September/October 2014 | Home Builder Magazine Canada

VOL.27 NO. 5

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September 2014

THE MAGAZINE OF THE CANADIAN HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION

EXTERIOR BUILDING PRODUCTS: Traditional Vs. Modern Repointing Mortar Fluid-applied Air/Moisture Barriers Insulated Weather Barriers

PROVINCIAL SPOTLIGHT: NOVA SCOTIA Market Report The Villages of Seven Lakes

ECONOMICS:

Canada Post Contract #40065212

The Impact of Immigration

Visit us online at HomeBuilderCanada.com

When Performance is Critical

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contents

CHBA Report 32 33

10

ECONOMICS: The Impact of Immigration

President’s Message CEO’s Update

Peter Norman explores the impact of immigration and migration on the residential construction industry.

Columns Economics 10 12 Building Science 14 Common Cents Construction 16 Customer Satisfaction 34

12

BUILDING SCIENCE: Performance of Tubular Daylighting Devices

Tool Talk

Departments

Compared to conventional skylights, TDDs have the advantages of energy savings, lower solar heat gains, and relative ease of installation.

News 6 Association 8 Products 21 Renovation 36 38 Industry News Calendar 38 38

14

COMMON CENTS CONSTRUCTION: Financing Growth

Advertisers Index

COVER BUILDER PROFILE: Villages of Seven Lakes, Nova Scotia Imagine the challenges a developer might face after buying 2,000 acres of “public” land. Gail Penney, President of the Seven Lakes Developments Ltd., discusses conservation, consultation and collaboration and the building of a unique community within the Halifax Regional Municipality.

Story on page 20.

NEXT ISSUE

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Construction can be a notoriously difficult industry.

Projects can require a significant amount of up-front capital, and many construction firms struggle with financing. If you are looking for financing, there are a number of options you can consider.

16

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: Customer-Obsessed Leadership

24

TRADITIONAL VS. MODERN REPOINTING MORTAR When it comes to restoration, it pays to understand the difference. Industry expert Paul Jeffs tells us why.

28

ALL WRAPPED UP A look at insulated weather barriers.

30

THAT’S A WRAP Understanding fluid-applied air/moisture barriers.

34

TOOL TALK: Indoors and Out Whether it’s fencing and fasteners or LED lighting and a heavy duty cordless reciprocating saw, these new products are sure to make life on the job a little less difficult.

Find out how customer-centric home builders have leveraged the customer experience as a key differentiator from the competition.

22

MARKET REPORT: Nova Scotia Paul Pettipas, CEO - NS Home Builders’ Association, reflects on the past, and the present.

November/December Industry Leaders Speak / Technology & Trends Industry professionals inform on the latest in training, technology, communications, decor, energy efficiency, home design, and the housing market.

The News, The Facts The Stories...th

28 YEAR

To book your premium ad space, homeBUILDERcanada.com call 514-620-2200 or e-mail sales@work4.ca

Home BUILDER September/October 2014

5

28

YEA

NEWS

CMHC’s Third Quarter Trends at a Glance OTTAWA — Canada Mortgage & Housing Market Outlook’s Third

Quebec will see the growth rate of their population aged 25 to 34 decline,

Quarter 2014 reports the following key factors and their effects on

according to Statistics Canada’s projections. By the end of the current

Canada’s housing sector:

decade, the growth rate of population aged 25 to 34 will be negative or

Mortgage rates: Mortgage rates will remain low by historical stan-

very close to zero in most regions. This, along with general population

dards and supportive of housing demand.

aging, will impact the type and tenure of housing demand.

Employment: Based on the consensus among prominent Canadian

Resale market: Overall market conditions remain balanced and house

forecasters, CMHC expects that employment will grow by 0.9% in 2014

prices are generally in line with underlying demographic and economic

and 1.6% in 2015.

factors. As a result, the average MLS price is expected to increase by 4.5%

Income: Income is expected to increase modestly as economic condi-

in 2014 and 1.8% in 2015.

tions in Canada improve. As a result, income growth will remain sup-

Stock of completed and unabsorbed units: The stock of complet-

portive of housing demand over the forecast horizon.

ed and unabsorbed housing units to population is above the historical

Net migration: Canada’s economy is expected to continue to attract

average, but has been declining since May 2013.

C

a high level of immigrants. As a result, the level of net migration will remain above its historical average and help support Canada’s housing sector.

Demographics: By the end of the forecast horizon, all regions but

Housing Market Down Under is Looking Up

Most Younger Renters Would Like to Eventually Own TORONTO — Data from Altus Group’s latest FIRM Survey shows that home buying intentions among current renters are similar to a year ago overall (although younger renters under 35 years may be feeling more challenged by higher home prices and their economic prospects, as their intentions softened somewhat).

Current renters under 50 years still predominantly are either planning to buy a home someday, or would like to, but don’t feel they can afford it or that now is not the right time. Only about 1 in 5 renters under 50 years say they prefer

AUSTRALIA — Preliminary Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)

the renter lifestyle or don’t want

figures show residential building work done continued to strengthen

the responsibility of homeown-

in the June 2014 quarter, following healthy growth in March, said the

ership. Among older renters,

Housing Industry Association, the voice of Australia’s residential build-

however, that proportion rises

ing industry.

to almost half, suggesting this

In the June 2014 quarter, there was $13.40 billion of residential build-

group as a whole is less likely to

ing work done, a level of activity that is 2.2% higher than in the previous

be in the market to buy a home

quarter and 9.6% higher than in the June 2013 quarter.

than younger renters.

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A closer look at these preliminary results showed that the detached house segment was the key driver of growth in residential building during the June 2014 quarter, compared with the March quarter when

The Magazine of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association Vol. 27 No. 5 September/October 2014 Publisher Nachmi Artzy pub@work4.ca

A W O R K - 4 P R O J E C T S LT D . P U B L I C AT I O N

Contributors: Jim Ash Tim Bailey John Chamberlin Jon Eakes Paul Jeffs Aziz Laouadi Bo Mocherniak Peter Norman Paul Pettipas Hamed Saber

6

Production Manager Kelvin Chan production@ homebuildercanada.com Sales Coordinator Polly Ma coordinator@work4.ca Accounting Patricia Fleurent accounting@work4.ca Circulation Manager mail@work4.ca

Home BUILDER September/October 2014

Editor Judy Penz Sheluk editor@work4.ca Published by Work-4 Projects Ltd. Advertising/Editorial: 4819 St. Charles Blvd.

Pierrefonds, Quebec Canada, H9H 3C7 Phone: 514-620-2200 www.homebuildercanada.com

multi-unit building led the charge.

Conditions in the major-renovations segment of the market remained subdued, with the value of this work done declining by 2.4 per cent during the June 2014 quarter.

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American Retirees Ready to Return to Work WASHINGTON — In a recent Reuters-Ispos employment survey of 7,727 American adults, 40% of those who classified themselves as “retired” reported that they had stopped working involuntarily. Thirty per cent said that, if a job became available, they would effectively “unretire” and rejoin the workforce.

C

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association

Innovation

makes us

the solution to better building

CHBA CI and TRU School of Trades Kick Off 2015 Training House Project

KAMLOOPS — The Canadian Home Builders’ Association Central

OUR INNOVATION

Interior and the Thompson Rivers University School of Trades and Technology have announced that their 2015 Training House Project is being

WILL CHANGE THE WAY YOU DESIGN YOUR WALLS.

built in the Juniper West Development.

When you build your walls you should expect to get more out of a building product.

the first year residential construction, and electrical program students

This unique project, now in its 25th year, is especially beneficial to at Thompson Rivers University as a “hands on” building experience. The

At NUDURA we believe in innovation and changing the status quo.

students do the foundation, framing and rough-in work, then the home

Why introduce innovation if not to provide a solution? NUDURA

the incredible talents in our local homebuilding industry,” said Matt

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product and designs for those thinking of building a new home or even

is finished with the generous support of CHBA CI members.

“This project allows us to be part of the community and also showcase McCurrach, CHBA CI president.

Due to the nature of the project, it features the latest innovative

NUDURA’s distributor network delivers you support when you need it most, providing on site technical support and access to stocking distributors throughout North America. NUDURA’s Integrated Building Technology continues to be a proven alternative to traditional building methods by architects, builders, and homeowners across the world.

renovating extensively their current home.

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NS Homebuilders Care Program Makes a Difference to Campers at Camp Kidston DARTMOUTH — Summer is synonymous with camping, swimming, campfires and barbecues. When you think back to your childhood days can you identify a summertime memory that makes you nostalgic and sends a smile across your face? It was with this in mind that the latest

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Homebuilders Care Project had been chosen back in the cold winter

Our innovation will change the way you build your walls.

Find out how at nudura.com/innovation

July 6 on the opening day of the camping season. The cabin is the only

months of 2014 when a proposal for Camp Kidston was presented.

The 1,050 sq.ft. three-room cabin was officially opened on Sunday, one at Camp Kidston that is insulated with spray foam, has a large deck that will accommodate group functions and events for the campers, such as yoga classes. It is also wheelchair accessible, with extra wide doorways and additional space to allow for greater ease of movement throughout the space.

“Our members are the heart and soul of our association,” said Paul Pettipas, CEO, NS Home Builders’ Association. “When they commit to a project, they get on board and make it the best experience for everyone

Meets and Exceeds 2012 Building Codes

www.nudura.com 866.468.6299

nudura

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involved.”

Very special thanks to all NSHBA members and friends of the association who made an incredible effort to support the latest program through donations and labour.

8

Home BUILDER September/October

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economics

The Impact of Immigration Total Canada-wide housing starts rebounded in the

Immigration from other countries is also critically

2nd quarter of 2014, to 196,500 units seasonally adjusted

important, especially because these newcomers are

at annual rate (SAAR), according to CMHC. The 12%

demanding housing in the regions where they settle,

increase brought total starts back up in line with the 4th

with no offset to another region of Canada.

quarter of 2013. Starts are set to continue strong for the remainder of 2014, likely surpassing 2013 by about 2%.

By Peter Norman

When a person or family moves from one area of Canada to another, housing market impacts are felt at both ends of the move.

Existing home sales remain elevated, averaging

to Canada—the third highest year in the last century (the

almost 460,000 unit sales per year over the past five

second highest being 2010). In fact, over the past five

years, and rising further in the 2nd quarter to some

years immigration levels (262,400 persons per year) are

482,000 units on an annualized basis. According to the

up 7% from the previous five years and up 16% from the

CREA Home Price Index, home prices have risen some

early 2000s. (See Chart.)

5.3% over the past year and are as strong as 10.5% in

While new immigrants are not generally immedi-

Calgary and 7.9% in Toronto. Single-family prices are

ate home buyers (over three quarters rent initially) our

rising modestly faster than apartment prices.

research has found that homeownership rates for new

Both higher levels of construction activity and resale

immigrants tend to rise quickly within the first 9 years

transactions, alongside solid price stability, speaks to

an immigrant family has been in Canada, until it mostly

stable and rising home ownership demand. While a

converges with the domestic national average.

steady economy, low interest rates, and generally strong

Combined, these trends provide two important mes-

consumer confidence are clearly important components

sages for home builders. First, the increased number of

of this, there are also clearly positive structural factors

immigrants in recent years is giving a boost to rental

at work too.

markets. This helps us to understand why there is rela-

Migration Opportunities

tively strong demand for private investor-owned condominium rental units in many of Canada’s major cities in

In past recent columns in this space I have been high-

recent years, and also, why we are seeing tighter market

lighting a number of these positive structural factors that

conditions and increased interest in new supply within

we are researching from the recently released National

the conventional rental market.

Household Survey. This month let’s explore the impact of immigration.

Second, because of the nine-year lag between arrival years and immigrants reaching prime home buying

When a person or family moves from one area of

behaviour, there is a delay on the impact on new home

Canada to another, housing market impacts are felt at

demand. But the increase in immigration that started

both ends of the move. The departure region will see a

about 10 years ago (thus just boosting new home sales

home or apartment freed up whereas the arrival region

now), and then intensified about 5 years ago (thus giv-

will see demand for an additional home or apartment.

ing a boost to new home sales over the next five years),

Depending on vacancy rates and underlying demand,

implies good news for home builders today and going

these changes ultimately affect the need for new hous-

forward.

ing construction.

When many people move to one region, the effects are very important.

Net in-migration to Alberta from other provinces, for example, reached almost 40,000 persons in the 12 months ending March of this year. This is about double the rate for the past 10 years. The increased pace of in-migration is certainly responsible for elevated housing starts in Alberta, which in some markets, such as Calgary, are set to reach an all-time record high this year.

Peter Norman is a member of the CHBA Economic Research Committee and is Chief Economist at Altus Group (formerly Clayton Research), the leading provider of independent real estate consulting and advisory services.

Recently, immigration to Canada is booming. In the 12 months to March, some 264,800 persons immigrated

Conversely, Atlantic Canada is seeing sharper out-migration to other regions. Again in the 12 months to March, a net of over 10,000 persons moved out to other parts of Canada, and softer housing starts in recent quarters is reflective of this trend.

10 Home BUILDER September/October

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BUILDING SCIENCE

Performance of Tubular Daylighting Devices Tubular daylighting devices (TDD) are used to col-

Figure 3 illustrates how the amount of sunlight is

building into interior spaces. Compared to conventional

transmitted through a straight pipe (without the roof

skylights, they have the advantages of energy savings

collector, ceiling diffuser and any elbow) as influenced

(small area relative to the amount of useful light they can

by the pipe aspect ratio, reflectivity of the interior pipe

admit), lower solar heat gains, and relative ease of instal-

surface, and the angle at which sunlight strikes the pipe

lation. Straight TDDs are common, although non-linear

opening surface (the angle of incidence).

light guides with bended sections are sometimes needed

By Aziz Laouadi (above) and Hamed Saber

to suit the geometry of a building.

It should be noted that the results of Figure 3 are indicative for the vertical pipe transmittance only. Add-

The light output of a TDD varies according to time of

ing a complex collector (with prismatic structures) on the

day, outdoor daylight availability, house/building loca-

top of the pipe, or multiple elbows will modify the profile

tion, roof orientation and exposure, and tube length-to-

of the pipe transmittance of Figure 3, especially at high

diameter ratio. A typical device can illuminate an area

incidence angles (or low sun altitude angles).

of 150 to 300 ft2. The area of coverage is dependent on the height of the ceiling—the higher the ceiling the more widely the light will be uniformly distributed.

Installation Installation methods for TDDs vary depending on

TDDs collect solar heat and carry it indoors.

roof type (asphalt shingles, roof tiles, membranes,

The solar heat gain is desirable in winter for

metal roofing, etc.). Assemblies must be installed to

reducing the heating load, but in summer it

resist air and water infiltration, and damage due to wind

increases the cooling load. In addition, TDDs

and snow load. Manufacturers’ instructions provide

may lose indoor heat to the outdoors through

specific details. Careful attention to detail is required

their roof openings. These aspects have an

when re-roofing takes place.

influence on the energy performance of a TDD and hence on the ability to comply with energy

Figure 1. Typical tubular daylighting (TDD) device.

or the entire pipe surface may be covered by insulation.

lect and channel daylight through the roof of a house or

Conclusion

codes and standards. However, TDD technolo-

TDDs are an excellent means for admitting daylight

gies have been evolving rapidly to meet high

to buildings. Their optical performance affects the illumi-

standards of energy efficiency in houses and

nation they provide. Their thermal performance affects

buildings and the need for glare-free lighting.

heat gain and loss and a building’s ability to meet energy

TDDs typically consist of three parts: a col-

code requirements. NRC Construction has completed

lector on the roof to gather sunbeam light and

research, on behalf of the American Society of Heating,

diffuse sky light (Figure 2), a hollow pipe guide

Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)

in the plenum or attic space to channel light downwards,

that will greatly enhance the ability of manufacturers

and a diffuser at ceiling level to spread light indoors

to design and rate TDDs in terms of their performance

(Figure 1).

characteristics. Adoption of the models by industry will

Tubular Light Guide The tubular light guide can be straight-rigid, elbow-

allow specifiers to select products that will give the best optical and thermal performance for given locations and TDD orientations.

rigid, or flexible, and is usually made from an aluminum sheet. The interior surface of the aluminum guide is usually coated with special materials to highly reflect the visible component of sunlight and absorb the infrared component so that mainly visible light gets into the indoor space. Coating materials with a light reflectivity up to 99% are commercially available.

Depending on the building type and building (fire and energy) code requirements, the exterior surface of Dr. Aziz Laouadi and Dr. Hamed Saber are research officers at NRC Construction.

Excerpted from Construction Technology Update #82: Performance of Tubular Daylighting Devices found at http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/ ctu-sc

the pipe may have a section covered by insulation at the ceiling level (e.g., attic space of residential buildings) or roof level (e.g., plenum space of commercial buildings),

Figure 2. Typical collector shapes.

12 Home BUILDER September/October 2014

Figure 3. Visible (light) transmittance of a straight pipe (without any elbow) as influenced by the pipe aspect ratio (L/D), reflectivity of the interior pipe surface and the angle of incidence.

C

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COMMON CENTS CONSTRUCTION

Financing Growth Construction can be a notoriously difficult industry.

issuance of shares in privately held businesses. The

Projects can require a significant amount of up front capi-

Ontario Securities Commission is even looking into

tal, and many construction firms struggle with financing.

creating an alternate private business exchange. Share-

This can be especially frustrating for firms that are seek-

holders can inject much needed cash, but they also

ing financing for growth activities.

expect a good return on investment and may want a say

If you are looking for financing, there are a number of

By Bo Mocherniak, Grant Thornton

If you are looking for financing, there are a number of options you can consider.

With over 30 years experience with audit, acquisitions, divestitures and valuations, Bo Mocherniak, CA, CBV, provides services to both public and private companies in Canada and the United States. Bo is National Sector Leader for the Real Estate and Construction Group of Grant Thornton Canada, a member of the Grant Thornton International Real Estate Sector Group and past Chair of Grant Thornton LLP. He can be reached at bo.mocherniak@ca.gt.com.

in how you run your business. Equity financing is also

options you can consider:

the most expensive type of financing, since a company

Self-financing growth through a company’s retained earnings is one of the quickest and easiest solutions to implement. This method involves re-investing a company’s profits into growth initiatives. A business must manage its cash flow carefully and can take such steps as deferring shareholder bonuses, improving accounts receivable collections and deferred supplier payments in order to free up additional cash flow. Companies may also tap into their existing lines of credit to add additional capital.

Traditional bank financing is another popular means to raising capital. The current lending environment in Canada is extremely competitive as banks fight for new business. The influx of U.S. institutions to Canada, such as Wells Fargo, PNC and M&T Bank, have added to this competitive landscape. Banks are increasingly offering favourable terms to borrowers, which include low interest rates, lighter covenants and longer amortizations periods. These aggressive terms help to lessen the financial burden on borrowers in terms of repayment obligations and reporting requirements.

If a company is unable to raise traditional senior debt financing, it may look to mezzanine debt providers. These lenders often require less security on their loans, but in return, they require a higher interest rate, often in the double digits. It can be beneficial for borrowers to use mezzanine financing when they expect to be able to pay off the loan in a short period.

Don’t forget to check into government programs, too. For example, Business Development Canada (BDC) is a federal crown corporation that provides financing, venture capital, and consulting services to businesses of all industries with a focus on small and medium sized businesses. The Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP) operates under Industry Canada to provide small businesses with loans of up to $500,000 to finance eligible fixed assets.

There are also many provincial programs.

If you are incorporated, you can consider equity financing by selling shares in your business to raise funds. In fact, there is an increasing grey-market for the trade and

is required to cede partial ownership of the business to

14 Home BUILDER September/October

outside investors.

Joint Ventures are another popular option to help capitalize projects. They carry several advantages, such as risk-sharing, the ability to keep debt off the corporate balance sheet, assistance in winning projects through existing relationships or expertise, and they may help to overcome funding hurdles for a project or ability to take on larger projects if the partner has strong financial or reputational standing.

Beyond these traditional routes, there is much talk these days about alternative financing; Canada has seen increased inflow of investment capital from overseas (i.e. convertible notes, high-yield debt or private placement debt). While these avenues are easily available to larger public entities, the best way for private businesses to access overseas funding is through a commercial finance broker who has an existing book of lenders with development finance products.

While many of these tips and ideas can be used in a variety of industries, there are a couple of additional options that are specific to construction. I often see situations where companies need to finance the acquisition of the land, which leads to the lender also providing construction financing. Another strategy when buying land involves a “vendor take-back mortgage,” which are often below market rates. This involves getting the seller to provide a portion of the mortgage loan, allowing the construction buyer to save up front capital to develop the land.

It can also provide a way for construction companies to purchase property that would normally be beyond their financial limit.

I’d like to highlight an additional financial challenge that a lot of developers don’t take into consideration. As we all know, given the competitive market and the rising cost of materials, profit margins on projects can be very tight. If you take on too much debt to finance your project, profits can easily be eaten up by interest costs. My final tip, then, would be to beware the costs of debt, and factor these into your financial planning. C

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Customer satisfaction

Customer-Obsessed Leadership

By Tim Bailey

Only “customer-obsessed leaders” can create cus-

one seat open around the table in a meeting and letting

tomer-centric companies. There are many great exam-

all participants know that seat is for their customer, “the

ples of these types of leaders such as Walt Disney;

most important person in the room.” This “empty chair”

Howard Schulz of Starbucks; Jeff Bezos of Amazon;

example has been discussed in numerous articles and

Tony Hsieh of Zappos; Horst Schulze of Ritz Carlton and

interviews about Amazon and illustrates just one of the

countless others. Each of these leaders has very different

differences in the Amazon-way of thinking.

businesses and often very different customers. They do,

Nevertheless, it takes much more than just sym-

however, all share the same unwavering understanding

bolic gestures or kindhearted mission statements to

that customers are the most critical asset in business.

create a customer-centric culture in a company. It takes

The leaders of some of today’s most successful home

leadership, commitment and meticulous practice. Ama-

building companies also share a similar passion with

zon is reputed to require all employees and managers,

these customer-obsessed leaders from other industries.

including Bezos, to spend two days per year in call-

Customer-centric home builders have leveraged the

centre training. The objective is to provide each team

customer experience as a key differentiator from the

member with front-line exposure to customers to help

competition and the effort is generating great returns.

develop an increased understanding of customer needs

Working Outside-In

Empower front-line employees to do what’s right for customers.

throughout the company. That front-line exposure and enhanced customer understanding then flows back into

While many traditional companies tend to work

each area of the company. These types of activities help

from the “inside-out,” companies that are true customer

to infuse Amazon’s decision-making process with “cus-

experience leaders build products and design processes

tomer desires.” Several progressive home builders have

working from the “outside-in.” Many traditional com-

adopted similar practices and have all team members

panies strategize from behind closed boardroom doors

spend time in customer-facing roles to enhance cus-

on how to improve products or processes. Those com-

tomer empathy within the company.

panies then move outwards to broadcast those ideas to customers with the hope of uptake and success. To work

People Passion

from the “outside-in” means involving or even collabo-

“When you’re surrounded by people who share a

rating with customers and then taking the heightened

passionate commitment around a common purpose,

understanding of customer needs back into product and

anything is possible,” notes Howard Schultz, Chairman

process development.

and CEO of Starbucks. Loyalty leaders have found a way

Keeping profound customer needs in the crosshairs of

to convey a vision, create a passionate team and nurture

every business decision is what differentiates many suc-

an environment for synergy—where the whole is greater

cessful companies from their competitors. The leaders of

than the sum of the parts.

these types of companies recognize that this feat requires

Some common beliefs and practices shared by many

more than just assembling a team willing to “listen” to

customer-obsessed leaders include:

customers. It takes a company culture that craves to truly

Focus on the “why” of the company more than the

“understand” customers.

“what” Hire, train, reward and promote customer-obsessed employees and managers Measure to manage—metrics are vital Trust front-line employees to take care of customers Empower front-line employees to do what’s right for customers Provide real-time feedback to all employees Share and celebrate customer success stories openly and often

Tim Bailey is Division President of Avid Ratings Canada, a leading provider of customer loyalty research and consulting to the home building industry.

Through the Avid system, industry-leading clients improve referrals, reduce warranty costs, and strengthen their brand. He can be reached at tim.bailey@ avidratings.ca.

Customer Obsession Delivers Returns “You can design and create and build the most won-

The “Empty Chair”

derful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality,” according to Walt Disney. Disney was a

There are few business leaders more obsessive when

true pioneer in customer-obsessed leadership and many

it comes to serving customers than Jeff Bezos, Founder

other leaders have followed that path. These bold lead-

and CEO of Amazon. Bezos is passionate about custom-

ers have proven that customer-obsessed leadership not

ers and works relentlessly to foster a company culture

only results in increased customer satisfaction, but it also

that shares his passion. Bezos is well known for leaving

delivers tremendous returns.

16 Home BUILDER September/October 2014

C

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builders profile

Villages of Seven Lakes, Nova Scotia Applehead Studio Photography

A combination of consultation, collaboration, and conservation

BY JUDY PENZ SHELUK Brad Harnett, Project Manager and Gail Penney, Community Builder on site at Seven Lakes.

Nestled in the eastern shore region of the

significantly in a state-of-the-art wastewater

design of Seven Lakes preserves the natural

Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) lies the

treatment plant, versus opting for the more

landscape features, while minimizing effec-

well-established community of Porters Lake,

common dispersed rural developments with

tive imperviousness, to create functional and

where residents mainly commute to jobs in

individual on-site septic systems. Richard Ste-

appealing site drainage that treats stormwater

Dartmouth, Burnside Industrial Park or Down-

phenson

town Halifax. With a population of just over

who consulted on the design.

of WSP was the mastermind engineer

as a resource rather than a waste product.”

Open Space Development

3,200 in 2011, the town was built around the

“The design of this environmentally secure

19-kilometre lake it was named after. Boating

community also incorporates the principles of

Conservation was also a huge component

and fishing are rite of passage, the surrounding

Low Impact Development (LID), an approach

in the Seven Lakes development strategy. Ran-

forests and numerous lakes within and near

to land development that works with nature

dall

the lands long considered public property.

to manage stormwater runoff as close to its

munities, and the grandfather of conservation

source as possible,” said Stephenson. “The

design, had consulted with the HRM on open

Imagine, then, the challenges a developer might face after buying 2,000 acres of that “public” land. Those are exactly the challenges that faced Gail Penney, President of the Seven Lakes Developments Ltd. “We knew from the outset that there was a lot of work to be done,” said Penney. “We purchased the lands 10 years ago, spent five to six

Arendt, author of Envisioning Better Com-

space development when they rewrote their

The developers invested significantly in a stateof-the-art wastewater treatment plant.

2006 Regional Plan, so it was on the books, but nobody had done it, particularly at a larger scale.

“It was an expensive, detailed process, but the more we looked at it, the more we realized that with our size of development, and

years consolidating land parcels, and worked

the topography of the lands, it would give

with the HRM for four years on a Development

us the opportunity to be creative,” said Pen-

Agreement. But by far our most important

ney. “The benefit to open-space development

role was our community engagement process,

is that the developer is looking for density,

and the important priorities it raised for our

whereas the community is looking for space.

development.”

Under open space, using one house per acre,

Community consultation was used to

we would commit to 60 per cent of the lands

inform concept design. “In the early stages,

protected forever, with the remaining 40 per

we identified our target buyers, and while this

cent incorporating everything else—houses,

was a broad-based clientele, we felt we wanted

roads, schools, parks, public boat launches,

to be able to attract buyers who had not previ-

kayak storage, etc. In other words, an inclusive

ously lived rurally,” said Penney. “One barrier to

neighbourhood”

this, we felt, was the operation and ownership of a septic system.”

For that reason, the developers invested

20 Home BUILDER September/October 2014

The open space concept took many layers of planning. Primary conservation features considered in the conservation design approach

builders profile

are: wetlands; watercourses; rock outcroppings; agricultural soils; areas of archaeological potential; habitats; and slopes over 30 per cent. There are nine other secondary conservation features.

The first phase of the Villages of Seven Lakes will include 634 homes, broken down Seven Lakes Concept Plan

into seven developmental phases, with an initial phase of 104 units. On the market since mid May 2014, the corporation received its

to make it work. “We decided to delay our

bare land condo registration in August. There

the spine of the overall development has a 7km

whole development for one year to assist the

will be 12 housing products, ranging from

public road running through it,” said Penney.

municipality in working through this issue,”

900 sq. ft. and up, with the majority in the

“The interesting news here is that we proposed

said Penney.

900-1300 sq. ft. range, although Penney notes

to put in place a 7km public trail that mirrors

The trail will cost $700,000, fully funded

that “we will build what people want.” In addi-

the public road for the use of the community as

by The Villages of Seven Lakes developers,

tion to single detached homes, there will be

a whole—not just the residents of Seven Lakes.

not because it was a required element (it was

duplexes and four-plexes, cleverly designed to

This was a concept the municipality didn’t

not), but because as a group, they had always

look like manor houses. Pricing starts at just

ask for, didn’t expect to come from a devel-

viewed it as integral to their overall design

under $300,000.

oper, and—unfortunately—they didn’t have a

objective.

But what about the community engagement process, the “priorities” of the existing residents?

mechanism in place to allow it to be included in the Development Agreement.”

“Partway through the process of community collaboration, we realized something: we’re

In 2011-2012, as the Development Agree-

not developers, we’re community builders,”

“As noted, we had chosen a bare land con-

ment approval process unfolded, the newness

said Penney. “We have fun at work, and we’re

dominium format for development within our

of the Seven Lakes request resulted in delays

proud of what we’re creating. It doesn’t get

lands which contains many private trails, but

with the municipality as they discussed how

much better than that.”

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Home BUILDER September/October 2014

C

21

Market report

Nova Scotia

A Reflection of the Past to Present

By Paul Pettipas, CEO - NS Home Builders’ Association foremost authority on smaller homes and flex housing.

Builders must adapt and these two speakers will lead them in the right direction.

2014 will also see a joint project between Housing Nova Scotia and the NSHBA to construct 15-foot wide townhouses. These spaceefficient homes will act as a pilot project to gauge interest in building and buying smaller houses.

morguefile.com/kconnors

The same January to June time period saw

In preparing to write this article, I decided to review my last market report for Nova Scotia in May 2012. Wow! Have things changed, and not for the better.

At that time, a major ship building contract

ers is that they want to downsize and simplify.

existing home sales decline by 11%. Little growth in employment in the last five years combined to reduce demand for nearly all types of housing.

We are building houses that are just too big.

Nova Scotia has an aging population with an abundance of boomers.

The feedback from boomers is that they want to downsize and simplify.

had just been announced and Shell Oil com-

To encourage smaller buildings, the Nova

mitted to close to a billion dollar investment

Scotia Home Builders’ Association (NSHBA)

in drilling for oil off the coast of Nova Scotia.

will feature Sarah Susanka, renowned author

Both projects are still in progress, but mainly

of the “Not So Big” series at its ENERhouse 2015

at the planning stage. The euphoria over those

conference in Halifax on January 15. Sarah will

There is a positive note, believe it or not.

announcements caused a short term spike in

speak on “Not So Big” housing as well as “Not

Renovations continue to be a strong market.

the first two months of 2012, resulting in single

So Big” renovations.

Many new homes companies have diversified

detached housing up nearly 43%. Those positive numbers are now a distant memory.

Jump ahead to 2014. January to June single detached housing is down

January 16, the second day of the con-

into renovations to make up for the downturn

ference will feature Avi Friedman, Canada’s

in new construction. Renovators also report stiff competition from the underground economy.

33%, multiple units are down 75%,

In summary, NSHBA members are

while totals are down a combined 65%

adapting to difficult conditions and

over 2013. Many factors are offered for

the NSHBA will be with them to help

the slide, including restructured mort-

them through these difficult times. Our

gage rules that make it difficult for first

builders can build smaller, but Govern-

time home buyers to enter the market,

ment at all levels must realize that

the continuing array of government

new construction is not their cash cow.

imposed costs, fees and taxes on new

There is only one taxpayer and there

housing, and one of our own making,

are only so many times you can turn

namely, we are building houses that

them over and shake them to see what

are just too big. Nova Scotia has an

money they have in their pockets.

aging population with an abundance of boomers. The feedback from boom-

22 Home BUILDER September/October 2014

Nova Scotia is down, but not out!

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Mortar report

Traditional vs Modern Repointing Mortar When it comes to

by Paul Jeffs

restoration, it pays

America toward the end of the nine-

to understand the

being blended with lime so the ben-

teenth century resulted in it often efits of fast setting and hardening of

difference

masonry mortars could be achieved.

This practice has evolved so that today the most commonly used mor-

A lack of understanding of the

tar consists of equal parts by volume

differences between traditional and

of cement and hydrated lime, mixed

modern masonry construction—

with six parts of sand.

together with a failure to address

Without the addition of portland

the cause of deterioration of older

cement, freshly mixed hydrated lime

masonry—can often lead to the use

mortar first undergoes a stiffening

of incorrect materials and practices

process, since a considerable amount

for restoration. A typical example

of the mixing water is absorbed into

would be the use of hard cement

the masonry materials, or it evapo-

mortars to repoint deteriorated mor-

rates from the exposed “skin” por-

tar joints; a common misconception

tion; then the mortar gradually hard-

being that strong mortar is required to “glue” the masonry units together and form a rigid composite. However,

ens over time by the lime reacting The hard cement-based mortar used here is causing deterioration to the stone masonry units.

as discussed later, the very strength of cement mortars can cause more harm than good.

The problem is compounded by the fact that it is generally more expensive to restore deteriorated masonry—when it is carried out correctly. However, the cost may be even greater (or damage continue to be caused, sometimes at a faster rate) should the restoration work not be carried out using the right materials and/ or practices.

Traditional Lime Mortars Before the availability of portland cement in Canada, masonry mortars for house building were based on mixing sand with hydrated

chemically with naturally occurring carbon dioxide gas, a process known as carbonation. The chart on page

When repointing deteriorated joints within historic masonry, it can be a big mistake not to appreciate the importance of compatibility of the new mortar with the masonry units.

lime, the latter being produced by burning

26 schematically illustrates the reactions that take place during manufacture and during the use of hydrated lime.

Strength development with pure lime mortars occurs very slowly, beginning first with the exposed portion forming a “crust.” The products of the carbonation reactions—predominately calcium carbonate—slowly block the pore structure of the mortar, and so the rate of the reactions continues to diminish as the gas diffuses through the thickness of the mortar. This is why old mortar can be scratched to find it is sometimes much softer behind the fully carbonated layer.

The time required for hydrated lime to fully carbonate within traditional mass walls can be

crushed limestone rock in a kiln, grinding the

clays/shale) with limestone. These additional

measured in decades and will be dependent

fired material and blending it with a precisely

materials enable portland cement to set and

upon the availability of carbon dioxide and

controlled amount of water. Portland cement

harden rapidly by chemically reacting with the

moisture, both essential for the reactions.

is produced by processing silica and alumi-

mixing water, a process known as hydration.

na (predominantly sourced from quartz and

24 Home BUILDER September/October 2014

The advent of portland cement into North

Because of the described reactions, hardened lime-based mortars probably never reach 426

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Mortar report

subsequent drying shrinkage of the mortar takes place, but older masonry tends to be less resilient and the stresses may be sufficient to cause damage. Alternatively, separation gaps may occur at the bond interface and these can then easily facilitate the ingress of water.

Finally, when masonry is exposed to the extremes of our Canadian weather, hard cement-based mortars will generally expand and contract at quite different rates compared to some older brick and stone masonry units; stresses thereby developed at the interface between the mortar and masonry unit can then result in damage being caused to the weaker materials—once again, the masonry units.

It therefore follows that, for repointing older buildings, the mortar should be designed to be sacrificial to the more valuable brick or stone.

This means that it should be equal to or somewhat weaker in strength than the remaining

244 even the very early age strength of portland

factorily.

original mortar within the joints, it should have

cement-based mortars throughout the thick-

Traditional lime mortars were, and still are,

comparable breathability to the brick or stone,

ness of the masonry. Although this may seem

very breathable and therefore tend to dry at a

it should develop a reasonable level of adhe-

to be an undesirable property it is, in fact,

similar rate to brick or most natural stone. Con-

sion at its interface with the masonry units, and

the main reason why heritage masonry has

versely, modern cement-based mortars are

it should exhibit low shrinkage characteristics

generally performed very well for long peri-

dense and very slow to dry. Therefore, when

while it sets and hardens.

ods—sometimes for 50 to 100 years—with-

water penetrates the masonry it may transmit

out the need for major restoration. The “soft”

to the exterior when the ambient conditions

Making the Selection

The biggest enemy the owners of older buildings face is a lack of awareness of the dangers that await them should the wrong materials or practices be used to restore masonry.

older buildings face is a lack of awareness

characteristics of the mortar provides mass masonry with the ability to withstand the effects of stresses that may occur from movement, including the initial “settling-in” of the assembly, wind and snow loading, and the subsequent expansion and contraction of the various components during their exposure to extremes of temperature.

The Importance of the Mortar When repointing deteriorated joints within historic masonry, it can be a big mistake not to appreciate the importance of compatibility of the new mortar with the masonry units,

Perhaps the biggest enemy the owners of

whether the latter are brick or stone.

of the dangers that await them should the wrong materials or practices be used to restore masonry, no matter how well-intentioned they may be in their selection. However, perhaps the greatest mistake is to make the selection based on the cheapest price—without having regard for what the true cost will be should that strategy not work effectively.

Most of the discussed problems can be avoided by selecting a specialist masonry contractor well versed in traditional repointing practices, who will use a prepackaged mortar based on natural hydraulic lime. (Hydraulic

Modern masonry walls are typically con-

are conducive to drying, but the dense nature

lime is produced by the manufacturer blend-

structed with vertical cavities, using weep

of hard cement mortar can prevent it from dry-

ing small proportions of silica and alumina to

holes to facilitate drainage of water that may

ing at the same rate as the remaining masonry.

produce a weakly “cemented” hydrated lime.)

penetrate the assembly. Traditional masonry

Should freezing take place before the cement

This combination may not prove to be the most

walls were designed to have sufficient thick-

mortar is able to adequately dry, then damage

economical, but is should be the most effec-

ness that, should water penetrate, before it

could be caused to the weaker components:

tive—and the most long-lasting.

could reach the interior the moisture would

the masonry units.

C

transmit back to the exterior as a vapour and

A further problem with cement/lime mor-

Paul Jeffs is Principal of PJ Materials Consultants

evaporate. However, adequate “breathability”

tars is that they generally have tenacious bond

Limited and provides specialist consulting ser-

(moisture vapour transmission capability) of

to the masonry units. This may not be a dis-

vices for concrete and masonry. Contact details

the entire masonry—mortar as well as brick

advantage should the units be tough enough

may be viewed on www.pjmc.net.

or stone—is essential for this to occur satis-

to withstand the stresses that develop when

26 Home BUILDER September/October 2014

barriers report

All Wrapped Up Insulated weather barriers to boost R Value in homes

By Jim Ash Today’s most innovative building wraps integrate a weather barrier system while performing other valuable roles including breathability.

The addition of insulated building wraps to the market has created an all-in-one product providing breathability while boosting R-value and

Uncomplicated Installation

overall energy efficiency.

Understanding how to properly install a “According to building science, the best

with more complicated window installations

place to insulate now and in the future will be

and exterior cladding systems. We’ve made

“Any style of building wrap has a specific

from the exterior of the wall,” said Gord Cooke,

houses more airtight, resulting in decreased

installation process,” said Cooke. “Your instal-

independent building specialist, with Building

drying opportunities. Builders and contractors

lation methods will depend on the thickness

Knowledge Canada Inc. “It’s the best option

have to think about how these changes will

of the wall, the type of exterior cladding, how

for energy efficiency and durability and it’s also

affect their materials, techniques and strate-

it integrates with flashing detail and should

the most cost effective.”

gies in the future.

be specific to the weatherization system it’s

Insulated weather barriers are designed for and installed by contractors and builders looking for a simple way to get an additional R-5 value into the walls they are building. Insulated building wraps help builders and homeowners meet or exceed International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) requirements along with other increasingly stringent standards and home certification programs.

weather barrier is integral to its functioning.

a part of.”

Moisture intrusion is one of the biggest enemies for homes, especially as they become increasingly complex.

In a typical home, 25 per cent of each wall is made up of studs. That means almost an entire wall of the house is uninsulated. When installed properly, an insulated wrap warms to inner surface of the wall, acts as a thick exterior blanket working across studs and reduces

When looking for an insulated building

thermal bridging.

wrap, you should be seeking the optimal bal-

Today’s new insulated building wraps come

Moisture intrusion is one of the biggest

ance of air, water and thermal protection, as

in convenient, easy-to-handle rolls and can

enemies for homes, especially as they become

well as breathability, which is critical to high-

be installed in shingle fashion, reducing the

increasingly complex. Over the last 30 years,

performance walls and the creation of more

potential for water infiltration and air leakage.

we’ve started to build bigger, taller buildings

energy efficient, durable homes.

Breathability Vapour permeance refers to drying capacity. Insulated house wraps that offer breath-

Using an insulated building wrap provides continuous insulation, minimizing thermal bridging at the stud.

ability allow any moisture that may get inside the wall to dry and escape to the outside. This helps to prevent accumulation of water and reduces the chance for water damage and mold. Insulated building wraps are suited to new, modern homes working well in both hot and cold climates. The purpose of installing

Courtesy of DuPont Tyvek

an insulated weather barrier is to keep out the

28 Home BUILDER September/October 2014

wind, the rain, and manage heat. Most insulation materials are not vapour permeable. However, when you add a layer of insulation onto a building wrap, you have a product with the proper balance of air and water management with the ability to let moisture vapour through and act as a continuous thermal layer.

431

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barriers report

That’s a Wrap Fluid-applied air/moisture barriers offer a high performance alternative

By John Chamberlin Most builders are familiar with house wraps as their primary weather barrier and possibly air barrier, but how many are familiar with fluidapplied alternatives? The best choice for an air and water-resistive barrier is one that meets a number of durability requirements, as well as being able to resist wind and rain loads.

Common criteria to look for include: resis-

ers utilize adhesion testing, such as ASTM

tance to puncture, resistance to pests, resis-

C-297, to verify a full bond between the barrier

tance to low sustained negative pressures

and the substrate, and often times find that the

from building stack effect and HVAC fan effect,

adhesion may actually exceed the strength of

ability to withstand stress from thermal and

the substrate itself.

moisture movement of building materials and

Because fluid-applied barriers are initially

stress from building creep, resistance to mould

in liquid form, there is no lapping of materials,

growth, and resistance to abrasion.

something that can create discontinuity of the

Fluid-applied barriers are gaining in popu-

barrier. Additionally, a good fluid-applied sys-

larity in residential construction because of

tem will incorporate some method of bridging

their ability to form a full monolithic barrier, as

or filling joints. This may be in the form or a

well as their durability and the ease with which

separate liquid product that is top-coated with

they can be applied relative to a more tradition-

the fluid-applied barrier, or it may be some type

al wrap or paper product. A number of these

of reinforcing mesh or fabric that becomes fully

fluid-applied products function as both an air

embedded within the liquid barrier.

barrier as well as a water-resistive barrier.

Application Fluid-applied barriers are generally rolled or sprayed onto sheathing or CMU backup to fully adhere, becoming part of the structural wall. Some fluid-applied barrier manufactur-

Fluid-applied barriers are gaining in popularity in residential construction because of their ability to form a full monolithic barrier.

additional holes where rain water can enter are less of a concern. And since fluid-applied barriers can be rolled or sprayed, the possibility of installation error is greatly reduced (consider critical areas where leaking is known to occur, such as windows and pipe penetrations).

Because of the liquid form of fluid-applied barriers, it is easy to conform to all types of complex geometries and irregular shapes. In a fraction of the time it might take to properly

In a fraction of the time it might take to properly flash a window, a fluid-applied flashing can be applied, ensuring a tight, seamless protection for the window that ties easily into the system on the wall.

Addressing joints in this fashion creates a

flash a window, a fluid-applied flashing can be

reinforced system for treating joints. You could

applied, ensuring a tight, seamless protection

compare it to using an umbrella while wearing

for the window that ties easily into the system

a rain jacket. You’re making doubly sure not to

on the wall.

get your clothes wet.

After Installation

ucts. While different products utilize different

Once a fluid-applied barrier is completely

chemistries, some fluid-applied barriers are

installed on the wall of a building the material

water-based and low VOC, making them safe

acts as a single monolithic barrier. Fasteners

to use without special equipment as well as

such as nails, screws and staples are not need-

easy to apply.

ed to apply fluid-applied barriers, which means

30 Home BUILDER September/October 2014

Another key advantage to fluid-applied barriers may be the chemistry of the prod-

One concern that is often raised about

4

barriers report

Series WeatherPRO

Veh Pnertfoirlmaatnocer TM

304 fluid spray-applied materials is the gases that are

divisions are focused on heat, air and moisture

produced not only by the materials themselves,

management within the building envelopeJohn

but by the machinery used to apply them. For-

has an M.B.A. from Emory University and is a

tunately, some fluid-applied barrier products

graduate of the University of Tennessee, with a

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284 Insulation

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31

CHBA President’s Message

It’s Going to Be a Busy Fall As the warm weather begins to wind down, CHBA’s

we’re second only the oil and gas industry in terms of

work is gearing up. We are headed into our Fall Ottawa

the total value we produce. And because we’re at work

Committee, Council and Board meetings in late October

in every community across the country, the economic

with a very full agenda, and increasing momentum on

benefits we deliver are shared nationally.

key issues.

Over the summer, I managed to spend some time “on the links” with industry colleagues. The issue of Bard Golightly President, CHBA

new homebuyer taxes, and concerns about how this is impacting affordability, are on everyone’s mind.

more than seven times as many people.

In fact, home building is bigger than the automobile manufacturing and mining industries combined.

In community after community, new homebuyers

Our industry has never asked for the bailouts or tax

continue to be a prime target when municipal councils

breaks other sectors have received. Yet we contribute

look for ways to meet their revenue needs. Precious little

more to the prosperity of communities from coast to

thought is being given to how this will impact the com-

coast.

munity longer-term if a growing number of young people and families are locked out of home ownership.

CHBA’s work to stimulate a new conversation around this issue is getting a lot of support from our members and

CHBA’s focus on affordability and the overtaxation of new homebuyers, particularly first-time buyers, will continue to top the agenda.

Our new homes and renovations account for more than twice as much value as auto-making, and employ

We need those elected to government to understand this.

Get Your SAM Awards Submission Ready!

we are starting to see this discussion being taken up by

At each year’s CHBA National Conference, one of the

others too, which is great as that’s part of the goal. We

most memorable things is the look of pride and delight on

all know it will take a continuous and concerted effort to

the faces of our colleagues who win one of the prestigious

get our message out to media, consumers and municipal

National SAM Awards.

leaders, but I’m hearing that this is important work and will therefore remain a high priority.

I’m also hearing that CHBA must continue to impress

This year’s competition is now open, and the Call for Entries has gone out to all of CHBA’s new home builder, renovator and developer members.

upon the federal government the critical need for ongoing federal investment in core infrastructure. This not only helps to address the financial needs of municipalities, but brings all three levels of government to the table to address how we can best support development of vibrant towns and cities in a fiscally sustainable way.

As we move into the Fall, CHBA’s focus on affordability and the over-taxation of new homebuyers, particularly first-time buyers, will continue to top the agenda. This is an issue that involves all three levels of our Association, and there are huge opportunities for ongoing collaboration across the Association to get our message delivered.

Just How Big Are We?

CHBA EXECUTIVE Committee President: Bard Golightly, Edmonton, AB Past President: Deep Shergill, Calgary, AB First Vice-President: Jane Morgan, St. John’s, NL Second Vice-Presidents: Bob Finnigan, Toronto, ON Eric DenOuden, Belleville, ON Treasurer: Carol Oxtoby, Calgary, AB Presidential Appointee: Blake Hudema, Vancouver, BC Chief Executive Officer: Kevin Lee, Ottawa, ON CHBA Contact: Michael Gough, CAE, National Office, Ottawa, ON

The CHBA National SAM Awards – Recognizing Canadian Housing Excellence will be a highlight at the 2015 National Conference next March in Halifax.

CHBA’s annual Economic Impact reports, available

This is your chance to show us your best and perhaps

at the national, provincial and community levels, are an

be one of those in attendance with a very big smile of

important resource for the government relations work of

your face.

all Home Builders’ Associations.

Profiling our industry in terms of the jobs we create and the wages we pay out really drives home to governments the enormous contribution we make to every community’s economic health and prosperity.

But how does home building stack up in relation to other key sectors of our economy? To answer that question, CHBA recently completed additional analysis comparing residential construction to other major industries, and it tells a powerful story.

For example, our industry employs more people and pays out more wages than the oil and gas industry. And

32 Home BUILDER September/October 2014

Full details on this year’s SAM Awards program, and entry information, are at www.chba.ca/SAMs.

CHBA CEO’s Update

A Busy Summer Gearing Up for Fall Executive Officers Forum The summer kicked off with our annual CHBA Executive Officers Professional Development Forum, held in

Kevin Lee CEO, CHBA

eventful in Ottawa, culminating with a federal election late in Fall 2015.

Niagara Falls in June. This annual event brings together

With broad expectations that next year’s forecast

HBA staff from across the country to work to strength-

budget surplus will surprise to the upside, the govern-

en every local, provincial and the national association

ment will be looking for ways to invest that will translate

through strong collaboration.

into support at the polls. Indeed, there is speculation that

This year’s theme—the Value of Membership—generated constructive sessions that are leading to Association

some of these announcements may come as early as the fall Economic Update.

action at all three levels for the benefit of our members.

CHBA’s proposals, many of which would have mini-

It was great to spend concentrated time with almost

mal or no cost to the federal treasury, must therefore

40 of my Association staff colleagues from across the

We continue to press home the message that our industry plays a vital role in the economy of every community across Canada.

work over the coming months. The next year will be

continue to be in front of government decision makers.

country. This terrific group of professionals works tire-

We continue to press home the message that our

lessly to serve the interests of our members, and the

industry plays a vital role in the economy of every

Forum showed again how we are so much stronger

community across Canada, and that younger first-time

working together. And this collaboration continues

homebuyers are being disadvantaged by ever-higher

throughout the year as our EO Council is now meeting

taxation of new homes. This is a message that should

monthly by teleconference, with excellent participation.

resonate particularly well in an election year. Similarly,

Such networking with peers is key for EOs to benefit

we will continue to push for modest incentives to help

from the knowledge and experience that exists across

dissuade homeowners from opting for a cash deal when

the country, increasing efficiencies and effectiveness in

doing a renovation, again with the timing of an election

every HBA office.

playing well.

Pre-Budget Submission

Renovation Month – Bigger and Better Than Ever

CHBA recently put forward its pre-budget submission to the federal government, as the process of developing the 2015 Federal Budget begins in earnest.

October is Renovation Month and this

The themes and proposals from our Forum for

year’s event will be

Growth, “Creating a New Conversation about Homes,

bigger and better than

Communities and Canadians” were central to our pre-

ever. We’re taking a

budget submission:

new approach that

Specific measures to protect affordability, includ-

will enable members

ing federal funding of core municipal infrastructure

to better use Renova-

and mortgage measures to assist qualified first-time

tion Month to gener-

homebuyers.

ate business, and for

Renewed federal efforts to tackle the underground

our local associations

economy in home renovation, including a modest,

to encourage more

self-financing renovation tax credit, and support for

renovators to join our

the CHBA’s Get it in Writing! campaign.

great Association.

Improvements to labour market information, better

A new feature this year, with thanks to Home Hard-

promotion of careers in the skilled trades and the

ware, is a $5,000 gift card to support local HBAs in

extension of federal support for residential trades that

their recruitment of new renovator members. One lucky

are recognized at the provincial level.

renovator who joins the Association during October will

Continued federal investment in housing research

be getting this gift card. This is in addition to strong pro-

that can increase productivity and reduce regulatory

motion of Renovation Month through Home Hardware’s

costs.

flyers and website.

CHBA staff will be following up on each of these proposals with senior federal officials as Parliament resumes for the fall session.

Gearing Up Our Government Relations Activities The pre-budget document sets the framework for our ongoing federal government relations and advocacy

Home BUILDER September/October 2014

33

TOOLTalk

Indoors and Out Whether it’s fencing and fasteners or LED lighting and a heavy duty cordless reciprocating saw, these new products are sure to make life on the job a little less difficult

ring right around the two strands you want to attach together. Snow fencing has never been this simple to join and galvanized Hog Rings have found their place of honour on construction sites.

Cut the Cord After visiting the DeWalt new tool unveiling for journalists a few issues back, this month is was Milwaukee’s turn to strut their new stuff with construction trade journalists from all over North America. Before even allowing us journalists the chance to get our hands on their new offerings, they announced that this year they have reached their goal to “Cut The Cord.” What does that mean? It means that in their heavy duty category they have a full range

Working Outdoors

I’ll Be Hog-Tied

How would you like to install temporary,

One of the problems of dealing with fencing

or semi-permanent safety fencing, in under 5

of many kinds, from security fencing to snow

minutes? The Canadian invention Rapid Roll

fencing, is attaching sheets end to end. If you

allows just that, and you can take it down in

find yourself working with tie-wraps or a roll

of cordless 18-volt tools that have power and

less than 4 minutes, while keeping the fencing

of wire and pliers, you should take a look at

performance equal or superior to equivalent

protected from damage during storage and

what DeWalt did to a fastener originally used

corded tools and that only the most demand-

transport. You might think of it as a window

for hogs on the farm. A “hog ring” is kind of like

ing of tools, like the new 7-1/4” circular saw

blind, stood on its edge. The core of the sys-

a curved heavy duty staple that squeezes into

and the new Sawzall Recip Saw, will require a

tem is a container with a crank on the top that

a closed ring. Any open mesh that needs to be

battery change-out at lunch time; the rest will

rolls in the fencing and allows it to be pulled

joined can be secured with a hog ring.

out in a one-man operation. Special corner

DeWalt’s P7DW Hog Ring Pliers Kit holds

poles let the fencing slide along defining your

the rings like a staple gun, but rather

perimeter, then you hook it onto the posts for

than stapling to something, the

a straight and secure barrier. It is designed

two sides of the jaw

specifically for the tough use of a construction

close the staple

site with no clamps, bolts or clips to get lost.

into a solid

The 50- or 100-foot rolls can be combined endto-end for larger areas.

run all day on a single charge.

Of course a major element of this new power and work time is the fact that Milwaukee now joins other major manufactures with a 5.0 amp hour fuel battery, theirs specifically designed to handle more heat than most. Their real focus was not the competition but the corded tool

They even have a kit that they call “All-in-

itself. To get that edge over the corded

one hazard containment ready to roll” with

tools, they produced new motors and

4 posts, 4 bases and the fencing cartridge on wheels for really rapid deployment. Their website at www.RapidRoll.ca is slow but very clear and through.

34 Home BUILDER September/October 2014

electronic controls matched to this new battery.

Did they succeed in cutting the cord? I believe that every critical journalist there, after

TOOLTalk

working with the tools themselves, felt that

There is no vent cap, as per legislation. You

these new cordless full-size 18-volt tools had

don’t unscrew the cap at all, just pop off the

power equivalent to quality corded tools, even

dust protector. Put the spout into the tank to be

Milwaukee’s own corded tools—and their

filled and push the button on the other end. Any

side-by-side work tests with a single charge

extra can pressure goes into the tank, not all

showed them out performing competitive

over your clothes; gas flows freely; and it is easy

cordless tools while getting a day’s work done.

to see the filling level. Release the button and

For years I have hesitated about trying to

it all stops—or just keep it going and it stops

take cordless too far, especially with some-

by itself as soon as the level reaches the spout.

Replace the dust cap. Simple and efficient.

thing like a power demanding demolition recip saw. I hate climbing into the far reaches of

to keep things winding smoothly. No more

The secret to stopping by itself is that it

a house only to have to come back to get a

tangled cords. Useful items from www.Task-

draws its air in from the gas tank (recuperat-

charged battery, or with 36-volt power, I didn’t

Tools.com. In most renovation centres.

ing VOC fumes at the same time) and when it

want to drag that weight up a ladder. But now I have to begrudgingly concede that Milwaukee has in fact “cut the cord” on a full range

New Gas Can Laws Are Proving Frustrating Batteries are great but we still use gas

of 18V tools.

LED Still In The Limelight

power on most construction sites.

can draw in no more air, it puts out no more gas. It even stops while properly filling a tiny shot glass!

There is also a transparent stripe on two sides of the can that allow you to see exactly

Recently Canada followed the U.S. in ban-

how much gas is in the can—available from

When laser beams first came out, they were

ning gasoline cans that have air vents on them.

small to large gas cans. The problem is that for

expensive and unreliable—as were LED lights

Several good motivations created this legis-

the moment you have to buy it on the web from

when they first came out—but now lasers

lation that has outraged many citizens: less

the U.S. You might want to ask you lumber yard

are reliably everywhere. In the last issue I

gas evaporating into the atmosphere from

to stock it. www.NoSpill.com

talked about LED taking over security power-

hot standing cans; no more gas accumulation

out lights and now we are seeing LED

via vapours in closed spaces where this has

taking over worksite task lighting.

on occasion led to explosions; recuperating

Blade Of The Month When you want to cut

Of course the big benefit is low

vapour from the equipment tank during fill-

through sheet metal, not

power so they can run on stan-

ing. Some of the complaints were control flow

slam into something on

dard power tool batteries, and

necks that had to be forced down to get flow

the other side as you

low heat to sidestep any danger

making it a three hand operation and not being

break through and spit

of fire. DeWalt has a nice little 20V

able to see the gas level, ballooning gas tanks

out the disk automati-

Max Hand-Held area work light

threatening to explode and spraying of gas all

cally you might want to

the DCL050. Projecting either 250

over people when they opened the pressur-

try the Milwaukee Shock-

or 500 lumens it gives out serious

ized cans.

wave Thin Wall bi-metal hole saw.

light with a hanging hook, the bat-

Although YouTube experts are bypassing

Shockwave means it is made for

tery being the floor stand and the

the laws installing vents on cans that no lon-

use with an impact driver and that

light tilting to a 140° angle adjust-

ger have them, that won’t do for a secure

stop rim keeps the rapid aggressive

ment. No filament or fluorescent

construction site. One problem is that few

cut under control. The exception-

lamp has the rugged build of this

manufacturers seem to be working to develop

ally thin wall is what makes it 40%

job site torchlight.

new technology that solves the old problems,

faster at making burr-free cuts than

satisfies current legislation, and avoids all the

standard bi-metal hole saws and cutting less

new problems.

metal makes it last longer than most.

Even Batteries Need To Be Plugged In

Here is one that

While I am talking about electricity, how

appears to have broken

about a simple plug multiplier with swivel

through the impasse:

sockets, allowing for plugging in all those

the “No Spill” gas can.

small transformers we are stuck with and two USB outlets to boot. It is made by Task and called “360 Electrical” T43401: 4 rotating outlets with surge protection on a 15A circuit.

And on the heavy duty end there is the Task 52 foot 12 AWG 20A auto rewind model which has fixed outlets that don’t turn when winding and over current protection. Add to that a reciprocating auto rewind wire guide

L TOOK TA L L TOOK TA L

Montreal-based TV broadcaster, author, home renovation and tool expert Jon Eakes provides a tool feature in each edition of Home BUILDER. www.JonEakes.com

Home BUILDER September/October 2014

35

renovation

Renovation Sector Expected to Grow Fastest in Alberta TORONTO — Canada-wide renovation intentions are holding up well

national average. Quebec’s renovation sector is expected to moderate

after showing some improvement through 2013 (following a drop in the

somewhat as its economic performance is forecast to lag the country,

post federal Home Renovation Tax Credit period), according to data from

however, the tax credit will provide some offsetting affect.

B.C. posted the slowest growth in renovation spending in 2013, along

Altus Group’s FIRM Survey.

Renovation intentions are relatively lower in B.C. and Atlantic Can-

with Manitoba. B.C.’s reversion to the PST/GST system in April 2013, which effectively lowered the tax rate on renovations relative to the situ-

ada compared to other regions of the country.

Renovation spending is expected to expand in all regions of the

ation under the HST system, was too late to provide a substantial boost, given lags, but along with stronger employment and income growth

country in 2014 and 2015, although the degree will vary: Alberta is projected to lead the nation in both 2014 and 2015 with

should set the renovation sector up for better years ahead. In Manitoba, the 1 percentage point increase in its PST in July 2013 likely had some

growth in renovation spending in the 5% range each year.

Ontario and Quebec together account for the lion’s share of activity, with almost 2 out of every 3 renovation dollars spent in these two

dampening effect later in the year.

For more information on Altus Group Housing Report and Forecast

provinces. Renovation spending in Ontario is projected to grow near the

contact Patricia Arsenault at patricia.arsenault@altusgroup.com.

Canada-wide Renovation Intentions Holding Up

LHBA Renovators & Firefighters Go Door to Door!

C

LONDON — On Saturday June 14, the Renovators’ Council of the London Home Builders’ Association (LHBA) and The London Fire Department went door to door in London to check for working smoke alarms.

The area canvassed was chosen as it represented a good demographic cross-section of buildings that were constructed before smoke alarms were required by the building code.

Normally, not having a working smoke alarm could net the owner a $235 fine, but during this blitz if a home was found to be unprotected, a working smoke alarm or battery was provided by the Renovators’ Council of the LHBA at no charge to the resident. If needed, the LHBA renovator members also installed the alarm. Data from the previous blitzes has shown that up to 40% of homes in older areas are inadSource: Altus Group Economic Consulting. The FIRM Survey

equately protected.

Home BUILDER Readership Survey A recently conducted Readership Survey by Work-4 Projects Ltd. shows an overall readership for Home BUILDER Magazine of over 115,000. This figure was compiled from multiple readers per issue reaching 77,443, plus a pass-along readership of 37,735.

The online survey was sponsored by Milwaukee Tool. The company offered a chance to win one of three Milwaukee M12 FUEL ¼: Hex 2-Speed Screwdriver Kits.

Survey Finding High-lights:

The Lucky Winners Were:

70% of readers read over 75% of the content.

73% view over 50% of the ads.

Readers said that that their best source for industry information was a tie between magazines and the web.

89% of builders and 83% of renovators rated the information presented as very useful or useful.

Most profitable products are windows, doors and decks.

Kitchens and bathrooms lead interior profitability.

Top features that help sell homes are kitchens and baths, design features, energy efficient products and flooring.

Eric Leung, builder, Alta. (above) Debby Klassen, contractor, B.C. Brett Sheffer, builder, N.S.

For more information on Home BUILDER Readership Survey, contact: Nachmi Artzy, publisher | homebuilder@work4.ca | 514-620-2200

Congratulations! And thanks to all of you who took the time to respond.

36 Home BUILDER September/October 2014

C

Reach the residential construction market in Canada.

You’ll find us where the action is.

Highly targeted and constantly updated database of builders and renovators from coast-to-coast — the real buyers of your products and services. With a high rate of pass-along readers, we reach more than 120,000 people. So does your message.

28 th

YEAR

28

th

YEAR

Canadian Home Builders’ Association

514-620-2200 • sales@work4.ca • HomeBuilderCanada.com

More advertising from major manufacturers and suppliers than any Canadian magazine in the business.

IndustryNews

Canada Leads The Way For Green Roof Wind Standards Karen Liu of Bonar Xeroflor are working closely with the NRC team setting up and monitoring the tests.

The wind uplift tests are being conducted at the NRC’s Dynamic RoofCourtesy CNW Group/Xeroflor

ing Facility in Ottawa, using a chamber fan mechanism that simulates

Dr. Karen Liu of Bonar Xeroflor testing the thin-layered XF301 green roof system for wind uplift resistance.

OTTAWA — Canada is leading the way with the first standard test method for wind uplift for vegetated roof assemblies (VRAs). Xeroflor,

the dynamic effects of wind. After laboratory testing, results will be benchmarked against real world conditions. The next phase is to monitor vegetative cover on some actual buildings in the Greater Toronto Area.C

CAWIC Calls on Construction Industry to Promote Women’s Advancement TORONTO — The Canadian Association of Women in Construction (CAWIC) is calling on industry employers, unions and educational partners to collaborate with CAWIC to address the shortage of skilled trades in Canada by promoting the entry and advancement of women into leadership roles within the construction industry.

inventor of the pre-grown vegetated mat, is part of this significant effort

Earlier this year, CAWIC was awarded a grant from the Government

as a member of a research consortium led by wind expert Dr. Bas Bas-

of Canada for $249,900 through Status of Women Canada. The grant

karan of the National Research Council of Canada (NRC). Test results will

will fund a three-year project to conduct research and develop, with col-

be used to develop the first wind uplift standard of this kind. According

laboration from industry employers and female participants, an action

to Baskaran, it will be “the first systematic Pass/Fail technical standard

plan to open doors for women’s entry, retention and advancement into

for VRAs in the world.” Sasha Aguilera of Xeroflor Canada and Dr.

leadership roles within the construction industry.

Canada & U.S. Rank 10th and 13th When Comes to Energy Efficiency

promote change and break down barriers for women in the industry,

CAWIC is actively seeking employer partners who share its vision to to create an action plan that makes economic sense, is realistic and attainable. For more information, contact Tammy Evans, Chair, Women’s

WASHINGTON — Germany comes in first in a new energy efficiency

Advancement Project, CAWIC, 416-759-1991, wap@cawic.ca.

ranking of the world’s major economies, followed by Italy, the European Union as a whole, China, and France, according to the 2014 International Energy Efficiency Scorecard published by the nonprofit American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE).

Now in its second edition, the

Adv er ti sers i n Thi s I s s u e Advertiser

Page

Phone

Web site

ACEEE report finds that, while

All Weather Windows Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . 4, 21 . . . 800-638-5709 . . . www.allweatherwindows.com

some countries are still signifi-

Canadian Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 . . . 844-369-7657 . . . www.cdnrg.com/powerhouse

cantly outperforming others,

Canplas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 . . . 800-461-5300 . . . www.canplas.com

there are substantial opportu-

CertainTeed Gypsum Canada, Inc. . . . . . 17 . . . 800-233-8990 . . . www.certainTeed.com/Gypsum

nities for improved energy effi-

CHBA - SAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 . . . 613-230-3060 . . . www.chba.ca

ciency in all economies analyzed,

E.I. duPont Canada Company . . . . . . 23, BC . . . 800-387-2122 . . . www.construction.tyvek.ca

Manufactured Building Design and Technology Forum Canadian Manufactured Housing Institute (CMHI) Ottawa, ON www.cmhi.ca

including Canada, which ranked

Festool USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 . . . 888-337-8600 . . . www.festoolcanada.com

10th out of 16 nations, and the

GAF Materials Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . 21 . . . 877-423-7663 . . . www.gaf.com

U.S., which ranked 13th.

GE Appliances - Commercial Sales . . . . 27 . . . 800-361-2500 . . . www.ccommercial@mabe.ca

points in 31 categories, the

Home BUILDER Mag - Survey . . . . . . . . 36 . . . 514-620-2200 . . www.homebuildercanada.com

October 16-18

nations were ranked by ACEEE

Home Hardware Stores Limited . . . . . . . 11 . . . 519-664-2252 . . . www.homehardware.ca

as follows: (1) Germany; (2) Italy;

Lenox Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18, 19 . . . 800-642-0010 . . . www.lenoxtools.com

(3) the European Union; (tied for

NAPOLEON Fireplaces & Grills . . . . . . . 15 . . . 800-461-5581 . . . www.napoleonproducts.com

4) China; (tied for 4) France; (tied

Nudura Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 . . . 866-468-6299 . . . www.nudura.com

for 6) Japan; (tied for 6) United

Owens Corning Canada LP . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 . . . 800-438-7465 . . . www.owenscorning.ca

Kingdom; (8) Spain; (9) Canada;

Plastic Components, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 . . . 800-327-7077 . . . www.plasticomponents.com

(10) Australia; (11) India; (12)

Robert Bosch Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 . . . 224-232-2402 . . . www.boschtools.com

South Korea; (13) United States;

Royal Building Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 . . . 614-754-3463 . . . www.royalbuildingproducts.com

(14) Russia; (15) Brazil; and (16)

Simpson Strong-Tie Canada . . . . . . . . . 2, 3 . . . 800-999-5099 . . . www.strongtie.com

CALENDAR Do you have an event you want posted on our new Online Calendar?

E-mail your listing to editor@work4.ca

October 7-9

Landscapes of Aging Canadian Association of Gerontology Niagara Falls, ON www.cag2104.ca

October 20 & 21

2104 Building Envelope Technology Symposium RCI, Inc. Tampa, FL www.rci-online.org

On a scale of 100 possible

Mexico. www.aceee.org.

38 Home BUILDER September/October 2014

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Grant Thornton, LLP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.grantthornton.ca

C

GeT The recoGniTion you deserve! call for enTries

THE 2014 CHBA NATioNAl SAM AwARd – RECoGNiziNG CANAdiAN HouSiNG ExCEllENCE

2013 GrANd SAM WiNNer – douG TArry HoMeS

The CHBA National SAM Awards are all about outstanding performance in new homes, renovations, community development and marketing by Association members.

Get the recognition you deserve. Submit your best projects to the 2014 CHBA National SAM Awards – Recognizing Canadian Housing Excellence.

The enTry deadline is november 7, 2014.

WiNNerS Will Be ANNouNCed oN FridAy, MArCH 6, 2015 AT THe CHBA NATioNAl CoNFereNCe iN HAliFAx.

Visit

www.chba.ca/sams for complete information on SAM Award categories, entry requirements and entry forms.

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