Ontario Home Builder - Winter 2014

ohba.ca

winter 2014 | $5.00

streamlining OMB, planning and development charges P.34

Lighting the way economic gurus share their forecasts for 2014

Golden Road

Pet Heaven

New report hopes to solve traffic congestion

how much is that doggie door in the window?

P.38

P.60

Echo, Echo meet the next generation of homebuyers

P.54

PM 42011539

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Table of contents

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60 Columns 9 One Voice By Joe Vaccaro Members respond to a call to action 17 Human Capital By Barbara Green and David Segal What is just cause to fire an employee?

19 Marketing By Kara Smith Seeking new software for contractors 21 Health & Safety By George Gritziotis Ontario safety is going to new heights 23 Technology By John Amardeil High-tech hooks for today’s homebuyers 98 Outside the Box By Avi Friedman Modern furniture should fit modern spaces Departments

features

34 DEFINING MOMENT

planning the future of ONTARIO’s INFRASTRUCTURE

38 MISSING LINKS

will a Golden moment solve metrolinx’s big move?

45 BUY THE NUMBERS

fROZEN INTEREST and other important PREDICTIONS

49 INCH BY INCH

ANALYSTS PREDICT A SLOW BUT STEADY ROAD AHEAD

11 Ontario Report A big day at Queen’s Park, a new look for the 2014 Builder & Renovator Forum, hard hats at Fanshawe and a Party for Humanity

54 LISTEN FOR THE ECHO

25 Top Shelf Putting the right tools in your hands

60 IT’S A DOG’S LIFE

75 Better Building Canada’s first Active House, yellow is hot for 2014 and CHBA’s SAM Award finalists 89 Product Focus Finding your heating and AC comfort zone www.ohba.ca

the NEW-HOME MARKET PREPARES FOR BOOMERS’ BABIES

Building homes for the Pet lover

66 LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

what leaves the biggest impressions on buyers? ontario home builder winter 2014

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The official publication of the Ontario Home Builders’ Association Winter 2014 | Vol. 30 Issue 1

editor

Ted McIntyre ted@laureloak.ca associate editor

Norma Kimmins, OHBA art director

Erik Mohr graphic designer

Tania Janthur copy editor

Barbara Chambers contributors

John Amardeil, Avi Friedman, Barbara Green, George Gritziotis, Tracy Hanes, Elaine Kapogines, Steve Maxwell, Dan O’Reilly, Jeffrey Reed, Michael Ryval, David Segal, Kara Smith, Joe Vaccaro PHOTOGRAPHY

Danny Brizzi, Rodney Daw PRESIDENT

monitored with our 5-point inspection in our prompt after-sale service

Wayne Narciso publisher

Sheryl Humphreys, ext. 245 sheryl@laureloak.ca advertising sales

in our superior quality and competitive pricing

Tricia Bird, ext. 223 tricia@laureloak.ca Cindy Kaye, ext. 232 cindy@laureloak.ca Published by

Laurel Oak Custom Publishing www.laureloak.ca

www.ohba.ca

Tel 905.274.5020 Fax 905.274.7110 www.tristucco.com

info@ohba.ca

Ontario Home Builder is published six times per year (Spring, Renovation, Summer, Fall, Awards, Winter).

All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher © 2014. Single copy price is $5.00. Subscription Rates: Canada $11.95 + HST per year, USA $29.95 USD. Mail payment to: Laurel Oak Custom Publishing 1062 Cooke Blvd., Burlington, ON L7T 4A8 Phone (905) 333-9432 Fax (905) 333-4001 CANADIAN PUBLICATION MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 42011539 ISSN No. 1182-1345

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ontario home builder winter 2014

www.ohba.ca

OPEN TO PUBLIC... TRADES WELCOME...

Go on line to request Free Catalog Innisfil / Barrie Showroom 73 Morrow Road Barrie, ON L4N 3V7 Tel. (705) 722-3874

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Richmond Hill Markham Showroom 160 Bullock Drive Markham, ON, L3P 1W2 Tel. (289) 818-1830

Toronto / Mississauga Showroom 4-4444 Eastgate Parkway Mississauga, ON L4W 4T6 Tel. (416) 593-8883

Vaughan / Concord Showroom 2180 Highway 7, Unit #17 Concord, ON L4K 1W6 T. (905) 282-9994

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FAST EXCITING

one voice

All for one, and one for all Engaging members in the work of OHBA

By Joe vaccaro

photo: margaret Mulligan

Last year, the Ontario Home Builders’

Association welcomed another association to the fold, the Bluewater Builders’ Association, bringing us to 30 locals within OHBA. Thirty locals—some with lots of members, some with fewer, some in rural areas, some in big cities. Differences for sure, but much in common.

Those common interests and concerns were clearly evident at the end of 2013, when OHBA engaged and consulted extensively with the membership on how to respond to the two provincial consultations launched early last fall by the Hon. Linda Jeffrey, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. One consultation concerned Ontario’s land-use planning system and decision-making process, including appeals to the OMB, while the other focused on the Development Charges Act and other municipal development-related fees and charges (see story on page 34).

Needless to say, these two consultations and the resulting recommendations are critical to the long-term health of the residential construction industry, as well as cities and communities across the province. Understanding their importance, OHBA held consultations of our own at five local associations across the province and encouraged members who could not attend to send us an email or give us a call and provide us with their suggestions. We sent out a biweekly newsletter to update where we were in the process, and also hosted a number of meetings with key

www.ohba.ca

decision makers, including Premier Kathleen Wynne and Housing Minister Jeffrey.

Whether a developer of high-rise condos in the GTA, a subdivision production builder in mid-size cities or a custom builder in smalltown Ontario, members enthusiastically responded to the call for action.

Armed with stories, experiences and recommendations from OHBA members, our two hard-working committees produced submissions that speak to the need to make affordability and fairness a cornerstone of the provincial planning system. And while OHBA agrees that growth should pay for growth, we also believe there needs to be greater fairness, accountability and transparency when it comes to taxes, fees and charges borne by new-home buyers and new businesses. Both of our submissions, which will be posted on OHBA’s website on Jan. 10, reflect those principles, and I urge you to read them.

The submissions also reflect another principle that OHBA honours—that we are a grassroots organization and our success is contingent upon the involvement of our members and volunteers from across the province.

For these crucial consultations, we asked for your participation and engagement, and we got it. Thank you! Now we need the government to do its part to provide an environment that creates the fairness and affordability that new neighbours—both home buyers and new business—deserve. OHB

For these crucial consultations we asked for your participation, and we got it.

Joe Vaccaro is the CEO of the Ontario Home Builders’ Association.

ontario home builder winter 2014

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Ontario Report

OHBA 1st Vice-President Vince Molinaro with the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Hon. Linda Jeffrey, and OHBA President Eric DenOuden at Queen’s Park.

OHBA Day at Queen’s Park OHBA hosted a day at Queen's Park for our network of 30 local associations that began with a visit to the legislature during Question Period in the morning, followed by a Board of Directors meeting. The Honourable Linda Jeffrey, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, joined the board for lunch and emphasized the importance of the ongoing consultations on development charges and the land-use planning system in Ontario, and encouraged the association to provide recommendations.

The day ended with a reception that was well attended by members of provincial parliament from all political parties, including a number of cabinet ministers, and provided members an opportunity to meet and talk in a relaxed and informal environment.

OHBA is keenly aware that we need to be “in the room”—talking about industry issues with our political leaders as well as their staff.

OHBA is non-partisan and understands the value and importance of sharing our perspective with politicians in all three parties, and the MPP reception afforded members an opportunity to do just that.

To view more photos from the day at Queen’s Park, please visit our Facebook page.

Join us February 26-28 at the spectacular Hilton Hotel and Suites Niagara Falls for the 2014 Builder and Renovator Forum, your premier conference on building innovation and technical excellence. OHBA is partnering with EnerQuality to provide a relevant program designed to help your business grow and evolve with the upcoming regulatory changes.

The program will include round table discussions, educational seminars, engaging industry speakers, a trade exhibit and EnerQuality’s Awards of Excellence gala.

Topics include: * Ontario Building Code 2014 Update * CMHC Economic Housing Forecasts * Discovery Homes from the Optimum Home Program and Savings by Design * Institute of Building Excellence * Tax-related Issues for Builders and Renovators

www.ohba.ca

But it is not all work and no play. Lace up your skates at our charity hockey event celebrating OHBA’s 50 Good Deeds initiative, featuring hockey legends Marcel Dionne, Steve Ludzig and Rick Vaive.

Visit builderrenovatorforum.ca for full program details and to register.

ontario home builder winter 2014

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Ontario Report

More than 100 first-year Fanshawe College carpentry students formed in the shape of the London HBA logo to celebrate the donation of more than 100 hard hats.

HARD HATS FOR STUDENTS More than 100 Fanshawe College carpentry students received a free hard hat to begin their school term, thanks to members of the London Home Builders’ Association. Hard hats are mandatory safety equipment that students in the Construction Carpentry Techniques program are expected to purchase at the beginning of the term and LHBA’s yearly contribution is one of many programs that supports the association’s priority of encouraging young people to pursue careers in construction.

Beyond the hard hat contribution, the local instituted a student ambassador program that has students network with LHBA members who are active professionals in the residential sector and also facilitate employment opportunities for students.

LHBA has also launched its own 50-good-deeds initiative in support of OHBA’s “Celebrating 50 Years with 50 Good Deeds” program.

Celebrate Your Charitable Good Deeds with Us! As announced at the OHBA conference in Niagara Falls, OHBA has embarked on a very special project to celebrate our 50 great years as a provincial association. We are calling it, “Celebrating 50 years with 50 Good Deeds.”

We are asking our member companies, as well as our 30 local associations, to contribute to the project by supporting charitable projects within their communities.

Charitable projects don’t necessarily have to be about money—perhaps it is about lending your talent and abilities, or perhaps assuming a leadership role on projects. Whether it is a toy drive, sponsoring a charityrun event or building a home for a needy family, there is so

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ontario home builder winter 2014

BILD Party for Humanity Celebrates 10 Homes in 10 Years In keeping with this year’s theme, more than 400 members and friends of BILD donned “jeans, jackets and jewels” at the association’s fifth annual Party for Humanity at Exhibition Place.

The annual fundraising event netted more than $20,000 for Habitat for Humanity Toronto, as the industry celebrated helping 10 Habitat families into 10 homes in 10 years.

“This event has been a tremendous success every year, and this year was special because we’ve helped build 10 homes in 10 years with Habitat for Humanity Toronto,” said BILD president and CEO Bryan Tuckey. “We couldn’t have been happier with the crowd or the venue.

Our industry is committed to giving back to the community, and our team at BILD always makes great efforts to support our community partner, Habitat, and has a fun time doing it.”

BILD’s Party for Humanity is one of four major fundraisers for Habitat for Humanity Toronto.

The association has supported the charity since 2003 and has since raised more than $640,000 toward its goal of building affordable homes for low-income families.

much we can do with our time, talent and resources.

And please make sure you let us know about your project—we have already started a Facebook page highlighting charitable projects and plan to run a full feature story about the “50 Good Deeds” project in an issue of Ontario Home Builder magazine. High-resolution photos and details of your charitable project will be added to our growing list of fantastic community work being done by local HBAs and member companies across Ontario.

Ontario’s residential construction industry makes a difference in everyday lives, every day. This is just one more way to contribute to a wonderful legacy to help celebrate our 50 years as a provincial association.

For further information on how you can participate in this program, contact Kathryn Segal, OHBA communications officer, at ksegal@ohba.ca or 1-800387-0109, ext 223.

www.ohba.ca

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Ontario Report

2014 OHBA local association Presidents Steve Upton (Chair) BILD Murray Leis Bluewater Rob Melick Brantford Dan VanMoorsel Chatham-Kent Henry Jansen Greater Dufferin Jennifer Hurd Durham Region Tim Clancy Grey-Bruce Darrin Drake Guelph & District Sam Bunting Haldimand-Norfolk Shane Sisson Haliburton County Nando DeCaria Hamilton-Halton Mark Fox Kingston Frontenac Luke McLenaghan Lanark-Leeds Doug Wastell London Chuck McShane Niagara Robert Miller North Bay & District Pierre Dufresne Greater Ottawa Steve Hunt Oxford County Randy Smith Peterborough & The Kawarthas Brian Garrard Quinte Dean Fuisz Renfrew Lesley Hutton St. Thomas/Elgin Scott Henderson Sarnia-Lambton Wally Halliday Saugeen TBA Seaway Valley Bruce Bolduc Simcoe County Larry Otten Stratford & Area Phil Monkhouse Sudbury & District Chris Kelos Thunder Bay Kevin Watts Waterloo Region Ben Klundert Greater Windsor

Learn Your Living Certification Program Courses Now Available!

Looking for current information on ever-evolving building practices, code changes or legal issues? Or do you want to improve your expertise around financial management or sales and marketing?

OHBA’s Institute of Building Excellence (IBE) can help. The Institute provides web-based online learning that focuses on best practices in business management, building and renovation technologies, building codes, legal issues and many other topics. The courses are available 24/7/365—anywhere you are; they are supported by expert instructors who provide online guidance, mark assignments, deliver a half-day, inclass review and invigilate a written exam; and they allow students to learn at their own pace. Register online and choose the date and place for the oneday class within a 12-month window.

Province-wide member engagement is paramount, so OHBA, through the Institute, has ensured that the courses are readily available, achievable and affordable.

The process is simple. Register at learnyourliving.ca, choose your course, venue and date. You will be assigned an instructor, your printed companion text will be mailed the same day, you automatically receive your student access, and then you begin. It’s that easy.

If you want to attain professional recognition that elevates you and your company, then start today and learn your living through OHBA’s Institute of Building Excellence.

For more information and to view the spring course calendar, visit the Institute of Building Excellence section at ohba.ca or call IBE registrar M.J. Whitemarsh toll-free at 1-855-818-0449 or email mjwhitemarsh@ohba.ca.

Diamond Anniversary for Owens Corning

In September 1978, Owens Corning opened its ISB Toronto Plant and began production of R20-23 fibreglass insulation.

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ontario home builder winter 2014

Owens Corning Chairman and CEO Michael H. Thaman celebrated the company’s 75th birthday by ringing the closing bell on the New York Stock Exchange. The company, which employs an estimated 15,000 worldwide (and more than 1,000 in Canada) was founded in 1938 after a failed experiment with glass building blocks produced a surprising result—it revealed a way to make glass fibres in commercial quantities. That discovery launched not only the company and a new product, it also set in motion the spawning of new industries related to the production of fibreglass materials.

www.ohba.ca

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Build Bell into the plan.

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When you offer it, they will come.

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human capital Dishonesty

Dishonesty refers to untrustworthy conduct, which commonly includes theft or fraud. In addition to normal acts of dishonesty during employment, it can also occur prior to employment or during employment in relation to matters unconnected with employment, and both may be relied upon as grounds for just cause for dismissal. The courts focus on the extent to which the conduct is connected with the employment relationship and the extent that the conduct is suggestive of the future dependability of the employee. A single minor incident of dishonesty would likely not justify termination for just cause.

Incompetence

You’re fired!

When do you have just cause to terminate?

This article was written with reference to the Honourable Mr. Justice John R. Sproat’s Employment Law Manual (Carswell)

By Barbara Green and David Segal What is just cause for dismissal? The

words “just cause” refer to a situation that justifies the termination of an employee without the need for an employer to provide reasonable notice or pay in lieu of notice. There is no easy way to identify what amounts to just cause. Most cases are unique and determined on their facts.

As the punishment is harsh, it is understandably difficult to prove. In order for an employer to terminate an employee for just cause, there must be proof that the employee has either done something contrary to the employment contract or substantially prejudicial to the employer’s business, and further that this conduct has effectively undermined the employment relationship such that the employment contract is fundamentally breached.

Ontario case law include several categories of misconduct that form the basis for just cause. Here are a few examples: Insubordination

Insubordination includes any refusal of an employee to follow instructions and any other conduct of that employee that constitutes a challenge to persons in authority or their policies. Typically, an employer www.ohba.ca

is not permitted to terminate an employee for just cause for a single minor act of insubordination. The grounds to terminate arise more commonly from a series of major acts of insubordination.

Lateness and Absenteeism

There is likely no valid excuse for persistent lateness. A series of warnings, combined with a continuation of late reporting, should amount to just cause for dismissal.

Termination for absenteeism is tougher.

Some employees have good health, while others are more prone to illness. While it is unreasonable to require medical information from an employee for all absences, it is reasonable to require medical evidence for an unusually high absentee rate. Employers may be entitled to insist upon medical information to justify such absences. In the 2004 Ontario Superior Court case, Kontopidis v. Coventry Lane Automobiles Ltd., the court held that because the employee was repeatedly absent without explanation, the employer was justified in terminating the employee without notice. The termination followed repeated warnings and written instructions that the employee refused to comply with.

Measuring incompetence extends beyond working ability and into an analysis of the employee’s perception of actual work performed, the employer’s pre-employment representations and the job description. Proving incompetence is difficult for employers, who must demonstrate that the level falls below an objective standard of reasonable competence. Incompetence is rarely the sole factor that leads to termination.

Intoxication

Employers will likely be able to terminate an employee for just cause if the employee’s intoxication affects their work in a way that constitutes a risk to the lives or safety of others. However, a court may not find just cause if the employee came to work intoxicated for a brief period due to emotional or personal problems, absent safety considerations. The safety risks of an intoxicated employee and the length and quality of his or her service guides the court in determining whether just cause exists.

Terminating an employee for just cause is harsh action. The employer must be able to produce significant evidence for support. As always, employers should consistently document all employees’ work performances, especially performancerelated issues, and seek legal advice prior to carrying out the termination. OHB Barbara Green is a lawyer with Robins, Appleby & Taub LLP. Her litigation practice includes employment law, estate law and construction litigation. David Segal is an articling student with Robins, Appleby & Taub LLP. robinsapplebyandtaub.com ontario home builder winter 2014

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cook to create

Introducing the new 30” Induction, Dual Fuel, Electric and Gas Ranges from Fisher & Paykel. Designed to complement our family of kitchen solutions, our new ranges are spacious with telescopic shelving, easy to clean and offers precise temperature control for even the most demanding chef.

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Marketing

Who will fill the void?

Software developers are missing an opportunity

By Kara Smith It is not unusual to see contractors on the

job checking their smartphones throughout the day. According to recent data from Eric Mower & Associates, 82% of general contractors now use a smartphone, and 54% indicate they have increased their tablet usage by 54% just in the past year.

But the question remains: Are they using these valuable tools to their full potential?

While the vast majority of contractors now use such devices during their workday, the renovation industry is still lagging in its use of technology. As a homeowner, I’ve worked with my share of contractors, and know many personally. We’ve talked about the way they do business today and what the future looks like for them with technology and their business. They are well aware that they have room for improvement in the technology and tool department, but most www.ohba.ca

don’t know how to fix the problem. They may be aware that there are solutions available, but find the software options too expensive and the learning curve too steep. Time, of course, is money, but the last thing they want to do at the end of a long, exhausting day is struggle to learn a software program that ‘may’ give them a small return.

What the contracting industry is lacking today is disruptive innovation.

By definition, disruptive innovation can help create new markets and value, and over time (possibly years or decades) will overturn the status quo, displacing traditional ways of working or technologies.

But the renovation industry is different.

We don’t have incumbent technologies to displace. What we need is an innovative technology solution that is easy to adopt, dead simple to use and makes it easier for

us to do our job. Contractors don’t want to change the way they do business; they just want better tools that allow them to continue their everyday work as they know it, but in a way that gives them an edge, allowing them to win more jobs, save time and even get paid faster. If such a tool arrived at Home Depot, I’m pretty sure contractors would line up to buy it.

So that’s the problem we need to solve for the contracting industry—to recognize that our mobile phone, iPad and laptop are valuable business tools, just as important as the hammer and tape measure we carry in our toolbox. These technologies make contractors more productive.

Some contractors are ahead of the curve, leveraging technology to increase productivity and win jobs over the everyday contractor by making it easier for homeowners to connect and communicate with them in real time. We’re even seeing established firms develop their own proprietary software to help them secure new customers by keeping homeowners happy—before, during and after the renovation.

Contractors do not need a big, expensive, complicated software package with a long list of features. They won’t buy it and they won’t use it. What they need is a set of easy-to-use technology tools they can access from the jobsite, using their smartphone to get the answers they need in rapid fashion. John O’Hara from the EMA Partners and the Leader of EMA Contractors agrees. “Smartphone and tablet use among contractors on the jobsite continues its dramatic rise and marketers that are not focusing resources in this area are missing an important opportunity. At a minimum, marketers should be looking at developing apps that help contractors do their job, websites that are optimized for mobile devices and product literature that can be properly used on tablets.”

So the technology race is on to fill the void in the contracting industry. Who will be the first to develop the simple tools contractors need to win more jobs, communicate with homeowners and get to payment the fastest? The company that figures it out and builds the proper tool is going to tap into a gold mine. OHB Kara Smith is the Chief Operating Officer at RENOMii. ontario home builder winter 2014

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Hello, Canadian Winters

THe ONly gAs furNACes mAde iN CANAdA When you build your homes with Napoleon products, you can rest assured your home buyers are warm and comfortable with years of reliable and quality built fireplaces and gas furnaces.

Napoleon is the #1 preferred fireplace and HVAC brand for builders throughout Ontario. Canadian made products for Canadian built homes.

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Health & Safety

Preventive measure New regulation to strengthen workplace health and safety culture

By George Gritziotis A new Mandatory Occupational Health

and Safety Awareness and Training regulation comes into force on July 1, 2014.

As of that date, employers in Ontario must ensure that all their workers and supervisors complete a basic occupational health and safety awareness training program. Of course, many employers already exceed the minimum threshold in the regulation; but for those who don’t, it’s a call to take their responsibilities seriously.

The Mandatory Occupational Health and Safety Awareness training for workers must include, among other things, instruction on the duties and rights of workers under the Occupational Health www.ohba.ca

and Safety Act (OHSA), the duties of employers and supervisors under the Act, and common workplace hazards and occupational illnesses. Similarly, the training for supervisors must include the duties of employers and supervisors under the OHSA; how to identify, assess and manage workplace hazards; the role of joint health and safety committees and health and safety representatives under the OHSA; and the role of the Ministry of Labour, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) and health and safety associations.

Many organizations are already providing this training on their own or through training providers. As well, the

Ministry of Labour has developed and made available free eLearning modules that are easily accessed on its website and take about an hour to complete. Another option is to use workbooks that are available on the Ministry of Labour website or from ServiceOntario. All eLearning materials are available in English and French, with more languages in development. The workbooks are available in several languages.

This new awareness training will help strengthen Ontario’s occupational health and safety culture. Appropriate training gives everyone—workers, supervisors and employers—the knowledge they need to work safely. In conjunction with the new basic awareness requirements, we are specifically homing in on preventing injuries and fatalities among those who work at heights.

The Ministry is releasing a Working at Heights Training Program Standard—an important step in creating a quality training system that is consistent and gives those working from heights better knowledge about how to protect themselves and other workers from falls. In the future, this standard will be the basis for compulsory training for workers who work at heights in construction and other sectors.

For employers of those workers, for workers who use fall protection equipment and for fall protection training providers, this will be an opportunity to get information on how the release of this standard may impact training requirements for workers who work at heights.

The new standard is a key part of the Ministry’s strategy to eliminate injuries and fatalities due to falls from heights in Ontario workplaces. As well, Ontario will be the first in Canada to introduce an Integrated Occupational Health and Safety Strategy to guide and communicate the Ministry’s health and safety vision, goals and priorities. It’s a big step forward in transforming a set of diverse organizations into a more closely interconnected system. The strategy will have a significant impact on occupational health and safety throughout Ontario and we are proud of its release. OHB George Gritziotis is the Chief Prevention Officer with the Ontario Ministry of Labour.

ontario home builder winter 2014

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CHARACTER ISN’T SOMETHING YOU LACE UP.

YOU BUILD IT.

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technology

Sales offices furnished with digital site plan tables, like this one at Empire Communities’ Lakeside community in Brampton, encourage a more interactive and educational experience for today’s modern homebuyers.

Adapt or die

New technology attracts modern homebuyers

By John Amardeil They didn’t grow up reading classifieds.

They don’t bother with print news.

They are technologically savvy. They have a short attention span and they mistrust advertising. But they are not just tomorrow’s homebuyers—they are also today’s.

In an age when homebuyers have so many choices, it’s increasingly more important to show off your technological prowess, as technology not only helps them solve their problems, it also shows them that you speak their language. However, many builders have been painfully slow to adopt new technologies, even though they would likely help increase sales.

On the other end of the spectrum, some real estate agents have been too quick to latch on to any new technology they feel might help them improve. For example, a few realtors in the U.S. are showing properties to prospective long-distance buyers via Google Glass, a $1,500 wearable computer featuring an optical headwww.ohba.ca

mounted display. Not a bad idea, except you could do the same thing via Skype with a $600 iPhone or even a $229 iPod Touch— both of which you probably already own.

There has to be a better way to impress these tech-savvy consumers, one that doesn’t attempt to sway them by showing off expensive yet useless gadgets, but rather lets you solve real problems for them, all while separating you from the competition. One method is to put yourself in the shoes of a prospective homebuyer, and figure out a way to fix the limitations they suffer as they consider your product. Instead of relying on glittery new technology, begin with a reactive, search engine-optimized website that can be viewed on different devices, especially mobile ones. Continue with a high-quality video or two that depict the lifestyle made possible by the community.

Finally, add a social media campaign, depending on the community’s nature and demographics. It provides a more

engaging shopping experience for the consumer, differentiates the client from competitors and allows for a much better presentation of their products.

Many in the industry are already doing some of these things, but if the modern image they’re trying to convey isn’t reflected elsewhere in their campaign and products, they will be dismissed as a pretender.

If home builders want to take it to the next level, they can look at something many take for granted: their sales office.

If it’s anything like most sales offices out there, it could easily have been built 20 years ago, except for the edgier decor.

What this antiquated space usually does for potential homebuyers is force them to squint at static displays, choose a design they like, then walk over to the site plan table, where they again have to locate the home site. Worst of all, it means they will go back home without anything special to say about the whole experience. In fact, it will have been the exact same as they would have had at any competitor’s sales office.

The solution? Technology in the shape of touchscreens rather than static displays and digital site plan tables, just like the ones used at Highmark Homes’ Triumph community and Empire Communities’ Victory, Lakeside and Imagine projects. In each case, homebuyers are able to browse home designs on touchscreens. At Lakeside, they are also able to choose a specific home design and watch corresponding available home sites light up on the digital table, while interactive topographical scale models show trails, parks and more.

It’s innovative. It’s cool. It elevates the builder to a status above and beyond every other low-rise builder in the province (and maybe the country). More important, it’s helpful. And consumers never forget helpful.

More than ever, the difference between a campaign that clearly understands your audience and one that doesn’t may cost you dearly. When properly used, technology may be the ultimate differential, but it’s important to strike that balance where you neither overcomplicate things nor fail to adapt at the right pace. OHB John Amardeil, president of BAM Builder Advertising and Marketing, has marketed and sold over 30,000 Ontario homes. ontario home builder winter 2014

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Created from cellular PVC in the industry’s most state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, and distributed by Decor Innovations, the product’s only Elite Partner, Versatex Trimboard includes sheets, cornerboards, T&G beaded profiles, soffit system, one-piece column wraps, moulding profiles and the innovative Stealth Trim System—all with a fully transferable 30-year limited warranty. decorinnovations.ca Clearing the air

Trane’s CleanEffects whole-house air filtration system uses patented technology to remove up to 99.98% of the allergens and flu virus strains from the filtered air in a home, while keeping the air moving.

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One of a series of three new Stanley lasers, the SPL3 is a 3-beam spot laser projecting bright, self-levelling beams up, down and horizontally at a range of 100 feet and an accuracy of +/- 1/8”. It includes Stanley’s QuickLink bracket system for easy mounting onto multiple surfaces. $129.99. stanleytools.com Building blocks with style

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Six hours of warmth

The new Bosch PSJ120 12V Max Heated Jacket features three quick warming core heat zones that deliver up to six hours of runtime on the low-heat level, while also offering a convenient built-in battery backup power source to keep USB-compatible cell phones and other electronics charged. boschtools.com

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Irwin’s award-winning Folding Utility Knife Series with patented BladeLock Technology (the FK100, FK150 and FK250) addresses the most frequently cited user frustration: when blades accidentally pull out of the handle during use. BladeLock Technology further improves safety by providing the user with the ability to change blades only when the release button is engaged and the blade holder is in the 45° open position. $10.99 $15.99. Irwin.com

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Offered in a soft-shell or hooded option, DeWalt’s new heated (and wind- and water-resistant) jackets are powered by either the company’s new 20V MAX or 12V MAX lithium ion batteries. There’s an LED controller for three temperature settings, plus pre-heat mode, a USB power source capable of charging up to two electronic devices and a one-year limited warranty and 90-day money-back guarantee. $199-$249. dewalt.com

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Lenox’s new Fleam Ground Reciprocating Saw Blades incorporate an easy-sliding bi-metal blade with fleam ground technology, meaning two cutting edges per tooth instead of just one, so the blade cuts on both the push stroke and the back stroke for much faster and cleaner cutting. lenoxtools.com

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As a new value-added service to its line of cellular PVC extruded door frames, Vi-Lux is now offering a door jamb with a complete set of hinge holes, multi-points, strikes, double strikes, dados and reinforcement screw holes to customer specifications. vi-lux.com

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Defining moment A pair of provincial consultations provide an opportunity for Ontario to make profound changes in infrastructure planning

By Ted McIntyre

I

n the attempt to balance budgets and fund its infrastructural improvements, communities across Ontario have long searched for potential revenue streams. Increasingly, the target has been new-home purchasers and new businesses through financing tools like development charges. But the future of how development charges are implemented, as well as how developments are planned, hangs in the balance as the province prepares to review the results of two major consultations.

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ontario home builder winter 2014

Announced on Aug. 20 by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Hon. Linda Jeffrey at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario’s (AMO) annual conference in Ottawa, the first consultation concerned Ontario’s land-use planning system and decision-making process, including appeals to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB), while the second focused on the Development Charges Act (DCA) and other municipal development-related fees and charges. Each of the 80-day discussions is scheduled to come to a close on Jan. 10. www.ohba.ca

OHBA agreed that the time was right “for the province, municipalities and industry to make affordability and fairness a cornerstone of Ontario’s planning system,” according to its CEO, Joe Vaccaro. With respect to the landuse planning approvals process, Vaccaro observed, “this is an opportunity to have a fact-based discussion about how Ontario’s lengthy and complex public planning system is challenging housing affordability and adding to the costs of new communities for Ontarians.”

Regarding DCs, Vaccaro noted that, “by placing the new neighbours at the centre of this discussion in terms of affordability and fairness, we welcome the opportunity to have a detailed discussion on the impact of development charges, parkland dedication fees, Section 37 agreements and voluntary charges on housing affordability.”

In response to the Liberal government initiatives, OHBA organized two ad-hoc groups to engage and consult with its membership. OHBA Past President Leith Moore, VP of Development with the Sorbara Development Group and OHBA Treasurer Neil Rodgers, V.P. of Acquisitions and Land Development at Tribute Communities, co-chaired the planning/OMB committee, while Lyn Townsend, a lawyer with WeirFoulds LLP in Oakville and member of OHBA’s Executive Committee, chaired the group overseeing development charges.

Development charges have become a particular point of contention in recent years for OHBA members. Although an entire community might benefit from infrastructural upgrades to everything from bridges, highways and transit to recreation and cultural centres, municipalities have increasingly targeted new-home buyers and new businesses to pay the bills. Some municipalities, in fact, have relied so heavily on this tactic that development charges and other government-imposed charges can now account for up to a quarter of the price of the house or new employment centre. How municipalities determine and disperse those development charges, however, isn’t always as transparent as the industry and consumers would like.

Spreading the word In advance of provincial recommendations, OHBA has been busy getting its own message out. Apart from a bi-weekly newsletter and its ad-hoc committee work, which included inviting members to internal industry presentations on the scope of the consultations at five local HBAs across the province, OHBA also made a concerted effort to meet with key decision-makers throughout the fall. Along with BILD, it hosted MinisterJeffrey at a live and interactive discussion in front of 400 members from local associations on Sept. 20. A few days later, at the OHBA Conference Premier Kathleen Wynne addressed members at www.ohba.ca

A lot of municipality zoning is decades out of date. its President’s Gala in Niagara Falls held on Sept. 23rd. Both events were key opportunities for the association and industry to communicate their thoughts and concerns. On Nov. 1, OHBA and BILD invited the Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation, the Honourable Glen Murray, for a second interactive discussion. As part of its Board of Directors meeting on Nov. 6 at Queen’s Park, OHBA hosted an MPP reception at the Legislative Assembly, providing a unique opportunity for the leadership of its 30 local HBAs to engage in direct dialogue with elected representatives.

Such information-sharing has been invaluable given the heated political climate, particularly concerning the province’s complex land-use planning process and appeals system (the OMB). As the province continues to grow, there have been strong expressions of discontent from some municipalities, community ratepayer associations and mainstream media.

Articles suggesting either the outright abolition of the OMB or a significant reduction in its powers have been commonplace.

No one has been a more passionate crusader than councillor Adam Vaughan of downtown Toronto’s Trinity-Spadina ward.

“As long as the OMB is in charge, it undermines our ability to deliver better planning and stronger neighbourhoods,” said Vaughan. “This (public consultation) isn’t planning reform; it’s a move, effectively, to give developers more power and cities less power and once again leave neighbourhoods vulnerable.”

OHBA disagrees. “Time and time again we see how difficult it is to get politics out of planning decisions,” says Vaccaro. “We needed to have a fact-based discussion about how Ontario’s complex public planning system requires a nonpolitical, adjudicative tribunal. Without it, planning decisions will be undermined by political pressure. A non-partisan, adjudicative tribunal can ensure governing legislation and good planning principles are applied to bring complete and livable communities forward that will serve the needs of Ontario’s growing population, create economic opportunities and support infrastructure investments across the province. It is time to educate all participants in the public planning process—existing residents, future residents, new neighbours, municipalities, the building and development ontario home builder winter 2014

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sector and the provincial government—as we work together to make housing affordable and attract jobs to Ontario.”

There are several misconceptions about the OMB that need to be clarified, OHBA officials note. “Municipalities generally want to reform the OMB,” says Moore. “They feel that developers take advantage of the OMB process to circumvent (previous decisions). But the vast majority of cases settled are found in favour of the municipality’s initial planning report. So the conception that the board is always on our side is wrong.

“I think the OMB is a lightning rod for criticism,” Moore adds.

“But in the minority of cases that it’s needed, it usually makes the right decision. There’s a quiet settlement or a good planning decision and nobody hears about it. But the media generally like to latch on to controversy, so every year there are a few cases that are controversial and the politicians play it up, and then you have your various actors—the developer, ratepayers associations, a local politician—and it makes for a good story for the media.”

Not that the process can’t be improved. “When things end up at the OMB for an appeal, it often means there was a breakdown at some point in the discussions or planning process,” says Moore.

“It isn’t about getting rid of DCs...it’s about matching them with provincial goals of affordability, intensification and economic growth.”

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ontario home builder winter 2014

“We think there can be improvements and efficiencies made at the front end of the process so that there are fewer appeals to the OMB at the back end,” says Mike Collins-Williams, OHBA’s Director of Policy. “A lot of municipality zoning is not just a couple of years out of date; it’s decades out of date.” He points out, for example, that Toronto hasn’t really updated its zoning since the 1970s. “There is a modern provincial planning framework in place, while in some cases there’s a municipality-planning framework that in no way, shape or form has anything to do how we’re building communities today. So then there are conflicts.

There’s a breakdown, and political votes are needed and things end up at the OMB. But it’s only 4%-5% of cases that end up there, and we would like to see ways of making it even less.”

Debating DCs Minister Jeffrey has assured that “eliminating or changing the OMB’s operations” is not open for debate; merely improving the appeals process. She has also promised that new development levies on new homes and condos will not be discussed. That’s good news for builders, who argue that new communities are being used to finance long-term municipal infrastructure deficits.

“When municipalities do a development charges background study, they look at the growth coming in and the infrastructure required to support that growth. So they will cost out that they need to build XYZ over the next five or 10 years,” explains Collins-Williams. “But, looking back, we are seeing situations where money was collected to build a certain facility that has not been built. How is that money being accounted for and how transparent is that process? I think in some cases it seems to be less about charges needed to build the infrastructure and more about how they can collect the most money possible and then figure out how to allocate it later.”

“OHBA has been consistent in its position that growth should pay for growth,” says OHBA’s Vaccaro, “but municipalities must recognize infrastructure benefits to existing residents and for there to be greater fairness, accountability and transparency in all growth-related taxes, fees and charges.”

While the previous decade had witnessed significant planning reforms and new legislation controlling development in sensitive areas like the Greenbelt and Oak Ridges Moraine, the Development Charges Act had not been reviewed in more than 16 years. “From my perspective, I have to make sure whatever I put on the ground works for 444 municipalities,” Minister Jeffrey told the Brampton Guardian in October.

Here, too, the process can be improved. “Most municipalities are working just fine. I think it’s in the growth areas where there are challenges, because legislation hasn’t kept pace with land prices and the provincial goals of intensification and affordability,” says OHBA’s Lyn Townsend. “The way the legislation is structured right now, the municipality works on the development charges study for a year, and it gives the developers a very short time—20 days—to review the study, before there is a meeting and decisions are made. Where municipalities take the stand that they are not going to consult with the industry and deliver the background study themselves, and that study has some dramatic increases in it, at that point there is a real worry about how they arrived at that number.

“What I found really interesting at the OHBA session we had at Queen’s Park was the thought amongst some of the MPPs www.ohba.ca

that the industry was actually trying to eliminate development charges,” Townsend observes. “I am hoping that through this dialogue process that there will be a better understanding that this isn’t about getting rid of development charges or parkland payments or Section 37 payments; it’s just about matching them with provincial goals of affordability, intensification and economic growth.”

A fear of not balancing the budget is compounding the issue, adds Townsend. “One problem I’ve noticed is that municipalities are afraid to carry any debt. But that’s a healthy thing to an extent. The province authorizes them to carry up to a 25% debt. By not carrying debt, where is the revenue going to come from? So that’s the first problem, and they’re looking at the development industry to help solve that—to take whatever additional costs are associated with that decision not to borrow and offload them onto the cost of the house as far as the market can bear.”

The fundamental flaw No one disputes the huge amount of infrastructure funding supplied by the federal and provincial governments—between 2007 and 2014, municipalities will receive a total of $11.8 billion in gas tax funding alone. The increased municipal fiscal capacity was expected to create new resources to allow for municipalities to increase local investments in their respective core infrastructures and also reduce a decades-inthe-making deficit in that realm, but this has not occurred, leaving municipalities to search for other revenue streams, including development charges. However, there appears to be a fundamental flaw in the political concept of DCs. “There’s a big misconception that development charges are paid for by developers,” says OHBA President Eric DenOuden.

“They don’t realize that it’s packed onto the price of the home and the new-home buyer pays for it. We call it the ‘New Neighbours Tax’—it’s a fee on the home.”

In the GTA, total charges, including DCs, are around 21%23%, and in Milton they run about $60,000 ‘per door’ plus voluntary charges,but there are some small rural communities that don’t have any development charges at all. Over the last decade the pace of inflation has been running at 1.5% to 2.5% and the pace of new-home prices has increased 4%-7%, but in some cases the pace of DCs has increased 100%.

While there is a breaking point to what potential homebuyers or new employers can afford before they go elsewhere, there is also the economic domino effect that results from purchasers carrying large mortgages and having less disposable income to spend in the community. “The pushback we had on the Metrolinx proposal was that they were proposing another development charge on top of what homeowners are paying now. But how much is enough for a new-home buyer to pay?” questions Moore. “Why are we just looking at new neighbours and new communities—because they are not there to vote?”

Seizing this moment in Ontario history is crucial, says Moore.

“There was a real overlap between the panel, the provincial intentions with the budget coming up, the parks consultation, the OMB consultation and the approval consultation, and our feeling is that this has been a great opportunity to join the dots and help to develop something that will work.”

“But there is a lot going on,” cautions Vaccaro. “There is the www.ohba.ca

Golden panel; the Condo Act, which has been opened up for review; a number of different private members bills in flux; recent changes to the Endangered Species Act; the province has been consulting on a provincial policy statement for three years now and is still not done that; the growth plan is scheduled for review in a couple years, although they have already started consulting on that; and the Greenbelt is going to be up for review. There are so many balls in the air that something is bound to drop. Hopefully somebody in government is watching the big picture closely.”

“They are hard decisions for the government to make,” DenOuden concedes, “but we appreciate the open door to allow us to make concrete, fact-based submissions on both consultations—to tone down the rhetoric and assess the real problem and try to find real solutions that work for everybody.” OHB

“There’s a big misconception that development charges are paid for by developers.

The new-home buyer pays for it.

We call it the ‘New Neighbours Tax.’”

ontario home builder winter 2014

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Missing Links A new proposal seeks to alleviate traffic congestion in the GTA and Hamilton

By Ted McIntyre

H

ow long has Leith Moore been impassioned about finding a solution to the GTA’s incessant traffic gridlock?

“Ever since my trip from downtown Toronto to my office in Vaughan became as busy as for people driving in to downtown,” says the OHBA past president. “The highways are fully utilized now.”

I have always had a place downtown, and tried to locate near transit,” adds Moore. “We’ve seen the benefit of existing subways and light rail transit. So as a buyer of land and a developer of projects, I would like to see that kind of transit expanded.”

Moore, of course, is far from alone in his sentiments. Traffic congestion already costs the economy and Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) residents an estimated $6 billion a year. Since 2003 the Ontario government has supplied almost $5.7 billion to the region to support municipal public transit and invested over $9 billion in GO Transit improvements. Still, much more is required.

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Seeking options to help alleviate traffic gridlock, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne launched the Golden panel on Sept.

18. Chaired by Anne Golden, a celebrated urban thinker and past president of the Conference Board of Canada, the panel was charged with investigating transit investment strategy options beyond those released in a report by Metrolinx in May. The 13-member panel, which presented its findings to the provincial government last month, was represented on the building industry side by Moore, a former chair of the Building Industry Land Development Association (BILD), a graduate of the University of Waterloo’s School of Urban and Regional Planning and current V.P. of Development with the Sorbara Development Group.

The Metrolinx Investment Strategy model released in May 2013 recommended four methods of raising roughly $2 billion a year toward funding the $34-billion second wave of Big Move projects, including a one percentage point increase in the HST, an additional five-cents-a-litre tax on gas, as well as new commercial www.ohba.ca

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parking lot levies and increased development charges.

But the Golden panel suggests that all levels of government— from municipal to federal—share in the costs. The panel’s 65-page report included 20 recommendations, including a gas tax, corporate tax, as well as land value capture, a revenue tool recommended by Metrolinx that aims to collect a share of the increased property values in neighbouring developments that results from transportation investment. In contrast to the transit investment strategy released by Metrolinx in May, the panel also endorsed debt financing as a way to build some of the Big Move’s larger projects, such as a relief subway line to alleviate the crowding of the Yonge and Bloor-Danforth lines.

Specifically, the panel provides two revenue stream options.

The first proposes a phased fuel tax increase commencing with 3 cents per litre and adding 1 cent per litre per year up to 10 cents per litre. Corporate income taxes would see a modest increase of 0.5% to the general rate. There would also be a redeployment of the GTHA portion of the provincial part of the HST charged on gasoline and fuel taxes. The second option proposes a 5-cent hike in gas and fuel taxes and is instead followed by a 0.5% increase to the HST. The other two revenue sources are the same.

The impact on an average GTHA household from an increase in gasoline tax would be about $80 in year one, and $260 per household after eight years. By comparison, sitting in traffic for

“What people keep missing in this is jobs— making employment work.”

Golden Framework Traffic congestion costs the Ontario economy an estimated $6 billion annually. With an additional 2.5 million people and 1 million more cars expected by 2031, the problem will get much worse. The Golden report’s 20 recommendations include modest contributions from drivers, businesses and the general public, including: * Contributions from all levels of government * Two revenue stream options. Option A proposes a phased gas & fuel tax increase starting with 3 cents per litre in 2015 and adding 1 cent per litre per year up to 10 cents per litre; a 0.5% corporate income tax increase; and a redeployment of the GTHA portion of the HST charged on gas & fuel taxes. Option B caps the gas tax increase at 5 cents and is followed by a 0.5% increase to the HST. * Both plans include land value capture as a means to engage the private sector and support transit-oriented communities * Both plans provide for 25% of the new money to be spent on local investment strategy priorities, and also provides for a Kick-Start Program of $300 million over two years to help build eligible local transit capital improvements. an additional 32 minutes every day—which has been predicted without transit expansion—could cost a driver over $700 a year.

The report also recommends investment in local transit improvements to help patch up the existing network. Initially, 40

ontario home builder winter 2014

the phased-in approach would raise between $1.7 billion and $1.8 billion—less than the $2 billion annually that Metrolinx’s 11-pronged approach entailed—but funding would increase over time. Siding with Metrolinx, the Golden panel wants those funds to be protected in a dedicated trust to prevent government from allocating its transit funding for other projects.

Although the Ontario PCs want government to shave its spending to foot the bill, and the NDP has cited corporate taxes as a key revenue source, Golden does not believe those are feasible means of funding the plan. A more significant tool, the panel notes, will be to integrate the private sector early in the process.

“Laying more tax on people won’t solve the problem,” contends Moore. “But if you identify an area where you want to go, and you identify the beneficiaries in advance and try to negotiate a land-value capture, a sharing of the benefits that will come with some certainty—you’ll get a lot more buy-in.

“What people keep missing in this is jobs—making employment work,” Moore says. “Transit that is successful links to employment centres, and I think it’s one of the things that might be lacking in some of the previous analyses. The airports and business sectors where there are not currently subways—that’s where we’ve got to go.”

Such a strategy would involve striking relationships with www.ohba.ca

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“Some people are cynical.The good news is that the panel was not.”

employers in those areas to encourage them to participate in a new system that facilitates getting their employees to their jobs, Moore explains. “Congestion will only be relieved if transit addresses the concept of getting people to where they work.”

Moore has been only too happy to contribute to a possible solution to Ontario’s greatest infrastructural challenge. “I’m kind of tired of going to other great cities that have made it work like Paris, Copenhagen and Amsterdam, even Denver with its light rail—and then coming back to Toronto and hearing the endless debate about subways and light rail—people debating and not building. New York City has a good model of negotiating land-value capture upfront, and there’s the new Crossrail system being built in London, England, that has a fabulous model of private sector partnering with government.”

Golden Moment The Golden panel wasn’t exactly embraced by the political opposition. Conservative leader Tim Hudak went so far as to call it “some new panel to study studies of studies,” and NewmarketAurora MPP and PC transportation critic Frank Klees called it a 42

ontario home builder winter 2014

stalling tactic by the Premier’s office. Golden sees it differently.

“Some people are cynical. The good news is that the panel was not,” says Golden. “We asked, ‘What are we trying to do?’

The answer was that we were trying to get it right. We wanted to have a total integrity, and to build constructively on what has been done by Metrolinx, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and Toronto Board of Trade. I don’t know this, but I’m assuming (the provincial Liberal government) may not have been entirely comfortable with what was proposed by Metrolinx. They felt they had the time, because they weren’t going to bring in anything before the spring budget anyway. They also hoped that our report might be able to help move the yardstick on the public’s willingness to pay. The government is very aware that the mood today is not in favour of extra taxes and that there’s a lot of mistrust because of antics at all levels.”

Golden says the panel was aware that the minority Liberal government situation makes it difficult to push through the new proposals, but she hopes the rationale behind their report will sufficiently explain the need to invest on all fronts—“that we are at the tipping point in terms of congestion on our roads and overcrowding on our transit. I think (the Opposition) will see the value in the report, because we have come up with a new plan. And we know it works because we’ve modelled it. I think it will be seen as very palatable.”

There is certainly a commitment from the province to nail down a master plan of some form. On Nov. 26, Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation Glen Murray announced a proposal to strengthen long-term infrastructure planning in Ontario. If passed, the Infrastructure for Jobs and Prosperity Act would require the government to table a plan that specifically outlines what infrastructure will be built over the next 10 years.

All planning would take demographic and economic trends into account. The province, which has pledged to spend $35 billion on infrastructure over the next three years—it is currently building three light-rail lines and adding an extension to both Highway 407 and the Toronto subway—would be required to table its first building plan within three years, then update it every five years.

Moore, as with the rest of the Golden panel, hopes their suggestions will be incorporated into those plans. A green light of any kind in these congested times, after all, would be a welcome sight. OHB

Idling in traffic an extra 32 minutes could cost drivers $700 + a year. www.ohba.ca

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Economic forecast for 2014 is for a fre ez rates, but so far it’s mostly good news e on interest for resales

By Michael Ryval

www.ohba.ca

ontario home builder winter 2014

45

Growth in Ch stabilizing at aina appears to be round 7.5% a y ea r

1.7% in 2013, Canada’s economy grew to 2.6% in 2015 but is expected to climb

Inflation is likely to muted, at less than be 2%

While the global economy is experiencing modest growth, risks continue to loom on the horizon, says Sonya Gulati, senior economist, at Toronto-based TD Economics, a unit of TD Bank Group. “We’re seeing better contributions from advanced economies and emerging markets,” says Gulati, noting that growth in China, a major contributor to the global economy, appears to be stabilizing at around 7.5% a year. “But the sovereign debt crisis in Europe and the fiscal situation in the U.S. continue to be on our radar.”

Although there is a lot of positive momentum in the U.S. economy, Gulati argues that the debt ceiling debate and fiscal negotiations over the U.S. budget could come up again early in 2014. “The economic fundamentals are quite positive. But you also have uncertainty in the equation. We could have a repeat of the congressional wrangling we had last October.”

At home, Canada’s economy grew 1.7% in 2013, but is expected to climb to 2.4% in 2014 and 2.6% in 2015. The improvement is due to the acceleration in the U.S. and improvements in

46

ontario home builder winter 2014

the Eurozone. “After six consecutive (negative) quarters, the Eurozone looks to be out of recession and should see positive growth numbers in 2014 and 2015,” says Gulati, adding that the forecast is around 1% growth next year. “Add growth from the U.S., and that’s good news from a global demand perspective.”

Ontario will track the national growth rate, as the province is expected to grow 1.5% in 2013, 2.3% in 2014 and 2.7% in 2015.

Meanwhile, inflation is likely to be muted, at less than 2% for the next two years, says Gulati. One key contributing factor is that the retail sector has little pricing power because of intensified competition from new U.S. entrants. In addition, energy prices are likely to be held in check as demand stabilizes in major importing markets such as China.

The possibility of rising interest rates, which did not materialize in 2013 as anticipated, is likely to be pushed into the future. “It is going to be a 2015 story,” suggests Gulati. “Canada is very sensitive to developments abroad, especially through our export channels. If we were to raise interest rates today

www.ohba.ca

Forecasted average Ontario home pri ce:

Unemployment, on a national basis, wi 7.2% at end of 2013 to 6.7% by the endll fall from of 2014. $409,000

Expected overnight rate increase in 2015 to 1.5%

that would dampen our domestic economy, at a time when the export part of our economy is not expected to pick up.” At the same time, adds Gulati, policymakers are wary of raising rates because it would push up the Canadian dollar and thus damage our competitiveness.

Meanwhile, employment is expected to grow and unemployment, on a national basis, will fall from 7.2% at end of 2013 to 6.7% by the end of 2014.

While the provincial economy will improve as a whole, the picture for the home building sector—low interest rates aside—is not as rosy. Gulati forecasts that there will about 59,600 housing starts in 2013, 57,000 in 2014 and 52,000 in 2015. This compares to 78,600 in 2012. “Keep in mind that 2012 was a record year,” Gulati notes.

Part of the decline is the predictable side effect of the large amount of supply that came on the market in 2012. “You can’t expect spectacular years back-to-back. There are also a lot of condo projects being built in Ontario. And we had tighter

www.ohba.ca

mortgage rules come into effect in July 2012,” says Gulati, noting that new federal laws limited mortgages to a maximum of 25 years amortization.

Rising interest rates are expected to be a dampening influence come late 2015, as the Bank of Canada may raise the so-called overnight rate from 1% to 1.5%, putting pressure on mortgage rates. The decision to hold off until then has regrettably only boosted resale activity thus far, says Gulati, who expects resale home prices in Ontario to show a 5% increase in 2013, pushing the average home price to slightly over $400,000. Says Gulati: “Because they didn’t raise interest rates, that translated into higher home prices.” However, she predicts the rate of increase will fall to about 2.3% in 2014 as the average price hits $409,000. Prices are expected to be flat in 2015.

“There continue to be positive influences on the housing market—both existing and new,” says Gulati. “Weakness in the market will be a medium-term story, once those higher interest rates come into place.” OHB

ontario home builder winter 2014

47

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INCH BY INCH Analysts expect growth to be slow but steady in 2014

By Tracy Hanes

Builders should expect a slowdown in new residential starts and will lose some ground against the resale market, but shouldn’t fret, according to Ted Tsiakopoulos, regional economist for CMHC, who recently spoke at housing outlook seminars in London, Ottawa, Toronto, Hamilton and Waterloo. “Expect a more modest pace—that’s the new normal.”

www.ohba.ca

ontario home builder winter 2014

49

Low Density Land Constraints Apartment Pre-Construction Inventories Risk-Taking vs Residential Housing Returns

T

si a kopou los encou ra ges builders not to be concerned, as 2016 and beyond will bring an inf lux of Echo Boomer buyers (those aged 17 to 34) into the market and Baby Boomers will continue to keep the market moving in the interim.

Tsiakopoulos points to several factors occurring provincially, nationally and globally that will influence the housing market. An economic rebalancing is underway, as growth shifts from emerging economies such as India and China to developed economies, with the U.S. taking a leadership role. And in this country, growth will shift from western Canada to eastern Canada.

“Next year, for the first time in a decade, Ontario will likely outpace growth in Canada as a whole,” says Tsiakopoulos, who notes that spending is shifting from gover nment to business, as Ontario businesses begin to hire, with better job prospects for all 50

ontario home builder winter 2014

ages and fewer workers migrating to western Canada.

The U.S. economy gaining steam (more than 200,000 new jobs were created south of the border in October) and the Canadian dollar drifting lower, meanwhile, bode well for an increase in Canadian exports.

Although the average cost of Ontario housing will inch up 1.6% in 2014, with most of that movement occurring in the first half, consumers should have more money in their pockets to deal with the increase. “Ontario’s market is still in a balanced state and Ontario is the second-tightest market in Canada,” explains Tsiakopoulos. “There is still room for prices to go up and incomes will (also) go up 2.5% in 2014.”

Cra ig A le x a nder, sen ior v ice president and chief economist for the TD Bank Group, has a similar forecast.

With employment gradually rising in Ontario and interest rates remaining close to current levels (with a possibility

of a slight increase in five-year rates), Alexander expects the market “to deliver modest sales and modest price growths. But a balanced market is a healthy thing—it’s not in anyone’s interest to have a boom-bust cycle.”

While sales increased faster than listings in fall of 2013, causing a surge in the market, Alexander doesn’t expect the trend to continue. “We went from being in balanced territory to the edge of a sellers’ market, and this led to renewed speculation of whether there was a housing bubble and whether there was an imbalance,” he explains.

“A significant number of sales were due to buyers trying to get ahead of interest rates, and when that’s absorbed, the market will cool down.”

Robert Hogue, senior economist with RBC Capital Markets, foresees “essentially a flat trend” with some slight month-to-month volatility.

“We will be similar to 2013 and have reasonably good job creation and a www.ohba.ca

100

Ontario Starts, 000s

90 80 70 60 50 40 Starts SAAR*

30

High

20

Low

10

* Seasonal Adjusted Housing Rate

0 2005Q1

2011Q2

2015Q3

2021Q4

Source: CMHC Demographic Demand

modest decline in unemployment. That should maintain confidence and I don’t see that weakening.”

“In respect to new construction, we expect some moderation in 2014,” says Hogue. “There’s been a lot of construction in terms of housing starts over the past little while that has been above household formation.” But with fewer housing starts expected in 2014, the market will stabilize, Hogue observes.

The price is right

Some analysts note that if one were to look at the cost of owning versus renting, it suggests the Canadian real estate market is significantly overvalued, but TD’s Alexander doesn’t buy that comparison.

“Rental prices are often regulated while the prices of homes are set by the market.

Rent is often constrained by government policy and it makes Canadian real estate look more overvalued than it is.

“Bar r ing an unemploy ment or www.ohba.ca

interest rate shock, I don’t see evidence of a U.S.-style bubble, although we’ve had price growth for some time. Prices should continue to rise, but perhaps at a more modest rate,” says Alexander, who notes the system will control any unlikely blips in the market. “If we see the market accelerate from here into high single-digit or double-digit price growth—for example, if it’s causing personal debt growth to accelerate— it’s a real possibility there will be further regulatory tightening to slow things down.”

While interest rates do have an impact on home buying, Tsiakopoulos believes the market can withstand a modest increase, pointing out that a 100 basis point increase results in 5% less sales overall and a 7% decline in first-time buyers, but “a 5% to 7% decline when the market is at the high end of a balanced market is still balanced.”

Tsiakopoulos suggests even less impact given his prediction of only a 50

basis point increase, with most 2014 mortgage renewals expected to have an interest rate around 4.2%. “I don’t see a shock,” he says. “For 2014, we’re going to be okay.”

Hogue is less positive. “Interest rates will be the question mark,” he says. “This past summer was almost a glimpse of what can happen. Longer-term rates went up quite substantially in a short period of time. Whether we see further increases in mortgage rates and how much will be a factor.”

R e g a rd le s s, e x p e c t t he ne w construction market to continue to slow and the trend to switch to resales, says Tsiakopoulos. After 76,000 new starts in 2012, there were 61,000 in 2013 and just slightly more than 60,000 are expected in 2014. “Repeat buyers will likely be active in the market, but they will gravitate to lower density housing, and with the land constraints (eg. the Greenbelt), that demand will be absorbed by the resale market.” ontario home builder winter 2014

51

Average Contract Mortgage Rate, 5yr Discounted Fixed - CANADA

4.4 4.2

4.2

4.1

4 3.8 3.6 3.4 3.2 3 2013

2014

Year of Mortgage Reset Reset Rate Range

Source: CMHC, FIRM

“In the highrise market, builders are sitting on their inventory and won’t launch new projects until they sell existing inventory, Tsiakopoulos predicts, which means “we may not see further high-density growth until 2015.”

“Home building is a bit lumpy from a cyclical perspective,” notes Alexander. “ There’s overbuilding, there’s underbuilding, then it balances out. We had a period in the early 2000s when we were building more than we needed. It slowed during the recession, but has bounced back. I expect the pace of construction to slow, but I don’t expect it to crash. The pace will moderate.”

A lexander says Canadians are managing their real estate risk and handling their personal debt well.

Although there has been concern that a mortgage rate jump could result in people defaulting, Alexander isn’t losing sleep over the possibility. “As an economist, that’s not what I’m worried 52

ontario home builder winter 2014

about. Canadians won’t lose their homes.

The problem is when interest rates rise (consumers) use more money to pay their debt, and while they can meet their financial obligations, they have less money for other purchases. That’s never a positive for the economy when 60% of it is driven by consumer spending.”

A lexander says that while jobs and interest rates have an influence, demographics “is what drives real estate in the long run.” The rising population will need housing, he says, and more homes will need to be built to accommodate that.

Another factor inf luencing the sector is the investor market, says Tsiakopoulos, who notes that the appetite for risk is growing among investors, who are turning away from real estate to investments that will yield higher returns.

While fewer investors may be buying housing, the ones who have are holding on to their units, advises Hogue. “From

our evidence, many investors are not flipping. They are not speculators. The majority of them are holding on to units and renting them. Rent is continuing to increase and vacancy rates are surprisingly low given the sheer volume of units.”

But Alexander says there’s a lack of solid data on what’s happening with investors. “There is this raging debate whether there is an imbalance in the real estate market,” Alexander notes.

“The big missing component is what’s happening to the investor segment.

There aren’t statistics on that and the source of information regarding investors is usually anecdotal.”

Overall, however, the economists expect a healthy and balanced market ahead. “There’s now more moderation, but employment in construction will remain strong,” says Alexander.

Here are 2014 forecasts for several Ontario markets: www.ohba.ca

100 Basis Point Increase

Overall

100 Basis Point Increase

First-Time Buyers

-5% -7% Source: CMHC

TORONTO

The GTA market will be “slow and steady” in the year ahead, according to Toronto-area CMHC Senior Market Analyst Ed Heese. “The 2014 market will look like 2013 for all aspects of housing.”

Housing starts will ease, with activity shifting to semis and rowhouses from singles and condos, suggests Heese.

Gradually rising mortgage rates will keep home sales growth modest and increasing home prices will keep more people in rental housing. But additional condo rentals will keep the rental supply in balance with demand.

Existing home sa les w il l grow modestly, while there will be fewer new home starts.

HAMILTON

According to Abdul Kargbo, CMHC senior market analyst for Hamilton www.ohba.ca

and Brantford, the local market will remain healthy as existing sales remain strong, average prices grow slightly above inflation and housing starts, which were down in 2012 and 2013, will rebound as the population increases and inventories fall lower.

The key driving factors include an increase in employment that will support housing demand, positive net migration as homebuyers from the GTA are attracted by Hamilton’s lower prices, and more Echo Boomers move from their parents’ homes into ownership.

OTTAWA

After two years of robust growth, highrise construction will decline and total new-housing starts will trend lower, according to CMHC Senior Market Analyst Sandra Pérez Torres.

Early 2014 will bring slightly better sales than 2013, but will scale back in

the second half of the year.

Single-detached home construction will remain below historical averages, but will improve over 2012 levels as builders move further into the outskirts, and townhouse rows will become a popular alternative to more expensive singles and less-spacious condominiums. The resale market will remain balanced.

WATERLOO

The resale market will soften slightly but remain balanced, according to Anthony Passarelli, CMHC’s senior market analyst for the Waterloo Region.

Housing starts will increase in 2014, mainly due to more apartment construction. Echo Boomers entering the market, jobs and in-migration w ill keep home sales and renta l accommodation demand at respectable levels. OHB ontario home builder winter 2014

53

54

ontario home builder winter 2014

www.ohba.ca

Listen for the Echo

The future of homebuying is in the hands of the babies of baby boomers

By Tracy Hanes

T

hey are young, hip and tech-savvy. Call them Millennials. Call them Echo Boomers. Call them the next opportunity for the housing market.

Born between 1980 and 1995, they are on the verge of moving into their home ownership years. While their impact is not significant yet— they contributed only about 15% of 2012’s home ownership demand in Ontario—by 2016, they will own about 35% of Ontario homes and by 2031, they will represent nearly 60% of the market. Their parents, meanwhile, the baby boomers, will

www.ohba.ca

continue to be a driving force in new home and condo purchases over the next decade.

“By 2016, we will start to feel the Echo Boomers’ effect on the market,” says Ted Tsiakopoulos, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation regional economist and speaker at a series of CMHC Housing Market Outlook seminars in late 2013 that profiled the Echo Boomer.

Toronto is a hotbed of Echo Boomers, with about half of the downtown core’s population composed of the demographic, and they have been responsible for 70% of total downtown growth ontario home builder winter 2014

55

Echo & empty nester group contribute to growth Contribution to Growth in Households - ONTARIO

70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20%

“About a dozen major companies have moved downtown, including Coca Cola, Telus, Apple and Google because there is a trend toward urbanization. Their employees are moving downtown and employee retention is a big factor.”

10% 0% 2012 25-44 (Echo)

2016

2021

55-64 (Empty Nester)

Source: CMHC Demographic Demand Model, Statistics Canada

since 2006, according to the 2011 census. They are coming to Toronto for education and employment opportunities, according to Ed Heese, CMHC senior market analyst for the GTA, and many are the children of immigrants or are coming from other parts of Canada. “The most (current) demand will be for rentals,” says Heese. “The bulk of them have incomes of less than $60,000 and that will constrain buying. But there are still a number of (Toronto) markets where they can afford to buy, such as the downtown west of Yonge and the outlying areas.”

Also fuelling the influx of Echo Boomers to Toronto’s core is the growing number of jobs being created downtown and the desire of this age group to live, work and play in the area, says Masha Dudelzak, senior research analyst for CBRE real estate services and a speaker at the Toronto Housing Outlook Conference in November. She said the largest commercial construction boom since the 1980s is underway downtown.

The leading employment group is the financial, insurance and real estate sector, followed by the professional, scientific and technical segments.

“About a dozen major companies have moved downtown, including Coca Cola, Telus, Apple and Google, because there is a trend toward urbanization. Their employees are moving downtown and employee retention is a big factor,” notes Dudelzak.

Although Ottawa’s centre core also has a significant number of Echo Boomers, with one-third of downtown residents falling into the 20-34 age bracket, close to 70% of residents of all ages choose to lease. More active home buying habits from Echo Boomers is being seen in more affordable markets such as Thunder Bay, London and Windsor. But they are even a more significant force in the Waterloo region. According to the most 56

ontario home builder winter 2014

recent census, Waterloo Region had the largest proportion of Echo Boomers in Ontario. Feeding the trend is a concentration of two growing universities and the area’s notability as a technology hub. CMHC senior analyst Anthony Passarelli told a recent outlook seminar in Waterloo that the Echo Boomers are helping to stabilize the local market. He said about half the homebuyers in the area are coming from the 24- to 34-yearold age range, who are coupling up and starting families. The relatively affordable home prices ($352,807 was the average in October 2013, according to the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of Realtors), coupled with good salaries (average Echo Boomer household income is just below $80,000), make home ownership feasible for this demographic.

The age group is also an emerging force in the Hamilton area, where in 2012, 70% of first-time buyers fell into that age category, according to Abdul Kargbo, CMHC senior market analyst for Hamilton and Brantford.

“Where are the Echo Boomers coming from? Many of them are coming from their parental homes, and because of the affordability they tend to bypass rentals and go into ownership,” Kargbo told the gathering at the Hamilton Housing Outlook Seminar on Nov. 19. At 53.3%, Hamilton currently has Ontario’s highest proportion of young adults aged 20 to 29 years living in the parental home, so there is potential for the trend to continue as that flock leaves the nest to start their own lives. The $140,000 average home price gap between Toronto and Hamilton is also attracting young first-time buyers who are drawn by the affordability of the city. Job creation is also expected to increase in the area in 2014, which will support further housing demand.

Feeding the trend

Freed Developments is a Toronto builder that is catering to the Echo Boomer demographic, with projects that feature a high degree of design and sophisticated amenities such as infinity pools and rooftop terraces. Some Freed projects include hotel-type services and trendy restaurants. “We are targeting www.ohba.ca

Exceptional residential cladding

bigger share of echo boom owning by 2016 share of Owner households by group - ontario

90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 2011-2016 Echo

2016 - 2021 baby boomer

Source: CMHC Demographic Demand Model, Statistics Canada

emerging, authentic neighbourhoods that have the greatest appeal to Echo Boomers, with an emphasis on transit, access to restaurants and shopping,” said Freed Developments Director Development Peter Zimmerman at a CMHC conference in Toronto, where he participated in a panel on “Building Up and Out for the Echo Boomer.”

Freed projects (most are in the King West neighbourhood, with new ones coming to King East and Yonge-Eglinton) tend to have mostly one-bedroom units in the 450 to 600 square foot range, with about 50% sold to investors. Other buyers tend to be individuals and couples in the 25-35 age range. “The low to mid $300,000s price point tends to be the sweet spot for us,” says Zimmerman.

Mattamy Homes, the largest home builder in Canada, is also seeing Echo Boom buyers, but unlike those buying downtown condos, the ones purchasing at Mattamy’s suburban projects, such as its large Hawthorne Village community in Milton, tend to be couples or part of a multi-generational family. “Parents are playing a significant role,” says Dave McLean, president of GTA Homebuilding at Mattamy and a Toronto CMHC conference panellist. “The Echo Boom buyers are bringing their parents with them to the sales centre and the parents are providing financial support for their kids to buy their first home, or they’ll buy a larger home so the parents can move in with them.”

McLean said certain f loor plans Mattamy offers accommodate multi-generational living, “though we are not building units specifically for that.” The builder has also offered plans where coach houses can be built on top of garages, but “that’s an expensive option.”

Where Echo Boomers are buying—be it in a bustling urban 58

ontario home builder winter 2014

centre or the more laid-back suburbs—also influences the type of finishes and features included. Zimmerman says Freed’s condo projects include high-demand features such as integrated and stainless steel appliances, solid-surface countertops and engineered hardwood flooring as standard, while McLean says Mattamy’s philosophy “is to offer a great floor plan and elevation and allow people to customize their home through the design centre.”

Even though features such as hardwood and granite or quartz countertops aren’t standard in the Mattamy houses, “they all want it and will upgrade their homes so they are turnkey,” says McLean.

McLean notes that most Echo Boomers are buying their first home in the high $200,000s to low $300,000s range, and that usually means a three-storey back-to-back townhouse of 1,300 to 1,800 square feet with a garage but no backyard.

“In our experience, they won’t be there long. They’ll move up as their lifestyle changes,” says McLean. “We have move-up neighbourhoods and some people have bought five or six houses from us. We have hundreds of examples of this.”

Zimmerman said the move-up Echo Boomer will present a larger challenge for Toronto’s condo market. “It’s not always the case, but one of the truths in the business is that most of them at some point will want to move up,” he says. “In four or five years, they usually couple up and have kids. We have 1,500 units in King Street West where there are a lot of nightclubs and restaurants, but some buyers will get to a point where they want something quieter. It’s a huge challenge for condo builders and a huge public policy challenge as well.”

At a cost of $600 to $700 per square foot in the downtown, the 1,000 to 1,200 square foot units that can accommodate families are “a tough sell,” notes Zimmerman. “People can still get ground-related housing at that price point. Until the price of large apartments makes sense, we aren’t going to be delivering that.”

For those move-up buyers, it means moving to groundrelated housing such as townhouses or semis, or a move to the affordable suburbs and a commute to work.

For Echo Boomers wanting to get into ownership, McLean says Mattamy homes typically require a downpayment of 7% to 10%, while Zimmerman says tighter financing rules for condo projects are requiring purchases to put down 15% of the purchase price of a unit.

So what’s ahead in the housing market, given the growing influence of the Echo Boomer? One significant trend will be a continuing shift to multi-unit housing for first-time buyers, due to affordability and land constraints. “With the Millennials, it’s about affordability and I see a trend to four-storey woodframed apartments,” says McLean. “We are going to do some in Milton, with plans to do more across the GTA.” “We will be advancing and refining the themes we have established,” adds Zimmerman, meaning Freed will build more mixed-use projects in established neighbourhoods that combine highrise condo units, commercial and retail space “and the amenities purchasers are interested in.”

Depending on urban or suburban Echo Boomer, those wants and needs may vary, but what’s clear is that they both represent a single age bracket that will be undoubtedly be a driving force in the Ontario housing market in the very near future. OHB www.ohba.ca

It’s a Dog’s Life A variety of accommodations can be made for our four-legged loved ones

By Elaine Kapogines

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Home builders are quite accomplished at incorporating family-oriented features such as nurseries, playrooms and kid-friendly backyards, but what about those four-legged loved ones? For many pet owners, these “fur-babies” are as much a part of the family as the twolegged variety.

According to the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), in 2011, 35% of households included a dog, while 38% included a cat. Nutro Products also released data that included the statement, “59% of Canadians say the bond they share with their pet is as strong as or stronger than the bonds we share with our family and friends.” And in 2009, Statistics Canada’s Spending Patterns in Canada report stated that the average pet expenditure per household was $420, with the highest average spending in Ontario. That number jumps significantly when you’re talking about dogs and cats. The CVMA notes that the average cost of caring for an adult, 40-pound dog is $2,150/year and slightly lower for cats at $1,600/year. It’s all part of a Canadian pet industry valued at more than $4 billion annually and growing constantly.

So with this much passion surrounding Fido and Fluffy, are home builders missing the boat on potential sales by not taking into account pet-friendly features? Although there are lots of extravagant products out there for the custom builder to impress a petloving potential homebuyer, for a production build, something as simple as putting a little thought into fabrics used in the show home or keeping toxic plants out of the landscaping plans can show a buyer that you care about every member of their family.

1. The Paws that Refreshes If your dog-loving homeowner has a wish list, you can pretty much guarantee a washing station will be at the top. Although it sounds like a luxury, a personal doggy-wash is actually quite easy to install, especially during the building phase. With a little planning, it can easily be tucked into a corner of the garage or even in a mudroom. To start, you’ll need to find a mop sink of appropriate size and shape—keeping in mind the size of the dog, if possible. Fiat Products offers a line of mop sinks in a wide range of styles and prices, many of which are made from terrazzo, a durable, scratch-resistant material that will stand up to destructive dog paws. A low-mounted, detachable showerhead should also be on your shopping list, and consider installing easy-to-clean ceramic tiles. And when drawing up the plans, don’t forget to include a shelf or storage cabinet for all the essential bathing products.

2. Free to Roam Doggie doors have come a long way from a hole and a plastic flap. PetSafe offers a wall-entry pet door that can be installed in a range of exterior wall materials, including siding, stucco and brick. These doors can be hidden in a utility room or closet or even behind a couch in the living area. And the double-flap system insulates for energy efficiency. PetSafe also offers the www.ohba.ca

SmartDoor, an electronic pet door that uses radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology. When the SmartDoor reads the signal from the SmartKey worn on the pet’s collar, the flap unlatches and then relatches when the key is no longer in range. This means that only the pets wearing the key can get into the home. PetSafe also offers a programmable version so pet owners have more control over their pet’s comings and goings. PlexiDor goes one step further and offers the same RFID technology, but with a motorized door for the truly pampered pooch.

3. Claw-Friendly Flooring One major problem for pet owners is flooring. Hardwood floors, although stylish, are notoriously impractical for dog owners since even a small dog or cat can do some serious clawrelated damage, as they tend to use their nails for traction on slippery floors. Choosing an equally stylish yet more durable floor option will certainly help to relieve the stress of a pet owner trying to protect their new home from early signs of wear and tear. Options may include: high-end linoleum tile, like Forbo Flooring’s Marmoleum line; laminate that resembles hardwood, such as Armstrong’s range of laminate flooring options; or even innovative carpet options, like FLOR’s system of carpet squares. ontario home builder winter 2014

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Sturdy, multi-levelled bookshelves create a playful environment for cats.

The Pet Peek window provides a porthole to the world for curious dogs.

A mop sink fitted with a showerhead makes those wash days much easier for pet owners.

Honeywell’s Pet CleanAir Air Purifier filters up to 95% of fine airborne allergens.

4. Nooks and Niches

6. Tough Choices

For anyone who’s ever had a pet, you know they love to hide— sometimes in the strangest places. Built-in, strategically placed pet nooks or recessed niches will not only save space in the living areas, but also create the perfect hideaway for cats and dogs alike. A built-in feeding station in the kitchen is as easy as leaving a low-level cabinet without a door. Or turn some unused space under the stairs or a window seat into a cozy little doggie bedroom. While dogs tend to like open space where they can relax but still see what’s going on, cats love dark spaces.

Turn a kitchen cabinet into a kitty hideout by leaving out the lower shelves and cutting a hole in the door. Put a little blanket on the bottom and kitty can share family time in the comfort of her own little perch.

Designing around pets can be as easy as a few well-thoughtout fabric and paint choices. Avoid certain textures, like fuzzy fabrics, velvet or silk. A highly textured fabric—either for the curtains, pillows or furniture—can trap dog and cat fur, while delicate fabrics won’t stand up to clawing paws. Choosing more durable fabrics such as microfibre or ultrasuede will demonstrate to your homeowners that you understand their pet-loving needs. You can also have fun with the colour palette.

Prints and stripes help to hide fur, as do neutrals like beige, grey and taupe. Also, if possible, consider the pet in question with choosing colours: Let a black-and-white Boston terrier be the accent in an otherwise neutral-coloured room; use golds and yellows to match a golden retriever; or go really bold by selecting a blue palette to contrast and highlight the fur of an Irish setter or orange tabby.

5. Kitty Loiter Litter boxes are an unpleasant reality of cat ownership. Most of the time, they’re tucked into a dark corner of the basement with silent prayers that no guest will get a whiff. But how about turning a bit of unused space on the main or top floor into an extra closet just for kitty? By simply installing an exhaust fan and cat door, a small closet can easily be turned into an odourcontaining litter room. As an added bonus, install a stainless steel floor—or other groutless flooring option—for easy clean-up. Also, by including some shelving or a small cabinet you’ve created an out-of-sight storage area of extra litter, garbage bags and pooper-scoopers.

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7. Built-in Cat Fun By nature, cats are daredevils—it’s as though they love the challenge of walking on the thinnest rail they can find. Building in some kitty-centred adventures can be quite simple and actually very stylish. Create a series of multi-level bookshelves and platforms throughout a room for cats to walk on. Or get really creative and include a built-in scratching post—a raw wood post with some rope wrapped around would be both practical for kitty and a great conversation piece for the owner.

Wider windowsills are also a great feline-friendly touch. www.ohba.ca

A cabinet can be turned into a kitty hideout by leaving out lower shelves.

Linoleum tiling, such as Forbo’s Marmoleum, holds up well against pet claws, as compared with traditional hardwood flooring.

8. Backyard Oasis Most dog owners will actively seek a safe and friendly backyard for their furry friend to roam. Something as simple as a fence can really pique a dog owner’s interest. Or you can go to the next level by offering an invisible electric fence upgrade.

PetSafe offers a range of electric fences, including wireless and radio options, where a transmitter in the house determines a prescribed boundary. Dogs, fitted with special lightweight collars, first hear a warning tone as they approach the boundary, then experience a minor electric shock once they reach the limit. Water features are also a great addition to a four-legged haven. Include a ground-level fountain with drinkable water, or even a small, shallow pond or pool with a gentle slope for the dog to dip its paws in on a hot summer afternoon. A doghouse can be a nice addition, especially when it’s designed to match the main house. Landscaping for pet owners might concern something as simple as not over-landscaping, ensuring there is lots of open space for a game of fetch. Also, make sure all materials used are toxin-free. Plants should be non-toxic, and while mulch is great for the soft pads on their feet, stay away from cocoa mulch, as it is toxic to pets. Use materials like lightcoloured concrete, brick, flagstone, pebbles and smooth rocks, since they won’t heat up in the sun and burn sensitive paws.

And if you’re really ambitious, PetPeek offers a “porthole” you can install into a fence that allows the dog to watch the world from the safety of his own backyard.

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Be careful not to over-landscape the backyard and avoid toxic plants.

9. Reducing Pet Pee-Yew Pet odour is inevitable when living with canine and feline friends. Including a few features to combat odour will impress even the most discerning buyer. According to Honeywell, the Pet CleanAir Compact Tabletop Air Purifier captures up to 95% of fine airborne allergens, including pet hair and dander, while the CZ pre-filter helps to eliminate odours. Installing a central vacuum system may also help reduce the unwanted aromas and allergens caused by pets. Central vacuum is a closed system and will therefore trap odour in the sealed canister located away from the living area, which, incidentally, reduces noise that can typically scare pets. It also tends to be more powerful than canister vacuums and will capture more hair and dander.

10. For the Organized Owner When someone owns a pet, it’s not just the pet they have to deal with, but all the pet “stuff”—leashes, collars, extra bags of food, toys, blankets…the list goes on. Allow the homeowner to more easily organize the accoutrements by including an area in the front hall for all the dog-walking equipment. Build an area of shelves and hooks for leashes, poop bags, sticky rollers, etc. Or, even better, build the hooks and shelves into a recessed niche.

Also, any unused out-of-the-way area could be made into a cabinet for dog food or kitty litter storage, and extra shelves could be included to create some pet accessory storage. OHB www.ohba.ca

“Before the work starts, get the clearance number.”

The law has changed. Having a WSIB clearance number is now mandatory for construction contractors to work.* Failing to register by January 2014 and working without a clearance number means facing penalties and significant fines.

Call WSIB at 1-800-387-0750 or go to wsib.on.ca for more information. We’re here to help.

*Some exemptions apply.

Love at First Sight Tugging at a homebuyer’s heartstrings can help seal the deal

By Jeffrey Reed

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T

he arsenal of a weekend shopper takes many forms, but none as calculated as the tools assembled by a family visiting a myriad of model homes. Armed with maps detailing the location of builders’ models, lists of features and notes on amenities, today’s homebuyer is a savvy species.

Yet, while purchasing a home requires logic, sticking to a budget and searching for perfect square footage in an ideal neighbourhood, there is perhaps an even stronger presence amongst potential homebuyers who visit models and presentation centres: emotion. Home is where the heart is, and smart builders know this when working with designers to plan and decorate a model home that will tug at a family’s heartstrings. In fact, there are numerous psychological factors that subconsciously make someone love—or hate—a home.

Hooking a buyer with emotion and reeling them in with intellect is the one-two punch of closing a deal.

“The thing we as designers need to do is attract viewers to look at a home that both welcomes and inspires,” says interior designer Richard Cadoret, owner of Port Hope’s GLAM Vintage & Moderne. “We’re trying to excite, energize and inspire.”

Western University’s Ivey School of Business marketing professor June Cote says that even when home shoppers do their math right down to the last cent, “All of that can be trumped by the visceral reaction of seeing a home. Smells, colours, sounds you can hear inside or from the outside—you might not be aware of them, but they can have an influence.”

On paper, purchasing a new home is a rational decision based upon budget, location, amenities and other quantifiable factors.

But the smallest thing can ignite subliminal emotions. For example, visiting a home during a cold, blistery day and cozying up to a warm fireplace, complete with table, chairs and a game of chess in progress, may conjure up thoughts of a memorable evening at home many years ago—and, consequently, of one many years to come.

And at the very core of every model home is family, according to Josephine L’Orefice, president of Decorative Interiors, a Maple-based home-decor consulting company. “When someone walks into a model home, they look at it as a home, not just a house,” says L’Orefice. “What would make me feel more at home are things like a photograph of a family, and a den with a computer, work books, school textbooks. Maybe seeing a board game, so I can see how a home will be used—how the family is integrated. If you’re in a kitchen that opens up to a family room, use throw blankets, some pillows. You don’t want things to be messy. But make it look realistic. Use a bowl of pasta on the table so it makes everything look a little more inviting.”

A classic book collection, DVD movies and a cork board with a reminder about soccer practice are all examples of elements that make a model home much more than just a model house.

The key, L’Orefice says, is to create an atmosphere that will make a visitor comfortable to the point where they feel they can just sit on a couch and feel right at home.

According to Dan Gabriele, vice-president of Marz Homes in Stoney Creek, it’s important to replicate real-life scenarios when designing the interior of a model home. “What we do is try to tell a story,” explains Gabriele. “The story is of a buyer living in this house. How would they live there? We try to answer that. For example, where would I put my TV? How www.ohba.ca

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“If you’re in a kitchen that opens up to a family room, use throw blankets, some pillows.

You don’t want things to be messy. But make it look realistic.”

— Josephine L’Orefice

many people can I fit in front of that TV? Where would they sit? And is there room for a coffee table over there, and a sofa over here?”

Gabriele says themes also play a big part in helping a homebuyer connect with a model home. For example, if a model sits near a coastal shoreline, then you need to create “a coastal feeling in the decor of that home. Give it subtle cottage accents and finishings.”

Stirring Emotions A home purchase is the largest investment most people will make in their lifetimes. It can therefore be an overwhelming experience and thus stir many emotions. It’s no surprise, then, that a potential purchaser looks for safety and security in a new home. This is where the reality of finances, as well as hopes and dreams, are joined by subliminal memories, according to Cote. For example, a specific layout may remind a purchaser of a past lover—and that can be a good or bad thing when it comes to making a model home visit a memorable one. And while no home is perfect, there are basic guidelines to designing and presenting a model home that will appeal to most people.

Designer Yasmine Goodwin, owner of My Design Studio in Toronto, has transformed over 2,800 houses into homes.

Working hand-in-hand with a builder, and starting with a floor plan as a base, Goodwin brings a vision to how a model home should look, while taking into consideration many elements, including demographics. Goodwin visits many models, too, constantly honing her skills and seeking the best ideas for her clients. “When people go looking at models, it’s like a homeshopping day,” she explains. “They’re going to six, seven or eight models. And when they get home, why does one home stick out in their mind over another home?

“When you walk into a new home, you want to potentially see where your family will live. It’s like love at first sight,” says Goodwin. “But how do you get there? How do you have someone say, ‘I can live here; it feels like my home already?’”

model, they will be able to view bits of a kitchen, living room, dining area and windows throughout. Wide hallways and tall archways, meanwhile, train the eye on individual rooms.

But it’s also important to pay attention to small details. In our current economy, lavish details often take a backseat to inclusions like functional, attractive window coverings and ornate light fixtures. And by using these types of finishing touches, you’ll inspire a buyer to purchase and decorate their new home.

Sticking to the basics in large pieces and surfaces, and then adding colour and accessories to accent those elements of a room are smart moves, according to designer Tracy Kundell of Avalon Interiors in Thornhill. A well-known interior designer with numerous television appearances, Kundell says pieces including area rugs and fresh-cut flowers—“the simple things”—can make a big difference when turning a house into a home. “Draperies are often overlooked, because (builders) are showcasing the architectural elements of windows and doors,”

The little things that count From the moment a visitor enters a model home, there should be a clear vision—not just in terms of what they want in their new home, but in a practical sense. A generous entrance way and foyer with a view of as many areas as possible is important, according to Goodwin. As soon as a visitor steps foot inside a 68

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Area rugs, drapery and fresh-cut flowers provide the finishing touches to help make a house a home, according to Tracy Kundell of Avalon Interiors. www.ohba.ca

“A builder’s concerns are elsewhere. You can use a good designer to make some really exciting choices.”

— Richard Cadoret

All the world’s a stage There’s little room for error when staging a home. Here is a list of do’s and don’ts from Yasmine Goodwin of My Design Studio in Toronto:

* Don’t use oversized furnishings, which will make spaces appear small.

Sights and smells that remind potential buyers of happy memories play on the strongest selling feature of all: emotion.

says Kundell, “but it’s the layering of the finishing touches where people can envision themselves living in that space.

“You try to appeal to a mass market,” adds Kundell of creating a model home look that crosses demographic boundaries. I always say to clients, a picture speaks a thousand words.”

According to Kundell, if a builder emphasizes a bestselling feature of a particular model home—a feature that a shopper remembers at the end of the day—then they have helped their model stand out from the pack.

“Take a feature and make it special,” he advises. “Like a two-storey family room fireplace. Make it memorable.

Use a unique material or stone all the way up. People will remember not that it was two stories with drywall, but that it had a fantastic, unique material.”

In its simplest form, it’s all about creating a home loved by potential homebuyers. In fact, Gabriele says Marz Homes has even attracted visitors to their models who simply love that particular house. “They 70

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* Don’t use too many different colours, which will distract potential buyers. * Don’t overdress spaces, but allow for the purchaser to imagine their own lives and furnishings in the space. * Create luxurious master bedrooms and master ensuites. * Add closet organizers, especially in the master bedroom. * Create a joyful children’s room. * Use one of the bedrooms or basement rooms to create an office space or exercise room. * Create storage in the mudroom. * Use energy-saving items, such as timers for lights. * Incorporate attractive lighting. * Invest in artwork. www.ohba.ca

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“When you walk into a new home, you want to potentially see where your family will live. It’s like love at first sight.”

— Yasmine Goodwin

The Art of Feng Shui The phrase “mind, body and spirit” has become ingrained in our modern vocabulary. Its reference to leading a balanced life, in fact, is an almost fashionable concept these days. The Chinese philosophy of Feng Shui, however, has been espousing these same merits of harmonizing human existence with the surrounding environment for almost 3,000 years. Translated literally as “wind-water,” Feng Shui has come to refer to the design of every room in a home. But according to Malca Narrol, a professional Feng Shui consultant headquartered in Toronto, the term carries a much deeper meaning.

Stay with neutral colours and let accessories tell a unique story, suggests Decorenza’s Enza Checchia.

are not in the market for that house, but they keep coming back because they enjoy being in that model.

And that person will tell friends about it. That’s good social marketing!”

If a builder can contract the work of a designer to help maximize a home’s appeal, they should,” stresses designer Enza Checchia of Decorenza in Woodbridge.

“They don’t have to carry the cost of full-time (design staff).”

“A builder’s concerns are elsewhere. You can use a good designer to make some really exciting choices,” echoes Cadoret, who cautions builders not to oversimplify, but stick to neutrals and then be unique in the way they accessorize.

“We don’t say we’re staging a home; we say we are staging a floor plan,” says Checchia. “We meet with everyone—sales and marketing, the builder. We ask, ‘What do you want this model to do for you?’ A model home is a tool.”

It’s a tool that can lay an emotional foundation much stronger than any bricks and mortar could. “A model is based on standards and features,” says Goodwin, “but that’s not what necessarily sells the home.” OHB

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A founding member of the Feng Shui Association of Canada, and consultant to numerous Ontario-based residential and commercial clients, Narrol defines Feng Shui as “the time-tested study of how environments and timing affect people, companies and communities. It includes a wealth of building and design guidelines that can benefit any building and any builder.”

According to Narrol, some Feng Shui principles apply to all buildings at all times. For example, the entrance is a main energy source and therefore the most important part of most buildings, so the front door should be able to receive energy. There should be no trees, walls, etc. directly ahead of the entrance, as they block energy from coming in, and interior staircases should not face the entrance since this increases the chance of energy flowing down the stairs and out the door instead of flowing inward.

Further, builders should avoid placing stairs, kitchens and bathrooms in the centre of buildings. The centre should be an energy-gathering area, as these placements increase the probability of good health, family togetherness and saving money.

Narrol notes that there are other site-specific principles too. The land division and layout of streets and services in any development are critical. When the lot shapes and slopes are balanced, and the streets and drainage ponds are laid out to bring the beneficial energies into the homes, the occupants fare better in regard to their health, wealth, relationships and children. And since some of this can be sensed subconsciously, Narrol notes, these properties tend to sell faster and at better prices for the builder.

www.ohba.ca

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better building

Light, Bright and Just Right First-in-Canada Active House shows how sunlight, fresh air and efficiency make for measurably happier people

By Steve Maxwell As industries go, home building isn’t

always the quickest sector to embrace innovation. But when trends finally do show up, they’re often long-lived and significant. This is exactly what you’ll find in Thorold, Ontario, where a firstin-Canada demonstration home was unveiled on October 16th. Just don’t be fooled by its high-end appearance.

Despite gorgeous lines and the kind of light and bright interior I’ve never seen in 25 years of following home design, these features aren’t primarily intended for the elite. Far from it. The Thorold house shows how ordinary people with www.ohba.ca

ordinary budgets can own a home that makes them feel exceptionally good, while living happier, healthier lives. It also shows how you can more actively provide a striking homeowner experience that truly stands out.

The project springs from a European movement called Active House. Built by a team of Danish architects, Great Gulf Homes and the award-winning Toronto architectural firm Superkül, the Thorold house is specifically designed to show how the look, feel and emotional appeal of tract homes can be improved.

“Ontario has done a lot to improve the energy efficiency of homes in the past few years,” explains Tad Putyra, COO of Low-Rise Development at Great Gulf, builder of the prototype Thorold Active House. “But we still need new homes that resonate better with our basic human need for sunlight, fresh air and beauty. Our Active House is a prototype that brings new ideas to market. Like a smartphone, it offers benefits that most people don’t realize they need until they experience them.”

As you’d expect, Active House delivontario home builder winter 2014

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better building

The Active House design greatly reduces the need for daytime interior lighting.

ers greater energy efficiency and less impact on the environment.

But the biggest benefit for you as a builder is emotional power. Green is fine, as far as it goes on a logical level, but people respond at least as much to the good feelings that come from loads of natural daylight flooding into rooms from high ceilings, plenty of fresh air rolling in through operable skylights and exceptionally refined levels of climate control and indoor air quality.

The first thing you’ll notice walking into the Thorold Active House is the way it feels bigger than its 3,200 sq. ft. floor plan. That’s because the design is both open and oriented to make the most of natural ventilation and views of the outdoors from nearly every room. Exterior walls are framed with 2x6s and insulated to R35 with closed-cell spray foam, while automatically controlled skylights and windows bring the outdoors inside.

Active Houses are found in Russia, Denmark, Britain, France, Norway, Germany, Austria and the USA, but none have the same floor plan. What is common among them all is the way the world’s best heating, lighting, skylights, electronic controls, floor plan, design and environmental management are integrated with greater care and attention to human comfort than is usually the case.

Check out activehouse.info to learn more about Canada’s first Active House.

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Dulux Paint’s Omega Yellow is one shade in the creamy palette of colours predicted to be popular for the coming year.

Yellow is hot for 2014!

Paint companies are going bananas

over 2014 colour trends. Among those banking on mellow yellows to sooth the savage beast in their customers, CIL has unveilled “Creamy” (50YY 77/285) as its 2014 Colour of the Year.

“Next year’s standout colour can best be described as a butter cream yellow—a warm pastel shade that has a fullness to it, but is still light enough to act as a neutral,” says CIL Brand Manager Alison Goldman, who expects the soothing, happy tone to take the spotlight in all areas of interior decor.

“It’s a very easy-to-live-with colour, continuously delivering a ray of warmth, no matter what the weather outside,” adds Goldman, who believes that people today continue to look for new directions to retreat from their busy, connected lives, and that mellow yellow creates a stable environment in which to pause and refresh.

The tone also works well in combinations, including brights of a similar saturation level, as well as citrus colours, blues, purples and greens, Goodman notes.

Sico Paint is also predicting yellow as the dominant colour in home decor next year, accentuated by a wide range of rich, luxurious hues and vibrant colour patterns.

“From warm buttery yellows and saturated

pastels to robust reds, retro blues, and energetic browns and greys, the spectrum of colours for the coming year continues to reflect people’s desire to disconnect from today’s complex world and return to the beauty of nature and art,” echoes Mylène Gévry, brand director for Sico. “The more that technology advances, the more we feel the need to maintain balance with the earth and all things natural.”

Sico’s Modern Mosaic design theme for the coming year combines a lively mix of bold brights drawn from the full colour spectrum. A testament to the growth of the craft movement as a dominant, long-term trend, Modern Mosaic is characterized by geometric patterning—from zig-zag and diamond to checker and chevron designs.

Think energetic combinations of robust reds, sunshine yellows, bold blues and free-spirited pinks and teals, such as Sico’s Bunch O’ Bananas (6096-54) yellow.

Although Dulux Paint is citing a wider range of popular colours in the coming year, it does note that, “trendy yellows for 2014 range from gentle pastels to cheery brights to antiqued golds, all exuding an air of warmth and optimism. Most popular will be a delicate, buttery yellow, such as Dulux’s May Yellow (50YY 75/254). www.ohba.ca

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Jan. 1, 2014 OBC Updates transitiOn Challenges frOm lOw tO mid-rise COnstrUCtiOn green renOvatOr prOJeCt™ experts enerQUality’s awards Of exCellenCe gala

FEBRUARY 26-28, 2014

HILTON HOTEL AND SUITES NIAGARA FALLS/ FALLSVIEW

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better building

Investing in the future of building materials The Canadian government and the

National Research Council launched the Industrial Biomaterials program in November, a new initiative that will help create more fuel-efficient vehicles and greener construction materials.

“This is yet another example of how we’re ensuring more ideas get to the marketplace, as this program integrates the expertise of the NRC with the business know-how of Canadian industry leaders to manufacture new lightweight, cost-effective and bio-sourced materials for next generation vehicles and homes, to improve the quality of life of Canadians,” said the Honourable Greg Rickford, Minister of State (Science and Technology).

The Industrial Biomaterials program is a $55 million initiative over five years consisting of a $30 million investment by the NRC and $25 million generated through collaborative projects with industry, academic institutions and other government departments.

Canadian firms will now be able to transform agricultural and forestry byproducts to create new materials and reduce the use of petroleum-based polymers (plastics). Bioresins, biofibres and biocomposites made from Canadian nonfood biomass (such as wood, lignin, grain husks, flax and hemp stems) are environmentally friendly and provide alternative ecological options. It will help Canada’s construction industry remain competitive in global markets by ensuring that green building material suppliers can adopt these leading-edge technologies.

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On a snowy day in early 2012, a cus-

tomer came into Fonthill Paint and 78

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Decorating to purchase the same colour paint he had used in his home years earlier. Unfortunately, because the paint had not been purchased at the store and recorded into the client information database, storeowner Chris Baxter was unable to help that customer find the colour he needed. The customer was left to re-paint the whole room again, instead of simply touching up the paint that had chipped off.

Sympathetic to his customer’s plight, Baxter began to ask a few questions: “Why can’t homeowners or contractors store and access their own colour information themselves? Why is the homeowner suffering because there is no service out there linking them directly to the products and trade services in their home?”

Baxter pitched his thoughts to his good friend Rob Berry, and the idea of ColourBook was born. ColourBook. ca maintains a database of more than 250,000 home renovation materials distributed in Ontario from more than 100 manufacturers, with over 5,000 direct links to Ontario retailers.

The service allows builders to provide clients with their own visual colour portfolio of their home. Trades and contractors have a free tool to promote their business, providing continuous market exposure, and designers and architects can have their artistic creativity remain with the house, with the ability to send clients a visual colour portfolio of their home.

Homeowners, meanwhile, can store a visual image of their paint chips, flooring, roofing shingles, stone, etc., along with all relevant information so that they can access them anywhere, any time.

Putting cabinets within reach A Hamilton-based company is making

those hard-to-reach spots in homes a lot more accessible. A finalist in Lion’s Lair, the City of Hamilton’s version of Dragons’ Den, Lusso Living Products is the developer and manufacturer of the Easy Reach motorized cabinet. At the touch of a button, these cabinets lower electronically down and forward toward the waiting hand of the user, www.ohba.ca

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

Comprehensive Insurance & Risk Management Solutions Jones DesLauriers Insurance Management Inc. (JDIMI) is a leader in providing builders insurance solutions. We recognize the insurance challenges builders face today and offer competitive rates and the most comprehensive coverage available in today’s insurance market.

Matt Croswell 416.234.6326 mattc@jdimi.com 1.877.232.9996 jdimi.com/builders /JonesDesLauriers @360risk

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better building

Elevating

Luxury Home Elevators Our expert team will help you turn your custom elevator concept into a reality. Successfully installing elevators since 1985 ensures a flawless install with a lifetime of enjoyment. Trust the experts.

At the touch of a button, Easy Reach cabinets drop down and forward for easy access.

416.617.6326 | info@motionelevating.com | www.motionelevating.com Design Centre located at 939 Eglinton Avenue East, Toronto

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bringing the contents within, well “easy reach.” Ideal for seniors or infirm individuals wishing to care for themselves in their own residence, the motorized lift is hidden within the cabinet structure, making it indistinguishable from a nonmotorized cabinet.

Easy Reach cabinets can be placed in various locations within a home, such as the kitchen, bathroom, laundry and living room, garage and closets. They can also be used in commercial, institutional and industrial settings.

“We started with thinking of the kitchen, but people have used it in the bathroom, laundry room and home offices, to mention a few,” says Jerry Sorbara, president of Lusso Living Products. “The whole idea is to retrofit existing kitchen cabinets, if that’s where it will be used, as you don’t want the expense of a complete renovation.

There are two purchasing options, Sorbara notes. “You can purchase the kit, which is the electro-mechanical assembly along with the inner cabinet (the portion that lowers) for $1,300 wholesale. Or you can purchase the outer, inner and kit. This cost really depends on the finish and door style, but on average it ends up being an additional $300 to $400.” lusso-living.com www.ohba.ca

The most flexible plumbing solution you’ve ever seen

Where Vision Becomes Reality

When you think of plumbing, it’s hard

to get your head around a connection system that’s free from torches, solvents, glue and lead, but Uponor’s ProPEX expansion fitting system is touting just that. A leading manufacturer of plumbing, fire safety and radiant heating and cooling solutions, Uponor’s system, featuring durable, corrosion-resistant crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) pipe, is built on a complete range of components that create a flexible plumbing solution for every residential or commercial installation. The wide range of ProPEX manifolds, multiport tees and fittings, available in engineered polymer (EP) and lead-free brass, allow you to design the perfect system installation for optimum efficiency of material use and system performance. Fast and simple to install, it can take just a few seconds to make a watertight connection. After cutting the remarkably flexible Uponor PEX pipe, add an Uponor ProPEX Expansion Ring to the end of the pipe. Then, using an expander tool such as the Milwaukee M12 ProPEX, expand the piping and insert the fitting.

As the PEX piping and expansion ring contract back to their original size, it creates a solid, watertight connection that actually improves over time, as the pipe and the ring are in constant adaptation to tighten around the fitting.

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The cornerstone of successful projects.

Frozen pipe dreams A growing number of Canadians are

trading their city homes for a full-time life in cottage country, but as anyone who has attempted this will tell you, www.ohba.ca

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OHB ad 4.5 x 4.875:Layout 1 11-09-28 3:52 PM Page 1

Craftsmanship. Style. Performance.

better building

Heat-Line’s Carapace product adjusts heat output incrementally to avoid overheating plastic pipes.

Carefully crafted with outstanding quality, superior functionality and unmatched performance; all backed by the best warranty in the business. It’s easy to see why more architects, contractors and homeowners specify Strassburger Windows and Doors.

1-800-265-4717 or visit www.strassburger.net Kitchener Head Office and Showroom 2101 Shirley Dr., Kitchener ON N2B 3X4 519-885-6380 1-800-265-4717 Barrie Office and Showroom 18 Alliance Blvd., Unit 2, Barrie ON L4M 5A5 705-812-4923 1-866-796-7023

Vinyl windows, patio and entrance doors for the replacement, renovation and new-construction markets

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one big challenge is getting year-round running water. Preventing water lines from freezing during cold weather in a landscape with little or no soil is the trick, and it requires specialized plumbing technology of the sort a guy named Lorne Heise excels at creating.

An electrician by trade, Heise left the bustle of Toronto life, moved to Muskoka, and started a company called Heat-Line (heatline.com). Heise has invented and manufactures some of the best frost-protection plumbing hardware I’ve seen, and I experienced his Carapace pipe product firsthand; by installing it, then by watching how it performs.

Unlike any other pipe-heating cables I’ve worked with, this one can adjust heat output incrementally along its entire length, applying more or less heat as needed to different parts of the pipe that it is warming. This eliminates the danger that some cables pose of overheating plastic water pipes, while also reducing the amount of electricity required to a bare minimum. A further innovation involves the use of a thermostat box that allows the system to shut off completely when heat is not required to keep pipe above from freezing.

At $1,600 for 70 feet of Carapace pipe, and an another $500 for the thermostat and foam pipe insulation, the system isn’t cheap. But after working with this hardware, I can say that it’s extremely well made, tough and efficient. Housed in lengths of 4” ABS pipe I applied on site, the electricity comes on about 25% of the time in an installation I monitored that’s buried in about 12” of soil.

—Steve Maxwell www.ohba.ca

Finalists named for 2013 CHBA SAM Awards

GOT A BEAST OF A JOB?

As usual, Ontario builders are figuring

prominently among this year’s Canadian Home Builders’ Association’s SAM Awards finalists. The annual awards recognize outstanding performance by CHBA members in the following categories: new homes and renovation design and construction; community development; technology and construction techniques; marketing and sales activities; and the commitment to “green” practices.

This year’s winners will be announced April 4 at the CHBA National Conference in Whistler, B.C. Last year, 10 of the 23 individual awards went to Ontario builders.

Ontario companies nominated for the 2013 Awards include: NEW HOME AWARDS (PRODUCTION HOMES) SINGLE DETACHED (Under 1,500 sq. ft.)

• Corvinelli Homes, Russell “The Florence, Russell Trails” • Doug Tarry Homes, St. Thomas “The Thornwood Elevation C (Bungalow)” • Linwood Homes Ltd., Young’s Point “The Southbay” SINGLE DETACHED (1,500-2,200 sq. ft.)

• Doug Tarry Homes, St. Thomas “The Ivystone Elevation B (Two Storey), Harrisview (Ingersoll)” • Linwood Homes Ltd., Young’s Point “The Peninsula Ridge” • Rinaldi Homes (Niagara) Inc., St. Catharines “Coyle Creek Estates, Winterbury III” SINGLE DETACHED (Over 2,200 sq. ft.)

Great Gulf Homes, Toronto “King Oaks/The Ascot” •

NEW HOME AWARDS (CUSTOM HOMES) SINGLE DETACHED (Under 2,500 sq. ft.)

• Linwood Homes Ltd., Young’s Point SINGLE DETACHED (2,500-4,000 sq. ft.)

• Bachly Construction, Bolton SINGLE DETACHED (Over 4,000 sq. ft.)

• Ambassador Fine Custom Homes Inc., Mississauga • Bachly Construction, Bolton

www.ohba.ca

SELECT YOUR PLAN OF ATTACK. As long as there are options, there’s a way to attack your monster job.

Selectable Joystick Controls (SJC) start with low-effort hand control of all machine workgroup functions. Go to Bobcat.com/Option11 or visit your local dealer for details.

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Bobcat of Durham East, Ltd. Courtice

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Bobcat of Hamilton, Ltd. Stoney Creek

Bobcat of the Tri-Cities, Ltd. Kitchener

Bobcat of London, Ltd. London

Can-Am Tractor, Ltd. Chatham

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John’s Equip Sales & Service, Ltd. Frankford

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McGavin Farm Equipment, Ltd. Walton www.mcgavinequip.com

Stratford Farm Equipment Stratford

Bobcat ® and the Bobcat logo are registered trademarks of Bobcat Company in the United States and various other countries. ©2013 Bobcat Company. All Rights Reserved. | 1013937

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Don’t be a “Risk-taker” Most Species at Risk (SAR) issues can be resolved through properly-timed inventories!

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Serving all of Ontario Since 2008

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better building MULTI-FAMILY PROJECT • Concert Properties Ltd., Toronto “Motion” GREEN HOME AWARD Empire Communities, Vaughan

•

HOME RENOVATION AWARDS KITCHEN • Cochren Homes Limited, Oakville • Distinctive Designs & Cabinetry Inc., St. Catharines ANY ROOM Amsted Design Build with Chuck Mills • Residential Design and Development, Ottawa • Michael J. Martin Luxury Renovations, Ottawa • OakWood Renovation Experts, Ottawa • ZagMar Builders Inc., Sudbury •

WHOLE HOUSE (Under $250,000) • OakWood Renovation Experts, Ottawa • Pioneer Craftsmen Ltd., Kitchener • ZagMar Builders Inc., Sudbury WHOLE HOUSE ($250,000-$500,000) • Amsted Design Build with Chuck Mills Residential • Design and Development, Ottawa • Bachly Construction, Bolton • Coulson Design-Build Inc., Amherstburg • Oke Woodsmith Building Systems Inc., Grand Bend • Windrush Hill Construction, St. Catharines WHOLE HOUSE (Over $500,000) • Eurodale Developments Inc., Toronto MARKETING AWARDS PRINT AD • The Daniels Corporation, Toronto “Cinema Tower” (Creative, concept and production: Montana Steele Strategic Marketing)

Mother nature knows the best footings are big and round.

Adding on? Building a deck? Take a lesson from nature.

For stability you can trust, build it with Bigfoot!

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PROJECT SIGNAGE AND LOGO Brookfield Residential, Markham “Treetops in Alliston” (Creative, concept and production: BAM, Cable Bridge, Orchard Ridge Homes) Concert Properties Ltd., Toronto “Motion” (Creative, concept and production: Max Advertising) Empire Communities, Vaughan “Imagine” (Creative, concept and production: BAM Builder Advertising & Marketing Inc.) Sifton Properties Limited, London “Timberwalk Site Signage and Logo” (Creative, concept and production: Orchard Design) Remington Homes, Vaughan “The Preserve” (Creative, concept and production: Blackjet Inc.) BROCHURE/KIT • Fourteen Estates Limited, Ajax “Fourteen Estates Corporate Brochure” (Creative, concept and production: Sandy Cook Marketing and Design)

www.ohba.ca

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MORE BEAUTIFUL Visit us at the

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better building

Air Movement Solution

Heat Recovery Ventilators

Dryer Boosters

Make Fantech your source for high quality ventilation products. You’ll find a wide range of products to fit any application. Each one engineered for quality and dependability.

That’s simply better™. www.fantech.net 800.565.3548

Premium Bathroom Fans

“

, has been helping elite builders transform their development projects into profitable results. Providing project planning and design, decor studio management, model home design and staging, we are committed to your success.

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SALES OFFICE • Arista Homes, Vaughan “Upper Unionville Phase II (The New “U”)” (Creative, concept and production: G. Ryan Design Inc.) • MOD Developments, Toronto “The Massey Tower” (Creative, concept and production: LA Inc.) • Rosehaven Homes, Oakville “The Randall Residences” • The Acorn Development Corporation, Scarborough “Oak Knoll” (Creative, concept and production: Gordana Car Interior Design, Seppi Designs) • The Daniels Corporation, Toronto “Cinema Tower” (Creative, concept and production: Montana Steele Strategic Marketing) DIRECT PROMOTION • Geranium Homes, Markham “Copperstone” (Creative, concept and production: Builder Insight Group) • Rosehaven Homes, Oakville “The Randall Residences” (Creative, concept and production: McOuat Partnership)

Bathroom Fans

Ontario Homeestablished Builders - Winter issue.indd 1 in 2001,

Geranium Homes, Markham “Copperstone” (Creative, concept and production: Builder Insight Group) • Remington Homes, Concord “King Blue Condominiums” (Creative, concept and production: Montana Steele Strategic Marketing) • Senator Homes, North York “Harbourside” (Creative, concept and production: Guidelines Advertising) •

WEBSITE • Brookfield Residential, Markham “Treetops in Alliston” (Creative, concept and production: BAM, Cable Bridge, Orchard Ridge Homes) • Doug Tarry Homes, St. Thomas: “Doug Tarry Homes Corporate Website” (Creative, concept and production: Hall & Associates) • Geranium Homes, Markham “Copperstone” (Creative, concept and production: Builder Insight Group) • Remington Homes, Concord “King Blue Condominiums” (Creative, concept and production: Montana Steele Strategic Marketing) MARKETING EXCELLENCE AWARD • Brookfield Residential, Markham (Creative, concept and production: BAM, Cable Bridge, Orchard Ridge Homes) • Concert Properties Ltd., Toronto (Creative, concept and production: Max Advertising) • Geranium Homes, Markham (Creative, concept and production: Builder Insight Group) • The Daniels Corporation, Toronto (Creative, concept and production: Montana Steele Strategic Marketing)

416.742.2882 1.866.869.4454

www.my-designstudio.com

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info@my-designstudio.com 4250 Weston Rd. Suite 208 Toronto ON, M9L 1W9

GRAND SAM AWARD • Concert Properties Ltd., Toronto (Creative, concept and production: Max Advertising) • Doug Tarry Homes, St. Thomas (Creative, concept and production: Hall & Associates) OHB

www.ohba.ca

T:7.125”

PICK YOUR BATTLES. ALL OF THEM. In the f igh t agains t the el emen t s, onl y L enno x ® o f f ers a ful l l ine o f H VA C equipmen t t o co v er e v ery home. From t empera ture con trol t o air qual i t y t o energy e f f iciency, w e o f f er the bes t range t o ensure tha t v ic t ory is yours. To see w ha t el se they do, v isi t l enno x .com or cal l Bob Smi th, Buil der Rel a tions Manager a t 416-7 25 -0 106.

T:4.833”

INNOVATION NEVER FELT SO GOOD.™

Facebook.com/lennox

Follow us on Google+

YouTube.com/lennox

© 2014 Lennox Industries Inc. Lennox dealers include independently owned and operated businesses.

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PRODUCTION NOTES APPROVALS

BY

DATE

FINAL FOR PRODUCTION

Studio

X ASTERN ONTARIO DISTICT AD 707 Output At: 100%

Art Director: Copywriter: Print Mgr: Client Serv: Colour: Fonts:

NONE NONE JILLIAN HARKNESS/GINA SEARY REBECCA SPIECE/ALANNA IRVINE 4C REGISTER, HELVETICA NEUE, TT SLUG OTF

Type Mgr. Proofreader Print Mgr. Art Director

Trim: 7.125” X 4.833” Bleed: NONE

X 4.833”

013 10:26 AM REPRESS

TA,

®

Copywriter Creative Dir. Typesetting: Optic Nerve This advertisement prepared by PUBLICIS

YELLOW,

BLACK

www.ohba.ca

Title: PICK YOUR BATTLES. Pubs: ONTARIO HOME BUILDER

LASER%

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LEN_M_13_707_E REVs

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Your builds are dependent on the guts.

Are you really backing your builds with the right product?

In today’s home building market, it’s reassuring to know that behind every project, York backs your success. You can count on a full range of award - winning heating and cooling products recognized for quality and reliability by the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval and backed by our generous warranties. Plus, our innovative, high - efficiency solutions should help you meet today’s stringent ENERGY STAR requirements. And with local inventory available, your closing schedules stay on track.

Call Colin Ashdown at (905) 469 - 6962 and put York to work on your next project.

BUILT RIGHT. BUILT BY YORK. Check us out on the web at: www.yorkcanada.ca

product focus

Comfort Zone Heating and air conditioning advances are a breath of fresh air for builders and consumers alike

By Dan O’Reilly

As it impacts what systems they will be installing in their homes, builders should be aware of new and evolving regulatory and design changes in the heating, ventilating and air conditioning sector. High on that is the Canadian Standard Association’s new CSA F280 Standard, which provides guidelines for contractors and installers on calculating proper heating and cooling energy output for appliances in housing.

“It is imperative that residential space heating and cooling

systems have the proper output capacity,” advises the CSA. “Too little or too much capacity can create a dangerous and uncomfortable living environment.”

The new standard is “a recognition of the fact” that houses are becoming more energy efficient and require smaller and lower-energy-output HVAC systems, says Warren Heeley, president of the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada, a non-profit national trade association of manufacturers, wholesalers and contractors in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration industries.

“We’re trying to get our designers up to speed (on the new standard), says Heeley, explaining CSA F280 is now referenced by the Ontario Building Code. www.ohba.ca

Besides the new standard, the Institute is monitoring other developments that have impacted or will soon impact the HVAC sector and, by extension, the new home industry. For example, although forced air and cooling is used in the overwhelming majority of Ontario houses, some custom home builders have or are considering alternatives such as geothermal heating, Heeley points out.

Builders interested in keeping abreast of changes in the industry and learning about new products might want to attend the Institute-sponsored CMPX Show next March at the Metro Convention Centre in Toronto. Thousands of heating, air conditioning, ventilation, hearth, plumbing, piping, refrigeration and emerging technologies products will be on display.

For more information visit cmpxshow.com. ontario home builder winter 2014

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product focus

Air exchangers easy to install Two new heat recovery air exchanges under the product name EVO5 were unveiled this past fall by Venmar. According to the manufacturer, they are more effective, quieter, more energy efficient and easier to install than other exchanges currently available. The ventilation performances of the Energy Star-certified, 2.5-Sone-rated EVO5 500 HRV and the EVO5 700 HRV HEPA model units has been independently certified by the Home Ventilating Institute. The 500 model is suitable for houses 2,700 square feet or less, while the 700 is designed for larger houses of up to 3,000 square feet. Both are 40% more compact, with ducts reduced to five inches, and are equipped with a user-friendly electronic wall control. Venmar.ca

Heat recovery ventilator quiet and powerful Specifically intended for high-efficiency houses, the Energy Star-rated VHR150R heat recovery ventilator from Fantech was engineered to deal with high static pressure conditions. The unit directs a continuous supply of fresh air into a home while exhausting an equal amount of contaminated air. During the winter, fresh incoming air is tempered by the heat that is transferred from the outgoing air. As a result, homeowners achieve substantial savings on energy costs. During the hot summer months, incoming air is pre-cooled if the house is equipped with an air-cooling system.

A major feature of the VHR150R is its unique and quiet internal recirculation defrost, which doesn’t depressurize the home during the defrost cycle. Fantech.net

Insulating for comfort With the ComfortBatt semi-rigid batt stone wool insulation from Roxul, builders can offer purchasers energysaving homes that are also comfortable to live in. Available in R14, R22, R28 and R32 versions, the insulation delivers top thermal performance and does not store or transfer moisture.

The insulation can be used for other areas besides the exterior walls. Some examples include exposed concrete walls in basements, heated crawl spaces and attics. Roxul.com

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www.ohba.ca

What you should demand

What you should demand from your hvac contractor

❍ Quality Engineered in-house Martino hvac drawing

❍ Provide manufacturer’s warranty and Tarion warranty to homeowner

❍ Quality installation of furnace and duct distribution system

❍ Offer to homeowner Martino hvac Membership and Planned Maintenance

❍ Proper sizing of gas pipe and venting material

❍ Safe installation of hot water tank complete with gas pipe and venting

❍ Offer tune ups and preventative maintenance to homeowner ❍ Provide full upgraded product line

❍ On time delivery

❍ Upgraded Filtration System standard with all systems— a first by Martino.

❍ Perform balance of every system installed and equipment

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performance check

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from your hvac contractor

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It’s time to discover what Martino Contractors has to offer.

Since 1987 our clients have trusted us because we deliver all of the above everyday.

Call us or log on today to request more information about Martino Contractor’s services and what clients are saying about our performance.

MikeMartino

Mike Martino

Martino Contractors Ltd.

❍ Quality Engineered in-house Martino hvac drawing

❍ Provide manufacturer’s warranty and Tarion warranty to homeowner

❍ Quality installation of furnace and duct distribution system ❍ Offer to homeowner Martino hvac Membership and Planned Maintenance ❍ Proper sizing of gas pipe and venting material ❍ Offer tune ups and preventative maintenance to homeowner ❍ Safe installation of hot water tank complete with gas pipe ❍ Provide full upgraded product line and venting ❍ Upgraded Filtration System standard with all systems— ❍ On time delivery a first by Marti•no.www.martinohvac.com • 1-800-465-5700 info@martinohvac.com

Bringing a World of HVAC Products to You.

rHVCA

Residential Heating Ventilation Contractors Association

product focus

A rethink in fan technology In what it describes as a revolution in ventilation fan technology, Broan Nutone has launched its redesigned and re-engineered product line of Ultra ventilation fans and fan/lights. The units are now easier and faster to mount, says the manufacturer, citing test results that have indicated they can be installed 60% faster in renovation projects and 20% faster in newhome construction, compared to the installation times for standard models. In addition, they are equipped with an entirely new range of advanced technical enhancements. A smart-control technology, for example, continually monitors and adjusts motor speed to ensure adequate air movement, regardless of the ducting configuration, while sensors detect rapid rises in humidity from the ambient level in the bathroom. BroanULTRA.ca

A heat pump for the future Designated as an Energy Star Most Efficient 2012 product for its ultra-high efficiency and smart controls, the Tranquility 30 Digital geothermal heat pump from ClimateMaster offers a range of integrated services, including digital communicating controls, two-stage capacity, variable-speed fan and variable-flow geothermal source functions. As a result, the pump is easier to install and service. A smart-technology system allows users and contractors to monitor the performance of the unit. The Tranquility is also less expensive to operate than any other two-stage geothermal unit on the market, says the manufacturer. Climatemaster.com 92

ontario home builder winter 2014

Water heater first of its kind Distinguished with a dome that conceals its blower and wiring, the attractive RHE HighEfficiency Condensing Water Heater is the only residential condensing tank-type water heater on the market. At least that is what Rheem is suggesting in heralding the unit, which only became available a few months ago. Designed to address negative air pressure issues, its twopipe venting system draws air from outside of the home rather than impacting the clean air quality within the home. The second vent pipe also expels the products of combustion. Installation is straightforward, and only minimal adjustments are required to replace existing power vent or power direct vent water heaters.

Rheem.com

www.ohba.ca

S O U L O F T H E C I T Y S E R I E S : T H E R E D R O C K E T. A N E N D A N G E R E D S P E C I E S ?

SOUL OF THE CITY TORONTO STAR “More subways!” It’s a refrain heard over and over, while the plan calls for more LRTs. The future of streetcar is far from certain, but the place it holds as a symbol of a people-friendly city will remain forever – perhaps because looking out a subway car offers just a flashdance of grey concrete streaming by.

For charm, and the view, the Red Rocket wins, hands down. It’s got soul.

The Toronto Star knows its readers, many of whom ride “The Better Way.” Check it out: 70% more women and 48% more 25-54 year-olds read the Star than our closest competitor.* When the spread in readership is that great, you can bet advertisers know it too. When you place your media, place it where the people are. Advertise in the Toronto Star and on thestar.com *Source: NADbank Fall 2011/Spring 2012, Toronto CMA, Weekday Readership

product focus

Air conditioner tops in energy savings With a SEER rating of 25, the XC25 air conditioner from Lennox will cool homes to perfection and save homeowners hundreds of dollars in annual energy costs. Over a five-year period those savings will exceed $2,700 compared to an industry standard of $1,665, says the manufacturer. Driving those savings is a Precise Comfort technology system that enables the unit to increase its output in increments as small as 1%, ensuring the right amount of energy is used every time. Its variable-capacity, inverter controlled operation works much like the cruise control system of high-performance automobiles, automatically making adjustments when required. The XC25 has been designated as one of the Most Efficient Energy Star-qualified products in 2013. Lennox.com

A compact heating solution Lightweight and compact, the RedZone Air Handler offers numerous advantages to builders and homeowners. Connected to either a Rinnai or Bosch tankless water heater, it provides efficient home heating and an endless supply of domestic hot water. For builders and renovators, the unit offers ease of installation and a variety of mounting and venting configurations. In new homes, three-inch-diameter, high-velocity mini-ducts fit inside standard walls, eliminating the need for extra bulkheads. Existing ductwork can be used in reno projects. No outdoor vents are required and the air handler doesn’t need to be right beside the water heater.

In fact, the RedZone can be placed virtually anywhere that’s convenient. Redmond/Williams is the exclusive distributor and will provide support and training. Redmondwilliams.com Thermostat gives homeowners full control No longer are thermostats basic devices that are attached on a wall and forgotten about until temperatures plunge.

With the XL624 Control from Trane, homeowners can take complete control of their heating, cooling and energy usage. As the thermostat is a component of the Nexia Home Intelligence Network system, it can be operated and monitored from any internet-enabled smartphone, tablet or computer. With that capability users can adjust their heating or cooling even when they’re not at home.

They will also receive text and email alerts if the heating and cooling system isn’t performing at the desired temperature settings. There are a number of features, including a black and white touch screen and a built-in humidity sensor. Trane.com

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Devry Smith Frank LLP Lawyers & Mediators www.devrylaw.ca

Strategic advice for business focused results.

Providing legal assistance from project inception to completion: Real Estate & Financing Planning & Development/ OMB • Development Charges • Cost Sharing/ Development Agreements • Corporate Law/ Commercial Litigation • Municipal/ Taxation

Our lOcatiOn may be small tOwn... but Our expertise and service are nOt.

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The RCLLP Difference Experience Value Dedication

Contact David or Cory for all your planning and development needs.

David White - 416-446-3330 david.white@devrylaw.ca

Cory Estrela - 416-446-3329 cory.estrela@devrylaw.ca

10 Northumberland Street, Ayr

www.rcllp.ca

16783 Thorndale Rd Thorndale, ON N0M 2P0 Tel: 519-461-1180 Toll free: 1-800-265-7086 Fax: 519-461-0903

www.trscomponents.ca www.ohba.ca

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product focus

High efficiency heating With up to a 96% annual fuel utilization efficiency rating, Goodman’s two-stage GMH95 gas furnace supplies effective, efficient, economical and reliable heating. The primary heat exchanger is built from tubular aluminized-steel formed into a unique, highly durable, dual-diameter configuration. Innovative use of wrinklebend technology, plus a stainless-steel secondary heat exchanger also contribute to its durability. The model is equipped with a twostage gas valve, a long-life silicon nitride igniter, an auto-comfort mode for enhanced dehumidification and an electronic control board with self-diagnostics. Other enhancements include a corrosion-resistant vent blower and a fully insulated, heavy-gauge steel cabinet with a baked-on enamel finish. Each GMH95 is factory-run-tested and covered by a lifetime heat exchanger limited warranty, a 10-year unit replacement heat exchanger limited warranty and a 10-year limited parts warranty. Goodmanmfg.com

Air conditioner is quiet and strong Engineered for durability, quiet operation and advanced diagnostics, the ASXC16 air conditioner from Amana delivers up to 16 SEER energy-saving performance. Energy Star-certified, it is compatible with the ComfortNet Communicating Control, an easy-to-install diagnostics system providing unprecedented power over indoor temperatures and humidity. The system actively monitors the entire HVAC loop, making automatic corrections if needed to ensure peak operation. Several features set the Amana apart from competing models, including a factoryinstalled filter dryer, a specially designed compressor soundreduction cover, high- and low-pressure switches, a heavy-gauge, galvanized steel cabinet with appliance-quality post-paint finish, diagnostic indicator lights with six-fault code storage, and coil and ambient temperature sensors. There is a 10-year limited parts warranty and lifetime replacement warranty on the twostage compressor. Amana-hac.com

Keeping homes cool and comfortable Backed by a 10-year limited warranty on its compressor and parts, the LX Split System Air Conditioner from York Canada delivers a long list of performance benefits. With up to a 14.5-SEER rating, it is energy efficient and will keep houses cool and comfortable. A major environmental feature is the R-410A refrigerant, which is used in all York Canada products. Lightweight and compact, the LX is easy to install in tight spaces. Yorkcanada.ca

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product showcase

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.

Leak-Bye Incorporated

RR#3 Mt. Forest, Ontario N0G 2L0 ATTN: John Plume Toll Free: 1-800-393 LEAK (5325) Tel: (519) 323-4123 Fax: (519) 323-4793

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 25 Langstaff Road East, interlocking paving Thornhill, ON L3T 3P7 stones and retaining wall Phone: 416-222-2424 or 905-886-5787, systems, from a variety Fax: 905-886-5795 of manufacturers. www.beavervalleystone.com Arriscraft_OHBA Showcase Awards 2013.pdf 1 10/23/2013 2:24:16 PM Visit One of Canada's Largest Outdoor Displays Accessories available.

Maintenance-Free Vinyl Decks & Fences No Stains No Pains No Deck Washes No Water Sealers • Durable • comfortable • choice of colours & Styles • lifetime Beauty • Non-Skid Surface • lifetime Warranty

For new construction or interior renovations, our easy-to-install, veneer products add the unique charm and authenticity of natural stone and brick.

Dealerships available throughout Ontario Exeter, Ontario 1 -888-644-2844 www.almarvinyl.ca

Luxury Custom Renovations Custom Bathrooms • Kitchens • Wine Cellars • Built-ins Dressing Rooms • Custom Millwork 416.806.2232 • info@torontocustomconcepts.com www.torontocustomconcepts.com 1750 The Queensway Suite#1101 • Toronto, ON • M9C 5H5

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OUT side THE BOX

Big minds should think small

North America’s oversized furniture manufacturers are cramming our living spaces Dr. Avi Friedman I was recently invited by friends to

Dr. Avi Friedman teaches architecture at McGill University.

He can be reached at avi.friedman@ mcgill.ca.

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visit their new home. At the end of a room-by-room stroll, my hosts were eager to hear my impression.

The layout of the split-level home was simple, with a large kitchen/ dining/living combination on one end and bedrooms on the other.

There was nothing outstanding about the design, but I was puzzled by the room sizes. At first glance, they seemed tiny. After a careful assessment I realized that they were not small at all. The place was simply overstuffed with furniture, the kind sold in common chains or large department stores.

So why do so many Canadian homes often look as if their owners have stuffed them to the rim? The logical response is that we tend to consume more goods and are reluctant to rid ourselves of old stuff. In addition, however, I believe that homeowners simply have no choice.

With the exception of several European chains like IKEA, most furniture is unnecessarily bulky. Home builders who furnish their show

ontario home builder winter 2014

homes suitably, though, make them look more airy and marketable.

The relation between room and furniture size has always influenced the design of new homes. It is hard to tell which came first. In Canada, bedroom sets are often sold as a package with bedside tables, a bureau and a makeup and mirror table. Realizing that getting a package was a “deal,” homeowners are encouraged to buy all the pieces—whether they need them or not. The anxiety and doubts that they have purchased a small home and the thoughts about moving to a larger one begin when the furnishing are in place. Living or dining room sets can easily turn fair-sized spaces into small ones.

Many of these pieces often lack the grace and style of their European counterparts. Having to cope with the constraints of high-density apartment living, European furnishing has evolved over the years to become a masterpiece of functionality and beauty. Talented designers are employed by top

manufacturers and large numbers of prototypes are fabricated until a display model is chosen and massproduced. A visit to Italy’s Fiera di Milano, Europe’s largest interior design show, is a breathtaking experience. Furniture is presented as artwork and acclaimed designers are admired and rewarded. In addition, Europeans do understand that well-crafted designs are worth paying for. The designs are likely to become classics and, because they are well-built items, they will also last long. But, perhaps most important, the furniture’s size does not clutter their homes. European dwellings look spacious.

In recent decades the average Canadian household has shrunk in size. Consumers, when offered the right choice, tend to make smart decisions. The field is currently wide open for a new generation of interior and industrial designers and manufacturers to introduce new locally produced furniture lines to replace expansive imports and make homes feel big. OHB

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We Build Communities

Ontario Provincial District Council

With over 65,000 members across Ontario, LiUNA is committed to building communities throughout the province. Our members are employed in all sectors of the construction industry: building our roads & bridges, installing our sewers & water mains, developing our pipelines, channeling our energy sources, and expanding our recreation facilities, hospitals & schools.

LiUNA’s biggest contribution to building communities exists in the low rise residential construction sector. Represented by LiUNA Local 183, it is the largest residential construction Local in Canada, with more than 40,000 members and retirees. Local 183 is the leading source for skilled Labourers, who have built homes for Ontario families for decades.

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