Contractor Advantage November / December 2014 by Espress Labs Inc.

COMPLIMENTARY

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

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CONTENTS

Features

Building bathrooms with wow / 20 New plumbing products and bathroom accessories enable contractors to wow clients with bath updates on time and on budget.

Curing paint paralysis / 26 Contractors with décor trend knowledge put a high-gloss sheen on their reputation and as a result increase revenues.

Sticks and stones / 37 Ontario’s proposed Building Code changes clear way for mid-rise wooden buildings, but not everybody is happy.

Inside

NEWS WATCH / 5 Colour trends for 2015 PRODUCT SHOWCASE / 9 New and improved products BUSINESS STRATEGIES / 12 More tips for marketing success SMART MONEY / 14 Effective succession planning ECONOMICS 101 / 16 Talent versus determination LEARNING CURVE /19 Building business acumen

November/December 2014 Vol. 18 No. 6

Editorial Director Castle Building Centres Group Ltd. Jennifer Mercieca Managing Editor Paul Barker Art Director Mark Ryan

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: 100 Milverton Drive, Suite 400 Mississauga, Ont. L5R 4H1

Contributors Nestor E. Arellano Lawrence Cummer Victoria Downing Stefan Dubowski Walt Grassl Jim Muccilli David Chilton Saggers John G. Smith Julie Zylberlicht

Group dynamics / 42 Formal associations have plenty to offer independent contractors, ranging from networking opportunities to recognition programs and cost savings.

Moulding makeover made perfect / 46 Historic millwork often exhibits exceptional craftsmanship that can prove instructional for today’s contractors.

Gypsum innovations / 53 Changes in drywall may come slowly, but they are showing themselves in improved performance and environmental-friendliness. Advertising Enquiries Vendors whose products are carried in Castle Building Centres stores have the opportunity to advertise in

Contractor Advantage

For more information or to reserve space in the next issue, contact: Jennifer Mercieca Director of Communications Phone: 905-564-3307 Fax: 905-564-5875 E-mail: jmercieca@castle.ca

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

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NEWS WATCH

SICO UNVEILS BOLD COLOUR TRENDS FOR 2015

omeowners will soon be eschewing safe natural décor choices for bolder colour options, according to Canadian paint brand Sico. The company recently revealed its top colour picks for 2015, which include rich wood and terra cotta shades, deep slate, aqua blue, fruity red and vivid jewel tones. Next year’s palette, the paint manufacturer says, will be filled with bold, energetic hues from all colour families, but especially blues. This is a shift from the norm, as Sico’s top-selling colours have traditionally been neutrals. “There’s a world of possibilities when it comes to infusing colour into home décor in the coming year,” said Mylène Gévry, marketing manager for Sico paint, a brand of PPG Architectural Coatings. “Whether deep comforting shades or bright tones used alone or in combination, the 2015 palette has something for everyone.” Gévry says technology has renewed public interest in colour, since bright colours are now ubiquitous, from computer screens to digital art-infused consumer goods. “We’ve become more comfortable with colour as a society,” she said. “Even anti-technology types who prefer to stay grounded in nature tend to gravitate towards richer earth-bound tones due to the colourful influence of the world around them.” Based on research conducted by PPG’s international team of colour experts, the Sico brand has unveiled four prevailing décor themes for the upcoming year: Comfort Zone, Tempo, Pattern Play and Introspection. The Comfort Zone theme focuses on simple living and creating harmony between the natural and man-made worlds. The result is a mix of deep, earthy neutrals and muted blues and pinks, such as Etruscan Villa, Visionary Green and Miramichi River. Tempo groups together colours reflecting plugged-in, socially connected consumers comfortable with expressing their individuality. Dominated by vibrant hues, the collection ranges from raspberry reds and golden yellows to turquoise blues and slate greys, such as Marilyn Red, Portrait Yellow, Bikini Blue and Iron Ore Grey. Urban neutrals, such as concrete grey and black, balance the intense hues and work well with bright bolds in any décor. The colours of the Tempo theme are intended to energize. Last year’s popular craft movement will continue to dominate home décor in 2015, translating into creative expressions of geometric patterning, whether hand or computer-generated, both on walls and in furnishings, CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

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Sico paint colour experts say. Pattern Play features energetic combinations of spicy reds, deep golds, jewel greens, mid to dark blues, plums, indigos, blacks and greys, emitting an international flavour of the opulence and tapestry of Eastern cultures. Some of this theme’s colours include Tamari Almond Gold, Clown Fish Orange, Atmospheric Blue and Patrician Purple. Techies by day need a retreat at night, and the Introspection theme aims to deliver on that from a balance to the energetic colours Sico recommends for 2015. This group of colours is full of soft pastels and washed-out blues, browns, pinks, purples and greys. Appearing neutral-like, these hues are actually saturated with colour, including Intrepid Blue, Linden Wood, Frangipani Purple and Crosshatch Grey. Visit www.sico.ca to view Sico’s 2015 colour trends palette.

PPG Pittsburgh Paints launches in-store colour work station In a bid to create a more fun and effective way to choose paint colours, PPG Pittsburgh Paints has launched what the company says is the first instore paint colour work station. An interactive 42” touch-screen display found at PPG Pittsburgh Paints dealers across Canada, the PPG Colour Work Station allows users to virtually apply a paint chip colour onto walls in variety of room settings on their large monitor. The work station then recommends different colour schemes based on the choices, to help select choices that are best-suited to the homes décor. Colour picks can also be sent to a personal email for later viewing. Feedback from PPG retailers nationally indicates choosing paint colour is the number-one challenge people face when painting (See Curing paint paralysis, page 26). “The new PPG Colour Work Station is designed to provide added ease and inspiration in the colour selection process,” says Dee Schlotter, North American colour marketing manager, PPG Architectural Coatings. “We live in a high-tech world, so PPG retailers have turned to interactive technology that enables shoppers to play with paint colours in different digital environments and walk away feeling more confident about their colour decisions and armed with ideas on how to use and pair colours in projects.” Another key feature of the PPG Colour Work Station is the wide range of colour tip videos accessible with a tap of the screen from finding colours to the best use of paint chips. The display includes one to two minute videos to provide the information needed to make more informed decisions. Examples of these videos include the following suggestions from Schlotter: SMALL SPACES: Make a small space appear bigger by using one unified colour throughout the room. Even trim can be de-emphasized by painting it the same colour as the rest of the space. This technique fades defining

lines and makes the room feel more spacious, while bringing an element of warmth and coziness to the area. LONG HALLWAYS: For long hallways, eliminate the tunnel effect by painting the two parallel walls different colours. To make the hall appear wider, select a light or mid-tone colour for one wall and then select the second colour two spaces down on the same paint colour strip. To provide direction and add interest, paint the wall at the end of the hall a unique standout colour. CLUTTERED AREAS: Colour can collect clutter or showcase favourite collectibles. If a homeowner has bookcases in the family room or glass-faced cabinets in the kitchen, painting the space behind the shelves a bold tone can capture the eye and distract from the clutter. Similarly, if homeowners have treasured items to showcase, colour will make them stand out and be noticed. CEILINGS: Contrary to common practice, ceilings do not always have to be painted bright white. In fact, pure-white ceilings can be distracting if there is no other white in the room. If walls are soft beige, try creamy white for the ceiling or, to add drama to the room or highlight a great lighting fixture, use a matte chocolate brown or black paint overhead. The integrated PPG Colour Work Station also includes enlarged paint chips and large, designer-sized take-home colour strips featuring more the 2,000 new and existing colours by the PPG Pittsburgh Paints brand. The display helps to easily identify coordinating colours by providing “colour starting points.” Visit www.ppgvoiceofcolour.com to learn more. CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Building Blocks

Innovative Products for Today’s Renovators

HIDDEN FASTENING SYSTEM SIMPLIFIES TRIMBOARD INSTALLATION

CertainTeed’s Restoration Millwork cellular PVC exterior InvisiPro hidden fastening system for exterior home trim makes for a simple, neat installation, the company says. Available in a One-Piece Corner System or Three-Piece Trimboard system and featuring a choice of TrueTexture woodgrain or smooth finishes, the grooved millwork design features precision-fit concealed flanges that secure directly to the wall for a nail-free face without holes to fill. Part of the INhanced Trim Line from CertainTeed, the new decorative, high-performance components speed up installation and add curb appeal through their natural wood appearance, the company says. Visit www.certainteed.com for more information.

HAND DRIVE NAIL CARTON LIGHTER THAN MOST

PrimeSource’s new Grip-Rite hand drive nail 25 lbs. carton is designed to be more practical for contractors than the traditional heavier 50 lbs. carton format. Made from heavy duty cardboard designed to resist wear and tear, the new package sports a plastic handle to facilitate convenient transportation on job sites, the company says. An intuitive colour-coded label system clearly identifies the type of nail finish and features product images. Boxes also include a finish cross-reference panel to ease selection. Visit www.primesourcebp.com for more information.

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE

TASK TOOLS EXPANDS ITS QSR PRODUCT LINE

Task Tools has expanded its Task Quick Support Rods (QSR) program with three new accessories: the QSR Dust Containment Door Kit; Dust Containment Tape and 18” QSR Extension. The QSR Dust Containment Door Kit is made from heavyduty fire retardant poly. This double-zipper slider door is designed to contain dust thermals in minutes and can easily be opened from either side with one hand. It can create barriers on doors that are up to 8’ high x 4’ wide. Task’s Dust Containment Tape is a double-sided tape that secures tarps or poly sheeting to surfaces such as wood, glass, aluminum, plastic, vinyl and painted surfaces. The clear poly tape adhesive side aggressively bonds and holds sheeting materials in place and the masking tape adhesive side can be cleanly removed from surfaces for up to 14 days. Task’s 18” QSR Extension gives an existing QSR an extra 18” to cover a wider range of heights. A fourth accessory, the QSR Universal Clamping Arm, is

expected to launch before the end of 2014. It will allow users to mount work lights, laser levels, camera tri-pod shafts and many other products off of QSRs. Visit www.task-tools.com for more information.

BOSCH LASER MEASURE IS SIMPLE AND ACCURATE

A new pocket-sized laser measure from Bosch delivers spot-on measurements in a portable, accessible and accurate tool, the company says. Using simple, one-button operation, the new laser measure can go where measuring tape cannot. Bending tape to get into corners or asking for a second set of hands to hold the tape in place is not necessary with the tool. The unit turns on with a single button and defaults to always-on measuring, making it ideal for walk-off measurements. Clicking the button again records the measurement, and once complete, the device is turned off by pressing and holding that same button one more time. The GLM 15 calculates precise distances up to 50’ and within ⅛” of accuracy, according to Bosch. A square, flat design makes the patented product easy to use on any surface. Visit www.boschtools.com for more information.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

NEW CANEXEL PREFINISHED SIDING FOCUS ON TRENDS

Three new prefinished siding colours from LP CanExel were developed after surveying more than 500 architects, designers and homeowners in Canada and Europe. The colours draw their inspiration from nature, the company says, and feature a unique natural-stain finish that gives homes a premium, custom look. Cliffside invites calm through natural earth tones that bring homes and nature together; Sandalwood has the warm, inviting tones of natural sandalwood colour; while Coastline offers a fresh, sandy beach feel. All colour use the same five-coat, heat-cured finish of other LP CanExel product, making them good choices for

harsh Canadian weather. LP CanExel prefinished siding comes with a limited 15-year warranty on the finish. Visit www.canexel.ca for more information.

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BUSINESS STRATEGIES

25 More Marketing Tips Our peers have often seen or done it all before. Here are additonal marketing ideas straight from them. BY VICTORIA DOWNING

30“ Marketing to commercial real estate brokers: offer a budget estimate within 48 hours so they can do their ‘deals.’ Include free blueprint copying and building evaluations, because they are at the forefront of commercial relocation and renovation opportunities.”

31“ How about the gift of the standard

26 “We put on a remodeling seminar for 28 “ List your new clients in each newslethomeowners where we include a local home improvement radio celebrity, serve coffee and cake, and have our personnel ready to help. The cost is $5,000 and results are 400+ potential customers, 90 leads and hundreds of thousands in sales.”

27“ During a slow period, we rolled up newsletters and tied a fancy bow around them, then rubber-banded them to mailboxes in our community or hand-delivered them. They got lots more attention.”

ter. Past clients often call new people on the list if they know them and then the company becomes a topic of discussion when clients socialize.”

29“ We tell new clients about our newslet-

ter at the contract signing when they are high on the morale curve. We ask if they know anyone else who would like to receive it (in other words, who are thinking about remodeling). We then call those referred individuals for permission to send it to them and that gets us in front of them at a very early stage.”

Victoria Downing is president of Remodelers Advantage Inc. and is a leading authority in the remodeling industry. She has authored and co-authored several industry books, including The Remodeler’s Marketing PowerPak. She can be reached at victoria@remodelersadvantage.com or by phone at 301 490-5620 ext. 105. 12

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32“ We give out signed coupons worth $500 off on a contract of $20,000 or more to previous clients to give to their friends and neighbors. Coupons are presented at contract signing. We have given out 30 coupons and have gotten three jobs averaging $125,000.”

33“ We invited three past clients to a dinner party in my home. All three decided to do additions and each has referred new prospects. Cost: $300.”

34“ A client with a recently completed

project hosted a home tour of 400 members of area garden clubs. We supplied existing literature at minimal cost to us. Result: three quality leads and two projects totaling $320,000.”

35“ We spend $4,000-$5,000 a year partici-

pating in our local Renovators Showcase Open House Tour and we receive 50-60% of our annual projects from this one event. The tour lasts three days, but the leads last throughout the year.”

PHOTO: THINKSTOCK IMAGES

n the last issue of Contractor Advantage we shared 25 excellent marketing tips that have recently been shared with us. With such a plethora of great ideas, I couldn’t possibly fit them all into one column. Without further ado, then, here are another 25 great marketing tips that may prove valuable to apply to your own business.

bottle of scotch (or wine) for the holidays delivered to your best clients… But in a beautifully designed and handcrafted wooden box with the company logo?”

BUSINESS STRATEGIES

36 “ We held a catered Open House Recep- 43“ Provide over the top customer service, tion at our new offices, invited clients and staff, and displayed photographs of our work as if you were in an art gallery. Cost: $1,500.”

37 “ We held an Open House in a spectacularly designed remodeling project. Our budget was under $1,000. We sent out 600 invitations to targeted neighborhoods and 200 people showed up. We have received 75 leads and are still getting leads years later from the people who attended.”

38 “ As artists, we design and handcraft our company Christmas cards. Our cost is very low. The result is that they are unique and memorable communications that reinforce our company’s design creativity and artistic abilities.”

39 “ Display your best testimonials in your office/showroom. It is a great silent tool that works on its own.”

or helping a customer in a time of need that has absolutely nothing to do with the remodeling project.”

44“ Keep marketing materials simple; create a feeling that, ‘I have to contact this company.’ Attract clients that have their requests well thought-out. Show how your company can satisfy the client’s needs in three easy steps.”

45“ Informing clients about what your company stands for and how you work. It is a great way to keep you focused and it is a good rapport builder with the client.”

46“ In November, we invested in two roll-off containers and a new flat bed for our biggest truck. We have all these painted with the company colours and logo and they seem to be great advertising for us, as well as revenue earners. We charge customers for the roll-offs as if we were a demolition subcontractor.”

40 “ If prospects have a common objection, 47“ Pre-estimates in the early design phase perhaps price, be sure to encourage your past clients to give you testimonial letters recognizing that they knew you were not the cheapest renovator in town but that you delivered value beyond what they expected. In other words, shape testimonials to meet objections and then use those golden words to sell.”

41 “ We feature our clients and staff on our website, including our best pictures, to publicly honour them and emphasize the importance of people in our system.”

will help to determine where we are headed as to project costs (client budget) and will hopefully allow for higher closure rate and a minimum, less time wasted.

48 Think niche. One company developed a thriving business working exclusively for dentists since 1990. Its marketing positions it as an expert in the intricacies of remodeling dentists’ offices, and backs that claim up with the extensive knowledge it has gained through the years. Very few companies can compete with them and dentists are willing to pay more for the skill the company brings to the table.

42 “ Referral Reward Program in which we 49 One renovation company wanted to send a letter after the job is complete asking for their referrals and that we will send them a $100 cheque when we sign a contract with the referral. As our standard lead cost is approximately $160, this is a very low-cost program and it has increased over referral leads.”

reach homeowners who were thinking about remodeling, so it planned a special event around a series of four educational programs. The pivotal event was a 45-minute seminar presented by a highly popular Home and Garden Television (HGTV) show host. Response

was so great that the first program the celebrity presented was sold out, requiring a second presentation that same day. Co-sponsored by a local window supplier, it was promoted through newspaper ads and radio spots. Homeowners registered in advance, were served refreshments and encouraged to browse through the well-appointed showroom for remodeling ideas. “Our investment of $10,000 to $12,000 was definitely worth it. The exposure in the community was huge even before the event itself.”

50 Another renovation company has won more than 100 project awards since its inception. “When entering a contest, be sure to specifically answer the question fully. Do not gloss over this: answer each explicitly. Sometimes judges do not have extensive technical expertise, so really spell it out. Next, let the photos tell the story. Use as few words as you can and let the visuals carry the message. And it goes without saying that you should always use high-quality, professional photography.” After you win an award, send copies of the entry to newspapers and magazines to give them an overview of the project. “The writer can view the entry and decide if it is right for their publication without a lot of involvement from us or from the homeowner.” By doing double duty, the award entry easily pays for itself. By keeping your ears and your mind open to the experiences of your peers, you can gain fantastic insights and proven tactics to drive your marketing results through the roof. Just remember to be creative and be willing to try new things to keep your lead generation tactics fresh to continually attract new people into your world. Once these prospective clients see what you can do, the world will be your oyster. For more great tips from successful renovators throughout Canada and the U.S., subscribe to Remodelers Advantage PowerTips, a bi-weekly tips and tactics that work. The web site is www.RemodelersAdvantage.com/PowerTips.

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

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SMART MONEY

The Next Step For Your Contracting Business Have you spent a great deal of your working life creating a successful small to medium-sized contracting company, only to realize that retirement is on the horizon? BY JIM MUCCILLI AND JULIE ZYLBERLICHT ommon missteps that we see C caused by planning failures include: • Unreliable financial information; • Overly centralized management; • Non-transferable goodwill; • Poor exit timing; and • Too little, too late tax planning. • Steps to take and things to consider: • Identify and target potential new owners

STEPS TO TAKE AND THINGS TO CONSIDER: Identify and target potential new owners

ontracting business owners should ensure that succession/ transition planning is their priority several years before retirement or any transition approaches. It can take three to five years to put together an effective succession plan and execute it, while ensuring that you maximize your business sale or transfer price. If

caught unprepared, you may have no other option than to simply close your business or dispose of it cheaply and inefficiently (think: tax). This article is meant as a primer for contractors. How can you maximize the value of your business and after tax dollars, while ensuring a smooth transition of your business to new owners?

Jim Muccilli is a partner in the Valuations/Forensics/Litigation Group at Crowe Soberman. He has worked in this field for over 20 years and brings with him a vast knowledge in the areas of business valuation, loss quantification and forensic investigations. He is also a qualified expert witness. Julie Zylberlicht is a manager in the Valuations/Forensics/ Litigation Group. She provides counsel when advising clients and lawyers on business valuations, forensic accounting and loss quantifications. She has extensive experience in the areas of matrimonial matters, shareholder and partnership disputes, corporate and commercial damage claims, corporate reorganizations and other litigation support. 14

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Assuming that your business will continue to operate indefinitely, there are several ways to sell your contracting business, including selling to a third party, a family member, an employee, a competitor or investors. Identifying at least two “special purchasers” has a massive impact on exit price. You must have two parties with special interests and/or synergies with your business to bid against each other.

Ensure the business’ financial information is accurate This will help potential successors and business valuators ascertain the value of your contracting business. You may want to consider increasing the level of assurance on the annual financial statements, as successors/potential buyers will be more trusting of statements that have been audited or at least thoroughly reviewed by a public accountant for several years. Purchasers will also want to know the potential of your business in the future. For instance, strong, recurring and diversified revenue streams increase the value of the company by instilling confidence in successors and, thereby,

SMART MONEY

increasing the worth of the contracting business. Prepare well-supported projections plotting out the next five years of profit expectation. Value is all about future expectations. History is simply a benchmark to help make assumptions about tomorrow’s potential.

Decide on the right time to sell Business, external and personal factors all come into play and should be considered. For instance, sell when:

• You have established upward sales/ profit trends; • Key management/employees are aligned with your objectives and able to transition with the contracting business; • Tax planning is in place; • The economy/industry is strong and there are purchasers readily available; and • You are in a place of financial security, under no true compulsion to transact.

Prepare your contracting company

Mould your company so it possesses the qualities prospective buyers will be attracted to.

PHOTO: THINKSTOCK IMAGES

Purchaser objectives are to minimize risk while maximizing their return. The following suggestions are ways to increase the value of your business to prospective buyers: • Build and maintain a strong, transferable customer list and reduce economic reliance on any one, or small group of customers; • Create a stronger recurring revenue stream, and if possible, put in place long-term contracts; • Maintain a strong and up-to-date physical infrastructure; and • Have a knowledgeable and experienced management team (as prospective successors will want assurance that when you leave, key success factors, knowledge and skill remains with the business).

Goodwill In order to increase the value of your contracting business, it is important to create commercial saleable goodwill, and reduce any personal or individual goodwill, since the latter has nominal, if any, value to a new owner. Ways to create commercial goodwill in your contracting business include: • Decentralizing control and knowledge; • S haring contacts and transferring personal relationships to existing management; and • F ocusing on building the reputation of the business and brand (instead of any personal reputation).

Capital gains exemption (if available) When selling your business’ shares, the capital gains exemption (CGE) is a means to avoid or reduce taxes. The CGE is a tax benefit for individual shareholders of Canadian private businesses, which meet the qualifying conditions (as defined by the Income Tax Act). That is, each individual shareholder avoids paying taxes on up to $800,000 (as of 2014) of capital gains. In order to ensure that the shares of a corporation will qualify, your business may need to be “purified”. To “purify” the business, redundant and ineligible assets should be removed from the balance sheet and any non-business related expenses should be removed from the income statement. This process may need to precede the sale date by two years.

Estate planning Estate freezes, combined with family trust and holding company structures can potentially transfer a business to family members and provide significant tax benefits. This strategy allows you (the original owner) to retain (and with-

draw over time) the current value of the corporation while transferring future growth to others.

Advantages of this strategy: • The ultimate amount of income tax payable on death can be estimated; therefore, you can purchase sufficient life insurance to guarantee liquidity or be able to maintain enough funds to pay those taxes; • Minimizes the potential future tax liability by income splitting; • The current business value can be paid out over a period of time; you (the original owner) can retain control of the business while your family members join the business, allowing for a smoother transition; and • Potentially allows multiple CGEs to be ultimately utilized among family members, thereby creating more tax savings overall.

Determine the fair market value Before selling your business, enlist a Chartered Business Valuator (CBV) to assist with calculating the value of your contracting business. This will help manage expectations, while allowing you to take advantage of opportunities to enhance the value of your business prior to sale as described above. The CBV will help you to identify key value drivers, purchasers perceived risk considerations, economic and competitive issues as well as optimal timing and structure.

Assemble a team well in advance Start thinking transition five to seven years before it will happen to maximize value. It would be effective for you to assemble a team including management, your lawyer, accountant and a chartered business valuator, to help execute the above recommendations..

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ECONOMICS 101

Talent Versus Determination When looking at new employees should their intelligence or work ethic win the day? BY WALT GRASSL

and come up short, they have a history of hard work that will be acknowledged by the leadership.

Ability to adapt to change

ence. We cannot control how much talent we have. But we can control how hard we work and how hard we persevere when times get tough.

Here are five character traits for hiring managers to consider: Reaction to praise Studies have shown that when people are praised for their intelligence, they tend to avoid risk when given a choice of their next assignments. Why? If they are less than perfect in the future, they are afraid of not looking as smart. On the other hand, when people are praised for their hard work in completing their assignment, they welcome more challenging assignments. If they work diligently on a task that has a high degree of difficulty

Walt Grassl is a speaker, author of “Stand Up and Speak Up,” and host of the Internet radio show, “Stand Up and Speak Up.” Walt’s accomplishments include success in Toastmasters International speech contests and performing standup comedy at the Hollywood Improv and the Flamingo in Las Vegas. For more information visit www.WaltGrassl.com. 16

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In the workplace, success often depends upon the ability to change from one process to another. Often times, highly talented people have a set way of doing things and it works extremely well for them. They do not like to change what worked in the past and made them the success that they are. Change requires hard work, and while many talented people do well adapting to change, some who feel that they have extraordinary talent are not so flexible.

Willingness to learn Many talented people feel that they do not have anything new to learn in their chosen field. They believe what got them there is enough. Those who are determined and who work hard, often spend a lot of time and effort to maintain their skills and learn new skills. They often display the most current knowledge of new technology and ideas. Having employees who will improve themselves over and above the company sponsored training is critical to an organization wanting to innovate and improve.

Different expectations People who are highly talented may believe they are entitled to a certain pay level, promotional opportunities and respect. They can be the workplace equivalent of rockstars and elite athletes. Those who succeed based on hard work over talent tend to have more realistic expectations.

PHOTO: THINKSTOCK IMAGES

ob and Mark are new managers who are having lunch in the company cafeteria. They are discussing their respective hiring strategies for the upcoming college job fair that their company is sponsoring. The conversation turned into a debate on what type of graduate made the best employee. Mark prefers to hire smarter graduates, regardless of how driven they appear or how well they seem to “play with others.” He figures he could instill the drive and the teamwork. Bob believes in hiring smart, but not necessarily the smartest who demonstrate determination and good collaboration skills. He figures they are smart enough to learn and their drive and teamwork would carry the day. Patricia, a seasoned manager, joins in the discussion and shares her thoughts about the importance of hard work and talent in the workforce. She believes that if people do not have a minimum amount of talent, hard work may not be enough for them to be successful. Conversely, some of the most talented people are not successful in their careers because they do not work hard. The most successful people have talent and they work hard. Patricia is right. Hard working, talented people make the best employees. As an employee, we must consider what is in our control and what can we influ-

ECONOMICS 101

Those who depend on demonstrating their work ethic and their determination to succeed often will find that their hard work pays off in terms of promotions, pay increases and the level of respect they earn in the workplace. Unlike their more talented co-workers, they tend to avoid resting on their laurels. Not everyone who is talented depends entirely on their talent to find success in the workplace. Many of those with a great deal of talent work hard, often as hard as their less talented co-workers; however, in some cases, those who are highly talented often feel that they need not work as hard to get ahead. Nearly anyone who sets their mind to finding success can be successful, but without hard work, few will ever find a level of success that will pay off for them over time.

Goal Setting People who set goals are usually more successful than those who do not. The best goals to set are “stretch” goals. Stretch goals are attainable and challenging, but realistic. If you set goals that are too easy, you will accomplish them more often but not be as satisfied. Satisfaction comes from pursuing a goal, not from ultimately achieving it. Focus on one objective at a time and always have the next goal in mind. To accomplish more difficult tasks, break these down into smaller tasks. Try to have mini goals along the way and try to map out several different paths to your target: this allows flexibility if one path becomes blocked. Activity itself generates the impetus for further activity. Determination and perseverance

are important traits in the workplace. Employers want employees who are determined to get things done, to make things happen and to constantly look for better ways of doing things. We are more likely to continue in the face of adversity if we think talent is only peripheral to our future success. Persistence and purposeful effort are more important than talent. Studies have observed that when facing difficulties, those who believed that their performance was transformable through effort, not only persevered but actually improved, whereas those who believed that talent was everything regressed. Do not rely on your talents. Develop the practices of hard work, determination and perseverance, and you will be able to maximize your success.

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LEARNING CURVE

How to succeed in business and in life Two books focus on reaching your potential and building business acumen.

BECOMING YOUR BEST McGraw-Hill

iven the level of competition, as well as market ups and downs, it seems that in order to run a successful business in today’s high-pressure business landscape you either sacrifice your personal life for your job or you lose everything. It does not have to be this way, says Steve Shallenberger, author of Becoming Your Best: The 12 Principles of Highly Successful Leaders from McGraw-Hill. He contends you can succeed in business and live a happy life at the same time. In fact, by following the advice in his book, a satisfying personal life will necessarily follow your leadership success. Becoming Your Best reveals the lessons you need to follow in order to reach your highest potential and drive the kind of innovation that turns good companies into industry leaders, while living a well-balanced personal life. Accord-

ing to the book, the 12 principles for developing a culture of excellence include: • Being true to character • Leading with a vision • Prioritizing your time • Innovating through imagination • Being accountable • Living in peace and balance • Being an effective communicator The book is divided into three thematic sections: Transformational Leadership, Transformational Teams and Relationships, and Transformational Living; and, filled with advice, tools and examples for turning your thoughts into action, motivating yourself and employees, inspiring teams to solve problems and building a better personal life. Shallenberger has more than 40 years of experience as a successful entrepreneur, CEO, executive, corporate trainer and community leader.

FASTER, CHEAPER, BETTER Self-Counsel Press

f you are in the skilled trades and wondering why you are working so hard and not making much money at it, Self-Counsel Press has published Faster, Cheaper, Better: Running a Successful Business to help. With at least 1.8 million Canadians in temporary and contract employment today, the opportunity in this market is significant, suggests the publisher. The book helps to bridge the gap between the knowledge contractors have in their trade and the knowledge often lacking in how to create a great company. Author Jack Borden’s

system in Faster, Cheaper, Better helps entrepreneurs get it right, by showing how to build a successful, sustainable business, from negotiating with suppliers for the best rates to operating with passion and purpose. The real secret amid the frustration and failure, Borden suggests, is that you can do it faster, cheaper, better. Borden is a businessman who has risen through the trades to be one of western Canada’s leading developers of senior residences. He has created an extensive network of suppliers and clients through his “Faster, Cheaper, Better” program of doing business. Both books are currently available from www.amazon.ca and www. chapters.indigo.ca.

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FEATURE

building

BATHROO WOW with

New plumbing products and bathroom accessories enable contractors to wow clients with bath updates on time and on budget.

PHOTO: PFISTER

BY STEFAN DUBOWSKI

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

FEATURE

PHOTO: THINKSTOCK

OMS

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Open Your Future

by Lynden Door, in hollow core solid core 20-minute lyndendoor.com

hen it comes to home renovations, bathroom remodeling may be both the best and worst sort of project to undertake. Best because, with careful attention to details such as style and the homeowner’s specific needs, you can transform even the most utilitarian and dated bathroom from a boring wash facility into a wow-inducing modern marvel. Worst because such projects involve numerous details from tiles and faucets to plumbing and electrical. Although it is one of the smaller spaces in the home, the bathroom takes a lot of work to re-do. This also means bathroom renovations are both good and bad for contractors. The more involved the project happens to be, the more your services are worth, but complicated projects spell a potential drain on your time and finances. Thankfully, new plumbing products make it easier to upgrade faucets, handles and other bathroom trim, which means you can save time and money while helping your customers get ahead of future renovations. Likewise, innovative safety and accessibility items enable you to meet homeowners’ needs now and down the line, an important consideration since many prospective clients may be baby boomers on the cusp of senior citizenry. It is important to understand the latest styles so homeowners see you as a design authority. If you can combine style, smart plumbing and innovative accessories, then you may well ensure your next bathroom project counts as one of your best.

Flush with savings

Toilets account for most of the water used in a home, according to the WaterSense water-efficiency program. Nearly 30% of an average household’s water usage relates to that bathroom fixture. By replacing old inefficient toilets with WaterSense-labelled models, the average family can reduce toilet water usage by 20 to 60%, saving more than $100 per year in water costs. Across Canada, municipal governments encourage homeowners to follow WaterSense’s advice. Many towns and cities offer financial incentives to get people to exchange their old water guzzlers for efficient sippers. Two prime examples: The City of Guelph, Ont.’s Royal Flush Toilet Rebate Program gives $75 for every two inefficient toilets replaced with WaterSense-labelled fixtures. The City of Calgary gives $50 to anyone who installs a WaterSense toilet. Check with your municipal government to learn about rebate programs near you.

PHOTO: PFISTER, MOEN

Make quick work of trim One of the easiest ways to update a bathroom is to change the trim, but all too often you have to change the valves first. That means adding time and expense to the project for wall demolition, plumbing work and, of course, wall repair. Bathroom product manufacturers feel your pain, and they have developed solutions. Pfister, for instance, offers the Universal trim product line. Its faucets, handles and other items work with eight different kinds of valves, so you can install new trim without changing the plumbing. Moen’s M-Pact common valve addresses the same problem, but from the other side. The valve works with various trim items, so again, you need not demolish the walls to change the fixtures. “If a consumer plans to live in the home longterm, every eight years they may renovate,” notes Garry Scott, Moen’s vice-president of wholesale marketing and brand development. “If they use a Moen M-Pact common valve, they can use modern chrome trim today and easily change it for a different look in the future.” CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

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Get a grip on safety Clients who plan to stay in their homes for the long term may also want to know their bathrooms will accommodate their needs as they age. MAAX Bath addresses this matter with its Generation + acrylic tub showers. These systems adapt to a homeowner’s changing requirements over time. For example, you could install a basic Generation + system, which features a wide tub area and three shelves moulded into the wall. As required in the future, the homeowner would be able to add accessories such as seats and safety grab bars. Along the same lines, Moen has introduced accessories that enhance bathroom safety, without marring the client’s personal design sensibility. The company’s corner shower shelving unit, for example, appears to be a simple, stylish storage solution, yet it can support up to 180 kg, so it works as a grab bar. “More than half of consumers are at retirement age,” Scott says. “They’re looking to install these safety products because even if they feel they won’t need them today, they don’t want to wait for the day they slip and fall and wish they had something to help them.”

Clean lines, sharp style Focusing on style, homeowners want their bathrooms to look simple and sleek, akin to the clean, edgy designs that many hotel bathrooms exhibit. “We see a continued movement toward a more modern design coming in part from the hospitality market, which has been shifting in that direction, and also from the millennial generation,” says Pfister brand manager Danyel Tiefenbacher. He notes that people in their 20s and 30s “want to live downtown. They are interested in urban revival and infill. They have a more minimalist style.” Homeowners also increasingly expect their bathrooms to operate as personal

havens of comfort, says Adrienne Fedorowich, an award winning registered interior designer and principal at Studio 2.0 Interior Consultants. “Everybody’s lives are extremely busy. It’s nice to have a space to retreat into without paying extra to go to the spa.” As a retreat, the bathroom might feature a large shower stall, a heated floor and a standalone tub situated closer to the middle of the room as a showpiece. Such a layout would call for a floor-mounted tub filler, which is a lot of work to install. Recognizing the need for a simplified solution, Moen introduced tub fillers that are easy to mount. These fillers are particularly strong, too, which is important. As Scott points out, many people hold onto the filler when they enter and exit the tub. Notably, the trend toward standalone tubs coincides with a move toward large shower stalls that feature numerous heads, glass partitions and trench drains that do away with the need for a tiled sill to keep water from flowing out of the stall. In fact, many modern bathrooms have no tubs at all. “If you put a bench in the shower area, or if you install body sprays or a steam shower, you get that extra level of relaxation without having to use a tub,” Fedorowich points out. Tubs have their place, though. “My philosophy is you need one tub somewhere in the house for resale purposes.” Otherwise the home may prove impractical for potential buyers. Resale is an important consideration. Homeowners recover between 60 to 100% of bathroom renovation costs when they sell their homes. On the other side of the coin, un-renovated bathrooms could cost homeowners substantially when it is time to put the for-sale sign on the lawn. “If a potential buyer sees an outdated bathroom, they see dollar bills,” Fedorowich says. “They wonder how much it will cost to fix.”

Good market for bathroom contractors The bathroom-renovation market offers plenty of opportunities for contractors. “We are seeing two different types of bathroom,” notes Scott. “One is a smaller footprint, which is what you are seeing in multi-family dwellings and condominiums. The other end of the scale is people either trading up their homes, or they have a long-term vision of living in the home they have and they want to make the bathroom space most useful for their purposes. They are looking to change the configuration of the bathroom or make it larger where possible.” As a contractor, you would be wise to keep these potential markets in mind when advertising your services and when talking to clients about their project plans. Just as importantly, you should remember that style, innovative plumbing and consideration for the homeowner’s future requirements are absolute musts if you want your next bathroom renovation to truly sparkle.

Five budget bathroom upgrades

Alas, sometimes clients simply lack the finances for full-scale bathroom renovations. Those situations need not be complete losses for you and your business, however. Consider recommending to cash-strapped customers some of these low-budget options. Who knows? You might land at least a small job from this list. You might even increase your clout as a stand-up contractor who is willing to help clients work with a small budget. MATCH ACCESSORIES - Towel bars, light fixtures and a medicine cabinet of similar style combine to make the bathroom seem unified and stylish. COORDINATE COLOUR - Paint the walls, ceiling and maybe even the floor to highlight the room’s architectural features. Update the vanity with a new hue. CHANGE THE TRIM - Consider something like Pfister’s Universal trim, which works with eight different types of valves, so you can update the look of faucets and handles without breaking walls to replace valves as well.

PHOTO: MAAX

INSTALL CROWN MOULDING - This simple addition gives the bathroom a crisp update for very little money. ADD MOSAIC TILES - Use these small, colourful squares to bring life to the room without breaking the bank on high-end tiles.

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FEATURE

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

FEATURE

Curing PAINT Paralysis Contractors with décor trend knowledge put a high-gloss sheen on their reputation and as a result increase revenues.

PHOTO: BLACKSTONE EDGE STUDIOS, PARA

BY LAWRENCE CUMMER

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FEATURE

PHOTO: CIL

aced with a glut of colour choices, tones, sheens and a wide range of paint suppliers, interior paint selection can become a daunting task for consumers, one that can lock them into inaction, says Alison Goldman of Brand Manager for CIL at PPG Architectural Coatings Canada. Fortunately, it is an affliction that a contractor with the right experience and tools can help to cure. “We have based our entire marketing campaign around this issue of paint paralysis,” she says. “Homeowners decide they want to paint a room, and then become paralyzed with the thought of doing it wrong or picking the wrong colours. “Getting started is a huge hurdle for some people, and colour is the number one hurdle. At first it is so exciting then it can be so terrifying.” In fact, homeowners may need more help with colour selection than they do with the actual paint job, according to a country-wide survey of Canadian paint habits conducted by CIL. It found 44% of respondents found colour selection as the biggest challenge in painting projects, while only 34% said preparation was.

Still, traditional room choices are still top choices for a fresh coat. According to the survey, the most popular rooms painted by Canadians last year were bedrooms (24%), living and family rooms (23%) and kitchens (22%).

Colour matters Goldman suggests paint contractors stay up-to-date with current colour and style trends to best help such colour-stuck clients (See page 5). Like any fashion, style trends come and go, but walls tend to wear a trend slightly longer than red carpets and cat-

walks. She points contractors to magazines and online paint sites for inspiration and to find up-to-date style trends, but adds that their own work portfolio, and what the majority of homeowners are asking for, is likely the best source. After that, there is always gray. Canadians seem to love the neutral tones of gray and beige, and are currently leaning away from the latter, Goldman says. A 2013 poll of stores selling CIL showed that neutrals accounted for 65% of sales, with gray being the most requested colour (25%) followed by beige (22%).

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PHOTO: DULUX

Every year, paint brands have their internal colour gurus develop the coming year’s palette by referencing what is happening outside the paint industry in clothing fashions, automobile colours, architectural trends, etc. While one might think this can only add to a homeowner’s colour-overload and their resultant reticence, most sup-

pliers have implemented web tools to help. CIL, for example, this year launched a new online web visualizer tool to make the paint selection process easier. The tool allows users to apply paint from CIL’s palette to a range of bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens and living and dining areas in a “model home.”

Unlike many other online tools, the visualizer tool allows user to upload their own rooms to try different paint colour combinations, or pull colours from scanned in image to apply to walls on the users’ own rooms. While geared to homeowners, it is the sort of application that can help contractors better communicate a vision or work with homeowners to best understand their inspirations and needs. Technology is also helping professional painters with the job of colour selection. The Dulux Inspiration Device is a handheld tool that matches an existing paint or environment colour, whether a rock, fall leaf, wallpaper, fabric or flooring, with a precise match from the Dulux colour palette. The device even isolates colours in a multi-coloured pattern to identify the top four colours and match a complimentary colour scheme.

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Sheen Selections

Veteran painters know that the paint’s sheen, or gloss, is not just for appearance. The right one can extend the life of the paint job; the wrong one can have custumers calling back, and not with new business. Aesthetics does make a difference, but always consider the final use of the room or area, says Andrew Fedele, technical services manager at PARA Paints. This is especially true in commercial businesses and institutions, to which contractors may be more frequently called in to paint. “A house with a family of four is not going to see the abuse of a commercial office with 25 to 100 staff.”

Off the walls Contractors would do well to recognize a current trend involving the painting of wood cabinets that traditionally have been left uncovered. “We are getting a lot of people wanting to transition away from (plain) wood cabinets into painted cabinets,” Goldman says. “This is not slowing down.” There has been some reluctance around painting cabinets in the past due to concerns around the durability of the finish and homeowner fear of ruining an expensive kitchen element. Here even most DIY types are likely to call in an experienced contractor to make sure it is done perfect, she suggests. While Goldman, who recently gave her own kitchen cupboards, drawers and cabinets an all-white, durable finish, turned to professional painters to help, she has a few easy, never-fail tips for painting kitchen cupboards:

Even professional contractors will find it easier to remove the doors or drawers before painting. Labelling them will make putting them back faster too. In fact, Goldman suggests ensuring everything is fully dry by waiting at least four days before putting the doors and drawer fronts back, plus another couple of days before putting items back into the kitchen. Before putting items on painted shelves homeowners should wait at least three weeks for the paint to fully cure.

• Wash the elements to be painted with a grease-cutting cleaner. Kitchens can produce a lot of oily residue, as well as general wear and tear.

PHOTO: CIL

• Prime with a high adhesion, water-based alkyd emulsion primer. This is a situation where you may want to avoid an all-in-one painter primer for the durability needed for such a high-traffic room. • Wipe paint thinner onto the wood to ‘rough up’ the existing varnish and give the surfaces a light sanding with fine sandpaper if needed. • Paint two topcoats with a foam roller, cutting in any corners with a 50 mm angled brush.

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PHOTO: CIL, BLACKSTONE EDGE STUDIOS, PARA

Cutting VOCs Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, have been top-of-mind with many contractors and their customers when selecting paints for the past several years, but the industry has been driving these compounds out of their product for over a decade. In some cases manufacturers did this before they were required to by regulation or needed to eliminate oilbased paints, which are a heavy source of the toxic fumes that are VOCs. Today paint suppliers continuously look for ways to drive VOCs out of their products while at the same time adding durability to low-VOC paint to make it an easier choice for contractors with need in heavy-duty or high-trafficked areas, such as warehouses, institutions and offices. “At Dulux we spent many, many years developing and improving low-VOC paints,” says Sam Marinucci, manager of technical services for Ontario and Western Canada for Dulux at PPG Architectural Coatings Canada. “As early as 20 years ago we were manufacturing low-VOC paints; today we have low-VOC and no-VOC options.” Research and development needs to be the top priority for paint manufactures, according to Marinucci, and to that end Dulux is constantly looking at how to evolve the formula to incorporate more features into their paints, looking at new resins and aligning with new industry or colour trends. Andrew Fedele, technical services manager at PARA Paints, says different regions across North America place different demands on VOC reduction. The everlowering VOCs is a journey PARA Paint has been on for the past 15 to 18 years. The company’s first zero-VOC semi-gloss was developed to paint Ontario Housing complexes in the early 1990s, Fedele says. What has changed since those early days

Fedele’s quick tips:

• Sheens below eggshell are non-reflective, and so conceal surface imperfections better, but stains or marks are more easily noticed on these more flat paints. • Eggshell or higher sheens are smoother, more durable and safer to clean. • Latex paints containing 100% acrylic have greater durability but even still a high-sheen product with 100% acrylic base will outperform a lower-sheen version in the same family.

is the consumer awareness of VOCs, and re-engineering to add durability and, most recently, “shelf life.” Homeowners are now asking their painters (or paint providers) for products with reduced VOCs. This, of course, has helped drive costs down by as much as 30-50%. At the same time, while a decade ago, lowVOC alternatives were not as durable or resistant to wear, manufacturer R&D has

generally overcome this challenge. Still, for the longest time some VOCs were required to act almost as preservatives for the paint, meaning when they were removed a can of paint could go bad over the course of one year. It created a Catch 22 situation, according to Fedele. “You want to be environmentallyfriendly by removing VOCs, but at the same time, gallons of paint would become landfill or garbage because they went bad. What we are working on now is how to make sure that low-VOC product that you are not going to use immediately or that sits for a while has a shelf life like a typical higher VOC product.” Today it is better, but the low-VOC journey continues.

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FEATURE

Sticks Stones &

Ontario’s proposed Building

Code changes clear way for

mid-rise wooden buildings, but not everybody is happy.

PHOTO: SAIL

BY JOHN G. SMITH

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hings are looking up for those who prefer to build with wood. Ontario is poised to follow British Columbia and Quebec with Building Code changes that will allow wooden mid-rise structures to reach as high as six storeys beginning in January, compared to the four-floor limits which exist today. More than 250 such structures are already in design or construction in Canada’s westernmost province, which introduced its changes in 2009. Another handful of projects are underway in Quebec, following changes to its Charte du Bois (Charter of Wood) in 2013. The remaining provinces are expected to adopt similar changes to the national code, coming late in 2015. “The truth about building with wood is that it is safe, costs less, is versatile, meets code and has a lighter environmental 38

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

impact,” said Michael Giroux, president of the Canadian Wood Council, when unveiling the group’s WoodFacts promotional campaign. “It is incredibly important for Canadians across a wide spectrum to understand these facts, particularly as we find the construction industry evolving and incorporating new and exciting wood technologies into buildings.” Several lobby groups representing builders, including the Ontario Home Builders’ Association, the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD), and the Residential Construction Council of Ontario, have all lined up to support the taller heights. For its part, BILD commissioned Unlocking the Potential for MidRise Buildings: Six Storey Structures, which concluded the taller buildings would help Toronto-area cities prepare for the 100,000 people and 50,000 jobs that arrive every year. This would largely be made possible

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

by allowing commercial or retail uses on lower floors, promoting wooden structures as an option along arterial roads and for in-fill projects. There are limits, of course. The Ontario changes would restrict building heights to 18 m from the first floor, and ensure the top floor is within 20 m from a fire access route, reflecting the height of fire ladders and hoses. The “made in Ontario” model will also require 10% of the perimeter be within 15 m of a street that provides fire service access. Under the proposals, a six-storey midrise wood building with residential space will be capped at 1,500 m2, or 25% of the size allowed for a non-combustible building. Those without any residential space can be as large as 3,000 m2, or 42% of the building area for a non-combustible option. Several other proposed Building Code changes are specifically included

PHOTO: WWW.NATURALLYWOOD.COM

to address fire risks. Non-combustible stairwells will need a fire-resistance rating of at least 1.5 hours, while enhanced sprinklers will need to cover balconies and decks. Even though the sprinkler heads are outside, the risk of freezing is addressed by keeping the pipes empty before the water is actually required. There will also need to be access to more water for firefighting, while 5th and 6th floors will need to be clad in non-combustible material, and 25% of exterior perimeters must face a street. Changes to the 2015 Model Fire Code are to include related changes such as the need for fencing to prevent unauthorized access, and controlled storage of combustible material and ignition sources. Other technical changes include everything from structural design changes to accounting for factors such as settling and shrinking; anchor clips

for exterior maintenance like window washing; and increased structural loads. Some groups feel the restrictions do not go far enough. A war of words involving press releases and legislative briefs has emerged between the wood industry and those representing other building products. Among those arguing that the taller heights are premature are the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction, the Canadian Steel Producers Association, Canadian Welding Association, Canadian Concrete Masonry Producers Association, St. Mary’s Cement, Ready Mixed Concrete Association of Ontario, MasonryWorx, and Cement Association of Canada. A brief they collectively prepared through the Ontario Coalition for Fair Construction Practices placed a particular focus on safety. It cited high-profile fires which included the helicopter rescue of a crane operator in Kingston, Ont. “The tragic loss of senior citizens in January 2014 [through the massive fire at a L’Isle-Verte, Quebec nursing home] demonstrates how dangerous these buildings can be in operation, and how many lives can be put at risk as a result,” they said. “Political interference in the established code development process is an unnecessary and potentially dangerous route,” they added, citing private members bills by Nipissing MPP Vic Dedeli and Thunder Bay MPP Bill Mauro. “We understand that governments want to support domestic forestry interests, but there are other appropriate ways of accomplishing this. All construction materials should compete in a fair and open marketplace. We do not believe it is the government’s role to favour one type of building materials over others in public construction.”

The group also raised the risk of “building envelope breaches” which can open a path for water, mold and mildew. “In British Columbia, it is estimated that the wood frame course of construction insurance rates run significantly higher per month [depending on fire protection] in comparison to concrete construction rates,” its brief noted. “Even when completed with a fully functional sprinkler system, it is noted that the rates are still considerably higher for wood frame than for concrete.” Collectively, they are pushing for the changes to be deferred until after the 2015 changes to the national building code. “Bill 13 represents a blatant aim to boost the wood industry at the expense of citizens’ safety,” the coalition insists. “There needs to be discussion about what risks Ontarians are willing to be exposed to when it comes to the construction standards set for the buildings that we live and work in.” “Sticks and stones,” Giroux told Contractor Advantage, referring to attacks questioning the safety of wood as a building product. His association went so far as to issue a press release that called the arguments a “cheap shot.” The opposing arguments were somewhat diluted this February by the release of research into the fire risks associated with different building types. The University of the Fraser Valley in British Columbia’s Fire Outcomes in Residential Fires by General Construction Type found no real difference between steel, concrete or wooden structures in terms of fire, death or injuries when the buildings were equipped with sprinkler systems and smoke alarms.

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persuade policy makers to look at wood as the first option when creating such buildings under public works projects. Taller mid-rise wood buildings are not the last of a move to promote taller heights, either. The Canada Wood Council’s taller building program is drawing attention to the potential for projects up to 20 floors high. Countries such as Australia, Germany, Italy, England and Norway, have found ways to use Cross Laminated Timber to reach its tall heights. A ninestorey apartment building was created in London in 2009, adding to a seven-storey structure in Sweden, and a 10-storey ver-

sion in Australia. In Canada, the tallest version is the University of Northern British Columbia’s new Wood Innovation and Design Centre in downtown Prince George. At 27.5 m, created with Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) floors and ceilings, it is even the tallest contemporary wood structure in North America. The staircase from the ground level to the mezzanine is made with Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL). “We have the products and building systems now. It is just a matter of introducing the innovation into the Canadian market,” Giroux says. The possibilities continue to grow.

PHOTO: WWW.NATURALLYWOOD.COM

Increasing awareness of the Fire Code, which informs how provinces adopt and enforce such rules, will help to improve the safety practices on construction sites, Giroux adds. As popular as the buildings could become in urban areas, opening new markets for pre-panelizers and modular builders, there are limits to where the wooden mid-rise structures will appear. Just because the Code guides such projects does not mean that they will be sprouting up in every community. “Killaloe, Ontario, population 800, is not going to build one of these,” Giroux says, noting how a tiny, isolated community would likely lack the construction equipment to create one. “It is a new construction choice for cities and areas within cities that are on transit routes, where urban intensification is important.” Concrete, steel and other options also remain. “You have people that have preferences to other materials,” Giroux admits. “At the end of the day, it is the discretion of each municipality to make decisions that are best suited for their communities.” That said, wood is an attractive option in several ways. A mid-rise building made of wood can be constructed for 10-15% less than the cost of a concrete and masonry alternative. There is also a move to

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FEATURE

Dynamics Grow your business through trade associations, networking groups. BY JOHN G. SMITH

BNI Canada Business Network Canada (BNI) networking groups are built on a structured referral program, with each member carrying the other members’ business cards. There are more than 285 chapters across Canada, most of which are in major communi42

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CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

ties. It also offers a certain level of exclusivity, since each chapter allows only one person per business category. www.bnicanada.ca

Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors Seven provincial groups of home inspectors, collectively including more than 1,400 members, are represented on the national stage by the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors. Benefits of membership include publications, educational seminars, and conferences, while a related designation “is the best evidence of an inspector’s competence and professionalism,” the association says. www.cahpi.ca

Canadian Association of Women in Construction Originally founded as a Toronto chapter of the U.S.-based National Association of Women in Construction, the Canadian group was established in 2005 and includes women employed in construction and related fields. Its core objectives include leadership, mentorship, membership and partnership. It has connected through initiatives such as the Habitat for Humanity Women Build, and also offers connections for work wear, accommodations, and other targeted benefits. There are seminars, bursaries, and career days alike. www.cawic.ca

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce Membership in a local chamber of commerce or board of

PHOTO: THINKSTOCK

uilding a business can be just as challenging as building a home. Ask any successful contractor. Each goal requires a clear plan, the right information and a strong team. When it comes to building the business, all three requirements can be met by joining and participating in a carefully selected association. Formal associations have plenty to offer independent contractors, ranging from networking opportunities to recognition programs, educational events and cost savings. Choose a group wisely, and membership can offer a stamp of approval to show potential customers, potentially creating a competitive advantage during a bidding process. Information about changing rules or other best practices emerge through everything from conferences to training sessions and informal discussions. In fact, some of the groups are actively involved in establishing widely adopted industry standards. As valuable as such groups can be, there is only so much money and time to invest. Every membership comes at a price in terms of dues, and the true value only emerges when contractors actively participate in related events and activities. Groups need to be selected wisely. Consider the following options as organizations, listed in alphabetical order, which could help enhance your business and meet long-term goals.

trade helps to address challenges that are common to any business. The related support includes information about best practices, insight into changing government regulations, and a powerful voice for Canadian business. Many members also offer discounts to fellow members, and the savings do not end there. The Chambers Group Insurance Plan provides pooled workplace benefits to owner-managed businesses that might not otherwise be able to afford such support on their own. The plan can never be cancelled as long as premiums are paid. It has 25,000 participating companies. www.chamber.ca

Canadian Construction Association The national voice for Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s construction industry represents those who build industrial, institutional, commercial, or civil engineering projects. As an umbrella group for 70 partner associations, it has 17,000 members. It focuses on such things as labour supply and training, infrastructure investment, awareness of environmental issues, public-private partnerships, increasing global competition, and new technology. It has also developed several standard documents. Its industry guides offer information on everything from financing to insurance, improving cash flow and reducing solid waste. www.cca-acc.com

Canadian Electrical Contractors Association This federation represents the interests of more than 8,000 electrical contractors. Membership itself is secured by joining provincial and territorial electrical contractor groups. Available

discounts are available on everything from workplace benefits to RRSPs and a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. www.ceca.org

Canadian Federation of Independent Business The Canadian Federation of Independent Business advocates for an array of tax, legal and regulatory issues. It also offers information about a long list of business issues such as employment standards, wage requirements and succession planning. Member savings and benefits currently include discounts for services such as credit card processing and insurance. www.cfib-fcei.ca

Canadian Decorators Association The Canadian Decorators Association offers networking opportunities, training and professional development, as well as information through magazines, newsletters and a directory. Most of its 500 members are interior decorators who graduated from college programs. Affiliate offers are also available. www.cdeca.com

Canadian Home Builders Association In residential construction, one of the leading networks comes in the form of the Canadian Home Builders Association, which represents everyone from new home builders to renovators, trade contractors, and developers. The group offers business and technical knowledge to run a business, as well as technical advice. www.chba.ca CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

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Canadian Masonry Contractors Association This group, established in 1967, represents contractors who work with masonry units. On top of promoting masonry construction projects, it also hosts educational and research work. Its Textbook of Canadian Masonry covers topics ranging from concrete products to chimneys and from new construction to cleaning masonry. www.canadamasonrycentre.com

group now represents 80 contractors and 30 suppliers who employ more than 10,000 members of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades and the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. www.isca.ca

Ontario General Contractors Association

This national association offers a voice to landscaping businesses as well as nurseries and garden centres. In addition to networking opportunities, there are chances to be certified for a variety of specialties, and to keep up to date on industry research. Membership is secured through a participating provincial association. www.canadanursery.com

Members of the Ontario General Contractors Association sign a Contractor’s Code of Ethics, and join a network of 217 peers. Support includes such things as help in the bidding process, bulletins, health and safety training, legal advice, and alerts for tender opportunities. Its Chairman’s Award and Jock Tindale Memorial Award recognize those who demonstrate ethics and integrity, and contribute to the general contracting industry. www.ogca.ca

Canadian Roofing Contractors’ Association

Progressive Contractors Association

The Canadian Roofing Contractors’ Association advocates on several industry issues through a technical advisory committee and associate members committee. It has also established alliances with the Canadian Construction Association, the National Trade Contractors Coalition of Canada, and the National Roofing Contractors Association. Its library of reference material includes manuals for preventive maintenance, roofing specifications, along with technical and advisory bulletins. The Ottawa office also includes technical staff. Its ROOFTech exposition is the biggest exposition and forum on roofing systems and technology. The Roofing Canada Award recognizes members for workmanship, innovation, and service to their community and industry alike. Affinity programs come through partnerships with suppliers such as Choice Hotels, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, National Car Rental, and Enterprise Fleet Management. www.roofingcanada.com

Members of the Progressive Contractors Association collectively employ more than 25,000 skilled construction workers. It offers advocacy, labour management advice, networking advice and other support. Advisory services offer insight into everything from labour relations to Temporary Foreign Workers. www.pcac.ca

Canadian Urethane Foam Contractors Association

Thermal Insulation Association of Canada

In addition to listing contractors licensed through the SPF Quality Assurance Program, developed using ISO 9002 principles, this group also has certified inspectors who can examine projects to ensure they conform with job specifications. Technical support and regional meetings are also available. www.cufca.ca

Contractors join this group directly or through an affiliate provincial contractor association, depending on the province. Benefits include copies of the TIAC Times magazine, a listing in the membership directory, and discounts through a group purchase plan. www.tiac.ca

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association

Terrazzo Tile and Marble Association of Canada (TTMAC-ACTTM) This association includes those who install terrazzo, tile and stone products, as well as fabricating and marble shops. The benefits of membership include information through Hardsurfaces magazine, the On the Surface electronic newsletter and a technical library. Installation guidelines are a popular topic for seminars. www.ttmac.com

Service clubs Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada This group represents more than 1,300 heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration manufacturers, wholesalers and contractors. The benefits of membership include preferred rates for credits cards, group insurance and fuel, among other things. It also publishes the names of those pre-screened as having relevant trade licences, technical certifications, and insurance. www.hrai.ca

Interior Systems Contractors Association of Ontario Originally known as the Drywall Association of Ontario, this

At first glance, it may seem strange to include service clubs such as Rotary, Lions or Kiwanis in a list of business associations, but each offers undeniable networking opportunities in addition to the chance to support good works. With a motto of “service above self,” Rotary’s work includes a commitment to eradicating polio. Lions Clubs are promoted as the world’s largest service club organization, with a focus on local communities. The Kiwanis motto is “serving the children of the world.” No matter what group you join, remember that a membership card and directory listing are not enough to ensure success. The true rewards emerge by actively participating in the meetings and events. Think of membership like any other investment in your business. The more you contribute, the greater the potential returns. CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

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Moulding makeover made perfect FEATURE

Looking for inspirations and lessons from beautiful heritage homes of the past can help you when dealing with the moulding jobs of today. BY NESTOR E. ARELLANO

o rip or restore: it is a critical dilemma that crops up often in home renovation projects. Mike Spence, who together with his partner Jocelyn Latter runs the Bracebridge, Ont.-based Heritage Wood and Stone (HWS) building restoration business, recalls when they were working on a project involving a Queen Anne-style home that had been turned into two separate apartments. The new owners of the building wanted the heritage home transformed back into a single-family building. “As we began to open up the wall be46

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tween the main foyer and the living room, we uncovered the home’s original French doors hidden within the wall, with the door’s key still hanging on the door knob,” says Spence. “The homeowners where thrilled about the find.” The contractor who did the original renovation apparently valued the history and craftsmanship he saw in the house. He had taken care to preserve the French doors and accompanying trim work by building the new wall around when it would have been just as easy to simply rip the doors out. “The contractor clearly had respect for the original features of the home,” Spence says. “Even though he was hired to alter the

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

original use of the space, he saw that this was not the final purpose of the home.” While many contractors are unlikely to encounter a project just like Spence’s, those tackling typical moulding installation projects could learn a bit from the example set. You may help your clients more with less of a rip-and-replace outlook, according to Phil Johnson of Phil the Painter Renovations, another heritage home restoration firm in Kingston, Ont. Historic millwork often exhibits exceptional craftsmanship that can prove instructional for today’s contractors. By learning some of the installation and finishing techniques developed by restoration experts, contractors can augment

FEATURE

Today’s arches and columns provide an element of drama to some modern homes, but contractors should keep in mind large arches and massive columns will likely overwhelm a small room. “By using elements of form and proportion, mouldings can direct the human eye and alter our perception of space,” says Peter Branidis, Ontario director of sales for moulding and home finishing company, Metrie. “For example, using long, vertical panels in a room can make a wall appear to be taller; while linear chair rails tend to elongate a wall and make a room look larger.” Decorative millwork, such as ceiling panels, crown moulding and ceiling medallions draw attention upwards and can emphasize the height of cathedral ceilings.

Material matters

PHOTO: METRIE

their existing skill, Johnson says. Paying attention to history can pay dividends in the future. “Basic things such as identifying which period style of moulding will bring out the best of a certain room, and which trim can be restored and which should be replaced, will not only help homeowners save money but also increase their enjoyment of their home. That is something likely to result in repeat business for the contractor,” he adds.

Historic beginnings Today’s interior trim are largely aesthetic, but there was a time when they actually served practical purposes. Being familiar

with the origins of certain interior moulding features can only help contractors better understand how they should be installed. For instance, chair rails were originally conceived to protect walls from being damaged by chairs. Baseboards were installed to protect the bottom of walls from being scuffed by shoes, while window and door trim were meant to keep insects and daft from entering the home. As their names imply, picture rails and plate rails were meant to hold these household items. Elaborately carved corbels, arches and stately columns gracing the facades or rooms of many heritage buildings actually serve to support the weight above them.

Plaster and stucco allow for many intricately carved and moulded designs, and their sturdiness enables them to be used outside the home as well. However, plaster and stucco can be heavy materials and are not easy to install. Many heritage home restorers can be adamant about using the correct period materials and style, but in instances where historical accuracy is not essential contractors can resort to several alternatives. Manufacturers today are able to replicate the attractive designs found in plaster and stucco using lighter and cheaper materials, such as solid wood, MDF and synthetics. Expect to pay around $3/ft. to more than $6/ft. for solid wood. Many moulding suppliers carry a wide range of hardwood and softwood species. For example, Alexandria Moulding offers products in American poplar, clear and knotty, white pine, red oak, hard maple, cherry and walnut, according to Marianne Thompson, vice-president of sales for the company. Many homeowners tend to gravitate towards species like cherry, maple and oak, because they stain well and show off beautiful grain when finished properly, Thompson says. Apart from these popular choices, Alexandria also carries products made from ash, birch, douglas fir, hemlock, alder, mahogany and white oak.

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PHOTO: ALEXANDRIA MOULDING

While solid wood is prized for its natural beauty, a large number of installation projects today involve medium density fibreboard (MDF). Priced at only about $0.60/ft. it is easy to understand why. Metrie manufactures and distributes solid wood and composite wood moulding products, but many of its new products are made from MDF, according to Jon Dickinson, senior director of national accounts and business development. “A lot of contractors and homeowners like MDF because it comes pre-primed and ready to paint, is available in a variety of styles ranging from the traditional to more modern look, is easy to install and sells for a fraction of what solid wood costs,” Dickinson says. Vinyl or PVC moulding products are available pre-finished in a variety of colours and cost around $3/ft.; however, low price and a wide-ranging palette are not their only advantages. “Vinyl is moisture and mildew resistant, they will outlast traditional wood or MDF moulding,” says Angelo Sudano, vice-president of marketing and

product development at Plastibec Inc., “This makes them the perfect moulding material for kitchens and bathrooms where moisture can damage wood and MDF.” Unlike wood moulding that needs to be nailed down, vinyl can be installed with adhesive making them ideal for cement walls which could otherwise be damaged by nails. “Plastibec has a pre-finished interior vinyl faux-wood collection,” Sudano says. “It comes in a variety of colours with variegation, so that it looks like wood but has all the advantages of vinyl, such as little- to no-maintenance requirements and no need to stain or paint. Contractors can install it in half the time it takes to install wood or MDF moulding.”

Recreating history For many restorers research forms the backbone of any project. “You need to find out what moulding style was used in the building or was popular during that era. You need to determine what materials were being used CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

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and how they were finished by craftsmen of that time,” Johnson says. “You cannot just replace mahogany with MDF or tear down the plaster wall of a heritage home and replace it with drywall.” The typical projects for most contractors might not come with such constraints, but the restorer’s emphasis on research can certainly be adopted even for modern day installations. For example, contractors should take the time to find out what sort of mood or atmosphere their clients intend to achieve. Contractors also need to determine what sort of moulding profile to use so that various pieces such as baseboards, door and window trim and fireplace surround do not clash. Thankfully, more manufacturers now make it easier to pick out trim pieces that provide a unified look. For example, some companies sell exterior and interior door trim that include casing and header pieces in the same style or profile. Plastibec’s wainscot kits have wainscots in the same pattern but in varying sizes to provide contractors with the trim style they want in the proportion they need. Alexandria Moulding’s Urban M Collection features primed MDF with a smooth contemporary profile. Metrie offers five coordinated moulding collections inspired by different architectural styles. The pieces are designed to work with most decorating styles and trends. For example, their Fashion Forward collection features moulding with simple, classic straight lines ideal for

chic and contemporary rooms. Metrie’s French Curves collection is drawn to sculptural curves reminiscent of the Baroque and Empire periods. Finished in white, the pieces reflect a shabby chic feel, but when covered with a dark stain, the pieces lean towards French Country.

Best practices Damaged trim does not always need to

be replaced. The default reaction many restorers have when dealing with damaged moulding is to determine how the fixture can be saved “whether it is semiprecious wood like cherry or even lowquality pine,” says Spence. HWS does custom runs to replace missing or damaged pieces, but many types of repairs can also be accomplished with Epoxy glue.

PHOTO: PLASTIBEC INC., METRIE

HERE ARE A FEW MORE POINTERS: • Start installation and finishing with the most visible part of the room; usually the area right across from the door. • Do not forget your coping saw. Inside joints should be coped, not mitered to achieve a tight-fitting joint that will stay intact regardless of material expansion or contraction. • Make sure you have a sliding t-bevel on hand to duplicate an existing angle. • Have a good working relationship with custom shops. They can come in handy when you need help in reproducing or matching a certain trim. • If you are removing trim that has to be reinstalled, handle it with care. Use less force and rely on flat bars or putty knives for prying the material. Protect walls and floors from damage. Always draw a map to show

where you took the pieces from. • Avoid using steel wool or wire brushes to scrape off paint from trim as these can damage the surface. • Before finishing or painting an unprimed surface, be sure to fill in and then sand smooth imperfections such as nail holes, scratches, dents and gauges. • If the project involves a designated heritage building, make sure you are aware of the regulations and restrictions around making changes. Also, make sure the communication lines with the owner are clear, suggests Spence. “Always understand the priorities of the owner or person overseeing the restoration. Is it their goal to preserve, restore or rehabilitate?” CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

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FEATURE

Gypsum

INNOVATIONS Design CHANGES IN DRYWALL MAY COME SLOWLY, BUT THEY ARE SHOWING THEMSELVES IN IMPROVED PERFORMANCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL-FRIENDLINESS. BY DAVID CHILTON SAGGERS

PHOTO: THINKSTOCK

he arm-deadening trade that was plastering has gone the way of the coach maker and the telegraph operator. Some holdouts may be found here and there, applying wet plaster to wall or ceiling, but generally it has returned to the subspecialty of decorative plastering found in Georgian mansions in Britain, ancient villas in Italy or their New World replicas. The reason for the trade’s virtual disappearance is drywall. It is cheaper and quicker to use; installation for an entire house might take a few days, whereas plastering the same could take more than a week. These large smooth boards are usually 4’ x 8’ and ½” thick, although some drywall used for ceilings is a little thicker. They are easy to install, finish and paint, and they provide support for even weighty wall hangings, as long as the right anchor or toggle is used. Drywall, also called, variously, plasterboard, wallboard and gypsum board, comprises about 90% gypsum and about 10% paper facing and backing. The gypsum is

mixed wet, wrapped in heavy paper then dried in a kiln, which means it emerges semi-rigid if rather porous. Like every other construction material drywall comes in a variety of finishes. Broadly speaking, Level 0 product can be used in temporary construction jobs with no taping or finishing required. Level 1 board requires more finishing, but tape and fastener heads do not have to be covered with joint compound, for example, and typically this sort of drywall installation is used in non-public places such as attics. Level 2 finish is usually used in storage areas, for example, where there are no pedestrians. Levels 3, 4 and 5 require more exacting installation, and it is Level 5 that would be most familiar to householders and contractors. At this highest level drywall is typically found in living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms and so on. As well as these various levels of finish, it should be noted that the same finish standards apply in Canada and the U.S., and different types of drywall are manufactured with different strengths

Talk

Steve Meima is the new executive director of the Gypsum Association based in Hyattsville, Md., a suburb of Washington, D.C. The association represents member firms in Canada and the U.S. Q. Drywall is a mature product. Is there anything that can be done to improve it technically? A. Our members are innovating all the time. They are innovating in terms of sheeting applications; they are innovating in terms of impact and abuse of products; they are innovating on mold, moisture resistance and acoustics. Innovations are happening regularly. Sometimes it is just iterations of a particular level of performance that has been reached, then taking a little bit further. You do not necessarily have major breakthroughs regularly, but you always have innovation.

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Q. What about acoustical innovation, for example? A. With sound, it just needs a proper strategy to mitigate it. The strategy includes gypsum board, and it includes insulation. You can get it to a level where you have enhancements in a sound mitigating system, whereby you have resilient channels and you have yourself a good sound rating. If you are going to have any passages of air, open doors, you compromise your system. Q. What about the recycling? There is a company here that will take drywall from demolition sites and recycle it; that which can be reused, as long as it does not have asbestos in it. What is happening on that front? A. Our members’ scrap board in their plants goes right back into the production process. When it comes to new scrap there are a lot of complications, such as impurities have to be tested for. The economics have to be there. There has to be an infrastructure in place to address all of those complications. In terms of new construction, cutting down the amount of scrap that is produced on site could also be part of this strategy to minimize what has to be recycled. Of course, we all want to see less scrap, but there is always going to be some to contend with. The challenge, from the liability standpoint, is not introducing impurities into the recycling process. Certainly in areas where there is remodeling, more than new construction, I think you would run up against that more than anything else. In manufacturing facilities, I know, recycling scrap board has been a longstanding practice. I am sure we will get to routine recycling, but like a lot of innovations it is going to take time. Q. As well as cutting down on scrap, is there anything else that the industry is doing to recycle and reduce environmental impacts? A. Increasingly, fly ash (from coal-fired power plants) is repurposed and processed to meet the new customer’s needs, so it goes into concrete and is further processed to create drywallgrade FDG gypsum. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. 54

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in mind. Board can and has been developed for mold resistance, fire resistance and sound mitigating, to name just three features. Another is a still relatively new product called Air Renew from CertainTeed Gypsum. Angie Day, marketing manager for CertainTeed, says that the first Air Renew Essential drywall, which appeared in 2010, was a “game changer” in an industry that tends to see incremental change and whose products are placed in a “commodity bucket.” “It is the only drywall product in North America that absorbs formaldehyde,” Day says. “Formaldehyde is type of VOC (volatile organic compound), a subset of that category, and it will absorb anything in that family. The reason we designed it that way is because formaldehyde is the biggest producer of VOCs inside the home.” Day says a lot of people tend to think of building materials when it comes to off-gassing, but they overlook everyday consumer products such as particle board furniture, carpets, and, ironically, air-fresheners, that emit significant amounts of VOCs. CertainTeed’s board uses a proprietary additive to turn the VOCs into a safe compound. As well as Air Renew Essential, the company has added three other products to the Air Renew lineup. They all absorb VOCs, but also have other qualities such as impact resistance. At the moment, Day goes on to say, her company is in a wellreceived communications and education phase about these products. After all, she says, everyone’s home is getting tighter and tighter, so her company’s VOC-absorbing drywall represents “smart indoor air quality design.” Certainteed is not just tooting its own horn, either. The new products have been validated by independent third parties, and Day notes that at retail they sell for just a couple of dollars more than standard drywall. Despite the generic name “drywall” there is a “wet” component to installing the board: joint compound. Skilled drywallers will have their own preferences about what compound to use, but a ready-mixed compound often makes sense as it is more forgiving of any mistakes made during its application, and will not dry out unless left for a long time. It is also the most commonly used

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for new or remodelled homes, taking just three or four coats for completion to paint-ready. The first two coats should be applied more thickly, and the last one (or two) more sparingly as it applied to smooth out imperfections. The three main types of ready-mixed compound are all-purpose, lightweight and dust control. The first sands to a smooth finish and resists dents and scratches; the second requires less effort to sand but does not produce such a smooth surface; and the third produces heavier dust particles during sanding that tend to fall to the ground rather than remain airborne. All can be used to finish joints, corners, trim and fasteners, but they must be used at temperatures above 13°C, and should not be allowed to freeze. For the less skilled at drywall, selfadhesive tape is recommended, as it can be stuck directly to bare drywall so when wet compound is applied it can be pushed through holes in the tape. At some point drywall needs to be replaced, and then recycling enters the picture. Boards used to go straight to landfill, but that is not always the case now. Unwanted drywall can be recycled, just as manufacturing and site scrap are. Steve Meima, executive director of the Gypsum Association, says of course the economics need to be there when it comes to recycling product from demolitions, and impurities have to be removed. One such impurity is asbestos, a known carcinogen. It is no longer used in the manufacture of drywall in Canada, but older boards being scrapped may contain it. Joint compound that contains asbestos has not been manufactured since the 1980s. Still, however much cleaner the new boards and joint compounds are, it is still recommended that any installers use respirators. A further health concern is Chinesemade drywall that has been found to be toxic. It gives off hydrogen sulphide, hydrogen dioxide and other gases when humidity makes it off-gas and can create problems such as dizziness, insomnia and fatigue. Between 2001 and 2007 almost a million square metres of the defective boards were imported into Canada, with much of it used in B.C.’s Lower Mainland. Householder and contractor alike would do well to ensure they are not buying or using faulty product.

Alexandria Moulding introduces Moulding by Design, a selection of mouldings classified by popular design styles. Each moulding has been carefully selected to help you achieve your desired look.

To view our moulding options for each style, scan the QR code.

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