Ontario Home Builder - Renovation 2015

WHAT ARE THE PITFALLS WHEN YOUR HOME RENO PROJECT IS YOUR OWN? P.40 FIVE EXPERTS DISCUSS HOW THEY FINISH BASEMENTS P.46

COOL TOOLS, FROM OLD STANDBYS TO HIGH-TECH GADGETS P.55

RENOVATING HOMES AND COMMUNITIES WITH SENIORS IN MIND P.63

OHBA.CA RENO 2015 | $5.00

T H E R E N OVAT I O N I S S U E

Shane Van Barneveld of Shane Renovations

KITCHEN DUTY PM 42011539

Renovators dish on latest trends

Thank you for helping us build a more energy efficient Ontario.

Alliance Homes

Empire Communities

Habitat for Humanity

Midhaven Homes

Signature Homes

Andrin Homes

EQ Homes

Halminen Homes

Minto

Solmar

Arista Homes

Fandor Homes

Heathwood Homes

Fernbrook (Castlemore)

Jeffery Homes Ltd.

Monarch Corporation

Tamarack Homes

Ballymore Homes Briarwood Homes

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Brookfield Homes

Fieldgate Developments & Construction

Laurier Homes

Orchard Ridge

Times Group

Cardel Homes

Flato Developments

Lindvest

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Centro Homes

Fourteen Estates

Madison Homes

Reid’s Heritage Homes

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Geranium Homes

Marshall Homes

Coughlan Homes

Great Gulf Homes

Mason Homes

Delta-Rae Homes

Greystone Homes

Mattamy Homes

Royalpark Homes San Diego Homes Sean Mason Homes

Tartan Homes

Urbandale Wycliffe Yorkwood Homes Zancor Homes

We look forward to building the future with you in 2015.

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CONTENTS

55

32 Kitchen Duty These latest trends are a recipe for success

40 Team Effort It can be a lonely feeling when your reno project is your own house

46 Bunker Mentality Want to build a better basement?

Five experts share their wisdom

55 Tools of the Trade 10 renovators share their favourite hightech gear...and their most trusted stand-bys

70

63 Golden Age of Design Builders, renovators and communities plan for a more senior-friendly future

70 Wine Not? 32

Thanks to Canada’s grape expectations, stellar cellars are on the rise

what are the Pitfalls when your home reno Project is your own? P.40 Five experts discuss how they Finish basements p.46

cool tools, From old standbys to high-tech gadgets p.55

renovating homes and communities with seniors in mind P.63

ohba.ca RENo 2015 | $5.00

t h e r e n ovat i o n i s s u e

9 One Voice

By Joe Vaccaro

Renovators can play a critical role in OHBA advocacy efforts Shane Van Barneveld of Shane Renovations

Kitchen duty PM 42011539

Renovators dish on latest trends

OHB_RENO2015_CVR_04.indd 1

2015-05-06 4:11 PM

ON THE COVER (AND ABOVE)

Shane Renovations’ Shane Van Barneveld. Photo by Mike Watier.

ohba.ca

11 Ontario Report Vancouver wood is good, 2015 Tarion Awards, Ontario reno companies achieve rare CMHC status, calling for entries for Awards of Distinction, Build Brantford gets an Olympic visit 17 Health & Safety

By Jim Walls

The roadmap to managing designated substances

21 Marketing

By Paul Tusek

Just because you’ve got a small project doesn’t mean there isn’t a big opportunity to brand it!

23 Technology

By John Amardeil

Virtual reality is becoming a very real-world scenario for today’s and tomorrow’s contractors 25 Top Shelf From Napoleon’s space-age BBQ to SunBrite outdoor TVs, all the latest in home builder and renovator gear

77 Better Building What would homeowners do with $100,000 in renos? A new tax credit for accessibility, installing electric fireplaces, water-saving news from Saniflo and how small homes can make big impressions 87 Product Focus

By Dan O’Reilly

A 180-degree view of roofing and flooring 94 Outside the Box

By Avi Friedman

For parents, the nest sure isn’t emptying like it used to!

ONTARIO HOME BUILDER RENOVATION 2015

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The official publication of the Ontario Home Builders’ Association Renovation 2015 | Vol. 31 Issue 3

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Ted McIntyre ted@laureloak.ca associate editor

Norma Kimmins, OHBA art director

Erik Mohr copy editor

Barbara Chambers contributors

John Amardeil, Michelle Ervin, Avi Friedman, Jeanne Grier, Tracy Hanes, Marc Huminilowycz, Patrick Langston, Steve Maxwell, Dan O’Reilly, Paul Tusek, Joe Vaccaro, Jim Walls, Chris Waters PHOTOGRAPHY

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One Voice

Calling All Renovators!

Volunteers play a critical role in OHBA

By Joe Vaccaro despite groundhog Wiarton Willie’s optimistic prognostication that we would have an early spring in Ontario, we didn’t. It seemed as if the bitter cold would never end.

Many homeowners were stuck indoors enjoying a bevy of renovation TV shows and are now eager to embark on home repairs and reno projects with the arrival of warmer weather. Whether it’s a new deck, updated kitchen or an extensive home remodel, Ontario renovators are ready to make those dreams come true.

And while we appreciate that renovators are very busy on the jobsite, we also urge our renovator members to carve out some time to actively support OHBA’s advocacy work on two key issues important to this sector.

having attended and addressed association events, Albanese looks specifically to our organization to provide her with effective ideas to solve this persistent problem while protecting consumers, workers and legitimate businesses.

On the national level, the feds established an Underground Economic Advisory Committee last year that includes CHBA representatives. The recent federal budget also outlined a new home accessibility tax credit of up to $1,500 for seniors and people with disabilities, similar to what is also currently available through an Ontario government program, that should help curb cash deals.

Some progress is being made on this issue but we have a long, long way to go.

UNDERGOUND ECONOMY

Ontario College of Trades

The latest numbers are out and they remain worrisome. Statistics Canada recently released its report, The Underground Economy in Canada, 2012, noting that the underground economy totalled $42.4 billion across Canada, amounting to roughly 2.3% of our gross domestic product. Ontario totalled $15.3 billion, with the residential construction industry accounting for the largest portion at 28.3%.

OHBA has repeatedly called upon both federal and provincial governments to get serious about tackling this costly issue. On a positive note in Ontario last year, Laura Albanese, MPP for York South-Weston and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Finance, was charged with creating workable, practical solutions to tax avoidance by the spring of 2016. No stranger to OHBA,

The Ontario government is conducting a review of the Ontario College of Trades, with the final report due this fall. OHBA has long advocated for a review of the College and urged local association participation. Almost half (15 of OHBA’s 31 locals) requested regional consultations so that Ontario builders and professional renovators could have a voice in this review and provide ideas to promote careers in the skilled trades and increase apprenticeship opportunities.

To shape positive outcomes on these and other OHBA advocacy issues it is critical to have the support, participation and engagement of our volunteer members. If you are already an active volunteer, thank you. And if you’re not yet, we hope you will be soon. OHB

ohba.ca

“We urge our renovator members to carve out some time to support OHBA’s advocacy work.”

Joe Vaccaro is the CEO of OHBA. ontario home builder renovation 2015

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Ontario Report clockwise from top left: 32 OHBA participants received an educational tour of six-storey buidings in Vancouver last month; Onni Group Site Superintendent Dave Palmer points to a tie-down in Richmond, B.C.; Adera Development’s Prodigy site at UBC; and Thomas Leung Structural Engineering Inc. manager Sean Chew explains design considerations for mid-rise projects.

Ontario Builders Discover “Wood is Good” in Vancouver While the Ontario Building Code was amended to permit sixstorey wood-frame construction in Ontario as of January this year, on the other side of the country, builders in beautiful British Columbia have been constructing six-storey wood-frame buildings since 2009.

Working in partnership with the Canadian Wood Council and Wood Works!, the Ontario Home Builders’ Association brought a group of 32 builders and developers to Vancouver to participate in a hard-hat educational housing tour of three active mid-rise construction sites.

The tour was an important educational opportunity that is critical to supporting construction innovation across the country. ohba.ca

It was also a great example of how the industry works together to exchange information and expertise across provincial borders to drive innovation, support new design options and enhance housing affordability.

The tour also offered an opportunity to visit the Surrey Fire Training Centre and meet with Surrey Fire Chief Len Garis to learn how, with a properly managed construction site with sprinklers, six-storey wood-frame building is a safe housing opportunity.

OHBA would like to thank our tremendous sponsors: the Canadian Wood Council and Tamarack Lumber for supporting the housing tour and Polygon Homes, Adera Development and the Onni Group for leading tours of their construction sites. ontario home builder renovation 2015

11

Ontario Report

Reno Companies in the Spotlight Spotlight Home & Lifestyle has achieved Health Housing Recognition from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, making it, according to CMHC, the first renovation company in Canada to achieve such status in the past decade. Since Spotlight received the notice, three more companies have been granted the honour, notes CMHC Senior Research Consultant Jamie Shipley: Coleman-Dias³ in St. Thomas, CCR Building & Remodelling in London and MyHaven GreenVision Homes in Richmond Hill.

“This is something I think all renovators should strive for, as it takes the concept of ‘green’ a step further to really consider occupant health,” says Garnet Northey, founder of the Bridgenorth-based Spotlight, whose other recent honours include “Best Any Room Renovation” (2014) and “Best Bathroom Renovation” (2012) at the Peterborough & Kawarthas HBA Awards of Distinction.

Although not officially an award, the Healthy Housing designation recognizes individuals and companies for having the knowledge and skills necessary to construct and renovate a healthier home in response to client needs.

To see if you qualify, call (416) 2183397 or visit cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/inpr/ bude/heho/heho_002.cfm.

New Chair at Tarion Congratulations to OHBA Past President Mark Basciano, who has been elected chair of the Tarion Warranty Corp.

Board of Directors for 2015. Mark, president of Niagara-based Mountainview Homes, will also chair Tarion’s Governance Committee and serve as a member of the Human Resources Committee, the Regulatory Affairs Committee and the Builder Education Task Force.

A member of the Tarion board for the past five years, Lea Ray will serve as its vice-chair. A chartered professional accountant, Lea is also a director of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. She has served on the Professional Conduct Committee for the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario and as a board member and volunteer for several non-profit health, conservation and charitable institutions. She holds an ICD.D designation granted by the Institute of Corporate Directors.

Want One? Then enter soon and enter often!

It’s that time of year again. The 2015 OHBA Awards of Distinction program will launch online on Monday, May 11 at ohbaaod.ca.

The online submission deadline is Wednesday, June 24.

Finalists will be announced mid-August and the program will culminate in the Awards of Distinction Gala on September 28 in conjunction with OHBA’s Annual Conference at Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville.

The 39-category awards program honours the vision, innovation and expertise of some of Ontario’s most creative and talented builders, renovators, designers and marketers.

Winners represent the apex of achievement within the residential building industry.

Visit the website for full categories and entry details.

Golden Touch OHBA President Vince Molinaro is all smiles holding one of the two Olympic gold medals won in men’s freestyle skiing by Canada’s Alex Bilodeau at the Vancouver 2010 and Sochi 2014 Olympics. Bilodeau was the keynote speaker at the Build Brantford luncheon hosted by the Brantford HBA, where $3,000 was raised for the Stedman Community Hospice Hankinson House at the annual event.

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ontario home builder renovation 2015

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Ontario Report

Tarion High-Rise category winner, the Tricar Group.

Tarion 2015 Awards for Customer Service Excellence

Congratulations to the winners and finalists for the 2015 Tarion Awards of Excellence. Winners were announced in mid-April, based on the results from customer surveys.

“A home builder’s job isn’t complete just because the last tile has been laid. The Tarion Awards of Excellence recipients recognize the positive impact of exceptional customer service long after they’ve handed over the keys,” said Howard Bogach, Tarion President and CEO of Tarion Warranty Corporation. “Congratulations to all the finalists and recipients for supporting Ontario’s new home buyers from start to finish, and raising the bar in the new homeownership experience.”

The Tarion awards are the only awards in Ontario that recognize new-home builders based solely on homeowners’ satisfaction with their customer service delivery. A comprehensive survey was sent to more than 49,000 Ontario homeowners who took possession of a new home between October 1, 2013 and September 30, 2014. Survey questions covered every stage of the homeowner-builder relationship, beginning with the signing of the agreement of purchase and sale, through construction, pre-delivery inspection and after-sales service.

2015 Tarion Award of Excellence Finalists and Recipients High-Rise Category

Large Volume Category

Medium Volume Category

Small Volume Category

(More than 100 highrise possessions per year)

(More than 100 possessions per year)

(21-100 possessions per year)

(5-20 possessions per year)

Winner The Tricar Group London

Winner Fusion Homes

Guelph

Winner Klemencic Homes

Winner Rochon Construction

Finalists Concert Properties

Finalists Hayhoe Homes

Toronto

Finalists Devonleigh Homes Inc.

Orangeville

St. Thomas

Finalists JDC Homes

Del Ridge Homes

Monarch Corporation

McDonald Homes

Toronto

Brighton

Markham

Trenton

Tribute Communities

Melanie Construction Inc.

Oakville

Pickering

Russell

The Daniels Corporation

Urbandale

SACA Homes

Mattamy Homes Toronto

Ottawa

Casselman

Tridel

North Bay

Wasaga Beach

Lockwood Brothers Construction Oxford

Rick Stewart Construction Ltd. Fort Erie

Terry Waito Homes Inc. Petawawa

Toronto

Congratulations to OHBA members and locals who were honoured for their leadership and accomplishments at CHBA’s National Conference.

The St. Thomas and Elgin Home Builders’ Association received CHBA’s Community Service Award while Doug Tarry of Doug Tarry Homes was presented with the William M. McCance Award for contributions in a technical area. Stacy Cooper, executive officer of the Guelph and District Home Builders’ Association was honoured with the Ken McKinlay Award for association communications for locals with under 100 members.

Ontario members who will serve on the 2015/2016 CHBA Board of Directors include:

1st Vice President

14

Eric DenOuden 2nd Vice President

Vince Molinaro

Representative from Ontario

ontario home builder renovation 2015

Steve Deveaux

Representing Large Locals (BILD)

Pierre Dufresne Representing Mid-Sized Locals (Greater Ottawa)

John Sloot

Representing Small-Sized Locals (Guelph & District)

Congratulations to Ontario home builders, renovators and marketing teams who won national SAM Awards honours at this year’s CHBA conference held in Halifax, NS.

NEW HOME AWARDS Single Detached Home Between 1,500 and 2,200 Square Feet Linwood Custom Homes Ltd., Young’s Point, “The Antler Trail” Single Attached Homes Lifestyle Homes Inc., Garson, “4th Avenue Residence”

HOME RENOVATION AWARDS Kitchen Timberworx Custom Homes, Guelph Any Room Hierarchy Development & Design, Ottawa

Association Awards and Ontario Board Reps to CHBA

Bob Finnigan

Bringing Home Some Big Wins at Nationals

Neil Rodgers

Representing the Urban Council

Whole House – Under $250,000 Timberworx Custom Homes, Guelph

MARKETING AWARDS Website Concert Real Estate Corporation, Vancouver, BC: “The Kip District” Creative, concept and production: 52 Pick-up Inc.

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health & safety

Handle with Care Managing ‘designated substances’ during renovations

By Jim Walls Not all hazardous materials are

created equal, and for that reason they must be handled differently. For starters, any renovation or construction activity must comply with Section 30 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, which requires “designated substances” and other potentially hazardous materials to be identified and appropriate action taken to protect workers.

A designated substance is a biological, chemical or physical agent or combination thereof to which the exposure of a worker is prohibited, regulated, restricted, limited or controlled. There are 11 designated substances outlined in the Act and under O.Reg 490/09: acrylonitrile, arsenic, asbestos, benzene, coke oven emissions, ethylene oxide, isocyanate, lead, mercury, silica and vinyl chloride.

In addition, there are also hazardous materials such as PCBs (in transformers and electrical components), ozonedepleting substances (in air conditioners), mould, as well as guano (excrement) from birds and bats that can require special handling and disposal in accordance to the Act, not to mention waste management regulations under the Environmental Protection Act. A “constructor” is defined in the Act as a person who undertakes a project for an owner, but also includes an owner who undertakes all or part of a project by himself or by more than one employer. The constructor’s duties include ensuring that the measures and procedures in the Act are carried out and that every employer and worker on the project complies with the Act. Before beginning a project, the owner must determine whether any designated substances are present on the site and ohba.ca

to prepare a list of these substances. An owner can retain a “competent person” to conduct a Designated Substances Survey.

That means someone who is qualified because of knowledge, training and experience is familiar with the Act and the regulations that apply to the work, and has knowledge of any danger to health or safety in the workplace.

If work on a project is tendered, the tender must include the list of all designated substances. This will also allow contractors to bid accurately. Employers must take every reasonable precaution to protect workers and therefore must address the presence of any hazardous materials in the workplace. A Designated Substances Survey is required for any building or parts of buildings that are to undergo demolition or construction. It involves an inspection by a competent person, the collection of samples and the ID of any materials suspected of containing

designated substances. Sample analysis is usually conducted by a certified laboratory (asbestos, benzene, arsenic, etc.) or through the use of onsite instruments.

If a designated substance is identified, the employer must control the worker’s exposure through a program that includes engineering controls, work practices and hygiene facilities and practices.

Asbestos is specifically controlled under O. Reg. 278/05. If there are significant amounts of asbestos, a Quantification and Abatement Plan may be necessary. This involves the detailed measurement of all asbestos materials and the preparation of a specification that details how the asbestos must be removed. The asbestos must be appropriately managed prior to proceeding with any demolition or construction activities.

The most common challenge faced by small to medium-sized contractors conducting renovations is that an owner is ontario home builder renovation 2015

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unable or unwilling to provide a Designated Substances Survey when planning a project. A contractor may then find that their scope of work includes addressing requirements of the Act and ensuring the protection of workers with regard to designated substances. If a contractor lacks a competent person who can conduct this survey, they may retain a specialized engineering or environmental firm to conduct the survey or address a specific issue, such as asbestos, lead-based paint or other hazardous materials like PCBs. If the survey identifies the presence of designated substances and/or hazardous materials, it should also provide details regarding the location and quantity, as well as recommendations for the appropriate handling and disposal. Further, a copy of the survey and any associated health and safety protocols to address the substances identified must be available on the jobsite for all workers.With some basic training and the preparation of a survey template, a small or medium-sized contractor can competently comply with the Act using inhouse staff, especially when conducting work where there are limited concerns for such substances (e.g. newer residential buildings).

For example, a typical survey template report would identify the age of the building, historical use and the potential for various materials. Items such as coke oven emissions, acrylonitrile and isocyanates are not likely to be present in a single-family home, whereas silica will be present in all concrete and masonry products. Depending on the age of the building, there may also be lead-based paint. The Act and regulations outline the appropriate health and safety precautions (dust mask) to be used when handling materials containing silica and lead, which can be included in the template as standard operating procedures. Should the potential for asbestos or other hazardous material be identified, a specialized service provider can be contracted to address that specific issue.

With some basic training and the development of a template report form for conducting a Designated Substances Survey, a contractor should be able to meet the requirements of the Act. OHB

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marketing

Going Big on Small Micro-branding helps builders compete

By Paul Tusek Take a drive anywhere in the GTA, and it’s nearly impossible not to see a crane in the sky. From mixed-use low-rises to condos and residential homes, these are boom times for Ontario builders. But with every boom comes increased competition among developers—for potential buyers and for the land itself.

So how do you compete? By now, most builders are aware of the benefits of innovative architecture and branding. Branding helps define and shape your project, elevating it into something that resonates with the buyer. Whether it’s your presentation centre, website, brochures or signage, branding creates a sense of desirability and consistency, and helps the project gain traction much faster. It’s taking derelict docklands and creating “Nautical Estates,” all before a single shovel breaks ground.

This is nothing new, except today Ontario developers are dealing with land issues and are now often required to create projects on smaller, more unique parcels of land. And this has given rise to a new trend: micro-branding.

Micro-branding takes the benefits of branding and applies them to a much smaller, more-refined target, whether it’s a five-storey condo, a small grouping of detached homes or any other small-scale build. Here the design might take its cues from fine details related to, say, the demographics of the neighbourhood, or from a heritage or local geographical element. In doing so, the developer elevates the project, injecting a coherent personality and design that’s true to the location.

In a recent example, one of our clients, a large-scale luxury home builder, came to us with a unique request. They’d purchased infill land on a ravine—enough space to ohba.ca

build three detached luxury homes. Instead of simply building the homes and placing “For Sale” signs on the lawns, we grouped them together as a mini-community, complete with a micro-brand that included a name for the project, a logo, signage, a website, a brochure and floor plans.

Why bother? The developer was able to elevate the three-home project into something much bigger than simply three homes for sale. The micro-branding process helped define the overall look and feel of the project, ensuring that elements ranging from features and finishes to the brochure language and imagery were consistent and ‘on brand.’ In this example, the buyer was identified as affluent. Through branding, something was created that the buyer could visualize; something special and exclusive.

By grouping the houses together, the developer was also able to gain market traction much faster, attracting potential buyers—including many from out of

market who might have otherwise missed these listings—because of the perceived value and exceptionality that the branding afforded. Grouped together, the value of the houses increased, and so did the developer’s perception in the market.

Of course, it’s one thing to create a brand, micro or otherwise, and then follow through. Bad marketing cheapens the product and hurts your reputation. Thoughtful design, on the other hand, ensures your reputation and customer loyalty.

Micro-branding isn’t just about selling homes; it’s a strategic tool that helps developers better understand possibilities and prospects of the neighbourhoods in which they’re building. It helps mould the product itself, like a tool specifically designed for the job, while also creating value for your business. OHB Paul Tusek is the president of Lancier Inc. Design & Marketing Communications. ontario home builder renovation 2015

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technology

Building Virtually Virtual reality offers a wealth of benefits to contractors

By John Amardeil Technology never ceases to amaze

me. It’s continuously evolving, and in our industry it’s important to stay on top of the trends that can positively affect the quality and efficiency of the work we do—we can’t afford not to. No technology currently offers possibilities as exciting as virtual reality (VR). Conceptually, it’s been evolving since the 1860s, when 360-degree art began to appear in the form of panoramic murals, and has been used to varying degrees in other industries for a while now. For example, back in the late ’90s Boeing experimented with VR headsets to help electricians wire jets for greater efficiency and accuracy. They could see where the wire needed to go before installing it. The car industry has been using VR for years to visualize vehicle concepts before commissioning prototypes.

Virtual reality has evolved into a mindbending tool that is changing the landscape of both the construction industry and architectural development. VR headsets such as Oculus Rift, which is currently in its final stages of development, and the upcoming Magic Leap are building a library of software that contractors (among others) will be able to use to create immersive, computer-simulated environments that will ease the planning and execution of building/renovation projects. In conjunction with software and IOS/Android apps that currently exist in the market, the development of projects in a virtual environment can offer key benefits to contractors on many levels. third party suppliers

It’s never easy to account for issues that arise when it comes to procuring supplies and/or services for projects. VR offers the ability to share and collaborate in a virtual space, meaning suppliers can ensure exact meaohba.ca

surements, and/or offer viable alternatives appropriate to a specific job in real time. In the case of subcontracted jobs, it can offer a clear walk-through, helping to increase clarity and efficiency, while decreasing mistakes.

Relationships with clients

When it comes to planning a project, nothing helps clients see the overall vision better than an immersive 3D rendering; although VR will take that a step further and allow contractors to take their clients on a walk through the rendering of their updated space. It also gives them the ability to see the consequences and viability of specific points clients may have on their wish lists, enabling contractors to give more accurate upfront quotes. VR offers the ability to test a number of factors without the time and cost of physically building, reducing the number of errors in the completed job.

tasks. It can help to more accurately evaluate the time necessary to complete milestones, ensuring that all your jobs are being planned, executed—and billed—accordingly. Also, being able to visualize the construction plans or blueprint of the home in full stereoscopic 3D and then having the ability to overlay that image on top of the actual building will allow you to find mistakes or diagnose pre-existing structural issues almost instantly. Again, this saves time and money, as well as mitigates upfront expectations and timelines.

Relationships with your team

With well over $3 billion collectively invested by the likes of Facebook, Sony and Google into its development, the likelihood that VR technology will soon be in the hands of contractors worldwide is almost a certainty. How they choose to adapt these tools is up to them, but ignoring the benefits it can offer both teams and clients doesn’t appear to be an option. OHB

Virtual collaboration allows your team to work more seamlessly—especially if your project includes a series of sequentially dependent

John Amardeil is the president of BAM Builder Advertising & Marketing in Toronto. ontario home builder renovation 2015

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Markant by ACO

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Top shelf Ideas for Builders & Renovators

Package Deal Cuts Costs Thinking of going tankless in your new home? No need. Home Corp Services is including its patented Home-Stat thermostat with every rental water heater.

With more than 15,000 already sold in the GTA, this exclusive allin-one programmable thermostat enables homeowners to manage their heating, cooling and storage water heating, and is proven to save over 28% on energy costs. homecorpservices.com

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Top shelf

Sizzle and the Steak Napoleon’s striking Prestige Pro 650 grill features a stainless steel space-saving Lift Ease roll-top lid, five stainless steel main burners, a rotisserie burner, an integrated woodchip smoker tray and a ceramic brick that heats to 1,800°F in just over 30 seconds, which can be used to make sauces and even sauté. Generous side shelves, an integrated ice bucket and Night Light backlit control knobs and interior lights make grilling life easier. MSRP $3,049. napoleongrills.com

Fusing Quality And Convenience Featuring proven consumer appeal, multiple applications and compelling margin opportunity, Fusion Stone utilizes a patented system of stone veneer that is quickly and easily installed.

Stainless steel clips and screws are included for each of the three distinct styles. Backed by a lifetime guarantee, Fusion Stone can be installed on both new and existing wall assemblies. fusionstone.ca Easygoing Island Life Installing a freestanding bathtub is a matter of minutes with the new Island Tub Drain from OS&B. The design allows for a freestanding tub location to be defined at rough-in.

It can be installed with a waterproofing membrane at the time of floor covering in either an 8” (1-1/2” outlet) or 10” (2” outlet recommended) joist space. The model is supplied with a brass tailpiece and ABS adapter kit to attach to W/O. osb.ca

Raising The Barrier Combining superior insulation with an air/weather-barrierintegrated membrane, Isoclad contributes to maximizing the insulating performance of a wall by covering thermal bridges and by stopping water, air and cold before it penetrates.

Breathable, it allows moisture trapped behind walls to evaporate, reducing the risk of mould and moisture damage.

Easy to install, it’s also resistant to breakage during handling. isolofoam.com

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Counter Point Cosentino’s durable Dekton surface is a sophisticated mixture of inorganic raw materials found in glass, porcelain and quartz, creating a compound surface that’s five times stronger than granite. Highly resistant to impact, scratches and heat, it’s a wise choice for a busy kitchen. cosentino.com

Smarter Than Your Average Vapour Barrier CertainTeed’s new MemBrain Vapour Retarder & Air Barrier Film is a patented polyamide-based material that adapts its permeability depending on climatic conditions. The premium product will add about $300 to $500 to the total cost of an average 2,400 sq. ft. home.

However, in low-humidity times like winter, it boasts a high resistance to water vapour, while in higher humidity MemBrain’s permeability dramatically increases to allow water vapour to easily escape the wall cavity. certainteed.com/insulation

Starting With A Clean Sheet Atlas Copco’s BV30 compact, single-beam vibrating screed allows contractors to level concrete in a variety of applications, including garage floors and driveways as well as in confined areas. Its interchangeable blades, lightweight aluminum body and rigid screed blade provide maximum versatility, easy handling and stability. atlascopco.ca

Papa Was A Roll & Stow Painting projects are quicker and more cost-effective with the new Canadian-made Roll & Stow, which transforms into a handy anti-drying storage unit with a secure lid that keeps paint, rollers and paint brushes from drying out for up to a full week, meaning less wasted paint since brushes don’t need to be washed out or paint poured out of trays. It also serves as a heavy-duty rolling workstation and storage unit. rollandstow.com

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Top shelf

The Devil Made You Do It A first of its kind, the new Diablo Steel Demon CarbideTipped reciprocating blades are designed for extreme metal cutting.

Traditionally a slow process that quickly wears out equipment, the Swiss-made Diablo Tools product easily slices through a broad spectrum of metals, including highstrength alloys, while promising a cutting life 20 times longer than standard bi-metal blades. Available in 4”, 6” and 9” lengths, with prices ranging from $8.99 to $17.99 at dealers across Ontario.

Bright Idea For Outdoor TVs SunBriteTV, manufacturer of the world’s best-selling outdoor TV, features the Signature Series SB-4670HD for residential use.

Designed for permanent outdoor installation, it’s engineered to withstand severe weather conditions, from -31°C to 50°C. Weatherproofing technology keeps out all forms of moisture, including rain, snow, humidity, ice and even BBQ grease, thanks to rustproof cabinets and powder-coated exteriors. The full-HD 1080p model features balanced and crisp colours, anti-glare screens and optimized brightness. sunbritetv.com

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Pouring On The Charm Gessi North America has introduced new Fascino faucets in six stylish finishes, including a warm, striking Italian copper.

By reinterpreting classic harmony in its signature minimalist style, Gessi, Italy’s largest producer of high-quality originaldesign bath fittings, features solid brass construction to ensure durability, integrity and a flawless finish. Available in singlehandle or widespread models for bath sinks, tubs and showers. Gessi.com

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Treasure Of A Chest A great back-of-the-truck storage solution, DeWalt’s new Tough Chest Mobile Storage introduces steel top rails for top loading, also enabling toolboxes, saw horses and other items to be secured to the top with bungee cords. It features heavy-duty 8” rubber wheels for manoeuvrability over the rough jobsite terrain, 110 pounds of load capacity with 63 gallons of useful volume, as well as a water seal and durable, corrosion-resistant metal latches. dewalt.com ohba.ca

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ohba.ca

what’s cookin’?

Exploring the everchanging landscape of today’s kitchens

By Tracy Hanes

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For Ancaster’s Shane Renovations, today’s open concepts require the removal of at least one wall for every kitchen reno. ohba.ca

ith dramatic changes in the way people use their homes, Yasmine Goodwin says it’s hard to refer to the kitchen by that term anymore.

“It’s your meeting room, sharing room, the place where you prepare food and socialize with family and friends,” says Goodwin, principal designer of My Design Studio in Toronto, which works with developers and builders to manage decor sales and with renovators to finalize the scope of work and source products and finishes.

That desire to have the kitchen as the multi-purpose hub of the home continues to drive renovation trends. While it must be functional, homeowners are demanding great style as well.

“More than ever, kitchens are a big deal and are the showpiece of the home,” says Eve Claxton, designer for Timberworx, a custom home building and renovation company in Guelph operated by her husband Shawn Marsh. ontario home builder renovation 2015

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“We’re seeing more hardwood in the kitchen in the past yearand-a-half than ever before.”

Brad Livock

While everyone wants an island, Slotegraaf Construction also cites an increasing trend in hardwood, single-basin sinks and larger windows.

“Kitchens in a way are impacting what’s happening generally in home design,” notes Goodwin, whose firm claimed the 2014 OHBA award for Most Outstanding Kitchen Renovation. “A big trend is less barriers and fewer walls, and there’s a whole thing about integrating or repurposing space.”

“Kitchens and bathrooms are still the top rooms people renovate,” says Shane Van Barneveld of Shane Renovations, a designbuild company that focuses on renovations in Hamilton, Ancaster and the GTA. “Renovate the kitchen and suddenly your house is a whole lot better.”

Van Barneveld says every kitchen renovation his company carries out these days involves removing a wall or two. Brad Livock, sales manager and project manager for Slotegraaf Construction, a Cambridge-area builder and 34

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“Renovate the kitchen and suddenly your house is a whole lot better.”

Shane Van Barneveld

renovation company, agrees and says that in older homes, particularly, walls will inevitably have to be removed to accommodate what’s on clients’ kitchen wish lists.

At the same time walls are coming down, windows are getting larger. “I’m noticing bigger windows around the kitchen and the whole feeling of letting the outside in,” Goodwin says. “In older homes, having bigger windows can help make them more contemporary and bring in the sky and sun. To achieve that, some people are eliminating upper cabinets to allow for bigger windows and replacing them with open shelves where they can stack books and dishes.”

Island dreams With spaces opening up, islands are getter larger and featuring a high degree of design as they become the focal point of the kitchen. ohba.ca

we live out of drawers

We live life out of drawers and a good cook is a tidy cook. If kitchens are being redesigned around drawers, it makes sense that dishwashers are as well. After all why shouldn’t cleaning up be as enjoyable as cooking itself?

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Integrating and repurposing space, with few barriers, is a common theme for Toronto’s My Design Studio.

Stylish range hoods are also trending.

“The island is not your typical five-foot island anymore. Some have tables integrated into them and at least six people can sit around them.”

KITCHEN RENOVATION SPENDING According to the Appraisal Institute of Canada, kitchen and bathroom renos remain the most popular home improvements. Homeowners can expect to recoup 75% to 100% of their investment on resale if finishes are modern and neutral.

A 2014 CIBC poll conducted by Nielsen found that four in 10 Canadians planned some kind of renovation last year, with an average expected cost of $20,000. Kitchen improvements were the third-most-planned renovations at 32%, behind bathrooms (33%) and basic home maintenance (57%).

yasmine goodwin

“Everyone wants an island,” says Van Barneveld.

“It has become like a piece of furniture with more colour, detail and decoration than the cabinets along the wall. The two-level island is gone and they are one level now, which is more modern and way more practical when you want to sit and have an area to eat. It makes things a lot easier and looks a lot better.”

“The island is not your typical five-foot island anymore,” Goodwin says. “Some have tables integrated into them and at least six people can sit around them. When they are in a U or L shape instead of a straight line, it’s easier for people to converse. You are only limited by your imagination.”

Currently popular are islands that feature colours other than that of the perimeter cabinetry, such as taupe wall cabinetry with a dark walnut-stained island. They may also feature different countertops, with furniture-like detailing such as corbels and legs, and may also incorporate a vegetable sink.

Although his company still does a lot of double sinks, Livock says the trend is moving towards a single, large basin. Stainless steel is back and the integrated sinks of a few years back have 36

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begun to fade in popularity.

Cabinets are extending the full height of the walls into the spaces that used to remain empty or filled by a bulkhead. They have become taller along with ceiling heights, which in newer homes tend to be nine feet or more.

“People are realizing that having open space above cupboards just collected clutter, and want their cabinets going right to ceiling,” Van Barneveld says. “It’s not really practical as they are not convenient to access, so you’d maybe put Christmas dishes there that you’ll only need once a year. It doesn’t really make sense; it’s all about how it looks.”

Cabinet styles are trending towards simple, Shaker-style panels made of maple or MDF (medium density fibreboard) in lighter wood tones or painted white, cream or linen.

“We do a lot of clean, modern lines. Our clients aren’t into busy cabinets with raised panel mouldings; they want something very sleek, and we are doing a lot of painted MDF cabinets,” says Marsh. “When you have taller cabinet doors, MDF doesn’t warp like wood does.”

The traditionally perpetual favourite of granite is losing its stronghold to manmade quartz in terms of countertop choices, ohba.ca

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COMMON CLIENT MISTAKES 1. Moving too quickly without proper planning

Before After

This Timberworx kitchen facelift creates space with a sleek wall unit to integrate cooking and storage, while updating the island and adding rich hardwood.

“I never follow trends when it comes to backsplashes.” eve cla xton

Van Barneveld says some homeowners jump into renovations without figuring out what they really need.

“Location of fixtures is a big issue and sometimes people haven’t thought about where sinks, fridges and the stove should go. You have to give a lot of thought to layout and how doors will be opening.”

2. Trying to cram too much into too little space

Livock says inevitably his renovation clients want an island, but it may be tough to add one in an existing galley kitchen. “People look at houzz.com and fall in love with everything they see, but it may not work with the space they have and it becomes cumbersome without even flow.” To make islands work in older homes, often walls have to come down, the renovators note.

3. Getting caught up in trends

Claxton says it’s best to go for timeless materials in neutral tones that won’t look outdated five years from now, such as beautiful stone.

suggests Van Barneveld. “Two to three years ago, everyone wanted granite, and now, almost overnight, they’ve gone to quartz. It all has to do with maintenance, as granite does wear and some upkeep is required. I’m at the point where I’m having a hard time selling granite.”

Livock also points out that quartz provides a consistency of colour that differing granite slabs cannot.

They wood if they could The renovators agree that one floor material is the overwhelming favourite among homeowners, and that’s wood, whether it’s hardwood or engineered. Hand-hewn or reclaimed looks in wide planks are being used throughout main-floor spaces to seamlessly integrate the family room, kitchen and dining areas. Not only is wood warmer underfoot than tile; it also adds a softness to the hard surfaces of stone and metal in the kitchen.

“We’re seeing more hardwood in the kitchen in the past year-and-ahalf than ever before,” says Livock. “With engineered hardwoods and wider planks, you have a better product than in the past when you’re working in a kitchen area that can be subjected to moisture. People aren’t afraid to carry wood flooring throughout the main floor.”

Stainless steel is still the top choice for appliances, which are being integrated into cabinetry. Livock says for almost every kitchen reno he executes, clients want the largest refrigerator they can get, and with prices more competitive, even homeowners on a budget can afford stainless steel or gas cooktops or ovens.

Goodwin says steam ovens, which can cook multiple foods at once, are gaining momentum.

Range hoods have become sculptural pieces of art, and when combined with beautiful backsplashes, they bring a sense of 38

ontario home builder renovation 2015

personality to an otherwise sleek kitchen.

“Most range hoods are chimney-style with no cabinets above, and for backsplashes, metallic and glass are popular,” says Livock.

“Tile is still used a lot, with basic white and the odd accent tile to add warmth or colour.”

“I never follow trends when it comes to backsplashes,” Claxton says. “I prefer to extend the countertop material to the backsplash, although we’ve used glass and hand-cut tiles. Subway tiles are always popular and will likely never go out of style.”

Kitchen convenience Storage is also a priority with clients and a pantry is a must-have across the board, say the experts. Pantries incorporated in the kitchen, rather than walk-ins, are most desired.

Recycling centres are a common request and manufacturers have developed slide-out systems that can be incorporated into cabinetry for recycling and separating garbage.

Goodwin says with more people wanting to age in place in their homes, pull-down shelves that can be operated manually or electronically are useful in accessing taller cabinets. And drawers are replacing doors on lower cabinets for more efficient storage.

Lighting is another major consideration. “LED potlights are huge,” says Livock. “Every kitchen I do has six to 12 in a clean, smooth ceiling. You use dimmer switches to create task and mood lighting. Under-valance light is also big and there are so many options, such as string lights, that create different moods.”

“Lighting is huge and we are putting in more and more lights,” echoes Van Barneveld. “We are installing lots of pendants and potlights, and everybody is asking for LEDs.” ohb ohba.ca

When the home reno is your own, even an expert needs to occasionally farm out work

By Patrick Langston

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You’re a renovator. Your own home needs work. Your evenings and weekends are open. So you snatch up your tape and off you go, right? Sure, and it’s a great way to save money while lavishing the same care on your own home that your clients normally enjoy.

But as many renovators have discovered when they upgraded their own homes, you have to accommodate reality, including the fact that you have a business to run and maybe a family who’d appreciate some of your time. We talked to four renovators who, in tackling everything from additions to major remodellings on home turf, have learned the pros and cons of DIY.

ohba.ca

The Need for Oversight Lagois Design-Build-Renovate, Ottawa erb Lagois and his family loved their 1990s hi-ranch home, but there was a problem, says the affable Lagois. “It rea l ly suc ked for backyard access because our deck was elevated four feet off the ground.”

So in 2000, Lagois, an architectural technology graduate with a passion for carpentry, began adding a 400 sq. ft. sunroom with a full basement off the kitchen and dining area, thereby opening up the back of his home to both the yard and natural light. The plan included an insulated extension on his garage with rooflines integrated into the existing structure.

“I wanted to do it myself because I love working with my hands. It wasn’t to save money,” says Lagois. “The number one challenge was sheer time—I run a business, so I found myself doing this on eve-

H

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nings and weekends and trying to balance it with everyday and family life.”

The project, which should have taken just a few months, stretched out to a year and a half.

Like many other renovators, Lagois’ home reno was a hybrid. He did the framing, windows, sheathing and the like himself, but contracted out other elements. That sometimes proved a problem, because he forgot one of the golden rules of the building industry: trades, in Lagois’ words, “are professionals, yet they still need oversight.” While Lagois was at work, for example, the tiler proved to be “the trade from hell,” totally messing up the porcelain tile snake design for the radiant heated floor. Lagois worked until 3 a.m. tearing out the handiwork.

And although Lagois, who’s been in the business since 1984, checked the foundation forms for squareness before heading to work, he didn’t verify the bracing or the pour. As a result, “We probably have one of

Lagois’ own home served as the guinea pig for new trades, but the finished product—18 months later—beautifully integrated his backyard and kitchen area.

the ugliest foundations in Ottawa. Needless to say, this foundation guy will never work for us again.”

Lagois, who won for Outstanding Renovation $250,001-$500,000 at the 2014 Ontario Home Builders’ Association Awards, is quick to shoulder blame: among other missteps, for example, he used his own home to try out some new trades, but then didn’t keep an eye on them. Of course, that’s better than discovering their ineptness on a client project.

Happily, he’s pleased with his sunroom and he made sure a subsequent kitchen upgrade was fast and free of major hitches.

A pool installed at the same time he did the sunroom was contracted out.

Lagois’ advice to other renovators considering a DIY: treat it as a normal contract and follow all your standard procedures. “Do what you’re good at. There’s a reason you started a construction business. Be realistic with timelines, because life does interfere.” ontario home builder renovation 2015

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Neverending Reno Coleman-Dias3 Construction, St. Thomas ore than once, Stefanie Coleman-Dias has told her 10-yearol d s on A l e x t o “push past the pain,” because there’s a payoff down the road.

The pain is living in a home that’s been under renovation for three years, a renovation that chews up most of his parents’ free time and has Alex doing things like fetching a hammer or helping haul paving stones. The payoff will be a fabulous house that he helped create and, as important, will have served as a life lesson about the effort it takes to realize one’s dreams.

Coleman, her husband John Dias and their son have bumped their 1941 Colonial Revival-style home just outside St. Thomas from 1,920 to 2,700 square feet, added another 1,000 square feet of heated garage and workshop, dug out and waterproofed the foundation, installed a tray ceiling in the living room and a coffered one in a radical kitchen makeover, plunked

M

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a wine cellar where the cold cellar used to be, built a recording studio for Alex …well, you get the picture.

They’ve spent north of $200,000, confides Coleman. Like other renovators, the project has been done by a blend of tradespeople and all three family members.

She says she fell in love with the house when she first saw it, and the work they’ve done has only deepened the bond. “This is our third house, and it’s the first one where I’ve really felt at home. Maybe it’s got something to do with the age of it: The trim and the floors aren’t perfect, but our other houses were all new, and you were always afraid you were going to wreck something.”

Even so, “I can’t believe I’ve been living in a renovation for three years,” says Coleman. “I’ve had frustrating days: ‘What, I can’t sit in my living room because it’s full of boxes?’ But John (who’s still on the tools at work) is a finisher; he gets things done, so I can see progress.”

“At first it was novel,” says John. “But after three years, you’ve had enough. You

It’s been $200,000 (and three years) and counting forJohn Dias and his wife Stefanie, whose 1941 home overhaul has overlapped with busy times at work.

just keep pushing to get it done. I’m pretty confident that if we’d just moved out and subbed out the whole thing, it would have been done in four to six months.”

And while he admits it can sometimes be tough to come home and swing a hammer after doing it all day, he loves working on his own place. “There’s less pressure because when you’re at a customer’s home you have to meet their expectations, even though mine are probably higher than theirs.”

Something the family didn’t anticipate was how busy they would be at work. The company is coming up on its 10th anniversary, and Coleman says that’s proven to be the point in their business cycle when things have really taken off.

Her husband isn’t sure what advice he’d offer to other renovators who are thinking about tackling their own homes. “I don’t know: don’t do it? Get a temporary address?

Do it in stages?”

He does know what he’d say to spouses considering the DIY reno route: “If they’re on shaky ground, don’t do it!” ohba.ca

A Delicate Balancing Act Kawartha Lakes Construction, Selwyn

W

hen it comes to athome renos, contractors are a conflicted bunch, according to Scott Wootton: they know how to do the work and what they want, but if they pull themselves and their crew off a paying job to work on the home front, who’s going to keep the company afloat? But if they contract out the whole thing, their personal stamp—of which they’re rightly proud—feels diluted.

Wootton, who’s been in the business 26 years, knows whereof he speaks. Last year, he began converting his two-storey Burleigh Falls cottage into a permanent home.

It’s a sizeable undertaking that includes a three-bay garage with a shop below, a new master bedroom and ensuite with a full basement, and some redesign of the existing cottage. In all, he’s adding almost 1,300 square feet of living space. Oh, and by the ohba.ca

way, he, his wife and their three children already live there year-round.

“I built it as a summer place in 2010, but when you lose the verandah in the winter it becomes a pretty small place and everyone’s tripping over each other. One kid is playing hockey in the living room—that sort of thing,” he says. “I’m doing a lot of the work myself because I’ve got kids in private school that are sinking my ship.”

Wootton began work last September and by the end of March had just finished the framing and sheathing. Most of the windows, installed by the supplier, were good to go, but DIYs like this inevitably drag on, he says. “This will probably take me close to a year to complete.”

Having traversed the homegrown route before—he built his own home in 1999, and when work dried up in 2010, he used three of his men to refurbish a food store at his new company site—Wootton is this time sub-

For Scott Wootton, a massive DIY project in Burleigh Falls has come at the price of missing out on weekend family life.

bing out all the certified trades, including electrical and drywalling.

That means his weekends have been chock full. He built the step footings for the addition (“I dug down to a pond I’d put in, so I was in hip waders for three weekends”). He set up and poured ICF foundation and walls (“I did most of it myself with a couple of my guys for the pour”). And for his 26x36-foot garage floor with the shop underneath, he used an Amdeck steel joist /EPS form system

by Amvic that enables the construction of large, free-span structural suspended concrete floor slabs (“I’d never used it before; now I know how I’d price it if I use it again”).

Such projects can mean “putting your family through more hell than if you used trades,” says Wootton. “Every waking moment on the weekend I’m swinging a hammer instead of doing family things.”

“On the other hand, I love what I do, and if I wasn’t building this...” he trails off. ontario home builder renovation 2015

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When to ask for help, and when to walk away You’ve been there, done that: found yourself in the middle of a big reno wondering why the heck you didn’t hire a couple of subcontractors to lighten the load. Maybe it was bad weather, maybe it was materials arriving late, but there’s no way you’re going to put this baby to bed on your own. That’s when you ask yourself, when and why should renovators subcontract?

For Herb Lagois of Ottawa’s Lagois DesignBuild-Renovate, it was when he realized that while his business was exceptionally efficient with one crew, when he brought on a second team “efficiency dropped significantly—partly due to improper training and unofficial systems, but largely due to increased overhead. This was the time I realized subcontracting was a better solution for us,” Lagois recalls.

Subcontracting also allowed Lagois, who was both swinging a hammer and doing design at the time, to concentrate on the latter. Good thing, Lagois now knows, because he could not otherwise have continued to excel in both fields. And that, he believes, would have taken a toll on his health, his pride and his company’s reputation.

Garnet Northey of Spotlight Home & Lifestyle in Bridgenorth near Peterborough says he’s never regretted not hiring subcontractors, but did turn down a major institutional renovation because it was too big and complex. “I decided it wasn’t fair to the client to take it on and then learn our way through it. Sometimes you need to just walk away, despite the high profile and revenue opportunities of a job.”

And if you do need to bring a subcontractor aboard, “think like the homeowner,” cautions Rex Engel of Ottawa’s Engel Construction. “Do your research and follow up on references. Listen to your now well-developed sixth sense—the bullcrap detector. Remember that you are ultimately responsible for the outcome and will have to fix mistakes on your dime and time.”

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ontario home builder renovation 2015

Rex Engel’s Ottawa home reno was completed in stages over a five-year period, including a 700 sq. ft. addition.

Plan it Like a Project Engel Construction, Ottawa

I

t might have been better to tear it down and put up a new one, but we didn’t have the money for it.”

That’s how Rex Engel describes the genesis of his multi-year remake of the 1915 brick-and-siding home he and his wife bought some two decades ago in Ottawa’s now-desirable Westboro neighbourhood.

“It was this really horrible boarded-up home that the bank had taken back. It was laid out terribly. It had only one bathroom, which was standard for a house of that age. It was poorly maintained and the house had to be jacked up because of sagging.”

Worse, the previous occupants had trashed the place, smashing even the toilets. “Only a builder would be stupid enough to buy it,” Engel says.

On the other hand, it was affordable and was on a big lot. Not wanting to borrow money, Engel gutted and rebuilt the 1,500 sq. ft. house in stages, including a 700 sq. ft. addition with a shop below. He occasionally hired others to help him out.

The project took better than five years. “It was frustrating, because when you have young children and a fairly young company, you rarely have time and money. And we had neither,” Engel says. “I really wish I’d scheduled time off, hired the guys and just done it. But I’m not sure I could have afforded it.”

Like his colleagues, Engel wound up happy with what he’d done (he still lives there) and can look back on it with a wry smile.

His advice to others looking at renovating-in-place: “Plan it like a project you would do for other people. We have a tendency as builders to cut corners a bit when it comes to planning, thinking to ourselves, ‘Oh yeah, well, that’ll be no problem,’ and sort of minimizing the grief that could cause. We get complacent, and then something comes back to bite you.” OHB ohba.ca

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ontario home builder renovation 2015

ohba.ca

How five pros finish basements

By Steve Maxwell

Staying ahead of the curve in terms of new technologies and materials is key for Just Basements in Ottawa.

ohba.ca

Finished basements sit at the top of the wish list for many homeowners, but making them happen is specialized work.

Besides the really obvious issue of having a reliably dry space before finishing, advances in building materials, design options and homeowner expectations are some of the reasons the basement finishing business is changing. And the best place to find out how is by looking at basement specialists at work.

Guy Solomon is the founder and owner of Penguin Basement Systems and his 30-person team focuses exclusively on basement renovations, with particular attention to creating a 100% mould-free finished environment. “Our main role is as a building science solutions company,” says Solomon. “We allocate significant time to researching the best products, studying their associated certifications to ensure they are the best choice for the environment and our homeowners. For example, we only use magnesium oxide board for all finished walls. No drywall, no wood. Vinyl click flooring is another favourite. Keep organics out of the basement and mould has nothing to feed on.”

Norm Lecuyer is president of Just Basements, an award-winning Ottawa design-build firm that’s been creating exceptional finished basements for 16 years. Choosing correct materials and technologies is a constant focus for him, too. “We review every new building technology that could have some value for basements, from air supply grilles to lighting; from subfloors to ceiling materials,” says Lecuyer. ontario home builder renovation 2015

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“If it’s new, we look at it, evaluate its potential to our customers, its quality and potential lifespan, then make a decision about whether to use it. For instance, we’re installing more and more LED lighting in our basements these days, and not only for cabinet and accent lighting. LED pot lighting solves a lot of problems we used to face with standard pot lights.”

Don Clarke is owner of Clarke Basement Systems, and basements have been his specialty for 25 years.

Clarke employs 40 to 50 people and has seen the emergence of many of today’s mainstay advances first-hand. “ The appearance of non-organic membranes on the interior of basement walls is a big one,” explains Clarke. “The assumption now is that any outside system of water control will fail sooner or later. That’s why we need to build systems that stop moisture from the inside. Unlike an exterior drainage system that may work for years but eventually fail, interior systems can be monitored and maintained.

Even something as simple as sump pump systems have dramatically improved. They’re quieter today, more reliable and include battery backup pumps in case the primary pump should fail.”

Enlarged windows offering more natural light and legal egress sizing, foam-based wall insulation systems, vented subfloors, spray foam sealants and basement-tough flooring systems are all part of leading-edge basement construction these days, but there’s more to the game than just materials.

Changing Homeowner Expectations Stan Boigon is the owner of Renovation Experts/ Basement Experts and he’s noticed a fragmentation in the basement market over the 11 years he’s been in business. “The underground market is blossoming in the basement finishing sector,” says Boigon. “We’ve also noticed more of a downward trend for what certain demographics are willing to pay. Heavily mortgaged young families just need more living space, and they have less concern for quality. Homeowners who have been in their home for more than 10 years, or have higher discretionary income, are more concerned with build quality. We just finished an $80,000 basement with a home theatre and high-end trim, but there’s less of that work around in our area than before. That’s why 75% of our work is now aboveground renovations. It used to be 100% basements when we started.”

“It’s true that some people are spending more than $100,000 on basements and their expectations are high,” explains Clarke. “This is the one area of the house that’s typically unfinished when people buy a house, so homeowners have complete say in how it gets done.”

Guy Solomon has noticed an increase in expectations among homeowners too, mostly because of an upward trend in house prices. “When we first started in business, we found homeowners ohba.ca

Keeping organic products out of the downstairs environment and using products like vinyl click flooring gives mould nothing to feed upon, says Penguin Basements. Below, Clarke Basements’ IceGuards connect interior and exterior lines to prevent discharge lines from freezing.

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were typically looking to add extra space in the basement for a specific purpose, such as storage,” explains Solomon. “These days, people are buying less square footage in a home, so they need the basement finished for everyday use. That’s a whole new ballgame.

There’s also a new level of respect toward the materials being selected for basements. The technicalities here are quite different from trends we see in above-ground areas, because the basement is ruled by a completely different set of conditions than the rest of the house.”

“Every basement is different, and that’s why we only have one firm notion of how things should be done,” says Lecuyer. “The only constant is that we aim to do things exceptionally well. How this happens varies. If you’re going to create great basement spaces you have to embrace the unexpected. You have to be flexible and creative to find solutions to the many, many obstacles and objections that

get in your way. Basements are not clean slates. They’re minefields.

Each and every basement we finish is a custom, one-off creation. We stand firm on being ready for anything the house or our customers throw at us.

“We’ve steadily moved our customers from the ‘just finish it’ attitude to the ‘addition to your home’ concept, says Lecuyer. “Our customers have come with us on this, and are now pushing us in that direction too.”

“The internet is changing everything,” says Solomon.

“Customers are better informed now. More and more people are using websites like ours, or Pinterest and Houzz for design inspiration. Some basements have to be redesigned four or five times before we start construction. Also, many customers are looking to add legal basement apartments to help pay for their common living expenses.

Breaking new ground on moisture issues There’s no perfect basement wall, but Doug Tarry Jr. is trying to find the optimal method. Marketing manager for Doug Tarry Homes in St. Thomas, Tarry’s Optimum Basement Wall System is an award-winning approach that employs CertainTeed Smart Membrane and ROXUL stone wool rigid insulation and batts in a stud frame that’s meant to breathe.

A 2013 pilot project in partnership with George Brown College, the Optimum Basement Wall system was designed

by Doug Tarry Homes in conjunction with ROXUL Insulation and with the support of Building Science Corporation and Building Knowledge Canada Inc. “The minute the Building Code required full-height basement insulation in 2009, the issues started to appear, and Doug was one of the first people to start thinking about it and trying new ideas,” says Gord Cooke, president of Building Knowledge. “I have seen lots and lots of basement issues and of course there has been a lot of work done by CMHC and the Energy Star for New Homes program to try to get it right. The Code has these great initiatives with requiring higher insulation in basements, but I got involved in this project because of the issues that crept up. And this is one of the cost-effective alternatives to allow builders to avoid risk in their homes.

“We have this real problem that the Building Code requires vapour barriers on insulated assemblies and in

basements that just doesn’t work,” says Cooke. “Basements need to dry to the inside. What Doug has created—while not perfect—is a much better way to allow walls to dry and drain to the inside without compromising Building Code requirements.”

“I got serious about basements because I was tired of phone calls from customers complaining about their basement leaking, when the problem was vapour diffusion collecting on the inside of the poly,” explains Tarry. “This led to a multi-year study and the design of our Optimum Basement Wall System.

“The Building Code doesn’t fully recognize or deal with the problem of moisture migration in basements,” Tarry adds. “You only need a vapour barrier in the basement half the year. In fact, we have really good research that shows we need to take poly out of the basement altogether and replace it with a smart membrane as an air barrier. There are other good strategies as well, but this one really works. We haven’t had any call-backs on basements using our system.”

Tarry believes that a good basement wall needs four main things: the ability to keep moisture from entering from outside; the use of products that don’t trap moisture as it tries to leave the wall; intentionally created drying paths for moisture to escape; and an air barrier on the inside of the walls to limit moisture migration into the wall during winter.

“In a below-grade sense, it’s not really an air-leakage issue; it’s a vapour drying issue,” says Cooke. “So while there are occasional problems with workmanship of the traditional blanket of insulation and not being installed correctly, this is more about the actual physics of understanding that basement walls need a place to dry to. And the minute we started putting insulation on, and then more insulation because of what was required by code and other programs, the more it exacerbates the lack of drying potential. And then you say, ‘If you use any products like foam, you need to cover it with drywall,’ which really hamstrings a builder as to possible solutions.

If you really want to do it so that you have no chance of moisture problems ever, you need to put foam materials on the wall, then drywall it, which means you basically need to do a finished basement. And for most builders, it’s too expensive, because most people buying a new home—especially first-time buyers—don’t want to pay for a finished basement. They want to wait five years or so for that. So this provides a really nice, cost-effective approach to managing moisture and consumer expectations and meeting Code or Energy Star requirements, without having to incur the cost of a finished basement. And it also avoids long-term liability or risk with respect to mould and moisture in the wall.”

Doug Tarry’s Optimum Basement Wall includes ROXUL Batt and CertainTeed Smart Membrane. At right, Comfortboard IS is placed against a foundation wall using an open pour technique.

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During construction and the finished product from Renovation Experts/Basement Experts in Richmond Hill.

Basement Finishing Advances Over the last 20 years, basement finishing materials have changed more than any other single area of residential construction.

“We’ve installed subfloors on every project for a while now because they offer a great return on investment,” says Lecuyer. “Warmer, dryer, softer floors are now available with less than 1” loss of headroom. Engineered hardwood flooring, as well as better laminate flooring, allows the look and feel of the main-floor levels to transfer to the basement.”

“We use either DRIcore or Barricade subfloor panels on all our projects,” says Boigon. Spray foam on walls adds thousands to the cost of a 1,000 sq. ft. basement, so some clients opt for Roxul stonewool batts to save money. Foam is best when clients can afford it. ” Access to a larger network of resources has helped provide an edge for companies like Clarke Basement Systems. “We’re fortunate to be a part of Basement Systems and Foundation Support Works,” explains Clarke. “Both are international companies that research and develop solutions to basement and foundation problems. As all these resources get pooled together, they come up with effective solutions to keep basements dry, healthy and more durable.”

All are reasons why work downstairs is looking up for Ontario’s basement renovators, whose work is following the path of rest of the building world, with rising consumer expectations, greater price competition on the low end, advances in material technology and increasing customer sophistication.

It all leads to more specialization and, in the end, some really spectacular basements. ohb ohba.ca

Making the mould story and old story While new products and techniques can combat moisture issues, virtually every existing basement has mould somewhere, and decades of media exposure has taught people to fear it. That’s why you need to prepare yourself to speak confidently to your clients about what to do when mould shows up in a basement renovation, and how advances in mould control strategies are used to handle the situation correctly. Do things right and you’ll turn fear into admiration.

It’s almost universal to find mould behind the fibre insulation stuffed into the rim joists where basement ceilings meet outside walls because of wintertime condensation. Look for it. Spray foam eliminates reoccurrence here, but only after drying the area and killing the mould properly. You may find it in other places too, and the best approach is to trash mouldy materials whenever you can. As a builder, health issues can be huge, so insist that HEPA masks be worn while work around mould is taking place.

Some moulds can cripple workers for life.

Drying the area is the first step towards recovery, and air movement and heat are your friends. Just don’t burn propane to get that heat; it gives off too much moisture. Simple oscillating household fans, electric heat and dehumidifiers boost drying action a lot.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is on record as warning against using bleach to kill mould, recommending instead non-bleach-registered fungicides. Homeowners are happy to be free from the odour of bleach regardless of what governments say. Currently, the most widely available, widely used registered fungicide in Canada for dealing with mould is Concrobium Mould Control. It’s odourless, thin enough to run through an electric fogger for large areas, and kills mould spores as it dries. A registered fungicide prevents regrowth to an extent, but prevention is really about reliably dry basement conditions and non-organic building materials.

Oxygen-based products are the best option for eliminating basement mould stains in areas that can’t be torn out or replaced. A powdered product called Mold Stain Eraser is the industry standard at present and it doesn’t change the colour of underlying materials.

ontario home builder renovation 2015

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10 renovators share their newest weapons, and most legendary implements Ted McIntyre

ohba.ca

From 50-year-old levels to cutting-edge infrared cameras, Ontario’s renovators employ whatever hardware they can get their hands on to deliver the finest, most efficient work possible for their clients. Ontario Home Builder polled OHBA renovators to identify their favourite new implements, as well as their most trusted old standbys that continue to stand the test of time.

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55

INNES SHANE MACnage r, Construction Ma nto Greening Homes, Toro

What is the oldest tool in your toolkit?

“My spring-loaded nail punch (see previous page). I’ve had it five years. It’s an Old World design that’s better than any contemporary counterpart.”

What new piece of hardware has impressed you?

“My DeWalt Cross Line Laser. It projects bright crossing horizontal and vertical lines for different levelling and layout applications.”

MATT PRYCE

Co-founder, ing, Barrie PRYCON Custom Build

GARNET NORTHEY

Founder, le, Bridgenorth Spotlight Home and Lifesty

What are the oldest tools you own?

“I have two tools that belonged to my grandfather, although I’m not actually using them now. The first is a Stanley No. 259 9” Torpedo level made from the 1930s-1960s, which is still accurate. It had a badly worn shellac finish, so I stripped it and discovered it was solid mahogany, so I just keep it oiled.

“The second is a Keuffel & Esser Co. Favorite Wyteface 50’ measuring tape from the 1930s. It’s in amazing condition and fully functional!

“Aside from that, the oldest tools I have still in use are my two Estwing hammers, which are about 37 years old.”

What is the oldest tool in your toolkit?

“The Elu PS174 compound sliding mitre saw—made in Germany.

I’ve had it since 1988. Early in my business career I had a Jepson 10” chop saw that got damaged on a jobsite. Being young and short of money, my father, knowing the huge need for a mitre saw, bought this saw for my 18th birthday. I believe at the time it was one of the first portable sliding compound mitre saws available and he paid close to $800. It was proclaimed to be one of the best saws on the market.

“In its day it was a dream to have and to use this saw. It was capable of doing crown moulding with a breeze and could crosscut almost 10”. I looked like a real pro on my jobsites using this saw. After starting my renovation business in 1985, using and wearing out all my father’s tools, it was a very special surprise for him to buy me such a quality tool for my inventory. And to this day it is still in great working order, although has been replaced on the job with much larger and more capable saws, without the same quality.”

What new piece of hardware has impressed you?

“The latest tool that we’ve purchased is the Festool TS 55 EQ hand-held circular saw along with the FS 3000/2 clampless guide—also made in Germany. This saw has replaced the need to lug heavy table saws into limited spaces to rip and size and precision-cut panel goods on our renovation and custom home sites. It cuts as well, if not better, than a good quality table saw, without the need for a large space to feed the table saw.”

Have you purchased anything new that has impressed you?

“The best new tool I’ve added is the Bosch GLM 15 Compact Laser Measure. Accurate to 1/16”. It’s a fantastic tool for doing initial measures for quoting interior work.”

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ohba.ca

HERB LAGOIS

President, novate, Ottawa Lagois Design Build Re

What tool have you relied upon the longest?

“My brain—50-plus years. It just keeps absorbing stuff.”

Anything new that’s made life easier for your firm?

“I’m not in the field anymore, but what our team is using that has helped a lot are computer tablets, where they can view drawings in 3D, take notes, use checklists, etc. The challenge is the learning curve, yet we need to continually challenge ourselves.”

JOHN DIAS

r, Co-founder/co-owne ction, St. Thomas ru nst Co 3 n-Dias Colema

What’s the oldest tool in the toolkit?

“My mind. I’ve had it, off and on, for 46 years. But no matter how many times I lose it, I keep finding it in the end.”

Is there anything new you’ve acquired that has made a difference in your work?

“It’s not a new product, but I’m a big fan of MitreBond, a strong, fast-setting glue that I just started using this year. It’s a two-part adhesive that sets up very quickly, so you can work fast and get excellent results, particularly on tricky crown moulding installations. You can assemble the corners at the workbench and then install the assembled piece. Fast and high-quality results!” ohba.ca

STEVE BARKHOUSE OWNER, OTTAWA AMSTED DESIGN-BUILD,

What is the oldest tool in your toolkit?

“A wooden plane. I’ve had it since I started business over 25 years ago. My grandfather, David Thomson, gave it to me and he used it often. Also, the handgrip is very custom, but it fits my hand like a glove—same size hands as my Gramps, I guess. He was self-employed for many years in England after the war. He returned to Canada with his young wife and child and settled in Ottawa, ultimately working for the school board, but building his own home and many projects for family and friends.

“The plane still works great, but I haven’t actually used it for a long time. Because of its size, it really made for a quick and quality job. The best part of it was that when I started out, I was young and people feared that I didn’t have the skill and experience to do a good job. Well, as soon as I brought out old ‘LS’ (I think the initials were from the man my grandfather apprenticed with in England) and shared a few stories of my grandfather teaching me how to use it, people felt a lot more comfortable. I’m sure it got me referral business in the early days.

Now it hangs on the wall in our office.”

With all the new technology out there, what new product have you picked up in the last year that has made life a lot easier, and why are you such a fan of it?

“I love the new thermal imaging cameras. We got one recently—a FLIR—and although it was very expensive, it provides great insight to heat loss. With the exceptionally cold winter we had and the tremendous number of ice dams and roof leaks, it has paid for itself. We can easily show a client the areas that need improvement that are currently leaking warm moist air or the areas that are cold spots.” ontario home builder renovation 2015

57

HARTERS BRENDAN C nager, Development Ma nts, Ottawa Eurodale Developme

What are the oldest tools you’ve still got around?

“My situation is a bit different than most. While I started my career ‘on the tools,’ it’s been about 10 years since I last picked up a hammer for pay. The oldest tools I’ve got, though, are the toolbox itself and a workbench. They are special because they were passed down to me by my father, who inherited it from his father, who also inherited it from his! These really are relics and should be in a museum, but got shelved with the regular tools soon after I got them. One day I quickly grabbed one of the chisels in that toolbox to pry something open and snapped it in half. I then realized what a dummy I was, as these are irreplaceable tools—artifacts really.

“I also recently acquired a contract from 1848, which was a gift from my father in-law—it was in a building he once owned in Sutton, Ont. The contract is great because it is a fine indication of the need to spell out the details of what you’re delivering and what the client will be paying in exchange. In this case it was cash and a barrel of pork! It amazes me that to this day people still do work without a contract.”

What new technology has improved your efficiency?

“My tools today are my Toyota Tundra pickup truck and iPhone 6 (‘Cell-phone jockey,’ I believe they refer to us…behind our backs of course!).”

JEREMY BOOTSMA Project Manager, lton Shane Renovations, Hami

What is the oldest tool in your toolkit?

“My oldest tool in my trailer would have to be my stiletto hammer. I got it eight years ago as a high school graduation present. Five years ago, we were framing a house and decided it would be a good idea to lay one of our coworkers down on a wall we had just built. Then we put nails through his sweater into the wall. Once we had this completed, we proceeded to stand the wall up, and up my coworker went with the wall. Maybe not the smartest thing I ever did, but definitely a good memory.

What new piece of hardware has impressed you?

“My favourite tool right now is probably my Bosch GLM15 laser measuring levelling tape. It makes taking square footages and large measurements with one person very fast.”

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Higher energy-efficiency ratings and lower cabinet heights

Goodman® high-efficiency gas furnaces now offer more features and benefits than ever. And all of them help to make Goodman gas furnaces easier to sell and install. Take a look at some of the enhancements you’ll find on select Goodman brand gas furnaces.

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What’s the old standby tool that you swear by?

“The old-time standard is the Paslode cordless nail gun! What more can be said other than, ‘What an invention!’”

What new products have made your life easier?

“We’ve got a Ridgid hand-held video inspection camera. It has a 2.4” colour LCD screen and can transfer live images to external devices. The price of these cameras has come down so much that you can get one for around $400, and it can save thousands of dollars looking into walls, drains, attics, etc. Plus, it impresses the hell out of your clients!

“We also like the FEIN MultiMaster Start Q (oscillating multi-tool).

What a tool—so versatile, from carpentry to tiling.

You could almost build a house with it!”

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What is the oldest tool in your toolkit?

“One of my favourites is a Stanley plane I purchased as an apprentice carpenter in the late ’70s. Although not spectacular, it does produce the most satisfying wood shavings for those of us who appreciate that tactile sort of thing. Another is a Makita power mitre saw, now known by other names, such as chop saw, etc. This saw was the first readily available power version of the Stanley hand mitre box that took up most of a smaller car trunk. I purchased this in 1980—still as an apprentice—for the princely sum of $250, which was more than a week’s gross pay then. I bought it to speed up my trimming in a house owned by the son of one of Group of Seven. Needless to say, he had a house full of art and was appreciative of fine-detail work. It still works today and cuts dead on.”

Anything new that impresses you?

“I’ve purchased a new cordless impact driver, the DeWalt 12-volt Lithium Ion battery model. In fact, I bought two of them: one for me and one for an apprentice carpenter. They’re light, with a longer lasting battery and have a couple of LED lights, which stay on for a few seconds after releasing the switch.

(Older eyes like the extra light!) It’s my new favourite driver!”

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Golden Age of Design Accommodating for Ontario’s growing senior population

By Marc Huminilowycz

Accessibility, grab bars, wide doors, walk-in tubs—up until a few years ago this writer, a relatively healthy and active boomer, would not have given these terms a second thought. Recently, however, my spouse and I became increasingly concerned about the well-being of her 84-year-old mother who, due to her visual impairment and physical limitations, was having difficulty living in her two-storey Toronto home.

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Left to right: Communities like Horseshoe Ridge Homes appeal to both young families and seniors alike; CHBA’s FlexHouse showcases construction techniques that can adapt to changing needs; accessible shelving.

Opting to avoid the long-term care option, we decided to invite her to live with us in our home in the country, two hours north of Toronto. The conditions appeared to be ideal— a spacious open-concept main-floor design with living area, kitchen, a spare bedroom and adjacent bathroom, and a wraparound covered porch accessible via the front door.

While the living arrangements were a great improvement in accessibility for her, after an assessment from the local Community Care Access Centre (CCAC), it became apparent that more could be done to accommodate her needs.

That’s increasingly common thinking in Ontario, where the senior population is growing fast. According to recent statistics, the number of people aged 65 and over is projected to more than double—from 13.7% of the population in 2009 to 23.2% by 2036. By as early as 2017, there will be more seniors in Ontario than children aged 14 and under. As our population ages, the need for accessible homes and communities will increase.

All across the province, individuals and organizations are now working together to create age-friendly communities (AFCs) that offer accessible and inclusive social and physical environments that will make a difference in the everyday lives of older adults. AFCs are a key component of Ontario’s Action Plan for Seniors, which identifies goals and outlines programs and initiatives to achieve them.

The Ontario government has introduced other programs to assist seniors and people with disabilities. The Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit (see sidebar) was launched to help seniors and their caregivers renovate homes to provide freedom, confidence and independence

“Our clients don’t want to see grab bars and railings in their home at this stage in their lives, so we plan for these in the future by reinforcing the walls in key areas.”

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for years to come. Ontario’s Places to Grow initiative for the Greater Golden Horseshoe established a framework to create complete communities that meet people’s needs for daily living through their entire lifetime.

And the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA; 2005) identifies rules for “built environments.” Current legislation applies mainly to multi-unit residential and commercial properties, but rules for singlefamily homes are currently being reviewed.

On an association level, the Ontario Professional Planners Institute created a position paper titled “Healthy Communities and Planning for Age-Friendly Communities,” in which it called for province-wide discussion by member planners of key issues so that it can respond more effectively to the challenges posed by an aging population.

In 2008, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) produced a research report titled “Impacts of the Aging of the Canadian Population on Housing and Communities.” The report identified aging-in-place as a significant trend that would have “major policy implications for housing and communities—especially in suburbia— creating a need for housing adaptations and other supports, more innovative housing options, better public transportation and planning/zoning changes.”

According to the CMHC, “About 85% of Canadians 55+ want to remain in their present homes for as long as possible, even if there are changes to their health.” Far from calling aging Canadians a burden to society, the CMHC report emphasized that seniors “should be viewed as a positive force and catalyst for community development ohba.ca

Principles of Universal Design Universal design is an evolving design philosophy defined as: “The design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.” Its principles include: 1. Equitable Use

Access for everyone in an integrated and dignified manner. Design is appealing to all and provides an equal level of safety.

2. Flexibility in Use

Design of the house has been developed considering a wide range of individual preferences and abilities throughout the life cycle of the occupants.

3. Simple and Intuitive and renewal,” contributing their opinions, skills and time to guide planning and create solutions.

For its part, OHBA and its members have stepped up to the challenges—and opportunities—posed by the aging-in-place trend.

Pauline Lip is a Senior Technical Advisor to the OHBA, with a prime responsibility to the organization’s renovation sector. “Our renovation members are definitely seeing an increase in demand for modifications to older homes to make them more suitable for senior living,” says Lip. OHBA has identified a list of renovators, contractors and designers who are trained in accessibility building options. Derek Dowling of Wemp & Smith Construction in Kingston recently completed an extensive accessibility retrofit. Although it was designed for a man in his late 30s who was injured in a hockey accident, Dowling’s work is an example of what is possible to accommodate the needs of people of all ages with disabilities.

Dowling built an addition onto the client’s home to allow for complete access to living spaces in a wheelchair, including a larger kitchen and master bedroom with a wheelchair shower in the bathroom, a spacious deck, an elevator for access to the garage, and the remote operation of doors and electronics with the click of a mouse from the client’s wheelchair.

In London, contractor Peder Madsen of CCR Building & Remodelling has worked on several jobs for younger seniors who want to age in place by planning for their future needs. “The typical renovations we do for our clients include larger doorways and stairwells, and altering the visual aspects of the home, such as bringing sunken living room floors up to level,” he says. “Our clients don’t want to see grab bars and railings in their home at this stage in their lives, so we plan for these in the future by reinforcing the walls in key areas. Whenever we plan these types of renos, we usually recommend more accessibility features than what clients ask for. It gives them options that they can choose for the future and saves them time and money down the road.”

Albert Schepers, a partner in GS Engineering Consultants in Windsor, is very familiar with the housing needs of seniors. In addition to ohba.ca

A home’s layout and design and devices should be easy to understand, regardless of the user’s experience or cognitive ability.

4. Perceptible Information

Information available through all of our senses when interacting with our home environment.

5. Tolerance for Error

Design considerations include fail-safe features and give thought to how all users may use the space or product safely.

6. Low Physical Effort

Limit the strength, stamina and dexterity required to access spaces or use controls and products.

7. Size and Space for Approach and Use

Design for appropriate size and space so that all family members and visitors can safely reach, see and operate all elements of the home.

serving on the Accessibility Committee with the OHBA, he designed modifications for his aging parents’ home. Topping Schepers’ list is flooring. “Take out the carpets,” he says. “Hardwood and laminate offer smoother surfaces for walkers and wheelchairs to roll on, and they’re easier to keep clean.”

Second is grab bars. “Seniors need to get in and out of slippery areas like bathrooms easily,” Schepers explains. As for wheelchair ramps, make sure they’re necessary and constructed correctly. “A ramp can actually be a hazard to the user if not designed and built for proper grade and traction in rain and snow,” Schepers says. “Even stair lifts can pose a hazard in the home, creating an obstacle in low light conditions for other family members.” ontario home builder renovation 2015

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As to home safety, Schepers believes that while much attention is given to access into homes and commercial buildings, more attention should be paid to an exit strategy in case of emergencies. “Getting in is important, but you have to make sure you can get out. If there’s a fire or a medical emergency, a senior’s bedroom should have an easy exit outside to ground level. Hallways and entranceways should be wide enough to accommodate an ambulance crew with a stretcher.”

A universal approach Ultimately, Schepers believes that accessibility requirements are different for every person. Rather than renovating now for accessibility, he advises seniors wishing to age in place to plan their homes for the future. “No one wants to see grab bars in a home. Accommodate for when they’re needed,” he echoes, noting that current building codes for new homes call for extra reinforcement (framing and plywood) in walls to allow for grab bars and railings, and that there are now design rules in place for wheelchair accessibility.

Instead of renovating or building homes specifically for seniors, Schepers recommends the “universal design principle.” He explains: “Is there much of a difference between manoeuvring a baby stroller or a walker in the house? We need to stop thinking about one group and focus on what works for everyone. When designing or renovating, why not position wall plugs, switches and thermostats so they are easily accessible for every person, regardless of their limitations?”

The observations of OHBA’s Pauline Lip on current new-home construction reinforces the principle of universal design. “Although renovating for accessibility is a challenge in older neighbourhoods, the industry is responding with more flexible designs,” Lip notes. “A home built in 2015 will be more accessiblethan one built to previous codes.

We are increasingly seeing designs that can be adapted to changing needs, both in buildings and in streetscapes.”

To illustrate her point, Lip describes how the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act rules have changed the way Ontario builds.

For example, new amendments to the Ontario Building Code that took effect on January 1, 2015, include a requirement for a minimum turning space for wheelchairs in barrier-free washrooms for highrise buildings.

An article on the CMHC website titled “What are the Options for Aging in Place?” reinforces the concept of universal design. “The best way of looking at aging in place is to consider that all housing providers are, in a sense, providing for seniors—if not immediately, then in the long term.” Further, “roughing (senior-friendly features) into the original construction costs a fra http://www.horseshoeridgehomes.com/ wp-content/uploads/2013/03/20130117-DSC_9180.jpg ction of what it would cost to add them later on. They can also be a selling feature.”

CMHC also identifies smart technologies for aging as an evolving field that builders and renovators should stay on top of in the near future, particularly since aging boomers are more open to the latest technologies than previous generations of seniors. Dubbed “gerontechnology,” the field is developing and incorporating a variety of devices and designs to support those aging in place, such as rehabilitation engineering, assistive robotics, telemonitoring, smart homes, smart fabrics and sensor technology.

The CMHC website also offers house design and floor plan suggestions, categorizing designs as follows: visitable, adaptable, accessible and universal. Its universal design includes a long list of features that benefit everyone in the family, such as entrances free of stairs or steps, smooth floor finishes, wide doorways and hallways, enhanced light 66

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Ageless Design Perkins Eastman, an international planning firm in New York, has a division that specializes in senior living.

Features include sheltered balcony/emergency escape, a second bedroom for a caregiver, drawer dishwasher, motion detectors for vital sign monitoring, doors that swing out for safety, no sharp corners, transfer tub/ shower, emergency outlets for medical equipment, large windows/low sills, a main bedroom large enough for a two-single-bed option, removable kitchen cabinets for wheelchair access, medicine cabinet location for access/ light, electric range with front controls, shower stall with space for shower chair and a full-height easy-reach pantry cabinet.

ing, lever-type door hardware, handrails and much more. (See Sidebar: “Principles of Universal Design”).

Working with the National Research Council and Natural Resources Canada, CMHC also maintains a FlexHousing demonstration house in Ottawa, showcasing renovation and construction that can adapt and convert affordably as a household’s lifestyle and needs change.

Some OHBA developers and builders are already designing homes and communities with residents of all ages in mind. Two years ago, Horseshoe Ridge Homes, located north of Barrie, launched a collection of one-level bungalow town homes in the picturesque Horseshoe Valley that appealed both to young families as well as retired and active empty-nesters wishing to downsize from their larger homes. The Towns at Landscape Ridge offer main-floor master bedrooms with ensuites containing a tub and stand-up shower, main-floor laundry rooms, double garages with direct entry to the house, and standard design features such as hardwood and ceramic floors and lever door handles. As an option, buyers can choose to include a second-floor loft to accommodate visiting family and friends.

“The whole neighbourhood is conducive to a simpler, more leisurely life with all the amenities anyone could ask for,” says Horseshoe Ridge President Julie Boville, pointing out that, while roughly 25% of Towns buyers are young families, the majority are over the age of 60. “There’s a resort atmosphere here, with golf, skiing, tennis, parks and nature walks at your doorstep,” Boville adds. “And a major hospital and a ohba.ca

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nurse practitioner clinic are a short distance away.”

The concept has an obvious appeal. The Towns sales launch in the fall of 2013 sold 70% of the units in one weekend. Buyers came from Barrie as well as the GTHA. Because of the demand, Horseshoe Ridge is offering additional units for sale this year.

Renos for Aging in Place The Ontario government’s Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit offers a personal income tax credit to seniors 65 and older and family members who live with them. Qualifying applicants receive 15% of their renovation expenses valued up to $10,000. The HHRTC identifies the following examples of eligible expenses that renovators should highlight: • certain renovations to permit a first-floor occupancy or secondary suite for a senior

• grab bars and related reinforcements around the toilet, tub and shower

• handrails in corridors, wheelchair ramps, stair/ wheelchair lifts and elevators

• walk-in bathtubs, wheel-in showers and comfort height toilets

• widening passage doors • lowering existing counters/cupboards • installing adjustable counters/cupboards • light switches and electrical outlets placed in accessible locations

• door locks that are easy to operate and lever handles on doors and taps, instead of knobs

• pull-out shelves under the counter to enable work from a seated position

• non-slip flooring • a hand-held shower on an adjustable rod or high-low mounting brackets

• additional light fixtures throughout the home and exterior entrances and motion-activated lighting

• swing-clear hinges on doors to widen doorways • creation of knee space under the basin to enable use from a seated position (and insulation of any hot-water pipes)

• hands-free taps and relocation of tap to the front or side for easier access

• touch-and-release drawers and cupboards • automatic garage door openers

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Changing face of communities Across Canada, planners and municipal officials are looking at ways to make existing communities more attractive, liveable and accessible for all ages. A report from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities titled “Canada’s Aging Population: The Municipal Role in Canada’s Demographic Shift” (2013), highlights the activities of municipal governments in response to the needs of seniors. Durham Region Transit, for example, is highlighted as a leader in providing accessible public transportation. Its “Specialized Service” provides door-to-door transport to residents with disabilities, including seniors with mobility issues.

On the housing front, Durham has implemented policies to ensure that smaller, more affordable rental units geared to seniors are located close to social, recreational and support services. In addition to building new social housing units, the regional municipality is making it easier for current and future seniors to access funds for adapting existing homes, allowing them to age in place.

The city of Ottawa is currently implementing its “Older Adult Plan.”

City facilities where seniors visit have been fitted with automatic door openers and grab bars in the washrooms. Ottawa’s Accessibility Design standards have been updated to include transit stops, shelter design and housing visitability. And additional benches have been installed in parts of the city with high concentrations of seniors.

On Ottawa streets, intersections have been added that feature Pedestrian Signal Technology, which provides audible, visual and tactile information about when it is safe to cross. Seniors and people with disabilities also receive discounted fares plus “Free Ride Wednesdays” on public transit. There’s even a checklist for age-friendly parks, pathways and public spaces.

The city of Toronto also has a comprehensive strategy, adopted in 2013, that identifies “walkability” as an important component. Safety has been improved by providing pedestrian crossings with visible zebra pavement markings for crosswalks. Pedestrian signals are being updated to include countdown timers, and audible crossing signals are being installed at all new intersections.

More street benches, shelters at bus stops, larger and more readable street signs and curb ramps at certain intersections are being installed.

And the city has recently expanded its sidewalk snow-clearing program for older adults. New streetcar models feature ramps that allow people using wheelchairs, scooters or assistive devices easier entry.

The Toronto Renovates program, meanwhile, provides assistance to lower-income homeowners who need essential housing repairs and modifications to support aging in place and greater accessibility.

In Brampton, while the standard sidewalks are 1.5 metres in width, the city’s Accessibility Coordinator office reviews all site plans to ensure that new construction accommodates those who have accessibility issues, including requiring wheelchair access. City planners are also proposing and installing multi-purpose trails that are typically three metres wide to accommodate everyone walking and on wheels.

Builders and renovators who are similarly planning for and adjusting to this changing environment will not merely be able to satisfy an increasing market demand, but help shape the future of community design that embraces all ages. OHB ohba.ca

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anadians are drinking and buying more wine than ever.

The most recent data from Statistics Canada show a 5% annual increase in wine consumption. A nation once closely associated with drinking domestic beer and spirits is increasingly opting for a glass of wine made in one of the country’s emerging growing regions or from around the world.

In February, Vinexpo released a detailed report on the world’s wine and spirits consumption that revealed Canadians enjoy more than 15 litres of wine per capita, or roughly 100 glasses per year. Having already moved into the No. 7 spot in world wine consumption, Canada is projected to increase its consumption by nearly 8% by 2018, the 12th biannual report indicates—more the double the global average.

As our taste for wine evolves, Canadians are becoming more knowledgeable about the different styles available and the need to 70

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properly store cherished bottles in the right conditions. Everyone from the occasional wine drinker to the ardent collector is bringing their passion home through various storage options, ranging from simple racking systems or small fridges for short-time cellaring to elaborate, purpose-built wine cellars or specialized “wine rooms.”

“It’s like golf,” says Janice Bednarz of Toronto’s Papro Wine Cellars & Consulting. “It’s become trendy. It’s become the thing to have.”

A company that’s been in the construction industry for more than 20 years, Papro has specialized in wine cellars for almost a decade and watched interest in their business grow alongside the wine boom, with clients including Mazenga Building Group, Mattamy Homes, Monarch Homes and Balmoral Custom Homes. With finished projects across the province and design work completed in the U.S. and Mexico, thanks to business garnered from their online site, Bednarz says the projects are as varied as their client base. ohba.ca

Stellar cellars are on the rise

By Chris Waters

This $60,000 Mediterranean-style cellar at Fourteen Estates’ Barclay Fieldstone “Grand Villa” includes a wine barrel sink, a mahogany dinner table, a custom iron door with leaded glass, deadbolt lock and vine & grapes inlay—all built into a recessed arched tunnel entry—as well as slate flooring, LED lighting, custom stonework and wine racks made by one of the builder’s own carpenters complete the stunning package.

“Wine has become a topic of social interaction. You have your trendy new young wine drinker right through to collectors who see their wine collections as an investment and desire optimum storage conditions for aging five, 10 to 15 years,” Bednarz explains.

The company’s interests run the gamut from design to building to installation—virtually everything short of suggesting what fine vintages their clients should stock in their new cellars. For that, Bednarz says, they have a partnership with a wine management company that can advise on purchasing decisions and when to drink bottles for best enjoyment. “We don’t claim to be wine specialists,” she says. “We know how to properly take care of wine.”

Wine cellars are still a niche product, but a growing one. Figures from the LBCO state that most purchases are made en route to consumption. It’s typically only a matter of hours from the time of purchase to pouring. However, as sales at Ontario wineries continue ohba.ca

to spike and gourmet travellers return home with keepsake bottles from wine tours at home and abroad, personal cellars are being developed to safely store these prized collections.

And as wine cellars are becoming a significant selling feature in model homes in high-end developments, an efficient and stylish cellar is one way to add value and cachet to a new or remodelled property.

“People are reinventing their living spaces. They’re looking at where they will be spending the most time in their homes and what their hobbies are and how to maximize those areas,” says Karen Anderson of Silvergate Homes, based in the heart of Niagara wine country.

A wine cellar might be a major enticement for some custom homebuyers in the same way that great room living, outdoor living or entertainment room might be for others, Anderson says. It’s now ontario home builder renovation 2015

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How to store wine

From stylish (above) to an efficient stairwell design, Papro says wine cellars are trending.

Deslauriers Custom Cabinets (left), notes that main-floor wine rooms are gaining momentum over traditional cellars due to convenience.

a fundamental part of the mix-and-match possibilities they offer to clients. “It’s just opening their eyes to the possibilities,” she explains. “Here’s your next hang-out.”

Kathy Chateauvert of Ajax-based custom home builder Fourteen Estates concurs. “Most of our cellars are walk-in style—most with a tempered seamless glass wall and door. It’s nice to have an area to sit and uncork. We’ve had homeowners host a dinner party in their wine cellar! Right now we’re doing one that includes a cigar humidor.”

The details make all the difference, Chateauvert explains. “Some clients have opted for old wine barrels with sinks and faucets built in for ‘spitting.’ We use Indirect lighting, so as not to affect the contents of the bottles, custom on-site built cabinetry and handmade racks—some with a 72

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slide-out magazine-style with hidden compartments in behind. Slate floors are typical. We also have to know where the drainage will be prior to construction and to ensure that proper insulation—usually foam with R12 minimum up to R22—goes in behind the cabinets/wine racking.

“All our wine rooms are climate and humidity controlled,” Chateauvert adds.

“We install an independent wine-chilling unit, which sets the wine temperature; not the room temperature.”

How big do these rooms need to be?

“We always ask how many bottles their collection consists of or how big it will be, whether the room will be used for anything else and what dollar figure did they have in mind for such a room. We’ve done cellars for $1,500 right up to $60,000.”

Denis Staples of Ottawa’s Deslaurier

Having an eye-popping wine room is a source of pride, but it’s somewhat self-defeating if the contents aren’t cared for properly. All wine should be stored at a cool, constant temperature. It’s the most important aspect for aging wines properly. The ideal cellaring temperature is between 10-16˙C (roughly 50-60˙F), but a more casual band of 5-18˙C (40-65˙F) is acceptable, as long as the temperature remains constant. Higher temperatures speed up the chemical reaction that occurs as a wine ages.

How big a deal is proper storage? A recent study conducted by the Edmund Mach Foundation wine academy in Italy looked at 200 bottles of red wine stored in a professional cellar versus 200 stored in a dark room without environmental controls. The bottles from the dark room were said to have aged four times faster, contained fewer antioxidants, less pigment and tasted blander than those from the proper cellar.

Humidity levels are another potential risk. Wines sealed with a natural cork, which is the closure used to seal trophy wines from the iconic estates of France, Italy and Spain, are best maintained in an environment with between 65-75% relative humidity.

Lower humidity levels will dry out the cork and risk turning precious wine into vinegar.

Light is also important. Exposure to sunlight will prematurely age a bottle wine, while ultraviolet light will compromise the organic compounds in a negative way. Low voltage, LED, incandescent or sodium vapour lights are better options for wine cellars, as opposed to fluorescent lighting, which transmits significant amounts of UV light and heat. Motion detectors or timers can be useful additions to avoid lights being left on and potentially heating up the cellar over time.

Even vibration can be a concern. Constant vibration will agitate the contents of the bottle and speed up the chemical reactions occurring. It’s best that a cellar keeps a cool, calm collection.

These factors have long led wine cellars to be built below grade to take advantage of generally cooler and more humid environments in basements.

Any dark, still, well-ventilated and clean area could be suitable.

That said, the classic cold room or root cellar will typically pose many challenges for remodelling into a safe and secure cellar. What’s good for storing potatoes isn’t necessary ideal for Pinot Noir. It can be done, but experts point out that locating the cellar in another area of the basement or home often makes for an easier project. Looking for the area with better air quality, insulation and access offers an easier launching point.

ohba.ca

grape expectations The popularity of wine in Ontario is expected to increase as both the quality and marketing of local wines pushes forward throughout the province in the coming years. There’s also been a decided trend in tastes in recent years, with Canadians moving away from alcohol distilled from hops to that distilled from grapes. According to Statistics Canada data released last spring, beer sales were down 0.1% from the level seen in the previous 12 months, and a notable 6.7% fall (from 83.6 litres per person to 78 litres pp) since 2003.

By contrast, wine sales grew by 4.9% in 2013 to $6.8 billion in total sales. In terms of dollar value, beer owned 43% of the wine/beer/spirits market in 2013, down from roughly half the market in 2003.

Wine, on the other hand, stood at 32%, up from 24% over the same time period.

Custom Cabinets Inc. is also seeing more interest in modern wine rooms as opposed to traditional cellars. When he renovated his family home in 2012, he worked with Chuck Mills Residential Design and cabinetmaker Gina Godin to build a wine room on the main floor, located off the kitchen pantry and butler’s bar.

“I understand the origins of the wine cellars, but they led you to so many unnecessary steps,” he says. Purchases must be lugged downstairs for storage, only to be fetched later on and carried up to the living areas of the house where they will be opened and enjoyed.

Wine rooms are a distinctive addition to an interior that makes a statement, says Staples, who modified the capacity of his own cellar during the planning stages.

Originally envisioned as having storage for 400 bottles, Staples realized that didn’t leave much wiggle room for his existing 350-plus collection. By re-orientating the racking system, he was able to provide space for 700 bottles without having to change the room’s footprint.

Inspired by interior design he saw in Köln, Germany, the glass-encased room mixes ultra-modern cabinetry and finishings with a rustic wood table to great effect. Feature lighting is used for drama. “It’s nicely lit so you can admire the beautiful cabinetry,” he says. “Why not show it off?”

Deslaurier Custom Cabinets offers its clients and a dealer network across the province a catalogue of 48,000 items that 74

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Papro has created custom cellars for such clients as Mazenga, Mattamy, Monarch and Balmoral Homes.

can be tailored to their needs. Projects range from simple wine fridge units and wine cubbies integrated into kitchen designs to more extensive cellars or wine rooms.

The typical challenges? From Bednarz’s vantage, budget or space restrictions tend to be the biggest issues for consumer projects.

Types of flooring, racking systems, finishing and furnishing can be chosen to match the overall decor theme of the cellar or home.

Racking options vary dramatically, from simple, industrial storage to sophisticated, custom-made units made of exotic hardwoods. Glassed-in areas are becoming popular, as are reach-in cellars that are effective storage options for wine lovers living in a smaller footprint.

Bednarz says reach-ins that house 150 to 300 bottles are popular with clients. But they have also built extensive wine cellars to house 5,000 bottles. “It all depends on people’s drinking habits,” she says.

Since glass is a poor insulator, cooling units with great BTU output is suggested to compensate for the diminished R-value of glass-encased cube storage areas. “The cooling systems have to work a little bit harder, but typically these cellars aren’t very big,” she explains.

They do, however, make a big impression on a room’s decor. “It’s just like your Christmas tree accent light that gives a nice glow,” she adds.

From a design perspective, Design First Interiors founder Friedemann Weinhardt says creating a wine cellar is no different

than conjuring up a great entertainment room or kitchen. “All design is an extension of the people living in the design,” Weinhardt explains. “Style taste varies as much as the personality of people and good design will resonate with the particular taste of the client we are designing for.”

Design First Interiors specializes in modern design work, ultimately drawing inspiration from the clients they work with.

In some instances, he has also completed cellars fashioned after traditional models— “something you may find in a château in the south of France, with stone surfaces, barrelvaulted ceilings and so on,” he says.

“Wine rooms are a design specialty but not overly complicated,” Weinhardt continues. “In general terms, the storage temperature of wine is not nearly as cold as that of a refrigerator, and because of that, the exact sealing of a glass-enclosed room is not critical.

“Because a ‘glass box’ wine room is very visible to the space it resides in, it really needs to incorporate design elements from its environment so as to harmonize within the overall design.”

Weinhardt has worked on projects that called for dedicated wine storage either in the kitchen, a separate space or sometimes both. These specialty projects add to the cost of the renovation or building expense, he notes, but the homeowners ultimately reap the reward of experiencing greater enjoyment of their wine and quality of life. OHB ohba.ca

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Better building

Housing Trends THREE Market shifts that are already making an impact on the market

1. Environmental Consciousness 2. Rising Importance of Technology 3. Smaller Living Spaces

80% of people surveyed are interested in saving utility costs

68%

interested in environmentally friendly improvements

$5,000 - $10,000 was the anticipated budget among 23% of homeowners surveyed who are intending to invest

22%

Top 5 sources for home improvements among homeowners surveyed:

44% televisions shows (e.g. HGTV) 44% friends or family members 37% browsing shops 35% home shows 33% lifestyle magazines

Top anticipated home improvement projects in the next 12 months

according to homeowners surveyed: Bathroom remodelling:

Kitchen remodelling:

31% 25%

Miscellaneous decorating or interior design project:

23%

said $2,500 - $5,000

19%

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14% $25,000 or more or $500-$2,500

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3% said under $500

57%

75% 70% To make my home comfortable for my family

To increase property value

of the homeowners surveyed said they would put the money towards improving interior rooms.

What to do with $100,000 in home renovations?

Environmental consciousness and energy savings top the list of 2015 renovation trends, according to a recent homeowner survey conducted by the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD).

The January 2015 survey asked homeowners how they would ohba.ca

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Additional findings include homeowners’ plans for the upcoming year, attitudes toward renovating, budgets and more. ontario home builder renovation 2015

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Here’s the challenge. Your client has requested a new gas fireplace as part of the renovation you are completing for them.

You know they don’t have a requirement for a great deal of heat, especially since they’ve included lots of energy-efficiency upgrades in the reno. They’ve been challenging you to find ways to keep their budget in check, but they have an eye for quality.

What to show them? Introduce them to electric fireplaces! It may seem counterintuitive to talk about electric fireplaces with clients who ask for gas, but as a trusted building professional, you are the one to whom they look to guide them to the best solutions for their needs. Electric fireplaces outsell gas units 3 to 1 in North America, so if you don’t yet know all you should about them, it’s time to get up to speed.

An electric fireplace usually operates on a dedicated 120-volt line, and occasionally on 240 volts. The ‘flame’ effect is generated with lights, usually LED, sometimes in conjunction with mist or video. The most common questions you’ll get about them ohba.ca

will relate to heat, efficiency, energy costs, safety and appearance.

Heat: Electric fireplaces may be operated with or without heat. On a 120-volt circuit, electric fireplaces can generate up to 5,000 BTUs of heat, or enough to take the chill off an area up to 400 square feet. A blower pushes 100% of the heat out into the room.

There aren’t many areas of a home that don’t fall within its heating capacity. In fact, many homeowners are discovering that their gas fireplaces, (with a minimum output of 25,000 BTUs) are just too hot to leave running. As we upgrade our homes to R2000 standards and beyond, the challenge of having an attractive fireplace that doesn’t overheat the room is becoming more common.

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fireplaces are safer than their gas counterparts on several fronts. The glass will not get hot, even with the heater turned on, as it does on gas units. (In fact, so many children have been burned on gas fireplaces that manufacturers are now providing mesh safety screens to prevent contact with the glass.) Any appliance which burns fossil fuels should be inspected annually to ensure no carbon monoxide leakage; this is not necessary with electric fireplaces. The only maintenance on an electric fireplace is on those units which still feature incandescent or halogen bulbs, which need to be changed every few years. The majority of electric fireplaces now feature LED lighting.

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and not from the bottom or the top. Not all wall-mounted fireplaces may be inserted into a wall or cabinet cavity! Also, it’s perfectly safe to mount a TV directly above an electric fireplace, as long as the heat isn’t vented out the top of the unit.

Jeanne Grier is the president and co-owner of Stylish Fireplaces & Interiors by Huntington Lodge.

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A touch-free kitchen faucet with a few twists K itc hen env ironments a re gett ing a little cleaner, healthier and more convenient with Pfister’s new REACT touch-free faucet. Now available at home improvement stores across Canada, the faucet activates when your hand or an object passes within its sensor range.

The water temperature can be set and reset however many times you like and the faucet can still be controlled the oldfashioned way—with its handle.

“If you’re scrubbing up after digging in the garden, cleaning or cooking, the REACT faucet lets you wash your hands without getting the handle and faucet full of gunk or covered in germs,” says Adam Findlay, Senior Marketing Manager, Pfister, who notes that the REACT Selia model, with its modern, elegant lines, works with virtually any kitchen design.

If the faucet does need a cleanup, you can activate the Hibernate mode by placing your hand in front of the sensor for five seconds.

This turns the faucet’s sensor off so you can give it a good scrubbing.

The REACT also features a pull-down spout with an extra long hose so you can wash large pots and pans easier and reach ohba.ca

all of the areas in the sink.

Easi ly insta l led, it a lso features AccuDock, an advanced spray-head docking system that ensures a tight connection to the spout; EZ Clean nozzles on the spray face for easy removal of mineral buildup; and a 1- to 4-hole configuration for installation versatility.

Small houses can make a big impression What challenges do architects face when designing dwelling spaces of a limited size?

And what can these projects tell us about architecture and architectural principles in general?

In BIG Little House, award-winning architect Donna Kacmar introduces 20 real-life examples of small houses. Each project is less than 1,000 square feet in size and, brought together, the designs reveal an attitude towards materiality, light, enclosure and accommodation, features that are unique to minimal dwellings.

While part of a trend to address growing concerns about reducing consumption and the lack of affordable housing, the book demonstrates that small dwellings are not always simply the result of budget constraints, but constitute a deliberate design strategy.

Highly illustrated and in full colour throughout, each example from Kacmar, an associate professor at the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture at the University of Houston, is based on interviews with the original architect and accompanied by detailed floor plans. Groundbreaking in some respects, this well-designed work offers practical guidance in small-scale residential design to any professional architect. routledge.com ohba.ca

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Water-saving news you should really sit down for Saniflo’s plumbing solutions can save almost 96,000 litres of water per year for a family of four, observes the Guelph-based company.

According to Environment Canada, a standard toilet uses approximately 18 litres of water per flush. Assuming that each person uses four flushes per day that translates into nearly 30,000 litres per person per year, or 120,000 litres per family of four. Products like Saniflo’s SaniCompact can cut this consumption significantly, notes the worldwide leader in macerating toilet and drain-water pumping systems.

The mode uses only four litres of water per flush, saving approximately 24,000 litres of water per person.

“Less water consumption equals lower bills and a more eco-friendly space,” says Ross Evans, national sales manager with Saniflo. “Since products like the SaniCompact eliminate the need to break the concrete or do major construction, they can be installed for a fraction of the cost, making them ideal for residential spaces.”

Designed to be eco-friendly throughout the its lifecycle, from installation to waste disposal, the SaniCompact reduces water consumption with a dual flush system, making it ideal for the green-minded user.

Working at heights standard has taken effect

By Michelle Ervin The Ontario Ministry of Labour is targeting the leading cause of workplace deaths and critical injuries in the construction sector with new training requirements. In 2013, nearly half of the 21 workers who lost their lives in incidents on construction projects died due to falls. The working-atheights training requirements that became mandatory April 1 are designed to prevent falls and, ultimately, improve worker safety on construction sites.

Employers are already obligated to ensure that workers who use fall protection systems have adequate training under Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) 82

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regulations for construction projects, per section 26.2 (1) of O. Reg. 213/91. The new working-at-heights training, introduced in an amendment to the OHSA’s Occupational Health and Safety Awareness and Training regulation (O. Reg. 297/13), is meant to beef up this existing requirement by establishing a consistent, high-quality standard for the sector.

“A ny b o d y w ho w or k s i n t h at environment knows it’s a high hazard activity,” said Minister of Labour Kevin Flynn. “We need new training that allows us to set a baseline, where everybody’s on the same standard.”

T he new stand ard covers topics including the use of personal protective equipment, hazard identification and r ights and responsibi lities related to working at heights. It applies to construction workers who are required by regulations for construction projects to use any one of six fall protection systems, including travel restraint, fall restricting and fall arrest systems, as well as safety nets and work or safety belts.

Employers will be responsible for ensuring these workers have completed a Chief Prevention Officer (CPO)-approved training program delivered by a CPOapproved training provider. They will also need to keep records for workers, including the worker’s name, the training provider’s name, the training program’s name and the date the worker completed training, and also be able to produce them on request for Ministry of Labour inspectors.

A two-year transition period will give workers who meet OHSA regulations for construction projects before April 1, 2015 until April 1, 2017 to meet the new requirements. Training is valid for three years, after which workers must complete an approved refresher course.

The roll-out of the new training requirements in Ontario follows a Ministry of Labour blitz of fall hazards in the construction sector last summer. Aimed at increasing awareness and compliance with existing requirements, the blitz saw Ministry inspectors target workplaces that had been the subject of complaints, had a history of non-compliance and were known to have a high frequency of injuries involving falls.

Over the course of the blitz, inspectors issued 584 stop-work orders. Single-family ohba.ca

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Cut Insurance Costs Not Coverage Builders can save 20-30%

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housing projects accounted for 39% of the orders, commercial building construction projects accounted for 19% and apartments and multiple-housing projects 16%.

In total, inspectors issued 6,458 work orders under the OHSA during 2,038 visits to 1,670 workplaces. The top three violations cited a failure to use personal protective equipment, failure to erect guardrails and failure to use other forms of fall protection when guardrails were not reasonably possible. By mid-January 2015, around 95% of the orders had been complied with, the Ministry reported.

“The blitzes that have taken place over the years told us that there’s more work to be done—that we can get better at this and that Ontario business, and especially the construction sector, can get better at this as well,” said Minister Flynn.

Floral colours in vogue for 2015

Complete Accessibility Specializing in residential and commercial accessibility since 1985, Motion Specialties offers the largest selection of mobility equipment to suit any application. Explore our stairlift, vertical lift, and elevator offerings to provide complete accessibility throughout your home or business.

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Rich floral colours are expected to be in full bloom this coming season—not only in the garden, but in all elements of home decor, forecasts Sico paint.

Think deep pastel tones, such as blue hydrangeas, dusty pink roses, saturated orange and turquoise peonies, sunflowers, clay grey stones and reddish brown vines.

“It’s all about bringing colours of the garden inside and using them in creative ways,” said Mylène Gévry of Sico paint. “ The return-to-nature trend firmly planted in home decor the past couple of years is now moving away from neutral tones toward more colourful—while still soothing—elements of nature.”

2014-08-18 12:50 PM

To meet growing consumer demand for colour-infused decor, Sico recently introduced the Muse line, the brand’s best paint for rich colours. A paintand-primer-in-one, it features ‘Touch Resist Technology,’ which gives colour surfaces exceptional richness and depth while providing maximum resistance to scratches, marks and stains.

Bosch Goes on Tour The Bosch Lead the Charge Power Tour is bringing the company’s power tool technology right to the doorstep of customers across the U.S. and Canada this spring and early summer. The Power Tour is a hands-on display and education centre that allows users to test Bosch’s latest power tools, accessories and measuring tools.

Each event includes a visit from a Bosch-themed one-ton Ram Promaster cargo van and customized 17-foot tool trailer, and also features hands-on tool demonstrations and free Bosch gear, as well as special one-day pricing.

Strassburger ad B 4.528 x 4.833 final.pdf

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The Tour’s Ontario stops are as follows: May 5 at London’s Federated Tools May 6 at St. Catharines’ Art’s Tool Sales May 7 at London’s Tegs Tools & Machinery May 20 at Mississauga Hardware May 21 at Nepean’s Ottawa Fasteners Supply May 22 at Ottawa’s Preston Hardware For more information about the Bosch Lead the Charge Power Tour, visit BoschPowerTour.com.

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CORRECTION

In OHB Spring, an incorrect photo appeared on P. 100 in our story about CertainTeed’s health product declarations for fibreglass insulation.

The correct photo appears above. ohba.ca

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product focus

Cosella-Dörken Delta FL

From Top to Bottom A 180-degree view of the latest in roofing and flooring

By Dan O’Reilly

As well as providing owners with the style of house or living area they’ve always dreamt of, home renovations are a major driver of the Canadian economy. And while everything from kitchen cabinets and bathtubs to lighting fixtures and entertainment systems constitute a big chunk of those reno jobs, it’s what’s above and below those new additions that can play an equally important role. The following is a list of roofing and flooring products to help exceed the expectations of your clients. ohba.ca

Keeping basements dry

With the possible exception of a leaky roof, the defect most likely to scare off potential purchasers of renovated houses is basement moisture. Now available in new, easy-tohandle rolls, Cosella-Dörken’s Delta FL is a dimpled plastic membrane that provides a total blanket of protection for floors installed over concrete. The dimpled structure provides an under-floor air space that allows water, which may collect on the underside, to flow harmlessly to basement drains. One of the easiest and most economical of concrete flooring systems to mount, it can produce a beautiful basement when topped with laminated flooring.

Alternatively, it can be covered with sheets of plywood to create a subfloor ready for the installation of carpeting or other floor coverings. deltafl.com

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product focus

Call in the Expert

Zim Group metal roofing A roof for life

Most roofs won’t last a lifetime, but that’s exactly the promise the Zim Group makes.

Using non-recycled steel purchased from European suppliers, it produces lightweight and affordable roof tiles that resemble traditional clay ones and are backed with a 50-year transferable warranty. The steel is pressed into modular panels through a rollforming process, rather than a stamping operation. Apart from being maintenance free, the tiles enhance the appearance of homes and increase energy efficiency and air quality. The lightweight material also eases the structural loading. Installing them, however, requires knowledge and expertise, which is why the company recommends builders and renovators use its specially trained field erection teams or ask for a consultation. More information is available on YouTube. zimgroup.ca

Ceragres Stone Box Mini

I n s pi re d b y Eu ro p e a n technology and manufactured in Canada, the Expert is a hardwood floor product from Lauzon that meets the specific needs of contractors and renovators. Combining the rich solid look of a s o l i d h a rd w o o d f l o o r with the stability of an engineered one, the Expert is both functional and good-looking. Every plank is crafted with the highest precision moulding machines and tools, while very delicate sanding creates a silky texture, highlighting the effect on the grain.

It ca n be insta l led on slightly uneven subfloors, while high-performance adhesives permit movement and significantly reduce cupping. There is also a smooth transition to other areas of the home, as the floor will be on the same level as adjacent ceramic floors. The Expert contains no added VOC or formaldehyde and its use can contribute to LEED points . lauzonflooring.com

The look of stone

Evoking the look of stone and offered in three versatile modular sizes that fit both large and small spaces, the Stone Box Mini from Ceragres is a glazed Italian porcelain tile. Attractive and easy to insert, the tiles give renovators the freedom to transform any area into a place of beauty. To respect modularity between formats (a 3- to 5-mm joint should be used). Depending on the laying pattern, a straight or staggered setting is also recommended. The tile is available at Ceragres’ Boutique Workspaces and its Ontario tile partners. ceragres.ca 88

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Lauzon Expert

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product focus Thousands of flooring options

Gaylord Hardwood Flooring’s Walnut Natural Broadloom with luxury

Of fered in trad itiona l, moder n or transitional designs, broadloom and stair carpets from Tapis Rugs & Carpet add an element of luxury and style to any home.

They are woven exclusively from highquality New Zealand wool or a combination of wool and faux silk. The stair-roll runner selection covers various widths from 27” to 41” and is available in custom sizes.

Toronto-based Tapis is the exclusive Ontario distributor and its installers have been certified by the American manufacturer. Although concentrating on the GTA market, the company will ship its product to other areas of the province.

A special incentive program is offered to designers, architects and builders. tapisrugs.com

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On guard against moisture migration

Tapis stair-roll runner

Protecting the shower floor

No matter how carefully the tile has been laid, the shower stall floor is arguably the most vulnerable interior section of a home. With litres of water pouring down on it in any given time period, it needs protection. The CGC Durock Shower System is a fully bonded waterproofing system for tiled shower installations that controls moisture independently of the tile covering. It provides that security through the use of high-performance components that work in concert. For example, there is a strong, thin waterproofing membrane, a pipe seal, a mixing valve seal and a building code-approved substrate. Other key pieces include innovative and versatile drain and grate assemblies, as well as an exceptionally strong high-density EPS (expanded polystyrene) shower tray.

Designed with an optimal 2% slope, the trays can be cut with a utility knife if they don’t fit the floor’s footprint. There is also a choice of either Designer or Pro Series drain gates. durockshowersystem.com 90

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A s one of a few, if not t he on ly, manufacturer working directly with builders and renovators and not through dealers, Gaylord Hardwood Flooring offers thousands of different size, style, colour, sheen and other flooring options in both solid and 3/4” inch engineered hardwood f looring. Widths are available from 2-1/4” to 11.5” and all of the flooring is prefinished with a 40-year warranty. Also available are a number of unique products such as live-sawn white oak and the very rare bird’s-eye maple. The Ottawa-based firm ships its products across the world.

CGC Durock Shower System

A home’s first line of defense against the elements is the roof, which is why builders, renovators and roofing contractors might want to consider the Blueskin RF200 from Henry Company. The selfadhesive ice and water barrier is a SBSmodified, high-temperature bitumen roofing underlayment reinforced with a textured skid-resistant polyethylene film.

Specifically designed to be self-adhered on sloped roof surfaces as a secondary seal under shingles or tile, it protects the interior from damage caused by water infiltration stemming from ice dams or wind-driven rain. Moisture is prevented from horizontally seeping underneath the laps by the enhanced SBS compound. It self-seals when penetrated by mechanical fasteners or roofing nails. Light and easy to carry, the Blueskin RF200 meets the ASTM D1970 standard. henry.com

FormicaBlueskin 180fx Collection Henry Company RF200

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A to Z SUPPORT IN BUILDING PROJECTS

Truss Engineering Group (TEG) provides A to Z support in building projects: strong structural design for residential, commercial, recreational, institutional, high-rise buildings, as well as drawing preparation, permit applications, construction and supervision.

To learn more about our projects and services, check out our website: www.trussengineering.ca

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Easy-step roof repairs

Not all malfunctioning roofs require replacing. Sometimes all that is required is an emergency repair using the SmartFlash EZ Patch from CertainTeed.

Used to patch leaks and cracks on flat and sloping surfaces, the high-performance SmartFlash membrane consists of a single component that is UV stable and solvent free. Self-adhering, it contains a pre-saturated polyester-reinforcing fleece with a cold-liquid-applied resin.

Each package contains latex gloves and the 16”x10.5” fleece patch, which can be used on bitumen, single-ply membranes, concrete, wood and metal roofing surfaces. The quick application process is odour-free and eliminates the need for additional tools, primer and solvent. Once the repair is finished, there is no leftover material to clean up and the roof is rain-proofed in only one hour, and completely cured in 48 hours.

Torlys Florence Designer Cork Put a cork in it

No longer considered a specialty item, cork has become a popular flooring choice for designers, renovators and homeowners, says Torlys Inc. It’s that evolution that is driving a major reinvention of the company’s cork product line to include 40 distinctive styles. Renovators and builders will now be able to obtain flooring in designerstyled looks with longer, wider planks that add to an attractive seamless appearance.

Some of the planks are almost six feet long, which the manufacturer suggests are the largest cork planking on the market.

Available in two lines, it will appeal to all types of consumers with varying tastes and budgets. The entire collection is FSC(Forest Stewardship Council) certified, ensuring the floors come from sustainably managed forests. torlys.com

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A winning combination

IKO Dynasty’s laminated shingle

New heights in roof protection

Offered in seven high-definition colour blends, the Dynasty from IKO is a laminated architectural shingle that gives a finished roof the appearance of a shake shingle. Every shingle is supported with the ArmourZone, an ultra-tough, extremely durable, reinforced woven band to prevent nails from pulling through. It has been tested to withstand winds of up to 190 kph. The nail zone is a 1-1/4” high area that runs the full length of the shingle. Another critical feature is the extra weathering asphalt that adds weight for better performance and weather resistance. With three bundles covering one true square (100 square feet), roofers can also complete their work faster, says IKO. iko.com 92

ontario home builder renovation 2015

Apart from being a signature showpiece, houses with cedar shake roofs with copper accessories may outlive the owners. Cedar shake roofs require little or no maintenance and the copper will inhibit moss growth, as well as accenting the appearance of the shakes. Some examples of copper accent areas could be the ridges, eavestroughs, the caps of dormer windows, or even weathervanes, says Cedar and Copper Roof Ontario, an exclusive manufacturer and installer.

In addition to standard copper, the company can also provide painted steel, lacquered copper, aged brown copper, green patina copper and lead-coated copper products. As coppersmithing is a specialty trade, a two-week to a month’s lead time is required to meet orders. thinkcedar.com

CertainTeed’s SmartFlash EZ Patch

Cedar and Copper Roof Ontario

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Beaver Valley Stone offers the largest selection of natural stone and precast products in Ontario, including flagstone, both random and saw cut. We also have many different types of drywall, ledgerock, natural stone steps and sills. Our precast concrete products include patio slabs, sills, steps and curbs. We also offer a wide selection of interlocking paving stones and retaining wall systems, from a variety of manufacturers.

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Leak-Bye

The Interior Foundation Drainage System Be sure to use the Leak-Bye interior foundation drainage system. Used by award-winning builders, Leak-Bye diverts inside moisture from foundation leaks and condensation to the floor slab drainage system below.

Leak-Bye, your best defense against water penetration.

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93

outside the box

Parent Trap The nest just isn’t emptying like it used to

By Avi Friedman Parents who live in single-detached homes in Canada’s largest cities are among the most likely to have adult children living at home with them, a Statistics Canada study suggests. The data go on to show that nearly 60% of Canadians aged 20 to 24 live with their parents, compared with only 41% two decades earlier.

In an age of early teenage independence and easy mobility, one would have assumed a reversed trend would prevail: that young adults would be eager to define their identity and move out as soon as they could to find their own place. So what went wrong? Why is Hotel Mama so convenient and addictive?

Several phenomena have altered past trends. Some have to do with emerging socio-economic reasons, while others are rooted in new cultural attitudes. The cost of housing has risen sharply in the past two decades. Young people often have to put their plans to rent an apartment on hold, as a single salary may no longer be sufficient to cover the rental fee in most of Canada’s large urban centres and still leave money for much else.

The average age of marriage has also risen. Now approaching 26 years for men 94

ontario home builder renovation 2015

and women, newlyweds who are not supported by their parents must buy a home far away from downtown where land is cheap if they want a place of their own, and weave long commutes into their daily routine.

Alternatively, they may rent in town or continue to live with their parents until they have saved enough for a down payment on a home closer to their place of employment.

The declining birth rates of Canadians are another reason behind the comfort of staying with mom and pop. Boomers have fewer kids than their parents had. With 2.7 people per household, there is no pressure to move out of a crowded house. There is simply no morning rush-hour lineup in front of the bathroom door.

The average size of a home has also grown. A typical 1950s home that measured 800 sq. ft. bears no resemblance to today’s products. There are more bathrooms and bedrooms, and larger kitchens in today’s 2,500 sq. ft., newly constructed dwelling—with fewer people!

Economic changes have also affected prolonged stays of offspring at their parents’ places. A university degree, it seems, is no longer sufficient to find a well-paying job. Whereas a high school diploma was a

ticket to stable employment 50 years ago, competition has upset the job market. Lack of security and repayment of student loans leave little room for financial manoeuvrability. Some students, paradoxically, elect to stay in university longer, obtaining additional degrees to improve their standing of getting a well-paying job. Staying at home, where meals and laundry are taken care of also makes economic sense.

Such phenomena may change the way housing will be designed and marketed in the future. Today’s large homes offer the opportunity to design an independent suite with its own entrance, bathroom and kitchen. Space in the home has more territorial connotations as the young guard their domain. The child’s room, at times, can resemble an independent dwelling with entertainment devices and even food storage appliances, such as a small fridge.

As the boomers begin their transition to retirement, dreams of claiming the entire family nest to themselves will have to be postponed, at least for a while. OHB Dr. Avi Friedman teaches architecture at McGill University. He can be reached at avi.friedman@mcgill.ca. ohba.ca

BUILDS

COMMUNITIES

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That’s our specialty!

When a community is built from the ground up, there is no labour force on the planet, better skilled to get the job done right the first time. LiUNA members and retirees made a commitment to their careers, which means a commitment to our communities.

A commitment to build the BEST schools, airports, hospitals, office buildings, tunnels, power plants, roads, bridges, low rise and high rise housing in the country. When the work is done, LiUNA members and retirees continue to live, play and grow in their communities, with the guarantee of a pension that is also....simply the BEST! Approaching 100,000 members and retirees across Ontario, LiUNA is committed to building communities throughout the Province.

While our affiliates specialize in representing construction workers, we also represent many other industries including manufacturing, health care, custodial services, convention and show exhibits.

Ontario Provincial District Council visit www.liunaopdc.org today

We’re here to serve you better.

Enercare’s commitment is to offer you the best advice and solutions for your water heating and HVAC needs.

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Contact one of our Account Managers for a free one-on-one consultation: Ottawa & Valley

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Laura Bonise 647-227-1359

Carole Solway 416-347-9982

Peter Boker 519-521-0595

Linda Oliveri 866-895-0223

Available to rental water heater customers whose equipment is not operational (i.e. no hot water). On average we attend to water heater non-operational calls 90% of the time the same day. ™Enercare Home Services is a trademark of Enercare Home and Commercial Services Limited Partnership, used under license.

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