summer 2014 | issue 08
contents
market overview
9
Steady as she goes Local housing market growing at healthy pace
11
feature
11 Housing gala
Honouring those who are building Alberta
14 From dirt to development
Creating new neighbourhoods in Red Deer
21 Window shopping
Making the right choice doesn’t have to be a pane in the glass
events
17 CHBA Central Alberta Golf Tournament
14
Just for fun event raises money for scholarship programs
show home profiles
18 Abbey Master Builder
Show home blossoms in Garden Heights
industry news
25 Safety is job #1
Local CHBA works to protect housing industry workers
business profile
28 Central Stoneworks
Rock solid reputation for quality products and service
@chbaca1
CHBACA1
25
18
departments 6 Message from the executive officer 30 Getting to know
Cover photo: True-Line Homes
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message from the executive officer
And the winners are … The biggest news in the home building industry since our last edition is, of course, the annual Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Central Alberta Region Awards of Excellence. Winners were announced at the gala event May 10 at the Sheraton Hotel and you can read about them starting on page 11. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists, and thanks to all our valued sponsors! A couple of other great feature articles include an introductory course in Window Shopping, as well as an in-depth look at what it takes to build a community. As any land developer will tell you, there’s a lot of planning and infrastructure work that has to be done long before the first home is ever built.
CANADIAN HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION – CENTRAL ALBERTA represents professionals in the housing industry. CHBA – Central Alberta has been in existence for over 55 years and is a network of professionals that manages industry issues to provide value to our members. 10, 7895 - 49th Avenue Red Deer, Alberta T4P 2B4 Tel: 403.346.5321 Toll-free: 1.888.346.-5329 Fax: 403.342.1301 Toll-free: 1.877.342.1301 E-mail: eo@chbacentralalberta.ca www.chbaca.ca Denie Olmstead | Executive Officer eo@chbacentralalberta.ca Joan Butler | Administration and Events Coordinator admin@chbacentralalberta.ca
Sometimes the impact of the home building industry on the surrounding community is obvious, such as the donation of funds from our annual golf tournament to scholarships at local schools (page 17); and sometimes it’s more subtle. Another way we have a big impact in the community is by sending people’s family
Published by Source Media Group Corp. 207, 5809 Macleod Trail S.W. Calgary, Alberta T2H 0J9 Tel: 403.532.3101, Fax: 403.532.3109 Toll free: 1.888.932.3101 Email: info@sourcemediagroup.ca www.sourcemediagroup.ca
members home from work safe. Safety training and certification is a key initiative for
Associate Publisher | Jim Zang
the CHBA – Central Alberta Region and our participating members, see story page 25.
Art Director | Jean Faye Rodriguez
Profile articles this edition spotlight a brand new show home by Abbey Master Builder, plus we rock your world with a visit to Central Stoneworks. I encourage you to read these articles and see what great work some of our local companies are doing. Proof that good things can come in small packages, we start and finish the magazine
Graphic DesignerS | Lama Azhari, Dave Macaulay, Megan Sereda Production Co-ordinator | Colleen Leier
Getting to know… In the former, we’re treated to statistic upon statistic about the local
contributors | Jock Mackenzie, Shelley Newman, Tanis Reid, Jenny Spur, Daniel White
home market, great information! While in the latter we look at the human side of the
Accounting | Donna Roberts
with two equally important but totally opposite regular items: Market Overview and
industry as we meet John Christie of Falcon Homes. All in all, it’s been a pretty good first few months of the year in Central Alberta. Spring was a little late in coming, sure, but the economy has been in full blossom all winter long and our little region that could is still blooming right along with it. There’s been consistent growth of new show homes sprouting up around town and you can find out about them right here in Central Alberta Homes magazine.
Sincerely,
ce n t r a l a l b e r ta h o m e s
advertising sales | Andrea Rinkel andrea.rinkel@sourcemediagroup.ca © 2014 Source Media Group Corp. Material cannot be reprinted in whole or in part without the express written permission of the publishers. Source Media Group Corp. agrees to advertise on behalf of the advertiser without responsibility for claims or misinformation made by the advertiser and acts only as an advertising medium. Source Media Group Corp. reserves the right to refuse any advertising at its sole discretion. Central Alberta Homes is published quarterly and is distributed to every member of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Central Alberta, as well as on free stands throughout the region.
Denie Olmstead Executive Officer CHBA – Central Alberta
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director of sales | Norma Robertson norma.robertson@sourcemediagroup.ca
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market overview
Steady as she goes Local housing market growing at a healthy pace By Ta n i s R ei d
O
verall, total housing starts in the City of Red Deer have increased year-over-year in April 2014. Both the single-detached and multi-family segments of the new home markets are above last year’s levels. The multi-family component was 41 per cent higher year-over-year with 31 starts compared to 22 starts in April last year. Single-family starts are up 16 per cent year-over-year with 82 units. Multifamily starts have come up about 23 per cent year-to-date with 203 multifamily units that broke ground. This has been primarily for apartment units and ownerships geared towards the rental market. This has been supported by strong economic factors and a substantial need for rental units in the area. Last year the rental market was in high demand, this is still the case and the vacancy rate remains relatively low in Red Deer at about 1.9 per cent.
“There has definitely been more appetite for rental units in the marketplace and that is what we are seeing in our numbers in the year-to-date basis,” says Felicia Mutheardy, market analyst for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). “At this point we have the majority of multi-family units being for the rental market.” It is expected that new home construction will pick up for the City of Red Deer on an overall basis for the year of 2014. Single-family starts for the first quarter for the City of Red Deer are up having broke ground on 11 more units over last year. One factor leading to the need for more
homes is migration. Statistics Canada’s Division Number Eight (which includes the City of Red Deer, Red Deer County, Lacombe and Lacombe County and Sylvan Lake) had a record level of net migration between July 1, 2012 and June 30, 2013. “This has placed some upwards pressure on housing demand and that is what we are seeing in the marketplace both in resale transactions, MLS activity as well as for starts activity,” says Felicia Mutheardy Mutheardy. Photo by Aaliya Essa
“There has definitely been more appetite for rental units in the marketplace and that is what we are seeing in our numbers in the year-to-date basis.”
Preliminary Housing Starts in Central Alberta – 2014 Location
Single-detached
Multi-family
Total
2014
2013
% Change
2014
2013
% Change
2014
2013
% Change
Clearwater County
7
14
-50
0
0
–
7
14
-50
Lacombe CA
10
11
-9
2
4
-50
12
15
-20
Lacombe County
11
8
38
0
0
–
11
8
38
Mountain View County
12
4
200
0
0
–
12
4
200
Red Deer City
82
71
15
203
165
23
285
236
21
Red Deer County
7
15
-53
0
0
0
7
15
-53
Sylvan Lake
20
28
-29
46
7
557
66
35
89
149
151
-1
251
176
43
400
327
22
Central Alberta
Source: CMHC starts and completion survey.
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Housing gala Honouring those who are building Alberta by Sh ell e y N e wma n
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t’s a community. A big one. When the builders of central Alberta get together, they fill the biggest banquet hall in Red Deer. That’s just what they did in May, when builders, trades, suppliers and professionals gathered for the Awards of Excellence in Housing, hosted by the Central Alberta chapter of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA). “The awards bring together builders from across the region to socialize and connect,” says Lori Erickson, chair of the 2014 awards committee. “Plus, it’s wonderful recognition for the nominees and, of course, the winners.” The evening began with aerial and acrobalance performances by Firefly Theatre and Circus. The awards were presented after dinner, in categories ranging from best new single family home to partner awards. “The CHBA – Central Alberta office received nominations in late February, and we had 120 entries, including those for the Safety Leadership Award. We also had an additional 34 members registering for the Partner awards,” Erickson explains. “The judges’ scoring narrowed these entries down to the finalists in each category.” A total of 25 awards were presented, followed by three CHBA – Central Alberta awards. The grand finale was the three 2014 Best of the Year Awards, which have customer satisfaction and trades/supplier surveys as a portion of the judging criteria. Platinum Homes received top honours as Builder of the Year — small volume, based on 24 or less builds in 2013. During his speech, Terry Loewen, CEO of Platinum Homes, acknowledged both customers and staff for making the award possible. He also highlighted the importance of trades and suppliers for their contributions to the home building process. True-Line Homes received the other major awards. “We are truly honoured to win both Renovator and Builder of the Year — large volume! We have talented staff, dedicated trades and suppliers, and amazing customers,” says Kevin Wilkie, vice president of sales with True-Line Homes. “The owners of True-Line, Phil and Sue Neufeld, have always had the philosophy with their staff, trades and suppliers that every home we build needs to have the same care, quality and attention to detail as if it were their own.” Recognizing the hard work, talent and innovative ideas of people from across the industry, was at the heart of the awards, as Stephen Amonson, president of CHBA – Alberta, emphasized in his speech. “These awards help to raise the bar for the new and exciting things that are possible in our industry,” he said. “We are the individuals that are building Alberta.”
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A W AR D CATE G OR I E S AN D Best New Home: Single Family Home with or without Garage: Winner for Best New Home Up to $224,999 (SF1) · Sorento Custom Homes
Winner for Best New Home Between $525,000 – $599,999 (SF7) · Platinum Homes
Winner for Best New Home Between $225,000 - $259,999 (SF2) · Falcon Homes Ltd.
Winner for Best New Home Between $600,000 - $674,999 (SF8) · Mason Martin Homes
Winner for Best New Home Between $260,000 - $299,999 (SF3) · Platinum Homes
Winner for Best New Home Between $675,000 - $749,999 (SF9) · Larkaun Homes Ltd
Winner for Best New Home Between $300,000 - $374,999 (SF4) · Krest Homes
Winner for Best New Estate Home Between $750,000 - $999,999 (EH1) · Bowood Homes
Winner for Best New Home Between $375,000 - $449,999 (SF5) · Sorento Custom Homes
Winner for Best New Estate Home over $1,000,000 (EH2) · Sorento Custom Homes
Sorento Custom Homes
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Best New Home: Multi Family Townhouse/Duplex/Complex: Winner for Best New Multi Family Home – Town House/Duplex Style under $224,999 (MF3) · Krest Homes Winner for Best New Multi Family Home – Town House/Duplex Style over $225,000 (MF4) · True-Line Homes
Best Renovation Project Winner for Best Renovation Between $50,000 - $99,999 (RN2) · True-Line Homes
Excellence in Interior Design Winner for the Excellence in Interior Design (ID1) · Falcon Homes Ltd.; Interior Designer(s): Stephanie Fehr, Gina and Kevin Pardy
Note: The price for the single family, estate home and multi-family homes listed above do not include the price of land.
Platinum Homes
Builder of the Year (Small Volume) Platinum Homes
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Winner for Best New Home Between $450,000 –$524,999 (SF6) · Falcon Homes Ltd.
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We thank the following 2014 Awards of Excellence in Housing event sponsors
W I NNER S Safety Leadership Award (SLA)
2014 Partner Awards:
Diamond Sponsor: Wolf Creek Building Supplies Ltd. – Castle Building Centre
Winner for the Safety Leadership Award · Bruin’s Plumbing and Heating
Winner for Trades of the Year – Small Category · Henry’s Eavestroughing Inc
Platinum Sponsor(s): Red Deer Advocate
BEST OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS:
Winner for Trades of the Year – Large Category · Thermo Pro Insulation and Drywall
2014 RENOVATOR OF THE YEAR – True-Line Homes 2014 BUILDER OF THE YEAR – Platinum Homes – Small Volume (under 25 homes per year)
Gold Sponsor(s): Ply Gem Silver Sponsor(s): Carpet Colour Centre Carpet One; Great Canadian Roofing and Siding (RD) Ltd.; Kraze101.3 FM and Sunny 94 FM; PHBI; Servus Credit Union; VNO Exteriors
Winner for Supplier of the Year – Small Category · General Appliances Lacombe Winner for Supplier of the Year – Large Category · Timber Wolf Truss Ltd
2014 BUILDER OF THE YEAR True-Line Homes – Large Volume (over 25 homes per year)
Program Sponsor: Heywood Holmes & Partners
Winner for Service Professional of the Year – Small Category · Dominion Lending Centre Regional Mortgage Group
PRESIDENT’S AWARDS: 1. Rookie of the Year Award – Dwayne Eagleson, Mason Martin Homes 2. Member of the Year Award – Lori Erickson, Landmark Homes – Red Deer
Door Prize Sponsor: Melcor Developments Entertainment Sponsor(s): Gilmar Construction; Red Deer Lighting
Winner for Service Professional of the Year – Large Category · The Alberta New Home Warranty Program
Wine Sponsor: Dominion Lending Centre – Regional Mortgage Group
Note: Small category represents businesses with 24 and under employees; large category represents businesses with 25 employees and over.
Photography Sponsor: True-Line Homes Floral Sponsor: Falcon Homes
3. Gus Bakke Memorial Award – Lisa Buckingham, Trail Appliances
Table Chocolate Sponsor: Trail Appliances Table Dessert Sponsor: The Alberta New Home Warranty Program Fun Casino Sponsor: All Weather Windows Fun Casino Prize Sponsor: Audio Integrations Production Sponsor: Kiboodle Red Deer Safety Leadership Award Sponsor: ATCO Gas
Builder of the Year (Large Volume) - True-Line Homes
Supporting Sponsor(s): Central Alberta Homes Central Alberta Tile One Doormasters Inc KG Country 95.5 FM Moen ProForm Precast Products Inc Prolific Graphics Red Deer Red Deer Express Red Deer Living (Source Media Group) Red Deer Overdoor Shaw TV Sheraton Hotel Red Deer Sorento Custom Homes Thermo Pro Insulation Timber Wolf Truss Ltd; Unique Elevations
From left: Dwane Eaglesone, Lori Erickson, Kevin Wilkie and Lisa Buckingham
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From dirt to development Creating new neighbourhoods in Red Deer by Sh ell e y N e wma n
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y the time many people notice a developing neighbourhood, it’s already in the home construction phase, with roadways established and new houses springing up across the landscape. But, in reality, the process of development begins years — even decades — earlier. “Municipal planning is a long range process,” says Tara Lodewyk, planning manager with The City of Red Deer. Tara Lodewyk. Photo “Developers may by Shelley Newman purchase land 10 or more years in advance of development occurring. Planning is a complex process that takes a lot of factors into account.” Before construction begins in an area,
several steps are required to transform land into urban landscape. Major Area Structure Plans are a part of the process, and these high-level City documents look at large areas of the city holistically. The East Hill Major Area Structure Plan, as one example, covers almost 64 quarter sections of land on the eastern side of Red Deer. A plan like this defines the locations of arterial roads, regional parks and trails, schools and major amenities, as well as any existing or required oil and gas lines. It also determines the sequence of flow for development throughout the area and defines a logical progression of infrastructure and growth of communities. At the next stage, neighbourhoods are created through Neighbourhood Area Structure Plans, which typically encompass tracts of land in quarter section
or 160 acre allotments. “Developers create specific neighbourhood plans based on the framework of the major area structure plan and also within the nine design principles to create great neighbourhoods set out in the Neighbourhood Planning and Design Standards document,” says Lodewyk. “The City has priorities for each section, so this provides a lot of objectives to focus on from a land development perspective,” says Gregg Broks, senior development manager for the Red Deer region with Melcor Developments Ltd. and chair of the Urban Development Institute of Central Alberta. “Melcor works with The City from early on in the process, collaborating about things such as high level parks planning. We know what natural amenities exist on the land we own, and we want to highlight these to help create
From land to city landscape: the development of a neighbourhood Long-term plans – Intermunicipal Development Plan & Municipal Development Plan
Major area structure plans from City
Neighbourhood area structure plans from developers
Development Agreement
SIGN
Cover from IDP. Photo courtesy The City of Red Deer
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East Hill MASP. Photo courtesy The City of Red Deer
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Page from Vanier Woods NASP. Photo courtesy The City of Red Deer
H ERE
Zoning
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the best neighbourhoods possible.” When developers like Melcor create the specific neighbourhood plans, the first step is to establish the road patterns. “By the time we get to our planning stage, the boundaries for each quarter section are defined by the collector roads, pipelines and power right-of-ways,” explains Broks. “We establish roads based on The City’s design standards, and we plan areas and housing types that create a sense of place in each community.” Other items that developers must include in the neighbourhood plans are water and sewer lines, parks, playgrounds and green spaces. Completed neighbourhood area plans are submitted to The City by developers and are subject to a multi-step approval process. First, City administration vets each plan through Council-approved standards and plans, and then public feedback is sought through open house events. Next, the developers and City administration work together to incorporate any changes and, finally, Council reviews and approves the neighbourhood plan. Once the plan is approved, a detailed development agreement is created, providing the contract between the developer and The City. Zoning and subdivision occurs next, defining the land use and creating the specific lots within each quarter section. “A residential neighbourhood is typically divided into four, five or six phases for
and subdividing by City
Construction of infrastructure by developer
Aerial view of SE Red Deer in 2013. Photo courtesy Melcor Developments. development,” says Broks. “There are approximately 150 lots per phase, and it takes us at least six months to complete the construction of a phase before we hand the land off to home builders.” This construction by a developer doesn’t include building the actual houses; it involves building roads and sidewalks, laying pipelines and establishing parks and green spaces — infrastructure items that developers are responsible to build at the outset and to maintain until two years after the neighbourhood is complete. Once the subdivision and neighbourhood construction stages are complete, the lots transfer to home builders. In the final steps before house construction begins, builders apply for permits from The City to ensure home plans are in line with building code standards. Depending on the requirements of the neighbourhood, builders may also need to get approval from developers to
Building permits and architectural approvals
AP
PR
E OV
A PP
Page 18 from Vanier Woods NASP. Photo courtesy The City of Red Deer
ensure compliance with the architectural controls of a community. The City of Red Deer and developers each play major roles in creating neighbourhoods and in determining the evolution of the community as a whole. “Neighbourhoods are always evolving based on developer and citizen needs. We all have the same goal of creating places where people want to be. We have heard that citizens want to have neighbourhoods with more distinct character that do not all look the same” says Lodewyk. “From a City perspective, we’re looking to help achieve this by widening the palette of zones and street types that developers can choose from.” Broks agrees with this approach. “Melcor is keen to develop unique and identifiable elements in our neighbourhoods,” he says. “By offering enhanced amenities, we can create nicer communities for homeowners.”
Construction of homes by builders
Transfer of infrastructure from developer to City
D
ROV
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Page 25 from Vanier Woods NASP. Photo courtesy The City of Red Deer
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events
CHBA Central Alberta Golf Tournament Just for fun even raises money for scholarship programs
‘C
hristmas in June’ was the theme for this year’s CHBA – Central Alberta Region golf tournament, held June 6 at the Alberta Springs Golf Resort. Well over 100 members turned out for the event, which in 2013 resulted in more than $6,000 being raised and distributed between Red Deer College and Olds College to help fund scholarships in their construction/trades programs. Dollar totals for this year’s event were not available at press time. Prizes at the non-competitive, just for fun, tournament include such dubious honours as Best Dressed Team and Most Honest Team.
A
B
A & B. Last year’s theme was the ‘Tight and Bright.” C. Central Alberta Homes magazine Associate Publisher Jim Zang shows off his best ‘Christmas in June’ form.
C
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show home profile
Abbey Master Builder Show home blossoms in Garden Heights by Ta n i s R ei d
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ho doesn’t love having options in life? Options are just what Abbey Master Builder is showcasing in their new show home at 8 Garrison Circle in Garden Heights, Red Deer. This two storey, 2,130-square-foot home with 914-square-foot basement development has five bedrooms and three and a half baths and has been elegantly put together while leaving options open for creativity and personal touches throughout the home. “We furnished the great room with a mid-century modern flair but this house could be just about any style you wanted it to be and that was the intention,” says Gina Neamtu interior designer for Abbey Master Builder. Opening the front door you are welcomed into the show home’s grand entry which features a sliding barn door over the closet and a private den with double doors to the right. As you enter the great room you will see custom details such as the maple and glass railing to the second storey, a fireplace wall with recessed shelving and suspended beams from the 18-foot ceiling. The flooring carried throughout the main floor is cork which is warm to the touch and absorbs extra sound that may be created from the ceiling height. Moving through the great room you’ll find the stunning kitchen that has ceiling height, white cabinets accented with a melamine texture on the island.
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Warm quartz countertops line the perimeter cabinets while stonecoloured quartz adorns the large prep-style island. A porcelain backsplash, vertical wine rack, school house lights and farmhouse stainless steel sink complete the look. The layout of the kitchen provides an abundance of storage space that continues into the dining area. Just off of the kitchen you will find a built in desk complete with a white quartz countertop and floating shelves. This area is positioned in a perfect central location so you can keep your busy life organized. A half bath as well as a laundry room
and the access to the 26 by 24-foot garage are also off the kitchen. Upstairs are three of the five bedrooms, including the master bedroom complete with a luxurious ensuite. “We wanted it to feel like a hotel,” says Neamtu. And it does! The master ensuite includes Nuheat mats under the tile, a free standing tub, dual his and hers vanity, custom shower and large walk-in closet.
Downstairs was designed to provide spacious living areas including a full bath, two potential bedrooms and endless possibilities. The family room comfortably hosts a 70-inch television and ample seating. Tucked away, just off the family room is a flex room that has been arranged as a lounge. “We put in an adult area but it could be an exercise area or a kids play room. This room can be what anyone wants it to be” says Shirley Woods, design assistant for Abbey Master Builder. The highly acclaimed development of Garden Heights has much to offer homebuyers. This neighbourhood is within walking distance of Clearview Market Square and close to Parkland Mall. This show home also has access to McKenzie Trails, the Waskasoo Park system, transit stops, green spaces, parks and golfing making it an ideal living location for any home owner. “We want people to be able to see themselves living here,” said Neamtu. A concept that is reflected in the show home as well as in the community. You can move into this home for $816,091, which includes G.S.T. and legal fees.
show home profile
The master ensuite includes Nuheat mats under the tile, a free standing tub, dual his and hers vanity, custom shower and a large walk-in closet.
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Window shopping
Making the right choice doesn’t have to be a pane in the glass By J o ck M ack enzi e
D
ouble or triple glaze? Air or argon filled? Coloured or white? One piece or hybrid? Function or style? Decisions, decisions! The right choice of windows for your home isn’t always as clear as, well, glass. The first decision seems to be between double glaze (two panes of glass) or triple glaze (three panes). Three panes allow for two cavities: one is often filled with air, the other with argon. Argon is heavier than air, which makes for slower transfer of heat or cold. Three panes also allows for a total of six surfaces, more places to apply coatings. Different manufacturers have specific names (Sungate, Solorban, SolarGate, EcoShield, etc.) but modern coatings either keep heat out in summer or retain heat in winter. The common industry term for coatings is “low e” and the “e” stands for emissivity, the ability to emit radiant energy. Complicated? Yes. But it’s important to consider your specific situation and choose the coatings most suitable to the size and location of your windows. Not every window in your house has to be the same — smaller and northor east-facing windows may not require triple glazing or the same coatings.
The right choice of windows for your home isn’t always as clear as, well, glass.
Ply Gem Design Series
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“Another part of the education is realizing that different climate zones require different grades of window.” “Another part of the education,” says Damon Hrywkiw of Home Renewals, “is realizing that different climate zones require different grades of window.” Energy Star, a government-backed program, divides Canada into four zones based on average annual temperature and it rates windows as to their suitability for the various zones. Government grants and warranties are based on matching window types with the appropriate zone. The CSA (Canadian Standards Association) has created a set of criteria to determine air and water tightness, wind load, forced entry and screen strength. In short, the consumer doesn’t have to rely solely on a manufacturer’s reputation but can judge the product based on Energy Star and CSA ratings. In our quest for energy efficiency, one must consider the concept of insulation.
Damon Hrywkiw — Home Renewals
Heat insulation is the most obvious area of concern, but, in some instances, so too is sound insulation. The two cavities in a triple glaze window can double the R-value (the measure of thermal resistance, most walls have R-20) and make for increased sound insulation. When taking only the glass into account, the difference between two sealed units, one a non-coated double glaze window and one a fully-coated triple glaze window, the difference in R-value goes from 2.08 to 8.28 — virtually four times more insulation. “When going from a double glaze to a triple glaze window,” says Dawn Hrywkiw of Home Renewals, “ the product cost, not the installation cost, is only 10 per cent more.” Both double and triple glaze windows now have colour as a choice. “Ply Gem has 12 exterior colours,” says Glen Janiszewski, Director of Marketing. Among others,
Ply Gem Vista Series these include the bolder black and brown or subtler cashmere and taupe. The number of standard exterior colours and colours available as an upgrade varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. The demand for differentiation has led manufacturers to provide a wide variety of choices. The “hybrid” window makes this possible. The hybrid can be a double
Bob Bauche — Jeld Wen Windows Photos by Jock Mackenzie
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“In some instances, the architectural controls in a subdivision dictate the style but the homeowner has other choices.”
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Ply Gem Signature Series or a triple hybrid. Both have a vinyl inner core, but a double hybrid is one that adds a metal cladding on the exterior. A triple hybrid adds the metal-cladded exterior and a wood interior. Yes, wood: paintable, stainable wood. When opting for a vinyl interior, the choice is now either white or beige. Lots of possibilities! As well as colour, the popular window grilles or mullions (SDLs — Simulated Divided Lites) continue to be available as an in-glass option but now come on the outer surface to give a true threedimensional effect. Increased decorative options continue to appear. Practicality is one aspect; visual appeal is another. “Straight lines are more fashionable these days,” says Bob Bauche of Jeld Wen Windows and Doors. He adds, “In some instances, the architectural controls in a subdivision dictate the style but the homeowner has other choices.” When not restricted by these controls, the choices are vast. Yet another option is the interior transom window (windows above doorways) and the piano window (generally high, horizontal windows that might be placed above a piano) that can be strategically placed and made even more unique by employing decorative or stained glass.
Ply Gem Signature Series As with so many aspects of our lives, the vocabulary of an industry can be one of the most daunting obstacles: low e, casement, hybrid, SDLs, fusion. Windows come in all styles, sizes, quality and price points, doing a little research ahead of time can help make your decision more clear.
Yet another option is the interior transom window and the piano window...
Transom window
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industry news
Safety is job #1 Local CHBA works to protect housing industry workers By J en n y Sp u r
T
he Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Central Alberta (CHBA – CA) is working hard to help its members prevent serious injuries, illnesses and fatalities in the workplace. “Our purpose is to be a resource for members,” says Lisa Buckingham, chair of the CHBA – CA Safety Committee. “We incite members to commit to safety and support them in becoming COR or SECOR certified.” A Certificate of Recognition (COR) is awarded to employers who develop health and safety programs that meet established standards. (Certificates are issued by Alberta Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour and are co-signed by Certifying
Lisa Buckingham
Partners. For the construction industry, this is the Alberta Construction Safety Association (ACSA). Small Employer Certificates of Recognition (SECOR) are available for employers with fewer than 10 employees. “Becoming COR or SECOR certified is a big undertaking and it can be intimidating for smaller employers,” adds Aislyn MacFarlane, human resources and safety coordination with Gilmar Construction LTD. and CHBA – Alberta Safety Committee representative. “Now that we’ve achieved our goal of having 90 per cent of large builders in Red Deer COR certified, our focus is on medium and small employers.” The association provides training on how to develop a health and safety program and encourages members to seek out other trades or suppliers who are COR or SECOR certified. Often it’s a condition of contract for a COR certified builder to work with COR or SECOR certified trades, says MacFarlane. “It’s not just about having the program in place; it’s about making sure all employees know the expectations.” They also share news about changes to
the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legislation. Like the new peace officer designation that grants OHS officers the ability to write tickets to employees and employers on site. According to the Government of Alberta website, there are 67 ticketable provisions which will hold workers and employers accountable for violations of the OHS legislation. “Interest in the residential construction industry has increased and OHS officers
“Our purpose is to be a resource for members... we incite members to commit to safety and support them in becoming COR or SECOR certif¡ed.”
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industry news
“Getting hurt is not part of your job and neither is accepting risk.” are cracking down on home construction employers,” says Buckingham. The most common fine is failure to complete a written hazard assessment. To promote safe work practices, CHBA – CA plans to recognize members who excel in safety at this year’s Awards of Excellence in Housing with the Safety Leadership Award. Applicants must have a valid Worker’s Compensation Board (WCB) account and a current COR or SECOR designation. They must also demonstrate safety service to the industry, management commitment, training commitment, and field / shop safety.
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“Submissions were reviewed by volunteers from the CHBA – Alberta Safety Committee for the Safety Leadership Award,” says MacFarlane, and the winners announced at the Excellence in Housing Awards Show on May 10. (See page 11) Finally, they’ll host a safety barbecue this spring with plenty of information and demonstrations. “It’s about making sure everyone goes home safe at the end of the day,” says Buckingham. “Getting hurt is not part of your job and neither is accepting risk,” adds MacFarlane. “Our goal is to deal with a problem before it becomes an incident.”
Aislyn MacFarlane
business profile
Central Stoneworks A
lthough it’s still a young company, started in 2010, Central Stoneworks Ltd. is built on a solid foundation. The company is owned by Robert McIntyre, a Red Deer local, who, with the help of manager Bob Will, runs the business based on a core philosophy of providing the best products and customer service possible. Of course, a lot of companies talk the talk, but what makes Central Stoneworks stand out from the rest is they walk the walk. Their unique combination of ambition and ingenuity makes them unlike many other stonework companies.
For example, while some outfits will still use plain mortar to adhere standard stonework, Central Stoneworks have completely revolutionized the industry by designing, manufacturing, and installing their own product. With more than 25 years of experience in the precast industry, Will put his expansive production and installation knowledge to good use, designing and developing Acadia Stone. Acadia Stone is a mortarless rainscreen technology for the building industry. Its ability to withstand harsh freeze-thaw cycles makes it a must-have building material, perfect for
the unpredictable weather patterns of Central Alberta. Because of the product’s mortarless anchor system, the precast leaves a halfinch gap between the stonework and any interior or exterior walls. This added design feature allows for necessary ventilation and drainage, which makes it incredibly effective in preventing rot and mould. In addition to allowing drainage, the stone’s anchor design also allows for shorter installation times. Acadia can be installed almost twice as fast as conventional stonework. Repairing conventional stonework can be difficult, tearing out and replacing hard mortar; with Acadia’s anchor design, stone can be replaced much quicker than with conventional stonework.
Bob Will Photo by Tanis Reid
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Central Stoneworks have completely revolutionized the industry by designing, manufacturing, and installing their own product.
business profile
Rock solid reputation for quality products and service
With such a popular proven product in hand, McIntyre and Will have continued to build the company from a local start-up to one that has a provincial presence. Central Stoneworks now has qualified installers in not just Red Deer, but also Calgary and Edmonton, with plenty of room left for growth in the province and even into BC and other major Canadian markets. With a great product like Acadia Stone, there’s something for everybody. And choices aren’t just limited to the styles that the company has in their catalogue. You can take your home personalization to the max by visiting their website and, next to their catalogue of styles, is a software download which will allow you to design your own stone finishes. The program is free to download and allows you to customize the look and texture of your stone in a way that would normally
By Da n i el W h ite
“Our philosophy is quality product and quality work.” only be accessible to those with the deepest of wallets. Thanks to Central Stone’s production methods they can make your thoughts a reality without breaking the bank. How good is the quality? Good enough, says Will, that they provide a 50 year limited warranty on all of their products. “Our philosophy is quality product and quality work,” says Will. “We provide a product line that is unique in that it is versatile for design purposes as well as functional as an exterior cladding system.” To learn more about Central Stoneworks and Acadia Stone visit www.acadiastone.com
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getting to know…
John Christie Vice President, CHBA – Central Alberta
H
e may not be Superman, but John Christie is definitely a man of steel. How else would you describe someone who used to work as a structural steel detailer, participates in Ironman competitions and loves to ride motorcycles? Of course, more than just steel goes into building quality homes and, as 1st Vice President of the CHBA – Central Alberta Region and General Manager of Falcon Homes Ltd., nobody knows this better than John. “I help run the entire operations,” he says, “from designing homes, creating new business and dealing with all the other day to day operations with the company.” John was born in Nelson, B.C., but, he says, has “lived all over the province”, as his father worked for the provincial government. “As a kid in kindergarten, I recall a teacher asking my parents to come in for a meeting. A meeting with parents is never a good thing, but when the teacher questioned my parents about the way that I drew — straight lines only and on white paper with black or grey pencils or crayons — it concerned my parents then as it was different from the rainbow hued scribbles of the other kids. A little bit of foresight would have been helpful as drawing and construction is the path I’ve taken!” So how did a kid from the backwaters of B.C. make it to the big time of Central Alberta? It’s an interesting story. After receiving his Diploma in Engineering and Graphic Design from the College of New Caledonia in Prince George, he got work doing drawings for structural 30
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steel buildings all across North America, including the odd high-rise in New York. His Structural Steel detailing position moved him to Sylvan Lake, where he soon met his wife, Erica. Together they travelled to Taiwan and lived for more than a year. While there, says John, “Falcon Homes’ owner Kevin Pardy emailed me and asked if I’d like to be their draftsperson. I said “sure” and we headed back.” John and Erica live in Sylvan Lake with their young sons Oliver (3) and Charlie (1). “Living in Central Alberta is great,” he says. “With the economy, for one, found my wife here, living in between two larger cities, being close to the mountains — other than the long winters, what else do you need? Plus, being in Sylvan, we’re a fiveminute walk from the beach.” “I enjoy a healthy physically active lifestyle including Ironman triathlon competitions, was on Team Canada in 2009 and competed in Perth, Australia. I do a lot of marathons, love riding bikes,
including tri-biking, mountain biking and motorcycling. I also try to fit in rock climbing, this year I ice climbed for the first time, and hiking.” “ Since having the boys,” he says, “life has changed. Now my social life includes a lot of man-dates, with my wife at home with the boys. I like to catch the latest flick with friends. I love inspirational movies and one that I saw recently which was great was The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. As for the local home building industry, he says “the biggest challenge currently facing the home building industry, in my mind, is quality trades and the amount of trades. We just need more.” Having built several homes with his wife and kids, the best advice John has for prospective new home owners who want to design their own home is to talk to the in-house draftsperson or designer with their builder. “They know house design and they can help you stay on budget, for a reasonable price or even included in the construction of your home. This can save a lot of time and money, help you stay on budget and create the house you want.”