Ontario Home Builder - Summer 2015 by Ontario Home Builder

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT CONTINUES TO INSPIRE TODAY’S NEW HOME DESIGNS P.48 BALANCING GREENSPACE AND THE GROWTH PLAN P.78

HOW TO TAKE WASTE MANAGEMENT TO THE NEXT LEVEL P.66

WHY SIX PEOPLE BOUGHT NEW BUILDS AND WHY FIVE DIDN’T P.56

NEXT GEN WHO WILL FILL THE INCREASING VOID OF ONTARIO’S TRADES? MEET FIVE NEWCOMERS WHO ARE STEPPING TO THE FORE PM 42011539

OHBA.CA SUMMER 2015 | $5.00

Cody Malloch of Malloch Construction

Thank you for helping us build a more energy efficient Ontario. Alliance Homes

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CONTENTS

38 Trading Futures Who will fill the coming void? Here are five stepping to the fore

48 The Wright Stuff Fifty-six years after his passing, an architectural genius continues to inspire

56 New or Used? Purchasers of new builds and resales reveal what drew them in...and pushed them away

66 Waste of an Opportunity?

How to embrace the more efficient use and recycling of materials

72 Give Me a Signal Are you wiring your homes for an increasingly WiFi future?

78 Solving the Puzzle

The many parts involved in connecting greenspace and future development

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT CONTINUES TO INSPIRE TODAY’S NEW HOME DESIGNS P.48 BALANCING GREENSPACE AND THE GROWTH PLAN P.78

HOW TO TAKE WASTE MANAGEMENT TO THE NEXT LEVEL P.66

WHY SIX PEOPLE BOUGHT NEW BUILDS AND WHY FIVE DIDN’T P.56

NEXT GEN

OHBA.CA SUMMER 2015 | $5.00

Cody Malloch of Malloch Construction

WHO WILL FILL THE INCREASING VOID OF ONTARIO’S TRADES? MEET FIVE NEWCOMERS WHO ARE STEPPING TO THE FORE

9 One Voice By Joe Vaccaro

What will Ontario look like in 2041? We will all have a say 11 Ontario Report OHBA Annual Conference and Awards of Distinction head to beautiful Deerhurst Resort, Habitat for Humanity gets a woman’s touch, Learn Your Living schedule and Niagara HBA turns 60

PM 42011539

ON THE COVER

17 Health & Safety

Cody Malloch of Malloch Construction. Photo by Mike Watier.

Check out your new digs in advance of the MOL safety blitz

ohba.ca

By Mark Elias

21 Marketing

By Andrew Guido

Is it time for your company to rebrand? 23 Technology By Ted McIntyre

There are 50 shades of shades when it comes to glass technology 25 Human Capital By Frank Feldman

Drawing up contracts for custom builds 31 Top Shelf From compact fridges to mitre saws, the latest in home builder and renovator gear

87 Better Building Proper shoring techniques, a battery for your home, self-healing concrete, accessibility tax credit and a new construction health and safety plan 95 Product Focus

By Dan O’Reilly

As superficial as it sounds, that first impression of curb appeal can make a lasting impression on prospective buyers 102 Outside the Box By Avi Friedman

Could we build homes in factories?

ONTARIO HOME BUILDER SUMMER 2015

The official publication of the Ontario Home Builders’ Association Summer 2015 | Vol. 31 Issue 4

EDITOR

Ted McIntyre ted@laureloak.ca

IF YOU WORSHIP FOOD

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Norma Kimmins, OHBA

WE’VE BUILT YOU A TEMPLE.

ART DIRECTOR

Erik Mohr COPY EDITOR

Barbara Chambers CONTRIBUTORS

Mark Elias, Frank Feldman, Avi Friedman, Andrew Guido, Stephen Hamilton, Marc Huminilowycz, Dan O’Reilly, Samantha Over, Kathryn Segal, Jordan Tovell, Joe Vaccaro PHOTOGRAPHY

Mike Watier PRESIDENT

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Ontario Home Builder is published six times per year (Winter, Spring, Renovation, Summer, Fall, Awards). All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher © 2015. For address corrections please email info@laureloak. ca or Phone: (905) 333-9432. Single copy price is $5.00. Subscription Rates: Canada $12.95 + HST per year, USA $29.95 USD.

GE Monogram is a trademark of General Electric Company. MC Commercial Inc. is a licensee.

Order online at http://ohba.ca/subscribe-or-buy-past-issues

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ONE VOICE

Elevating the Conversation What will Ontario communities look like in 2041? BY JOE VACCARO IN MY 10 YEARS of association work for

the building, development and renovation industry, I can’t recall a busier time. The number of provincial government consultations and reviews, in addition to legislative bills that impact OHBA members that have been passed, introduced or proposed is unprecedented. All of them deserve and are receiving OHBA’s input, but the ‘biggie’ concerns the consultations around the Review of the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH), which includes review of the Greenbelt, Niagara Escarpment and Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plans, as well as the associated Smart Growth for our Communities Act. Our formal response to government was submitted at the end of May and is posted on our website under current policy reports. As well, on page 78 of this issue you can read about my first-hand experiences attending public meetings in selected Ontario communities. Thank you to the many, many OHBA volunteers, staff and local association members who attended reviews in their communities, whose perspectives and suggestions will help shape the Ontario of tomorrow. I found it to be an informative and instructive experience. It was encouraging to see so many engaged citizens from all walks of life presenting their views about what they envision for their community. This review process has been our industry’s opportunity to raise the discussion beyond the ‘numbers and lines’ of how to best build and maintain Ontario’s housing stock to a bigger-picture vision of what we ohba.ca

want our communities to look like in 2041. And by “we” I mean all of us. Not just our industry, but all Ontarians. That includes landowners large and small, farmers, environmentalists, politicians, business leaders, industry, educators, the arts community, citizens young and old—we all have a say in where and how we will live, work and play. Our industry knows how important housing and shelter are to the social and economic well-being of our communities. But so do many other citizens, just as we all also know how important it is that we have successful farmers to grow and produce the food we eat, clean water to drink, clean air to breathe, a strong economy that creates jobs and thriving businesses, health care when we need it, education for our children—the list goes on and on. The GGH area is currently home to more than nine million people and it’s expected to increase to 13.5 million by 2041, so it’s critical that we plan for growth—where and how people will live, where they will work, how they’ll get to work and how we can do all that while protecting and preserving environmental and agricultural lands. The review process has engaged us in aspirational thinking—connecting all the dots, learning from the past and improving the future. As a result, ideas will emerge that are more creative, resourceful and thoughtful than just where we draw the new lines for community boundaries. That’s as it should be. This province is for all of us and we need to get it right. OHB

“The review process has engaged us in aspirational thinking— connecting all the dots.”

JOE VACCARO is the CEO of OHBA. ONTARIO HOME BUILDER SUMMER 2015

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ONTARIO REPORT

COME FOR THE CONFERENCE, STAY FOR THE NATURE OHBA’s Annual Conference and Awards of Distinction are just around the corner and you don’t want to miss out! This year we are returning to the beautiful and recently upgraded Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville from September 27-29 for three days of interactive activities, informative sessions and dazzling evening celebrations. Visit the OHBA Conference website often for updates to the schedule, speaker information and exciting offers! Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to celebrate successes, share ideas and stories, learn about new programs and products, and network with your industry colleagues from across the province—all from Ontario’s premier vacation destination, Huntsville! This year space is extremely limited, so act fast and get your registration in today—these are three days you don’t want to miss! Register before September 1 for reduced rates and visit ohbaconference.ca. CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS:

BUSINESS SESSIONS Expect insightful, interesting and engaging business sessions, including: Fire Safety for Six-Storey Wood-Frame Residential Construction with Surrey, B.C. Fire Chief Len Garis; The Builders’ Den; a Tarion update; WSIB Rate Frame Review; Building Leadership with Lisa Von Massow from Sandler Training; and much more! Sessions are constantly evolving, so visit the website frequently to see new programming as it is added.

HALIBURTON COUNTY FOR ALL SEASONS! Our host, the Haliburton County HBA, has planned an exciting opening reception where we will experience the thrill of Canada’s ohba.ca

changing seasons in one evening! Come dressed in the theme of your favourite season—winter, spring, summer or fall (and everything in between)—and remember, hunting is a season!

PRESIDENT’S GALA

AWARDS OF DISTINCTION 2015

OHBA has organized several additional activities to ensure your stay in cottage country is more enjoyable, including a golf tournament at one of the region’s top courses, Deerhurst Highlands GC; Taste of Haliburton County (a bus tour exploring the culinary and brewery/winery culture in the region); a spa day at Shizen; a horseback trail ride; or a hike through Algonquin Park.

The much-anticipated Awards of Distinction will be held the evening of Monday, Sept. 28. Space is limited, so don’t be disappointed— order your tickets and join our host, the hilarious Dave Hemstad from CBC’s The Debaters, and cheer on our award finalists. Voting for OHBA’s coveted People’s Choice Award this year begins on August 18 on the Awards website. Visit ohbaaod.ca to cast your vote.

The conference will conclude with the inaugural President’s Gala, where OHBA will formally welcome our new president.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES

ONTARIO HOME BUILDER SUMMER 2015

ONTARIO REPORT Chair of Tarion and Past President of OHBA and NHBA Mark Basciano with NHBA President Ed Lucchetta and OHBA President Vince Molinaro.

NHBA CELEBRATES 60 YEARS Congratulations to the Niagara Home Builders’ Association, which marked its 60th anniversary as an association with a sold-out event in May. The guest list included MP Rick Dykstra, who brought congratulations from the federal government, as well as with 13 NHBA past presidents in attendance, among them past president Albert Carlesso who served as president in 1967.

LEARN YOUR LIVING FALL COURSE SCHEDULE OHBA, through our Institute of Building Excellence, continues to provide professional development opportunities for the residential construction industry. With a focus on updating and developing new training programs, we continue to raise the level of professionalism and set a high standard for entry into this important economic sector. The most effective way this can be done is through a certification program, providing builders and renovators with something tangible they can use to promote their business and keep a competitive edge in today’s economy.

UPCOMING COURSES INCLUDE: Marketing and Project Sales Location: London HBA Date: September 3, 2015 Instructor: Richard Luciani Building Science for Renovators Location: London HBA Date: October 15, 2015 Instructor: Greg Labbe

Financial Managment Location: OHBA Offices, North York Date: September 10, 2015 Instructor: Jean-Pierre Seguin

Customer Service and Warranty Location: London HBA Date: October 22, 2015 Instructor: Victor Fiume

Project Management and Site Supervision Location: OHBA offices, North York Date: October 29, 2015 Instructor: Greg Labbe

All course fees are $350 and enrollment is limited. Visit learnyourliving.ca today for further information and to enrol. A reminder that courses being proposed by Tarion Warranty Corporation will be required for new builders to become licensed within the coming year. Get ahead of the competition and start fulfilling your training requirements today! 12

ONTARIO HOME BUILDER SUMMER 2015

AWARDS OF DISTINCTION GALA: 2015 OHBA’s Awards of Distinction celebration announcing the winners of this year’s awards will take place on Monday, September 28, with the President’s Gala set to close the OHBA Conference on Tuesday, September 29 at the beautiful Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville. Seating capacity is limited at this venue, so don’t be disappointed—get your friends and colleagues together and book your tables early. REGISTER AT OHBACONFERENCE.CA. ohba.ca

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ONTARIO REPORT

Jeff Goldman of Durham Custom Homes holds a photo of the first home his father Nathan built in Oshawa in 1950. Goldman was on hand for the unveiling of a plaque honouring his father, as well as his uncle Marvin’s contributions to the City of Oshawa at a dedication ceremony for the Goldman Woodlot

WOMEN BUILD FOR HABITAT

Early this summer, Habitat for Humanity Niagara broke ground on its first-ever Women Build, which will see up to 300 women building two homes (semis) in Welland for deserving families. Women Build promotes the involvement of women in the construction of Habitat homes by hosting build projects, with the majority of the planning and execution undertaken by women volunteers, noting the program is not about excluding men but all about including women. Yvonne Hendriks of the Niagara-based Homes by Hendriks is co-chair of the project and is delighted with the number of women signing up to participate in the build. “Support thus far has been phenomenal,” said Hendriks, who added that more women, with or without construction experience, are welcome to join in. On-site work begins in earnest in July and over the summer months, with the new homeowners expected to be in their new homes by the fall. For further information or to get involved, visit habitatniagara.ca/women-build. Not to be outdone, Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto’s Women Build 2015 will unite more than 1,000 GTA area women to build homes and hope in their communities at three build sites—Scarborough, York and Brampton—from September 14 to October 5. These three Women Builds will break the cycle of poverty for 34 families and hopefully raise $1 million in fundraising and corporate sponsors. Participants can join as individuals or as a team of friends, families or colleagues, and are charged with building for one day and raising a minimum of $500. Visit womenbuildgta.ca to sign up or donate.

OHBA ANNUAL MEETING OF MEMBERS

The Ontario Home Builders’ Association will hold its Annual Meeting of Members at its Annual Conference as follows: DATE: Monday, September 28, 2015 TIME: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. LOCATION: Deerhurst Resort, 1235 Deerhurst Drive, Huntsville, Ontario All members in good standing are invited to attend.

ONTARIO HOME BUILDER SUMMER 2015

GOLDMAN FAMILY CONTRIBUTIONS HONOURED Prominent community builders Nathan and Marvin Goldman were honoured and recognized for their 65-year commitment and contributions to the City of Oshawa during a dedication ceremony of a 37-acre woodlot. The Goldman Woodlot is adjacent to the Harmony Creek Conservation Area in northeast Oshawa and was dedicated to the citizens of the city for their recreational enjoyment. “You have literally helped to build Oshawa to what it is today,” Oshawa Mayor John Henry told the group of city and regional councillors, staff and representatives from local HBAs, OHBA and friends and family who gathered at the woodlot near Kettering Park for the reveal of the town sign. Jeff Goldman of Durham Custom Homes unveiled a plaque and said a few words on behalf of his late father, Nathan, as did Nathan’s brother, Marvin, also in attendance. The family patriarch homebuilder, Harry Goldman, a carpenter by trade, came from Europe in 1920 and established a construction company, and the family has continued to build quality homes and many communities in Southern Ontario. OHBA’s 2009 Green Builder of the Year, Durham Custom Homes has also earned honours as Durham Region’s Builder of the Year, Greenhouse Builder of the Year, Energy Star Builder of the Year and EnerQuality Leader of the Year. ohba.ca

PHOTOS: ANITA DEVRIES (GOLDMAN), NIAGARA THIS WEEK (HABITAT FOR HUMANITY)

Soon-to-be homeowner Marie Jean Charles and BILD chairs Tara Christensen (left) and Yvonne Hendriks (right) are ready to work as Habitat for Humanity Niagara broke ground on its first-ever women’s build that will see upwards of 300 women building two homes.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Dig With Care! Review trench safety before the MOL blitz BY MARK ELIAS SUMMER IS EVERYONE’S favourite time to dust off the renovation to-do list and get some work done around the house, especially with contractors becoming more readily available for some of the bigger jobs. Unfortunately, this type of reno work often brings with it a variety of hazards involving excavation and trenching. Besides damaged gas and electrical lines, there’s also the serious risk of injury to workers and even death. W hether you’re a homeow ner or contractor, you need to avoid the risk of inadvertently contacting buried services, as this not only threatens the workers but also the general public. Apart from the serious consequences associated with damaging underground services, you could be liable for restoration costs and subject to legal actions. Since the passing of the Ontario Underground Infrastructure Notification System Act, 2012, all owners of underground infrastructure must register with the membership database known as ON1Call. The call centre is equipped to give you access to free infrastructure locates. So whether you’re using a shovel or heavy excavation equipment, contact them before you dig! The Ministry of Labour also notes the need for compliance regarding excavation and trenching hazard prevention. Its communications cite the legal requirements set out in the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and the Regulations for Construction Projects (213/91). Marking and locating underground services is at the top of their list of 10 regulations to be observed, as these small, short-duration jobs gain higher frequency with the nicer climate. 1 . MARK AND LOCATE SE RVICES:

Employers must ensure all gas, electrical and other services are located or marked in ohba.ca

or near the area to be excavated. If a service poses a hazard, it must be shut off and disconnected before the excavation activity begins. If a potentially hazardous service cannot be disconnected, the service owner must be asked to supervise its uncovering during the excavation [Construction Regulation section 228]. 2. ADJACENT STRUCTURES: Constructors must prevent damage to adjacent structures by engaging a professional engineer who must specify in writing the precautions to be taken [Construction Regulation section 229]. 3. SOIL STRENGTH: The soil type will

determine the strength and stability of excavation walls. You can determine the soil you have encountered and protect the walls from collapsing by referring to section 226 of the Regulation for Construction Projects (213/91). Tip: Inspect trenches and excavations following rain, melting snow,

thawing earth and the overflow from nearby streams, storm drains and sewers. 4. WALL STABILITY: Strip the wall of a trench or excavation of any loose rock or other material that may slide, roll or fall on a worker. [O. Reg. 213/91, s. 232(1)]. Tip: Keep heavy equipment, excavated soil or rock and construction material away from the edges of the trench [O. Reg. 213/91, s. 233]. Keep at least one metre of each wall’s upper edge clear of equipment, excavated soil, rock and construction material. Do not position or operate a vehicle or machinery in a manner that could affect the wall’s stability [O. Reg. 213/91, s. 233]. 5. WORK SPACE: Maintain a clear workspace of at least 450mm between the wall of an excavation and any formwork, masonry or similar wall [O. Reg. 213/91, s. 231]. 6. FALL PROTECTION: Provide a barrier at ONTARIO HOME BUILDER SUMMER 2015

least 1.1 metres high at the top if an excavation does not meet regulatory slope requirements and is more than 2.4 metres deep [O. Reg. 213/91, s. 233(4)]. 7. PROTECT YOURSELF: Unless walls are

sound and made of solid rock, never enter a trench deeper than 1.2 metres unless it is properly sloped, shored or protected by a trench box. And never work alone in a trench. 8. PROTECTIVE SYSTEMS: Three basic methods can protect workers against trench or excavation cave-ins and other hazards: I. SLOPING – cutting back the wall at an angle inclined away from the excavation. II. SHORING – helps support trench and excavation walls to prevent movement of soil, underground utilities, roadways and foundations. Timber and hydraulic systems are the most commonly used supports to shore up walls. Both types must be designed by a professional engineer. III. PREFABRICATED SUPPORT SYSTEMS (e.g., trench boxes & shields) – can prevent cave-ins.

9. INSPECTION: Trenches and excavations must be inspected daily for hazards and as conditions change before workers enter them. This must be done by a “competent person,” as defined by the OHSA. 10. ENTRY AND EXIT: Excavations require

workers to have safe access and egress using ladders, steps, ramps, etc. Trenches must be provided with ladders, which must be placed within the area protected by the support system and be accessible in the event of a collapse [O. Reg. 213/91, s. 240].

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ONTARIO HOME BUILDER SUMMER 2015

The list of hazards that surround the scope of summertime spruce-ups can be quite extensive, so it’s important to have plans in place to deal with those hazards before starting your projects. And in case you didn’t know, OHBA members are also pre-paid Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA) members. IHSA members receive training and materials for “Trenching Safety” absolutely free! Also available is the “Cable Locating” training course. For more information on the subject, and details surrounding the MOL blitz, be sure to search for “Trenching & Excavation” on the IHSA website (ihsa.ca). OHB MARK ELIAS is the Media Relations &

Communications Writer at the IHSA. ohba.ca

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MARKETING

A Fresh Approach Has the time come for your company to rebrand? BY ANDREW GUIDO A COMPANY REBRANDING is about respecting the past while looking opportunistically to the future. It’s a painstaking process of discovery, but is immensely important because your brand is what distinguishes you in a crowded market, facilitates a relationship with your audience and represents what you stand for. My favourite examples of a great corporate rebranding are Apple and Starbucks. The Apple logo evolved over time, while keeping its original shape, getting rid of the rainbow colours and simplifying the logo. It’s a master brand where all products fall under the allencompassing standard for naming, colours and font treatment. It shows evolution without straying from the original vision. Starbucks was probably the bravest of them all, dropping the company name and simplifying its logo by just having the ‘siren’ essentially freed of the ring around her. At Empire Communities, I spearheaded the Empire rebranding effort this year. There are many different catalysts for a rebranding, whether it’s in response to changing market conditions, competitive threat or to be more relevant to a growing target market. Empire had reached a 20-year milestone and wanted to appeal to a broader market with announced expansion and investment ventures into the U.S. and continued growth in Ontario. A rebranding process can best be described as self-examination. Twenty years ago, many builders, ourselves included, had one vision—to build great homes. But a brand comes to mean more over time, and that’s when it’s important to examine if it still aligns with your core values and, most important, your core market. Paul A. Golini Jr., Empire’s co-founder and Executive VP of Industry Relations, summed up that ohba.ca

introspective process as “the opportunity to pause and look at what we’ve accomplished—the ‘What’ and the ‘Why’ of our work.” In most cases, the core of what your company believes in has remained the same, but the structure has changed. A brand is not only about what the founders envision, but what employees and customers feel and see. Rebranding should be tremendously collaborative by also including customers, employees, partners and suppliers. You want to see your brand from a complete 360-degree view of what it means to different people. It’s a perspective you wouldn’t normally have access to. The purpose of a brand is to facilitate a relationship, and the relationship with your customer is going to evolve over time. There are different ways to connect with your customers during a rebranding process. For example, in-person and online interviews with no incentives to encourage feedback will ensure you get honest opin-

ions from people who are invested. Try using an online survey that creates a visual cloud of words that resonate most frequently with your brand to see what your brand means to your customers. There are several free online programs that include this feature. And as noted with Apple and Starbucks, it’s important to examine your logo and question whether it still represents your company and if it will distinguish you from the competition. The new Empire logo is much more abstract, confident and clever with a ‘Crown E’ on its back. It respects Empire’s past and original logo while representing the future of the contemporary urban environments we are now building. It’s important that your own rebrand is also relevant to your future customers, so long as it doesn’t abandon who you are and what got you here. OHB ANDREW GUIDO is the Executive VP, Corporate Development at Empire Communities. ONTARIO HOME BUILDER SUMMER 2015

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TECHNOLOGY

50 Shades of Shades Seeing the glass as half-full in window and blinds BY TED McINTYRE THE PICTURE IS NOT as clear as it once was in the world of windows, blinds and shades, with new technology providing so many unique options for builders and renovators. While today’s advanced double- and triplepaned, argon gas-filled window constructions are providing builders with an increasingly energy-efficient means of keeping out cold air during winter and the heat during summer, what covers those windows is also making inroads. Smart glass is certainly the most attention-getting of the technologies. One of the Canadian dealers is Quebec-based Vario. Vario’s Sun line is a self-darkening, dynamic glass that gradually transforms in the presence of bright sunlight and heat to provide protection to a building or home occupants from excessive sun glare and ultraviolet rays, as well as a reduction in overall solar heat gain. Unlike conventional blinds, in summer it responds to heat and bright glare, yet remains transparent; meaning a great natural light balance in the room. When the temperatures plummet, the glass lets in the sun’s warming rays, something traditional tinted glass cannot offer. Generating its power from the sun itself, it requires no external user involvement or power source. Installation is straightforward and simple, resulting in immediate potential energy savings. Vario’s Sky glass, meanwhile, can be manually or automatically tuned to precisely control the amount of light, glare and heat passing through a window. Privacy glass, on the other hand, contains a liquid crystal film that responds to an electrical current. When electricity is applied to the film via the wiring, the liquid crystal molecules align and the glass instantly becomes clear. When the power is turned off, the molecules return to their normal scattered positions, ohba.ca

Pella Windows and Doors’ New Insynctive technology.

rendering the glass opaque (private). Looking for a more economical approach? SmarterShade is a young upstart out of Chicago providing an aftermarket window treatment, similar in concept to smart glass but designed to be more durable and at a quarter of the price. While it certainly lacks the wow factor and many features of smart glass, SmarterShade provides near 100% clarity and features stable polarizer materials, aluminum and other metals, as opposed to light-degradable organic compounds, such as iodine. A mirror state is achieved at full opacity (as opposed to a merely a darkened state). This allows the user to reflect solar light and heat instead of absorbing it, making it a great thermal block. The technology involves panels with two polarizing films. When one is shifted linearly over the other, it significantly alters light transmission. The film can also be patterned, so that a geometric or other design appears in the “closed” state. It can by operated manually or by remote control, the app for which has now added voice recognition to

“open” and “close” window clarity. Monitoring those windows is also getting a high-tech update. Pella Windows and Doors’ new Insynctive technology features a family of smart products designed for security, comfort and convenience. The line includes window and door sensors, garage door sensors, entry door deadbolt sensor, a status indicator, and motorized, programmable snap-in between-the-glass blinds and shades. Powered by batteries that are recharged by a solar panel on the exterior, they can block 50% more of the sun’s energy than windows without blinds or shades. The Insynctive technology enables homeowners to know at a glance if windows, doors and garage doors are opened or closed and if their entry door is locked or unlocked. And expect Pella to stay up to date, given current partnerships with Wink, Nexia Home Intelligence, Crestron and Savant, with more coming this year. Similar gains can be anticipated from other manufacturers, as smarter windows become the clear choice for customers. OHB ONTARIO HOME BUILDER SUMMER 2015

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How to Write a Contract Drawing up agreements for custom builds BY FRANK FELDMAN FOR BUILDER MEMBERS of the construc-

tion industry engaged in construction of custom new homes, it is critical that agreements with owners be formulated to address two major considerations. First, agreements should be written in concise and simple language so as not to be intimidating, which might otherwise dissuade owners from retaining the contractor. However, the builder will want to have an agreement that addresses the essential legal rights of the parties. Such a contract will have the objective of avoiding misunderstandings, disputes and costly litigation. In my experience, when conflict between builders and owners does occur it is frequently as a result of a contract that does not clearly deal with common situations that may be encountered during a project. A frequent source of conflict also occurs because of amendments to the scope of work, design or specifications and materials. These should all be discussed, agreed to, reduced to writing and signed by the builder and owner. Otherwise, there is a risk of misunderstandings between the parties, leading to disputes. If the contract is not sufficiently clear in these respects, the builder may be forced to sue to enforce payment, resulting in costly litigation. In the end, a court may have to pick and choose amongst conflicting evidence, resulting in a judgment that neither party will be satisfied with. The moral of this is to start with a contract that is both clear and complete, keep changes to a minimum and require all amendments in writing, signed by both the builder and owner. In respect to the content of an agreement for the construction of a custom new home, there are several topics that should be considered from the builder’s perspective. The ohba.ca

following is a summary consideration of some major issues: CONTRACT DOCUMENTS

In this section the parties identify the plans and documents that form specifications of the work (for example: drawings, plans and specifications or details). DESCRIPTION OF THE WORK

• For example, is the builder responsible for all aspects of the construction and finishes and, if so, the specifications, or are there aspects that the owner will have responsibility for? • For the sake of clarity and to avoid disputes in the event of uncertainty, describe what is beyond the scope of, or not included in, the work. UNKNOWN OR UNFORESEEN CONDITIONS

In this section the agreement deals with the

rights of the parties in the event that circumstances are encountered that were not initially anticipated. If these circumstances increase the amount of work, materials and/or time required, the agreement should state that these are extras to the contract price together with an extension of the date for completion. For example, encountering adverse soil conditions that complicate excavation and/or foundation works. The basis for calculating the additional charges should be indicated (e.g. builder’s cost plus 10%, a lump sum, etc.). WORK CHANGE ORDERS

It is advisable that all changes to the agreement in respect to the scope of work be confirmed in writing. These written confirmations of changes are normally referred to as Work Change Orders, signed by the owner and builder. The reason for this is to avoid disputes after the fact as to whether the change in scope of work was extra to the ONTARIO HOME BUILDER SUMMER 2015

agreement and therefore resulting in an increase to the contract price, or if it reduced the scope of work and thereby reduced the contract price. QUALITY, SERVICE AND WARRANTIES

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A thorough agreement should indicate what warranties are being offered by the builder and their limitations. In this respect it’s important to consider whether the Tarion warranty applies and if so, the rights and obligations of the parties as a consequence. Basically, Tarion’s warranty applies to so-called “contract homes,” which are built by a contractor who undertakes the performance of all work and supply of all materials. Tarion’s warranty does not apply in respect to “owner-built homes.” Essentially, this would include situations where the owner exercises significant control over construction of the home or responsibility for contributing one or more essential elements, or if separate contractors build different stages of the home. CONTRACT PRICE AND PAYMENT

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The agreement should be clear about the total price being charged for the work. Additionally, it will specify whether the price is payable in a lump sum or in installments or draws. In any event, the contract will indicate the timing when payment is due (payment schedule). Finally, the agreement will deal with the issue of statutory holdbacks required pursuant to the Construction Lien Act and indicate the due date for payment of the amounts held back upon expiry of the applicable period of time. TIMING

The dates for starting and completing the work will be set out. As there are frequently unanticipated events beyond the control or anticipation of the builder, the circumstances allowing for an extension of time to complete should be indicated. For example: labour disputes, unavailability of materials, delays in obtaining permits, natural events such as weather conditions, unforeseen or unknown conditions, etc. APPROVALS AND PERMITS

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ONTARIO HOME BUILDER SUMMER 2015

The responsibility of the owner and builder to obtain governmental approvals and permits required to authorize the work, such as:

zoning variances, demolition, building and other permits. UTILITIES AND FACILITIES

If the project requires special utilities to facilitate the work, the agreement will specify whose responsibility it is to provide them, such as electrical, water, sanitary and waste removal. OTHER CONTRACTORS

In the event that the builder is performing work in addition to other contractors retained directly by the owner, the agreement will specify who is responsible for coordinating the work of the contractors and the additional amount payable in this respect. Should this situation result in delays, the builder may wish to specify an amount of money payable for each day of delay caused by the operation of other contractors on the worksite. INSURANCE

The agreement will specify the respective obligations of the builder and owner to provide for different types of insurance coverage, such as third party liability, as well as fire and comprehensive insurance covering the building and renovation work, with details of these coverages. DISPUTES/TERMINATION

In the event of a dispute between the parties, the agreement will indicate the procedure for resolution of different types of disagreements. For example, should the parties attempt mediation and/or arbitration prior to resorting to the courts? This will be influenced by whether Tarion warranty coverage applies to the agreement. If Tarion applies, the contract is deemed to contain an agreement to submit differences between a vendor and owner to arbitration. The builder may wish to specify what circumstances give it the right to cease work and/or treat the contract as terminated. The foregoing are some important aspects of agreements relating to custom newhome construction that should be covered by written contracts. Please consult a lawyer for advice about your individual situation. This article and its information are not legal advice, nor are they intended to be. OHB FRANK FELDMAN, B.A., LL.B, is a barrister

& solicitor with Feldman Law. ohba.ca

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Get Approved Working at Heights Training with IHSA The Ministry of Labour and the Prevention Office have released a Working at Heights Training Standard that lays out what each worker needs to learn when taking mandatory working at heights training. As of April 1, certain workers on construction sites must complete a working at heights training program that has been approved by Ontario’s Chief Prevention Officer before they can continue to work at heights. The Infrastructure Health and Safety Association is proud to be one of the first approved training providers. We are offering our approved Working at Heights: Fundamentals of Fall Prevention course at many locations throughout Ontario. Visit ihsa.ca/fallp for more information and to register for a course in your area.

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Tips for Selecting a Working at Heights Program Check the Ministry of Labour website to obtain a current listing of Approved Training Providers for Working at Heights. Select a training program that meets the purpose of the Training Program Standard. Use the Training Program Standard as a tool to judge the programs and providers available.

Things to consider: Are the learning outcomes of the program aligned with the standard? Does the duration meet the standard? Is there both a written and a hands-on performance evaluation? Is the instructor a subject-matter expert in WAH and adult learning principles?

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IHSA offers its Working at Heights course in many languages (Cantonese, Croatian, Italian, Mandarin, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Serbian, Spanish, and Turkish). Visit www.ihsa.ca/wah to learn more about getting approved working at heights training in the language you best understand.

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LANDSCAPING DESIGN MEETS FORM AND FUNCTION Allowing homeowners to blend their outdoor living experience with their home design, Permacon has added a modular grid to its revolutionary Tandem system of structural stones and blocks. The addition of the grid provides an ideal solution when building vertical structures, as well as exterior elements, such as kitchens, fireplaces and furniture. PERMACON.CA

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TOP SHELF IDEAS FOR BUILDERS & RENOVATORS

ONTARIO HOME BUILDER SUMMER 2015

TOP SHELF

X-RAY VISION The easy-to-use Bosch D-tect 120 radar includes Spot Detection technology, which detects objects instantly when placed on a wall or floor and also indicates through arrows the direction of nearby objects. Featuring an unshielded AC warning to avoid drilling into live wires and electronic “traffic light” indicators and sound alerts that make detection straightforward, it can be used in three modes: drywall, universal and concrete. BOSCHTOOLS.COM

COMPLETE, CORDLESS CARPENTRY DeWalt’s new cordless 20V MAX Lithium Ion 7 1/4 Inch Sliding Miter Saw (DCS361) offers portability and convenience. Optimized for general contractors and renovators for various applications including trim installation, flooring work and cutting 2x material, it features a single left bevel that ranges from -3° to 48° left and makes, on average, 183 cuts of 2x4 pine moulding on a single battery charge. $499 for the kit version. DEWALT.COM

A TILE WITH STYLE Ceragres’ Muro41 line of extruded artisanal porcelain tiles is an Italian collection distinguished by soft undulated edges and subtle shade variations adding character and charm to any design. It can be used in both traditional and contemporary settings. CERAGRES.CA

PRETTY COOL NEWS FROM GOODMAN When properly matched and installed, Goodman’s DSXC18 air conditioner offers up to 18 SEER high-efficiency performance. In many applications, its efficiency can be enhanced by using it in conjunction with a Goodman gas furnace or fan coil with a variablespeed blower motor. Compatible with the ComfortNet communicating control system, features include autoconfiguration, monitoring and system analysis review. A great warranty includes a 10-year unit replacement, lifetime compressor and 10-year parts limited warranty. GOODMANMFG.COM 32

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CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY Among Milwaukee Tool’s expanded Hand Tool line is the industry’s first Compound-Offset tinner snip. Ideal for tough cuts and delivering 2X more force than the competition, according to Milwaukee, the durable model uses a compound mechanism that amplifies the tool’s force, enabling the user to achieve easier cuts in tough metal materials. The new line includes 40% larger handle loops that are much easier to use with commonly worn gloves. MILWAUKEETOOL.COM

FLUSHED WITH SUCCESS The next generation of family-size Fisher & Paykel and DCS Built-in refrigerator offers a new level of fit and finish for seamless kitchen integration. Designed for easy installation and flushfit into new or existing kitchen cabinetry at heights of either 72”, 80” or 84” with minimal ⅛” gaps, they’re available in either stainless steel or as integrated models, concealed into cabinetry with a kick strip and custom panel finish.

PUT THEM ON A PEDESTAL Stone Forest’s unique carved bathroom pedestals make use of materials such as honed black granite, multi-coloured onyx, Carrara marble and silver travertine (Wave, Zero and Veneto styles pictured).

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SUSTAINABLE DUCT WRAP EASES HVAC INSTALLATION Easier to cut and handle, CertainTeed’s new SoftTouch Duct Wrap provides superior thermal efficiency in both rectangular and round heating, ventilating and AC ductwork. The resilient fibreglass blankettype insulation is available as an unfaced blanket or with an FSK, grey PSK or white PSK vapour retarder facing to help eliminate condensation on cold ductwork surfaces. Now made with recycled and renewable content, including a plant-based binder that is formaldehyde-free and contains no harsh acrylics, dyes or unnecessary fire-retardant chemicals, its key benefit is that it generates much less dust. CERTAINTEED.COM/INSULATION

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ALL THE STUFF TO MAKE EXTERIORS HAPPEN.

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TIMELESS IN WHITE Proving that white doesn’t have to bore, Savaria delivers a luxury home elevator in style. This lacquered white cab features routered wall panels in high-quality MDF with a matching white ceiling and LED pot lighting. Customized for construction requirements as well as customer preferences, as with all Savaria elevators, this cab also features stainless steel fixtures to complete the clean look. SAVARIA.COM

A SAFER, MORE MEMORABLE WATER EXPERIENCE Available for shower and bath, Grohe’s Grohtherm 2000 New features greater safety, sustainability and comfort, a new design for an ergonomic shape (with innovative Aqua Paddles replacing the traditional round handles) and an eye-catching water flow. The intuitive model combines all advantages of a thermostat with a perfect water experience. TurboStat technology ensures that the desired water temperature is reached in rapid fashion and kept constant throughout the shower. GROHE.COM

MAKING A SPLASH IN 2015 Victoria + Albert Baths adds to its popular New Traditional collection with the elegant Worcester, a freestanding rolltop tub offering a classically ribbed plinth and rim. Gently curved, its sleek silhouette and clean aesthetic are suitable for a wide range of bathroom interiors. Measuring an impressive 70” long, 23 ” high and 30” wide, it offers ample space for two bathers. VANDABATHS.COM

SEAL OF APPROVAL Designed to help protect vulnerable corners against air and water intrusion, FlexWrap NF self-adhered flashing does not require mechanical fasteners, even in flexed corner areas around building openings. This allows it to provide easy, one-step insulation for hard-to-seal corners around windows and doors, even on OSB, plywood, gypsum, CMU and other non-nailable sheathing materials. DUPONT.CA 36

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Build curb appeal into a brand new home. JELD-WEN wants you to get the best return on your investment when building new homes. That’s why we always emphasize making curb appeal a priority. What is curb appeal? This refers to installing design features on the front-facing area of the home, raising its perceived value in the consumer market. Installing a stunning entry door with decorative sidelites and transoms, or energy-efficient vinyl windows arrayed in a wide and eye-catching arrangement, can do wonders for the perceived value of a home. Put JELD-WEN’s award-winning products to work for you on your next project.

To learn more about top-performing windows and doors, visit jeld-wen.ca

PHOTO: MICHAEL WATIER

Perth’s Cody Malloch claimed top honours in the carpentry division at the Canadian Skills Competition in Edmonton.

ONTARIO HOME BUILDER SUMMER 2015

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THE DEMAND FOR SKILLED TRADESPEOPLE IS HIGH, BUT HERE ARE FIVE HELPING TO FILL THE VOID By Stephen Hamilton

Earlier this year, I travelled across the province as part of the Tony Dean Review of the Ontario College of Trades (OCOT). During the consultation we met with builders, renovators and developers to discuss their challenges with the provincial training and apprenticeship system, as well as recommendations to modernize that system.

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ONTARIO HOME BUILDER SUMMER 2015

EACH LOCAL HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION, MEMBER COMPANY AND TRADE CONTRACTOR TAUGHT ME SOMETHING UNIQUE ABOUT THEIR REGION. For example, in Waterloo and Kingston, there are exciting partnerships with local colleges and high schools through Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Programs (OYAP), where home builders are providing real construction experience for young men and women considering a career in the skilled trades. In Thunder Bay, our members are helping build housing for on-reserve First Nations and employing local aboriginal labour. In Sarnia, I met with builders who are finding creative ways to compete with the high wages paid in the oil and gas refining industry. In Ottawa, I learned that almost half of all the labour force building new homes comes across the border from Quebec because there is not enough local labour to perform the work. While there were local trends unique to different areas, there were also other patterns that emerged. For instance, the further I travelled from urban areas in Southern Ontario and the Ottawa region, the more I discovered that the residential building community begins to blend in with institutional, commercial and industrial building sectors; in some cases residential builders also have separate divisions that specialize in local 40

ONTARIO HOME BUILDER SUMMER 2015

infrastructure projects such as road and bridge building. Each part of the province tells its own story about how homes are built and renovated. Local builders are adept at creating local solutions to their problems. Employers were not asking for government money to hire apprentices. Instead, our members were looking to partner with government and OCOT to promote the skilled trades and make it easier to hire apprentices by lowering ratios that cap how many apprentices a company can hire. The conversations with our members about the future of the training and apprenticeship system speaks to the entrepreneurial nature of our industry. And while almost everyone was concerned about regulatory barriers and demographic challenges of an aging workforce, the meetings with Tony Dean, the former head of Ontario Public Service, highlighted some fantastic stories about young people who are motivated and excited about the future of their chosen career in construction. That is the good news. The bad news is that there will be a critical shortage of workers in construction trades across Canada over the next 20 years. One recent estimate suggests a shortfall of 200,000 workers in the residential construction sector alone. The reasons are not surprising: an aging workforce coupled with strong demand for construction services in new housing and renovation. According to a recent report, Labour Market Assessments for the Residential Construction Industry 2015-2024, conducted by Build Force in collaboration with CHBA, Ontario will have to replace more than 4,000 workers annually for the next 20 years. While the report identifies the importance of immigration in solving this puzzle, Ontario cannot just rely on other countries to train workers to build our province. Our province’s youth need to be part of the solution, as do older workers who want retraining. Across Ontario our industry employs and trains a lot of apprentices, but that fact is not always recognized since the training is happening in small businesses, not large union training centres. While there may not be the photo-ops or media coverage of training in our sector compared to others, the consultation on the future of OCOT highlighted a new passion and excitement for the trades that proved that young people and workers being retrained in our sector are showing they can not only compete with others provincially, but also excel on the world stage. Meet five of Ontario’s best and brightest—our next generation of skilled tradespeople. ohba.ca

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For young people whose parents run a family business in the construction industry, following in MALLOCH their footsteps may seem to an CONSTRUCTION, outsider like the easier career path. PERTH And while there is a perception that second and third generations might start to become complacent, 23-year-old Cody Malloch challenges that stereotype. Cody’s father, Donald Malloch, continues to run the family business, Malloch Construction, an established new-home building and renovation company. Cody’s brother Jeremy is also with the family businesses, which include a fully functioning cattle farm about 10 kilometres northeast of Perth. The Mallochs are members of the Lanark-Leeds Home Builders’ Association, a local that punches above its weight class in terms of membership numbers, influencing local politics and provincial government relations advocacy. The underdog mentality also makes its way to Cody, whose exceptional talent and skills were duly noted in the carpentry program in which he was enrolled while attending Algonquin College in Ottawa. His teachers selected him to compete on behalf of Algonquin at skills competitions across the province. After winning competitions in Ottawa and Kitchener in 2013, Cody moved up the ladder to compete at the Canadian Skills Competition in Edmonton,

CODY MALLOCH

ONTARIO HOME BUILDER SUMMER 2015

IN THE CARPENTRY COMPETITION, CODY WAS UP AGAINST THE BEST FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD ... AFTER THE SAWDUST HAD SETTLED, CODY PLACED 11TH OVERALL, NETTING HIM PLENTY OF LUCRATIVE JOB OFFERS FROM BIG COMPANIES AND UNIONS. ohba.ca

PHOTO: MICHAEL WATIER

winning first place in the carpentry division. That win gave him a shot on the global stage, where he took part in the annual World Skills Competition in Germany, the largest skills competition, jobs and careers event in the world, representing 45 trades and thousands of volunteers, spectators and participants. The purpose of the event is to advance vocational skills education and training worldwide, enabling competitors to network, share best practices and gain invaluable experience and training that they can carry into their careers. In the carpentry competition, Cody was up against the best from all over the world—each building a section of a gazebo, guided by a rough blueprint. After the sawdust had settled, Cody placed 11th overall, netting him plenty of lucrative job offers from big companies and unions. But Cody’s loyalty remains in Perth, working in the family business. “A lot of my colleagues from school ended up working in Ottawa,” he says. “But day to day they specialize in a certain task, like trim carpentry. Working for the family business I get to do a lot broader spectrum of work.”

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Peder is eager to encourage more young people to join what he sees as an exciting, challenging industry. “It’s a really rewarding career, where you can put something together and you can see it. When I drive by one of our projects I get a sense of pride of what we accomplished—building that as a team.” Stephanie Clark is just one exam away from punching her ticket to become a carpenter journeyperson. SCHWEITZER’S During her enrollment in the threePLUMBING CENTRE, year Conestoga College program, ST. AGATHA Stephanie was presented the Rona Achievement Award. The Waterloo Region HBA is a prolific supporter of a variety of programs at Conestoga and provides an annual scholarship to a student in the Renovation Technician program. Stephanie, 26, works in the renovation field through her employer, Schweitzer’s Plumbing Centre in St. Agatha, just west of Kitchener-Waterloo. The company specializes in kitchen and bathroom renovations but will do other renos as well, and Stephanie loves her work. “I enjoy most being able to see the ‘befores’ and ‘afters’ during a renovation,” she notes. “Also, the people I work with are great and that makes the job that much more fun.” Stephanie credits Randy Cousins, her high school wood shop teacher at H.B. Beal Secondary school in London, with suggesting her career path and keeping her focused. “Mr. Cousins saw my potential and encouraged me almost every day not to give up.” Carpentry, though, wasn’t the vocation she anticipated as a little girl. “I always loved art and hoped I could turn that into a career; but, in a way, tearing things down and creating something more appealing is art. So I guess I wasn’t too far off!” As a woman working in a male-dominated field, she has never felt out of place. “I work with a lot of great people and have never felt like I didn’t belong,” says Stephanie, who encourages other women to consider a skilled trades career. “It’s not easy. It’s a lot of hard work, but very rewarding in the long run. Ask questions and listen. Show people you want to learn. It will take you a long way.”

STEPHANIE CLARK

Peder Madsen

While Peder Madsen had a direct line to the trades through his family’s business, CCR Building & CCR BUILDING & Remodeling, as a high school REMODELING, student he didn’t see himself in LONDON construction and expected to work at an office job. However, as Peder matured and saw some of his friends struggle to find work opportunities after university, he began to see his family business as an exciting option. He’s happy with his choice and passionate about renovation work. “The one thing with renovation is that it’s all concepts. It’s not like building a new house, where it’s the same model that you can get slowly better at building. Every job is different, with a new set of challenges.” As with many members of the London Home Builders’ Association, 29-year-old Peder participates in the Student Ambassador Program to hire apprentices. Launched in 2009, the program provides students from Fanshawe College and North American Trade School an opportunity to network directly with professionals in the construction industry and find job opportunities. “I invite some of the young people interested in renovations to tour our company and some of our projects,” says Peder. “If they remain engaged and motivated, we hire them on as apprentices. We also do a co-op every year with different schools around London, and after we hire them on we usually find a place for them to work as an apprentice carpenter.”

PEDER MADSEN

ONTARIO HOME BUILDER SUMMER 2015

Stephanie Clark

ohba.ca

one local resident has to be employed for every two people that are brought in, although each community has its own set of requirements. Like other rural areas of the province, there are challenges with training opportunities for apprentices in Thunder Bay. “It’s harder getting into the in-class component of trade school than it was to find work,” says Monty. At Confederation College in Thunder Bay, only 22 are accepted into the carpentry class, despite much higher demand from young people, and he is concerned about skilled trades shortages down the road. “There are maybe one or two people in Thunder Bay under the age of 30 that are bricklayers—most of them are over 60 years old. It’s going to be a real problem.” A mature student, Dana Gray is a recent graduate of the three-year CONSTRUCTION Construction Engineering TechENGINEERING nology Program at George Brown TECHNOLOGY College in Toronto. The program is GRAD, TORONTO offered through the Angelo Del Zotto School of Construction Management and focuses on industry management practices, contracts, bidding and estimating, surveying construction law, as well as managing schedules and cash flow. While Dana enjoyed many aspects of her program’s curriculum, her favourite part was estimating. Earlier this year, 51-year-old Dana and several groups from George Brown competed in the Construction Institute of Canada bid competition, an annual event that challenges students to take on the construction bidding and estimating process. Teams must present a formal bid on a project after being given drawings and the specifications. When working on the bid, the team was looking at a real project example for a museum in Alberta. In creating the bid, Dana described the nuances in the bid process for the competition: “In Ontario, the frost line is not as deep as compared to Alberta, so that changes a lot of the assumptions in the estimating process. It was very, very exciting.” As one of just five other women in a class of about 150, Dana admits it can be a challenge at times. “I think men have some preconceived notions about women, but I think the teachers and professors make an effort to treat everybody equally, and everybody is consequently treated the same.” Dana is also a member of the Canadian Association of Women in Construction (CAWIC), a non-profit association whose mandate is to facilitate the long-term success of women in Canada’s constructionrelated fields. While female representation was low in Dana’s class, she sees perceptions about women in construction changing. “There are lots of opportunities for women in all construction fields and lots of ways for them to contribute. It’s a viable workplace for women and perceptions are starting to change. Being able to graduate with honours has been a wonderful experience, and I know my job is out there and I just have to find it.” OHB

DANA GRAY

Monty Romeo

Monty Romeo got a taste for construction at a very young age through his family’s roofing and BURMET millwright company in NORTHERN LTD., Northwestern Ontario. While at THUNDER BAY high school, Monty spent his summers employed as a tin-basher and general labourer, which was very hard work, but he persisted until 2008, when the company was sold. While studying civil engineering at Confederation College, Monty realized he wanted to learn something more practical, so enrolled in the carpentry program and now holds a Certificate of Qualification as a general carpenter. With the support of his father, 25-year-old Monty is now the owner of Thunder Baybased Burmet Northern Ltd. (BML). His firm’s success is the product of ingenuity and flexibility, two necessary ingredients required by construction companies in rural and northern communities that hope to thrive in a challenging market. BML builds condominiums and new office buildings, along with the construction of Dana Gray sewer and water infrastructure and soil remediation, while employing over 20 fulltime staff during the peak summer season. About half of BNL’s business consists of work in eight different remote northern communities, primarily on First Nation Reserves that are often only accessible by plane. The firm is currently completing a Health Unit and classrooms for the Kashechewan First Nation and also renovated 70 houses that were damaged by significant flooding on the reserve in 2013. A key requirement to work in those communities is to use local labour. Typically

MONTY ROMEO

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MORE THAN 56 YEARS AFTER HIS DEATH, AN ARCHITECTURAL GENIUS CONTINUES TO INSPIRE By Marc Huminilowycz

ONTARIO HOME BUILDER SUMMER 2015

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FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT

The design of Pennsylvania’s iconic Fallingwater mimics the pattern of the location’s natural rock ledges.

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is widely recognized as the greatest American architect of all time. Although only one of his buildings in Canada still stands today (a cottage near Sault Ste Marie, Ontario), Wright’s influence is still evident in the designs of single-family homes and new residential projects throughout the province. There is often one in the crowd—that solitary dwelling that looks totally different from anything else on the block. The appearance is distinctive: a low-to-the-ground building profile, a flat or gradually-sloped roof with generous overhangs, sweeping horizontal lines, panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows, and natural stone and wood inside and out. The design is clean, linear and contemporary. It is difficult to imagine that the style, often referred to today as Craftsman, was conceived by American architect, interior designer and educator Frank Lloyd Wright more than a century ago. Wright was one of the originators of the Prairie School movement of architecture, an outgrowth of the American Craftsman movement and its philosophy for quality middle-class home design. His “Prairie houses” were low buildings with shallow, sloping roofs, clean skylines, overhangs and terraces, incorporating natural, unfinished materials. Wright also conceived a new type of residence known as the Usonian House. Designed as practical homes for middle-class folk, these homes featured small kitchens, adjoining dining spaces and bedrooms and large living spaces with fireplaces fitted with built-in seating and tables to encourage family gatherings. Wright’s Usonian House designs later influenced new-home building in suburban developments, including open plans, slab-on-grade foundations and simpler construction techniques. During his long and illustrious career, Wright designed more than 1,000 buildings (532 of which were completed), including homes, offices, churches, schools, skyscrapers, hotels and museums. Unique in their time, Wright’s designs were innovative and original in a world of architectural revival of older, classical styles and stood in stark contrast to the industrial “machine for living” home designs of his contemporary, Swiss architect Charles-Édouard Jeanneret-Gris, better known as Le Corbusier. As an extension of his architectural skills, Wright penned 20 books and numerous ONTARIO HOME BUILDER SUMMER 2015

Interior of Fallingwater.

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articles, lectured throughout the U.S. and Europe and designed many of the interior elements of his buildings, such as furniture and elaborate stained glass. Referring to his style as organic architecture, Wright created buildings that were first and foremost in harmony with people and the environment. His goal was to design structures that brought the outside in, using large windows, natural stone and wood on the exteriors and interiors. Widely recognized as a masterpiece of home design, Wright’s Fallingwater was commissioned as a private retreat by the Kaufmann family of Pittsburgh, and completed in 1937. Nestled amid nature in southwestern Pennsylvania, the spectacular house is positioned over a natural stream on top of a 30-foot waterfall, its contours echoing the patterns of the location’s natural rock ledges. As if defying gravity, Fallingwater is held in place over the falls by a series of cantilevered concrete trays anchored to a massive central stone chimney. Strong horizontal lines and low ceilings help to create a sheltered and safe environment. To bring nature into the home (and encourage the inhabitants to go outside), Wright devoted almost as much floor space to the indoor rooms as to the outdoor balconies and terraces, which feature limestone for all their vertical surfaces and concrete for the horizontals. In keeping with his organic architecture philosophy, Wright incorporated a natural boulder at the entrance to the living room by the fireplace. Corner windows in the home broke up the rectangular shape of the building, surrounding the inhabitants with views of their natural environment. While Fallingwater is perhaps the most famous example of Wright’s work, a modest cottage located on a remote island near Sault Ste Marie, Ontario is the only Wright-designed building still standing in all of Canada. In September 1900, Chicago businessman Edward H. Pitkin bought an 18-acre parcel of land on Sapper Island to build a summer home for his family. To design and build the cottage, Pitkin commissioned his neighbour in Chicago, none other than Frank Lloyd Wright. The 1,400 sq. ft. E.H. Pitkin Cottage, still privately owned today, bears many of the hallmarks of the Wright stuff: harmony with its natural surroundings, a large overhanging roof, a horizontal profile, a unique secondohba.ca

floor deck in the same triangular shapes as the roof and a grand living room with a massive fireplace. Many cottages nearby imitated the look of this building. While the only Frank Lloyd Wrightdesigned home in Canada may be a tad inconspicuous, the famous architect’s influence is prolific across the province. Witness the real estate ads for resale homes and new residential developments: “Scarborough home with hints of Frank Lloyd Wright”; “Muscular Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired 4-bedroom on Georgian Bay”; “Homage to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater”; “Craftsman Style Bungalow Town Homes”; “Craftsman Design from $455,900.” These kinds of descriptives annoy

Wright created buildings that Were first and foremost in harmony With people and the environment. Toronto architect Graham Smith, whose firm, Altius Architecture Inc., specializes in modern single-family residential design and building. “People look at anything modern and, unless it’s white and chrome, they call it Frank Lloyd Wright by default,” Smith says, adding a concern about some residential developers associating their projects with the famous architect purely for marketing reasons, and often not delivering. “At Altius, we’re purists of modern architecture. Rather than emulating Wright, we subscribe to an ethos of thinking holistically about building. We create homes that are designed well—sustainable, liveable, contextual, economical and beautiful,” Smith says.

Smith cites two primary influences on his company’s work: the introduction of “sof t moder n” A r ts and Craf ts workmanship at a time when modern design was trending towards “machine age”; and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Usonian idea of repetitive architecturally-designed homes for the masses. In addition to the firm’s impressive portfolio of large modern family homes, Altius also offers small and efficient Usonian-inspired pre-fab designs, named “Solo 40”, ranging from 480 to 2,000 square feet. One Ontario developer with a passion for Frank Lloyd Wright, Vandyk Group of Companies, has decided not only to embrace the Wright vibe, but also pledged to remain true to the philosophy of America’s greatest architect. The Craftsman, a mid-rise condo community to be built on a 4.5-acre site on Lakeshore Rd. West in Mississauga’s Clarkson Village, hits all the Wright notes. A four-storey, 299-unit condominium sitting in a mature, treed area of Mississauga within close proximity to the Clarkson GO station and major highways, the Craftsman is the brainchild and pet project of Vandyk President and CEO John Vandyk. “I have long been inspired by the work of Frank Lloyd Wright,” he says. “So much so, that I modelled my own home in Mississauga to reflect his distinctive style. Wright’s major architectural influence was the Arts and Crafts movement of the early 20th century—a mixture of fieldstone, brick, glass and glazing in clean, straight lines, creating vertical and horizontal patterns that suggest a classic and timeless style.” John Vandyk claims that all of his company’s mid-rise projects are a reflection of Wright. “The Craftsman is a perfect example,” he says. “Set in the midst of an established neighbourhood with mature trees, backing onto Birchwood Park, the project includes extensive landscaping, a waterfall feature and meandering pathways embracing the surroundings in true Wright style—fitting seamlessly into the natural environment. It’s our signature project.” A bird’s-eye view of The Craftsman, which features larger-than-average oneto three-bedroom suites, shows a unique configuration of three interconnected mid-rise buildings in the shape of a W, purposefully designed, according to Vandyk, to promote social engagement among residents. The buildings were also designed to work with the grade of the land, following ONTARIO HOME BUILDER SUMMER 2015

A tribute to Wright’s design philosophy, the Vandyk Group’s Craftsman condo development in Mississauga embraces its natural surroundings and promotes social engagement.

Is It WrIght? More than 400 buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright are still standing in North America, mostly in the U.S. Countless other fine homes inspired by the architect, including signature Wright design features, exist in many neighbourhoods across Canada. A case in point: Toronto Life magazine recently showcased a home billed as an “Homage to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater.” Built in 1973, the 6,600 sq. ft. home located in Toronto’s west end features four split levels cascading down a private wooded hillside. Two rock-bed streams feed a backyard pond, providing a soothing sound of running water. An outdoor courtyard, blending the outside environment with the home’s interior, divides one side of the house from the other. The inside of the home features glass walls offering panoramic views of nature, Brazilian teak floors, granite walls and exposed wood and natural stone structural elements. The asking price: $3.3 million.

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the Frank Lloyd Wright philosophy of harmonizing with the natural habitat and not disturbing the environment. Landscaped courtyards with stone walkways, hedges and water features separate the buildings. As to The Craftsman design, Vandyk asserts that it is faithful to Wright’s style outside and in. “Outside, in addition to the oversized generous overhangs, there is a front entry waterfall reminiscent of Fallingwater,” he says. “The Arts and Crafts style incorporates clean, straight lines and angles, enhanced by the texture of fieldstone, glass and glazing. It is a major exterior thematic. The foyer is three stories high, allowing for an abundant infusion of natural light. All in all, The Craftsman is very much a modern and timeless design.” Interior designer Kelly Cray of Union 21 Inc. worked directly on the project with John Vandyk and architects SMV. “We were inspired by John and took our cues from the direction of the project and the marketing team,” says Cray. “For example, the architects introduced a warm wood feel

to the building. Taking our inspiration from this, we included the feature in the interior and exterior common areas.” Keeping design elements simple, minimal and true to the style of Wright, Union 21 created a grand three-storey main lobby, set up much like an elegant hotel lobby, with strategic Arts and Crafts elements throughout, including a black walnut wood finish, intricate screens, smooth black slate with veining, floor-to-ceiling windows, leaded glass and wood panelling details to “hold the space.” “The layering of wood, slate, glass and black metal in the lobby suggests a sleek ‘Prairie’ style in keeping with the character of the project,” says Cray. “A fireplace here, a reading area there, a writing desk here—all these elements impart an aura of sophistication to the space.” Working with the project architects, Union 21 created a casual landscaped terrace with a pergola, fire pit and common seating areas to encourage relaxation and social interaction among residents. ohba.ca

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the UsonIan VIsIon: a grand Idea for LIVIng smaLL We live in a time when many of us are simplifying, downsizing and living in smaller spaces. Over 100 years ago, Frank Lloyd Wright was already envisioning simple and affordable homes on a massive scale for the American middle class, believing that well-designed, tasteful dwellings would produce a happier and more enlightened society. In 1901, Wright published designs for elegant and inexpensive suburban homes in several issues of the Ladies’ Home Journal, but it wasn’t until the late 1920s that he gave visual form to his ideas for a model community with his Broadacre City concept. Wright’s idea of a model community included “Usonian” houses—single-storey homes with no basements or attics, divided into two wings with a living room on one side, bedrooms on the other, and a “service core” containing a kitchen, bathroom and fireplace in between. The two wings of the homes extended to embrace a large garden. Wright’s Usonian style of architecture incorporated many green building principles that developers are embracing today, including smaller footprints, passive solar heating and the use of sustainable materials. With America in the midst of the Great Depression when the Usonian House was unveiled, Wright made it a priority to design homes that even the “common people” could afford. He described the design as follows: “A modest house, this Usonian house is a dwelling place that has no feeling at all for the ‘grand’, except as the house extends itself in the flat parallel to the ground. It will be a companion to the horizon. With floorheating, that kind of extension on the ground can hardly go too far for comfort or beauty of proportion, provided it does not cost too much in upkeep ... It is necessary to consolidate and simplify the three appurtenance systems: heating, lighting and sanitation. At least this must be our economy if we are to achieve the sense of spaciousness and vista we desire in order to liberate the people living in the house. And it would be ideal to complete the building in one operation as it goes along. Inside and outside should be complete in one operation. There should be no complicated roofs.” Although only a few Usonian houses were ever built, Wright continued developing the idea until his death in 1959.

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From 1937 until his death in 1959 at the age of 91, Taliesin West (above) served as Wright’s winter home and school in the Scottsdale, Arizona desert. Wright’s only existing Canadian design, the E.H. Pitkin cottage (bottom right), can be found on Sapper Island, southwest of Sault Ste. Marie.

Although the design of the suites complements the Arts and Crafts look and feel of the building’s exterior and common areas, Cray admits that certain features were included to cater to “what the market wants,” including “mixing traditional pieces with modern, and windows oriented to maximize the views—each suite will be unique. Overall, I would describe the aesthetic of The Craftsman as polished and approachable.” Another Vandyk project, Windows on The Green, also pays homage to the master. “The project features horizontal lines with soaring stone columns, colour-coordinated stucco, stone veneer and roofed balconies,” says Vandyk. “The lobby has large windows to let in natural light and a stone feature wall to reflect Wright’s style.” Located in Mississauga on Erin Mills Parkway, north of Dundas St. West, Windows on the Green is a luxury 4-storey condo with 150 suites and a penthouse loft collection. Currently under construction, only a few suites remain, with occupancy scheduled for late 2015. John Vandyk believes that his passion for the master architect is evident in the details of his mid-rise projects. In an article about

The Craftsman in the Toronto Star (October, 2104), he admitted purchasing a line of limited edition planters from the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation in Scottsdale, Arizona, to be positioned in one of the The Craftsman’s courtyards. “Extreme thought was put into the spaces,” he said. “There was no expense spared.” In these days of uncertainty, the home ideally becomes a sanctuary that encourages us to lead an inspired life. Frank Lloyd Wright once said, “The mission of an architect is to help people understand how to make life more beautiful, the world a better one for living in, and to give reason, rhyme and meaning to life.” Today, more than 400 Wright creations still stand in North America, including the modest cottage in the northern woodlands of Ontario. Each building, whether residential or public, is an original work of art in its own right, designed to complement its environment and to comfortably accommodate and inspire its inhabitants. As exemplified by modern-day projects like The Craftsman, it is obvious that Wright’s influence endures to this day, and will likely do so for generations to come. OHB ohba.ca

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What attracts today’s homebuyers, and what repels them? By Ted McIntyre

ILLUSTRATIONS: MICHELLE KENNY

t was old-style marketing that caught the attention of Michael Bonanno and his wife Melissa Komadina. “We were driving along the QEW one day in late April and saw a road sign for New Horizon Development Group’s Waterfront Trails in the Fruitland/QEW area. We were just starting to think about buying a home and had looked at a few resales, but there was nothing concrete yet. But we saw the sign and immediately drove to the sales office to have a look, then came home and did our research.” Sometimes it can be the smallest detail that either hooks a prospective homebuyer or drives them away. An acquaintance’s negative experience can have the impact of an atom bomb, while one great website can completely draw you in. For some, the most positive new-home attributes never even enter into the equation. Ontario Home Builder interviewed five resale purchasers and asked if they knew that a new home could save them 15% on annual energy charges versus one built just five years ago and 25-30% on homes built in 2005. Only one had any inkling of those statistics. Neither were they aware of the notably

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higher indoor air quality and home safety, thanks to updated building codes. Further, each of the five cited concerns over the quality of new homes as a dissuading factor from purchasing a new build. The comments suggest areas in which new-home builders can make public relations forays if they are to dispel fears and encourage more prospective buyers to consider their latest residential developments, instead of looking purely at resales for their next home. Every business, of course, has its critics, but it’s the response to that critique that can make a huge impression on consumers. Right or wrong, the following represents perceptions that were consistently held by those interviewed. As for purchasers of new builds, there were some of the expected attractions, but also a few surprises. (Some last names have been omitted by request.) BUYING NEW The value of time was a common theme among the purchasers interviewed. “The most important factor was probably location. ONTARIO HOME BUILDER SUMMER 2015

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But we really liked the idea of not feeling rushed, as our townhome would not be ready for another six to eight months,” says Bonanno. “Plus, we figured that by the time we officially take possession, the house value will likely have increased 8%-12%.” “The extended time period to close the project allowed for more flexibility in financing,” says Vincent Valeri, who purchased a condominium at the Molinaro Group’s new Paradigm project in Burlington. “The time in advance of the move has allowed us to save for furnishings and submit a bigger down payment,” says Paul McKinlay, who has purchased in Tiffany Park Homes’ Westhaven project in Etobicoke. “There is near zero inventory of entry-level homes sub-$1million in the area other than this project, and everything in that category needed $100,000 or more of reno work. Buying new means there won’t have to be a big capital outlay for renovations after we move in.” “We just don’t have the contacts, time or, frankly, the patience for renovations,” echoes Sandra (last name withheld), who purchased a Mattamy Cranberry Hill home in Waterdown. “Buying new allowed us to pick exactly what we wanted in terms of layout and finishings—something that would be complete when we moved in. Also, we watch a lot of HGTV, and seeing all the problems that can be found in existing homes is worrisome. That doesn’t mean that a new build can’t have problems, but at least you have the builder and warranties to cover you.” 58

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THE PRICE IS RIGHT Half the new-home buyers interviewed also cited affordability as a big draw, particularly given current demand for resales in many areas. “By not choosing resale we didn’t have to go through the process of searching, open houses and bidding on homes in what is now a very competitive market,” says Amanda, who is awaiting a new build in Ancaster at Carriage Gate’s Legacy development. “We went and saw numerous (resales),” says Bonanno. “People were paying list or over list price within 48 hours of it going up for sale. A resale of an eight-year-old home with less square footage and no appliances was going for $302,000, while ours will be about $312,500 after tax—and New Horizon included five brand new GE stainless steel appliances, plus several upgrades.” MAKING INITIAL CONTACT All points of marketing contact were equally effective for the group interviewed by OHB, with one saying the billboard initially caught their eye (New Horizon), one physically seeing the development take shape near their neighbourhood (Carriage Gate), another citing the sales office as drawing them in (Westhaven), two attributing word of mouth among the top two factors (Molinaro Group and Fieldgate Homes) and others noting web searches, print media and the builder’s website (Mattamy). “The Molinaro Group is part of my (business) network, and I loved the first (new-build) condo I purchased in 2008—Molinaro’s ohba.ca

Strata in Burlington,” says Valeri. “Also important were the location of Paradigm versus existing buildings, the amenities and quality of the new build, the (commitment) from the area to support the new project, as well as the resale value of the new build, as opposed to an older resale.” The latter was another point of critical importance for most new-build buyers, including Brenda. “The opportunity to make money down the road was key,” she says. “We wanted to earn that profit rather than paying a higher price for the home and giving it to someone else.” “I do see it as an investment,” admits Darryl, who purchased in Fieldgate Homes’ Valleylands development in Brampton. “We bought new because we only plan on living here for a few years before moving out west, and didn’t want to run into any major expenses in the interim. It’s a very attractive neighbourhood, and we like the brick and stone and the fact that all the homes don’t look alike. It’s also conveniently located to a lot of facilities and highways—especially when coming home from work on the 407.” Amanda also loved the area for their Ancaster purchase, as well as the chance to design their home from scratch. But the experience

thus far, she concedes, has been stressful. “Our house is not going to be ready when first promised, due to issues with the city and building permits,” she notes. “So now we will, for a few months, have to live in temporary accommodations, store our belongings— doubling our moving expenses. And our daily routine when our kids return to school will be more arduous. The builder has a good reputation and we expect the house will be well built. However, the uncertainty and added complications we’ve had could dissuade us from buying new again in the future.” RESALE In some cases, new-home builders simply can’t compete. Being a car buff, Kristine Danton was looking for a lot of room to breathe. “We chose resale over new due to the fact that virtually all new homes in our price range came with little to no property,” notes Danton. “We bought in Windham Centre, southwest of Brantford. We work in Hamilton and love the city, but could not justify the prices there. For $190,000 we got an 1,800 sq. ft. farmhouse, which we use as a 10-car shop.”“We wanted a large yard with old trees and privacy,” adds Valerie (last name withheld), who purchased her

WHAT B U YE RS WANT NEW CHBA STUDY REVEALS PURCHASER DESIRES Want to know the high-rise amenity preferences of new-home buyers? What marketing initiatives caught their eye? How incredibly important energy efficiency is for prospective purchasers? Conducted and produced by Avid Ratings Canada in partnership with the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA), the 2015 Canadian Home Buyer Preference Study reveals detailed new findings in more than 50 in-depth areas of home design, building features, buying preferences and demographics. The first-of-its-kind survey, conducted between December 1, 2014 and Feb. 26 of 2015, solicited 12,384 homeowners from 51 builders in six provinces, drawing 1,581 replies—the 13% response rate representing a sizeable average, given that other countries report around 5% for similar studies. The report, available for purchase, contains comparisons of seven customer segments, from single/ couples without children, to investors and second/ vacation homebuyers. Among the illuminating findings is the overwhelming importance of a strong website and sales centre. A whopping 47.3% cited the builder’s website as “Very Important”—the highest possible rating— with another 29% seeing it as “somewhat important”— the next category down. Despite the trend toward the internet and digital assets, though, the most important resource is still the model home/sales centre, with 97.4% of homebuyers rating it as an important resource, and an overwhelming 76.1% listing it as very important. The report also suggests that buyers will not compromise on quality. When asked what they were most willing to accept in order to make the home more affordable, a miniscule 0.5% said they’d accept lower quality materials, and a mere 3.4% would accept lower energy efficiency. Buyers were most willing to accept unfinished spaces, living further from work, smaller homes and fewer community features—each roughly finishing in the 20% range. As for characteristics of new-home buyers, nearly half of today’s purchasers ( 46% ) are comprised of Generation X, (those born 19651979), with Generation Y or millennials (those born 1980-2000)

following closely at 38%. Based on the data, in today’s market single couples with no kids are the largest cohort buying new homes, while the greatest number of new homes in Canada are built for households with total annual incomes between $100,000 and $149,000. In the search for new homes, 85% of respondents said they begin their quest online. Social media is the second-largest trend ( 52% ). Expectedly, the younger they are, the more they actively engage with social media marketing. As for overall home design preferences, walk-in closets and energy-efficiency dominated the “musthave” list for new homebuyers. For mid- and high-rise buildings, 24-hour security, WiFi throughout the building and an in-building health and gym club are the largest sought-after components. Health and wellness concerns top the list of community preferences, with walking trails, bike paths, parks and recreation being cited as key amenities. With respect to construction preferences, standard 2x6 stud wall construction ranked atop the list, with 35.5% of respondents considering it a must-have feature. Insulated concrete (ICF) systems finished next on the list with 27.2% of buyers rating them as a musthave. From an exterior finish perspective, the most appealing product to homebuyers is stone (36.8%) As noted in multiple sections, homebuyers are willing to move farther from work to find the perfect place to call home, at a price that fits their budget. The resulting commute creates the need for cars and the study finds that a two-car garage is a must-have feature for 65.9% of respondents. The purchased report enables industry professionals to drill down on the data that matters most to their organizations, such as narrowing the data set to a city or province. Those builders who participated in the survey are additionally able to display their market data compared to local and national benchmarking databases. Purchasers of the full report will receive a username and password to the Avid Reports system, including access to Avid Reports for local data. To purchase the report, or view more information, visit chba.ca/ buyersurvey.aspx.

47.3% 46% 52% 65.9%

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STON E HOM E S A SOLID FAVOU RITE The old sturdy standby of brick, block and stone are the building material of choice for Ontario homebuyers, according to a new study conducted by Redfern Research and commissioned by MasonryWorx. The study polled 1,500 adult Ontarians province-wide to gauge consumer attitudes and awareness of masonry products. Some 90% of participants said they would prefer to buy homes made of masonry products over other exterior finishes. Consumers put masonry first in several categories, including durability (81%), stability in extreme weather (78%), visual appeal (78%) and resale value (75%). Most also felt that stone or brick cladding helps create a unique community character. The energy savings angle was additionally cited, as was lower maintenance costs, since masonry doesn’t require painting or washing. And while a masonry building costs about 2% to 4% more to build, it averages a 6% higher average resale value, according to Judy Pryma, president of MasonryWorx, a trade association for Ontario masonry industry professionals.

resale in the Oakville’s Bronte area. “We looked into buying new again, but the largest lots offered were 50 feet across and only 89 feet deep. When you put a massive home on a tiny lot, you are left with no space and privacy. So we decided to buy old and get the lot. It was also walking distance to stores and schools. Some new places still don’t have schools and kids are bussed.” Land is one thing, but other concerns consistently played into the decision of OHB’s resale purchasers. “We felt that the new homes being built lacked character—every room looked like a tan or white box, says Danton. “We love the pocket doors, wide wood trim and large principal rooms in the older houses. “We also felt that new homes lack the quality seen in older homes. Many of our friends who have bought new homes believe that the builders cut corners and only met minimal code requirements. We do not want a house that is going to have serious problems in just a few years. Quality is very important to us. We felt that an older, solid brick home that had stood the test of time was going to be a wiser choice.” “I looked at some new builds, but was not impressed,” says Giordano Cattonar, who recently purchased a condo in the Lakeview, Mississauga area—his first purchase in Canada after coming from England. “Nowadays, houses or condos are built with cheaper materials, have smaller footage, poor acoustic insulation 60

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and higher prices, and they don’t have any character.” Past experience was another deterrent for Valerie. “New homes aren’t necessarily more energy efficient,” she argues. “I’ve been a new-home buyer for over 10 years, in which time we purchased, lived in and sold three new homes. During that time we also purchased and sold two new condos. The best was the first house, built in 2001; then it got progressively worse. In all homes the rooms over the garage were freezing in the winter. We were told the insulation was to code, but most neighbours had these rooms re-insulated, along with their garages. “The resale has had the bonus of saving us almost 25% on property taxes just by not being in an ‘estate’ neighbourhood.” For Rob (last name withheld), who purchased a 27-year-old Crown Homes residence in a Sifton Properties development in London, it was simply a matter of convenience. “We were on a tight schedule and just didn’t want to live in a construction site for two years. We also wanted mature trees. We also knew that any mysteries the home possessed would have revealed themselves by now. And we knew the builder had a strong reputation and the neighbours had spoken well of the development.” Rob acknowledges it would have been great “to have had the opportunity to wire a new build for the internet and plug ISDN cables into the router,” and wishes there had been a bigger explanation of the potential energy efficiency savings of new homes. “That was not a selling feature that anyone promoted on any of the homes we looked at. I think they need a chart—‘Given this square footage and these windows, your cost would be X.’” Andrew Croll, who purchased his resale in Oakville’s Glen Abbey neighbourhood, was open to both options, but in the end was swayed by “a few deterrents” from going with new construction. “First was uncertainty and lack of control in timing. We’ve heard so many stories of project delays with little or no control to the purchaser. Second was an uncertainty of final cost. While the headline purchase price may be attractive, the costs to customize your home can be extensive. I was shocked that for even a garage door entrance into the house—which seems intuitive—the developer was going to charge us $10,000. “Another concern was the actual purchase process,” says Croll. “I’ve heard several accounts of people lining up at these developments when one of the phases goes up for sale, then buyers are selected by a lottery process (or first come, first served) and essentially must make the purchase decision on the spot.” If builders get the opportunity to address buyer anxieties, however, they can often put fears to rest. “Not knowing what everything was going to look like and the mess of moving in was absolutely a concern, but seeing the renderings helped us picture how it would look,” says Bonanno. “Even after deposit, New Horizon gave us a 100% money-back guarantee within a certain window if all our questions aren’t answered. Also, seeing all the new developments they’ve done has been reassuring, as was the fact that Phase 1 sold out the first day it was available—four floors of condos and 65+ townhomes.” Could the experience have been improved? “I did find out that Mattamy offers booklets to new-home buyers with costs for upgrades and pictures of how upgrades look versus having no upgrades. I would have paid good money for that! And we still have many questions, being in a new development. But thus far I have to say that the builder has been fantastic.” OHB ohba.ca

The industries that maintain and develop our provincial infrastructure include construction, electrical utilities, transportation, and aggregates. Over the past decade, great strides have been made in these industries to increase awareness, encourage participation, and enforce compliance with health and safety practices. Safety standards have been continuously measured and evaluated by a wide assortment of health and safety advocates. At the same time, employers and workers who perform high-risk activities have received more training and skills development to give them the knowledge and tools they need in order to work safely. The Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA) has been at the forefront of these advancements, which have resulted in a more concentrated effort in prevention. Working in tandem with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) and the Ministry of Labour (MOL), IHSA has come closer to achieving its goal of eliminating occupational injuries and illnesses in Ontario. When companies register with the WSIB in one of the rate groups served by IHSA, they become pre-paid

1,2

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members and gain access to a wealth of health and safety training and materials for free or at a reduced cost. As well, IHSA provides guidance and consultation regarding complying with the rules and regulations that apply to that member’s rate group. IHSA also serves an advisory role to the MOL and the Prevention Office when creating health and safety standards and legislative requirements that will improve health and safety in the workplace. All of these factors and organizations, together with the efforts of employers and workers in these industries and rate groups, have resulted in the steady decline of lost-time injury (LTI) rates. But that’s the good news. Unfortunately, workers in these sectors are still being injured or losing their lives on the job. For some small businesses in Ontario, this has resulted in shutting down entire operations, job loss, hefty fines, and even jail time. And that’s not to mention the personal devastation that occurs to families and co-workers when there’s a workplace fatality.

Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, By the Numbers: 2014 WSIB Statistical Report (WSIB: Toronto) p.33.

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So where does the responsibility for the future of health and safety in these sectors truly lie? It doesn’t rest on the shoulders of organizations like the WSIB, which aid in times of need and help reintegrate injured workers into the workforce. It’s not up to the innovators like IHSA, which develops training specific to the needs of each business. And it’s not the duty of enforcement agencies like the MOL, which can’t be everywhere at once. Most of the large companies out there are doing their part for health and safety in their respective sectors, but it’s their leadership and influence that really needs to drive these new standards and spark the true catalyst for change:

deeper into how you have applied and integrated health and safety standards into your business. The past decade in this industry has been about the larger organizations coming together to lay the foundations for a safer work environment in this province.

The small business.

The future will depend on the small businesses in Ontario. Those businesses that look beyond one or two safety training programs to cover their due diligence requirements and instead seek the help they need to internally develop their health and safety system are the ones that will be able to maintain their compliance through all of the regulatory changes to come.

The small business.

The small businesses that operate for only a few months out of the year; the small businesses that supply employment to vulnerable workers; the small businesses that operate without WSIB coverage; the small businesses that avoid health and safety training because of the expense. It’s the small businesses that say to themselves, ”that will never happen to us.” Those are the employers and workers we need to reach with our health and safety message. That’s where we can make the biggest impact. That’s how we can ensure the successes we have already achieved will continue to bear fruit in the future. If you’re a small business owner in the infrastructure industry, health and safety training is a great place to start and IHSA is available to help–for free or at a reduced cost if you’re a member. As stricter safety requirements become the norm, you’ll soon find that not investing in safety will start affecting your bottom line. Those businesses without a strong health and safety management system will start losing contracts to those who have one. If you’re in communication with your peers from the larger companies, or if you’re in constant contact with buyers of construction, it should be clear to you that the future of your business depends upon the implementation of a health and safety management system throughout your entire organization. And it’s not just about how many training programs you or your workers have completed. Companies will start looking Special Advertising Feature

Whether you employ 5 people, or 500 people, you have the potential to encourage your workforce to create a culture of health and safety. And from that, will come a group of ambassadors with the power to eliminate workplace injuries and fatalities for good.

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WASTE OF AN OPPORTUNITY?

ONTARIO HOME BUILDER SUMMER 2015

ohba.ca

WITH NEW LEGISLATION ANTICIPATED, BUILDERS ARE EMBRACING THE MORE EFFICIENT USE AND RECYCLING OF MATERIALS By Ted McIntyre

he concept of recycling is hardly new. There is evidence that dates back nearly 2,000 years of the Romans reusing bronze in the construction of statues, and employing stones from old roads to make new ones. But the incentive to embrace the three Rs of “reduce, reuse and recycle” is somewhat more pressing in a modern world of scarcer resources, diminishing landfill options and more environmentally sustainable practices. The residential construction and renovation industry in Canada is among those facing increasing challenges, with surveys indicating that “as much as one-third of the 20 million tons of solid waste of municipal waste streams is generated by construction, renovation and demolition activities,” according to Public Works and Government Services Canada in its Environmentally Responsible Construction and Renovation Handbook. The Recycling Council of Ontario, meanwhile, notes that of the waste generated in construction, renovation and demolition (CRD) activities, 75% is from recyclable materials such as concrete, steel, wood and gypsum wallboard. “Although C&D has a relatively low impact when compared to other common waste streams, such as organics in terms of methane emissions, and electronic and electric waste when analyzing toxicity,” notes the Recycling Council of Ontario’s Meirav Even-Har in Construction Canada magazine, “it has a ohba.ca

significant environmental footprint through transportation and disposal-related pollution. The most considerable impact is the loss of raw resource efficiency. In other words, the greatest impact is associated with what is not being recycled or reused, which influences the ongoing need for virgin resource extraction.” Anticipated legislation will spur change. In Ontario, the replacement of the Waste Diversion Act “will be quite different from the minority government’s last attempt, Bill 91,” blogs Dianne Saxe of Saxe Law Office in Toronto, which specializes in environmental law and litigation. “The new statute is planned to be very general, leaving the most important details to be set out later in Provincial Policy Statements and in material-specific regulations. The new law will likely be called the Resource Recovery Act. It is to be based primarily on producer responsibility— physical and financial—for the wastes created by their products… and would entail wrenching changes for Ontario’s existing waste management and recycling systems.” The complication for builders when it comes to the individual producer responsibility (IPR) framework is that they are both product producers (homes and renovations) as well as aggregators of products and materials. Still, the fact is unavoidable that the majority of those dealing with construction waste material are going to have to deal with it more efficiently in the very near future. ONTARIO HOME BUILDER SUMMER 2015

B.C. and Alberta are already enforcing strict codes. Metro Vancouver has a current landfill ban in effect for gypsum drywall and ‘clean wood’ (unpainted, unstained, untreated, but may contain metal fasteners like screws and nails). The City of Calgary charges $70/ton for regular construction, renovation and demolition (CRD) waste disposal at municipal landfills but the rate jumps to $145/ton for concrete, wood or other easy-to-recycle materials. GREEN PLANNING W hile the term ‘recycling’ seems as green as chlorophyll to most people, it actually sits at the bottom of the totem pole of the three environmental Rs. First comes ‘reduce,’ followed by ‘re-use.’ In other words, the trick is to initially avoid potential waste materials, divert what you can afterward, then recycle anything possible beyond that. A little forethought and commitment can go a long way. In 2009, Minto set a construction waste diversion target of 80% by 2016. By 2013, the company had already surpassed the goal by 5%. “We set up a waste management plan for each project that tries to sort out who the waste hauler is and what kind of initiatives we intend to use to reduce waste,” says Wells Baker, Director of Conservation and Sustainable Design for Minto, which has claimed two OHBA Ontario Home Builder of the Year awards in the past three years and multiple green building awards from EnerQuality. “One key to a successful plan is working with an experienced hauler that has the methodology in place for doing a lot of separation. When we first looked at projects, we explored options for doing separation and sorting on site, which can be very complicated and involved a lot of cooperation from all the various trades on a construction site. We certainly do some sorting on site and try to find uses for scrap pieces of wood. But we’ve found that by using waste haulers that do offsite separation, our sorting and tracking becomes a lot less of a burden on us as a builder and results in better overall diversion rates. Plus, it simplifies your space requirements in terms of where you place various bins, and you get the site cleaned up quicker.” Craig Moore of the Ontario Association of Demolition Contractors believes that 68

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“WHILE THE TERM ‘RECYCLING’ SEEMS AS GREEN AS CHLOROPHYLL TO MOST, IT ACTUALLY SITS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE TOTEM POLE OF THE THREE ENVIRONMENTAL Rs.” DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS HAVE SHOWN THAT THE DIVERSION OF WASTE FROM LANDFILL CAN REDUCE WASTE DISPOSAL COSTS BY UP TO

30%

THROUGH REDUCED TIPPING AND HAULAGE FEES AND THE SALE OF REUSABLE AND RECYCLABLE MATERIALS.

“OBVIOUSLY THE FEWER TRUCKS HAULING AWAY MATERIAL, THE GREATER THE END PROFIT ... BUT THE ULTIMATE GOAL SHOULD BE REDUCING WASTE ENTIRELY; NOT FINDING WAYS TO DIVERT IT FROM LANDFILL. OTHERWISE YOU’RE PAYING FOR WOOD TWICE, AND JUST BURDENING THE ENVIRONMENT.”

materials sent to landfill are missed opportunities to cash in: “I’ve seen contractors offer to pay an owner to tear down their building because of the scrap value,” he told the Daily Commercial News last November. But Wells feels the waste haulers have the advantage over builders and others in securing deals and dispersing materials due to their established connections and the volumes they deal with. “They’re are very good at extracting the value out of the waste stream, whether they’re getting paid to use it as feed material for other products, or recycling and putting materials back into use for the construction stream,” says Wells, whose company purchases rec yc led wood products, “which closes the loop nicely.” While that’s good for the environment, it’s also good for the bottom line. Demonstration projects have shown that the diversion of waste from landfill can reduce waste disposal costs by up to 30% through reduced tipping and haulage fees and the sale of reusable and recyclable materials. Saving in this department adds up quickly, notes Sebastian Mizzi, vicepresident of SigNature Communities, who estimates that on high-rise sites, his company goes through two to three bins a week, at roughly $800 to $1,000 per bin— and probably $1,600 to $3,000 a week— meaning a two-year-project costs in the neighbourhood of $250,000. “Obviously the fewer trucks hauling away material, the greater the end profit,” Wells echoes. “But the ultimate goal should be reducing waste entirely; not finding ways to divert it from landfill. Otherwise you’re paying for wood twice, and just burdening the environment.” Builders don’t knowingly commence projects w it h more suppl ies t ha n required, but a company never knows how efficient it can be until challenged, says Renee Gratton, founder and president of the Construction Resource Initiatives Council in Ottawa. “Workers are moving quickly and they’ll cut twice instead of measuring twice. Those higher up the food chain don’t stop and think, ‘What would happen if I gradually gave my workers less materials and told them they have to start paying attention?’ These are the sort of experiments that companies like Minto, one of our founding partners, are ohba.ca

Managing waste during construction is one thing, but, as The Environmentally Responsible Handbook notes, future disassembly should be considered during the design phase.

doing with their Avalon project in Ottawa. T hey’ve realized they can decrease their costs of material purchases, not to mention cutting costs at the other end by having less waste to dispose of. It just boils down to taking the time to implement these systems.” Good ideas come from open communication and motivational programs, says Gratton, whose first zero-waste initiative, Mission 2030, aims to eliminate t he const r uc t ion, renovat ion a nd demolition waste to landfill by 2030. “I visited a plumbing distributor, Wolseley Canada, and they found they were going through pallets like there was no tomorrow. They had a suggestion box where the person with the best idea each month receives $500. This one fellow figured out a way of repairing and reusing the pallets. Wolseley discovered that by hiring a person fulltime to repair pallets, they netted $3,000 a month, not to mention giving someone a job with benefits!” ohba.ca

ONTARIO’S 3Rs REGULATIONS In 1994, the Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE) passed the 3Rs Regulations. Regulations 102/94 and 103/94 are applicable to construction and demolition projects consisting of one or more buildings with a floor area greater than 2,000 m2. REGULATION 102/94 REQUIRES: aUR P\Z]YRaV\[ \S N[ \[ `VaR dNàR NbQVa aUNa VQR[aVSVR` aUR NZ\b[a N[Q [Nab_R \S aUR dNàR aUNa dVYY OR TR[R_NaRQ aUR QRcRY\]ZR[a \S N dNàR _RQbPaV\[ d\_X]YN[ aUNa \baYV[R` `]RPVSVP NPUVRcNOYR QVcR_`V\[ \]aV\[` S\_ _RQbPaV\[ _Rb`R N[Q _RPfPYV[T AUNa d\_X]YN[ Zbà OR P\Z]YRaRQ ORS\_R aUR ORTV[[V[T \S aUR 0?1 ]_\WRPa aUR VZ]YRZR[aNaV\[ \S aUR dNàR _RQbPaV\[ d\_X]YN[ aUR Q\PbZR[aNaV\[ \S aUR dNàR NbQVa N[Q d\_X]YN[ _R`bYa` \[ S\_Z` ]_\cVQRQ Of aUR :<2 \_ S\_Z` aUNa UNcR ORR[ QR`VT[RQ V[ aUR `NZR TR[R_NY S\_ZNa aUR _RaR[aV\[ \S N P\]f \S aUR NbQVa N[Q d\_X]YN[ Q\PbZR[a` \[ SVYR S\_ SVcR fRN_` S_\Z P\Z]YRaV\[ \S aUR ]_\WRPa

REGULATION 103/94 REQUIRES: aUR VZ]YRZR[aNaV\[ \S N `\b_PR `R]N_NaV\[ ]_\T_NZ S\_ aUR _Rb`NOYR N[Q _RPfPYNOYR ZNaR_VNY` YVàRQ V[ ?RTbYNaV\[ &! V[PYbQV[T O_VPX N[Q ]\_aYN[Q PRZR[a P\[P_RaR b[]NV[aRQ Q_fdNYY àRRY d\\Q [\a V[PYbQV[T ]NV[aRQ a_RNaRQ \_ YNZV[NaRQ d\\Q N[Q P\__bTNaRQ PN_QO\N_Q aUR `]RPVSVPNaV\[ \S SNPVYVaVR` aUNa N_R `bSSVPVR[a S\_ aUR P\YYRPaV\[ `\_aV[T UN[QYV[T N[Q à\_NTR \S aUR`R ZNaR_VNY` aUR P\ZZb[VPNaV\[ \S aUR `\b_PR `R]N_NaV\[ ]_\T_NZ N[Q Va` `bPPR``R` a\ RZ]Y\fRR` ]Na_\[` N[Q aR[N[a` _RN`\[NOYR RSS\_a V[ R[`b_V[T aUNa aUR `R]N_NaRQ dNàR V` _Rb`RQ \_ _RPfPYRQ ³<[aN_V\ :V[Và_f \S 2[cV_\[ZR[a N[Q ?RPfPYV[T 0\b[PVY \S <[aN_V\

ONTARIO HOME BUILDER SUMMER 2015

CUTTING WASTE…AND COSTS Some waste-cutting measures can also make life easier for builders dealing with IPR demands. “One of the challenges product manufacturers have is that their packaging is also designed for advertising a nd f i nd i ng prom i nence on store shelves, so you find many products being generously packaged as a result of doing more than protecting the particular item,” Wells explains. “But due to our volumes of material purchases, home builders have a good deal of clout with suppliers as to how materials or pieces of equipment are packaged and delivered to site. A number of years ago when we were first looking at installing compact fluorescent light bulbs in some of our buildings, we were talking to a manufacturer with these big plastic blister packs. We convinced them to provide these bulbs to us in small recyclable cardboard boxes instead, and it saved us a lot of money as well as a lot of time trying to open all this impossible packaging for every home we build. “Of course, you have to make sure that whatever packaging you’re removing doesn’t expose the construction materials or equipment to potential damage en route to the site or while being stored on site. So you also have to be mindful of the time of year you’re using these products and materials,” notes Wells. “But if you’re purchasing enough of the product in bulk, there may even be an opportunity to receive it at a lower cost, since the manufacturer may have lower packaging costs. Another option—one that includes humanitarian and PR payoffs—is to donate products and materials during the disassembly phase. Habitat for Humanity happily accepts items that can be sold either in its ReStore outlets or for the construction of new homes. Run almost entirely by volunteers, ReStore sales covers all of Habitat’s overhead costs, with stock priced 25%-75% off the regular retail prices of other stores, with the bonus of being HST-free. Habitat teams will even visit a site to tear down and remove items free of charge. An added bonus is that tax receipts are provided for all products and materials, notes Sarah Golan, communications manager for Habitat for Humanity Halton-Mississauga, whose association has partnered with such OHBA members as Mattamy, Branthaven and the Daniels 70

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Habitat for Humanity employees will visit construction sites free of charge to tear down and remove items and materials to stock their ReStore outlets.

“IN MID-MARCH, I CHALLENGED OUR CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS TO QUANTIFY WASTE DIVERSION, AMONG OTHER THINGS. WE’RE GOING THROUGH A PROCESS TO UNDERSTAND AND COMMUNICATE WHAT EXACTLY WE’RE DOING BETTER.” Corporation, and plans to build 15 homes for Halton-Mississauga families this year. Ever y good waste reduction plan includes outside assistance, says Gratton. “The companies who do really well are the ones that really go looking for partners.” Gratton cites the Zibi project in Ottawa as a prime example, the grand opening of which was May 30. A transformation of 37 acres of contaminated industrial land into a remarkably sustainable community on the Ottawa River, Zibi (Algonquin for “river”) is recognized by UK-based sustainability charity Bioregional as Canada’s first (and just the world’s tenth) One Planet Community. A partnership of Dream Unlimited Corp. and Windmill

Developments, the project target was a remarkable maximum of 2% to landfill of the waste generated by the completed development. “They did an inventory of materials as they deconstructed, and have had partners coming to get the wood and other materials that weren’t of use, including local woodworkers,” says Gratton. “The only way we can know all the numbers is to do it ourselves,” adds SigNature’s Mizzi. “In mid-March, I challenged our construction managers to quantify waste diversion, among other things. We’re going through a process to understand and communicate what exactly we’re doing better. On our new project in King City, King’s Den, we’re ohba.ca

hoping to divert at least 80% of our waste. We try to do a little bit more in every project, really testing the sustainability marketplace as we go.” LEVEL OF COMMITMENT Although sorting everything from plastics to metal, drywall, stone and wood can be a time-consuming process, it’s the responsible thing to do, says Chris Phillips, owner of Toronto-based Greening Homes Ltd., whose company recycles drywall and uses only EcoLogocertified drywall in his projects. Builders can also capitalize on such practices, Phillips notes, by branding and marketing themselves a s e nv i r o n m e nt a l l y c o n s c iou s companies, which will appeal to many potential customers. However, certain things must be in place before construction moves forward, Phillips notes. First, the client must be made aware that the crew needs to work more carefully. Second, the project must provide sufficient space to properly sort and dispose of waste material, and all crewmembers must be on the same page. As a practice, deconstruction—as opposed to demolition—creates jobs, salvages material for reuse and reduces waste sent to landfills/incinerators. T he Environmentally Responsible Construction and Renovation Handbook recommends that future disassembly always be a consideration during the design phase. For example, the use of reversible connections instead of nails to fasten wood framing and other materials allows for easy disassembly. Not only can the material be used again, but the screws and bolts can also be reused. Materials that are fastened by a tongue-and-groove connection rather than an adhesive compound will also aid in the recycling process, as will materials such as linoleum flooring, which is often left in place for the entire life cycle of a building, while carpeting is traditionally changed on a five- to seven-year cycle. It is also environmentally beneficial to determine from suppliers which materials and products have well-established recycling and reuse markets. A waste audit is also advised, outlining the responsibilities of every individual, ohba.ca

VOLUNTARY WASTE REDUCTION OPPORTUNITIES There are a number of industry-driven volunteer programs available to new-home builders that address building efficiency and reducing on-site construction waste. As an association, OHBA promotes practices and educates member companies on both green building programs and green building science. Four of the more significant programs include:

GREENHOUSE

This program involves having a waste management plan that details recycling and reuse facilities, municipal solid waste landfills, etc.; the materials that cannot be recycled/reused; and the quantity of waste generated (in weight), waste diverted and waste disposed by landfill/ incineration.

LEED

Under Materials and Resources (MR 3.2), the LEED program awards credits for reducing construction waste (based on weight/volume per m2 or by diverting 25% or more of the total materials taken off the site from landfills/incinerators. Builders can receive a maximum of 3 points in this credit (points are awarded for a variety of initiatives to receive a LEED Silver, Gold or Platinum designation).

SAVINGS BY DESIGN

This program is a green building initiative from Enbridge Gas Distribution that helps home builders improve energy and environmental performance in new construction projects. The program takes builders through an integrated design process to help them meet a 25% energy reduction goal above OBC 2012 and also provides a performance incentive.

OPTIMUM HOME PROGRAM Sponsored by Union Gas,this program equips builders with leading-edge technical and marketing training from renowned building science experts with an extensive background in energy efficiency and sustainable housing. The goal is to help builders design, build and market high-performance homes which exceed the current Ontario Building Code efficiency standards by 20% or more.

from waste management specialist to consultants and general contractors. PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE OHBA recognizes that there is always room for sectors to improve their performance, but has suggested in a submission to the provincial government that construction and demolition waste be addressed separately to provide more clarity on the implications of the two waste streams being aggregated—both from a policy and regulation standpoint. In practical terms, construction waste can be reduced through design and engineering, while demolition waste cannot. That said, OHBA anticipates that the amount of new-home and renovationgenerated construction waste going to landfill sites will shrink dramatically over the next decade. There are questions still to be answered: If products are to be managed from a life cycle perspective, is the product producer responsible for disposal or does the builder who installs and assembles those products on a building site assume responsibility? The same goes with tracking materials from collection to final destination and registering those materials on the proposed Waste Reduction Registry. Some problematic materials w ill continue to pose challenges for diversion (e.g. OSB, carpet cut-offs, ceramic tile cutoffs, etc.), not to mention contaminated m ater i a ls. A nd OHBA intend s to recommend to the government that the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) consider a different approach for Northern Ontario, where there are significant challenges in dealing with construction site waste in remote communities and no economies of scale or transportation networks for various materials to adequately divert and dispose of those materials. Moving forward, OHBA has stated that the infrastructure must exist to help facilitate builders in their CRD diversion efforts and ensure that the supply of waste available for recycling is matched with the capacity of recyclers to accept, transport and process it. Markets for specific materials and recycling processes will, no doubt, evolve in the near future. But builders should take the initiative now, for with expected legislation coming down the line, the one thing they can’t afford to divert is time. OHB ONTARIO HOME BUILDER SUMMER 2015

IN AN INCREASINGLY WIFI WORLD, BUILDERS MUST PREPARE FOR THE FUTURE By Jordan Tovell

ur lives are becoming more and more connected. From operating a laptop to wirelessly monitoring your home security system, and from smart TVs to kitchen counters that can charge your cell phone, today’s homes must increasingly incorporate standardized electronic design as part of the building process. Builders can ill afford to produce homes that are not wired for the technology that is being currently relied upon by homeowners, much less what is to come in the near future. In the past, technology and communication demands included access to proper phone and TV connections. This evolved and the 72

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standard practice is now to include network jacks for internet connectivity. But for many homes the evolution has stalled here. Wireless internet or WiFi connectivity in the home has been left up to the internet service providers to supply. However, all too many homes are subjected to WiFi dead-spots or inadequate coverage throughout the property, leaving homeowners disconnected due to a combination of building features that make it difficult for a wireless signal to travel and a lack of technical experience on behalf of the homeowner. Understanding how wireless signal transmission can be affected ohba.ca

THE CURRENT AGE OF SMART-HOME CONNECTIVITY MEANS THAT EVERYTHING FROM HOME SECURITY AND MOTORIZED SHADING TO MUSIC, HEATING, COOLING AND LIGHTING CONTROLS ARE ALL EXPECTED TO BE OPERATED FROM YOUR PHONE OR TABLET. by architectural design can explain why even a smaller home or condo can have little or no WiFi or cellular reception. A wireless signal must penetrate building materials as it travels from its origin to the intended user. Some wireless signal types are better at this than others. A radio signal travels farther than a cellular phone signal, which, in turn, travels farther than the WiFi signal in a home, but all are affected by the walls and materials they must move through along the way. Even the type of material can play a role in the performance of that signal. For example, concrete is a more formidable barrier than drywall for a wireless signal, and the more physical obstructions, be it floors, walls or windows, the more it will degrade the performance. Obviously, removing floors and walls isn’t a realistic option to improve your WiFi or cellular phone signal, but proper placement of the WiFi antenna and setup is the key to success. A WiFi antenna is built into most routers, but when it is on its own it is known as a wireless access point (WAP). According to Jamie Lee Corpuz of Pakedge Device & Software Inc., “many homeowners don’t know what a WAP is and are only familiar with wireless routers. But wireless is the future—no contest—and investing in a powerful network installed by professional remains that best way to future-proof a home.” For builders, this means consulting and hiring a professional, just as they would with HVAC or other trades, and should not be left up to homeowners, since it’s becoming an expected amenity and homeowners lack the expertise to properly install such a device. While such installations will currently help a builder stand out from the pack, employing such expertise in the future will undoubtedly be part of the job. Another factor that can greatly impact WiFi performance is ohba.ca

proximity to other WiFi signals. As density increases, proximity to neighbours and their signals negatively impacts each other due to interference. In a condominium, the rebar-enforced concrete walls and floors shield your signal from all but their closest neighbours. However, some of the walls within a particular unit are structural and include steel-reinforced concrete, meaning your own WiFi signal can sometimes have trouble accessing an entire suite. In any event, proper programming of the wireless signals goes a long way to minimize the effects of proximity interference, especially in condo buildings and townhomes. The current age of smart-home connectivity means that everything from home security and motorized shading to music, heating, cooling and lighting controls are all expected to be operated from your phone or tablet. In the past, such systems were generally limited to the custom luxury market, but the proliferation of available technologies and their ease of use means they are becoming as standard as dishwashers. The residential technology industry and its professionals, known as Electronic Systems Integrators (ESI), are experts at helping builders and homeowners design and incorporate technology into their homes. By addressing new technology, creating new industry standards and offering professional design and installation services, an ESI can help navigate the ever-changing world of residential technology, reduce electronic clutter and offer advice for future technology integration in the home as part of any home building team. A correctly placed and installed WAP antenna provides optimal coverage throughout the entire home and allows a new homebuyer to simply activate their internet service and plug in the supplied modem/router knowing the WiFi signal is already installed properly. ONTARIO HOME BUILDER SUMMER 2015

WHEREVER AN ELECTRICAL OUTLET HAS BEEN PLACED FOR A WALLMOUNTED TV, REMEMBER TO PLACE A NETWORK CONNECTION AS WELL.

At present, homeowners must arrange for the installation of a wireless signal themselves. They do so by reaching out to internet service providers or local electronics outlets, who supply them with a one-size-fits-all solution in the form of a standard wireless router with a fixed range—routers you’ll often see lying in the middle of the living room, because that’s where the connection works best! The alternative is to utilize electronic design and capitalize on this clear market. Fortunately, incorporating electronic design can, with little added overhead, add much to the appeal of a new space. Here are eight ideas to incorporate modern technology and electronic design in home and condo building. 1. WIFI-READY HOMES A WiFi signal without dead-spots is a must for most homeowners, but is not easy to achieve. The answer is for new homes and condos to be sold with an installed solution already in place. Having a professionally installed wireless access point as part of a new home means the wireless signal is already set up and tested. The homeowner can then activate their internet of choice and they are all set to go. 2. CELLULAR BOOSTERS Many new homes and condos suffer from a greatly reduced or even non-existent cellular phone signals once inside the building. Installing a cellular signal booster can solve this and there are many makes and models offered by home electronics professionals to fit all sizes and shapes of buildings. By capturing the cellular signal on the exterior of the building and amplifying it inside, problems with cellular reception can be solved. Solutions exist for a single room or for entire buildings. Due to the variability of wireless signals and 74

ONTARIO HOME BUILDER SUMMER 2015

environmental factors, it is always easiest to rough in a few wires during the building process, ensuring a booster solution can easily be installed if need be. 3. HIDE THE ELECTRONICS A stack of electronic gear is rarely looked upon as adding to the interior design aesthetic. An excellent solution is to hide as much of that equipment as possible and simply interact with the ones that directly provide picture and sound: TVs and speakers. Most other equipment can be organized in an equipment rack placed in a closet or basement space out of sight. Plan to use roughly 2’x2’ of floor space for the equipment rack. It’s a much more efficient use of space than cable boxes all over the house. 4. MOTORIZED WINDOW SHADES There’s a great appeal to new-home buyers to press a single button and have all the windows shades in the living room raise or lower. Simply roughing in wiring for low-voltage motorized window shades is a great selling feature for any new home or condo, as it gives the homeowner the flexibility to incorporate this technology at any time. For those that are only roughing in the wiring, place a hole plug in the window jamb where the wires exit to create a finished look. 5. SMART USE OF CONDUIT Don’t be afraid of conduit for audio and video wiring; it is simple to install and can alleviate many headaches down the road. There are many scenarios where it can be difficult or impossible to hide AV wires in a finished home without causing drywall damage. Installing conduit between a wall-mounted TV location and the ohba.ca

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HOW DANGEROUS ARE WIFI SIGNALS? WiFi is the second-most common form of wireless technology, next to cell phones and cell phone towers. As with other commonly used household products (cordless phones, Bluetooth devices and remote controls for garage door openers), WiFi equipment emits radiofrequency fields. “The RF energy given off by WiFi is a type of non-ionizing radiation,” notes Health Canada. “Unlike ionizing radiation (as emitted by X-ray machines), RF energy from WiFi equipment and other wireless devices cannot break chemical bonds. While some of the RF energy emitted by WiFi is absorbed in your body, the amount largely depends on how close your body is to a WiFi enabled device and the strength of the signal.” Consequently, Health Canada along with the World Health Organization downplay the health concerns of WiFi technology. However, our everincreasing reliability on strong WiFi in our smarthome environment means continual attempts to boost ineffective WiFi signals, as well as the positioning of routers in close proximity to work and entertainment stations within the home. One recent cautionary report was published in the December 2014 edition of the Journal of Microscopy and Ultrastructure. In an article entitled “Why Children Absorb More Microwave Radiation than Adults: The Consequences,” researchers noted that “children absorb more MWR (microwave radiation) than adults because their brain tissues are more absorbent, their skulls are thinner and their relative size is smaller. MWR from wireless devices has been declared a possible human carcinogen.” Further, “Belgium, France, India and other technologically sophisticated governments are passing laws and/or issuing warnings about children’s use of wireless devices.” While more research is required, avoiding the need for WiFi routers within a home design will go a long way to quelling the fears of potential homebuyers.

ONTARIO HOME BUILDER SUMMER 2015

WITH MUSIC DISTRIBUTION THROUGHOUT THE HOME NOW A COMMON REQUEST, SPEAKER WIRE CAN BE PLACED IN THE KITCHEN AND PATIO DURING THE BUILDING PHASE FOR EASY UPGRADE OPTIONS.

other equipment located in the room allows any home or condo owner to enjoy a greatlooking space without visible wiring. If a wall-mounted TV is planned for a wall with horizontal blocking or insulation, an exterior wall conduit is a great solution. The same applies to a TV over a fireplace or if preparing a room for a projector. As connection standards continue to change, having conduit tells a homeowner they are prepared for the future. 6. MUSIC THROUGHOUT Music distributed throughout the home has been around for decades and the solutions are becoming more enjoyable and attainable for many homeowners. Builders can place speaker wire in the kitchen and patio during the build phase for easy upgrade options. 7. NETWORK JACK AT EVERY TV OUTLET Smart TVs are found everywhere and can be a great source for streaming entertainment,

but they need to be connected to the internet. Yes, Smart TVs have the ability to connect wirelessly to a home network, but streaming video is one of the most strenuous demands that can be placed on a home network, and with so many devices using a home’s WiFi signal, the best-case scenario is to have a hardwired connection available. Including a network jack on every TV wall plate along with the standard coaxial connection will go a long way to increasing the experience once equipment is installed. For those locations where an electrical outlet has been placed for a wallmounted TV, don’t forget to place a network connection there as well. 8. SURVEILLANCE Rough in or install a day/night camera system that allows video capture of exterior doors, driveway and backyard. Homeowners who can pick up their cellphone and view their property from anywhere will love the peace of mind this will bring. OHB ohba.ca

Why are homeowners talking about Goodman?

Seems like lots of people are talking about the Goodman® brand these days. Nearly every day, comments and ratings from homeowners across North America are now being captured and placed on display. To find out how homeowners rate Goodman brand products simply visit or www.goodmanmfg.com/reviews. Goodman Locations 1055 Cardiff Blvd., Mississauga, ON L5S 1P4 1161 Parisien Street, Ottawa, ON K1B 4W4 15700 Robins Hill Road, London, ON N5V 0A4 46 Zatonski Avenue, Brantford, ON N3T 5L8 8305 Jane Street, Unit 3, Vaughan, ON L4K 5Y3 963 Brock Road, Suite 1-5, Pickering, ON L1W 3A4 41 Brockley Dr, Unit #8, Hamilton, ON L8E 3C3 2640 Jacques Cartier-Est, Longueuil, QC J4N 1P8 4313 Autoroute Des Laurentides, Laval, QC H7L 5W5 6741 Cariboo Road, Unit 111, Burnaby, BC V3N 4A3 18043 111th Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5S 2P2 7007 54th Street SE, #141, Calgary, AB T2C 3C2 807 60th Street E, Saskatoon, SK S7K 5Z7 107 Mountianview Rd., Unit 1, Winnipeg, MB R3C 2E6

Spoiler Alert: Regardless of the type of Goodman brand product, the reviews are quite exceptional. When homeowners have their local dealer install a new Goodman brand heating or cooling system, it’s not unusual to get a review that reinforces the brand’s slogan, “Thank goodness for Goodman®”.

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I purchased this equipment after researching the major brands and speaking to several HVAC installers. The equipment is well built and a great value. Goodman has an excellent warranty program. The installer was professional and his workmanship is of the highest quality. I noticed an immediate difference in the comfort of my home. I am impressed at how quiet the unit is. - smithke

*Goodman uses the industry leader in homeowner reviews, BazaarVoice, to administer and validate the reviews you see on the website. This means reviews are directly from homeowners, with checks to prevent fabrication, modification, or fraudulent activities. To see how Goodman authenticates reviews, please see BazaarVoice’s Authentication Policy at www.goodmanmfg.com

For more information about the complete high-efficiency value product line from Goodman, simply contact your local Goodman brand distributor or sales representative. Our continuing commitment to quality products may mean a change in specifications without notice. © 2015 Goodman Manufacturing Company, L.P. · Houston, Texas · USA

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Fitting the pieces together: The Growth Plan and greenbelt in a changing Ontario By Joe Vaccaro

ONTARIO HOME BUILDER SUMMER 2015

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The housing market is an easy conversation starter these days. Whether chatting with a neighbour in Etobicoke about the corner house that just sold for $200,000 over asking price, or discussing the flock of cranes altering the skyline of Toronto as new condo buildings take shape, or debating with family about the impact of new townhouse projects in Brampton, or visiting friends in Ottawa, Niagara and Windsor, everyone wants to know why the industry builds what it builds, and why it builds where it builds. As with most complex questions, there is a complicated answer. The type and location of new housing supply and development revolves around the relationship between provincial legislation and regulatory policy, which, in turn, needs to be supported by transit investments and complemented through municipal local planning and decision making. And that all occurs while protecting and respecting environmentally significant features and priorities, often through the layering of additional approvals by government agencies. Then you need to consider the cost of infrastructure to support future housing supply and Offictem employment centres, while es sandem et oditundermine dissit ma understanding that those costslicias cannot the local nus housing ute voluptius, market realities, which couldcomni make too expensive conseria parum il for many to afford or for employment to attract new minctiocentres quibus endi quethat et que the province jobs. That is all underpinned bysequamus, the fact ohba.ca

continues to grow and attract new immigrants and investment, while supporting the existing population and the creation of new families.

SO WHAT TO DO? THE SIMPLE ANSWER would be to grow up and not out. The simpler answer would be to protect the Greenbelt by applying Growth Plan principles to every community in Ontario. The simplest answer would be that if you build subways you get mixed-use condos, intensification and infill housing; if you build GO stations, you get compact subdivisions and townhouses; if you build highways you get business ONTARIO HOME BUILDER SUMMER 2015

parks, industrial and commercial, big box retails and other employment centres. But that is not one simple answer; it is three, because there is no way to prepare for the future growth of this province without looking at each piece as part of a cohesive unit and understanding that it is interconnected. The real answer? It’s about connecting the dots between the Growth Plan and the Greenbelt and how our communities are being changed and created. Like a puzzle, each piece needs to fit together. It is about understanding how the award-winning provincial Growth Plan and Greenbelt Act are connected and, through that connection, how we are creating new communities, how existing communities are changing, and how we—the universal ‘we’—can preserve agricultural land and environmental features while planning for the 4.5 million new people and almost 2 million new jobs coming to the Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH) by 2041. On February 27, the Ontario Home Builders’ Association joined the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Ted McMeekin to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Ontario Greenbelt Act. I stress the word celebrate, because OHBA is not here to fight the Greenbelt. Recognized as the largest urban Greenbelt in the world, the Act serves to protect farmland, green space and clean water in the GGH. OHBA, in partnership with the The Minister used the occasion to Pembina Institute, released a launch the co-ordinated review of the new report called Make Way for Growth Plan for the GGH, the Greenbelt Mid-Rise—How to Build More Plan, the Oak Ridges Moraine ConservaHomes in Walkable, Transittion Plan and the Niagara Escarpment Connected Neighbourhoods. Plan. He made it clear that the governThe joint report identifies five ment’s intention is to grow the Greenbelt, actions that would help increase while continuing to protect Ontario’s endensity along transit lines vironmental priorities. But the Minister and provide more affordable was equally clear that the Growth Plan housing options for families: must align with the economic and infrastructure priorities of Ontario, as well as REQUIRE minimum densities the need to attract jobs and to build the along rapid transit lines communities that will create the sort of ELIMINATE minimum parking live/work/play opportunities that the requirements Plan promotes. Phase 1 of the Co-ordinated Review PRE-APPROVE mid-rise has been an opportunity for the public, development along avenues elected representatives, farmers, homeand transit corridors owners, small and large landowners, environmentalists, developers and anyone REQUIRE retail planning else interested in bad coffee and good before mid-rise is built public policy to attend over 20 public MAKE parkland dedication meetings. OHBA representatives, staff rules more equitable and I attended almost all of them, from the first meeting in Kitchener to the last meeting in Vaughan. The opportunity to hear a diverse group of voices express their experiences,

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ONTARIO HOME BUILDER SUMMER 2015

thoughts, frustrations and aspirations helps everyone involved understand how truly interconnected the Growth Plan and the Greenbelt truly are. At the first public review meeting in Kitchener, the discussion focused on the decision of the Waterloo Regional Government to approve an Official Plan (OP) that applied Growth Plan principles to help intensify future population and job growth along its new Light Rapid Transit corridor—the premise being that existing residents will leave their traditional homes for these new high-rise units. In this sense Waterloo Region has applied the simple answer—growing up and not out—as the cornerstone of its future community character. With that, it approved a limited community expansion of less than 100 hectares, while creating a protected countryside area that prohibits future urban development until 2031. There was also discussion surrounding the massive transit investments for intraregional transit with the ION LRT and the proposed two-way, all-day GO service connecting Toronto to Waterloo to support “Canada’s Innovation Corridor.” The proposal suggests that the GO will connect 13,000 companies, attract 3,000 startups and create 40,000 jobs. This is an impressive economic development strategy that promotes how “tranohba.ca

Getting the Message Provincial initiatives that have emerged since the release of the four plans, and may inform the review, include: CLEAN WATER ACT, 2006 ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT, 2007 THE BIG MOVE, 2008 LAKE SIMCOE PROTECTION PLAN, 2009 GREEN ENERGY ACT, 2009 LONG-TERM AFFORDABLE HOUSING STRATEGY, 2010 sit drives innovation and innovation drives economic growth.” How that economic growth accommodates the people who actually work at those employment centres is part of this discussion. Clearly, the Waterloo Region OP speaks to a new level of intensification and mixed-use buildings that will change the character of Waterloo by growing up and not out. Waterloo Region’s OP was challenged at the OMB by developers who question the limited community expansion. The OMB agreed, ruling that the Regional Plan did not permit appropriate community expansion and required over 1,000 hectares for the future community as laid out by provincial land-use policies. What does this mean? It means that it’s complicated even when you try to keep it simple, because everything is connected. Kitchener participants all left with a greater understanding of how complex the discussion is. How do you grow up and not out while still providing existing and future residents with a range of housing options? How do provincial polices get interpreted by the local governments to create approved OPs, only to have the independent provincial tribunal on planning matters reject it? How do you finance the massive transit infrastructure required while still making those transitinspired communities affordable and attractive to people and employers? ohba.ca

CLIMATE READY: ONTARIO’S ADAPTATION STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN, 2011-2014 ONTARIO’S GREAT LAKES STRATEGY, 2012 BIODIVERSITY: IT’S IN OUR NATURE, ONTARIO GOVERNMENT PLAN TO CONSERVE BIODIVERSITY 2012-2020 ACHIEVING BALANCE: ONTARIO’S LONG-TERM ENERGY PLAN, 2013 #CYCLEON: ONTARIO’S CYCLING STRATEGY, 2013 LOCAL FOOD ACT, 2013 RURAL ROADMAP: THE PATH FORWARD FOR ONTARIO, 2014 THE PROVINCIAL POLICY STATEMENT, 2014 BETTER BUSINESS CLIMATE ACT, 2014 INFRASTRUCTURE FOR JOBS AND PROSPERITY ACT, 2014(PROPOSED)

LIVE, WORK, PLAY THE AURORA PUBLIC MEETING provided a different perspective than Waterloo. Aurora was not originally on the public consultation list, but the local MPP and former Aurora councillor Chris Ballard requested a session attended by the mayors of Aurora, Newmarket as well as various York Regional and local councillors. This is one area where all the dots connect. Aurora has areas protected by the Oak Ridges Moraine Act, an established environmentally sensitive area that deserves protection. There continues to be traditional agricultural and equestrian farms alongside a growing suburban population, connected by provincial GO service and York Region transit to create greater intermodal integration. The area benefits from a 400-series highway that supports and creates employment opportunities for the established commercial employment areas and aggregates industry. Roads have sidewalks and bike lanes to promote a pedestrian and cycling culture, and new recreational facilities provide destinations for family and community fun. All in all, it aligns the features of live, work and play with the necessary provincial protection for significant environmental features. Residents spoke of the close-knit nature of their neighbourhoods, the work they and elected officials have done to build Aurora and Newmarket and how important it is to protect and preserve the character of the community. They have concerns about growing traffic congestion, increased density and the newest threat to their community character: the conversion of private golf courses into future housing supply. Many questioned why the province is forcing Aurora to change what they are so proud to promote and expressed the point that they moved out of Toronto to get away from all those things. The Ministry did an excellent job explaining the mechanics of the Growth Plan and justifying the necessary intensification. Ontario sets out the 2041 population and employment forecasts and, ONTARIO HOME BUILDER SUMMER 2015

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through legislation, designates a portion to York Region. The region, in turn, allocates them to the municipalities through the necessary public democratic process. Once allocated, those municipal councils have the responsibility to plan for that allocation and determine the necessary housing supply, employment areas, infrastructure, public institutions and transit to support the people and jobs forecasted for these municipalities. In the case of Aurora, this means that the community’s population will welcome 20,000 people as it grows from 50,000 in 2006 to 70,000 in 2031. Complementing that is the allocation of almost 15,000 new jobs, as employment forecasts take it from 20,000 in 2006 to a projected 34,200 in 2031. What does it mean? It means that Aurora is going to get bigger and will consequently need more housing for their new neighbours. Thirty percent of new residents will find housing in the existing community boundary, which will require more density and, with that, new high-rise buildings. It will need new and improved public transit, as well as additional roads to get around and support the expansion of employment centres. Aurora will also need more schools, community centres and parks to continue to be the complete, livable city it currently enjoys. As one longtime Aurora resident expressed openly, “Why can’t we just give the number back to the province?” To ohba.ca

OHBA Co-ordinated Review Submission OHBA’s key recommendations to the government include: SUPPORT the Growth Plan with transit/transportation. ALIGN provincial and municipal goals and objectives to municipal realities FORMALIZE the white-belt as an urban reserve. SUPPORT regional and municipal recommendation for a process to align the Growth Plan boundary with Greenbelt. ENHANCE the Greenbelt with provincial programs and take a scientific approach to future expansions.

which another resident responded, “Because we all have to do our part to protect the environment.” Growing up instead of out means, inevitably, that change is coming to Aurora. As with Kitchener-Waterloo, Aurora did extensive work through its public OP process to analyze, consider, plan and locally approve the new community urban structure. It also ensured its current residents were given the chance to voice their concerns and understand the rationale for the proposed changes, as well as learning how their community is connected to the entire GGH.

THE DIVIDING LINE MOST IMPORTANT to the conversation is how the Greenbelt is protecting significant agriculture and environmentally sensitive lands from future urban development. Once areas are granted this significant Greenbelt protection, it focuses the planning of population and employment growth into specific areas of the GGH. Aurora finds itself south of the Greenbelt line, feeling the growth pressure from Toronto as employment remains strong and families consider moving from urban to suburban areas. Waterloo Region finds itself on the other side of the GreenONTARIO HOME BUILDER SUMMER 2015

belt, where residents employed there can stay clear of the GTA, but those that find work in the GTA need to cross through the Greenbelt to earn a paycheque. Creating Canada’s Innovation Corridor is more important than ever, as two-way, all-day GO service can create an efficient transit avenue for people living on one side of the belt but working on the other. Ontario has a long history of protecting provincially significant agricultural lands, wetlands, woodlots, aquifers, rivers, streams and shorelines that have been part of the planning and development process for over 70 years. Today, along with the Greenbelt Act, the Oak Ridges Moraine Act and the Niagara Escarpment Act, there is the overarching Planning Act and the Provincial Policy Statement that provide the framework for agricultural and environmental assessment. Through various environmental reports, government agencies like the Ministries of Natural Resources and Forestry, Environment and Climate Change, Municipal Affairs and Housing, Agriculture, and Conservations Authorities provide a strong regulatory process when it comes to environmental policy. That level of oversight means that every application for new development needs to be assessed and its environmental value confirmed and protected. The Greenbelt is a part of the environmental protection regime that directly impacts how the Growth Plan is applied to the neighbour community, and vice versa. Greater density in a community should result in less pressure against the Greenbelt border. In exchange, the Greenbelt could provide these urban areas with new recreational and tourism opportunities. It is one of the reasons why OHBA supported the creation of the Greenbelt Urban River designation—to reinforce the protection of those public lands beyond the existing Greenbelt. At the public meeting in Milton, the Greenbelt and Growth Plan were considered as a single entity, with conservation and development complementing and supporting each other, ultimately making the region function as one. In order to build Ontario up and prepare for the surge in population and employment we are forecasting, every piece of the puzzle must be examined. Each piece fits together, which ultimately provides 84

ONTARIO HOME BUILDER SUMMER 2015

Government LRT/Transit Investment The Liberal government’s long-term infrastructure plan is for $130 billion over the next 10 years, which includes $31.5 billion in the 10-year Moving Ontario Forward transit and transportation infrastructure plan. Projects to be funded include: $13.5 BILLION for GO Regional Express Rail Expansion $1.6 BILLION to fully fund the Hurontario-Main LRT in Mississauga & Brampton $1 BILLION for the capital costs of the LRT in Hamilton CONTINUED HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENTS in Northern Ontario WIDENING AND IMPROVING HIGHWAY 417 in Eastern Ontario WIDENING AND ADDING AN HOV LANE TO THE 410 in Brampton and Mississauga RAPID TRANSIT BUS LANES in York Region and Mississauga Waterloo Region RAPID TRANSIT EGLINTON CROSSTOWN LRT in Toronto and the Toronto York-Spadina Subway Extension Ottawa’s Confederation LRT FIRST PHASE OF 407 EXTENSION in Durham THE RIGHT HONOURABLE HERB GRAY PARKWAY in Windsor-Essex

us with the full picture. If you remove one piece, the puzzle doesn’t work. Such is the case with the Greenbelt and Growth Plan, which must be interconnected if we are to successfully plan for the future. As we assess the first 10 years of how these plans have been implemented, it is important to note how the region’s population has since grown by over 1 million people and 800,000 jobs. Today, over 9 million live in the GGH, and by 2041 an estimated 13.5 million will call this region home, along with almost 2 million more jobs. We must find a balance so that we can continue to welcome residents and businesses to this province, while protecting significant agricultural and environmental lands. The Co-ordinated Review engaged people across the GGH, from Niagara to Cobourg, and through that informed conversation raised the level of thoughtful discussion on how and where we grow and protect. Looking to 2041, this is the opportunity to connect the dots and refocus the province, municipalities, residents and stakeholders on future community and economic development as we continue to build safe, affordable, sustainable communities where we can all live, work and play. OHB ohba.ca

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With proper shoring techniques, all systems are go BY SAMANTHA OVER Clients are asking for bigger homes and bolder designs, making residential shoring a staple in any home construction project. Just as a footing is required for your foundation, so too is shoring required to keep soil from eroding or collapsing into your excavation. Regulations demand you have an engineered support system for any depth below four feet (1.2 metres), pending soil types. Collapsed structures can damage a neighbouring property, increasing costs and delays, as well as the chances of personal harm or even death, exposing you and your clients to an array of potential lawsuits. Twelve workers died and 33 were critically injured during excavation work in Ontario between 2008 and 2012.. To address these issues, the Ministry of Labour, in conjunction with city ohba.ca

inspectors, has cracked down and begun blitz investigations. Clients can be your biggest problem in shoring a project. They view it as an “extra” and don’t want to pay for it. This can cause companies to try to change their initial designs or alter the project altogether, install a fake shoring system, or just wing it and hope for the best. In order to make the case to their clients, builders and contractors should make shoring a natural part of the construction process, demonstrate the value and risk analysis for the contractor and the client and make it easy by hiring the right shoring company for your project, one that is well experienced in engineered earth retention systems, including piles and lagging, caissons piles, underpinning, steel piles, shotcrete, solider piles and falsework. TURNKEYSS.CA ONTARIO HOME BUILDER SUMMER 2015

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A battery for your home Famed for its high-quality batterypowered automobiles, Tesla has introduced the Powerwall, a battery for homes. The product charges by using electricity generated from solar panels, or when utility rates are low, and then powers your home in the evening (often when utility rates are peaking). It also fortifies a home against power outages by providing a backup electricity supply, which automatically switches on in the event of an electric company outage. The sleek lithium ion model, which measures 51.2” x 33.9” x 7.1”, inherits Tesla’s proven automotive battery technology to power a home safely and economically. Completely automated, it is easily installed by a trained electrician and requires no maintenance (you’re on your own for the home solar panel and electrical inverter). Powerwall comes in 10 kWh weekly cycle ($3,500 US) and 7 kWh daily cycle ($3,000 US) models. Both are guaranteed for 10 years and are sufficient to power most homes during peak evening hours. Multiple batteries may be installed together for homes with greater energy need—up to 90 kWh total for the 10 kWh battery; 63 kWh total for the 7 kWh battery. Contained within Powerwall’s indoor/outdoor-rated enclosure is the rechargeable battery, as well as a liquid thermal management system, battery management system and a smart DC-DC converter for controlling power flow. Wall-mounted, the 220 lb unit provides 92% round-trip DC efficiency, with 350-450 volts. TESLAMOTORS.COM/POWERWALL

Self-healing concrete? Repairing cracks in concrete structures is a time-consuming, costly but necessary business. However, research led by microbiologist Henk Jonkers at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands is demonstrating how the self-healing capacity of concrete structures can be improved by using calcite-precipitating bacteria. 88

ONTARIO HOME BUILDER SUMMER 2015

Concrete can easily crack when under tension. If these cracks become too large, they will lead to corrosion of the steel reinforcement, which not only results in an unattractive appearance, but also jeopardizes the structural integrity. That is why engineers often use a larger than necessary amount of steel reinforcement within a concrete structure in order to prevent the cracks from becoming too large. This extra steel, however, arguably has no structural use and is an expensive solution. Repairing cracks is another option, albeit extremely difficult in underground or liquid-retaining structures. But what if the concrete could heal itself? Water is traditionally the culprit for concrete since it enters the thinnest of cracks, bringing aggressive chemicals with it, according to Jonkers. But the bacteria used by the research team are activated by water. Once activated, they consume a food supply also embedded in the mixture (and similarly activated by water), the by-product of which is essentially limestone, which continually seals newly formed cracks. The Delft team hopes this “bioconcrete” will help lead to a new age of ‘biological’ buildings.

A modern approach to securing construction sites A construction site is an ever-changing environment. There is always a risk that highvalue equipment and materials stored in areas where there is no security can go missing. And those losses invariably eventually trickle down to the consumer. According to a 2008 report from the Building Industry and Land Development Association, the cost of items stolen from construction sites adds an extra $1,000 or more to the cost of a new home. Canadian-owned and operated Protect-IP is lending a hand with its adaptable intrusion system, which enables general contractors to protect the perimeter of construction or storage sites with portable outdoor motion detectors. Protect-IP has embedded motion detectors into construction pylons that can be laid out in any configuration on the site and can be relocated as needed. Each pylon covers an ohba.ca

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area of approximately 2,000 square feet. The self-configuring mesh network allows you to adapt to changing requirements in a matter of minutes. New sensors can be added to the network as fast as they can be deployed. With the deployment of intelligent repeaters, the protection can be extended to thousands of sensors across the entire site. The high-traffic motion detector solves the battery limitation problems of motion sensors through both an intelligent sleep timer and superior battery technology. Designed to deliver over three years of battery life when used in high-traffic commercial environments, it features a detection range of 50 feet, excellent interference immunity, as well as increased protection from common false alarm triggers such as vibration, static, lighting and ambient temperature changes. There is no need for costly wiring or installation. It’s as simple as setting the pylons in the desired area and arming the system at night. In the morning, just disarm the system and move the pylons out of the way. A complete solution, the package includes an alarm panel, keypad, GSM wireless communicator, bollards and repeaters. PROTECT-IP.CA

Tax credit announced for home accessibility The 2015 Federal Budget announcement on April 21 included a much-welcomed return to the Home Accessibility Tax Credit. The new, non-refundable HATC will help seniors and disabled persons pay for the cost of renovations to make their homes safer and more accessible, such as wheelchair ramps and stairlifts. It will provide a tax relief of 15%, up to $10,000 of eligible expenditures per calendar year, per individual, to a maximum of $10,000 per dwelling.

Renovating by the numbers Although it was conducted south of the border, a new online survey of more than 2,000 homeowners shines new light on which priorities are top of mind—and where they ohba.ca

may need guidance—when taking on home improvement projects. Conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of CertainTeed, the survey revealed that homeowners consider several factors when planning an exterior home renovation. Foremost was curb appeal, cited by 39%, followed by return on investment (26%) and outdoor living and lifestyle considerations (21%). Better insulation, cool roofing, solar panels, geothermal heating/cooling solutions and low-maintenance vinyl siding, decking and railing are just a few home investments that can help meet these project priorities, notes Mike Loughery, CertainTeed director of corporate marketing communications. “In home design, there is an increased interest in individualization and creativity for both interior and exterior design. We’ve found that homeowners want healthy, energy-efficient homes that offer complete comfort and curb appeal, but don’t always know the best way to start.” Ultimately, the study showed 40% of homeowners say they understand colours but are not exactly sure which direction they would want to go when selecting a new exterior colour for their home, while 11% claim they are “clueless” about colours. “Connecting the indoors to the outdoors continues to be popular as well,” Loughery adds. “Homeowners and potential buyers are considering patios, gazebos and outdoor kitchens as an extension of living space.” With respect to the financial impact of a home renovation project, kitchen remodels, additions and exterior projects provide a strong return on investment, accord ing to the 2014 Remodeling Cost vs. Value report released this year by Remodeling and Realtor magazines.

Health and safety plan set in motion The May 21 launch of an advisory group to assist the government in developing and implementing a Construction Health and Safety Action Plan will provide the Ministry of Labour tools from industry experts on ways to better health and safety outcomes in Ontario. Among some of the theme areas they will look at will be building awareness about construction health and safety ohba.ca

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among young people and ensuring effective consumer outreach strategies. The advisory group is made up of four employer and four labour representatives along with a residential renovator. The three OHBA members on the nine person panel are Dave McLean from Mattamy Homes, Tom McLaughlin from Thomasfield Homes based in Guelph, and Samuel Lupidus from Keystone Ridge Developments, a BILD RenoMark Renovator. Since 2003, workplace injuries in Ontario have decreased by 40 per cent. Home builders have outperformed other sectors in improvements to health and safety outcomes. There are 68 percent fewer lost-time injuries today than there were in 2002. BILD renovator Samuel Lapidus who represents renovators on the panel will be looking at the connection between the underground economy and health and safety outcomes. “RenoMark renovators do their part by making sure their workers are insured by WSIB, have up-to-date fall protection training and are aware of health and safety regulations,” said Lapidus. “But it is too common to see cash renovation work in neighbourhoods across Ontario with clear safety violations. Every day driving around the city you see workers on roofs that aren’t tied off and not wearing hard hats. We need to educate consumers and bring health and safety a part of the discussion – even during the contract phase.” The advisory group will be working with Ministry of Labour Parliamentary Assistant Mike Colle and the provincial Chief Prevention Officer, George Gritziotis.

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A construction industry cloud A survey conducted by California-based ARC, a document solutions provider for the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry, reveals that construction professionals have a hard time managing their documents. In fact, 75% said up to 1/3 of project cost overruns are due to project document difficulties, and 40% said online access for all documents on any device platform is one of the most important factors in increasing their company’s productivity and cutting costs. In response to that demand, ARC has released Skysite, which allows users to view, ohba.ca

manage, distribute and collaborate on construction documents in real time across mobile or fixed devices around the world. Providing a “single source of truth” for construction teams, Skysite covers off the entire project lifecycle—scheduling, lien payments, supply delivery, inspection, project finance, etc. Key features include single source file sharing; real-time document synchronization; easy access and connectivity; a search mechanism to index content and generate accurate document retrieval; real-time mark-up to capture and share; and security, thanks to a multi-layered password option to distinguish common and confidential folders and projects.

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Stop the bleeding Whether it’s from pounding a nail, drilling, sanding or cutting wire, minor cuts and scrapes—and even more serious wounds like a gash—are expected among construction workers and renovators. And if you’re on-site, full medical care is not readily accessible, you need to have something on hand that can stop bleeding fast and protect the wound. That’s where BloodSTOP comes in. Initially developed for use by surgeons in the operatingMDS1407044_MyDesign_4.528x4.833.indd room, BloodSTOP is available on shelves at drugstores nationwide and it is proven to stop bleeding faster and promote healing much better than a bandage. Because of its efficacy, price and ease of application, BloodSTOP is a sound addition to any workman’s bag. It’s a biocompatible, non-irritating, woven matrix of fibres made from natural plant compounds. It adheres to a wound, initiates blood coagulation, stops bleeding and forms a protective layer to create an optimal environment for wound healing. When applied to a wound, BloodSTOP quickly absorbs blood and other body fluids and transforms into a gel to seal the wound with a protective transparent layer. The gel creates a coagulation tower over the wound that stops bleeding and creates ideal conditions for wound healing. Easy to use, all you have to do is apply BloodSTOP to a wound, add a few drops of water to help it adhere to the skin (water will cause gel formation which stops bleeding), then cover with a bandage to help retain moisture (moisture aids the healing process to prevent scarring). OHB ohba.ca

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Double Take A little curb appeal can go a long way BY DAN O’REILLY SCREENS PROVIDE VIEWS AND PROTECTION

Little things can make a big difference. An eye-catching shingle here, a garage there—they can make passersby stop and take notice of a home well before they ever set foot in the door. They give a home unique and attractive qualities, distinguishing them from one another, not to mention the competition. It’s called curb appeal, and the following list of products will help provide that allure. ohba.ca

Mosquitoes and blackflies can mar, if not totally eliminate, the joy of relaxing on a front porch or patio on a warm summer evening. That won’t be a problem, however, if the builder or renovator erects Phantom Screen’s motorized Executive Screen. Easily operated with a handheld or wall-mounted remote control, the Executive is an ideal way to cover large openings that have traditionally been difficult to screen attractively. For homeowners and their guests, that means they can enjoy being outside well into the evening, without bright glare from the setting sun and without the bugs. When the screens aren’t needed, they can be retracted into the beams or columns with the touch of a button. As well, they can be programmed to come down and retract with the use of sun and wind sensors. PHANTOMSCREENS.CA ONTARIO HOME BUILDER SUMMER 2015

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PRODUCT FOCUS

DOORS OF GREAT ESTEEM

The Esteem Series of aluminum garage doors from Steel-Craft Door Products Ltd. will certainly provide a stunning expression for highend modern homes. Numerous colour and glass window options are available, and an anodizing process will give the doors a slightly reflective look . STEEL-CRAFT.CA A SLEEK STONE WITH OPTIONS

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SHINGLES WITH STYLE AND SUBSTANCE

Builders who place Vicwest’s Summerside steel shingles on their homes probably won’t have to replace them. Designed to outlast and outperform traditional roofing materials, the Summerside is available in two finishes and seven colours. Precision engineered from 28-gauge steel with a double-embossed finish and a four-way interlocking application, the low-profile steel shingle is stronger than most other metal shingle roofing systems, says the manufacturer. A complete system is available with coordinating 10-foot trims. All shingles and ridge caps are carton-packed for ease of handling and are accompanied with installation instructions. The Summerside is fully backed by a 50-year limited lifetime transferable warranty. VICWEST.COM

A brand new easy-to-mount building stone product with understated refinement has been unveiled by Arriscraft. Offered in long, sleek lengths in three sizes, the Urban Ledgestone is the company’s first product designed to be installed in a coursed pattern. For masons, that means they can pick up stones from a skid and insert one size at a time without having to maintain a specific pattern. It can also be installed in a more traditional ashlar pattern. In either configuration, the result is a modern, elegant appearance. The Ledgestone is presented in two striking colours: Dusk and Frost. Employ ing a patented process, the company uses only natural materials (plus colour pigments) to replicate natural stone. ARRISCRAFT.COM

Arriscraft – Frost

HERITAGE LOOK

Featuring textured faces, Metro Stone and Metro Brick are two products from Shouldice Designer Stone that give builders the freedom to create a heritage home appearance with an avant-garde dash. As the Metro Stone is available in a mix of single and double heights in a variety of lengths, no two homes need look the same. An ultra-modern look can be achieved with Metro Brick, which is manufactured with a 7.1 aspect ratio, which means each piece is seven times longer than it is higher. Both products come in two colours: galaxy and pearl white. SHOULDICE.CA ohba.ca

Steel-Craft – Esteem

ONTARIO HOME BUILDER SUMMER 2015

PRODUCT FOCUS SOFFITS WITH FASHION

Although their purpose is to protect the roof envelope, soffits and fascias are an integral component of the exterior package that creates curb appeal and catches the attention of prospective buyers. Torontobased Roussel Eavestrough fabricates and transforms aluminum into custom soffits and fascias. According to the company, passersby often mistake the material as wood. More than 15 different colours are available and the company can also customize the ventilation of the soffit to maximize its benefits. ROUSSELEAVESTROUGH.COM

THE TIMELESS BEAUTY OF WOOD

An innovative brushing process lets the wood grain shine through on Maibec’s em+ wooden siding. Known as the Urbahn series, the brushed-faced siding is available in a wide range of natural tones and solid colours. Once a colour is chosen, a sample can be sent within five working days. The series also includes brushed-face mouldings and metal corners. Saint-Romuald, Quebecbased Maibec says the brushing is the most recent enhancement to the easy-to-mount em+ product line. Thanks to end-matched tongue and groove joints that firmly secure the top, bottom and ends of every board, the em+ locks into place quickly and easily.

Garaga – Moderno

NEW DESIGN FOR GARAGE DOORS

To meet the need for coordinating garages in the expanding market of modern and contemporary homes, Garaga has added a new garage door panel to its inventory. Consisting of a series of clean, horizontal lines that give a stylish appearance, the 26-gauge steel Moderno blends perfectly with varying architectural styles. For example, the distinctive design elements on an 8’x7’ door are four decorative vertical lines. The Moderno is offered in a variety of colours, and builders have the option of adding windows, which can be arranged in a multitude of configurations to achieve an exclusive look. With two manufacturing plants (one in St-Georges, Quebec and the other in Barrie), the company promises a quick two-week turnaround on customized orders. GARAGA.COM

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MEETING CLIENT DESIRES

Versatile and durable with a contemporary aesthetic edge, Brampton Brick’s Finesse is a masonry veneer with the look of natural stone that complements any design and fulfills homeowner desires. Used as architectural features, exterior surrounds or decorative focal points such as quoining, the sleek-looking Finesse is available in a wide selection of neutral shades and textured finishes. It can be used in a diverse range of applications for a spectacular effect that’s sure to garner purchaser attention. BRAMPTONBRICK.COM 98

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PRODUCT FOCUS

RECAPTURING THE OLD MAIN STREET LOOK

Not so very long ago, the main streets of Ontario towns and villages were dotted with houses with columns and front porches. Gorilla columns and posts from Al-Mar Vinyl Products, the exclusive Ontario distributor for the American manufacturer, deliver beauty, style and allure that helps recapture that old-style building technique. Both structural-bearing and non-structural components are available, and there is a choice of classic round columns, traditional square posts or the unique and distinctive transition st yle. A revolutionary matrix mounting plate design provides up to nine different configurations to suit all purchasers’ tastes. A decorative option is a matching railing in white, beige or clay colour. ALMARVINYL.CA THE BEAUTY OF STONE

CertainTeed Bufftech fence – Chesterfield

CURVED ACCENTS FOR PRIVACY FENCES

With the introduction of t w o c u r v e d - r a i l o pt ion s and two new cur ved gates to its Bufftech Chesterfield vinyl fence, CertainTeed has made it easier for builders and renovators to meet the demanding requirements of purchasers who want both curb appeal and privacy. The Chesterfield is available in both concave and convex versions and the rails are offered in four different colours, with an aluminum top rail insert for added strength. An inherent feature of all Bufftech fences is a proprietar y texturing process that delivers a realistic woodgrain surface. The end result is an eye-catching and easy-to-maintain fence that replicates the look and feel of real wood. CERTAINTEED.COM 100

ONTARIO HOME BUILDER SUMMER 2015

Al-Mar Vinyl – Column and railing

A picture is worth a thousand words and a photo of a house dressed with Natural Stone from Stone Selex Inc. is enough to sell the benefits of using it. Quarried in Ontario and Quebec, the stones are a beautiful enhancement to any exterior or interior. As the company stocks a full range of one- to two-inch-thick stone veneer and four-inch-thick full-bed stone, builders have a number of versatile design options. Some 21 blends, including a mix of Limestone, Granite and Tiger Buff, are available. STONESELEX.COM

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101

OUTSIDE THE BOX

To Prefab Or Not To Prefab Is building homes in a factory a viable option? BY AVI FRIEDMAN THE FRIGID Canadian winters dictate not

only how we construct homes but when we do so. From spring to late fall, building sites are busy, while many projects go into hibernation during the winter months. Skilled labour charges a premium when demand grows in the short construction season, adding to the already high cost of housing. It makes one wonder why we haven’t found ways to build year-round. In the post-WWII boom era, the need to house many returning veterans and their young families led to a revolution in home building. Saving valuable material and shortening construction time was the underlying principle of many inventions. Roof trusses, gypsum wallboard and aluminum siding were among the new technologies that helped speed production. Yet the process of building a home today remains the same: products are shipped to the site and assembled by trades. Canadians have so far failed to follow the lead of other Nordic countries like Finland or Sweden with populations and climate similar to ours. Scandinavians have adopted efficient methods of building wood frames and concrete homes in industrial plants. We rather followed our neighbours 102

ONTARIO HOME BUILDER SUMMER 2015

to the south and stick-build them on site. Canadians did not embrace prefabrication because of the lack of economy of scale to justify investment in plants. Lack of cost advantage and the end product’s poor look lent it an unappealing consumer image. Changing times and trends make it a splendid opportunity to revisit the way we construct homes and when. High cost in most urban centres, declining size of a trained labour force, our desire to increase exports, an increasingly demographically and economically diverse population and the possibility of building year-round all give rise and opportunity to factory-built homes. A key problem still remains—the product itself. Canadian prefabricators have tried to compete with their conventional counterparts by building a stick-built home in a plant, rather than invent new assembly methods and alter the product. They have not been able to shake the mobile home image, which does no justice to the concept of prefabrication. A visitor to a Scandinavian neighbourhood that was constructed with industrialized methods will not be able to differentiate the homes from any other conventionally constructed structures,

given their variety of colours, projections, design diversity and building materials. The Japanese also regard prefab homes as more advanced, where consumers are willing to pay a premium for having a sales rep visit them at home and help them choose from a huge selection of interior products. Canadian manufacturers need to see prefabrication in much the same way as the car industry sees automobile assembly. The home ought to be regarded as the end product of an industrial design process. Builders will meet their clients on-site and help them make personal choices unique to their lifestyle and budget by showing them sales catalogues. The information will then be transmitted to a plant where the home will be constructed. It will be a process of fitting a box with clip-on wallboards, wireless technology and cost-saving attractive finishes. Alternatively, a set of panels will be sent to a building site to be put together, much like Lego pieces. The home will be shipped to a site and be ready for occupancy in a matter of hours. OHB DR. AVI FRIEDMAN teaches architecture at McGill University. He can be reached at avi.friedman@mcgill.ca. ohba.ca

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Carole Solway 416-347-9982

Peter Boker 519-521-0595

Linda Oliveri 866-895-0223

Available to rental water heater customers whose equipment is not operational (i.e. no hot water). On average we attend to water heater non-operational calls 90% of the time the same day. ™Enercare Home Services is a trademark of Enercare Home and Commercial Services Limited Partnership, used under license.