Coverings Winter 2022

Photo courtesy Alex Lesage

THE DIFFERENCE

A YEAR CAN MAKE

IT’S HARD TO BELIEVE where we are after how the year started. Covid-19 cases were rapidly rising across the country, fuelled by the then-latest and highly contagious variant Omicron. Provinces reintroduced public health restrictions to combat virus spread and ease pressure on hospitals. Some like Ontario implemented lockdowns that required businesses and organizations allow employees to work from home, as well as set capacity limits in indoor settings, including retail environments.

Almost twelve months later, life has returned to relative pre-pandemic ‘normal,’ despite Covid-19 still circulating along with respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, the common cold and other viruses. After years of experiencing minimal illness as a result of these same government mandated health measures, people are now getting sick and some more often than others. Kids are particularly susceptible due to their developing immune systems, something I can attest to as both my children have fallen ill six times since the beginning of the school year. So here I am, again, amid the busiest shopping season of the year buying everything online. In this way, not much has changed in the last 12 months. Yes, consumers have returned to making in-person purchases to the relief of retailers but online sales are expected to continue to reign supreme, with forecasters predicting 2.5 per cent growth in online sales during the last two months of 2022.

For this reason, web tools like product room visualizers are key. It helps consumers picture any floor in their own space, which is helpful to those planning to purchase in-store, too. This hot topic is explored in Seeing is Believing, one of a number of technology-focused articles this issue. Others discuss a mobile app that empowers flooring installers and printing advancements in floor mouldings and trims. But to begin is the return of our Business Builder column, in which Shannon Vogel of Reach Social addresses the importance of online reviews for both customers and businesses.

Our flooring focus this issue is resilient flooring. Tom Mikulski of Commercial Flooring & Interior Concepts Inc. tackles the difference between vinyl composition and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) in The Vinyl Battle. Then, chair of the Tile Council of North America’s green initiative, Dan Marvin, addresses safety and performance issues with LVT. This was the basis of his well-attended seminar at Coverings 2022, the preeminent event for the ceramic tile and natural stone industry in North America.

Rounding out this issue is our Then & Now column. The makeover of a Montreal residence by design studio Vives St-Laurent graces the magazine’s final page and cover.

As we close another year and look to 2023, I am increasingly optimistic despite the challenges the flooring industry currently faces, from inflation and a pending recession to supply chain issues and rising energy and material costs. After overcoming two pandemic years and all that entailed, there is plenty of reasons to believe the future will be bright, though it might look different than before.

PUBLISHER Jason Krulicki jasonk@mediaedge.ca

EDITOR

2001

Clare Tattersall

CULTIVATING REPUTATION

How online reviews can help your business

By Shannon Vogel

Do you know what people are saying about your business online? People are talking about your company regardless of whether you are aware. The good news is you can use this to your advantage.

Having a favourable online reputation gives you free brand awareness. When people share their positive experiences about working with you, you don’t have to spend as much time trying to convince potential consumers to choose your business. Online reviews are akin to a personal recommendation — they provide consumers with reassurance that they are choosing the right company.

If you don’t have any (or many) online reviews, now is the time to start making reputation management part of your daily process. To obtain reviews, start by asking for them from current, past or loyal customers. People, particularly women, love to help, especially after they’ve had a good experience.

After a purchase, simply send an e-mail to your customer asking for a review. Be sure to make it effortless for them by providing a link directly to your preferred review platform. Also, ask for completed photos of the job to use on your website and social media channels. Customers are often flattered by this request. Plus, it provides additional content for your website and social media that shows real work that you are able to execute.

Other ways to ask for reviews include showroom signage with a QR code that directly links to your preferred review platform and a widget on your website that makes it easy for people to leave a review on their own time. You’ll also want to have a place on your website where people can read your positive reviews.

Whether you already have online reviews or just getting started, it’s important you respond to all reviews, both positive and negative. If someone takes the time to say something nice, it deserves public acknowledgement. And responding to negative reviews gives you the chance to tell your side of the story.

Don’t worry if you run a successful business and have some negative reviews. It’s actually ideal to have a few with responses. This shows potential consumers how you handled the problem. Every company has issues; it’s the recovery and resolution that show your dedication to customer service.

Before responding to a negative review, take a deep breath. Even walk away, if needed. Then, gather the facts, remove the emotion and proceed with compassion. The more promptly you respond, the better; however, it’s best to gather your thoughts and composure beforehand so your response in professional.

Regardless of review type, address the customer by name. This shows how much their review means to you and that you value the

time they took to provide feedback. Be sure to restate the customer’s concerns by acknowledging the issue. And always thank the customer for their review and provide a way for them to contact you. Keep in mind, the higher the position of the person responding, the better. If you’ve ever had a problem with someone, chances are you react more favourably when a manager or owner provides the apology or solution.

If you made a mistake, apologize for the customer’s experience, take responsibility and offer a solution to make it right. But do not offer money or discounts publicly online. This just teaches people that if they complain, they can get something for free.

Should there be an angriness to a review and you believe the person is unlikely to be satisfied with a few compassionate sentences, provide a response that acknowledges the issue is complex. State that in order to give it the full attention it deserves, the matter is best handled in person or offline.

Whenever you don’t think a review was provided by an actual customer, post a response that says, “Unfortunately, we can’t find your account in our records. Resolving this matter is very important to us. Please contact us so that we may gather more information in order to resolve your issue.” Chances are, you’ll never hear from that ‘person’ again but you’ve shown the public you care.

Shannon Vogel is the owner of Reach Social, a professional social media company that offers full-service, customized social media management, social advertising, content creation, reputation management, training and consultation to the floor covering industry. Shannon can be reached at shannon@reachsocial.media.

Should there be an angriness to a review and you believe the person is unlikely to be satisfied with a few compassionate sentences, provide a response that acknowledges the issue is complex.

THE PERFECT MATCH

Digital tool pairs skilled professionals with available projects

By Paul G. Stuart Jr.

Compared to other industries, construction technologies have trailed in development of useful software to date, most notably with regards to mobile applications. But that is changing quickly. There are presently several options for everything from scheduling to marketing and sales to accounting focused on the service and trade professional. Choosing the right app depends on the user’s needs, whether that’s managing incoming leads, marketing and advertising efforts, tracking sales or finding new work.

Some of the most exciting mobile technologies are applications that match flooring professionals with available projects based on the tradesperson’s established skill level. Algorithmic skill scoring is a new technology that allows flooring installers to clearly set themselves apart from others in a way that is easy for the customer or end-user to understand. This technology is helping to increase their profit while doing work that matches their level of expertise, which in effect rewards the flooring professional for their commitment to training and certifications. This has resulted in greater satisfaction among consumers and reduced flooring claims, all while making the professional more money.

It’s 2022 and the way tradespeople work, live and purchase has changed. Think back roughly a decade ago. Ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft had just rolled out in select cities, online food ordering and delivery platform DoorDash was in its infancy and construction software Procore had just started to gain traction with $4.5 million US in revenue. (Today, it’s worth an estimated $11 billion US.) Technologies like these are now commonplace and part of everyday life for many North Americans. Ordering just about anything from food and groceries to tools and even cars is only a click away.

What’s my point?

The world has and will continue to leverage digital technologies to improve efficiency, convenience and profit. Technology companies are tasked more than ever with enhancing user experience and the functionality of their software.

When choosing one or more of available digital technologies, flooring professionals should understand what the company’s core offering is and determine if that matches their goals. Most of the scheduling, tracking and accounting aspects are add-ons that the majority of today’s technologies offer. What’s key is determining whether the core offering will increase the metrics that matter most to the user.

Paul G.

Jr.

&

Flooring Inc., in Wichita, Kansas,

specializes in all applications and products — carpet, tile, vinyl, epoxy coatings and sports flooring — for the commercial flooring industry. Paul is also founder of Go Carrera, a mobile app platform aimed at matching the right installer and qualifications to the right project with the goal of drastically reducing flooring failures and empowering the professional installer.

Stuart

is president of Stuart

Associates Commercial

which

DOUBLE TAKE

Print technology advancements create indistinguishable mouldings

By Bill Treiber

The flooring industry continues to rely on accessory manufacturers to make mouldings, treads, risers and vent covers that keep pace with the innovations of mainly the multilayer flooring segment.

Until recently, primary profiles consisted of either wood veneer wrapped plastic composite materials or the more established vinyl image wrapped plastic. Now, direct digital print technology is part of the conversation. Never before has technology moved outside of flat print media applications. The key is being able to print on the curved pieces of stair nose, reducers, t-moulds and square nose.

Direct digital print utilizes high-definition scanning. When combined, it creates a near perfect replica of the floor’s look. This sophisticated method of printing is extremely flexible, environmentally friendly and produces the highest quality of print available.

However, colours can shift between light sources, which makes them appear differ-

ent. This is called metamerism, a phenomenon that occurs when two colours appear to match under one lighting condition but not when the light changes. Metameric matches are quite common, especially in near neutral colours like grey and white, as well as darker ones. Under a soft warm light (2700K), the two substrates may appear to match but when transitioned to daylight (5000K), one substrate may have shifted to a greener undertone in comparison to the other. As a result, it’s recommended that warm lighting be used to view mouldings next to the floor.

To assure high-definition print, a four-colour mix of CMYK (cyan-magenta-yellow-black)

inks is commonly utilized. CMYK is considered a ‘subtractive colour system’ that allows the various colours to be overlaid to produce all the colours of the rainbow. This is common in paint and colour printing. It is produced using 600 dots per inch (dpi), which increases the overall clarity of the print.

Like any new technology, products will only continue to improve. As more flooring manufacturers discover the accessory option, the bar for this level of quality will be raised. More products will have the direct digital print technology and consumers will come to expect it from flooring accessories manufacturers.

Bill Treiber is technical sales manager at Artistic Finishes, which creates custom floor mouldings and accessories like vents, treads and risers for flooring professionals. The company’s newest product offering, Enduracor Digital Print, uses high-definition scanning and digital print technology to blend mouldings to the colour range in the floor.

SEEING IS BELIEVING

Discovering the power of digital visualization

By Jamie Touton

The availability of more than 2.8 million apps has drastically changed people’s behaviour. From a smartphone, you can easily pay a credit card bill, check bank statements, make a doctor’s appointment, send cash to a friend, post status and photo updates about life, and make a purchase. Given the United States is approaching $1 trillion in e-commerce sales, businesses should not only take note of their digital footprint but also anticipate a dramatic shift in what their clients and customers desire in a growing online and mobile society.

There is an ever-growing demand for digital visualization tools as homeowners want to see before they buy. Today’s consumers are more independent than ever. They make well-informed, knowledge-based decisions based on their own product research, not a salesperson’s pitch. The expectation is for businesses to provide easy to consume information and the ability to find it without any help. Due to this shift in consumer confidence and reliance on online shopping, it’s really no surprise visualization tools are becoming essential in every industry, including flooring.

Digital tools also support in-person selling by offering an interactive, engaging experience. They provide another avenue to tap into a deeper conversation and start a potential sale. Distributors, retailers and designers can greatly enhance interactions by simply listening to their client’s needs and expectations, then creating some digital options that showcase their space in the exact dimensions ‘on the fly.’ Offering the opportunity for a client to be heard and see their vision come to life maximizes the sales conversation.

So, how do you make virtual part of your business’ reality?

By offering online product swatches and visualizer tools.

PRODUCT SWATCHES

Ensure all available flooring products can be viewed in 3-D and zoom. By utilizing this form of visual communication, each product’s fea-

tures and details are more clearly and intricately demonstrated. From half-inch mosaics to large format tiles, customers can check out angles and dimensions through these visual options.

VISUALIZER TOOLS

Virtual room visualizers with templated floor plans that can be modified and come with the capability to upload photos from a mobile device enable consumers to view new flooring in a space, be it theirs or another residential or commercial environment. Being able to easily change the collection, colour, style and size, preview the designs in 2-D or 3-D, and print or share

with a client or retail sales associate further enhances the shopping experience and streamlines the selection process. The end result is realistic to the customer’s space or vision.

DIGITAL ACCESS

No longer restricted to engineers and architects, consumers can create their own visualized spaces using digital tools. Providing access to the latest in technologies that can showcase products enhances the sales conversation for consumers as they cross into the physical showroom space. Leveraging the digital process with the physical product helps create a better consumer experience.

Jamie Touton joined Crossville Inc. in 2020, as a digital marketing services coordinator, where she integrates many of the company’s online visual tools to enhance the end-user web interface experience. Crossville is a leading manufacturer of porcelain tile. In early 2023, the company is launching Cross-Vision, a virtual room visualizer that allows consumers to create, save and print visualizations of wall and flooring tile with Crossville stock environments.

Grout provides the accent to every tile installation; ‘a touch of color’ that can create subtle or dramatic contrasts that help shape the mood of a room. When trying to achieve a desired look, choosing the right grout color to accompany a tile can be just as important as the tile itself. This is why PROMA has formulated a wide selection of the most fashionable grout colors available to help make your choice an easy one. Contact PROMA toll-free at 1-866-51-PROMA (77662) or visit www.proma.ca to order a Grout Color Card or Kit.

Encore Performance.

THE VINYL BATTLE

Composition versus luxury tile

By Tom Mikulski

If looking for resilient commercial flooring, vinyl offers optimum durability. Two of the most highly sought-after products are vinyl composition tile (VCT) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT).

VINYL COMPOSITION TILE

Originally, VCT was referred to as vinyl asbestos tile, or VAT, due to the use of asbestos. VAT products have since been discontinued, replaced by the VCT products known today.

Most often sold in 12-inch by 12-inch squares, VCT is a combination of vinyl and

limestone fillers. Despite its name, VCT contains a relatively small quantity of vinyl, with its primary purpose being to hold the limestone together. This is the reason behind its low overall cost.

VCT requires a cross-link acrylic finish, often simply referred to as wax, applied to the

surface. If VCT is left unprotected, it will easily scratch over time. Unfortunately, applying and maintaining wax on VCT is very expensive over the lifetime of ownership. However, VCT can be a durable and long-lasting product if adequately maintained.

The colours of VCT could be considered a little dated, which is another drawback as its complex makeup limits its visual appearance. But this shouldn’t be an issue for those looking for a simple, cost-effective, durable product and who don’t mind paying extra for maintenance.

LUXURY VINYL TILE

LVT compares to VCT in strength and resilience. But unlike VCT, LVT has a higher vinyl content and is more scratch and indentation-resistant. LVT can also be made with monolithic layers, almost like a sandwich. The bottom vinyl layer allows for flexibility to minor undulations on the floor. This is followed by a printed film layer that provides the product’s visual. It is then topped off with a wear layer that often has embedded ceramic chips in the finish for durability.

One of the major draws of LVT is the variety of styles. LVT printing has shown significant advancements in recent years. When it first hit the market, prints were created with analog photography and were not very popular. Today, products can look so much like the raw materials they mimic that it is hard to tell the difference. For the printed layer, customers can choose from wood grain, stone, ceramic and even concrete digital prints to achieve any desired look, often at a fraction of the cost of the real thing.

Compared to VCT, LVT has a higher price point, especially when it comes to installation. However, unlike its vinyl counterpart, LVT does not need to be waxed and requires less maintenance. Because of this, customers typically consider it the more cost-effective solution long-term.

Tom Mikulski is founder and president of New Jersey-based Commercial Flooring & Interior Concepts Inc. Tom has more than 30 years of commercial floor covering sales, service and problem-solving experience. His family-owned company is known for enhancing commercial interiors with long-lasting, environmentally friendly flooring. Tom can be reached at 732-542-0022 or tom@commercialflooringnj.com.

Vinyl marketing claims fail to hold up when put to the

test NOT SO LUXURIOUS

By Dan Marvin

Advances in plastic-based flooring in the last 15 years have led to a surge in sales of this product category. Marketed as luxury vinyl tile (LVT), luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and rigid core, among other names, this type of flooring has a variety of looks that mimic tile, wood, marble and stone, and is often difficult to differentiate from the real thing. It’s advertised as a cost-effective residential and commercial flooring solution for both wet and dry areas. However, looks can be deceiving — it doesn’t perform the same as the originals. Here is a comparison of five marketing claims to test results for plastic-based flooring.

CLAIMS VERSUS REALITIES

Claim: Waterproof or water-resistant.

Test: In a 2019 study at Clemson University in South Carolina, researchers used standard tests of system waterproofing to assess several popular plastic-based flooring products. The products tested allowed 12 litres per hour (l/h) to 187 l/h of water to pass through the joints of the products. By comparison, a waterproof floor would not let any appreciable amount of water through during the same test. The volume of water allowed through the joints would severely damage a typical wooden subfloor in a matter of minutes.

Result: Although individual pieces of

plastic-based flooring are impervious to water, the joints where these products connect to one another are not.

Claim: Use in wet areas. LVT and LVP is frequently shown being used in bathrooms, kitchens and other areas that would be walked upon while wet.

Test: This claim was also examined by the Clemson University researchers by testing the wet dynamic coefficient of friction (DCOF). For hard surface flooring, a DCOF reading of 0.42 is recognized as a requirement for wet areas. In the Clemson testing, 20 of 22 samples tested failed to meet this number in at least one direction. Several

products were more slippery in one direction than they were in the other.

Result: Do not use in areas where water is likely to be present.

Claim: Scratch-resistant and pet-proof. Pictures of pets walking and children roller skating on plastic-based floors are common. But a close look at the warranties of these products typically show scratching and abrasion as being excluded from the coverage. Some products go so far as to recommend furniture feet pads to protect floors.

Test: The Tile Council of North America used a Mohs hardness apparatus to test several types of plastic-based flooring and found they average a three on the scale (about the hardness of a piece of chalk) versus ceramic tile that scores a seven or above (as hard as quartz). Result: Not scratch-resistant.

Claim: Mould and mildew-resistant.

Test: The Clemson University study found all 25 plastic-based flooring samples had significant mould growth, some after only 24 hours of exposure to moisture. (Twenty-two of the

products also specifically excluded mould damage from their warranties.)

Result: Not mould and mildew-resistant. To prevent potential mould-related health effects, these products should be labelled for use in dry locations only.

Claim: Non-toxic.

Result: Plastic-based flooring typically contains phthalates, organic materials known as ‘everywhere chemicals’ that must be labelled as potentially causing cancer or reproductive harm under California’s Proposition 65 requirements. These phthalates become airborne as dust particles when plastic-based flooring is abraded. The manufacture of plastic-based flooring is not above reproach either since the process is one of the last legally allowed to use asbestos, and involves perflu-

oralkyl substance or PFAS (known as a ‘forever chemical’ because it is very slow to break down) and mercury to create the precursors to vinyl. This type of flooring also releases a large amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

NAVIGATING ADVERTISING

While plastic-based flooring in the form of LVT, LVP and other product names has become increasingly popular, much of that is based on marketing claims that have been debunked when tested. To avoid water damage, slipping and mould growth, it should not be installed in wet areas. For improved building occupant and environmental health, natural flooring alternatives like hardwood, bamboo, stone, tile and cork flooring should be considered instead.

Dan Marvin is chair of the Tile Council of North America’s green initiative committee. In this capacity, Dan has developed multi-attribute sustainability standards for the tile industry, industry average environmental product declarations for tile and installation products, and a material ingredient guide for tile materials. He also frequently speaks on sustainability topics at flooring industry events.

Daltile’s Cohesion collection is an assortment of concrete-look porcelain tile that provides a sleek, clean aesthetic without the stains and scratches of actual poured concrete. The collection contains seven neutrals — warm cream, warm beiges, cool and warm greys, and black — and three finishes, including matte, polished and textured. Tiles are available in 12-inch by 24-inch, 24-inch by 24-inch and 24-inch by 48-inch sizes. The large format tiles are ideal for commercial spaces like restaurants and car dealerships.

Festool’s Quick Clamp MFT-HZ 80 is a durable, multifunction table level clamp that holds workpieces in place with easy fasten and release functionality. The clamp works on a variety of materials up to a height of just over three inches (80 millimetres). The lever makes it quick and convenient to clamp and release workpieces one-handed without slipping, says the company. It is compatible with the MFT hole pattern, making it easy to attach to Festool’s Multifunction Table (MFT/3) or the Mobile Workshop (MW 1000). This is the first time the Quick Clamp has been available as a permanent, standalone product.

Schluter Systems’ two new peel and stick floor warming membranes, Ditra-Heat-PS and Ditra-Heat-Duo-PS, feature a pressure-sensitive adhesive to bond the membrane to the substrate, replacing the need for thinset mortar. Simply remove the transparent release film from the fleece side of the membrane to expose the layer of adhesive and embed into the substrate. The membrane can easily be repositioned until pressure is exerted. Both products are designed to secure the Ditra-Heate-HK electric floor heating cables and provide uncoupling, waterproofing, vapour management and support to ensure a long-lasting installation. Ditra-Heat-PS features a quarter-inch thickness to minimize tile assembly thickness and reduce transitions to lower surface coverings. Ditra-Heat-Duo-PS is 5/16-of-aninch thick and additionally offers sound control and a thermal break. The membranes are available in rolls and sheets to accommodate various room sizes.

HFLOR by LX Hausys America has introduced Natural Selection Plus, a versatile heterogeneous sheet collection designed to meet the hygienic, durability and maintenance needs of healthcare interiors, including lobbies, corridors, treatment or patient rooms. The collection features the company’s anti-fungal and anti-bacterial technology that prevents bacteria and mould from penetrating the surface, thereby mitigating the spread of healthcare-associated infections. An enhanced surface treatment technology, tested to protect against micro-scratches and stains, maintains the look of the colours and patterns over time, says the company. The ability to perform against heavy 24-7 usage, including foot traffic, wheelchairs, medical carts, patient beds and other equipment, is met through a 28-mil thick wear layer. Natural Selection Plus includes 15 wood colours, ranging from walnut to ash, and 15 modern colours whose looks resemble concrete and textured fabrics, such as felt, cotton and linen.

BOSS by Ecore is a line of surfaces engineered for spaces ranging from playgrounds to outdoor courts and fields. The initial launch of BOSS, an acronym for Built On-Site Surfaces, consists of two turf systems engineered for both indoor and outdoor fields: BattleTurf and ClashTurf. Both are designed to be constructed on the job site. BattleTurf is specifically designed for high-impact sports environments. The unique woven pattern of the turf surface reduces infill splash, provides superior playability and durability, and decreases rotational resistance, says the company, while the 12-millimetre shock pad absorbs force resulting in reduced body impact and lower leg stress. BattleTurf meets specifications for competitive field hockey, lacrosse and soccer fields, and can easily be customized with field lines and logos. What’s more, the use of a polyolefin coating on the backing of the turf makes it fully recyclable at the end of its useful life. A competitive sports surface for indoor and outdoor athletic fields, ClashTurf requires infill and is extremely durable due to the higher face weight. With a natural look and feel, it offers excellent drainage and is well-suited for football, soccer and multipurpose fields. ClashTurf also features a 12-millimetre shock pad that provides added safety characteristics to the playing field related to force and impact reduction.

Crossville’s Stones at Large porcelain tile collection is inspired by some of the world’s most sought-after earthen materials. Featuring warm and cool colours from marble, onyx and quartzite, Stones at Large reproduces the elegance of natural stone in sizes up to 48-inches by 48-inches with unpolished and polished surfaces. Because these stones are high-tech porcelain, the tiles offer the durability, stain resistance and life cycle that porcelain offers, while still achieving the luminescent visual depth found in nature’s creations.

Laticrete’s MVIS Premium Pointing Mortar is a first in the adhered masonry veneer industry. It utilizes water-dispersible pigment packs, giving architects, designers and installers the ability to match the styles, preferences and demands of any project or homeowner. Simply choose from 40 stock colour pigment packs and mix with the neutral base right before installing to achieve consistent, vibrant colours across the entire project.

MVIS Premium Pointing Mortar is ideal for both exterior and interior projects. Fibre reinforcement allows users to create strong, durable joints of up to half an inch, and Microban antimicrobial technology resists the growth of mould and mildew, keeping installations looking clean in the most challenging environments.

Acczent is FloorScore-certified, ortho-phthalate-free, and certified asthma and allergyfriendly by Allergy Standards Ltd., making the collection ideal for healthcare and education spaces.

Tarkett’s refreshed Acczent collection includes 12 new wood visuals and two new stone visuals. Designed to resist the weight of heavy traffic and rolling loads, the heterogeneous sheet vinyl products are made with a 32-mil wear layer. The surfaces also provide superior resistance to stains, abrasions and chemicals, and are easily maintained with a daily neutral cleaner to reduce expenses and support better indoor air quality, says the company.

43.8 points

Small business confidence took a dip in the lead up to the holiday shopping season and looking beyond it. The optimism index for the next three months, from December to February, dropped to 43.8 points, while the 12-month index dropped to 50 points — the lowest recorded since 2009, outside of the 2008/2009 and 2020 recessions.

—Canadian Federation of Independent Business

91%

47%

When it comes to what Canadian workers want in today’s job market, salary remains top of mind, with 47 per cent of professionals likely to request a higher starting salary today compared to 12 months ago. An even greater percentage, 57 per cent, feel they are in the driver’s seat when it comes to negotiating pay, perks and benefits.

Nearly one-quarter of homeowners are planning to start a home improvement project in the next year. More than half of this group will kick-off their project by January, with top renovations being bathrooms and kitchens. To tackle these substantial projects, 91 per cent plan to hire a professional. The planned median spend on these projects is $25,000 US, meaning half of homeowners plan to spend more than that amount, while the other half has a smaller budget in mind.

Half

Almost half of contractors identify training new workers as the main focus of 2023. Fifty-five per cent say a lack of skilled workers is one of the biggest barriers to growing their business. That number rises to 69 per cent among businesses with more than $10 million in annual revenue and 64 per cent among those with at least two decades of experience.

55% 11%

The standalone monthly seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of total housing starts for all areas in Canada fell by 11 per cent in October to 267,055 units, compared to September’s high of 298,811 units. The SAAR of total urban starts also declined, down 11 per cent to 245,234 units. Multi-unit urban starts decreased 13 per cent to 188,189 units, while single-detached urban starts dipped four per cent to 57,045 units.

—Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp.

Economic challenges affect small and medium-sized businesses less when they put productivity at the forefront. Of businesses that focus on productivity, 28 per cent are facing supply chain problems, compared to 42 per cent of all Canadian businesses; more than one-third consider inflation a challenge, compared to nearly two-thirds; and 40 per cent are experiencing labour shortages, compared to 58 per cent.

—Business Development Bank of Canada

—Dewalt

—Houzz

—Robert

MODERN MAKEOVER

By Lysanne St-Laurent & Laurence Ouimet Vives

Located on Saint-Gerard Street in Montreal is a 1935-built building, one of three formerly owned by cousins as part of a real estate project. The duplex was recently sold to new owners who wanted to update the ground floor. The rooms of the residence, nicknamed La Maison Rose by neighbours for its uniquely coloured front door, were organized around a central corridor, characteristic of several dwellings in the Villeray district. The goal of the renovation was to create an open concept layout for the kitchen, dining and living areas in order to accentuate the views and access between rooms. The new homeowners also wanted to open up the living space to the courtyard at the back of the house.

Reorganization of the space resulted in the creation of two bedrooms at the front of the house, one of which is designed as a master suite with a walk-through closet and bathroom. The vestibule was slightly enlarged with the aim of improving fluidity of movement. The kitchen, dining and living areas are located at the back of the house. The main bathroom was relocated, allowing the rear façade to be opened up. This maximizes the entry of natural light into the main living space. French doors and large paned windows add to this now chic, sophisticated space.

While the homeowners took great care to remove each door and wooden frame in order to reuse these architectural elements in the

redesign, none of the existing flooring was retained. Instead, wide plank white oak was chosen for the entire space, with the exception of the entryway and bathrooms. The wood specifically selected is knotless to create a uniform look throughout. The juxtaposition of the original wood doors/frames and newly laid white oak floors creates an interesting aesthetic that melds two different periods of time.

Unable to preserve the ceramic floor in the main entrance, the designers replicated the mosaic tile pattern, imbuing a classic style in the updated vestibule. This was achieved by drawing out the original pattern to ensure authenticity.

In the main bathroom, a large format beige tile was chosen to give the impression of a one-piece concrete slab. The small grout joints, measuring just one-sixteenth of an inch, and tone-on-tone grout colour further achieve this effect.

Lysanne St-Laurent and Laurence Ouimet Vives are co-founders of Vives St-Laurent. Established in 2018, the Montreal design studio creates timeless residential and commercial spaces, where lines are straight and geometric, and textures evoke both what is to come and what has passed.

Lysanne and Laurence can be reached at lysanne@vivesstlaurent.com and laurence@vivesstlaurent.com, respectively.

Photos courtesy Alex Lesage

Renovation of nearly 90-year-old Montreal residence brings home into 21st century while preserving the past

Patch and go with Planiprep® PSC

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• Polymer-modified for enhanced bond strength

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