Nov/Dec 2014 | Home Builder Magazine Canada by Work4 Projects Ltd.

VOL.27 NO. 6

November 2014

THE MAGAZINE OF THE CANADIAN HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION

VIEWPOINTS

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Learning the Tools of the Trade: The Web Takes Its Place Developing Canada’s National Model Building Codes The Fused Grid Model Six Tips to Help Keep the Taxman at Bay Crystal-Balling the Customer Experience Tool Talk: Simply Clever Solutions

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contents

CHBA Report 28 29

President’s Message CEO’s Update

Columns Economics 9 10 Building Science 12 Customer Satisfaction 13 14

Community Development Common Cents Construction

Tool Talk

ECONOMICS: Housing Starts to Improve Further in 2015

Viewpoints: Ten Members of the Residential Construction Industry Share Their Insights & Opinions

How prosperous will conditions be for home builders in 2015 and beyond? The forecast suggests slightly stronger housing starts with a modest shift toward more single-family type homes.

Code changes, social media, the underground economy, land shortages and development charges, the continuing impact of “renovation television”… those are just a few of the challenges and changes facing Canada’s residential construction industry. Find out what ten members of the industry have to say.

Departments 6 News 8 Association 34 Renovation 35 Products 36 Industry News 36 Advertisers Index 38 Calendar

COVER Viewpoints: Ten members of the residential construction industry from across the country share their insights and opinions with Home BUILDER. Here’s what they had to say: See page 20.

NEXT ISSUE

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 November 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: November 2014

BUILDING SCIENCE: Developing Canada’s National Model Construction Codes Canada has one of the best standards of construction in the world and a high degree of uniformity in building construction and fire safety across the country. NRC explains the process.

LEARNING THE TOOLS OF THE TRADE: The Web Takes Its Place

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: Crystal-Balling the Customer Experience

Bringing new insights to the construction trades has always been a difficult task, even in the days when the federal government believed in research and technology transfer. Some new online efforts are breaking fresh ground in helping to solve continuing construction problems.

Creating a successful future is surely the goal of every business, but navigating toward success has many unique considerations today. Tim Bailey, Avid Ratings Canada, shares some tips on how to steer the course.

TOOL TALK: Simply Clever Solutions From pliers to painting accessories, to reciprocating saws and laser-driven measuring devices, this month’s picks are simply clever solutions to make life on the job… simpler.

January/February Issue The Trade News, The Facts 2015: Economic Outlook & Housing Forecast / Tools of the The Stories... Economic Outlook for 2015, plus a look at the upcoming year’s residential housing and renovation market, from single-detached to multi-family. An expanded hand and power tool (corded and cordless) section. To book your premium ad space, call 514-620-2200 or e-mail sales@work4.ca

28 th

YEAR

homeBUILDERcanada.com Home BUILDER November/December 2014

NEWS

Entrepreneurs: Definitely Not Your Ordinary Business Owners TORONTO —The BMO Wealth Institute has released Entrepreneurs:

should be considered.

Definitely Not Your Ordinary Business Owners, a report that examines

Minimizing taxes: Combining both personal and business taxes is

what keeps Canada’s entrepreneurs “up at night.” The study found that

beneficial to entrepreneurs. Leaving personal funds in an incorpo-

60% of Canadian business owners are concerned with being able to

rated business can help to minimize taxes and reduce reliance on

retire from their business, as well as managing cash flow in profitable

lines of credit. Insurance needs: Selecting an insurance plan that can care for the

and challenging times.

What’s keeping Canadian business owners awake at night?

entrepreneur, their family and their business can be challenging and require specific knowledge around risk and insurancebased strategies. Minimizing risks: Using ownership structures, such as holding companies or family trusts, can help reduce the risk of owning a business. Income splitting: Allotting assets or income to a spouse or other family members can be implemented to reduce the entrepreneur’s family’s overall tax bill. Tax-advantaged savings plans: Individual Pension Plans, Pooled Registered Pension Plans, Tax-Free Savings Accounts, Insurance Retirement Plans and Group Registered Retirement Savings Plans are options to help the entrepreneur plan for the future. Investment management: Managing the investments of a company is important and liquidity, risk and short- or medium-term cash needs must be considered.

Source: BMO Wealth Institute survey by Research Now

Credit management: Accessing credit when needed is essential when owning a business. Ensuring that personal and busi-

Other top concerns identified included: Identifying income options from business profit (56 %)

ness needs are in order help keep funds available for the business. Succession planning: An overwhelming 69% of entrepreneurs do

Paying too much tax (51%) Handling the business if a key employee quits or leaves (47%)

not have a formal written succession plan in place. Establishing a

Taking care of family members if incapacitated (44%)

plan to ensure the orderly transfer of management and ownership

Managing business succession planning (39%)

of a business to the next generation helps prepare the employees,

In terms of priorities, 75% of entrepreneurs said they are focused on

the owner and the owner’s family for when the owner is no longer

making improvements in their business operations and more than half

involved in the business.

are seeking to grow their business aggressively.

To download the report, visit www.bmo.com/wealthinstitute.

The report outlines several wealth management considerations for business issues and personal concerns: Income options: Being paid by salary, dividends or a bonus can have different ramifications for the entrepreneurs and the business. Varying provincial tax rate advantages and tax-deferral options

CIBC Poll: Being Your Own Boss TORONTO — A new CIBC poll finds eight in 10 Canadian entrepreneurs say their financial situation is the same or better since they quit working for someone else and made the move to self-employment, finds

The Magazine of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association Vol. 27 No. 6 November/December 2014

a new CIBC poll. The tradeoff is that almost half of these entrepreneurs report working longer hours and having higher stress levels. However nine out of 10 entrepreneurs say that even with these factors, they are satisfied with

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 Fanis Grammenos Bo Mocherniak Peter Norman Philip Rizcallah

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

Editor Judy Penz Sheluk editor@work4.ca

their personal quality of life.

Published by Work-4 Projects Ltd.

were to be their own boss (49%) and to do something they love (47%).

Advertising/Editorial: 4819 St. Charles Blvd. Pierrefonds, Quebec Canada, H9H 3C7 Phone: 514-620-2200 www.homebuildercanada.com

Entrepreneurs say that their top reasons for starting a business More than half (56%) would not ever consider going back to work as an employee for someone else. About two-thirds of entrepreneurs (65%) say they are taking the same amount or more vacation time compared to when others employed them. On the family front, 84% of business owners enjoy the same or more family time than before they ran their own businesses.

Home BUILDER November/December 2014

Wall-To-Wall Solutions

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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.

association

LHBA

THE BLAZEMASTER DIFFERENCE

OHBA’s 50 Good Deeds Initiative a Resounding Success!

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The London Home Builders’ Association provides students entering Fanshawe College’s Construction Carpentry Techniques program with hard hats annually. This donation is “Protecting our Future” in the industry by providing students with the equipment necessary for success in their studies. Over 100 hard hats were provided as part of the ongoing partnership with Fanshawe College.

TORONTO — When Ontario Home Builders’ past president, Eric DenOuden, proposed that OHBA celebrate its 50th anniversary as a provincial association with 50 good deeds, he had no concerns that the target number could be easily met. “Our local associations, the individual members and member companies across Ontario are very community-minded people and extremely generous,” said DenOuden, “I had every confidence we would have at least 50 good deeds to commemorate the historic anniversary for OHBA.” The good deed projects were as varied and unique as OHBA’s 31 local associations—from hockey tournaments to toy drives to the ALS Ice bucket challenge—OHBA members enthusiastically supported the anniversary project and the 50 good deeds goal was vastly surpassed. Launching the initiative was the Stratford and Area Builder’s Association’s (SABA) Splashpad. Members committed over $200,000 to the project, as well as their time, brawn and materials, in order to ensure it was opened on time. One year later they welcomed hordes of excited children who had anxiously been awaiting the Splashpad. One of the largest contributors to 50 Good Deeds Initiative was from the London local. When the London Home Builders’ Association (LHBA)

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heard that OHBA was planning 50 Good Deeds, executive officer Lois Langdon decided to make this initiative as impactful as she knew it could be and challenged her members to attain 50 charitable acts of their own. “Our members take giving back to the community very seriously,” said Lois Langdon, Executive Officer of LHBA. “It is part of our mission statement and part of our reputation here in London. It’s been something we’ve been doing for decades.” Visit OHBA’s Facebook page to see details of other charitable works.

Home BUILDER November/December 2014

SABA

economics

Housing Starts to Improve Further in 2015 How prosperous will conditions be for home build-

By Peter Norman

All told, the performance of the Canadian economy

Canada and new home starts in particular have been

has been pretty steady in recent quarters and is likely

very steady in recent quarters. All fundamentals suggest

to accelerate modestly to about 2.5% growth next year.

more of the same, and as Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve spoken about in this col-

But our economy continues to face a number of external

umn before, if anything the forecast should be for slightly

risks. And recent data on international conditions sug-

stronger housing starts and a modest shift toward more

gest that these risks might be getting sharper.

single-family type homes.

Despite somewhat soft economic conditions in the

Total Canada-wide housing starts were flat in the 3rd

USâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;our major trading partner, and across the world

quarter of 2014, with 196,000 units seasonally adjusted

economy in general in 2014, expectations remain for

at annual rate (SAAR), according to CMHC. In fact both

stronger growth in 2015. But those expectations seem to

single-family and apartment starts more or less matched

be downshifting. For example, the consensus forecast for

their Q2 performance. In Q3, housing starts saw a small

GDP growth in the US has been downgraded by a number

improvement in Atlantic Canada (from a very weak first

of forecasters in recent months, which is related, in turn,

half), otherwise weakness in Ontario and Quebec was

to weakening expectations for the world economy.

generally offset by strength in the West.

Recently strong immigration across Canada will continue to fuel housing demand, albeit with a lag.

International Risks Remain a Factor

ers in 2015 and beyond? Housing markets in general in

While these factors raise important risks to our eco-

Existing home sales rose again in the third quarter to

nomic and job growth forecast that underlies housing

reach over 500,000 units (SAAR)â&#x20AC;&#x201D;the highest quarter of

starts, the question is, how bad does it have to get in the

activity since the beginning of 2010. Generally resales

economy before possible deterioration in housing condi-

have been steady but elevated, averaging almost 460,000

tions in Canada? We will keep a close eye on these factors

unit sales per year over the past five years. Resale home

as we move into the new year.

price gains remain generally modest, assuaging fears of over-valuation, but single-family prices continue to rise

Higher Housing Starts in 2015

modestly faster than apartment prices, underscoring the

All told, recent momentum, signs of pent-up demand

pent-up demand in most markets across the country for

and baseline expectations for improving economic con-

ground-oriented housing.

ditions suggest higher housing starts in 2015, especially

Continued Strong Fundamentals into 2015

among the single-family segment. Regionally, 2015 is likely to bring improvements in Ontario and Quebec as

Job growth is an important factor behind housing

these economies benefit from improved trade, and espe-

demand, and this has been one of the challenges in 2014

cially in Atlantic Canada where conditions are improving

where the pace of job growth slowed remarkably in the

from a very weak housing market in early 2014. Hous-

first half of the year, and has been particularly weak in

ing starts in Western Canada may back off slightly from

markets such as Atlantic Canada. Job growth picked up

their recent strong pace, as migration patterns shift back

almost everywhere in the third quarter and expectations

toward Central Canada.

are for faster growth on the backs of an improved export sector in 2015. Meanwhile labour productivity has been slowly improving in Canada and reached a four-year high in the second quarter. Improved productivity will mean stronger wage and household income growth going forward, which, along with stronger household balance sheets will improve housing affordability and accessibility, especially among first-time buyers. Interest rates have been low and steady in recent years. The recent slip in the price of oil, which may bring its own risks in terms of economic growth, and recently-soft inflation indicators, will guarantee that 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.

policy makers remain very dovish in interest rates right through 2015. Recent strong immigration across Canada will continue to fuel housing demand, albeit with a lag. Internal migration patterns have shifted westward in the past decade, but may be shifting back toward Central Canada in 2015 and the years ahead.

Home BUILDER November/December 2014

BUILDING SCIENCE

Developing Canada’s National Model Construction Codes

By Philip Rizcallah

Canada has one of the best standards of construction

Regulatory officials, design and safety profession-

in the world and a high degree of uniformity in build-

als, manufacturers and suppliers, contractors, building

ing construction and fire safety across the country. Its

managers or owners, consumers, and other public and

centralized system for model code development and

private sector stakeholders—in fact anyone with an

maintenance has resulted in a progressive system that is

interest in the Codes— can submit code change requests.

continually evolving to accommodate new technologies,

Each code change request is reviewed by the appro-

materials, construction practices, research, social policy,

priate standing committee, who determine if the request

and the changing needs of Canadian society.

will be included in its work plan for CCBFC approval and

Canada’s National Model Construction Codes are

priority setting. Work plan approval and priority setting

developed and maintained by the Canadian Commission

by the CCBFC ensures that code development work

on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC), an independent

focuses on issues of importance to the provinces and

committee of volunteers established by NRC. The CCBFC

territories as well as to stakeholders.

develops code content through a consensus-based pro-

Once authorized by the CCBFC, the appropriate

cess that relies on the voluntary contributions of standing

standing committee undertakes a detailed review of the

committee and task group members, and the public. An

code change request. If the proposed change is complex

important feature of the code development and mainte-

and requires significant analysis, a task group may be

nance process is the extent of public involvement.

established to study it and make recommendations. The

NRC is involved in every aspect of the development

standing committee may reject a proposal, amend the

of the National Model Construction Codes. Committee

wording, defer it pending receipt of more information or

work is supported by the latest technical information and

research, or approve the proposed change.

expertise available within NRC.

Coordinated Public Reviews Once a year the provinces and territories have the opportunity to review draft proposed changes as part of the pre-public review process. If any of them has serious policy or administrative concerns about inclusion of a certain proposed change for public review, the proposed change can be withdrawn or deferred for further discussion prior to public review. Code users are also consulted once annually, usually in the fall, and invited to review and comment on the proposed changes to the Codes. The public review allows those most affected by a proposed change to provide feedback and it increases the range of expertise available on any subject.

Coordinated system

Philip Rizcallah is Acting Director of NRC Construction’s Building Regulations program and Manager of the Canadian Codes Centre. This article originally appeared in NRC’s Construction Innovation, Volume 19, Number 2, September 2014.

The number of proposed changes ranges widely from year to year, with some years having only 30-50 while

Canada’s constitution gives the 10 provinces and

others have more than 200. The 2008 public review, for

three territories jurisdiction over construction. To enact

instance, had 646 proposed changes posted for com-

building and fire regulations, the provinces, territories,

ment whereas the 2014 public review will have 51. Every

and municipalities pass legislation that references the

proposed change includes extensive documentation,

relevant national or provincial code.

from the original request through the analysis and pro-

The participation of the provinces and territories

posal development stage, the review of public comments

at every stage is vital to the success of the CCBFC and

and, finally, the CCBFC’s decision on whether or not to

encourages the reduction of differences between the

approve the change.

national and provincial/territorial codes.

Development Process

Following the public review, standing committees review the submitted comments. A proposed change moves forward only once all comments have been

Individuals from all segments of the Canadian con-

considered. Some proposed changes may be deferred,

struction community have the opportunity to contribute

withdrawn or revised at this point. The provinces and

to the development of the Codes, either directly, through

territories then review the final version of the proposed

committee membership, or indirectly, by submitting or

changes from a policy perspective and identify their

commenting on proposed changes.

concerns before the changes are submitted to the CCBFC 436

10 Home BUILDER November/December 2014

Customer satisfaction

Crystal-Balling the Customer Experience “The best way to predict the future is to create it,”

By Tim Bailey

The use of rich data will grow even more critical.

future is surely the goal of every business, but navigating

Leading companies will further leverage customer feed-

toward success has many unique considerations today.

back, ethnographic research, data from social media,

The digital revolution has created a new ecosystem

and other sources to design and shape products, services

for businesses and anticipating what lies ahead can be

and the customer experience. Consumers expect experi-

daunting. When it comes to delivering an exceptional

ences with products and services to be more custom-

customer experience in home building, here are just a

ized and personal. Companies will need to harness the

few things to expect.

exponential growth of information available across a

Transparency: The Picture Gets Clearer

of target customers. Aggregation of information from many systems, including customer feedback, Customer

evolving “connection economy” and the power of con-

Relationship Management (CRM) and social media chan-

nections will continue to grow. Every consumer has the

nels will provide opportunities to create more accurate

ability to like, tweet, share, compare, rate and review

and predictive customer models.

leverage this provides to high-performing companies

Relationships: The Bonds Gets Tighter

will grow even stronger. Conversely, the risk this poses

Quality products and quality service have become the

to brands that perform poorly will become increasingly

expected norms with home buyers. This will make the

dangerous. Most home buyers are not expecting perfec-

focus on “quality relationships” critical. Customer service

tion and will become champions for companies they

departments should look to serve as customer relation-

believe are genuine and caring. Those companies will

ship centres and incorporate predictive service mod-

reap benefits through traditional referrals, as well as

els—versus the reactive service practices often employed

shared positivity across the many online channels now

in home building. Relationships in home building also

utilized by home buyers.

include employees, trades, and suppliers and engage-

Marketing: The Message Gets More Personal The marketing practice of “broadcasting to the masses” will continue to be redefined by targeted and personal touches that provide value and relevance to

ment across all of these stakeholders will become even more important for success.

Technology: The Advancement Will Get Faster

the individual. The same mass of consumers that are lik-

The customer experience in home building is chang-

ing, tweeting, sharing, comparing, rating and reviewing

ing rapidly and this change will continue to accelerate.

products and experiences are providing a storehouse of

“92 percent of home buyers use the internet in their

information and ethnographic data. Consumer data that

home search,” according to 2013 National Association

was previously only available to the privileged few is now

of Realtors research. Home buyers research and qualify

available to all. This will allow the intimacy of marketing

builders for their shopping list long before any visit to a

to advance, as companies can pinpoint precise consum-

model home. Builders that provide easy mobile access,

ers and personally connect with custom marketing mes-

interactive video, online reviews and customer ratings

sages. Consumers will continue to align with companies

are engaging more of today’s home shoppers. Emerging

that share similar values and will eagerly introduce their

technologies will create entirely new oppor-

connections to those brands as well. The mobile age is also creating a host of new opportunities for marketing. According to research by Mobile Marketing Association Asia, “There are 6.8 billion people on the 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.

multitude of channels to fully understand the uniqueness

Home builders will continue to operate in this ever-

each and every product and service experience. The

Over half of all the views of U.S. real estate occurred on a mobile device.

Data: The Need Gets Bigger

according to author Peter Drucker. Creating a successful

tunities for engaging tomorrow’s home buyers at an even more personal and customized level.

Vision of the Future

planet. 5.1 billion of them own a cell phone,

Creating a successful future

but only 4.2 billion own a toothbrush.” A Wall

in an era of accelerating change

Street Journal article from December 2013

is no small feat but, fortunately,

reported that “over half of all the views of

some key fundamentals remain.

U.S. real estate occurred on a mobile device.” The mobile world means that marketing must continue to address the “wherever” and “whenever” needs of consumers, as shop-

A strategic and well-communicated vision will remain the lifeblood of successful organizations and the DNA of top performers will

pers expect to be able to interact with brands

continue to lie within passion-

seamlessly “anywhere” and “anytime.”

ate core values.

12 Home BUILDER November/December 2014

Community Development

The Fused Grid Model

Leading the way to healthier places Builders trust and repeat the tried and true; also, the

By Fanis Grammenos

These advantages did not go unnoticed. In 2007, the

that promises efficiency, cost savings and assured better

Prince Albert [Saskatchewan] Official Community Plan

results, a small number grasp its advantages intuitively,

talks about the model and notes: “The fused grid system

snatch it and try it. These early adopters venture forth

enhances vehicular and pedestrian circulation by com-

and establish precedent and proof of a tool’s utility. They

bining the conventional loop and cul-de-sac curvilinear

show, for example, that though the old hammer does

pattern, which provides safety, sociability and efficiency

the job well, it cannot compete with the framing nailer.

with that of the traditional grid pattern, which provides

The same sequence applies to ideas about planning

connectivity and easy orientation.”

neighbourhoods and communities. They are also, in a

In 2010, Red Deer published the revised Neighbour-

sense, “tools” in the hands of the developer because they

hood Planning Guidelines and Standards, prompts build-

affect the way things are done and the overall outcome

ers to use the fused grid as means of meeting the munici-

of a development; its cost effectiveness, its profitability

pality’s planning goals. Also in 2010, a report about

and its customer appeal. But, unlike shop tools, concepts

a new 47-hectare approved subdivision—BlackWolf in

are not something on the shelf that you can touch and

Lethbridge— asserts that this community “is most read-

feel. It takes imagination to grasp them or, alternatively,

ily defined by its use of the fused grid road layout, the

a real life example.

goal of which is to achieve a balance between vehicular

Examples Sprouting

Early adopters of the fused grid model are in Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Starting a Trend

successful and profitable. Yet, when a new tool shows up

and pedestrian movement and to create safe, sociable streets and easy connectivity to community facilities.” A

A new street layout concept ventured to answer a

second community in Lethbridge, Royal View, currently

key builder question: How can I maintain the efficiency

in the planning stages, also intends to follow the fused

of my previous practices but also create neighbourhoods

grid layout model.

that are healthy, low impact and delightful? A clear,

In northern Alberta, Fort McMurray planned an

no-nonsense answer emerged: the fused grid model.

expansion on the adjacent Saline Creek Plateau. Its

Early adopters of the fused grid model are in Alberta and

planners carefully reviewed the Calgary example and,

Saskatchewan.

after extensive consultations, an Official Area Structure

In Calgary, a 160-acre community, Saddlestone, at

Plan emerged that states: “The network is based on the

the northeast edge of the city, is rapidly filling in. From

principle of fused grid design that enhances vehicular

the start, the developer eyed the fused grid as a way to

and pedestrian circulation.”

achieve his objectives and to meet the City’s new guide-

Saskatoon approved two new communities in quick

lines that included infrastructure efficiency, walkability,

succession, both of which include principles and tech-

connectivity, safety, low environmental impact and resi-

niques of the fused grid: Kensington and the recently

dent delight. Here’s a look at the scorecard:

approved Brighton, an 800-acre planned development.

Efficiency: A comparison with previous develop-

The Brighton submission asserts that its design “will

ments showed the new plan had 3.3% less land given

utilize the fused-grid road pattern throughout the entire

to roads, about 50% less than the traditional city grid

community.” In Regina, a new community, Westerra,

and below the average of 13 typical Calgary com-

now being planned, also intends to use the model.

munities. Connectivity: Exceeded the city targets and the

Evidently, when the advantages of a new concept are in full view, pioneers will flock to embrace it.

average of many typical communities. It also has above average open green space and 2.5% more than the developer’s previous subdivisions. Environmental impact: Two storm water ponds Fanis Grammenos heads Urban Pattern Associates, a planning consultancy, following a fruitful research career at CMHC. His book Remaking the City Street Grid - A Model for Urban and Suburban Development (McFarland Publishers) is a practical guide to community design. He can be reached at fanis.grammenos@gmail.com.

and two rain gardens ensure that little, if any, storm water leaves the site; a boon to local vegetation and downstream water quality. Rain gardens are regular parks with a difference: Below their surface lie the means of absorbing most of the rainfall. Walkability: This rests on two premises: the directness of route and its ambiance. The fused grid passes both tests. Its high connectivity ensures short, direct paths, most of which go through or by parks.

Home BUILDER November/December 2014

COMMON CENTS CONSTRUCTION

Six Tips to Help Keep the Taxman at Bay As the end of another year approaches, it’s important

proprietor or in an unincorporated partnership, consider

to review your tax situation to make sure you’re doing

whether you should transfer your business to a corpora-

everything you can to reduce your tax liability. Tax rules

tion. While many of the benefits offered by incorporation

are constantly changing, and staying abreast of them

depend upon your circumstances, such as the amount of

will not only help ensure you’re in compliance with the

income you earn, the benefits can include: the ability to

law, but that you’re able to benefit from a wide range of

have income taxed at a relatively low rate, a tax deferral

tax mitigating strategies. With that in mind, you might consider the following planning ideas: By Bo Mocherniak, Grant Thornton

Salary, Bonus or Dividends? What’s the Right Compensation Strategy for You? If you’re the owner-manager of a closely held Canadian-controlled private corporation, you should consider the mix

If your spouse and/or children work for you, paying them a reasonable salary or bonus may allow you to take advantage of their lower marginal tax rate.

the corporation, and the ability to benefit from the capital gains deduction on the disposition of the corporation’s shares. Additionally, most business assets can be transferred to a corporation on a tax-deferred basis.

Bare Trusts, Nominee Corporations and Joint Ventures

of salary, bonus and dividends in your

Many real estate investments are held in

compensation package. A bonus is often

a joint venture (JV) arrangement. Instead of

preferred over salary, since the payment

having each JV participant reporting their

can be deferred until after the company’s

share of the GST/HST to the CRA,

year-end. You may also opt to receive

the JV participants may elect

part of your remuneration in

an “operator” to report the

the form of dividends. Certain

tax. The operator must be an

dividends qualify as “eligible

investor/participant, or a per-

dividends,” which are subject

son with managerial or opera-

to a lower tax rate than other

tional responsibilities within the

(regular) dividends.

Where Possible, Income Split With Other Family Members If you have family members employed in your business or as shareholders of your corporation, either directly or indirectly (through a family trust), there can be significant tax savings to splitting income—paying dividends to certain lower income

JV. In many cases, the accounting for GST/HST has been administered by a bare trust or nominee corporation, which does not generally qualify to be an operator of the JV for GST/HST reporting purposes. The CRA has offered temporary administrative relief for reporting periods up to December 31, 2014, provided certain conditions have been met. Therefore, the use of bare trusts or

family members, for example. In addition, if your spouse

nominee corporations to report the tax will no longer be

and/or children work for you, paying them a reasonable

allowed after 2014.

salary or bonus may allow you to take advantage of their lower marginal tax rate, and give them earned income for CPP and RRSP purposes.

With 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.

to the extent you are able to retain the income in

Acquiring and Disposing of Assets— Understand the Tax Implications

Selling a Business? Defer Tax By Reinvesting the Proceeds in Another Small Business If you realize a capital gain on the sale of an eligible small business investment, and invest some or all of the proceeds in another eligible small business investment,

In general, if you are planning to purchase an asset,

you can defer taxation on some or all of the gain. To

you should acquire it before the end of your fiscal year.

qualify, the proceeds must be reinvested in an eligible

On the other hand, the disposal of assets that have

business at any time during the year of disposition or

appreciated in value can create significant income tax

within 120 days after the year-end. Eligible investments

liabilities. As such, you should generally dispose of an

are newly issued common shares in a small-business

asset at the beginning of the next fiscal period. If you are

corporation with assets (including assets of related cor-

constructing a new building, or an addition to an existing

porations) not exceeding $50 million immediately before

building, check with your tax adviser to determine if any

and after the investment.

planning can be done to accelerate the write-off of the costs for tax purposes.

To Incorporate or Not Incorporate If you’re currently carrying on business as a sole

14 Home BUILDER November/December 2014

While these tips aren’t a substitute for the recommendations of a personal tax advisor, and individual circumstances vary, they can help you begin the conversation with your professional adviser.

THE WAY WE WORK: no.

ALWAYS KNOW YOUR NEXT MOVE.

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Training report

By Jon Eakes

Learning the Tools of the The web takes its place Bringing new insights to the construction trades has always been a difficult task, even in the days when the federal government believed in research and technology transfer. Some new online efforts are breaking fresh ground in helping to solve continuing construction problems. But first, some perspectives to see why these new web-based tools are so important.

16 Home BUILDER November/December 2014

The Training Boom of the ’80s

driving force of the wind), but NRC no longer

More and more, these groups place doc-

In the 1980s I traveled to the far corners of

has the mandate to broadcast this information

uments on the web, but that doesn’t really

the very large province of Quebec delivering

and CMHC, who historically took this kind of

approach real e-learning or utilize the graphi-

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s

research to the builders, is suffering cutbacks

cal dynamics of the web and its mobile apps.

(CMHC) Better Building seminars and R-2000

in their research and publications divisions.

Most interesting to me is that the first two sig-

training for the provincial home builders asso-

Without some industry momentum, I found

nificant web-based training efforts deal with

ciation, APCHQ. While effective, it felt a bit like

myself unable to convince the CSA committee

two of our original and continuing training

trying to teach old dogs new tricks, and only

forging the new Fenestration Installation Tech-

problems: understanding the overview of how

reached a limited number of front-running

nician (FIT) Personnel Certification Program (a

one thing affects another in residential con-

contractors. Thirty years later, sitting on the

voluntary national certification program for

struction, and mastering the minute on-site

editorial board of the Canadian Apprentice-

personnel responsible for the installation of

details of product application.

ship Journal, I came to understand better just

windows, doors and skylights) to even con-

how complicated trades training is. Schools, colleges and other apprenticeships for trades, although indispensable, are often disjointed and incomplete. With the shining exception of the Red Seal program, knowledge gained in one place was not recognized outside of its small confines, often leaving young people with more knowledge but useless diplomas. Despite all of those training efforts, housing continued to have problems that we knew could be avoided, all too often even in houses built by trained professionals.

The Gaping Holes in Training The R-2000 program put their finger on one of the principle problems, too much trade specialization without knowledge of what they called “The House as a System.” There were

Some of the brightest minds in energy efficient and sustainable construction have succeeded in launching the beginning of a series of online animated courses out of Halifax.

On the other end of the training spectrum, classroom training was not transmitting the details of actual product manipulation—the hands-on skills of application. This was accen-

Some of the brightest minds in energy efficient and sustainable construction have succeeded in launching the beginning of a series of online animated courses out of Halifax, starting with Building Science Basics and Envelope Specialist (New or Existing Construction). These are real “courses” with progressive segments, tests, grades and certificates. In a step to assure their recognition across the country, they are accredited to receive BPI (Building Performance Institute) Continuing Education Units and are also offered through the EnerQuality group. Yes, they cost money, but they cost less than the time taken off of work, transportation and often lodging to attend a seminar. They are not intended to be in competition with any current training, but rather a valuable complement to

lines drawn between trade responsibilities, and mould was getting through the cracks.

The House as a System

sider moving forward to new knowledge rather

all other education. I am delighted to find the

than backward into old habits.

course I always wanted to produce, The House

Online: New Tools to Solve Old Training Problems

as a System, presented competently and visually (I love animation for teaching building science to a guy with a drill about to punch out

tuated by the fact that far too often those who

Traditional sit-down seminars still exist

my air barrier). If we could get every worker

take a seminar have to try to explain what

although they are getting harder to find. The

and sub-trade on a site to sit down at home and

they just learned to those doing the work.

most widely available, like R-2000 and those

click through these courses, we could begin

True apprenticeship programs work hard to

put on by EnerQuality.ca, deal primarily with

to close up those cracks between the trades

combine classroom theory with field practice.

training designed to meet certification for

that let the mould into the walls. Even

Unfortunately, in the residential construction

new construction energy-related programs. In

young people in full-scale apprentice-

industry little is available to keep the people

some provinces, the provincial building associ-

ship programs will profit from a good

doing the hands-on work up to date with new

ations have courses focused on problem areas

understanding of the House as a Sys-

products, let alone new understandings of old

often identified through warranty programs.

tem. Check out www.BlueHouseEnergy.com.

things like wall systems.

The Homeowner Protection Office of BC (www.

Bringing Application Details On-Site

One new training handicap is illustrated

hpo.bc.ca) is now the greatest distributor of

with the recent ground-breaking research by

traditional type of building notices and best

You can see incredible animation detail in a

the National Research Council Canada (NRC)

practice documents in the English language.

website, but you can also show the guy work-

on avoiding window water penetration. The

You do need to read carefully if the document

ing next to you that detail on your CI telephone

real causes and solutions of water penetra-

you are looking at is designed specifically for

app. www.ConstructionInstruction.com is an

tion are published (separating and properly

the wet mild climate of the Lower Mainland

online creation by the same people who put

locating the water barrier and the air bar-

of B.C., however B.C. also covers both snowy

on the Ontario Spring Training Camp I wrote

rier to remove the presence of water from the

mountaintops and desert valleys.

about in the July 2014 issue of Home BUILDER.

Home BUILDER November/December 2014

418

Training report

174 They have gone to manufacturers that have a need to show very specific and detailed application specifics and gotten them to finance consistent quality 3D animations that show

structured course format.

The Building Performance Institute for Retrofit

tise from the American side and working to develop a complete site quality assurance program in cooperation with existing Canadian stakeholders. The House as a System work of

very well on smart phones. Although this is all

The Building Performance Institute (BPI)

Blue Energy and the CI on-site app are perfect

commercial material, it is not created by the

With the shining exception of the Red Seal program, knowledge gained in one place was not recognized outside of its small confines.

fits with the BPI quality assurance efforts. More

advertising departments of the companies, but rather by training experts who from experience know what the worker in the field needs to understand. It is not a structured course, but a fantastic illustration of a wide range of concepts and application details. Membrane lapping and flashing details come to mind as I recall that reversed lapping is one of the major causes of water infiltration into walls. A look at the rapidly growing list of videos available, all free to the viewer, shows a lot on Building Science, items that fit into the

and more you will be seeing BPI as a sign of quality products and procedures. Visit www. BPICanada.org. The web and its mobile capacity is not only raising the possibility of reaching more individuals than we ever did with the old seminar system, it is giving us totally new teaching tools to help understand complex systems, and mobility to consult those resources right on the jobsite. Despite all of that, I am still writing magazine articles for those of you who are still reading print on paper. Of course, you can read

House as a System concept, in addition to the

is an American association of energy efficient

this magazine on the web if you are so inclined:

close-up installation details we have never

builders and product suppliers. BPI Canada

www.HomeBuilderCanada.com

seen clearly before. These would be useful

was formed to address the quality of work done

additions to someone who has gone through

when retrofitting existing residential homes in

the Blue House Energy courses to add detail

Canada. Although in its developmental stage,

to the overall framework they learned in that

BPI Canada is bringing a lot of retrofit exper-

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18 Home BUILDER November/December 2014

VIEWPOINTS

Ten Members of the Residential Construction Industry Share their Insights and Opinions

by Judy Penz Sheluk

Code changes, social media, the underground economy, land shortages and development charges, the continuing impact of “renovation television” . . . These are just a few of the challenges and changes facing

Renovation Professionals: Changing the Stereotype

Canada’s residential construction industry. Ten industry members from across the country shared their insights and opinions with Home

BUILDER. Here’s what they had to say:

The Power of Networking & Mentorship

were both motivated and the relationship was great. I learned many skills and gained a lot of knowledge but one thing stands out the most: understanding the

Nicholas Hill, President Ritchie Contracting & Design Ltd., Penticton, B.C.

Stefanie Coleman-Dias, Owner Coleman-Dias3 Construction Inc., St. Thomas, Ont.

importance of a client’s goodwill. Having a custom

One Monday morning I responded to a knock at

home built is one of the biggest lifetime investments

my door, to find two men in dirty jackets holding coffee

someone will make, and it comes with a lot of emotional

cups, saying they had arrived to “do some drywalling.”

attachment. Having a positive experience throughout

I remember immediately feeling uncomfortable. Their

the process is of utmost importance—and if our clients

scruffy appearances, and a lack of company branding

enjoy the process then we get to enjoy our job too!

on their clothing and vehicle, made me wonder if they

We focus on building a strong relationship with our

were legitimate. It also made me question how our own

Working in the custom home building industry

clients that centres around trust. Our value set of hon-

over the last six years has been an amazing journey

esty, accountability, quality and transparency are the

Ten years ago I took a leap of faith by changing

for me. I got a break when I was 28 years old from an

key factors that shape our decisions and actions, and

careers and opening a renovation business with my hus-

experienced builder who offered me the opportunity to

that results in lasting relationships with our clients. The

band. I have learned a lot and the more I learn, the more

take over his contracting business through what I call

net effect is that we continue to have a high percentage

respect I have for how complex the industry is and the

a mentorship-based buyout. Six years later, we have

of high quality clients contacting us to build for them.

skills that are required—from creative problem solving

company portrays its professionalism.

grown to 10 employees, building four to six custom

I believe it would have taken me at least 20 years

to people and communication skills, to math and under-

homes per year. I am lucky because I get up every day

to get where I am now if wasn’t for the power of net-

standing all the connections in today’s building science.

excited to go to work.

working and mentorship. The accumulative wealth of

We also face an environment where cash operators

I met Ted at our local, CHBA South Okanagan,

information within our industry and association is stag-

thrive in the underground economy, making it essential

where I was able to develop a relationship through the

gering. A great value in our association is it being a

for us to help homeowners to quickly be able to pick out

various dinner meetings. I was ambitious with the entre-

catalyst for connecting people. I see a great opportunity

the legitimate companies. Differentiating ourselves by

preneurial itch and he saw an exit strategy. Ted and I

for people entering the residential housing industry and

professionalism is the key to being recognized.

were successful in transferring his 20 years of residen-

those leaving to build relationships and transfer that

How do we elevate our professionalism and set our-

tial building knowledge in four years. I worked for him

wealth of knowledge so that we can continually better

selves apart in order to demand a fair price for the spe-

for two years and then he worked for me for two. We

our industry.

cialized skills we offer?

20 Home BUILDER November/December 2014

time is saved, stress is reduced and a clean jobsite portrays professionalism and respect as we are working in our clients’ homes.

ture and warmth to large rooms.

4. Ethical business: Contracts, receipts and legal

• A single dining area with and adjacent kitchen.

documents legitimize businesses. Accepting “cash”

Kitchens feature a large island with enough seating

calls into question ethical values and portrays a lack of

• LED light fixtures are becoming more prominent.

5. Associations: Membership in CHBA, RenoMark,

• Chandelier(s) in the bathroom, specifically over a

ity and professionalism to the business. Being at the leading edge of training and information sets members apart as leaders in the construction industry. Here are a few practical suggestions that we can encourage our trades to implement:

lic’s perception will benefit our individual businesses

your clutter tucked away, especially in open plan

and the industry as a whole.

kitchens.

It will also dispel the myth that construction is for the young workers we need to offset the retirement of

Had those two drywallers worn tidy uniforms, I would

our current baby-boomer trades.

have judged differently. Branded and tidy uniforms provide a professional look that homeowners will recognize

Coleman-Dias3 Construction.

with convenient touchless faucets. • The return of the Butler’s Pantry—a space to keep

the public see is how we look—and yes people judge.

Stefanie Coleman-Dias, Owner,

• Extra-long ensuite vanities with dual sinks, some

Elevating professionalism and changing the pub-

those who aren’t “university material” and help draw in

“We also face an environment where cash operators thrive in the underground economy, making it essential for us to help homeowners to quickly be able to pick out the legitimate companies.”

free standing tub, as a focal point in the room.

• Pet washing stations in the mudroom.

1. First Impressions: The very first thing clients and

and trust.

for an entire family.

professionalism. and other associations provides a level of accountabil-

not only apply to our businesses, but we also need to

wall detailing, floating shelves. • Wood panelling on vaulted ceilings, providing tex-

Design Trends

“Today’s home buyer is inundated with television programs showcasing the latest in design trends and décor, and they expect no less when it comes to their own home.” Jason Arlt, Vice President, Arlt Homes.

• Massive scale linear fireplaces, multi-sided fireplaces in kitchens, great rooms, dining rooms, master Jason Arlt, Vice President Arlt Homes Ltd., Winnipeg. Man.

Today’s home buyer is inundated with television programs showcasing the latest in design trends and

bedrooms, basements • Wine cellars with tasting areas • Home gyms with rubber flooring and TVs hidden behind mirrors

décor, and they expect no less when it comes to their

• Games areas are not just limited to pool tables and

own home. During my recent tour of the Manitoba

air hockey anymore! Homes included golf simula-

2. Marketing Presentations: Showing our product

Home Builders’ Association’s Fall Parade of Homes,

tors and football-themed viewing rooms with mul-

with marketing materials has never been more afford-

builders definitely stepped up to the challenge. Here, in

tiple TVs

able. Uploading project photos to free websites like

no particular order, are some of my observations.

Houzz, Pinterest and Facebook and having a company

• Natural stone everywhere: on floors, on fireplaces, in

website are low cost marketing options that show legiti-

showers, on backsplashes, on feature walls.

Design trends weren’t just limited to the homes’ interiors. More than ever, people looking at new homes understand and appreciate the important role that

macy and professionalism. Presentation folders includ-

• Textured surfaces everywhere: stone, wood wall pan-

landscaping plays in adding value to a new home.

ing information about our expert renovation services

els, interior doors with interesting details, gloss and

With larger plantings new subdivisions look more

sets a high standard in the client’s mind when they con-

matte surfaces, unique patterns in tile work.

established. I also saw putting greens, lakeside patios

• A continuation of the trend toward lighter interiors:

with integrated fire pits, and waterfalls that promoted

3. Organized Worksites: Job site tidiness, punctu-

airy paint colours, painted or gloss cabinetry, mid-

a feeling of peace and tranquility. In short, Manitoba

ality and being prepared are all success factors for a

tone wood stains.

builders, suppliers and trades continue to showcase

sider other renovators bids.

renovation project. Clients feel comfortable and safe

• Horizontal wood graining on millwork and cabinetry

their ability to innovate and capitalize on the latest

when the staff are organized and in control. Money and

• Wood accents throughout—ceiling beams, media

and greatest trends in the marketplace.

Home BUILDER November/December 2014

422

VIEWPOINTS

214

Make Room for Our Millennials

have risen by 185%, while salaries have increased by

time and expense on job starts. But if that’s all we did,

only 97%. In 1999 development charges were relatively

our products would soon be stale and out-dated. Find-

small whereas they have crept up to $40,000 today.

ing the balance between adapting to consumer trends,

Increases have often incurred as a result of political

leading with new product innovation and maintaining

reluctance to pay for new infrastructure from the tax

efficiency is a delicate balancing act. I try to keep these

base, even when there are substantial benefits to the

five keys in mind in order to successfully grow and evolve

existing population derived from that infrastructure.

our organization.

The City’s policy of limiting suburban land supply has

1. Keep to Small Incremental Changes

driven up the price of this scarce resource, such that the

Being in production work upfront is always lever-

Pierre Dufresne, Vice President, Land Development

raw land cost of a single family home has tripled over

aged out in the long run (unfortunately so are mistakes).

Tartan Development Corporation, Ottawa, Ont.

the same time frame. Meanwhile, construction costs

It is typically better to strive for consistent, small incre-

Recently I have been hearing more and more friends

associated with building the dwelling have remained

mental improvements versus wholesale changes. The

who are part of the baby boomer generation express

stable due to technological advances. What needs to be

way I have to look at things is multiplied by the rate

concern over when they expect their kids, now called

recognized by our City Government and the community

the “millennials,” to enter into the new home ownership

at large is that the affordability issue is one that affects

market.

our children now, and that affects us all.

In my generation it seemed that a young couple

Inequitable development tax increases have a far

graduating university in their mid-twenties were able to

greater impact than incremental municipal tax increas-

secure stable employment, spend a few years saving for

es to the existing community when paying for their fair

a down payment on a home and become homeowners

share of municipal infrastructure. Just as health care

around the same time as wanting to settle down, marry

costs are shared by all and not just by the sick, educa-

and start a family. It is those kids, born in the 1980s

tional costs are paid by all and not just our students’ families, infrastructure costs need to be recognized as

“We need to free up land supply and get off the idea that all suburban growth is sprawl and inherently bad for our society.”

an investment in our communities at large, not just for the new home purchaser, who by the way becomes tax payers as well.

“Finding the balance between adapting to consumer trends, leading with new product innovation and maintaining efficiency is a delicate balancing act.” Miles Kohan, Vice President, Sterling Homes.

of our annual production. For example, if we inappro-

We need to free up land supply and get off the idea

priately spec’d a product that causes one simple $100

that all suburban growth is sprawl and inherently bad

repair, we are facing a $50,000 mistake! ($100 x 500

for our society. We have to recognize that planned urban

homes). For that reason, if I want to try something radi-

growth makes efficient use of that same infrastructure

cally different, I do an “R&D” house as a one-off to try a

Pierre Dufresne, Vice President, Land Development,

investment, and that it has environmental value by not

new concept or product(s).

Tartan Development Corporation.

forcing new home purchasers to look beyond the City’s

2. Decide Who You Are and Stick to It

boundary for affordable opportunities.

and early 1990s, who are now getting out of university, saddled with massive student debt, and often under employed in terms of the educational qualifications they have achieved. At the same time housing costs have risen at a disproportionate acceleration than the

You are either a custom builder or production builder but operationally I haven’t seen a company good at

5 Keys to Product Evolution in Production Building

salaries they see entering into their careers.

both. If you have the resources to create pre-planned options for choices that work well, avoid the red pen at all costs. 3. Have an Effective Feedback Cycle

• Focus Groups: We have done inexpensive online

The opportunities to purchase a three-bedroom

“Survey Monkey” projects to homeowners of a

entry-level townhouse in Ottawa for $110,000 in

certain home model to see how they find living in

1990 has now been replaced with a $275,000 one-

the home. Typically there are patterns in the home

bedroom condominium unit—making Ottawa’s inten-

owner’s responses, which can lead to great updates.

sification policies a success for dubious reasons, but

• Upgrades: Look at customer upgrade trends to see

that’s another story—or the same freehold townhouse

what should be included in your base specifications,

for $350,000. So while the trend of housing prices is

Miles Kohan, Vice President

making home ownership more and more unattainable

Sterling Homes, Edmonton, Alta.

for the millennials, we need to call upon our Municipal Government officials to recognize exactly why. Between 1999 and 2014 housing prices in Ottawa

22 Home BUILDER November/December 2014

assuming your overall price remains competitive. • Budgets: Check for material returns as well as doing

As a production builder one would like to gain effi-

a cost to complete variance analysis. Tighter budgets

ciency through repetition. Master drawings shorten

eliminate costly waste as well as avoid being short

time for production drawings. Master budgets shorten

on material and holding up a trade.

OOH-LA-LOCK.

4. Maintain Discipline

Be consistent. We strive for an even flow of 13 files completed a week from each department to the next, and the managers need to track and report their vari-

Schlage’s Decorative Collections make it easy to match our strength to your style.

ances to me on a weekly basis. I try not to introduce a new product or option unless it’s fully drawn, tendered, detailed budgets entered into the software, and marketing piece done—then it’s ready for market. Like our selection centre, we are very proud of the fact that we have over 205,000 product codes in the system and 100% of what a customer sees is priced for their specific home with the selections, pricing and sign off being done on a one day visit. 5. Hold Trade Council Meetings

We embarked on a mission to be “the Best Builder in Edmonton” to work for. We asked our trades to step up and get involved with an ongoing “Trade Council.” Our operations manager held trade and supplier panel discussions that were kept to phases of the building process, ensuring relevancy for those in attendance.

With more than 1,000 customized design and finish options in all, your décor will be limited by only your imagination.

Besides identifying gaps in our processes, the goal was

to make all of the small changes that we could, thus allowing our partners work to be done safely and efficiently. Ultimately, our goal with this Trade Council is to have our trades demonstrate they can increase their productivity with the same number of crews and, therefore, make more money when they are on a Sterling Home site than on another builder’s site (even if pay rate is identical).

National Building Code Section 9.36: A New Day for Energy Efficiency

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

1.35%

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Andrew Oding, Senior Building Science Associate Building Knowledge Canada Inc., Cambridge, Ont.

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For the fist time in National Building Code history, Part 9: Energy Efficiency sets a minimum benchmark with Section 9.36. To achieve this, there are two optional compliance methods: Prescriptive or Performance.

*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.

The prescriptive approach allows the designer to

424 Home BUILDER November/December 2014

VIEWPOINTS

234 “pick” appropriate envelope solutions from the tables and charts. There is provision made for limited trade-

approximately the baseline efficiency of R2000 homes

more diverse. There’s still the odd big house on big lot,

in Canada.

but there are also duplexes, homes with granny suites,

offs (i.e. increasing wall insulation to off-set limited

If one were to look closely at nearly every heat

semis, towns and singles on small lots. The end result

u-value of stain glass custom window) whereas the

loss calculation for average new homes in Canada it

is a far more interesting neighborhood that attracts all

performance option allows for the minimum efficiency

becomes quickly apparent that 25 to 40% of all heat

walks of life, from students in a secondary or basement

target to be met through showing compliance through

loss is associated with ventilation and air leakage. There

suite to the first-time buyer, the move-up buyer, and

modelling (i.e. Hot2000). The performance path further

is a noteworthy synergy that will occur in these new

the downsizing boomer—all within one neighbourhood.

allows the designer to take a more customized approach

homes with enhanced thermal assemblies, HRV and

Our new designs are grid-patterned, 25 houses long on

in meeting the minimum energy standard.

enhanced air tightness performance.

either side, and instead of driving from one cul-de-sac

It is advisable that designers of homes under the

“The minimum efficiency level targeted by 9.36 is approximately equivalent to an EnerGuide for New Homes 78 to 80.”

new CSA F280-2012 will significantly help designers

to the next, you can walk around the block. We’re also

Andrew Oding, Senior Building Science Associate,

address these new energy efficient residences.

bringing in street-oriented housing that’s less garage

new 9.36 should also be reviewing the altered load calculations and subsequent air system or delivery system designs to appropriately account for these new energy efficiency details. Lower heating and cooling loads need right–sized mechanical equipment to minimize the effects of short cycling (uneven temperatures

nominal insulation values and is built around effec-

Paul Moroz, General Manager, Dream Development.

in home and limited equipment operational life). The D

Building Knowledge Canada Inc.

Section 9.36 also moves away from referencing

“The neighbourhoods we’re building today are much more diverse.”

dominated, with laneways at the back of the house, and

Bringing Back Communities

a nice porch at the front. Our parks are sided by three streets, meaning many of those porches overlook green space, vs. backing on to it. In short, it’s people-friendly housing.

tive R-values. For example, an “extra credit” is available to wall assemblies wherein advanced framing (19.2

What’s particularly special to us, however, are the

or 24”oc) or a layer of continuous exterior insulation

amenities we can bring into the community. Many,

is applied. Several industry partner associations have

many years ago we had Main Streets with angled park-

developed thermal assembly calculators to assist

ing; over time that’s transitioned into a mall and now,

designers and professionals with identifying the correct

into the smart/power center. We’re trying to come

effective R-value. One such tool is the Canadian Wood

back to the Main Street and go full circle, to attract

Councils Thermal Wall Calculator, currently available on

Paul Moroz, General Manager

bookstores, restaurants, medical facilities, etc. for the

the cwc.ca website.

Dream Development, Regina, Sask.

residents. Schools are also important and in any devel-

Within the prescriptive path, Heat Recovery Ventila-

Regardless of the city, if we look at subdivisions

tion (HRV) is encouraged as an option; when an HRV

across the country, we can pretty much tell when it was

opment we set aside land for a school. The ultimate decision falls to the province, but we do what we can.

or ERV is used the minimum thermal value of the enve-

built. Using Regina as an example, through the 1970s

At the end of the day, we’re trying to create a small

lope assembly can be slightly reduced or optimized.

and 80s, our developments were very mono-culturized;

town within a much larger subdivision of six “small

Additionally, air barrier effectiveness and importance

big cookie-cutter houses on large lots where the car and

towns.” Each small town will house 30,000 to 35,000

are reinforced by new inspection requirements. Under

cul-de-sac was king. In fact, that was the recipe for suc-

with a Main Street component. It will take 25-30 years

the performance path there is recognition of actual air

cess for a very long time.

to complete, and we’ll continue to evolve and adapt

leakage test results (blower door) and the significant

In 2005, everything changed when Saskatchewan’s

along the way, but our ultimate test that we pass our-

impact on energy consumption. Along with the enve-

economy went from bust to boom. I’ve often comment-

selves on will remain the same. Would you live there?

lope enhancements, minimum mechanical efficiencies

ed that we’re always behind Calgary and Edmonton and

And by that I mean me.

are also part of the prescriptive requirements; 92% Fur-

way behind Vancouver, but when our economy took off,

naces, 0.67EF water heaters and 14.5 SEER A/C when

we found ourselves in the position of being under sup-

applicable.

plied on land. Our business model—40- and 50-foot

The minimum efficiency level targeted by 9.36 is

lots with mostly single-detached homes—was suddenly

approximately equivalent to an EnerGuide for New

becoming unaffordable for the ordinary home buyer,

Homes 78 to 80 (Applying HOT2000 10.51 with a

and many of the projects we were working on were

range of housing types from attached to detached). It

turned upside down.

is interesting to note that just a decade ago this was

24 Home BUILDER November/December 2014

The neighbourhoods we’re building today are much

VIEWPOINTS

Building Green, Sourcing Locally

insulation in the attic). • Recycle bins that resemble a Lazy Susan with three garbage cans.

Marketing with Social Media: It’s Easier (and Cheaper) Than You Think

• Sealed ductwork. • Under slab insulation. • Wall insulation is 27 RV vs. code of 20. • We air test on every one of our homes, caulking and tarring any leaks. Our renovations follow the same principles, regardTamara Barker Watson, CEO

less of the home’s age. It’s all about balancing the house

Whitestone Developments, Halifax, N.S.

and the airflow and the HRV is key to this.

Bob Deeks, President RDC Fine Homes Inc., Whistler, B.C.

From the beginning, my husband Andrew and I

We’re also very competitive with what we do, but

felt building green was better. Our first R2000 home

not everyone compares apples to apples. Because of

In 2010, we started reconsidering our marketing

in 1998 was more expensive to build than the conven-

this, our quotes are quite detailed and they list all of the

strategy. I’ll admit we were slow to the game, but I

tional home, but as we got more efficient, the cost of

extra features we include as a standard.

knew social media was only going to become more

building came down. Initially it was just Andrew and me

Something else we’re really passionate about is

prevalent and relevant. I began by opening my own

but now our entire team reviews ways to improve. For

sourcing locally. Our windows are from Newfoundland,

Facebook page, played around with it some, and then

example, right now we’re comparing solar panels.

our kitchens are made in Halifax, our hardwood floors

started the RDC Facebook page (www.facebook.com/

A lot of what we do has come about organically. To start recycling on site, the guys took wood for their

come from New Brunswick. You won’t find any “Made in

RDCFineHomes). Next, I took some seminars on social

China” stuff in our homes!

media, and in so doing, realized that we needed some-

woodstove until they had no more room in their own

“Our motto is Build Smart. Renovate Right.” Tamara Barker-Watson, CEO, Whitestone Developments

one to assume the social media responsibilities for the

New Innovation In ICF technology for Multifamily Construction

Job site, meet insight.

houses. Now they also leave bins of kindling wood at the side of the road for their neighbours. Everybody wins! More recently, we started bringing cardboard back from the jobsite to put it in blue bags. We just keep evolving. Our motto is Build Smart. Renovate Right. We build 30-40 homes a year, some custom, some spec, and each one of our homes includes: • Attic insulation 55 RV vs. code of 40. • Dual-flush toilets, low flow showerheads and taps • Granite countertop installed without glues (low VOC). • HRV (we call it the lungs of the house). • Insulated cement cinder blocks (between town homes and semis). • LED lighting. • Low VOC paint. • Low-e windows. • No noisy fans in the bathroom or kitchen: hitting a timer turns on the HRV, which gives an extra boost of the built-in HRV fan without the noise. • PET carpets (made out of recycled pop bottles). • Programmable thermostats. • Raised heel trusses (allows for a greater coverage of

The One Series combines traditional forming methods and Insulated Concrete Form technology together offering builders and architects unmatched versatility for projects designed using ICFs. The One Series offers users the ability to now construct elevator shafts, stairwells and other areas where noncombustible products are required. The One Series gives architects the ability to have more versatility with design for multistorey construction. The One Series innovative design easily allows installers to remove the form ply after concrete placement to expose a smooth concrete surface on one side and a fully insulated wall on the other. For More Information, contact: NUDURA Integrate Building Technology Phone: 1-866-468-6299 www.Nudura.com/oneseries

Now you can empower your project teams with the most business-aware, peopleconnected applications for specialty and general contractors. Every year, more than 40,000 construction and real estate firms, including well over half of the ENR 400, rely on Sage solutions to manage more than 400,000 jobs and 5.7 million subcontracts. Join them and start getting job-ready today. Learn about Sage solutions for construction and real estate: SageCRE.com/insight

Home BUILDER November/December 2014

426

VIEWPOINTS

254 company. Our Operations Manager now spends about an hour a day, five days a week, researching content,

residential projects or commercial projects, because

projects, start to finish. From a personal perspective, I’m on LinkedIn. I

smaller/mid-sized renovation companies simply don’t

pre-loading posts, etc. It’s a dedicated role, but by no

didn’t see a lot of value in it in the early days, but it has

have the resources available to hire a fulltime safety

means a fulltime job!

matured, and I’m starting to find that it’s a good way to

consultant nor implement an in-depth safety program.

That said, Facebook has really taken off for us. Our

connect with other business, share what RDC is doing.

We asked the consulting firm to provide us with the

posts include how-it’s-done (vs. DYI how-to) videos. For

It’s also a great instant resume if a client wants to see

sections of the WorkSafeBC requirements that applied

example, we recently added showing installation of a

what value I can bring to the table.

to single family-homes and condominium-sized projects. From there we formulated a Safety Binder for each

hot tub on a remote, hard-to-reach deck. We also post

We started dabbling with social media in 2010, not

unusual items, like a wacky solar-powered structure

sure where it would lead us. Heading into 2015, we can’t

jobsite. The Safety Binder contains the following:

located in Slovakia designed to resemble a block of ice

imagine a marketing strategy without it.

• An Emergency Contact List: To be posted at site in a

visible location with all emergency numbers on it for

cascading down the mountain. Facebook is also great for promoting special events. For our Mike Holmes open house a few months ago we boosted the post, which means we paid Facebook to increase the distribution. We must have hit 60,000 views, of which 35,000 views were organic. In terms of

Developing a Safety Program for Small to Medium-Sized Residential Contractors

example: Police, Fire, Poison Control, WorkSafe Crisis Line, BC Health Line and directions to the nearest hospital • Work Site Safety Inspection Sheet: Items include determining the best place for a First Aid Kit location, identification of falling risks, unsafe stacking of

“Knowing that more and more people are viewing us on tablets and smartphones, the old way of doing things simply wasn’t an option.” Bob Deeks, President, RDC Fine Homes Inc.”

materials, and inadequate lighting

Todd Senft, President

“Having our trades and suppliers feel safe at each site is a priority for us.”

reVISION Custom Home Renovations Inc.

Todd Senft, President, reVision Custom Home

Vancouver, B.C.

Renovations Inc.,

Each project has different safety risks depending on the scope of work at each home. At one home there may

• Tool Box Meeting Form: This is for a site meeting with

marketing dollars, when we started selectively boost-

be work on the roof or siding; at another home the rail-

the trades to discuss safety issues and any action

ing our posts to a targeted demographic about eight

ing might be removed for a short period during the reno-

items that might need to be addressed

months ago, we were at 400 Likes; that’s increased to

vation. Having our trades and suppliers feel safe at each

• New Subcontractor Orientation Form: Completing

3,800 Likes at a cost of about $1 a day. Where else can

site is a priority for us. Developing a safety program,

walk-throughs with new trades/suppliers, showing

you get your message out for $30 a month?

one that addressed the needs of a small-medium-sized

the location of First Aid Kit, working alone proce-

residential renovation company at an affordable cost,

dures, fall protection, personal protective equip-

We started Twitter (@RDCFineHomes) three years ago, and maintain an active feed. The tweets never pro-

however, took a whole lot of research.

ment, etc.

mote us overtly; we’re creating a brand image by sharing

We started by seeking out the regulations that

• Incident Investigative Report: A means to document

energy-efficient tips, educational seminars or events,

WorkSafeBC prescribes, but found that the existing

what happened, who was involved, the conditions at

interesting information related to housing, décor, etc.

WorkSafe requirements were cumbersome, administra-

the site, etc.

We’re trying to engage our followers, and build on that

tively heavy and too expensive for a small/medium ren-

We’ve implemented the Safety program and I’m

number (currently at 767). Many of our followers are

ovation firm to implement. We wanted to stay safe, but

pleased to report that it’s been well received by our

other businesses, which I find interesting.

we also needed to stay competitive if we were to remain

trades, suppliers and clients. Sometimes the best solu-

We also use Pinterest (www.pinterest.com/rdcfine-

in business. Additionally, there were a number of items

tions are the simplest ones—at least once you’ve done

homes) although we came to that in a roundabout way.

that simply didn’t apply to work being done on a single-

the research.

We redesigned our website earlier this year and were

family home or individual condominium projects.

trying to get the biggest bang for our buck. Knowing

Next, we spoke with a safety consulting firm to

that more and more people are viewing us on tablets

find out if there was an existing program for small to

and smartphones, the old way of doing things simply

medium-sized renovation companies that we could

wasn’t an option. Now, if you click on a photo on our

implement. It turned out that our inquiry was their first

website, it will take you to Pinterest, and you’ll see dif-

request they had received from a company of our size.

ferent boards with different pins (photos) for different

Consulting firms such as this typically work on larger

26 Home BUILDER November/December 2014

Connecting you with customers

Join the new FortisBC Trade Ally Network We encourage you to apply to participate and take advantage of benefits designed to help you grow your business.

Benefits include: • your company listing on fortisbc.com/findacontractor • a customer financing option • advance notice of energy efficiency rebate programs • professional development and training opportunities • co-op advertising funds and logo use* Learn more and apply to participate at fortisbc.com/tradeallynetwork or by emailing tradeallynetwork@fortisbc.com. *Only available to Trade Ally Network Members. FortisBC uses the FortisBC name and logo under license from Fortis Inc. (14-035.38 10/2014)

CHBA President’s Message

The Importance of Focus In business, the importance of being well focused

With the new approaches now being taken in our

development are complex processes, involving many

Committee, Council and Board meetings, a great deal

players and many steps.

of important work was accomplished in our CHBA Fall

In the business of your Association, a tight focus is no less important, and CHBA has clear objectives that guide our actions. There are two broad goals: Bard Golightly President, CHBA

tion. Too many frivolous and unjustified code changes

industry plays in the economic life of Canada, and in

are being proposed by special interests, and the Code

building prosperous and dynamic communities that

process isn’t dealing with these properly. CHBA works to stop many of these unjustified chang-

Pushing for the business conditions that will allow

es, but they should not get serious consideration in

us to continue to deliver the homes, renovations and

the first place. The Model National Building Code has

communities that Canadians want, at a price they

become far too complex, and Code developers do not

can afford.

properly consider its growing impacts on affordability.

As I travel across the country, visiting local and

This needs to change, and the Board has directed that

provincial Home Builders’ Associations (HBAs)

CHBA work to address this issue, in collaboration with

and talking with colleagues, the importance of

our provincial HBA colleagues. The next federal election is in less than one year.

As small businesses, it is abundantly clear that

This is an important period to put CHBA’s issues and

we need to work together at the local, provincial

ideas forward to all parties, and probe their commitment

and national levels to have a strong voice. The

to ensuring Canadians continue to have access to the

Association is that voice. And I’m pleased to say

homes they want, at a price they can afford.

We Matter—Often More Than We Think!

Reflecting this, CHBA’s Urban Council recommended that the Association’s “new conversation” about affordability—the centrepiece for our pre-election work with governments over the next year—be augmented through

As locally based business people, we know

social media channels. This fits well with the Associa-

that our industry matters a lot. Yet we often under-

tion’s overall emphasis on more extensive communica-

estimate just how important we are.

tions, and the motion was approved by the Board.

We shouldn’t.

To date, our “new conversation” work has produced

Residential construction generates $120 bil-

greater media coverage of the challenges young people

lion in economic activity each year, supporting

and families face in achieving home ownership, and of

more than 900,000 jobs and paying nearly $50 billion

the role that new home buyer taxes play in this problem.

in wages.

So expect CHBA’s new conversation to get “ramped

To put this into perspective, our industry employs

up” in the coming months as the national office works

more people and pays out more in wages than the oil and

with all HBAs to get our issues front and centre at a time

gas industry. And we are larger than the automotive and

when federal politicians are moving into election mode.

mining industries combined. These national benefits are mirrored at the commu-

CHBA Contact: Michael Gough, CAE, National Office, Ottawa, ON

In the technical area, there is growing concern that the National Code development process—the basis for provincial building codes—needs some serious atten-

it is getting stronger all the time.

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

of highlights:

eral public have a clear understanding of the role our

this work is continually reinforced.

CHBA EXECUTIVE Committee

Meetings, October 22 to 25 in Ottawa. Here are a couple

Ensuring that governments, regulators, and the gen-

deliver a great quality of life.

CHBA Fall Meetings - TRC Vice Chair Bob Deeks reporting to the Board of Directors.

The Fall CHBA Meetings

goes without saying. Home building, renovation and

nity level, and are just as impressive. When I travel to a local HBA to talk with members, CHBA staff always provide me with background information on the local impact of our industry and what our members there are achieving. Almost without fail, what I learn is that residential construction is the single largest source of jobs and wages in the communities I visit—the number one employer! This is something we should take enormous pride in. And it’s something we need to impress on local governments when we work with them on issues affecting development and affordability.

28 Home BUILDER November/December 2014

Finally, as this is my last message before year’s end, I want to wish all CHBA members, their families and colleagues the very best for the holidays, and a prosperous and successful 2015.

CHBA CEO’s Update

Building Value for Members The work of CHBA is now guided by the Strategic

tion on housing that addresses the impact of ever-rising

Directions we set last year, developed and approved by

government imposed costs on new homes. It is good

your Board of Directors. This document sets out three

to have FCM, the national organization that represents

priority areas: strengthened government relations, more

municipalities, sign-on to this principle.

effective communications and building strategic alli-

Kevin Lee CEO, CHBA

Building strategic alliances involves working with

ly, we will not always agree with all positions taken by

other organizations to find areas of common interest and

other organizations, but where we find ourselves on the

shared goals. This is becoming increasingly important to

same page it makes tremendous sense to work together

our success in influencing the direction of government

towards common goals. This can only deliver greater

policy and actions. When many industry and interest

value to all CHBA members

groups agree on what government needs to do, it is more likely to happen. During the recent CHBA meetings in Ottawa, I think

CHBA, in partnership with Avid Ratings Canada, has launched our first national Home Buyer Preference Survey.

At CHBA, we will continue to build strategic alliances where they make sense from a CHBA perspective. Clear-

ances.

Going to the International Builder Show in Vegas: Save $150 as a CHBA Member

the Association’s progress in building strategic alliances

I’m also very pleased that CHBA has negotiated an

was made clear at our evening reception, where I was

agreement that provides NAHB-member rates to CHBA

pleased to introduce to our members the leaders of the

members wishing to attend the International Builders

Canadian Construction Association, the Canadian Gas

Show (IBS) in Las Vegas this coming January. Depending

Association, the Canadian Real Estate Association, and

on when you register for the show, you could save up to

BuildForce Canada, who each spoke about the various

$150 per person.

ways in which their organizations are working with CHBA in the government relations arena. Just as our Association is made stronger and more effective by collaborating at all three levels, so is the CHBA able to achieve more when we work with likeminded organizations on common issues. Another recent example in this area has been the work of the National Forum on Housing and the Economy, made up of 10 national organizations with a direct interest in housing, under the leadership of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM).

All CHBA members registering for the IBS under this new promotion will also receive an invitation to the CHBA “Canada Night” reception that will take place in Vegas during the show. I hope to see you there! We have sent all CHBA members information on this CHBA discount program for the IBS. Alternately, go to the Members’ Area at www.chba.ca for details.

Launch of CHBA’s Home Buyer Preference Survey I’m very pleased to note that CHBA, in partnership

While initially proposed to focus on the pending end

with Avid Ratings Canada, has launched our first national

to federal subsidies for social housing operators, the

Home Buyer Preference Survey. This is a great opportu-

end result of the Forum was much more significant and

nity for home builders and developers to gain valuable

broader, and much closer to CHBA’s perspective.

insight into what new home buyers want today.

After almost a year of discussions, the Forum now

I encourage all home builders and developers to take

agrees on a number of principles that it asks the federal

part in this important survey. Participation is free, and

government to apply. These principles recognize and

promote

only being made available to CHBA members. Those who take part will receive an exclusive and confidential report

market-driven

on what their customers had to say, and be able to com-

solutions to meeting the hous-

pare this feedback with the overall results to gain insight

ing needs of lower income Cana-

into their market position and customer preferences.

dians, including such things as

To register for the survey, simply go to the members’

rent supplements—a policy long

area at www.chba.ca and select the “CHBA National

advocated by CHBA. They also

Home Buyer Preference Study” tab on the upper left.

recognize the role that private

The national results from this first-ever survey will be

sector purpose-built rentals,

released in conjunction with the CHBA National Confer-

facilitated by a proper taxation

ence in Halifax next March.

regime, could play in housing Kevin and Bard with the leaders of the Canadian Construction Association, the Canadian Gas Association, the Canadian Real Estate Association, and BuildForce Canada.

lower income Canadians, offering affordability and choice. Additionally, the Forum called on the federal government to “improve opportunities for home ownership for the next generation of potential homeowners.” This connects directly with CHBA’s call for a new conversa-

Home BUILDER November/December 2014

TOOLTalk

Simply Clever Solutions From pliers to painting accessories, to reciprocating saws and laser-driven measuring devices, this month’s picks are simply clever solutions to make life on the job … simpler. Recip Saws Keep Changing

for sheet metal). Appropriately called Hack-

In the 1950s Milwaukee invented the

zall, they basically provided a small power

reciprocating saw and called it the SAWZALL,

tool alternative to the cumbersome and slow

12-volt tools work with all of tMilwaukee’s

a name we all tend to use generically. These

Hacksaw. But they, like the hacksaw, were hard

12-volt batteries—so you can step up to longer

tools that push the blade forward and back in

pressed to drive a blade through lumber even

work times even though the tool is significantly

a reciprocating action have two little brothers.

though wood cutting blades fit into the tool.

more powerful than the old 12-volt model.

There is the longstanding jigsaw with its

You could notch a 2x without having to change

This new Fuel™ Hackzall can do everything

much smaller blades, and now the one-handed

tools, but not much more before you simply

the old saw did while now being able to do

recip saws, what Milwaukee calls the Hackzall.

overloaded the saw.

some significant lumber work. The first saw

The one-handed saws first showed up as a

Milwaukee called their little tool the M12

had a 1/2 inch stroke, the new one 5/8 inches

12-volt alternative to the large 120v corded

Hackzall. For me, it was a small troubleshoot-

,and that makes all the difference for cutting

recip saws. They could get into tight places,

ing tool that could get into tight places better

wood. Understand that it is not a demolition

have less chance of punching something out

than a jigsaw or a hand-driven hacksaw. Now

tool like the full sized “stronger than corded”

on the other side of the work and actually

Milwaukee is competing with itself with its

Fuel M18 FUEL SAWZALL that I talked about

did a decent job on copper pipe, plastic pipe,

new upgraded version, the M12 FuelHackzall

in the last issue, which has a 1-1/8” stroke.

drywall and sheet metal (remember there are

(#2520-20). The “Fuel” line of tools has its lat-

It weighs about half a pound more than its

now special very short square tooth blades for

est POWERSTATE Brushless Motor and other

little brother, but 5.7 pounds lighter than the

drywall and narrow very small tooth blades

upgrades and, interestingly enough, all the

demolition Sawzall. The Fuel Hackzall actually bridges the gap between the full size demolition tool and the original very marginal one handed recip saws. It is so good, and almost as small, that I suspect the old Hackzall will disappear.

One Tool That Finally Got Simpler For years we have seen more and more sophisticated calculating laser-driven measuring devices coming down in both size and price. But suddenly Bosch has jumped over incremental changes to bring out a distancemeasuring device that is simply simpler. The Bosch GLM15 is very small, “plain Jane square” to sit well on all surfaces and fits into any pocket. It is accurate to 1/8 inch with a 50-foot range. It only has one button. Push once, it comes on and gives a dynamic measurement to your target, meaning you can easily walk to the distance you are looking for. Push again and it holds the first measurement. Push again and it shows your first measure-

30 Home BUILDER November/December 2014

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TOOLTalk

ladder anyway. Using the same storage concept as the Roll & Stow, you seal the disk and brush in a furnished zippered plastic bag, and the paint won’t dry for at least a week. Simply open and go with that second coat. This is an American invention, for the moment only available on the web at www.PaintHandy.com, but I am sure that this one will catch on too. Put these two advancements together and painting just got easier, both on the floor and in the air.

Finally the Manufacturer Makes It the Way We Use It

ment and goes dynamic again for a second

with a sturdy handle to make it into a storage

measurement. Keep pushing and it kicks your

and transport toolbox for your brushes, rollers,

last measurement up to hold while finding

tray, tape, rags etc. Once he had a lid, he then

a new one. Hold the button and the device

discovered that he could close up a tray full of

turns off. That’s all it does. That is a learning

paint, with both a roller and a brush (handles

We use locking pliers in all shapes and sizes

curve that I really like. Store price is less than

sticking out) and paint would stay fresh for at

and for years manufacturers have innovated

$60 with the durability and accuracy of Bosch

least a week. No short-term clean up between

with locking and unlocking systems. What has

behind it.

work sessions and no drying out. I tested it. It

stayed constant was that finger knob for setting

works and I am more than impressed.

the tension. Milwaukee went on site and saw

Two Revolutionary Painting Accessories Unless you are a professional painter with automated pumping or spray equipment, you are always dealing with paint trays, paint cans, spills, drips and spending as much time moving your paint source as you do putting it on the wall or trim.

... On the Floor

Invented in Quebec, it is easily available in

in the metal working trade that the tradesmen

Quebec from a number of paint and renovation

had soldered rings onto the end of that ten-

outlets, and for the moment nationally only at

sion knob to allow flipping in a screwdriver

Home Hardware and BMR.

for quick strong leverage before or after using

… And on the Ladder The other advance that has changed my dislike of painting is the Paint Handy, a pizzasized tray with a kind of foam/Velcro cushion in the bottom, and a hand-strap on the

The Roll & Stow started out as a rolling

backside. It looks like one of those shopping

catch basin that would hold a paint tray, then

channel gadgets that you don’t want to waste

was reworked to even handle paint (or mortar)

your money on— but it really works! You load

pails up to 5 gallons. Of note is that the wheel

this with paint and nothing drips. As you see,

system is very effective, allowing moving in all

you can totally not pay attention to your paint

directions by simply pushing it around with the

source, even hold it vertical, and it will not

roller pole, even over tarps or tiles. No bending

drip! Roll it to the backside of your hand and

over. Then amazingly, it doesn’t move as you

use both hands to climb the ladder. Use a small

load the roller! Drips off the tray or pail fall into

roller or a brush for all your up-the-ladder trim

the rolling bin.

work. It actually holds a lot of paint, enough to

Then the designer decided to give it a lid

32 Home BUILDER November/December 2014

keep you working until you need to move the

the clamping mechanism. Not so complicated, replace the finger knob with a ring and a whole new line of locking plyers has been born. Mil-

L TOOK TA L L TOOK TA L

waukee calls it the TORQUE LOCK.

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

CONNECT

LIKE NEVER BEFORE

When you choose Rogers as your communications provider, you’re choosing to partner with a leader. In other words, Rogers will commit to providing innovative services and excellent value for you and your home buyers. For example, when customers sign up for Rogers Digital TV, they get Rogers Anyplace TV FREE - that means that they can enjoy their subscription anywhere, anytime!

Hybrid Fibre Internet

•

Cable TV

•

Home Phone

•

Smart Home Monitoring

Contact a Rogers Account Executive today at 1 866 567-5778 or Email mdusales@rci.rogers.com

renovation

Innovation

makes us

the solution to better building

OUR INNOVATION

GVHBA and BBB Team Up for Successful Renovation Only Home Show

WILL CHANGE THE WAY YOU DESIGN YOUR WALLS.

GREATER VANCOUVER — The Greater Vancouver Home Builders’

When you build your walls you should expect to get more out of a building product.

Association (GVHBA) has been hosting small renovation shows for the

At NUDURA we believe in innovation and changing the status quo.

and it paid off.

Why introduce innovation if not to provide a solution? NUDURA

Hard Rock Casino Vancouver Theatre in Coquitlam. Partnership with the

past couple of years as a means to provide its members with a platform to reach homeowners. This past October, the association took a risk On October 4 and 5, in partnership with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), the GVHBA hosted a two-day Fall Home Renovation Show at the BBB was established to draw on the BBB’s extended member database and strength of consumer awareness to ensure consumers received a

NUDURA is the only ICF with industry leading solutions that offer DURAFOLD, DURAMAX, and DURALOCK TechnologyTM, a 4-way Reversible System, along with an extensive line of accessory products.

complete, renovation-only show. The location was selected based on

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.

Saturday to Sunday, where con-

the central location, ease of access and ample free parking. The twoday format was a test to compare sumers were coming from, and in what numbers. To ensure the format was truly a “renovation only” show, booth sales were limited to renovators and sub-trades of renovators only. Interested member

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR TRAINING Visit nudura.com/training for more information and next available course

suppliers were politely declined; a

Our innovation will change the way you build your walls. Find out how at nudura.com/innovation

tion only expo, a new partnership,

risky move. The risk of creating a renova-

To ensure the format was truly a “renovation only” show, booth sales were limited to renovators and sub-trades of renovators only.

two-day format and new location resulted in a targeted win for consumers and members alike. Attendance was strong with 450 people through the door on Saturday and 280 attending Sunday. Targeting consumers interested in home renovations, advertising was scheduled in daily and community newspapers, radio, community calendars and in social media three weeks leading up to the show. The message conveyed the Fall Home Renovations Show as a renovation only expo with free educational seminars and Ask-A-Pro consultations.

Meets and Exceeds 2012 Building Codes

www.nudura.com 866.468.6299

nudura

icf

series

A post mortem follow-up with members indicates on all fronts that the leads generated from the show were strong. Combined with the lower cost to members, as compared with the larger home shows, the GVHBA renovation show will continue on an annual basis.

34 Home BUILDER November/December 2014

////// PRODUCTS 2014 /////////////////////////////////////////// Style Matters

Renewable & Stored Energy Solutions

At Schlage we know style matters. That’s why we’re extending our Matte Black finish offerings; without overextending your budget. This versatile finish enhances traditional settings while making a bold statement in any contemporary environment. With its soft black hue and subdued surface the Matte Black finish is in a class by itself. 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

BE IN FO RM ED

Get Your Own Copy Today!

Subscribe to Home BUILDER Magazine and get the information that will keep you up to date with the Canadian residential construction industry’s latest trends, developments, home improvement techniques and building products that Canada’s top home builders, contractors and renovators are using. Now you can subscribe The online. News, The Facts Visit HomeBuilderCanada.com and click on The Stories... [ subscribe ] or call 514-620-2200

homeBUILDERcanada.com

Napoleon — Ascent Series

For more information, contact your local Canadian Energy branch: 1.888.AMP.HOUR Or www.cdnrg.com.

Napoleon’s Ascent Series has endless opportunities and is perfect for builders and homeowners alike. The clean face design of the Ascent™ 30, 35 and 42 maximizes the viewing area so the realistic flames and hand painted PHAZER® log set are enjoyed to their fullest. The Ascent™ Multi-View is perfect for making an exceptional focal point between two rooms and features various firebox/burner options including a log burner, a linear glass burner or a designer fire cradle featuring topaz glass embers. The series is equipped with Napoleon’s advanced burner technology and an approved safety barrier, meeting tomorrows safety standards today. Napoleon’s Ascent™ is available in three sizes and the Ascent™ MultiView clean face fireplace is available as a twosided (See Thru) or a three-sided (Peninsula) model. For More Information, contact: NAPOLEON Fireplaces Phone: 1-800-461-5581 www.napoleonfireplaces.com

Green Buildings Should Include PINK®

New Joist Hanger Selector Web App

Bring the convenience of home to the wilderness with Canadian Energy’s cottage-offgrid solutions. We tailor our system to meet the needs of any customer so they can forget about hauling gas to that noisy generator and start enjoying the peaceful sounds of nature. • Sealed & Maintenance-Free Batteries • Deep Cycle Batteries and Accessories • Inverter & Inverter Chargers • Charge Controllers • Solar/PV Panels • Quality Industry-Leading Products

Home builders around the world have trusted Canada’s No. 1 insulation† for high-quality and dependable products for 75 years. Today, a leader in energy efficiency is proud to bring you the next generation, EcoTouch® PINK® FIBERGLAS® Insulation with PureFiber™ Technology. It’s made from 99%** natural materials with over 73%* recycled content – 3rd party SCS certified, and is GreenGuard Indoor Air Quality CertifiedSM and verified to be formaldehyde-free. With PINK® Insulation, save money, save energy and help save the planet. For more information, contact: Owens Corning 1-800-GET-PINK® www.owenscorning.ca THE PINK PANTHER™ & © 1964-2014 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved. The colour PINK is a registered trademark of Owens Corning. © 2014 Owens Corning. All Rights Reserved. *73% recycled content is based on the average recycled glass content in all Owens Corning fiberglass batts, rolls and unbonded loosefill insulation manufactured in Canada. SCS certified. **Made with a minimum of 99% by weight natural materials consisting of minerals and plant-based compounds. †Based on Stats Canada Report CS44004-IN, April 2013.

Select the right hanger for the job quickly & easily

The Joist Hanger Selector web app from Simpson Strong-Tie enables users to select the most appropriate and cost-effective hanger for their projects based on the type of installation, type and size of lumber and load requirements. It features an easy-touse interface so users can quickly select the members and configuration for their desired connection and print the results. The app is accessible from any web browser and does not require downloading or installing special software. Additional features of the app include: • Automatic calculations for allowable loads • Automatic filtering • Accurate product nomenclature and more To use the Joist Hanger Selector app, go to www.strongtie.com/jhs.

Home BUILDER November/December 2014

IndustryNews

Breaking Ground on Energy Efficiency Five builders have been selected

The five builders are: Construction Voyer (Laval, Que.); Mattamy

Natural Resources Canada as part

Homes Limited (Calgary, Alta.); Minto Communities (Ottawa, Ont.);

of a national initiative to encour-

Provident Development Inc. (Halifax, N.S.); and Reid’s Heritage

age eco-friendly housing design

Homes (Guelph, Ont.).

and continuous innovation. The Effect Home Builders

continuing to raise the bar in energy efficient home design.”

by Owens Corning Canada and

$4-million federal Net-Zero Energy

Each of these builders has committed to each build a Net Zero Energy (NZE) homes community in their respective provinces.

the ecoENERGY Innovation Initiative (ecoEII) and is part of Canada’s 2011 Economic Action Plan. “Net-Zero Energy homes are

CHBA 2015 Conference: Registration Now Open

incredibly progressive,” said Corey

OTTAWA — CHBA is making a number of

McBurney, President of EnerQual-

changes to the National Conference taking

ity, an organization that designs and delivers green building programs

place in Halifax next March 4th through 6th—

to the residential construction industry. “These home builders and their

exceptional business speakers, lots more fun,

partners Owens Corning Canada and Building Knowledge Canada are

and plenty of music and entertainment. It’s

Net-Zero project in Belgravia, Edmonton.

Housing project is funded through

shaping up to be a fantastic three days: Expect a great turnout of members from across the

104 BUILDING SCIENCE

country. A Conference invitation has been sent to all members by e-mail

for final approval.

and postcard. You can also go to www.chba.ca/conference to get full

These recommended changes are submitted to the CCBFC, and, if

details and to register.

approved, are published in the next edition or revisions of the Codes.

Current Code Cycle New editions of the four major codes (National Building Code, National Fire Code, National Plumbing Code, and National Energy Code for Buildings) are published every five years, with the current code cycle

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

Page

Phone

Web site

running from 2010—when the last edition was released—to 2015 when

Altus Group Limited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 . . . 877 953-9948 . . . www.altusgroup.com

the next edition is anticipated. The fall 2014 public review represents the

BlazeMaster, The Lubrizol Corporation . . . 8 . . . 855 735-1431 . . . www.blazemaster.com

last opportunity for public review of the remaining technical changes

Canadian Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35, 40 . . . 877 752-8752 . . . www.cdnrg.com

proposed for the 2015 edition of the Codes.

Canadian Western Bank . . . . . . . . . . 15, 23 . . . 604 443-5118 . . . www.theworkingbank.ca

Once a year the provinces and territories have the opportunity to review draft proposed changes as part of the pre-public review process.

In the current code cycle, CCBFC

CertainTeed Gypsum Canada, Inc. . . . . . . 7 . . . 800 233-8990 . . . www.certainTeed.com/Gypsum

committees are addressing more

CHBA - Canadian Home Builders . . . . . . 39 . . . 613 230-3060 . . . www.chba.ca

than 120 approved tasks, arising

Fortis BC Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 . . . 866 884-8833 . . . www.fortisbc.com

from the several hundred specific

GE Appliances - Commercial Sales . . . 19 . . . 800 361-2500 . . . www.ccommercial@mabe.ca

code change requests submitted to

Grant Thornton, LLP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.grantthornton.ca

the Commission over the last few

Home Hardware Stores Limited . . . . . . . 11 . . . 519 664-2252 . . . www.homehardware.ca

years. These tasks span a broad

LOGIX Insulated Concrete Forms . . . . . . 18 . . . 888 415-6449 . . . www.logixicf.com

range of topics and address new

NAPOLEON Fireplaces & Grills . . . . . 4, 35 . . . 800 461-5581 . . . www.napoleonproducts.com

technologies such as insulating

Nudura Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25, 34 . . . 866 468-6299 . . . www.nudura.com

concrete forms, exterior insulation

Owens Corning Canada . . . . . . . . 2, 35, 37 . . . 800 438-7465 . . . www.owenscorning.ca

and finish systems, as well as safety

Rogers Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 . . . 866 567-5778 . . . www.rogers.com

issues dealing with exit widths and

Sage Software, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 . . . 866 420-7289 . . . www.sagecre.com

run dimension in stairs, and nation-

Schlage Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23, 35 . . . 800 900-4734 . . . www.schlage.com

al priorities including energy efficiency and water use efficiency.

Simpson Strong-Tie Canada . . . . . . . . 3, 35 . . . 800 999-5099 . . . www.strongtie.com

Once approved and finalized, the changes are translated into French. The translation is reviewed by the Technical Verification Committee to ensure accuracy, enforceability and consistency in both official languages. If you are interested in receiving more information on the codes development cycle, please e-mail codes@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca.

36 Home BUILDER November/December 2014

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.”

ONE SYSTEM LEADING TO NET ZERO READY. Owens Corning™ FOAMULAR® CodeBord® Air Barrier System is another innovative solution providing long term energy efficiency performance and comfort for homeowners.

1-800-GET-PINK® or visit owenscorning.ca

THE PINK PANTHER™ & © 1964-2014 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved. The colour PINK is a registered trademark of Owens Corning. © 2014 Owens Corning. All Rights Reserved. 73% recycled content is based on the average recycled glass content in all Owens Corning fiberglass batts, rolls and unbonded loosefill insulation manufactured in Canada. Minimum 20% recycled content. SCS certified.

IndustryNews

Housing Starts Steady in 2015

OHBA, BILD & RESCON Welcome Six-Storey Wood Buildings in Ontario OTTAWA — The Ontario Home

Builders’

Association

(OHBA), the Building Industry

mitment to permit six-storey wood-frame buildings in Ontario effective January 1, 2015.

and Land Development Associa-

The building industry has long

tion (BILD) and the Residential

advocated for Ontario to adopt an

Construction Council of Ontario

Ontario Building Code six-storey

(RESCON) have welcomed the

wood standard, with the cur-

provincial government’s com-

rent wood-frame construction

LED Lights Up U.S. Market

CALENDAR Do you have an event you want posted on our new Online Calendar? E-mail your listing to editor@work4.ca

Quebec - November 18 Calgary - November 18 Toronto - November 19 Waterloo - November 25 Edmonton - November 25 Montreal - November 26 CMHC Housing Outlook Conference Schedule

restriction at four storeys. British Columbia is the first province to

December 3-4

permit six-storey wood buildings

Construct International Toronto, ON www.construct-international expo.ca

and since 2009 has benefitted from over 100 building projects, creating over 5,000 new housing and rental options for B.C. residents.

SILVER SPRING, Md — The U.S.

Housing Market Outlook: Fourth Quarter 2014, CMHC, now available for download at www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca

December 3-4

IIDEX Canada Toronto, ON www.iidexcanada.com

December 3-5

GCR Committed to Improving the Quality Of Residential Construction in Quebec

Construct Canada Toronto, ON www.constructcanada.com

December 3-5

Department of Energy (DOE) is

MONTREAL — Having received official authorization from the board

now predicting that light-emitting

of directors of the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) on July 3, 2014,

PM Expo Toronto, ON www.pmexpo.com

diode (LED) lighting will achieve

the organization Garantie de construction résidentielle (GCR) will be

December 3-5

an 84% general-lighting-market

responsible for administering the Guarantee Plan for New Residential

penetration by 2030. Their latest

Buildings. The new regulation, introduced to protect the interests of pur-

report, Energy Savings Forecast

chasers of new houses and co-ownership properties (condominiums),

of Solid-State Lighting in Gen-

will take effect on January 1, 2015. As of this date, the GCR will issue its

eral Illumination Applications, is

first guarantee certificates.

available free from the National

The GCR, which is headquartered in Montreal, is implementing a

Lighting Bureau at www.nlb.org.

highly efficient structure to fulfill its mandate, notably through the effec-

DOE estimates that, in 2013,

tive allocation of GCR resources and improved protection of home buyers

LED-lighting sales comprised an

in Quebec. The GCR will have the key responsibility of accrediting con-

overall 3% market share. By 2020,

tractors in accordance with the new regulations set out in the Guarantee

it believes, LED sales will com-

Plan for New Residential Buildings. In addition, the new corporation will

prise almost half (48%) of all U.S.

receive, review and follow up on complaints from purchasers of new

general-lighting-market sales. C

houses or residential units covered by the Plan.

Economics Matters

38 Home BUILDER November/December 2014

December 3-5

Concrete Canada Toronto, ON www.concretecanadaexpo.com

January 9-11, 2015

Kitchen, Bath & Renovation Show Winnipeg, MB www.kitchenandbathshow.com

416.641.9500 1.877.953.9948 economics@altusgroup.com altusgroup.com

Homebuilder & Renovator Expo Toronto, ON www.homebuilderexpo.com

demographics construction economics planning impacts real estate markets expert testimony forecasting

The Inaugural Address Jane Morgan, Incoming CHBA President

The Wealthy Barber: a Unique Perspective David Chilton, Author of The Wealthy Barber and CBC Dragon

Canada’s Economy and Housing Markets Benjamin Tal, Deputy Chief Economist, CIBC World Markets

Creating Consumer Demand on a Gut Level Ken Schmidt, former Director of Communications for Harley-Davidson

The President’s Gala Bard Golightly, CHBA President

Core Creativity David Usher, singer-songwriter and creativity coach

Signal Hill, one of the most popular pub bands in Halifax to help celebrate!

The 2015 CHBA National Conference. Three days of dynamic conversation, bringing together members, Association leaders and industry allies from across Canada, to advance our industry and our Association. Provocative speakers. Lots of networking opportunities. The excitement of the 2014 CHBA National SAM Awards Recognizing Canadian Housing Excellence. Kevin Lee, CHBA CEO “Building on the success of last year’s Conference, and CHBA’s emphasis on government relations, we expect a great turnout again of Ministers and senior government representatives wanting to engage in dialogue with members about our industry and its future”.

Members of Parliament for dialogue on the key issues facing our industry. Great evening events, with great music in a great city to celebrate the achievements of our industry and our members. For more information on the Conference, and the Marriott Halifax Harbourfront, please visit

www.chba.ca/conference NOTE NEW CONFERENCE SCHEDULE – CHBA meetings: Tuesday, March 3rd – Wednesday, March 4th Conference: Wednesday, March 4th – Friday, March 6th

CMHC President Evan Siddall, Conservative Housing and Construction Caucus Chair MP Phil McColeman and Minister Jason Kenney; – all were very pleased to engage members at last year’s Conference

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. Available now, proudly distributed by CANADIAN ENERGY™.

Contact Canadian Energy™, stored and renewable energy experts, to find out more about DOW POWERHOUSE™ Solar Shingles.

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