July/August 2014 | Home Builder Magazine Canada

VOL.27 NO. 4

H

O

M

E

July 2014

THE MAGAZINE OF THE CANADIAN HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION

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contents

CHBA Report 30

9

ECONOMICS: Spring Housing Market Heats Up, But is Inflation a Looming Risk?

President’s Message

Columns 9 Economics 10

Building Science

12

Common Cents Construction

14

Customer Satisfaction

34

Tool Talk

News

Association 8 Products 28 Information 37 Renovation 38 39

10

16

NRC is working with clients to provide better tools to control sound transmission in multi-family dwellings.

Jon Eakes reports on the Ontario Spring Training Camp 2014, a training industry response to the withdrawal of the Federal government from generalized building science research and its dissemination.

BUILDING SCIENCE: Design & Commercialization Support for New Sound Transmission Requirements

Departments 6

Housing starts and sales accelerated in the spring market from a softer period earlier in the year, as we fully expected, but new challenges may be lurking on the horizon as the inflation rate rises.

Industry News

Calendar 39 39

32

Advertisers Index

FORUM REPORT: Forum for Growth 2014

COVER

Highlights from the Forum for Growth 2014, held in Ottawa on June 3rd.

13th ANNUAL NEW PRODUCTS SHOWCASE: Windows, Doors and a Whole Lot More A selection of new products geared to professionals in the residential construction industry. Page 20.

Home BUILDER Magazine is published by Work-4 Projects Ltd. six times a year.

Editorial/Advertising: 4819 St. Charles Boulevard, Pierrefonds, Quebec, Canada, H9H 3C7. Tel.: 514-620-2200, E-mail: homebuilder@work4.ca.

Entire contents copyright July 2014 by Work-4 Projects Ltd. Reprints only by written permission. Opinions expressed are those of the authors or persons quoted and not necessarily those of the publisher or any other organization. The occasional appearance of photographs depicting safety violation does not represent an endorsement of the practice by the publisher or any other organization. Subscription rates in Canada: $36* a year, $60* for two years, $80* for three years.

U.S. and foreign subscriptions payable in U.S. funds only. ISSN No. 0840-4348. Legal deposit — The National Library of Canada and Bibliothèque et Archives Nationales du Québec, 2007. Canada Post Permit #0295647. *Plus applicable taxes. GST/HST registration #R105741383 • Date of mailing: July 2014

NEXT ISSUE

THE ONTARIO SPRING TRAINING CAMP: Wise People In a Room Full of Contractors for Two Days

34

TOOL TALK: The Cutting Edge

12

COMMON CENTS CONSTRUCTION: The Importance of Construction Controls More than half of large construction projects either fall behind schedule or exceed their original budget. Bo Mocherniak offers tips and advice on how to stay on time and on budget.

Trying to keep up with all the new products on the tool horizon can be a challenge (not to mention costly!). This month, resident expert Jon Eakes selects a handful of products with a “cutting edge”—a unique combination of technology, quality and innovation.

September/October issue Tools / Exterior Building Products An expanded Tools section, with a focus on exterior building products.

The News, The Facts The Stories...

To book your premium ad space, homeBUILDERcanada.com call 514-620-2200 or e-mail sales@work4.ca

Home BUILDER July/August 2014

5

NEWS

Scotiabank Retirement Study: Boomers Concerned About Outliving Retirement Savings

BMO: The Kids Are (Mostly) Alright TORONTO — While baby boomers prospered financially in the past 30 years, their kids—despite being saddled with more debt and costlier homes—are set to start their careers and family life on firmer footing,

TORONTO — According to a new Scotiabank study, the top priorities

according to a new report from BMO Economics.

for Canadian baby boomers for retirement is living comfortably and hav-

The report analyzed a number of economic factors to compare

ing the health to enjoy it; however, 44 per cent express concern about

Millennials (those born between 1981 and 2001) to the baby boomer

outliving their retirement savings.

generation:

Jobs: Labour markets are friendlier now for young people. Millennials looking for a job have a 93 per cent chance of finding one, compared with 90 per cent for those in the mid-1980s.

Unemployment soared in the early 80s, especially for young people.

Today, unemployed youth go without work almost a month less than in the mid-80s.

More young people today either have a job or are searching for one, though fewer work full-time.

Incomes: Millennials’ higher education leads to slightly higher incomes than their parents.

Adjusted for inflation, the median income of people aged 25 to 34 years rose from $33,900 in 1984-88 to $34,700 in 2011 Millennials can buy about 2 per cent more goods and services than their parents could in 1984.

Other key findings in a new Scotiabank study, The Retirement Landscape - A Focus on the Baby Boomer, include:

Wealth: Young families are wealthier than their parents were three

Baby boomers say that maintaining a comfortable living (37%), meet-

decades ago.

ing their health-related needs and keeping healthy (31%) and travel-

Median net worth of households headed by someone aged 25 to 34 years was $52,000 in 2012, almost double that in 1984 ($28,752 in

ling (15%) are their top priorities for their retirement years; Most Canadian baby boomers believe they will be more active (62%), relatively better off financially (54%), retired longer (44%), and

2012 constant dollars).

For families headed by someone aged 35 to 44 years, median net worth was $182,500 in 2012, again about twice as high as in 1984.

healthier (41%) than their parents in retirement.

One-half of boomers believe they have done a great deal (13%) or quite a bit (39%) of planning for their financial needs in retirement,

Debt: Though wealthier, debt levels are higher for young families.

while a further 31% have done some planning and 15% have done

In 2012, 84.4 per cent of those aged 25 to 34 years had debts compared with 82 per cent in 1984, and more young homeowners held a

very little planning or none at all; The number one step toward preparing for retirement is saving as much as they can (26%), followed by having an RRSP (22%) and

that tuition costs have risen three times faster than consumer prices

investments (13%).

For more information please visit www.scotiabank.com.

The Magazine of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association Vol. 27 No. 4 July/August 2014 Publisher Nachmi Artzy pub@work4.ca

A W O R K - 4 P R O J E C T S LT D . P U B L I C AT I O N

Contributors: Tim Bailey Jon Eakes David Foster Bo Mocherniak Peter Norman Berndt Zeitler

Production Manager Kelvin Chan production@ homebuildercanada.com Sales Coordinator Polly Ma coordinator@work4.ca Accounting Patricia Fleurent accounting@work4.ca Circulation Manager mail@work4.ca

6

mortgage (85.6 per cent versus 79.2 per cent respectively).

Young people are likely saddled with more student debt, considering

Home BUILDER July/August 2014

Editor Judy Penz Sheluk editor@work4.ca Published by Work-4 Projects Ltd. Advertising/Editorial: 4819 St. Charles Blvd.

Pierrefonds, Quebec Canada, H9H 3C7 Phone: 514-620-2200 www.homebuildercanada.com

C

since 1984.

Housing: Millennials need to pay more to get their foot in the door.

The average house price was 10.4 times the median income of young families in 2011, more than double the ratio of thirty years ago, relative to income. Despite double-digit mortgage rates in 1984, young homeowners today must pay more to service a mortgage.

Many Millennials are priced out of the Vancouver and Toronto detached housing markets, or will need to take on large debts to get into them.

The full report is available upon request at newsroom.bmo.com. C

Askthe

expert

Do you have a question that needs answering? Home BUILDER Magazine’s interactive feature with expert Jon Eakes is ready to help. Visit homebuildercanada.com and click on “Ask the Expert.”

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association

Innovation

makes us

the solution to better building

London Home Builders’ Association: Planting Hope LONDON, Ont. — Community volunteers and members of the London Home Builders’ Association together with Union Gas and The City of London joined together to plant 30 trees and shrubs at the LHBA Cancer Survivors Garden in McKillop Park (SW corner, Riverside Drive & Wonderland Road) on May 31, 2014 to honour National Cancer Survivors Day. The program for the afternoon

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NUDURA’s distributor network delivers you support when you need it most, providing on site technical support and access to stocking distributors throughout North America. NUDURA’s Integrated Building Technology continues to be a proven alternative to traditional building methods by architects, builders, and homeowners across the world.

OHBA International Housing Tour: New York City

techniques to others to help them reduce stress.

Following the demonstration, the London Home Builders’ Associatheir outreach programming in London.

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TORONTO/NEW YORK — Thirty members attended Ontario Home Builders

Association’s

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The first day of the tour

study tour to New York City on May 29 and 30. featured a guided walk on the High Line, a luxury loft conversion of a historic building at 42 Ann Street and the Toll Brother’s condominium and hotel Pierhouse project overlooking Brooklyn Bridge Park and the Manhattan Skyline, all capped off with dinner at STK in the meatpacking district.

The second day featured a very solemn visit to the World Trade Centre memorial where members were guided by three individuals who were

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directly impacted and who shared their moving stories of that tragic day.

The afternoon included a presentation by Projects for Public Spaces and a walking tour of the West Village and concluded with an outing to Yankee Stadium to watch the Twins defeat the Yankees.

8

Home BUILDER July/August 2014

C

economics

Spring Housing Market Heats Up, But is Inflation a Looming Risk?

Housing starts and sales accelerated in the spring

By Peter Norman

The softening in starts in early 2014 was certainly a temporary condition, related to the travails of a deep Canadian winter in most parts of the country.

Inflation in Canada has been quietly creeping up in

fully expected, but new challenges may be lurking on the

recent months, and Statistics Canada announced that in

horizon as the inflation rate rises.

May of this year general consumer prices were some 2.3

Total Canada-wide housing starts rose to 197,500

per cent higher than a year ago. While this may sound

units seasonally adjusted at annual rate (SAAR) in April

modest, it is sharply higher than recent consumer price

and May, according to CMHC, up about 13% from the first

performance, which has average about 1.5 per cent over

quarter of the year.

the past three years. Importantly, it is creeping up to the

The acceleration in housing starts in recent months

upper part of the Bank of Canada’s target range of 1 to

shows a return in underlying momentum more consis-

3 per cent, which raises the risk that interest rates could

tent with the stronger consumer confidence and the

begin moving up sooner rather than later.

releasing of recent pent-up demand that I have spoken of

While May’s inflation rate is concerning, unpacking it

in this page in recent editions. Actually, the rise in activity

can give perspective. First, the Bank of Canada watches

entirely offsets a corresponding decline in starts between

overall CPI for policy decisions, but also monitors a

the fourth quarter of 2013 and the first quarter of this

slightly different rate adjusted to take out some of the

year. The softening in starts in early 2014 was certainly

more price-volatile goods such as gasoline. This core

a temporary condition, related to the travails of a deep

measure is currently still under control—about 1.7 per

Canadian winter in most parts of the country.

cent in May.

Regionally, housing activity patterns have been influ-

In fact, the prices for housing-related expenditures

enced generally by relative economic conditions. The

(to do with maintaining a home) appear to be the pri-

recent acceleration in housing starts activity has been

mary drivers of the recent acceleration in inflation.

sharpest in the prairies (Manitoba more than doubling

Some examples are property taxes (up 3.2% in May),

and Saskatchewan up 30% in April and May relative to the

homeowners’ home and mortgage insurance (up 7%)

first quarter) and in Ontario (up 26%) as economic growth

and utilities (up 10.5%!) (see chart). Overall, the cost of

picks up. Starts also accelerated modestly in Quebec and

maintaining a home for homeowners is up 1.9 per cent.

B.C. Weaker economic conditions in Atlantic Canada are

For tenants, the sting is less at 1.5 per cent.

leading to a different pattern. Housing starts in the first

Importantly, house prices haven’t had an inflating

five months of the year are down about 30% from the 4th

influence in recent years. The change in the price of

quarter and showing no signs of turning around. Nega-

mortgage interest payments is negligible over the past

tive net migration has hampered population growth in

year and has actually been negative (gotten cheaper each

Atlantic Canada in recent quarters and that is having an

year) over the past three years. This is the component

impact on housing activity.

of CPI that is influenced by the change in house prices.

On the other hand, while the economy and migration

Overall, we’ll continue to monitor closely inflation

remain strong in Alberta, housing starts continued to slip

conditions along with the rest of the economy, in terms

into the beginning of the second quarter. Alberta starts

of risk to our forecast.

for the first five months of this year averaged 37,600 units, down about 5 per cent from the 4th quarter of 2013.

Existing home sales are also accelerating into April and May from a soft first quarter. At about 476,000 sales SAAR on average in April and May, spring sales are about 8 per cent stronger than the first quarter and up 4 per cent from 2013 as a whole.

Canada-wide total housing starts in 2014 are poised to top 2013 and the strength, which will continue into the second half of the year, is primarily expected to come from the single family sector, where pent-up demand

Peter Norman is a member of the CHBA Economic Research Committee and is Chief Economist at Altus Group (formerly Clayton Research), the leading provider of independent real estate consulting and advisory services.

9

a risk factor for the forecast.

market from a softer period earlier in the year, as we

remains high in many parts of the country from underbuilding.

A Specter on the Horizon?

Although mortgage interest rates remain exceptionally low, and are expected to stay that way for many quarters to come, the specter of inflation may be returning as

Home BUILDER July/August 2014

C

BUILDING SCIENCE

Design and Commercialization Support for New Sound Transmission Requirements

By Dr. Berndt W. Zeitler

Designers and builders will be in a position to create dwellingunit assemblies of walls and floors with acceptable sound ratings, while reducing the costs of compliance.

NRC is working with clients on investing in research

published in the 2015 edition of the National Building

and technology development intended to provide indus-

Code. Designers and builders will be in a position to

try with better tools to control sound transmission in

create dwelling-unit assemblies of walls and floors with

multi-family dwellings.

acceptable sound ratings, while reducing the costs of

Noise is a pervasive problem in society, with an

compliance. Through research projects and technical

increasing incidence of complaints by neighbours and

services, we will help manufacturers take advantage of

demands for effective control measures. This includes

new opportunities to develop the products and systems

both airborne sound and impact noise resulting from

these professionals will need.

footsteps, jumping and the dropping of objects. The abil-

Companies developing products using common

ity of a construction system to control noise has a direct

materials (wood, steel, concrete, concrete masonry,

bearing on the market acceptance of that system for

insulation, gypsum board, flooring) as well those devis-

multi-family dwellings. NRC is working with manufactur-

ing innovative sound-control technologies (resilient

ers and designers to develop cost-effective solutions for

clips, hangers, acoustical underlay) need design solu-

providing enhanced sound control, while incorporating

tions and compliance assessments. Our researchers are

innovative products and systems.

working with NRC evaluation experts and code special-

New Requirements for Airborne Sound

ists to help industry clients create technical criteria, assessment methods, and design guides that will be an

Steering committees are currently discussing pos-

integral part of the process. A convenient online software

sible modifications to address comments made during

tool is also in the making to allow designers to demon-

the public review phase (see Construction Innovation,

strate compliance.

December 2012). The proposals, if accepted, will see the inclusion of a rating that reflects the acoustical perfor-

Impact Noise Control

mance of the complete building system (Apparent Sound

While protection from airborne noise transmission is

Transmission Class or ASTC). The ASTC is a truer mea-

the current regulatory priority, work on impact noise—

sure of the actual sound level perceived by occupants

the main source of marketplace complaints—is advanc-

than the current requirement (Sound Transmission Class

ing. Design solutions and assessment criteria to support

or STC) for the direct transmission only through the sepa-

manufacturers are being developed, and will be made

rating element, as it includes flanking noise (transmitted

available for inclusion in future code revisions. Atten-

through wall, ceiling and floor junctions). The control of

tion is being paid to creating uniform requirements

flanking noise is complex, requiring careful attention to

and reducing overdesign. We are also helping industry

detail around those junctions.

develop requirements and improved technologies for the

These revised requirements, once approved, will be

protection of dwelling units from exterior noise.

Dr. Berndt Zeitler is a Group Leader, Acoustics, at NRC Construction. For more information on NRC’s Design & Commercialization Support for New Sound Transmission Requirements, contact Berndt Zeitler at berndt.zeitler@nrccnrc.gc.ca or 613-993-9744.

This article has been reprinted from Construction Innovation, (Volume 18, Number 3) with permission from the National Research Council of Canada.

NRC researchers measure flanking transmission of sound in cross-laminated timber panels.

10 Home BUILDER July/August 2014

C

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COMMON CENTS CONSTRUCTION

The Importance of Construction Controls I’m sure you’ve read or heard recent media stories

When beginning a project, it’s important to plan every

about the massive, complicated $800-million construc-

step of the way. I’d like to share a checklist items we use

tion project to renovate Toronto’s 100-year-old Union

in construction project audit methodology. This checklist

Station, including constructing a new subway platform

can be useful in helping you move your own project along

while continuing to operate and serve the public. It is

more smoothly.

an extremely complex project, and investigative media reports include stories of cost overruns, contract dis-

By Bo Mocherniak

1. Understand the project controls currently

putes, and the absence of a working schedule. There are

in place: Review existing studies, internal audits

even stories of one crew building a wall that another crew

and process descriptions. Collect, review and ana-

had to demolish in order to complete their own work.

lyze all key project documents, including all of the

Embarrassing as this can be, I’m sure we can all tell a

project contracts. Conduct a site visit and interview

few stories like this.

project control stewards. Review all pay applications

I don’t want to get into the details of this unusual capital project, but I will say that a project of this size

and the billing activity to date.

2. Identify major risks related to fraud, waste

is bound to amplify the kinds of issues seen in all

and abuse: This can be a long list, but it’s criti-

large construction projects. In fact, more than half of

cal. Focus on things such as: pay applications,

large construction projects either

Effective oversight is a critical driver in the execution of successful projects.

charges, stored and obsolete

their original budget.

materials,

purchased

There’s an old joke

materials and equip-

that my own renova-

ment; labour rates

tion contractor used

and usage, engineer-

to tell. “There are

ing costs, drawing

three parts to any

submittal

construction

proj-

diverted

and/or

ect: Cost, quality and

salvaged

material,

speed. You can have

control,

subcontractor

any two.” The size and

bid

manipulation; change

complexity of major con-

order control, use of contin-

struction projects have always

gency funds, control of the bud-

presented a challenge for project man-

get and the schedule-of-values, and

agers in terms of balancing costs, qual-

field reporting.

ity and schedule. For instance, trying

3. Design test-based controls,

to meet an aggressive deadline might

assess risk and address specific concerns: Trace the job cost report to pay applications and invoices.

Compare the pay applications to field records (daily reports, equipment logs, time cards). Testing can sometimes be done by outside parties such as accounting firms, and sometimes the fact that testing procedures are in place will act as a preventative control itself.

4. Monitor project costs, report results and propose best practices: Look for concealed mathematical errors, missing supporting documents, charges for costs not allowed, duplicate charges and so on. Compare actual results to budgets and follow up on significant variances.

prompt an increase in the speed of service, which could result in reduced quality. Similarly, using new technology or materials to gain a higher quality might result in unforeseen cost over-runs.

Project managers play a key role in driving the completion of a project on time and within budget. HowWith over 30 years experience with audit, acquisitions, divestitures and valuations, Bo Mocherniak, CA, CBV, provides services to both public and private companies in Canada and the United States. Bo is National Sector Leader for the Real Estate and Construction Group of Grant Thornton Canada, a member of the Grant Thornton International Real Estate Sector Group and past Chair of Grant Thornton LLP. He can be reached at bo.mocherniak@ca.gt.com.

billing support, equipment use

fall behind schedule or exceed

ever, project managers are often focused on completing the project and may miss other risks and potential areas of concern, such as errors and even fraud. Issues such as unintentional errors or overpayments—commonly referred to as contract leakage—are common on large design-build, guarantee maximum price, or fast-track capital projects. Strong project oversight can help identify and manage risks, develop and maintain financial controls, identify overcharges and avoid litigation.

Regardless of the size of the project, at every stage,

Effective oversight is a critical driver in the execution

from pre-construction to close-out, you are bound to

of successful projects. Having successful construction

face different obstacles. Effective controls can help make

controls in place is critical to mitigate the risks related

sure that your construction project is built on a solid

to the management, execution and control of all large

foundation.

construction projects.

12 Home BUILDER July/August 2014

C

Customer satisfaction

Barriers or Bridges “A bad system will beat a good person every time,”

vision must be lived and breathed by leadership and

according to quality guru W. Edwards Deming. Home

passionately believed by every person involved in the

building involves complicated systems and lengthy pro-

process—including trades and suppliers. Understanding

cesses, which can often create barriers in the quest for

the ultimate objectives is critical to designing process-

customer satisfaction. Organizational “silos” frequently

es and implementing systems, which then laser-target

form in place of the holistic collaborations that are

these goals.

essential for creating exceptional customer experiences.

By Tim Bailey

Home building combines a long cycletime for production, a complex product, and an involved manufacturing process.

Understanding the Barriers

The exercise of developing a detailed process map may be daunting, however, it provides an unrivaled opportunity for collaboration. Collaboration builds

Home building combines a long cycle-time for pro-

understanding and understanding acts as a wrecking

duction, a complex product, and an involved manufac-

ball to organizational silos. A well-defined process map

turing process, which increases the risks of problems

highlights the critical hand-offs—or potential fumbles—

occurring. Functional units or departments are needed to

illustrating exactly where strategic systems and met-

provide expertise to each area of the home building pro-

rics should be employed to form bridges across those

cess, however, barriers often form between these units.

areas. Process mapping will identify inefficiencies and

There are many reasons why barriers or organizational

waste, and uncover opportunities for savings and service

silos form including:

improvement. Once developed, a process map illustrates

Policies and attitudes: Leadership through to front-

how an organization can replace vertical separations

line are disconnected from ultimate objectives.

Process shortcomings: Poorly defined or understood processes.

System deficiencies: Lack of integrated systems to cultivate communication.

with horizontal collaborations and this becomes the blueprint to build from.

Integrating the multitude of customer touch-points and transition points into the organizational process map allows each of these strategic points to be intimately

Disconnected operational units: Departments work-

understood and tailored to be as unique as each home

ing towards the interests of their respective unit.

buyer. The customer touch-points and transition points

Misaligned incentives: Reward programs based on

in the home building process are where builders can

department performance.

Location separation: Sales, décor, construction,

really lock in customer loyalty. Though high levels of customer service must be provided through the sales, construction, closing and warranty periods, it is at

warranty often operate from different

these key transition points where a builder

locations.

can really make a difference and impact

A home buyer that is subjected to

a homeowner’s long-term loyalty.

a process filled with bumpy handoffs and interdepartmental incon-

Barrier-Free Benefits

sistencies will be much less likely to become an engaged promoter for

Breaking down organizational silos

the builder by the end of the process.

and eliminating process barriers is a difficult endeavor and it requires passionate

Silo Side Effects The effects of operating in organizational silos are

Tim Bailey is Division President of Avid Ratings Canada, a leading provider of customer loyalty research and consulting to the home building industry.

Through the Avid system, industry-leading clients improve referrals, reduce warranty costs, and strengthen their brand. He can be reached at tim.bailey@ avidratings.ca.

commitment and dedication. The investment does, however, come with significant returns including:

detrimental to any business. If a home building organiza-

Improved efficiencies

tion operates with a series of functional units that lack

Higher quality products

holistic collaboration, it will inevitably experience:

Reduced costs

Inefficiencies, duplications or errors

Increased capacity to adapt & innovate

Increased costs

Greater employee satisfaction

Poor communication

Improved customer engagement

Reduced employee satisfaction Reduced customer satisfaction

Powerful People and Processes

Attempting to overlay a “customer journey map”

“Ninety-four per cent of all failure is a result of the

on top of a process filled with organizational silos and

system, not people,” according to Deming. Systems and

functional barriers quickly exposes the obstacles that

processes designed with meticulous precision provide

will inhibit the customer experience.

the foundation for success in home building. Once

Building the Bridges The starting point in tearing down the barriers and building up the bridges lies in the ultimate vision. This

14 Home BUILDER July/August 2014

in place, a collaborative team, working consistently towards a common vision, can build bridges instead of barriers on the path to creating profitable loyal homeowners.

C

© 2014 CertainTeed Gypsum Canada, Inc.

Wall-To-Wall Solutions

Our drywall not only makes homes look better, we make them sound, breathe and feel better.

CertainTeed Gypsum offers a wide range of drywall and finishing solutions that will help make your homes stand out from the competition. From the most sustainable wall and ceilings systems in the industry to actively improving air quality and reducing noise

levels, you can Be Certain our innovative wall-to-wall solutions will add value to every room in your homes. That’s good for your homebuyers — and good for your business.

training report

The Ontario Spring Training Camp

By Jon Eakes

Wise people in a room full of contractors for two days The Ontario Spring Training Camp 2014 was a training industry response to the withdrawal of the Federal government from generalized building

effective R-values are what should be used in all construction.

Temperature dependence of materials

science research and its dissemination. Without any need for political cor-

can have a 20 per cent impact on R-value,

rectness or respect for sacred habits, the presentations cut through tech-

reducing R-6 to R-4 in normal temperature

nical debates looking at which part of building science works in the field.

ranges.

A return air grill has no effect on air currents beyond 6” from the grill.

Start measuring static pressure, not air

ten to a coalition of those icons of our industry

Documented Session Statements Worth Meditating on:

that I have leaned on to get my building science

Building materials rarely fail—the hand that

Air conditioners need to change from

There was a large contractor turnout to lis-

writing, video work and teaching right for the

applies them is what fails.

flow, to plan for air “throw”. today’s 80:20 Sensible:Latent ratio to 50:50

last 35 years. These individuals are listed at the

Prime Peel & Stick to avoid Stick & Peel.

or even 40:60 because with our efficient

end of this article.

Wet happens. You can’t keep it from getting

houses, sensible loads are going way down

Two days of concise, simple and gamechanging presentations are impossible to distill in a short magazine article so let me just

wet; design it to dry!

Temperature differences create the drying mechanism.

and latent loads going up; dehumidification is important.

Computer models are never right but some

tease you, perhaps challenge some of your

Plywood lets moisture migrate to dry as

established procedures, while definitely open-

there is a radical vapour permanence

Modelling for retrofit has little use because

ing the door to new and more efficient or effec-

increase with increase in RH. OSB has

it is simply not accurate from poor data

tive ways for you to build houses.

very little increase in permanence, block-

collection to poor models; inspecting to

Get Your Priorities Straight – Above and Below Grade

ing drying.

can be useful.

identify major problems is more useful.

Mould growth happens at much lower

In performance, DHW, lighting, appliances

humidity/moisture levels than rot fungi.

and plug loads are all uncontrollable and

1. Water control layer

So avoid mould conditions and you avoid

dominate over what is left of energy use in

2. Air control layer

rot conditions.

new house construction.

3. Vapour control layer 4. Thermal control layer It is obvious to most of us that you shouldn’t

Mould susceptible material rating: Tree –

The father of Canadian Dynamic Walls him-

plywood – OSB – chipboard – particle board

self, John Timusk, came out of retirement to tell

– Masonite – paper-covered gypsum.

us: “Mechanically draw air through walls only

insulate if you cannot control vapour. The

If you air condition, no plastic.

when the sun is hitting that particular wall.

other priorities are less obvious. Vapour con-

House wraps are a transitional technology

Negative house pressure is not really achiev-

trol is useless if you don’t have air control.

Air control is useless if you don’t have water control, including drainage. Miss drainage and you miss it all.

16 Home BUILDER July/August 2014

waiting for composite panels.

1/64” will work for a continuous drainage layer, like DuPont DrainWrap.

Thermal bridging is so important that

able because of opening doors and windows.

You need ceiling level channels to mechanically draw from the wall directly and only when the sun is adding heat.”

418

Summer.. at last!

When planning your new builds this summer, think Napoleon速 for your home comfort products.

FURNACES & FIREPLACES MADE IN CANADA When you build your homes with Napoleon products, you can rest assured your home buyers are warm and comfortable with years of reliable and quality built fireplaces and gas furnaces.

Napoleon is the #1 preferred fireplace and HVAC brand for builders throughout Ontario. Canadian made products for Canadian built homes. napoleonheatingandcooling.com

1.800.461.5581

napoleonfireplaces.com

napoleongrills.com

training report

164

Q&A

What is the most common trade mistake?

What is the best performing basement wall with interior insulation?

flow changes totally from summer to winter and poly placement is always half wrong. Like plywood, as the RH on the surface of the Mem-

Doug Tarry has listened to and experi-

Brain increases, it lets more moisture through,

Reversed flashing, which negates the won-

enced the almost unanimous condemnation

being a traditional vapour retarder in a dry

ders of drainage. Where it cannot be avoided

of using poly in a basement, especially the

environment like winter inside a Canadian

you must patch the joint with support to last,

Ontario habit of strapping plastic wrapped

house, and acting more like a breathable air

such as against wind load.

fiberglass to a green foundation wall. With a

barrier when the wall gets wet or the moisture

gallon of water per square foot in an 8” green

flow changes direction because of air condi-

concrete wall that may take five years to dry

tioning, allowing drying out of the wall.

What is the best performing wall, roof or slab construction?

out, the horizontal strapping holding the baby

Tarry is working for a clearly stated code

diapers on the wall collects water and mould

change. An outreach to the inspection com-

almost every time—unless it was installed with

munity is needed with the question of poly

holes in it. But inspectors approve it and more

water traps.

often than not refuse functioning alternative solutions.

With a careful reading of the “performance”

HVAC Air Flow Changes with Reduced Energy Demands

building code, Tarry has obtained a green light

With lower air flow, how that air is handled

from four municipalities, and a perfect score

becomes more critical. Ontario now requires

with clients, for an alternative to Poly. Tarry

all ducts in new construction be sealed—leaks

has convinced the inspectors that basement

are more important when there is less air flow.

walls are complicated; moisture moves in and

Ontario has removed maximum and minimum

out from summer to winter and differs from the

volumes into rooms for both heating and air

top of the wall to the bottom. A poly sheet is too

conditioning allowing for better zoning.

With sealed air ducts and concentrating on static pressure while changing our habits with grills, we can actually move all the supply and return ducting together toward the centre of the house, projecting the warm or cold air all the way across the ceiling and washing down the outside walls. To do this we must

Surprisingly simple and the same for all three:

MemBrain

™

not have deflector grills, but straightforward unobstructed grills. Ceiling air “throw” in the

1. The cladding or ballast goes on the outside.

house and floor “throw” in the basement is

2. The thermal layer is next with perhaps ven-

proving to be very comfortable, effective and

tilation such as behind brick.

3. Drainage, air and vapour control layers are also on the outside of the envelope, placed between the insulation and the structure.

less expensive to install.

Poly

4. The structure is on the inside of everything.

With the end of government support for construction advancement, perhaps the future is in contractor/industry/university coalitions sharing their knowledge.

Adding insulation to the stud cavity is pos-

For information on possible future sessions

sible but a deviation from the best performing

like this one, contact Angela Bustamante at

and durable structure. Don’t bother to insu-

categorical for a moving target.

late steel studs—300 times the conductivity of

1. Nothing on the inside concrete.

wood studs makes it just not worth the trouble.

2. Roxul Comfort Board over the wall—drain-

Add more insulation on the outside.

Five years and continuing of testing the drying potential of various wall assemblies with controlled wetting and ambient weather in the Coquitlam Test Hut on the roof of Mark

age and no wicking.

3. Stud wall over the insulation—(eventual electrical runs).

4. CertainTeed Smart MemBrain—the air/ vapour retarder.

Gauvin’s warehouse in B.C. is demonstrating

To save money, he puts poly on the bottom

the extreme importance of continuous drain-

four feet and MemBrain on the top four feet,

age and building to allow an assembly to dry

still leaving a large inward drying potential.

to both the outside and the inside, confirming Lstiburek’s simple four rules above.

18 Home BUILDER July/August 2014

The Smart MemBrain was invented for mixed climates where the direction of moisture

angela@buildingknowledge.ca.

C

The wise old men: Tex McLeod, The McLeod Associates; Joe Lstiburek, Building Science Corporation; John Timusk, Trow Consulting Engineers (retired from University of Toronto); Michael Blasnik, Google’s Nest Senior Building Data Scientist; Andy Oding, Building Knowledge Canada; Steve Wright, WrightHaven Homes; John Straube, Building Science Labs; Doug Tarry, Doug Tarry Homes & Past president OHBA; Chris Schumacher, Building Science Labs; Mark Gauvin, Gauvin 2000 Construction; Gord Cooke, Building Knowledge Canada.

13th Annual New Products Showcase

Windows, doors and a whole lot more

By Judy Penz Sheluk

Artist Collection Doors

Homeowners wanting a contemporary look for their home’s entry have beautiful new options with Simpson Artist Collection doors. The wood exterior doors, designed by award-winning architect James L. Cutler, FAIA, feature clean, simple lines, with a range of glass options.

Across its wide array of door collections, Simpson offers more than 900 standard door designs to choose from, available in virtually any wood species and with numerous glass options. The company’s skilled engineers can also custom build nearly any exterior or interior door design a homeowner or architect desires.

Simpson Door Company | www.simpsondoor.com

For the past 12 years, Home BUILDER has received many innovative new product submissions for our Annual New Products Showcase.

This year, our 13th, was no different. All of these products were released for purchase after June 2013 or are upcoming releases for 2014. They are widely available across Canada and are geared to the professional rather than DIY market.

Double Sliding Patio Door with Internal Blinds

Stanley’s Double Sliding Patio Door with Internal Blinds is an award-winning patio door that slides open from either side, providing added convenience for professionals when selecting a patio door—no mix ups between left and right. These patio doors also come equipped with internal blinds. Since the blinds are sealed between the glass, dust can’t get into those hard to reach places and they are virtually maintenance-free.

Unlike standard blinds that get dusty and have dangerous cords, these are controlled by a small magnetic operator that slides up and down to tilt, lift, and lower the blinds to adjust the amount of sunlight coming through. Aside from the many functional benefits of this patio door, it is also beautiful with its clean lines and modern aesthetic.

Stanley Doors | www.stanleydoor.ca

4700 Series ThermoPlus EuroLine’s 4700 Series ThermoPlus is the strongest, most energy-efficient window and door system in its class. With its sophisticated GENEO six-chamber, hybrid profile and highperformance glazing, ThermoPlus windows and doors provide unsurpassed thermal comfort, significant energy savings and are used extensively in Passive House projects across Canada and the US. Rolling out in early summer of 2014, the new and improved 4700 Series ThermoPlus window and door system will feature an enhanced frame, adapted to the North American market, with a co-extruded nailing flange and with accessory grooves that will greatly improve its flexibility and versatility, while maintaining its outstanding thermal performance and strength.

A system designed specifically for the North American market.

Euroline | www.euroline-windows.com

20 Home BUILDER July/August 2014

Terna Pendant Fan For the modernist, Kichler’s Terna pendant fan is a statement maker.

Only 15 inches in diameter, the Terna is perfect for over kitchen islands, pool tables, cocktail tables, office desks, in small kitchens or dining nooks… the applications are endless.

Available in three finishes – Brushed Nickel, Oil Brushed Bronze and White.

Kitchler | www.kichler.com

Brushless Impact Drivers & Wrenches

Bosch introduced two innovative brushless 18V impact drivers and wrenches— the IDH182 and IWBH182—designed to answer tradesmen demands for versatility, power and control. Featuring innovative solutions like Socket Ready all-in-one tool holder providing electricians, plumbers, carpenters, HVAC professionals and pro users with unmatched solutions to get the job done efficiently and effectively.

The IDH182 impact driver features Socket Ready allin-one tool holder, combining a 1/4-inch hex and 1/2inch drive into one for ultimate versatility to complete a wider range of applications. The Socket Ready all-in-one tool holder eliminates the need to own an impact driver and impact wrench, eliminating the need for fragile socket adapters.

The IWBH182 impact wrench features 1/2-inch pin detent drive with quick attach, allows for maximum socket retention with sloped detent for fast, easy socket attachment.

The IDH182 and IWBH182 feature the Bosch Performance Control System, allowing adjustable tool speed and torque with a push of a button to match the tool’s performance to the application at hand. This feature helps tradesmen across the board eliminate screw cam-out in screwdriver mode and screw shearing in the self-tapping screw mode while generating max output in general purpose mode.

Bosch | www.boschtools.com

Hand-held Vacuum Cups

Thermostatic Shower Panels

Pfister Thermostatic Shower Panels can really take your client’s morning cleaning routine to the next level. Instead of just a basic shower head, there are four different water outputs: a large shower head that creates a rainfall effect, a handheld showerhead for mobility and hard to reach places, swiveling massage water jets and a tub filling water spout on the bottom. Each panel has two knobs, one to control each function, and a master knob that controls water pressure and temperature.

Pfister offers a selection of shower systems that are both transitional and contemporary that will complement any bath décor. All shower systems are thermostatic and multi-functional and in a configuration that makes it easy to retrofit or install new.

Pfister | www.Pfisterfaucets.com

Handle construction materials and other awkward items with ease using hand-held vacuum cups from Wood’s Powr-Grip Co., Inc. These hand cups employ the force of atmospheric pressure to grip a surface: a finger-operated vacuum pump removes the air from between the load and the rubber vacuum pad; atmospheric pressure then holds the vacuum cup in place with incredible force. Powr-Grip vacuum cups are used to carry office furniture, big-screen TVs, glass, stone, Corian or nearly any material with smooth, nonporous surfaces. The wide variety of standard WPG vacuum cups includes models with flat vacuum pads, for quick attachment to flat surfaces, and models with concave vacuum pads, for effective attachment to curved or irregular surfaces. Powr-Grip vacuum cups are available for virtually any materials handling application. Whatever the job is, you can work with confidence because Powr-Grip’s patented red-line indicator shows when a WPG vacuum cup is securely attached to the material and will alert you if the vacuum level decreases.

Wood’s Powr-Grip | www.wpg.com

50th Anniversary Special Edition Framing Nailer More than 50 years ago, Paslode transformed the construction industry with a product that made contractors more productive than ever before: the world’s first pneumatic framing nailer.

To celebrate this major milestone, Paslode is introducing a commemorative 50th Anniversary Special Edition Pneumatic Framing Nailer. Boasting Paslode’s signature orange hue, the 50th Anniversary Special Edition Framing Nailer has a bold appearance that matches its standout performance and jobsite durability that users expect from Paslode pneumatic framing nailers.

Combined with Paslode’s RounDrive Framing Nails or Hot Dipped Galvanized Nails, the 50th Anniversary Special Edition Framing Nailer boosts productivity by minimizing downtime and rework. The 8.4-pound nailer is designed with the center of gravity close to the trigger, providing optimal balance. Its compact design easily fits between studs, joists and rafters.

Paslode | www.paslode.com

422 Home BUILDER July/August 2014

21

New Products Showcase

High-efficiency Air Exchangers

214 Fastfoot

Corners

Sewn

Forming concrete footings with Fastfoot just got faster. Fab-Form Industries is introducing their new sewn 90 degree corners. These 4’x4’ corners are installed in seconds with a hammer tacker.

Made of high-density polyethylene fabric, Fastfoot is a green replacement of lumber and plywood for forming concrete footings. A 100’ roll of Fastfoot forms the same concrete as 1,500 pounds of lumber.

Fab-Form Industries | www.fastfoot.com

Residential Garage Heater

Schwank’s residential garage heater provides the perfect comfort for your garage and workshop all year round and eliminates condensation that can damage your tools. The innovative infrared radiant tube heater design of the compactSchwank P40-R offers an efficient heavy duty garage heater that is economical yet ideal for garage and workshop applications by keeping your garage floor, tools, and equipment warm and dry throughout the winter.

Infrared heating provides an advantage over traditional heaters by providing the ability to heat people and objects without primarily heating the surrounding air. This allows for superior energy savings, increased comfort level, design flexibility, and lower carbon footprint.

Schwank | www.schwank.ca

Ascent Multi-View 40 Direct Vent Gas Fireplace Introducing a new clean face multiview fireplace, perfect for making an exceptional focal point between two

22 Home BUILDER July/August 2014

rooms. Designers and consumers get to create their own fireplace vision with the various firebox configurations and decorative options available.

Napoleon’s new Ascent Multi-View 40 is available as a See Thru or a threesided Peninsula and features various firebox/burner options including a log & linear glass burner or a designer fire cradle featuring topaz glass embers to match any room in your home.

The new Ascent Multi-View 40 fireplaces offer up to 30,000 BTU’s, a massive 1,000 square inch viewing area, multiple firebox configurations and electronic ignition with battery back up. Optional media kits and decorative panels are available to match any room décor, perfect for designers or consumers who want to create a unique vision between two rooms.

Napoleon | www.napoleonfireplaces.com

Venmar has introduced two heat recovery air exchangers, called EVO5, that are EnergyStar certified and up to 50 per cent more energy efficient than the previous generation.

The new EVO5 500 HRV air exchanger is suitable for homes of 2,700 sq ft or less, while the EVO5 700 HRV HEPA model is designed for larger living areas (up to 3,000 sq ft). This model is equipped with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter that traps 99.97 per cent of allergens and other microscopic particles. Their advanced ventilator design makes these units even quieter— 2.5 sones, a noise level comparable to a normal conversation three feet away.

These new Venmar EVO5 air exchangers are 40 per cent more compact, with ducts reduced to 5 inches, and come with a user-friendly electronic wall control, making them easier to install.

Venmar | www.venmar.ca

ECO Boiler

Delivering up to 95.2 per cent AFUE, the new ECO Boiler from Weil-McLain Canada is a streamlined solution that provides optimum heating in a durable design that is engineered to save contractors time. It has a top-quality durable stainless steel fire tube heat exchanger with a unique dimple tube design that allows it to exceed Energy Star efficiency requirements, making it eligible for tax credits and rebates. The ECO has a corrosion-resistant polypropylene condensate collection base, large LCD display to make system setup and navigation simple, and optional accessories to meet virtually any installation need. During and after installation, Weil-McLain Canada’s unrivalled technical and field sales support and warranty provide peace-of-mind.

Weil-Mclain | www.weil-mclain.ca

Home Elevator – The Next Evolution

The Model E – Home Elevator from RAM Manufacturing Ltd. is the next evolution in home elevator products.

With a much lower price point, one-day installation (after shaft construction), and purely electro-mechanical design that avoids hydraulics this product has been tailored to be perfect for the home market. The Model E is also the quietest elevator product RAM has ever produced and incorporates a number of innovative components to provide long life and reduced maintenance costs. By focusing on homes that need to get between levels with under 14ft of travel, RAM has been able to keep costs and complexity low and opens up the possibility of adding a home elevator to more people.

RAM Manufacturing Ltd. | 424 www.trustram.com

New Products Showcase

224 Pure Genius Hardwood Flooring A new product recently launched on the North American market makes living spaces healthier from the ground up—literally. The first of its kind in the world, Pure Genius smart hardwood flooring by Canadian manufacturer Lauzon Distinctive Hardwood Flooring, improves indoor air quality of a home while beautifying the decor.

Activated by natural or artificial light and by the movement of air, the intelligent flooring continuously breaks

down airborne toxins, creating a constant supply of pure air in the home.

Studies show that the air in rooms installed with Pure Genius is up to 85 per cent cleaner than spaces without the flooring.

Pure Genius is specially formulated, using a patented titanium dioxide technology that decomposes bacteria, viruses and moulds, and reduces potential carcinogens by constantly transforming toxic airborne particles

into harmless water and carbon dioxide molecules.

Highly washable and resistant, the flooring enables hardwood cleaners to disperse better, so the actual floor itself is cleaner. The Pure Genius Titanium

finish has a guarantee of 30 to 35 years, depending on the collection, and is available at specialty flooring retailers across Canada.

Lauzon Flooring | www.lauzonflooring.com

100% Recycled Cornice and Crown Mouldings

Lift Systems

Integra R-Boost

IntegraSpec ICF now offers EPS inserts that increase insulation and noise reduction, without interfering with furring strips. The Integra R-Boost’s EPS inserts slide into dovetail grooves of IntegraSpec ICF forms. R-Boost also incorporates dovetail grooves for positive mechanical attachment to both form and concrete, and allows insertion of IntegraBucks. The R-Boost inserts, in combination with the ICF panel’s dovetail grooves, incorporate continuous vertical drainage grooves 2” on center, which also provide a rain screen where required.

The R0-Boost is a very simple and easy add-on that requires minimal modification or adjustment around corners with no need for longer screws to attach finishing material substrates. It’s just a matter of choosing the R-Boost thickness and spacers/webs sizes for desired concrete core and added insulation value.

IntegraSpec ICF | www.IntegraSpec.com

MoistureShield Pro Decking Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies, Inc., (A.E.R.T.) now offers MoistureShield Pro capstock decking. The new line is made with an extra layer of protection in a unique cap to increase fade, stain, scratch and slip resistance.

MoistureShield Pro is made with an exclusive manufacturing process that encapsulates wood fibers in polyethylene plastic, which ensures moisture protection to the core of each board. This allows all MoistureShield boards to be installed on the ground, in the ground or underwater and still be protected by the industry leading lifetime warranty.

The new Pro line adds an extra layer of protection and beauty with its durable cap.

It is available in in three variegated colours: Ipe (red-brown), Brazilian Chestnut (rich, earthy brown), and Graystone (gray with cool undertones). Each colour board is available in 12’, 16’ and 20’ lengths, and with coordinating trim boards.

A.E.R.T. | www.moistureshield.com

24 Home BUILDER July/August 2014

Architectural Products by Outwater has redefined the standard for architectural moulding and millwork by now offering economically priced 100 per cent recycled “Green” cornice and crown mouldings that have been specifically designed for use with indirect lighting.

Manufactured to easily accept a variety of cove moulding light fixtures (pictured with Outwater’s New LED Ribbon Flex Lighting) without causing scalloped or uneven light dispersion and illumination. Can also be used just as readily as a traditional cornice or crown moulding without lighting if desired. A cost-effective alternative to more costly polymer mouldings and millwork without compromise.

Outwater | www.outwater.com

Barrier Free Architecturals Inc. provides the ultimate in accessible universal design kitchens for seniors and persons with mobility issues. Different people have different physical capabilities. The kitchen in which so much work is being done should be adaptable to the needs of any individual. The Diago cabinet lift system electronically enables cabinets to be lowered to the front of the countertop. The Baselift counter lift system creates accessible worktops for sinks or cooktops. The Appliance lift can raise food processors or microwaves from base cabinets for easy access. These unique products create a valuable addition to builders, renovators and cabinet manufacturers to serve the growing seniors market.

Barrier Free Architecturals | www.barrierfree.org 426

The ONE. Make No Mistake.

It’s DuPont Tyvek .

TM

®

DuPont™ Tyvek® is the one that delivers the best balance of properties to repel wind and rain, yet allow breathability. The one with local DuPont™ Tyvek® Specialists. The only one backed by the science, strength and warranty of DuPont™.

DuPont™ Tyvek® Weatherization Systems. An integrated product line including weather resistive barriers, sheathing tape, window and door flashing.

The one proven to work on today’s complex walls.

DuPont™ Tyvek® The ONE. Copyright © 2014 DuPont. The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont™ and Tyvek® are trademarks or registered trademarks of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company or its affiliates. All rights reserved.

New Products Showcase

MySpot 500 MySpot 500 is a highly regarded, high-quality and low-maintenance parking barrier, placed in the center of a parking space. With a remote-controlled directdrive motor, the barrier is raised and lowered on command in up to five seconds. This barrier runs on five off-the-shelf alkaline batters that will power the unit for at least two years.

Designated Parking Corp | www.designatedparking. com

244

Work Order Dispatch Work Order with Dispatch / Scheduling software has just been added to the eDeneb web-based cost accounting system for contractors. This new module provides a dynamic scheduling and management system for work orders and service orders of all types, providing both desktop and remote access from a variety of mobile devices.

The Calendar-view scheduler allows the dispatcher to easily view assignments by day, week or month and assign employees to active work orders. Multiple employees may be assigned to a single work order and assignments may be for multiple time blocks in the same day, or across multiple days.

1-3pgSoftware CanadaHomeBldr_Vents_Layout Deneb | www.denebsoftware.com 1 5/22/14

eHome eHome, a customer-facing options-selection home configurator, now links in real-time to CAD plans, pricing, and a paperless closing process, and it’s just been integrated into BuilderMT and Sales Simplicity. eHome is a new module of CG Visions’ award4:31 PMBIM Page 1 software and it allows home winning Pipeline

The Builder’s Choice.

PVC SOFFIT VENTS Plastic Components’ PVC Soffit Vents are the low cost, rust-free solution for venting soffits.

• Fit most sheathing material • Extra-wide mounting/nailing flanges • Superior air flow • Positive bonding • Easy to install; paintable • Many styles in 10 ft lengths

LISTED PRODUCT

PVC withstands extreme heat/cold.

Product innovation since 1969

N ADIA CAN TESTED TER WIN

800.327.7077 • www.plasticomponents.com

26 Home BUILDER July/August 2014

© 2014 Plastic Components, Inc

builders to offer a remarkable capability to their new-home-buyer customers. Customers can use eHome’s CAD or BIM-based visual options selection tool to select options for their homes, based on rules and guidance pre-set by the home builder.

Customers can use what-if scenarios and a powerful visual tool kit to manipulate a flex floor plan configurator. As the options are picked, eHome is communicating in real-time with product and structural object pricing within BIM Pipeline that is linked to Sales Simplicity and BuilderMT to determine the price of the “custom” home. At the same time, the optionselection record configured in eHome is maintained in Sales Simplicity, which also auto-generates the purchase contract in a paperless process. A solid price for the customized home can be quickly and confidently generated, because it’s based on the material prices the builder has locked in with their suppliers.

CG Visions | www.BuilderMT.com, www.

SalesSimplicity.com

Site Designer At the NAHB International Builders’ Show in February 2014, Houzz launched Site Designer, a free website design and publishing tool that enables home professionals with a Houzz profile to easily create a beautiful website that works seamlessly on phones, tablets and desktops. The tool automatically pulls content, including project photos, business description, client reviews and Best of Houzz awards directly from a professional’s Houzz profile, creating a high-quality, custom website in minutes. Pros can now manage both their Houzz profile and business website from a single point, saving time and money.

Houzz created Site Designer to address many of the pain points people face when building and managing a business website, from choosing the right layout to making it mobile-friendly.

Houzz | www.houzz.com/sitedesigner

New Products Showcase

Tension Shade

rFoil Big 8 Duct Insulation The new patent pending technology, rFoil Big-8 Duct Insulation, is specially designed to reduce radiant heat gain/loss in all residential and commercial duct applications. The rFoil Big-8 Duct insulation helps to control condensation by providing an airtight thermal break around ductwork. rFoil Big-8 Duct insulation also increases system efficiency, lowers stress on HVAC equipment reduces energy usage and utility bills.

The rFoil Big-8 Duct Insulation has been approved under the New and stricter IECC (International Energy Conservation code) by ICC Evaluation Services (Evaluation Report ESR # 1236 at www. icc-es.org).

Covertech | www.covertechfab.com

CPTZ Concealed Post Base

The new Simpson Strong-Tie CPTZ concealed post base incorporates a knife plate to offer a clean, concealed look while providing a 1” standoff height above concrete. The 1” standoff reduces the potential for decay at post or column ends and satisfies code requirements for posts that are exposed to weather, water splash, or in basements. The CPTZ is also tested and load-rated for uplift, download and lateral load.

The anchorage for the CPTZ can either be cast-inplace or retrofitted with adhesive or mechanical anchors. It installs with ½” diameter galvanized pins and features a ZMAX finish for outdoor use, such as decks. All the necessary components for installation are provided in one box to simplify the job.

Simpson Strong-Tie | www.strongtie.com

Tension Shade Structures are fairly new to North America, but have been in Europe for a few years. The fabric is held tight by means of a hidden tensioning system; there are no folding arms as you would find in a conventional retractable awning. The fabric retracts into the attractive aluminum cassette against the wall. The shades are motorized and operated by a convenient remote control. Tension canopies are great for covering your patio or an outdoor restaurant canopy. Because they incorporate a post and beam they can withstand more wind than a retractable awning. They are an excellent solution for covering your hot solarium, in which case the system sits directly on the solarium rafters (without the legs or beam).

Craft-Bilt Materials | www.craft-bilt.com

DITRA-HEAT Electric Floor Warming System

Floor warming systems have recently become very popular as a way to make tiled floors even more desirable.

DITRA-HEAT is the first electric floor warming system that directly incorporates essential uncoupling technology into a floor warming system to provide heated floors that are not susceptible to cracking. The heating cables are easily snapped into place on top of the uncoupling mat with no clips or fasteners. The installer has complete flexibility on where the cables are placed so every installation is customized to suit the exact requirements of the room. Because they are held securely within the DITRA-HEAT mat, there is no need to use self-leveling compounds to encapsulate the heating cables. Once the cables are in place the floor is ready for tiling. The end result is a faster, flatter, thinner installation.

Schluter Systems | www.schluter.com 428

There when you need it, growing when you don’t.

1.35%

*

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Bundle it with an operating account and get even more benefit. Find your nearest branch at cwbank.com and start earning today. *Rate is subject to change without notice. Interest is calculated on the daily closing balance based on the portion within each tier and paid monthly. Interest is paid as follows: 1.30% on deposits up to $250,000, 1.35% on deposits between $250,000.01 to $5 million and 0.25% on deposits above $5 million. Available in-branch only.

Home BUILDER July/August 2014

27

New Products Showcase

274

Natural Finishes

Carlisle Wide Plank Floors recently launched its new Natural Finishes with four collections of White Oak Floors: Casual, Urban, Essential and Elegant.

These four collections are prefinished with Carlisle Custom Coat – Natural, a process combining tradition with technology to give each board a deep hand-rubbed finish. Carlisle’s Natural finishes represent a revolutionary advance in wood floor finishes—a product that emphasizes the grain pattern and color variation of the wood surface to bring out the natural beauty of the wood itself. Carlisle offers the longest, widest center-cut plank floors in the industry; available in solid and engineered wood.

Carlisle Wide Plank Floors | www.wideplankfloors.ca

UnderDeck Finishing System

The new Zip-UP UnderDeck finishing system for under raised decks and exterior walkways creates new dry entertainment and storage space without sacrificing headroom, increasing functionality and adding to the beauty of the deck or walkway.

Made from strong lightweight interlocking PVC components, Zip-UP UnderDeck is available in three finishes in white and beige, and creates a watertight washable mildew- and mould-resistant water barrier that channels water to a gutter system. The panels, which install easily and are paintable, unzip for quick access for cleaning to retrieve items that have fallen through the decking.

Zip-UP | www.zipupunderdeck.com

Capture Collection

The new VT Dimensions Capture Collection was unveiled at the 2014 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show. The Capture Collection is a line of five exclusive laminate colors that take the look of stone and combine it with the premium VT Dimensions edge profiles; the new design options transform Kitchen and Baths into high-end designer rooms. VT Dimensions countertops offer exclusive edge profiles and a seamless countertop, providing a new level of style and sophistication. Five uniquely contoured edge profiles add an elegant finishing touch to any countertop.

Dramatic slopes and distinct angles offer modern and sophisticated edges for a true statement of luxury.

VT Industries | www.vtindustries.com

They open doors. And eyes.

We know style matters. That’s why we’re introducing the Sacramento Lever, Bowery Knob, and Greyson Rose. These new designs feature transitional styling with a sleek, graceful form; perfect for classic and sophisticated living spaces.

Schlage makes it easy to match our strength to any style.

For the past 90 years, Schlage has been creating the strongest and most technologically advanced products to help our consumers secure and monitor their homes and businesses.

For more information, contact: Schlage Phone: 1-800-900-4734 www.schlage.com

28 Home BUILDER July/August 2014

JELD-WEN Clad-Wood Folding Patio Door

Transform any opening into a light and airy entry space, beautifully and affordably, with the Classic W-4500 Clad-Wood Folding Patio Door by JELD-WEN. Ideal for new construction or remodeling projects, Classic W-4500 folding patio doors are available in 2, 3 or 4 panels and can be configured to open from either side or, for wide patio entrances, in a bi-parting opening.

The W-4500 is built using JELD-WEN’s exclusive AuraLast® Wood that resists wood rot and protects against termites. Additional options include tinted or textured glass, a variety of clad and anodized colours, SDL, GBG or full-surround grilles, and several hardware and hardware finishing options.

For more information, contact your local JELD-WEN dealer or visit jeld-wen.ca.

Strong-Drive Structural Screws ®

Simpson Strong-Tie® Strong Drive® SDWS TIMBER screw and SDWH TIMBER-HEX screw are structural wood-to-wood screws that provide high-strength alternatives to through-bolting and traditional lag screws.

Both screws feature a patented 4-cut tip that ensures fast starts, reduces installation torque and eliminates the need for pre-drilling in most applications. The bold thread design also provides superior holding power and the under-head nibs help seat the head. The SDWS and SDWH have a double-barrier coating to resist corrosion and can be used for a variety applications, including deck ledgers, log-home construction and other timber projects.

Learn more at www.strongtie.com/fasten.

RETHINK YOUR ROOF. Introducing DOW POWERHOUSE™ Solar Shingles. It’s the clearest signal yet that a roof can do more than just provide shelter. POWERHOUSE Solar Shingles install and protect your home like regular shingles, while capturing the power of the sun to provide clean electricity for your home. It’s not only a new way to look at your home — it’s the roof, reinvented.

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CHBA report

Working Our Plan

Bard Golightly President, CHBA

Just a year ago, CHBA’s leaders set a new course

The Forum will continue to be a key part of CHBA’s

for your Association—one that builds on our historic

government relations efforts in the future. While we have

strengths, but aims for greater focus and effectiveness.

made solid progress over the last year, in many ways the

Twelve months into this process, we continue to “work

work is just beginning.

the plan” and are seeing significant and sustained results.

We are building some really solid relationships—both

I am grateful for the commitment of my fellow elected

with elected officials and senior bureaucrats—and we’re

HBA leaders at all three levels of our Association, and to

having meaningful conversations about the issues that

our Ottawa staff under Kevin Lee’s leadership, for their

matter to our members and their customers. The chal-

hard work and collaboration in seeing this plan through.

lenge now is to leverage these relationships so that CHBA

It’s all about delivering value to CHBA members. Here are

makes meaningful contributions to future government

some highlights from the last two months.

policy directions, for the benefit of our customers and

Forum for Growth 2014 a Huge Success

the business environment Association members work in.

As part of the Forum, CHBA published an eight-

On June 3rd, CHBA’s Forum for Growth 2014 delivered

page summary of key issues entitled Creating a New

important industry messages to federal Ministers, MPs

Conversation about Homes, Communities and Canadians.

and senior officials, and strengthened relationships with

This focuses on CHBA’s advocacy in four critical areas:

At the national level, residential construction employs an estimated 906,000 Canadians, involves $120 billion in capital spending, pays out $50 billion in wages, and provides $30 billion in federal and provincial revenues.

these federal policy makers.

The Forum reflects the high priority the Board of Directors has placed on effective government relations at the national level.

affordability and new home taxes, skilled trades, the underground cash economy, and technical innovation.

CHBA members can view this informative Forum document at www.chba.ca/builderforum2014.

Good preparation, and the commitment and

It is clear that CHBA’s government relations efforts

hard work of Association volunteer leaders

over the last year are paying dividends; the Association’s

from across the country, resulted in a focused

profile on Parliament Hill has never been higher, and MPs

and disciplined approach to communicating

are more aware of our industry’s positions on key issues.

our key policy issues.

All told, the event was a tremendous success. The page of photo highlights from the Forum on page 32 in this issue of Home BUILDER gives you a sense of this success.

Planning is already underway for next year’s Forum event, which will take place in early May 2015.

CHBA Participates in Skills Summit This year’s Forum event showed how far the CHBA

In all, 51 Association leaders came to Otta-

has come in a year in terms of building constructive

wa and took part in 54 meetings with Ministers,

relationships on Parliament Hill. Our Association is well

MPs and senior government staff. CHBA’s mes-

recognized, well respected, and increasingly sought out

sages on affordability, skilled trades, the underground economy and the need to advance innovation got delivered.

This full day of meetings was followed by an

evening reception held at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier hotel, which saw 85 Parliamentarians and Hill staffers come out for more informal conversations with our members—also an important part of building effective relationships with government decision makers.

Overall, the success of this year’s Forum for Growth CHBA EXECUTIVE Committee President: Bard Golightly, Edmonton, AB Past President: Deep Shergill, Calgary, AB First Vice-President: Jane Morgan, St. John’s, NL Second Vice-Presidents: Bob Finnigan, Toronto, ON Eric DenOuden, Belleville, ON Treasurer: Carol Oxtoby, Calgary, AB Presidential Appointee: Blake Hudema, Vancouver, BC Chief Executive Officer: Kevin Lee, Ottawa, ON CHBA Contact: Michael Gough, CAE, National Office, Ottawa, ON

reflected the CHBA’s strengthened relationship at the federal level; Parliamentarians were anxious to meet with our members and keenly interested in what we had to say.

The immediate feedback following the event was that this year’s Forum for Growth achieved our goals.

From my perspective, the strength of CHBA’s team was impressive. The members who travelled to Ottawa to take part were engaged, well prepared and committed to make these meetings as effective as possible.

You also couldn’t miss the sense of enthusiasm among our volunteer leaders from all three levels as they worked together so effectively.

30 Home BUILDER July/August 2014

CHBA President Bard Golightly in conversation with Kevin Lee, CEO, and the Hon. Jason Kenney, MP for Calgary Southeast, AB and Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Multiculturalism.

CHBA report

by those in government when housingrelated issues are on the agenda.

This increased profile was in evidence

building and renovation are to Canada’s economy. And

when CHBA CEO Kevin Lee and Jack Man-

this data is provided at the national, provincial and local

tyla, National Coordinator for Education

levels, so all HBAs can put it to immediate use in their

and Training, participated in the June Skills

consumer communications and government relations

Summit at the invitation of federal Employ-

activities.

ment and Social Development Minister Jason Kenney. The Summit brought togeth-

This year’s data, which covers 2013 results, is now available and online.

er a range of stakeholders in the labour mar-

Sporting a fresh new graphic look, the 2013 fact

ket and training system to discuss relevant

sheets and detailed reports show clearly the huge eco-

skills issues and to identify best practices

nomic impacts of our industry in communities across

and priorities for action.

the country.

As Kevin Lee noted, “the goal was to end the ‘two monologues’—one by economists,

Bard Golightly discusses the CHBA’s new Strategic Plan at the Board of Directors meeting on June 4, 2014.

These informative fact sheets and supporting reports provide powerful insights into how important home

The key data for each locality includes jobs, wages, and construction value created by our industry in 2013.

one by employers—and instead create a

The 2013 material covers 30 more geographic areas

true dialogue on the issue of skills shortages

than in the past, including cities and towns both within

in Canada—one that leads to solutions. The

and outside major urban areas.

on-the-ground experience of many of our

What’s the bottom line? At the national level, residen-

members is at odds with some economists’ view that

tial construction employs an estimated 906,000 Canadi-

there is no national problem.”

ans, involves $120 billion in capital spending, pays out

The Skills Summit reflects the effectiveness of our work in Ottawa driving home the point that skills shortages are real, and need to be tackled head on.

Strategic Plan The day after the Forum for Growth, CHBA’s Board of Directors took another important step forward with

$50 billion in wages, and provides $30 billion in federal and provincial revenues.

We should be tremendously proud of this huge contribution to building a more prosperous Canada, and we need to ensure that our political leaders are fully aware of how important our industry is to the economy in every community across the country.

the approval of a new Strategic Plan for the Association.

I encourage you to have a look at the economic

As we’ve seen over the last year, the secret to success

impacts fact sheet for your community. Just go to the

is in knowing where you’re going and having a plan to

Members’ Area of www.chba.ca and select the “Eco-

get there, and that’s exactly what CHBA’s new Strategic

nomic Impacts of the Housing Industry” link in the upper

Plan does for the Association.

right corner.

The Plan links CHBA’s mission and principles with a renewed vision for the future. Most importantly, it lays

2015 Conference Date Change

out a clear and focused approach for addressing the

Feedback from the very successful 2014 CHBA

industry’s priority issues in the coming year and beyond.

National Conference in Whistler indicated that many

The new Plan is also clear and concise, and will serve

participants would prefer a schedule that left more of

as a great roadmap for the Association. It lays out key

their weekend time free. Acting on this, CHBA has been

internal priorities: strengthening the voice of the CHBA,

able to shift the schedule for our 2015 National Con-

strengthening the Association at all levels, and delivering

ference in Halifax by one day, so that it will start on

tangible benefits to members.

Wednesday, March 4, 2015 and wrap up the evening of

Externally, the Plan is focused on four issues: affordability and choice, professionalization and skills development, growth markets, and advancing innovation.

Friday, March 6.

Look for more detailed information on next year’s Conference starting in September. CHBA staff and the

The new strategic directions set by the Board last

Conference Advisory Committee are hard at work plan-

year got our operations and governance on track. The

ning next year’s event, and it is shaping up to be a spec-

Strategic Plan now completes things, clearly outlining

tacular gathering with some exciting changes!

our mission and vision and declaring our strategic priorities. With this in place, we can continue to act with confidence, knowing we are meeting the needs of the Association and, most importantly, its members.

Economic Impacts One of CHBA’s most important, and popular, informational products is the annual release of data on the economic impacts of our industry.

Home BUILDER July/August 2014

31

forum report

Forum for Growth 2014 a “Huge Success”

By David Foster

What do you get when 51 Association leaders, in 12 teams, fan out across Ottawa for 54 meetings with 68 Ministers, Parliamentary Secretaries, Committee Chairs, MPs and senior government staff?

CHBA’s message gets delivered, and relationships with federal policy makers get

L to R: Bard Golightly, Bob Finnigan, Justin Trudeau (MP for Papineau, QC, and Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada), Kevin Lee, Vince Molinaro.

strengthened.

This year’s Forum for Growth focused on four critical issues: affordability and new home taxes, skilled trades, the underground “cash” economy, and the importance of technical innovation.

The immediate feedback from CHBA participants and Parliamentarians is that this year’s Forum was a “huge success.”

CHBA CEO Kevin Lee addresses guests attending a reception held at the Chateau Laurier hotel.

Kevin Lee and Bard Golightly chat with other witnesses at the Standing Committee on Human Resources preceding the Forum.

Speaker is Phil McColeman, M.P. for Brant, Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee for Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities, and Chair of the Conservative Housing and Construction Caucus.

Members of the Conservative Housing and Construction Caucus (Chair Phil McColeman centre) and CHBA participants in the 2014 Forum for Growth.

32 Home BUILDER July/August 2014

photos by:Natasha Rombough

L to R: Warrick Butler, Victoria Belbin, The Honourable Jason Kenney, Jane Morgan, Steve Porter.

TOOLTalk

The Cutting Edge A combination of technology, quality and innovation Trying to keep up with all the new products on the tool horizon can be a challenge (not to mention costly!) This month, I’ve selected a handful of products with a “cutting edge”— a unique combination of technology, quality and innovation.

When Nails Start Performing Like Screws We have seen many amazing specialized deck screws but

dampen-

no sparks, no surprises. The single die supports

ing materials and an

multiple

1-5/8”, 2-1/2” and 3-5/8” studs and runners.

absorbing collar further pro-

The whole thing folds and locks down for easy

tects your arm from the vibration

here is the first sub-floor fas-

of head impact. An overstrike zone pro-

tener designed to make a nail

tects the hammer from your poor swinging.

work like a screw. Spiral nails have existed

The FMHT51249 and FMHT51244 are 14- and

for years, and they do hold better than regular

17-ounce hammers, the larger one with a waf-

nails, but here is now a power nailer specifi-

fle head. www.StanleyTools.com.

cally designed to drive custom spiral nails. Yes they actually rotate as they drive in to give

carrying and storage. www.MalcoProducts.com.

LED Technology Changes Security Lighting Security lights operate when the electricity

The Slice Is Cleaner than the Cut

fails, hence they operate on batteries. The new high-powered LED bulbs are the logical evolu-

exceptional grip. Paslode calls the nail, and

If you have ever used circular saws for cut-

tion for bright light at very low power draws.

its PF237C dedicated pneumatic coil nailer, the

ting metal drywall studs or runners you will

Whether you are installing a security light as a

TetraGrip Sub-floor Fastening System.

permanent fixture for your client or using one

The TetraGrip system recently earned the

as a safety device for your own crew, moving to

first “No Nail Squeak” certification from the

LED technology has changed the game.

NAHB Research Center. Finally a squeak-free

Ideal Security’s new light duty Blackout

subfloor installed with the speed of a power

Emergency Power Failure Light has six LEDs

nailer. www.paslode.com.

running at a maximum of 3 Watts and throwing out 120 Lumens and can run for eight hours at

Hammer Technology Continues to Evolve

full power and 16 hours at half power—and the unit can be turned off to save the battery during

Every company in the hand tool market

extended emergencies. Freestanding or wallmounted, it doesn’t look like an emergency 364

makes anti-vibration hammers so the challenge for the competition is to increase the power that hits the nail head and reduce the kickback to the hand and arm.

Stanley has recently added its own modernization to the Anti-

never go back after working with a good shear.

Vibe hammer technology with a

Malco’s heavy duty Channel Shear Model

two-piece steel core to isolate the head

SRC24A slices easily through studs in one easy

vibration from the handle. The

stroke without deforming the channel shape.

two shafts are wrapped

All ends fit perfectly without dressing. Replace-

in layers of

able hardened steel blades can be sharpened.

The compound head to handle linkage and a 36-in. handle shear through up to 20-guage steel with no problem: no

34 Home BUILDER July/August 2014

noise,

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TOOLTalk

344 light with its 6” x 7” footprint, and only a little

blade mount to allow using their blades on other machines without adaptors.

over 2” thick.

With the same portable or installed concept

As with all blades, you will find ones that

their heavier duty Lights Out! series can run up

last and ones that do not and the cheapest

to 40 hours running 6 LEDs, or 24 hours run-

are not always the best investment. One of

ning all 12. This one is strong enough to use

the frustrating realities is that there are times

as a work light. www.IdealAlert.ca. Available

when only an oscillating tool can reach to cut

at retail all over.

a hardened screw, and a hardened screw will finish off just about any of the bi-metal blades.

with the help of Fein, I produced almost two

But if the screw has to be cut, and you can

hours of detailed videos on how to (and how

Fein invented the oscil-

do it relatively quickly with-

not to) use the oscillating tool and each of its

lating tool and when their

out collateral damage, it is

blades. Check out the Learning Curve tab at

patents expired everyone

worth the cost of an oscil-

www.JonEakes.com/Learning-Curve.

made adaptors to allow

lating blade. www.Fein.ca.

Oscillating Tool Blades

using the wide range of Fein

Although every reno-

blades on all the different

vator and finish carpenter

Oscillating tools that were

now owns an oscillating

coming out on the market.

tool, there is precious little

All the companies produced

help in learning how to use

some blades but it took a

it well—like how to cut out a

while before they started

piece of hardwood flooring

making quality blades to

without the smell of smoke

compete with Fein. Now

throughout the house, as

Fein has finally come out

you see in my video above.

with their own universal

That is why, together

ExpEct NothiNg LEss.

L TOOK TA L L TOOK TA L

Montreal-based TV broadcaster, author, home renovation and tool expert Jon Eakes provides a tool feature in each edition of Home BUILDER. www.JonEakes.com

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36 Home BUILDER July/August 2014

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information

Series WeatherPRO

PRO Stonlea: A Timeworn Gilded Age Survivor Transformed

Peter W. Clement and Victoria Chave Clement 144 pages | www.bauhanpublishing.com Stonlea is a large Colonial Revival summerhouse on Lake Dublin,

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Professional logo design serves as a

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Stonlea survived over 100 years of New

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delivering a brand

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ating an expecta-

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tion for quality. In

a formidable one, especially since its new

today’s cluttered

owner wanted a “net-zero” house.

marketplace, the importance of your small

This book documents the painstaking steps

business brand cannot be underestimated

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yet most small businesses put little time and

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tors’ techniques. It specifically addresses the

and branding strategy.

renovation of the fabric of the building—the

While most books on branding deal with

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large corporations and how their brands

mechanical systems—as well as the whys

were built, this book is focused on small

and wherefores of the design. US$45.

business branding. Over 100 sample designs and case studies for several different types

From foundation to finish, a wealth of

Airflow

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A Comparative Guide to Sustainable Construction for Homeowners and Contractors Chris Magwood 464 pages | www.newsociety.com

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CHBA 400 pages | www.chba.ca/buildermanual.aspx

information is avail-

For those who

able on sustain-

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methods—entire

one of the tough-

volumes have

est climates on

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Home BUILDER July/August 2014

37

renovation

Houzz Home Survey: Remodelling Trumps Moving for Canadian Homeowners PALO ALTO, Calif. — The majority of Canadian homeowners who are remodelling say they plan to stay in their home for the long term (65%), according to the third annual Houzz & Home survey with more than 20,000 respondents across Canada. Fifty-six per cent of Canadian homeowners who are remodelling their home say they are doing so to increase its resale value but have no plans to move in the next five years.

Just 17 per cent of homeowners plan to sell their home in the next two years. In addition, funding renovation projects and staying on budget was far less of a challenge for Canadian homeowners this year with just 18 per cent saying this was a challenge versus 26 per cent in 2013.

C

M

Among Canadians remodelling, nearly a quarter (24%) would prefer

Y

to move but say remodelling their home makes more economic sense

CM

at this time, a comparable number to homeowners in the U.S. However,

MY

rising home prices appear to be having a bigger impact on Canadians,

CY

with 28 per cent of Canadian homeowners saying that home prices are too high to even consider moving at this time versus only 22 per cent

CMY

in the U.S.

K

Bathroom and kitchen remodels top the list of planned projects among Houzz users in Canada again this year, with 22 per cent of respondents planning a bathroom remodel or addition, and 20 per cent planning a kitchen remodel or addition in the next two years. Kitchens continue to receive the highest share of dollars overall as Canadian homeowners spent an average of about $25,000 to remodel this heart of the home. Cash remains the dominant source of financing for all home-remodelling projects (73%). Download the full report at http:// info.houzz.com/HH2014CA.html.

C

MyReno411.ca Launches e-book Series OTTAWA — MyReno411.ca has recently launched a series of free, downloadable e-books. While many of the titles are geared toward homeowners, such as 10 Things You Need To Know about Home Reno-

vation; Building Permit Checklist; Renovating a Basement; and Kitchen Renovation Budget Levels, the books are well written and the subject matter is covered in a detailed manner, making it clear that a professional renovator should be hired. For businesses, there are three titles so far: The Best Advertising Strategy Ever; 6 Ways to Promote Your Home

Improvement Business; and 10 Best Business Practices for Home Renovation Contractors. MyReno411.ca also offers a “Find a Business” tab that includes listings for architects, general contractors, home builders, interior designers, HVAC, electricians, plumbers and more.

38 Home BUILDER July/August 2014

C

IndustryNews

Heidelberg’s Bahnstadt Recognized with 2014 Passive House Award HEIDELBERG — Heidelberg’s newest city district, Bahnstadt, the

ment law mechanism. Additionally, compliance with the Passive House

world’s largest Passive House district, was recently awarded the 2014

Standard has been integrated into the building permit process. Special

Passive House Award at the International Passive House Conference.

energy consulting and financial aid is available for builders and develop-

More than 100 projects entered to compete in a total of six categories.

ers. Currently, the first segment of residential building is mostly finished,

The award jury pointed to Bahnstadt as a model for how Passive

already offering living space for some 1,500 people. www.passiv.de/en/

House can become the standard for urban developments and entire cities. At the same time, the project clearly shows how the long-term planning of local authorities can contribute to high levels of energy efficiency and sustainable development.

B.C. Investing $2.14 Million to Put Wood First

Bahnstadt is being built completely to the Passive House Standard.

RICHMOND, B.C. — The British Columbia government is investing

The basis for this is an integrated energy concept that was developed

$2.14 million to advance the use of wood in British Columbia with a focus

and passed by the Heidelberg City Council alongside urban development

on expanding the use of wood in non-residential construction, strength-

and other key concepts necessary for such a scheme. The Passive House

ening manufacturing capabilities, and positioning B.C. as a global leader

Standard is legally binding through contracts and was set via a develop-

in wood design technologies.

Funding is being provided to industry trade associations and research institutions with proven records in wood products marketing, training, wood products development and research. The funds are being distributed through the Wood First program, an initiative to grow the culture of wood throughout B.C., and to develop world-leading technologies and building systems that can be used to promote B.C. wood sales both at home and in foreign markets.

Since the Province introduced Wood First five years ago, the use of wood in building construction has grown rapidly, particularly in the

Canadian Green Building Market Poised for Strong Growth

multi-storey residential market and in institutional and recreational buildings.

NEW YORK and OTTAWA — The Canadian green building market is poised to see strong growth over the next three years, with surveyed

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Adv er ti sers i n Thi s I s s u e

Canadian firms expecting to grow their green practices from one third

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in 2014, to one half by 2017. These findings are part of a new report

All Weather Windows Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 . . . 800-638-5709 . . . www.allweatherwindows.com

prepared by McGraw Hill Construction and commissioned by the Can-

Bibby Ste. Croix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 . . . 800-463-3480 . . . www.bibby-ste-croix.com

CALENDAR Do you have an event you want posted on our new Online Calendar?

E-mail your listing to editor@work4.ca

August 10-14

World Conference on Timber Engineering Quebec City, QC www.wcte2014.ca

September 9-11

CONSTRUCT & CSI Annual Convention Hanley Wood Baltimore, MD www.constructshow.com

September 18-21

Phone

Web site

ada Green Building Council. The

Canadian Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 . . . 888-267-4687 . . . www.cdnrg.com

report, titled Canada Green Build-

Canadian Western Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 . . . 604-443-5118 . . . www.theworkingbank.ca

ing Trends: Benefits Driving the

Canplas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 . . . 800-461-1771 . . . www.canplas.com

New and Retrofit Market, is the

CertainTeed Gypsum Canada, Inc. . . . . . 15 . . . 800-233-8990 . . . www.certainTeed.com/gypsum

first of its kind in Canada.

E.I. duPont Canada Company . . . . . . . 3, 25 . . . 800-387-2122 . . . www.construction.tyvek.ca

The pattern in Canada for resi-

Fusions Stone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 . . . 800-265-3174 . . . www.fusionstone.ca

dential market permits strongly

GAF Materials Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . 11 . . . 973-872-4300 . . . www.gaf.com

resembles the pattern for non-

GE Appliances - Commercial Sales . . . . 33 . . . 800-361-2500 . . . www.ccommercial@mabe.ca

residential building, although the peaks are a little higher. After a 20 per cent drop in the market in 2009, 2010 saw an immediate 36 per cent growth over that year, with strong growth in the single family market and a large leap in the multifamily market. After

CHBA – Alberta BUILD 2014 www.chbaalberta.ca

that initial push, growth has been

September 21-23

tent, and steady growth is expect-

OHBA Annual Conference Ottawa, ON www.ohbaconference.com

Page

more modulated but still consis-

Grabber Construction Products . . . . . . . . 38 . . . 800-567-8876 . . . www.grabbercanada.ca Home Hardware Stores Limited . . . . . . . . 4 . . . 519-664-2252 . . . www.homehardware.ca Huber Engineered Woods LLC . . . . . . . . 35 . . . 416-400-4562 . . . www.advantechbuildstrong.com JELD-WEN of Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 . . . 204-510-4745 . . . www.jeld-wen.ca LP CanExel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 . . . 888-820-0325 . . . www.canexel.ca NAPOLEON Fireplaces & Grills . . . . . . . 17 . . . 800-461-5581 . . . www.napoleonfireplaces.com Lenox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 . . . 800-642-0010 . . www.lenoxtools.com Nudura Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 . . . 866-468-6299 . . . www.nudura.com Plastic Components, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 . . . 800-327-7077 . . . www.plasticomponents.com Robert Bosch Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . BC . . . 224-232-2402 . . . www.boschtools.com Rogers Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 . . . 866-567-5778 . . . www.rogers.com Sage Software, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 . . . 866-420-7289 . . . www.sagecre.com

ed between 2014 and 2016. To

Schlage Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 . . . 800-900-4734 . . . www.schlage.com

view a copy of the 58-page report,

Simpson Strong-Tie Canada . . . . . . . . . . 28 . . . 800-999-5099 . . . www.strongtie.com

visit www.cagbc.org.

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Home BUILDER July/August 2014

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Tougher than rebar

4×

Life

Bosch diffusion-bonded, full-head carbide tip won’t shear off

Bulldog is a trademark of Robert Bosch Tool Corporation.