Building Excellence Fall 2024

Net Zero homes

BEAUTY&

EDITOR

Wayne Karl wayne.karl@nexthome.ca

EXECUTIVE MEDIA CONSULTANTS

Jacky Hill

Michael Rosset

SENIOR VP, SALES NEXTHOME Hope McLarnon 416.708.7987 hope.mclarnon@nexthome.ca

DIRECTOR OF SALES, ONTARIO, NEXTHOME Natalie Chin 416.881.4288, natalie.chin@nexthome.ca

SENIOR MEDIA CONSULTANTS Amanda Bell 1.866.532.2588, amanda.bell@nexthome.ca

Merlyn Minty 204.782.8692 merlyn.minty@nexthome.ca

VOLUME 7, NUMBER 3 FALL 2024

CEO Kevin Lee

DIRECTOR, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

Natasha

Rombough

MANAGER CUSTOMER SALES/SERVICE

Marilyn Watling

SALES & MARKETING COORDINATOR

Gary Chilvers

POLICY AND COMMUNICATIONS ANALYST

Emily Fielden

HOME SHOW MANAGER & NEWSPAPER CIRCULATION – GTA

Josh Rosset DISTRIBUTION distributionteam@nexthome.ca

ACCOUNTING INQUIRIES

accountingteam@nexthome.ca

VP MARKETING — GTA

Leanne Speers

DIRECTOR OF PRINT MEDIA

Lauren Reid–Sachs

VP PRODUCTION — GTA

Lisa Kelly

PRODUCTION MANAGER — GTA Yvonne Poon

GRAPHIC DESIGNER & PRE-PRESS COORDINATOR Hannah Yarkony

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Mike Terentiev

COMMUNICATION STRATEGIST

Chloe Perreault

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DEVELOPING A WORKFORCE

INDUSTRY’S ROLE IN GROWING AND SUSTAINING A WORKFORCE TO MEET HOUSING TARGETS

BY MATT MCCURRACH, CHBA PRESIDENT

Canada’s housing shortage is being felt across the country, and while market conditions vary from coast to coast, one thing is constant – a shortage of workers.

The federal government has stated that Canada needs to build 3.5 million homes over the next decade to close the housing supply gap and help restore affordability for Canadians – that’s over and above the 2.3 million than we’d normally build. This means that the industry would need to more than double housing starts to reach these ambitious targets.

While much more still needs to be done regarding policy change to pursue such a goal, and governments have made welcome steps over the past year to help spur homebuilding, one area that will continue to need much more support is re-supplying the industry’s workforce. Right now, builders in many parts of the country are faced with one of the most challenging economic environments in recent history, which has resulted in slowing starts. But if Canada continues to lower interest rates and can address the excessive mortgage barriers preventing buyers from buying, and other

policies continue to come forward to allow more supply, then construction will ramp back up and our industry will again be faced extreme workforce challenges.

With BuildForce Canada estimating that 22 per cent of residential construction workers will retire by 2033, and 40 per cent of the workforce aging to 55-plus years old, the residential construction workforce would need to grow to more than 1.03 million workers by 2033 to meet the federal government’s targets – a staggering 83 per cent above the status quo. While much needs to be done to make that possible, increasing housing output to any large degree, never mind doubling it, will be difficult. Quite simply, if we don’t have the workers, we can’t build the homes. We’re going to need everyone – women, Indigenous groups, newcomers and more.

I believe that our industry has a key role to play in replenishing, growing and sustaining our workforce. We need to act now. Our association and members are already doing a lot, but there is more we can all do.

Where CHBA members can have the greatest impact is in our promotion of careers in residential construction. I’m a firm believer that young people have zero interest in listening to politicians tell them about a career in homebuilding. But we, as builders and renovators, have a chance to convince young people if we get out there and do it ourselves.

I’m aware of several local and provincial homebuilders’ associations who are working with their members to bolster the residential construction workforce in their area. For exam-

ple, CHBA Central Interior, my local association, has had great success over the last 34 years building a single-family home in collaboration with Thompson Rivers University (TRU) for YMCA BC’s annual Dream Home Lottery. First-year students of TRU and industry experts collaborate to build what’s called the Training House. The project is a win-win-win – it allows students in construction, electrical, plumbing and HVAC to gain valuable hands-on building experience, and it gives industry members the opportunity to provide mentorship and foster a supportive learning environment that encourages students to pursue careers in residential construction, all for the benefit of the industry. The cherry on top is that it’s all for charity.

These are the types of projects that help inspire the next generation of tradespeople – they ensure that the future of our sector remains bright and innovative. But it doesn’t take a huge project like the Training House to make a big impact. There are a lot of ways we can make a difference.

Here’s my call to you, fellow CHBA members: Get out to your local schools and talk about the positives of getting into homebuilding, renovation and the skilled trades. It’s time to break the stigma and show young people that residential construction is for everyone, including underrepresented groups.

For more resources to help promote careers in residential construction, including what types of jobs are available and information for parents and guidance counsellors, visit CHBA National’s website at chba.ca/ careers-in-residential-construction.

KEEPING MOMENTUM

LEVERAGING RECENT WINS TO CALL FOR MORE POLICY CHANGE IN FEDERAL PRE-BUDGET CONSULTATIONS

BY KEVIN LEE, CHBA CEO

homebuilder sentiment, with values in the single digits in some provinces (on a scale of 100). Read more about the Q2 HMI on page 36.

Our advocacy and policy work, however, is paying off – we’re getting results and being asked by the government (and the opposition) what should be done next.

This last year has no doubt been a great success for CHBA on the government advocacy front.

Back in April, the federal government adopted numerous CHBA recommendations in the federal budget, including 30-year amortizations on insured mortgages for first-time buyers of new construction homes, and investments tied to housing outcomes that directly enable new housing supply and increased infill density. But even as these new measures begin to show positive impact, policymakers cannot simply brush off their hands and stop there – this is only the start.

Without addressing all the barriers to getting more housing built, the measures set out in the budget will not be enough to create a sound financial case for industry to double housing starts over the next decade. Put simply, more needs to be done, and fast, to close the housing supply gap and help restore affordability.

CHBA’s Q2 Housing Market Index (HMI) showed that builders are expecting weak sales with fewer starts in the months (and in the case of multi-unit buildings, years) ahead. For the eighth consecutive quarter, both the single-family and multi-family HMI showed very negative

In August, I was invited to present at the Prime Minister’s Cabinet Retreat in Halifax. This was a great opportunity to give our recommendations directly to the PM and his cabinet ministers. The government has also asked me to be an expert on the panel for a new industrial strategy for homebuilding. Moreover, last month, CHBA submitted pre-budget recommendations to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance for the 2025 federal budget. In all these forums, CHBA outlined the barriers preventing a meaningful boost in homebuilding and offered recommendations for fixing them.

The first, and key, priority for CHBA advocacy moving forward is the need for mortgage policy change. Since the sub-prime crisis – which Canada weathered exceptionally well because of the strength of an already established financial system – there has been continued and excessive tightening of mortgage rules by Canada’s banking regulator, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI), which has been mirrored in the insured mortgage space by Finance Canada. This overtightening has locked out well-qualified buyers, and especially first-time buyers, resulting in falling homeownership rates, and less housing supply being built. If buyers can’t buy, then builders can’t build, which is why housing starts are predicted to further contract.

A no-cost way for government to get well-qualified buyers into homeownership

and effectively spur homebuilding is to implement a more dynamic stress test (for both insured and uninsured mortgages) that would reduce or eliminate the barrier to accessing mortgages with interest rates at their current high levels. CHBA is also recommending the federal government place more oversight on OSFI in its quest to accelerate the implementation of Basel IV, which are international banking standards that would be counterproductive to efforts to raise investments and improve access to the housing market for Canadians.

CHBA is also stressing the importance of action on rising development charges, excessive red tape, and continuous code changes that are causing project delays and significantly adding to the cost to build new homes. Key recommendations include: Continuing to pressure municipalities to reduce development taxes; a new funding model for the federal, provincial and municipal governments to build housing-supportive infrastructure; removing the red tape brought on by federal (as well as local and provincial) policies like the Underused Housing Tax (UHT); and the adoption of affordability as a core objective of the National Building Code.

Finally, as Matt McCurrach indicates in his President’s Message, much more needs to be done on labour. In addition to encouraging and supporting more Canadians to join the industry, CHBA is asking government to update the immigration system to ramp up labour capacity in the home building sector.

Members are encouraged to subscribe to Industry Highlights, CHBA’s media aggregator on housing issues with commentary, by emailing communications@chba.ca. CEO’S message

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PACIFIC WOODTECH

DELIVERING TOP-TIER ENGINEERED WOOD PRODUCTS CANADA’S HOMEBUILDING INDUSTRY NEEDS

There’s so much beauty in Canada.

Picturesque environments dotted with cottages, vacation homes and resorts. Enchanting architecture in bustling cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and Calgary. It’s no wonder Canada is experiencing a load of growth right now. However, it can be difficult to keep up with.

Canada also endures challenging weather conditions, labour shortages and a demand for sustainable building practices that make fostering that growth difficult. Not to mention the additional needs for solving those challenges, including material quality, structural demands and cost.

Juggling all of these matters can be as tough as a Yellowknife winter. Fortunately, there’s a seasoned player in the building solutions industry providing a catch-all answer: PWT.

PWT crafts top-tier engineered wood products (EWP), and we’ve done it for 26 years. With so much time building, innovating and refining our product, we know the true power and versatility of this wood. But it’s not just about the wood with us, it’s about you. At PWT, we’re about building together. We strive to deliver an experience that understands, appreciates and cares about your success, no matter how you define it. Because our success is your achievement, and the relationship we build along the way.

But when it is about the wood, PWT’s EWP is lighter, more resilient and more efficient than traditional lumber. It’s engineered to have high strength and dimensional stability, so warping, shrinking and swelling are your last concern throughout the seasons. And you can rely on that no matter the sizing your structure needs.

EWP stands strong in the most innovative architectural designs and flexible floorplans, without support. Which makes sense since it’s manufactured under controlled conditions – its quality and performance is as consistent as its strength. But that’s only the beginning of what EWP offers Canadian builders.

PWT recognizes the value of sustainability and safety. Moreover, we’re their champions; because we engineer these values right into the core of their product. EWP isn’t just wood, it’s usually wood made out of wood. Smaller, less desirable pieces are usually scrapped and refined into premium lumber. But at PWT, our prime example of maximizing forest resources, and reducing waste, is that we produce ours from high-quality timber selected from sustainably managed forests. Another part of the EWP engineering process is building these pieces to exceed building code requirements. PWT makes its products pre-certified and ready for a variety of applications, while ensuring code compliance.

In addition to sustainability and safety, PWT effectively tackles some of the tougher parts of the building solutions industry as well: Cost and building on challenging sites. As mentioned previously, PWT’s production wastes less material, while creating a strong product. That reduces your need for larger, traditional lumber. On top of that, it’s built for quick installations, saving time and money on your projects. Another savings you get with EWP is space; it can be transported in a compact form to those hard to reach building sites throughout Canada’s landscape. Meaning that light, high quality, easily installable materials can come wherever you are.

But selling EWP isn’t the only business PWT is in, we’re also looking for change. After 26 years in this industry, we believe business isn’t what it used to be. It’s lost its sense of relationship, which is why PWT is striving to build something stronger, together. And that something includes you, and Canada.

RND CONSTRUCTION LTD.

AWARD-WINNING OTTAWA BUILDER AND RENOVATOR DELIVERS SUSTAINABILITY WITH STYLE

BY NATASHA ROMBOUGH, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS, CHBA

It’s hard to believe you’re in the heart of Canada’s capital when standing on the terrace of Roy Nandram’s latest award-winning home. Suspended over a 20-ft. cliff and backing onto greenspace is delightfully closer to being in a treehouse than an urban centre. That connection with nature extends throughout the home, with oversized windows showcasing every leafy view, granting a refined combination of abundant natural light and cocooned privacy.

Sustainability with style is the driving force behind RND Construction Ltd., which has been serving the Ottawa-area for more than 34 years. Its President and Project Manager, Roy Nandram, originally started the company as a renovation business, but now it also builds custom and spec homes in addition to

full-scale renovations. Nandram’s commitment to innovation and healthy living has led the company on a progressive journey from Energy Star, to R-2000, to LEED and now every new home it builds is Net Zero.

“I’ve always had an interest in the environment,” says Nandram. “We were getting training from all directions, but no one was focusing on energy efficiency. So, we decided that, as a small company, there was sufficient business for us within the energy efficiency niche.” With 22 homes labelled under CHBA’s Net Zero Home Labelling Program and another two coming shortly, the company has labelled more homes than any other in Ottawa. That accomplishment stemmed from years of actively striving to learn more, give back and make a difference.

FAST FACTS

Company Name: RND Construction Ltd.

Head Office: Ottawa

Number of Full-Time Employees: 12-15

Approx. Annual Gross Revenue: avg. $10 million

Projects per year: 15

ADVENTUROUS AMBITIONS AND EDUCATION

Good marketing outreach brought Nandram to Canada in his youth. One of 10 children, Nandram was born and raised in a farming village in Guyana, a country on the Caribbean coast of South America, slightly bigger than New Brunswick with roughly the same population density. Having completed five

Farmside Green: a 9-home Net Zero Ready project

years of secondary school focused on technical engineering drawings, one day he walked into a commissioner’s office and said he wanted to study in Canada. He was given a handful of brochures to look at, and one of them was for Algonquin College in Ottawa. Nandram made the leap and moved abroad in 1976, earning first a diploma in mechanical engineering technology and then industrial engineering technology.

From there, his story is like many others in the residential construction industry in that he worked his way up learning the business. Initially hired on an infill condo building to do architectural drawings, he also learned planning, permitting and marketing. While working, Nandram completed a Bachelor of Economics, setting him up with a solid foundation for running a business. He was a site supervisor by the time the company he worked for closed their doors during an economic downturn in the late 1980s.

Using his skills and the connections he’d made working for his previous employer, Nandram began RND Construction Ltd. in 1990. Keen for more education, he completed

FALL 2024

Call for Entries for the 2025 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence

his first R-2000 training in 1995 and built his own R-2000 home a few years later. With advancements in construction coming quickly even several decades ago, Nandram retrained in 2013, and followed it up with building three more R-2000 homes. In 2015,

Coming CHBA Events

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CHBA National Meetings Ottawa

he was given the R-2000 Builder of the Year Award by EnerQuality.

From there, RND Construction continued to improve the energy efficiency of its homes, and built three LEED Platinum homes before making the shift to Net Zero Ready.

MAY 11-15, 2025

CHBA Home Building Week Victoria

Exterior images of the 2024 Best Custom or Renovated Net Zero Home

EARNING BUSINESS WITHOUT MARKETING

Running a business as an immigrant comes with its challenges. “Sometimes it’s difficult getting work because I don’t look like the typical homebuilder,” says Nandram. He prides himself on superior service and the relationships that RND builds with their clients, ones that go beyond business and turn into friendships.

Though the company maintains a social media presence, it does very little direct marketing. Instead, RND’s great reputation and impressive portfolio attracts clients, and most work comes through referrals. Awards, such as the one it won this year for Best Custom or Renovated Net Zero Home through CHBA’s National Awards for Housing Excellence competition, earn media attention and further

boost that positive word of mouth. It’s not the first time the company has received national recognition for their Net Zero projects: It was a finalist in the CHBA competition’s Net Zero Home category in 2019, 2021 and 2022 before taking home a win this year during the awards gala in Saint John, NB.

“Winning an award improves our branding,” Nandram explains. “We get a lot of free press, and you can’t beat when someone else is writing about you.”

PURSUING AND SHARING KNOWLEDGE

RND joined the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) in 2002 to be able to enter a home in GOHBA’s prestigious awards program. But Nandram didn’t stop there. He went to a meeting, then another. In 2006 he

and three others started up GOHBA’s Green Committee. In the beginning, it didn’t have much uptake, but after renaming it to the Building Innovation Committee, it prospered. By chairing the Green Committee for many years, Nandram became part of the GOHBA Board of Directors, and later served as its President in 2019. He’s still on the board today as Membership Committee Chair, and is very involved in GOHBA’s Renovation Council, as well as several other committees. Nandram is also involved at the national level of the association, and has been on CHBA’s Net Zero Council since 2016.

If you’re counting, that’s a lot of volunteer hours. It’s time well spent, according to Nandram.

“Our business is unique, and participating in all these committees helps us know what’s happening,” he says. “These committees help sort out bylaws and new requirements, and being part of these conversations helps us to get out ahead. It directly benefits my business.”

In addition to advancing his own education, Nandram is passionate about helping others in the residential construction industry to keep growing as well. To that end, he invites fellow members to come look at projects under construction so they can learn from what he’s doing. During the tours, he points out details that he believes make a big impact with customers, such as finishing the mechanical room to a level that’s on par with every other room in the home. Why? “When they walk in and see how good everything looks, it gives them confidence in the quality of construction throughout the whole home, even behind the walls.” So that homeowners understand how to care for their Net Zero home, they’re given a

Net Zero Ready Home at Farmside Green

thorough tour of their home and a maintenance manual. Then, 30 days after the homeowners move in, the mechanical contractors come to their home and spend an hour with them.

Nandram also volunteers for the YMCA, teaching new immigrants how to thrive working in the industry. And poetically coming full circle, he is a guest lecturer for Building Science students at Algonquin College. The desire to give back to the community is a core value for Nandram and his company, and they support numerous charities through time and donations. Last year, RND raised more than $30,000 in its annual golf tournament for Diabetes Canada.

THE BUSINESS OF BUILDING TO NET ZERO

Nandram wears many hats in his company: Project manager, architectural planning and design, finance, human resources, marketing, legal and client services, to name a few. Other small business owners can relate. After 30 years in business, building and renovating homes still excites him. “I’d love to spend more time doing conceptual designs, figuring out the best way to take a site and maximize the number of units, and how we should design the interior and exterior.”

RND has its own interior designer, and Nandram loves working with architects for the

conceptual design. Many of the company’s clients are doctors living near Ottawa’s hospitals, looking for a luxury home with attention to detail and all the bells and whistles, Nandram says. “They want to control everything in their home with their phones. Every home we build is smart-wired throughout so that the homeowner can later install speakers, electric blinds and more.”

The company began building to Net Zero in 2017. Several years ago, RND built its Farmside Green project, a nine-home development situated in an established urban neighbourhood and backing onto a 427-hectare farmland belonging to the National Capital Commission. “That project was special,” Nandram reflects. “It was the first

time we did a large project of multiple homes at one time, and it was done during COVID, so that was challenging.” The homes weren’t originally intended to be Net Zero Ready, but Nandram was driven to give it a try, and convinced all but one buyer to upgrade. “In the end, we had nine homeowners who were super happy.”

Since then, it’s been the company’s standard to build every home to Net Zero, though until this year that’s been a great selling feature but not been the primary reason homeowners hire them. This year, for the first time, a customer came to RND asking for a Net Zero Home. RND is the largest Net Zero Builder in Ottawa, and Nandram’s commitment to the environment is getting around.

Interior images of the 2024 Best Custom or Renovated Net Zero Home

2024’S NEW HOME BUYER PREFERENCES

INSIGHTS INTO HOW TODAY’S BUYER IS MAKING DECISIONS

BY NATASHA ROMBOUGH, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS, CHBA

The ninth annual CHBA Home Buyer

Preference Survey is a fascinating glimpse into the minds of recent homebuyers and what they value. This survey is Canada’s largest nationwide market research study for new-home buyer preferences. Conducted by CHBA and powered Avid Ratings Canada, a proud member of CHBA and part of CHBA’s Alliance Network, the survey has invited more than 188,000 new-home buyers from across the country to participate during its nine-year

history. This report surveyed more than 18,000 people from across six provinces who had purchased a new construction home within the last two years. Respondents were asked questions on more than 50 in-depth areas of home design, building features, buying preferences and demographics.

The report touches on all elements of the survey, providing data on responses from all participants. More than 60 pages and filled with graphs illustrating the results and

Top 10 most desired features

We all love a good list, and the Top 10 home features in Canada is the most requested piece of information from this survey (though we urge you to explore the content much further). For the second year in a row, a walk-in closet in the primary suite takes the top spot. As with last year, storage throughout the home remains a key priority for Canadians, with closet and garage space taking four of the top spots. Though there was some jostling of position (high efficiency windows are in third spot this year), energy efficiency features continue to feature strongly as well, also accounting for four of the 10. New to the top 10 this year is hardwood or wood-look floors in the kitchen, bumping out open concept kitchens, which landed in eleventh, just missing the list.

complimented by stunning architectural and design photography, it’s an insightful – and sometimes surprising – resource. But it’s when you use the PowerBI database that comes with the report that things really get interesting. Introduced last year, the easy-to-use tool allows you to look at data based on the demographic selections. For example, you can look at whether millennials in Alberta want large lots, or how many bathrooms Boomers in Ontario want in their next home.

Find out more about what home buyers really want, and what they’re willing to trade to get it, by downloading your digital copy of the study today. The download includes the link to the powerful online data set that you can use to splice and dice the information however you want. Full survey results are free for CHBA members (value of $495) at chba.ca/buyersurvey.

Where buyers want to spend their money

Price is a huge factor in the final purchase decision. The sale price of the home is extremely important to buyers; over the last nine years of the survey, respondents have consistently indicated that pricing information is by far the most influential factor when they make a purchase.

The survey asks what recent buyers would be willing to accept to make their next home more affordable. This question forces respondents to prioritize what’s most important to them, and the results were very similar to last year’s survey. The most popular answer was a smaller home, followed closely by being located farther from work or

amenities. Very few people were willing to compromise on construction material quality or the energy efficiency of the home.

The survey also asks how buyers would use an extra $10,000 if they had it. Interior finishes and options remain the most popular option, followed by energy efficiency and then a larger home. Aging-in-place and accessibility features was first introduced as an option three years ago, and accounts for almost nine per cent (that number rises to 22 per cent among Boomers). Overall, Canadians are least interested in using extra money on their exterior finishes and being closer to work.

IF YOU HAD AN EXTRA $10,000 TO SPEND

l Interior finishes & options

l Energy-efficiency

l Larger home

l Larger lot

l Additional finished areas

l Aging in place/accesssible

l Improved indoor air quality

l Exterior finishes & options

l Location closer work/amenities

Home size needs differ, but everyone wants more bathrooms

The survey asks buyers about the home they just built, and about what they think they’ll want in their next home. More than 45 per cent of respondents believe they’ll be making their next home purchase within five years, so their opinions – especially since they just went through the buying process – are relevant to home construction design already.

Slightly more than 60 per cent want their next home to be under 2,400 sq. ft., though that’s three per cent less than last year. The most anticipated size is 2,101 to 2,400 sq. ft., which is a change from last year’s 1,801 to 2,100. Both of these factors indicate that the size of home desired is going up, which might be a reflection of the large millennial cohort being in their prime family-building years.

Demographics can really change the picture, though. Boomers want smaller homes than the average, with 61 per cent preferring their next home to be under 1,800 sq. ft. (11.5

per cent of those want less than 1,200 sq. ft.). More than 30 per cent want a home to support aging in place, and 16 per cent would be looking to downsize. However, more than half still want that small home to have three bedrooms (overall, the most popular number of bedrooms is four). If you want to appeal to Boomers, stick to main-floor living that doesn’t require stairs: 60 percent would be looking to purchase a detached or semi-detached bungalow.

Bathrooms continue to be in demand, challenging builders to find ways of adding multiple into even the smallest of homes. Only 10 per cent of buyers would be satisfied with two or fewer; most want between 2.5 and 3.5 bathrooms. This is a feature where new construction can really stand out from existing homes, since older houses tend to have fewer bathrooms than homes built today of comparable sizes.

Do you know where buyers are finding you?

According to an old marketing adage that is still widely accepted, they say it takes seeing something seven times, in seven different ways, to not only be remembered, but to result in a sale. The good news is that there are plenty of different ways to reach people these days. The challenge is figuring out where to prioritize your advertising efforts. That’s where the CHBA Home Buyer Preference Survey can help you out. The survey asks recent buyers what resources were important to them in their search for a new home, we’re able to rank their preferences.

The top preferred resource for finding a builder is still visiting model homes and sales centres, though it’s important to note that this method has seen a gradual trend down over the nine years of the survey. Visiting model homes and sales centres is also how most people begin their search for a new home, ahead of Internet searches, which for the first time this year is the second-highest preferred resource for finding a builder, just edging out the option of driving through the community, which had been in the second spot since this survey began.

The Internet and builder websites both remain important resources for finding a home. While using a real estate agent as a preferred resource for finding a builder had one of the largest gains in score last year – perhaps a residual preference from the competitive market during the end of the pandemic – it has returned closer to its average rating this year. Direct mail, magazines, and newspapers are the lowest scored once again this year, but remember: If it takes someone seven times and seven methods to make a purchasing decision, these resources should still be part of your toolkit if you’re able to include them. They’re far from a passé resource, and marketing professionals are creating innovative campaigns that link these paper resources with online calls to action. If you need inspiration, check out this year’s marketing awards finalists from the CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence.

UNLOCKING SUCCESS WITH TRAINING

MASTER THE FUNDAMENTALS NEEDED FOR RUNNING A STRONG BUSINESS

BY SARAH CARON, CHBA DIRECTOR, RENOVATION SERVICES

Home renovation is more than just a craft; it’s a business. The ability to effectively manage and grow a renovation business involves understanding various business principles and practices. Without this knowledge, even the most skilled renovator can struggle with financial instability, poor client relations and inefficient operations. CHBA’s National Education Benchmarks for Renovators identify the key areas renovators need to master to be successful. In addition, here are seven crucial business skills that can significantly contribute to the success of a home renovation business:

1. Project management: Efficiently overseeing renovation projects from start to finish, including planning, scheduling, resource allocation and quality control. This ensures that projects are completed on time, within budget and to the client’s satisfaction.

2. Financial management: Managing budgets, tracking expenses, handling cash flow and ensuring financial stability. This prevents cost overruns, improves profitability and maintains financial health.

3. Marketing and sales: Developing and executing marketing strategies, generating leads and converting prospects into clients. This attracts new clients, builds brand awareness and grows the business.

4. Negotiation skills: Negotiating contracts, terms and pricing with clients, suppliers and subcontractors. This helps secure favorable terms and pricing, which can impact the profitability of projects.

5. Legal and regulatory knowledge: Understanding and complying with local building codes, permits, insurance, contracts and other legal obligations. This can help

avoid fines and delays and manage risk effectively.

6. HR management and leadership: Leading and managing a team of employees and subcontractors, including recruitment, training and performance management. This ensures that projects are executed efficiently and that employees are motivated and productive.

7. Customer service: Building and maintaining positive relationships with clients, handling their concerns and ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction. This leads to repeat business, referrals and a positive reputation in the industry.

RENOVATOR TRAINING COURSES

For those looking to elevate their renovation business, specialized training courses based on

CHBA’s National Benchmarks can provide a significant advantage. Luckily, there are a number of high-quality training opportunities that were developed specifically with renovators in mind. Many of these courses are self-paced and available online, so you can participate where and when it is convenient for you. Check in with your local or provincial HBA to see if they offer courses you can take.

The following are examples of courses created by (or in consultation with) local home builders’ associations, and which adhere to CHBA National Education Benchmarks for Renovators.

RENOVATION FUNDAMENTALS

Delivered by CHBA-BC Education (discounts available for CHBA-BC members)

The goal of this course is to provide renovators with an introduction to the basic knowledge needed to perform your job as a business owner or manager. By completing this course you’ll gain a foundational understanding of the best practices for running a professional and successful renovation business in Canada.

After completing this this course, you’ll able to:

• State the key principles that business owners and managers should be aware of related to professionalism, marketing, project management and pricing

• State the health and safety best practices for their province

• Explain the house-as-a-system concept

• Outline concepts related to energy efficiency

• Interpret sustainable development through energy efficiency, resource efficiency and environmental responsibility

• Define the five dimensions of service excellence

• State the role that neighbours play in a renovation project

• Describe the process for resolving disputes

• Explain the critical human resources functions that are necessary for renovation business owners

Visit cpd.chbabc.org to register or learn more about this course.

BUSINESS FUNDAMENTALS FOR THE HOME RENOVATOR

Delivered by Training Ontario and PHBI*

This fully online course is designed to build knowledge in how to start, grow and maintain a home renovation business. Structured content, self-check exercises, essential handouts and step-by-step guidance will enable learners to work toward their business goals. If you want to

succeed in the renovation business, you can’t afford to be without the Home Renovator course.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Select an appropriate structure for your business.

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of the planning, organizing, directing and controlling of the financial activities of your business.

• Explain the basic concepts of sales and marketing.

• Explain the importance of costing and estimating for home renovating businesses.

• Explain how to manage your renovation job from start to finish, including managing the job site and materials.

• Describe the impact of quality service on client relations.

• Discuss the major trends driving the home renovation industry.

Visit phbi.ca to register or learn more about this course.

In the realm of home renovation, combining technical skill with strong business acumen is essential for long-term success. By investing in training, renovators can gain the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complexities of running a business and achieve their professional goals.

*Developed with Regina & Region HBA and Saskatoon & Region HBA

IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN...

Canada’s top awards for new homes, renovations, communities, and residential marketing are set to begin.

ENTRY PERIOD OPENS IN OCTOBER

• INTRODUCING OUR NEW 12” TUBE, THE BFT12!

• Bigfoot Systems® Footing Forms along with the BFT10 and BFT12 tube form a complete engineered pre-molded pier footing system.

• Bigfoot Systems® engineered design has well established advantages; optimum structural stability, safety and convenience which makes our product the most recognized concrete pier foundation system available.

• BFT10 and BFT12 are not affected by ground water or rain.

• Prevents uplift from frost and high velocity winds.

• Cost less and requires less concrete than other systems.

• Back-filling before pouring concrete? No Problem.

• Meets or exceeds all National and Local Building Codes in North America.

BOOSTING BUILDER COMPETENCY AND EDUCATION

Being a good builder involves more than just meeting required competencies and following regulations – it means staying on top of industry trends. As the homebuilding sector and consumer expectations evolve, builders must stay current with the latest trends, technologies and best practices to maintain their competitive edge and ensure high-quality work.

In Ontario, builders and sellers of new homes must be licensed by the Home Construction Regulatory Authority (HCRA). As the regulator of nearly 7,000 licensed builders and sellers across the province, the HCRA upholds professional standards and protects consumers, helping them make informed decisions in one of the biggest financial purchases of their lives – a new home.

BUILDING INDUSTRY CAPACITY

The HCRA is committed to protecting new-home buyers by holding new-home builders to licensing and regulatory standards. In fact, building or selling a new home without an HCRA licence in the province is illegal. As a licensed builder, it indicates that you have met the necessary competencies and standards to operate a homebuilding business.

In Ontario, builders must meet and maintain several technical and business competencies to become or remain licensed. Recognizing the diverse and often multigenerational backgrounds of builders, the HCRA has adopted an inclusive approach to helping them meet these requirements, placing significant emphasis on previous experience as a key factor in its approach.

This agile approach looks beyond builders’ formal education to focus on practical skills and lived experience. By valuing real-world expertise alongside traditional qualifications, the HCRA ensures a more comprehensive and inclusive

assessment process, tailored to the unique backgrounds of each applicant. When evaluating a builder’s previous experience, in addition to any formal training, the HCRA also considers professional designations, reference letters, and customer testimonials to assess competency levels. This innovative perspective positions the HCRA ahead of the curve, establishing it as a leader among regulatory bodies and providing personalized, thoughtful support for new and existing licensees across Ontario.

EDUCATION THROUGH COLLABORATION

Beyond our licensing and regulatory mandate, the HCRA is breaking new ground with our research and education program. This initiative, the first of its kind, involves collaboration with various stakeholders, industry technical experts and consumer groups across Canada. Together, we are endeavouring to increase access to educational resources for our licensees and will also develop resources to help builders stay ahead of emerging trends and best practices in home construction, while also creating materials to educate and raise awareness among new-home buyers and homeowners.

As the industry faces evolving trends and technologies, builders have shown strong interest in resources that support high-quality construction and provide their site supervisors and trades with timely training and educational materials. To shape this program, the HCRA is working closely with other regulators, industry and consumer organizations, to identify key topics of interest. The feedback is clear – there is a need for practical construction tips delivered in concise, accessible and cost-effective formats. Several key topics have emerged through surveys and consultative discussions, including:

• Resources that prepare builders for changes to the 2024 Ontario Building Code (OBC)

• Joint training opportunities between builders and building officials

• Cases studies on new construction trends, such as mass timber, Net Zero and modular housing

• Best practices for radon and soil mitigation

• Tips on secondary suites and fire separation, including insights from the 2024 OBC updates

• Research and practical advice on flashings, double vapour barriers, and systems related to condensation issues

• Best practice guides for common warranty defects

The HCRA’s initial project for builders will focus on the new Ontario Building Code and Tarion warranty requirements related to radon, best construction practices for radon and soil mitigation, incorporating analysis from Ontario building officials. For consumers, the focus will be on providing maintenance resources for lowrise homes and condominiums, tips for maintaining energy-efficient homes, and additional safety and performance guidelines. These materials will be hosted on a web-based Resource Hub, which will also amplify content from partner organizations for both licensees and new homeowners.

SUPPORTING GOOD BUILDERS

In the dynamic field of home construction, continuous learning and adaptability are essential. The HCRA is committed to supporting builders throughout the licensing process and providing increased access to education and resources so they can better support their customers. By equipping builders with the tools and knowledge needed to meet industry standards, the HCRA fosters ongoing development and competence in a rapidly evolving market.

To learn more about our initiatives and resources, visit hcraontario.ca.

Adding focus: EMISSIONS AND RESILIENCE

BY NATASHA ROMBOUGH, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS, CHBA

Operational emissions. Embodied emissions. Resilience. Concepts that years ago were only discussed by the staunchest environmentalists are now frequently making their way into conversations within the residential construction industry. And, perhaps more critically to builders and renovators who will have to adapt, those concepts are making their way into Canada’s future building codes – with a timeline for the national model codes right now as early as 2027.

The landscape is changing rapidly, making it challenging for many who work within it to keep up. While the Association is working hard to bring common sense to the code development process, builders and renovators must stay informed about code changes that do take place and make sure the trade contractors they work with know how to apply them. Builders are also looking to manufacturers to innovate to meet new requirements with products that are easy to use and not cost prohibitive. Municipalities and their inspectors have to understand the changes and be

consistent about how they’re applied and inspected. It’s a lot.

To conquer these challenging topics and help builders navigate new and emerging science, CHBA is engaging at various levels: 1) by continuing the important work on proposed codes and standards making sure proposals are buildable and cost effective, 2) by enhancing the CHBA Net Zero Home Labelling Program with new voluntary guidelines on emissions and resilience (helping industry leaders lead while providing valuable builder insight into the regulatory process regarding opportunities and challenges) and 3) by working with the insurance industry, which is extremely concerned about catastrophic losses.

THE EVOLUTION OF CHBA’S NET ZERO HOME LABELLING PROGRAM

While many recent code changes have stemmed from a focus on energy efficiency, Canadian builders have a long history of striving to produce the best homes possible.

THE FUTURE OF HOMEBUILDING AND RENOVATION IS GOING BEYOND ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Members of CHBA who were passionate about innovating to voluntarily deliver higher performance homes were the impetus behind CHBA’s Net Zero Council, which was formed in 2014. Its purpose was (and still is) to support members voluntarily pursuing Net Zero Energy performance. By sharing advancements, new construction methods and lessons learned, members engaged in the Council learn from each other, and gain a market advantage in their businesses.

One of the Council’s key initiatives was developing the CHBA Net Zero Home Labelling Program, which was piloted in 2015. Since then, more than 2,000 homes have been labelled, including new attached and detached single-family homes and multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) and renovations. The program provides the industry and consumers with clearly defined and rigorous two-tiered technical requirements that recognize Net Zero and Net Zero Ready Homes, and the builders and renovators that provide them.

Lida Homes Inc., Victoria, BC

Today, CHBA still emphasizes in its federal government advocacy that building to Net Zero performance standards should remain voluntary because technology and the industry at large still has a long way to go in being able to build high-performance homes without adversely impacting housing affordability. However, energy efficiency requirements are getting more stringent in the codes – expected to reach net zero ready performance levels in the national model code by 2030 – and the Net Zero training through CHBA helps builders and renovators understand how to meet all levels of energy.

As technologies and high-performance home construction techniques evolve, the program has expanded in response. After a two-year Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) funded project which included reviewing the technical requirements and a pilot with six home renovations, renovations became part of the program in 2021. With support from

NRCan, CHBA is delivering another multi-year initiative “towards net zero renovations,” working with select municipalities who have programs supporting deep energy retrofits and working to give direction to their constituents on viable pathways to upgrade their existing home to Net Zero or Net Zero Ready. The project is due to wrap up in 2026.

In addition to achieving exceptional energy performance, builders and renovators participating in CHBA’s Net Zero Home Labelling Program are also able to promote that their homes are comfortable, with healthy indoor environments. To further that aim, an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Picklist was added to the requirements in 2023. Several of the mandatory requirements on the picklist were already requirements of the Net Zero Home Labelling Program, and the remaining items, which builders can pick from as long as their options add up to the minimum requirements, help enhance IAQ beyond what

The annual Net Zero Home Labelling Program Summary Report takes a detailed look at the program over time. It shares information about the construction assemblies, technologies and performance of the homes, and lessons learned from program participants. Available free to all CHBA members at chba.ca/NZHLPsummaryreports

is provided solely from addressing energy performance.

The Program is also adapting to address industry challenges for more housing types. Recognizing that some building types, such as multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs), have unique circumstances due to their restricted roof space available for solar panels, an alternative compliance path was introduced to the Net Zero Home Labelling Program in 2024.

Sterling Homes Calgary, Calgary

Chatsworth Fine Homes, Oakville, Ont.

Foxridge Homes, Surrey, BC

Detached

1,297

PREPARING THE INDUSTRY FOR TIERED CODES

In July this year, CHBA announced a new project to help prepare the industry for future building codes. The project, Enabling Tiered Codes – Implementation and Market Preparedness, is funded by NRCan under the Codes Acceleration Fund (CAF), which is part of the federal government’s Green Buildings Strategy to accelerate innovation in making Canada’s buildings more affordable, efficient, comfortable and resilient.

As explained in CHBA’s press release, the objective of the project is to support efforts to help enable the residential construction industry to cost-effectively build to forthcoming high-performance building codes, including the highest feasible energy performance tiers of the national model energy codes or other high-performance building codes, such as net-zero emissions codes, by building industry capacity.

CHBA staff attend hundreds of codes and standards meetings each year, analyzing thousands of pages of information concerning

Attached 693

MURB Units

108

proposed code changes, getting feedback from members on the real-world application consequences, and bringing that information back to Codes Canada. We know that tiered energy codes are coming, though as always it will be up to the provinces as to when they get adopted.

This project will build industry’s capacity to comply with tiered codes’ requirements, which are being implemented in many provinces right now. Through a set of new training courses, the project will educate builders on the initial requirements of the tiered codes in the 2020 NBC and on the coming changes to the energy tiers in the 2025 national building codes, incenting more builders and energy advisors to take advantage of existing building science and net zero training, and developing additional programming and tools. Through the project, CHBA will expand the scope of its Net Zero Home Labelling Program by providing builders and energy advisors with starting points to guide their project to Net Zero Ready, using Builder Option Packages (BOPs) to make the process more straightforward.

Renovation

*As of August 30, 2024

EMISSIONS AND RESILIENCE

Until recently, the focus has been on energy efficiency: Reducing energy consumption by improving the building envelope and mechanicals, and generating the remaining energy needed with renewable energy. As the industry is still grappling with rapid changes on that front, just around the corner may be the need to reduce both operational and embodied greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (also known as carbon emissions). Operational GHG (opGHG) emissions are generated from the operation of the home’s mechanical systems, which is significantly impacted by the fuel used to generate the energy available from the grid. Embodied GHG (emGHG) emissions are generated during the production and transportation of the materials until they arrive at a construction site. This encompasses everything from the logging of framing lumber to the manufacturing of all products installed in the home.

Another giant challenge is how to build any home to be more climate resilient. The increase in extreme weather events has the media, government, and homeowners talking about how resilient our homes are in the face of high winds, hail, wildfires and flooding, and extended high heat events, including heat domes.

CHBA continues to actively advise that more research is needed to ensure that homes can be built “carbon-effective” and climate resilient and that they remain affordable for future homebuyers. Through the new Enabling Tiered Codes project, CHBA has established the Emissions and Resilience Working Group, a committee of experts to inform the development of operational and embodied carbon emissions programming, as well as resilience

Minto Communities Management Inc. and Metropia, Toronto

best practices to protect homes and the people living in them against extreme weather events due to climate change, all the while looking at affordability. The results of the project will also help to inform the building code process, as it looks at buildability, costs and other hurdles that need to be overcome for successful implementation if these subjects are to become code requirements.

CHBA is also collaborating with the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR) on a Resilient Homes Task Force (RHTF) project. The Task Force is working to create evidence-based voluntary solutions for more resilient new homes, renovations and homeowner maintenance. These solutions will help inform the residential construction industry and Canadians about options and home and property insurances to protect property and residents from increasing weather extremes and catastrophic loss. The Resilient Homes Task Force will conduct pilot field trials with builders using homes in various locations across Canada, testing four specific natural hazard contexts: Basement flooding, wildfire, hail and high wind. The learnings from those outcomes will be used to create resources and guides for the residential construction industry, insurers and homeowners, outlining voluntary risk reduction initiatives for Canadian homes.

NEXT STEPS

CHBA members from across the country involved in CHBA’s national committees and

councils, including the Net Zero Council and Technical Research Committee, as well as the many others who volunteer their time on various task forces and initiatives, are working with CHBA staff to lead the way to optimally building and renovating high-performance homes through innovative solutions while ensuring housing affordability is minimally impacted.

Building to all these new requirements and keeping homes affordable is an extremely difficult task. All the upcoming changes to building codes will have further adverse impacts on housing affordability, and so it is crucial to make sure that any recommendation to improve emissions and resilience perfor-

mance is first tested against affordability. Which is why it’s so important that members bring their expertise to the table to help inform the future of homebuilding and renovation in Canada – industry must do its best to lead the input into the code process.

If you’re interested in learning more about the work that CHBA and its members are doing about government advocacy on topics like housing supply and affordability, building codes, and more, subscribe to CHBA’s Industry Highlights, a media scan on housing issues and developments, with CHBA commentary. Login to your account and sign up here: chba.ca/highlights.

RND Construction Ltd., Ottawa

Maison Design+Build, Saskatoon, Sask.

Land Ark Homes, Stittsville, Ont.

Net Zero

SOLUTIONS

FROM THE 2024 CHBA NET ZERO COUNCIL GOLD AND SILVER SPONSORS

Build with PINK and make home a better place

Owens Corning

Owens Corning is a Gold Sponsor Member of the CHBA Net Zero Council, which focuses on innovative and high-performance housing solutions.

In the fast-paced construction world, adopting an envelope-first approach to

Net-Zero readiness ensures peace of mind for your buyers, guaranteeing that it’s done right the first time.

Product focus:

PINK Next Gen Fiberglas insulation helps you meet future codes, manage costs, and keep projects on track. Engineered for ease and efficiency, making it ideal for Net-Zero ready homes:

• FASTER INSTALL: Keeps projects on schedule with no downtime.

• PASSES INSPECTION: Meets the highest standards with a smooth, inspection-ready surface.

• COST-EFFECTIVE: Lower installed cost compared to competitors.

• SAFE, PROVEN INGREDIENTS: Supports a healthier home environment.

Precision and comfort in every install

Advanced fibre technology delivers improved recovery and stiffness for a faster install. Superior texture with less clumps and chunks for clean cuts with one pass, less dust and a smooth surface that passes inspection.

Compression packaging for neater stacks and easier handling.

PINK Next Gen Fiberglas insulation sets the standard for precision, comfort, safety and sustainability. It’s the right choice for your business, your customers and the future.

Explore all envelope first insulation products: owenscorning.com/en-ca/ insulation/residential

Owens Corning is a global building and construction materials leader committed to building a sustainable future through material innovation. The company’s three integrated businesses – roofing, insulation and composites – provides durable, sustainable, energy-efficient solutions that leverage our unique material science, manufacturing and market knowledge to help their customers win and grow. The company is global in scope, human in scale with approximately 18,000 employees in 30 countries dedicated to generating value for their customers and shareholders and making a difference in the communities where they work and live. Founded in 1938 and based in Toledo, Ohio, USA, Owens Corning posted 2023 sales of $9.7 billion. For more information, visit owenscorning.ca.

Net Zero starts at home with windows and doors

All Weather at Home

Creating a Net Zero home is about more than reducing energy consumption – it’s about building a space where sustainability and comfort come together. The journey to achieving Net Zero status begins with a well-designed building envelope, and high-performance windows and doors are at the heart of this transformation.

All Weather at Home believes that a truly livable home honours both the lives of its occupants and the environment. its energy efficient windows and doors are built to help homes achieve Net Zero standards, blending sustainability with the feeling of home. These products minimize energy loss, boost insulation and create a peaceful indoor environment, tailored for the unique demands of western Canadian homes.

The company’s triple-pane windows form an insulating thermal barrier, reducing heat transfer between the inside and outside of a home. Compared to traditional dual-pane options, triple-pane windows are a cost-effective path to Net Zero, making a notable impact on energy savings while increasing the comfort of a home.

Its windows are designed to enhance every aspect of home life, from maintaining stable temperatures to blocking out exterior noise. With the added benefits of Low-E coatings, the windows reflect heat back inside the home during winter and block unwanted solar gain in summer, ensuring consistent comfort all year.

All Weather at Home also offers an exterior frame extension on its casement window series to facilitate the seamless installation of additional insulation on the exterior building envelope and support structures over the nail fin.

A pursuit of building better extends beyond just windows. Designed to prevent air leakage, the company’s doors feature durable EPDM weatherstripping that provides a tight seal against drafts. This reduces the strain on heating and cooling systems, bringing homeowners closer to Net Zero performance. Built to last, its doors balance form and function, offering high energy efficiency without requiring high maintenance.

Choosing All Weather at Home means investing in products that are the foundation of a home ready for the future. Discover how All Weather at Home windows and doors can help your home achieve Net Zero at allweatherathome.ca.

Hybrid heating: A resilient and economical heating solution

Enbridge

Space heating accounts for more than 60 per cent of energy use in the average Canadian home, and various methods to help reduce home heating costs and emissions are increasingly available. Enbridge Gas is working to improve hybrid heating, an innovative system that can also help homes achieve resilience to power outages.

Hybrid heating – also known as dual fuel heating – uses an electric heat pump and gas heating equipment to heat and cool homes more efficiently, optimizing energy use and reducing costs. The system utilizes smart home controls to automatically switch between natural gas and electric heating based on factors such as which energy source is more economical at the time. By optimizing the home’s energy mix, energy costs can be reduced.

Furthermore, resiliency to power outages is much easier to achieve with a hybrid heating system, as power needs are lower than with an all-electric heating system. Gas heating equipment has lower power requirements than electric heating equipment, and this difference in power draw increases as the outdoor temperature decreases or the thermostat setpoint temperature increases. For example, a gas furnace may only require 0.4 kW of electricity during operation, whereas an all-electric heating system may require more than 10 kW on a cold day. For example, a single 13.5-kWh battery system could power a gas furnace drawing 0.4 kW for more than 33 hours before running out of charge. But if it was used to power an all-electric heating system on a cold day, it may be able to last only two hours maximum.

Moreover, if a home’s heating system draws less power during a power outage, more wattage is available for other electrical loads, such as refrigerators, lighting and more, while staying within a battery or generator’s maximum power output.

Hybrid heating can allow a homeowner to leverage the strengths of both gas and electric heating equipment to reduce energy costs and improve resilience.

Learn more about Enbridge Gas’ work on hybrid heating at enbridgegas.com/sustainability/clean-heating/hybrid-heating.

New $10,000 FortisBC rebate for dual fuel systems

FortisBC

To help support customers who are looking to install a dual fuel system, FortisBC Energy Inc. (FortisBC) introduced a new rebate of $10,000 or more for eligible customers who replace their home’s older gas heating system with a qualifying dual fuel system.

A dual fuel system provides whole-home heating and cooling and is a good option for homeowners who are replacing an aging gas furnace and want to upgrade to a reliable and efficient system keeping their home comfortable year-round. It includes an electric heat pump for cooling during warm weather and space heating during milder conditions, and a high-efficiency gas furnace for heating in colder weather. The system is operated through a connected thermostat that automatically switches between electric and gas heating at specific temperatures to maximize energy efficiency and comfort.

To make these systems more accessible for customers with unique circumstances and needs, additional funds are also available for income-qualified, Indigenous and Northern B.C. customers. Customers living in and north of 100 Mile House who install a dual fuel system can be eligible for an additional $3,000 top-up offer funded by the Province of British Columbia for a maximum rebate of $13,000. Low-income customers and Indigenous communities may be eligible for a rebate of $15,000 to install a dual fuel system. These customers living in northern communities can also access the top-up for a maximum rebate of $18,000.

Helping British Columbians use energy more efficiently is an important part of FortisBC’s work each and every day, which is why the company plans to invest close to $700 million in its electricity and gas energy-efficiency programs between 2024 and 2027.

For more information about FortisBC’s dual fuel rebate offer, visit fortisbc.com/dualfuel.

Appealing electric solutions for multi-unit developments

Mitsubishi Electric Heating & Cooling Westman Village is a development by Jayman BUILT located in the community of Mahogany in Calgary. The project thoughtfully weaves convenience, diversity and accessibility into an all-inclusive suburban community concept. Redefining the way new homes are built, bought and lived in, the carefully designed community includes condominiums, townhomes, seniors’ residences and long-term leasing condos.

According to Dennis Aucoin, Senior Development Manager for Westman Village, many of the prospective residents and homeowners were downsizing. To offer them an attractive product, the units needed to be quiet, and the building had to create a seamless transition with top-quality products that would meet high expectations. This includes everything from the finishes to the heating and air conditioning units. The heating and cooling units also had to be energy efficient, as Jayman BUILT prides itself on Green construction.

That’s where Mitsubishi Electric came in. With more than 100 years of experience providing reliable, high-quality products to both commercial and residential consumers all over the world, Mitsubishi Electric is a recognized world leader in the manufacturing, marketing and sales of electrical and electronic equipment used in information processing and communications, consumer electronics, industrial technology, energy, transportation and construction.

“We were attracted to the Mitsubishi Electric brand because we consider it the Cadillac of heating and cooling units,” says Aucoin.

The Westman Village project is Mitsubishi Electric’s largest Canadian multi-unit residential development. Mitsubishi Electric individual split and centralized variable refrigerant flow (VRF) units were chosen, thanks to their efficiency and reputation. Their whisper-quiet sound was also a deciding factor – the units emit about half the noise of a regular unit in a house. Further, the slim, suitcase-style units were also perfect for more compact living spaces.

Ease of maintenance was also a deciding factor. “For us getting into leased seniors and rentals, we wanted a product that was going to be somewhat maintenance free and last the test of time,” says Aucoin.

Finally, the Mitsubishi Electric VRF units are all about consumer comfort and use unique design and engineering solutions to deliver it. Typically, a normal air conditioner runs at full blast, cooling the entire space then shutting off. But these units are built to get to a certain temperature and maintain it. Overall, this allows for lower energy use and improved comfort.

Learn more about Mitsubishi Electric systems at mitsubishielectric.ca.

Panasonic heat pumps: The retrofit solution for Homestead apartments

Panasonic

Homestead Land Holdings – one of Canada’s largest landlords –couldn’t justify the unacceptably high operating costs of two of their buildings. The buildings’ aging systems had led to excessive electricity consumption and mounting repair bills, and the decades-old HVAC equipment – packaged terminal air conditioners (PTACs) in one building and electric in-floor heating in the other – were no longer meeting tenants’ expectations.

Homestead needed to find an affordable, energy-efficient solution capable of delivering consistent heating and cooling throughout each apartment, supported by accurate, user-friendly controls. The retrofit had to deliver annual savings on energy consumption, maintenance and repairs that guaranteed a reasonable payback period. The chosen solution also had to fit seamlessly into apartments of various shapes and sizes; system components could not significantly impede living space, reduce its usability, detract from its appearance or compromise tenant safety in any way.

The company set up two pilot projects designed to assess the long-term performance of their chosen solution, Panasonic Ductless Air Source Heat Pumps (DASHPs).

Over a year, Homestead measured the electricity consumption of the new DASHPs and old PTACS in two similar apartments, for comparison. The company also collected temperature readings to verify that the DASHPs were keeping up with heating and cooling demand. When the year was over, Homestead found that the new heat pumps had achieved an astonishing 68-per-cent savings on electricity costs, prompting the company to install Panasonic DASHPs throughout the two apartment buildings.

Considering all capital upgrades and operating expenses, the estimated payback period for retrofitting the two apartment buildings is five and seven years. Data collected during the pilot projects shows that a combined annual electricity savings of $228,000 is expected for the two buildings – that’s $10 million in savings over 25 years when adjusted for inflation. To date, Homestead’s actual post-retrofit electricity costs support this projection.

Further, tenants reported that the Panasonic DASHPs provided instant heating/cooling and better air circulation, eliminating noticeable hot/cold spots for a more even profile across each temperature zone. They also reported having better control over their living space, citing major improvements, such as automatic temperature and occupancy settings, Wi-Fi connectivity and more. Find out more about Breathe Well by Panasonic heating and cooling solutions at na.panasonic.ca/indoor-air-quality/hvac.

How combination heating systems can help builders achieve highperformance and affordability

Reliance Home Comfort

Systems that prioritize energy efficiency are growing in popularity amongst builders – and combination heating systems (or combi boilers) are helping builders offer high-performance systems and affordability to their customers.

Combi boilers are hydronic-based mechanical systems that have a dual purpose: They provide domestic hot water and space heating and offer some advantages when compared to typical forced air gas furnaces and hot water tanks.

Reliance Home Comfort, which services more than two million customers across Canada, is a leading provider of combi boilers for multi-unit rental buildings. With a dedication to helping homebuilders work towards Net Zero, the company’s Director of Builder Markets, Shannon Bertuzzi, says builders can expect a high level of service and expertise from Reliance.

“We know what solutions are helping move the needle towards Net Zero,” says Bertuzzi, adding that Reliance is attuned to code changes and sits on the CHBA Net Zero Council. “Our involvement in the Council lets us offer input into new systems that help builders achieve high-performance housing.”

When working with Reliance, builders are assigned both an account manager and a technical manager to ensure they receive high-end systems that add great value for homeowners. This is showcased by a recent example in which a Reliance key account manager worked with a builder in Vaughan, Ont. to help them select the appropriate equipment for their townhouse project. The builder included a tested combi boiler system in its 111 townhomes and a hot water recirculation pump to help reduce water consumption.

Bertuzzi emphasizes that Reliance is more than a water heating company. “We offer builders a multitude of products, including smart home technology, HVAC equipment, and even EV charging solutions.”

Bertuzzi stresses innovation is essential in the residential construction industry and builders play an important role by testing new systems in their projects. “Collaboration is vital to successfully transform the housing stock.”

Learn more about how Reliance helps builders reach high-performance and affordability at reliancebuilderprogram.com.

– Marc Huminilowycz, award-winning content writer and editor specializing in Green building and energy-efficient homes

ECONOMICS

BUILDER SALES CONDITIONS DIVERGE

SALES CONTINUE TO WORSEN WHERE LARGEST SUPPLY INCREASE IS NEEDED

BY EVAN ANDRADE, CHBA ECONOMIST

At the centre of solving Canada’s affordability crisis is getting more Canadian into new homes. To assist in tracking industry health ahead of housing starts, CHBA conducts its quarterly Housing Market Index (HMI) survey. The survey asks CHBA builder members for their views on selling conditions and reports sentiment as a score between zero and 100. The chart below shows the historical results of the single-family and multi-family index. Nationally, the results from the second quarter 2024 survey continued to show negative views on selling conditions for single- and multi-family homes. Sentiment was further negative than the results from the first quarter survey. This reflects another poor spring selling season, showing that the Bank of Canada’s policy rate reduction has not been meaningful enough to allow more buying activity.

This quarter, CHBA also provided insights on the regional results of the HMI, as stark trends have continued to widen between geographic regions since the end of 2022. The prairie provinces have seen a general uptrend in sentiment over the past year and a half, and their regional HMIs, while not stellar, are at least now higher than a value of 50. This is significant because it means the balance of builder views has shifted to being modestly positive with regards to sales. Atlantic Canada sentiment held steady around the neutral score of 50. Meanwhile, sentiment among Ontario builders is terrible, and British Columbia builders continued a steady downward trend. Both provinces’ HMI readings reached new lows in Q2 2024. Even weaker sales conditions continue to warn that starts slated for ownership in these provinces will

continue to decline. The regional divergence is the differences in both the cost of housing and income prospects that factor into housing affordability. These are rooted in regional housing system structural factors that we are seeing reflected in the HMI survey indicating that we have moved beyond solely the impact of high interest rates – the compounded effect of high interest and high housing costs is drastically eroding sales.

BUILDER MARGINS UNDER PRESSURE

Many people outside of the industry believe that builders and developers could and should reduce their selling prices to help improve sales. However, even under the poor selling conditions outlined by the HMI, there is a limit to how much builders can avoid raising selling prices over time – let alone reduce them.

PROLONGED NEGATIVE VIEWS ON SELLING CONDITIONS

rise in builder costs, while the buyer’s ability to qualify for adequately sized mortgages under the current underwriting rules has reached its limit. These are the issues that housing policy must be bold enough to address.

THE ROLE DATA HAS IN HOME CONSTRUCTION

Cumulatively since 2020, new home selling prices have risen 19 per cent across urban areas and new condominium prices rose just 7.7 per cent, according to Statistics Canada (StatCan). Put another way, annual price growth over the past four years has averaged 4.8 per cent for ground-oriented homes and near zero growth on average for condominiums. This is far less than the gains seen in the existing housing market and the general inflation rate of consumer goods and services over the past several years.

The rate of increase of construction costs a builder faces has been far outpacing selling price increases, according to StatCan’s Building Construction Price Index. Since 2020, the cost of ground-oriented construction is up 69 per cent and apartment construction cost is up 53 per cent. It is not niche or substitutable building products that are leading to these

price gains either, it’s the main inputs that go into building homes. Chart 2 shows the remarkable 151-per-cent increase in the price of wood, plastics, and composite materials between the first quarter of 2020 and second quarter of 2024. Out of the 23 cost components that are tracked by the government agency, eight components report cumulative growth of more than 50 per cent.

While those within the industry understand well that higher costs have settled into the new normal, CHBA continues to raise awareness on costs through media to the public and to politicians. It is simply not possible to deliver housing and reduce selling prices further in this building environment. These are just the hard costs of construction and say nothing about the continued rise of the soft costs incurred during the preconstruction phase. Project viability is being hurt by the consistent

In addition to providing frameworks and policy recommendations that will support greater supply of new housing, CHBA is also engaged in ways to improve housing market data. With regional building targets set and new policies that tie federal funding for infrastructure to meeting new home construction goals, it is important that our measurement of housing starts and construction improves. CHBA has had discussions with StatCan and CMHC requesting that housing starts numbers be broken out to provide a better picture of medium density housing. Currently, this is obscured with a catch all “apartments and other” category. CHBA has also strongly recommended that new federal funding for housing data be used to more closely monitor developments as they move through the phases of construction. As the old adage goes: “What gets measured can get managed.”

Of course, CHBA’s HMI is also an important, and forward-looking, data source for residential construction in Canada. It is being closely monitored by StatCan, the Bank of Canada, and other policy makers. The more HMI participants we have, the better we can inform government policy on your behalf, so if you are a builder interested in providing your input on sales conditions in areas you sell and build in, contact us at hmi@chba.ca.

CONTRACTOR PRICE GROWTH SINCE 2020 (%)

Wood, plastics and composites Metal fabrications

Concrete Structural steel framing Equipment

KITCHEN & BATH TRANSFORMATION

Continuing to evolve from primarily utilitarian rooms into improved quality-of-life areas in the home

BEVERAGE STATION

Thermador’s stainless-steel Wine Reserve Columns with glass doors are available in 18and 24-in. widths. There is enough space to hold up to 92 bottles and two or three zones to ensure that wines are stored at the optimum temperature and humidity. This self-contained station includes a prep sink and floating shelves for glassware and other beverage amenities. thermador.ca

LE CORBUSIER PENDANTS

Projecteur 365 pendant light accents the lines of the modern kitchen. It was first envisioned and crafted by architect and designer Le Corbusier in 1954. Simple in form and function, the Projecteur collection has a refined industrial character. Perfect for kitchens looking for a cooler, more refined tone. It can be combined with Projecteur 165 pendant light, clip light and both sizes of Projecteur wall/ceiling lights to create a complete kitchen lighting plan. lightformshop.com

PET-TOLERANT FLOORING

Vinyl sheet flooring from Carpet One comes in rolled sheets ranging from six to 12 ft. wide.

Excellent for kitchen and bathrooms. Laying vinyl in sheets minimizes the number of seams, which means less opportunity for moisture from drips and spills to get through. Styles mimic stone, tile and hardwood. If clients have pets, inlaid vinyl is a thicker and more durable vinyl sheet option that does a good job of hiding most scratches. carpetone.ca

FIVE-BURNER COOKING

This Samsung 30-in. exterior width Electric Range has a lot of client-appeal features: Self-clean, convection, five burners, 6.3-cu.-ft. capacity, air fry, two ovens, stainless steel color, dual fan, true European convection, FlexDuo with dual door, aluminum griddle and soft close door. canadianappliance.ca

BUDGET-FRIENDLY RANGEHOOD

The Inca Smart Stainless Steel range hood should appeal to contractor clients with budget limitations. It’s a built-in range hood that will fit into most cabinets, available in 240, 400, and 600 CFM and features LED lighting. It fits cabinets as small as 12 in. deep and will also fit custom hoods 28 in. wide and up. The unit has a built-in mounting system and is convertible to recirculating. faberonline.com

DINING IN STYLE

The Gourmet furniture collection from Canadel features affordable custom dining with a wide selection of benches, buffets, chairs, glass tables, kitchen islands, stools and tables. Gourmet furniture will fit clients’ space and style, whether it’s country, transitional, contemporary or anything in between. Furniture products in the Gourmet catalogue collection can be combined using the Canadel configurator. canadel.com

GOING-TO-THE-WALL

Because wall ovens are generally installed at eye level, home chefs don't have to bend uncomfortably or kneel to put food in or take it out. When you're trying to cook a large turkey or roast, that posture can be uncomfortable and possibly hazardous. The Frigidaire Gallery GCWM3067AD Microwave Wall Oven Combo features a 30-in. exterior width, convection, one oven, self-cleaning, 5.3-cu.-ft.-capacity, temperature probe, black stainless steel color, true European convection, air fry and telescopic gliding extension rack. canadianappliance.ca

HI-TECH COOKING

The Invisacook 5 Burner 220V unit is a complete, self-contained induction cooking system. It has five induction points to cook on an approved porcelain countertop. It has a controller, and can be controlled through Wi-Fi using the InvisaCook App. Invisacook is installed beneath the countertop. Using advanced invisa-induction technology, and works through the countertop to effectively heat the pan and create cooking space where there might not traditionally appear to be one. Additionally, as the Invisacook does not generate direct heat, it remains safe to use as traditional counter space when you're not cooking. invisacook.com

The Frigidaire Gallery GCWM3067AD Microwave Wall Oven Combo

Samsung 30-in. exterior width Electric Range

Gourmet furniture collection from Canadel

21ST CENTURY BATHROOMS

Changing to meet contemporary expectations

THERMOSTATIC SHOWER

Technology is playing an increasingly important role in home renovation product design. One example is a thermostatic rainfall shower panel system from Max Faucets. It features five different functions with a single-handle design for controlling water temperature and flow volume. The company says it has a variety of traditional and contemporary designs available and guarantees complete satisfaction with every purchase. Max offers a lifetime warranty on all products. maxfaucets.ca

QUICK-CHANGE TO SHOWER

Renovation clients can improve the safety and style of their homes by having a tub-to-shower conversion installed. Jacuzzi offers low- and no-threshold entries, as well as customizable fixtures and seats. The conversion results in low maintenance requirements. Anti-microbial technology is built into the shower walls. The silver ion-infused nonporous acrylic is naturally resistant to the growth of mold, bacteria and other microbes, and is stain-resistant. jacuzzibathremodel.ca

PORCELAIN TILE

Homebuyers and renovation clients like having tile in the bathroom for several reasons: Moisture resistance, ease of maintenance, excellent combined radiant heating, durability and long-lasting, extensive design options and overall cost-effectiveness. Centura Elyisyan Travertini porcelain and ceramic slab tile is a new collection featuring four appearance styles. The line includes six mm slabs, which are ideal for overlaying existing floors of marble, natural stone or ceramics, eliminating the need for removal. centura.ca

FREESTANDING BATH

Mirolin’s 59-in. Calago freestanding bath is vacuum-formed acrylic, reinforced with fibreglass. It’s scratch and fade-resistant and features a high gloss finish. The unit has an integral white powder-coated pop-up drain and slotted overflow. It includes a steel frame with self-leveling feet and is available in white only. mirolin.com

TAKE YOUR MEDICINE

Made in Canada, the MAAX Element medicine cabinet has a 48-in. width by 31-in. height with

a five-in. depth, has three pivoting panels and a classic half-in. beveled edge and polished chrome base. All MAAX medicine cabinets are made of anodized aluminum, which resists corrosion. Slide Edge technology makes it easy to adjust shelves. The Smove soft closing mechanism is included with all MAAX medicine cabinets. maax.com

CORNER SHOWERS

Why would a homebuyer or renovation client want a corner shower? There are several reasons: They work well in smaller spaces, when enclosed by glass can make a small bathroom feel bigger and they’re available in multiple configurations. litfad.com has a variety of framed corner showers available in different sizes and configurations, such as with toilet included or not, frosted tempered glass, shower curtain partition or glass partition. litfad.com

FLOOR HEATING CABLE

From Tilemaster Canada, the TRM heating cable is a PVC jacketed, two-conductor, constant wattage floor heating cable, sized specifically to fit TRM membrane systems. Available in 120V and 240V, TRM electric floor heating systems are suitable for a wide range of interior heating applications. Once the TRM heating cable is installed, tiling can begin immediately. tilemastercanada.com

Jacuzzi low- and no-threshold shower conversion

Mirolin’s 59-in. Calago

Insulation

MANAGING THE ELEMENTS

Insulation performs a trifecta role of saving homeowners’ money, creating a home comfort zone and helping the environment

Rigid Foam Insulation

Owens Corning FOAMULAR NGX C-300

Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) Rigid Foam

Insulation is a closed cell, highly moisture-resistant rigid foam board well suited to meet the needs for a wide variety of residential and commercial construction applications. R-Value ranges are five to 20, thickness ranges one to four in.

Owens Corning FOAMULAR NGX

CodeBord Air Barrier System combines acrylic sheathing tape (JointSealR), flashing tape (FlashSealR), and polyethylene foam sill gasket (ProPINK ComfortSealR) to form and function as a complete exterior air barrier system. owenscorning.ca

Thermal/ acoustic insulation

Zero ozone depletion

SOPRA-SPF 200 LT is a two-component, closedcell, spray-applied polyurethane foam insulation system. Thanks to its eco-friendly HFO blowing agent, SOPRA-SPF 200 LT has a zero-ozone depletion potential and a global warming potential of one. SOPRA-SPF 200 LT is designed for commercial, industrial and residential insulation applications, on exterior walls, interior walls and foundations. SOPRA-SPF 200 LT meets and exceeds the CAN/ ULC-S705.1-15 standard. soprema.ca

Eight in a day

Huntsman Building Solutions upgraded Heatlok Soya HP closed-cell spray foam solution effectively blocks the intrusion of pollutants, allergens and other airborne irritants. It provides spray foam applicators with improved performance and application in walls, roofs, foundations and under-slab. It is resistant to mould and flood damage and is Greenguard Gold Certified. Up to eight in. can be sprayed in a day. It contains 20 per cent recycled plastic and renewable soya oil. huntsmanbuildingsolutions.com

Johns Manville ComfortTherm poly-encapsulated thermal and acoustical insulation offers R-Values up to R-30 and is available in precut batts to fit standard wall cavities or rolls for custom installation in any size of wall cavity. ComfortTherm insulation is wrapped in plastic for dust-free, itch-free installation, and can be used in a wide variety of wood frame, engineered wood and steel frame construction applications, including new construction and retrofit. Stable bonded glass fibres won’t slump within the wall cavity, settle or break down during normal applications. jm.com

Membrane vapour retarder

CertainTeed’s MemBrain is a smart vapour retarder that helps improve the energy efficiency of buildings by controlling moisture levels. This innovative insulation solution is designed to adapt to changes in humidity levels, allowing moisture to escape when necessary, while still blocking moisture from entering the building envelope. MemBrain is made from high-quality polyamide material that is both durable and easy to install. It helps to improve indoor air quality by controlling moisture levels and reducing the risk of mould and mildew growth. certainteed.ca

For the roof

Rockwool supplies a variety of insulation products for flat or pitched roof applications. From steel, concrete or warm roofs to rafter line or loft insulation, Rockwool products are made from premium stone wool.

Whether your roofing project is part of a new construction or an existing building rehabilitation or repair, you can begin maximizing the roof’s longterm durability and environmental impact as early as the design phase.

Incorporating stone wool insulation into the roof assembly provides options for enhancing acoustic performance, passive fire protection, reliable long-term R-value and dimensional stability. rockwool.com

Multi-purpose insulation

In some circumstaces, a multi-purpose insulation product can save time and money compared with using a number of more restricted-use insulation products. Knauf’s Eccobat insulation can be used for various applications, including walls, ceiling, sound control, floor, attics and mid-floor.

Engineered to offer both thermal and acoustic properties, Eccobat is made with ECOSE technology and is validated formaldehyde-free. It’s certified to a demanding indoor air quality certification in the industry, Greenguard Gold. knaufnorthamerica.com

Use code EXCELLENCE for a Free Trade Show Pass

FINANCING MULTI-UNIT HOMES

OPTIONS

FOR HELPING YOUR CLIENTS CONVERT THEIR HOMES INTO MULTIPLE RESIDENTIAL UNITS

BY

In the midst of a housing supply shortage across much of the country, compounded by affordability challenges, there are many reasons to densify the existing housing stock. Due to the pressures to increase housing supply, more municipalities are easing or otherwise amending zoning bylaws to allow for converting, renovating, redeveloping and building new housing units on an existing property. While bylaws are specific to individual communities, and there are still plenty of challenges for builders, renovators and homeowners to navigate that process, more and more Canadians are interested in learning about the options available to them.

As a renovator or builder, you may have clients who are considering adding dwelling units to their existing property, so you may

want to make sure they’re aware of the different solutions available to them.

This article outlines several options for converting a single-family property into a multi-unit property. However, it is important that your clients understand the processes, bylaws and regulations applicable in your specific municipality, so that they know what types of homes and units are permitted, and how many are allowed on their property.

Adding more legal residences can not only accommodate more people, it can also be financially helpful for the property owner in the longer term. In the short term, however, getting access to the necessary funds to finance such a major project can seem daunting.

It’s a challenge that Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) is aware of, and it has developed financing options to help.*

An RBC Construction Mortgage can help Canadian homeowners add up to six new housing units to their property –whether by building new units (such as a garden suite), adding new structures (such as a laneway home) or renovating their existing home (such as by adding a basement apartment or converting it into a duplex or triplex). Plus, with an in-depth knowledge of construction mortgages, RBC Mortgage Specialists can give homeowners the support they need to guide them through the budgeting and mortgage application process, while you guide them through the planning and development process of re-engineering their existing property.

DIANE AMATO, ON BEHALF OF ROYAL BANK OF CANADA.

DIANE AMATO IS A TORONTO-BASED FREELANCE WRITER WHO SPECIALIZES IN FINANCES, TRAVEL AND TECHNOLOGY

Diane Amato

In addition to this article, on Sept. 26, 2024 CHBA is co-hosting a webinar with RBC exclusively for CHBA members, titled “Getting Buyers into the Market: CHBA Action and RBC Mortgage Solutions,” which will go over these and additional mortgage solutions available to homeowners.

FAST FACTS

RBC is committed to being a leader and innovator by offering financing solutions that meet the ever-evolving needs of homeowners and has recently enhanced its Construction Mortgage program to now include financing for various types of homes and dwelling units, such as manufactured and modular homes, for qualifying customers and properties.

You can register or watch on-demand after the air date at chba.ca/webinars.

Learn more about RBC’s financing options for multi-units at rbc.com/constructionmortgage.

COMMON TYPES OF HOUSING THAT ADD RESIDENCES TO AN EXISTING PROPERTY Duplex, triplex or multiplex

Single-family detached homes may be able to be converted into multiple units, including duplexes (a building with two units), triplexes (three units) and multiplexes (four or more units).

Each unit in the “plex” must have its own entrance, kitchen, bathroom and driveway, and must have the same amenities that you would find in a single-family home. The building can be divided side-to-side or upstairs and downstairs.

Scenario 1: Alan has three adult children who are entering the workforce. He wants to help them out as they get started. He bought a large home

in Toronto with the intention of converting it to a three-unit house. Once the conversion is complete, each of them will have their own space and pay their own rent to Alan (at a rate he can set). This situation removes the possibility of unexpected rent increases, allows Alan to ensure his kids have a quality home in which to live, and helps nurture financial independence.

Laneway home

This is a structure that is typically detached from the main house on a property but located right beside a city laneway. While not attached to the main house, the utilities and services are shared – think water, gas and electricity. Cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton, Regina, Calgary, Ottawa and Halifax are among the more popular sites for laneway homes in Canada so far.

Scenario 2: Lee and Cameron have a home in Vancouver with a laneway garage they don’t use. Lee’s parents are immigrating to Canada in a few

“ As a renovator or builder, you may have clients who are considering adding dwelling units to their existing property, so you may want to make sure they’re aware of the different solutions available to them. ”

months and Lee and Cameron have decided to convert their garage into a laneway home, giving Lee’s parents a soft landing in their new country. This means Lee can have their parents close-by, while still giving each couple some privacy. It’s a win-win!

Garden suite

A garden suite is similar to a laneway home – it is detached from the main house but shares its utilities. The difference is that a garden suite isn’t located near a city laneway, and instead sits in a property’s backyard.

Scenario 3: Ali’s son and daughter-in-law are newly married and want to move out of their one-bedroom apartment in a noisy part of the city. Ali owns a large property in the suburbs with a big backyard. By building a garden suite on his property, he can add a two-bedroom unit for the couple – with enough space for them to start a family – and help them save money on rent and other home expenses.

Basement apartment

A home’s basement may be able to be converted into a separate living space. There are several safety and liveability standards that must be met when creating a basement apartment.

Scenario 4: Lynsey and Jon are empty nesters and have space in their home they hardly use –including their basement. They could use a bit of extra cash each month and are contemplating converting their finished basement into a rental apartment. With a separate entrance and a bathroom already in place, adding a kitchen is fairly straightforward, along with a few other upgrades needed to make it a legal apartment. Lynsey and Jon determine that the rental income they could earn from renting out their basement apartment could help them pay down their mortgage over the long term and put a bit extra aside for retirement.

Manufactured and modular homes

Manufactured homes are typically built in a factory off-site and then delivered and assembled on your property. Formerly (and still informally) called mobile homes, manufactured homes are not affixed to your land. Generally, manufactured/mobile homes aren’t actually all that mobile, since they are semi-permanent, but they can be moved when necessary. Note, a permit is typically required to move a manufactured home to a new property.

Modular homes, unlike manufactured homes, are permanently affixed to your property, sitting either on a conventional foundation or a concrete slab. They are built partially or completely off-site using one or more prefabricated, three-dimensional components or modules, then transported to a property. There, the home is put together, a little like building blocks. These homes can be installed on various sized lots in urban or rural settings, and there are companies that can help homeowners determine whether their property would be suitable for such a home.

Scenario 5: Ada has a large property with a lot of land. Her parents are getting older – she would like to have them nearby and see them in a home that is all one level and in which it’s easy to get around. Together, she and her parents purchase a modular home meets their mobility needs. It is put together on Ada’s land – close to her home but with enough outdoor space that they can have their own garden. This gives Ada the peace of mind that her parents are in a safe place where she can care for them as their needs change, while enabling them to retain their independence.

* Personal lending products and residential mortgages are offered by Royal Bank of Canada and are subject to its standard lending criteria. Conditions apply. For more information, contact Royal Bank of Canada.

RECONCEPTUALIZING SUBURBAN LIVING

AWARD-WINNING COMMUNITIES SHOWCASE THE IMPORTANCE OF CONNECTIONS

BY CHLOE PERREAULT, COMMUNICATION STRATEGIST, CHBA

Developers are making strides in building communities that are vibrant, amenity-rich and more walkable, breaking away from the stereotype that suburbanites need a car for everything. Great community design not only enhances the visual appeal of suburban landscapes but also significantly improves residents’ quality of life. While major cities such as Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal often get the most attention when it comes to revitalizing waterfronts, creating greenspaces and promoting sustainable living, the reality is that these transformations are happening across the country.

Two recent examples of outstanding community development hail from Alberta. Dream Developments were awarded top honours in the 2024 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence for both of the Community Development awards.

Alpine Park is a cutting-edge urban community near Calgary that clinched the Best Growing Community award. Developed in collaboration with HDR | Peter Calthorpe, a renowned figure in new urbanism, Alpine Park prioritizes people-centred design over traditional car-centric layouts. Spanning 476 acres, the community draws inspiration from Calgary’s natural and architectural heritage, blending mountainous, prairie and urban elements to establish a uniquely Calgarian setting.

Alpine Park boasts various eco-friendly features, such as solar-oriented garages, a naturalized stormwater wetland and an extensive urban forest plan. The community is designed to be highly walkable, with most homes just an eight-minute walk from the Village Centre, a retail hub owned by Dream for ongoing development. The Village Centre will

offer a range of shops, cafes and amenities to ensure residents have easy access to daily necessities. Additionally, the community layout

Images on this page: Élan

“ Great community design not only enhances the visual appeal of suburban landscapes but also significantly improves residents’ quality of life. ”

emphasizes social connectivity with homes featuring front porches, wide pathways and tree-lined streets.

Winner of the Best New Community category, Élan, in Beaumont, was built for intergenerational living and provides smalltown charm while encouraging a family-centric lifestyle ideal for young families seeking walkability and amenities nearby. This lively community on Edmonton’s doorstep pays tribute to the town’s Franco-Albertan heritage with outstanding architecture and peoplecentered design.

Élan covers 154 acres and is expected to have 1,480 residential units upon comple -

tion. The community features a variety of housing styles, including Prairie, Farmhouse, Craftsman, French Country and Quaint Quebecois architecture. There is a network of parks and open areas to establish hubs and meeting spots for residents and visitors, including a central park with wood-built playgrounds, sports courts and seasonal events for residents and visitors to enjoy, all developed to foster connected community. Élan promotes commercial and mixed-use spaces and diverse transportation choices,

and The Urban Village will showcase denser residential and mixed-use properties, serving as the central hub and attraction for the neighbourhood.

The success of these two projects highlights the power of meticulous planning and community engagement. By championing greenspaces, sustainable living and pedestrian-friendly environments, developers are setting new standards for community developments that foster vibrant, inclusive spaces where individuals can live, work and thrive.

Images on this page: Alpine Park

FEATURED companies

SAVE TIME AND MONEY WITH EATON’S SPA PANEL

Eaton’s spa panel features a reliable protection for spa pumps and hot tubs. They are designed to save time as our panels are prewired, offering ground fault circuit protection device and a disconnect switch in a single simple device.

EATON eatoncanada.ca

KNOWING YOUR BUSINESS MATTERS

No two businesses are alike, so we take the time to get to know yours. With a dedicated Federated agent and risk management team on your side, you always get personalized service, trusted advice, and tailored protection.

PWT – FOCUSED ON EWP

PWT prioritizes quality, demonstrating a steadfast dedication to innovation and top-notch engineered wood products (EWP) since 1998. We remain dedicated to industry-leading innovation and high-quality EWP products. This approach allows us to offer complete indoor and outdoor whole-home solutions, making us the preferred EWP supplier. Our customers’ confidence in our products and service is the foundation of our business.

HUMM

At humm, we provide flexible financing for ecommerce and in-store purchases, up to $30,000. Our completely digital financing option brings a unique blend of benefits designed to propel business growth.

FEDERATED INSURANCE federated.ca

JWC8500 SERIES WINDOW

Embrace the future with JELD-WEN of Canada’s most energy-efficient window. JELD-WEN of Canada proudly presents the innovative JWC8500 series window, meticulously engineered to exceed customer expectations with the perfect blend of style, performance and energy savings.

PACIFIC WOODTECH

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YOUR BUSINESS, YOUR FUTURE. OUR FOCUS

No one can predict the future of the real estate and construction sector, but you can prepare your business for the best possible outcomes, while capitalizing on opportunities. MNP’s proven track record in this industry ensures you get the innovative business strategies, efficient operations and a tax plan that takes you from where you are to where you want to be.

HUMM shophumm.com

JELD-WEN jeld-wen.ca

MNP mnp.ca

SUSTAINABLE BUILDING MATERIALS

Owens Corning, a global leader in sustainable building materials, offers integrated solutions in Composites, Insulation, and Roofing. With 18,000 employees across 30 countries, we create value for customers while fostering sustainable communities through material innovation.

OWENS

CORNING CANADA owenscorning.ca

VISIONAIRE PREMIUM PATIO OPENING SYSTEMS

The Westeck Visionaire Aluminum product line features state-of-the-art aluminum architectural solutions designed to meet the highest standards of quality, performance, and longevity. Visionaire is engineered to withstand even the most challenging environments while ensuring optimal thermal performance, thereby contributing to energy savings and sustainability.

WESTECK

westeckwindows.com

MANAGED DECOR INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUILDERS

Accelerate your sales and selections program with My Design Studio’s AI-driven visualizer platform and Decor Management expertise. Increase your profitability. Simplify your processes. Learn more at software.my-designstudio.com.

DESIGN STUDIO software.my-designstudio.com

COMMUNITY SPIRIT

Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) members have been building, developing, and renovating Canadian homes for generations. We are sharing the extraordinary contributions CHBA members make in their communities every day through our ongoing #CdnBuilt for Generations campaign. Here are a few recent stories. To read more stories follow our hashtag or visit blog.chba.ca/category/giving-back.

BILD Calgary members ride for Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta

Ride Through the Rockies is an annual fundraising event in support of Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta. This is the eleventh year that founder Ken Crockett, vice-president of Star Building Materials and a member of BILD Calgary Region, brought together leaders from the homebuilding industry. Forty participants cycled hundreds of kilometres through the Rockies with the goal of raising $300,000 for Habitat for Humanity. Crockett began this initiative to combine philanthropy with his passion for cycling. Since its inception, the Ride has raised $1.3 million for Habitat for Humanity. The funds raised support affordable homeownership opportunities across southern Alberta. Last year, Habitat delivered more than $10 million in affordable housing, with plans for an additional $24 million underway, including homes in Calgary, Airdrie and High River.

Centra Windows raises $110,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities

CHBA BC member Centra Windows hosted a golf tournament for a great cause with its 24th annual Centra Cares Golf Tournament in support of Ronald McDonald House Charities. This year, the tournament raised $110,000, with $90,000 going to the Ronald McDonald House BC and Yukon and $20,000 to Ronald McDonald House Charities Alberta. Each year, Centra Windows employees nominate charities and causes in need of support. This year, Ronald McDonald House BC and Yukon was chosen as the primary recipient because of their work providing homes for families with sick and injured children who need medical care far from home. The generous donation will enable Ronald McDonald House BC and Yukon to provide 360 nights of comfort for families who leave their communities to receive life-saving treatment for their ill or injured child. Over the last 5 years, Centra Windows has fundraised and donated more than $1 million to local charities.

London HBA and Tricar Group host a charity soccer tournament for local homelessness fund

A fund dedicated to helping London’s homeless population recently received a boost from the region’s homebuilders. The second annual Constructors Cup, a charity soccer tournament hosted by London HBA in conjunction with Tricar Group, raised $70,000 for The Health and Homelessness Fund for Change, which is administered by the London Community Foundation. About $17,500 was raised during the one-day tournament and was matched by Tricar Group to bring the total to $35,000. The donation was then raised to $70,000 by the anonymous donor family who originally spearheaded The Health and Homelessness Fund for Change with a $25-million commitment. The proceeds are being put towards the implementation of a whole of community system response to the crisis of homelessness in the London area, including for the Wiiigwaminaan Lodge, an Indigenous-led hub that aims to address Indigenous homelessness beyond the winter months.

WELCOME TO THE FUTURE OF WINDOWS

DURABLE AND LOW-MAINTENANCE

VINYL AND ALUMINUM CONSTRUCTION

ALUMINUM-C L AD EXTER IOR, OF FE RE D IN AN A TT R AC T IVE SE LE CT ION

SL EEK, LOW -P R OFI LE HARD W ARE DE SI GN

ENERG Y -E FFI CIEN T DUAL -P AN E AN D TR I- P ANE LO W -E G LA SS OPT ION S

26% LO WER P RO F IL E F R AM E INCR EASES GLAS S AR EA

UP TO 22% BE TTER ENE R GY E F FI C IENC Y

With the unique changes of our Canadian climate, the demand for energy-efficient products that can stand up to the elements is higher than ever. JELD-WEN of Canada proudly introduces the groundbreaking JWC8500 series window —a perfect blend of style, performance, and energy savings, meticulously engineered to exceed expectations.

Our newest JELD-WEN® window, the JWC8500 hybrid option exceeds performance, in all regions of Canada, offering an aluminum-clad exterior finish with an exquisite selection of colours to choose from.

Discover the advantages of JELD-WEN of Canada’s most energy-efficient window. Our 8500 series windows are 2030-rated to meet Canada’s U-Factor 0.14 (U.S./I-P) / 0.82 (Metric/SI) or ER 44 building codes, and are designed to significantly reduce energy costs while ensuring year-round comfort in your home.

Tailored to meet the regional needs of homeowners, our windows are the perfect fit when planning a renovation or new home build, seamlessly blending functionality and style to suit any project.

Discover the JWC8500 series window from JELD-WEN of Canada—and experience the future of home comfort and efficiency.

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No one can predict the future of the real estate and construction sector, but you can prepare your business for the best possible outcomes, while capitalizing on opportunities. MNP’s proven track record in this industry ensures you get the innovative business strategies, efficient operations and a tax plan that takes you from where you are to where you want to be.