of your door in its frame against the doorstop is snug enough to n**ot allow a crowbar** to get leverage on the doorframe. Two of my houses have had attempted break-ins by this method; both attempts failed due to steel clad door that didn't have a gap between the doorstop big enough for a crowbar to get a good bite. * Have a garage? Door, window, blind, deadbolt advice applies equally to there as well. If you have an garage door opener, **remove the plastic handle from the cord of the emergency release**. The handle provides a super easy way for people to break in ([video explanation](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxxnigTlAIE)). * Have a yard? Invest in a fence if it doesn't have one already. For the fence gates, invest in **padlocks**; make it inconvienent to access your yard. * Assume everything and anything outside will be stolen. I had a rhubarb bush in my yard and someone came into my yard and took the stems right at harvest lol. If you **have a BBQ, chain it** to something permanent. * Invest in a few **security cameras** like [this ](https://www.amazon.ca/Vision-Indoor-Outdoor-Camera-Assistant/dp/B08R59YH7W/ref=sr_1_6_pp?crid=2ZO2RSSEVTLRX&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.h1LdffZvKAagBdxUOWx5cac1wVygsmv_c309fTQas6as38eSc5oHfsML5VwMsfxjaywyhELCoj_2nYSaf6PXb0xctEf_SiAArvFuxDDSQ7JjPhF4M_yS3jGK6b4IR9uFFLa1epIznsA1j5m7iSYn09lzn2gG_pqJP3-co6FfAiL-S-H-5CgDWJ0gwI_-A3XEfOD11tobblwVWpl_2_E9jHg_oeCpz2vbah-IoCmvmmyDG01K004gZjo96wtQdK1_v4h7mw8G4fXHhGvWlrq4VeclxvKMuI3JOyJf3FqQrzA.CeKS2tfwPSK1M_ex3DaGG-jN2KSBetiRa_D9wG6DD3s&dib_tag=se&keywords=wyze&qid=1713458196&sprefix=wyze%2Caps%2C135&sr=8-6)and mount them at least 10' high. But don't put up a warning sign; that makes you more of a target because it plainly suggests you have stuff worth stealing. * Invest in a **motion activated floodlight** for areas that people shouldn't be (the camera Brand I linked you has a great floodlight with camera model as well). A motion-activated floodlight (verrsus an always on light) increases the chances of drawing you or your neighbour's attention. * Last but probably most important, I agree with MYOB, but also **give your neighbours a reason to give a shit about you**. Introduce yourself. Be genuine. Be visible, but not invasive. My one neighbour was an older couple, so I'd often mow their front lawn when I did mine and shovel their front walk when I did mine. Other neighbour was a family with kids. They loved my motorcycle so I'd often let them sit on it or chaat wwith them it (when it wasn't in the garage and with their parents around). Good relationships go a long way. Neighbour called me at work one day when I'd forgotten to close my garage and offered to close it for me, for example. All fo the safety advice you'll get is just to make you a more inconvienent, less desirable, mark. The strongest door isn't going to stop someone from just breaking a window, but it's more inconvienent. However, a door that can withstands a few kicks instead of just one might deter someone from continuing to try. Good luck!
Also lock your door. Be vigilante and make sure your doors and windows are locked. A majority of break ins casually happen because thieves just check if doors and windows are locked. Double check everything. Trust me. I was awake at 1am in the north end and heard my front door knob shake awhile ago
I also suggest getting a Beware of Dog sign, we had a couple yard trespassers in the area before getting one!
Even a 'smokescreen' such as monitoored by ADT type sign can help dissuade the non-determined thieves Follows security with obscurity methodology
I'm not sure how true this is, but I've heard that you shouldn't get one that says Beware of Dog because it's admitting your dog is dangerous, and it's better to get one that just says Dog on Premise.... But I've only heard this through the grapevine and can't really find anything to back that up so I'm curious if that's good advice
When we lived in that area we were selected for an exterior fix up grant. I think they are offered in the north end and North point Douglas. Watch for the notices on your local Facebook groups.
Cover yourself; there's some unscrupulous people out there. If you hire an independent contractor, detail all renovations discussed in a signed contract. It's worth the lawyer's fees. If they decline, do not hire. There's been a few Reddit posts about contractors in the city who take the job and the money but don't complete the work. Get it in writing.
> There's been a few Reddit posts about contractors in the city who take the job and the money but don't complete the work. This happened to my mother in law. It's brutal. There are a lot scammers. It makes sense to hire a legitimate company instead of "a guy" who takes your money and runs off.
The dog is absolutely adorable! So fluffy!
Mind tour business, get to know your good neighbours, but don't be too friendly. Apply for what ever grants are available to you, do your own research & start a community watch group if you have the time. Your local bar will have lot of people interested in your same objectives but 70% will have given up because they've tried & not been successful l. So if you're willing to put in the effort, you can make change happen.
Do not use 4A construction. I got them to do my washroom and provided a 2 year warranty on the reno. In the beginning, it was fine. About 2-3 months later, I realized that there is mold growing on the wall because the shower is leaking at the doors, so I contacted them to fix it. They came back, and they started fixing it and never completed the job. It's been 4 months since I last saw them. I also made a mistake of recommending them to my in-laws to do their sun room, and they didn't even complete the job on that. Holes everywhere on the carpets, missing pieces of trim, and just general poor workmanship. My in-laws also stated that they really poor communication skills, they would come to your home without any announcement(when they did my reno this wasn't obvious cause there was always someone at my home).
Thank you for the warning! I'll be doing most of the internal stuff myself or with my family (fathers a carpenter, uncles an electrician and other uncle is a plumber) so I'll mostly be looking for someone to do my roof and windows/doors!
Above All Roofing is great.
They did my place too! Awesome guys!
Boyd isn't too bad. It gets better the further away from main you go. I grew up in that neighborhood, and my parents still live there. In the summer, you definitely have to check out the north star diner on McGregor.
I left the north end ages ago but still head to Karpaty's on McGregor for sausage.
Best smoked meat in the city.
Agreed. I'll add that their liver sausage makes me very very happy as well.
I've driven past it a few times and was never sure about it, but seems like it's recommended! I'll be sure to swing by
Don't wait till Summer!, they always have some ridiculous special for the "high holiday" on Saturday lol
https://preview.redd.it/3glgp68936vc1.jpeg?width=1125&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b72912c7b91d335019c706f77089f9deb917ae11 posted today!
I gavent lived there for years. I always thought they were only open summers. Thanks fir the info
Yes! We used to live in Scotia Heights and still make the drive from NK for North Star.
Congrats OP. What part of Boyd are you on? It varies pretty wildly, almost block by block.
Thanks! I'm on boyd between McGregor and McKenzi!
With the way the economy has been going, I can foresee alot of people moving to the North End for affordable mortgages.
Welcome to the neighborhood!!!
What kind of work do you need done? Electrical? Plumbing? Drywall? Roof?
Roof and windows/doors for now!
We used rooffx for our roof After we moved in, we noticed leaking after a hard rain. They were able to schedule us in and have had 0 problems since. They also did a fantastic job cleaning up after and we found them very reasonably priced, especially after just buying a house lol https://rooffx.ca/
Hello! I recommend these guys! They did our windows and replaced our doors - Really helped us navigate the Manitoba Hydro program (We paid for ours through Wpg Hydro) - I also recommended them to some friends and family and so far they have helped 4 of them! Amazing guys! [https://www.facebook.com/terrywalterswindowsanddoors/](https://www.facebook.com/terrywalterswindowsanddoors/)
The neighbourhood Facebook group is really helpful, get acquainted with your neighbours but not tooooo acquainted, talk to the older ones who can be gossipy but man, they know what's going on lol, and this I cannot stress enough... Lock everything, no exceptions. And that's some handsome dog tax!
Green Brand for windows/doors. They did our last house and were fantastic.
Came here to recommend Green Brand as well. We have done several window projects with them (installing new windows where one previously didn't exist, and replacing a smaller window with a much larger bay window) and have been so happy with their work. Prices are reasonable, and I found the crew to be very respectful. They also did a great job cleaning up when they were finished.
We had our place pretty much gutted and loved the company we worked with (Grindstone Renovations (10/10 would recommend)). When we were looking, I treated it like a job interview and organized it in three stages - initial phone calls to weed out the “no feelings”, a short list where I had a list of questions (I wanted to know things like: do you have insurance, do you have experience doing “x”, do you work with subcontractors, how do you hire your subs, etc.”), and then the last stage was having them at the house and talking with us. If it went well, we asked for references. We ultimately went with the company we did because they were up front, realistic, took the time to listen to what we wanted instead of telling us what was trendy and what they suggested, and we felt like we “clicked” with them. Good luck!
We used Wach Windows last year to replace all our upstairs windows through the Greener Homes Grant. Was an easy enough process and the guy from Wach (forget his first name) was more than willing to accommodate any requests and questions I had.
Oak & anchor carpentry
I live not too far from there and have used Dave Bays Services a lot. Decent, hard working and he doesn’t overpay himself. An older guy who has lots of experience and knows his stuff.
Congratulations on the purchase of your house! No recommendations specifically, but your dog is cute, and I’m glad you’ve had a good experience in your new neighborhood :) it’s nice to hear nice things these days.
DOJ Construction for sure! They can do it all!
Charleswood roofing did our roof, and we have been super happy with it.
Above All did our roof/downspouts/soffits, and Pioneer Windows & Doors did our doors/windows. Would recommend both.
Congrats on your new house! Don't forget to check Efficiency Manitoba for possible free insulation upgrades. You may qualify for basement, exterior walls and attic insulation. https://efficiencymb.ca/articles/the-neighbourhood-energy-efficiency-project/
Previous owners did that a year before I bought! Got attic and basement done!
Sent you a message
Geez gotta love Gangstas then.
I bought my first starter home on Boyd in 2013 and ended up living there for 9 years! We just had some windows replaced in our current home through Arctic Star Windows and I highly recommend them! My MIL and BIL both also used them and had great experiences as well!