May/June 2015 | Home Builder Magazine Canada

VOL.28 NO. 3

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May 2015

THE MAGAZINE OF THE CANADIAN HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION

Top 10 Kitchen & Bath Design Trends Tax Planning for Construction Companies The Acceleration of Net Zero Builder Profile: Sonbuilt Custom Homes Fireplaces: The New Must-have Right-sizing HVAC Systems

Canada Post Contract #40065212

Land Development: Designing for Density B.C.: Shaping the Future of Residential Construction

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contents

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CHBA Report 26 27

THE ACCELERATION OF NET ZERO

President’s Message CEO’s Update

Sonja Winkelmann talks to Andy Oding about NZE Housing and what it means to Canadian builders.

Columns 9 Economics 10 Building Science 11 Common Cents Construction 28 Tool Talk

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HOT STUFF: Indoors & out, fireplaces are becoming a homeowner’s must-have

Departments

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News 8 Association 30 Industry News 30 Advertisers Index 30 Product Announcements 31 Calendar

The NKBA Reveals 2015’s Top Ten K & B Design Trends Contemporary is the watchword, according to the 2015 Kitchen & Bath Design Trends report from the National Kitchen & Bath.

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COVER Alvin Bergen (left) and Micah Hooge (right) get ready to install Woodtone Cortanium siding, a certified sustainable product with a non-toxic, environmentally friendly coating. Page 12.

Photo courtesy Sonbuilt Custom Homes Ltd.

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 Mary 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: Mary 2015

Technological advances have made it possible for fireplaces to offer benefits beyond warmth and aesthetics. Today, fireplaces are becoming the design focus for many rooms both in the house and as part of an outdoor living space.

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DESIGNING FOR DENSITY: Conventional vs. Advanced Site Design

Tax Planning Opportunities for Construction Companies Nobody wants to pay more tax than necessary, but sometimes key savings and deferral opportunities slip through the cracks.

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Density—how much is enough? In the land development industry, no matter what is being proposed, someone has to justify a density increase if one wants to suction more profit out of the land, right? Well, not necessarily.

BUILDER PROFILE: Sonbuilt Custom Homes An interview with Jonathan Zerkee on building sustainable homes—and a sustainable lifestyle—in B.C.’s Fraser Valley.

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CHBA – BC CEO Neil Moody discusses recent changes in British Columbia’s residential construction industry.

Whether you’re removing deck boards or measuring a floor plan with your smartphone, Jon Eakes reviews products designed to make your workday easier.

MARKET REPORT: Shaping the Future of Residential Construction

Economics Matters

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416.641.9500 1.877.953.9948 economics@altusgroup.com altusgroup.com

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TOOL TALK: Tools Keep Evolving

demographics construction economics planning impacts real estate markets expert testimony forecasting Home BUILDER May/June 2015

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NEWS

Pollara: Federal Campaign Platform Policies

BMO: Immigrants Arrive in Canada with an Average of $47,000

TORONTO — With a federal election on the horizon, a middle income

TORONTO — According to a study issued by BMO Wealth Manage-

tax cut, increased health care funding, and increased CPP funding

ment, immigrants arrive in Canada with an average of $47,000 in sav-

are—by far—the most popular policies among 16 current and possible

ings to help them get settled in their new country; 19% come with no

campaign platform planks tested in a new survey by Pollara Strategic

savings at all.

Insights (www.pollara.com). Other policies, including policies currently

The study is the first in a series, Making the Financial Transition, that

being promoted by federal political parties, were notably less popular

examines a variety of financial issues related to New Canadians (those

among Canadians.

who have moved to Canada fewer than 10 years ago).

The study asked Canadians to indicate what type of impact they

The inaugural study also revealed that, after all initial expenses asso-

expected each of the 16 policies would have on themselves and their

ciated with getting settled, immigrants are left with an average of $20,000

family, if introduced. Eight-in-ten Canadians expected the two top-

and use their remaining money to save for the following:

ranked policies—middle income tax cut (84% positive; 36% very) and

Retirement (53%)

increased health care funding (78% positive; 31% very)—would have

Children’s education (49%)

a positive impact. Few Canadians expected that these policies would

A large purchase like a home or car (44%)

have no impact or a very negative impact. Similarly, the third-ranked

A trip (36%)

policy—increased CPP funding (70% positive; 30% very)—was expected

Additionally, two thirds send a portion of their money (an average of

to provide a positive impact by seven-in-ten Canadians, with three-in-

$2,300) back home to friends or family, with one-fifth doing so monthly

ten expecting a very positive impact. Few Canadians expected a very

(17%) and one-quarter a few times a year (24%).

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negative impact from this policy, but 10% thought it would have no impact on themselves and their family.

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Scotiabank: 2015 Mortgage Poll TORONTO — Just one-in-three (33%) Canadian homeowners with a mortgage have read their entire mortgage agreement according to the 2015 Scotiabank Mortgage Poll. Of those who have read at least some of their mortgage agreement, only 27% understood all of the details in the agreement.

The poll also indicates that more than eight-in-ten Canadian homeowners and prospective owners (84%) consider competitive interest rates as the most important factor to selecting a mortgage. The next most important factors indicated were flexibility to repay the mortgage at any time without penalty (63%) and prepayment privileges without penalty (60%).

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TD: Gen “Urbs” or Gen “Burbs” TORONTO — In choosing where to live, a recent TD survey found a generational divide, with younger Canadians expressing a preference for urban living while older Canadians tend to opt for a small town or rural life. But when it comes to raising a family, all age groups agree one of The Magazine of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association Vol. 28 No. 3 May/June 2015

their preferred places to live is in the suburbs.

The TD survey found that 33% of Canadians prefer to live in the “urbs,” 31% prefer the “burbs” and 32% prefer

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: Jon Eakes Rick Harrison Bo Mocherniak Neil Moody Peter Norman Phillippe Verhas

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

Editor Judy Penz Sheluk editor@work4.ca

small town or rural Canada. Millen-

Published by Work-4 Projects Ltd.

live in a major city (38%), followed

Advertising/Editorial: 4819 St. Charles Blvd.

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

nials were the most likely to want to closely by Gen X Canadians (36%), but congestion and the high cost of urban living were the main reasons parents and prospective parents from both groups said raising a family there was unappealing.

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Home BUILDER May/June 2015

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association

CHBA Lethbridge Hosts 2nd Annual Jack of All Trades Competition

From L to R: Wes Carroll (CHBA LR Past President), Jeremy Gook (Kover-All Exteriors—1st Place), Bradley Moore (Kover-All Exteriors—1st Place). Chris Spearman (Lethbridge Mayor).

LETHBRIDGE — For the second year, the CHBA Lethbridge Region hosted a Jack of All Trades Competition during the Home and Garden Trade Show at Exhibition Park in Lethbridge, Alberta. Competitors were given a specific set of building materials which were donated by Logic Lumber, as well as a basket of mystery supplies of which they could only choose one item to complement their project. Competitors had a limit of 10 minutes to design their project and a mere 30 minutes to build something useful that relates to home and garden.

Judges for the final event were Mayor Chris Spearman and Past President of CHBA - Lethbridge Wes Carroll. Sawdust flew and the smell of freshly cut wood was in the air as competitors raced against the clock to build masterpieces in the limited time while incorporating all of the supplies in some way. The event drew the largest crowd in the history

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

of the competition: A total of nearly 300 people viewed all three days.

Competitors were judged on safety, creativity, design, skill and use of materials. While the final match was very close, Kover-All Exteriors was the victor earning a perfect score of 21 out of 21 points for their lifesized windmill. Stranville Living was hot on their tail with a charming dollhouse.

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You can’t control everything in life, but if you want to control who comes through your door, trust Weiser.

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CHBA Central Interior Celebrates 50 years KAMLOOPS — When originally founded in 1965 by Frank Hewlett and Gene Allgaier,

CHBA CI was a small group of build-

ers loosely formed to share ideas and mutual support through networking. Today it has grown to nearly 200 members and includes builders, developers, trades and suppliers along with the regulators and professionals that service the homebuilding industry. While networking is still one of the CHBA CI’s core values, their commitment to the health of the industry has expanded to include advocacy and education.

The giving nature of CHBA CI members is reflected by the generous support for high profile events like the Training House and Habitat for

www.weiserlock.com

Humanity. Away from the high profile events, individual members give back to the community in quiet unassuming ways through a hundred different volunteer causes that improves the quality of life for everyone in the entire community. www.chbaci.ca.

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Home BUILDER May/June 2015

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economics

The Start of 2015 Is Not a Sign of Things to Come Major macroeconomic changes buffeting the Cana-

apartments will continue to play a dominant role in our

dian economy may be creating winners and losers in

city building and new construction over the years ahead.

the housing market, but has the market actually been cooling overall?

By Peter Norman

Total Canada-wide housing starts declined by about

77 Toronto: Expect to see continued strong demand

5% to 176,600 units seasonally adjusted at annual rates

for new apartment construction, but to see more of

(SAAR) in the first quarter, according to CMHC, repre-

the supply focused on purpose-built rental projects

senting the third consecutive moderation in quarterly

(rental has been a big part of demand for several years,

housing starts. But the underlying trend is nothing to

but has been primarily supplied through investor-

be too concerned over. First, terrible weather in most of

purchased condos), a greater range of units in terms

Canada means that even with “seasonally adjusting” we

of size, including larger more family-oriented units,

need to be cautious interpreting these data.

particularly in the “905 region,” and a slightly larger

There was a divergent pattern with apartment starts surging ahead 13% in Q1 after an unusually weak Q4.

role from projects aimed at niche markets such as student housing, health and wellness, etc.

Single family, the type more prone to starts delays due to

77 Montreal: The renaissance in condominium apart-

bad weather, fell 16% over the previous quarter. This also

ment construction over the past few years will likely

is suggestive that any trends coming out of the Q1 data

take a breather in the months ahead, as demand

ought to be treated considerable caution.

prospects remain good, with steady sales levels, but

The regional Q1 trends in housing starts also mask the underlying factors that are likely to drive markets as

Q1 was weak but this is not likely a reflection of underlying trends.

In particular, some trends to keep an eye on for 2015 include:

with much of this demand to be filled by unsold units in projects already underway.

we move through 2015. For example, the strongest gains

77 Calgary: The condominium apartment segment will

in Q1 2015 were in Alberta, where relatively strong new

certainly feel the pinch from softer economic condi-

home (and apartment) sales in Calgary and Edmonton

tions and weaker in-migration that will moderate

last year is still showing up as elevated new housing

sales. At the same time, emerging new supply of

starts. But much weaker economic conditions that have

purpose-built rental apartments will begin to dampen

emerged in Alberta over the past six months are likely to

investor interest in condominium apartments. The

lead to sharply lower housing starts as 2015 progresses.

upward trend in prices, exhibited in 2014, is over;

By contrast, starts declined modestly in Ontario and

look for the return of non-price incentive to bolster

more sharply in Quebec and Atlantic Canada—where

spring sales.

economic improvements and stronger population

77 Edmonton: The Edmonton market has been less

growth is most likely to show up in stronger housing

impacted by the energy downturn than Calgary, but

starts later in the year.

expect fewer sales in the months ahead regardless.

Housing demand is pretty steady. Low (and even

Softer demand will emerge both through primary buy-

recently lower) interest rates, steady income growth and

ers and investor buyers, who will see more competi-

regional improvements ahead in manufacturing areas

tion from purpose-built rental supply.

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such as Ontario all bode well for 2015.

So, all told, Q1 was weak but this is not likely a reflection of underlying trends.

Stay tuned for better news ahead.

Apartment Economics It’s no secret that apartment household growth, and new construction, have been the major trend over the past several years. Since 2008, some 40% of new housing starts in Canada have been apartment units, contrasted with about 26% in the 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.

previous decade. While there is strong evidence that this trend in part is leading to a critical undersupply of single-family housing to match our demographic needs (chronic price escalation among singlefamily homes in most markets since 2008, for example), it is also clear that

Home BUILDER May/June 2015

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BUILDING SCIENCE

Right-Sizing HVAC Systems in the Era of High Performance/Low Load Homes

By Philippe Verhas

With the evolution of building codes, the growth of

Nailing down the proper CFM matched to the room

the multi-family market, and the introduction of Net Zero

load provides the potential for optimal comfort through-

Ready or Net Zero Energy homes, the energy required to

out the living space, without the annoying noise usu-

condition new, efficient homes has been reduced by more

ally heard with traditional high-airflow systems. High-

than 33% in the last few years. With this reality, builders

performance building envelopes have less street noise,

have to consider the impacts of better-insulated homes

which results in quieter homes. This means that the

and their resulting thermal requirements. This discus-

noises generated within the home, such as moving air

sion needs to involve builders, mechanical contractors

and motors, become even more noticeable to the occu-

and trades, HVAC equipment manufacturers, as well as

pants. A “right-sized” system offers lower noise with

building science professionals. The good news: HVAC

sound levels below 50 decibels right at the furnace and

systems can now be designed to take advantage of the

falling to the mid 30s in the individual rooms. By way of

energy conserving features of this type of construction.

comparison, typical conversation between two people

Old Design Rules Don’t Apply

reduce stratification of the air, thereby providing a more

of thumb don’t apply to high performance houses.

uniform room temperature. Such a system also has the

For example, the old 4”x10” registers under every

ability to interlock with the ERV/HRV, so that it can pro-

formance building envelope. Old design rules also won’t provide the healthy, comfortable

Mechanical Systems As noted, the airflow rates of these “right-sized”

But here’s more good news: Builders (and

systems are low (between 100 CFM and 350 CFM). In

HVAC designers and installers) have the

order to function properly, we must ensure that all of

opportunity to re-think how comfort is

the air gets to where it is intended to go so this means the ductwork must be tight. We recommend a maximum

A “right-sized” system approach,

of 10% air leakage. To achieve these low levels of duct

including the integration of small

leakage, continuous ducts or good sealing of the duct

ducts for air distribution, can improve

joints is necessary.

energy performance and reduce the

A “right-sized” system requires a fully modulating

overall costs for the HVAC system.

appliance and outdoor condensing heat pump unit. Mod-

Smaller low- to medium-static pressure

ulation provides the desired performance year round in

ductwork, combined with right-sized equip-

all climate zones.

ment, means a smaller mechanical room or

From a builder perspective, “right-sizing” the

elimination of duct-hiding bulkheads, and more living

mechanical systems and the ductwork can mean lower

space in a given floor plan.

overall costs of their systems while optimizing some

Traditionally, we would consider a low-capacity gas

other costs through less constraints to the floor plan

furnace to be in the 60,000 BTU/hr range. However, some

from the HVAC system. It’s been proven also that a right-

manufacturers now offer 15,000 and/or 30,000 BTU/hr

sized system will offer an opportunity to the builder for

units. A BTU/hr output matched to the thermal load of the

fewer callbacks or warranty issues due to uncomfortable

house is not the only aspect to “doing it right.”

rooms and mould. To the homeowner, the “right-sized”

Getting in the Zone

10 Home BUILDER May/June 2015

vide adequate, fresh, ventilation air to the occupants.

and efficient home we are striving to produce.

provided.

Philippe Verhas, Eng, is Research and Development Director at Dettson Industries.

He can be reached at pverhas@dettson.ca or visit www.dettson.ca.

Lower airflows and continuous operation can also

When it comes to HVAC systems, old design rules

window simply are not needed with a high-per-

Jacinthe Nichols, R&D Project Leader for the recently introduced Dettson Chinook compact gas furnace, shows just how small this unit is.

With a heat output of 15,000 BTU, the Chinook meets the needs of energy efficient multifamily condos and apartments from 50 to 150 square meters (500 to 1500 sq. ft.).

occurs at approximately 60 decibels.

system delivers lower energy bills and improved comfort throughout the home.

The biggest opportunity of a central HVAC system in

This approach has been well documented in recent

high-performance homes is looking at individual room

years with many monitored installations. Leading build-

loads, their CFM requirements, and the BTU/hr needs

ers across Canada are now making this “right-sized”

in heating and in cooling. Lower loads allow for smaller

system their standard package. Between now and the

equipment and, when combined with smarter controls,

end of the year, several Net Zero homes will be built using

can provide more comfort. The next step for leading

a “right-sized” system, including modulating heating and

builders is to introduce zoning capabilities. Having a

cooling equipment and smaller, well-sealed ducts with

balanced system with the right airflow, the right BTU/hr

the airflow sized for the room loads.

and static pressure is a perfect opportunity for a zoned system.

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COMMON CENTS CONSTRUCTION

Common Tax Planning Opportunities for Construction Companies Nobody wants to pay more tax than necessary, but

However, some company-owned vehicles—certain

through the cracks. Here are some tax planning oppor-

pick-up trucks, for example—are not considered “auto-

tunities construction companies should keep in mind.

mobiles” for tax purposes, depending on several factors:

Employment Insurance and Family Members

By Bo Mocherniak

truck size (regular or extended cab); whether it’s used to transport goods or equipment; and whether it’s used

Employment Insurance (EI) premiums can constitute a

at a remote work site. If such an exception is met, a tax-

considerable corporate expense. For 2015, the maximum

able benefit still applies for personal use, however, it will

employer premium per employee is $1,302.84. There are

generally be less than if the vehicle were considered an

various exemptions from having to remit EI premiums.

automobile.

For example, if you own more than 40% of the voting shares of a corporation, your employment is not subject

Calculating Net Income for Tax Purposes

to EI premiums. There’s another exemption for employ-

Contractors can defer income recognition on con-

ees who deal at “non-arm’s length” with their employer.

tracts of less than two years by using the “completed con-

The problem with this rule is that there’s another rule

tract method” of accounting. By deferring the contract’s

stating that two related persons are deemed to deal with

associated revenue and expenses, you also defer income

each other at “arm’s length” if the circumstances of the

until the contract is complete.

employment are substantially similar to what they would be if an unrelated person were to

Loans From Your Corporation

perform the same job. If you employ family

In general, loans from your corporation not repaid

members in your business, you should consult

within one year from the end of the year in which they

with a tax professional to determine if there are

are made must be reported as income for the year the

ways to structure the employee’s remuneration

loan was made. For example, if you borrow $10,000 on

package so that EI can be avoided.

June 1, 2014, and your company’s year-end is September

Claiming a Home Office Many small, incorporated contractors have

30, 2014, the loan must be repaid by September 30, 2015, or you must report it as income on your 2014 personal income tax return.

a home office rather than a separate location.

There are certain exemptions from this rule for share-

This may allow you to deduct certain house

holders who are also employees of the company; for

expenses by charging your company rent. The

example, if the loan enables you to acquire shares in

company can deduct the amount paid, but you

your company.

would have to report it as rental income. To offset that

There is another exception where lending money is

income, you can then deduct a portion of your home’s

part of the company’s ordinary business. To qualify for

operating costs. For example, if your home office takes up

any of the exemptions, however, bona fide repayment

10% of your home’s total square footage, you can deduct

arrangements must be made when the loan is taken out.

from your rental income 10% of your mortgage interest (not principal), property taxes, heat, hydro, water, home

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.

portion of operating expenses paid by your company.

sometimes key savings and deferral opportunities slip

Deemed Interest Benefit on “Excepted” Loans

insurance and maintenance costs. Moreover, expenses

If a loan qualifies for one of the exceptions, this

directly related to the home office can be fully deducted.

means only that the amount borrowed does not have

Be careful, however, to retain your principal residence

to be included in your income; you still have to report a

exemption during this process. Your entire home is con-

deemed interest benefit according to a prescribed for-

sidered a principal residence if

mula. If you use the loan to acquire eligible investments

the income-producing use is ancillary to the main use

or earn income, rather than for personal purposes, you

of the property as a residence, there is no structural change to the property, and no depreciation is claimed on the property.

Personal Use of a Company-Owned Vehicle If you or any employee has a company vehicle for

can claim the amount of the deemed interest benefit as a deductible interest expense.

Corporate loans constitute a complex tax area. Consult your adviser first to be sure of the rules.

There’s a Lot to Think About

personal use, a taxable benefit has to be reported. If it is

Tax rules can be used to your advantage, but you need

an “automobile,” this benefit comprises both a “standby

to know the planning opportunities that are available.

charge,” which reflects personal access to the vehicle,

Applying these tips can have a big impact on what you

and an “operating benefit,” which reflects the personal

have to pay.

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Home BUILDER May/June 2015

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builder profile

Sonbuilt Custom Homes

By Judy Penz Sheluk

Sustainable living in the Fraser Valley

The Zerkees’ one-acre gentle southeast sloping lot, ideally situated for solar and sustainable living.

At age eight, when most boys are riding a bike or climbGeo exchange systems use energy, which is stored naturally in the earth’s surface. The ground acts as a heat source in the winter and a cooling source in the summer.

ing on monkey bars, Jonathan Zerkee, principal owner of Sonbuilt Custom Homes Ltd., designed and built a playhouse. With his parents blessing (and supervision) he borrowed his dad’s tools and went to work.

At the end of that long summer, the playhouse of his dreams was complete, and several lifelong lessons were learned: Work hard, pay attention to the smallest detail, and most of all, be a good steward of available resources while minimizing waste.

Now in his early 40s, Jonathan has been building high performance and R-2000 estate custom homes in B.C.’s Fraser Valley since 1995. More recently, he and his wife, Carmen, embarked on Sonbuilt’s most ambitious project to date: a Net Zero

Insulated concrete forms (ICF) are a standard in a Sonbuilt home.

ICF produces a more comfortable, quiet, energy efficient home and is a must to reduce ongoing heat loss and indoor air quality.

Water pipes are evenly distributed in the concrete slab to provide radiant heat from the geo exchange system.

12 Home BUILDER May/June 2015

Water harvested from the rain can be used for irrigation, car washing, toilets, and some other household uses. The Sonbuilt NZE home has nine rainwater tanks; it is the largest residential Graf rainwater harvesting installation in Canada.

414

builder profile

Trusses are installed and the rainwater tanks are covered.

Timber accents are in place, windows are installed and lock-up is near.

As the rains stormed down the timber accents are carefully covered to ensure safe installation and minimal water damage.

124 residential unit designed to combine the company’s office and the couple’s living space.

The home/office will incorporate solar thermal, solar PV, rainwater harvesting, waste water heat recovery, and geo exchange as some of its unique features, including insulated concrete forms for all the exterior walls and radiant heating in concrete floors. The rain-

Getting ready to install the Woodtone Cortanium siding, a certified sustainable product with a nontoxic, environmentally friendly coating.

water harvesting system has a total capacity of 15,300 gallons of water, which will be used for

above the cost of a home built to the Building

irrigation, toilet flushing, and vehicle washing.

Code Standard.”

It is currently the largest residential Graf rainwater harvesting system in Canada.

The Zerkees are also passionate about education, striving to hire apprentices who

“We are passionate about building better,

wish to become journeyman tradespeople, and

healthier homes,” said Zerkee. “Our commit-

encouraging ongoing training and upgrading.

ment to building to the R-2000 standard is our

“As a company, we continue to stay current and

primary focus and has been from the begin-

up-to-date with new technologies and trends,

ning. Our vision for the future sees the average

and we’re excited about the knowledge we are

Net Zero home costing an additional 5 to 10%

acquiring in our Net Zero project.”

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The future sustainable landscape design on this property will include fruit trees, gardens, and plants native to BC.

Build bold.

TM

He holds the record for most exterior pride.

Homeowners want exteriors that are strong, durable and worth looking at for more than five minutes without falling asleep. They’re searching for something they can confidently rely on and fearlessly show off.

That’s why we create exteriors with character like our low-maintenance and highly curb appealing AlumiPro® Cedar Renditions™ siding and soffit. We swell with pride every time we think about it. royalbuildingproducts.com Featuring AlumiPro Cedar Renditions in Amberwood

AlumiPro® Cedar Renditions™

By Royal

© 2015 Royal Building Products

Market report

Shaping the future of residential construction

By Neil Moody, CEO, CHBA BC

Two recent announcements by the Government of B.C. are set to shape the future direction of the residential construction industry in British Columbia.

a province-wide tour to 16 communities to provide free information sessions to builders.

More than 1,300 builders have registered for the seminars to date. As CHBA BC CEO, I have

On March 4, 2015, the Government of B.C.

for builder licensing for the past decade. One

been travelling with the HPO. The reception

announced that mandatory education require-

of our guiding principles as an association is

has been very positive and, in speaking with

ments would now be a prerequisite for builders

the importance of raising the level of profes-

builders, they have expressed support of the

applying for and renewing licensing through

sionalism within the residential construction

new education requirements and are provid-

the Homeowner Protection Office (HPO) to

industry. The government’s action on this long-

ing some great feedback to HPO. For more

construct homes under Part 9 of the B.C. Build-

standing issue helps to ensure this will happen,

information on CHBA BC’s course, visit www.

ing Code. This comes after years of indus-

and will be reflected in the quality of homes

chbabc.org/education.

try consultation and development of the new

that are built throughout the province, with the

regulation. The changes are based on recom-

aim of increasing satisfaction and trust among

mendations in a report provided by a working

home buyers.

The provincial government gave Royal

group comprised of industry professionals in the residential construction industry.

Assent to the new Building Act on March 25.

This significant milestone is welcomed by the

What does Formal Learning mean?

The new enhanced licensing system establishes new qualifications requirements for general contractors. When renewing or obtaining a new license, applicants will now be required to demonstrate proficiency in the following categories:

Formal learning means attendance in structured courses and training sessions; Two points are earned for every hour of formal learning.

For example, an active builder can meet CPD requirements during the license term (one year) by completing 10 hours of formal learning.

Canadian Home Builders’ Association of BC, which was a member of, and participated in, the Modernization Advisory Group that contributed extensively to the changes that will update and streamline the province’s building

What does Active Practise mean?

Active practise means being actively engaged in the construction management of new homes during the year.

Building Code

New B.C. Building Act

regulatory system.

Differing building requirements between jurisdictions can slow development and add

Construction management and supervision To address the issue of circumventing

costs. With a more streamlined and mod-

homeowner insurance, Owner Builders (those

ern building regulatory system, costs will be

authorized by the Homeowner Protection

reduced and efficiency, productivity and inno-

Financial planning and management

Office to build a new home for their personal

vation in the construction sector will improve.

Legal issues

use) will now have to pass an examination

As part of the Modernization Advisory

Business planning and management

on home building basics. The new require-

Group, along with CHBA National Executive

Construction technology Customer service and home warranty insurance

The seven core training courses offered by

ment will help owner builders expand their

Committee Member, Nathan Stone, the new

the Canadian Home Builders’ Association of

knowledge of home building and help allevi-

Act, we believe, will establish more consistent

BC (CHBA BC) have been recognized as meet-

ate the strain placed on building officials, who

building requirements throughout B.C., with

ing these new mandatory education require-

are often placed in a situation of teaching

the exception of the City of Vancouver. (For

ments and the Association is an approved

applicants the necessary building processes.

those outside of B.C.: The City of Vancouver

training provided under the new regulation.

Builders must be aware that they cannot be

Building By-law is unique in B.C. The Vancou-

“As a home builder, I strongly support this

hired as the general contractor to circumvent

ver Charter enables the City to adopt the City of

progressive action by the BC government,” said

the requirement of home warranty protection.

Vancouver Building By-law that regulates the

Simon Howse, President of CHBA BC. “It pro-

The HPO and CHBA BC are currently on

design and construction requirements of buildings as well as administrative provi-

motes professionalism in our industry, and provides assurance to consumers that their new homes will be well built.

Our industry also appreciates that the new requirements will be phased in

How many hours of learning will I have to take to meet CPD requirements?

Learning Method

sions for permitting, inspection, and enforcement of these requirements.)

It is the result of years of indus-

Hours of learning that must be completed to claim 1 point

Maximum claimable points for each learning method

try advocacy and will ensure building

over a period of six, 12 and 16 months,

Active practise

20

20

requirements are the same across the

to allow our members time to ensure

Formal learning

0.5

40

province by establishing the provin-

Informal learning

1

20

they meet the new standard.”

CHBA BC has been advocating for minimum education as a requirement

16 Home BUILDER May/June 2015

Licensees must complete a minimum of 40 points of continuing professional development (CPD) durin the license term (one year)

cial government as the sole authority to create these standards.

C

net zero housing

The Acceleration of

Net Zero Sonja Winkelmann talks to Andy Oding about NZE Housing, and what it means to Canadian builders

detached home. However, the industry keeps chiselling away at the puzzle, developing new solutions, new processes and new simple technologies. This said, if you look at the total monthly expenses in a NZ home, mortgage and utility cost combined, there is a compelling argument developing that a NZ home could be more affordable on a monthly basis.

Sonja:

As momentum behind NZE homes

grows, what’s the opportunity for the product manufacturers? Why are they investing in NZE?

At the Canadian Home Builders’ Associa-

Andy: Canadian builders have been push-

tion’s recent National Conference in Halifax,

ing the technologies and building science that

Andy:

CHBA’s Net Zero Energy (NZE) Housing Council

enable net zero homes for many years. How-

buildings offers tremendous opportunities for

held its first full meeting. What emerged was an

ever, there was no recognition of Net Zero. No

manufacturers. This is a key opportunity for

ambitious and focused work plan.

definition, no third-party validation, no solid

manufacturers to let loose their innovative

Founding Council members bring a wide

volunteer labelling program, and no way for

teams, developing and vetting new solutions

range of demonstrated competence and expe-

the consumer to easily “get the message.” In

with builder partners. It’s also an opportu-

rience in NZE or R-2000 Housing, as well as

many ways a Net Zero program could actu-

nity to economize and wring every drop of

knowledge and capability in specialized areas

ally complement other labelling programs (i.e.

efficiency out of existing technologies. We’ve

important to the advancement of NZE Housing.

Energy Star, Green Built). This is the intention

seen some fantastic and innovative Builder/

The Council was created to support innovation

of our Council’s work as we move forward.

Manufacturer/Trade partnerships develop as

in the industry. The goal is to create a mar-

The path to Net Zero homes and

a result of Net Zero projects. Regardless of

ket advantage for CHBA builders and renova-

Sonja:

Will the builders be ready if con-

which side we sit on in the climate change

tors members who adopt NZE technology and

sumer demand takes off? Do we have enough

discussion, there is no denying that such inno-

practices. The Council also wants to achieve

builders that know how to get their homes to

vation is extremely healthy for our individual

renewed recognition of Canadian leadership

NZE—at a reasonable price?

companies, our employees, our industry and

in high performance housing. The Council is

our economy. It also delivers improved tech-

self-funding and is committed to delivering

Andy:

services to support members’ voluntary adop-

that would be! If consumers’ energy literacy

tion of NZE housing.

increases, we might see the demand for NZH

What an interesting dilemma

nologies for all builders, not just those at the leading edge with NZ homes.

homes grow simultaneously. The additional

Sonja: What do you hope to see come out

gural Council meeting:

cost associated with Net Zero is still relative-

of the Council’s work in the next year or two?

The creation of a NZE Home labelling pro-

ly high: 70k to 85k on a 2,000-foot single-

Three key priorities emerged from the inau-

gram

Andy:

Defining a distinct Canadian

A marketing and communications

technical standard for NZ homes is at the

plan to generate consumer interest

top of the list; this gives us a solid foun-

in NZE homes

dation to build on. Next comes a third-

Educational resources for builders

party validation process and labelling,

wanting to take up the NZE challenge

so NZ builders can get the recognition

The CHBA Net Zero Energy Hous-

they deserve and consumers know what

ing Council will continue moving these

they are being offered. These are the two

initiatives forward over the coming year.

critical parts that need to be in place.

Sonja Winkelmann sat down with Coun-

On that basis, we can begin to address

cil Chair Andy Oding to discuss some

the marketing challenge—connecting

of the thinking behind these priorities.

Here’s a recap of that meeting:

Sonja:

Andy, you’ve been working

with many of the builders across Canada that are motivated to achieve NZE. Why are they so eager to have a NZE Labelling Program? Aren’t there enough labelling programs?

with consumers and presenting the NZ Andy Goyda (L), Canadian Builder Lead for Owens Corning Canada, together with Steven Wright (R), President of Wrighthaven Homes Limited, stand in front of Wright’s first Net Zero Energy (NZE) home, which used the Owens Corning CodeBord Air Barrier System.

Owens Corning Canada recruited five builders across Canada to participate in building five NZE Communities consisting of a minimum of five homes each.

This project aims to double the number of NZE homes built in Canada; homes that over a year generate all of the energy they consume. The project focuses on affordability and market acceptability of NZE housing in a production- housing context, while moving away from one-off research and development projects.

home options on terms they understand and respond to. If we can achieve these things in the next while, we will have accomplished a lot.

Sonja Winkelmann is the Director of Net Zero Energy Housing, Canadian Home Builders’ Association.

Home BUILDER May/June 2015

17

fireplace report

find a fireplace. According to Coulson, fireplaces are not only being placed higher up on the wall, they are also being installed in unlikely rooms. “Fireplaces are being designed now for the kitchen or bathroom, however, these fireplaces are typically used to decorate the room and add a bit of warmth and ambiance, versus larger fireplaces that heat big areas.”

Indoors & out, fireplaces are becoming a homeowner’s must have

by Judy Penz Sheluk

uu Indoor fireplaces are the most desired decorative appearance product in new homes, followed by cabinet hardware, kitchen cupboards and countertops. (National Association of Home Builders) uu 61% of home buyers, age 55-64, rate a gas fireplace as desirable or essential when making a purchasing decision. (National Association of Home Builders) photographs Courtesy of Napoleon

Hot Stuff

Fast Facts

uu Fireplaces will add between $2,900 and $5,900 to a home’s appraised value. (Marshall & Swift) uu 76% of homeowners believed their home value went up when they added a fireplace.

(National Association of Realtors) uu 31.4% of home buyers rate outdoor fireplaces as a highly desirable home feature.

(AVID Ratings) uu 50% of homeowners prefer to spend their

Fireplaces have long been a feature in many homes. However, until very

downtime in their own personal outdoor space. (John Burns Real Estate)

recently, they have undergone very little change from the traditional hearth.

uu Two out of three home buyers will invest in

Technological advances have made it possible for fireplaces to offer benefits

outdoor living features. (Hearth, Patio, and

beyond warmth and aesthetics. Today, fireplaces are becoming the design

Barbecue Association)

focus both in the house and as part of an outdoor living space.

Trends Gas fireplaces continue to rise in popularity as the convenience of flicking a switch compared to collecting, piling and lighting firewood is quickly winning out. “The younger generation of fireplace buyers wants a quick lighting fireplace that is cleaner and easier to maintain,” said Dave Coulson, Corporate Marketing Manager at Napoleon. “The upcoming season will also continue the trend of sleek and modern fireplaces. Look for clean, linear lines with less metal and more glass. People want

house is fueling the outdoor fireplace trend and Napoleon has developed several new models to accommodate this demand.”

2015 will be a big year for the outdoor fireplace as people create or expand on their backyard oasis.

the full flame and don’t want black or chrome metal frames blocking the view or interfering

New technology also allows for homeown-

with the lighting. As well, 2015 will be a big

ers to insert enclosed gas fireplaces almost

year for the outdoor fireplace as people create

anywhere in the house and many people are

or expand on their backyard oasis. The idea of

taking inspiration from designers who are

turning a backyard into another room of your

playing with the traditional ideas of where you

18 Home BUILDER May/June 2015

C

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Call Melissa at 1.800.461.5581 x315

Watchword: Contemporary The NKBA Reveals 2015’s Top Ten K & B Design Trends

by Judy Penz Sheluk

NKBA Member Amy Yin with Emily O’Keefe, CKD, CBD and Chris Papaleo, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB. Photo: Joy Yagid.

kitchen & bath report

Solutions to make life easier in the kitchen abound. The most popular are pullouts and rollouts for kitchen cabinets.

Colour palettes range from white (the most popular) to gray, black, blue and green. Designers are also reporting the emergence of colour NKBA Member Elina Katsioula-Beall, CKD Co-designer: Maria Alaverdyan. Photo: Suki Medencevic.

blocking and a mixture of light and dark colour

White walls, white painted cabinetry and Euro-style hi-gloss lacquers remain in demand.

The rise of contemporary and transitional

ularity, it remains a dominant kitchen style with 63% of designers reporting that they did at least one traditional kitchen in 2014.

20 Home BUILDER May/June 2015

Stainless steel is by far the most popular type of kitchen sink, outpacing the second most popular sink material, granite composite, by 35 percentage points.

NKBA Member Claire Reimann, AKBD. Photo: Joshua Lawrence.

Traditional ended 2014 as the fourth most popular kitchen style. While decreasing in pop-

NKBA Member Claire Reimann, AKBD. Photo: Joshua Lawrence.

kitchen designs has been swift. Both styles

trial chic and mid-century modern designs.

A fusion of styles and multiple colours in one kitchen 2.

European-styled cabinets

3.

Multiples of appliances in one kitchen

4.

The rise of steam ovens

5.

Furniture-look pieces

6.

Outdoor kitchens

7.

Fewer standard kitchen tables, replaced by

8.

TVs and docking stations

9.

Wine refrigerators

The French door refrigerator continues to lead in popularity.

When the refrigerator and freezer are together in one unit, the most popular configuration is with the freezer on the bottom.

KITCHENS

several designers also noted the rise in indus-

Clean with an overall contemporary feeling.

maintenance to accessible design

Trends report from the National Kitchen & Bath (NKBA).

is a popular interpretation of transitional, and

1.

10. Focus on the user experience, from easy

bathroom design, according to the 2015 Kitchen & Bath Design

15% in just four years. Versatile shaker styling

Top 10 Kitchen Trends

counters or tall gathering tables

Contemporary is the watchword for North American kitchen and

have increased in specifications by more than

schemes.

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Contemporary, zen-like retreats have

of designers in 2014, maintaining its long-

strengthened their hold on North American

standing dominance in the top spot. Beige

bathroom design. Contemporary and transi-

fixture colours are a distant third and declining

tional are by far the most common bathroom

in popularity.

styles, outpacing the third most popular style—

Almost all amenities for the bathroom are

traditional—by more than 15% points. Nearly

on the increase. NKBA designers cited steam

half of NKBA designers surveyed expect to see

showers, electric heated floors, anti-fog mir-

more contemporary in 2015.

rors, lighted showers and shower seats.

Top 10 Bathroom Trends

erenced purple, lavender and lilac tones for the

1.

Clean, white, contemporary designs

bath. White fixtures were the choice of 84%

2.

Floating vanities

3.

Open-shelving

4.

Electric heated floor

5.

Purple haze

6.

Trough sinks

7.

User experience (easy of use and

NKBA Member Erica Westeroth, CKD, CAPS, ARIDO with Sheena Hammond. Photo: Arnal Photography.

for bathrooms, although several designers ref-

maintenance) and accessibility 8.

Amenities

9.

Innovative storage

10. Showers and freestanding tubs The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) is the not-for-profit trade association with nearly 14,000 member companies representing more than 60,000 individuals. For more information, visit NKBA.org or call 1-800-THENKBA (843-6522).

NKBA Member Janice Stone Thomas, ASID, CKD. Photo: Dave Adams Photography.

White and gray are the dominant colours

22 Home BUILDER May/June 2015

4

NKBA Member Sheena Hammond with Erica Westeroth, CKD, NCIDQ and Tim Scott. Photo: Arnal Photogrpahy.

Contemporary and transitional are by far the most common bathroom styles.

BATHROOMS

More than two-thirds of designers specified a free standing soaking tub for master bathrooms last year.

Bathrooms are having a more personal profile.

4

204

Vessel sinks are second in popularity, following undermount sinks at number one.

4

NKBA Member Sol Quintana Wagoner with Marisela Contreras; John Kavan. Photo: PreviewFirst.com

kitchen & bath report

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LAND DEVELOPMENT

By Rick Harrison

Designing for Density Conventional vs. Advanced Site Design Density—how much is enough? In the land development industry, no matter what is being proposed, someone has to justify a density increase if one wants to suction more profit out of the land, right? Well, not necessarily.

Since every home would be at the same 20’ front yard setback, the preception of space would be similar for both small and large lot: every home would remain exactly 90’ garage door to garage door, no matter what the width of the lot. The feeling of density is more controlled by front yard setback than lot width (the spacing between home fronts). The regulations dictate only front yard minimums creating a garage-grove streetscape typical of the builder/developers competition.

You’re probably thinking: If the street length is 23.4% less, wouldn’t the density plummet?

Conventional Design

Conventional Site Design

Absolutely—with conventional planning. Density is not actually based upon street length

two is needed in the CAD design of the streets,

but lot width at the front yard setback. With

This 91-lot example development pretty

utilities and grading. But nobody would ques-

Advanced Site Design modeling, the street and

much represents is typical of today’s suburban

tion the validity of the design itself. Well, the

planning. It has 5,220 linear feet of street (one

developer of this tract of land did question it

mile). Given the configuration of the site using

and sought out a better solution.

A significant increase in the preception of space is created when setbacks meander aggressively.

the regulatory “minimums,” anyone would naturally assume this is the only configura-

Advanced Site Design

tion that can work. In the end, the developer is

This plan below, using the exact same regu-

satisfied that this is the best design given the

latory minimums, the same desired building

setback pattern are separated, thereby increas-

above confines.

pad, and the same restrictions in street width

ing setback length (density) while reducing

and detention limitations, gained eight lots

street length (costs).

The smallest lots are along the entrance, which ultimately has the effect of “cheapening” every home built in the larger lots towards the rear of the project.

with 1,220 lineal feet less street length.

A significant increase in the preception

The developer (who is also the builder)

of space is created when setbacks meander

desired to offer upscale housing, but because

aggressively. Homes that are on an angle to

The site plan as seen would take at most

of the width of the track, was restricted at the

the street soften the garage-grove feel typical

two hours to design using the latest CAD subdi-

entrance by land that he believed would only

of suburban development. Wide meandering

vision design module. Perhaps another day or

support small lots.

walks invite a stroll and enhance value.

Advanced Design 24 Home BUILDER May/June 2015

Numbers Don’t Lie

strolling down the street or looking out a

Assumptions (based on national US aver-

living space window from within the home.

ages, not local pricing, and converted to Cana-

If we chose to argue the justification for

dian dollars):

increased density, it could have added

Finished Lot: $102,000

another $12,000 to the bottom line per home,

Raw Land Cost: 60,000 (Acre)

but also increased the possibility of rejection.

Lineal Foot of Street: 840 (includes utilities,

The advanced design adheres to and exceeds

sanitary, storm and walks)

every existing regulatory minimum and thus

Since space is felt as the confine between objects (houses), front yard setback makes far more impact than side yard setbacks. If we

guarantees approval.

The homes appear to be of similar density as seen from the street, despite the 25’ width differential (75’ wide lots on the south and 100’ wide lots on the north).

Accessibility and Flow

wanted to take on city hall and reduce existing

The 8’ wide walks (at the end of Cul-De-

There is a lot more to profits than achiev-

lot width minimums by regulation, a realistic

Sacs) can be used for emergency vehicle

ing the maximum density. Part II of this series

density would be more like 120 lots—without

access, eliminating the need for loop streets.

will compare densities on much more intense

decreasing the vastness of space driving or

Conventional straight streets with barriers

areas, such as Toronto, Edmonton and Van-

to flow (abrupt turns and

couver. This example is just to give you a taste

intersections)

of what is to come.

Conventional

Advanced Site Design

$ 2,400,000

$ 2,400,000

speeding, whereas the more

Street & Utilities

4,384,800

3,359,160

efficient single curved street

Rick Harrison, author of Prefurbia, is known

Misc. Site Grading & detention

1,200,000

1,200,000

that defines the neighbor-

for his innovations in methods and technologies

391,200 (7% constr. Cost)

495,000 (5,000 per lot)

hood maintains flow but at a

for the design and construction of sustainable

8,376,000

7,454,160

slower rate thus eliminating

land. Harrison’s career spans 47 years in plan-

92,043

75,294

the need for speed bumps or

ning, civil engineering, surveying and develop-

other artificial means to slow

ment, and 38 years in software development.

9,957

26,706

down traffic.

Find him at www.rhsdplanning.com.

Raw land cost (40.18 acres)

Engineering Total Cost per lot *Potential gain per lot

encourage

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MORE THAN A ROCK

C

CHBA President’s Message

Volunteers – Our Association’s Core Strength I’m continually amazed at what our Association is

and keep unjustified new requirements out of codes—

able to accomplish for members, and even more so

saving every new home buyer thousands of dollars. I

by the dedication and commitment of the hundreds of

am incredibly grateful for the work these volunteers do.

volunteers, at all three levels, who are so important to this success.

As the “voice” of one of Canada’s largest industries, CHBA is highly effective at the local, provincial and Jane Morgan President, CHBA

than at a meeting of one of our National Committees or Councils.

national levels. What our members do in their businesses

At these meetings, Association volunteers are most

everyday contributes enormously to Canada’s economic

often engaged in passionate discussion about the things

wellbeing. Governments need to understand this.

that matter most to our industry and our customers.

CHBA’s annual update of our industry’s economic

I wish that every Association member could be at

impacts was recently completed, and shows that, in

these meetings, because they really capture the spirit that

2014, we supported 902,000 jobs across the country and

makes CHBA such a unique, down-to-earth organiza-

generated $122 billion in economic activity. That’s more

tion, while demonstrating the extreme commitment of

jobs than oil and gas, and more economic activity than

hundreds of volunteers moving the Association agenda

the auto sector and mining combined!

forward for the benefit of all members.

Yet, while our industry is larger than most others in significant ways, we are made up of small- and medium-

What our members do in their businesses everyday contributes enormously to Canada’s economic wellbeing.

Finally, to see the dedication and passion that Association volunteers bring to CHBA, there is no better place

National Conference

sized companies. This is why our Association is so

Each year at our National Conference, we recognize

important. We aren’t made up of a “big three” or “big

the efforts of a few outstanding Association volunteers

five”; we are made up of thousands of small companies.

(as well as local and provincial HBAs and their staff), and

But together, through the Association at all three levels,

show them how proud of them we truly are. I’ve been

we can speak with one powerful and important voice.

fortunate to serve as a judge for the National Awards

Our strength comes from working together, relying

for several years. It is important that we do this, but I’m

on a small number of professional staff, and most impor-

always aware that the few who receive these awards are

tantly our “army” of volunteer members who give of their

just the “tip of the iceberg” when it comes our army of

time and expertise.

volunteers. We have many champions for our Associa-

When a CHBA delegation meets with a Minister or MP, as we did many times on our day on Parliament Hill

tion volunteering at every level and each one makes a difference for our industry.

on May 12, home builders, developers and renovators

So I want to take this opportunity to thank each and

are front and centre. As a business organization, having

every Association volunteer who contributes their time

members directly involved in our government relations

and energy, at the local, provincial or national levels. You

efforts is incredibly valuable. It makes us authentic, as it

make us all proud!

connects elected officials with the business people from their constituency who generate jobs and pay wages.

When it comes to communicating with governments, that’s as real as it gets. And, in my experience, Ministers and MPs deeply appreciate this aspect of how CHBA operates. Our Forum for Growth on the Hill has been extremely successful thanks to this approach.

Beyond government relations, Association volunteers contribute enormously in so many other impor-

Congratulations to all our 2014 CHBA National Award Winners!

tant areas. At the national level, our home builder and CHBA EXECUTIVE Committee 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 CHBA Contact: Michael Gough, CAE, National Office, Ottawa, ON

26 Home BUILDER May/June 2015

renovator members are engaged in development of the National Building Code and key standards. This is hard, time-consuming work—and sometimes frustrating—but it is essential to ensure that both codes and standards take the real needs of our customers into account.

Especially in relation to building codes, many other groups and organization are “at the table” pushing their particular agendas. While some of their demands make sense, many would simply add costs without any value to home buyers.

Our volunteers who sit on code committees and task groups play a critical role. They ask the tough questions,

Front Row (L-R), Bard Golightly, Rick Turner, Stacy Cooper, Neil Moody, Stu Niebergall. Back Row (L-R) Deep Shergill, Derek Thorsteinson, John Gundry, Bob de Wit.

CHBA CEO’s Update

A Significant, and Welcome, Federal Budget!

Over the past two years, CHBA has put major emphasis on government relations. We’ve focused on strengthening our industry’s “voice,” and building recognition of

CHBA was pleased to have its Get it in Writing! cam-

our issues on Parliament Hill. As the largest employer in

paign highlighted in the Budget. Recent federal invest-

Canada, but an industry made up of small businesses in

ment in this important initiative will help the Association

every community from coast to coast, this unified voice

warn homeowners about the perils of dealing with cash

is what makes your Association so important.

operators, and direct them to professional renovators

A key part of representing members lies in commuKevin Lee CEO, CHBA

who provide contracts and receipts, like CHBA members!

nicating the needs of our industry, and its customers, to

The budget also included an extra $118.2 million for

decision makers in Ottawa. When asking the government

CRA to expand its work tracking down underground

to act, we have been respectful of current economic

“cash” contractors, something CHBA has been pushing

conditions. At the same time, we have emphasized that

for. In line with CHBA’s recommendations, CRA will use

a business environment that supports a healthy housing

advanced analytics and work with provincial govern-

industry is good for everyone—it allows Canadians to

ments to better target these efforts, so they hit “cash”

own new homes they can afford, or improve their exist-

operators, not law-abiding businesses. Not creating

ing homes through renovation. It supports the socio-

more red tape and hassle for honest businesses contin-

economic wellbeing of Canadians and the strength the

ues to be a main message from CHBA to government.

overall economy. Our pre-budget submissions, testimonies and communications with Ministers and MPs all

The effective tax rate on small businesses will fall in 1/2% steps from its current 11% to reach 9% in 2019.

Get it in Writing! and Tackling the Underground Economy

reflected this.

Small Business Tax Rate & EI Premiums CHBA has long advocated measures to reduce the

With federal revenues hit by falling oil prices, and

cost of doing business for our members. The effective

many family-friendly budget measures already “leaked”

tax rate on small businesses will fall in ½% steps from its

or pre-announced, most Ottawa-watchers didn’t expect

current 11% to reach 9% in 2019.

surprises in the recent federal budget. But for our industry, this was a significant, and welcome, budget.

As expected, the government delivered a balanced budget, with limited new spending.

The Budget also reiterated the government’s commitment to reduce employment insurance premiums by 21% in 2017, a specific recommendation from CHBA based on long-standing CHBA policy.

However, there were a number of positive surprises,

The majority of home builder, renovator and trade

many of which respond to CHBA advocacy efforts on

contractor members across the country are small busi-

Parliament Hill, reflecting the strength of CHBA’s voice.

nesses, and the CHBA welcomes these measures to sup-

Here’s a quick summary of a few highlights:

Home Accessibility Renovation Tax Credit

port job growth in our industry.

And There’s more…

This renovation tax credit provides seniors and per-

The day after the budget, CHBA’s monthly e-news-

sons with disabilities with a 15% non-refundable tax

letter, CHBA National Update was released as a special

credit on the first $10,000 of renovation expenses in a

Federal Budget Edition. It covered the highlights men-

calendar year.

tioned here, plus many additional budget items that are of

This welcome development comes after two years of

interest to our industry, and that reflect CHBA advocacy.

CHBA advocating for a permanent, targeted home reno-

If you are a CHBA member and do not get our monthly

vation tax credit—one that requires documentation of

e-update, please contact communications@chba.ca to

homeowner expenditures—as part of a broader strategy

sign up and we’ll send you the full budget edition.

to combat the underground economy. Accessibility was

The Federal Budget represents a “step in the right

one of three areas CHBA identified for such a tax credit.

direction.” We look forward to continuing our discussion

Public Transit Fund With $750 million over two years, and $1 billion a year

with Ministers and MPs on Parliament Hill on May 12, at our annual Forum for Growth. And we’ll tell you all about that next issue!

thereafter, this fund will promote investment in public transit systems.

CHBA advocates for federal leadership in financing the cost of core infrastructure, including transit, and we have partnered with other national associations to advance this position. CHBA sees such federal funding as key to reducing the need for municipal development charge taxes on new homes to fund infrastructure projects that benefit the entire community.

Home BUILDER May/June 2015

27

TOOLTalk

Tools Keep Evolving Whether you’re removing deck boards or measuring a floor plan with your smartphone, these manufacturers have designed products to make your workday easier.

The Marriage Between a Camera and a Distance Measuring Tool

against a wall. It works great on pallets as well.

Stanley has a laser distance-measuring

but you can now find them at Home Depot, Fas-

tool that works like most good electronic

tenal and Amazon as well. Look up “Crescent

mea­suring tools work these days, the TLM99s.

Bull Bar” on YouTube to see it in action.

But Model STHT77343 has something extra:

www.crescenttool.com

Crescent tools used to be exclusive to Sears,

Bluetooth connectivity. So what does it

Designing a Metal Shear as an Extension to Your Arm

connect to? To your smartphone or tablet with an application that almost outshines the

Milwaukee’s new line of 14- and 18-gauge,

tool itself.

The Stanley Floor Plan app is a free app

single- and double-cut M18 cordless metal

that rather amazingly allows you to use your

shears not only cut metal efficiently, they work

camera in your phone or tablet (both Android and iOS) to shoot the four corners of the room, and it creates a floor plan with surprisingly good dimensions, after a bit of calibration. Yes, it learns as you use it.

Add room after room, even multiple storeys and you have a whole existing house on a floor plan in minutes. As you go, or after you complete the rough plan, you can Bluetooth connect with your Stanley distance-measuring tool, touch a measurement on the screen and ask it to correct to the absolutely accurate one from your TLM99s. Now you have a floor plan

between the board and the joist—you straddle

with your arm. On all models, the heads will

accurate to 3mm.

the joist. Then they added a little but very tough

swivel 360° in a tool-free rotation letting you

There is a catch. It is free to share your plan

cupped nail puller in the middle, which can pull

work into and out of tight places. For straight-

with anyone who has the same free app, but if

out any nail or pop off the head easily for one

on work, the handles place your arm directly

you want to print it out or create a usable image

that is already rusted.

behind the line of force, protecting your wrist,

from it, that costs $2.99 per floor plan, or $9.99

Last year Crescent invented the swivel head

a month for an unlimited number of plans. But

for their crowbars and they have included that

$3 for transferring all those measurements to a

on this marvelous deconstruction bar. That

Light weight, high power and exceptional

working floor plan is not expensive. Available

means you can get way back in-line with the

ergonomics will change your workday. www.

this Spring for approximately $150. www.

44-inch-long bar, or rotate the head to any

milwaukeetool.ca.

stanleytools.com

convenient position, even when working up

A New Point of Leverage

and the handle extensions protect your fingers from the metal tailings.

Controlling Large Hole Saws Years ago, when we started working with 6”

Finally a demolition bar made for gently

rigid ducting for HRV installations, I managed

but persuasively removing deck boards so

to talk Starrett into importing their European

you can re-use them, despite the fact that they

metric saw just over 6” in diameter because

were nailed down. The brilliant Bull Bar from

our whole industry in North America stopped

Crescent has two “horns” that are set apart

at 6” and a 6” duct will not go through a 6” hole.

enough to side straddle a double joist. You slide

surprise: a new marketing opportunity! Since

them deep under the deck board on both sides

then, large hole saws have become common.

of the joist, and then use the joist itself as the

But when standard hole saws get over 6” in

leverage point. Up comes the board, even if it

diameter, they become almost uncontrollable,

leaves nails behind. You don’t have to get in-

because when all those little teeth dig in all at

28 Home BUILDER May/June 2015

TOOLTalk

the same time and with the narrow kerf, the

required your hand to form to the tool. Now

cup binds in the work. If your drill is powerful

they have brought out their REFLEX line of wire

enough to not stop, you go spinning.

strippers where the tool handles are shaped to

That is why I was excited last year to discover the Lenox One Tooth large hole saws: one big carbide tooth that cuts a wide kerf for the saw cup itself and is very controllable, although unbalanced and very rough cutting. It also allows cutting large or deeper holes with

fit your hand. It is simple, but oh so much nicer to work with. www.idealindustries.ca.

Brampton, Ont., has brought out the most

Tools That Tell You When They Are Wearing Out

complete line of electrically double insulated tools available; including screw drivers, hex

Electricians use tools that are heavily insu-

keys, pliers, socket wrenches, even the socket

lated to prevent creating a short circuit inside

drives themselves and an insulated hack saw.

Now, IDEAL Industries has brought out a

a box or possibly passing an electrical current

Gray’s line of insulated tools is comprehen-

whole new range of Tri-Bore Multi-Purpose

onto the workman’s hands, protecting from

sive, but since each tool is individually coated,

Hole Saws with three large carbide teeth. Like

live wire contact up to 10000V. But, as with all

almost any tool in their extensive line of tools

a three-legged tripod, it sits flat as it spins, mak-

things, from safety boots to hand tools, even

ing a clean cut while cutting a wide kerf, pre-

these tools get old and worn. When is that

venting twisting the drill out of your hand from

electrical insulation no longer protecting you?

smaller drills.

L TOOK can be insulated if you need TA L it—right here in Canada.

L www.GrayTools.com.

TOOK L TA

You may have seen screwdrivers with two layers of insulation all the way up the shank to the working tip—the first layer yellow, the second one red. This is actually a safety wear indicator. When the yellow shows through, you still have electrical protection but it is time to change out the tool.

Gray Tools, the only industrial hand

tool manufacturer in Canada and located in 1-3pg CanadaHomeBldr_Vents_Layout 1 4/20/15 12:07 PM Page 1

the cup binding deep in the cut. In addition,

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

The Builder’s Choice.

their teeth are set at a negative rake angle, preventing chatter and binding in lighter or thinner material. This is a nice balance between torque and cut. It has taken a long time to evolve from making the standard hole saw simply larger to making the teeth match the working realities of larger diameters. Thank you, IDEAL! IDEAL’s range of Tri-Bore sizes are impressive: from 1-3/8 to 6-7/8 to cover most plumbing, ventilation ducting and recesses lighting fixtures. Find a local dealer at www.idealin dustries.ca.

Redesigning Handles to Fit Your Hand It is interesting to see a manufacturer compete with its own tools. IDEAL Industries sells an ordinary set of wire strippers that has always

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Home BUILDER May/June 2015

29

IndustryNews

BuildForce Canada: Report Shows Need for 129,000+ Skilled Workers

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

E-mail your listing to editor@work4.ca

May 27-29 OTTAWA — With Canada’s home renovation industry continuing to grow, new construction

decisions possible about labour force needs in this important sector.”

holding steady, and an aging workforce with many

The new residential construction report is the first

people nearing retirement, Canada’s residential

in Canada to focus exclusively on supply and demand

construction industry will need more than 129,000

for home builders and renovators.

new skilled workers over the next decade. This is

“We’re delighted by this new partnership and the

according to the new residential construction labour

insights this work will bring to our industry,” said

market information report, the first report of its kind,

Kevin Lee, Chief Executive Officer of CHBA. “This

released by BuildForce Canada in collaboration with

new report includes market indictors not found any-

the Canadian Home Builders’ Assocation.

where else, ensuring our industry is better equipped

“Our report recognizes the specific needs and

to anticipate and respond to changing conditions.”

challenges facing residential construction employ-

BuildForce Canada’s first annual Labour Market

ers,” said Rosemary Sparks, Executive Director of

Assessments for the Residential Construction Indus-

BuildForce Canada. “By tracking cycles in new hous-

try 2015-2024 report shows renovation and mainte-

ing construction, trends in renovation, and impend-

nance work will rise steadily as the housing stock

ing retirements of workers across the industry,

ages. The report, including details for each province,

we’re helping employers make the most informed

can be found at www.constructionforecasts.ca.

Renewable & Stored Energy Solutions

Napoleon’s new 13 SEER central air conditioner is designed to easily maintain your home’s preferred temperature. With its natural taupe color and quiet operation features, it will effortlessly blend into the landscape of your home. Napoleon’s 13 SEER air conditioner is made with superior eco-friendly technology (R-410A refrigerant) and swept fan blade technology for efficient airflow. Backed with a 10-year limited compressor and 10-year parts warranty‚ Napoleon guarantees home comfort and satisfaction throughout the summer seasons for years to come.

For more information, contact: Napoleon Heating & Cooling Phone: 1-866-820-8686 Napoleonheatingandcooling.com

Bring the convenience of home to the wilderness with Canadian Energy’s cottage-offgrid solutions. We tailor our system to meet the needs of any customer so they can forget about hauling gas to that noisy generator and start enjoying the peaceful sounds of nature.

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May 27-31

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June 1-2

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June 2-4

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Subscribe to Home BUILDER Magazine and get the information that will keep you up to date with the Canadian residential construction industry’s latest trends, developments, home improvement techniques and building products that Canada’s top home builders, contractors and renovators are using.

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The News, The Facts Visit HomeBuilderCanada.com and click on The Stories... [ subscribe ] or call 514-620-2200

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homeBUILDERcanada.com 30 Home BUILDER May/June 2015

HOW DO YOU BUILD YOUR WALLS?

Ipsos Poll: Canadian Homeowners Ignore Deck Safety Inspections TORONTO — According to a new Ipsos poll 60% of Canadian homeowners have a wooden deck but one quarter of those homeowners admit they’ve never fully inspected their deck for safety to avoid a potential fatal collapse—even though the average deck in Canada today is 10 years old. Among homes with decks built 11 to 15 years ago, about one third have never been inspected for deck safety, wood decay and structural stability; among decks built 16 to 20-plus years ago, one in five or 20%

Courtesy CNW Group/SigmaDek Ltd.

have never been inspected.

Project: Barrie, ON Product Series Featured: NUDURA ICF Series & Integrated Series

Designed to eliminate the dangers of collapsing wooden decks, SigmaDek has launched a prefabricated and maintenance-free, high-tech decking system, available in select home improvement retail stores across Canada.

The Ipsos poll, conducted on behalf of SigmaDek Ltd. of Calgary, reveals just how significant the gap is today in the need for annual deck safety inspections, with 40% of those surveyed indicating that they don’t really think about how safe their deck is. One in 10 homeowners feel their deck could “collapse any minute,” and a similar proportion said the state of their deck prevents them from even using it.

Full data from the Ipsos poll is available at www.sigmadek.com.

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Home BUILDER May/June 2015

31

Deck Framing Solutions

Make sure your decks are ready for large gatherings by using the proper hardware.

Whether you’re repairing a deck or building one, the Simpson Strong-Tie® DTT deck tension tie secures guardrail posts to deck framing. Our new high-strength Strong-Drive® SDWS Timber screw requires 40% fewer screws than lag bolts. You also can save time with our Strong-Drive® SD Connector screws that are designed to perform with our most popular connectors. And secure beams and posts with the LUS joist hanger and CPTZ concealed post base.

Remember to select connectors and fasteners rated for outdoor use – look for a ZMAX® finish (G185) or stainless steel. For more deck framing solutions, visit our Deck Center at strongtie.com/deckcenter or call (800) 999-5099.

©2015 Simpson

Strong-Tie Company Inc. DECK12-C