Contractor Advantage July / August 2010

Contractor Advantage COMPLIMENTARY

C a n a d a’ s

July/August 2010

M a g a z i n e

f o r

P r o f e s s i o n a l

C o n t r a c t o r s

Raising

the

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July/August 2010 Vol. 16 No. 4

Contents ®

Castle Building Centres Group Ltd., with building supply outlets in every province, is Canada’s leading supplier of lumber and building materials to professional contractors, builders and renovators.

Publications Mail Agreement #40006677 Return undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: 6375 Dixie Rd., Suite 400 Mississauga, Ont. L5T 2S1

Editorial Director Castle Building Centres Group Ltd. Diane Jones

Features Raise the roof / 20

As important as the choice of shingles will be, much of the performance will be dictated by the work that takes place underneath.

Making millwork work / 26

Moulding and millwork add aesthetics to a home or project and the right installation will even help build reputations.

Counter Intelligence / 33

Managing Editor Paul Barker

Contractors can provide top drawer service and boost the bottom line if they install countertops and faucets properly.

Art Director James Wardell

Bathroom builds on a budget / 41

Contributors Nestor E. Arellano Patricia Atallah Mark Beckham David Chilton Lawrence Cummer Joelle Jay Paul Rhodes John G. Smith Advertising Enquiries Vendors whose products are carried in Castle Building Centres stores have the opportunity to advertise in

20

An abundance of cost-effective, pre-fabricated product options for bathrooms are giving renovation contractors the opportunity to do great business when their clients call.

Entry doors / 48

Homeowners are turning to the front door to express themselves and in the summer of 2010 that means big, bold and green.

Power up / 57

Say what you will about the importance of the right materials, tools or even the skills of a workforce, but they all fall silent without an adequate power supply.

Contractor Advantage C a n a d a’ s

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C o n t r a c t o r s

For more information or to reserve space in the next issue, contact: Diane Jones Advertising Manager, Phone: 905-564-3307 Fax: 905-564-6592 E-mail: djones@castle.ca Published and designed exclusively for Castle Building Centres Group Ltd. by Business Information Group Material Contact: Jessica Jubb 416-510-5194

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Departments NEWS WATCH / 5

Future Building 2010

NEW PRODUCTS / 9

New and improved products

LEARNING CURVE / 13

Growth tips from the pros

BUSINESS STRATEGIES / 14 SMART MONEY / 16

The goods on GST and HST

ECONOMICS 101 / 18 CASTLECARE / 62

10 essential building blocks

Lead and motivate

Plan for a long life

Copyright 2010

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DUST CONTROL™ Drywall Compound by CGC is the first and only joint compound to reduce airborne dust.

HOME RENOVATIONS

OFFICES

HEALTHCARE

SCHOOLS

FOOD SERVICE

Dust Falls Straight to the Floor!

Introducing DUST CONTROL™, a revolutionar y new dr ywall compound by CGC. DUST CONTROL™ is the first and only dr ywall compound engineered to significantly reduce airborne dust from sanding.

It is ideal for those jobs where protection from dust infiltration is crucial such as homes, schools and office environments. With DUST CONTROL™ Dr ywall Compound, dust falls straight to the floor, making clean-up faster and easier than ever.

The CGC logo and DUST CONTROL are trademarks of CGC Inc.

News Watch

Future Building 2010 Draws 5,000+

Photos: PAUL BARKER

More than 5,000 young people attended Future Building 2010 at the Careport Centre in Hamilton, Ont. recently to explore career options in the construction sector.

Attendees received one on one instruction from successful professionals currently employed in the construction sector.

According to the Ontario Construction Secretariat, which in partnership with Employment Ontario, organized the conference, these volunteers appreciate the value of hands-on exposure and help open the minds of thousands of youth as they share their personal career journeys with tomorrow’s builders, employers and entrepreneurs.

This annual three-day career

exposition allowed attendees to explore through hands-on activities and ask questions about opportunities in the construction industry.

The Ontario Construction Secretariat was established in 1993 under provincial legislation to represent the collective interests of the organized building trades unions and their signatory contractors in the Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (ICI) construction industry.

“It is important to guide the next generation into making smart career choices,” said retired journeyman Pat Gamble, who participated at the conference.

John Milloy, Ontario minister of training, colleges and universities (above) tests out some machinery at the opening of Future Building 2010 as does Patrick Dillon (bottom right), Business Manager and Secretary Treasurer of the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario. Jim Wright, Projects & Communication Coordinator, Ontario Construction Secretariat, is shown top right. The big winners were the many youth who showed up for the event, two of whom are pictured on the right.

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News Watch

All Weather Windows Joins Santa Shuffle In efforts to help raise awareness and funds, All Weather Windows has signed a three-year agreement with the Salvation Army to be a National Presenting Sponsor of the charity’s Santa Shuffle Fun Run and Elf Walk.

The fundraiser, which started in 1990 in Edmonton, has expanded to 34 communities across the country. It consists of a 5km “Family Fun and Corporate Team Run” or 1km “Elf Walk” in December. Each participant collects pledges to raise funds to support social services work of the Salvation Army.

In 2009, more than 8000 runners raised more than $370,000 to go towards Christmas hampers and gifts, year-round food bank services, family counseling, addiction recovery and support programs, hospice care and emergency and disaster service programs and support.

All Weather Windows says its involvement in the Santa Shuffle will include friendly competitions and that it hopes to spread the efforts out to customers and suppliers as well.

This year’s Santa Shuffle will take place on Dec. 4. For more information, or to sign up as individuals or teams, register at www. santashuffle.com.

Starting in 2010, All Weather Windows will join the fundraisers and runners by pledging a total of $300,000 over three years. In addition, its employees in branch locations across Canada have set a goal of raising an additional $100,000 in year one through pledges.

Quick Step Stringers

Quick Kit Fencing

Give Your Railing and Fencing the Regal Treatment Regal Ideas Inc. (Regal Aluminum Products has ushered in the new decade with a suite of revolutionary new railing, fencing and building components to ensure homeowners are at the forefront of decking and fencing innovation.

Designed for today’s professional and DIY markets, Regal aluminum railing, fencing and building components allows virtually anyone to design and install his or her deck railing and fencing system.

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Regal products are available in five colours, include pickets or glass options and many decorative accessories to choose from, and all with a 20 year warranty. Regal railing and fencing products meet or exceed National Building codes and are ICC commercially rated as well!

Quick Snap Columns

For more information, contact Ernie Couillard at 303-681-3104 or speak with your Castle representative.

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

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News Watch

Photos: esri canada

Green Roofs Continue to Grow, Survey finds Despite last year’s economic downturn the green roof industry grew by 16.1% over the course of 2009, according to a survey conducted by Green Roofs for Healthy Cities (GRHC) of its corporate members.

“Despite this fantastic progress, opportunities for future annual growth are enormous, with green roofs accounting for an estimated 10 million sq. ft. annually in an overall flat roofing industry which replaces or builds more than 4 billion sq. ft. in North America annually,” said Steven W. Peck, founder and president of GRHC. The organization said Chicago led the way for the sixth year in a row, with more than 500,000 sq. ft. of green roofs installed, and followed by Washington, DC, at 190,000 sq. ft. installed, respectively. Montreal and

Quebec City also appear in the organizations list of top green roofed cities with approximately 50,000 sq. ft. each.

Municipal policies around green roofs are also on the rise, the organization said.

“We are definitely seeing the emergence of more public policies and direct investment that support the implementation of green roof infrastructure due to its many public benefits, such as stormwater management, air quality improvement, and reducing the urban heat island effect.

The GRHC is developing new training

courses to support accredited Green Roof Professionals (GRPs).

In June they launched its latest course: Integrated Building Water Management in Washington, DC. For more information on GRHC visit www.greenroofs.org.

Housing Activity To Stabilize in 2010 and 2011 Housing starts rebounded in the second half of 2009 and early 2010 and will stabilize over the next two years, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) second quarter Housing Market Outlook, Canada Edition.

Following a total of 149,081 units in 2009, housing starts are expected to be in the range of 166,900 to 199,600 units in 2010, with a point forecast of 182,000 units.

In 2011, housing starts are expected in the range of 148,600 to 208,800 units, with a point forecast of 179,600 units.

“Canadian housing markets have recovered from the low levels posted in early 2009,” said Bob Dugan, chief economist for CMHC. “Moving forward, housing starts will moderate as activity becomes more in-line with long term demographic fundamentals. New measures for government-backed mortgage insurance introduced by the Government of Canada that took effect on April 19, 2010 will continue to support the long-term stability of Canada’s housing market.”

The existing home market will move towards balanced conditions over the next two years as MLS sales ease and inventory levels increase, Dugan added. According to CMHC, late 2009 and early 2010 sales activity included some pent-up demand from early 2009.

Once the pent-up demand is exhausted, and as mortgage rates gradually rise, the pace of activity in the resale market will slow.

As a result, existing home sales will be in the range of 484,000 to 513,300 units in 2010, with a point forecast of 497,300 units, and then move slightly lower in 2011 to be in the range of 443,500 to 504,900 units, with a point forecast of 473,500 units.

The organization said an improved balance between demand and supply will cause average MLS prices to stabilize through the end of 2010, but then rise modestly in 2011.

Clarification The Insulated Concrete Forms feature that ran in the last issue contained the wrong titles for two individuals quoted. Jack Hoogstraten is product manager at Plasti-Fab and Greg Doren is product manager at Advantage ICF System.

April Housing Starts Up From March The seasonally adjusted annual rate of housing starts was 201,700 units in April, up slightly from a revised 199,200 units in March, according to CMHC. The seasonally adjusted annual rate of urban starts increased by 5.1% to 182,500 units in April. Urban multiple starts increased by 27.2% to 98,600 units, while single urban starts decreased by 12.7% to 83,900 units.

Regionally, April’s seasonally adjusted annual rate of urban starts increased 16.4% in BC, 6.7% in the Prairies, 4.5% in Ontario, and 1.1% in Quebec. They decreased 3.3% in Atlantic Canada.

Rural starts were estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 19,200 units in April.

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New Products

Building Blocks

Innovative Products for Today’s Renovators ACRYLIC DOOR PANELS ADD DECOR New Lumicor decorative acrylic panels from Simpson Door Company replace the glass inlets of interior French door for a unique one-of-akind look.

Made with translucent resins and encapsulated materials such as grass, paper, metal or patterned fabric, customers will be able to select between a number of natural, textile or industrial materials for custom panels that offer different appearances and privacy.

Natural dĂŠcor panels use botanical elements like golden prairie grass, ivory rice paper or autumn leaves, while industrial metal options include chain-link, mesh or spun wire. Textiles include sheer fabrics with patterns or swirls of interwoven terra cotta and brown, woven green or brown.

Simpson interior French doors with decorative resin panels are available in a variety of heights, widths and wood species. More information can be found at simpsondoor.com.

STANLEY RELEASES FATMAX SCREWDRIVERS The new Stanley FatMax screwdrivers are built to meet the tough standards of professionals and comfort and strength are the main attributes that users are looking for, the company says.

The handles are designed to create maximum torque and the slip resistant rubber grips are made with end-user comfort in mind.

In addition, the bi-material construction ensures that the handles can take all the knocks, shocks, dust, glue and heavy-duty use that any jobsite can deliver.

The screwdrivers also have a convenient, colour-tip identification at the top of each handle to make choosing the right driver from a tool pouch a quick and easy task.

They are available at Castle Building Centres locations and come with a suggested retail price of $39.99.

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New Products

ROXUL INSULATION BOARD ENSURES FIRE SEPARATION Roxul, a manufacturer of stone wool insulation products, recently introduced ComfortBoard FS, a semi-rigid fibre insulation board produced of rock that is ideal for fire-stopping in concealed spaces of multi-unit residential units.

The overall cost-effective fire separation board complies with building code requirements, is non-combustible and can withstand heat from flames up to 1177ºC (2150ºF). ComfortBoard FS does not promote smoke or contribute to fire spread. It is measured to fit and comes in 1’ x 24’ x 48’ boards, saving valuable installation time and labour costs. The lightweight ComfortBoard involves less handling and is easy to install when compared to other fire stopping materials.

Roxul, located in Milton, Ont. and Grand Forks, B.C., is a subsidiary of Rockwool International, the world’s largest producer of mineral wool insulation.

Soundproof gypsum snaps, scores easier CertainTeed Corp. has announced the Canadian availability of Serious Materials’ QuietRock ES soundproof gypsum board with EZ-Snap Technology.

A patent-pending process to eliminate an extra later of paper in its core to help make it easier to score and snap than other brands of soundproof drywall. According to CertainTeed this has the benefit of boosting productivity and lowering install costs.

QuietRock ES is designed for use by professionals, consumers and residential projects with acoustic performance needs. The boards deliver acoustical ratings of Sound Transmission Class (STC) 52 when placed on both sides of single wood stud walls. Traditional gypsum boards deliver ratings of 39, according to the company.

Boards are 5/8” thick, Type X fire rated install, and hang, like standard drywall.

QuietRock products from CertainTeed are also available with STC ratings of up to 80. For more information, visit www.certainteed.com/gypsum.

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New Products

LEPAGE ADHESIVE MINIMIZES NEED FOR BRACING PL Premium Advanced is LePage’s strongest and most versatile construction adhesive available, with four times the grab of its predecessor, LePage PL Premium, which minimizes the need for bracing when used in a construction project.

According to the company, the versatility of this product allows contractors and do-it-yourselfers the ability to tackle any indoor or outdoor job from framing a house, hanging drywall or even bonding capstones for landscaping.

Also, the strong new formula contains virtually no volatile organic compound (VOCs) making it a sustainable product while continuing to deliver superior performance.

PL Premium Advanced carries a suggested retail price of $7.99 and is available at Castle Building Centres locations.

DUCHESNE EXPANDS ITS ECO-ID™ PROGRAM Duchesne has always worked at developing and using sustainable business and manufacturing practices that preserve the environment. The ECO-ID™ program, short for ecological ideas, allows the company to offer a green alternative to customers and retailers.

The company now offers a new generation of ECO-responsible multipurpose polyethylene films that features more than 50% of recycled materials while offering the same mechanical characteristics.

In addition, products and packaging are made of recyclable materials.

Furthermore, the new films contribute to reducing non-reusable raw materials such as petroleum. Duchesne also recycles any waste ge-​ nerated during the manufacturing process of the films.

As well, Duchesne’s polyethylene plant was awarded ISO 9001 certification in February 2008. This recognizes Duchesne’s management methods and quality control efficiency from order entry, production to service.

This new product, which can be used to protect everything from floors, walls to furniture during construction or renovation projects, demonstrates well how the ECO-ID™ program put in place by Duchesne has contributed to the development of a new alternative by offering green products to customers and retailers who are conscious of the environment.

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Learning Curve

Growth Tips From The Pros

New business book preaches the art of holistic planning for entrepreneurs; AWW releases new tool kit.

book Finance and Grow Your New Business Self-Counsel Press

A new book released by Self-Counsel Press examines the intricacies involved for small business owners when it comes to expanding a business.

Entitled Finance and Grow Your New Business, it focuses on what entrepreneurs need to know to measure the effectiveness of their operations, human resources and marketing in order to pinpoint inefficiencies and maximize profits.

Author Angie Mohr, a chartered accountant and certified management accountant, believes in an approach of holistic planning for entrepreneurs, and shows readers how to raise money to finance expansion, analyze key factors in their financial information and develop ratios of return on investment that will indicate the direction they should take their businesses.

Part one of the book, “Finance Your Business,” covers areas such as: • Buying an existing business or starting one from scratch

• • • • • • •

Business plan development Finding startup money Selecting external advisors (lawyers, accountants, board members) Competitive analysis Hiring Investment in equipment Expansion Part two, “Grow Your Business,” delves deeper into the process of running the business. Like machines, businesses need monitoring, maintenance and occasionally rebuilding, and this section looks at the critical financial processes that separates successful businesses from failures.

The book is filled with checklists, diagrams and tables that can be used as a quick reference or to illustrate all aspects of a new business’s planning and finance. It also includes a glossary of financial terms, and worksheets specifically for retirement planning and competitive analysis.

book Education and Marketing Program Renovations Solutions Tool Kit All Weather Windows

To help contractors find success when shifting from new construction to renovation builds, All Weather Windows has developed a package called the Renovations Solutions Tool Kit. The kit is designed to help contractors embrace the $45 billion Canadian renovation market by providing guidance to help drive new sales volumes, increase average order size, close more contracts and grow customer referrals.

The kit consists of four primary tools. For contractors, it includes All Weather Windows’ Contractor’s Choice Newsletter, which provides current trends, sales tips, and information, and the “How to Measure Renovations” video that helps prevent manufacturing errors and delays, teaches best practices around mea-

suring techniques, and provides advice around common window renovations.

Topics covered in the Contractor’s Choice quarterly newsletter include use of web tools to calculate energy savings, information on customer demands, certification and the value of remodeling.

To boost interest from the customer the kit also includes a Renovations Solutions brochure, to help seal the deal and answer all customer questions about window replacement, and the “Windows 1, 2, 3” video on DVD. This five-minute video, designed to act as a closing tool, helps customers understand how their new windows will be installed and can be played while contractors take measurements.

More information can be found from All Weather Windows at www.allweatherwindows.com.

Both books are available at www.amazon.com.

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Business Strategies

10 Essential Building Blocks

Putting your entrepreneurial hat on, consider taking a breather from your daily routine periodically to think about the “big picture” of your business.

By Patricia W. Atallah

No matter whether your firm is a startup or established business engaged in residential, institutional or commercial construction, as a general contractor or specialty trade contractor, construction is a tough business!

What makes construction particularly challenging is that we must juggle a variety of issues daily while trying to keep up with ever-changing market conditions and demands.

At minimum, we face intense price competition, demanding customers, shortages in management talent, fluctuations in labour and material costs, combative relationships on the job, low profit margins, cash flow crunches, high insurance premiums and scarce bank financing.

In addition, we are never in full control of the variables out in the field; even if we do everything right, something will go wrong that could negatively impact our business. How many of us, for instance, have had our projects thrown off course because of a hidden site condition? A difficult customer? A weak sub-contractor?

Bad weather?

The result is that many of us live in perpetual crisis management and survival modes and remain frustrated that we are not earning an acceptable return for their efforts.

As a business owner or executive, how do you manage your business so it can thrive and profit in a demanding environment? How can you gain and retain your

competitive edge? How can you lay the foundation for long-lasting success, profitability and peace of mind?

Putting your entrepreneurial hat on, consider taking a breather from your daily routine periodically to think about the “big picture” of your business. To help you get started, below are 10 essential building blocks to success:

What makes construction particularly challenging is that we must juggle a variety of issues daily while trying to keep up with ever-changing market conditions and demands.

Block #1: Assess your opportunities and risks.

Take a hard look at yourself and confirm that you have the personality, experience, capabilities, commitment and resources needed to run a construction company.

Then, review your company’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

What obstacles do you face and how can you overcome them? To complete your analysis, obtain an update on the latest economic and industry news and trends and ask yourself, “Where is the industry heading? How can I anticipate the market and ensure that my business is moving in the right direction?”

Tricia Atallah is Principal of VantagePoint Strategy Group, a strategic and management advisory firm serving the construction industry. She is also author of Building a Successful Construction Company. Further information on the book is available at www.constructbiz.com.

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Block #2: Think strategically. Periodically ask yourself this question: “Where do I want to go with my life, my business?”

Based on your answer, create realistic goals and objectives and use them as your roadmap. Develop a fluid business plan that can be shared with your team, advisors and supporters. Be sure to compare actual performance with expecta-

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

tions and adjust your priorities and plans as needed.

Block #3: Develop and implement a realistic marketing plan. Based on your assessment of opportunities, risks and your strategic goals, carefully position your company in the market by clearly communicating what services you provide and what advantages you offer. Use your “positioning statement” as the foundation for a consistent marketing campaign.

Block #4: Build an organization that delivers. Set up a basic organizational framework that can evolve as the business grows. Do not put the cart before the horse; make sure to calibrate company growth with your capabilities and resources. Surround yourself with support and leverage your strengths through business alliances.

Block #5: Build a strong team. Make it your top priority to hire and retain the best people available. Provide training, fair

Business Strategies compensation and a sense of accountability and belonging. Provide leadership by communicating a positive vision and direction for the company and inspiring a team effort towards common goals.

Block #6: Maximize company efficiency. Manage “information overload” by creating standard practices and procedures, and developing a system for reporting and communication. Use technology to integrate office and field operations so your team can work smarter individually and collectively.

Block #7: Deliver what you promised. Make sure you have strong in-house capabilities in estimating, project management and cost controls. Provide your team with clear guidelines for managing projects and delivering top quality customer service. Request customer feedback, review performance and take corrective measures.

Block #8: Minimize exposure to liability.

Like it or not, your business is like a house of cards; remove one of the cards and your house becomes shaky and eventually falls flat.

Know what your rights and obligations are under your contracts and use them as the key management tool. Actively manage your contracts to avoid disputes. Work in the spirit of cooperation and collaboration with project participants. Above all, make safety a top priority.

Block #9: Maximize profits and build equity.

Focus on budgeting and controlling company costs and actively managing your cash flow and financial situation. Build your equity base by keeping your profits in the business. Establish good relationships with your bankers by being up front about your

company’s situation.

Block #10: Gain and maintain your competitive edge. Take time out to keep on top of economic, political and market trends that can affect your business. Adjust priorities and plans within your overall business framework. Hold on to your “entrepreneurial hat” at all times.

The trick is to keep these building blocks in mind as you go about your business. Like it or not, your business is like a house of cards; remove one of the cards and your house becomes shaky and eventually falls flat.

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Smart Money

The Goods On GST and HST

Not registering for and collecting GST for some contractors can mean penalties, interest and back taxes when uncovered.

By Paul Rhodes

Many self-employed individuals, such as service providers working from home as contractors, are unaware that they must register for Goods and Services Tax (“GST”) purposes when they no longer qualify as a “small supplier.” A small supplier is defined as any business which has no more than $30,000 of revenue and which would normally require the collection of GST (referred to as “taxable supplies”).

The $30,000 threshold is a concession for small businesses by exempting them from the requirement to register and account for GST. With the advent of the Harmonized Sales Tax (“HST”), which becomes effective in Ontario and British Columbia as of July 1, the situation could get worse for the contractor. Contractors in these provinces will be required to collect 13% HST instead of 5% GST on the services that were previously only subject to GST. In terms of GST, once the level of taxable supplies exceeds the $30,000 threshold, the business is required to register for GST and must then charge customers GST at a rate of 5% on taxable supplies. The GST charged to customers during a GST reporting period minus the GST paid by the contractor on purchases (called the “input tax credit” or “ITC”) is payable to the Canada Revenue Agency (“CRA”).

On the expense side, for contractors that are not GST registered, the GST paid on some of their costs, primarily materials, becomes a cost of sale and is recovered

from their customers. Small contractors can remain competitive and profitable because their GST-included cost base is still lower than the costs (net of GST) of their larger competitors.

On the revenue side, contractors that are not registered for GST are not affected, other than the sale price being set to cover the additional GST cost described above.

With the advent of the Harmonized Sales Tax (“HST”), which becomes effective in Ontario and British Columbia as of July 1, the situation could get worse for the contractor in these provinces.

When a contractor registers for GST the additional cost of 5% which is added to the price is not additional cost to business customers who are also registered for GST because the GST paid by the customer is recovered as an ITC. Notwithstanding the legal requirement to register once over $30,000 in taxable supplies, there may not be strong desire to register for GST. This is especially true for many who see GST filings as an additional cost to running their business and, as a result, may choose not to be compliant with the GST requirements.

It is possible that such a situation can go unnoticed for a long time. Quite of-

Paul Rhodes is a partner at Soberman LLP. His professional experience includes providing assurance and advisory counsel to a number of clients in construction, manufacturing, real estate and internal audit engagements. Paul is a member of the Toronto Construction Association.

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ten, the CRA which administers the GST (in all the provinces except Quebec) normally becomes aware of such a situation through the review process or audit of the annual income tax returns filed by the contractor. The CRA may also uncover such situations when conducting an audit of the contractor’s customers; in which case, the CRA may notice invoices

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

that have been issued without any GST payable on the sales.

If a contractor fails to register and properly collect GST, it may be possible (under certain conditions) for that person to make a voluntary disclosure to the CRA to address the situation and for the CRA to waive any penalties that would have otherwise applied as a result of the failure to file GST returns and remit the net GST payable. A successful voluntary disclosure would result in the contractor having to pay only the net GST that should have been remitted and the interest on late payments.

In this case it is also possible that the contractor would be successful in recovering all or some of the GST now payable by billing such GST to his customers directly (the customers may themselves be able to recover the GST paid by claiming an ITC, when filing their own GST returns).

Smart Money

Once the level of taxable supplies exceeds the $30,000 threshold, the business is required to register for GST and must then charge customers GST at a rate of 5% on taxable supplies.

GST-related liability (including interest It is also important to note that as and penalty) relating to that particular This article has been prepared for general long as the contractor has not filed a reporting period for an indefinite period information. Specific professional advice should GST return for a particular reporting of time in the future. A GST registration be obtained prior to the implementation of any period, the legal requirement to file can be cancelled provided certain condisuggestion contained. and pay never ceases. Consequently, the tions are met. 1 3/15/10 4:30 PM Page 1 contractorDecking would remain exposedAdvantage to any Vicwest Contractor ad:Layout

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Economics 101

Lead And Motivate

When you take responsibility for motivating yourself and others, you become a true inspiration and can better reach your goals.

By Joelle Jay

As a business leader, you know one of your key tasks is to keep your team motivated.

To do so, you need to constantly remind your people of the company’s vision, hold them accountable to targets and goals, mentor them and support them in their work. How does the one who motivates others every day stay motivated too?

When it comes to leaders, motivation is really about engagement. How engaged are you in your work? How committed are you to the results you are supposed to be getting? Are you pushing forward with a sense of purpose and drive, or are you simply going through motions? To be your best, you need to give serious thought to what makes you flourish and succeed.

When you are motivated, you are a wholehearted participant in your own life.

You know what is important to you and you use it as a guide. You feel confident, energized and engaged.

When you are de-motivated, you “lose your edge.” Your energy goes down. Your stress goes up. You may even feel guilty and resentful. You might be bored, either in an “I-cannot-take-this-anymore” way or in a dull, channel-surfing kind of way.

Whatever way a lack of motivation hits you, one thing is for sure, it is not a fun place to be.

Whether you feel your motivation waning or you want to keep your current high level of motivation on a roll, the following suggestions will help you stay at your best.

Stay connected to what you are doing: It is one thing to do the work you are paid

to do; it is another thing to be fulfilled by the work you do. If you are strictly doing your job for the money, or the title, or the company car, you could find that over time it is harder and harder to actually do the job. However, if you are connected to what you do, if you are connected to what excites you, you will feel motivated to keep going because you will be achieving a bigger purpose for yourself.

When you are de-motivated, you “lose your edge.” Your energy goes down.

Your stress goes up. You may even feel guilty and resentful.

The key is to know your values, the principles, standards, and qualities that guide you. To uncover your values, recall a time in your life when everything was “just right.” You could choose something from your personal life or your work. You might revisit a moment, a particular event, or a whole phase of your life. Once you have allowed yourself some time to explore the memory, ask yourself what it was about that memory that made it so memorable, so significant, so right. What made it a peak experience? Write down any ideas that come to mind: words, phrases, images, and symbols. When you have finished with your notes, circle the words that meet the definition of values as principles, stan-

Joelle K. Jay, Ph.D., is president of the leadership development practice, Pillar Consulting. As an executive coach, author and speaker, Joelle helps leaders achieve top performance and business results. She can be reached at joelle@pillar-consulting.com or via www.Pillar-consulting.com.

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dards, and qualities. There is no right or wrong during this process. Simply use your own words and your gut to tell you what your values are.

Know what it takes to get better: Motivation comes from constant learning on how to be better. Therefore, you should always be asking yourself, “What am I trying to achieve?” and “What do I need to learn to reach my goal?” Realize that this

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is not about taking a workshop or reading a book. It is about challenging yourself to take on something new and to stretch yourself into a new level of results.

The fact is that when you practice learning as an element of personal leadership, you stay motivated and you get better results for yourself and for your work. By learning, you empower yourself to have, do and be whatever you choose, and with empowerment comes confidence. You do not second guess yourself or worry you will fail, because you know if you get it wrong, you will be able to figure out how to get it right. How is that for motivation?

Find the right support system: When you are a leader, all the people below you lean on you. You guide them, support them, and tell them what to do; however, when you are on top, you do not have anyone above you to lean on. That is when you need to look outside of your organization, your role, or even your industry for the people who can cheer you on, mentor

Economics 101 When you are serving everyone else you have to remember to fill your own tank.

you, and help you be your best.

To do so, look for people whose style you like. People who inspire you by the way they lead and the results they get.

Seek out people who resonate with you and who seem to mirror parts of yourself. Connect with them to see what is possible for you as a leader. Learn how you can become more with the help of others who have already done what you want to do.

The more carefully you build your support team, the more powerful it will be.

You do not just ask people to mentor you because you like them; you make them a part of your team because they enhance you. The people on your support team help you stay motivated because they expand you by giving you access to what you do not know. Remember, it does not have to be lonely at the top.

Maintain a sense of balance: While maintaining a work-life balance is not a way to stay motivated, it is a way to keep from becoming de-motivated. When you are serving everyone else you have to remember to fill your own tank. Remember that being an effective and motivated leader should not come at the expense of quality of life, and quality of life should not come at the expense of business results. Work and life should be able to co-exist, happily and successfully. They can and they have.

The key is to define what that balance looks like for you.

If you are a senior leader, balance may not look very traditional. It might not be 9-5, Monday through Friday, with holidays and weekends off. You need to understand what works for you and what fulfills you in

your personal life. What helps you restore your energy and find that sense of peace, rest, and renewal? Depending on your lifestyle and personal preferences, that could be taking a morning jog, sleeping in on days off, reading a fiction book or spending time with family. Even if you cannot carve out chunks of time, at least create some mental space where you can relax, turn off distractions, and let yourself go.

Motivate the Motivator: Staying motivated in today’s economy and work reality can be difficult for anyone, but when you take responsibility for motivating yourself and others, you become a true inspiration and can better reach your goals. As a result, your vision, your potential, and your efforts all leave a mark. Yes, as you progress there will be times you will lose heart. You will get busy. You will get tired. You will forget. You will have setbacks. You will drift away, but you will not get lost. When you follow these four guidelines, you will have a solid foundation for your continued success, now and in the future.

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Cover Story

Raise The

Roof

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Cover Story

Deck condition, membranes and ventilation play key roles in the life of roofing projects. by john g. smith

photos: istockphotos.com, hemera

“S

hingles do not leak.” Gilles Landry, the product line manager for roofing products at Building Products of Canada can say that with confidence. “You will not get a hole in a shingle. It has boiling asphalt added to the surface,” he observes.

Landry is right, but a complete roofing system is a different story. Given enough time every shingle will begin to cup, buckle or lift free, giving water an unobstructed path to the deck below.

While installers have a wide range of options ranging from sheet metal to copper, slate and composite tiles, these are all relative rarities when compared to asphalt shingles. The biggest decisions for most buyers will come down to the latter options as they try to choose those which offer the best combination of look and life.

Discussions about the overall appearance can represent some of the most challenging steps in any project. “Sample selectors” may incorporate actual pieces of a shingle, but there are limits to what they can show, Landry explains, noting how the chips are cut from pieces that are about 40” long. “The best way to evaluate the colour is to look at the real thing, a real roof, at the real distance, the real angle,” he suggests. It is why

his company keeps a database of addresses that contractors can use to showcase examples of different products.

The look is not limited to the colour, of course.

Laminated architectural shingles, which include a mixture of different depths, can literally add a new dimension to any roof, and they have become popular among homeowners and contractors alike. The designs now account for almost half of IKO Industries’ sales in Eastern Canada, and just about 70% of the sales to the west, notes Rob Davidson, director of sales for Eastern Canada.

It is easy to see why they have become a popular choice for many roofers. A traditional three-tab shingle needs to be aligned with carefully measured chalk lines to ensure the pieces do not follow some strange pattern up the roofline. “The longer the roof section, the more attention has to be given to ensure the lines are all lining up properly,” Landry adds. In contrast, the laminated architectural shingles offer a random appearance by design.

Appearance aside, the choice of roofing materials will have a direct impact on the lifespan of the finished project.

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Cover Story

photos: kaycan, mitten

The main difference between a 30-year shingle and its entry-level counterpart will tend to be the amount of asphalt in the shingle itself, but there have been other enhancements as well. “Instead of increasing the weight by adding more asphalt, there has been the addition of new granules, especially on the back of the shingle,” Landry explains. The widespread introduction of fibreglass shingles has already limited the overall amount of asphalt that was needed to make an organic counterpart.

As important as the choice of shingles will be; much of the performance will be dictated by the work that takes place underneath.

Most modern roofs can support as many as three layers of shingles in addition to a load of snow, and even older roofs can handle two layers of shingles. Beyond that, any old shingles will need to be stripped away, and the step will certainly be required if there are worries about structural damage.

Once it is exposed, a roof deck should be inspected to ensure the surface is firm, dry and smooth. Any rotting wood should be repaired with an exterior grade of plywood sheeting, Davidson notes. The thickness of that will be dictated by the plywood already in place, although a 3/8” thickness tends to be the most common option.

The inspections take on an added dimension when working on older homes with board decks. “Lumber tends to change from season to season with the moisture,” Davidson explains, referring to the buckling that can occur. Once this happens, any major shifts will telegraph through to the surface of the shingles, creating unwanted patterns in the roof. The subtle bends will even shorten the life of the shingles.

As important as a smooth surface may be, one of the most im-

IKO ArmourGard underlay and laminated architectural shingles.

portant steps will often include adding some well placed holes.

Proper ventilation will help to limit the heat that can literally cook the asphalt coating out of a shingle.

As a general rule there should be one square foot of Net Free Vent (NFV) Area for every 300 sq. ft. of attic space, including the garage. A roof with a lower slope or a cathedral ceiling will need a square foot of the ventilation for every 150 sq. ft. Contractors simply need to remember that the NFV Area is not simply calculated by multiplying the length and width of the vent. Even a narrow louver will restrict the flow of air to a certain extent. The final calculation offered on the packaging may show that the airflow is restricted by 50% or more.

Once a total is calculated, half of the ventilation should be used to draw air in through the lower portion of the roof, with the remainder exhausting air near the ridge. If that balance is sacrificed, the air might simply flow into some of the exhaust vents, limiting a proper exchange of the air throughout the attic.

“Air takes the easiest way out,” Davidson notes.

The simple appearance of a vent can give some roofers a false sense of security. Soffit vents located underneath the eaves can easily become plugged over time if homeowners have added some blown insulation into the attic space, and experienced roofers will also remember times when vents have been tacked right over a piece of plywood with no opening underneath.

The roof deck itself will be further protected with the addition of an ice and water shield, which should be applied 2’ past the interior edge of an outside wall, even if it requires a second course of the material.

In addition to protecting the roof from any water before the shingles can be applied, the underlayment can play a role in war-

As important as the choice of shingles will be; much of the performance will be dictated by the work that takes place underneath.

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POWER TO

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Cover Story

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photos: IKO, iphotos.com

able

ranty coverage, and it will be particularly important when working however, installers might need to use six nails per shingle instead of the usual four. It is also important to keep in mind on flatter roofs with a slope of less than 8:12.

Meanwhile, the use of a synthetic membrane can offer more that the top five courses of shingles near the ridge of the roof are more prone to wind-related damage, as are protection than traditional paper. It can be exposed the rake ends tabs. In particularly windy areas to the elements for as much as six months, offering When it such as an open prairie or hilltop, this might rea great layer of protection in cases when shingles are quire the use of specially designed interlocking lost or a roofing crew is simply struggling to beat the comes to shingles. bad weather. It is simply unrolled in lengths of 10’ It is not the only way that climate can play a to 15’, tacked into place with four equally spaced installing role in a shingle installation. Cold weather can be temporary fasteners, and the film is pulled off the a roofer’s enemy in several ways. Hip and ridge adhesive surface underneath. The fasteners are then the shingles shingles, for example, might need to be stored in removed, the top half of the membrane is folded themselves, a heated area to make sure they will bend when down, and the remaining film is removed. they are applied. A shingle’s “buttons” of sealant An added advantage of this material is that the will also fail to stick until the face of the shingle sheets will minimize an issue known as “picture a proper reaches 107° F, adding to the chance that shingles framing”, which occurs when the outline of the roofing nail will lift off the roof. deck panels begin to appear in the surface of the “The shingles should be ‘end sealed’ all winshingles. will tend ter, starting September 21 and going to spring,” When it comes to installing the shingles themLandry says, referring to the all-important dabs of selves, a proper roofing nail will tend to hold ev- to hold asphalt plastic cement. erything in place better than staples. The 11 or 12 Luckily, the bonding materials have improved gauge galvanized nails with 3/8” diameter heads everything in recent years. Some roofers are finding that shinshould simply be long enough to penetrate the plyin place gles left on the roof during a lunch break will stick wood or ¾” of the boards underneath. where they are not wanted.

The placement of the nail will be particularly A little extra hot melt adhesive can even be important when working with the two plies of a better than helpful when addressing another challenge in the laminated shingle. Each shingle will be marked to form of “fishmouths.” These bumps caused by fasshow where the fasteners should go. If the nails are staples. teners, leaves or an uneven deck under the shinapplied above the line, roofers will only be nailing gles are acceptable if they are less than ½” high, through a single laybut anything higher than that should be addressed er, missing the shim with the extra adhesive. and increasing the Once the shingles themselves are in place, metchance of shingles al valleys will add to the waterproof seal. “Use ice blowing off the roof. and water protection under the valley and nail it in Most warranties place and run shingles in the valley as instructed,” tend to apply wind Davidson says. speeds of up to 100 Water might want to find a way, but these steps km-h. If the slope is will help to block it for years to come. steeper than 21:12,

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Feature

Making Millwork

Work P

Moulding and millwork add aesthetics to a home or project and the right installation will even help build reputations.

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By David Chilton

oulding and millwork can add unique esthetic touches to a cabinet, a ceiling, a door, an entire room or a whole house. They can make the humdrum visually memorable, add value to a property and subtly, or in a significant way, alter the perception of an owner or a buyer as they assess where they live or what they may decide to buy.

For all of their shared benefits, moulding and millwork are not the same thing, although most people in the construction industry tend to use those words interchangeably so the line between them is ever more blurry. Strictly speaking, millwork is generally considered any kind of woodwork or wood-based product that is produced in a commercial mill and used for the decorative improvement of items such as kitchen cabinets or doorframes or mantels. Moulding on the other hand, which is also principally for decoration, can be made of wood, marble, plaster and other materials. For simplicity’s sake, however, here we will use the word millwork exclusively, and restrict its meaning to just wood and wood-based products.

Any consideration of millwork, even before its design or decorative flourishes are taken into account, must start with the wood itself. Canada is a country that may never face a shortage of wood, and because of this natural bounty a good deal of the millwork sold here is made of lumber from Canadian forests. Nevertheless, other countries are also major exporters of wood and items made from wood such as millwork.

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5934_FMXfamily ad_ContractorsAdv.pdf

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Feature

Any consideration of millwork, even before its design or decorative flourishes are taken into account, must start with the wood itself.

photos: moulding and millwork , royal woodworking

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Two of the biggest, Chile and Brazil, have at least a couple of significant advantages over Canada. Donna Gerrits, owner of Royal Woodworking in Bradford, Ont., says one of them is nature itself: some species grow a lot faster there than here so a tree in either of those countries might take 20 years to grow to harvest size versus 60 years in Canada. A further advantage is labour cost, says Gerrits, since wages in South America are far lower than they are here. Those advantages may also be why Chile in particular is the world’s leading exporter of medium density fibreboard, a wood product made of recycled wood chips and glue. It is common among the millwork found in new, but less expensive, homes. It is neither as tough, nor as moisture resistant, as solid wood and a poor choice for kitchens, bathrooms or areas with heavy traffic. As Gerrits says, “Good wood lasts and it takes abuse whether it is a vacuum cleaner bumping into it or something else. MDF and pine will not take the same abuse.”

Among the most popular woods used in mass-produced millwork in Canada are pine, of course, and Douglas fir. They can be found everywhere, with the Douglas fir and hemlock (a tree that is remarkably similar to the Douglas fir) popular in Western Canada. In Ontario, says Doug Macdonald, sales manager at Milton, Ont.’s Moulding & Millwork, a wholesale distribution company, poplar is widely used.

“It is all very regional,” says Macdonald, with price and other factors determining what wood will be used. At the higher end of the market in Canada, in fact in custom country, cherry, maple, oak and mahogany, to give four examples, are frequently used. As an exam-

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ple of the difference between the higher and lower ends of the market, Gerrits says retail prices for cherry, for instance, are probably eight to 10 times more expensive than pine and MDF. For those for whom cost is not a consideration, there are still more species at their disposal, exotics from South America and even Africa.

Then, of course, there is reclaimed or salvaged wood. Opinion varies on the size of the demand for timber from demolition sites and logging lakes and rivers. Mary Lohmus, vice president at Goodfellow Inc. in Campbellville, Ont., says reusable wood is no more than a niche product. “It is not a significant part of the business because of the limited supply,” says Lohmus. “There is no clear supply chain.” Lohmus, who says she gets frequent phone calls about salvaged wood, particularly Douglas fir, and occasionally her company buys large lots if it is in good condition. About six or eight years ago, she says, Goodfellow also bought the logs caught in log booms on the Ottawa River and the St. Maurice River in Quebec when they were being cleaned up. There are, says Lohmus, “millions of feet of timber at the bottom of lakes.”

Apart from supply difficulties, costs are also higher with reusable wood. Every last piece of it must be checked for what Lohmus calls “hardware:” that is nails and other pieces of metal, including bullet casings that might be embedded in the wood and have to be removed. Macdonald agrees that millwork made of reused wood remains on the fringes for the moment. “It is not in our wheelhouse. We do not do anything with reclaimed wood,” he says. For one thing the blades to cut the millwork designs are very expen-

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photos: royal woodworking

Feature

Feature sive so manufacturers want a good long run from them and an equally good long supply of in-demand wood. Given the supply issues with reusable timber, lengthy runs seem less than probable.

Those companies that have sought to exploit the logs that lay at the bottom of rivers and lakes have not been able to make much of a go of it.

Despite the difficulties of using salvaged wood, Jim Martin at The Timeless Material Company in Waterloo, Ont. says reusable timber is something of a growing market. Part of the attraction of reusable wood is its historical associations. One well-known example is Toronto’s Humber College. At least some of its timber was reused following a demolition on campus.

Among the most popular woods used in mass-produced millwork in Canada are pine, of course, and Douglas fir.

photos: royal woodworking, moulding and millwork

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The wood contractors use for their millwork will depend on a number of variables, although Gerry Kieswetter, a sales manager at Timeless Material makes a case for reusable timber. It is esthetically pleasing thanks to the patina it has acquired, he says, and is very structurally sound because it is old growth. As a consequence it adds to the quality of the contractors’ work and thus the raising of their reputation for quality and for being “green.” Further, says Kieswetter, for the contractor who specializes in restoring heritage buildings or putting on additions to them he should know that firms such as his can find matches for millwork that might be 100 years old. The species vary, says Kieswetter, but Timeless Material has thousands and thousands of feet of trim as well as door, window frames and so on.

Gerrits takes a similar view about how millwork, whether from new or reclaimed wood, can add value for the contractor. She too cites the quality and reputation argument, but also says there are well established channels between contractors and home improvement stores, and companies such as hers can supply pretty much anything anyone would want. In fact, given the range of millwork she offers, contractors might even be able to save their clients some money by offering them work that is virtually identical in design to what they want, which has to be created from scratch.

When it comes to finishing millwork all wood is not created equal. Only hemlock will take paint, stain and varnish. Solid pine

can be stained or varnished, and also knotty pine, maple, fir, oak and poplar. Primed or raw finger joint pine is recommended for paint only, as is primed MDF. Painting, staining or varnishing are also recommended before installation.

Timeless Material’s Martin, a carpenter by trade, says more sophisticated millwork should really be installed professionally. If the job is custom on a new home, or the renovation of an existing property, contractors will know what to do; however, even then some techniques may not be intuitively obvious. Wood and MDF should be acclimatized to the environment in which they are going to be used. If they are stored in the environment for at least 48 hours they will absorb any moisture in the air and thus expand, but can shrink after installation and leave gaps that have to be dealt with.

Some contractors have likely forgotten more than most homeowners will ever likely know about millwork, of course; but, even they will not do themselves any harm by remembering a couple of simple rules: sand with the grain of the wood. Sanding crossgrain or against the grain may leave gouges that will be visible even under paint. Second, to repair scratches, holes, dents and so on, sand the damaged area with fine or extra fine sandpaper. Once you have done that fill in the damage with a non-shrink filler. For stainable millwork be sure the filler is as close to the colour of the wood as possible.

Whatever the choice of wood or wood product, contractors who recognize the value that properly chosen and installed millwork adds to a cabinet, a room or an entire property will become known for the quality of their work and a boost to reputation and business are sure to follow.

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How To

Counter Intelligence Contractors can provide top drawer service and boost the bottom line if they install countertops and faucets properly.

By Nestor E. Arellano

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photo: Wilsonart canada

he days of the kitchen being simply an environment to prepare food in are long gone. The dramas of today’s daily occurrences unfold in the kitchen. It is where the family gets together, plays, does homework, discusses issues, eats and, yes, cooks.

Rather than just placing a counter against the wall, contractors need to consider the homeowners’ desire for a space that reflects a person’s tastes and recognizes the family’s needs and activities. More often than not the kitchen countertop, which claims the largest piece of real estate in the room, sets the tone and the mood of the space.

“Where the homeowners have a say on the installation of the countertop they will almost certainly seek to place their personal stamp on it,” notes Raimond Pirk, owner of Abacus Custom Countertops, a firm in Scarborough, Ont. that specializes in solid wood and laminate countertops.

“It is the contractor’s job to bring that vision to life through the materials and design of the countertop, but it also has to be done within budget,” he points out.

Pirk, and other industry experts recently discussed the pros and cons of various materials in the market, and revealed trends and best practices that will help contractors create and install the perfect countertop.

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Surface options: Essentially, the countertop is a work surface. If a material is hard and flat it has the potential for being a good work surface; however, different materials have inherent characteristics that make it ideal for certain uses.

Here is a brief list of some of the popular materials used in today’s countertops.

Ceramic tiles — Installed price is about $11 to more than $100 per sq. ft. They come in many colours, patterns and finishes, are heat resistant and durable. On the other hand, they tend to have uneven surface, need to be sealed, and are prone to stains, chips and cracks.

Engineered wood — These resin treated wood particles are low price products ranging from about $17 to $30 per sq. ft. High-end products such as the Richlite brand can cost between $50 and $80 per sq. ft. Engineered wood has the natural look and feel of wood. It develops a patina with age and is heat resistant. It might need sealing to resist stains.

Wood — Scratches and stains can be sanded out and refinished in a natural wood product. Prices range from about $40 to $200 per sq. ft. Some species are not water resistant and a wood countertop needs regular cleaning, sealing and waxing.

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Laminates — Made by sandwiching thin sheets of paper between layers of clear plastic, laminates cost between $15 and $85 per sq. ft. They come in lots of colours and patterns, and are easy to clean and maintain. Laminates are stain resistant, but can be damaged by heat and are prone to scratches.

Synthetic solid surfaces — Manufactured from acrylic resin or polyester products, these countertops are non-porous and very durable. They can be made to emulate stone patterns and resists chipping and breaking. Cost is between $50 and $125 per

photo: Wilsonart canada

How To

photo: Wilsonart canada

How To

sq. ft. These counters can be damaged by extremely hot items. Some products look very artificial.

Glass — Heat-proof, smooth, and easy to maintain, glass countertops can be painted, sandblasted or etched for style. Costs range from about $75 to $170 per sq. ft.

They can be scratched and develop watermarks.

Metal — Durable and heat and bacteria resistant, metal countertops can also be cold and noisy. As well, they show water and grease marks and can be scratched. Costs are about $65 to $180 per sq. ft.

Engineered stone — For a strong, scratch, stain and heat-resistant countertop, many engineered stone products come with lifetime warranties. They do not need sealing.

The current popular favourite is quartz.

Cost range from between $60 and $200 per sq. ft.

Natural stone — Providing a natural look and feel, natural stone is durable and comes in many patterns, shades and textures. It can be cut for under mounted sinks and drain boards. Cost is about $40 to $200 per sq. ft. Natural stone needs to be sealed against stains and acidic substances.

Some of the popular options are: Granite — The hardest natural stone counter, granite is fairly resistant to acidic substances. It comes in speckled or variegated patterns.

Marble —With deep or light veins, marble is much softer than granite. It stains easily,

and is ideal for light traffic areas.

Soapstone —Typically deep gray in tone.

Soapstone is less porous and least affected by acids; however, can be scratched and chipped.

Slate — Available in black, gray or dark

green, slate is softer than marble and granite, but is stain resistant like soapstone.

Stone tiles — Tiles offer a cheaper alternative to natural stone slab countertops.

Natural stone pieces are often available in 12” tiles. Durable and available in a variety of colours, stone tiles have a limited edging capability. Costs ranges from about $11 to $35 per sq. ft.

Concrete — Durable and heat resistant, concrete countertops can be finished and colored to suit various tastes. They can also be customized to embed objects and features such as drain boards. Costs are about $80 or more per sq. ft. Concrete must be sealed to resist stains. Colour is mixed in with material, but the surface can be chipped. Repairs can be done.

Tracking trends: The top seller among value seekers are still low-cost laminates, according to Pirk. “At $17 to $30 a foot for many brands, it is the best value for the money; however, for those seeking durability and style, solid wood, like our maple block models, provides the perfect choice.”

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He says homeowners who choose solid wood, often go for a low-gloss oiled finish or the weathered look.

Granite is still the most desired surface for those in the market for natural stone if you ask Pablo Guillen, manager of Delsur Marbles Inc., a supplier of custom fabricated marble and granite countertops, fireplace hearths, tub surroundings and office furniture.

“The durability, classic looks and, of course, the reputation of granite is a big draw for homeowners willing to spend a bit more,” he explains.

Guillen believes engineered stone countertops made from quartz are quickly taking over.

“In the last two years, our sales of quartz countertops have grown by about 50% while sales of granite went down by nearly as much.”

Although quartz countertops cost as much as 10-15% more than their granite counterparts, many buyers are demanding the engineered stone models as they are stronger and many come with a lifetime warranty, Guillen says. “Generally I find that people are willing to pay $300 to $500 more if they do get a lifetime warranty.”

More adventurous or unconventional homeowners are also installing concrete countertops.

“A lot of high-end homeowners and restaurant owners who are

not afraid to be different go for the concrete look,” says Esther Vanee, managing partner at Anthony Concrete Design. Vanee runs the custom shop with her husband Anthony, who designs fireplaces, kitchen countertops, bars, bath tubs and sinks using environmentally-sustainable concrete moulding techniques.

“Our clients like the understated elegance of concrete. Marble or granite surfaces tend to jump right out at you, whereas concrete quietly blends with wood or metal finishes in the room,” she says.

Another plus for concrete is that they can be finished and coloured to suit various tastes and they are durable. “Concrete can last a 100 years,” says Vanee.

Glass or metal countertops are also appearing in many new homes, condo units and remodeling projects, says Ji Kim, industrial design manager for faucet maker Moen Inc. “When homeowners want to achieve a modern or industrial look, glass and metal surfaces are a favourite choice, even if they are not that durable,” Kim notes.

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How To

contemporary designs.

“There is more latitude now for mixing and matching. I see a lot of traditionally designed kitchens outfitted with the most modern faucets. It is now more about personal style and need rather than rules,” she explains.

Contractors can help their clients by learning about the latest faucet options from manufacturers.

For example, environmentally-conscious clients might consider low flow faucets that help conserve water. For those seeking more wow factor, Moen, for example, has a line of electronic faucets that enable users to pre-program water temperature and control the faucet via remote control. Delta Faucet Company offers Touch2O® Technology faucets, which allow users to turn the faucet on or off with a single tap on the spout or body of the faucet.

Perfecting fit and finish: A job well done is a contractor’s best calling card, notes Pirk, whose company supplies custom cut countertops for contractors and builders of houses and school buildings.

The best way to ensure a perfect fit is to accurately measure and create a template of the countertop, he says. “If you can come up with a full-sized template that is even better because this will be used to design and cut the actual countertop you will be installing.”

When measuring, Pirk reminds contractors to pay special attention to walls. “Not all walls are squared. By getting the right measurements your can make adjustments for this at the design

stage rather than make a costly one during the installation stage.”

Contractors can also ensure that countertops last longer by making sure that cabinets are aligned and level to each other. “It is not just for aesthetic purposes. Cabinets that are not leveled put uneven pressure on the countertop and over time the stress will cause cracks,” Pirk explains.

Using the proper tools for the chosen material is crucial in obtaining a clean cut job, says Guillen, adding that “different stones require different kinds of diamond cutting tools. If you have the wrong tool, you can either break the tool or damage the countertop.”

He also advises against cutting corners when it comes to finishing the final product. For example, some contractors or installers will use only wax to polish a stone countertop. This practice will produce a shine that quickly fades.

The proper way to handle the job is to employ diamond embedded polishing pads. The pads come in different grades that produce varying degrees of sheen that will last for years with proper care and maintenance.

Other installers also cut corners by using plain caulking material to seal countertop joints. Over time the caulking deteriorates and reveals unsightly gaps in the surface. Different countertop surfaces have sealants specially formulated to adhere to the material and emulate their colour and texture to conceal gaps.

When recommending sinks and faucets, contractors should take into account water reach and spray patterns, says Kim. For example, high faucets may require deep sinks to avoid the water from splashing out. Some faucets designed with an accentuated curve probably go best with sinks that reach forward further. This will ensure that the water from the faucet will hit the middle of the sink rather than spray out to the floor. Countertop backsplashes should not crowd or hit faucet handles.

Perhaps one of the biggest mistakes many contractors make is failing to prepare properly for the installation.

Often they fail to take into account the weight or dimensions of the countertop.

“It is really quite embarrassing to appear at the client’s home with a beautiful countertop that has to be taken back to the shop and cut to pieces because it will not fit through the door,” says Vanee.

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Feature

Bathroom builds on a

budget Homeowners are electing to renovate rather than relocate, and contractors who can help them build beautiful and on budget are poised to reap the reward of increased business.

By Lawrence Cummer

A

n abundance of cost-effective, pre-fabricated product options for bathrooms are giving renovation contractors the opportunity to do great business when their clients call.

“I think the really good news for contractors is that homeowners are opting for renovation instead of moving,” says Stephanie Brown, sales manager for kitchen and bath products at distributor CanSave. “Whatever money they have they are put-

ting back into their homes.” At the same time, foreign imports, especially in cabinetry, have simultaneously driven the price of many bathroom renovation products down, while consumer familiarity and the DIY trend has caused demand for style and quality to increase. This is further good news, Brown suggests, for contractors seeking ways to build their customers’ dream bathrooms on a budget.

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Brown says she has been seeing a major increase in the sale of products that cater to economical bathroom renovations. She attributes this to wider selection and former luxury products being available relatively inexpensively.

For example, granite countertops that once required a local fabricator to cut and polish have become available prefabricated. The price difference can be remarkable, she says. “A granite countertop that used to be, say, $3,500; you can get retail now for about $500.”

The granite might be thinner than one might commonly want for a kitchen counter, she notes, “but for a bathroom what you are really going for is the look.”

She says a trend has emerged in the past two years where homeowners are looking for “softer” and “smaller” changes to their bathrooms rather than “buying a $10,000 vanity that is ultramodern.” More thought is going into the longevity of a design, causing homeowners to more frequently reject the funky and potentially fleeting and embrace traditional designs accented with features like the granite counter or details like new faucets.

The move to more traditional (and sometimes old-fashioned) designs does not just allow contractors to better help homeowners pick products that satisfy a look. Traditional designs are more standard, making it easier for the contractor to install.

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Beauty on tap: Driven by DIY familiarity, both homeowners and manufacturers have in recent years paid greater attention to details like faucets, according to Adam Findlay, marketing manager for Price Pfister. In the past, Findlay says contractors could only

photos: Moen

Feature

Feature

photo: moen, hemera

The move to more traditional (and sometimes old-fashioned) designs does not just allow contractors to better help homeowners pick products that satisfy a look. Traditional designs are more standard, making it easier for the contractor to install. offer homeowners hardware from two extremes: “outrageous” showroom style designs, like those expected to be found in an expensive hotel or the home of an NBA athlete; or, “what everybody grew up with, simple systems where you turn either one handle or two and water comes out the end.”

Findlay says there is now a lot of interest and action going on in the middle ground, showroom-like designs at retail prices.

“It has really changed. The faucet was always just a functioning item that was replaced when it broke,” says Findlay. “Now, it quickly can become the focus of the room. We even call it the jewelry of the house.”

Populating this middle ground are faucets with new finishes that capture traditional feels, such as a rustic pewter with a distressed appearance or dark bronze finish. As a rule of thumb, warmer and darker finishes tend to create the traditional look many homeowners are asking for, while the chrome typically found in past years is best reserved for a bathroom with a more modern look and sleek, simple, straight-edged accessories.

Opening up to change: Homeowners are also seeking to open up their otherwise cramped bathroom areas and doing so in two ways. Those with the budget are knocking down walls, assimilating space from other rooms and expanding the size of the bathroom, while others look to techniques to make the ensuite they have look bigger.

CanSave’s Brown notes that the trend to make bigger ensuite baths plays very well for those seeking more lasting design elements. Contractors can expand home owners bathrooms by adding stand-alone furniture typically found in other rooms such as chairs or lounges. This allows

them to select a more neutral palette of tones and style for tubs, cabinets and floor tiles, but affords quick changes if they bore of the new look. It also creates good work for renovation contractors doing the expansion.

Light is also a key to opening up the bathroom and Sandra Baldwin, president of A. Lifetime General Contractor of Toronto, says she is seeing clients ask for more glass surrounds for showers or glass separators between showers and tubs.

“People want to open up their areas and maximize their existing space and having transparent glass will do that,” Baldwin notes.

In addition, she says there is a move to adding more natural light either through windows or, where possible, the addition of a skylight.

Elegant four-piece designs: Baldwin is seeing a few other trends high on the lists of today’s homeowner.

Her clients are also increasingly looking to move to a four piece bathroom with sink-vanity combination, toilet and a separate tub and shower. “Now, even in a very small bathroom they will try to cram in that separate shower stall.”

Baldwin says floor model tubs have become the popular choice for these designs, which are a premium job for contractors because they require detailed plumbing work to ensure layout and functionality.

She is seeing a lot more demand for millwork to add elegance to these open-concept bathrooms, and concurs that there are a lot more cost-effective options for “furniture and finishes.” She reminds contractors to think of the psychological role the bathroom plays for their clients.

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Feature

“People want their bathrooms to be bright and refreshing in the morning, so they can go in and become energized. De-cluttering the bathroom is really important, and they want cabinetry to hide or house everything, while still supporting all of the functions of the bathroom.”

To maximize comfort, in-floor or radiant floor heating has become a more popular choice during bathroom renovations. Since radiant heating is not based on air flow, it provides more even warmth and makes the floor warm to the touch.

In addition, radiant floor heating can afford the energy effi-

ciency in high demand by both environmentally-conscious and penny-pitching homeowners. Manufacturers claim that thermostats can be set 1°C to 2°C lower as the warmest air is at the floor where it is desired (and not at the ceiling) and that heat loss through the ceiling and walls is reduced.

Since radiant floor heating has a low operating temperature, it can also be fueled by a wide number of “green” heating sources, including ground-source heat pumps or solar heating, according to experts. Brown and Baldwin note that in-floor heating has become a more affordable option.

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CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

photos: price pfister

Left: Price Pfister's Ashfield Single Control faucet in Rustic Pewter. Right: The Price Pfister Kenzo single-control lavatory trough faucet.

There is great opportunity, and increasing homeowner demand, to green the bathroom.

Feature

photos: toilet - aquadis international, bathrooms - a. lifetime general contractor

Aquadis International's dual flush Castle toilet.

Greening the bath: There is great opportunity, and increasing homeowner demand, to green the bathroom.

Dual-flush toilets, which allow for short (3L) or long (6L) flushes, are good choices to suggest to homeowners looking to cut water waste. Research by the Canada Housing and Mortgage Corporation comparing dual-flush toilets with 6L ultra-low flush (ULF) and older 13L “wastesaver” toilets found flush volumes were reduced by an average of 68% in singlefamily dwellings.

The lavatory is also a good candidate for use of faucets with reduced water flow, says Price Pfister’s Findlay, since they are typically used for wash up (and not to fill a sink as in the kitchen). Price Pfister has a series of EPA Water Sense approved faucets that are trough faucets, which Findlay compares to an old country pump in its flow method. He suggests there is still consumer education needed around such faucets.

“Everybody worries that Water Sense faucets are going to take five and a half minutes to wash their hands or get soap off. That is not the case,” he says. “The trough faucets work very well, and although saving water they still have a significant drenching effect.”

Water Sense trough faucets provide a water flow of 5.7 litres of water per minute, rather than the 8.3 litres per minute flow from a traditional faucet. Findlay says that over a seven year period a three-person home using a Water Sense faucet will use 44,667 litres of water, roughly 30% less than the 63,840 litres of a traditional faucet.

Sky-is-the-limit bathrooms When money is no object bathrooms can incorporate an extraordinary amount of high-end features.

“Money is easy to spend,” says Stephanie Brown, sales manager for kitchen and bath products at CanSave. “If you have a client that really wants to create the bathroom of their dreams and have a client who has the budget to do it, you are talking about custom cabinetry made by a craftsperson.”

She notes that customers will likely also need custommade shelving or custom-cut granite or quartz, to match with non-standard sizes.

Sandra Baldwin, president of A. Lifetime General Contractor, says creating a big budget bathroom is a different type of challenge. “When you are working with very high-end materials you have challenges built in around the materials,” but also, she says, meeting strict client expectation.

She sees good business in both the high-end and midrange, having recently completed an extensive bathroom renovation in one of Toronto’s more high-scale neighborhoods that demonstrates what can be done with a healthy budget.

“It was a complete gut and renovation that saw an oldfour piece bathroom bite the dust to make way for an absolutely elegant space,” she says.

“It has a heated floor; it has a shower that you could have a fairly large party in, with multiple shower-heads, rain-heads and sprays.”

Other details include its floor model tub, custom cabinetry and even marble flooring and walls.

“It just works. It all comes together when you have great fixtures and finishes,” she says.

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photos: thinkstock.com

Feature

Functions, like green features and heated floors, must both be evenly considered in bathroom renovations, especially with lower budgets where contractors must help the homeowner prioritize the features to implement and those they might need to drop.

Baldwin says this is the most exciting work for her; taking a mid-range budget and building a beautiful dream room. It is also an excellent opportunity to build a stronger relationship with clients and show value.

“I always think that the best way for a contractor to become invaluable is to be familiar with fashion and what is happening in the space,” says Brown. “Besides, obviously, being able to do the work, a contractor has to be able to say, ‘what is your dream bathroom and what can we do within your budget to build it?’”

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Feature

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Feature

Homeowners are turning to the front door to express themselves and in the summer of 2010 that means big, bold and green.

Entry Doors

By Lawrence Cummer

photos: JELD-WEN, madawaska DOORS

F

ront doors are the first opportunity for homeowners to make a statement about themselves and increasingly they have become as individual as the fingerprints of the family residing behind them.

Gone are the days of standard-sized, cookie cutter entryways and instead, homeowners are asking contractors to create a lasting impression for them.

Mike Snider, CEO of Madawaska Doors Inc., manufacturer of custom solid wood doors, says the trend is toward a strongly unique and individual looking door. “I am not seeing any likeness trends. I am only seeing unlikeness trends.”

To that end, his company does not make stock doors, but madeto-order door systems crafted from solid wood and using Victorian techniques. He attests that these old-school methods create more secure and reliable wood doors and satisfied customers.

Still, even with homeowners seeking to express their individuality, some manufacturers are seeing a few particular styles trending high in popularity this year.

Everything old is new again: Snider agrees that he is seeing an interest in traditional or old door fashions, with elements such as wrought iron features in light elements, rustic iron clavos (decorative nails) and iron grills, but stresses he is seeing style trends “all over the board.”

One style manufacturers see increased popularity is an early-20th century look that features a small light element at the top of the door (occupying up to a quarter of the door space), a small shelf below the light and two panels beneath it. This can be designed in wood, but is currently most popular in fibreglass, according to Brad West, director of sales for Eastern Canada at Jeld-Wen Windows and Doors.

Bigger is better: Creating a dramatic impression, homeowners who can afford it are looking for larger, more impressive doors. When renovating, they are increasingly asking contractors for space to be opened up to support an entry door of as much as 42” in width. “Although only one-half foot more than the usual width, this makes a huge difference in appearance,” notes Aaron Latimer, director of marketing and communications for All Weather Windows and Doors.

Taking advantage of the taller ceilings found in many new homes, entry doors are also climbing from the standard 6’8” to a whopping 8’, he says.

West says this trend to larger doors further emphasizes the visual focus of visitors on the entryway. To bring impressive scale on a lower budget, he suggests height and width can be added cost-effectively without replacing the door by adding a transom or sidelights, respectively.

Let the sun shine in: Historically, such decorative light elements were not energy efficient, but that has changed in recent years.

“You do not have to eliminate style for function,” Latimer says of today’s light options.

It has become expected by homeowners that the glass used in and around door systems to incorporate low emissivity (Low E) glass and argon gas.

Low E is a thin, transparent layer of metal oxide applied to the glass surface that reflects thermal radiation to reduce heat transfer through the glass. Argon gas, denser than air, provides the window with greater insulating properties.

The treatment can be applied to even the most decorative glass elements, says Snider. In fact, for homeowners seeking a custom look and feel, they can choose their own glass,

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

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Feature Contractors need to stress to homeowners looking at cheaper options that a small savings today can mean much greater energy

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costs over time. design and bevels and have them treated for energy efficiency.

Madawaska uses a triple insulated light (TIL) in which the decorative glass element is sandwiched in an aluminum channel between two clear Low E outer glass pieces and injected with argon.

“You can put whatever you want in there and it will not affect the efficiency whatsoever,” Snider says.

Keeping it secure: Functionally, a front door serves to control access to the house and, to that end, choices of security systems likewise continue to improve. Madawaska’s Snider says homeowners in high-risk areas are looking for multi-point locking systems that secure the centre, top and bottom of their doors.

Adam Findlay, assistant channel marketing manager Stanley Black & Decker Hardware and Home Improvement, makers of Weiser locks, says the addition of electronics to locks continues to make headway.

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photos: jeld-wen, madawaska DOORS, weiser

Feature

The company recently launched a new Weiser Lock SmartCode Powerbolt system that offers keypad-based access, but is both quieter and quicker than previous systems.

Weiser SmartCode locks are deadbolts that use a lit touchpad and personal access code for keyless entry. The locks also allow entry with a key. A SmartKey feature available on the keypads continues to be popular, Findlay says. It allows key combinations to be set or changed electronically with a master key without having to hire a locksmith.

“Its chief victory, though, is that it is a much more stylish design,” he says, adding that past keypads styles were more utilitarian, marking them better for use in side doors and garages. Today’s models instead combine form with function, for a more welcome addition to entry door systems.

Make no mistake; however, Findlay says function must be top priority when it comes to security.

“Design is huge, it is incomprehensibly important; however, if the front door is not keeping the wrong people out, it is not doing its job. Security is paramount.”

Going Green: While certainly not a new trend, the impact of the green movement is being felt more and more, according to manufacturers.

Homeowners are asking for options that are good for the environment, but also provide the energy efficiency that is good for their pocket books.

The first important step to helping customers make green door choices is as simple as ensuring its Energy Star rated, says Latimer. “It seems like a no brainer, but it is not. It is amazing that

a lot of doors are still not Energy Star,” he adds.

Contractors need to stress to homeowners looking at cheaper options that a small savings today can mean much greater energy costs over time. Experts suggest that roughly 40% of heat buildup and heat loss can be through windows and doors.

Snider further suggests that as much as 70% of a door’s heat loss takes place around its perimeter and urges contractors to pay special attention to using doors with only solid high-quality jams (nothing that has been finger jointed, nothing that lifts or distorts, or that uses a nailed on strip). Again, this is an area where initial cost savings can mean later expense for the homeowner.

“The seal is really very crucial,” he stresses. “Everybody is kind of lit up by price and says ‘gee that door is pretty’ but have a good hard look at those jams. While it might be fine for some U.S. climates, it is not going to be suitable for us here in Canada.”

A few additional considerations can help ensure greener exterior doors: back dams for doors exposed to the weather, metal flashing installed at windows and door heads, and performing blower door tests to measure air-tightness and locate leaks.

According to Snider, a customer’s green demands are no longer just about energy savings. He says homeowners are asking questions about the life cycle of the door, from its construction process to its ability to be recycled at end of life, and contractors need to be prepared to answer these questions.

He says his company, located not far from the Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario, has made it a habit of eschewing various toxins and chemicals since it was founded in 1974. The company uses formaldehyde-free glues and their doors are 100% recyclable. He says this allows Madawaska and contractors who offer their doors poised to take advantage of the emerging green issue.

Weiser's SmartCode (left) and SmartKey lock systems.

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While certainly not a new trend, the impact of the green

photos: JELD-WEN, madawaska DOORS

ng

Feature For example, ball bearing hinges on the door system will allow doors to open smoother movement is being felt more and more, according to and more quietly; this is espemanufacturers. Homeowners are asking for options that cially of interest as doors become larger and heavier. are good for the environment, but also provide the To help better prevent moisture and water damage, energy efficiency that is good for their pocket books.

All Weather Windows and Doors has developed a onepiece door sill. According to the company, the two-piece design currently common in the industry is vulnerable to leaks where the two pieces are joined, allowing moisture to get behind the sill and cause rot in the door frame. In addition, the one-piece sill features a drip lip to protect the area under the sill.

Similarly, Latimer stresses that it is important to educate customers not to skimp on other often-overlooked finishing touches. “Do not be cheap on the door sweep,” he stresses. “Cheap doors have cheap sweeps.”

Proper door installation is pretty basic knowledge, Latimer says, but if corners are Wood doors harvested using cut contractors can run into Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) serious problems. The weight practices is also becoming of greater of larger and double doors consumer interest, he notes. The require some added care; pay SFI is an independent, charitable orspecial attention to ensuring ganization dedicated to promoting they are hung properly, square sustainable forest management and plumb.

Get down to brass (and silver and Special care around sealbronze) tacks: Options abound for ing also needs to take place to prevent entry door hardware, but they are unnecessary customer call backs. moving away from the brass style Use low-expansion insulation to that has been popular in the past. seal between the frame of the door Today, homeowners are looking and the framing of the house. Use a to silver and darker colour finishes, high-quality caulking to seal between says West. Meanwhile, Latimer notes the finished exterior of the house. that oil-rubbed bronze hardware These steps are absolutely critical, has become a particularly popular West points out: “The homeowner choice. could be spending as much as $20,000 He adds that options improving on the entry system; whether it is a function are also increasing in popu$100 door or a $20,000 door, always larity, and provide a good opportuuse the best products available to innity for contractors to up-sell while stall it.” ensuring customer satisfaction.

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Feature

Power Choice and care of generators will enhance the productivity of any job site.

Up

By John G. Smith

photo: hemera

S

ay what you will about the importance of the right materials, tools or even the skills of a workforce, they all fall silent without an adequate power supply. This is why the right generator is so important to the productivity of any job site.

The question is how much power is enough?

A quick review of operating manuals will offer a list of the power requirements for individual tools, and these figures just need to be added together to identify the required output of the generator, but the process may unveil a few surprises. A 1 hp concrete vibrator may always draw an average of 1,080 watts, but the 7-1/4” circular saw that runs on 1,400 watts may actually need 2,300 watts to start. Similarly, the 5.4 amp ½” drill that needs 600 watts as it turns may still require 900 watts when first engaged.

In fact, a starting wattage can be two to three times higher than the ongoing power demands for the tool.

Jonathan Cho, project coordinator for Midland International, a distributor of Hyundai Power Equipment, suggests that buyers

should always include a buffer of 25% to 30% when calculating a generator’s required running wattage. This will help to avoid annoying circuit breaks or other damage that can come from pushing a generator too hard.

Assuming that people can use only one 15 amp tool at a time, a pair of workers could get by with a unit that delivers 3,500 running watts, he says. Equipment used by two to three people will need to deliver about 5,500 running watts, and incorporate an idle control and at least a 20L fuel tank. The needs increase to 7,500 running watts or more when there will be three or more people requiring the power.

As important as the output of the generator can be, the size of the fuel tank will certainly affect productivity in its own way. Those units which need to deliver continuous power over long periods of time will likely benefit from a larger fuel tank, while the addition of an idle control will help to extend the life of every drop of fuel.

“Generators often offer different functions and capabilities such as electric start, never-flat wheels, and other options,” Cho adds.

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   

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Common wear items such as the brushes on the motor and fuel filters can be addressed by finding a model with a brushless motor or a fuel filter that can be cleaned and re-used.

Some “portable” generators will obviously be more portable than others. Setting aside the sheer weight of the generator, wheel kits can make a big difference here.

Most wheels will help to move the equipment across a paved surface, but the larger wheels will be valuable for anyone who needs to push things across the uneven terrain of a muddy job site. The same frames designed to protect switches from damage can also serve the role of sturdy handles if they are robust enough. Add a hanger or another similar support into the mix and the generator will move easier with the help of a crane.

“There are some obvious indicators of quality that will differentiate the grade of a generator,” he says.

Quiet designs will make a difference to work crews who will be exposed to the noise over the course of a day, and the consideration will certainly be important to limit the complaints from surrounding neighbors who might not be too crazy about the noise in the first place. A normal conversation is around 60 dB, while a lawn mower can hit 90 dB. In contrast, a chain saw will roar along at 110 dB. How does the noise of the generator compare to these?

Other features will have a direct impact on the maintenance and overall life of the equipment.

Common wear items such as the brushes on the motor and fuel filters can be addressed by finding a model with a brushless motor or a fuel filter that can be cleaned and re-used. Meanwhile, the common wear to pull cords can be addressed with an electric starter, which will be welcome to anyone who needs to start and stop the equipment multiple times over the course of a shift.

The life of any of the models can be further enhanced with some extra care.

“Similar to a car, the longer the engine is on, the quicker the engine will die,” Cho observes, recommending that units be turned

Hyundai HHD6250

Makita G6100R

photos: Makita, hyundai

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Feature

While a focus on the related engine and alternator is important, buyers should also be looking at the way individual pieces are assembled. “Contractors should make sure that the electrical box and switches are sealed and protected against anything that would cause the components to become damaged or defective,” Cho says.

off when they are not required. That does not mean the generator should be shut down for extended periods of time. The motors should still be run every few weeks when they are not in use, so components remain coated in oil, while fuel stabilizer will be needed for any unit that will sit idle for a month or more.

Proper storage will make a difference as well. The best locations will include an environment with a heated garage, and protection from the elements that will lead to corrosion. Once units are allowed to cool down, they can also be draped under a cover to offer some welcome protection from the dust and debris common to every job site.

“Great generators are also engineered so that customers and service centres have an easy time performing maintenance and service on the generators if needed,” Cho says. Filters, spark plugs and drain plugs should all be easy to access.

In the end, he also stresses the value of looking for a unit with a recognized brand name.

“Reputable generator brands,” Cho says, “are usually established as a result of quality.”

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By John G. Smith

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Black & Decker's BullsEye Auto Leveling Laser with Stud Sensor.

enkatesh Rao admits that some contractors scoff at the idea of using tools with the guiding lines of a laser. The features on a growing number of power tools were introduced to support the do-it-yourself market, says Makita’s Ontario regional manager for sales and service.

“If you are able to accurately measure what you want to cut, and mark it exactly where the blade has to go, you do not need a laser.”

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

A growing number of contractors are simply coming to realize why they might want the added feature, even when it is incorporated into something other than a level.

The guiding light is an equalizer when crews include workers with varying levels of skills.

“Over a period of time you get to depend on it,” he adds. The contractors who come to use them can find themselves working faster on the job.

photo: black & decker

Guiding Light V

Feature The placement of the physical laser will make a difference in where the line can actually appear. A shadow can be created by another part of the tool, obscuring the line where it is needed the most.

photos: black and decker, makita

Black & Decker's CS1030L circular saw.

Black & Decker's JS680v jigsaw featuring Linefinder.

The guides are more important on some tools than others.

“By nature, both the circular and the jig saws are handheld tools and there is a subjective degree in how you are cutting unless you have a guide,” Rao says. Makita also equips 10 and 12-inch compound miter saws with the laser guided helpers.

The shift from gimmick to valuable tool has come courtesy of changes to the overall output of the laser and adjustments that alter the location of the line.

The ability to shift from left to right will make an obvious difference. “Some people cut on the inside of the line and some people cut on the outside of the line. There is no right way or wrong way,” he says. The adjustments simply account for the reality.

Meanwhile, the placement of the physical laser will make a difference in where the line can actually appear. A shadow can be created by another part of the tool, obscuring the line where it is needed the most. “It depends on how the saw is constructed,” he says. “The manufacturers have to be mindful of where they put the actual laser unit on the saw, based on the overall geometry.”

The actual clarity of the line will be dictated by a combination of the laser’s intensity and the type of technology that is being used. A 60-watt bulb will deliver more lumens than its 40-watt counterpart.

The challenge is that it cannot be determined by simply reading the package. “Nobody mentions what kind of laser,” he says. “Manufacturers do not even put out the strength.” The only option is decidedly low-tech in nature. It requires plugging in a unit and taking a look.

The brighter light will certainly make the tool more versatile. “If it is not bright, you are constrained to use it in very dark spaces,” he says.

What about those workers who still insist they do not need the help? “We have provided a little switch where you can turn the laser on or off,” he says.

Makita LS1016L Once people give that guiding light a chance, however, the off switch may be one of the most underutilized features of all.

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Plan For A Long Life

Many Canadians will need the assistance of long-term care as they age.

Insurance will ease the financial burden.

By Mark Beckham

There are lots of things in life that “you do not need until you need them” such as ladders, toilet plungers, Band-Aids and can openers.

Many people think health benefits insurance is a “do not need it until you need it” thing, but this attitude is totally, completely wrong. Insurance is something you need to buy in advance of a problem, not when you have a problem.

Over the months I have been writing about Castlecare benefits for contractors.

I have discussed Long Term Disability (income replacement) and Critical Illness Insurance, which covers personal expenses you incur while recovering from serious health problems such as cancer, a heart attack or a stroke.

In this column I want to present another aspect of health benefits that is fairly new: Long Term Care.

“Canadians are living longer than ever before, which is great news. The bad news is; however, 43% of persons over 65 will need some level of long-term care.

If you become unable to care for yourself, you might need long-term care benefits. Without coverage you can easily deplete your savings because of the high cost of care and with the coverage gaps that exist in provincial health insurance plans, the expenses can be staggering: • In Ontario, the out-of pocket costs for a long-term stay at a government-subsidized nursing home can reach as high as $2,161.71 per month.

• The average cost for a room in a privately-owned retirement residence is $1,527 to $4,774 per month for a semi-private room and $1,600-$7,750 for a private room. These costs would be out-of-pocket, as government subsidies are not available for private facility care.

• Provincial health insurance plans simply do not have the resources to pay the full cost of long-term care, even in subsidized facilities. They offer no coverage for private facility care, and pay only a limited amount for care at home. The expenses for private nursing, cooking, cleaning, shopping, etc. will be largely your responsibility. To learn more about what your province covers go to your province’s health care Web site.

Over time, these expenses can add up to many thousands of dollars. Without proper planning, the cost of long-term care may quickly deplete your savings, assets and retirement income.

With long-term care insurance you will have the financial resources needed to help protect your future and preserve the financial independence you have worked so hard to achieve, even in the face of a serious health setback. Plans offer flexible coverage choices that allow you to choose your care setting (facility or home), daily benefit amount, benefits period and much more.

Let us explore a few Long Term Care options.

Mark Beckham, BSc, is one of the Principals of Bencom FSGI (Financial Services Group Inc.) His professional experience includes employee benefits and financial services including retirement products and insurance. He can be reached at mark@bencomfsgi.com or by telephone at 888-664-5555 ext. 301.

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You can choose valuable coverage to help pay for facility or home care expenses that are not covered by your provincial health insurance plan. For example, some of the expenses covered under home care include: • Nursing services and therapists (occupational, speech or physical) • Assistance with exercise, self-administered medications or home management services • Respite care, adult day care • Coverage for professional care in either a private facility or at home, depending on your needs • Your choice of a daily benefit amount ranging from $10 to $300 • Your choice of the maximum period during which benefits may be payable • Direct payment of benefits to you, so you can choose how to use them • Waiver of Premium Benefit, which means you pay no premiums at all while you are collecting long-term care benefits.

Benefits are paid after satisfying a waiting period (that you choose) and you become functionally dependent. This means that you require assistance with two or more of six “Activities of Daily Living.”

The six activities are: bathing, eating, dressing, toileting, transferring, or maintaining continence.

Nobody wants to get old, but as the saying goes, it is a lot better than the alternative. Have you thought of what your future will be like if you cannot take care of yourself? Putting a plan in place to deal with this is a life choice that, just like Disability and Critical Illness makes sense.

Please take the time to talk to your financial advisor, or me, about this valuable estate protection tool.

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