Industry Insider - Winter 2015 by Source Media Group

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WINTER 2015 Volume 4 Issue 19

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CANADIAN HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION – EDMONTON REGION (CHBA-ER) is the trade association of the new home building and home renovation industry in the Capital Region. Our role is to strengthen the industry and encourage the highest standards of product and business practices among our membership. Established in 1954, CHBA-ER is a not-for-profit organization representing more than 465 member companies.

150 Summerside Gate, SW Edmonton, Alberta T6X 0P5 Phone: 780-425-1020; Fax: 780-425-1031 Email: info@chbaedmonton.ca Sharon Copithorne | Chief Executive Officer Email: scopithorne@chbaedmonton.ca Dennis Peck | Government Relations Manager Email: dpeck@chbaedmonton.ca

An interview with CHBA – ER president, Jason Sutton, Landmark Group of Builders

11 Professional development Opportunities abound for members of home building community

Jennifer Aromin | Operations Coordinator Email: jaromin@chbaedmonton.ca Meghan Rennick | Communications/ Membership Manager Email: mrennick@chbaedmonton.ca

Lori Galand | Administrative Assistant Email: lgaland@chbaedmonton.ca

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER | Jim Zang ART DIRECTOR | Jean Faye Rodriguez GRAPHIC DESIGNERS | Rylyn Kvarnberg, Dave Macaulay, Megan Sereda PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR | Colleen Leier ADVERTISING SALES | Jennifer Mills jennifer.mills@sourcemediagroup.ca Tel 780.486.4101 ext 230, Cell 780.905.3575 Copyright 2015 Source Media Group Corp. Material cannot be reprinted in whole or in part without the expressed written permission of the publishers. Source Media Group 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 reserves the right to refuse any advertising at its sole discretion. Industry Insider is published quarterly per annum and is distributed to every member of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association-Edmonton Region.

committee reports

7 Making a difference in the community

PUBLISHED BY Source Media Group Corp. 207, 5809 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 0J9 Tel 403.532.3101, Toll free 1.888.932.3101 Fax 403.532.3109 email: info@sourcemediagroup.ca web: www.sourcemediagroup.ca

4 Meet the President

Dianne Burgess | Accounting Administrator Email: dburgess@chbaedmonton.ca Kimberley Banford | Programs & Services Manager /Events Email: kbanford@chbaedmonton.ca

features

NextGen Committee lends a helping hand to Edmonton’s Food Bank

7 Know the code

Do you now what the OHS Code says about placing roofing materials on a roof?

10 Good news

Housing starts and other statistics

industry news

8 RCIC 2015

Spectacular Bollywoodinspired celebration recognizes the best of the Edmonton area home building industry

February 10th – 11th, 2015 — Edmonton Expo Centre

13 Plumbing and gas line inspections

6 2015 Awards of Excellence in Housing

industry news

City of Edmonton working to improve the process for residential and commercial projects

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14 New Members 14 Calendar of events W IN T E R 2 015

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Meet the President An interview with CHBA – ER president, Jason Sutton, Landmark Group of Builders

orn in England, Jason’s family immigrated to Canada when he was quite young. After landing in Edmonton, the Sutton family relocated to Sherwood Park. Jason’s parents are still in the Quality Homes house they purchased in 1972. When Jason first got out of school, he had ambitions of becoming a Phys Ed Teacher. Sports has always been an important part of his life and he enjoyed coaching, teaching, and helping others develop. He studied Physical Education at the University of Alberta and Finance at NAIT. In 1994, the decision to pursue a career in finance won out over becoming a teacher and he joined GE Capital Canada Sales. There he served as Operations and General Manager for two asset based divisions — Transport International Pool and Modular Space in Edmonton and Vancouver. In 2005, Jason entered the home building industry and joined All Weather Windows. During his seven years with All Weather, he held various positions, including Branch Manager, National Director of Sales, and Strategic Business Development. In 2013, he became General Manager of Icon Flooring, and in 2014, joined Jayman MasterBUILT™ as Sales Manager. Jason is currently the Director of Sales and Marketing at Landmark Group of Companies. Jason has been a CHBA volunteer for five years. He joined the CHBA – ER Board of Directors in 2009 and acted as a director until August 2010 when he was transferred to Calgary. He rejoined the Board in 2012 and recently completed the second year of that two-year term. Jason officially accepted the presidential gavel from outgoing president Dan Brazinha at CHBA – ER’s annual general meeting on November 5th, making him the Association’s 63rd president. Although he does not get two weeks of vacation over Christmas or summers off, Jason’s career in the residential construction industry has been incredibly rewarding. Jason has spent his career leading and serving as an example to others. His experience in the industry and as an Association leader, has prepared him for his role as CHBA – ER president.

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Industry Insider recently sat down with Jason to learn more about how he got here and what he hopes to achieve as president. What inspired you to first get involved with the CHBA? When I first entered the housing industry in 2005, it was with All Weather Windows as a supplier to builders and renovators. I will admit I had my own agenda when it came to joining the CHBA. Prior experience had taught me that getting involved in an association is a wonderful way to network, meet key contacts and customers, and gain a solid understanding of how the industry operates and what issues are at the forefront. Over time, my outlook has changed. I have come to value the collective work we do as an association, and am inspired to see how our efforts better the industry as a whole. Throughout my career in the housing industry I have benefited from working with organizations that support the CHBA – ER. They have encouraged my being involved and allowed me the time to contribute in what I hope has been a positive way. Tell me about someone who has influenced your decision to work with the CHBA? Three key individuals really made an impact. Former CHBA – ER president, Bill Davidson of Tapestry Developments, was the first builder to really teach me about the Association — what it is here to do and the positive impact it has on our industry. Gord Wiebe of All Weather Windows instilled in me the importance of building strong relationships. And finally, as CHBA – ER senator, past president, and volunteer of over 40 years, Peter Jackson of Pal’s Geomatics, helped change my mindset from what the Association can do for me, to what I can do for the Association. It was Peter who challenged me to join the Board of Directors. What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering? I could not endorse it more. CHBA – ER builders currently represent over 75 per cent of all housing starts in the Capital Region. As a supplier, how can

you not be a part of that? Volunteering as a general member gave me an opportunity to learn the industry, understand the needs of our customers, and network with builders and renovators. The experience was invaluable, especially early on in my career. Now that I am a builder member, I see every day how the Association’s work with local governments and industry stakeholders supports the membership and benefits the industry. I have learned so much from taking part and getting involved. The positive effect volunteering has had on my personal development has been enormous. I would encourage anybody — builder, renovator, supplier, or trade — to join. It’s a cliché, I know, but I believe it…you get more out of being a member than you put in. What do you see as our industry’s biggest challenges? Right now the biggest issue facing our industry is affordability. The topic of affordability is very broad based and covers many factors. It is, however, a key focus of all municipalities. As an association, it is imperative we keep very close to our municipal leaders and ensure we maintain a positive relationship with them. This is especially true when it comes to addressing the challenge of affordability. We have seen governments outside our region adopt building policies to address issues (urban sprawl, density objectives, etc.) without collaborating with our industry. The results have been disastrous. It is important we learn from those lessons. We are focusing now more than ever on collaborating with local municipalities to address critical issues that impact affordability. Whether its permit fees, inspection times, or zoning bylaws we are working hard to address factors that directly add cost and time to our members’ bottom line. We understand that relationship building is a two-way street, which is why we are collaborating with local governments on issues important to them. Focusing on such things as neighbourhood revitalization, residential infill, and inner city projects like the Blatchford Development, allows us to create a reciprocal relationship with government which creates positive results. In this past year alone we have made great strides towards

I have come to value the collective work we do as an association, and am inspired to see how our efforts better the industry as a whole. W IN T E R 2 015

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building strong relationships with many of our local municipalities. We are getting there, but there is still much work to be done. What does Edmonton’s housing market have working in its favor? Right now we have manageable growth. We are all fortunate to be living and working in the Edmonton Region. While there may be peaks and valleys as we are undeniably linked to the ever-changing oil and gas markets, our region’s long term economic forecast continues to look promising. I believe our greatest strength is that we have a more disciplined membership contributing to the housing market. Many businesses in our industry are going through succession from one generation to the next. I am encouraged to see that the next generation has really stepped up their game. Our region’s young builders,

renovators, and suppliers are smarter and more sophisticated than ever in their approach to the housing market and how they operate within it. By effectively managing inventories, market trends, and economic impacts, they are making the industry better as a whole. There are some very smart individuals managing these businesses now, which is why I believe that we, as an industry, are very well positioned for years to come. What do you hope to achieve as president? This year will be my opportunity to contribute the most, simply by continuing what some pretty strong individuals have done before me. Already we have seen the “Next Generation” become the “Now Generation”, evident through the group of younger, extremely talented individuals who were recently elected to our 2015

Board of Directors. If I can continue that trend and help ensure our association is in strong hands, I would consider it a pretty good accomplishment — one I could be proud of. n

industry news: aoe

2015 Awards of Excellence in Housing Bollywood-inspired gala recognizes the best in Edmonton home building

n Saturday, April 25th, Edmonton’s home building and renovation industry will come together for CHBA – ER’s annual Awards of Excellence in

Housing. This year’s Awards celebration will mark over 60 years of homebuilding excellence in the Edmonton area. The best of the best will be recognized at this spectacular gala event at the Shaw Conference Centre, held in front of more than 1,600 people. Complete with all the vibrant colors and stunning visuals of a Bollywood event, CHBA – ER’s 2015 Awards of Excellence in Housing is sure to be one of the hottest events of the year. For gala tickets or sponsorship information, contact Kimberley Banford, Programs and Services Manager, at 780.702.0324 or kbanford@chbaedmonton.ca. n 6 INDUSTRY

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Saturday, April 25, 2015 (NEW DATE)

2015 Awards of

EXCELLENCE in HOUSING

Cocktails – 5 pm Dinner – 6 pm Awards – 8 pm Shaw Conference Centre, Halls A, B, & C DRESS ATTIRE: Black Tie or Bollywood Attire Individual Tickets: $225 or Table of 10: $1,800 Reserve your tickets by Wednesday, March 25, 2015.

Sponsorship Opportunities How would you like to see your company showcased in front of over 1,600 of the most influential members of the industry? Here is your chance. There are various Awards of Excellence in Housing sponsorship opportunities still available.

committee report: nextgen

Making a difference in the community NextGen Committee lends a helping hand to Edmonton’s Food Bank all those who volunteered and helped support this great cause! In keeping up CHBA – ER’s long-standing tradition of supporting 630 CHED’s Santas Anonymous, the CHBA – ER NextGen Committee collected and dropped off dozens of toys to ‘Santa’s workshop’ right before Christmas. A big thank-you to the team at Noremac Industries Ltd., CHBA – ER’s NextGen Committee, Kerrie Light (Robinson Lighting and Bath Centre – Plumbing Division), and Danielle Lavigne (Robinson Lighting and Bath Centre – Lighting Division) for your generous donations. n

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To learn more, about the Edmonton Food Bank or to donate go to: www.edmontonsfoodbank.com

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ach month, more than 13,000 people receive food hampers from Edmonton’s Food Bank. The Food Bank also distributes more than 350,000 meals and snacks each month through 211 agencies, churches, and food depots. Approximately 40 per cent of clients served are children under 18. On two occasions in December, volunteers from CHBA – ER’s NextGen Committee took time out of their day to support the Edmonton Food Bank. They helped by collecting, sorting, repackaging, and redistributing food donations. An Edmonton Food Bank hamper was set up at the CHBA – ER office throughout the month of December. Thank-you to

committee report: safety

Know the code

Do you know what the OHS Code says about placing roofing materials on a roof? By Jay Grimoldby Provincial Safety Consulting Services

he other day I saw a roofing materials supplier loading a roof in a manner that did not comply with the Code. When I spoke to him, he was unaware of any OHS requirements other than fall protection. He told me they were loading the materials “the way their boss wants it done.” After following up with the roofing supply company, I learned not everyone knows what the Alberta OHS Code 2009 says about placing roofing materials on a roof.

The Code states: 187.1 (1) An employer must ensure that supplies and roofing materials stored on the roof of a residential building under construction are located not less than 2 meters from a roof edge. 187.1 (2) An employer must ensure that the weight of supplies and roofing materials referred to in subsection (1) is uniformly distributed. The requirement to place materials two (2) meters from an edge is intended to minimize the chance of a worker falling off the side of the roof when working around the pile. The load needs to be evenly distributed to spread the

weight around the roof. When I see a roof loaded improperly, I have no choice but to phone the roofing company to come back and correct their work. If I do nothing, I risk receiving a stop work order. Worst of all, someone could get hurt or killed, and that is just not acceptable. In time, more and more people will be aware of proper practices and serious incidents will become less frequent. Until that time comes, we all need to work together to ensure compliance and keep construction sites safe. n W IN T E R 2 015

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industry news: rcic

Residential Construction Industry Conference RCIC 2015 February 10th – 11th, 2015 — Edmonton Expo Centre

CIC 2015 is a full-service industry technical conference featuring over 80 educational sessions. This unique two day event covers a full range of topics related to the residential construction industry. Whether you are a manager, an executive, a business owner, designer, foreman, salesperson, or skilled trades person, RCIC is a unique opportunity for you to learn new strategies, enhance your networks, and keep up with what’s going on in the residential construction industry. “RCIC is looked forward to all year by Daytona’s team members,” says Amanda Friesen, Human Resources Manager for the Daytona Group. “The industry expertise and networking opportunities

are unmatched by any other conference held in Edmonton. There are sessions tailored to every field in the industry and we often implement many new initiatives based on the recommendations of session speakers. We would like to thank RCIC for continually putting on an informative and inspiring event and we look forward to many more years of employee development and training.” Over at Brookfield Residential, Ron Copithorne, Director of Operations, echoes those sentiments. “The Residential Construction Industry Conference (RCIC) has been a very valuable training tool for our staff. The open nature of the sessions allows our people to pick different topics and speakers related to

their jobs that they find interesting. The CHBA – ER has done a great job of sourcing competent speakers dealing with relevant topics related to the residential construction industry. We will continue to be active supporters.” Your RCIC 2015 registration fee covers a full selection of technical sessions, as well as breakfast, lunch and parking over two days. The Canadian Home Builders Association – Edmonton Region would like to thank all the members who have volunteered to help plan RCIC 2015. There would be no conference without your dedication to this event! Visit www.rcic.ca n

RCIC 2015 TOPICS SUPPLIERS AND CONTRACTORS

SALES AND MARKETING

HR AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT

• How to Present a Price Increase to Builders • Launching your Product to Builders • Supplier and Performance Management

• Interior Design Trends • How to Sell in a Market Where Supply is Low and Demand is High • Branding and Website Design

• Creating a Culture that Fosters Employee Engagement • Conflict Resolution

CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING SCIENCE • Reduced Construction Times • The Project Life Cycle • The Job of the Superintendent

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HOME BUILDER OPERATIONS • Infill Housing • Managing Trade Contractors • Lean Building

BUSINESS LEADERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT • There is no B2B or B2C: It's Human to Human: H2H • Accountability • Change your Strategy

industry news: rcic

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

SALES RALLY

PRESENTED BY MIKE MOORE

CURING THE ANTI-SALES VIRUS • The Virus…Why People Don’t Like, Trust or Believe Salespeople Today • How We Caught the Virus & How It Spreads • Understanding & Administering the Cure to Create Healthy Sales Results • 3 Ways to Overcome the Dysfunction Between Buyers & Sellers, Build Trust & Increase Sales

OLD WAYS WON’T OPEN NEW DOORS “The Keys to Unlocking the Right Doors for Homebuilding Success in This New Economy”

UNLOCKING THE SECRETS OF PEAK PERFORMANCE • How to Apply the 4 Sets of 3 Things Peak Performers Have In Common to Stop Sabotaging Your Success & Open Endless Possibilities • People Are Created To Be Extraordinary, But Default to Mediocrity…Learn How to Be Your Best with the Knowledge & Skills You Already Possess

LESSONS YOU’LL LEARN • Why it’s not enough to be an expert today! • How to be the leader people want to follow! • How to build a culture that will not lose!

SPONSORS MAIN EVENT SPONSOR

GOLD SPONSOR

BRONZE SPONSOR

SALES RALLY SPONSOR

OFFICIAL PRINT SPONSOR

OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHY SPONSOR

(SOLD OUT)

SUPPORT SPONSOR

SESSION ROOM SPONSOR

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committee report: economic

Good news Housing starts and other statistics By Sandra Young, Chair and Richard Goatcher, Past Chair CHBA – ER Economic Committee

etro Edmonton continues to experience strong housing demand thanks to high net migration, good job creation, and low unemployment. While recent price declines in the global oil markets have raised concerns about business conditions in 2015, we have yet to see a slowdown in economic activity across the region. Residential and non-residential building permits combined were up 27 per cent yearover-year in October to $652 million. Employment in November (seasonally adjusted) increased in Greater Edmonton by three per cent from a year earlier, representing a gain of 22,200 jobs. The unemployment rate has remained fairly stable near 5.3 per cent.

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After 11 months of activity in 2014, total housing starts in Greater Edmonton were down by 5 per cent from the same time in 2013 to 12,786 units. The decrease this year has largely come from fewer higher-density townhouse and apartment starts. Single-family and semi-detached starts combined were up by over 17 per cent to the end of November to 8,812 units. In contrast, row (townhouse) and apartment starts during the same time frame were down by one-third to 3,974 units. The residential resale market continues to post relatively strong numbers. The Realtors Association of Edmonton (RAE) reported that residential MLS sales to the end of November in the Edmonton CMA were up 11 per cent from the

first 11 months of 2013 to 18,121 units. Inventory levels in November were down from a year earlier causing price pressure due to a shortage of moderately-priced units. The average MLS home price to the end of November was up by 5.3 per cent from the same period in 2013 to $367,449. n

We have yet to see a slowdown in economic activity across the region.

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Professional development Opportunities abound for members of home building community By Rusti Lehay

With multi-unit construction accounting for a large portion of construction, CCI is an important third course provider offering seminars, lectures, courses, and conventions. For 33 years, CCI has been promoting integrity and professionalism throughout the condominium industry. “Every industry has issues on acquiring and keeping good people,” says Sharon Copithorne, Chief Executive Officer, CHBA – Edmonton Region. “We connect members to opportunities and knowledge on topics they have chosen, making the content very relative, timely, and pertinent. Class participants take away a significant amount of information that they can apply to the job directly.” CHBA speaker sessions and topics are relative to how homes are constructed and to the day-to-day company operations. Building code changes and warranty program changes are typical subjects of interest and value. PHBI surveys more than 40,000 Albertans on new home workmanship, quality, and customer satisfaction to identify future course topics. They believe strongly that ongoing education is crucial for efficient and effective home construction. Joe Connelly, PHBI Executive Director, says, “Homebuilding requires hard work, attention to detail, and a strong knowl-

Courses offered through PHBI The Eight Certification courses are: 1. Residential Management Certification 2. Master Home Builder Certification 3. Master Home Renovator 4. Professional Site Manager 5. Residential Construction Site Manager (Academic) 6. Residential Construction Site Manager (Occupational designation) 7. Certified Sales Professional 8. Certified sales executive

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Examples of other Courses offered: 1. Ethics in Home Building 2. Land Development 3. National Renovator Program 4. Construction Fundamentals 5. Estimating 6. Introduction to Residential Construction Site Management 7. Plans, Specifications & Drawings 8. Problem Solving in Home Building 9. Condominium Fundamentals 10. Construction Basics for Sales 1 11. Construction Basics for Sales 2 12. Professional Selling 1 Basic Selling Skills 13. Professional Selling 2 Advanced Sales Skills 14. Sales Management For more information visit www.phbi.ca/article/classrooms-5.asp

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efore home builders can dig a shovelful of dirt, pour a cubic metre of concrete, or pound a single nail, they need qualified people. To continue building quality homes in a highly competitive market, builders search for methods to help retain the best tradespeople. One way they do that is through professional development opportunities, and in Alberta there are three main organizations to help you grow your greatest asset — your employees. They are the Canadian Home Builders Association – Alberta (CHBA), The Professional Home Builders Institute (PHBI), and the Canadian Condominium Institute (CCI). CHBA – Alberta supports Joe over 8,500 member firms Connelly across Canada covering every facet of the housing industry: new home builders, renovators, land developers, trade contractors, product and material manufacturers, building product suppliers, and more. For 71 years, CHBA has been “the voice of Canada’s residential construction industry.” A partner to CHBA, PHBI offers outstanding professional development tailored specifically for the residential construction industry. Since 1987, PHBI has designed and delivered practical education adapting as needed to technological advancements and building code changes.

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Changes to the Condominium Act are a frequent choice of course topics. In condominium management for 15 years, Carmen Zuorro, Senior Condominium Manager, with TEGA Property Management and Education Co-Chair for CCI, has gained tremendous experience from working with engineers, contractors, and builders. Zuorro says, “They are starting to agree that property management information is especially valid when it comes to development problems impacting building envelopes. If these deficiencies occur, they only show up years later when the builder is no longer involved.” CCI shares information with owners, property managers, and builders to help address risks early enough to prevent later issues. “CCI wants to help communicate to the people who have the power to prevent potential problems by being proactive instead of reactive.” PHBI provides 27 core educational courses in three disciplines (Sales & Marketing, Business and Construction) through 24 instructors that are recognized as subject matter experts in their respective disciplines. In addition, PHBI’s e-classes utilize cutting edge technology to combine live classroom training with the internet and digital study materials to deliver quality education that is accessible virtually everywhere. In 2012, PHBI launched the Residential Construction Site Manager (RCSM) program. This is Canada’s first occupational designation for the residential construction industry recognizing skills and competencies achieved through on-thejob training or formal education provided by industry. Now recognized by the Government of Alberta, RCSM has been accepted by the industry as the standard by home building profession leaders. Hiltz takes advantage of sessions related

to HR management, trade management, revenue management, information sessions on new products or techniques and new information related to industry challenges. CHBA – ER’s Residential Construction Industry Conference (RCIC) is an additional education resource for the residential construction industry throughout the Capital Region. Professional development needs are met by delivering outstanding content, continuous innovation and exceptional value. Copithorne sees RCIC as an invaluable conference. “With over 80 sessions there is content pertinent to every aspect of a member company and any company that does business in the home building industry.” Connelly says, “Professional Development is really a win, win, win scenario. The student wins by having better quality skills, builders win because the education builds loyalty (and reduces turnover), and the home buyer gets better workmanship and quality in their home.” n

Sessions offered at RCIC February 10-11, 2015 1. Scott Sedam - How to Earn a Increase from Builders. 2. Carol Smith - Help Sales Help Warranty 3. Mike Benshoof - It’s not Fair! Business is a Game. Learn How to Win! 4. Darrel Paul - Moisture Control 5. Leon Rogers - Managing Trade Contractors

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For more information visit www.chbaedmonton.ca/programspartners/rcic-2014

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edge base. Successful home builders include education in their business plans to build capacity, remain current, demonstrate their proficiency (by virtue of educational designations), and to ensure they attract, develop, and retain career-minded individuals for their companies.” Leaving the office for external training exposes staff to a different type of knowledge base, says Derrick Hiltz, Operations Manager and Master Builder with Sterling Homes. “Staff are not trapped in the office simply thinking with no exposure. They can break, network, and talk to other builders about common challenges, giving them a broader perspective of what their job encompasses.” Hiltz also believes employees gain a sense of Derrick Hiltz appreciation when senior managers “pack them up and take them to these events.” Hiltz appreciates when presenters use visuals to portray poor design outcomes. “When you see slides that show moisture damage or a compromised foundation wall, any person on staff, from supervisor to drafter to estimator, gains an idea of how poor application, poor choices of materials, or poor building practice can lead to future problems for the warranty department.” When a speaker was scheduled to cover energy rating and modelling, Sterling Homes registered all their drafters. “They started their day early,” says Hiltz. “We were given resources, handouts and contact information for questions arising later. This went a lot further than we can do as managers.” PHBI updates their previous training with handson visual tools. Drafters can apply those updates to their drawings. “The training helps clarify the explanations we are giving them on how to meet the requirements within the new energy code.”

industry news: city of Edmonton

Plumbing and gas line inspections City of Edmonton working to improve the process for residential and commercial projects

ntil early September 2014, we were able to meet our plumbing and gas inspection requests within our 2-5 working day Quality Management Plan (QMP) requirements. As the weather began to cool, we were hit with a significant number of homeowner furnace replacements. While this happens every fall, 2014 was particularly problematic, as new residential and commercial construction activity continued at an unprecedented rate. For single family, semi-detached and row housing building permits, we saw an increase of 25 per cent through the end of the third quarter of 2014 in comparison to the same period in 2013. As the issue emerged in mid-October, we did not anticipate how extensive it would become. By November, we were unable to meet our QMP requirements and introduced a Verification of Compliance (VOC) for Plumbing Groundworks and Plumbing Stacks inspections. This was meant to be a temporary measure, allowing us to reduce the backlog of inspection requests and allow our inspectors to focus on the gas line inspections. This VOC program is voluntary and available to any builders and their Plumbing & Gas subcontractors that want to participate. The VOC documents are signed off by the ticketed journeyman that has inspected the work for code compliance and if during an audit, an infraction is identified, we will

suspend that particular plumber from participating in the program. We have also instituted Saturday inspections for our Plumbing & Gas inspectors. This initiative allows us to target a specific area of the city on a particular Saturday to complete as many inspections as possible without having to coordinate around homeowner furnace replacement inspections. We are continuing to work with builders when the delay in the gas line inspection puts a scheduled possession date in jeopardy. If you are facing this issue, the best course of action is to contact Chief Mechanical Inspector Linda Girard at linda.girard@edmonton.ca or 780-496-8468 so that we can prioritize critical inspection deadlines. While the VOC program was initially intended to be a temporary measure, we are now developing a more comprehensive program for the VOC of Plumbing

Stacks inspections in early 2015. Until that time, we will continue to accept VOC’s for either a Plumbing Groundworks inspection or a Plumbing Stacks inspection. Our QMP requires that the City of Edmonton complete one of the two inspections, plus gas line inspections in most cases. With the approval of the 2015 operating budget, the Building Permit and Inspection Services section was given funding for nine additional full-time staff. We have classified three of the new positions for Plumbing and Gas Safety Code Officers. This will allow us to staff the unit with 12 full-time field inspectors, two supervisors, and one technical advisor in the office. In January, we will review permit activity, and if appropriate, hire additional temporary staff in order to provide the level of service we are committed to delivering to our stakeholders. n

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new members

calendar of events January

Welcome new members

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OCTOBER Cranston Homes is committed to providing exceptional value, quality, and design. We personally select tradespeople for their skills and dedication to making each home the best it can be. Our standards far exceed conventional building codes.

February

Finesse Homes offers a customized service unique to every client. From the service the customer receives the moment they walk into a Finesse show home, to their one-of-a-kind design and flawless construction, the team at Finesse Homes will settle for nothing less than perfection.

10-11 Residential Construction Industry Conference (RCIC 2015) - All Day, Edmonton Expo Centre 11 Health & Safety Committee - 12 p.m. 12 Industry Advisory Committee - 12 p.m. 16 Family Day - Office Closed 17 Board of Directors - 11:30 a.m. 18 Government Relations Committee - 8 a.m. Membership Committee - 12 p.m. 19 Awards of Excellence Committee - 9 a.m. Renovations Committee - 12 p.m. 23 Professional Development Committee - 12 p.m. 24 Home & Renovation Show Committee - 9 a.m. NextGen Committee - 12 p.m. 26 Builder Technical Committee - 12 p.m.

Shandro Photo is a modern photography studio based in Edmonton. Over the past 7.5 years their focus has been on taking high end wedding/family photography; however, they recently expanded their portfolio to include commercial photography. Shandro Photo has won several awards both local and international and have had the privilege of being guest speakers at an International Photography Convention in 2013. Usha Pawluski Professional Corporation caters to corporations, charities, partnerships, business owners, and individuals providing bookkeeping services, payroll, tax return preparation, financial statements, and more. Usha Pawluski Professional Corporations specializes in small business accounting services with a focus on contractors and home builders.

March 2-6 5 10 11 12 16 17 18 19 25

NOVEMBER Boyd Distributors Inc. supplies local lumberyards and large applicators with building materials for commercial and residential needs at the best price possible. Boyd Distributors is built on expert knowledge of the products we sell and represent. Knight Door Services sells, installs, and services garage doors and garage door operators in Edmonton and the surrounding area. With over 25 years experience in the garage door industry, Knight Door Services will ensure you get the right garage door and garage door opener for your home, because your home is your castle.

Awards of Excellence Committee - 9 a.m. Builder Technical Committee - 12 p.m. Joint CHBA – ER / UDI Executive Committee - 8:30 a.m. Board of Directors - 11:30 a.m. NextGen Committee - 12 p.m. Builder Breakfast - 7 a.m. Sawmill Banquet & Catering Centre, 840 76 Ave NW, Edmonton

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Kraus Flooring is one of the largest integrated carpet and flooring manufacturers and distributors in North America with facilities throughout Canada, the USA, and Australia. Established in 1959, the Kraus Group has grown from a sole manufacturing facility to a multinational distributor servicing approximately 10,000 customers in both the residential and commercial flooring markets.

CHBA National Conference - Halifax, Nova Scotia Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Committee - 9 a.m. Golf Committee - 9 a.m. Economics Committee - 12 p.m. Health & Safety Committee - 12 p.m. Industry Advisory Committee - 12 p.m. Board of Directors - 11:30 a.m. Home & Renovation Show Committee - 10 a.m. Membership Committee - 12 p.m. Government Relations Committee - 8 a.m. Renovations Committee - 12 p.m. Builder Breakfast - 7 a.m. Sawmill Banquet & Catering Centre, 840 76 Ave NW, Edmonton NextGen Committee - 12 p.m. Builder Technical Committee - 12 p.m. Professional Development Committe - 12 p.m.

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SCSR Systems Inc. The initial cost of installing a Gerard Stone Coated Steel Roof may be more than with other roofing materials, however, the money a homeowner can save is significant because a Gerard roof will be the last roof you ever buy. A Gerard Stone Coated Steel Roof adds to your home’s beauty and to its resale value.

Wally Karout & Associates specialize in new home sales on MLS, selling spec homes directly from the builder to the public.

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Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Committee - 9 a.m. Good Friday - Office Closed Health & Safety Committee - 12 p.m. Industry Advisory Committee - 12 p.m. Government Relations Committee - 8 a.m. Renovations Committee - 12 p.m. Board of Directors - 11:30 a.m. Builder Breakfast - 7 a.m. Sawmill Banquet & Catering Centre, 840 76 Ave NW, Edmonton Builder Technical Committee - 12 p.m. Awards of Excellence in Housing Gala - 6 p.m. Shaw Conference Centre, 9797 Jasper Avenue NW, Edmonton Professional Development Committee - 12 p.m. NextGen Committee - 12 p.m.

All committee meetings will take place in the CHBA – ER Board Room, unless otherwise specified. Committee meeting dates and times are subject to change.

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