summer 2015 | issue 12
contents 20 25
11 market overview
9
Ripple effect Economic and political factors may trickle down to the housing market
feature
11 Everyone’s a winner
Central Alberta home builders honoured at Awards of Excellence in Housing
15 Cool and comfortable
Air conditioning may be the perfect answer this summer
25 Just being neighbourly
15
show home profile
advice
18 Mason Martin
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Annexation partnerships helping Central Alberta grow
Laramie lends itself to luxury lifestyle
community profile
24 What is an appraisal? And when should you get one?
20 Taking community to new heights
business profile
The Vista at Ryder’s Ridge exceeds expectations of what a neighbourhood should be
23 11 Fun facts
About CHBA – CA, its staff and members
@chbaca1
The experts in overhead door installation and service
items
industry news
28 Red Deer Overdoor
CHBACA1
6 Message from the executive officer 22 Member list 30 Getting to know Cover photo: Laebon Homes, 2014 Awards of Excellence in Housing Builder of the Year winner.
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message from the executive officer
And the winners are… Welcome to another Central Alberta summer and another edition of Central Alberta Homes magazine, the official magazine of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Central Alberta. And, as thrilled as we all are to finally see summer arrive, especially those of us playing in the annual golf tournament on June 5th, we’ve got even more to celebrate right now as we announce the winners of the 2015 Awards of Excellence in Housing. With more entries and gala dinner attendees than ever before it was our biggest member event ever! Not only did we celebrate excellence in housing that evening, our members also raised over $18,000 to go towards the Build and Golf a Kid to Cure foundation, in support of Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta. Congrats to all the winners and finalists, and thanks to all the volunteers and Sheraton Hotel staff for a great evening. Read all about it, including what was for dinner and who won what award, starting on page 11 As good a year as 2014 was, 2015 holds its share of fresh challenges. First, as we all know, the cost of a barrel of oil has dropped significantly. Since then, we’ve seen some moderate gains, but as a whole the energy industry remains wary. Combine this with the stronger US dollar and a newly elected provincial government, it is important to work together, embrace these challenges and continue with optimism! While nobody’s got a crystal ball that can predict the future exactly, the folks at CMHC usually aren’t too far off the mark and they weigh in on things on page 9. In addition to CMHC, this edition is chok full of expert advice. From getting your property appraised; to how to keep your home cool in the summer; to what the term ‘annexation’ really means; we’ve asked the people who are in the know. And, of course, there’s lots more expert advice where that came from as we not only publish the entire list of CHBA – CA members (page 22), but also produce Red Deer’s only Renovation Show (see ad page 17). As always, we’ve featured several of our advertising members in this edition: a home builder, Mason Martin Homes; a land developer, Melcor Developments; and a service supplier, Red Deer Overdoor; in a well-rounded trio of feature articles that includes a show home profile, community profile and business profile. Finally, we’ve got a couple of fun features this time that help put some human faces to the housing industry. First up is a page of Fun Facts about the CHBA – CA. Did you know we’re older than most Central Albertans? It’s true. Check it out on page 23. Meanwhile, meet Justin Munchinsky of All Weather Windows in our Getting To Know segment. We truly do live in one of the best places in the country, with one of the most vibrant home building markets and some of the best developers, builders, suppliers and service companies. Whether you’re actually looking for a new home, want to do a major reno, or just put up a fence or install some new appliances, you’ll find what you need among CHBA – CA members. Sincerely,
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 | Executive Assistant admin@chbacentralalberta.ca
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 ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER | Jim Zang ART DIRECTOR | Jean Faye Rodriguez GRAPHIC DESIGNERS | Dave Macaulay, Megan Sereda PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR | Colleen Leier CONTRIBUTORS | Kristina Cajipe, Mike Garcelon, Jock McKenzie, Shelley Newman, Tanis Reid DIRECTOR OF SALES | Norma Robertson norma.robertson@sourcemediagroup.ca ADVERTISING SALES | Cindy Marks cindy.marks@sourcemediagroup.ca © 2015 Source Media Group Corp. Material cannot be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from 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 Builers’ Association – Central Alberta, as well as on free stands throughout the region.
Denie Olmstead Executive Officer CHBA – Central Alberta 6
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market overview
Ripple effect Economic and political factors may trickle down to the housing market BY TA N I S R EI D
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construction market, a strong January initially bolstered hopes for starts for single detached homes. In contrast, however, first quarter data shows a slight waning trend over the past couple of months, as starts in February and March were reduced. In addition to these softening demand forces, a growing price advantage of resale units over new homes are projected to contribute downward pressure on single detached starts, says Batch. In the previous quarter, in 2014, multifamily starts had been primarily driven by rental construction. Low vacancy rates had encouraged builders to start rental projects,
says Batch. However, with declining migration to the region it is expected that vacancy rates will rise, curtailing demand for multi-family projects. The most recent migration data for Red Deer shows heightened net migration into the Braden Batch region. “Net migration into the province fell in the fourth quarter of 2014 and likely a similar trend occurred in Red Deer,” says Batch. “Net migration into Alberta was still positive, though reduced levels suggest that demand growth in housing markets, especially the rental market, is subject to downward risk.” The employment rates in Central Alberta are also a factor in the housing market and the employment growth in F I R S T QUA R T E R H OU S I N G S TA R T S Red Deer is expected to moderate over the next term. The seasonally adjusted SINGLE FAMILY MULTI FAMILY TOTAL trend in full time employment — that Jan-March Jan-March Jan-March Jan-March 2015 2014 is a data technique that takes into 2015 2014 2015 2014 account seasonal factors such as spring Camrose CA 14 9 16 6 30 15 break-up — has fallen from a peak in Clearwater County 6 7 0 0 6 7 July 2014, while the actual full time employment numbers still show more Lacombe CA 11 10 0 2 11 12 people employed in March 2015 than Lacombe County 8 11 0 0 8 11 the previous year. “This indicates that Mountain View County 4 12 0 0 4 12 while there are more people in full time jobs than a year ago, many of the gains Olds 9 8 0 6 9 14 in full time employment are being Red Deer CA* 98 116 248 234 346 350 reversed,” says Batch. Red Deer County 10 7 0 0 10 7 The ripple effect on housing demand is expected to be a weakening Sylvan Lake 36 20 17 46 53 66 in consumer confidence, resulting Totals 196 200 281 294 477 494 in fewer starts and moderation *Jan-April Source: CMHC Start and Completion Survey in price growth. he recent changes in the worldwide oil market have affected many people and industries locally and the housing industry in Central Alberta is no exception. “Given that oil and gas manufacturing and oil and gas services, such as drilling equipment manufactures, are key industry drivers of the Red Deer economy, the decline in oil prices is expected to present a significant downside risk to economic and housing projections in the region,” says Braden Batch, Market Analyst for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). And now, compounding the situation are the as yet unpredictable affects of the results of the recent provincial election and Alberta’s new NDP government. In the Central Alberta new home
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feature
Everyone’s a winner Central Alberta home builders honoured at Awards of Excellence in housing BY J I M Z A N G
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he numbers don’t’ lie. With more than 550 people in attendance at the Red Deer Sheraton May 9, and 128 total entries in 21 different categories, the 30th annual Canadian Home Builders Association – Central Alberta Awards of Excellence was by far the biggest and best ever! It was a first-class evening all around, beginning with the cocktail hour entertainment provided by the Greg Boulay Trio (a very cool jazz fusion re-working of hits by artists like Fleetwood Mac, Eagles and John Mellencamp, to name a few), followed by a gourmet meal of braised short ribs, smoked corn potatoes and seasonal vegetables that tasted as good as it looked. Pre-awards and intermission entertainment was by Safire Dance who got the crowd warmed up — literally — with their modern dance routines featuring flaming torches. Don’t try this at home, folks! The fun continued post-awards, with DJ Spin Audio supplying the dance tunes while those of us who are somewhat, um, rhythmically challenged, hit the tables to try our luck at the funny money casino. Special thanks to all the staff at the Sheraton, Awards Committee volunteers, corporate sponsors
and Denie Olmstead and Joan Butler at CHBA – CA for contributing to such a great event. Big winners on the evening, taking home builder of the year honours in the large volume category (25+ homes per year), was Laebon Homes, who won a total of five awards on the evening. Top marks in the small volume division went to Platinum Homes, while Bowood Homes won the renovator of the year award. In addition to the housing awards, the following President’s awards were also handed out: Rookie of the Year; Member of the Year; and the Gus Bakke Memorial Award for significant contribution to the association. The real winners of the evening, however, are the people of Central Alberta as they reap the benefits — innovation, quality, affordability — of this friendly competition among CHBA – CA members. See the following pages for a complete list of all the 2015 CHBA – Central Alberta Region Awards of Excellence in Housing recipients.
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A W A R D C AT E G O R I E S BEST OF THE YEAR BUILDER OF THE YEAR – Large Volume Laebon Homes BUILDER OF THE YEAR– Small Volume Platinum Homes
Best New Home Between $260,000 - $299,999 Scarlett Built Homes
Best New Home Between $675,000 - $749,99 Sorento Custom Homes
Best New Home Between $300,000 - $374,999 Scarlett Built Homes
Best New Estate Home Between $750,000 $999,999 Platinum Homes
Best New Home Between $375,000 - $449,999 Falcon Homes
RENOVATOR OF THE YEAR Bowood Homes
BEST NEW HOME: SINGLE FAMILY HOME Best New Home Up to $224,999 Laebon Homes Best New Home Between $225,000 - $259,999 Falcon Homes
Best New Home Between $450,000 –$524,999 Laebon Homes Best New Home Between $525,000 – $599,999 Laebon Homes Best New Home Between $600,000 - $674,999 Mason Martin Homes
Note: The price for the single family, estate home and multi-family homes listed above do not include the price of land.
Best New Estate Home over $1,000,000 Mason Martin Homes
BEST NEW HOME: MULTI FAMILY TOWNHOUSE/DUPLEX/COMPLEX Best New Multi Family Home Town House/Duplex Style under $224,999 Laebon Homes Best New Multi Family Home Town House/Duplex Style over $225,000 True-Line Contracting
Platinum Homes
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AND WINNERS BEST RENOVATION PROJECT
PARTNER AWARDS
BUILD GREEN AWARDS
Best Renovation under $74,999 Sorento Custom Homes
Trades of the Year – Small Category Clearview Glass Service Ltd.
Avalon Central Alberta with Red Deer College
Best Renovation over $125,000 Bowood Homes
Trades of the Year – Large Category Bruin’s Plumbing and Heating
PRESIDENT’S AWARDS
EXCELLENCE IN INTERIOR DESIGN
Supplier of the Year – Small Category General Appliances
Falcon Homes Ltd Interior Designer(s): Stephanie Fehr, Gina and Kevin Pardy
SAFETY LEADERSHIP AWARD (SLA) General Member Category Bruin’s Plumbing and Heating Builder Member Category Falcon Homes
Supplier of the Year – Large Category Executive Home Building Centre Service Professional of the Year – Small Category Snell and Oslund Surveys Service Professional of the Year – Large Category Servus Credit Union
Erickson Homes/Landmark Homes
Rookie of the Year Brandon Bouchard, Paul Davis Systems Member of the Year Dorinda Gallant, Sorento Custom Homes Gus Bakke Memorial Award Kevin Wilkie, True-Line Contracting
Note: Partner Awards small category represents businesses with 24 and under employees; large category represents businesses with 25 employees and over.
Bowood Homes
Laebon Homes
Platinum Homes
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feature
Cool and comfortable
Air conditioning may be the perfect answer this summer BY SH EL L E Y N E WM A N
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o you spend the summer strategically placing fans throughout your house, desperately hoping to find an elusive cool breeze to make your home more liveable? If so, this may be the year to look into more advanced home cooling options. Air conditioning that runs through the ventilation system may be the best option for your home, whether you live in an older house or are planning a new construction. There are several considerations to ensure the unit is an appropriate fit, and professionals from across Red Deer can help to point you in the right direction. “When people start researching air conditioning units, one of the first things they’ll see is what’s called a SEER rating —
Jason Rogers
or the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio,” says Jason Rogers, owner of Can-Air Heating & Air Conditioning. “The higher the rating, the more energy efficient and quiet the unit will be, and it will also be easier to maintain.” But, Rogers notes a person shouldn’t simply buy the highest SEER-rated air conditioner and assume it will be appropriate for use in Alberta, as the rating scale has a regional application. “SEER ratings start at 13 and go up to 21,” he says. “For our area, we work with air conditioners between 13 and 17 SEER, as they’re the best fit for the amount of heat and sunlight that we get during the warmer months.” In addition to the efficiency of the air conditioner, it’s also important to ensure the unit is correctly sized for the tonnage — or cooling load — of your home. The square footage of a house is one of the determining factors to calculate tonnage. “Sizing your air conditioner appropriately is very important,” says Terry Codd, owner of Aries Airflo Heating & Air Conditioning. “If you have a 600-square-foot house, for example, you’d need one ton of cooling, and a 1,200-square-foot house would require two tons. There are also half-ton sizes available, so you can get the exact unit for the requirements of your home.” The air conditioner has to have the correct tonnage for a specific house and, partnered with that, the furnace needs to have a large enough blower to account for the air conditioner. “The blower has to be large enough to meet the cooling needs of a house, and this is measured by the
Electrical panels require sufficient space — or a subpanel — for an air conditioning unit. CFM or cubic feet per minute,” says Codd. “People are often surprised that it takes a larger blower to cool a home than to heat it. Whenever we put a furnace into a home, we always size it for the cooling load — even if the homeowner doesn’t have air conditioning yet, because this will allow them to put it in down the road.” When assessing the air conditioning needs of a particular house, professionals will also look at the window size, insulation type, age of house and what direction it’s facing. When it comes to the air conditioning unit itself, there are two parts that will be installed: a condensing unit placed outside of the house and an air conditioning coil installed in the plenum of the furnace. Additionally, the electrical panel needs to have room for a 30 or 40 amp breaker. For homeowners in older homes, the process of installing an air conditioning S U M M E R 2 015
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unit will be similar to that of a new home construction, but the ease and accessibility may be more challenging. “Whenever it’s a retrofit, we always look at whether or not the basement is finished — including the ceiling,” says Codd. “The location of the mechanical room is another factor, because there does have to be access to an outside wall. You can feed a pipe through to the outside wall, but that becomes a slightly more difficult installation.” The electrical panels in older homes are another consideration, as they’re frequently full; however, installing a sub-panel often provides the space needed. Thermostats are the final item to check, as older thermostats may not have the required ‘automatic’ or ‘cooling’ settings. If you’ve decided to take the plunge into cooler, more comfortable summertime living, then the first step is to get a quote that’s tailored to your home. Local companies typically begin installing the units in the spring, with business — and wait times for installations — increasing as the mercury rises. Once the unit has been installed, the maintenance involves annual cleaning, which can be completed by the homeowner, as well as professional maintenance that should be completed approximately every two years.
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Above: An air conditioning coil is installed in the plenum of a furnace. Photo by Shelley Newman. Left: Installing a condensing unit outside of a home. Photo courtesy Can-Air Heating & Air Conditioning.
NOT JUST WINTER’S HERO PROPER INSULATION HELPS BEAT THE SUMMER HEAT It’s about slowing or stopping the movement of heat. When it comes to living in our climate, people typically think of keeping heat in, but the opposite is true during the hot summer days, when it’s just as important to keep heat out of our homes. No matter what the season, insulation plays a role in keeping houses to more moderate temperatures. “Insulation definitely helps to keep your house cool in the summer,” says Patrick Schumph, manager at B & B Cowie Insulation. “Fibreglass insulation is used the most, because it’s the most affordable, but there are many types of insulation systems available.” Current new home construction typically involves using fibreglass batts for wall insulation, and these have a rating of R20. R values indicate how well a material can resist the transfer of heat and, as Schumph notes, upcoming changes to the building and energy codes will mean that even greater R values will become the norm. “Batt insulation will become R24, which has a higher density and should help to reduce heat transfer in the real world setting,” he says. Changes to the building and energy codes will put even greater emphasis on efficient homes and, in addition to changes in batt insulation, other options such as wrapping a house in Styrofoam may be pursued. From Schumph’s experience, the most effective insulation on the market is spray foam. “It’s definitely more expensive, so it’s not used as much, but I believe it’s the best product because it neutralizes heat transfer through convection, conduction and radiation,” he says. “It always costs more to cool a building than to heat it, and the hottest countries in the world are the biggest users of spray foam.”
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show home profile
Mason Martin Laramie lends itself to luxury lifestyle BY TA N I S R EI D
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f you are looking for a great new home that is not only a great place to raise a family, but a place to do it in style — with lots of room for entertaining friends and extended family — look no further than Mason Martin Homes’ Laramie show home. Located at 17 Lazaro Close in Laredo in Red Deer, this four bedroom, three-and-a-half bathroom, two-storey home is 2,175 square-feet above ground with and additional 765 square-feet of space in the basement and checks in at a price of $798,900. “It is designed to be a family friendly home with features such as large bedrooms, spacious kitchen and dining room, and a rec room in the basement with a full wet bar,” says Kyle Lygas Senior New Home Planner with Mason Martin Homes. The heart of the home, the kitchen, is an open and inviting space featuring a 10-foot island that comfortably sits four or five people. It comes with five standard appliances including a cooktop wall oven, fridge, microwave, dishwasher and range hood. Thee is also a butler’s pantry fitted with cabinets, a sink and all of the shelving you need. The dining room, with hardwood floors with tile inlays, is spacious enough to house a table that seats 10-12 guests, perfect for entertaining for any occasion. Off the kitchen and dining area is the two-storey living room. With large South-facing windows there is an abundance of natural light to illuminate the living space. There is also a 42-inch wide linear fire place with a basket weave MDF feature. “We wanted to try something different. We feel that we made a statement piece with this,” says Lygas. The second storey hosts the master bedroom, two kid’s bedrooms, a main bathroom, a laundry room and an office that overlooks the front entrance. The master bedroom very easily accommodates a kingsized bed and also has one of the six televisions in this home. The ensuite is equipped with luxurious features such as a heated towel bar, a curbless walk-in
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show home profile
shower and built-in body sprays. There are also dual vanities with undermount sinks and quartz countertops, and a free standing soaker tub. There is a separate room for the toilet. The ensuite connects to the walk-in closet and then the laundry room which has stacking washer and dryer. The two other bedrooms on this level are roomy with large closets and in close proximity to the main bathroom that has a six-foot bathtub. Past the bathroom is a hallway with custom bookshelf that leads to the office or reading nook. The finished basement is the perfect place for relaxing, playing and hosting events of any kind. The rec room has a large television, built in DVD shelves and
“It is designed to be a family friendly home with features such as large bedrooms, spacious kitchen and dining room, and a rec room in the basement with a full wet bar.”
room for a large sectional couch. There is also a games table and three more televisions above the wet bar that has a draft beer dispenser, ice machine and a beverage fridge. There are large five-foot by five-foot windows throughout the lower level to provide natural lighting. Mason Martin Homes are a big believer in the Built Green program. They only use high efficiency appliances, hot water tanks, furnaces and high R-value insulation. “We do the BuiltGreen practices. It’s how we run our business,” says Lygas. While the house itself is very family friendly, the surrounding community seals the deal. “There are plenty of playgrounds, green spaces and walking trails in the area,” says Lygas. “Plus there’s the community area at the south end of Laredo where they are talking about building a skating rink in the next year or two.” This house, in this neighbourhood, truly has the potential to be ideal for any family wanting a new home that if far from ordinary. For more information visit www.masonmartinhomes.com S U M M E R 2 015
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community profile
Taking community to The Vista at Ryder’s Ridge exceeds expectations of what a neighbourhood should be
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he growing town of Sylvan Lake offers an outstanding natural landscape and limitless recreational activities. With that backdrop, The Vista at Ryder’s Ridge truly captures Mother Nature’s best. This new master-planned community from Melcor Developments combines sweeping panoramic views, thoughtfully terraced lots and an exclusive group of custom home builders. It is a unique opportunity to experience a brand new neighbourhood designed to make residents feel like they’re at home even before they move in. Located in south-east Sylvan Lake, Melcor has put together a host of signature elements in this one-of-a-kind development. Refined streetscapes and modern architecture make it comfortable
“When designing The Vista, we wanted to make sure that every home-owner felt a sense of belonging and connection to the natural environment.” 20
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to get around. When completed, sustainably planned green spaces and parks and a naturalized trail system, will provide easy access to common spaces. And conveniently located amenities, including shops, services and schools, ensure that this community offers everything residents need without going too far from home. “The Vista is our first community in Sylvan Lake,” says Gregg Broks, Senior Development Manager at Melcor. “I live here and I’ve been inspired by the growth of this vibrant town. I’m excited that Melcor can now be part of making a special neighbourhood for Sylvan Lake homeowners.”
Residents of The Vista will feel that their permanent address has all the benefits of a vacation home. Modern design and architecture provides an uncluttered streetscape to let the natural environment take centre stage. Lots have been terraced to make the most of the view from each home, showcasing the rolling hills and beauty of the lake. The Vista gives homeowners access to some of the most spectacular and rewarding scenery Sylvan Lake has to offer, season after season. “When designing The Vista, we wanted to make sure that every home-owner felt a sense of belonging and connection to the natural environment,” says Broks. “We believe they will be excited to be part of
community profile
new heights
this community and proud to call The Vista their home.” There are nine phases of development planned for The Vista. Lots in Phase one and Phase two are now selling with homes designed by a hand-picked list of 9 master builders. The show home parade opens on June 6th, 2015 and offers eight show homes featuring a variety of floor plans, all with clean and modern architecture.
“I live here and I’ve been inspired by the growth of this vibrant town. I’m excited that Melcor can now be part of making a special neighbourhood for Sylvan Lake homeowners.”
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member list a
e
n
Abbey Homes Ltd. Alberta New Home Warranty Program Alfano Homes All Weather Windows Arbor Valley Cabinet Gallery Aries Airfflo Heating & Air Conditioning Artistic Stairs Ltd. Asset Builders Corp. ATCO Gas Audio Integrations Aurora Heights Management Ltd. Avalon Central Alberta
Eagle Ridge Homes Corp. EMCO Corp. Erickson Homes Executive Builders Group Executive Home Building Centre
National Home Warranty Northland Construction Supplies
f Falcon Homes Ltd. Fanta Homes Ltd.
g
b B&B Cowie Insulation Ltd. Ben’s Glass & Marble Bildex Construction Ltd. Black Press (Red Deer Advocate & Express) Blanket Home Warranty Ltd. Bomaier Developments Ltd. Bowood Inc. Bruins Plumbing & Heating Burnco Rock Products Busse Homes Ltd. Buylo Homes Ltd.
c Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation Canadian Closet & Storage Co. Candel Homes Can-Air Heating and Air Conditioning Ltd. Carbon Earthworks Ltd. Carolina Homes Inc. Carpet Colour Centre Central Alberta Fencing Inc. Central Alberta Flooring Central Alberta Realtors Association Central Alberta Co-Op Ltd. Central Alberta Tile One Central Stoneworks Ltd. (Acadia Stone) Christenson Developments CIBC City of Red Deer (Inspections Dept.) Newcap Inc. (CKGY FM/ZZ 99 FM) Clearview Glass Service Ltd. Colbray Homes Ltd. Compass Geomatics Ltd. Communications Group Red Deer Ltd. Complete Flooring Solutions Inc. Compliance Safety Solutions Ltd. Consolidated Gypsum Supply Ltd. Cunningham Electric Ltd. Deer Run Homes (1990) Ltd. Dominion Lending Centres Regional Mortgage Group
d Doormasters Inc. Durabuilt Windows & Doors Dynovac Industries Inc.
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General Appliances Lacombe Ltd. Gienow Windows & Doors Gilmar Construction Global Overhead Doors Ltd. Goodmen Roofing Ltd. G&R Builders Innisfail Ltd. Great Canadian Roofing & Siding (Red Deer) Ltd.
h Habitat For Humanity Red Deer Henderson Homes Ltd. Henry’s Eavestroughing Ltd. Heywood Holmes & Partners Home Renewals Homestead Custom Carpentry Inc. Howard & Company Reals Estate Appraisers Inc.
i Inland Concrete Ltd.
j JELD-WEN Windows & Doors Jim Pattison Broadcast Group Jorgenson Homes Ltd.
k KCB Cabinets & Renovations Kirk Miller Properties Inc. Knelsen Sand & Gravel Ltd. Krest Homes Ltd.
l LA Radio Group Laebon Homes Lafarge Canada Inc. Lakeside RONA Building Centre Landmark Homes (Red Deer) Inc. Larkaun Homes (Red Deer) Inc. Levi-Rio Custom Home Builders Ltd.
m Malibu Communities Marshall Construction Co. Inc. Mason Martin Homes McGonigal Signature Homes Inc. M.C. Home Ltd. Melcor Developments Ltd. Mooney & Rogers Insurance Mr. Fireplace
o Olds College Oriel Windows & Doors
p Paradise Homes Corp. Parkland Community Planning Services Parkland Drywalling Ltd. Paul Davis Systems of Red Deer Hub International Phoenix Insurance Brokers Platinum Homes & Developments Proform Precast Products Inc. Progressive Home Warranty Solutions Inc. Prominent Homes Ltd. Ply Gem
r RBC Royal Bank Realty Investments Corporation Red Deer County Red Deer College Red Deer Electric Red Deer Lighting Red Deer Overdoor Riser Homes Ltd. Roofmart Alberta Ltd. RONA Inc./TM Red Deer North Royal LePage Network Realty Corp.
s Scarlett Built Homes Schnell Hardy Jones LLP Serge’s Homes Ltd. Servus Credit Union Ltd. Siderman Ltd. Snell & Oslund Surverys (1979) Ltd. Soderquist Appraisals Ltd. Sorento Custom Homes Ltd. Source Media Group Stalwood Homes Stevenson Development Corp. Stoneworx Masonry & Stucco Inc. Sylvan Lake Homes Ltd.
t Tar-ific Construction Ltd. Techno Metal Post Central Alberta Inc. The Brick Thermo Pro Insulation Ltd. Timber Wolf Truss Ltd. Trail Appliances Ltd. Travelers Insurance Company of Canada True-Line Homes
u-z Unique Elevations Vleeming Construction Ltd. Western Financial Group – Red Deer Westridge Cabinets Ltd. Window Masters (2013) Windsor Plywood Wolf Creek Building Supplies Ltd. ZyTech Building Systems Inc.
industry news
11 Fun facts
About CHBA – CA, its staff and members
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CHBA – CA will celebrate its 60th birthday in 2016.
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The Red Deer Home Show is 36 years strong in 2015. It’s one of the biggest trade show events in town and the best place to shop for hundreds of home related items under one roof. Next year’s 37th annual Red Deer Home Show will be held March 4-6, 2016
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CHBA – CA has been holding its annual Awards event since 1985. this past gala, the 30th, was their biggest and best ever with more than 550 people in attendance. See story page 11.
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Olmstead himself celebrated his 5th anniversary as Executive Officer of the CHBA – CA in April. Denie and his family live in Sylvan Lake.
The CHBA – CA would like to thank Joan and Denie for their hardwork and dedication over the years!
Joan Butler celebrated her 5th anniversary with CHBA – CA in February. In total, Joan has worked for the association for almost 10 years, leaving for one year. “We are lucky to have her back says CHBA – CA executive officer Denie Olmstead. Joan is the lady whose lovely voice you hear when you phone the CHBA – CA office and who does a lot of the behind the scenes work at CHBA – CA events.
Including the Board of Directors, the CHBA – CA has dozens of volunteers on various events and committees. There’s lots of ways to get involved.
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CHBA – CA has approximately 155 members, including developers, builders, trades, suppliers and related professional services.
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Fore! CHBA – CA members have been supporting local charities through their golf tournament for more than 20 years. Through all their various charity efforts they donated more than $40,000 to local non-profit organizations in 2014.
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More than 1,000 single family homes and 1,600 multi-family homes were built in Central Alberta in 2014. Most of those by CHBA – CA members.
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Some of the longest standing CHBA – CA members have been members for over 25 years include: Abbey Homes; All Weather Windows; Doormasters Inc; Dynovac Industries Inc; Eagle Ridge Homes; Goodmen Roofing; Henry’s Eavestroughing Ltd; LaFarge Canada; Parkland Drywall; Proform Precast Inc; RBC Royal Bank; Red Deer Lighting; Tarific Construction Ltd; and Westridge Cabinets.
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For over 30 years include: Atco Gas; Bowood Homes; CMHC; Carpet Colour Centre – Carpet One; Executive Home Building Centre; Gienow Windows; Laebon Homes; Marshall Construction; Melcor Developments; Northland Construction Supplies; Ply Gem; Red Deer College; Red Deer Overdoor; Servus Credit Union; and Snell & Oslund Surveys Ltd. S U M M E R 2 015
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advice
What is an appraisal? And when should you get one? BY M I K E GA RCELO N
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henever an individual or company is dealing with any issue regarding any type of real estate value it is always wise to speak with a qualified Appraiser. Appraisers can provide value estimates as well as consulting and advisory services. Buying property is the single largest investment most Canadians make in their lives. Whether you are looking for a family home, or purchasing property as an investment, knowing the value of real estate is absolutely critical. An appraiser is a valuation expert who determines the market value for any given home or property, and an appraisal is the impartial estimate of that property’s value. To ensure the market value estimate is objective and accurate, the appraiser must research the property extensively. Relevant data and analysis must back up the appraiser’s estimate. All appraisals must identify the property, include the date of the appraisal, the purpose of the appraisal, the condition of the neighbourhood, the value of the real property (land and buildings), the qualifying conditions, certification and signature. An appraisal will also include 24
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other descriptive material such as maps, plans, charts and photographs. In Alberta all appraisers must be licensed by the Real Estate Council of Alberta. Companies, institutions, governments and individuals engage appraisers to act as consultants and valuation specialists. Appraisers may also act as consultants for feasibility studies, condominium reserve fund studies, Highest and Best Use studies, and as expert witnesses.
Mike Garcelon, CEO at Soderquist Apprasals Photo by Jock McKenzie
Knowing the value of real estate is essential when property is being bought or sold, and when property is involved in a legal issue such as foreclosure, divorce, probate, or bankruptcy proceedings. Appraisers may also determine property value for mortgage or lending purposes, for assisting investment decisions, for verifying damage claims (such as after a fire or a flood), determining compensation if a property is being expropriated, and for assessing capital gains and other taxes. Appraisal practice relies on an established body of knowledge, as well as on accepted technical approaches to estimating property value. An appraiser can use three basic methods of valuation to determine a property’s market value. The Cost Approach estimates how much money it would take, at current material and labour costs, to replace your building with an identical one. Accrued depreciation is subtracted from that figure, and the estimated land value is added. The Direct Comparison Approach is also known as the Sales Comparison Approach, and is based on the selling prices of comparable properties. This method compares your property to others that have sold recently. When using this method, the appraiser must take care to analyze many different sales to arrive at a fair and accurate valuation for your property. The Income Approach refers to how much income your property would produce if it were developed to its highest and best use. The appraiser must consider the return on the property if it were rented as an apartment house, a store, or a factory. Operating expenses, taxes, insurance and maintenance costs also need to be taken into account. To arrive at a final estimate of value, appraisers will use any or all of these approaches according to what is supported by the most reliable, factual and relevant market data.
feature
Just being neighbourly Annexation partnerships helping Central Alberta grow
S TO RY A N D P H OTOS BY SH EL L E Y N E WM A N
Red Deer County Fire Station No. 1 is located across the road from the Vanier Woods neighbourhood in the City of Red Deer.
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nnexation doesn’t mean that someone can come and take your land. That activity would more accurately be termed expropriation, which is commonly and incorrectly confused with annexation. In Central Alberta, the growth of our cities and towns is accommodated through annexation, a long-term planning process, made possible thanks to partnerships between local municipalities. “Annexation means that a municipal boundary is expanding or being changed from the current state of affairs,” says Richard Moje, municipal planner with Red Deer County. “This means that jurisdictions governing the annexed lands are changing hands — in our particular case, from the County to the annexing municipality.” These changes are determined by
the growth of a region and, when a municipality is projected to outgrow its current supply of land, then discussions to start the process will begin. “From a County perspective, we will continue to work with our urban neighbours to ease development pressures on both sides of municipal boundaries to avoid land use conflicts,” says Moje. “By working with our neighbours, we can help to coordinate and accommodate growth that is mutually beneficial.” Mutual benefits are an integral part of the local annexation process, as there are many governing municipalities in Central Alberta. When it comes to Red Deer County, the biggest planning partnership it has is with the City of Red Deer, and the two large municipalities have developed an Intermunicipal Development Plan to S U M M E R 2 015
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feature
The 2009 annexation between the City and the County expanded the City of Red Deer’s municipal boundaries
address the current and future needs of the growing city. The County also has similar plans in place with the Town of Bowden, the Town of Innisfail and the Town of Sylvan Lake. In Sylvan Lake, town planners have been busy finalizing the annexation of 1,600 acres, which will officially become part of the Town later this year. “This has been a collaborative effort, based on the Intermunicipal Development Plan between the Town and the County, which was adopted in October of 2011,” says Ken Kalirai, director of planning and development for the Town of Sylvan Lake. The newly annexed land will be located in two areas. “On the west side of town, the annexation will predominantly become residential land, with some commercial and light industrial,” Kalirai explains. “The north-eastern annexed land will primarily accommodate industrial expansion,
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with a significant amount of heavy industrial, as well as some commercial areas, close to the existing shopping centre developments.” Once the annexation is finalized, the partnership will shift from the Town and the County defining the new boundaries, to the Town and developers defining the new areas. “The first step is that the developers will need to submit Area Structure Plans, followed by Outline Plans,” says Kalirai. “Once these have been approved, then a subdivision proposal is received, and its approval includes a development agreement that addresses all of the requirements of the Town’s engineering and design standards.” Turning non-urban land into urban land is a long process that is often many years in the making but, throughout all of the phases, partnerships are key. “I would say it’s a partnership,” says Moje, “since the municipalities want to work together cooperatively to best serve their constituents and the region.”
business profile
Red Deer Overdoor The experts in overhead door installation and service
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hen you’ve been in business for more than 40 years, you must be doing something right. Red Deer Overdoor has been supplying Central Albertans with the latest technology in overhead doors and accessories for over four decades. They’re one of the largest and most committed overhead door companies in Central Alberta, not to mention oldest, dedicated to meeting their client’s overhead door needs. In order to meet these needs they have a large dedicated team with 55 full time employees, making up six commercial crews and five residential crews, the majority of which have been with this family owned business for more than five years. This valuable group of certified workers make it possible for Red Deer Overdoor to operate in three avenues: commercial, residential and service. “We put in doors commercially, residentially
BY TA N I S R EI D
Red Deer Overdoor is proud to use Canadian made products. They offer Thermo Craft, Ranch Craft and Carriage Craft doors as well as the Esteem Series, the Elite Series and the Contemporary Series doors for residential projects.
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and we service doors too,” says General Manager Rob Karol. “Our professional team not only installs all of the doors we offer, but can provide routine repairs and maintenance so that your overhead door remains safe and efficient year round.” Red Deer Overdoor works on projects varying from working on homes in a new subdivisions that have architectural controls to commercial projects like the Bowden Penitentiary or Dow Chemical Gas Plant. “We also do mall curtains, man doors, security grilles, dock seals, dock levellers and gate operators. Any place that requires security we can provide what you need.”
business profile
The overhead door is often the largest moving object in a home or commercial building, therefore, it is important that they are installed correctly and maintained yearly to ensure everyone’s safety. No matter what the project Red Deer Overdoor has the manpower and the expertise to get the job done right. “We were one of the first companies to get COR and we have maintained it over the years. If something is broken it’s removed. Our fleet is well maintained. All of our employees have their current and up-to-date tickets at all times.”
Barb Lynch, Residential Sales Manager and Rob Karol, General Manager
“Our professional team not only installs all of the doors we offer, but can provide routine repairs and maintenance so that your overhead door remains safe and efficient year round.” These experienced staff are always willing to go the extra mile for our clients. “If you need a tweak we go tweak the door. If you need something else we will get it for you-even after hours. We are on call and will respond with corrective action right away.” Red Deer Overdoor is not satisfied with just being the longest overhead door company around, they continue to strive to be the best in the business and they do this in a number of ways. “We really strive to be the leaders in the industry for new technology.” says Barb Lynch, residential sales manager at Red Deer Overdoor. One way that they continue to stay on top is by being a leader when it comes to helping the overhead door industry become a certified trade. “The future exists with it becoming a recognized
trade down the road people will actually be able to go to school and get certified.” Red Deer Overdoor is proud to use Canadian made products. They offer Thermo Craft, Ranch Craft and Carriage Craft doors as well as the Esteem Series, the Elite Series and the Contemporary Series doors for residential projects. These are all from their main manufacturer Steel Craft which is based out of Edmonton. However if a desired product cannot be found within this brand there is still hope. “If you see a door that you want we can get you that door. Whatever you need we can supply.”
Check out your overhead door options by visiting www.reddeeroverdoor.com
Contemporary Walnut
Carriage Craft Charcoal
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getting to know
Justin Munchinsky Branch Manager, All Weather Windows S TO RY BY J I M Z A N G PHOTO BY KRISTINA CAJIPE
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elling panes is never a pain for Justin Munchinsky. As the Red Deer Branch Manager for All Weather Windows, Justin enjoys the people side of his business the most. “I look after sales and operations of our branch,” he says. “On a daily basis we support our builders, dealers, and homeowners in any way possible. Apart from overseeing our Red Deer team, I really enjoy meeting with customers as they pursue everything from renovations to dreaming about building a new home.” As a married father of two boys, with another baby on the way in June, Justin is kept hopping on the homefront as well. “My wife, Chauntille, and I have been married for five years and live in the community of Clearview Ridge. We have two boys — Marek (four years) and Elias (two years).” Justin himself grew up in Virden Manitoba alongside three brothers. His dad ran a steel yard and his mom worked in education, he says, among other things. After attending Briercrest College and the University of Manitoba, he moved to Alberta 16 years ago. “We love living and working in Red Deer. The thing about Central Alberta is that if you want to work, there is always opportunity. We enjoy making use of the trail system and parks that Red Deer does
such a great job of and have been fortunate to find a great community of friends.” One way to meet people and make friends is to get involved, both in the community and at work, and Justin certainly has. “I have volunteered with a junior high youth group the last four years and find my time there very rewarding.” At work, he’s a 12-year member of the CHBA – CA, is on the current board of directors, and sits on both the membership services and Home Show committees. On a rare night off, you might find him enjoying some live music, visiting with friends, or catching a movie. “The busyness of life with a young family leaves little time for individual pursuits,
“The biggest challenge currently facing the home building industry is wading through what is really happening in the market.” 30
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but in my spare time, I enjoy playing and watching a variety of sports. Golf season is always a favourite and I run in a couple half-marathons each year.” As an industry insider, Justin is optimistic about the prospects for short and long term growth in Central Alberta. “The biggest challenge currently facing the home building industry,” he says, “is wading through what is really happening in the market. There are many positives that happen in times of economic uncertainty, but most of what is talked about are the negatives.” On windows in particular, he offers this advice: “Determine what you are looking for and do the research on what the company is able to provide. Energy efficiency is a big part of today’s homes, with windows and doors being a large factor. As with any product you purchase, the lowest price is not always the best investment. “ If you’re not sure what you need, ask an expert like Justin and it will soon become clear as glass!