March/April 2015 | Home Builder Magazine Canada by Work4 Projects Ltd.

VOL.28 NO. 2

March 2015

THE MAGAZINE OF THE CANADIAN HOME BUILDERSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ASSOCIATION

72nd National CHBA Conference u Conference

Highlights

u 2014

SAM Awards

u Meet

Incoming President Jane Morgan

Energy Efficiency u Changing u Foamed

Times in Windows & Doors

Plastic Insulated Sheathings

u Insulation,

PV Panel Technologies & Wood Buildings

u 2015 u Tax

Canadian Housing Forecasts

Tips: Protecting Your Bottom Line

u Getting

Your Proposal Financed

Canada Post Contract #40065212

Economics

When Performance is Critical

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contents

CHBA Report 32 33

President’s Message CEO’s Update

Columns 9 Economics 10 Building Science 12 Common Cents Construction 14 Building Research 16 Customer Satisfaction 17 Community Development 18 Expert Opinion 34 Tool Talk

Departments 6 News 8 Association 37 Renovation 38 Information 39 Industry News 39 Advertisers Index 39 Calendar

COVER

COMMON CENTS CONSTRUCTION: Protecting Your Bottom Line Bo Mocherniak discusses the ins and out of sales tax rules in the construction industry.

Meet Your President: Jane Morgan We sat down with Jane to learn more about her, and her vision for CHBA.

SAM AWARDS: Recognizing Canadian Housing Excellence A look at some of the winners of the 2014 CHBA National SAM Awards. These prestigious awards celebrate excellence in new homes, home renovation and community development across Canada.

BUILDING SCIENCE: Incorporating Foamed Plastic Insulating Sheathings on Exterior Wall Assemblies

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: Satisfying the New Cohort of Home Buyers Understanding the Millennial new home buyer.

CODE COMPLIANCE & ENERGY EFFICIENCY: Changing Times in The Window and Door Business Unlike performance requirements for other building components the air, water, structural and energy performance requirements for windows and doors vary with climate and location.

30 Hopewell Mahogany by Hopewell Residential Management LP, Calgary, Alta.

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 March 2015 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: March 2015

DESTINATION HALIFAX: Highlights from CHBA’s 72nd National Conference

EXPERT OPINION: Getting Your Proposal Financed Which speaks louder, your head or heart? Getting your proposal financed often means putting emotion aside.

TOOL TALK: Changing Our Work Habits Through Innovation From lights to professional grade accessories to insulated strapping, Jon Eakes reviews some truly innovative products.

MARKET REPORT: From Coast to Coast A province-by-province outlook by Jason Burggraaf, Policy and Government Relations Advisor, CHBA.

The News, The Facts The Stories...

Next Issue: May/June Kitchens, Baths & Interior/ Outdoor Living, Landscapes & Decks Indoors and out, we take a look at the latest in design trends, and all of the features and finishes that today’s homeowner wants.

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

28 th

YEAR

homeBUILDERcanada.com Home BUILDER March/April 2015

NEWS

CIBC World Markets: Falling Oil Prices, Weaker Canadian Dollar Turn the Tables on the Provincial Outlook TORONTO — Falling oil prices and a now-weaker Canadian dollar

Alberta at risk of a recession but central Canada’s prospects brightening,”

have turned the tables on the outlook for provincial economies, finds a

said Avery Shenfeld, Chief Economist, CIBC World Markets, in a report

new report from CIBC World Markets.

co-authored with Economist Nick Exarhos. “We forecast Alberta to post

“A dramatic drop in oil prices, juxtaposed against a still-healthy

the biggest budgetary shortfall, but it still remains the best positioned to

U.S. economy, has turned the tables on relative provincial growth, with

weather the storm.”

CRA: Hammer Out a Refund on Your Tax Return

after year and its economy grew at a nominal rate of just 1 per cent after

According to the report, even if Alberta ran a $5-billion deficit year 2016, it would take five decades for Alberta to reach the same debt/GDP ratio that Ontario planned for last year.

OTTAWA — As a skilled trades-

In central Canada, both Ontario and Quebec “could end up with a

person, if you bought new tools for

revenue fillip,” thanks to strengthening U.S. demand and the additional

work this year, you may be able to

lift that exports will garner from a weaker Canadian dollar. For example,

claim a tradesperson's tools deduc-

a 1% acceleration in U.S. growth typically adds about 1.2 percentage

tion of up to $500 on your tax return.

points to Ontario’s real GDP.

You may also be eligible for a GST/ HST rebate.

Ontario’s economy is forecast to grow from 2.1% in 2014 to 2.8% in this year and next, with the jobless rate declining steadily to 6.6%

If you’re self-employed, you may be able to deduct other rea-

in 2015 and 6.4% in 2016. The unemployment rate in Ontario last year averaged 7.2%.

sonable expenses you paid to earn

Quebec real GDP growth is forecast to grow to 2.4% this year and 2.6%

income—including vehicle expens-

in 2016, up from an estimated 1.8% in 2014. The jobless rate is expected

es, supplies needed to complete

to decline from 7.8% last year to 7.2% in 2015 and 6.7% in 2016.

a job, and office space expenses. Have you converted part of your garage into a workspace for building custom cabinets? When you use part of your home for business, you can deduct a portion of your maintenance costs such as heat, home insurance, electricity, cleaning materials, and more. To find out more, go to

RBC Economics: Canada’s Housing Affordability Slips Overall TORONTO — Solid home price increases in Ontario were key to the slight erosion in housing affordability across Canada in Q4 of 2014,

www.cra.gc.ca/smallbusiness and select business expenses. Employers can benefit too! If your business hires a qualified apprentice working in an approved Red Seal trade, you may qualify to claim the

according to the latest Housing Trends and Affordability Report issued by RBC Economics Research.

apprenticeship job creation tax credit. This non-refundable investment

RBC says that although owning a home at current market value in

tax credit is equal to the lesser of $2,000 or 10% of the eligible appren-

Canada became slightly less affordable for the second straight quarter in

tices’ salaries or wages. Don’t need to use the whole credit amount this

Q4, affordability trends have stayed relatively flat since 2010. Meaning,

year? Carry the unused amount back three years or carry it forward up

ownership costs represented no more of a burden at the end of 2014

to 20 years! For more information on the Apprenticeship Job Creation

than in 2010 for a typical household. Still, one major local market had a

Tax Credit and other investment tax credits, go to www.cra.gc.ca.ca/

far-reaching impact in the latest period, pulling down affordability data

smallbusiness and select investment tax credit.

nationally.

“We are watching Toronto pretty closely as it’s a market that time and time again shows deteriorating affordability—indicating that owning a The Magazine of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association Vol. 28 No. 2 March/April 2015

home in the area, especially a single-detached, is a stretch for many local home buyers,” said Craig Wright, Senior Vice-President and Chief Economist, RBC. “While we’ve seen some improvements over the past couple of years, Vancouver still takes the top spot for the least affordable

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 Jeff Baker Jason Burggraaf Salvatore D Ciarlo Jon Eakes Brad Gover Fanis Grammenos Bo Mocherniak

Peter Norman Paul Rayment

Circulation Manager mail@work4.ca

market in Canada.”

Production Manager Kelvin Chan production@ homebuildercanada.com

Editor Judy Penz Sheluk editor@work4.ca

spring last year, resale activity experienced the steepest monthly decline

Sales Coordinator Polly Ma coordinator@work4.ca Accounting Patricia Fleurent accounting@work4.ca

Published by Work-4 Projects Ltd. Advertising/Editorial: 4819 St. Charles Blvd. Pierrefonds, Quebec Canada, H9H 3C7 Phone: 514-620-2200

The report notes that after showing surprising strength since the in four and a half years at the end of 2014, with the number of homes changing hands falling between 5.6 per cent between November and December. January 2015 brought more of the same with resales falling another 3.1 per cent. RBC indicates that this new bout of weakness can be largely attributed to the sharp drop in oil prices, which damaged confidence in oil-producing provinces.

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association

HOW DO YOU BUILD YOUR WALLS?

CHBA Lethbridge Partners with School District 51 to Provide Hands-on Training COALDALE, Alta. — February 25th marked the official launch date of another unique partnership between the CHBA Lethbridge Region and local youth in support of trades training. The Association partnered with Lethbridge School District 51 to create a day-long training session for students to get a real life look at every step that is taken when building a home. Students donned hard hats, safety boots (courtesy of LaFarge) and faced the chilly

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“Students have no idea how many trades are involved in building a home. The tour, which covered houses in various stages of completion, made them aware of the complexity of building a home and the trades

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opportunities that are available,” said Andrew Krul, the Off Campus Education Facilitator for Lethbridge School District 51.

CHBA-CI Partners with HomeFree Collective KAMLOOPS, B.C. — It’s so new it doesn’t yet have a name, but organizers from the Canadian Home Builders’ Association of the Central Interior (CHBA-CI) and the city’s HomeFree Collective believe a new initiative could be big for the city’s at-risk youth. Shelly Bonnah, CEO for Interior Community Services, said the program will see kids at risk of homelessness, in particular those aging out of the foster-care system, paired with local tradespeople for employment

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and mentorship. On the home builders’ end, CHBA-CI president Matt McCurrach said the program has the benefit of providing more labour, as well as an opportunity for members to give back. The two organizations are still in the process of pairing up their first youth with a local electrician and hope to involve about 10 kids per year.

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OTTAWA — The 2015 Fenestration Canada Annual Meeting / Conference will be held at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, June 4-7. For program outline, registration and hotel reservation information, visit www.fenestrationcanada.ca.

Home BUILDER March/April 2015

economics

Migration Changes Driving Housing Patterns in 2015 2014 turned in just shy of some 190,000 housing starts,

By Peter Norman

In the past decade of the energy boom, net interpro-

consensus among housing watchers, and more solid evi-

vincial migration to Alberta has averaged about 25,300

dence that the go-to opinion on housing markets in this

persons per year, up 30 per cent from the 19,400 persons

country needs revising. In fact, in contrast to the relatively

per year in the decade previous. The majority of that

negative “go-to” opinion, 2014 showed us that a well-

uptick was people moving from Ontario and Atlantic

functioning housing market, with intelligent new supply,

Canada (see chart). Immigration to Alberta has also

can create a “sweet spot” in housing conditions that are

tripled over that same period.

neither overheating, nor heading for a soft landing.

Migration patterns are important for housing demand.

The sweet spot comes about because of a stable

Macroeconomic changes probably mean that migration

market with mild price inflation (enough to maintain

into Alberta will moderate significantly but still remain

confidence in housing as an asset, but not enough to raise

positive, unlike the oil crisis of the 1980s that had more

the Spector of a bubble), suitable and improving hous-

devastating effects on the housing market.

ing demand, and adequate new housing supply—albeit somewhat skewed toward multis.

2014 showed us that a wellfunctioning housing market, with intelligent new supply, can create a “sweet spot” in housing conditions.

internal and international).

Canada-wide, a performance significantly stronger than

But the corresponding rise in migration to other regions, particularly Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Can-

Now as we sit about three months into 2015, there are

ada, will have important positive effects on population

seemingly shifting conditions affecting housing. There

growth, household formation and housing demand in

are two major macroeconomic factors affecting national

these areas.

and regional markets today and will do so throughout

In the case of Atlantic Canada, and to a lesser extent

2015, but these will, on balance, likely be more positive

Quebec, this demographic boost will help bring the

for the housing market than negative.

housing market out of a recent slump, and expect to see

The Price of Oil

higher housing starts in the quarters ahead. In the case of Ontario, and especially the Greater Toronto Area, the

Recent changes in the price of oil, which declined

continued shortage of new single-family supply, which

by more than 50 per cent since the middle of last year,

has led to some modestly elevated price increases in this

and a related decline in the value of the Canadian dol-

segment in recent years, will become more of a crisis.

lar exchange rate are these two factors. Both of these

British Columbia and the remainder of the prairies will

macroeconomic shifts will have significant effects on the

not see a noticeable change in migration. B.C.’s economy

relative economic performance across the country, and,

will continue to benefit from the pickup in U.S. growth

importantly, the relative paces of employment growth.

that will ultimately be good for housing.

Traditionally, where goes economic and employment growth in this country, so goes migration flows. The oil price shock will negatively affect the econo-

On net, expect modestly higher housing starts in 2015, about 191,000 units, led by growth in B.C., Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada.

mies of oil producing regions, especially Alberta. Going forward, we know that there will be significantly less job creation in Alberta. Certainly in the short run, we know, due to the recent cutbacks or delays in capital investment that have been announced. But going forward, many commentators are calling for a pronounced slowdown

Interprovincial Migration to Alberta

in the overall pace of activity in the energy sector for the next several years. Conversely, the recent changes to the value of the dollar, coupled with the surge in economic growth in the U.S., will significantly boost the competitiveness and output from those regions with a larger manufacturing economy and higher reliance on exports of goods and 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.

services, especially Ontario and Quebec.

Migration In terms of migration, we expect that the slowdown in job growth will also curtail a significant amount of the in-migration to Alberta from other provinces, and that means stronger migration to other parts of Canada (both

Home BUILDER March/April 2015

BUILDING SCIENCE

Incorporating Foamed Plastic Insulating Sheathings on Exterior Wall Assemblies As Provincial Energy Codes mandate higher insula-

insulating sheathing) is colder with R-24 batts. Thus,

tion levels in new houses, builders face the challenge of

adding exterior insulation in combination with R-19

constructing high performance wall systems that are cost

By Salvatore D Ciarlo

All wall systems incorporating foamed insulating

es. Increased insulation plus improved air tightness are

sheathings, with or without an OSB interlayer, result

an effective way of reducing heat loss while addressing

in lower risk of moisture condensation than the refer-

occupant comfort. To this end, builders can incorporate

ence walls sheathed only with OSB and no exterior

high performance batt insulation (R-19, R-22 or R-24)

insulation. Walls with foamed insulating sheathing

in wall cavities with conventional sheathings (OSB or

installed over the OSB showed a slightly lower risk of

plywood). Alternatively, a combination of foamed plastic

moisture condensation than walls without the OSB

insulated sheathing and high performance batt insula-

interlayer. For cold, dry zones such as Ottawa, the risk

tion can be used.

of condensation was low regardless of whether OSB

A major benefit of foamed plastic insulating sheathings (over wood sheathings or directly on wood studs) is

Salvatore Ciarlo, P.Eng, is the National Codes/Standards and Technical Services Director at Owens Corning Canada. He has 23 years experience in the building materials industry and holds a bachelors degree in Civil Engineering specializing in building science and has a professional degree in Architectural Technology. Sal sits on several Provincial and National Code committees. He can be reached at salvatore. ciarlo@owenscorning.com.

was used as an interlayer and regardless of the vapour permeance of the foamed insulating sheathing.

a significant reduction of heat loss from thermal bridg-

For the coldest and driest zones such as Edmonton,

ing. In a typical two-storey house, the exterior wood

the risk of condensation was low for walls with OSB

framing represents approxi-

plus foam sheathing regardless of the vapour perme-

mately 16 to 20 per cent of

ance of the insulating sheathing. Walls without the

the wall area, and is poorly

OSB interlayer showed the risk of condensation was

insulated. Exterior foamed

slightly lower with a more vapour permeable insulat-

plastic insulating sheath-

ing sheathing, but all those in the vapour permeance

ing addresses this thermal

range examined performed better than the reference

bridging and reduces heat

Schematic of wall assembly configuration showing different component layers and assumed path of air flow through assembly; well assembly includes structural sheathing.

batts is a good choice.

effective, easy to build, and have no hidden consequenc-

wall that used only OSB.

lost through the structure. It

For the mild, humid, coastal zones such as Vancou-

will also minimize the risk

ver and St. John’s, for walls with and without an OSB

of condensation by warming

interlayer, the risk of condensation increases as the

up the cavity.

vapour permeance of the foamed insulating sheath-

Some builders are con-

ing increases. This is because the higher outdoor

cerned that a double vapour

water vapour pressure (humidity) is pushing the water

barrier results if exterior

vapour into the wall cavity. Less vapour permeable

foamed plastic insulating

foamed insulating sheathings will reduce the risk of

sheathings is used in com-

condensation inside the wall.

bination with a 6 Mil poly-

This research has demonstrated the benefit of add-

ethylene vapour retarder on the inside. A recent study

ing exterior insulating sheathings to minimize the risk

at Canada’s National Research Council (Report on Prop-

of condensation in exterior wall assemblies. Accord-

erties & Position of Materials in the Building Envelope

ingly, section 9.25.5 of the NBC 2015 edition, Properties

for Houses and Small Buildings, no. A1 004615, Decem-

and Position of Materials in the Building Envelope, will be

ber 2014) looked at the risk of moisture condensing in

modified to reflect the added benefit of adding exterior

wall assemblies with exterior foamed plastic insulating

insulation.

sheathings compared to reference wall assemblies using

This work clearly shows that the fears of a double

OSB exterior sheathing. Stud cavity insulations were

vapour barrier are unfounded in most of Canada—even

fibrous batt type (R-19 and R-24). Both exterior foamed

when low vapour permeance exterior insulating sheath-

sheathing over OSB or attached directly to the exterior

ing is used—as long as the sheathing has a minimum

face of wood studs were examined. The R-values of the

thermal resistance of R-4. Builders using OSB structural

exterior foamed insulations used were R-4, R-5 & R-6 and

sheathing can also rest assured that adding foamed insu-

the water vapour permeance of the insulations covered

lating sheathings on the exterior side of the wall assem-

a range of values from 2 (very low) to 1800 (very high)

bly will not result in increased risk of condensation; in

ng/(Pa.sm2).

fact the risk is reduced. Exterior insulating sheathings

The key observations included the following:

help keep wall cavities and critical surfaces warmer thus

There is less risk of moisture condensation in walls

reducing the risk of condensation. As added benefits,

with R-19 compared to R-24 fibrous batt insulations

this also makes homes more energy efficient, increases

in the stud cavity because the temperature of the

durability and improves occupant comfort.

10 Home BUILDER March/April 2015

interior face of the exterior sheathing (OSB or foamed

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COMMON CENTS CONSTRUCTION

Protecting Your Bottom Line The Ins and Outs of Sales Tax Rules in the Construction Industry When it comes to sales tax, Canadian home builders

By Bo Mocherniak

When it comes to the assignment of new housing

sales tax returns reassessed, or losing access to your

rebates (NHRs) for purchasers of new homes, home

input tax credits (ITCs), it’s essential to strengthen your

builders typically face two common problems:

compliance in the following areas.

If a builder deducts assigned NHRs from line 111

Operator Elections for Joint Ventures

With over 30 years experience with audits, 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.

“Rebates” on its GST/HST return, rather than from line 108 “Input Tax Credits,” the CRA will automati-

Joint ventures (JVs) are a popular structure for many

cally deny any assigned NHRs included at line 111.

construction projects. In many cases, a bare trust or

Although builders can request an adjustment to this

nominee corporation is set up to hold title to the property.

assessment, getting these denied rebates replaced

As part of this set-up, the bare trust or nominee corpora-

with an “allowable credit” is no easy matter. The

tion has often elected to act as the “operator” of the JV

onus to make this claim lies with homebuilders and

for the purpose of filing GST/HST returns and reporting

requires compliance with rules that can be complex

sales tax for all project participants.

Failure to comply with the legislative requirements of GST/HST and PST can result in more than the re-assessment of a company’s sales tax returns.

New Housing Rebates

are increasingly in the hot seat. To avoid having your

to follow (see CRA’s Bulletin GI-118).

Unfortunately, this set-up can lead to problems.

Assigned NHRs may be deducted only from net tax

According to the CRA, many bare trusts and nominee

and only “for the particular reporting period” in which

corporations are not qualified to make the election to

the builder has credited or paid the NHR to the home

become JV operators. They may not even qualify to be

purchaser. If these claims aren’t made on time, deduc-

registered for sales tax purposes. And, without a valid

tions for NHRs may be denied.

election, the CRA may deny a JV’s ITCs. Although the CRA has not aggressively enforced this

Self-assessment Requirements

rule, that may soon change. In fact, the CRA gave JV

Another pitfall for the unwary involves cases where

participants until December 31, 2014, to remedy these

a home builder is required to self-assess and remit GST/

situations. If the operator of your JV is a bare trust or

HST on the fair value of a new home. Because these

nominee corporation that means you may need to find

situations are rare, this requirement can take builders by

another qualifying participant to act as the operator. If

surprise. It generally arises when a builder, rather than

you do not, then each JV participant will need to account

selling a new home, decides instead to lease it, occupy

for its own GST/HST requirements, including registering,

it or have a relative occupy it. In these cases, GST/HST

collecting and remitting tax, and claiming credits on its

must be self-assessed and remitted, with no ability to

proportionate share.

offset that tax payable with an ITC.

Documentary Evidence

Knowing the Rules

Another challenge home builders face relates to their

Since the CRA affirmed that it will continue to focus

ability to claim ITCs. Unfortunately, if a supplier fails to

its compliance activities in the construction industry,

provide appropriate documentation, a builder can lose

the stakes for homebuilders are rising. Failure to com-

its ITCs. In some cases, the invoice may be made out to

ply with the legislative requirements of GST/HST and

the wrong person. In others, it may omit the supplier’s

PST, where applicable, can result in more than

GST/HST number or fail to indicate the amount of sales

the reassessment of a company’s sales tax

tax owing.

returns. It can also significantly affect

If you do business in British Columbia, you should also be aware of how the PST could impact your business. In particular, there are specific rules on registration for PST, PST on importing property for use in B.C. and PST on construction contracts. With provincial rules in flux, businesses need to stay abreast of emerging developments. Whatever the cause, both the CRA and provincial authorities are taking a hard stance on ITC claims— particularly in the construction and real estate industries. To remain onside, builders must take steps to ensure the documentation on which they base their claims is in order.

12 Home BUILDER March/April 2015

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BUILDING research

Addressing Energy Efficiency The latest housing research from NRC

By Dr. Brad Gover

The National Research Council (NRC) has a long his-

technology and the other using a standard string inverter.

tory of supporting Canadian home builders and the con-

Shading conditions experienced by a typical Canadian

struction industry. NRC probes issues and demonstrates

residential rooftop were applied to test the relative per-

new technologies that advance home building and open

formance of the two arrays.

new markets in response to industry needs. Recent

The micro-inverter was found to increase produc-

projects related to building envelopes include enhanced

tion by 10 to 50 per cent compared to the string inverter.

interior insulation and new roofing solar technology.

The project also investigated the interaction of the PV

As well, a project on wood-based structural products

systems with the roofing system in terms of heat and

for mid-rise buildings will help builders make further

moisture performance, and the impact of snow cover on

strides in improving the efficiency and comfort of mid-

the energy yield of these PV systems. Results from this

rise buildings.

project and others, help consumers and builders chose

Interior and Exterior Insulation To build more energy-efficient homes, builders and

With Canada on track to become one of the largest

rior insulation. But could higher levels of insulation in

construction markets in the world by 2020, demand for

wall assemblies result in conden-

wood buildings continues to increase. In collaboration

sation and moisture problems? To

with the Canadian Wood Council and FPInnovations

determine the effect of enhanced

and in partnership with NRCan and the governments of

insulation on wall performance in

Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia, a comprehensive

houses, NRC partnered with the

study on the use of wood-based structural products in

housing industry, the Canadian

mid-rise buildings (up to six storeys) was undertaken.

Mortgage and Housing Corpora-

NRC is developing solutions to meet code objectives in

tion (CMHC) and Natural Resourc-

key areas including fire safety, acoustical quality and

es Canada (NRCan).

building envelope performance. A particular objective of

The project involves test-

the project is to ensure that specific technical solutions

ing building envelope retrofit

developed to address one aspect of building performance

strategies and new construc-

(such as fire protection) do not have a negative effect on

tion for heat, air and moisture

other aspects (such as acoustics or moisture protection).

wood-framed walls. Three retrofit

Sharing Research Results

strategies using different types of

Results of these three projects and others we are

insulation were set up in a full-

working on will be available through a number of ven-

scale field exposure of walls facility.

ues. NRC produces a variety of publications outlining

Although testing is being conducted in Ottawa, NRC

its work. Its Construction Innovation publication is pub-

used a model to simulate the response of the retrofit

lished quarterly, and contains the latest news on projects

strategies to the indoor and outdoor conditions of dif-

and codes development. NRC also publishes Construc-

ferent climatic regions of Canada. These results will be

tion Technology Updates regularly on their website that

compared to those of the insulation levels that comply

includes practical, technical details on its research for

with wall assemblies from the 2011 National Energy Code

builders. NRC also produces an annual Housing Report,

for Buildings. The findings will help builders determine

in conjunction with CHBA, to summarize the previous

the best insulation level for their building projects.

yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work and provide updates and results. NRCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

PV Technologies Dr. Brad Gover is Director of the Building Envelope and Materials program at NRC Construction and leads another program that supports commercialization of innovative building products, and delivers efficient and uniform building codes.

Wood Buildings

manufacturers have been enhancing interior and exte-

performance with conventional

Jointly operated by the National Research Council (NRC), Natural Resources Canada and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the Canadian Centre for Housing Technology (CCHT) was designed to provide manufacturers and product developers with a real-world test environment for assessing innovative technologies prior to full field trials in occupied houses.

the best type of PV for their homes.

experts also share their knowledge and research results at conferences and tradeshows across Canada.

Increasingly, Canadian homeowners are asking for

In addition to its ongoing research, NRC evaluates

photovoltaic (PV) technologies that are durable and

and provides technical expertise for building technolo-

cost-efficient, and can withstand Canadian weather.

gies and products through the Canadian Construction

In response, NRC is testing new solar photovoltaic (PV)

Materials Centre (CCMC). To help industry become more

technologies.

innovative and competitive, CCMC demonstrates the

To test the energy yield of new micro-inverters in steep slope roofing applications, NRC set up two sideby-side PV arrays on a test rig simulating an 18-inch steep sloped roof, with one using new micro-inverter

14 Home BUILDER March/April 2015

performance of innovative and cost-effective products and solutions. To learn more, and to access NRC publications, visit nrc.gc.ca.

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Customer satisfaction

Satisfying the New Cohort of Home Buyers There is a tsunami of home buyers poised to make

The Millennials have grown-up in a world of ATMs,

wave or be tossed in stormy seas depending on how

drive-throughs and Google searches. When typical Mil-

well they understand the unique wants and needs of the

lennials encounter an issue with a product, they are

“Millennial Generation.”

more likely to search keywords online or look for a fix

Biggest Since The Boomers By Tim Bailey

Like it or not, social media must be part of every company’s customer service channels.

action. Having said that, if a self-serve solution cannot be found, then companies that are multi-channeled and

author to author and study to study, however, Millennials

responsive are the clear loyalty winners with Millennials.

in Canada can typically be defined as those born between

Multi-channeled means communicating in the spe-

the early 1980s and early 2000s—or Canadians that are

cific channel preferred by the individual. Depending on

currently about 15 to 35 years old. This is by far the larg-

each individual, these channels may include texts, email,

est cohort in Canada after the Baby Boomers with over

Facebook messaging or other social media platforms.

12 million Millennials making up more than one-third of

Like it or not, social media must be part of every com-

Canada’s population. The Millennials have been stereo-

pany’s customer service channels.

typed with labels of laziness, entitlement and narcissism.

Responsiveness has always been subjective and con-

American sociologist Kathleen Shaputis even coined the

tinues to be among Millennials. A “next generation”

phrase the “Peter Pan Generation,: to describe a trend

homeowner who sends an email to a builder’s service

towards Millennials living with parents longer and delay-

department to inform them of a squeak in the hardwood

ing adulthood more than previous generations.

floor is typically expecting an emailed acknowledgement

Reality Check

back the same day. In contrast, a text message to a service manager from that same homeowner stating that there is

The reality is, regardless of stereotypes, labels, or

water leaking from a finished drywall ceiling possesses

theories, the Millennials are the most educated and

an expectation of an immediate response. The severity

diverse generation in Canadian history. Higher levels

of a service issue and the communication channel uti-

of unemployment and underemployment are certainly

lized bear different levels of expectations when it comes

challenging this generation, as many have needed to

to responsiveness. Regardless, in all cases there is the

navigate a global financial crisis and the Great Recession

expectation that a builder’s representative tending to the

upon entering the workforce. As economic opportunities

issue is fully empowered to solve the problem. Dismiss-

improve and Baby Boomers begin to exit the workforce

ing an issue by quoting company policy can quickly place

en masse, the Millennials will continue to gain traction

a builder’s reputation in the same category of businesses

as the next consumer powerhouse in Canada. This also

that this generation views as laggards for customer ser-

creates a powerhouse of home buyers which have wants

vice, such as banks and telecom companies.

possible to address those detailed wants, needs, habits or behaviors in a single article but there are some key things that builders should keep in of mind.

The Wired World

16 Home BUILDER Mar/Apr 2015

on YouTube than to call for customer support as the first

The birth years that define Millennials vary from

and needs unique from generations before them. It is not

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.

Self-Serve to Rapid Response

landfall in Canada. Home builders will either ride the

Brand Promoters and Brand Shamers As a “wired generation,” Millennials rely on their online world when making purchasing decisions. With a few mouse clicks or finger swipes, this group is able to seek opinions from social networks before buying; com-

Millennials are the first cohort in Canada to come of

parison-shop between vendors for the best price; and

age in a “wired world.” This age group has grown up with

read reviews and ratings from past purchasers. Laggard

home computers and the Internet, while smart-phones

brands will have nowhere left to hide as these Millennial

and tablets have created a fully mobile generation. The

consumers readily shame companies via powerful online

notions of “entitlement” and “impatience” understand-

channels. Fortunately, leading brands can leverage the

ably stem from the fact that this generation has grown

support from this cohort, as these consumers openly

up in an era where things are available “everywhere”

share positive comments and provide “word-of-mouse”

and “immediately.” That accessibility and immediacy has

referrals in their smart-wired world.

created new considerations for delivering an engaging customer experience with Millennial consumers.

Community Development

The Permeable Block: Rediscovering the Alley Passage

By Fanis Grammenos

Walking along 55th Street in Manhattan—a virtual

walking, it still irks people to have to walk farther than

wall of buildings packed together—a sign on a tall,

absolutely necessary. The extra effort may be just a nui-

elegant doorway announces something unexpected:

sance, but the extra time it takes becomes an intolerable

Public Access to 56th Street. This means that I could now

irritation. When access space competes with built space

reach my next destination without having to go around

for priority, it seems an irresolvable dilemma, since both

the block. Instantly, I am reminded of centuries-old cities

are important for generating activity, profit and wealth.

I visited that had this feature: the alley passage through a building and, occasionally, between buildings. Evidently,

Here is where the alley passage invention and its

reincarnation makes sense for the exact same reasons

rediscovery come in. Just as in many old cities, more

as it did earlier.

recent ones include a number of very long blocks, a fertile ground for productive use of land but also a potential

The Grounds

A Siena and a Manhattan passage.

source of irritation and discomfort. Lower Manhattan, for

Land in earlier cities was at a premium.

example, has over 40 blocks that measure about 1,000

Everyone wanted to enjoy the city’s advan-

feet and five times as many measuring 900 feet. Toronto

tages but its size was confined by the walking

has its share of long blocks ranging from 1,000 feet to as

distance limit, up to about a mile across (20

long as 1,700 feet and so do other contemporary cities.

minute of walking, the only means for almost

Incidentally, two of the latter blocks side-by-side amount

everyone). Growing vertically was also con-

to the entire width of many early cities!

strained. The possible height of buildings,

Walking denizens discovered the inconvenience of

with available construction techniques, and

long blocks and cities rediscovered the millennia-old

the exertion of climbing—five stories, if that,

invention. It is now being applied gradually and system-

is what you find in most old city centres. Every

atically to an increasing number of city blocks, as they

bit of land that could be built upon was. Build-

come up for redevelopment. As these alleys proliferate,

ings formed a long continuous wall. The only

and sometimes line up from block to block, they:

unoccupied ground was the narrow streets

form a complementary network to the traffic-clogged

and the incidental small

streets,

square that served as a

provide the desired convenience and

temporary market.

offer a respite for walkers and open up opportunities

Switch to today, and

for retail.

urban land is just as valu-

The two networks—the streets and the through-the-

able as it always has

block alleys—form a permeable but filtered grid that

been, particularly in cen-

redresses the neglected needs of walkers without dis-

tral districts. Stores and

advantaging the drivers. The alley resolution of the

businesses seek the last

dilemma ensures valuable land is not lost and enables

square foot of available

convenient, faster access to destinations.

space to locate where

Waiting for redevelopment, particularly in minor-

people traffic and trade

league cities, can be a long haul. Since the rationale

opportunities are found

for the Alley-Passage is incontrovertible, the earlier it is

in abundance. The eleva-

introduced, the better. New community developments

tor opened the sky but building upwards only pushed

are unencumbered by previous ownership and free to

the value of land in the same direction as more people

apply their own layout ideas. They are also free to intro-

sought the benefits of proximity to goods, jobs, services

duce their own land covenants that cover the immediate

and interaction. And a new powerful reason for long city

and future uses of the through-the-block passage.

A new community mid-block passage.

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.

The Application

the idea of a passage is very old and its contemporary

blocks was added in this century: gridlock, caused by

In single-family blocks it can be a simple, narrow

frequent intersections and heavy traffic. The longer the

easement. In large townhouse buildings it can be a pas-

blocks, the lower the odds of blockage.

sage with habitable space above and, for apartments or

The second compelling reason for the alley is moving

office buildings, a handsome archway to the rear of the

and transporting on foot. When it is the only way of mov-

building. Examples old and new abound; no need for

ing around, as it was for millennia, any addition to the trip

head scratching. It’s time to use the idea systematically

length becomes toil, discouragement and disadvantage.

and create a pleasant and easy way to get around city

Even today, where only the last leg of a trip is done by

districts.

Home BUILDER March/April 2015

EXPERT OPINION

Which Speaks Louder, Your Head Or Heart? Getting your proposal financed often means putting emotion aside

By Paul Rayment

When you’re looking to get a small to medium-sized

square foot to meet your profit margin and they’ve artifi-

building project off the ground, it pays to follow your

cially depressed their prices to $300 to get things moving,

head. The last thing anyone wants to see is a fully ser-

you’ll have a difficult case to make. On the other hand,

viced subdivision sitting vacant for years or a poured

if you’ve discovered a great location on a bus route in

concrete foundation lying covered in weeds behind a

a town that’s vibrant and growing, and is within close

chain-link fence. Yet it happens.

proximity to a thriving urban centre, a mixed-use con-

It’s a matter of understanding your market, identifying the type of product that will work there, and steering clear of those that won’t. In other words, listening to

Be early, not first. There are always those who try to

sound advice even when your heart may be telling you

be pioneers. But the first in rarely gets the premium price

otherwise.

out. To maximize your investment, aim to be just behind

Perhaps you’ve always dreamed of a 50-unit con-

the leaders. Condominium developers, in particular, are

dominium complex on a sprawling golf course. If the

hedging their bets in urban fringe areas. If you decide

absorption rate is low, it’s a bad investment. And you

to move into new territory with a new product, you can

should know that before approaching lenders to investi-

expect most lenders to set a higher pre-sales threshold.

gate financing options. To bolster your odds of hit-

An idle project is a losing investment. Long before

ting the mark with a project

you enter the building phase, you’ll need to prepare your

lenders will back, consider the

exit. The goal is to get in and out as quickly and efficiently

following:

as possible, which might mean selling off end units or

Know your market. Early on in the planning stages, you’ll want to get feet on the ground

After purchasing a 100 x 415 ft. lot, the builders severed the lot and then proceeded to obtain a $1.75 million first mortgage to finance the construction of two single-family homes.

dominium makes sense.

seeking tenants. Lenders will want to know how and when they can expect to be paid. A well thought out exit strategy is expected.

and do your due diligence. Is

Put emotions aside.

the economy growing? Is pub-

less of how proud you are of your design, workmanship

lic transit easily accessible?

and overall concept, your building project is a business

What’s the employment rate?

proposal. And it needs to be treated as such. If a lender

What are town planners saying about growth plans? All

does the math on your project and finds it doesn’t add

of this information is readily accessible and should be

up, best to heed the warning. One client came to us with

included with your building proposal.

plans to build a penthouse unit on an existing small

Do the supply/demand analysis.

At the end of the day, regard-

condominium building. It took three years and multiple There’s no value

appraisals, but we finally convinced the developer that

in moving forward with a single-family residential infill

given his cost to build there would be little to no profit in

project when the competition has standing inventory

the project based upon a realistic value once completed.

already reduced to sell. If you need to obtain $450 per

Time for a reality check. There will always be an element of speculation associated with new construction. In general, look for areas where the cost of entry is low (land is inexpensive), demand for your end product exists and supply is limited. One area seeing great success is in repurposing outdated structures. When you take an old school house, church or commercial building and convert it to modern residential units while preserving much of the original façade, you not only achieve a premium price, but you win

Paul Rayment is vice-president of Toronto-based Foremost Financial Corporation (www. foremost-financial.ca) a boutique first-mortgage lender specializing in infill-construction financing for residential, commercial or industrial projects.

the favour of neighbours, politicians and end-users too. A lender’s decision on whether or not to finance a building proposal is based on the merits of the project as Initial financing was provided to purchase seven detached singlefamily dwellings on this site in tandem with the building of 12 new semi-detached homes. Despite the 2009 financial crises, the project was sound enough to merit additional renewals until final approvals went through. After four units were pre-sold, the builder then procured a new mortgage to finance construction of all 12 homes.

18 Home BUILDER March/April 2015

well as the builder’s track record. In the end, they are both looking for the same thing: to build a long-term, profitable partnership that has more hits than misses. And that means allowing your head to outweigh your heart.

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Market report

From Coast to Coast â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 2015 A province-by-province outlook by Jason Burggraaf, Policy and Government Relations Advisor, CHBA

Quebec Provincial economies will continue to be affected by a number of factors in 2015, including: Weakness in oil prices and an expected stable price of $50-60 per barrel, which will affect

government revenues as well as planned industry capital expenditures and expansions. The interest rate cut by the Bank of Canada to 0.75%, and the potential of a further cut of 25 basis

points sometime in 2015 due to stagnant GDP growth, which will affect both bonds (savings) and mortgage rates (debt), and the expectation of continued low interest rates over a number of years. The depreciation in the Canadian dollar (versus the U.S. dollar), which has gone from parity

to US$0.75-0.80, and is expected to stay there through 2015 and 2016, giving some boost to manufacturers (but hurting other sectors, such as oil).

Housing Starts: 39,900 Starts by Type: 17,500 Single/Semi/Row, 22,400 High-Rise Multi GDP: + 2.2% CPI: +0.9% Employment: +0.8% Population Trend: +39,000 Growth in Quebec is expected to rise due to a business-oriented government and the low dollar boosting manufacturing. As well, the low oil price is expected to have a significant effect on consumer spending (Quebec often has the highest gas prices in the country). Housing, however, may be flatter due to a buildup of product over the past few years.

Continuing demographic changes as some provinces age while others get younger,

and everyone sees continued urbanization of their population.

British Columbia Housing Starts: 29,200 Starts by Type: 14,200 Single/Semi/Row, 15,000 High-Rise Multi GDP: +2.74% CPI: +0.5% Employment: +1.53% Population Trend: +42,700 British Columbia is expected to do better than the national average in 2015, with little exposure to oil and benefiting from the weak dollar and growing U.S. demand. Expect forecasts to be revised upward as the year progresses. Multi-unit starts are almost entirely located within the Vancouver and Abbotsford CMAs, but demographic demand should support price and activity levels.

Alberta Housing Starts: 31,300 Starts by Type: 21,600 Single/Semi/Row, 9,700 High-Rise Multi GDP: +0.6% CPI: +0.4% Employment: +0.4% Population Trend: +56,000 Recession is still a risk in Alberta, due to oil-related capital expenditure cutbacks and job losses, but most observers still see oil prices settling by the middle of 2015, restoring confidence. Any recession should be contained and not spill over to other regions. With migration and job growth stalling, expect housing starts perhaps dip below current projections.

20 Home BUILDER March/April 2015

Saskatchewan Housing Starts: 6,750 Starts by Type: 4,600 Single/Semi/Row, 2,150 High-Rise Multi GDP: +1.7% CPI: +0.8% Employment: +0.9% Population Trend: +10,400 The drop in oil prices is expected to affect government revenues more than the overall economy in 2015. With continued upwards trends in migration, jobs and income, Saskatchewan should be well-positioned to weather the knockon effects of low oil that is expected to hit the province closer to the end of 2015 and into 2016.

Manitoba Housing Starts: 6,400 Starts by Type: 4,200 Single/Semi/Row, 2,200 High-Rise Multi GDP: +2.6% CPI: +0.7% Employment: +1.5% Population Trend: +9,100 The consensus opinion is that Manitoba will be one of the brighter lights in the country, as export-led manufacturing and a strong agriculture sector get a boost from the low dollar and the province has low exposure to oil price shock. Winnipeg will continue its shift in housing type with multi-units expected to outpace singlefamily again in 2015 and 2016.

Ontario Housing Starts: 62,200 Starts by Type: 37,200 Single/Semi/Row, 25,000 High-Rise Multi GDP: +2.8% CPI: +0.9% Employment: +1.5% Population Trend: +96,200 Ontario is expected to benefit from low oil and the low dollar, but there is concern that the provinceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s manufacturing sector will not be able to ramp up as quickly as desired. Increases in productivity may mean that growth in GDP does not translate into equal growth for jobs. However, population and migration trends support continued steady demand in housing.

Forecasts New Brunswick Housing Starts: 2,100 Starts by Type: 1,500 Single/Semi/Row, 600 High-Rise Multi GDP: +1.6% CPI: +0.6% Employment: +0.5% Population Trend: -50 Outmigration will be the dominant issue for New Brunswick, which has resulted in moderate housing oversupply that the province will struggle to fill. The province did not benefit from the boom in commodity demand over the past decade, and probable delays in Energy East will mean further economic weakness.

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Prince Edward Island Housing Starts: 540 Starts by Type: 420 Single/Semi/Row, 120 High-Rise Multi GDP: +1.4% CPI: +0.2% Employment: +0.6% Population Trend: +250 Business in PEI is expected to benefit from low fuel prices and the low Canadian dollar, but there is concern that economic growth has not kept up with the cost of living. Retaining youth and full-time jobs are the biggest concerns in the province.

Nova Scotia Housing Starts: 3,000 Starts by Type: 1,700 Single/Semi/Row, 1,300 High-Rise Multi GDP: +1.8% CPI: +0.5% Employment: +0.6% Population Trend: +700 Nova Scotia’s heavily-export based economy is expected to reap the benefits of low oil and the low dollar, which make products cheaper to transport and sell. The federal shipbuilding program is also expected to bring back jobs and people previously lost to the Alberta oil fields.

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Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Starts: 2,000 Starts by Type: 1,700 Single/Semi/Row, 300 High-Rise Multi GDP: -0.6% CPI: +0.2% Employment: -0.1% Population Trend: +1,100 The impact of low oil on government revenue is the largest concern for Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy. Even a stabilized rate of $50-60 is lower than the government’s already-revised budgeting. Housing demand is expected to come from continuing urbanization. Notes: Housing Starts are a consensus number based on forecasts from CIBC, RBC, TD and CMHC (published Jan-Feb, 2015). GDP is Real GDP year over year percentage change, a consensus number based on forecasts from CIBC, RBC, BMO, TD and CMHC (published Jan-Feb, 2015). CPI is year over year percentage change, a consensus number based on forecasts from CIBC, RBC and TD (published Jan-Feb, 2015). Employment is year over year percentage change, a consensus number based on forecasts from CIBC, RBC, TD and CMHC (published Jan-Feb, 2015). Population Trend is total net migration (number of persons), data from CMHC (published Jan-Feb, 2015). Age Ratio is Ratio of the number of people aged 15 to 24 and those aged 55 to 64 in 2014, data from Statistics Canada.

connect your best new products or services to our 96,000 readers—readers who build over 80% of all new residential construction in Canada, and handle the most demanding and innovative renovations. Visit www.homebuildercanada.com/NPSC2015.htm for submission guidelines.

Canadian Home Builders’ Association

514-620-2200 HomeBuilderCanada.com

builder profile

Meet Your President Jane Morgan talks about CHBA yesterday, today and her vision for tomorrow By Judy Penz Sheluk

Jane Morgan is the General Manager of Nuport Holdings, a property development and management company located in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. Nuport was founded by Jane’s father and uncle, and has been a CHBA member since the 1960s. We sat down with Jane to learn more about her, and her vision for CHBA.

ing a different home; it’s about owning a home at all. We’re already seeing home ownership rates fall for younger people. This is something that should concern anyone who cares about the future wellbeing of their community. At the end of the day, it’s about fairness. I live in an established neighbourhood, where a lot of infrastructure has been replaced recently.

HBM: In your inaugural speech, you talk-

is a very distant memory. In some communi-

But nobody comes to me and says, “You need

ed about the importance of affordability, the

ties, single homes cost seven or even ten times

to pay for your share of all this.” That’s what my

need for governments to finance infrastructure

the average family income, even with both

property taxes pay for.

without excessive reliance on municipal “new

adults working. For young families, that repre-

Yet if I moved into a new home tomorrow, I’d

home taxes” and about the impact develop-

sents a huge affordability hurdle.

be expected to finance all of the necessary

ment restrictions have on new home prices.

What’s most disturbing is what’s causing this:

infrastructure, plus I’d pay the same property

Can you expand on this?

new home taxes and development restric-

taxes as anyone else living in my community.

tions. These are not “market forces”—they

We all know that’s not right; and if we want

Affordability matters a lot. CHBA

don’t simply adjust or go away if market condi-

strong, vibrant communities in the future, I

has been sounding the alarm over increasing

tions change, and they have nothing to do with

don’t think it’s wise.

new home prices and their effect on younger

actual housing demand.

Canadians and families looking to buy their

I’m concerned that municipal leaders are often

HBM:

first home. We’re very concerned about this.

quite disconnected from what affordability

CHBA, you’ve been directly involved in the

Today, if we look at our larger urban markets,

really means in people’s lives.

Association’s increased government relations

the kind of affordability our generation enjoyed

For a lot of people, it’s not a question of choos-

work in Ottawa. I wonder if you could describe

Jane:

22 Home BUILDER March/April 2015

As part of the leadership team at

for Growth, MPs and Ministers were clearly pleased to see us, and very welcoming. The aspect that really stood out for me was the questions politicians brought to us— about housing, about market conditions, and the like. They really wanted to know how our industry works and were looking for our insights. This was exactly what we were there to bring them: insights to ensure our industry’s issues are reflected in their policy decisions. It was very much a two-way conversation. We’ve made sure they know that our $120B industry is second only to oil and gas in size and economic impact, and number one in jobs, so decisions that affect our industry dramatically affect the economy at large.

Natasha Rombough

HBM: You bring a unique background to

(L-R) Ruth Roussy and Michelle Murphy, with Genworth Canada, talk housing with CHBA President Jane Morgan in Halifax.

your role as CHBA’s President. Your father

Jane: Each level of the Association provides

Cyril Morgan was CHBA President back in

specific value and benefits.

1982. What does this mean to you, and what’s

Locally, it’s about connections with other busi-

your perspective on how the Association has

ness people—learning who’s good, who you

changed over the years?

can work with. And there’s a lot of information

Jane: I remember when I was quite young,

exchange that takes place, members helping other members, sharing their knowledge

and Dad was CHBA Treasurer at that time.

and experience. And, of course, working with

Bruce Phillips from CTV was interviewing him

municipal governments.

about the federal budget, and I recall thinking,

At the provincial and national levels, the ben-

“I’d like to do that someday.” For a youngster, it

efits are broader; it’s about shaping where our

this process and how it works from your per-

was all quite glamorous and exciting.

industry is going. We also see specific “wins”

spective?

Certainly a lot has changed since then. I also

with issues like preventing the Canada Post

seem to remember the local HBA holding its

mailbox fee, and keeping unjustified require-

meetings in someone’s basement back then,

ments out of building codes. This work directly

increased government relations a major focus,

so we’ve certainly moved up a few steps over

reduces costs for builders by thousands of dol-

and, as a result, our Association, industry and

the years. But in some ways, a lot of important

lars per home.

issues are front and centre with federal politi-

things have not changed.

It’s also about collaborating to find solutions—

cians, as they should be.

It’s easy to think that we’re all about technology

the challenges we face in Newfoundland and

today, but when Dad was CHBA President back

Labrador are largely the same challenges we

in 1982, he signed the first R-2000 agreement

face across the country, so working together

with Jean Chretien.

to find solutions, and learning from what’s

So, even back then, CHBA was very focused on

worked elsewhere, means more value and

the importance of better building practices and

quicker solutions for our members. This deliv-

energy efficiency. Builders have always asked

ers real value to members.

themselves, “How can I build a better home?”

Overall, I think the value of the Association

We always will. So it’s no surprise that our

is all about what we can achieve together,

Association has always been in the lead on this.

by harnessing our strength at all three levels.

We see the same focus today in our new CHBA

Obviously, my focus in the next year is at the

Net Zero Energy Housing Council.

federal level, and in communicating to mem-

Jane: Over the past two years, we’ve made

For a lot of people, it’s not a question of choosing a different home; it’s about owning a home at all. It’s all about engagement, and bringing togeth-

bers what we are achieving nationally, and

er members from across Canada to speak for

HBM: As a businessperson, how do you see

our industry—an industry that represents over

the value of being part of CHBA? How does the

a strong presence in Ottawa and collaborate

900,000 jobs. This last spring at the Forum

Association benefit companies in the industry?

across the country.

why it is so important that we continue to have

Home BUILDER March/April 2015

The 2014 CHBA National SAM Awards Recognizing Canadian Housing Excellence

by Judy Penz Sheluk

GREEN HOME AWARD Landmark Group of Builders, Edmonton, AB

On March 6th, at the 72nd National Conference in Halifax, CHBA announced the winners of the 2014 CHBA National SAM Awards – Recognizing Canadian Housing Excellence. These prestigious awards celebrate excellence in new homes, home renovation and community development across Canada. Bard Golightly, CHBA Immediate Past President, noted that the 2014 SAM Finalists reflect the use of innovative technology and construction techniques, distinctive design and remarkable marketing and sales activities. “This year’s SAM finalists were impressive and it was a daunting task for the judges to make their determinations given the quality of entries. It reflects well on the home builder, renovator, and developer members who make up our award finalists for 2014.” GRAND SAM AWARD Albi Homes, Calgary, AB

CHBA National SAM Awards are presented for projects of varying sizes in the following

MARKETING EXCELLENCE AWARD Seven Lakes Developments Ltd., Porters Lake, NS Creative, concept and production: McOuat Partnership

categories: New Home Awards (8 in total), Home Renovation Awards (5 in total), and Marketing Awards (6 in total). In addition, single National SAM Awards are presented for: Green Home, Community Development, Marketing Excellence, Green Renovation and the Grand SAM, which recognizes the new home builder who demonstrates the highest level of excellence in both building and marketing. A complete list of winners and finalists can be found at www.chba.ca.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AWARD Hopewell Residential Management LP, Calgary, AB

426

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SAM awards

244 NEW

HOME AWARDS

HOME RENOVATION AWARDS

MARKETING AWARDS

Production Homes: Single Detached Home Under 1,500 Square Feet Pacesetter Homes, Edmonton, AB: “Maverick - New Castle”

Kitchen Timberworx Custom Homes, Guelph, ON

Print Ad Sterling Homes (Edmonton) Ltd., Edmonton, AB: “All Dressed Up” Creative, concept and production: Leyteblair Direct Promotion Cresco Construction Limited, Bedford, NS: “#iCouldLiveHere Campaign” Creative, concept and production: Kohoot Media

Any Room Hierarchy Development & Design, Ottawa, ON

Website Concert Real Estate Corporation, Vancouver, BC: “The Kip District” Creative, concept and production: 52 Pick-up Inc. Project Signage and Logo Seven Lakes Developments Ltd., Porters Lake, NS: “The Villages of Seven Lakes” Creative, concept and production: McOuat Partnership

Whole House – Under $250,000 Timberworx Custom Homes, Guelph, ON

Single Detached Home Between 1,500 and 2,200 Square Feet Linwood Custom Homes Ltd., Young’s Point, ON: “The Antler Trail”

Single Detached Home Over 2,200 Square Feet Munro Homes Ltd., Regina, SK: “The Oslo Showhome, The Creeks”

Multi-Family Project: Cedar Developments Corporation, Vancouver, BC: “Prelude”

Whole House – More Than $500,000 My House Design/Build Team Ltd., Surrey, BC

Custom Homes: Single Detached Home Under 2,500 Square Feet Econ Group Construction and Development Ltd., North Vancouver, BC Single Detached Home Between 2,500 And 4,000 Square Feet My House Design/Build Team Ltd., Surrey, BC Single Detached Home Over 4,000 Square Feet TS Williams Construction & KB Design, Nanoose Bay/ Victoria, BC

26 Home BUILDER March/April 2015

Green Renovation Award My House Design/Build Team Ltd., Surrey, BC

Brochure/Kit North Prairie Developments Ltd., Saskatoon, SK: “Shangri-La on 4th”

Whole House – Between $250,000 And $500,000 TQ Construction, Burnaby, BC

Single Attached Homes Lifestyle Homes Inc., Garson, ON: “4th Avenue Residence”

Sales Office Seven Lakes Developments Ltd., Porters Lake, NS: “The Villages of Seven Lakes” Creative, concept and production: McOuat Partnership

Get Home Buyer Insights That Can Power Your Business!

Want to know what home buyers are looking for in a new home? What features they are willing to trade-off to get what they want? Get powerful insight into today’s new home buyer market with CHBA’s first nationwide market research study—powered by Avid Ratings Canada. It’s a must read! n More than 1,500 home buyers participated in this firstof-its-kind CHBA survey carried out by Avid Ratings Canada. n The report covers more than 50 in-depth areas of home design, building features, buying preferences and demographics. n Detailed question-level comparisons by seven customer segments: ▼ First-time buyers ▼ First/second move-up buyers ▼ Third/fourth move-up buyers ▼ Relocation buyers ▼ Luxury/custom buyers ▼ Active adults ▼ Second home buyers

n n

Delivered as PDF email attachment (viewable with the latest Adobe Acrobat Reader). You also get access to survey data through Avid Reports for your own custom analysis: ▼ Provides on-demand reporting of results from the CHBA Home Buyer Preference Study powered by Avid ▼ Enables full reporting on all responses for all survey questions, with drill-down features to analyze individual survey questions in granular detail ▼ Allows easy sorting of home buyer preferences by Home Type, Buyer Type, Demographic Group and Province

Special discount pricing for CHBA members—and even greater savings for CHBA builder members who participated in the survey!

To order your copy today, go to www.chba.ca/buyersurvey, or scan the QR code. The 2015 CHBA Home Buyer Preference Survey will ship in late March.

fenestration report

Code Compliance and Energy Efficiency Changing times in the window and door business

By Jeff Baker

The introduction of energy efficiency acts in British Columbia and Ontario, new energy codes at the national level adopted in six provinces, coupled with changes in the 2010 National Building Code for air, water and structural performance requirements, have necessitated considerable changes in the window and door industry in Canada over the past few years. To ensure that the products they are installing are code compliant, builders, renovators and contractors need to consult with, and work directly with, window and door suppliers.

The best time to address the performance requirement for windows and doors with your local building official is at the plan checking

Window manufacturers have been testing

windows and doors vary with climate and

stage. Get the performance requirements on

their products for air, water and structural

location. There are performance requirements

the plans and agreed to at this stage. Then,

performance for a long time, but the adoption

for more than 600 locations across Canada

when you are talking with your window and

of the Harmonized North American Fenestra-

included in the building code and NAFS stan-

door supplier there will be no debate as to what

tion Standard (NAFS) in NBC 2010 has changed

dard. If installed products are found not to

performance is required and the supplier will

the way the test data needs to be labeled on

be in compliance or not properly labeled to

know exactly what product they need to pro-

the product.

prove they are in compliance this could lead to

vide with the appropriate level of performance.

Window manufacturers have also been dealing with energy performance requirements in the ENERGY STAR program for many years now and most will have the energy performance data for their products, although labeling to comply with energy codes is new to some manufacturers. For example, air, water and structural requirements for side-hinged doors had not been well defined in building codes prior to 2010. The NAFS standard now includes sidehinged entry doors and the reference of NAFS

The best time to address the performance requirement for windows and doors with your local building official is at the plan checking stage.

In Ontario and British Columbia the provincial energy efficiency acts require that windows be certified for energy performance. This is above and beyond the energy code requirements. In British Columbia there are additional requirements for doors in their energy efficiency act as well. In both Ontario and B.C., you cannot sell a window without an energy certification label, therefore in these two provinces building officials will be looking for certified energy performance labels.

Working Together

within the building code levels the playing

delays, added costs and, ultimately, the remov-

field and clarifies expectations. Door prehang-

al of non-compliant products, replaced with

All the changes in building and energy

ers are working to get their products tested to

compliant ones. By working with their suppli-

codes have significantly increased the require-

comply with the building code and energy code

ers, builders, renovators and contractors can

ments for window and door manufacturers to

requirements.

ensure that the products being installed meet

provide code compliant products for builders.

all local requirements and are properly labeled

But what do builders really need to know?

to prove they conform to the standard. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s far

Building officials are looking at windows and

Unlike performance requirements for other

too late in the construction stage to run into

doors to ensure that they comply with the

building components the air, water, structur-

compliance issues with windows and doors at

building and energy codes. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a windows

al, and energy performance requirements for

final inspection.

and doors checklist to get you started:

Compliance

28 Home BUILDER March/April 2015

door suppliers to ensure the products are

removal and introduce them in your home-

properly labeled to prove both building and

owner care and maintenance guide pack-

energy code compliance, and

age. This will ensure that the information on any further energy audits will be readily

There are performance requirements for more than 600 locations across Canada.

available. Working with the your local building official and your window and door suppliers to get your project details right will save you a lot of aggravation, cost and unexpected delays.

Jeff Baker of WESTLab Canada is the technical KELVIN CHAN

Do not remove any labels prior to final

consultant for Fenestration Canada, chair of

inspection; building officials may require

the NFRC board of directors, chair of the CSA

considerable documentation to prove com-

A440 technical committee on fenestration

pliance if the labels have been removed.

performance, and participates in several

Keep the window performance labels after

Canadian national building code committees.

Consult with your local building official to get the performance requirements for the windows and doors approved at the plan checking stage, Work with your window and door suppliers to make sure the products being supplied

About Fenestration Canada Fenestration Canada, a national window and door manufacturers association, has been working at the national and provincial levels on building and energy codes to help educate all stakeholders involved in the process. The association provides educational material for builders, building officials and product manufacturers on their website

and installed are both building code and

and conducts online webinars on many window and door issues. Fenestration Canada also has a NAFS

energy code compliant,

performance calculator available on its web site. For more information, visit www.fenestrationcanada.ca.

Have a discussion with your window and

JUST ANOTHER CASE OF WINDOW ENVY.

allweatherwindows.com/builder

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conference report

Destination

Some highlights from CHBA’s 72nd National Conference Photos by Natasha Rombough

David Chilton entertains the crowd with stories from CBC’s Dragon’s Den. Minister of National Revenue Kerry-Lynne Findley announces $745,000 for CHBA’s Get it in Writing! Campaign.

Delegates learn the art of knot tying at the Welcome Reception.

Albi Homes wins the Grand SAM at this year’s CHBA National SAM Awards – Recognizing Canadian Housing Excellence.

Ken Schmidt emphasizes the importance of making your product—and marketing—stand out.

30 Home BUILDER March/April 2015

Minister of Employment and Social Development Pierre Poilievre addresses delegates.

Privateers attending Housing Night in Canada show off their booty.

CHBA Welcomes 2015

Business Alliance

Network Members! All Weather Windows Altus Group Economic Consulting Avid Ratings Canada AYA Kitchen CertainTeed Gypsum Canada Inc. CIBC Cosella-Dörken Products Inc. Dettson Industries DuPont Building Innovations Federated Insurance Company of Canada Ltd. Genworth Canada Home Hardware Building Centres & Beauti-Tone

The 2015 Business Alliance Network kicked-off at the CHBA National Conference in Halifax. The CHBA thanks these companies and organizations for their support of our Association and for being an important part of the 2015 Conference in Halifax. Over the next year, CHBA members will continue to benefit from the work being done by our Business Alliance Network members – as they share business intelligence, market insights and technical

Honeywell JELD-WEN Windows and Doors LP Building Products MASCO Canada Ltd./Delta Faucet Owens Corning Canada LP RBC Royal Bank Taymor Industries Ltd. Travelers Canada VELUX Skylights Weiser/Pfister

knowledge through the Association’s many e-publications available

National Association Partners

free of charge, and exclusively, to CHBA members.

Canadian Automatic Sprinkler Association

Business Alliance Network members help to keep your Association

Canadian Home Warranty Council

strong, and are committed to helping you build a stronger business. We thank them for support and their dedication to excellence.

Canadian Manufactured Housing Institute Canadian Wood Council Canadian Ready Mixed Concrete Association Canadian Wood Council Council of ICF Industries

Canadian Home Builders’ Association

NAIMA Canada

CHBA President’s Message

Housing is Everyone’s “Issue” As I move into my new role as CHBA President, I am very excited about the opportunities for our Association I want to thank Past-President Bard Golightly for the

prosper, and we recognize that robust infrastructure and

strong leadership he provided to CHBA over the last year.

efficient transit are prerequisites for this—and something

The progress he helped to guide in key areas of CHBA’s

the whole community should support financially.

work will certainly make my job much easier.

ernment’s significant support for municipal infrastruc-

bers and Association leaders were clearly energized and

ture investment through the New Building Canada Fund.

ready for a tremendous team effort as we head into the

If focused on core systems such as roads, water and

federal election campaign in the coming months. There’s

sewers, this federal support can make a real difference

a lot on the agenda—and we have real momentum!

at the municipal level, and save new home buyers thou-

the issues that concern CHBA members also concern

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

in local development taxes. This federal commitment also provides important

for young people, and ensuring competitive and well-

leadership on the broader issue of how best to ensure

functioning housing markets are things that matter to

our communities continue to be vital, competitive places

everyone—in every community—across Canada.

where people want to live, work and play.

What is abundantly clear is that

A competitive and growing economy matters to

housing isn’t a narrow “special

everyone. We all want young people to have access to

interest,” but a broad and com-

the solid education and skill development opportunities

mon interest—something every

needed to help build and sustain prosperity, whether this

Canadian is connected to in many

be in business, a profession or a skilled trade. Our industry is one of the largest employers in Canada,

Affordability matters to every-

supporting over 900,000 jobs and paying out nearly $50

one. We all want to see young peo-

billion in wages. We are an important part of the economy

ple have a stake in their communi-

in every region and every community in Canada. And, in

ties, and we all want families to

the next decade, we’re going to need more than 100,000

have appropriate housing choices,

new skilled people to take over from those retiring.

at a price they can manage.

President: Jane Morgan, St. John’s, NL Past President: Bard Golightly, Edmonton, AB First Vice-President: Bob Finnigan, Toronto, ON Second Vice-Presidents: Eric DenOuden, Belleville, ON Nathan Stone, Langley, BC Treasurer: Blake Hudema, Burnaby, BC Chief Executive Officer: Kevin Lee, Ottawa, ON

sands of dollars by avoiding those costs from ending up

all Canadians. Housing affordability, creating great jobs

important ways.

CHBA EXECUTIVE Committee

CHBA has recognized and applauded the federal gov-

At our recent National Conference in Halifax, mem-

In my Inaugural address, I noted that, more than ever,

It was a touching moment when Jane Morgan presented a Presidential ring to her father, Cyril Morgan, who served as CHBA President in 1982.

Strong, vibrant and well-managed communities matter to everyone. We all want our cities to grow and

in the year ahead.

Jane Morgan President, CHBA

traction, and we need to keep this effort up.

Thanks to collaboration with the federal govern-

When my parents bought their

ment, we’ve been able to look firsthand at countries like

first home, it cost them about three

Germany, where we see very clearly how a culture that

times our family’s income, and

respects skilled trades can benefit economically and

this was back in the day of single-

socially. We need to create that culture here in Canada.

income households.

Young people need to see a skilled trade career as being

When my husband Roy and I bought our first home,

equal in standing to one in the professions—a term we

things had not changed all that much; prices and interest

now call “parity of esteem.” And CHBA is pleased that the

rates were a bit higher, but so were incomes.

federal government shares this perspective.

But for young families today in many of our larger

So, headed into this Spring’s Forum for Growth in

cities, that first home costs five, eight or even ten times

Ottawa, and the election campaign that will follow it,

their household income—with both parents working!

I’m excited about what lies ahead. I want to thank every

And income growth, particularly for the Millennial gen-

member for the opportunity to serve as your President. It

eration, hasn’t nearly kept pace.

is a great honour, and one I gladly accept in the knowl-

So it’s no surprise we are seeing homeownership rates fall for those under 35 years of age. Achieving home ownership is a much greater challenge for young people today than it was in the past. The concerns we’ve raised about how new home taxes and land shortages push prices up, and the disproportionate impact this has on younger people and families wanting to be come homeowners, are resonating with governments, the media and the public. Over the coming months, affordability will remain a key issue in CHBA’s government relations efforts. Our call for a “new conversation” about this issue is gaining

32 Home BUILDER March/April 2015

edge that I have a tremendous national team backing me up, at all three levels of our Association.

CHBA CEO’s Update

“The Year in Review” Our national conference in Halifax was another great

ment Insurance to make the case for lower employers’

success, and as the new Executive takes the helm, it’s the

EI rates should the EI premium surplus grow. And we

perfect time to review what we’ve accomplished over the

were very pleased to see the government’s public

last year, and where we’re headed in the future.

commitment now to reduce EI rates for employers by

This past year saw the Board approve a new strategic

Kevin Lee CEO, CHBA

CHBA was there at the Prime Minister’s invitation to

prosper as they work to meet the housing aspirations of

announce of the extension of the Building Canada

Canadians.

Fund to continue federal investment in core infra-

The CHBA Board of Directors, Committees and Coun-

structure. CHBA has actively advocated on the need

cils are very focused on the issues that matter to mem-

for core infrastructure investment and the benefits are

bers. And a strong presence at the Conference by the

substantial; for instance, the $20M in federal infra-

Honourable Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Minister of Revenue,

structure funding in Barrie, Ontario, in recent years

and the Honourable Pierre Poilievre, Minister of Employ-

has avoided what could have been an extra $22,000

ment and Social Development, plus other government

per house in municipal taxes. Federal infrastructure

officials, certainly demonstrated the government’s inter-

investment has delivered similar benefits and avoided

est in our agenda.

CHBA has actively advocated on the need for core infrastructure investment and the benefits are substantial.

23 per cent in 2017-18.

plan with a clear focus on helping members succeed and

local taxes in communities right across the country.

At the direction of the Board, our top priority has been

CHBA’s work to fight against inappropriate additions

bolstering government relations. From over 100 govern-

to the National Building Code has saved over $6,800

ment officials attending our Forum for Growth event on

of costs per house in the last code cycle. At the same

Parliament Hill in June, to continuous engagement with

time, we are advancing innovation to bring new tech-

key Federal agencies all year, our dialogue with govern-

nical solutions to our members through our Technical

ment has been continuous and focused. We have aimed

Research Council and our newly launched Net Zero

at fostering the best business environment possible for

Energy Housing Council, which focuses on voluntary

our members, and supporting Canadian home buyers and homeowners. Here’s a quick review of some of that work.

energy performance improvements. Given our work on the skilled trades front, we were heavily engaged with Minister Jason Kenney on sev-

Most centrally, CHBA has constantly put forward the

eral fronts, and were pleased with the roll out of the

importance of affordability; and we have focused

Canada Job Grant, among other initiatives beneficial

this issue on the younger Canadians who are having

to our residential construction industry. The need

increased difficulty becoming homeowners. We have

to promote careers in skilled trades was also put on

focused on changing the conversation, and are seeing

the front burner for the government in several joint

that this message resonates.

industry-government events.

This is our top issue, one we have put before the Gov-

And perhaps nothing is more timely than the work

ernor of the Bank of Canada, the Minister of Finance,

CHBA is engaged in with Minister of Revenue Kerry-

the President of CMHC, and many other key decision

Lynne Findlay on the underground economy. We were

makers in Ottawa, plus MPs from across the country.

very pleased to be part of the Minister’s Advisory Com-

We have cautioned against raising interest rates pre-

mittee on the Underground Economy. And we were of

maturely (and the government hasn’t), we have asked

course thrilled with Minister Findlay’s announcement

that mortgage rules not be tightened further (and

at our Conference confirming that the federal govern-

they haven’t been), and we’ve put forward our ideas

ment will support CHBA for the next three years to

on how affordability for first time home buyers can

ramp-up our Get it in Writing! initiative—and even

be improved (which are central parts of our asks for

more than our industry, Canadian homeowners stand

Budget 2015 and the Election 2015 campaign).

to benefit from this important initiative.

We’ve worked to build strong strategic alliances

With the Conference now over, and our new leader-

with other organizations that share our concerns on

ship in place, CHBA is already hard at work for the coming

an issue-by-issue basis, such as the Canadian Real

year on many fronts, including preparing for the Forum

Estate Association, the Canadian Construction Asso-

for Growth 2015 in early May. With an election looming,

ciation and the Canadian Gas Association.

this is the ideal time to get our members back on Parlia-

We’ve also worked with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, the Canadian

ment Hill speaking with MPs the issues that matter to our industry, and every Canadian.

Federation of Apartment Associations, and several low-income housing groups to make the case for strengthening affordability in Canada’s housing system. We’ve engaged with the Employers Group for Employ-

Home BUILDER March/April 2015

TOOLTalk

Changing Our Work Habits Through Innovation

Working With Three Hands Festool is a company that is extremely creative with its professional grade accessories—tools that can be very useful to people working alone. Many things have come and gone on the market to replace a helper in holding things to a wall, but never a second hand as powerful as Festool’s CT Wings (500312). Rather than trying to create a suction cup that how much light actually hits the target, taking

this grip to use the continuous power of an

into account reflection and filtering losses, but

industrial vacuum dust collector, something

the manufacturers don’t give us Lux numbers

you most likely have on site anyway. Sixteen

to compare. Incandescent and halogen lamps

adjustable wings give you a cushion grip up to

lose a lot of light in internal or external reflec-

2” deep in 1/8” increments. The bypass valve

tors. The LED diodes only project forward and

removes the suction and allows removal with

don’t lose light power to the backside. If you are

no damage to the surface. Supports over six

comparing incandescent or halogen to LED,

pounds of moulding, wood stock or layout

lumens don’t help much. If you are compar-

tools on any smooth surface, even bare dry-

ing LED-to-LED, lumens will give you relative

wall. www.FestoolCanada.com.

lighting power.

When Light Is No Longer Simply Light

Then there is the question of colour, measured with the Kelvin Colour Temperature Scale (K). The old incandescent bulbs were

might stick for a while, they have designed

Milwaukee 2362: M18v battery, 4,200K, adjustable 70 or 350 or 700 Lumens, 180° to 360° beam. Milwaukee 2362-20: M12v battery, 4,200K, adjustable 40 or 200 or 400 Lumens, 180° to 360° beam.

The days of the easily broken

giving off a warm orange light around 2,800K.

incandescent hang-on-a-hook

They didn’t give a true retendering of colours

incandescent yellow behind, and pitched their

drop lights are over, and the fire

which became a serious problem when deal-

large flood LED light to full daylight at 6100K,

threatening halogen floods are on

ing with small many-coloured HVAC, alarm

and their smaller torchlight even whiter to

their way out too. LED lighting is

and communication wires. Milwaukee aimed

the bright sun level of 7100K. LED technology

changing our way of lighting but

specifically at this problem, creating what they

allows fine-tuning we never had before, but of

it is not just about brightness, heat

call TrueView light at about 4,200K looking

course complicates your purchase of a lamp.

and fragile bulbs.

specifically for clear colour identification of

One new feature with the Milwaukee torch-

low voltage wiring. DeWalt wanted to

es is that they can be adjusted from a 180°

All of the tool manufacturer lighting systems list the bright-

brighten things up more in gen-

ness of their lights in lumens,

eral construction, leaving the

the power of the emitting source.

Lux

measures

lumens per square metre,

34 Home BUILDER March/April 2015

DeWalt DCL050 hanging torch: 20v Max batteries, 7100K, adjustable 250 or 500 Lumens hook hanger. DeWalt DCL061 area floodlight: 18v NiCad battery or power cord, 6100K, 1500 Lumens two position base and rotatable light grid.

a full 360° lantern projection thanks to three vertical col-

but actually lumens is only

forward working beam up to

umns of LEDs that can be rotated.

www.milwaukee

tool.ca; www.dewalt.com

436

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TOOLTalk

344

The Term “Combination Blade” Takes on New Meaning I have always described combination saw blades as compromised blades that didn’t know if they should rip or crosscut and did both equally poorly. Freud just made me eat my words.

wood products and veneers only (no metal)

soft material would riddle the wall with ther-

their 10” blade will cross cut 3/8” to 3-1/2 and

mal bridging. That is when DuPont sent me

rip 3/4” to 1-1/2” for both hard and soft wood.

samples of their CT Insulated Batten. I need-

Ripping hardwood with a combination blade

ed the installation photo to realize that this

is quite a feat!

extruded polystyrene foam-backed piece of

I was very happy to see that the instruction

3/4” x 1-1/2” plywood goes on the wall first.

sheet that comes with the blade details good

The sloped foam matches the flow of the glass

blade alignment for table saws. It says to do the

fibre over it, avoiding an air space and the R3.3

same for radial arm saws, but without details—

of the batten with a little compressed glass fibre

so for that you need the bible on aligning radial

over it comes close to the R5 of the rest of the

arm saws: Fine Tuning Your Radial Arm Saw by

wall. They make another shape of the batten

yours truly, which you can find on my website,

for window and door framing. So, if you need

www.joneakes.com (not the ripped off copies

strapping, you can have solid strapping with-

on British and Russian sites).

out thermal bridging.

www.freudtools.com.

I Asked for and Got Insulated Strapping

Their new Fusion Trio blade is a fine piece

You may have noticed the recent advertis-

of engineering. The Fusion Trio includes a

ing for Tyvek ThermaWrap R5.0, a glass fibre

30º Hi-ATB for slicing through plywood and

insulation with a Tyvek skin for insulating the

melamine, a double side grind design for deliv-

sheathing. When I asked about using as little as

ering polished cross cuts, and an Axial Shear

R-5 on the outside of the house, I got the intel-

Face Grind that zips through wood and sheet

ligent response that the well-known vapour

goods with minimal resistance. For wood,

permanence of Tyvek permits this little insulation without moisture problems. OK. But then I really had problems with the thought that strapping for siding over such a

A Tool on A Diet In-line magazines holding 90 staples and 240 caps per spool plus the lightweight of Paslode cordless/hoseless gas engines make installing housewrap faster with less arm fatigue with the new CS150 CapStapler Housewrap Stapling System. An easy transition from

Spring Training Camp 2015

sequential to bump drive is combined with

You may recall that last spring I raved about the practical building science education I received at the Building Knowledge Canada Spring Training Camp in Huntsville, Ontario (Muskoka area). I am delighted to tell you that the success of last year has allowed planning another camp this spring: April 26-28, 2015. Challenge your old habits and convictions. Two days, phones off, with some of the best and most practical building specialists in Canada. Sitting in on this one event could turn your standard house plans inside out. Last year we were surprised about putting insulation ON not IN walls and removing most of the ducting in the house by use of the concept of THROW, and much more—all while increasing the quality of your houses and your profit margins. That’s not their sales pitch; that’s how highly I esteem what goes on there. This year they are concentrating on Tall Wood Buildings 4- to-6 storeys and The Road to Net Zero, which is coming fast, and more. Contact: Rachel@BuildingKnowledge.ca

36 Home BUILDER March/April 2015

a quick switch from staples to caps. Simple quick reloading is all part of the site demanded innovation. At 4.8 pounds with a staple range of 3/4 to 1-1/2 length 18-Guage 3/8” Crown

L TOOK TA L L TOOK TA L

staples, this tool shows it is possible to get more features into a smaller package. www.Paslode.com.

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

renovation

Government of Canada Announces Partnership to Renew Get it in Writing!

(L to R) Minister of National Revenue Kerry-Lynne Findlay, CHBA CEO Kevin Lee, Incoming President Jane Morgan and president Bard Golightly at the Get it in Writing! announcement. HALIFAX — The Canadian Home Builders’ Association has announced an agreement with the Government of Canada to renew its successful public information program, Get it in Writing!, for the next three years. The announcement was made in Halifax during the association’s 72nd National Conference. On behalf of its membership, CHBA advocates for the home renovation industry and homeowners seeking to renovate their homes. Home renovation and repair represent more than half of all residential construction investment—over $60 billion each year. This industry-led initiative provides homeowners with advice on how to hire a contractor, and the dangers of dealing with illegal “cash” operators. “Cash operators threaten the financial security of homeowners, the physical integrity of their homes, harm the businesses of legitimate renovators, and undermine the well-being of all Canadians by evading taxes that support the government services we all depend on,” said CHBA CEO Kevin Lee.

Get it in Writing! will assist homeowners who are planning a renova-

WE WORRY ABOUT SECURITY SO YOU CAN FOCUS ON THE MORE IMPORTANT THINGS IN LIFE

tion, and emphasize how having a written contract gives homeowners control over their renovation, and protects them while helping to ensure they get the renovation results they want. “Homeowners who think they are getting a deal when they agree to pay cash for a lower price often end up paying far more when things go wrong,” added Lee, noting that “they have no way to hold the contractor accountable.” The Honourable Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Minister of National Revenue and Minister responsible for Canada Revenue Agency noted said: “Where there is a receipt, there is consumer recourse. And where there is a receipt, there is also a record of a tax obligation. The Canadian Home Builders’ Association has long been a valuable partner of our Government in helping to raise public awareness about the risks of participating in the underground economy in the construction industry. CHBA is also a leader among peers in increasing consumer awareness.” The website www.getitinwriting.ca will be the focal point for consumer information, complemented by an extensive social media campaign. The project will also provide consumer information materials to

There is a reason why we take security seriously. Our name is on your door and it protects everyone behind it. Weiser’s SmartKey technology enables homeowners to reset their security by re-keying their locks anytime; quickly, easily and securely. SmartKey features our patented BumpGuard™ technology for superior protection against lock bumping and picking, as well as being Grade 1 certified by the BHMA to withstand the kinds of attacks typically associated with forced entries. You can’t control everything in life, but if you want to control who comes through your door, trust Weiser.

www.weiserlock.com

building supply stores, municipal building permit offices and real estate agents that they can give to customers.

Home BUILDER March/April 2015

information

Wood Heat: A Practical Guild to Heating Your Home with Wood By Andrew Jones Firefly Books, www.fireflybooks.com Wood Heat is a

Construction Cost Guide 2015 Altus Group, www.altusgroup.com

Prefurbia

By Rick Harrison Rick Harrison Site Design Studio, www.rhsdplanning.com/book.swf

Backed by over 40

comprehensive and

years of industry

What is Prefurbia?

practical guide to

data and exper-

A series of design

using wood as a

tise, Altus Group’s

strategies made

reliable source of

Construction Cost

possible because

heat with the lat-

Guide is the pre-

of advanced tech-

est wood stoves

mier publication for

nology, Prefurbia

and traditional

those involved in

removes barriers to

fireplaces. The

the development,

sustainable devel-

book explores the

infrastructure and

opment, and creates

efficiency of wood

construction industries. Highlights include:

compared to other fuels, the environmental impacts of various fuel types and sustainability issues that have led to so many adopting a wood-burning lifestyle. There are four ways that wood can be used

• Construction costs covering the scope of Canadian markets

a better model for redeveloping cities and growing suburbs. In this book, author Rick Harrison introduces

• Current analysis, unit rates, measurement

sustainable land development solutions that

and application of cost per square foot

result in affordable and distinctive, connect-

• Detailed data and descriptions including a

ed communities. $49.99 on Amazon.com, or

to heat a home or cottage: wood stoves (the

breakdown of costs by 13 different build-

direct from the publisher at rharrison@

most popular), fireplace inserts, pellet stoves

ing types

rhsdplanning.com.

and masonry heaters. Wood Heat explains

Download at www.altusgroup.com/

the prosCanadaHomeBldr_FibrCementBd_Layout and cons of each. $19.95. 1_3pg 1 research/construction-cost-guide. 3/3/15 10:30 AM Page 1

The Builder’s Choice.

Remaking the City Street Grid

A Model for Urban and Suburban Development By Fanis Grammenos and G.R. Lovegrove www.mcfarlandpub.com Of all the elements of a neighbourhood, the pattern of streets and their

REVEALS

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38 Home BUILDER March/April 2015

on the new network model demonstrate its application in real-world situations. $45.

IndustryNews

Peter Gilgan Presented with EnerQuality’s Hall of Fame Award

Corey McBurney (R), President of EnerQuality, presenting the Hall of Fame Award to Peter Gilgan, founder and CEO of Mattamy Homes.

TORONTO — At the recent

environment] on a much grander scale than any of us really thought

EnerQuality Awards, held in

was possible before,” Gilgan told a packed room of industry peers. “We

Toronto, Peter Gilgin, founder

are committed to making that happen [and] that 10 years from now,

and CEO of Mattamy Homes,

whatever measure was used to afford us to earn this award—and I say

was presented with EnerQuality’s

‘us’ because it is ‘us’ that earns it—will seem like nothing compared to

Hall of Fame Award. Mattamy

what I believe we are going to be able to accomplish in the next 10 years.”

Homes is Canada’s largest new

Corey McBurney, President of EnerQuality, noted that, “Real leaders

home builder, and was an early

are defined as much by what they do as what they are able to influence

adopter of the ENERGY STAR for

others to do. Peter’s commitment to building ENERGY STAR homes com-

New Homes program. EnerQual-

bined with Mattamy’s market leadership has moved the home building

ity’s Hall of Fame Award is given

industry as a whole forward.”

to an individual who has made an

At the awards, Industry celebrated the 10th anniversary of ENERGY

extraordinary impact on energy

STAR for New Homes, the most successful green building program in

efficiency and green building.

Canada. Last year, 32 per cent of all homes built in Ontario alone were

“I sincerely believe that there

ENERGY STAR qualified, the most successful year to date.

are ways for our industry to make mammoth differences [on the

ARMA Residential Roofing Manual WASHINGTON

New “Revenue Tools” for Municipalities in Ontario

—

Follow-

ing the launch of its upgraded mobile-friendly

website,

the

TORONTO — The Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing

Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers

has announced proposed changes to the Development Charges Act and

Association (ARMA) has part-

the Planning Act that expand the ability of municipalities to use new

nered with Lulu.com to offer

revenue tools to pay for transit and enhance community engagement in

the Residential Asphalt Roofing

the planning process. The Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA)

Manual as both an eBook and

is concerned that new transit taxes on development will disproportion-

print-on-demand book.

ately increase housing costs for residents and the cost of setting up new businesses.

The new ARMA eBook can be accessed on any e-reader and is being offered at $19.99US. The updated print-on-demand version of the

“This cannot be a piling on of higher taxes to pay for municipalities’ infrastructure programs,” said OHBA CEO Joe Vaccaro. “New neigh-

Residential Asphalt Roofing Manual is available for $25US. ARMA is also offering discounts for bulk purchases. www.asphaltroofing.org.

bours ultimately pay every new

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

April 23

10th Annual Green Real Estate Conference Toronto, ON www.realestateforums.com

tax generated by government. If municipalities believe that transit is the priority project, they have a

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

responsibility to be accountable,

Advertiser

transparent and fair in how they

All Weather Windows Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 . . . 800-638-5709 . . . www.allweatherwindows.com

determine the entire tax bill that falls on the back of new home buyers and businesses.”

Page

Phone

Web site

Canadian Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 . . . 877-752-8752 . . . www.cdnrg.com Canadian Western Bank . . . . . . . . . . . Insert . . . 604-443-5118 . . . www.theworkingbank.ca CHBA - Home Buyer Survey . . . . . . . . . 27 . . . 613-230-3060 . . . www.chba.ca

The Ministry of Municipal

CHBA - Business Alliance Network . . . . 31 . . . 613-230-3060 . . . www.chba.ca

Affairs and Housing reported that

E.I. duPont Canada Company . . . . . . . 7, 25 . . . 800-387-2122 . . . www.construction.tyvek.ca

National Architectural Door Conference Baltimore, MD www.wdma.com

municipalities collected over 1.8

GAF Materials Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . 13 . . . 973-872-4300 . . . www.gaf.com

billion dollars in development

Huber Engineered Woods LLC . . . . . . . . 15 . . . 416-400-4562 . . . www.AdvanTechBuildStrong.com

charges from new neighbours

NAPOLEON Fireplaces & Grills . . . . . . . 19 . . . 800-461-5581 . . . www.napoleonproducts.com

April 26-28

in 2013 alone. OHBA welcomes

Nudura Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 . . . 866-468-6299 . . . www.nudura.com

the additional reporting require-

Plastic Components, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 . . . 800-327-7077 . . . www.plasticomponents.com

ments being proposed as they

Robinson Lighting & Bath Centre . . . . . . 15 . . . 604-879-6847 . . . www.barobinson.com

respond to the industry’s recom-

Royal Building Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 . . . 614-754-3463 . . . www.royalbuildingproducts.com

mendation for greater account-

Sage Software, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 . . . 866-420-7289 . . . www.sagecre.com

ability and transparency from the

Simpson Strong-Tie Canada . . . . . . . . . 2, 3 . . . 800-999-5099 . . . www.strongtie.com

municipality directly to Ontario’s

Weiser Lock / Spectrum Brands . . . . . . . 37 . . . 800-340-7608 . . . www.pricepfister.com

April 29

Spring Training Camp 2015 Huntsville, ON www.BuildingKnowledge.ca

May 5-6

RoofTech 2015 Vancouver, BC www.rooftech.ca

new neighbours.

Home BUILDER March/April 2015

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