The REAL Home Show Guide 2014

OFFICIAL SHOW GUIDE

Feb 28, Mar 1 & 2

New Location!

Cunard Centre, Halifax

New Location!

Cunard Centre, Halifax

Win a 15,000 Backyard Prize Pack! $

Nova Scotia’s Premium Open House – Walk in with a Vision. Walk out with a Plan.

Cunard Centre – 961 Marginal Road, Halifax

Welcome Home to the Show!

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Our new home at the Cunard Centre

OFFICIAL GUIDE The Real Home Show intro__4

What’s at the Show...

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General Exhibitor Booths NSHBA Renovator Booths

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Ticket Booth

Building Products _________21 Jobsite Safety ____________22 Building Permits __________25 DIY vs Go Pro ____________27

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961 Marginal Road, Halifax

Ticket Booth

Homeowner FYI

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The Cunard Centre

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Energy Efficiency _________6 Home Automation ________8 Kitchens ________________10 Windows & Doors _________12 Bathrooms ______________14 Flooring_________________15 Outdoor Spaces __________18

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Online Contest Stanley Tool Package pg

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Retail Value $200

A Special Edition of

New Homes Renovations

The REAL Home Show 2014

Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association

www.newhomesandrenovations.com The REAL Home Show s 2014

3

Home Show Exhibitors & Floorplan: Pg 16

A New Homes & Renovations Special Edition

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 2014. 78,000 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.

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Please contact the NSHBA directly on how you can be involved in association activities.

124-B 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.

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For information on participating in this publication, please contact our editorial and advertising teams at info@homesandrenos.com /HomesandRenos

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Introducing our new home for the Show!

The Real Home Show at the Cunard Centre Nova Scotia’s Premium Open House!

We’ve Changed Things Up!

Change is good and that is what the Real Home Show 2014 has gone and done – it has been changed, renovated and is now the Premium Open House in Nova Scotia.

Celebrating its 15th anniversary, the Real Home Show has renovated itself and has a fresh and exciting look and feel. This year’s show, now located at the Cunard Centre allows for a more open and bright concept and brings all the displays into one building. “Renovating the home show this year is not unlike what we do when we renovate our home that needs some updating,� says Paul Pettipas, chief executive officer of the Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association. “We wanted to be able to offer homeowners the chance to learn about everything that will help make their next new home or renovation a success and we have now made it so everything is in one building with an excellent location, easy parking and incredible displays.�

Without a doubt, when you walk into the Real Home Show 2014 you will see everything you need for your building, buying or renovating project.

Consumer Information

At the show, visitors will have access to the professionals and information to guide them through the new home or renovation experience. The ideas you get and the information that you will walk away with will make you even more excited to start your new project.

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 2014. 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 2014 provides an opportunity to find everything you could ever need for your upcoming plans – right 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.

The Real Home Show 2014 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, EnergyStar, Capstone Building Products, Econo Renovations, Skymark Homes, Nova Scotia Construction Safety Association, RenoMark, Revolve and ViewPoint.ca.

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

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.”

prize pack, compliments of Barrett Lumber; play at the C100 booth for a chance to win two tickets anywhere Porter Airlines flies; or enter for a chance to win up to $500 in prizes by completing the survey.

Come be Inspired!

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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 $15,000 backyard

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Read on about what to see at the show...

What’s at the Show...

Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association

Articles by Heather Clarke Contributing Writer

The REAL Home Show s 2014

5

Visit the Seaport Farmers’ Market while at the Show!

What’s at the Show...

We’ve had such a hard winter that there’s no need to promote energy-efficiency – many homeowners are getting the message loud and clear every time they open their latest skyrocketing heating bill.

“We’ve had a very cold winter, and the price of all fuels has gone up,” says Donald Dodge, Program Manager of Marketing Insights and Planning with Efficiency Nova Scotia. “The combination of those two factors has been such a great driver for people to get serious about the efficiency of their home.”

Dodge says Efficiency Nova Scotia is especially focused on the upgrade market, because they want to help people with existing homes make their structures as energy-efficient as possible.

“There are incentives, rebates, and zero-interest loans available through us, to help them to do those extra things that will ensure they’re getting absolutely the best bang for their buck,” says Dodge.

For their Home Energy Assessment program, a Certified Energy Advisor comes into the home to do a full assessment of

6

The REAL Home Show s 2014

Energy Efficiency

the building and the building’s envelope – which includes a full blower test.

“The blower test is the most critical part, because it gives homeowners the opportunity to know exactly where they’re

Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association

losing heat, and where the cold air is coming in,” says Dodge. “It’s a simple thing to fix, but it’s hard to pinpoint without the test.”

To help cover the cost of completed upgrades, Dodge says homeowners with electric heat can receive up to $3,000 in incentives, and those with oil heat can receive up to $1,500.

Fixing something that’s already built takes some time and energy, but Dodge says doing things properly from the start is much more straightforward.

“With our New Home Construction program, we’re able to help the homeowner do it right the first time,” says Dodge.

To take part in the New Home Construction program, homeowners need to submit their application within 30 days of registering their building permit. From there, the plans are assessed by energy experts to determine what could be tweaked or added to make the home as energy-efficient as possible. Then it’s up to the homeowner to take some – or all – of those recommendations to heart.

If you’re building, Dodge says the ideal situation is to have your plans evaluated and then bring them to the Real Home Show – where industry experts are happy to discuss them with you. “You can go up the vendors and say ‘I’m looking for triple-glazed windows on the north side of my home,’ or ask someone else about their recommendations for double-stud walls,� says Dodge. “The beauty of the show is that they’re all there in one place, ready to talk.�

For homeowners at the very beginning of the process, Dodge encourages them to chat with Efficiency Nova Scotia first. “You may get 8-10 different ideas from other booths, but we’re here to help.

We’re not trying to sell you anything,� says Dodge. “We’ll have lots of experts in our booth throughout the show, and we can get you started before you head off to chat with different builders.�

What you’ll find at the Show There will be great information on your energy efficiency needs at the Real Home Show – insulation tips, upgrade suggestions, heating recommendations and the professionals who can answer your questions.

In the Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association booth you will be able to see a computerized comparison of 10 homes all ranging in size and style from a starter home to large custom homes and learn about the energy models showing the performance at building code requirement stage and what certain upgrades can mean to the overall energy efficiency of the home. Included in this will be a mortgage calculator so you can see what the upgrades will mean in terms of value and the impact the costs will have on your mortgage.

Drop in to the booth, bring your questions and find out how you can make your new home as energy efficient as possible.

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The REAL Home Show s 2014

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THE Show for Building, Buying, Renovating & Enjoying!

What’s at the Show...

Houses are getting smarter, and the ability to control and automate every aspect of our homes – from unlocking the front door to drawing blinds and dimming lights, or even to catching a leak in the basement – has never been easier. And all from the touch of a button on a smartphone or tablet.

Jonathan Hartlen, General Sales Manager with Glubes, says they offer almost everything you can think of in terms of home automation.

“We have clients who set a code to not only unlock their doors and disarm their system, but also trigger a romantic lighting scheme and turn on the fireplace and music,” says Hartlen.

But it’s not just about flash and fun.

Hartlen says their systems can be used to program heating, lighting, and blind retraction based on a homeowner’s schedule.

There are also options to put in panic buttons and surveillance cameras.

“It’s very practical. If you have a 6,000 sq. ft. house and you don’t know if all of your lights are off, it makes more sense to press one button and ensure they’re all off – or program them to automatically shut off at midnight every night.”

James LeBlanc, Senior Project Manager with Bell Aliant Regional Communications, says their NextGen Home Security service is “not your grandfather’s security system.”

“You’re getting a rock-solid security service with everything you would expect, as well as the ability to control everything – and get alerts – through your smartphone or tablet,” says LeBlanc. “All of our cameras even have an infrared feature, so they will automatically switch into that mode in lowlight or no-light situations – allowing you to see video footage of your home in pitchblack conditions.”

“It’s an exciting time. There’s so much you can do.”

LeBlanc says this “connectedness” helps people to feel more in tune with what’s happening at their house when they’re not there. Homeowners choose to use the

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The REAL Home Show s 2014

Home Automation

cameras and motion detectors for different reasons – like receiving text alerts and video clips to ensure their children have gotten in safely from school, or seeing who comes to the door when they’re not home. Parents like to use the cameras as a modern baby monitor.

“We have a client who travels a lot and employs a dog-walker, and he says, ‘I like knowing when they walk the dog for 10 minutes, and when they walk the dog for 40 minutes,’” says LeBlanc.

But it’s more than just cameras. Appliance controllers allow you to plug in

Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association

anything – home theatre, lamps, Christmas lights – and program exactly when you want it to turn on. Customers can also get special deadbolts and lever locks that are accessed by keyless entry codes, which eliminates the need to carry keys. They can also install flood sensors to let them know immediately if their hot water tank leaks or water creeps into their basement.

But without a solid internet connection, there’s no way for a homeowner to keep tabs on their home from afar. Mark MacMurtry, Team Lead of Product Strategy and Service Development with FibreOp, says they’re continuing to deliver the fastest internet speeds in Atlantic Canada – and it’s changing the way people stay connected.

MacMurtry says because they’ve built a “future-proof” network, they’ll always be able to maintain the fastest speeds as technology changes. And since FibreOp’s television service can connect TVs to the internet, MacMurtry says these TVs are now “mini-computers” that are capable of so much more than just watching shows.

“We can do all kinds of things now, and we’ll really start seeing more ways to leverage that.”

Paul Gaetz, Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) for Bell Aliant, says the TechReady infrastructure is becoming more and more relevant as time goes on.

“The more ethernet-based technology that is deployed in the home, the more value TechReady provides,” says Gaetz. “We are now recommending larger media panels, a single-mode backbone fibre to the media panel, and – for larger homes with a lot of metal ductwork – cabling for an access point should be included in the design.”

Homes are considered TechReady when they’re equipped with structured cabling – allowing users to move voice, data, and video service throughout their home. It can also include prepping for – or installing – satellite TV, home theatre, security systems, and remote lighting or heating.

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

(902)450-5554 s 1-800-668-2001 Nova s www.nshomebuilders.ca Scotia Home Builders’ Association

Be sure to consult with your builder or installer during the planning and REAL Home Show new s 2014home! 9 designThestage of your

Walk in with a Vision. Walk out with a Plan.

What’s at the Show...

Kitchen renovations provide homeowners with an excellent return on their dollar, and that’s especially true if the designs are timeless – and the colours carefully selected for mass appeal.

Leo Hollohan, owner of Mother Hubbards Kitchens, is looking forward to showing off brand-new finishes and colours at the Real Home Show – although the classics still remain heavily in play.

“White countertops are still very strong across the board, especially white quartz countertops – they require no maintenance, and they give you a more consistent look than granite,” says Hollohan.

Martine Cote, Designer with Mother Hubbards Kitchens, says they’ve made a name for themselves by keeping up with trends and creating innovative designs – including sleek, contemporary Europeanstyle looks that have only recently hit the Nova Scotian market.

“The trend is to create a cleaner-looking kitchen that’s less ornate – and a bit more simple than the ornate, elaborate corbels and mouldings we were seeing five years ago,” says Cote. “Homeowners are becoming more open to using modern materials, and 10

The REAL Home Show s 2014

Kitchens

we’re getting a lot of requests for high-gloss cupboard doors.”

They recently expanded their showroom, and now carry top-of-the-line Miele appliances that can be integrated with your cabinetry for a cohesive look.

“Integrated appliances are great, because you never have to pull them out to clean around them or behind them. Everything’s sealed in,” explains Hollohan.

Cote says organization is key in today’s kitchens, with homeowners wanting to add everything from hidden recycle bins to special areas for sorting mail and paperwork.

Kitchens are often the most populated area in a home, so she says their customers enjoy upgrading them to create a space their entire family – and their guests – will appreciate.

Stainless steel and brushed nickel reigned supreme in kitchens for years, but it looks like their time is coming to an end.

“We’re seeing warmer tones, like champagne bronzes and venetian bronzes,” says Nina Boulanger, Kitchen Designer/Accredited Interior Decorator with Cabinetworks.

“It’s a way to add a little more colour to a kitchen, and it’s something new and differNova Scotia Home Builders’ Association

ent for people who want a more updated look.”

At the Real Home Show, Cabinetworks will be showing off a new style of cabinet door – a five-piece door by NEXGEN made of two stiles, two rails, and one panel.

“It’s a permanent antibacterial surface that’s scratch-resistant and stain-resistant, as well as fade-resistant,” says Boulanger.

“They’re very attractive, and they have an appearance and texture that looks like real wood – but more contemporary.”

Boulanger says these doors are basically newer versions of PVC cabinet doors, but they’re laminate instead of vinyl. She prefers them to real wood doors, because of their consistency.

“When you stain a real wood door, you never know exactly how it’s going to look.”

Open-shelving is becoming more popular in kitchens, as well as glass-front cabinet doors. Boulanger says under-cabinet lighting has also been steadily growing in popularity.

“It adds soft, warm light – and it’s also useful light – and makes a kitchen seem larger, too.”

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The REAL Home Show s 2014

11

Nova Scotia’s Premium Open House

Windows & Doors

Photos courtesy of Revolution Windows / Laflamme

What’s at the Show...

Often a builder simply chooses a home’s windows and doors, and the homeowner doesn’t realize they could have made their own selections. But with so many styles and custom colours out there, it’s a great way to add your own personal flair to your home.

Bob Wood, owner of Revolution Windows & Doors, says this is the time of year when homeowners think about ways to make their house more snug before the next winter – keeping out air and water infiltration.

Wood says there are energy-efficient options available at every price point, but homeowners tend to opt for high-end solutions if they’re going to be staying in the home for a while.

They’ll be showing off their Laflamme Hermetica doors at the Real Home Show, and Wood says these steel or fibreglass door steels are thought to be the tightest door on the Canadian market.

“They’re extremely airtight and water-

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The REAL Home Show s 2014

Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association

tight because they have a redesigned, ultra-durable vinyl sill that’s on a slope,” says Wood. “A typical door sill is flat, but this sill allows water to drain off – and instead of a sweep, they’ve created a water drainage system.”

“There’s also a lip that goes over the door so any rain drains over it like a waterfall. There’s nothing like it.”

Whether you’re building or renovating, Wood says it’s important to think about

FOR THE BEST VALUE OF THE YEAR.

the placement of your windows – and the surrounding environment – before deciding what to purchase. If you choose the right windows for your home, Wood says you can control unwanted solar gains in southernfacing rooms, and make the most of the sun’s heat in chillier rooms. “Casement windows have better air and water tightness than windows that slide up and down or sideways, because when the wind blows, it’s pushing on that weatherstripping and making it tighter,� says Wood.

If you’re in the market for new windows, he recommends choosing ones with stainless steel exterior hardware – rather than the cheaper, painted hardware. Wood says homeowners can expect to start seeing thicker frames on vinyl windows, which allows for more air channels – creating a more structurally-sound piece.

Although function is the defining factor, Wood says the aesthetic of your windows and doors is also extremely important. A vibrantly-coloured front door system can increase a home’s curb appeal by up to $10,000 – compared to a plain white door – because of the “wow� factor. Black, red, orange, and blue are among the top front door shades.

Fibreglass doors are the fast-growing segment of Atlantic Canada’s door market, with homeowners buying five times as many as they did two or three years ago. “A fibreglass door looks like an authentic wood door, but it doesn’t have the maintenance problems of a wood door. It’s also more rust-resistant and dent-resistant than a steel door,� says John Arsenault, Director of Sales for Peter Kohler Windows & Entrance Systems. “They’re a warmer door, and they look better.�

Arsenault says fibreglass doors come in 25 standard colours, but can be painted or stained any shade – and rich, wood-like tones are especially popular.

So many homes have standard white windows, so Arsenault says adding customcoloured windows has a dramatic impact on your curb appeal. His clients immediately jumped on board when Peter Kohler began offering PVC-coated windows in custom colours, and he says black is by far the most popular shade. “The black is nice. It really does catch your eye.�

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The REAL Home Show s 2014

13

Fill out a ballot for a $15,000 Backyard Prize!

What’s at the Show...

As the population ages, industry experts are seeing a growing interest in bathroom accessibility – a well as products that are easier to clean and maintain.

“We do shower conversions and walk-in tubs – and install grab bars – that help people stay in their own homes as they get older,” says Chris Bowie, who owns Beautiful Baths with his wife, Tori. “And everyone enjoys a bathroom that’s easier to clean, so we’re selling a lot of simulated acrylic systems and stone impression walls that are designed to look like granite, and are very

14

The REAL Home Show s 2014

Bathrooms

easy to clean.”

Bowie says attendees at the Real Home Show will get to see the new colours and styles of acrylic walls, including the simulated groutless tile varieties.

“Everyone likes the latest colours in their home, but they also want to choose colours that won’t look dated down the road. They want a colour that will last 20 years or more,” says Bowie. “Our travertine and silverwhite marble shades are really good for that.”

Bowie says many homeowners upgrade their bathrooms primarily for the function-

Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association

ality, but it’s also to create a brighter, more fashionable space to enjoy. Even if homeowners aren’t looking to move anytime soon, they’re still always interested in the return on their investment.

“Bathrooms and kitchens are the two areas that tend to recoup money – so you can feel quite safe that if you spend it, you will get it back when you sell,” says Bowie.

Desmond Wright, owner of JWright Sales, say adding stone to your bathroom can make a big statement. One of their most popular new products is Instone Distribution wall paneling for around the skirt of a tub.

“A lot of people like the stacked-stone look on the outside of a home, and it’s moving inside – especially to bathrooms,” says Wright. “People sometimes say Atlantic Canada is years behind when it comes to trends, but that’s not the case anymore.”

Wright says showers are becoming larger and more impressive, with return-panel doors, tiled walls, and built-in benches.

There’s also been an increase in sales for freestanding soaker tubs without jets.

For homeowners who are primarily concerned with creating an efficient, ecofriendly bathroom, Wright says they’ll be showing homeowners a new style of toilet from Caroma – the Australian company who invented dual-flush technology back in the early 1980s.

“Twenty years ago, you didn’t have a flush choice – it always used 13 litres for every flush, and that’s close to one of those big blue jugs on a water cooler,” says Wright.

“This new toilet gives you the option to use three litres of water for liquid waste, or 4.8 litres of water for solid waste.”

Wright says Delta’s new low-flow showerheads are a smart new solution, as well as their Touch2O.xt technology.

“You can turn the faucet on normally, or by touching it. It can also work on proximity, so if you get within three or four inches, it will turn on automatically – and then turn off when you step away,” says Wright. “It helps with water savings, as well as crosscontamination.”

...and more prizes at other booths - only at The Real Home Show!

What’s at the Show...

The flooring industry is changing faster than ever, with new products promising to repel stains, reduce bacteria, and even purify your air in your home.

Stephanie Atkinson, General Manager of the FloorsPlus retail division, says flooring products are becoming more and more of a fashion statement – and play a huge part of the environment in your home.

They’re excited to be showing homeowners new products like Pure Genius by Lauzon Hardwood – an exclusive and innovative ‘smart floor’ that continuously breaks down toxins, allowing you to breathe cleaner air in your home.

“This flooring can improve the air quality within your home by 85 per cent – in any area of your home, just by installing it,” says Atkinson. “This hardwood is fashionable, and it is the only hardwood product that can help purify the air in your home.”

She says Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is one of the biggest developments in the flooring industry, because homeowners can get beautiful floors that are water resistant and can duplicate the look of wood grain or tile, for less money.

When choosing ceramic, stone, or por-

Flooring

celain tile, she says more homeowners are opting for the larger tile sizes – such as 12 by 24 inches, and 24 by 24 inches – to get a sleeker, less busy look.

John Wells, Director of Retail Flooring with Taylor Flooring, says their best-selling LVT options include embossed wood grain tiles, and tiles with imaging of porcelain, slate, and marble.

“It’s the way of the future. You have to get down on the floor and look up close to tell whether or not it’s real wood or real slate,” says Wells.

Wells says they’ve just brought in new cork products, and homeowners are falling in love with the way it looks and feels. It comes in a variety of natural tones – or with a pattern or wood grain image – and can also be stained into beautiful rich shades.

“It’s soft and warm, as opposed to ceramic tile. If you drop a dish on it, it kind of bounces, so it’s great for kitchens,” says Wells. “Cork flooring is just all-around comfortable.”

Carpet is coming back into fashion, and many homeowners are choosing white or light cream shades. Thanks to the new stain-resistant technology, there’s no need Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association

to choose something darker for camouflaging spills.

“Carpet is becoming so much more serviceable. You can spill a glass of merlot on your white carpet, and wipe it up with water,” says Wells. “People really want the softness of carpet on their feet, especially in bedrooms.”

While builder-grade carpet is about $8/yard, Wells says high-quality carpet – like SmartStrand – will run you closer to $40/ yard. But it’s also the most stain-resistant carpet in the world – as well as the softest – and it’s made from a corn derivative so it’s environmentally-friendly.

Wells says spending money on hardsurface flooring – like wood, cork, tile, or laminate – it increases the value of your home and the overall appeal.

“A potential buyer doesn’t see what’s behind your walls, but when they walk into your home and see the flooring, it sets the tone of the home,” says Wells. “They may not even realize what makes the home so beautiful, but the flooring is giving them a perception – it’s upgrading the style and value of the home in their mind.”

The REAL Home Show s 2014

15

Feb 28, Mar 1 & 2

New Location!

Cunard Centre, Halifax 961 Marginal Road, Pier 23 Next to Historical Pier 21 Museum and Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market

General Exhibitor Booths Presenting Sponsor Booths NSHBA Renovator Booths NSHBA Builder Booths

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Feb 28, Mar 1 & 2

Nova Scotia’s Premium Open House!

Get $1off Admission!

Regular Admission: $7/person with this coupon $6/person Children under 12 admitted FREE when accompanied by an adult.

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Cunard Centre Halifax 961 Marginal Rd, Next to Pier 21

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)0.& 4)08 &9)*#*5034 #005)4 100 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 113 114 116 117 118 120 121 123 125 129 130 134 135 137 138 139 140 146 147 149 150 151

Econo Renovations PBM Ltd. Atlantic Concrete Association Monk Renovations & Painting Pat McCarthy Renovations All-Craft Decks and Sunrooms Realm Design Han-Cor Construction Elite Trade Painting Ramar Construction Ltd. Glenmar Heating and A/C Archadeck Glubes Audio Visual Unlimited Case Design/ Remodeling Bell Aliant Polytech Products Ltd. CIBC Mortgages and Lending Mitten BP Tower Interiors Ltd. Nova Scotia Power Inc. Stonewater Homes Coldbrook Electric Supply Vintage Moulding Mfg. Ltd. Garages R Us Certa Pro Painters Denim Homes Picket Fence Homes Jim Morash Construction Four Seasons Sunrooms Atlantic Home Warranty Made in the Shade Halifax

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Rooftight Construction Moulding Warehouse Efficiency Nova Scotia Corp.

Whitestone Developments Encom Alternative Energy Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Assc.

Capstone Building Products The Patio Screen Room Hindsight Infrared Services G&R Kelly Lifelong Home Mercer’s Best Built Mercer’s Best Built Structures Delorey & Levy Windows and Doors Ultimate Bath Systems Beautiful Baths Royal Bank of Canada Adaptable Building Inc. Ken Purdy - EXIT Realty Metro Mike Mills Roofing Ltd. Armco Graves Barns & Buildings Windows Plus Home Improvement Marwood- Cape Cod Siding Canadian Oil Heat Association Vintage Flooring Rasmussen’s Custom Wood Products Brunswick Limestone Ltd. CMHC TMG Atlantic Ltd. West Bedford Holdings

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Linear Roofing Blue Ridge Builders Ultimate Pure Water Specialists Ltd. Housing Nova Scotia Precision Windows Dreamgate Homes Interhabs Ltd. Mother Hubbard’s Kitchens Revolution Windows and Doors Ltd. Skymark Homes Cabinetworks Taylor Flooring Truefoam Limited Costpro Metal Roofing Ltd. 360 CAD Services Inc. Edgeman Painting Metro Windows & Doors Aerus Electrolux Loman’s Fine Custom Cabinetry Barrett Truss & Building Supplies Occam Design/Build Inc. Linwood Custom Homes Overhead Door of Nova Scotia Floors Plus Scotian Homes & Renovations GE Appliances/Mabe Canada Budget Blinds Jade Stone Halifax Lindal Cedar Homes & Cottages Nova Doors & Windows

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Garage Door Depot Gillis & Company Timber Frames NSCSA Halifax Regional Mun. Rona/Piercey’s Heritage Gas Cresco Ace Lumbermart Ltd. Atlantic Vacuflo Ltd. ADT Security Services Your Partner in Benefits Amerispec Inspection Services Atlantic Rain Flo Systems Bath Fitter (Unicorn Restoration Ltd.) Halifax Regional Fire Construction Technologies Inc. Halifax Heating Residential Alweather Windows and Doors Maritime Permanent Roofing Ltd. Bird Stairs MJM Energy Sustainable Housing Habitat for Humanity J. Wright Sales Ltd. Shaw Brick Wilsons Home Heating NS Home & Building Designer Assc.

Enviro Water Technologies Student Works Painting Direct Buy

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et Booth

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More than 100 Pro’s under one roof!

What’s at the Show...

When the snow finally melts, homeowners across the province will celebrate springtime by kicking it into high gear and creating beautiful, functional outdoor spaces.

Maurice Meagher, the owner of Archadeck, says most outdoor living spaces can deliver a solid return on investment

Outdoor Spaces

that’s consistent with that of kitchens and bathrooms. “A well-built project can add a lot of value, if it’s done right,� says Meagher. “You could expect anywhere from 85 per cent to 120 per cent return.�

At the Real Home Show, Archadeck will

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18

The REAL Home Show s 2014

Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association

be showing homeowners examples of new stonework, low-maintenance decking and railing, as well as outdoor lighting. “We find we’re doing a lot of combination projects, where people are incorporating new decks with patios and fire pits,� says Meagher.

Fire pits continue to be extremely popular in backyards around Atlantic Canada, and Meagher says homeowners are also still focused on creating different “zones.� “They want to have different functional spaces, like an area to grill, an area for entertainment,� explains Meagher.

Meagher says Real Home Show attendees are usually interested in the different materials that are available for deck products, and what might be best for their space. “There’s a pretty wide range of materials available – different types of wood, manufactured and low-maintenance decking products, as well as aluminum railings,� says Meagher.

Before tackling an outdoor makeover, Meagher says homeowners should sit down and think about how they plan to use the space – and how much they want to spend on the project. “Once you decide on a budget, you can

Photos courtesy of Archadeck / Case Design/Remodeling

bring in someone with experience to come out and show you what could be done to complement your home.”

One of the best ways to boost the value of your home is by adding a sunroom that can be enjoyed most days of the day – flooding the indoors with light and a feel of openness.

Andrew Delorey, owner of Patio Screen Room, says this year Sunspace Sunrooms is introducing a new hybrid roof to the market – and he expects it will be a top-seller. It’s half solid and half acrylic, so there’s no more need for skylights.

Patio Screen Room’s best-selling sunroom continues to be Sunspace’s 200 Series – a three-season room using Weather Master window and door systems – that gives homeowners the open feeling of a screen home and the comfort of an enclosed porch. Most importantly, it’s up to the task of keeping out the ice, snow, and driving rain that we can’t avoid in Nova Scotia.

“These doors are Canadian-designed and Canadian-made, and they were originally designed for the Florida market to withstand their hurricane seasons,” says Delorey. “My mom always loved the Cabot Trail, and I can still hear her say ‘That’s where the trees grow sideways.’”

Despite our vicious winter, Delorey says they’re selling more and more of Sunspace’s

400 Series – which allows homeowners to enjoy the beauty of their properties for all four seasons. However, because the room is 90 per cent glass, it requires a significant amount of heat to keep it cozy during the winter months.

Kevin McGinnis, Manager of Innovation and Product Selection at Shaw Brick, says year after year, more homeowners are realizing that creating outdoor spaces can improve their property values – as well as boost their own enjoyment of their yard.

“It’s all about expanding inside to outside, and creating bar areas, BBQ areas, fire pit areas – all of which are getting more and more elaborate,” says McGinnis. “A BBQ station might have a sit-down table area, with a pergola covering and even a TV.” McGinnis says weather-resistant televisions – which are enclosed in an exterior that repels rain, snow, and dirt – are growing

Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association

in popularity as homeowners continue to increase their outdoor comfort.

“We’re seeing a lot more interest in outdoor kitchen stations near the BBQ,” says McGinnis, who says they also use fibreglass boxes surrounded by stone to create beautiful fireplaces for roasting hot dogs and making S’mores.

At the Real Home Show, they’ll be showcasing their best-selling masonry products like clay brick and lightweight veneers.

“Homeowners often have a lot of questions about the different styles of pavers and what’s required to put underneath a walkway, compared to a driveway,” says McGinnis. “We’re here to show them their options, and explain what’s involved.”

“It’s been a hard winter and we’ve had so much snow, so people are very anxious to get past it,” says McGinnis. “The earlier spring comes, the better.”

The REAL Home Show s 2014

19

Enter a ballot at The Real Home Show for your chance to win a

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The perfect venue to research a project!

Homeowner FYI: Whether you are a homeowner or a contractor, the Real Home Show is the place to be “if you’re serious about building,� says Mike Connors, owner of Capstone Building Products.

Capstone has been involved with the Real Home Show since the company was formed in 2008. This is its fourth year as a major sponsor. Connors says what has made his company an ongoing, proud supporter is the quality of the show’s exhibitors and visitors alike. “People come to this show with the intent to ask important questions, to meet real builders, renovators and professional contractors, and to view quality products from the best manufacturers or distributors in Nova Scotia,� he says.

Capstone specializes in high-level building and renovation products for home exteriors. “We always try to be on the leading edge,� says Connors when describing the range of window, siding, door, trim and roofing products his company showcases. “We want to align with industry leading manufacturers and introduce the latest innovative ideas, whether it’s from a colour,

Building Products aesthetic or manufacturing adjustment point of view.�

At this year’s Real Home Show, attendees will have the chance to see many of these revolutionary and trendy items and discuss their key features with Capstone staff. Some of the products on display will include IKO Industries’ five new highdefinition roofing colours, Owens Corning’s innovative SureNail Technology, All Weather Windows’ V-weld “technology of the future,�

Certain Teed siding and trim and Wayne Dalton garage doors.

Connors encourages those wanting to learn about their products to stop by the booth. “We find it easier if they come through the door asking us questions,� he says. “It leads us in the right direction and we have more than enough ability to help.

We have knowledgeable, experienced people who we employ, but we also have leading industry brands that we represent, so it’s a good combination.�

It is this ability to be able to “see, touch and experience� actual products and talk to contractors, distributors and manufac-

By Michelle Brunet Contributing Writer

turers that makes the Real Home Show so beneficial, says Connors. “People are faced with a daunting task when planning a project,� he says. “Even when they are working with a qualified professional, they are still responsible for choosing things like colour, texture, sizes... and that doesn’t include other less visible choices, such as product durability, life-expectancy, warranty, or energy efficiency.�

For three days, all this expertise in one space is an extremely valuable resource, not to mention a time-saver. “The Real Home Show provides the rare opportunity for prospective home buyers or those planning renovations to visit many, if not most, of the local professional builders and renovators, along with the various products they will be using, all under one roof,� says Connors. “Just visiting the home show for a day will be time well spent and a wise investment in the future success of your project.�

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PicketFenceHomes.ca The REAL Home Show s 2014

21

Ask CMHC...

HRV - Lungs for your House

Stale air, lingering odours and high humidity can happen in the best of homes and sometimes, simply opening a window can bring relief. When it’s mild outside and there is a breeze, opening a window can be beneficial.

However, in Canada’s hot and cold climate this is not always practical or possible.

Leaving a window open in mid-winter will add to your space heating costs, cause uncomfortable drafts and the window may freeze open.

Fortunately, there is another way of bringing fresh air into your home that is energy efficient, secure and highly effective – a heat recovery ventilator (HRV). HRVs are suitcase-sized appliances that typically have one fan to bring in outdoor air and another fan to push out the stale air. Heat is transferred from the outgoing air to the incoming air by passing the two air streams through a heat-exchange core, helping to reduce heating costs. As the two air streams are kept separated, only the heat is transferred to the incoming air. In a sense, an HRV can act as the lungs for your home.

In houses with baseboard or radiant heating, the fresh air from the HRV is

C A N A D A

delivered directly to the bedrooms and the main living areas through a dedicated duct system. At the same time, the HRV draws stale air from the kitchen and bathrooms and sends it outside. In houses with furnaces, it’s not uncommon to find HRVs connected to the furnace ductwork system.

Installation

Although you can buy an HRV at some home improvement stores, it may be preferable to have it designed and installed by a qualified contractor certified by the Heating, Refrigeration, Air Conditioning Institute of Canada or other training organizations in accordance with current building codes and standards. It is very important to measure and balance the supply and exhaust airflows to ensure the HRV does not create dangerous house depressurization or pressurization problems. This should be carried out when the HRV is first installed and be checked regularly afterwards by a qualified contractor in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Look for units with lower energy usage and high energy efficiency in the heating season, preferably

M O R T G A G E

A N D

H O U S I N G

choosing from those with an ENERGY STAR® rating.

Maintenance

HRVs require minimal annual maintenance to ensure energy efficient and safe operation. At the beginning of each heating season, clean the filters and heat recovery core, and ensure the drain pan and pipes are clean and clear. Inspect and clear the screens in the outdoor intake and outlet hoods. Check the manufacturer’s literature for requirements.

While there will always be times when opening a window to allow a refreshing breeze to air out your home is desirable, HRVs offer an effective and efficient way to get the ventilation you need.

For more information on sustainable technologies and practices for new housing and renovations, visit CMHC’s website at www.cmhc.ca, or call Tom Levesque, Manager, Communications & Marketing, at 902-426-1811

C O R P O R A T I O N

Lungs for Your House - Heat Recovery Ventilation Heat Recovery Ventilation Systems offer an effective and efficient way to get the ventilation you need in your home.

Scan this tag with a smartphone for more information on Heat Recovery Ventilation systems, including those used in CMHC’s EQuilibrium Sustainable Housing Demonstration Initiative.

Visit www.cmhc.ca or call 1-800-668-2642 today!

22

The REAL Home Show s 2014

Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association

Get your $1 Off Admission Coupon on Pg.16

Homeowner FYI: When it comes to home building or renovation projects, it is natural to be fixated on what your modernized kitchen will look like or daydream about your brand new abode.

While riding this wave of excitement, it is crucial to consider safety for you and your loved ones.

Safety starts with the builders and contractors you hire. While it may be tempting to select professionals who charge the lowest price, it is more important to hire contractors that will facilitate and set the tone for a danger-free construction project.

“Make sure your contractor is not only professional and qualified to do the work, but is trained to do it safely,” states Damon Alcock, Strategic Services Director with the Nova Scotia Construction Safety Association (NSCSA). “Ask for proof of insurance and safety certifications and insist everyone wears and uses all the required protective gear.”

Alcock recommends asking about such key credentials as Worker’s Compensation Coverage, liability insurance and NSCSA’s Certificate of Recognition.

If you are having a new home built it is

Jobsite Safety Tips important to know when and how you can visit the site. “Homeowners should always consult with their contractor or builder before any site visit,” says Alcock. “Construction sites pose many hazards that homeowners may not be aware of.” Alcock adds that homeowners should be escorted through the site with a contractor or another professional who can make them aware of hazard areas.

Homeowners not understanding which spaces and utilities they can and cannot access is a common safety concern during renovations, says Alcock. “For instance, if you are doing a kitchen renovation, will you be able to cook meals, or access the refrigerator? Or when the workers leave for the day, will you be able to use the area or is it completely off limits? It is important to know these answers before a project begins, so you can make alternate arrangements if required.”

Take extra steps for protecting young children during renovations, like arranging for extra childcare or ensuring allergens specific to your kids are not being brought into the home. “Talk to your contractor

Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association

By Michelle Brunet Contributing Writer

about site security both during the work day and after hours,” adds Alcock. “Taking tools with them at the end of the day, or locking them in toolboxes are good ways to prevent children from playing with them.”

It may be beneficial to arrange for other accommodations for your pet, points out Alcock. An extremely active and outgoing animal could get into work zones leading to potential accidents. “Pets have been known to chew power tool cords, eat workers’ lunches and drink harmful liquids like paint, leading to costly vet bills,” says Alcock.

Alcock encourages homeowners to be an active participant in promoting safety.

“If you have any safety concerns during a renovation, speak to your contractor,” he says. “Keep yourself informed and do your part to not only keep your family safe, but also to help keep your contractor and their team safe.”

5IF /4$4" IBT B XFBMUI PG JOGPSNBUJPO BOE resources for contractors and homeowners alike and also offers over 40 health and safety compliant courses. www.nscsa.org

The REAL Home Show s 2014

23

Get Started On Your Heat Pump Revolution Q: Why are they a good choice for Nova Scotians?

We’ve heard a lot recently about heat pumps and how they can help Nova Scotians save energy. So we spoke with %PO .BD,FO[JF PG &BTUXJOH 1SPEVDUT -JNJUFE UP MFBSO NPSF about heat pumps and how they can work for us.

A: We’re lucky that Nova Scotia has a fairly moderate climate year round. This means that a heat pump system can be efficient all year long, since the milder climate makes it easier for the heat pump to extract heat from the outside air, water or ground and transfer it indoors.

Q: What should people consider before getting a heat pump?

Q: So what is a heat pump? And how do they actually work?

A: Basically, a heat pump is a heating and cooling system that uses refrigerant to move heat from one place to another. When it’s cold, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air, water or ground outdoors and circulates it inside, where the heat is released to warm the house. During the summer the system works in reverse, absorbing heat from the air inside the home and releasing it outside, cooling the house down.

Q: Why do you think more and more Nova Scotians are choosing heat pumps for their homes?

A: First of all, heat pumps are one of the least expensive ways to heat your home. Even though every home is different, we’ve heard that our customers save significantly on their heating bills with their heat pumps. And they’re often much easier to maintain than other traditional forms of heating.

Finally, we’ve seen air conditioning become dramatically more popular – people drive air conditioned cars and work in air conditioned offices, and understandably they want the same comfort in their homes. Heat pumps can provide all of this efficiently and cost-effectively.

Q: Who do you think should consider using a heat pump?

A: There are several different types of heat pump systems available today that can be a great fit for almost any type of home. Whether you’re in a fully furnished home with an existing heating system, or building a new home and considering your options, there’s a heat pump system that will work well for your situation.

Q: How do they help increase energy efficiency in homes?

A: Traditional ways to heat our homes have never been incredibly efficient. Heat from traditional furnaces can escape up the chimney, for example, and never make it into our home. With the advances we’ve seen in heat pump technology, the systems are remarkably efficient. For every watt of electricity needed to run a heat pump, you get up to three watts of heat transferred into the house.

Because of this, they help increase the EnerGuide rating on homes as well.

24

The REAL Home Show s 2014

A: People should think about how they heat their homes now, and talk to an expert about what kind of heat pump would be most suitable. For example, if there is already a ductwork system in the home a central system might be the best fit. If the house has some form of baseboard heating then a wall mounted ductless system would probably make the most sense.

Q: How does installation work? Are they harder to install in older homes?

A: Installation will vary depending upon the type of system you choose. Some systems require ductwork installation, others do not. The age of a home itself is not critical but insulation levels in the walls and attic will impact the effectiveness of any system.

Q: What’s the maintenance like for heat pumps? Are they easy to manage?

A: They really are easy to maintain. Day-to-day, the system will just run like clockwork and you don’t have to think about it at all. And like other appliances, we do recommend regular yearly maintenance to make sure it stays clean and running efficiently.

Q: Are there other benefits people might see with a heat pump?

A: Heat pumps can help improve the air quality in your home, making them an effective way for people with asthma or allergies to heat their homes. Since no fuel is burned in the house, there are no pollutants added to the air in your home. Also, when the system is used as an air conditioner it dehumidifies the air in your home as well, eliminating the need for a stand-alone de-humidifier in many cases.

Q: How can people find out more about heat pumps or talk to someone about their specific project?

A: Get in touch with an experienced professional if you want to learn more.

You can visit HeatPumpsSetYouFree.ca for a list of heat pump contractors across Nova Scotia.

If you’re visiting the Real Home Show, drop by booth #130 to see heat pump technology in action, and to discuss options for your home.

Eastwing has been selling and installing heat pumps since 2001.

Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association

Visit the Show Friday, Saturday & Sunday

Homeowner FYI: Permits, inspections, regulations...oh my!

It may seem a tad overwhelming. But after talking to Jim Donovan, Manager of Municipal Compliance for Halifax Regional Municipality, the process seems encouragingly straightforward. “I don’t think a homeowner has to worry about anything,� he laughs. In all seriousness, he adds that open communication with the building official should make the process run much more smoothly.

Generally speaking, you need to apply for construction permits for home building and renovation projects that exceed $5,000 or that involve any structural change. The purpose is to ensure your construction project is safe and structurally sound as directed by building code and other relevant regulations.

Once you have applied to your municipality’s appropriate building/development/ inspection office, permits can be granted within 24 hours for small projects to several weeks for larger projects. “It’s really a matter of making sure your application is complete,� shares Donovan, who usually sees permits issued within a week to 10 days.

Enter to

Building Permits What to include in a permit application depends on your municipality, but some general requirements include building/construction plans, site plans, a filled-out application form and appropriate fees. Other possible requirements, depending on the project, may deal with onsite sewage installation, access approval and other criteria. “Detailed building plans are critically important,� says Donovan. “We’re going to look at what you’re going to do and see if it’s in general conformance with the rules.

For instance, generally, is this building the right size for the lot in terms of the zoning regulations or generally can you build this using the Building Code?�

Additionally, the Building Code Act mandates seven inspections performed at various phases of the construction process, from the “footings in place� to the final building stage. “The law actually requires that you notify us for an inspection,� says Donovan. “It’s your obligation as an owner to get these inspections done.�

The only “common hiccup� Donovan has encountered is when homeowners and builders make changes to original plans

Win!

Contributing Writer

without notifying the building official/inspector. “For example, you’ve said on your building plans you’re going to insulate this building with fibreglass batts, and the Building Official gets to the site and sees that it’s now spray-applied foam,� shares Donovan. “It’s not a matter of whether or not you’re allowed to do that. It’s a matter of what are the implications of having done that. Without informing the building official, you’ve made a substantial change that won’t allow that inspection stage to go smoothly.�

Donovan says it is a matter of picking up the phone and talking to the building official about proposed changes. “It’s really just about good communication because in my world, everything is okay for the most part,� says Donovan. “And if it isn’t, it really just takes that conversation to work it through.

If you maintain communication with the building official, they’re really shouldn’t be any problems.�

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The REAL Home Show s 2014

25

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Homeowner FYI: If you are planning on building or renovating a home, you may have begun thinking about possible pros and cons of doing-ityourself (DIY) versus hiring professionals.

If you enjoy hands-on projects, even visualize the proud sensation of constructing your own home like our forefathers centuries ago, DIY may seem to be the tempting choice. It may also seem like you could cut costs as a do-it-yourselfer.

It ultimately comes down to your skills and experience—and self-assessing these realistically—as well as the size of the project and the resources, in terms of materials, equipment and labour, you have at your disposal.

Unless you have done similar building or renovation projects before, as a DIY-er you may not be able to actually grasp what is required to complete the job in its entirety.

“When you hire a professional, you’re going to be in good hands with someone who knows

DIY or Go Pro? exactly what they’re doing and who is going to have a better idea of the cost and scope of work involved,” says Peter Briand, President of Econo Renovations. “You’re hiring somebody who has qualified staff, they’re going to do the right job and what’s expected, they’re going to be on budget, they’re going to have all the proper tools and equipment for the job and they know how to deal with surprises.”

Hiring a full service professional company, like Econo Renovations, brings

Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association

By Michelle Brunet Contributing Writer

additional peace of mind since it can manage an entire project from start to finish.

That way you do not have to go out and hire contractors for every single component, from carpentry to plumbing and electricity.

Skymark Homes & Renovations also offers all-inclusive services for renovations, as well as for building new homes. “We handle everything from building permits, the inspections, the surveying, the engineering, the construction and we do everything right to the closing day where we hire a team of professionals who go in and clean the home to a hotel quality, so basically you can move in that night,” says Evan Collins, General Manager at Skymark Homes NS. “That’s the benefit of dealing with a professional because we can offer one-stop shopping.”

Safety is another key benefit to hiring professionals, says Briand. “The homeowner is not usually aware of a lot of the hazards that are involved, such as dealing with demoli-

The REAL Home Show s 2014

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DIY or Go Pro? Continued... tion or tearing out the wrong wall (i.e. the bearing wall), not knowing what do with electrical wires, or with plumbing—they can get themselves into some really bad problems with not knowing where shut-offs are,” he describes. “They cause more damage than good.”

Briand adds that professionals have experience dealing and projecting costs for unforeseen issues that may pop up that a DIY-er may not expect or know how to handle. Examples include discovering rush and sloppy work done by previous homeowners, like improper valves, pipes or joints installed during a plumbing project or a sag in the floor because joists were removed during a DIY reno.

Professionals also are seasoned at ensuring projects are to code and will pass municipal building inspections. Additionally, Collins notes, while a DIY-er strives to meet all National Building Code standards, quality professional builders and renovators strive to surpass these. “With all of our Skymark homes, we actually go above and beyond the National Building Code because the National Building Code is basically the bare minimum,” says Collins. “The Code doesn’t really concern itself with quality. That’s something that a lot of DIY-ers wouldn’t realize. They think the National Building Code is the gold standard in building when in fact it’s only the mimimum you’re supposed to build to legally.”

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The REAL Home Show s 2014

Time is also an important factor to consider when considering DIY versus hiring professionals, says Briand. He notes that finding the time to do home building projects in between your day job and family can be a challenge. On the other hand, builders and renovators can work full time and, due to their expertise, can complete the job more efficiently.

What most of us consider is budget. It might seem like doing-it-yourself is cheaper, but surprisingly in many to most cases it is not. “Nine out of 10 times, I can sit down with someone who’s looking at DIY, and I can show them the hard numbers and how it’s actually going to cost them more money to do it themselves,” says Collins. “The trades, the sub-contractors and the suppliers give us better pricing than an individual off the street. They know if they deal with reputable builders and renovators, they’re going to get paid and they will reflect that in their pricing. We don’t have the risk of going over budget and not getting the funds from the bank, like a DIY-er might.”

Collins says that of course professionals add a profit margin on top of their price but in most cases it still ends up being more cost-effective than if a DIY-er were to source all materials and labour themselves.

It is also important to note that it is becoming more difficult for DIY-ers to get financing or loans for building and renovation projects. “Banks have tightened up their lending practices when dealing with private individuals who want to build and renovate themselves,” he says. “Right now I’m working with a gentleman and most of the banks he’s talked to really don’t want to give him the financing to build or renovate because with DIY-ers there is more risk that the project is going to go over budget, that it’s going to have cost overruns, perhaps some warranty issues...So the banks say, ‘Find a builder, get a turn-key package and we’ll finance it.’ But they do not want to finance a DIY job.”

Both Briand and Collins are not opposed to homeowners engaging in DIY projects.

In fact they encourage it. “I would say there are small-scale jobs where it’s more cost-effective to do it yourself, and if you’re Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association

experienced you can do just as good a job,” says Collins.

Collins states the cost of the project is a good guideline to gauge whether it is more suitable for DIY or professionals. Generally any project that has a cost over $5,000 requires a building permit. If the project exceeds this amount, it is advisable to hire pro builders and renovators. “But if it’s under $5,000, and you don’t require a permit, that’s perfect DIY material and I would recommend people do it themselves,” he says. “That’s how they’re able to build a little equity in their home by painting, tidying and modernizing.”

Briand will work with homeowners to include a DIY component as part of the overall project. He says, “When they have a certain budget, I’ll tell them how much it’s going to cost and ask them what they’re prepared to take out or what they’re prepared to do themselves.” In these cases the DIY jobs Briand recommends or that his clients often undertake include painting, caulking around windows, installing trim around doors and even flooring jobs, including laminate, carpeting and sometimes hardwood.

Both Brian and Collins also have experience working with homeowners who are certified or licensed trade professionals, like plumbers, electricians or flooring installers.

“You know they’re a professional at what they do, so absolutely Skymark will partner with them,” says Collins. “We may do the majority of the home and then they’ll cover

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DIY or Go Pro? Continued... the plumbing or electrical or whatever it is they’re a professional at, and of course they’re going to save that amount off the price.”

Hiring professionals as opposed to doing-it-yourself does not mean you lose creative control. Reputable building and renovation companies will work with you to meet your project goals and desires. For example, Skymark Homes has an in-house designer that works with homeowners in a variety of ways, from developing design plans to picking out colours and finishes.

Collins also mentions Skymark’s Take the Tour program. “We have multiple jobs on the go at all times,” he says. “We’re able to take people who are considering buying or renovating to our job sites and show them what’s behind the walls of the home.”

Building a new home or renovating can be a major investment. It is a very exciting and beneficial endeavour, but it can also take a toll financially, and perhaps even more importantly, mentally.

This may be the most important factor to consider when deciding between DIY and hiring a professional. When homeowners start a project on their own and get stressed, they often end up calling in the pros, he says.

“We get calls all the time from people who have started doing a renovation themselves and it’s overwhelmed them – they’re kind of spinning their wheels,” adds Collins. “We’re able to assist them to get the job done.”

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The REAL Home Show s 2014

Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association

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Â&#x2021; Provide a detailed, written contract (including scope of work) for all jobs. Â&#x2021; Offer a minimum two-year warranty on all work (excludes minor home repair). Â&#x2021; Carry a minimum of $2 million liability insurance. Â&#x2021; Have coverage for workplace safety and employersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; liability and/or work only with subcontractors who carry such coverage. Â&#x2021; Carry applicable licenses and permits. Â&#x2021; Maintain a professional level of knowledge of current building codes, permit procedures, and technical skills through continuing education. Â&#x2021; Maintain a safe and organized worksite. Â&#x2021; Return phone calls within two business days.

Contact the Nova Scotia Home Buildersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association for a list of qualified members Nova Scotia Home Buildersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association 31 Home ShowNSHBA NS CA s 2014 WWW NSHOMEBUILDERS CA s s The s REAL NSHBA

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