Building Excellence Fall 2022

Net Zero homes

Kitchens &Baths

VISIBLY DIFFERENT

SINCLAIR HOMES

WATERLOO, ONT.

PHOTO: JENS LANGEN, LANGEN STUDIOS

BE Your Best

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Miles Kohan

CEO’S MESSAGE

Kevin Lee

BUILDER PROFILE

Milestone Builder Group

BY THE NUMBERS

Net Zero Home insights

By Brett Cass

RENOVATORS’ CORNER

Minimizing risk of wildfire damage to existing homes

DEVELOPERS’ CORNER

Five of the very best showstopping communities in the entire country

Features

NET ZERO HOMES

Multi-unit residential buildings

By Natasha Rombough

KITCHENS & BATHS

Our fifth annual collection of the latest products for the two busiest rooms in any home

By Allan Britnell

Insider Info

THE BIG PICTURE

Analyzing the financial fitness of firsttime homebuyers in 2022

By Susan Carter

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

New & Noteworthy

THE GIVING BACK PAGE

Community Spirit

EDITOR

Wayne Karl wayne.karl@nexthome.ca

CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER

Jacky Hill jacky.hill@nexthome.ca

EXECUTIVE MEDIA CONSULTANT Michael Rosset

NEXTHOME EDITORS

Wayne Karl, Rise Levy

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 CONSULTANT Amanda Bell 416.830.2911, amanda.bell@nexthome.ca

VP MARKETING – GTA

Leanne Speers

CEO Kevin Lee DIRECTOR, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS Natasha Rombough

COMMUNICATIONS AND SOCIAL MEDIA OFFICER Emily Fielden

SENIOR CLIENT RELATIONS SPECIALIST – GTA Sonia Presotto

MANAGER CUSTOMER SALES/SERVICE Marilyn Watling SALES & MARKETING COORDINATORS Gary Chilvers, Vi Nguyen

HOME SHOW MANAGER & NEWSPAPER CIRCULATION – GTA Josh Rosset DISTRIBUTION distributionteam@nexthome.ca

ACCOUNTING INQUIRIES accountingteam@nexthome.ca

DIRECTOR OF PRINT MEDIA Lauren Reid–Sachs

VP PRODUCTION – GTA Lisa Kelly

PRODUCTION MANAGER – GTA Yvonne Poon

GRAPHIC DESIGNER & ASSISTANT MANAGER Alicesa Pullan

GRAPHIC DESIGNER & PRE-PRESS COORDINATOR Hannah Yarkony

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Jean Fay Rodriguez, Mike Terentiev

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There’s a lot to look forward to with fall now upon us. At the national level of CHBA, there are many things that you can take advantage of with your membership. Whether you’re new to our association or have been a member for many years, the value of your membership really depends on what you choose to get out of it. For me, taking on the national presidency for a year will be my most exciting challenge yet. I’m looking forward to meeting many of you in my travels across the country, and hearing about your experiences. And I know firsthand, the more I put into the association, the more I get out of it, so I know just how rewarding this year will be.

I’m particularly looking forward to CHBA’s Home Building Week in Canada: An annual

WELCOME TO A NEW ERA

NEW PRESIDENT, NEW CHALLENGES AND NEW PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

BY MILES KOHAN , CHBA PRESIDENT

event for industry leaders that combines the national committee and council meetings with the two-and-a-half-day conference. This year, we’re welcoming you all to my home province of Alberta, with the event taking place at the historic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. We’ve timed it for February to take advantage of peak skiing season for those who want to extend their stay. The conference is a fantastic opportunity to meet others in the industry, and just as much business happens at meals and social events as it does during the many informative and invigorating sessions. You can read more about it at chba.ca/homebuildingweek.

The capstone of Home Building Week in Canada is the awards gala for the CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence. I’ve been involved in the awards for many years, providing input on categories and entry requirements, entering the awards on behalf of my company, and volunteering as a judge. Over the years, the number of categories you can enter has expanded and evolved to capture the many facets of our industry. Whether you’re a renovator, spec or custom builder, or developer, there are categories for you to enter. We’ve had winners from big cities and small towns, and the caliber of projects entered each year is always impressive – being named a finalist or winner at the national level is an amazing honour. CHBA shares projects

on social media all year round from entrants, boosting your visibility and providing you with a marketing advantage even if you don’t win. The entry period for the 2023 awards season is open now until Oct. 17. Visit chba.ca/ housingawards for more information.

To further promote the association, CHBA is launching an exciting new publication late this fall. Canada’s Top Homes and Design Trends will be a coffee table magazine chock full of images of beautiful homes, design inspiration, industry stories and educational articles that will enlighten consumers on the benefits of working with CHBA members. This additional piece of membership value will be a great addition to your show home, sales centre or office, demonstrating what working with a CHBA member can mean to your customers. Featuring every finalist and winner of the 2022 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence, it will showcase fresh designs and interesting projects from members from across the country – true inspiration for members and customers alike. Brought to you by CHBA in collaboration with the publishers of nexthome. ca, producers of CHBA’s Building Excellence Magazine and Canada’s largest network of new home publications, New Home + Condo Guides, Canada’s Top Homes and Design Trends will be mailed to members, as well as promoted to the public nationally and regionally.

I hope you all had an enjoyable and productive summer and are looking forward to a new season of association events as much as I am. As things get busy, remember to check in with your association at the local, provincial and national levels to see what they can offer you and how you can take advantage of your membership this year.

Rising interest rates are the latest affordability hurdle for prospective homeowners, and they have had a sobering impact on buyers, and in turn on builder confidence. For the first time since it launched in 2021, CHBA’s Housing Market Index (HMI) – a leading indicator about the current and future health of our industry in Canada – saw a dramatic decline in Q2 2022.

The HMI for single-family builders dropped 24 points from Q1 to Q2, where it registered at 65.7. The previous low was 77.8 in Q3 2021, when escalating supply chain issues were creating much uncertainty. The multi-family HMI had an even more drastic plummet, down 29 points since the last quarter and now at 59.9.

The impacts of the spring’s interest rate hikes on potential buyers of newly constructed homes are direct and substantial: Of those builders and developers surveyed, 50 per cent of respondents indicated that as a result of the interest rate increases, there has been less traffic of prospective buyers, 45 per cent said buyers are delaying purchasing, and 38 per cent report that buyers have started changing their minds about purchases. These responses were received before the additional rate hike

TIME TO ADDRESS HOUSING SUPPLY

MUNICIPALITIES HOLD THE KEY TO UNLOCKING MORE SUPPLY

BY KEVIN LEE, CHBA CEO

in July and September – the upcoming Q3 HMI will shed light on how much further of an impact those increases have on builder confidence.

The HMI provides warning signals ahead of building permits and housing starts, and the latest numbers are a sign that construction could slow substantially, especially in highrise product. This comes at a time when Canada is looking to increase, not decrease, housing starts to improve housing affordability. Given the impacts of the rising interest rates, it is clear that CHBA’s recommendations on adjustments to the stress test and the need to return to 30-year amortizations for first-time buyers should be enacted by the federal government in order to pursue their election and budget promises.

April’s federal budget and its emphasis on housing, notably the need to double housing starts to build at least 3.5 million new homes by 2031, was a win for the association and our industry, but demand-side measures to counter rising interest rates will be required. And while the federal government has gotten

onboard with the need for more supply, not all municipalities share the same outlook. That’s why the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) is being designed: To incent and support municipalities to get more market-rate housing online faster. CHBA has been engaging on the design of this very important and innovative fund, which has the potential to help address supply issues.

Details of the HAF are yet to come, but in the meantime, CHBA is preparing a nationally-led municipal supply campaign. Working with provincial and local HBAs, the campaign has been designed to spread awareness about the impact that lack of supply has on our communities, and provides actionable items to get people talking about the need for more homes of all types in their cities and towns. CHBA will also continue to engage on demand-side measures to counter rising interest rates.

“ Demand-side measures to counter rising interest rates will be required.

MILWAUKEE TOOL

Milwaukee Tool entered the cordless jobsite cleanup space in 2010, and after countless conversations with users, discovered a significant need for medium to large capacity wet/dry vacuums that offered better mobility, durability and versatility on the jobsite.

“Cleanup with a corded shop vacuum is a headache,” says James Mitchell, senior product manager at Milwaukee Tool. “You need to worry about finding a power source and running multiple extension cords, not to mention the potential tripping hazard.”

Milwaukee Tool’s goal was to deliver a cordless wet/dry vacuum system that outperformed the corded counterparts from every angle: Cleaning speed, suction power, durability and ease of use. “What we’ve been able to accomplish on a cordless wet/dry vacuum hasn’t been done before,” says Mitchell.

The recently launched M18 FUEL six, nine, and 12-gallon wet/dry vacuums utilize the POWERSTATE brushless motor and optimized components to outperform 3.5 to 4.25 Peak HP corded wet/dry vacuums. Interchange-

able tanks, carts and motor heads offer versatile holding capacities and mobility options, adds Mitchell. “This gives users the opportunity to mix and match the vacuum components, so they can adapt the configuration for different jobsites and trade-specific applications.”

The M18 FUEL six-, nine- and 12-gallon wet/dry vacuums also feature crush and twist resistant hoses to provide more cleanup flexibility, plus reinforced casters to extend the lifespan of the wheels. “This vacuum has the durability to withstand even the harshest jobsites,” says Mitchell.

But Milwaukee Tool’s innovation didn’t stop there. After doing research in the field, Mitchell says they noticed innovation was lagging with vacuum accessories. “We saw an opportunity to innovate the current standard vacuum accessories with durable, trade-focused attachments that solve common user frustrations and perform in high-demand applications,” he explains.

The 19 innovative AIR-TIP vacuum accessories – fully compatible with other wet/ dry vacuum brands – can tackle everything

from drywall dust to wood and metal shavings. Mitchell anticipates there are a few AIR-TIP vacuum accessories that will become favourites for home builders, renovators and general contractors.

“The AIR-TIP dust collector suctions to the wall and collects drywall dust before it creates a mess,” says Mitchell. “For jobsites where you’re dealing with nails and screws, the AIR-TIP magnetic utility nozzle catches metal hardware before it gets sucked up to prevent damage to the vacuum.”

Other popular accessories include the AIR-TIP non-marring utility nozzle kit to avoid marking finished surfaces during cleanup. There are also accessories with pivoting joints and right-angle designs for hard-to-reach places.

“We’re excited to have a wet/dry vacuum that serves every professional tradesperson on the Milwaukee platform,” says Mitchell. The M18 FUEL six-, nine- and 12-gallon wet/dry vacuums are fully compatible with the M18 system, providing more than 250 solutions on one battery platform.

To learn more, visit milwaukeetool.ca.

AIR-TIP

MILESTONE BUILDER GROUP

MEET CHBA’S NEW PRESIDENT, MILES KOHAN

BY EMILY FIELDEN, COMMUNICATIONS & SOCIAL MEDIA OFFICER, CHBA

Miles Kohan followed a unique path to pursue his lifelong passion. The founder, president and CEO of Edmonton’s Milestone Builder Group – a consolidation of Marcson Homes and Park Royal Homes – began his early years in competitive figure skating in northern Manitoba, followed by a brief stint in insurance shortly after high school, then transitioned into real estate. Over the years, while managing a fastpaced career, Kohan has also built a fulfilling life raising four kids, travelling to new places with his wife, and staying active in the gym or out at the lake.

But how did his career in homebuilding get its start? Kohan recalls “being bit by the real estate bug” in his early 20s, when he landed a gig on tour with motivational speaker Tony Robbins.

“I was promoting real estate investing through Tony’s franchise network when someone asked me why I wasn’t taking my own advice, then pitched me on doing a deal,” recounts Kohan. “I accepted the challenge, and it worked out – I sold a 100-unit project in a couple of months, purchased a mobile home park, and found that I had a real fascination for the industry.”

That experience subsequently led to Kohan’s enriching journey into the homebuilding sector, where he moved up the ranks at Calgary-based Jayman BUILT, then at Homes By Avi, followed by 10 years at Sterling Homes, all while pursuing an MBA from the University of Wales.

FAST

Today, with more than 25 years of industry experience under his belt, Kohan estimates that he has helped move in more than 3,500 homeowners across Canada.

AWARD-WINNING BUILDER

Milestone Builder Group specializes in homes targeted at the move-up buyer. With a focus on single-family and some multi-family development, the company aims to implement high-end finishes and options, while still maintaining the value created by production building.

“Our mantra at Milestone is ‘setting the stage for included value,’” says Kohan. “We’re focused on giving our buyers the key features and luxury finishes they really want in their homes, like quartz countertops and LED lights, while still placing focus on affordability.”

It’s with this commitment to value and integrity that Milestone Builder Group has won more than 20 prestigious housing awards over a two-year period, including becoming Canada’s first and only builder to win the top award for builders at the local, provincial and national level of CHBA all in the same year.

It’s an achievement that Kohan is particularly proud of: “In order to win the “Triple Crown” of residential homebuilding awards, you must excel in design, construction quality, and customer satisfaction. Since the awards are judged by experts in the industry country-wide, that widespread recognition has been the most significant accomplishment for us so far.”

SUCCESS REQUIRES NEW, DIVERSE VOICES

Kohan’s success didn’t come without hard work, passion, and a strong willingness to learn. Like many starting off in the residential construction industry, he was exposed to real-world, hands-on experience prior to pursuing educational opportunities.

“My formal education came after I had spent some time working in the industry,” says Kohan. “My mind was a sponge, and as I became immersed in the industry, I wanted to pursue higher education to really hone my skills and bring more value to the companies I worked for.”

A long-standing member of CHBA, Kohan says the Association provides an opportunity for members to explore career development outside of formal education. “Being active in the Association keeps you plugged into what’s going on in the industry, while giving you first-hand access to new information, connections and referrals to business contacts.”

Coming CHBA Events

It’s for this reason that Kohan became highly engaged at the local, provincial and national levels of the Association.

“When I was at Jayman BUILT, I was in charge of running their awards program, so I saw an opportunity to join CHBA Edmonton’s Alberta Provincial Marketing Committee. That was the beginning of my now deep involvement with the Association as a whole.”

From there, Kohan held a variety of volunteer roles at all three levels of CHBA, including second vice-president of Building Industry and Land Development (BILD) Alberta and chair of the CHBA National Marketing Committee. He has also volunteered his time with other industry organizations, including chairing the Alberta Home Warranty Program. Through his 10-plus years of involvement, Kohan has seen the Association evolve into a diverse community of industry experts steering the conversation around residential construction, including amongst government and political stakeholders. He attributes the success of CHBA’s advocacy to the unique set of backgrounds championing and innovating on behalf of the sector – and he’s keen to see more fresh perspectives come to the table.

“Don’t be afraid to put your name forward and speak up. People assume that there will always be others who know more than them, but new, diverse voices in councils mean more innovation, more well-rounded decision-making, and ultimately more success for the industry. That’s where you can really make an impact.”

DESIGNING FOR THE FUTURE

It’s no secret that homebuyers are looking for different features in their homes than, say, two years ago. And as someone who has been front and centre in the action, Kohan has identified a few trends amongst his buyers.

“Home offices, or well-thought-out workspaces, are definitely on the rise,” says Kohan. “Usually, people are looking for two or three dedicated workspaces to accommodate parents working from home and/or kids taking classes from home.”

Further, Kohan sees more and more buyers wanting to “future prep” their homes with a secondary suite, such as a basement apartment or laneway house. Kohan says this trend is rising because “as interest rates increase and affordability issues persist, many of our buyers are looking to include an additional rental suite to supplement their mortgage,” noting that multi-generational families are also requesting additional suites to house their children, relatives or aging parents.

Finally, Kohan asserts that historically, he’d seen multi-family, higher density development trending upward prior to the pandemic. But recently, he sees a return to the desire for single-family homes. “People across the country are really paying attention to their quality of living, so if they can afford it, they’re consistently choosing single-family over multi-family homes.”

An avid world traveler who has lived in several cities across Canada, including Vancouver, Toronto and Calgary, Kohan is excited to tour the country and speak with members in different areas to understand their unique set of challenges.

“While many issues impacting housing are country-wide, each city has its own nuances,” says Kohan. “In my new role, I look forward to not only helping further the national priorities, but also representing our boots-on-the-ground members in ensuring those regional differences are recognized and adequately addressed.”

And whether it be his years as a motivational speaker, or his entrepreneurial spirit, Kohan is also intrigued to hear about the diverse set of goals, aspirations, and innovative ideas coming from CHBA members across Canada.

His final advice for those looking to make strides in their business and the industry as a whole: “Don’t miss out on being part of the narrative. Get engaged with the Association, join a committee or council, and make your voice heard because if you don’t, while you might benefit from the work of our most engaged members, you’ll only be taking the crumbs left on the table.”

BY THE numbers

NET ZERO HOME INSIGHTS

INSIGHTS FROM THE LATEST CHBA NET ZERO HOME LABELLING PROGRAM SUMMARY REPORT

BY BRETT CASS, TECHNICAL MANAGER, NET ZERO ENERGY HOUSING, CHBA

The CHBA Net Zero Home Labelling Program has been running since its pilot in 2015 and has labelled more than 1,000 homes in Canada to date. The Program provides the industry and consumers with a clearly defined and rigorous two-tiered technical requirement that recognizes Net Zero and Net Zero Ready Homes, and the builders and renovators who label them. A national network of CHBA Qualified Net Zero Service Organizations and Energy Advisors work directly with the builders and renovators to design, model, test and inspect each home. The program has become

an important stepping stone in Canada’s pursuit to a sustainable future.

In efforts to provide up to date analysis of the Net Zero Home Labelling Program to members, CHBA’s Program Summary Reports take a detailed look at the program over time. The report supports CHBA members’ voluntary adoption of Net Zero Energy (NZE) housing by building awareness and knowledge via the consolidation and sharing of information. CHBA members can download the summary reports for free (non-members can purchase them) at chba.ca/nzhlpsummaryreports.

Fuel sources

The chart above shows the fuel source configuration of Net Zero and Net Zero Ready Homes. The fuel sources that are used in these homes include electricity, natural gas, propane and solar thermal water heating. In the categories above, “all-electric” means that the home uses only electricity, and “dual source” means that the home uses electricity and either natural gas or propane. Many different reasons influence why builders choose the fuel source configurations that they do. Some examples are upfront cost, operational cost, availability and homeowner goals.

Building envelope

An R-value is a measure of an assembly’s resistance to heat flow, with a higher value being favourable. Building envelope assemblies, such as walls, ceilings and foundations, all have R-values that can be measured by considering the heat loss properties of all the materials used within the assemblies. This includes not just the actual insulation, but also the structural studs, cladding and interior drywall. Using higher R-values decreases the demand on space conditioning equipment, such as furnaces and heat pumps, for both heating and cooling the home.

Airtightness

Airtightness is a measurement of how resistant a home is to air leakage. Airtightness is measured in air changes per hour (ACH@50Pa), with a lower value meaning better performance. The airtightness is calculated by performing a blower door test on the home. The ACH result indicates the number of times the air is replaced in one hour compared to the volume of the home. For example, an ACH@50 of one, two or 0.5 means the amount of air replaced in one hour is the same, double or half (respectively) the volume of the unit being tested. The CHBA Net Zero Program has a performance target of maximum 1.5 ACH@50 for detached homes and maximum 2.0 ACH@50 for attached homes.

Space heating systems

The large majority of Net Zero and Net Zero-Ready homes install an air-source heat pump (ASHP) in combination with a conventional backup heating source such as an electric or natural gas furnace. Air-source heat pumps

heat homes at efficiencies of more than 300 per cent, and as a result are used in almost all Net Zero and Net Zero-Ready homes.

THE DIGITAL REVOLUTION IS HERE

IT WILL IMPACT

FUTURE

BY YASMINE GOODWIN & LUKE HALL MY-DESIGNSTUDIO.COM

I

n early 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic began, worldwide technological frameworks and digital solutions were tested, with schools, businesses and social gatherings everywhere shifting primarily online.

Nearly three years later, today’s consumers not only rely heavily on technology but expect the businesses they work with to offer easy-to-use online platforms. Consumers like to shop and communicate online, and make life more convenient. Customers want their products and services quickly and simply, and their patience and tolerance for delays have declined exponentially.

Businesses that once required customers to visit their brick-and-mortar locations are now offering virtual options, with even the medical industry pivoting to make care more convenient for patients seeking everyday services.

Homebuyers are not immune to this shift in consumer expectation, and homebuilders and developers have had to make significant changes to their traditional sales procedures to keep up. Because of this disruption in the industry, homebuyers are no longer satisfied with just seeing their decor options in a model home or showroom, and now expect to be guided through a customer journey that’s convenient, stress-free and offers them an ability to preview their decor selections from the comfort of their chosen location.

Homebuyers want to see that you understand their vision and will be quick to move on to another builder if you don’t offer them a digital solution. Let that sink in for a moment. Do you want to be the developer that didn’t meet your buyers’ expectations because you overlooked this critical step?

Implementing visualizer software, virtual showrooms and an online decor selections tool as a way for your prospective or newhome buyers to preview their home and decor selections, establishes trust and empowers them to play an active role in every step of the homebuying journey. Giving clients access to their decor options in an easy-to-use online platform allows your sales and design consultants not only to help bring customers along on the journey, but also secures customer loyalty. The decor selections process

is the longest touchpoint to interact with your homeowner and your brand. You want your buyers to feel a sense of joy and anticipation as they navigate through this exciting process.

You have an incredible opportunity to build trust with your customers far earlier than ever before with your team and your brand. With virtual renderings and access to a library of decor selections from the comfort of anywhere, homebuyers will feel far more prepared and delighted to see their home come to life. Additionally, this software will improve your internal efficiencies, allowing the status of all your projects to be accessible at the touch of your fingertips.

Ultimately those businesses that will outshine the rest will be those that are willing to invest in what it takes to transition their business to meet today’s digital demands.

WHAT

DO ABOUT

“ You have an incredible opportunity to build trust with your customers far earlier than ever before with your team and your brand. ”

PREVENTION AND PROTECTION

MINIMIZING RISK OF WILDFIRE DAMAGE TO EXISTING HOMES

Forest fires or wildland fires are common occurrences from May to September in areas of the country that are densely forested or that have vast grassland, particularly during dry conditions and drought. They can cause extensive damage to homes in the wildland-urban interface and put lives in danger.

There are things homeowners can do to reduce how flammable their home and surrounding landscape is, and renovators can help. CHBA collaborated with FireSmart Canada, the Intact Centre for Climate Adaptation (University of Waterloo) and the University of Alberta on information for wildfire resilience for renovators (and builders) to consider for homes in high-risk areas. Items such as roofing, siding, gutters, decks, fencing and landscaping are all areas that can be modified to reduce wildfire risk.

With wildland fires being an increasing concern, the topic was addressed at the most recent Canadian Renovators’ Council. Renovators were advised that integrating wildfire resilience into their project protects was a simple way to protect the investment of renovations and upgrades. Wildfire resilience is particularly well suited to simple upgrades, since most of the protective measures are simply switching siding and roofing materials for non-combustible material choices.

CHBA has also adapted a FireSmart resource and produced a one-pager for homeowners on how to protect their properties. The information was shared with homeowners on the RenoMark blog (renomark.ca) and on social media. Homeowners

were encouraged to hire RenoMark members for their home renovation needs. They were advised to understand how their location affects the risk of wildfires and double-check that their home insurance properly protects their home.

The following items can help homeowners reduce the risk of a wildfire spreading to their homes.

Complex home upgrades

Homeowners who are very concerned about the threat of wildfire and are eager to take more advanced measures to protect their homes may wish to have the following more complex upgrades done as part of a larger home renovation. These steps likely require the support of a professional renovator or contractor.

roof covering or metal roofing

tible siding

and fire-rated doors

home

made from non-combustible materials or protect the decking so that the home is protected from being ignited

Simple home upgrades

Some homeowners may be able to tackle these items by themselves, and others will need professional help.

maximum three mm openings on soffits and all external vents (except dryer vents)

worn or missing the siding made of non-combustible materials

Routine maintenance

Staying on top of routine maintenance tasks is a simple way for homeowners to minimize flammability risks on their property.

house perimeter, if possible underneath decks/stairs

Landscaping

ground to lowest branch growing possible ing the home or deck

Easy-to-Install Complete Home Surge Protection

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during renovations.

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ZERO

MULTI-UNIT RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS

Net Zero

LESSONS LEARNED FROM CHBA’S INITIATIVE TO BENEFIT PEOPLE, PLANET AND PROFIT

BY NATASHA ROMBOUGH, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS, CHBA

Three years ago, the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) and several leading members from across the country began working on an exciting new Net Zero initiative for multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs), in partnership with Natural Resources Canada.

Lowrise (part 9) MURBs are an increasingly common housing type in many communities across the country. They allow for densifi cation while still being a desirable ground-ori-

ented option that many buyers are looking for. The MURBs initiative is advancing solutions, technologies and approaches to building Net Zero Energy Ready and Net Zero Energy multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs), with the goal of producing homes that are affordable, replicable and appealing to Canadians.

The objective of the initiative is to validate the use of pre-fabrication (panelization and modular construction) and integrated mechanical system technologies, design and practices on Net Zero Energy Ready and Net Zero Energy MURBs to optimize energy efficient performance, increase construction productivity, shorten construction schedules and reduce costs.

At the heart of the initiative is six builders from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario. All of them agreed to build a lowrise MURB for purely residential occupancy, and they joined the initiative in its early days, during the planning stage.

Marie Hanchet, CHBA project manager for the MURBs initiative, helped put together teams of builders, manufacturers and experts in building science, pre-fabrication, insulation, windows, mechanicals and renewable energy. Together, they met regularly to optimize their designs before construction started.

It’s a project that Hanchet has poured her all into over the last three years. “Working with this collaborative group of builders through the pandemic meant frequent adjustments to

MURB BUILDERS

Avalon Master Builders

Project: ZEN Sequel

Location: Calgary

Big Block Construction

Project: Willowview Heights

Location: Saskatoon

Doug Tarry Homes Ltd.

Project: Miller's Pond MURB

Location: St. Thomas, Ont.

Landmark Homes (Canada)

Project: Maple West Affordable Townhome Project

Location: Southeast Edmonton

sean.ca

Location: Barrie, Ont.

Zirnhelt Timber Frames Ltd.

Location: British Columbia

project plans and milestone events, but it was all in an effort to identify solutions we can share broadly with the industry; and we’re almost ready to do that,” she says.

FOUR STAGES

The Net Zero MURBs project is comprised of four stages: Planning, building, analyzing and sharing. The planning stage finished a couple years ago for all the builders. It consisted of collaboration among builders, manufacturers, and building science experts to determine the optimal design specs and materials.

The process provided some key takeaways for builders, one of which applied to most of their builds. “During the energy cost optimization exercises,” Hanchet shares, “five of the six builders moved away from drain water heat recovery installations that they had previously used, in favour of more cost-effective renewable energy generation.”

In the second stage, the participating builders construct the homes. The six participating builders are at various points of completion, with three projects already occupied. All of the projects are a minimum of two vertically stacked units and are a minimum of two storeys above finished grade. They also were all required to

include panelization and/or modular construction.

The third stage is analysis of the actual overall cost savings and productivity gains (compared to the code and current practice in each region) for each build to determine the average savings and assess what level of savings are achievable on a mass scale. An example is analysis that was performed and detailed on how to reduce both construction and operation costs on solar array confi gurations when looking at multiple units in a single building. (Analysis of two confi gurations concluded that there is more than 11 per cent savings in a single point of connection with submetering, which amounts to more than $35,000 in savings for a 12-unit Net Zero MURB. More details can be found at chba.ca/nzmurbs.)

In the fourth stage, knowledge learned from the initiative will be disseminated across the country, and will include a capacity-build-

ing education program to bring the learnings to the mass market.

LANDMARK HOMES

Haitao Yu has been leading Landmark Homes’ R&D department since 2010. He began his career as a structural and on-site project engineer in China, before moving to Canada in 2003 and completing a PhD in Construction Engineering and Management at the University of Alberta. He shares Landmark’s passion for building highly efficient homes using prefabrication due to the positive implications for future generations. Yu believes that “humankind should act today for the future of our children,” and that the knowledge learned coming out of initiatives like the MURBs project aligns with that goal.

Landmark built its first Net Zero home in Calgary in 2012, and has constructed 30 more since then, in addition to 70 Net Zero-Ready homes. The company’s MURBs built for this project represent the first time it has done stacked Net Zero-Ready towns (until now, it focused on single-family homes and townhomes). Comprising 11 units, the building was finished earlier this year, though the air source heat pump wasn’t able to be installed until the end of August, followed by the blower door test and the energy advisor’s final inspection in early September.

One of the unique elements of this project is Landmark’s use of new technology for the heating system, which they developed with a local HVAC manufacturer.

Photos: Landmark Homes

“Due to the high carbon intensity of Alberta’s electricity grid and the big drop in the efficiency of air source heat pumps in the harsh Alberta weather, the project adopted dual fuel hybrid heating systems with high-velocity air delivery to minimize greenhouse gas emissions in home operation while improving the comfort of occupants,” says Yu.

A small roof-top solar PV system (2.25 to 2.7 kW) was installed on each of the MURB units. Each of the MURBs involved in the project will be equipped with an energy monitoring system, which will provide a minute-by-minute energy profile. Current energy modelling (such as HOT2000) provides only monthly and annual energy consumption, but the data from the energy monitoring system “will indicate when the building’s highest energy demand is,” Yu explains, “so that service infrastructure can be right-sized to meet that demand in the future.”

Supported by the consultants of CHBA Net Zero MURBs initiative, a research team from the University of Alberta installed energy

monitoring systems in the units that are part of the project for CHBA’s MURBs initiative, as well as in the block next to it, which was built with Landmark’s standard specifications. The university will collect the data, perform analyses, and develop an energy profile simulation model for peak loads of highly energy efficient MURB communities.

In addition to peak loads, the performance of the new heating system, as well as the interaction between home energy consumption and PV generation, will be analysed.

Yu says he is eager to get started on that data collection after a year of project delays. Because this project is purpose-built rental with low margins, the high lumber prices during the pandemic resulted in holding off on construction for six months until lumber prices started to stabilize and come back down a little. Using a new heating system also added a little more time to the project, because Landmark’s usual trades professionals needed to be trained, with the help of the manufacturers, on how to properly do the

installation. The air source heat pump delivery was delayed by about six months, and it finally arrived in winter when installation isn’t possible, further pushing back project completion.

The delays, however, haven’t lessened anyone’s enthusiasm. “Landmark has been part of CHBA’s Net Zero Council since the beginning and this project was perfect for us since we build prefab and Net Zero,” says Yu. “We do want to use CHBA as a platform and work with other builders who have the same mindset and goals. This program is a good way to work with others and see what they’re doing. We can learn from others and others can learn from us.”

ZIRNHELT TIMBER FRAMES

Meanwhile, another project is finishing up in Williams Lake First Nations in British Columbia. The build is two stacked 800-sq.-ft. apartments, designed as purpose-built rentals with specific occupants in mind, including one who uses a wheelchair.

Sam Zirnhelt started his business sawmilling, and 17 years ago started working as a general contractor with the goal of making better use of the timber they were harvesting by creating the most energy efficient homes they could. Before that, he worked as forester, land use planner and in economic development after doing his undergraduate with the Maori in New Zealand. Community-oriented projects are something he still very much enjoys doing, with about half Zirnhelt’s projects consisting of community/cultural buildings (daycares, health centres, cultural centres), the other half residential, mostly single-family homes.

While this is Zirnhelt’s first MURB, panelization has been part of the company’s process for at least 12 years.

Photos: Zirnhelt

“The way we build the envelope is so intensive on the tools, that you wouldn’t want to use them in an outdoor environment,” he says. The company begins by selecting timber from nearby community forests, which it custom-mills – a step Zirnhelt says is critical to controlling the timing and quality of construction. The walls are pre-built in Zirnhelt’s shop, with the siding and windows pre-installed, and the insulation and exterior complete. The walls are then craned into place. This MURB project was built with four pieces.

Building a wheelchair-accessible suite was a new challenge for Zirnhelt. The company worked with local professionals to work out what would be needed for appliances, cabinets and bathroom fixtures – and then formulated its own integrated design process. Zirnhelt says he was

surprised to learn that approximately 20 per cent more room was needed to accommodate a wheelchair.

It was the mechanical system that proved the most challenging, however. Net Zero homes need only small units, and the options are few. Zirnhelt ended up selecting a ductless mini split system by Panasonic that is compatible with the cold climate in Williams Lake. These heat pumps are due to arrive in early October.

Zirnhelt joined CHBA after attending a Local Energy Efficiency Partnership (LEEP) session and seeing the value of connecting with others who were also pursuing high-efficiency homes. “If I’m going to spend my life building, I want to be on the cutting edge,” he says. He participated in the LEEP process while building his first Net Zero building: A six-unit treatment centre. He’s since been part of several LEEP presentations.

“We need to focus on energy efficiency, but also on durability and how to reduce the embodied energy in what build as well,” says Zirnhelt. “And we should be building something that’s beautiful so that people want to take care of it and have it last.”

SHARING LESSONS LEARNED

With nearly four out of six MURBs in the initiative complete, next comes analysis of data, including occupant data. It’s a stage that those passionate about energy efficiency are looking forward to, since very little data has been collected to date.

“The team is extremely eager to share results of the project, but with that will mean a close-out to the official project and strong relationships that were developed in a humble group,” Hanchet says. “We learned from one another, asked so many questions, and each participant brought a different lens and set of expertise to the work of designing and construction multifamily housing that supports the triple bottom line: People, planet, profit.”

Though the MURBs initiative will eventually wrap up, the lessons learned from it will be shared across the country and used for years to come. And members keen on voluntarily achieving Net Zero will continue to evolve CHBA’s Net Zero Council, and through it, its Net Zero Home Labelling Program, which has labelled more than 1,000 new homes and renovations since its pilot in 2015.

For more information on the CHBA Net Zero MURBs Initiative, visit chba.ca/nzmurbs.

KITCHENS and BATHS

NOW WE’RE cooking!

IT’S OUR FIFTH ANNUAL COLLECTION OF THE LATEST PRODUCTS FOR THE TWO BUSIEST ROOMS IN ANY HOME

BY ALLAN BRITNELL

Smart dishwashers

Miele’s Knock2open dishwashers combine a seamless look with a sanitary, non-marking solution. Tap on the integrated door front and it opens. Add in the latest generation G 7000 AutoDos PowerDisk that automatically dispenses detergent and the WiFiConn@ct app to remotely start and monitor the wash cycle, and you’ve got yourself one smart appliance.

If you weren’t a germophobe to begin with, the pandemic has certainly made us all aware how frequently touched surfaces can become a repository for germs. Grohe offers a couple of solutions for staying germ-free. One is the company’s FootControl line of kitchen faucets that, as the name suggests, turn the water on and off with the tap of a foot. With Touch faucets, users can turn on the flow by tapping the fixtures with an unsoiled forearm.

Rethinking gas?

In 2019, Berkley, Calif. became the first municipality to announce a ban on natural gas appliances, including stoves, in newly constructed homes. Since then, dozens of other jurisdictions, including Vancouver and Quebec, have announced similar measures. That’s gotten foodies fired up as they complain that electric stoves just aren’t up to snuff. But there is an alternative solution: Induction stoves.

Much like bidets, induction stoves are widely used in Europe, but have been slow to catch on in North America. But induction offers many advantages over their gas and electric cousins. For one, they eliminate combustion fumes inside the home. And Unlike an electric stovetop that first heats up the element, induction stoves use magnetic induction to quickly heat up the cookware itself. Builders beware: The glass edges of induction stovetops can chip. Some manufactures offer stainless-steel frames for protection. The other option is to have the counter bevelled out, so the stove sits flush and is caulked in place.

While you may shy away from cleaning the toilet, it’s hard to overlook the almost constant stain of handprints and water streaks on a bathroom faucet. Grohe’s PVD (physical vapour deposition) is an environmentally friendly finish that keeps faucets looking like new for life. The scratch resistant material comes in five different finishes and cleans with a single wipe.

Self-cleaning toilets

As far as chores go, cleaning the toilet is probably everyone’s least favourite. But what if your toilet did the job itself? American Standard’s toilets come with an EverClean glaze that inhibits the growth of mold and bacteria that cause stains and odours. Kohler takes it to the next level with a CleanCoat surface treatment, integrated ContinuousClean antimicrobial tablet dispensers, and an AquaPiston canister that flushes the bowl in 360 degrees.

Since its origins a century ago, Art Deco design has been associated with some of the world’s most iconic buildings, including the Chrysler Building in New York. DXV is bringing that elegant look to Canadian bathrooms with its Belshire collection. The Art Deco-inspired designs include freestanding and wall mounted toilets, soaker tubs, marble vanities, and era-inspired faucets, handles and spouts.

ThermaSol Smart Shower

ULTRA SMART. ULTRA CONNECTED.

Advanced smart home technology and 60 years of steam shower engineering combine to create a home spa experience that synchronizes with your life and daily rituals.

Available from:

Glass rinsers

If your client is a cocktail connoisseur, elevate their home bar experience to the next level with a countertop glass cleaner. These tools, such as Delta Faucet’s G150, rinse out any soap residue or dust hidden at the bottom of a pint glass or champagne flute, ensuring you taste nothing but your drink of choice.

Fry counter

Wolf’s 15-in. Transitional Fryer is a built-in unit with a lid, so homeowners can fry up their favourite foods without splattering hot oil around the kitchen. It comes with one large and two small baskets, and has a drain built into the bottom for easy cleaning. The Module lineup also includes gas and induction cooktops, a steamer and grill.

Fridge and freezer drawers

No matter how big your fridge or freezer is, there never seems to be enough room to store everything. The solution: undercounter fridge and freezer drawers built into an island or lower cabinets. Fisher & Paykel’s button-operated CoolDrawer, for example, has five different temperature zones that can be set from chill to freeze. It comes in stainless steel or can be integrated into the cabinetry.

Fizzy water on tap

Get rid of bulky glass bottles cluttering the fridge by installing a countertop carbonated water dispenser. The Grohe Blue Chilled and Sparkling 2.0 Faucet dispenses chilled, filtered flat water and two levels of carbonation for those who like a little bubbly in their glass. The smart faucet monitors water usage, filter status, CO2 levels, and more via

We all want to work with clients for whom money is no object. If you do land one of these prized customers, here are some items that can take their projects to the next level.

ANALYZING THE FINANCIAL FITNESS OF FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS

BY SUSAN CARTER, VICE-PRESIDENT, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS, SAGEN

This past year saw the financial fitness of Canadians decline to 2018 levels, but recent homebuyers scored much higher according to the 2022 First-Time Homebuyer Trends conducted by Environics Research for Sagen, in collaboration with the Canadian

at 100 in 2011,

Financial Fitness

regained until 2020. The pandemic

but it would have been worse without

the highest Financial Fitness

to

a

Association of Credit Counselling Services. Of the Canadians surveyed, we saw a growing proportion of people who worry that their financial situation will worsen in the coming year. Despite these trends, respondents remain confident long-term with 66 per cent

of homeowners saying that they are in good or great financial shape.

According to our survey, homeownership rates among 25- to 40-year-olds continues to decline, and homeownership rates among Millennials has stalled.

Although there’s still a strong desire for first-time homebuyers and first-time intenders to purchase a home, the lack of available supply and rising home prices in 2020 and 2021 have greatly impacted homebuying confidence, with record high proportions of respondents saying now is a bad time to buy a home. Fifty-five per cent of respondents feel there is insufficient supply of homes available in their areas. Despite these challenges, the number of first time and repeat buyers is being maintained, although we’re seeing homeownership among the 25- to 40-year-old age group at its lowest point we’ve measured.

According to the survey, we saw condos grow as a preference for recent homebuyers, increasing from 18 per cent in 2021 to 21 per cent in 2022. Semi-detached homes grew in popularity, increasing from 10 per cent in 2021 to 13 per cent in 2022. Both fully detached and townhomes were not as popular during this time, decreasing from 57 per cent in 2021 to 55 per cent in 2022 and 13 per cent in 2021 to 10 per cent in 2022, respectively. Despite some changes in preferences, both recent homebuyers and future intenders continue to prefer fully detached homes.

One-third of Canadians continued to see savings grow through the pandemic, and that number was higher among recent buyers and

intenders. Millennials are more likely than Boomers to say their savings increased – 38 per cent versus 29 per cent and 46 per cent of first-time intenders are more likely to say their savings increased.

The expectation of continued remote working is impacting purchase location decisions of a quarter of recent buyers and intenders. Even with the lack of available housing supply and high cost of home prices, the proportion of first-time and repeat buyers is being maintained.

For more information on Sagen’s annual First-Time Homebuyer Trends and their Financial Fitness, conducted by Environics Research in collaboration with the Canadian Association of Credit Counselling Services, visit sagen.ca/ industry-insights.

CHBA hosted Sagen to deliver a webinar to members on this topic on Sept. 22. Watch the reply on demand at chba.ca/webinars.

THE 2022 NET ZERO COUNCIL SPONSORS

CHBA’s Net Zero Energy Housing Council supports innovation in the residential construction industry. Sponsors of the Council share a commitment to innovation and high performance housing solutions.

We’d like to recognize the companies below for bringing

Council in specialized areas important to the advancement of Net Zero Energy housing.

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Learn more about the Council and its sponsors: chba.ca/NZC

GOLD SPONSOR

SHOWSTOPPING COMMUNITIES

FIVE OF THE VERY BEST IN THE ENTIRE COUNTRY

It takes years of planning to build a community. Below are the top five best new communities in the country coming out of CHBA’s 2022 National Awards for Housing Excellence. From lowrise homes to midrise buildings, with an emphasis on walkability and convenience, these developments have a lot to offer.

FANTOM | White Rock, BC | Forge Properties Inc.

A pinnacle of luxury seaside living, FANTOM offers striking architecture, opulent finishes and panoramic ocean views from every unit. The community is located steps away from iconic beaches and local landmarks including theatres, galleries, live music, farmer’s markets, restaurants and more. Residents get to enjoy the ambiance of a seaside resort with the convenience of remaining community connected.

Westman Village | Calgary | Jayman BUILT

Inspired by small-town values, Westman Village is a place where multiple generations come together to gather, shop, dine and live. The village offers the convenience of downtown living with peace of mind and access to outdoor amenities found in suburban neighbourhoods. It boasts 14 acres, with five lifestyle options and 822 suites. Exclusive to residents is Village Centre: 40,000 sq. ft. of amenities, including a fitness centre, two saltwater swimming pools, a two-storey waterslide and a woodworking shop, to name a few.

Orchard Park | Surrey, BC | StreetSide Developments

Orchard Park is a boutique collection of 80 townhomes, located in the Grandview Heights neighborhood. This pedestrian-friendly community allows homeowners to live a healthier lifestyle and be within walking distance to shopping, schools, parks, trails and more. Surrounded by peaceful greenery, across from the site is a new grove of apple trees planted to commemorate the previous orchard location.

The Reserve at East Mineola | Toronto | Queenscorp Residences

Designed as a community within a community, the Reserve at East Mineola is truly a nature reserve in the heart of the city. Lush landscaping surrounds the site providing a sense of privacy and intimacy.

By maintaining a “vehicle free” surface level, residents can fully utilize all exterior common areas as an extension of their living space, and interact with neighbours and their community as a whole.

Crest | Vancouver | Adera Development Corp.

Crest was driven by innovation and sustainability.

A massive effort was made to consider community appeal, as well as the lifestyle needs of residents and their pets, through landscape elements, public art and innovative pet features. Considered “A Walker’s Paradise,” Crest has a 94 Walk Score, providing walkable access to all Central Lonsdale’s shops, restaurants and amenities.

COMPLETE HOME SURGE PROTECTION

Eaton offers a comprehensive family of surge products for use at service entrances. These products can help protect sensitive electronics against the damaging effects of surges. Due to the evolution of electronics and microprocessors in the home, there is a continuous challenge to provide quality (clean) power for electronic loads such as appliances, computers/home office and entertainment systems. Surges caused by lightning, utility grid switching and other sources travel on current carrying conductors throughout the home, which can affect and destroy sensitive electronic loads.

EATON INDUSTRIES

eatoncanada.ca

CUSTOMIZE YOUR WALL. BUILD YOUR SYSTEM

Bringing the versatility of PACKOUT into the shop, users can fully customize their storage with wall plates, hooks, tool racks, tool holders, and a cabinet that connects, with all PACKOUT solutions. Milwaukee PACKOUT

Modular Storage System has more than 65 solutions to fully customize storage for site, transit, and shop, making PACKOUT the most versatile and durable modular storage system.

MILWAUKEE TOOL milwaukeetool.ca

DO YOU INVEST IN YOUR INDUSTRY?

RealAlt Investments thinks you should. The company provides mortgages to developers for land and new home developments. The developer pays back the loan with interest. The investors with RealAlt have been getting paid monthly interest (~10 per cent) from loan repayments. To learn more, visit the website.

DORR CAPITAL realaltinvestments.com

CADET TOUCHLESS TOILET

American Standard’s Cadet touchless toilet delivers antibacterial peace of mind. Equipped with reliable hands-free technology, Cadet toilets are engineered to outperform and ensure a cleaner, more hygienic bathroom environment. Simply wave your hand in front of the sensor to trigger the powerful Cadet flush. Learn more at the website.

LIXIL americanstandard.ca

THE NEXT GENERATION OF PATIO DOOR SYSTEMS

Westeck’s GrandView multi-slide patio door system offers the ultimate experience for clients to create and enjoy unique indoor/outdoor living spaces while providing year-round comfort with high thermal performance. To find out more visit their website.

WESTECK westeckwindows.com/ grandview-multislide

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.

Coulee Ridge raises funds for new outdoor learning space at local school

Alair Homes sponsors Soap Box Derby in support of Nanaimo Child Development Centre

A fun day of racing for a great cause! Alair Homes Nanaimo, a member of CHBA Vancouver Island, sponsored its first annual Hub City Soap Box Derby fundraising event in support of the Nanaimo Child Development Centre (NCDC). As part of their entry fee, young participants were given a soapbox kit to put their creativity and building skills to the test, while older entrants were required to build their own vehicles to meet the entrance guidelines. “We came up with the soap box derby as a way to give back to the community, have fun with the kids, and just get out there and enjoy,” says Stu Hopewell, COO and regional partner of Alair Homes Nanaimo. The NCDC provides a broad range of health and health-related services to children with developmental needs and works with more than 1,900 families annually to support healthy child development.

BILD Central Alberta supports The Mustard Seed

Each year, Building Industry and Land Development Association – Central Alberta (BILD-CA) helps a local charity of choice raise awareness at its annual Awards for Excellence in Housing gala by having them speak on stage and raise funds through a door prize raffle. This year, as part of the BILD CAres program, BILD-CA chose to support The Mustard Seed – Red Deer, and raised $2,210 for the cause. “We’re proud to support this organization in their efforts to provide food, shelter and other services to the most vulnerable in our community,” says BILD-CA. The Mustard Seed, which operates in five cities across Alberta, is a non-profit organization that has been caring for individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty since 1984.

BILD-Medicine Hat member Coulee Ridge partnered with a local elementary school Elm Street in Medicine Hat, Alta. to raise $10,000 for its new outdoor learning space. With the motto “a place of possibilities,” Elm Street School was looking for a new way to inspire its students and facilitate an engaging environment that fosters year-round, hands-on learning. As part of its Community Builder initiative, Coulee Ridge plans to convert an old on-site playground into an interactive resource for students and teachers, recycling what is already available at the unused space to make the project as cost-effective as possible, while still maintaining the functionality of a classroom. Coulee Ridge is also involved in a variety of fundraising activities for the project, including a commitment to match donations up to $2,000.

Beyond