THE MANY LIVES OF KATE CAMPBELL
Curiosity about the trades opened a world of adventures. Page 10
Kate Campbell
Creative Eye
ISSN 1498-8941 (Print)
1929-6495
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MOVING FORWARD, EFFICIENTLY
Irecently had the opportunity to take part in a panel discussion looking at the state of construction in Canada. In addition to looking backwards at how the past few years have impacted the industry, the event was also an opportunity to look ahead, to share some insights that might help contractors plan for the next few years.
It should come as no surprise that the economy is having an impact on all of us. Grocery bills are up, real estate listings slowed early in the year and, even with some easing in building material prices, they are still generally higher than where they were pre-pandemic.
At the same time, Canada has a near-record-low unemployment rate, a need for plentiful and affordable housing, and there’s a shortage of workers in the construction sector.
It’s no secret that a labour crisis has been looming; it’s been looming for decades, but with more than 80,000 current openings in the construction sector and retirement getting closer and closer for many trades professionals, we are beyond solving today’s site needs by poaching a few workers from a competitor. It is going to take a mix of approaches to navigate industry’s great riddle of the labour shortage.
Convincing young people, or more accurately their parents, that opportunities in construction are varied and rewarding, both personally and financially, is a long play that won’t land you a drywaller for this coming Tuesday.
Immigration can provide a faster route to the jobsite, but much like those kid’s toys where the square block won’t fit the star-shaped opening, there’s a need to get the immigration formula adjusted so that the workers who enter the country have skills that align with the actual openings on Canadian jobsites.
Doing more with the people we have is another part of the solution, and that means embracing new products and building technologies, as well as software options that are all aimed at finding efficiencies in our procedures and schedules.
While prefabrication brings to mind cookie-cutter neighbourhoods, even custom builds can benefit from the use of such products as prefabricated trusses, and ready-made near-boiler piping systems.
Some companies are also embracing programs like Lean and Six Sigma as they seek efficiencies in their processes. With labour becoming more and more scarce, it makes a lot of sense to look into systems that increase productivity without sacrificing quality.
And keep in mind that some of the most effective changes can come from rather minor adjustments. I’m often reminded of the tale of American Airlines losing an olive from the salads served on its flights. A simple change that most passengers didn’t even notice saved the company $40,000 a year — in 1980s dollars. Figuring out a more efficient location for material storage on a site can work in much the same way.
Software tools can also help with tracking progress and scheduling, and these apps and programs are not just for the big companies anymore.
While there are challenges and hurdles to be faced, I have confidence that the building and renovation sector will find positive paths forward this year. In an industry filled with problem solvers, there’s always a path forward.
And with Canada’s population continuing to rise, demand for new housing and renovations will not be abating any time soon.
Until next time, stay safe and build well. cc
By Adam Freill Interim Editor ”
”Convincing young people, or more accurately their parents, that opportunities in construction are varied and rewarding, both personally and financially, is a long play that won’t land you a drywaller for this coming Tuesday.
Soused Succession Dilemma
In the October edition’s Dilemma, we told you about Pete, a contractor who is ready to retire. Pete has spent the past five years training his company’s general manager, Noah, in preparation for succession. After hearing that Noah was bad-mouthing sub-contractors and sharing client information, Pete is now worried about his succession plan. We received some great answers from you about Pete’s dilemma, as you can see below. Check out last issue’s winner on page 26.
Communication is key
Gary Jans from RayJans Construction Inc. sympathized with Pete from a similar perspective:
Well, I guess I’m a bit like Pete. I’m in the process of retiring and I don’t think that there are too many successions that don’t have a glitch or two to overcome. I don’t envy Pete’s problem. Communication, seriously, communication is everything.
The options that you offered for a solution touch on everything relevant.
Absolutely, once the company is sold, it is no longer Pete’s business and you can’t control what Noah does, or for that matter any other buyer. Don’t ignore the rumours. Let’s get back to communication and focus on shaping the new owner into the best possible buyer for your business.
He may be great at doing the work it takes to run the business but accompany Noah to these meetings occasionally because obviously he needs a bit of coaching in that department as well. Just don’t cut him loose without some guidance.
It’s like raising kids. As a parent, you do the best you possibly can in order to raise your kids with the proper morals and values. After they move out, you hope that they carry those traits or lessons and make a life of their own.
You can’t control what your successor is going to do. Once you are paid and gone, it’s out of your hands.
A human approach
Randy recommends Pete teach Noah some emotional resilience:
Pete, you of course have reason to worry, but you’ve got no reason to panic, and in fact some of the stress you’re feeling now is in fact your own fault. It’s always hard when people don’t behave like you would in a situation, especially when your life’s work involved.
Yes, it’s complex, but remind yourself Noah clearly isn’t a complete waste of time. He’s stuck with you through all these years and his workmanship clearly stands above the rest and yes, you have been teaching him the needed business principles and practices, but the real intricacies lie deeper than that, they lie on a human level too.
Just as you are justified in being stressed and scared, it does not mean that Noah is not either. He’s aware that he has got big shoes to fill, aware of the fact that his life is about to change in a way that would be daunting for anybody; his free time will soon vaporize, and your financial stress will be his.
You have shown him many things, but how about showing him how you try deal with your emotions, and how you do so when dealing with people who disappoint you?
Show him your disappointment in him, but in a way that doesn’t chastise him but acknowledges his needs and fears.
Have you asked him why he’s drinking and why he’s afraid to deal with his frustrations in a way that you would like to see? Remember everyone is imperfect, talk about your flaws. This way he too may learn how to deal with these deeper human issues involved in all businesses and take them in an equally understanding and constructive way to the subcontractors who are disappointing him.
He needs to know that yes, like you, it’s possible to be not just a boss, but an approachable person, who understands. The best business skill isn’t understanding numbers, it’s understanding people and their needs.
Have a backup plan
Ron VanAuken suggests Pete weigh his options, speak to Noah, but have a backup in mind:
The most responsible thing for Pete to do is speak to Noah, with the possibility of finding someone else to take over as a backup. Why?
Focusing on his departure instead of dealing with the issue would betray 40 years of building a reputable company and Pete’s own values. It would not leave him with a peaceful retirement.
Simply ignoring the rumors begs the adage, “Where there is smoke there is (likely to be) fire.” Better to do an inspection rather than to let the business burn to the ground.
Speaking to Noah would be consistent with Pete’s values, namely his concern for the community where the company will continue to do business, his concern for the employees whom he has trained, and who look for security working for a business with an exceptional reputation, and the years of investment and trust placed in Noah, as well as his own reputation as he will likely continue to live in the community.
At 60, he is still young and can wait a couple of years to see if his conversation with Noah pays off. If it does not, then it’s time to find someone else to take over the company.
A bit more mentorship
George Pratt recommends Pete teach Noah how networking is done:
It is apparent that Pete has complete faith in Noah to continue with the business that he built. It could be quite
possible that Noah was thrown into attending these trade shows that he was not comfortable attending on his own, and the only way that he could be assertive enough to network with his peers that he could have never met before was to indulge a little too much in liquid courage.
Maybe Pete should have taken Noah with him to these shows and introduced him to the people that Pete wanted him to network with and then Noah could have seen firsthand how Pete interacted with them. This would have bridged the transition from Pete to Noah.
If Pete were to attend the next few events with Noah to help mend whatever damage has been done, maybe Noah could discretely apologize to those that he offended in the past to help repair that relationship that existed.
Uncomfortable conversations
Jennifer McCleneghan recommends Pete approach Noah from a professional standpoint: Pete needs to have a frank conversation with Noah, expressing the importance of professional behaviour and its correlation to the reputation and success of the company. Pete should stress to Noah the importance of building trust with his peers and the benefits of collaboration. Sharing client information and bad-mouthing subcontractors is never acceptable, and drinking too much is never an acceptable excuse for unprofessional and damaging behaviour.
A substance-use policy should be implemented, and every employee should be required to sign and adhere to the policy. Pete should advise Noah toward outside resources such as AA or the company benefits plan for addiction counselling. Substance abuse is a serious problem. It is unpredictable and can happen to anyone at any time.
Pete must be realistic that Noah may not see his drinking as a problem and may be apprehensive or even defensive about getting treatment. Pete should communicate that he (Pete) has a problem with Noah’s drinking and if the behaviour continues, the company, Noah’s position as general manager and Pete’s retirement, are all in jeopardy.
Although it is uncomfortable for Pete to confront Noah, facing and dealing with issues is the only way for the relationship to grow and be mutually satisfying.
Sympathy and hard truths
Jax Bailey from J.Bailey and Sons recommends Pete sympathize with Noah but be stern about the potential outcome:
Pete has mentored and supported Noah’s career for over 20 years, and had faith in Noah up until recently. Pete needs to deal with these concerns immediately. He has a duty to speak openly and honestly to Noah about his behaviour.
Since it sounds like this is a new issue with Noah, Pete should also see if Noah needs any resources like counselling or help because Noah might be going through something that he has not shared, which is causing the drinking and poor choices of recent.
The hard talk has to happen, and Pete can state his intentions to have Noah continue leading the company, but that it must be done in a positive manner which breeds trust, faith and security for clients and tradespeople. Pete needs to have a clause in his handover contract that if any badmouthing or poor behaviour entail, Noah will be relieved of his duties.
Pete also needs to ensure Noah realizes how serious and concerning his behaviour is as they work in a client-based business and having any form of badmouthing or breeching any client information could cost the company its reputation, lose jobs and also affect Noah personally in the form of termination.
Pete has a long-term relationship with Noah and is in the position to point out what is being stated, help Noah fix that behaviour and make choices that will ensure clients, trades and the public continue to value the services that Pete’s company has provided for over 40 years.
Noah deserves honesty and a second chance as he has been an excellent employee who has dedicated 20 years of service to a business built on a solid reputation and by valuing the union, trades associations and community.
The values need to be restated and Noah can make the choice to get his priorities back in check or walk away from the opportunity. cc
23_000696_Canadian_Contractor_MAR_CN Mod: January 27, 2023 12:07 PM Print: 02/03/23 3:40:37 PM page 1 v7
HCRA imposing penalties on ‘unethical and illegal’ home builders
The Home Construction Regulatory Authority (HCRA) may now impose administrative penalties on Ontario home builders or vendors who breach legal and ethical obligations. A new regulation now in effect adds administrative penalties — a financial penalty similar to a fine — to the HCRA’s existing enforcement tools that include revoking or imposing conditions on a licence.
“The HCRA is serious about holding new home builders and vendors accountable for their behaviour,” said Wendy Moir, HCRA’s CEO and registrar. “These penalties are not just a cost of doing business. This is a clear message and reminder to the industry that unethical conduct and violations of the rules will not be tolerated.”
Recent legislative and regulatory changes to the New Home Construction Licensing Act, 2017 (NHCLA) allow the HCRA to use the proceeds of administrative penalties to provide funds to negatively impacted consumers. Penalties can also be imposed on people or companies who operate without a licence.
“These penalties — up to $50,000 per occurrence, depending on the contravention — are a first for the industry and will support an enhanced, fair and safe marketplace,” Moir said. “They will support the HCRA in quickly taking action against illegal and unethical behaviour, both protecting consumers and ensuring a level playing field in the industry.” cc
Ontario resident fined for furnace install
Zhoufeng Yu, sole director of Lucky Air Systems, recently pleaded guilty repairing a natural gas appliance without a gas technician certificate issued by the Technical Standard and Safety Authority (TSSA). The Ontario Court of Justice ordered Yu to pay a total fine of $7,000 for both counts, plus a 25 per cent victim surcharge.
Yu, whose company operates in the Greater Toronto Area, was also found guilty of one count of knowingly making a false statement or furnishing false information.
According to the TSSA, Yu, who has not held a valid certificate since 2018, entered into a verbal contract with a homeowner to repair a natural gas furnace that had been issued a hazard tag by Enbridge Gas. cc
Multi-gen home reno tax credit available B.C. sets minimum age for construction workers
The federal government’s Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit took effect in January. The credit provides Canadians with a 15 per cent refund for renovations aimed at helping to care for elderly and disabled relatives in their homes.
Eligible projects include the construction of a secondary suite for a family member who is senior or an adult with a disability. The credit can be applied against expenses of up to $50,000, for a maximum refund of $7,500.
Canada’s Budget 2022 outlines eligible persons, qualifying relations and eligible claimants for the tax credit. The secondary suite must be a selfcontained housing unit that includes a separate entrance, bathroom, kitchen and sleeping area. cc
Construction workers in B.C. must now be at least 16 years old. New hazardous work for youth regulations have come into effect in the province, following amendments to the Employments Standards Regulation.
The Ministry of Labour has identified several jobs that were deemed too hazardous for young workers in the province, including some jobs in construction, forestry, food processing and asbestos removal. According to ministry data, the average injury rate of workers was 2.2 per cent in 2021, but some jobs, including those in construction, have much higher injury rates. For example, framers in the construction industry have an injury rate of 7.8 per cent.
Beyond the 16-year age minimum, the government is also mandating that workers be at least 18 years old for more hazardous jobs, including powerline construction, tasks with exposure to silica dust, work in confined spaces or work that requires a respirator. cc
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PHOTO:
THE MANY LIVES OF
KATE CAMPBELL
What started off as curiosity about the trades, opened a world of possibilities and adventures for this Canadian contractor.
By Jack Kazmierski
Kate Campbell has lived many lives over the past 17 years, each one more exciting than the previous. Part general contractor, part entrepreneur, part mentor and part TV personality, Campbell’s career in the trades almost didn’t happen.
Back in high school, she recalls having great marks and doing well scholastically but, like many students at that age, she had no idea which career path was the right one for her.
“I remember speaking with my guidance counsellor,” she recalls. “He had my transcript, and we had a conversation, but it wasn’t about what I love to do, what hobbies I had, or what interested me. It was more about how good my grades were and which university I wanted to go to.”
Campbell didn’t want to go to university, and she didn’t want a job where she would have to sit behind a desk for the rest of her life. Eventually, her mom read a newspaper article about a Women in Skilled Trades course that was being offered locally and suggested that Campbell look into it.
“She brought it to my attention and said, ‘I think this would be something that you would really love doing,’” Campbell recalls. “I was always very sporty, active, creative, and I had a hard time sitting still. This seemed like something I could do.”
Television debut
Campbell’s mom was right. The Women in Skilled Trades course introduced Campbell to a whole new world, and she decided that this was the career path she wanted to pursue. What she didn’t know is that it would also lead to television.
“As part of the course, we needed to find a 400-hour placement within the industry,” she explains. “We needed to find some real-life jobsite experience, and it just so happened that the Holmes Group was hiring at the time, and they took me on for my placement. So, I completed my hours with the Holmes Group.”
Although working on site and on set was exciting, Campbell also found it very intimidating.
“I think I was blissfully ignorant about the world of TV and construction,” she says. “The two most intimidating things I could do was walk onto a jobsite, and then fill it with TV cameras, while not really knowing the world of construction.”
Campbell found herself trying to master two trades simultaneously: construction and television.
“Imagine never having been on a jobsite before and working for one of the most well-known contractors in Canada, while also being scrutinized under the microscope with cameras all around you and the crew asking you what you’re doing,” she says. “It was an incredible experience, and I was like a sponge, just trying to soak it all in and absorb as much information as possible because I knew that in order to succeed in this industry, I needed to learn as much as I could so that I would be able to eventually go out on my own.”
After more than four years with Mike Holmes, Campbell says that what she learned on set, and on the jobsite, has helped her throughout her career.
“When I started in the trades, social media wasn’t a thing, and creating your own content wasn’t a thing,” she says. “I think I got the best of both worlds because I was interested in how the show was put together, what shots they needed, and how they created a whole episode out of the many hours of day-to-day work.”
However, at this point in her life, after four intense years with the Holmes Group, Campbell was feeling a bit burned out and needed to take some time off.
“The TV industry is all about long hours, and the construction industry is all about long hours,” she says. “I was feeling worn out, so I had to step away. I decided to go backpacking through Thailand.”
TV career: Take 2
After her much-needed hiatus, Campbell returned to Canada and was offered a key role with another construction-related HGTV show, Decked Out. She ended up staying with the show, and the many iterations it went through, for more than six years.
“I found a family in those guys,” she says. “It was really cool, and some of the projects we worked on were incredible.”
Since Decked Out was shot in Ontario, the show had to take a break every year during winter, which also gave Campbell a few months every year to pursue her own business goals.
“I had always envisioned buying houses and working on my own properties,” she says. “So, I would purchase a house and start working on it while we were still filming, and then over the winter would really focus on renovating it. That’s when I started to slowly step out on my own with the vision of eventually doing that full time.”
The advent of social media
Once the Decked Out family of programs came to an end, Campbell came up with an idea that she thought would be a sure winner, but instead, it led her to the next chapter in her life.
“I had purchased a 107-year-old century home, and I filmed a pilot with HGTV to have a whole show based on the renovation of that house,” she explains. “I was super excited about it, but it never ended up happening. It was
one of those really disappointing parts of my career because I thought it would be an opportunity to showcase a Canadian female contractor, but it just wasn’t my time, it just wasn’t the right project, or the powers-that-be just didn’t give it a green light.”
That’s when Campbell moved her television show idea over to social media.
“I had learned so much about the industry in terms of construction and film, and social media was then a fairly big up-and-coming thing. So, I decided to just film myself doing the renovations on the century home,” she says.
Her popularity on social media ended up exposing her to other opportunities, with many companies reaching out to work with her.
Coming full circle
Today, Campbell continues with her social media projects and her website, katebuilds.ca. Her career has come full circle in that she is now helping other women pursue a career in the trades.
“My goal is to support women in skilled trades in general, and I’m sharing my story about my experiences in the trades,” she says.
Thinking back to how her guidance counsellor treated her in high school, Campbell is taking her message to the classrooms, as well as to school boards.
“I talk a lot to schools about how we talk to students about next steps after high school, and about career choices, because I feel like there’s still that stigma when it comes to
the skilled trades. It’s definitely changed, but it’s still there.”
Social media continues to be a powerful tool that professionals like Campbell can leverage to dispel myths about the trades and to introduce young ones to the industry.
“I think social media has been great because it has exposed so many people to the trades,” Campbell notes. “I see so many more tradeswomen on social media, and one of my favourite quotes is, ‘You can’t be what you can’t see.’ So even simply exposing girls and women to the trades and getting them thinking about a career in the trades is so important.”
Campbell continues to work on construction projects of her own but relishes the time she spends promoting the trades and getting the next generation of tradespeople excited about the possibilities.
experiences and the trades. I’m also still using social media as a tool to promote what I’m doing, to share the different projects I’m taking on, and to talk about the companies I’m working with.”
It starts with the parents
“I had always envisioned buying houses and working on my own properties,” she says.
“I do really love using my experiences to talk to others about getting into the trades, especially when speaking at schools,” she says. “I kind of shifted a little bit out of the contracting side. Even though I am still taking on my own projects, I’m talking to others about my
One of the biggest challenges to promoting the trades to young people is getting parents to change their view and perspective, Campbell says.
“What I’ve learned during my career is that it’s not about changing just the students’ minds; it’s about changing their parents’ minds about the trades, as well,” she says. “You might have a student who is excited about trying out the trades, and then they go home to their university-educated parents, and it’s a hard no.”
Changing parents’ minds is certainly a daunting task, but it’s one that Kate Campbell, with all her insights, experience and adventures is ready to tackle as she looks towards the future wondering where her passion for the trades and her love of this industry will take her next. cc
A
BEAUTIFUL COLLABORATION
When a designer and contractor work well together with the client, the result can be like beautiful music.
By Gordon Wornoff
Anyquality building project is truly a collaboration. Success lies in the team effort between the client, the designer and the general contractor.
Canadian Contractor had the opportunity to sit down with awardwinning designer Svetlana Tryaskina, founder of boutique firm Estee Design, and general contractor Danny Edell, founder of True Contractors, to discuss their recently celebrated condo redesign at King and Spadina — the Oxley Street Residence.
Tryaskina is an internationally recognized designer who is celebrated for her unmatched, meticulous interiors. Born in Russia, Tryaskina was raised in a creative family of prominent artists. She attended the prestigious Academy of Music in Moscow for five years before leaving for New York City where she worked as a textile artist for a decade. She now calls Toronto home, where she runs her award-winning business designing groundbreaking, high-end interiors.
“Svetlana has more attention to detail than any designer I’ve ever worked with, and I’ve worked with a
lot of designers,” says Edell, who has more than 20 years’ of experience as a contractor. “It’s actually amazing. Her standard of finish is next level. For example, you know how nothing is ever perfectly straight in real life? Well on her jobs, everything is, and she insists on it. Zero discrepancy. Floors, ceilings, crown moulding across 25 feet, all perfect. On this job, the condo concrete ceiling wasn’t straight, so we put a finish coat of Venetian plaster to fix it.”
Edell’s Toronto-based company takes on about 50 projects per year.
“We’re a very big, small company. We have four office staff and about 10 site people. The bulk of our work is gut-reno or gut-reno with an addition,” he says. “I wouldn’t say we have a niche though. I will renovate your powder room, or I will build your house. At the end of the day, I don’t care about what I’m doing, so much as who I’m doing it with.”
“A good contractor is priceless,” confirms Tryaskina. “I’m a perfectionist, so I drive my contractors crazy. Danny is so good though. He’s always so calm and does great work.”
Over the past eight years, Edell and Tryaskina have worked together on about 10 projects, including the Oxley Street Residence.
The project was a two-bed, twobath, 970-square-foot condo owned by a retired couple who enjoyed careers
in Bermuda — she in the financial industry and he as a police officer.
“Svetlana called me and brought me in for this job,” states Edell. “It was nothing out of the ordinary. We had a site meeting and we talked about overall design and potential. Logistically, condos are always a little tricky.”
“The challenge with working in condos is always elevators, parking, hours, access, and moving big heavy
items up 11 floors,” explains Tryaskina. “You have to be very polite; you have to know how to work with the condo board and the neighbours.”
“There’s a lot of moving parts with site access,” explains Edell. “The first thing you do is introduce yourself to the concierge. Find out how they take their coffee. That ensures everything goes smoothly, because they are the most important person in a condo renovation.
“In the end, this building didn’t have a concierge, but the clients were lovely people and had the good sense to move out and not try to live at home through the reno.”
The elevator actually played a role in some of the design choices for the renovation.
“The peninsula for this job was 12 feet, but we were limited by the size of the elevator,” explains Tryaskina. “I had to come up with a solution that, I think, gave me an advantage.”
Rather than having to hide a seam in the stone, she extended the end of the porcelain with a solid piece of walnut.
“My clients wanted a big surface to entertain. So, I gave them a peninsula with space for six or seven chairs. However, I didn’t want them eating breakfast side-by-side at a big bar, so the end of the peninsula is like a bistro table, and you can put two chairs on
either side to face each other,” she says. “The little walnut section gives it an intimacy of two people dining together.”
In addition to the peninsula, the project features luxurious white oak flooring, reeded glass in the cabinetry and doors, and integrated lighting throughout.
“Whenever I go to trade shows or showrooms, I love seeing all the new hardware that is available,” says Tryaskina. “The more advanced the mechanism, the better. I source the best sliding door system and I either supply it or specify it.”
In this residence, she included a sliding door with a full-sized mirror recessed on the face at the entryway closet, to replace what she calls an ugly bifold door.
“The hardware for this door was very expensive and something nobody had used before,” she says. “I had to look specially for that mechanism where you just touch the door, and it slides silently away. It opens or closes itself and glides into place; you just need a slight touch with one finger.”
Edell says he enjoys the innovative twists he encounters when he works with Tryaskina.
“We installed hidden doors
integrated into the millwork using SOSS hinges. You actually went into the bedroom through the millwork and the hinges hid the door and made everything completely seamless,” illustrates Edell. “She designed these great open concept shelves in the kitchen that had high-end brass supports on it that I really liked. The floor to ceiling walnut millwork in the kitchen looked great.”
“I actually hand-picked the sheets of American Walnut veneer myself,” says Tryaskina. “I was going for a particular look, and I wanted quarter sawn. I accompanied my millwork guy, and we looked through a gazillion different veneers. He called me after the first delivery of material came to his shop because he knew I wouldn’t like some of it. We only kept three sheets and returned the rest to start over again.”
“The design on this job is absolutely incredible,” says Edell. “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder — it’s subjective — but objectively, what Svetlana brings to the table is an incredible pre-thoughtout attention to detail to avoid any complications or anything that would prevent achieving an impossibly high standard of perfection.”
Beautifully crafted paintings,
A multiple-time National Kitchen and Bath Association award-winning designer, Svetlana Tryaskina and her contractor Danny Edell incorporated upscale finishes, high-end appliances and some unique door hardware to create a condo space in which her clients can cook and entertain without giving up privacy in the unit.
sculptures, or musical compositions that retain aesthetic and economic value are called art, what about highend interiors?
“Yes, definitely you can compare this to music,” Tryaskina says. “When you are at a concert listening to music that you love, you have those endorphins that make you feel better, you’re calmer, or you’re happier. That’s the same feeling you can have in a space.
“Designed spaces go to another level because they affect the entire family — the children, the parents, and the older people. It makes it more beautiful to use the space together.”
“If it’s beautiful, it’s because of the designer. If it’s well done, that’s on me,” says Edell. “That’s my role — I’m a soldier, I don’t want to have to think, I want to do. To me, a good designer is the most valuable person. I want to deliver their vision.”
To that end, Edell doesn’t weigh in on design suggestions, but he can help guide clients to decisions about the space itself.
“I’ll say, ‘Maybe you want to consider keeping a bathtub in one bathroom for resale value — that’s important,’” he says. “Or I’ll say, ‘I understand you want a home office but just remember, if it doesn’t have a closet in in, it’s not considered a bedroom. So now your house is considered a three-bedroom with an office instead of a four-bedroom.’”
Suggestions like those, he says, can have an impact on the end value of a project. “That’s where I’ll offer my opinion.”
The other area where he adds value to the team is being proactive in tackling the project itself.
“The biggest hurdle for a contractor is controlling our time,” he says. “If you’re reactive to the inevitable problems that occur, it is self-perpetuating and you’re always playing catch up. The goal is to always try to be as proactive as possible and eliminate every unknown on each job.”
“You must stay true to your process. Don’t let your client dictate your process,” says Tryaskina. “For instance,
if the client says, ‘My husband will paint this room to save money,’ this should concern you. Most of the time this ends with having to redo the work and it’s your problem now.”
For her, it comes down to working with professionals she can trust to hit the targets that she sets.
“If you know your trade well,
THENEW
you know how it needs to be done. It must be the proper steps, proper trades, proper materials, and no compromises,” she says. “Of course, you are always respectful of clients, their budgets and their expectations, but they hire you to know what can and cannot be done. So, follow your process and your knowledge.” cc
ELECTRONIC INNOVATION
AT THE
KITCHEN SINK
The evolution of smart home technology and the desire for safety have made hands-free faucets an attractive choice for kitchen renovations.
By Daniel Reale-Chin
Ina post-COVID-19 world, hands-free kitchen faucets have become a popular choice for Canadians looking for the hygiene, convenience and accessibility benefits that these touchless appliances have to offer.
Hands-free faucets may bring to mind busy bathrooms in stadiums, restaurants and theaters, and for many of us, that would be where we best know them. While once new and novel in those commercial spaces, over the past decade it seems like we have come to accept, and even expect the hygienic benefits these faucets have to offer in public settings.
As products evolve, significant innovations in hands-free technology have shifted the applications of plumbing automation from being only for commercial washrooms to residential applications – and not just residential bathrooms. Hands-free kitchen faucets are gaining considerable traction as homeowners look to customize the most noticed room of their homes.
Of all the benefits that touchless faucets provide, improved hygiene usually tops the list for users. Marlon Thompson, vice-president and lead of marketing for Lixil Canada explains that handsfree faucets can help reduce the risk of transmitting germs or bacteria, since people don’t have to touch a potentially dirty surface to use the faucet.
“This can be especially important in settings where there is a high risk of cross-contamination,
American Standard
such as hospitals and public restrooms, but also in the kitchen,” he says.
When it comes to hand-hygiene, COVID has made handwashing — something that was already important — even more important to help prevent the spread of it and other viruses. Between cooking activities and handwashing after work or school, a kitchen faucet is one of the most used appliances in a home, a status that Anny Ang, director of marketing for Moen, says makes the addition of a handsfree faucet an ideal solution to help fight off the germs and bacteria that can cause illness.
“This is a great solution for messy hands when cooking,” adds Thompson.
For many Canadians, a hands-free faucet might seem like luxury item that they can add to upgrade their kitchen sink experience, but for those with disabilities or mobility issues, touchless faucets can provide a welcomed assist when cooking or cleaning in the kitchen.
“[Many] hands-free kitchen faucets can be operated both as a manual faucet or hands-free, based on user needs, which can make them more accessible to a wider range of users,” says Thompson.
Without the need to grip a handle, these faucets open up wider possibilities in the kitchen for users living with mobility issues and conditions like arthritis or Parkinson’s disease. Ang says that elderly users and users with a limited range of mobility don’t need to extend their reach to use the handle to turn the faucet on when using the touchless models that are available.
“[They] can just wave their hand or use voice commands
to turn the faucet on or off and change the temperature,” she explains.
Moen
Moen
Safety in the home
Touchless technologies can be especially helpful when it comes to safety in homes where people require care. In addition to being beneficial to elderly users and those with degenerative conditions or mobility issues, automation can assist young children who may also struggle with grip and reach. In terms of safety, a number of newer hands-free
faucet models can also be controlled using app- and voicebased technology, allowing parents or caregivers to control the temperature.
“Some hands-free faucets are equipped with temperature-control features that allow users to set the desired water temperature, which [may] help prevent scalding injuries,” says Thompson. “This can be especially important for children, who may be more sensitive to high water temperatures.”
Ang says that some models come with voice-controlled apps that parents or caregivers can pre-set to keep other hand-washers safe.
“Users can customize generic terms such as hot, cold and warm in the app on their phone, and customize other safety and security features,” she says.
Beyond voice controls and smartphone applications, some touchless faucets also come with safety features like visual indicators that can help protect users. Ang says that
one of her company’s new models has an LED temperature indicator that “changes from blue to purple to red to visually indicate the water’s temperature change.”
This colourful marker is aimed at helping to prevent children and other users from accidentally scalding themselves with hot water.
Thompson says that water temperature controls aimed at reducing the risk of scalds are also integrated in other touch-free faucets as well. Other safety features include timers that automatically turn water off after 55 seconds of runtime.
Control innovations
Companies have been working on innovations designed to not only keep users safe but also to make products more customizable, allowing users to choose their preferred method to activate their faucet.
Ang says that Moen carries models that range from simplified hands-free activation that only needs the wave of a hand, to faucets that offer sensor, app and voice-controlled activation.
“With Moen’s Smart Faucet, the touchless motion control and voice activation can be used regardless of the faucet’s manual handle position. Users can control both the temperature and water flow of the faucet with simple hand motions.”
With the app, users can pre-program their faucet to respond to voice controls like, “Fill my pasta pot,” or “Fill my dog bowl.” These commands will even supply precise amounts of water as part of the programming. Ang adds that these more advanced faucets can also be connected to pre-existing smart home systems like Amazon’s Alexa and Google Home, to take advantage of their voiceactivation features.
Today’s generation of touchless kitchen faucets also offer more options for sensor placement, allowing for even more creative solutions to meet a user’s needs. For example, some faucets allow for the sensor to be placed near the floor for foot activation, or in front, above, or even on the side of the faucet.
And some faucets, like American Standard’s Avery, allow the user to turn off the hands-free function to make faucet operation a manual experience by simply closing the sliding door of the sensor.
Reducing water consumption
With the rising focus on energy efficiency, customers who are demanding eco-friendly products for their homes can find a water conservation solution in hands-free faucets as well.
Since most automated faucets are designed to shut off after a set period of time, they tend to help conserve water, says Thompson.
“This can be especially important in areas where water
Grohe
resources are limited or in buildings or homes where there is a concern about water usage,” he says, adding that some also have adjustable water-flow settings, “which can be really useful for children, who may not have the same level of awareness about water conservation as adults.”
According to Statistics Canada, Canadians used an average of 215 litres of water per day in their households in 2019. Common kitchen activities, like washing hands, can easily consume more water than necessary, especially if water continues to flow while scrubbing with soap. Some hands-free faucets on the market have a control feature for handwashing that Ang explains will turn the water on and then pause for scrubbing.
“Some hands-free faucets are equipped with temperature-control features that allow users to set the desired water temperature, which [may] help prevent scalding injuries,”
Installation notes
For those who have yet to include a hands-free faucet in a client’s kitchen plans, the manufacturers advise to not be intimidated by the technology. While some models might require electrical work, such as running electrical wires or installing electrical outlets, most are designed so that a skilled homeowner can handle an installation, so it should be a job that your plumber and electrician can easily handle. Models with the option to operate on battery power may not even need an electrician, making it a task that a plumber can perform on their own.
Thompson advises speaking with your plumber, however, as the installation process might take longer than a standard faucet, so it is important to discuss the install with them to ensure they have enough time to do the job.
Of course, if the client prefers to use an AC adapter rather than batteries and does not have an outlet available under their sink, Ang says, “they will need to work with an electrician to have that installed first.”
Faucet and sensor life will be maximized if customers maintain the faucet regularly and handle the faucet with care, adds Thompson. He advises to also consider the water conditions in the home as faucets installed in environments with hard water might experience more wear and tear and need more frequent maintenance. cc
INSPECTING YOUR ROOFING HARNESS
By James Hong
Whenit comes to roof work, whether high atop a tall building or sometimes not quite as many storeys up on residential projects, we all know how important your harness and hardware is. Not only do these tools protect you, but they also protect your company.
According to Canadian occupational health and safety regulations, your employer must ensure that you are trained and that there is a fall protection system in place if a fall of from three metres (10 feet) or more may occur. Your employer is responsible for providing a harness when assigning roof and height work.
When it comes to safety at heights, you need to trust in your gear, and that means inspecting it thoroughly and regularly. My motto is, “Know your harness; know yourself.”
How many of you perform a thorough checklist examination of your fall protection harness? And how often?
Some tradespeople purchase their own harnesses. There are standard roof kits available that are pretty reasonably priced, but personalization is possible, although it can also get pricey. Others depend on their company to provide the harness. This means you get what’s available.
Advantages to buying include comfort, best fit, and personal care and control over maintenance. We tend to take better care of the things we own. The advantage of using a
company-owned harness is typically the cash savings.
Keep in mind that harnesses can survive the trauma of a fall or being run over without damage or stress being visually apparent, which is a key reason to do detailed checks of any such safety device you plan to use. If you suspect, or have been told, that your harness has experienced a trauma, it can be removed from service due to “loss of faith.”
Whether yours or yours for the day, it is critical to personally perform a thorough inspection. Do not count on anyone else to tell you your harness has been inspected. A “quick look” inspection is not sufficient for your safety as any small imperfection can lead to a malfunction, and the time to discover a problem is not once you’re up there.
Harness inspection checklists are broken down into material sections.
Webbing and straps
Common webbing fabrics include nylon and polyester. Materials used near hazardous conditions like welding and arc flash exposure contain fire retardants and some type grounding material. These straps secure every single part of the harness as well as your body. Any visual or odorous variations, even the smallest can cause a malfunction.
D-Rings, buckles, adjusters and snap hooks
This hardware secures the functionality of your harness. Check
for damage that distorts or defaces, as well as any marks on any part of the hardware. Make sure springs aren’t sticking or jamming.
Stitching
The condition of the stitching on any part of the harness should always be in flawless condition to support you in a fall and for fall restraint. There should be front and backstitching, both in perfect condition without frays or missing and loose stitches.
Lanyards and Lifelines
The newest CSA standards for personal energy absorbers and lanyards went into effect in 2020. Manufacturers are now required to include a table, chart or graphic in equipment manuals that illustrates the use of energy absorbers based on the user’s weight and free-fall distance. This illustration will specify the complete range of weights and distances permitted for the device. When checking your harness, ensure there is CSA information and check spring tensions for retention and indicator activation.
Labels and markings
Labels and markings are records of CSA testing to meet standards for safety and performance. Ensure the labels are securely in place, that you can read the CSA markings and labels, and the manufacturer’s in-service date is present. cc
James Hong is an OHS consultant, writer and journalist.
MAKING EFFICIENT WINDOW CHOICES
Recommending the most energy-efficient windows to your clients makes a lot of sense.
By Jessica Brandstrom
Selecting energy efficiency windows can improve home comfort and save clients money on heating and cooling, but not all energy efficient windows are the same. Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) has two classifications for the windows in its Energy Star Canada program, and the difference can be noticeable, in the home and on bills.
Compared to standard window offerings, NRCan research suggests Energy Star-qualified windows tend to reduce annual energy costs by roughly eight per cent. While windows don’t consume energy directly, wintertime heat losses and summertime heat gains need to be accommodated for by a home’s HVAC system.
Energy-efficient products like triple-pane windows can help reduce those unwanted heat losses and gains, keeping a home’s temperature and humidity levels in a more stable range, and keeping rooms in a better comfort zone, regardless of the season.
Along with the added comfort and reduced energy costs, eligible energyefficient windows may also earn a homeowner grants or rebates from federal and provincial government programs, including the Canada Greener Homes program.
Energy Star explained The Energy Star program has two classifications for window products: “qualified” and “most efficient.”
Classification is based on either its U factor, or its Energy Rating (ER). As efficiency rises, the U factor reduces and the ER rises. Only a portion of
Energy Star-certified products will earn a most efficient designation in a given year.
Energy Star-qualified products have:
• A U factor of no higher than 1.22 W/ m2K (0.21 Btu/h·ft.2·°F); or
• An ER of 34 or higher.
Energy Star most efficient products have:
• A maximum U factor of 1.05 W/m2K (0.18 Btu/h·ft.2·°F); or
• A minimum ER of 40.
The rate of heat loss is assessed with the U factor. The lower the number, the slower the loss. Calculations for the ER consider the U factor, as well as air leakage and potential solar gains. Rather than breaking out the formulas for customers, it is generally easiest to explain that more efficient windows have either a low U or a high ER, or both.
Keep in mind, for a product to earn Energy Star certification in Canada, it also needs to be manufactured by an Energy Star Canada participant and be sold in Canada. The window also needs be registered with NRCan as Energy Star-certified and be included in the list of certified products on the NRCan website.
More panes for efficiency
Triple pane windows are a great option for improving a home’s energy efficiency. These modern window products are constructed using three layers of glass rather than one or two.
Multi-pane windows have space between the panes that is filled with gas that helps increase the insulative
properties of the window. Triple pane windows have twice the airspace compared to a dual pane window, which results in greater performance, efficiency and comfort.
Get the grants
Energy Star-compliant windows may be eligible for provincial and federal rebates. For example, under the Canada Greener Homes grant, a homeowner may qualify for as much as $5,000 in federal grants. Also look for additional grant and rebate programs in your region, like the Home Efficiency Rebate Plus program that started in January in Ontario.
NRCan’s website, www.nrcan.gc.ca, is a great resource for keeping up with current grant offerings, and for a list of Energy Star-qualified and most efficient products. cc
Jessica Brandstrom is the territory sales manager for Manitoba at JELDWEN of Canada. Portions of this article are based on information from the JELD-WEN of Canada Blog.
PHOTO
WHAT CAUGHT OUR INTEREST
A STURDY ALTERNATIVE TO WOODEN DECKS
trex.com
Trex has expanded its decking portfolio with the Trex Transcend Lineage. With a range of four new hues, Trex’s decks are an esthetic choice featuring heat-mitigating technology. Deckboards are made of wood-alternative composite and are designed to deliver lowmaintenance outdoor living. The company has expanded its offering with four new hues: Carmel, a creamy taupe that integrates a toasty brown shade with grey undertones; Jasper, a deep shade of mocha, incorporating a rich lumber hue and delicate streaking; Biscayne, a light coastal brown with light honey hues and a natural grain pattern; and Rainier, a mountain grey with soft silver tones and delicate graining. Pictured is the Carmel hue.
HEAVY-DUTY INSULATED FOOTWEAR
keenfootware.com
Keen’s Utility CSA Philadelphia work boot is designed to steady, protect and keep feet comfortable. Featuring 3/4 Goodyear welt construction and built with a 90-degree heel to give wearers stability, flexibility and durability under extreme working conditions, the boots use 200g KEEN. WARM signature insulation to provide warmth in colder environments and include safety features like Barnyard Resistant Leather to resist the damaging effects of oleic acid, sodium chloride and ammonium hydroxide to extend the life of the boot. The footwear is also electric-shock resistant for added protection.
SELF-ADHESION TECHNOLOGY FOR COLD ROOFS
certainteed.ca
CertainTeed’s Arctic Edge
Flintlastic cold tape is an all-season option for adhering to modified asphalt. The use-as-need auxiliary tape is engineered to boost CertainTeed’s existing Flinlastic adhesion in cold climates. The tape self-adheres in temperatures as low as two-degrees Celsius. The tape is designed for low-slope residential and commercial applications for perimeter details, side-laps and base/interplay end-laps to ensure the roofing system is water-tight. According to CertainTeed, the Arctic Edge also replaces metal primers, which may eliminate labour delays associated with longer cold weather cure times. The tape can be installed using a hand-held applicator or a stand-up applicator for longer stretches of side-lap application.
ANCHORING EPOXY dewalt.ca
DeWalt’s Pure220+ premium adhesive anchoring epoxy is an exceptionally strong one-to-one chemical anchor. The anchor is part of Dewalt’s DustX+ system, which pairs the adhesive with the company’s 10-gallon dust extractor, hollow bit range, and portable power station to offer a portable dustless installation. The epoxy does not require a roughening tool pre-installation, which removes an installation step, saving time. It is also engineered to be an easy-to-dispense formulation which aids with cold weather dispensing when paired with the company’s cordless dispensing or manual dispensing options. A diamond core drilled hole approval for both cracked and uncracked concrete is expected to be received by Q3 of this year.
SLEEK KITCHEN FAUCET pfisterfaucets.com
Pfister’s Norden kitchen faucet has a transitional look designed to fit any style of kitchen. The faucet has a sleek design and is available in stainless steel, polished chrome or matte black finishes. Innovations in the line include Pfister’s HydroBlade technology, which uses high velocity and concentrated force to remove hardened food and tough grease, and MagnePfit, which uses magnets to keep the spray head firmly secure and looking seamless. To help maintain a consistent look, and alignment of the faucet’s spray head, it also incorporates the company’s AutoAlign technology, which uses threaded grooves at the base of the three-functional spray head to re-orient the spray head after each use.
ROOFING FIT FOR A CASTLE bpcan.com
BP Canada’s line of Manoir shingles feature the company’s Weather-Tite+ technology that uses two sealant bands for resistance to wind and rain. The hurricane band is patterned and located near the edge of the exposure to act as a barrier to wind and accumulation of wind-driven rain under the shingle. A second sealant strip, the Weather-Tite band, adheres to the previous row of shingles to provide an extra layer of protection against the wind. It is designed to prevent blow-offs in high wind while redirecting any infiltrating water caused by wind-driven rain. The shingles offer wind protection up to 220 kilometers per hour and Class 3 impact resistance. The shingles also feature an extensive duallayer construction and elastomeric asphalt formulation that provides added flexibility and long-term granule retention. The shingles are covered by a limited lifetime warranty and are available in five colours inspired by castles: Versailles, Balmoral, Bavaria, Vienna and Carcassonne.
ITALIAN-INSPIRED CERAMIC SURFACES laminam.com
Laminam’s In-Side series is the company’s latest collection of ceramic slabs for home surfaces. The slabs in the series are inspired by Italian architectural stones: Porfido, Piasentina, Cardoso. The slabs give surfaces a continuous look and are resistant to impact, stains and scratches. The versatility of ceramic helps the surfaces retain their specifications even when they are exposed to heat, frost and ultraviolet rays. Slabs have an average water absorption of less than one per cent, and the ceramic does not release elements in a solution, providing for food-safe surfaces that will not form mould or mildew. Slabs in the series are available in 1,200 by 3,000 millimeters and 1,620 by 3,240 millimeters. They are available in five colours with two surface effects: Naturale, a natural look; and Fiammato, which is created by a flame-patterned processing.
DESIGNER CONSTRUCTION PANTS hhworkwear.com
The Oxford 4X Pant from Helly Hansen comes in three formats: construction, work and cargo. Designed for men, the pants feature four-way stretch material rather than the two-way stretch material used in earlier designs by the company. With the four-way stretch, the fabric will move both crosswise and lengthwise, allowing for unrestricted movement at all times.
The construction version of the pant also features access to the kneepad pockets from the outside, to simplify adjustment or insertion of kneepads, as well integrated hanging, reinforced tool bag pockets. The pants also have plasticcovered metal buttons, reflective details, and reinforcement fabric at knee and bottom hem.
PRICED OUT
Jim has been a custom builder for 26 years and has built a reputation for fairness with his crews and the trade contractors with whom he works. His company also has a solid reputation for the homes that they build. He believes that using quality products and working with trades professionals who are as detail oriented as himself is the proper path to building the stunning custom homes his clients call on him to construct.
Like many companies, both in and outside of the construction industry, the pandemic impacted his business. While he was able to continue with the residential projects his company builds, price increases in building materials started to take a toll.
At first, it was an erosion of potential profit, but in his attempt to fulfil his contract with his customers, he soon found himself essentially working for free, and even dipping into his own funds to keep materials flowing to his jobsites. A conversation with his accountant reveals that he’s more than $100,000 in the hole.
Unfortunately, with all available funds soon to be depleted and several builds still not complete, he’s at a loss about how to proceed.
He’s approached a few of his clients about the material cost increases, but they have not been very receptive, and even threatening legal action if he is not able to deliver as contracted.
What can he do?
Last issue’s winner: Soused succession
Pete, 60, has been in the business for 40 years and thought he had his succession plans all figured out. He has been training his company’s general manager, Noah, to take over for the past five years, but recent rumours about Noah have him questioning his choice, and his future. Dan Smith advises a path of confirm and converse before making a concrete decision.
In a situation like this, it would be prudent to check with some other sources as well to confirm the information that Pete was given. If he is able to find fact with the information, there are a couple of courses of action he could possibly take. Once confirmed, approach Noah, and have a candid conversation with him about the situation and how it reflects both on him and the company.
If Noah reacts in a positive manner, acknowledging that the facts may be true, offer him professional help to get through this problem. This could possibly be an addiction program or something of that kind. Create a positive atmosphere of change, and show you are willing to help him get through this to better himself first, then with the company. The second course of action, if facts are true but Noah is in full denial, is strongly defensive as to his behaviour, and is unwilling to accept help, then Pete will need to reassess the direction he has chosen and possibly look for another successor or just sell the company.
Congratulations Dan! The DeWalt green laser is yours for sharing straightforward advice.
What should Jim do?
1. Pull the chute. Rather than continuing to dig a financial hole, contact an insolvency firm and look to restructure.
2. Go cheap. Live to the minimum of the contract. Hire the lowest bidders; put in the most inexpensive materials that the contract and code will permit, and stop any extras.
3. Negotiate. It’s too late to put a price escalation clause into the agreement, but bankruptcy doesn’t help the company nor the client. Perhaps suggest the use of a third-party to help resolve the difficult situation.
4. Talk to the supply chain and the bank. Perhaps Jim’s suppliers and/or his banker can offer terms or a loan to help bridge some of the gap.
5. Something else?
HOW TO ENTER
If you have a solution to Jim’s dilemma, email your entry to pflannery@ annexbusinessmedia.com and put “Jim dilemma” in the subject line. Please don’t post your response in the comment section on our website.
Entries close April 17. The winner will be announced in the June issue.
