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
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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 .
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The REAL Home Show • March 2013
Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association
