OFFICIAL SHOW GUIDE
The Show for those Building, Buying, Renovating or Enjoying!
2 0 1 3
March 1, 2 & 3 Halifax Forum Complex
Win a $ 15,000 Kitchen! Walk in with a Vision. Walk out with a Plan. Show Info
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Show Floor Plan
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Join the Heat Pump Revolution!
Doing Nothing costs you money! For any home or business
GRECAomTfort
Ultra-Efficient Heat Pumps
Savings & the Year Throughout
Example #1
Example #2
Example #3
Add a Lennox Heat Add a Mitsubishi Add a Lennox DuctPump to work with Ductless HP to work less HP to work with existing Oil/Propane/ with existing Electric existing Oil/Electric Hot Water Heating Electric Furnace Baseboard Heating
Common Example:
Annual Cost ($)
Forced Air Oil Furnace Dehumidifying Cooling Heating Hot Water
Total Annual Cost:
0 $ 43 $ 1342 $ 789
2605 $ 789
$
3394
1220
Annual Financing: Unit Payback in:
$
2100
$
$
0 $ 19 $ 1498 $ 789
$
2174
$
Total Savings per Year:
t u o y a p u Yo ! r a e y r e p less
0 $ 18 $ 1391 $ 691
$
2306
$
1294
$
856.44 4.9 yrs
$
Heat Pump Systems starting as low as
824.64 3.9 yrs
$
$
1088
$
713.64 4.7 yrs
$
2895
$
+hst
Plus Electrical Connection
Se eO Vi ur Sh s o # it B w
• Financing / Leasing Options (oac) • Residential & Commercial Applications Please ask to see a description of the above heating/cooling scenario for more detailed information on particular systems, rates and ROI. Based on a an initial unit investment of 1) $5400, 2) $5200 , 3) $4500.
(902) 450-5304 • www.halifaxheating.com
13 oot Spec 7 h ial
• FREE Heating System Analysis
Welcome Home to the Show! OFFICIAL GUIDE
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March 1, 2 & 3 Halifax Forum Complex FORUM ENTRANCE
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Efficiency Nova Scotia
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Home Show Exhibitors
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Your Great Outdoors
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R-2000/EnerGuide
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Choosing a Community
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Building it right
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Home Heating Options
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Jobsite Safety
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Building Products
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Home Wiring
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Proudly brought to you by: 234
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FORUM
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Forum Complex Floor Plan & Exhibitor Booths
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15,000
$
Kitchen Draw!
Online Contest! Stanley Tool Package
pg
29
Retail Value $200
A Special Edition of
New Homes Renovations
The REAL Home Show 2013
Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association
www.newhomesandrenovations.com The REAL Home Show • March 2013
3
Don’t risk it. Hire a Professional Builders and renovators strive to create accountability in the industry By Sherry Donovan NSHBA
Does it surprise you that in Nova Scotia you need a license to cut a person’s hair, but not to build a home? Well, this is exactly the case in Nova Scotia and the members of the Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association (NSHBA) want to be able to provide homeowners with an option to choose a professional – someone who has the necessary training to provide valuable insights on building science and who can best understand the needs of their family and how to incorporate that into a place they can call home. One way to help provide this is through voluntary certification programs, such as the NSHBA’s Certified Residential Builder and RenoMark programs. Certification under these programs requires members to take a series of training and continuing education courses, providing them with information on industry trends and programs and enhanced knowledge of building science. This training, coupled with specific warranty requirements, a code of ethics and professional work standards, establishes them as professionals in the industry.
“The NSHBA’s certification programs help raise the bar for professionalism in this industry and allow homeowners to start their projects with a greater understanding of what a true professional can bring to the project,” says Paul Pettipas, NSHBA chief executive officer. “Even without the existence of provincial licensing, this allows the Association to provide options for companies to stand out among the many and show their commitment to excellence.” Pettipas adds that hiring a professional can save you considerable time, stress and headaches. In saying this, make sure you feel comfortable talking with the contractor, ask for references and verify they have workers’ compensation coverage and liability insurance. Even more important – get everything in writing. Your next project – whether it be a small renovation, a major addition, or a brand new home – should be one you can look back on and smile with pleasure that you took the time to do it right the first time. For more information on the Certified Residential Builder and RenoMark programs, visit www.nshomebuilders.ca.
A New Homes & Renovations Special Edition
2 0 1 3
www.newhomesandrenovations.com Published independently for the
The Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association is the voice of the residential construction industry in Nova Scotia. The REAL Home Show Edition is the official publication for The REAL Home Show 2013. 77,000 copies are distributed throughout HRM and the province of Nova Scotia to paid subscribers of The Chronicle Herald, as an exclusive insert in Metro News and to Home Show visitors. NSHBA and Dattcom publications include: • The Real Home Show Guide (March) • Spring New Homes & Renovations (April) • R-2000 Showcase of Homes (May/June) • Fall New Homes & Renovations (October) Please contact the NSHBA directly on how you can be involved in association activities.
124 Chain Lake Dr, Halifax, NS, B3S 1A2 902.450.5554 or Toll Free 1.800.668.2001 email: nshba@nshba.ns.ca or visit www.nshomebuilders.ca No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior written consent of the NSHBA and Dattcom. The publishers reserve the right to refuse any advertising and bear no responsibility for advertisers’ messages .
For information on participating in this publication, please contact our editorial and advertising teams at info@homesandrenos.com /HomesandRenos
@homesandrenos
About the Printer Advocate Printing in Pictou, NS - Atlantic Canada’s largest independent printer and an industry leader in environmentally sustainable printing. This product is printed on FSC paper using vegetable-based inks to reduce its impact on the environment.
Produced and managed by
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4
The REAL Home Show • March 2013
Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association
Building, Buying, Renovating or Enjoying The Real Home Show 2013 on March 1, 2 & 3 offers consumers the ultimate all-for-home experience! Home Improvements? New Construction? Whatever your pleasure, dreams or plans, you will find it at the Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association’s (NSHBA) Real Home Show 2013. This show is designed and built for homeowners, homebuyers and people who are planning at some point to own their own home. The Real Home Show 2013 provides an opportunity to find everything you could ever need for your upcoming plans – right
Canadian Forces Day at The Real Home Show Celebrating the 14th anniversary, the Real Home Show, presented by the Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association (NSHBA), we are once again recognizing all members of the Canadian Forces and their spouses. On Friday, March 1st all Canadian Forces members in uniform or with proper identification will be admitted to the show at no charge. This initiative carries over in its seventh year to honour all the men and women representing Canada at home and overseas. “Supporting our troops in this way is just a small token of our appreciation for all they do for us,” says Paul Pettipas, NSHBA chief executive officer. “We invite the members of the Canadian Forces and their spouses to be our guest on Friday at the Real Home Show.” For more information contact the Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association at 450 5554 / 1-800-668-2001.
from the actual plans itself to kitchens, bathrooms, windows, siding, lighting, storage, outdoor living spaces – you name it, odds are, you will find it at the show.
Walk in with a Vision. Walk out with a Plan. Professional builders, renovators, interior designers, products, samples and displays of the latest and greatest ideas for an upcoming project will be on display for three full days. Inspirations and information are keys to making your plans a success and you will be able to talk to the professionals and gain the knowledge you need to move forward with your plans. “The idea of the show is to provide options, opportunities and let consumers know what is out there that may be useful in their project,” says Paul Pettipas, chief executive officer of the Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association. “We want people to get excited about their plans, talk to the professionals, and ask lots of questions so that they will be able to walk away from the show with ideas for their next step.”
Information
Be sure to check out the Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association’s display located in the back of the multi-purpose room which will
include a display of construction techniques used in today’s building practices.
Enjoying? The heart of every home is the kitchen and to add to the show this year, Hamachi House returns once again as the official food sponsor to the show. Consumers can visit the onsite Bistro to enjoy their offerings.
The Chronicle Herald Presents The show is filled with a huge mix of products and services, but in addition to that, you can also learn from a variety of the industry professionals at the Chronicle Herald stage throughout the weekend. There will be lots to choose from as the weekend goes on.
Contests Everyone loves to win and at this year’s show, there will be lots of opportunities to do just that! Enter to win a new kitchen, compliments of Cabinetworks; play at the C100 booth for a chance to win a great prize; or enter for a chance to win up to $500 in prizes by completing the survey.
Come be Inspired! Plan to be at the Real Home Show 2013, March 1 - 3 at the Halifax Forum.
Walk in with a Vision. Walk out with a Plan. The Real Home Show 2013 is produced by the Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association and sponsored by Energy Partner: Efficiency Nova Scotia; Industry Partners: Bell Aliant and Nova Scotia Power Inc.; Media Partners: The Chronicle Herald, C100 and CTV, Event Sponsors:R-2000, EnerGuide for New Houses, Capstone Building Products, Skymark Homes, Nova Scotia Construction Safety Association, RenoMark, viewpoint.ca; Food Sponsor: Hamachi House and Cabinetworks (Kitchen Giveaway Sponsor).
Visit the Home Show page on Facebook just search /therealhomeshow and watch for coupons, prizes and contest opportunities.
For more information contact the NSHBA at 450-5554 / 1-800-668-2001 Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association
The REAL Home Show • March 2013
5
Building or renovating a home? Nova Scotia Power has a great online resource, including videos with our experts that help make learning about inspections, electrical contractors and wiring much easier. Follow these 6 easy steps to navigate through the process 1. Give us a call at 1-800-428-6230 2. Find out why site visits are necessary 3. Learn what you should be aware of when choosing an electrical contractor 4. Follow our to-do list to ensure you have covered everything 5. Follow the four step wiring inspection process 6. Connect your power!
Check out your energy efficiency options. Before beginning construction on your new home, cottage or renovation, we encourage you to explore your options for energy efficient home heating solutions, building products and programs. This can help reduce your energy usage and save you money in the longterm. Visit efficiencyns.ca to learn about energy saving programs available to you. For more information regarding home heating solutions and money saving tips, visit nspower.ca/energysavings.
Step by step videos at nspower.ca/buildingexperts
You expect a warranty on your new car...
Shouldn’t you want the same on your new home?
450-9000 • 1-800-320-9880 View all registered members on www.ahwp.org
6
The REAL Home Show • March 2013
Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association
Call Nova Scotia Power and talk to one of our Customer Service Representative to set up your new account, order a meter or schedule an onsite planning consultation. Determine if a temporary service is required. During construction, it is sometimes necessary to have a temporary power connection available in order to provide electricity for power tools used on site. Depending on where this temporary power source would be located, a line extension cost may apply. Wiring requirements. Your electrician will obtain a wiring permit and must coordinate all inspections with Nova Scotia Power. During different stages of your construction or renovation, a wiring inspector will visit your property to perform electrical inspections. • A rough-in inspection: Performed once the wiring has been installed, prior to the installation of wall coverings; such as insulation or gyproc. • A service inspection: Ensures the electrical entrance on the side of your house (or underground) has been safely installed. • A final inspection: Must be completed in order to connect power and in some cases occupancy. Passing final inspections completed after August 2011 will have a sticker attached to property’s panel board, indicating a successful final inspection. Connecting Power. Following a successful inspection, and once all other steps are complete, a Nova Scotia Power service crew will run the service line from the utility pole to your home and install your electrical meter, completing the electrical connection. After service connection is complete. Once you have had your power connected, there are few more things you might want to consider: • E-billing: Want one less bill in your mailbox? Sign up for e-billing at nspower.ca/ebill • Tree Planting/Trimming: Visit our website at nspower.ca/trees to learn which trees work well near power lines.
Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association
The REAL Home Show • March 2013
7
Taking the Mystery out of Home Heating
Co
A
ted Ai Hea r
ir
WINTER DUCTLESS UNIT
Wa r
Air
A
led Ai r Coo
m
O utsid e
To many of us, heating our homes can seem like a mystery. Furnaces clank and hum in our basements, and our electric baseboards aren’t always sufficient. It’s a challenge many Nova Scotians face: How do I stay warm and comfortable but keep my home heating bills affordable? One teacher in Cape Breton has solved her mystery: She purchased a home with a heat pump. “I always know what’s going on with it,” said Sandra Leblanc. “What heats my home isn’t a big mystery. And my bills are never a surprise anymore.” “When I was shopping for my house in Sydney, I did a lot of research. When I learned more about heat pumps, it really seemed like the right fit.” Sandra’s heat pump means her home is energy efficient and easy for her to take care of.
Dave Wilkie of J. Wilkie Mechanical Inc. has been installing heat pumps for almost 25 years. And while heat pumps have been around for decades, they are growing in popularity in the Maritimes. “We’re selling more and more of these units,” said Dave. “People want convenience, and there’s virtually no hassle with a heat pump. And many people save a bundle on their heating costs.” Heat pumps capture cold air from outside and transform it into heat for your home, and according to Dave, they are one of the most efficient and effective ways to keep your house warm. They provide even, steady heat in the winter and cooling in the summer. Increasing oils costs continue to impact Nova Scotians, including Sandra and her family. “I’m a single mom, with a son and two teenage Screaming Eagles players staying with me. I need something that’s cost effective and comfortable. Having a heat
O utsid e
Industry Partner
Air ol
Contributed by Nova Scotia Power
DUCTLESS UNIT
ir
SUMMER pump means I don’t need to worry about my boys turning up the heat. It’s an excellent choice for my lifestyle.” For more information on heat pumps, visit www.heatpumpssetyoufree.com.
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The REAL Home Show • March 2013
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Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association
Home Trends: Interiors
Designing rooms for real life! By Mari Suyama Contributing Writer
One of the most important factors in home design and décor is finding balance in function and style. What homeowners need to know is that with proper planning and the right team to execute the vision, you can achieve the best of both worlds without compromise. Industry professionals are seeing the shift to open concept layouts that allow for flexible and integrated living spaces. And those spaces are being upgraded in all ways, from electrical, to lighting, to choice of fabric. A popular trend in home design is replacing formal living rooms with flexible spaces that can be used as needs change. As Michelle Reid, Director of Marketing and Design at Rooftight Construction explains, as homes get smaller, well-organized spaces become essential and open floor plans offer that much needed flexibility. Once the initial layout is decided, there are a number of unique products that can further increase the efficiency of the space and boost the overall aesthetic. Such as how to deal with lighting and electrical needs for the room. “Electrical items can be sexy!” says Reid. She explains that three popular items in particular not only make homeowners’ lives easier, but also allow the home’s details to be focal points. One, the under cabinet plug bar, hides convenient outlets under the decorative light rail moulding at the front of
the cabinet. For electrical needs throughout the house, floor plugs are another fantastic option – allowing furniture to float around the room in a number of configurations, while eliminating cords running across the floor and causing safety hazards. Another unique item, the latest in electrical outlets, is the dedicated USB port built into a wall receptacle – perfect for the technologydependant families of today. Function and style continue from the walls to the windows. Louise Jessop, Style Consultant from Made In The Shade Blinds & More gives her top three trends in window coverings – the most popular being cellular shades, followed by solar shades and the revamped roller shades. The cellular shades provide the ultimate in insulation and offer a refined look for any room. The solar shades also offer a modern and sleek look at a reasonable price point and cut UV and glare while still permitting the homeowner to view through the shade. Last, but certainly not least, the roller shade has been redesigned in a variety of exciting materials using the newest in mechanisms. All window covering options are taking into account the efficiency needs and functional needs of the homeowner and wowing them with the style choices as never before. The design and construction industry has always been working to bridge the gap between what is functional style and what is luxury. But with homeowner standards as high as they are today, luxury at approachable rates is finding its way into homes in a
Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association
variety of ways – accent pillows, wallpaper, upholstery, and fixtures. Pam Tower, Registered Interior Designer with Tower Interiors, is seeing florals, Navajo, flamestitch, ikat and chevron fabrics make a wave in today’s homes. The same boldness in design is popping up throughout the house in rough, reclaimed taupeygrey toned wood products with heavy grains, hand-scraped surfaces for rough flooring, tufting on everything from sofas, chairs to headboards, and metallic sparkle in wallpaper, fabric, tiles and countertop. Above all else, flexibility and the move to bold are changing the way designers are pulling together homeowners’ visions. There are always stylish options that raise the lifestyle standard and overall conformability of the home, it’s being aware of the ever-changing options that will keep the industry evolving and homes improving.
Solid Wood Mouldings Restorations • Renovations House Packages Toll Free: (877) 922-8746 info@rasmussen.ns.ca
www.rasmussen.ns.ca The REAL Home Show • March 2013
9
Home Trends: Lighting
The bright idea behind LED bulbs By Mari Suyama Contributing Writer
The off coloured LED spiral light bulbs we used to know are long gone. The energy saving solution that used to cost a fortune but saved a fortune is now competitively priced and redesigned to save even more money and energy than ever before. “LED has really come a long way,” says Chris MacQuarrie, Certified Lighting Consultant at Atlantic Lighting Studio. “Five years ago the quality wasn’t there and the colour temperature was inconsistent. Now, there is very good light output for a small wattage and beautiful fixture designs for LED.”
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The REAL Home Show • March 2013
The quality, consistency and aesthetics have significantly improved. And with Nova Scotia now offering generous rebates for LED lighting, the price to switch has never been so affordable. Not to mention the savings on your power bill. For example, in a 3,200 square foot home, with incandescent light bulbs, the usage would be estimated at 3,000 watts. The same home using LED light bulbs would draw only 400 watts For saving money down the road, LED is the obvious choice. When it comes to choosing the fixture, the variety is overwhelmingly large.
Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association
Some statement making fixtures that are stepping into the limelight this year are chandeliers with elegant wood arms and the colour turquoise being used in fixtures like the new Nuvo Lighting Raindrop Collection. MacQuarrie is also seeing stained glass being reintroduced to the market but with a more contemporary feel. Home lighting is no longer just about the lighting fixture, a new style all together is focusing the attention on the light bulb. The retro look that calls for the exposed-filament bulb is showcasing the bulb for its different shape, clarity of the glass and the glow it gives off. “For years we were trying to hide the light bulb,” says MacQuarrie. “Now it’s become the focus of some fixtures and it’s a hot look. Just the shape of the glass give it a whole new effect and when paired with a bronze metal fixture, you stick with the historic look or when paired with a chrome fixture you get contemporary.” From historic retro to chrome contemporary, style is and always will be the top priority for the majority of homeowners when choosing lighting for the home. And the new generation of LED light bulbs is keeping up with the trends in fixture design while offering consumers a price point that is making the popularity of incandescent light bulbs quickly fade. So whether it’s style or functionality you’re after, take advantage of an energy efficient LED option and start saving watts and dollars.
Home Trends: Kitchens
What’s cooking in kitchen design By Mari Suyama Contributing Writer
The kitchen has always been an incubator for inspiration, creation and experimentation. When it comes to kitchen design, that desire to be creative no longer stops at the evening meal – especially in 2013 when the tools to build just about anything lie at our fingertips. Whether dealing with a new construction or a renovation, 2013 is proving that before all the bells and whistles are added on, the most important element of the kitchen is the layout. “Having a space to entertain guests is important,” says Nina Boulanger, Kitchen Designer and Interior Decorator at Cabinetworks Ltd. in Dartmouth. “New builds are designing big open kitchen spaces and renovation projects are taking down walls and putting in big islands.” Boulanger explains that big islands are practical and work to achieve an open and airy look. If the kitchen allows space for an island, it can be used to separate the kitchen from the living areas or family room while maintaining flow and unity. Open concept kitchens are the clean canvas to the homeowner’s kitchen vision. The myriad of décor and functionality options is where creativity comes into play. “We are making spaces more interesting by highlighting design elements,” explains Boulanger. “If you have dark hardwood floors, we might paint the cabinetry in a light colour and add a dark solid surface countertop. We layer materials and play
with the contrast.” Contrast is nothing to be afraid of, and industry professionals are encouraging homeowners to experiment and step outside of what was traditionally considered kitchen design. Matching colours, textures and stains exactly is no longer as important as pairing combinations well. For homeowners who are looking for a combination of traditional and contemporary, Boulanger explains that transitional design can be an easy segue between the two. “Transitional has a soft contemporary feel and is less formal than traditional. Sleek but still warm and modern. And it’s in demand.” Some popular items that follow transitional design are single bowl deep basin sinks and tall gooseneck faucets, solid surface countertops such as the maintenance-free quartz and also products
Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association
such as Lumicor decorative resin inserts – a translucent resin panel that can be trimmed to fit any cabinet, door or window, instantly adding elegance, flare and creativity to any space The idea of adding accents, playing with contrast, layering materials and letting the creative eye wander are what Kitchen Designers and Decorators are excited to see more of this year and in the years to come. “Above all else in the design process, quality is what matters most ,” says Boulanger. “Working with a professional who is compatible and well versed in the process is key to executing any kitchen vision – traditional, transitional or contemporary.” Quality has always been a trend in any home design. Now, coupled with the push to go creative with the help of the neverending variety of kitchen products available, homeowners can now spice up their kitchens in more ways than one.
The REAL Home Show • March 2013
11
Home Trends: Bathrooms
Bathrooms: pure and simple By Mari Suyama Contributing Writer
Bathroom design today is all about simple design, easy maintenance and practicality. Although Atlantic Canadians pride themselves on enjoying a slower paced lifestyle, bathroom trends are leaning more towards contemporary design that accommodate in and out showers, quick daily routines and low upkeep. “Traditionally, bathrooms featured a tub and shower or corner whirlpool that encouraged people to relax and soak,” says Desmond Wright, Owner of J. Wright Sales Ltd. “Now we are seeing showers with customized shower doors in many different shapes and sizes for ease of entry.” Fleurco, a new brand to Atlantic Canada
and to the Real Home Show has industry leaders like J. Wright Sales and Better Baths talking. Beautifully stylized shower doors are making a statement in the bathroom – for the clarity of the glass, the simplicity of the designs and the clean lines Fleurco offers. “Chrome is definitely coming back,” says Tamara Stein, Showroom Consultant at Better Baths. “People want clean. And chrome is shiny, polished and definitely offers that clean look.” Stein is seeing a move away from brushed nickel and away from colour in the bathroom. White walls are making a comeback, especially when paired with the contemporary look of chrome faucets and fixtures. Clean lines, clear glass and simple
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The REAL Home Show • March 2013
Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association
tiled walls are making design easy on the eyes and easy to maintain. The contemporary ideal of low maintenance and superior design are being realized in bathroom makeovers – but traditional hasn’t completely left the hearts of Maritimers. “It’s important to have middle ground options,” says Wright. “Transitional products offer lasting style and meet traditional and contemporary tastes.” Wright mentions German engineered Hansgrohe for faucets and showerheads, offering everything from traditional to transitional to contemporary, all with a European flare and design. Stein also adds Riobel to the list of brands that offers a variety of product to satisfy the changing trends in bathrooms. Products are getting more stylized and functionality is on the rise. The Delta Touch2O faucet is a clear example of how simple is where bathrooms are heading and even the traditional minded will be tempted by the convenience of this touch or motion-automated faucet. “It’s perfect if you have children who leave the water running or get distracted brushing their teeth,” says Wright. “Turn the water on or off within three inches of the faucet and eliminate wasted water.” Pure and simple. Finding a balance between style, function and manageability are top of mind for bathroom designers and homeowners alike. With advanced products like those from Delta, Riobel and Hansgrohe, building the perfect bathroom is within reach. Remember that a bathroom’s ultimate purpose is cleanliness, and that should reflect in the simplicity of the space itself.
Home Trends: Flooring
What floor are you on? By Mari Suyama Contributing Writer
When it comes to picking the right flooring for your home there is certainly no shortage of options. Cork, luxury vinyl tile, ceramic, engineered hardwood, and the list goes on. Finding the right option for the right space is all about understanding how products stack up and know one knows that better than Nova Scotia’s flooring pros. “Cork is still a hugely popular product,“ says Jay Clarke, store manager at Wacky’s Flooring. “The real benefits are definitely the warmth, comfort and durability.” Peter Macdonald from Vintage Hardwood Flooring agrees, “the quality of cork has come a long way over the years and people really like the ease of installation as well as the new variations and colours available today.” The big up and coming flooring trend this year is luxury vinyl tile. Depending on the desired look, it can mimic the appearance of a ceramic tile, hardwood and even stone. “It gives off an extremely realistic look and can be put together easily,“ says Clarke. “Perfect for a DIY project. It also comes in a huge variety of styles and does not have the hardness or coolness when compared to ceramic for example.” With all that in mind, sometimes nothing beats the feeling of real wood or a solid ceramic. But there is no lack of innovation here either. Homeowners can expect to see new options in engineered hardwood – a
real wood option that provides larger, more stylish boards. “Right now a lot of people like the four to five inch wide boards,” says Clarke. “It’s also designed to combat cupping and splitting so it works well in our dry climate. Perfect for in-floor heat.” There are also some great options and trends for ceramic tiles this year. Many include designs with larger than usual tiles. Floors Plus carries a wide variety of ceramic, porcelain and other stone tiles. There is even a new line from Spain that offers some beautiful designs. “It’s a tremendous product,” says Buddy Lewis, Branch Manager for Floors Plus in
When it comes to home buying, we can open doors for you.
Burnside. “The quality is incredible and they come in a wide range of colours and finishes.” And finally for carpet, things are looking short this year – really short. “A lot of people enjoy the frieze style carpets” says Clarke. “ The style works great for bedrooms and the carpets are very comfortable and easy to clean.” So it’s clear that there is a lot of choice when it comes to flooring and no shortage of innovation. Homeowners looking to attend the Real Home Show this year will surely find benefit in a quick chat with a flooring expert and an up-close look at all the options.
Heather Clark
Deborah Marshall
Mobile Mortgage Specialist (902) 476-4620 heather.clark@rbc.com
Mobile Mortgage Specialist (902) 430-5140 deborah.marshall@rbc.com
Advice you can bank on
TM
All personal lending products and residential mortgages are offered by Royal Bank of Canada and are subject to its standard lending criteria. ® Registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada.
Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association
The REAL Home Show • March 2013
13
Home Trends: Home Tech
Coming up in Home Automation By Mari Suyama Contributing Writer
We live in a world where the newspaper is read on a tablet, our emails are answered on a smartphone, and now our lights can be turned off via handheld devices. Our lives are becoming more dependant on technology and the wireless solutions are offering much more than just convenience – they are offering us a new lifestyle. Companies such as uberHome Technology Integration customize their electronic systems for each home. The uberHome team of home technology professionals connects home theatres, lighting, heating and cooling systems, security systems and more on a central control system which can
be accessed from anywhere at anytime. With the cultural shift to go wireless and be connected 24/7, home automation is gaining popularity among major service providers across Canada. Locally, Bell Aliant will be launching their version of intelligent home automation within the year. The Bell Aliant service is branded as NextGen Home Security and is a fully digital Internet-based home security and automation system. NextGen will allow the homeowner to monitor and control the home’s lights, appliances, security system, heating and cooling and sound system via smartphone, PC or tablet. “Bell Aliant will start offering more than TV, Internet and phone,” says Paul Gaetz,
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Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) for Bell Aliant. “NextGen will run through the network and the homeowner will not be required to own or manage a physical component.” Gaetz explains that if a break in occurs, a 15 second video clip of the intruder will be sent directly to the family. Instant notification and wireless technology will be the difference between the old systems and the new generation of home monitoring and home automation. With the coming launch of NextGen, home automation will be made available to a wider audience and at a competitive rate. The peace of mind and flexibility that wireless home automation and security systems offer is revolutionizing the way families live. The ability to check on a pet or arm the alarm system at any point in the day makes life easier in a way we didn’t think possible. However, automation such as this relies on more than your basic home wiring. In order to accommodate this level of technology, it is crucial that a home be designed with the appropriate system inside the walls. TechReady, a joint partnership between Bell Aliant and the Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association, ensures that home building, renovating and installation professionals are trained and certified to provide this level of service. The main element of TechReady certification is structured cabling, providing maximum flexibility for the homeowner to move voice, data and video services throughout their home.
Photo courtesy of PODs Halifax
Home Trends: Storage
Solutions for moving and storage By Mari Suyama Contributing Writer
Building a new home or renovating an existing home should be an exciting time for the family. But so often does that momentous occasion become tainted with the burden of packing, moving and reorganizing. The stress can be overwhelming and take away from the important decisions that need to be made in the building process. Enter the on-site maintenance, moving and storage alternative. Rob O’Brien, Owner of PODS Halifax, explains that response to this unique transportable storage container option has been fantastic and homeowners’ moving and renovation experiences have
been changed for the better. Homeowners can rent the containers in three sizes; 7’ typically stores one room, 12’ stores two to three rooms and the 16’ stores three to four rooms. Made of steel and aluminum, the durable container can be left outside in the driveway or parking lot while construction is taking place. The roof is a translucent polymer that allows sunlight in, giving the homeowner natural light to move boxes, read labels and locate items. “It’s all about convenience,” says O’Brien. “PODS containers can be rented short-term or long-term and they sit flat on site so they can be packed and delivered to any location flat without disturbing the contents.” This is possible with a patented hydraulic
lift system to transport the containers level – a feature that protects the contents and allow the homeowner to pack breakables. Having the extra space to store furniture during a renovation can make a world of difference. With 24 hour access to the container on site helps ease the inconvenience of living on a job site. They can also be used to supplement space when selling or staging a home. “Onsite storage can help relieve your home of clutter during the selling of a house,” says O’Brien. “allowing the potential buyers to better visualize the usable space.” “Customers love it,” says O’Brien. “It’s changing the way we move.”
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Efficiency Nova Scotia NSHBA Monk Renovations & Painting Pat McCarthy Renovations Econo Renovations Homburg Construction Ltd. Han-Cor Construction Inc. A & H Renovations Preventive Building Maintenance-PBM Ltd. Habitat for Humanity Roxul Inc. Sustainable Housing Canadian Oil Heat Whitestone Developments Atlantic Home Warranty Jim Morash Construction Ltd. Atlantic Concrete Association Habermehl Builders Inc. Shirebrook Developments Inc. Overhead Door of NS Ltd. Kel-Greg Homes Inc. Mabe Canada Nova Scotia Power Inc. Bell Aliant TechReady Bath Fitter (Unicorn Restoration) NEDCO Skymark Homes Halifax Heating Res. Inc. Delorey & Levy Windows and Doors IWK Health Centre Auxiliary uberHome Technology Integration The Roofing Connection Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency Nova Scotia Construction Safety Assoc. Revolution Windows and Doors Tower Interiors Ltd. Denim Homes J. Wright Sales Ltd. Truefoam Limited Blindsource Encom Alternative Energy Solutions iCoat Nova Scotia Linear Roofing Limited AmeriSpec Inspection Services Klassen Fine Woodworking Scotia Metal Products EMCO HVAC Pierre’s Alley Cat Society
213 PODS 216 My Box Buyer.com 217 European Natural Stone & Marble Products 218 Maritime Permanent Roofing 219 Better Baths (Source Atlantic) 221 Rasmussen’s Custom Wood Products Inc. 222 Twenty Degrees Ltd. 225a Graves Barns & Building Ltd. 225 Altimax/Shaw 226 Century Mantle Co. 227 Halifax Water 228 Atlantic Duct Sealing 229 Certa Pro Painters 230 Four Seasons Roofing Ltd. 231 Atlantic Rain Flo Systems 233 Newman Electric 234 Atlantic Dream Homes-Linwood Homes 234a Mike Mills Roofing 235 Ken Purdy’s Home Selling Team - EXIT Realty Metro 236 RBC Royal Bank 237 Creative Sunrooms of Nova Scotia 238 Atlantic Vacuflo Ltd. 239 Nova Scotia Home & Building Designer Assoc. 240 Glenmar Heating & A/C 241 Cabinetworks Ltd. 242 BathMaster BMR 244 Construction Technologies Inc. 246 Natural Light Patio Covers and Sunrooms 248 360 CAD Services 249 Wacky’s Floor Design Centre 250 Capstone Building Products Ltd. 253 Shaw Brick 256 Runway Developments 257 Bird Stairs 259 Enviro Water Technologies 261 Metro Home Heating & Affordable Fuels Ltd. 263 Taylor Flooring 266a Windows Plus 266b C100 267 Your Partner in Benefits Inc. 300 Beautiful Baths Renovations 303 Crave Cabinets and Appliances 304 Interhabs Ltd. 305 Maritime Lighting Solutions 306 Vivid Paint and Décor 307 Made in the Shade Blinds and More
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Stonewater Garages Vintage Flooring A Cut Above Renovations/Cedar Homes Cape Cod Wood Siding Architectural Stoneworks Canada Revenue Agency ADT Security Services Metro Gutter & Home Services Air Quest Mechanical Supply Ltd. Stonewater Homes Armco Communities Elite Trade Painting Archadeck of Nova Scotia Case Design/Remodelling Moulding Warehouse Ltd. Heritage Gas The Patio Screen Room Atlantic Lighting Studio Rooftight Construction Picket Fence Homes & Armco Communities Paul’s Woodworking & Cabinetry Ltd. Truly Nolen Pest Control Ultimate Pure Water Specialist Ltd. Aerus Electrolux Scotian Homes & Renovations Cresco Floors Plus Nova Doors & Windows Ltd. West Bedford Holdings Ltd. CMHC Realm Design TrueEast Communications Mitten BP Superior Glass Mother Hubbard’s Kitchens Ace Lumbermart The Chronicle Herald Polytech Products Ltd. Budget Blinds Metro Windows & Doors Wilson’s Home Heating Enfield Home Hardware & Relaxed Living Interiors Loman’s Fine Custom Cabinetry Jade Stone (Halifax) Ltd. Gillis & Company Timber Frames Elements Bath and Kitchen
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Embrace your great outdoors Make the best of the approaching warmer months by taking advantage of your own outdoor spaces By Heather Clarke Contributing Writer
Today’s outdoor living spaces are becoming extensions of our homes, and each one is customized to make it the right space for our own lifestyle. Some homeowners are putting in large flagstone patios perfect for entertaining a huge crowd of friends. Others are building peaceful, airy sunrooms where they can feel the sun’s warmth while they relax with a good book. When George Dickie started out in the sunroom business 25 years ago, most customers wanted small sunrooms that were
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separated from the rest of their home. But things have changed drastically, and now his customers are requesting large rooms that are integrated into their home. They’re using the spaces as bright, breezy dining rooms, family rooms, and living rooms – which quickly become a favourite spot in the house. “These rooms offer so much increased light. Someone can come home after a long day at work, and they don’t even have to turn the lights on to sit and read the paper,” says Dickie, who is the owner of Creative Sunrooms. Dickie says his sunrooms have highlyreflective roofing, which means they stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter – making them a comfortable place to spend time year-round. “There’s often no wall between the sunroom and the rest of the house, and that’s been made possible because of advances in the glass and framing materials,” says Dickie. He explains that this makes a home’s floor plan look much larger, because you’re opening up the space. Homeowners who want to open their sunroom up to the fresh air are in luck, because Creative Sunrooms is about to launch a new folding glass wall – which will give people the option to open up an entire wall to the outside. Dickie says they will also be offering huge sliding screens, which will allow people to “change up the design of their room quite significantly.” Andrew Delorey, owner of Patio Screen
Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association
Room, says many homeowners decide to add a sunroom after they retire, because they’re spending more time at home – and it quickly becomes their preferred spot to spend time. “People tell us it’s the best investment they ever made, and that they should have done it years ago,” says Delorey. “We always say it’s a room you can technically do without, but it’s certainly a room you will use all the time and appreciate.” Delorey says his clients appreciate that his sunrooms can be used year-round. In the warmer months, homeowners can enjoy the sunshine and warmth without being pestered by bugs. And on even the coldest winter night, they can sit comfortably in their sunroom and admire the starry sky. Over at Archadeck, owner Maurice Meagher says our province’s limited summer season amplifies the need for a great outdoor space. “When the weather gets warm, people really want to get outside and enjoy it in a good, functional space,” says Meagher. “A lot of people are putting in fire-pits so they can extend the season, and continue to use the area into the fall.” Meagher says homeowners are also putting more focus on outdoor lanterns and lighting to add ambiance – and to make sure the space is functional long into the night. His clients will often separate their outdoor space into different areas – such as spots for growing vegetables and fruit, a designated dining area with a table and
chairs, and a place with lounge chairs and recliners designed for entertaining. “Long gone are the days when a deck or patio was just a little rectangle at the back of the house with a BBQ,” says Meagher. “The outdoor living space is viewed by people as a functional room, just like any other room in their home.” “People are realizing that this is a really cost-effective way to extend their living space. It’s almost becoming a must-have feature in a home.” When you’re beginning the design process, keep in mind that you’ll want a cohesive look. Meagher says outdoor living spaces should complement the home – not only in size and scale, but in design and material. You’ll also want to choose products that will hold up well for the long haul. Low-maintenance deck materials are very popular now, because homeowners want a structure that isn’t going to peel and fade in the summer sun. Kevin McGinnis, Manager of Innovation and Product Selection at Shaw Brick, says many homeowners are adding interest to their outdoor space using stone and brick. Whether it’s a winding walkway of pavers, a handsome brick retaining wall surrounded
Building a permanent outdoor grill, dedicating space for a firepit, or adding on to your home with a sunroom or patio screen room are all great ways to extend the use of your outdoor space.
by flowers and plants, or a beautiful flagstone patio with a fire-pit for roasting marshmallows, he says these spaces have an incredible ability to rejuvenate the exterior of a home. “If someone’s home is 15 or 20 years old, these updates can really freshen it up and give it a new look,” says McGinnis. “Plus, there’s a lot of longevity in brick and stone, and that works well for resale value.” Adding brick to the exterior of an existing home can be an involved process,
but McGinnis says there are a variety of lightweight veneer products that can give a home the appearance of brick or stone much more easily. The lumber framing still supports the walls of your home, and the veneer serves as a cosmetic layer on top. “You see a lot of new homes with a layer of stone around it as an apron – for the first three or four feet – and then they have brick on top,” says McGinnis. “It’s all about combining more than one texture for a really unique look.” End
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Energy-efficient new homes Comfort and savings come from planning ahead By Sherry Donovan NSHBA
Shiny fixtures. Pretty colours. Spacious rooms. Beautiful floor plans and finishes are what we typically remember as we walk through the rooms of a home, but that’s like the icing on the cake. Instead, it’s planning what is inside the walls and how the home is built, where significant time and attention to detail should be spent in the earlier stages of new home construction. It may not be pretty, you may not even see it once the finished walls are completed, but you certainly will feel it – especially in terms of comfort and ease on your pocket book when it comes to energy savings. Have you considered the benefits of choosing an R-2000 home or an EnerGuide rated home? Registering with the Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association’s (NSH2373 NSHBA_Directory Ad.pdf
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BA) various programs offer you peace of mind that the home you are moving into has been tested and documented based on predetermined criteria. With an R-2000 home there are specific requirements that must be met in order for the house to receive certification, including the use of certain products and a minimum energy rating, to name a few of the items. R-2000 homes can only be built by certified R-2000 builders and require the builder to take mandatory training and renewal courses. Furthermore, each house must be tested at the pre-drywall stage and upon completion in order to determine whether it passes or fails. A minimum rating of 86 is required on the EnerGuide scale according to the latest R-2000 standards, which allows the homes to be eligible for enrolment in the Efficiency Nova Scotia’s Performance Plus program.
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EnerGuide rated homes offer homeowners the opportunity to receive an energy rating for their new home based on a 0-100 scale. The building code in Nova Scotia indicates that all new homes must meet a minimum rating of 80. Many homeowners and builders strive to reach higher numbers, which allows them to realize greater ongoing energy savings. In addition to the energy savings, homeowners are also able to enroll in the Performance Plus program and potentially receive rebates based on their rating and specific criteria. Energy efficiency should be a priority in your new home. Phone the NSHBA at 450-5554 / 1-800-668-2001 or visit our new office location at 124 Chain Lake Drive in Bayers Lake. For additional information on Efficiency Nova Scotia’s Performance Plus program and specific requirements, visit www.efficiencyns.ca.
Choosing a Community How master-planned communities are designed to offer diverse housing options, from entry-level to empty-nester By Heather Clarke Contributing Writer
It seems more Nova Scotians are looking for the ability to transition from a townhouse they’ll buy as a young adult, to a large single-family home they’ll purchase when they have children, to a cozy bungalow or condo they’ll retire in – all without leaving the community. Today’s master-planned communities are designed to give homeowners the flexibility to upgrade or downsize their home without sacrificing the neighbourhood they’ve grown to love. “Where people choose to live is really a lifestyle choice based on their own family’s needs,” says Stephanie Palmer, Director of Marketing for Armco Communities – developers of masterplanned communities such as Governor’s Brook, Sunset Ridge, Twin Brooks and Kingswood North. “Younger families are going to want to be close to schools, parks, and recreation facilities – which you will find in a masterplanned development,” says Palmer. “For an empty nester, it might be more important to have a smaller yard to care for, and have amenities close to home.” She says mixed-density communities
have proven to be very popular, because of the mix of homes and lot sizes. “Mixed-density communities have single-family homes of various sizes, as well as semi-detached homes, townhouses, and even apartments,” says Palmer. “No matter what you require, a mixeddensity community is going to suit a broader base of customers.” Palmer says these communities are often planned to have amenities located directly in the subdivision, which is appealing to today’s busy families. Country-style lots that are an acre or two are popular with families who have young children and pets. Palmer says country communities provide more space for active families, but are still within easy access to amenities. Christina Baker is a Sales & Marketing Associate with Clayton Developments Limited – developers of The Parks of West Bedford, The Ravines, and Russell Lake West. She also finds most homebuyers are looking for a community that will provide plenty of opportunities to get some fresh air. “A lot of people really want to have green space and some outdoor living components – whether it’s in their backyard, or in parks and walking trails that
are readily accessible to them,” says Baker. Since master-planned communities are typically built in phases, Baker says sometimes a homeowner who purchases at the front-end of construction will move into a new phase once it’s completed. “Often, we see people moving into larger homes as their family grows. But right now, in several of our communities, we’re seeing people who moved in at the start of the development now downsizing to a smaller home for their retirement,” says Baker. When you’re deciding which community is right for you, Baker says it’s essential to work with a good realtor. “They’ll look out for your best interest, and work on your behalf as an advocate,” says Baker. “This is a very big financial decision, so it’s important to involve a professional who’s working for you.” Palmer agrees that the decision requires some homework – and serious consideration. “Do your research, think carefully about what you need, and speak with different developers,” says Palmer. “If you tell us what your needs and wants are, we can point you in the direction of the community that will suit your lifestyle.”
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Photos courtesy of Skymark Homes
Build your home the right way
Each home starts with a solid foundation. The walls, windows and paint all follow in what many homebuyers know to be a step-by-step process. But how many homebuyers actually get to see the process? From choosing the design to entering into the finished home, there exists an obvious disconnect between product and purchaser. Companies such as Skymark Homes and associations such as the Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association (NSHBA) are trying to help educate consumers in what to expect when building a home, what questions to ask and how to get the most of the investment. Although building a home follows a general formula, the craftsmanship, materials and techniques used in the process are what homebuyers need to investigate before committing to a builder. “Everyone can have a model home,” says Evan Collins, General Manager of Skymark Homes. “Skymark is trying to create transparency and show people what goes behind the walls and why the homes are priced as they are.” The initiative to educate the consumer is helping the building industry justify the price point to buyers who normally would have made their decision based on layout and lowest price – a common trend among first time homebuyers.
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By Heather Clarke Contributing Writer
The Skymark Homes Take The Tour program is a new initiative showcased at the Real Home Show 2013 in Halifax aimed at helping homebuyers of all experiences make the right choice when building a home and giving them the right questions to ask their builder – whether it be Skymark Homes or another HRM builder. Take The Tour invites families to visit five job sites at five different stages of construction. The experience teaches families the importance of each step in the building process and opens the floor to questions with real builders ready to give real answers. The first stage of the tour is Foundation and Concrete, then on to Building Envelope, Servicing, Energy Efficiency and lastly, Finishing. “We teach people what to look for at each of the five stages,” explains Collins. “Families will see what engineering products are being used, and most importantly, they learn what goes into a quality home and why.” One of the most important and often the most common mistakes first time and experienced homebuyers make, is overlooking the energy efficient component of the home before building, explains Collins. “The window of opportunity to make energy efficient upgrades is generally very
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short during the build,” says Collins. “Making changes to the insulation or heating and cooling components are much more cost effective while the home is under construction.” All builders will build to meet the National Building Code, but few builders go above and beyond what is required. Although the code supports a relatively high level of energy efficiency across the board, it is up to the buyer to seek out a builder who is qualified to build to higher EnerGuide ratings. Investing in energy efficiency comes with a higher initial price tag, but the long-term benefits and government rebates help in making the decision. Skymark builds to a minimum 83 rating which give homeowners a $3,000 rebate from Efficiency Nova Scotia. Collins recommends the buyer always ask for multiple references before committing to a build, and to check the company’s certifications and standings with independent third party sources such as associations like the NSHBA. Resources like Take The Tour and the NSHBA are the perfect stepping stones to becoming an educated buyer. Remember that builders are proud of their work and are open to answering questions about anything from foundation to finishes. It’s your home and it should be built your way. The right way.
Comfort and warmth, for less Making the right decision upfront for the proper heating system might save you hundreds of dollars every year. By Heather Clarke Contributing Writer
Energy-efficiency, lifestyle, and budget are the big factors when someone is choosing a heating system for their new home. Steve Wilson with the Nova Scotia Oil Heat Association says there is high efficiency equipment in the market today that is oil-fired, and there are oil-fired furnaces manufactured in Parrsboro that have 96 per cent efficiency levels. “You can get a lot of energy from just a single litre of fuel oil,” says Wilson. “It gives us a quick response
to energy requirements, and can get a house brought up to the right temperature. You get a faster hot-water recovery than with other fuels, too.” Wilson says there have been advances on the storage of oil in recent years. “In the past, people had environmental concerns about tanks getting older and leaking, but now there’s really no excuse to have an oil leak in your home,” says Wilson. “There is a great double-containment technology available – fibreglass
<...> Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association
The REAL Home Show • March 2013
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<...> Home Heating Options... tanks, European-style tanks, plastic tanks with metal casing. There’s even traditional steel tanks with a double bottom, so if there’s ever an issue, a monitor is triggered.” Jack Knox, owner of Halifax Heating, says understanding which type of heating system is best for a specific home is perhaps the most important part of the new-home construction process.
“Consumers need to know what information is necessary in order to be able to make the correct choice,” says Knox. “Because that choice will impact on both the existing and potential future homeowner, so it’s important to get it right the first time.” Knox says the right heating system should “enhance the enjoyment of every other aspect and feature of the home” – and potentially pay for itself,
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compared to the added costs of an uninformed choice. Choosing the wrong choice of system, however, can often result in excessive operating costs, uneven heating distribution, distracting operating sounds, lower indoor air quality, and less overall enjoyment of the home. Before making any decisions, Knox says a homeowner should insist on being presented with a credible representation of capital and operating cost comparisons showing a range of systems for consideration for that specific home – since operating costs and comfort levels are directly related to the heating system choice for that specific house. Knox recommends that homeowners in the process of choosing a heating solution should talk to professionals who can demonstrate their knowledge of heat loss, equipment sizing, and the options for consideration. “When properly designed and installed, a forced air heat pump system can provide an economical solution for many homes,” says Knox. “Air-to-air and air-to-water heat transfer is ideal for many new heating applications – especially considering our climate – and can be used to supplement even fossil fuel systems.” Natural gas is currently available in certain pockets of Halifax, Dartmouth, and Bedford – as well the Halifax Stanfield International Airport, and parts of Oxford and Amherst. Rohit Seth, Business Development Specialist with Heritage Gas, says very few builders include natural gas in their base model, but it’s often available as an upgrade. “People love cooking with gas, and it’s just such a versatile product,” says Seth. ”It powers your fireplaces, your BBQ, your pool and hot tub heaters, and it can even power a snowmelt system under your driveway.”
Seth says Natural Gas’s clients appreciate the comfort and convenience of natural gas, and says it’s “very attractive to use, compared to oil” because it has very little sulfur dioxide and minimal greenhouse gas emissions. It’s also instant, which means homeowners will always have heat and hot water on demand – even during a power failure. Kelly Lunn, owner of EnCom Alternative Energy Services, says new homeowners who add solar heating equipment onto their mortgage will be “paying far less than what they’re saving each month.” “There are big savings to be had – both in energy and in dollars,” says Lunn. “While our customers do appreciate the environmental impact, most people buy based on the financial payback.” Lunn says in-floor heating using tankless on-demand boilers integrated with solar energy and tube technology can cut your heating costs in half. “It gives you a very energy-efficient heating system for your house, as well as the offset of all your domestic hot water – which is typically a savings of $1,500 a year or more.” Lunn says in-floor heat is a popular luxury, and they’re able to do a lot with solar integration because of the low water temperature. If there are areas upstairs where a homeowner doesn’t want to use in-floor heating, they can instead use low-cost mini heat pumps. “You’ll need to insulate anyway – not just outside the concrete, but under your floor – because basements are a brutal energy draw from a house,” says Lunn. “The cost to lay the pipe and do in-floor heating is so low, and then all of a sudden you’re turning that into a positive heat-sink instead of a negative.” When it comes to heating choices, there is a resounding theme amoung all professionals. Do your homework
and make the best choice to suit your family’s lifestyle and needs. There will be many examples of home-heating options available to
research at The Real Home Show 2013. Seek out the professionals and ask them about what might be best for your home. End
Enjoy the benefits of natural gas in your new home. Natural gas is convenient, safe, efficient, reliable and a friendlier option for the environment. For new homes with access to natural gas - install high efficiency furnaces, boilers and other natural gas appliances to decrease your annual energy bills while increasing the overall value of your home. To find out how you can begin saving money AND the environment, please call Heritage Gas at (902) 466-2003
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Ask CMHC...
Contributed by CMHC
New walls for new houses For many Canadians, there are many attractions to buying a newly constructed home. These include new, up-to-date finishes, modern floor plans and amenities, comfort and energy efficiency. When considering your options, energy-efficient heating, appliances and lighting are common choices. But what about the amount of insulation for the walls? The construction of a new home offers the best opportunity to build in as much insulation as you can afford in order to protect yourself from heating cost increases in the future. You may have heard of different types of walls being built in energyefficient houses: walls that retain more heat in winter due to the high levels of insulation that they contain. Some of these walls have over twice the thickness compared to more typical walls and this provides greater protection from extreme cold and heat, traffic noise, and everything else that is happening outside. Other benefits are significant savings on your heating and cooling bills and a very comfortable, draft-free home. Why wouldn’t you build like this for your next new house or major retrofit?
Energy Efficient Houses You can achieve a highly insulated, RSI 7 wall (or R-40 in imperial units), if you
design and build carefully. This compares very favourably to the standard RSI 3–5 walls found in most new houses. Over the past few years, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation has been working with leading builders to design, build and demonstrate highly energy-efficient houses that produce as much energy as they consume. All of the houses constructed use highly insulated walls as part of the overall strategy to reduce energy use. For instance, the Riverdale NetZero house in Edmonton has a deep-wall construction with 406 mm (16 inches) between the inside surface and the siding on the exterior. That space was filled with cellulose insulation made from recycled newspapers. During construction of that house, before the heating system had been installed, the interior of the house would warm with the sun and be comfortable, even in sub-zero outdoor temperatures. The calculated insulation level of these walls is RSI 9.9 (or R-56). A deep wall also provides an opportunity to include window seating and plant shelves in the window nooks. The Green Dream Home in Kamloops, BC used another approach. The walls are made from insulated concrete forms (ICF). ICFs are made up of two layers of expanded polystyrene (EPS) held apart by plastic bracing and are assembled
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The REAL Home Show • March 2013
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much like building blocks to form the foundation and above grade walls of houses. Once up, the ICFs are filled with concrete to provide structural strength. For the Green Dream Home, the foam insulation used was thicker than normal with 66 mm (2 5/8 inches) of EPS on the inside surface and 134 mm (5 3/8 inches) on the outside and 200 mm (8 inches) of concrete in the core. The total R-value of this wall is RSI 7.7 (R-44). The continuous layer of concrete within the forms also helps to make the house airtight and draft-free.
If You Are Retrofitting an Existing House with High R-value Walls The strategies will be somewhat different, and a little more difficult to do. Your existing walls will remain as the house frame but you will have to decide whether to insulate on the inside of the house or on the outside. As inside work is more disruptive, insulation is often added on the outside. It is most cost effective to consider adding insulation when it is time to replace or update the siding since you would already be doing much of the work. High amounts of insulation can be added to the outside of the frame, usually as overlapping layers of foam board or as spray-applied foam insulation. Semi-rigid mineral wool insulation can also be used. It is rare for a retrofit to attain R-values as high as those of the new houses described above, but you can still double or triple the original insulation value with the installation of 50 to 100 mm (2 to 4 inches) of insulation on the outside of your home.
Consult an Expert Whether you are dealing with a new wall or an existing wall, it is best to consult a qualified designer, builder or renovator who is knowledgeable about the type of work you want done. A well planned project can help ensure that
you use resources properly and in an environmentally conscious way. For instance, you may be able to use recycled building products. Well-designed walls will avoid moisture problems and provide many years of trouble-free service. They will also be affordable to build.
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Why do it? The beauty of building or retrofitting very efficient walls in your house is peace of mind. They make your house quiet, comfortable, and relatively immune to the increasing cost of energy. You will also have the comfort of knowing that you may be able to stay in your house longer in the event of a mid-winter power failure. Consider also that the choices you make today will have an impact on the energy performance and comfort of the house for as long as the house exists, and this could be well over 100 years. Once built, energy-efficient walls will continue to save energy for many, many years to come. Great walls help make a great house.
C a n a da M or t g age a n d Ho usi n g C or p or at io n
Energy-Efficient Homes: Wall Construction The CMHC EQuilibrium™ Housing Initiative features homes that are designed to be healthier, more comfortable and more efficient than traditional housing. The following EQuilibrium™ Housing InSights fact sheets provide information on wall design strategies and technologies implemented in the EQuilibrium™ housing demonstration projects.
For more information on sustainable technologies and practices for new housing and renovations, including those used in CMHC’s EQuilibrium Sustainable Housing Demonstration Initiative, visit CMHC’s website at www.cmhc.ca, or call Jérémie LeBlanc, CMHC’s Consultant in Research and Information Transfer, at 902-426-4715.
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Visit www.cmhc.ca or call 1-800-668-2642 today! As Canada’s national housing agency, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) draws on more than 65 years of experience to help Canadians access a variety of high quality, environmentally sustainable and affordable housing solutions.
For over 65 years, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has been Canada’s national housing agency, and a source of objective, reliable housing information.
Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association
The REAL Home Show • March 2013
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Safety on the Jobsite Remember, it’s not really your home...yet By Heather Clarke Contributing Writer
When you’re building your dream home, it’s only natural you’ll want to visit the construction site to check up on the progress. But touring an unfinished home poses many dangers, such as falling into excavations and openings, tripping on building materials, getting electrocuted, and taking knocks to the head. Damon Alcock, Strategic Services Director with the Nova Scotia Construction Safety Association (NSCSA), says site safety is very important during the construction of a new home, because the site conditions and hazards could change on a daily – or even hourly – basis.
Homeowners should speak with the builder to determine the best – and safest – time to visit their in-progress home. This will give the builder time to inform any sub-trade on site, and determine if there any areas that are deemed too risky for the homeowner to walk through. “Some homeowners like to visit the site during the night when the builders are not working, but I would exercise extreme caution,” says Alcock. “With diminished lighting and no one familiar with the site to guide you around, there is a potential for injury.” If you’re hoping to bring family members or friends with you, it’s important to tell the builder beforehand so they can arrange for adequate “escorts” during the tour. “If there is a requirement for hard hats
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The REAL Home Show • March 2013
Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association
and safety glasses on the worksite, then it is expected that all visitors must wear hard hats and safety glasses,” says Alcock. “Injury can happen to anyone on the site. The builder should brief the homeowner on the hazards before walking through.” While a homeowner is visiting the site, Alcock says they can feel free to talk to anyone working on their home – but they must keep in mind that there’s one primary person in charge: the builder. “The home being built was in agreement with yourself and the builder, so any subtrades on the site are following the plans they were provided by the builder,” says Alcock. “If you visit a site and you are not happy with a certain design aspect, discuss it with your builder – not the sub-trade.” And while a homeowner might be having a great time chatting it up with their window-installer, Alcock cautions about taking too much time away “Homes are usually built on a tight schedule, so the more you interrupt work on the site, the more delays there will be on finishing the home.” Alcock says there will be times when certain areas of the home are off-limits, depending on the building progress, so it’s important that homeowners discuss this with the builder before they start wandering around. “There may be areas on the site where workers do the majority of their cutting, and that area should be off-limits due to the dangers of the power tools,” says Alcock. “The entire interior may be off-limits during the truss and roofing stages, due to the risk of items falling on their heads.” Alcock says it’s critical that homeowners are respectful of the builder’s safety rules, because they’re designed to ensure everyone goes home at the end of each day without injury. “Safety is a shared responsibility, and if a homeowner ignores these rules, they put themselves and everyone else on the worksite at risk,” says Alcock. “The goal is to get your new home built as efficiently and as safely as possible.” For more information on worksite safety, homeowners can contact the Department of Labour and Advanced Education at (902) 424-5301 or the NSCSA at 1-800-971-3888.
Popular Building Products Items to consider when building & renovating By Heather Clarke Contributing Writer
The sky’s the limit when it comes to building and renovation products – and today’s homeowners can sometimes feel overwhelmed by the decisions they need to make. Mike Connors, owner of Capstone Building Products, says most homeowners sort through the endless options by focusing on three common factors. They want building products that are energyefficient, maintenance-free, and come in a variety of unique colours and styles. “Many consumers are building smaller, more efficient houses – focusing on heating and energy consumption,” says Connors. “And more renovations are now being carried out with the main driving force of making their homes energy efficient.” He has noticed that homeowners are often more educated on window performance than they were in previous years, thanks to the CSA Window standards – which are available online for the general public. These standards help to guide a homeowner’s decision by drawing their attention to a window’s water tightness, air tightness, condensation resistance, wind load resistance, forced entry resis-
Enter to
tance, screen strength, ease of operation, and energy rating. “Window ratings are available for all windows, and consumers are able to request the performance rating of any window before making a window purchase,” says Connors. In order to make sure a home reflects a homeowner’s personal taste, Connors says there is an increasing demand for more colour and style in building products. Choosing a roof to keep over your head has never been such a personalized process, as homeowners want to make a statement with high-definition laminate shingles and a more dramatic layout. “The days of the plain, low-pitched roofs are a thing of the past,” says Connors. “Today’s roofs have many peaks and valleys, with steeper pitches – and consumers are seeing more choices of bold, vibrant colours that provide greater contrast and deeper dimension. Many homeowners are also opting for limited lifetime warranties, to ensure their roof will be protected from whatever weather Mother Nature throws their way. Connors says prefinished fiber cement and wood siding products are becoming very popular exterior siding choices, since people tend to be building smaller homes and “dressing them up” more.
Win!
“They like having the ability to choose custom colours, and the colours are factory-applied for maximum consistency and performance,” says Connors. “The trend we’re seeing is dark, rich colours with contrasting trim accessories – which can definitely create exceptional curb appeal.” Connors says consumer knowledge is at an all-time high, as homeowners scour the internet and consult with professionals for information on building materials before making any decisions. If you’re in the process of choosing materials for building or renovating, Connors says it’s all a matter of doing your research, consulting with professionals, deciding what appeals to you and your family. For more information on quality building products, begin your research with the Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association to view their member directory of qualified retailers, manufacturers and installers. Visit nshomebuilders.ca or call (902) 450-5554.
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The REAL Home Show • March 2013
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Are you building for the future? Wiring your home for current and future technology. mum flexibility for users to move voice, data and video services throughout the home. Homeowners who want to maximize the technology in their homes can consult with their home builder, general contractor or installer during the planning and design stage of the addition or upgrade in order to add options, including provisions for satellite television, home theatre, remote access, home controls, and much more. “TechReady is not just about wiring your home, it is an investment in your home and its value – which will benefit you now and well into the future,” says Paul Pettipas, chief executive officer of the Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association. “TechReady will have a positive impact on the resale value of your home, but it also provides you with
By Sherry Donovan
NSHBA
The planning is done for your new home, you’re ready to start, but have you thought of everything before you begin? One area often overlooked in the planning phase is the structured cabling component. You may not think about it as the construction moves forward, but you will notice it when the renovation is complete and you have not installed the proper infrastructure in the walls to meet your technology requirements. This is where TechReady planning is a huge benefit to the positive outcome of your new home construction plans. TechReady systems, unlike conventional cabling systems, provide maxi-
comfort and a lifestyle that suits your family’s growing technological needs.” TechReady is a joint initiative between the Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association and Bell Aliant designed to train contractors and installers to build and renovate TechReady homes, and to educate consumers on the value of installing structured cabling in their new home or addition. A TechReady home has something for everyone of all ages and is not limited to the young technology savvy consumers. Having a TechReady home allows your home to grow as your needs change. For more information on the TechReady program contact the Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association at 450-5554 or 1-800-668-2001.
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CresCo.Ca 30Cresco Print_Generic_HalfPage_HomeShowGuide.indd The REAL Home Show • March 2013
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Is your home wiring up to today’s standards?
What defines a home as TechReady? There are basic requirements that need to be met in order for a home to be certified as TechReady. The main element is structured cabling, allowing users to move voice, data and video services throughout their home. Additional TechReady options include roughin or installation of satellite TV, home theatre, security systems, remote lighting or heating and more.
Structured Cabling
Audio & Video
Telecom
Providing maximum flexibility for the homeowner to move voice, data and video services throughout the home
A network dedicated to the distribution of sound and HDTV-ready tv/video throughout the home.
Allowing for traditional phone lines throughout the home, plus wiring allowing for IP (Internet Protocol) services.
Home Networking
Home Automation
A Home LAN (Local Area Network) for connecting computers and associated devises, wired and wireless.
Home control systems for remotely monitoring energy management, lighting, home automation and more.
With TechReady, customers are able to build tomorrow’s home – today.
For more information contact the Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association Scotia Home Builders’ Association (902)450-5554 • 1-800-668-2001 Nova • www.nshomebuilders.ca
Be sure to consult with your builder or installer during the planning and The REAL Home Show • March 2013 design stage of your new home!31
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