Contractor Advantage May / June 2016

MAY / JUNE 2016

RAISING THE ROOF DOORWAY BY DESIGN MOVE IN READY

Columns Inside Tech Talk with Amber Mac What's Trending - Small Spaces Design Talk - Home Organization On The Jobsite - Employee Performance

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Castle Building Centres Group Ltd. is a Canadian member-owned, Lumber, Building Materials and Hardware buying group representing over 300 member locations across Canada.

MAY / JUNE 2016 Volume 21 Issue 3

Contractor Advantage Magazine is the exclusive publication of Castle Building Centres Group Ltd. featuring quality Castle vendor brands available at Castle Building Centres locations.

Visit castle.ca to find a Castle location in your area.

Editorial Director Castle Castle Building Centres Group Ltd. Jennifer Mercieca Publisher - JAD Media Group Inc. Dan Alexander Managing Editor Teresa Christine Art Director Aram Stamboulian Contributors Teresa Christine Lisa Gordon David Chilton Stefan Dubowski

Advertising Inquiries Jennifer Mercieca Director of Communications Castle Building Centres Group Ltd. 905-564-3307 jmercieca@castle.ca Material Contact Susan Brook Vendor Marketing Coordinator Castle Building Centres Group Ltd. 905-564-3307 sbrook@castle.ca Published and designed exclusively for Castle Building Centres Group Ltd.

by JAD Media Group Inc. About Contractor Advantage

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Contributors

Lisa Gordon

David Chilton

Stefan Dubowski

Lisa Gordon is a freelance writer who has created customized content for association and trade publications for more than 15 years. She is also the full-time editor of a Canadian aviation magazine and lives near Brantford, Ont.

David Chilton Saggers is an award-winning Toronto writer and editor. He writes for national, regional and local newspapers and magazines, and has appeared on national and local TV and radio. He was educated at York University, Ryerson University and the University of Toronto. He may be reached at davidchilton@rogers.com.

A writer with journalism and corporate communications experience, Stefan delivers editorial content across a range of topics, including automotive, technology, construction and urban planning. His work has appeared in numerous magazines and journals.

Amber MacArthur Amber MacArthur started her career in San Francisco and Boston during the dot-com boom in the late 1990s. As a strategist for Razorfish agency and Director of Marketing for an e-procurement software company, she spent four years in the technology start-up trenches. MacArthur left the start-up world to join Microsoft to build one of the first female-focused lifestyle portals.

In 2006, with her brother, she started her own agency called Konnekt. While building her own business brand as President of Konnekt, she has amassed more than 100,000 followers on Twitter, 450,000 fans on Facebook, 1.6M friends on Google+, and 10,000 followers on Instagram.

“With few equals,” writes YouTube co-founder Steve Chen, “MacArthur continues to demonstrate a keen insight towards the continually evolving fabric of the social web.”

She is recognized internationally as an innovation and technology leader.

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Kate Zabriskie Kate Zabriskie is the president of Business Training Works, Inc., a Maryland-based talent development firm. She and her team help businesses establish customer service strategies and train their people to live up to what’s promised.

For more information, visit www.businesstrainingworks.com.

Contributors

What’s Inside?

7 News & Notes

Step Outside the Box...

Point to the Bleachers...

Hit a Homer

11 What’s Trending

Tiny Homes: Living Large in Small Spaces

23 On the Jobsite

How to Repair Employee Performance

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Doorway By Design Colourful exterior doors are being crowned with stylish “smart” locks.

35 Supplier Spotlight

JELD-WEN Canada

37 Money Matters

It All Depends On Where

You Live; Divergent Paths

Projected For Canadian Economy

48 Product Platform

Premium Products from Steel-Craft, All Weather Windows, SICO & Lynden Door

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Raising the Roof Compare metal panels with asphalt shingles to help your clients choose the right material for their roofing projects.

55 Leaders in the Limelight

Got Wood - Geraldton, ON

58 Tech Talk

5 Email Killers to Boost Your Contractor Business

61 Design Talk

Custom Closets and Storage Solutions

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Move In Ready; The burgeoning trend of RTMs The burgeoning trend of RTMs or ready-to-move homes occupy a surprising and little-known niche in Canada’s new housing market.

On the Cover Photo courtesy of IKO Industries

Contents

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News & Notes

INSIGHTS With Ken Jenkins

Step Outside the Box… Point to the Bleachers…

Hit a Homer Written by Ken Jenkins President, Castle Building Centres Group Ltd.

More than a few baseball aficionados out there are probably dying to remind me that my headline is technically against the rules of the game. But that’s exactly the intent of this blog. Break free from your standard practice; make new rules for how things get done; and, yes, don’t even toe the line.

We’ve all heard the truism that the definition of insanity is to keep doing the same thing and expecting a different result? Yet, we’ve all done that.

As professionals, huge leaps forward don’t come by doing what we did yesterday. (Don’t get me wrong; build on yesterday’s best practices.) We don’t make competitive gains by doing exactly what our competition does—after all, if what they do is so great, then what are we bringing to the table?

To be different, we have to innovate.

In business, our best shot at hitting one out of the park

News & Notes

comes by stepping outside the box and doing things a bit differently.

In 2000, Sara Blakely was getting ready for a party and found herself without the right undergarment for the white pants she planned to wear. With scissors and ingenuity she cut the feet off her control-top pantyhose and voila: Spanx.

Blakely rolled that idea into a complete clothing line, leading her at 41, to become the youngest self-made woman to join the World Billionaire list1. Now there’s a complete line of women’s wear, all snowballing from cutting the feet off pantyhose and daring to step out (and up).

In an example closer to home, consider drywall. Gypsum board was first invented by Augustine Sackett in 1894. Back then it was 36" x 36" in size and ¼" thick. Standard sizes would ultimately become 4' wide by 8', 10', 12' or 14' long, compatible with standard framing.

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One day, someone thought there might be a market for smaller sheets, and so 2'x2' drywall panels were introduced.

Not surprisingly, this was welcome news for consumers. The typical do-it-yourselfer often repairs a small section of wall that has been damaged by a swinging door or errant hockey puck in the basement. Lugging heavy, bulky 4'x8' drywall is hard work. The convenience factor of repairing a small section of wall with a 2'x2' piece of drywall made sense. Today, these smaller sheets actually account for a higher gross margin than the standard 4'x8'. Who would have thought?

It’s another example of a small-but-practical idea that has helped solve an industry challenge.

Here’s my advice to budding entrepreneurs: ‘fail fearlessly, but be smart.’

Ms. Blakely has said that when growing up her father would ask her daily what she had failed at that day.

It instilled in her the understanding that failing was an important part of trying.

Thomas Edison is famously quoted as saying, “I have not failed 10,000 times—I’ve successfully found 10,000 ways that will not work.”

I’m not recommending you be reckless or foolish in business, but if it makes good business sense you owe it to yourself, and your customers, to do things differently. Innovation isn’t just about disruptive technology or a miracle pill, but

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evaluating how to chart a new course to meet a need, sometimes before your customers even know they have it.

Challenge yourself to: 1. See things differently (from “outside the box”) 2. Never accept that things can’t be done better 3. Work on your business rather than in your business Don’t be afraid to do what the competition won’t. Think about this: what one thing would most set you apart from your competition? Reluctant to try? Just take a swing at it!

Ken Jenkins Ken Jenkins is the President of Castle Building Centres Group Ltd. and has over has over 20 years of experience within the Lumber, Building Materials and Hardware industry.

Insights is a weekly Blog written by Ken sharing his insights with small business entrepreneurs to help them become more entrepreneurial, more independent, and more successful.

Subscribe to Insights: insights.castle.ca

News & Notes

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Colour

INSPIRATION Add some colour to your life and be inspired with Castlegard indoor and outdoor paints and stains.

Castlegard products can be found exclusively at your local Castle Building Centres location.

For Castle locations go to castle.ca

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What’s Trending

What’s Trending

Tiny Homes: Living Large in Small Spaces Written by Teresa Christine Managing Editor, Castle Publications

The other night while flipping channels, I was inundated with television programs on tiny homes. The trend of tiny homes is not only on the rise throughout the United States and around the world, but here in Canada they are becoming more and more popular too. Every day, tiny houses are gaining traction all across the country with countless individuals, couples, and families choosing to trade in space for simplicity.

Although the size of the average family in Canada has decreased over the past 50-60 years, the average size of a Canadian house has increased almost three times. In 1945, the average house was 800 square feet compared to 2,200 square feet today.

What’s Trending

While most of that space is generally not used on a regular basis, we are now seeing a shift in the other direction. Many people are realizing that they don’t need all the “stuff” that ends up filling up a bigger house and they can be perfectly happy living in a smaller space that has only what is needed.

As people pay more attention to the environment, many are starting to look at our ecological footprint. When talking about a house, the ecological footprint is mainly determined by the size and the location of the house. Size becomes a factor simply because the larger the house, the more materials it takes to build it and most of those materials are coming from existing, but not infinite, resources

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of Earth. A larger home also uses more energy to keep it warm, to keep it cool, and to keep it well lit.

As an increasing number of Canadians are expressing interest in smaller space living, one indicator of the trend is that those writing and speaking about the movement have coined the euphemism “rightsizing” instead of “downsizing” since they feel this more aptly describes how many view their choice to go small. Rising costs of energy, recent mortgage costs, and the economy have all contributed to the tiny house trend, but the tiny home owners don’t describe a sense of loss with the space change.

Instead, they feel they have traded in square footage for an increase in the richness of their life.

Further homeowners feel that their investment in a smaller home and maximization of space perfectly suit their needs. Most “tiny homes” are less than 300 square feet and use innovative storage solutions to provide all the amenities of a full-size home only on a smaller scale. These small houses are either custom built or made from an existing plan. Some are permanent structures on land, whereas others are built on trailers so they can be relocated easily if the homeowners need to move either due to necessity

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or desire. Therefore, if the homeowners need to move frequently, either due to necessity or desire, they can easily move their home to its new location.

In addition to increased mobility, there are many other benefits to “rightsizing” including the ability to significantly reduce the expense of home ownership. Covering costs will be considerably less which leaves homeowners with much more disposable income. Part of the trend’s pull is that many people only dream of paying cash for their home or having the ability to pay off their mortgage but buying a tiny home can make that all a possibility. There is also the element of making less of an ecological footprint, not to mention that maintaining a small house will cost considerably less than a large home and energy bills will be significantly less.

As I settled in to watch one of the episodes, it occurred to me that the appeal of these tiny homes was quite undeniable. Whether you’re a budget-minded or environmentally conscious Millennial, a Gen Xer seeking to slash living costs while lessening their environmental footprint, or an aging baby boomer, the trend of tiny homes grows bigger and larger by the minute.

What’s Trending

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DOORWAY

BY DESIGN

Colourful exterior doors are being crowned with stylish “smart” locks.

Written by Lisa Gordon

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If your home is your castle, why not make a royal statement with a new exterior door and a stylish hardware upgrade?

Canadians have three choices when it comes to exterior door materials: steel, fibreglass or wood. The top seller, steel, comes in an extensive range of styles and is relatively inexpensive.

For its part, fibreglass can be painted or stained and is often a better choice in humid climates because it does not rust. Wood, although it requires more maintenance, is often chosen where a traditional appearance and maximum curb appeal are required.

Among the hot front door trends for 2016 are vibrant hues, from red to blue to golden yellow.

“Black has been a bold, yet classic, choice for a number of years, but now people are starting to let their home’s personality shine through,” said Laura Fisher, Director of Marketing at JELD-WEN Canada.

She added that no matter what type of door is selected, homeowners are incorporating lots of glass to create bright, airy front entrances.

Doorware by Design Once you’ve settled on a new door, it’s time to choose complementary hardware.

Today, there is more choice than ever before when it comes to lock sets and “doorware.” From square rosettes to keyless access to smart home compatibility, homeowners will soon realize that choosing the door itself is only the first step.

“Nobody wants a key anymore,” said Jonathan Bremer, National Account Manager with Allegion Canada, the maker of Schlage locks. “The biggest craze right now is electronics. The market for electronics is growing by over 25 per cent, with the majority in exterior door applications.”

Schlage sells a full range of residential grip sets for exterior doors as

Photo courtesy of Schlage

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Photo courtesy of Schalge

well as knobs, levers and dead bolts.

Bremer said technology—specifically home automation—is driving the latest innovations in locks.

“Our Schlage Connect touchscreen deadbolt will tie into a hub so that every time your kids walk in the door, you will get an email saying they’re home,” he explained. “You can tie a camera into it too. We have two different platforms, WiFi and Bluetooth based.”

Although consumers are demanding the latest technology, they’re also

concerned about looks. Trends in decorative hardware include a shift from typical round rosette plates to more contemporary square-shaped designs.

Exterior doorware finishes closely mirror interior decorating trends.

Bremer said satin nickel leads the market by a wide margin, representing over 40 per cent of Schlage sales.

Aged bronze and satin chrome are also popular, with matte black being the fastest-growing finish.

While looks and technology are important, security is the main reason

we have locks on our doors.

For contractors advising their customers on lock sets, Bremer said quality is paramount. All Schlage mechanical deadbolts and Schlage Connect touchscreen deadbolts meet Grade 1 industry testing criteria developed by the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Grade 1 is the highest quality rating on a progressive testing scale.

Another important consideration is ease of installation. “When you put

Among the hot front door trends for 2016 are vibrant hues, from red to blue to golden yellow.

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Feature Story: Doorway By Design

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a Schlage lock together, everything fits,” explained Bremer. “We have an adjustable through bolt on the bottom; so where it gets attached to the door, there is a screw on a rail system that slides down an inch and a half. There’s a better chance with our locksets that you won’t have to drill another hole.”

Locking In On Trends Weiser has been selling locks in Canada for 110 years. Steve Kolobaric, the company’s Marketing Manager, agreed that contractors should focus on installing quality materials.

“They need to convey to their clients that good quality materials are actually an investment,” said Kolobaric. “First, ask them what style they envision.

Find out their price point and security needs, and walk them through the

different Grade scales.”

Over at Weiser, satin nickel is also the number one finish. “Black is the next hot thing,” confirmed Kolobaric. “I would say we’ve been seeing a growing trend; but in the last six to nine months, it seems everyone wants black.”

Weiser, too, offers a variety of other finishes, including brass, antique brass, and rustic finishes. “The muted soft gold may be making a comeback,” said Kolobaric, noting that Weiser “is very in tune with what the designers want.”

For homeowners who want a more modern look, the company also offers lock sets with square rosettes. Kolobaric said some people are installing black hardware on the outside of the door, while opting for a silver finish on the inside.

And, speaking of trends, technology is driving product development at Weiser, too.

“People are really embracing keyless technology,” noted Kolobaric. “Having an extension of your smartphone on your door, with a keypad, is a no brainer.” He added that Weiser was the first company to introduce an affordable residential keypad lock in 1996.

Today, its Kevo product allows users to walk up to their door and simply touch the deadbolt. The lock finds the key on the homeowner’s smartphone using Bluetooth technology. If the phone is lost, users can go online to disable their electronic house key.

About six years ago, Weiser introduced a fingerprint reader, but Kolobaric said the biometrics technology just wasn’t easy enough

Photo courtesy of Weiser

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Feature Story: Doorway By Design

STYLISH & CONTEMPORARY

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So no matter where your inspiration comes from, we can make the windows that bring your renovation or new construction vision to life. If you’re considering changing your home, change it into something outstanding with Kohltech Windows.

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Photos courtesy of Weiser

Technology — specifically home automation — is driving the latest innovations in locks. for consumers to use. The model was discontinued, but he added that, “If the technology presents itself again, we will continue to introduce it to the market.

Weiser has been a leader in introducing new and innovative technologies to consumers at a price they can afford.”

Connectivity solutions devised by Weiser include HomeConnect — a lock that talks to the security panel of

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the Rogers home monitoring system, allowing for remote operations.

Contractors who need to re-key locks will appreciate Weiser’s SmartKey technology, which is standard on every product. “It takes just minutes to use a physical key to re-key all the locks in a home,” explained Kolobaric.

“Within the cylinder, there is a design feature that lets it learn the pattern of

a new key.”

For homeowners looking to equip their castles with a grand new entrance, top quality products are a must.

New exterior doors represent a significant investment that can change the look of a home, and choosing the right doorware isn’t just about security — it’s also the crowning glory.

Feature Story: Doorway By Design

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On the Jobsite

How To Repair Employee Performance Written by Kate Zabriskie President, Business Training Works, Inc.

I can’t believe we spent a huge amount on training and our staff still doesn’t consistently perform. What a waste!

They do the minimum, and that’s it. Why don’t they take more pride in their work and our business, I’ll never know.

It’s extremely difficult to have them on our team. They are a real energy drain.

Sound familiar? Probably. At any given moment, there are legions of employees busy “working” but not doing the work their managers expect them to do or, worse yet, doing their work in ways that hurt morale, productivity and the bottom line.

Perhaps a few of those frustrating employees have a professional despondency — but most don’t. In all likelihood, they are as frustrated by their performance as you are. The onus is on you, the manager, to identify and implement the fix.

For starters, you must come to terms with the five core reasons some members of your team aren’t performing to your standard.

Reason One: They Can’t If you expect people to do something they can’t do, don’t be

On the Jobsite

surprised when they fail. For example, if the Project Manager is supposed to meet with customers, manage workers, order materials and do the work all by him or herself, is there any wonder he or she can’t get it done?

The Fix

Take a hard look at what you ask your team members to do. If some of them are not meeting your expectations, be sure that those expectations are realistic and reasonable.

Truth to tell, assigning tasks to people who, for whatever reason, can’t complete them to your standard, means you’ve brought your situation upon yourself. Quit beating yourself up: change the person you task or change the tasks.

Reason Two: They Don’t Know How All too often people are thrown into a job with little or no training. They learn on the job, bring what they knew from their last job, or teach themselves if you are lucky. In other words, they wing it—and most of the time it shows. If you are holding people accountable for performing tasks for which they’ve had no training, you’re going to frustrate the employees and hurt morale. It’s as simple as that.

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The Fix

Train people on systems, processes, and desired behaviors, and do it often. Good organizations teach forward as well as learn from their mistakes. Spend some time thinking about what needs to be completed in a certain way.

Reason Three: They Don’t Know They Are Not Doing It People are not telepathic. When you fail to make clear your expectations in terms of both quality and quantity of work, and when you fail either to correct substandard performance or praise good performance, you have no cause to complain. Setting clear expectations and providing regular feedback matters.

The Fix

If an employee’s unsatisfactory performance is chronic in spite of training, managerial direction, and on-the-spot correction or praise, it is time to schedule a one-on-one meeting to review goals and expectations.

Employees should know where they stand within an organization. A failure to tell people whose sustained job performance is unsatisfactory is cruel, and a failure to document the meeting is derelict. Your direct reports and your organization deserve better.

Reason Four: They Don’t Think It’s Important Sometimes people know the rules, and they ignore them because they don’t think the rules are that essential. How could someone reach that conclusion? It’s easier than you think. If managers don’t model desired behaviors, reward people for demonstrating those actions, and coach their team members to preclude deficiencies, they’re sending the

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wrong messages. Park in a spot reserved for visitors a couple of times. How long do you think it will take others in your purview to start doing the same thing?

The Fix

Walk the talk. It’s as simple as that. Hold yourself accountable first and foremost. Next recognize and reward what you want to see and address any shortcomings on the spot.

Of course, this doesn’t mean becoming a patronizing zealot and thanking people for doing things they should be doing.

Rather, it means having standards and sticking to them.

Reason Five: They Don’t Want To On rare occasions you may encounter someone who is capable, trained, and operating in a learning environment but who still fails to meet expectations despite repeated coaching and counseling.

The Fix

Document, document, document, and keep that poison apple away from the others in the barrel. There are times when people are simply not a good fit for a job, and you need either to move them somewhere else in the organization or out of the organization altogether. Be kind, firm, and quick to act. The better your documentation, the easier the process will proceed.

Nobody ever said managing people was easy. It’s not.

It requires time, thoughtful planning, hard work, and moral courage; in short, it requires leadership. That said, the payoffs can be huge for the employee, the organization, and for you.

On the Jobsite

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RAISING THE ROOF

Compare metal panels with asphalt shingles to help your clients choose the right material for their roofing projects.

Written by Stefan Dubowski

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Photo courtesy of IKO Industries

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The market for roofing material is much broader now than it has ever been. These days, homeowners can choose from a range of products to cover their houses, gazebos and other structures.

With choice, though, comes the potential for confusion. Which material makes the most sense for the project at hand?

This article provides information about two of the more common types of roofing material: metal panels and asphalt shingles. Read on to learn about the differences and similarities so you can help your clients make an informed decision.

Melting Down Metal Myths Metal roofing has grown in popularity over the past 30 years, and with good reason. The material is extremely durable, so it lasts for up to 50 years.

It is also recyclable and helps keep buildings cooler in summer by reflecting heat.

All that said, homeowners might

have concerns about metal. One worry: cost. Perhaps property owners have heard that metal is substantially more expensive than asphalt shingles.

When it comes to price, however, “the entry level of metal roofing is very close to good quality shingle roofing,” says Tom Main, Territory Manager for central Ontario with Vicwest, a metal roofing provider. Prices can be as low as $1 per square foot.

The cost can vary substantially, though. “There’s so much variety,” Main says. “For instance, the thickness can differ. The thicker the gauge, the more expensive it gets. And the finish varies, too. You can go from a regular paint finish to metallic and highend finishes.”

Heavier metal tends to be more expensive. This higher-end option resists “oil canning,” which describes the ripples that thinner metal can exhibit when installed in large panels.

Large panels may be just what your homeowner is after. They replicate the look of older heritage buildings, which

often sport long and wide expanses of metal on the roof.

As an installer, you might prefer to use thick-gauge metal, too, although for a different reason. “You don’t need to be as worried about the material bending or kinking during installation and handling,” Main points out.

At the upper end of Vicwest’s portfolio, the batten-style Prestige metal roofing comes in 16-inch or 20-inch wide panels, cut in custom lengths of up to 40 feet. Prestige uses either 26-gauge or heavier 24-gauge steel.

On the budget end of the spectrum, Vicwest’s relatively inexpensive UltraVic panel is 36 inches wide and up to 36 feet long, using thinner 29-gauge steel. (Note that the thicker the metal, the lower the gauge number.)

As for finishing options, metal roofing comes in a range of colours and styles to match various preferences.

If a homeowner wants the durability of metal combined with the look of slate, tile or asphalt shingles, the property owner might want to look

Photo courtesy of Vicwest

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Feature Story: Raising the Roof

When your customer asks for a Vicwest metal roof, can you install it?

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A metal roof is quickly becoming the “must have” for consumers due to its unparalled warranty and durability. Becoming part of the Vicwest Partner Program is your chance to grow your business in a metal roofing market that is only going to get bigger. When you join the Vicwest Partner Program we work with you to become a qualified Vicwest metal roof installer. Not only will you receive hands on training, we will provide you with the tools to help you market your business and provide accurate quotes. When you partner with Vicwest, you’re partnering with a company that has been around for 85 years and a company that creates quality products.

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Tear-Resistant, Reinforced Woven Band

Provides fastening strength over a greater surface area of the shingle, helping to prevent nail heads from pulling through the shingle in high winds.

Battles the Elements, Protects Against Inclement Weather 2

1

3

2

3

4

5 4

5

6 1-1/4”

6

Release Tape

Prevents shingles from sticking together in the bundle.

Algae Block2

Ceramic copper coated granules. This built-in algae resistance inhibits algae growth, which can cause unsightly black stains on your roof.

Fastlock Adhesive

5 strips of our tough laminating adhesive are used in the construction of the Dynasty shingle.

Fastlock Sealant

Our modified bitumen sealant strip is formulated to be thick and aggressive to promote a strong bond and extraordinary performance with radiant heat from the sun.

ArmourZone™

Dual nailing lines, top and bottom, 1-1/4” apart, guide installers to Dynasty shingles’ wider nailing surface for correct nail placement. Nails applied in this area ensure fastening power for proper product performance.

For additional information on our full line of premium roofing products please call: 1-855-IKO-ROOF (1-855-456-7663) or visit our website at roofingelevated.com.

Canadian Owned Operated 30and MAY / JUNE 2016 CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

¹See Limited Warranty at www.iko.com for complete terms, conditions, restrictions, and application requirements.

2 This article contains a preservative to inhibit discoloration by algae. ©Copyright 02/16 · MR3A002

Photo courtesy of IKO Industries

into stone-coated metal. It gives steel the style of stone, but it maintains the benefits of metal: endurance and longterm cost effectiveness.

Metal is becoming popular because it speaks to a particular demographic reality, Main says: many homeowners are now in their retirement years and they would rather not have to replace another roof in their lifetime.

“We hear that often: ‘This is my last roof,’” he says.

Asphalt Advancement Metal roofing certainly has advantages, but many homeowners still prefer asphalt shingles. The Canadian Asphalt Shingle Manufacturers’ Association points out that property owners have been using this type of roofing since the 1840s. Over the years, the product

Feature Story: Raising the Roof

has evolved as manufacturers applied research and innovation to improve the performance and style of their wares.

Today, multi-layered shingles known as laminate or architectural shingles offer a range of colours and textures for various tastes.

IKO is one company that offers such shingles. Even though the product has its roots in the 19th century, it has come a long way since then. For instance, IKO recently introduced Dynasty, a new shingle that boasts what the manufacturer calls the ArmourZone feature, a tear-resistant band that creates an enlarged and durable nailing area. The upshot: faster, easier installation, as well as enhanced fastening strength over a greater surface area to help ensure the shingles stay put, even in high winds.

“Another feature is our Fast-lock sealant strips, which are thick and aggressive to promote a strong bond between shingle courses,” says IKO Corporate Communications Manager Derek Fee. “Plus, for high-wind applications, Dynasty shingles require only four nails per shingle to properly install compared with the typical six nails for most shingles, providing even greater project savings.”

Dynasty is an update for IKO’s line of laminate roofing products, “another option for contractors that carries all of the standard benefits of laminates, with the added feature of easier installation and enhanced wind resistance,” Fee says. “In addition, it gives the consumer the upgraded look of our high-definition colours as an alternative to the standard fare in the market-

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place.” Dynasty comes in seven colour combinations that present rich greys, browns, reds and blues for a swath of choices.

Today’s asphalt shingles also last longer than earlier versions. IKO’s Dynasty comes with a limited lifetime warranty, which also includes a 15-year “iron clad” period, during which IKO covers the cost of material and labour

to reinstall the product in the event of a manufacturing defect.

In conclusion, metal panels and asphalt shingles each have their pros and cons. Metal is especially long lasting, but can cost more up front. Asphalt is more durable than it has ever been and it tends to be less expensive than metal.

Even when it comes to the high-end options, however, homeowners should

plan to replace asphalt shingles within 20 years or so. The homeowner’s budget will play a big role in the decision.

Whether your clients decide to install metal or asphalt, they have a wide range of styles and colours from which to choose.

Photo courtesy of IKO Industries

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Feature Story: Raising the Roof

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Put our

EXPERTISE to work.

With endless design options, helping homeowners find the ideal features to get the most value out of their renovation budget is easier than ever.

Attractive window shapes for architectural symmetry.

Stylish grilles for increased curb appeal.

There is a reason JELD-WEN is the go-to brand for so many experienced professionals.

Visit your local Castle Building Centre to get started on your next project.

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Supplier Spotlight

Supplier Spotlight Photos courtesy of JELD-WEN Canada

JELD-WEN Canada Editorial provided by JELD-WEN Canada

JELD-WEN Windows & Doors has been producing superior window and door products for over 50 years. With over 1200 employees, and a transnational network of strategically positioned manufacturing facilities and dealers, JELD-WEN continues to produce the highest quality products, engineered to perform within the diverse Canadian climate and marketplace. With operations that range from manufacturing facilities, dealers and design centres, JELD-WEN remains an innovative force within the renovation and home construction industry. Every product we build is stamped with our thoughtful planning, diligent craftsmanship and expertise. It’s been a long journey, and our hard work and patience has truly paid off.

Today, we fly our flag proudly as the number one window and door brand in Canada. www.jeld-wen.ca

Supplier Spotlight

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GET REAL REWARDS FOR ALL YOUR PURCHASES Get the Castle Consumer Card or Commercial Card and Enjoy 1% Castle Cash Rewards**

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Money Matters

It All Depends On Where You Live; Divergent Paths Projected For Canadian Economy Written by Teresa Christine Managing Editor, Castle Publications

Location; Location; Location! That was the message Dr. Peter Andersen had for the crowd at Castle’s Annual General Meeting earlier this year in March.

Dr. Andersen, a regular speaker at the event, shared his insights on the global economy and his forecast for 2016.

Specializing in economic conditions and outlook, his objective was to act as a filter, separating the signals from the noise and to deliver useful information

Money Matters

to help the gathered group of entrepreneurs, retailers, and manufacturing executives, plan accordingly for the upcoming year.

This year his analysis was simple: economic climates are dependent on where you live. For example, with oil prices staying below US$50 per barrel, there will be a negative impact on Alberta with continued weak consumer confidence and a pronounced

slump in low-rise and high-rise new construction.

Overall, he pointed out that employment numbers are still the best economic indicator for Canada and that there is no recession expected in the United States; which is continuing to experience an expanding economy.

He also expects the Canadian dollar to gain strength. What does this mean for Canada? Growth for our allies

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down south means a positive impact on economic conditions of various regions, especially for the provinces of Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia.

Continued strength in single-detached construction will be evident in Ontario and British Columbia and will pave the way for elevated low-rise construction

in the cities of Toronto, Victoria and Vancouver. In Atlantic Canada, Newfoundland remains very weak when it comes to housing starts, while Nova Scotia saw a large increase, largely in Halifax.

As diverging regional paths persist, housing affordability trends will continue to run in opposite directions in Canada. Some regions will experience market erosion, where rapid price increases further exacerbate already poor affordability conditions, especially in the single-detached segments, whereas trends in other local markets will remain generally constructive, with affordability levels either improving or staying fairly stable. As these fluctuate substantially across the country, the true economic forecast will all depend on where you live.

About Dr. Peter Andersen Dr. Andersen founded Andersen Economic Research in 1984 and has provided economic forecasts to large and small companies for over 30 years. In his spare time, he has taught financial economics and money & banking at the University of Texas at Austin where he received a teaching excellence award.

RIB

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When it came to creating the industry’s most authentic wood shake-look shingle, we knew we had to deliver nothing less than all the remarkable, natural beauty of genuine hand-split wood shakes. But we didn’t stop there. Not only did we ensure that this innovative shingle would provide all the top performance you’d expect — we also enhanced its dimensionality.

We’re proud to say that no other triple-layer asphalt shingle matches the thickness of our premium Glenwood® Shingles. You can see the difference for yourself; there’s simply no comparison. For the ultimate in depth and dimension for the roof — and the most realistic wood-shake look that a shingle can provide — you need search no further.

Glenwood® Shingles. A bold, beautiful departure from the rest.

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MOVE IN READY

The burgeoning trend of RTMs or ready-to-move homes occupy a surprising and little-known niche in Canada’s new housing market.

Written by David Chilton Saggers

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Photo courtesy of Warman Homes

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The story of Canadian real estate is one of shifting economic fortunes and changing trends. This landscape is one of the many reasons why home buyers are constantly reevaluating the market and their housing status.

With so many factors to consider, convenience and cost are playing a more vital role in decision making.

This has led to the burgeoning trend of RTMs. Called ready-to-move homes or RTMs for short, they occupy a surprising and little-known niche in Canada’s new housing market. Given their low profile, it should be noted that ready-to-move homes are not the same as a mobile or trailer home or a modular dwelling that is “snapped” together on-site from prefabricated pieces. RTMs are built and finished at the manufacturer’s site then moved to where the buyer has prepared the foundations. They employ the same or very similar processes and materials contractors and developers use for their conventional homes, and once in place it’s impossible to tell the difference between an RTM and one built

on-site at a sub-division.

Ken Large is the Public Works Director and Housing Manager at Saddle Lake, a First Nations reserve in Alberta. He says some years ago the Cree community was buying RTMs from other vendors, but when he took charge of housing, he suggested that the Saddle Lake community start building its own because it had the trades and the workers to do it. That first house, says Large, took three weeks to frame. “The guys had to learn.

They had to take it apart and do it over. It was a slow process, but the guys caught on.” Following the construction of that first RTM in 2009-10, the Saddle Lake enterprise has grown considerably, and now includes a building supplies business that is affiliated with Castle Building Centres. In fact, numerous RTM builders across the country maintain an affiliation with Castle in one way or another. In Saddle Lake, it is Large himself who supervises the Castle-affiliated business.

Large says he supplies other reserves with RTMs, including, for example, 10

homes in Saskatchewan. Generally, the smallest of the Saddle Lake models is 1040 sq. ft., and the largest is 1248 sq. ft., with prices running about $90 a sq. ft., which excludes the cost of foundations and moving. These and all other RTMs are covered by Canada’s national building code in addition to any provincial code requirements, including moves from one province to another.

In addition, like site-built properties, they qualify for provincial new homes warranties.

Ken Wagar, Sales Manager at Warman Homes in Warman, Sask., about 20kms from Saskatoon, says his firm has been in the RTM business for 30 years, and does 80 to 90 homes a year with a standard cost of about $102 a sq. ft., selling models from 1129 sq. ft. to 1677 sq. ft. A ready-to- move house saves the buyer time, says Wagar, noting that from signing a contract to moving the RTM only takes about six months. “That time period includes us doing the drawings, (getting) the customers’ approval, ordering the material, then building the home.

Photo courtesy of Saddle Lake Building Supplies

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Feature Story: Move In Ready

Unafraid to go to grade.

Homes covered with Celect® Cellular Composite Siding are truly covered, because unlike fiber cement and engineered wood, Celect can go to grade without being damaged by mud, mold, mildew, dirt, snow and ice. Give credit to advanced cellular material that virtually eliminates the need for maintenance.

And Kynar Aquatec® coating that keeps our stunning colors from fading. Plus patented interlocking joints that produce virtually seamless looks while blocking out moisture from all manner of Canadian weather. This is what an exterior can do when engineered with 100% passion and 0% fear.

Find out everything siding can do at celect.royalbuildingproducts.com.

© 2016 Royal Building Products

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In the meantime, while we’re doing the home here, the customer can be doing the foundation on site,” says Wagar.

There’s less hassle with an RTM, too.

“In a lot of places it’s difficult to get trades to come out”, notes Wagar, “or if they do, their charges are appreciably higher than usual”. Lower costs are another benefit of RTMs, adds Wagar, saying they are 10% to 15% cheaper than a house of similar size built on-site.

Contrary to what some may think,

RTMs are complete when they are moved to their permanent location.

They are not simply an empty box that has to be fitted out when attached to its foundations. Saddle Lake’s Ken Large says the materials used to build its RTMs are those typically found in houses built on-site, and their selection is the buyer’s choice. Typically, RTMS come with showers and bathtubs, sinks, cabinetry, interior doors, shelving, and so on depending on selected finishes. The homes are insulated,

fully wired, with HVAC locations marked and cut. The drywall has been installed, taped and sealed with primer and the topcoat is applied on-site.

There are models that have sunken living rooms, vaulted ceilings and all manner of design features. The possibilities are endless and your buyers can customize their home based on their preferences.

“Our RTM homes are built using the same materials as we use to build a sitebuilt home, except they are built stron-

Photo courtesy of Warman Homes

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Feature Story: Move In Ready

PROLUXE . ™

Proven. Perfect.

For a flawless, signature look, ask for SIKKENS® ProLuxe Wood Finishes by name. Our time-tested formulas amplify the natural beauty of wood with exceptional results.

It’s a difference you can see.

Feature Story: Insulation Innovations

Demand the trusted original: Sikkens ProLuxe finishes. perfectwoodstains.ca A product of PPG Architectural Coatings.

Cetol and Sikkens are registered trademarks of AkzoNobel.

ProLuxe is a trademark of PPG Architectural Finishes, Inc. The PPG Logo is a registered trademark of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc. © 2016 PPG Industries, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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ger because they have to be moved,” says Wagar. “There are certain things that are done to beef up the floors and the walls for structural support.”

They include, for example, laminated veneer lumber or LVL for the home’s beams. LVL is an engineered wood product that is straighter and stronger than traditional timber. “Every house (RTM) we build is inspected daily,” says Wagar, a point Large also makes about the houses Saddle Lake builds.

Despite this extra strength, both men say that during the move any RTM will

experience some superficial drywall cracks which are repaired by their respective companies once the house has been attached to its foundations.

As can be imagined, moving an RTM requires specialists and specialized trucks. Essentially the RTM home is built on supports, and once finished steel beams are placed under the house, which is then picked up on a four-point lift and placed on the truck.

Hauled to its permanent location, the site crew essentially “slides” the RTM onto its foundation and it is attached

using steel straps. Of course, it is the responsibility of the buyer to ensure the foundation has been properly built and that all permits have been obtained. It is also important for them to inform local police, confirm whether the roads are wide enough to allow the truck to pass and deal with any overhead obstacles prior to the actual move. The approximate cost of a move is difficult to assess. Large and Wagar note that so much depends on the distance involved and the size of the RTM.

Photo courtesy of Saddle Lake Building Supplies

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Feature Story: Move In Ready

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MoistureShield’s expanded family of durable outdoor living productsallows allows you to easily bring MoistureShield’s expanded family of durable outdoor living products you to easily bring ® offersa a beautiful reversible your dream deck to life.toThe MoistureShield Vantage beautiful andand reversible your dream deck life. The MoistureShield VantageCollection Collection® offers uncapped board, while MositureShield Pro boasts a smooth cap for an added layer of protection uncapped board, while MositureShield Pro boasts a smooth cap for an added layer of protection and beauty. and beauty.

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PRODUCT PLATFORM

Latest & greatest products available at local Castle Building Centres

Steel-Craft's Elite Series Steel-Craft’s Elite Series of superior garage doors are the perfect blend of form and function. Available in a rich walnut wood grain or a distinctive matte charcoal colour, the Elite Series adds sophistication to any home.

Elite doors are based on our RanchCraft, CarriageCraft and Flush styles and offer a superior R-value of 16.04,

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keeping warmth in and winter out. Made of top-quality, high-grade Canadian steel panels and Steel-Craft’s proudly overengineered parts, Elite doors are fade-resistant and won’t corrode. Double-finned steel/nylon weather stripping, mechanical interlocking joints and an Arctic-grade bottom weather seal help ensure the door is energy-efficient.

Product Platform

Product Platform

All Weather Windows Introducing the Horizon 7100 Series The Horizon 7100 series from All Weather Windows is a superior slider and single hung solution with the industry’s best feature set and a natural addition to our lineup of high-performing windows. The Horizon 7100’s versatile range of customizations gives builders, dealers and homeowners the ultimate flexibility in design while offering the durability and energy efficiency All Weather Windows is known for. This highly customizable window features a contemporary beveled sash with triple fin weatherstripping, both SDL and grille options, and is available with state-ofthe-art Renolit™ high-performance colour.

Triple Pane Option Designed with a true 1/2” air space, these triple pane windows provide more insulation than dual pane when it comes to energy efficiency, allowing for lower heating costs, virtually no condensation and an excellent sound barrier.

SDL and Grilles Available Simulated Divided Lite (SDL) is installed on the pane to simulate the look of divided panes of glass and grilles provide the beautiful look of divided light while leaving the glass exterior and interior smooth and easy to clean.

Product Platform

Colour Available Renolit™ EXOFOL FX comes with a 10-year warranty* and offers bold, durable colour by using a high-performance, acrylic-based exterior film that is permanently bonded to both the exterior PVC window frame as well as the sash, allowing for uniform colour throughout the unit.

4 1/2” Overall Frame Horizon 7100’s frame is strong and robust but also allows for a sleek, streamlined design uncommon in slider style windows while maintaining functionality and durability.

The Horizon 7100 brickmould is attached with an accessory groove system.

Interior Glazed Horizon 7100 series is interior glazed, minimizing heat loss and energy costs while making window servicing much more convenient, should the need arise.

Five Configurations Like our Carriage 6800 series, Horizon is available in picture, slider, single hung, bay and bow configurations.

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SICO Exterior wood and concrete RESURFACER + SEALANT Extend the life of decks and patios that are still structurally sound but are worn and weathered. Our re-surfacer refreshes cracked, grey wood and patchy or unsightly concrete, filling cracks and locking down splinters for a slip-resistant, waterproof finish and mildew-resistant coating.

The resurfacer extends the life of decks and patios that are still structurally sound but are worn and weathered.

Our resurfacer refreshes cracked, grey wood and patchy or unsightly concrete, filling cracks and locking down splinters for a slip resistant, waterproof finish and mildew resistant coating.

About the Formula 100% acrylic formula with Hi-flex resin that fills cracks up to 1/4’’ (Cracks wider or deeper than 1/4’’ must be caulked before applying the coating).

Benefits • Fills cracks up to 6.4mm (1/4’’) • Locks down splinters • Resists cracking and peeling • Provides waterproofing protection • Provides mildew-resistant coating

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Product Platform

UV RESISTANCE TRANSOXIDE PIGMENTS AND UV ABSORBERS PROTECT AGAINST FADING AND SUN DAMAGE

PENETRATING PROTECTION FORTIFIED WITH PENETROL® TO DRIVE PROTECTION BELOW THE WOOD SURFACE

WATER REPELLENCY DURABLE RESIN BLEND PROTECTS WOOD AGAINST RAIN AND SNOW

THE NEW FLOOD™ PRO SERIES

FORMULAS FOR SUCCESS Flood Wood Care has success down to a science. New products are precisely formulated with the features pros need and customers demand. Each stain and sealant offers distinct advantages to make every project a success. Choose Flood stains for your next project. flood.com

A product of PPG Architectural Coatings.

The PPG Logo is a registered trademark of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc. Penetrol is a registered trademark and Flood and Flood & Paintbrush Design are trademarks of PPG Industries, Inc. © 2016 PPG Industries, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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Lynden Door Introduces FineLine A Series of Six Modern Door Profiles, Where Less is More and the Minimal is Magnified.

The FineLine collection is suitable for single family, multifamily and hospitality applications, making it a modernizing solution to contemporary spaces.

• Durable, primed hardboard surface, ready to accept paint.

• Six standard profiles offered in 6’8”, 7’0” and 8’0” heights and up to 3’0” in width.

• Custom sizes and designs are available—contact your Lynden Door representative for more information.

• Allowable for use in paired door applications.

• Profile lines positioned to accommodate most hardware locations.

• 1-3/8” and 1-3/4” thickness, hollow and solid core available.

• 20 minute fire rating available.

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Product Platform

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Bring your style outdoors with perfect results!

SICO.CA

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Wall to Wall Confidence is a trademark of PPG Group of Companies. Sico is a registered trademark of the PPG Group of Companies.

Manor Hall and Sun Proof are registered trademarks of PPG Architectural Finishes, PPG Paints is a trademark of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc. © 2016 PPG Industries, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Leaders in the Limelight

When Opportunity Knocks, Leaders Answer Written by Jennifer Mercieca Editorial Director, Castle Building Centres Group Ltd.

Along the TransCanada Highway 11, in the heart of Northern Ontario, you’ll find the town of Geraldton.

Best known for its fishing and hunting, fittingly, it’s also home to the Castle Building Centres location “Got Wood”.

Got Wood was founded in 2010 by local entrepreneurs, Stephane Parent and Lynn Gosselin. The business began as a small lumberyard catering to the local community and competed against a well-known building materials and hardware store close by.

Like true independent entrepreneurs, Stephane and Lynn worked hard to grow their business and brand in the community and soon realized the key to continued growth would be to take on a nationally-recognized and respected banner. Becoming a Castle Building Centres location helped open new doors and expanded their reach

Leaders in the Limelight

through Greenstone municipality.

Always on the look out for the next big opportunity, Stephane decided to take over the local Purolator courier service in his small Ontario town.

Stephane decided that this was also a great way to tie in a clever little marketing spin, so he added a Castle GOT Wood vehicle wrap to his Purolator delivery van for a little store promotion while driving through the town delivering to residents and local businesses.

“This is a huge marketing success for us with minimal investment and the advertising is really working!” says Parent.

Most recently, Parent and Gosselin encountered the next BIG opportunity. The larger home centre in town suddenly closed down leaving Got Wood in the unique position of being the only lumberyard in town.

Overwhelmed at first, they quickly made the decision to purchase the assets of the former home centre and move their location into a new one; Geraldton’s former arena. The grand opening of the new store is scheduled for this spring and will feature a 10,000sq.ft store plus 20,000sq.ft warehouse space.

Stephane and Lynn are confident they made the right decision and are excited to reach beyond the Geraldton region with this expansion. It will mean more business from northern communities, regional infrastructure, a local mining project and undoubtedly, more opportunity for growth.

Castle is proud to be part of the Got Wood success story and is looking forward to the next BIG chapter!

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Valued Members & Vendor Partners

5405C - C58 M17 Y0 K46

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CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE A LU M I N U M R A I L I N G

A LU M I N U M R A I L I N G

Thank you to 400 valued members, vendor partners, and their families. Your participation and support made Castle’s AGM the most highly acclaimed event in the industry. Wonderful memories were made and partnerships strengthened in Palm Springs, California.

From all of us at Castle Building Centres Group Ltd.

Worldwide Distribution & Retail Services

Building Solutions

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5 Email Killers to Boost Your Contractor Business Written by Amber MacArthur President, Konnekt Digital Engagement

Email has become the main way a lot of people communicate professionally, and contractors are certainly no exception. But even with improvements in email applications and webmail, email can still be a real time-killer. Thankfully, there are some great apps for your phone or your computer that can really help recover some of that lost time. At the core of your typical email are elements of communication and collaboration. Below are five applications that can help you communicate and collaborate more effectively and efficiently than email.

Slack Slack calls itself "a messaging app for teams" embracing "team communication for the 21st century" (yes, that's a dig against email). Slack lets you create Channels to organize team conversations that can include text, links, files, and more. You can make channels Private and also send Direct Messages to another user if you're dealing with confidential info. Slack also integrates with a host of other services (even email, if you must) to add more functionality - and if you

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can't find the right integration with Slack, check out its competitor HipChat. Slack is free for small teams and is available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, as well as Linux and Windows Phone (both in beta).

Google Hangouts Google Hangouts is great when you to do a video conference call with two or more people. It's free (though you'll need a Gmail or Google+ account to sign up) and it provides simultaneous video chatting for up to 10 people. It also allows for screen-sharing, which can be super helpful if you have to walk someone through something on a remote computer. Hangouts includes text messages, photo sharing, and even phone calls (sometimes free), but it's standout feature is definitely free video conferencing.

Dropbox An oldie but a goodie, Dropbox is a great file sharing and storage service that's been around for almost a decade. You can set up folders on your computer or other device and all

Tech Talk

Tech Talk

their contents will sync with Dropbox's cloud-based storage (accessible anywhere through a browser). It's also great for directly sharing large files that are too big to reliably send through email. Free apps are available for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Windows Phone, and BlackBerry and new accounts start with 2GB of storage space and you can pay for additional features and extra storage.

AirDrop (Mac/iOS Only) If you're an Apple device user then you can cut out the middle man (and email) to directly send files to other Apple devices within about 30 feet (bluetooth range), which can be super useful onsite. Both devices need to have bluetooth and wi-fi on, but they don't need to be on the same wi-fi network. You can control your privacy by allowing airdrops from anyone or only from contacts on your phone. Airdrop is integrated into the Finder's sidebar on desktops and laptops, and on iOS you can find it by Sharing a photo, movie, or other file.

Basecamp 3 While each of the previous recommendations are focused mainly on doing one thing well, Basecamp is a full-fledged project management tool that integrates a variety of helpful tools into one product. The new Basecamp 3 is a pretty big change from what I remember seeing back when we used the original. An updated design and a ton of learning about

Tech Talk

what users need have made this a great place to communicate (message boards, comments threads, etc.) and keep track of to do's, files, and more. You can try Basecamp 3 for free or sign up with an unlimited internal team for $29/month or use it with clients (as with all their plans, this includes unlimited users) for $79/month.

All of the above tools are great and my digital marketing agency, Konnekt, uses or has used all of these for a year or more, so we've seen them in action. You can try any of them for free, so best of luck finding what works best for you and your team!

About Amber MacArthur Amber MacArthur, President of Konnekt, has provided social media coaching and consulting to companies including Microsoft Xbox, Ford Motor Company, Tony Robbins, Canada Goose, Fast Company, PayPal, and Canadian Blood Services.

In 2010, MacArthur wrote a national bestselling business book called Power Friending and has over 100,000 followers on Twitter, 450,000 fans on Facebook, 1.6M friends on Google+, and 10,000 followers on Instagram.

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You know it never, ever just stays in the bath.

New ESSENTIEL vinyl composite flooring is sturdier, stronger and more waterproof than ever. It’s now available in seven different ultra durable finishes from natural stone to hardwood. With the glueless easy click “5G Lock Technology”, the plank and tile formats make quick work of any room. Even in the ones that see more of the traveling duck.

For more information about Essentiel, contact us at taigabuilding.com Innovation, from product to distribution, makes us leaders in the category. Whatever it takes.

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Design Talk

Design Talk Photo Courtesy of Organized Living

Custom Closets and Storage Solutions Written by Teresa Christine Managing Editor, Castle Publications

It’s a common theme in today’s world: how to do more in less time. The desire to manage time and schedules most effectively influences the realm of home design and décor in terms of organization and efficiency in closets, offices, pantries and more.

Not too long ago, homes were built without much thought to closets and storage. Homeowners are increasingly looking for storage solutions and the benefits of this investment appear to be clear with the trend’s growing popularity. People today simply don’t have time to deal with disorganized homes amidst life’s fast pace. They want to grab what they need — when they need it — without having to waste time and

Design Talk

there is no doubt that compartmentalized closets reduce stress and anxiety.

Regardless of your closet’s size, the most important component is organization. With countless options in customization, companies like Organized Living are helping homeowners create functional, uncluttered spaces. "Everyone needs more time and space! The secret to gaining more of both is having the right storage system in place," explains Jennifer Dusina, Communications Manager at Organized Living. "With a product like our freedomRail, you can double, triple or even quadruple space in less than a few hours."

Most popular in closets, pantries,

garages, laundry rooms, kid’s rooms/ playrooms and mudrooms, freedomRail is a true example of an adjustable home organization system that can be customized for every area of the home.

Made with 30% more steel than other systems, durability as well as quick and easy installation are part of the product’s allure. Ranging in price from $500 - $2,500 for average walk-in closet, homeowners can certainly attain this design trend at reasonable costs.

"Organized Living offers a variety of storage systems for homeowners to create fully functional spaces in areas throughout the home” says Jennifer.

The Classica for instance, is a more traditional, built-in system which can

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be installed as a floor or wall mounted system. Homeowners can choose from convenient accessories like valet rods, tie racks, jewelry drawer inserts and laundry hampers. Designs include flat or decorative door and drawer front options and are available in eight beautiful, on-trend finishes, including touchable textures. Price range for this option is $1,000 – 3,500.

“Our storage systems are popular with homeowners because they are strong enough to withstand daily wear of busy families in high traffic areas such as mudrooms and can be easily adjusted as needs change in a variety of closets."

This includes retrofitting existing

closets as well. Most standard closets come with one or two standard shelves with a hanging rod. This doesn’t fully maximize space. The Lifetime storage solution for example, is the only ventilated wire shelving to exceed industry weight standards. Equipped with an epoxy coated wire that’s durable and maintenance-free, the PVC free product is made of 100% recycled steel and is a great green choice for home organization. Cost for this ranges from $150 – 1,200 for average walk-in closet.

With solutions for any room of any size in any style or budget, homeowners are sure to find storage to suit their needs. No matter what area of the house, having an organized closet

is the gateway to having an organized room and an organized life. Virtually any space can be personalized. After all, custom closet and storage design trends are all about creating a place for everything while maximizing the spaces you use every day so you can reap the benefits of your investment in time saved and less stress.

Organized Living products are distributed exclusively in Canada by Can-Cell Industries and available at participating Castle Building Centres locations. www.castle.ca

Photos Courtesy of Organized Living

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Design Talk

Build bold.

TM

She wrote the e-book on confidence.

Where are homeowners with a passion for personality finding fascination these days? In exteriors bathed in deep, beautiful hues.

It’s a movement driven by a strong impulse to look up and see their very cool home in all its colourful glory. We have just the thing to match this trend: exteriors with character that come in a rich palette of dark colours. We’re very confident about that. royalbuildingproducts.com Featuring Royal Estate Siding in Shamrock

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MAKE IT GREAT – WITH GENTEK. As a leading manufacturer and distributor, Gentek offers an inspiring selection of premium sidings and decorative accessories that create exceptional results. We combine artistic vision and advanced technology with our nearly 50 years of industry expertise to provide beautiful products, superior quality and outstanding customer service. From your simplest project to your greatest challenge, together we’ll make it great!

SEQUOIA® SELECT ULTRA-PREMIUM VINYL SIDING • Low-gloss finish with natural cedargrain texture • 4 classic profiles and 28 colours for greater design options • Ultra-premium .046" panel thickness • Full-roll nailing hem and exclusive Advantage Lock™ system • Windload tested up to 407 km/h (253 mph)* • Lifetime limited, non-prorated, transferable warranty† with hail and fade protection

Ultra-Premium Vinyl Siding *Windload performance may vary by profile design. †See printed warranty for complete details. Not all colours are available in all profiles.

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• Replica-wood vinyl panels let you achieve custom-crafted elegance • Applications include exterior cladding, soffits, covered decks, front veranda areas, interior ceilings (basements, bathrooms, coffered ceilings), interior walls and more • Tongue-and-groove corrugated PVC planks are wrapped in a high-quality exterior vinyl coating that’s virtually maintenance-free • Water absorption 0.04% – perfect for high humidity areas • Available in standard and special order colours

• Cast in molds and hand-coloured with iron oxide pigments to replicate natural stone shapes, textures and patterns • Achieves traditional stone masonry appeal without the extra cost and installation time • Panels install just like siding with interlocking tongue and groove • Ideal for exteriors, interiors,new construction and remodel projects • 50 year limited warranty – see printed warranty for details

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1001 Corporate Drive Burlington, ON L7L 5V5 www.gentek.ca Make us a part of your home.

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