Ontario Home Builder -Renovation 2014

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By Tracy Hanes

By Marc Huminilowycz

By Robinson Nash

By Ted McIntyre

50

40

13 One Voice By Joe Vaccaro

Renovators are our unsung heroes

23 Human Capital By Mark E. Geiger

Courts and new OHSA regulations up the ante

25 Marketing By CMHC

Tips on selling eco-friendly renos

29 Health & Safety By Rick Parsons

Don’t risk cutting corners with asbestos removal

58

68 Website Reno

how to make an online impact

By Brenda Pacher

74 Points of Interest

Ontario renovators’ most pressing concerns

By J.P. Donaldson

83 In Case You Missed

It

marketing and taxing issues from the reno Forum

By Cory Smith

31 Technology By Jonathan MacIndoe Mobile POS could be a

110 Outside the Box By Avi Friedman

Life is getting a lot easier for the DIY’er

15 Ontario Report

Time to enter for 2014 Awards of Distinction, Ontario firms excel at SAM awards, Tarion Awards of Excellence, OHBA welcomes new Minister Bill Mauro, skating for charity and a luncheon of Olympic proportions

33 Top Shelf

Putting the right tools in your hands

89 Better Building

3D software, cedar vs pine, battling mouldy walls, Kohler’s modern Artifacts, asphalt shingles, targeting seniors, lighting trends for the coming year and the latest colours for sidings and paint

103 Product Focus

The latest in roofing and flooring

game changer

by Giovanni Barbieri

3

editor

Ted McIntyre ted@laureloak.ca

associate editor

Norma Kimmins, OHBA

art director

Erik Mohr

graphic designer

Tania Janthur

copy editor Barbara Chambers

contributors

J.P. Donaldson, Avi Friedman, Mark E.Geiger, Tracy Hanes, Marc Huminilowycz, Jonathan MacIndoe, Steve Maxwell, Robinson Nash, Dan O’Reilly, Brenda Pacher, Rick Parsons, Cory Smith, Joe Vaccaro

photography

Mike Watier, Sajida Jiwani

president

Wayne Narciso

publisher

Sheryl Humphreys, ext. 245 sheryl@laureloak.ca

advertising sales

Tricia Beaudoin ext. 223 tricia@laureloak.ca

Cindy Kaye, ext. 232 cindy@laureloak.ca

published by

Laurel Oak Custom Publishing www.laureloak.ca

www.ohba.ca 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 $12.95 + 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

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

The Reliance Builder Program.

The Practical Advantage for Ontario Builders.

Our number-one priority is your success as an Ontario Builder. That’s why you can expect practical advantages that translate into tangible benefits every day…

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Our Unsung Heroes

Professional renovators to the rescue

By Joe vaccaro

As A homeowner pl A ns their next renovation project, they have to ask themselves: “Do you ever really know what is behind that wall? Under the carpet? In the attic?” Whether it is confirming that the wall a homeowner wants to knock down is load-bearing or discovering live electrical junction boxes hidden behind drywall or uncovering mould issues in a basement, a professional renovator can expertly explain the problem and offer workable, creative solutions. That expertise provides value-added service to homeowners, who can be assured that renovation work is done safely and skillfully.

With the proliferation of “reality” television shows featuring botched renovation work performed by a hapless homeowner or rogue renovator, it is not surprising that some homeowners are left feeling that there is not a reputable renovator on the planet! Not true of course. And the RenoMark program can attest to that. With 19 local home builder associations signed on to the program, homeowners in the most heavily populated areas of our province have access to professional renovators who have agreed to abide by a specific code of conduct that includes, in part:

• Providing a detailed written contract (including scope of work) for all jobs

• Offering a minimum two-year warranty on all work (excluding minor home repair)

• Carrying a minimum of $2 million in liability insurance

• Having coverage for workplace safety and employer’s liability and/or working only with subcontractors who carry such coverage

• Accessing information, education, training and professional development through membership in the association

RenoMark renovators and local home builders’ association members set themselves apart and above the rest, especially those illegal renovators operating out of a pick-up for cash. Yes, professional renovators do cost more than the cash operators—not only because they are paying taxes, license and insurance fees, but because they have the skills, knowledge, expertise and a commitment to solve those unexpected problems the right way; not just drywalling over a live junction box and creating a fire hazard.

The expression “you get what you pay for” is so true when it comes to renovation work. With a professional renovator, homeowners can be confident they will get quality workmanship and design. But they can also be assured that they have hired a professional who is up to date on building codes—someone who is an experienced problem solver who can show a homeowner the best course of action to achieve their desired outcome.

Remember the saying “your home is your castle?” Well, professional renovators help keep it that way! oh B

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

The expression “you get what you pay for” is so true when it comes to renovation work.

ONTARIO FIRMS WIN BIG AT NATIONALS

Congratulations to Doug Tarry Homes, which won the prestigious Grand SAM Award at the CHBA conference in Whistler, BC. The Grand SAM is presented annually to a CHBA builder-member for combined excellence in both the building and marketing of new homes. The St. Thomas-based company also won two new-home awards in the Best Single Detached Home category, claiming top honours for both the Under 1,500 sq. ft. and 1,500-2,200-sq. ft. flights.

The Daniels Corporation of Toronto won the Marketing Excellence Award, with creative concept and production by Montana Steele Strategic Marketing. The award recognizes the builder-member achieving the highest cumulative results in at least four marketing award categories.

More Categories –More ChanCes to Win! 2014 aWards of distinCtion

Ontario’s renovators demonstrated their expertise in sweeping the renovator categories:

Cochren Homes Ltd.

Oakville (Kitchen)

Pioneer Craftsmen Ltd.

k itchener (Whole House Under $250K)

Windrush Hill Construction

St. catharine S (Whole House Between $250K and $500K)

Eurodale Developments Inc.

tO rO ntO

(Whole House Over $500K)

Michael J. Martin Luxury Renovations

Ottawa (Any Room)

Other SAM winnerS include:

Great Gulf Homes

tO rO ntO

“King Oaks/The Ascot” (Single Detached Home Over 2,200 sq. ft.)

The Daniels Corporation

tO rO ntO “Cinema Tower” (Print Ad and Sales Office)

Concert Properties Ltd.

tO rO ntO

“Motion” (Project Signage and Logo)

Geranium Homes

MarkhaM

“Copperstone” (Brochure/Kit)

It’s that time of year again! The 2014 OHBA Awards of Distinction program will launch online on Monday, May 12 at www.ohbaaod.ca! There are five new categories this year including:

• Renovator of the Year

• The People’s Choice Award

• Best Video for Low-Rise and Mid-Rise/High-Rise Projects

• Best Use of Social Media

The online submission deadline is Wednesday, June 23. Finalists will be announced in early August and the

ASSOciAtiO n AwArdS And OntAriO bOArd

repS tO chbA

Congratulations to Guelph & District HBA on being awarded the Harry J. Long Award for Membership

Development and Frank Lohmann of Greater Ottawa HBA, who received the William M. McCance Award. Douglas Stewart, OHBA Development Council Chair, received the CHBA Maple Leaf Award in recogniton of his dedication and service.

OHBA President Eric DenOuden was elected as 2nd Vice-President of CHBA, joining OHBA Past President Bob Finnigan, who continues to serve as 2nd Vice-President. Other representatives include: Steve Upton, Chair of BILD - large locals. Ted Melchers, President of London HBA, - medium-sized locals. John Sloot, Past President of Guelph and District HBA, - small-sized locals. Vince Molinaro, OHBA 1st VicePresident, will represent Ontario. Neil Rodgers, OHBA’s Treasurer, was elected as Chair of CHBA’s Urban Council.

program will culminate in the Awards of Distinction Gala on September 23rd in conjunction with OHBA’s Annual Conference in Ottawa.

The program and its 39 category awards honours the vision, innovation and expertise of some of Ontario’s most creative and talented builders, renovators, designers and marketers. Winners represent the pinnacle of achievement within the residential building industry.

Visit the website for full categories and entry details.

Doug Tarry of Doug Tarry Homes with Karen Marshall, VP of Marketing at Masco Canada.

TARION AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE – CONSUMER CHOICE AWARDS

Congratulations to the winners and finalists for the 2014 Tarion Awards of Excellence. These are the top new-home builders based on comprehensive surveys from consumers.

“Attention to detail has become essential in today’s competitive home building industry and this extends past the construction phase into a superior experience after taking possession of a new home,” said Tarion President and CEO Howard Bogach. “The 2014 Tarion Awards of Excellence finalists have been recognized by their homebuyers for providing first-in-class after-sales service, which is what truly resonates with homeowners for years after the sale is complete.”

Finalists were determined based on the results of a comprehensive survey sent to almost 46,800 Ontario homeowners who took possession of a new home between October 1, 2012 and September 30, 2013.

Survey questions focused on homeowners’ satisfaction with their builder, covering every stage in the homeowner-builder relationship, from the signing of the Agreement of Purchase and Sale, through construction and the pre-delivery period, to after-sales service.

To qualify for the Awards, builders must have at least five new-home possessions during the survey time frame and a specified number of completed questionnaires must have been received.

The following new-home builders competed in four award categories: small, medium, large volume and high-rise.

h igh- r ise builder

(More than 100 high-rise possessions per year)

winner

The Tricar Group, London

runnerS- up

The Daniels Corporation, Toronto

Domicile, Ottawa Tridel, Toronto

One Sherway T4 Inc., Toronto

(A joint venture between Menkes & Great Gulf Homes)

l arge Volume builder

(More than 100 possessions per year)

winner

Fusion Homes, Guelph

runnerS- up

Devonleigh Homes Inc., Orangeville

Great Gulf Homes, Toronto

Monarch Corporation, Toronto

Pidel Homes, Guelph

medium Volume builder

(21-100 possessions per year)

winner

Klemencic Homes, Trenton

runnerS- up

Geertsma Homes, Belleville

Grey Forest Homes, St. Catharines

Hayhoe Homes, St. Thomas

Wrighthaven Homes Limited, Elora

Small Volume builder

(5-20 possessions per year)

winner

Dwyer Homes, Strathroy

runnerS- up

Castell Homes, London

Castlemount Homes, Gormley

Larry Otten Contracting , Stratford

S.L. Witty Construction, Barrie

Van EI, Mount Pleasant

Fusion Homes (above) took top honours in the Large Volume Builder category at the 2014 Tarion Awards of Excellence.

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Skating for Charity

OHBA members enjoyed a unique opportunity to skate with former NHL greats like one-time Toronto Maple Leafs captain Rick Vaive, Todd Simon, Bob Manno and Steve Ludzik, and donate to a worthy cause as part of the association’s 50 Good Deeds initiative to celebrate 50 years as an association.

“Community is what drives our association,” said Niagara Home Builders’ Association President Chuck McShane. “Our thought has always been if you can’t give back, then you shouldn’t be taking. It’s our community and it’s the people that we love.”

The ex-NHLers, as well as former American Hockey League and Ontario Hockey league junior players, were on hand at the

TD Rink at the Brink in February as a part of the provincial association’s Builder Renovator Forum at the Hilton Fallsview Hotel. OHBA, in conjunction with Mountainview Homes and Empire Communities, donated $3,000 to the Steve Ludzik Parkinson’s Clinic at the Hotel Dieu Shaver Rehabilitation Centre in St. Catharines.

“The 50-for-50 initiative celebrates the provincial association’s 50 years as an organization and at the same time gives back to communities across the province,” noted OHBA President Eric DenOuden, who added, “I think this is a great cause and something I’m really proud to a part of.”

Barrie Embraced The Deep Freeze

While most of us were grumbling about this year’s winter weather, more than 630 people—up 130 from the last year—took part in the Simcoe County HBA Annual Ice Fishing Tournament held on some of the “best ice in years” on Kempenfelt Bay.

On hand to receive $33,000 raised for local charity groups from the February 15th tournament were representatives from Hospice Simcoe, Barrie Rotary Club, Kinsmen Club and Living Green Barrie.

“We’re thrilled beyond words,” said Lynda Murtha, manager of fund development for Hospice Simcoe, which received $24,000 of the funds raised from this year’s event. “What tremendous support from the Simcoe County Home Builders’ Association,” Murtha continued, “and being part of this event was truly amazing.”

Next year’s Ice Fishing Tournament will be held on the Saturday of the Family Day weekend and promises to be a sweetheart of a competition, as it falls on St. Valentine’s Day in 2015.

A much-appreciated cordless heated jacket was among the $54,000 worth of prizes awarded to the top 50 fishing winners at Simcoe County HBA’s Annual Ice Fishing Tournament.

OHBA Director of Policy Mike Collins-Williams, with five-time women’s Olympic hockey medallist Hayley Wickenheiser and OHBA President Eric DenOuden. Wickenheiser was the keynote speaker at Brantford HBA’s Build Brantford Industry Luncheon, where she delighted the audience with stories about the team’s spectacular gold medal win at the Sochi Olympics. BHBA donated $5,000 to the Steadman Community Hospice from donations and raffle tickets sold at the event.

From left, NHBA President Chuck McShane, Rick Vaive, OHBA President Eric DenOuden, Steve Ludzik, Paul Golini of Empire Communities and Mike Memme of Mountainview Homes with a donation cheque to the Steve Ludzik Parkinson’s Clinic.

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Targeting women to fill shortage of skilled workers

As Ontario struggles to find a solution to a labour shortage that will require an estimated 40,000 skilled workers over the next decade, a stigma blocks a potential workforce that could play a large part in rectifying the problem. The historical and misguided public perception that the skilled trades are the domain of big, brawny handymen has resulted in a dearth of women in the trades, but it is time to break down those barriers, says Tammy Evans, president of the Canadian Association of Women in Construction, an active partner with BILD. “We have unemployed and underemployed women who are a natural resource for entering the skilled trades,” says Evans, who attended Future Building 2014 last month at the Mainway Recreation Centre in Burlington.

A partnership of the Ontario Construction Secretariat and Employment Ontario, Future Building was a three-day interactive trade expo geared towards students in Grades 7-12, showcasing the various skilled trades in the industrial, commercial and institutional construction sectors.

An event like Future Building is necessary because the past two generations of students have had it drilled into them that university is the only path to a career, Evans notes. “We have this perception of trades as not being for smart people, but that is not true. Skilled tradespeople are intelligent, professionally trained workers. We need to elevate that profile. In the current market, a university grad with a general arts degree should realistically expect a starting salary in the $40,000 to $50,000 range at best. A first-year journeyperson coming out of trade school (depending on the trade) will likely earn $60,000-$70,000, and has the potential to earn a sixfigure income within five years.”

New Minister of MMAH

Bill Mauro, MPP for Thunder Bay-Atikokan, has been appointed as Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing following the resignation of the Honourable Linda Jeffrey from that post. Mauro was first elected to the legislature in 2003 and has served as Parliamentary Assistant to a number of ministerial departments, including MMAH, Northern Development and Mines, and Government Services. Before becoming an MPP, Minister Mauro served on Thunder Bay City Council and was employed as a property manager. Thunder Bay HBA President Chris Kelos describes Mauro as “very approachable and knowledgeable concerning the needs and wants of the home building industry, especially in Northwestern Ontario.”

OHBA is eager to work with Minister Mauro to ensure greater transparency and accountability in municipal development charges, parkland dedication and Section 37 density bonusing fees, while improving and creating greater certainty in Ontario’s land-use planning and appeals system. In 2012, MPP Mauro introduced a Private Member’s Bill, the Ontario’s Wood First Act, which, if passed, would amend the Ontario Building Code to allow for six-storey wood buildings.

MMAH Introduces Proposal for Six-Storey Wood-Frame Construction

In early spring 2014, the provincial government presented a technical proposal that would allow for the construction of six-storey wood-frame buildings in Ontario.

Currently, the Ontario Building Code limits wood-frame construction to four storeys. The residential construction industry has long advocated that Ontario adopt an OBC sixstorey wood standard similar to what currently exists in British Columbia. B.C. has benefited from over 100 building projects as a result, giving B.C. consumers new housing and rental choices.

In May 2013, the strong planning and economic rationales of OHBA and BILD were outlined in the report, Unlocking the Potential for Mid-Rise Buildings: Six-Storey Wood Structures, commissioned by BILD and authored by former City of Toronto Chief Planner Paul Bedford. The report demonstrated that mid-rise buildings can help to meet the demand of an increasing population while offering a variety of sizes and design features for people of all ages.

OHBA looks forward to working with all stakeholders, including RESCON, the Canadian Wood Council and the Ontario Forestry Industries Association, to bring this safe and affordable building option to Ontario.

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Take the Safe Route

Courts and new OHSA regulations up the ante

By Mark e. geiger

new developments from the court and new regulations significantly increase the risks associated with non-compliance with Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act

In recent articles and posts, we have reported on both the significant increases in fines levied in OHSA cases, and the heightened vigilance of OHSA inspectors bringing charges under the Act. Two recent developments further this trend with respect to potential liability, while also increasing what is at risk when there is non-compliance.

In a recent case, J.R. Contracting Property Services Ltd., a company involved in garbage removal and hauling, was engaged to remove shingles from a one-storey bungalow. The company hired workers on an on-call, cash basis. One of its workers was seriously injured after he slipped and fell off the roof while tossing shingles from the roof into a bin, resulting in permanent paralysis of his lower body. Tina Lootawan worked for J.R. She was responsible for directing workers to the job, authorizing the work in question and paying them or providing them with cash advances if needed. Based upon these factors, the court found that she was a supervisor within the meaning of the OHSA. The court also found that the injured worker had not been trained in fall protection and that no fall protection equipment had been provided in the truck that was used for transportation to the jobsite.

The company was charged and fined $75,000, plus the usual 25% surcharge. Ms. Lootawan was sentenced to 45 days in jail. The court ruled she had failed as a supervisor to ensure workers used protective devices required by the OHSA and Regulations and failed to take the reasonable precaution of ensuring fall protection was provided. Jail time is, to say the least, highly

unusual in OHSA prosecutions. This case is further evidence that courts are taking a far more serious approach to the failure by companies and individuals to abide by the OHSA and its Regulations.

Two further recent changes bring this point home. First, the Ministry has distributed proposed new training requirements for employees working at heights. This protocol will require training by an “approved” trainer and will apply to all construction projects once implemented. This is only part of a complete overhaul of the provincial government’s Health and Safety strategy. That includes a new Chief Prevention Officer appointed last year to oversee the new strategy; increased inspections at night and on weekends; a targeting of the most vulnerable workers, small businesses and the highest hazards; and new regulations.

Second, Regulation 297/13, which comes into effect on July 1, requires OHSA training to be provided by Ontario employers for every “worker.” In addition, supervisors must complete a basic OHSA awareness training program within one week of per -

forming work as a supervisor.

The Regulation spells out the training that must be received by both workers and supervisors and requires that records be kept of when such training was received (training is not required if you can prove to the employer that you have received training that complies with the requirements prior to the Regulation coming into effect). In addition, where an employer is required to have a health and safety committee, the employer is required to “carry out” the training required for a committee member to become certified—and “carry out” includes paying for the training.

The risk of not complying with this new Regulation may be substantial. In our view, the government has not taken sufficient steps to bring these requirements to the attention of every Ontario employer. There do not appear to be any exceptions, so even the employer with one or two workers appears to be caught. oHB

mark e . GeiG er is a member of the Employment and Labour group at Blaney McMurtry.

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Green Your Market

Tips on how to sell eco-friendly renos

It I s I mportant to ensure homeowner awareness and take an engagement strategy to plan and carry out a green renovation. Market research has shown that homeowners are interested in taking steps to improve the environmental performance of their homes and that they may be more willing to pay for green features when they understand the costs and benefits.

Greener renovations can be achieved to varying degrees, ranging from the “light green” renovations (no- and low-cost options to the reno work being planned), to “deep green” renovations, where the renovation is altered to accommodate higherimpact green features. Be clear about the costs and benefits of different options. For example, granite countertops and solid wood cabinets can avoid the off-gassing problems associated with some particle board and medium-density fibreboard (MDF) alternatives. However, a lower-cost approach may be to use formaldehyde-free MDF or coat all exposed particle board and MDF surfaces with a non-toxic sealer. Remember that durability is a key part of green products and materials. Good materials that are properly installed may be most economical in the long term.

Beware of making unsubstantiated green-product claims or overstating the possible benefits of any product and practice. Many products are purported to be green but many manufacturers are now submitting their products to third-party organizations that put such claims to the test. Also be aware that sometimes simply installing a device with a green feature may not produce any benefits if the homeowner does not operate it properly. For instance, a programmable thermostat will not result in energy savings if it is not set

to reduce furnace operation during unoccupied hours.

Discuss the potential energy savings and likely costs of adding various levels of insulation to the building envelope. If the renovation could potentially reduce energy use, it may be advisable to encourage the homeowner to retain the services of a residential energy advisor who could assess the house, identify potential ways of saving energy and estimate energy and cost savings. Also discuss opportunities to prepare the home for the addition of green features down the road (such as pre-wiring for solar panels or pre-plumbing for a solar hot water heater or a grey water system).

Next, get it in writing. Make it clear what green measures the proposed contract will

cover in addition to the basic renovation. This includes specifying the kinds of products and materials to be used in the project or acceptable alternatives.

Homeowners need to understand basic house-as-a-system concepts and know the implications for the renovation and future operation of the home. Clarify any required maintenance for equipment, systems, fixtures and appliances. Inform the homeowner how they can optimize energy savings and IAQ through their day-to-day activities once the renovation is complete.

It will be very useful to provide the homeowner with an operations manual or information kit describing the green features, how they will affect the operation of the home, and what the homeowner

should do day in and day out to optimize the performance of the house. The kit, which could be a simple three-ring binder, compact disk or memory stick, should include instructional materials for any new appliances, special maintenance requirements, as well as fact sheets or additional information on green features. The information should also point out healthy choices for cleaning and maintenance products to be used to care for the completed renovation. Cleaning products, fragrances, air “fresheners” and furnishings can contain toxic materials and release volatile organic compounds. It would be good to suggest that the homeowner use EcoLogo- and Green Seal-certified products.

So what should homeowners expect of the renovation experience? Let them know that you are committed to protecting their health and well-being, while taking steps to reduce the environmental impact of the renovation. Give them an idea of how the green measures will be phased in on the job, and keep them informed along the way. This should build trust and be a good educational experience for the homeowner.

A low-cost home energy monitoring device (often referred to as a “dashboard”) can allow homeowners to track their postrenovation energy use. Studies have shown that homeowners armed with this information often reduce their energy use and save money in the process. Consider giving the homeowner a monitor as a goodwill gesture as part of an energy efficiency retrofit.

Make sure you do your own homework too. There’s a lot of misinformation and confusion about “green” products. Renovators should beware of unsubstantiated or overstated claims and be careful about repeating them to clients. Before making claims about a product, check the facts. Products and materials with independent third-party certification are most trustworthy. Manufacturers or suppliers should also be able to produce independent test results to back up their claims; otherwise, be cautious when discussing possible benefits with the homeowner. You can ask the manufacturer for independent testing results and a material safety data sheet (MSDS). o HB

New standard for

Are you ready? We are. Working at Heights Training

Train with IHSA and be confident that you’ll be compliant.

The Ministry of Labour’s Chief Prevention Officer has released a Working at Heights Training Standard. It lays out what each worker needs to learn when taking mandatory working at heights training.

IHSA’s Working at Heights—Fundamentals of Fall Prevention is a robust program that meets the new standard.

Learn to teach IHSA’s Working at Heights course yourself. Take our Working at Heights Instructor Workshop to become an IHSA-registered instructor.

Together we can stop falls from killing Ontario workers.

For more information about the standard and IHSA’s programs, visit ihsa.ca/fallp

Left Breathless Risks of cutting corners on asbestos removal

By Rick PaRsons

Ev E ry hom E build E r, renovator and construction contractor knows something about asbestos. And what they know is usually bad. It slows down the job, costs money to assess what level it is, results in hassles to remove it properly, and so on. So some may be tempted to take the shortcut of not getting it tested, and just removing it quietly without the proper disposal that meets the regulations. But that’s never a good idea.

Before we examine that list, a brief look at why asbestos was used and what the law says about working with it and disposing of it. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has many attractive qualities that made it advantageous to home builders, manufacturers and the transportation industry. It is virtually indestructible, will not burn, insulates well and can be weaved into many products, giving them added strength and resilience. It is also relatively inexpensive to process. Little surprise why it was used so extensively in the past!

There is just one problem. It kills people who are exposed to it. Mesothelioma, Asbestosis and lung cancer are just some of the usually fatal diseases associated with asbestos. Others may be colon cancer and a variety of gastrointestinal cancers as well. The number of cases of these diseases continue to rise despite the laws put into place back in the 1970s and ’80s prohibiting its use.

Because of the nature of asbestos, it can remain in the lungs for many years, and not show up as a disease until later in life. Even if the diseases it causes are not fatal, it certainly can be debilitating to the person exposed to it, resulting in a reduced quality of life.

The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) sets out the rights and duties of all parties in the workplace and establishes procedures for dealing with workplace hazards.

Asbestos is a designated substance under the OHSA. Section 30 of the Act requires project owners to determine whether any designated substances are present at a project site and if so, to take proper precautions to protect workers.

Regulation 278/05 (Asbestos on Construction Projects and in Buildings and Repair Operations) categorizes asbestosrelated activity into one of three types: Types 1 and 2 can be handled and disposed of safely if proper procedures are followed.

Type 3 requires extensive abatement training and notices to the Ministry of Labour, among other things. The disposal of asbestos is strictly regulated by the Environmental Protection Act. Asbestos waste must be disposed of at a landfill specifically approved and equipped to handle it. Further, the transportation of asbestos-containing waste from the site of the abatement to the landfill is regulated by the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act

So how can it affect your business? From 1997 to 2006, the WSIB approved 300 occupational disease fatality claims, the vast

majority of them (approximately 85%) likely due to asbestos exposure. Occupations at particular risk include home renovators, plumbers/pipe fitters, insulators, labourers and electricians.

So what can you do? For any demolition, alteration or repair projects, the owner must complete a report indicating whether any material that is likely to be handled, dealt with, disturbed or removed contains asbestos. Workers who may encounter the substance must be trained on asbestos hazards and controls, and must be fitted with the appropriate respirator as part of a complete respiratory protection program. Any workers performing Type 3 operations—and the supervisors of these workers—must be certified by successfully completing the Asbestos Abatement Worker or Supervisor course.

Taking the required course of action is not only good for your business, it’s very good for your health. ohb

r ick Parsons is the owner of Expert Safety Solutions and an Occupational Health and Safety Instructor.

Some ThiNgS SimpLy Need To be doNe righT.

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n Enhanced energy efficiency – high long-term thermal resistance, higher R-value per inch – to dramatically lower energy costs

n Improved control over air leakage and vapour movement, reducing the risk of condensation and mould

n Exceptional adhesion to almost any material

n GREENGUARD Children & SchoolsSM certified for indoor air quality

To learn more visit www.walltite.com or call toll-free 1-866-474-3538 at Basf, we create chemistry.

Take the Square Root

Mobile technology could be a game changer

By Jonathan MacIndoe

We live in a mobile world, where, thanks to wifi technology, we can access and download information from virtually anywhere. That growing trend includes mobile payment. More than three-and-a-half times the number of Canadian businesses have adopted mobile POS technology since it was introduced to the market a little more than three years ago, with such companies as Square, Moneris and Payfirma leading the way in such offerings. Complementing this growth is an increasing comfort that Canadians have using smartphones as payment devices.

Early adopting businesses—from electricians, home repair experts and contractors to interior designers or trade show vendors—have benefited from mobile points of sale because of the convenience of being able to take a payment anywhere they have cell phone service. Card data is typically encrypted at the time of swipe and transmitted over SSL for added security. No customers’ data is retained on your mobile phone.

The technology takes advantage of free downloadable apps and Bluetooth-enabled hardware that attaches to your smartphone to allow vendors to capture sales on the spot for services rendered or products sold, while the receipt can be emailed directly to your customer. The Moneris Payd Pro device takes both debit and credit card payments. Its advantages are that the first 200 debit transactions are free each month, and every time you swipe a card you may qualify for a lower rate per transaction. However, there’s a 2.75% charge for most credit card transactions and there’s a monthly plan fee of $19.95. Payfirma only charges 1.99%, but there’s also a 25-cent-per-transaction fee, plus a one-time setup fee, monthly pro -

cessing fees, as well as the cost of the $99 encrypted credit card reader. Square, for the time being, only accepts credit cards and also charges 2.75% per swipe. However, the Square device is free and there are no start-up or monthly fees. Further, the 2.75% charge applies to all credit cards, unlike some other credit card companies that charge businesses different rates based on the customer’s card. Set up right to your bank account, funds are deposited directly to your bank account within 24 hours of a payment swipe.

Tiki Hut Paradise, an Ottawa-based company specializing in custom designs and manufacturing, was searching for just such a simple and complete business solution. Because its operators were always on the go, they needed their payment processor to be just as mobile. They chose Square. Bill Prodenchuk, Tiki Hut’s owner and founder, processes credit card payments everywhere his work takes him, including his clients’ homes, his suppliers’ warehouses and at trade shows. “I like the simplicity and portability of it,” he says. “It

sends us the payments right away, allowing me to focus on new projects and growing my business.”

The various POS technologies also offer a suite of free business tools to help run a more efficient shop. Square, for example, which has processed more than $100 million in sales since its arrival in Canada in October 2012, has the Square Register, a free POS app and analytics dashboard that enables sellers to engage customers, track sales activity and identify growth opportunities.

And don’t consider mobile point of sale as a passing trend. All areas of business have been moving quickly in this direction for the past few years. Take TouchBistro, for example. Based out of Toronto and New York City, the 600-pound gorilla of the food and drink industry’s POS solutions processed approximately $500 million in transaction value in 2013 from more than 1,000 merchants, from full-service restaurants to food trucks.

Making life easy for your customer, as always, is good for business. OHB

ElE vating to n Ew h E ights

Dual-traction, heavy-gauge ropes and high-density rubber guide rollers make for the ultimate smooth ride and whisper-quiet operation for Savaria’s new Gearless elevator. A bi-directional overspeed governor and slack cable safety brake ensure reliable and safe operation. savaria.com

ar E you g Etting cold f EEt?

Richmond, B.C.’s Nuheat Industries offers the first WiFi floor-heating thermostat. Apart from using the 3.5” LCD touchscreen, the Nuheat Signature allows homeowners to control their thermostats from an app on their iOS or Android smartphones. In addition to having full access to all thermostat settings, homeowners can change the floor’s temperature and view energy usage at their fingertips. It also has 7-day programmability and can tell you the outdoor temperature and weather forecast. nuheat.com

The new HB-P827 low-level

lift from Cus

Equipment gives contractors and maintenance crews a lightweight lift with a zero turn radius for damage-free use over delicate floors and easy maneuverability around tight corners. The all-purpose push model offers a working height of 14 feet for projects such as drywall, electrical, sprinkler and HVAC system installation. Custom Equipment also offers the unit in a CE-compliant model, the HB-P4.5. hy B ridlifts.com

scissor

tom

going th E E xtra milE

Crafted in Ontario, Milestone Kitchens and Cabinetry is a wholesale line of modular cabinetry that can be designed to fit any space. A wide range of heights, widths, mouldings and accessories enables designers to fill any space with this high-quality melamine product, which is offered in thousands of sizes and configurations, combined with 15 door styles (Hanover pictured) and over 40 standard finishes. milestonekitchens.com

on th E cutting E dg E of E ffici E ncy

DeWalt’s new 20V MAX band saw (DCS371) weighs in at just 9.4 lbs (with battery), and is only 15” long, making it ideal for electrical, mechanical, HVAC and other professional contractors who need to cut conduit, rigid pipe, Uni-Strut, threaded rod or other materials up to 2½” in diameter. The balanced design, which includes an LED work light, aids the user in making straight cuts. $249 ($369 kit incl. lithium ion battery and charger). dewalt.com

a clE an swEE p

Employing a specially angled nozzle, Kohler’s new Sweep spray gives the user the option of either the traditional aerated circular spray pattern or a wide, powerful blade of water, making dirty dish cleanup much easier. Available in four existing Kohler faucet models. kohler.com

lightwE ight ston E vE n EE r for lif E

Add stone veneer to a backyard kitchen or the facade of a home. The newest lightweight stone veneer from Stone Selex, South ern Ledge, is available in a variety of colours. Its large irregular shaped strips of stone can be installed in a grouted application or dry-stacked.

driving hom

Makita’s high-torque 1/4" Cordless Autofeed Screwdriver is ideal for driving screws up to 2-15/16” long. An anti-tilt mechanism prevents screws from swaying out of the drive position, while a folding screw guide prevents the collated screw strip from becoming tangled. A silent clutch enables smooth gearing engagement for quiet operation and reduced maintenance. makita.ca

a tig E r by th E tilE

Stanley’s new manual tile cutters are designed to make straight cuts on tile whether you’re installing a new floor or a tile backsplash. Cut tiles down to size to fit borders and edges or cut them diagonally to add a creative touch to a design. Available in lengths of 16 and 24 inches, each model comes in a foldable case that also doubles as a tile-cutting base with extra storage for spare cutters. stanleytools.com

High-Rise Builder Winner

The Tricar Group

Finalists

Tridel

Domicile

One Sherway T4 Inc.

The Daniels Corporation

The award that’s earned. Not won.

Fusion Homes

Finalists

Devonleigh Homes Inc.

Monarch Corporation

Great Gulf Homes

Pidel Homes

Klemencic Homes

Finalists

Hayhoe Homes

Geertsma Homes

Wrighthaven Homes Limited

Grey Forest Homes

Congratulations to the builders who were selected and awarded the 2014 Tarion Awards of Excellence. is honour is given to Ontario’s best builders with a proven track record in superior a er-sales service. e award winners and nalists are selected solely from feedback reported by their customers as part of an independent, third party research survey*.

Dwyer Homes

Finalists

Larry Otten Contracting

Castell Homes

Van El

Castlemount Homes

S.L. Witty Construction

Large Volume Builder Winner

Small Volume Builder Winner

Medium Volume Builder Winner

g r E y-watE r pump a clE ar choicE

Saniflo Canada’s Saniswift is the next generation of grey-water pump for bathroom, kitchen and laundry renovations where multiple fixtures are most wanted. Powerful and very compact, but with modern styling, its performance is matched by its ease of installation. It comes pre-assembled, including check-

b uildE rs can br E ath E E asi E r now

Venmar is helping builders meet air quality technology challenges with the launch of the Venmar AVS and vanEE air exchangers, slim-design ceiling mounts for use in tight spaces like condo towers. Innovative and high-efficiency, they surpass OBC requirements and feature the lowest power consumption and quietest operation of any air exchanger on the market, according to Venmar. Only 9” high, they give building contractors the ability to add more floors to a project. venmar.ca

large areas, yet is still lightweight and compact enough to clear out confined spaces. It features a shock-absorbing polymer body and a crush-resistant nozzle for maximum durability. milwaukeetool.com

bE st footing forward

When basement walls are insulated to their full height, moisture problems can crop up, but the new Delta Footing Barrier from CosellaDörken stops moisture right where it starts—at the footings of the house. Easily installed, the three-ply impermeable membrane is placed on top of the freshly poured footings before foundations are poured to prevent water from wicking up through the concrete. cosella-doerken.com

factor

Consumers open their wallets for upgrades with impact

By Ted McInTyre

Venturing far beyond creature comfort and into the realm of creature grandeur, an increasing number of homeowners are dipping deep into their pocketbooks to design the home of their dreams.

Recent luxury home sales prove that point. In the Greater Toronto Area, annual upper-end residential sales ($1.5 million+) have leapt a staggering 147% since 2009—from 774 units to 1,908—and 18% from 2012 to 2013 alone.

Is this momentum going to continue? “With the same sound (economic) underpinnings in place, 2014 is well positioned to match and possibly eclipse 2013’s record performance,” notes the 2014 RE/MAX Upper End Market Trends Report. Last year could easily be dubbed “the year of the luxury home,” notes the annual review, which looked at sales activity in 16 major centres across the country. The numbers were revealing. In 2013, 75% of major markets reported sales above year-ago levels, including Hamilton-Burlington (+34%), Kitchener-Waterloo (27%), Greater Toronto (18%), St. John’s (7%) and London-St. Thomas (5%). More than two-thirds of Canadian markets shattered existing records for the number of upper-end transactions in a single year. Since 2009, luxury home sales in half of the country’s major markets have more than doubled or tripled—and in one instance quadrupled.

For some high-end buyers, better doesn’t necessarily mean bigger, though. Some are investing in smaller homes, but with higher-quality design and more luxury upgrades and amenities. That bodes well for builders, renovators, interior designers and suppliers of home goods.

The following renovations demonstrate the lengths to which some homeowners are willing to go to pamper themselves without ever having to step outside.

Upgrade to a higher vintage

If your client wants to announce to guests that they have exceptional taste, few things make that statement quite like a handsome wine cellar. But what separates a standard wine cellar from one that truly leaves wine lovers dropping their jaws in awe? “It all depends on the client’s choice of wine racking, features and finishes,” says Janice Bednarz of Papro Wine Cellars & Consulting in Toronto, which has installed residential cellars with costs ranging into six figures and storage capacities of up to 5,000 bottles. “Standard wine cellars tend to be made of wood—typically redwood—with a simple rounded arch and shelving designed for maximum storage. In other words, they’re more about quantity than aesthetics. Luxurious cellars, on the other hand, are all about creating a stunning showpiece. They use more sophisticated racking, such as the Cable Wine System or acrylic systems, and more exotic woods, such as Wenge or Sapele mahogany.

“A high-end cellar can also be recognized by the fact that every element of the space has been carefully planned, sourced and selected in order to remain true and authentic to the theme or era of the desired design,” Bednarz adds. “They typically incorporate a wider variety of features—for example, angled or horizontal displays, floating shelves, humidors, etc.—and natural materials like onyx, granite and other types of stone.”

And never underestimate the importance of the right lighting plan, says Bednarz. “A cellar that includes a combination of ambient, task and accent lighting in order to create the appropriate impact and ambience can make anyone say, ‘Wow!’ It’s one of the reasons why glassed-in wine cellars have become increasingly popular with luxury home or establishment owners—so that the beauty is more visible.”

In a high-end cellar, every element has been carefully planned, says Papro’s Janice Bednarz.

No feature was spared in this exquisite 18’x36’ free-form indoor

In the swim of things

Many homes have pools; precious few have the indoor variety. The details of these aquaindulgences can include retractable glass enclosures and custom designed mosaic mural designs throughout the entire pool bottom and sides. But it starts with the hardware. “If the pool is $100,000 and the HVAC is $150,000, you’re looking at a quarter-million before you even build the structure that houses it,” says Mark Wideman of Betz Pools in Whitchurch-Stouffville.

While Wideman has been on site for a $600,000 project, he knows of some that have topped out at $3 million.

“Recent trends include automatic covers, which give people the ability to control the humidity more by locking it in, versus using the Dry-O-Tron dehumidification system to take it out,” says Wideman. “We’re doing one in Collingwood where you can see through the cover to expose the lighting underneath it. It’s a big post-and-beam room. In the summertime, he has nano doors that open up to the outside deck, giving him more control of how he uses the pool.”

The most challenging construction? That would be a lap pool in Muskoka that opens up in the summertime to extend to a length of 25 metres. “That was a one-of-a-kind project, and in the top five for difficulty, because it has a summer and winter water level,” Wideman notes. “The whole pool was insulated, as well as the floor. And there are separate systems for the inside and outside pool.”

really smart homes

Some homes are “smart;” others deserve PhDs. Perhaps a half-hour before your client wakes up in the morning, they’d like the thermostat to heat up the house, and for the lights to slowly brighten and the shades to gradually open. As they leave for work, they push one button to lock all the doors, arm the security system, power down all non-essential devices and adjust the temperature settings to the “away” mode. While they’re at work, the system sends them a text message if their child has not returned home from school by the expected time, or if the gaming system has been in use for more than an hour, or if there is a water leak detected in the laundry room.

This is UrbanHippo’s specialty. Operating out of the Hamilton/Burlington/Guelph area, its list of homebuilding partners include Branthaven, DeSantis, Losani, Fusion and Gemini. And while the company estimates an average consumer spend of $20,000 to $40,000 (including four to six security cameras) to set up a standard $600,000 to $800,000 production home, Urban Hippo has been tasked with home automation projects up to $200,000,” acknowledges co-founder Vince Greco.

The list of options goes on and on—$160-per-light-switch and $1,200-per-7”-touchscreen at a time. Of course, there are eco-friendly savings galore to be realized, as well as a significant bolstering of home security. But what truly inspires is the ability to monitor and operate virtually anything electric in a home from anywhere in the world that you can pick up a wifi signal.

oasis by Betz Pools.

Garage Living even installs fourpost vehicle lifts to double your parking space.

driving to new heights

For most automobiles, a garage is a storage facility. For the lucky ones, it’s a suite at the Ritz. Aaron Cash, founder and partner of Garage Living Inc. in Vaughan, is responsible for such transformations. His company covers everything from consultation and design to junk removal, painting, drywall, insulation, concrete and electrical, and much in between. They even install four-post, certified vehicle and storage lifts for clients looking to double their parking space or simply store an expensive summer toy.

While a typical complete Garage Living project ranges in the $7,500-$15,000 ballpark, they do venture into the $150,000 realm. “We can take a project from the bare studs to a completely finished space,” says Cash. “But in this case (the project pictured), we were given the space after the drywall was primed. It included custom steel cabinetry with a fitted unit on the back wall and an inset recycling station on the left wall, stainless Diamond Plate wainscotting, PVC wall organizers with custom colour accents and Rhino Floortex coating.”

Coming up aces

While modern big-screen TVs can make you feel as though you’re perched right on the golf course, nothing beats actually getting to swing a club. Today’s digital simulators offer striking reality, from the visual backdrops of some of the world’s most famous courses, to the sounds of playing on those tracks—even the murmurs and applause of tournament crowds. They also produce remarkably accurate shot renderings, thanks to high-tech software such as the 3Trak system from aboutGolf, which captures multiple images of the club and ball in just a metre of length, producing the industry’s most accurate club and ball data.

Offering voice control and frame-by-frame swing analysis, aboutGolf’s all-new aG Portal (a first in the golf simulator industry) allows a wide range of access through the simulator, whether watching movies, streaming content, playing games or conducting business—all from one enormous screen—even while playing golf!

For clients looking to augment their residences with such technology, Kingston-based Digital Golf has simplified the process. An official Canadian dealer of aboutGolf products, Digital Golf pays a commission (starting at $1,000) to custom builders, sales agents or whomever provides a lead. The builder has the added opportunity to up-charge for extra ceiling height (11 feet is optimal), hard walls, bar areas, etc. And since everything Digital Golf produces is customized, the company’s design department can take any schematics and advise what can fit where. Spare requirements depend on the model ordered, although the company recommends a minimum of 450 square feet up to 600 square feet.

“In our experience, for higher-end homes, 15%-20% of clients would strongly consider this as an add-on to their rec room,” claims Craig Card of Digital Golf, whose simulators start at $45,000 and range upward to $85,000 for the aG Curve model.

Digital Golf is paying a commission to anyone providing a lead toward installation.

Theatre of the mind

“Remember that old Maxell commercial, where the guy’s being blown out of his chair?” asks Brad Boyle of Signature Audio Video in Stittsville. The Ottawa HBA’s 2012 Best Basement Reno winner enjoys creating that type of A/V experience. “I think this is the Golden Age of home theatres—dedicated home entertainment rooms,” says Boyle. “We get a lot of people telling us they haven’t gone out to a movie all year; they have better sound and video than AMC theatres.”

So does Clinton Howell of H2 Systems in Burlington. H2 has a new Experience Centre that allows customers and clients to move through a range of high-end speakers, enabling them to not only hear but feel the distinct difference—particularly in the company’s “WOW” theatre room, with its Sony 4K (4 x regular HDMI resolution) projector and a 150” micro-perforated screen with huge, concealed speakers breathing through it like a T-Rex. Or perhaps your client would prefer H2’s Planar 84-inch 4K LED TV for $26,000?

“There’s even a personal IMAX-branded home theatre for $2 million,” adds Boyle.

Incorporating premium electronics options, such as McIntosh or Bowers & Wilkins speakers, can see a residential audio-video system climb into six figures in the blink of an eye. Howell figures H2 averages one $400,000-$500,000 project a year, such as the home theatre it created in southeast Oakville, right down to its

seven speakers and two subwoofers. But if you want to hear something truly outrageous, put your ear to H2’s Steinway Lyngdorf Model D speakers, which are $400,000 a pair! “Best speakers in the world,” Howell says. One would hope.

Just before Christmas, FM Audio Video in Brantford completed a roughly $150,000 project in a 26,000-square-foot home in Brant County that featured multiple TVs and 26 pairs of invisible speakers— built into the wall and specially plastered, they are concealed from the naked eye.

In Ottawa, Signature had a recent project that incorporated a 132” CinemaScope screen, multi-tiered seating, a 7.2 THX-certified speaker setup (all of which are hidden from view) and acoustic treatments that enhance audio and soundproof the surroundings to such a degree that your could hear a centipede stub a foot on the other side of the room.

It’s not always over-the-top highend components, though, says Howell. “Sometimes, it’s sheer volume: a couple dozen TVs, three or four surround-sound systems, touch-screen controls, surveillance cameras, and a home theatre with overhead and under-seat lighting with a bar built in.”

While money is often not a factor for many of these homeowners, builders should offer homeowners the option for entertainment or integration solutions before the drywall has gone up, suggests Matt Scott of Omega Audio Video in London. “We’re coming in after the fact—once a reno is already done or a new build is complete—and then ripping up new drywall to provide solutions the homeowner wants but was never offered. It will cost the homeowner at least twice as much in labour costs at that point.

“We want to make the home builder look better,” Scott says. “As far as I’m concerned, it’s no different than finding a company to design and build the kitchen during the construction process. This is 2014. Everyone has a smartphone. Everyone wants to be able to turn on the TV or adjust the lights. It all comes down to solving solutions for the homeowner. And bringing the builder into that process earlier can only help.

“We work hand in hand with renovators, and help them create sales pitches for their jobs,” adds Signature’s Boyle. “But we would also like to be part of the discussion earlier in the process.”

H2 Systems in Burlington averages one $400,000 home theatre project a year.

Luxury by design

b ig homes adorned with expensive furniture and augmented with lavish renovations are often a reflection of one’s tax bracket. But it’s the interior design that gives those with means the opportunity to truly personalize their surroundings. Since its establishment in 1987, Flora Di Menna Designs has been catering to those details. A multiple award winner— including a 2012 OHBA Award of Distinction—the Vaughan-based firm combines its artistry, comprehensive planning services and custom furnishings to a range of clients.

And there’s no shortage of customers who can afford to express themselves. “Today we’re seeing that more people are concerned about living in the moment; so cost is secondary,” says Di Menna, whose portfolio includes a $10 million project at National Estates in Woodbridge, as well as “integrating a client’s helipad within his glass-enclosed parking court, which is on a hillside attached to his house in St. Lucia.”

Some of Di Menna’s extravagant detailing can be seen in latticed room dividers; longer, wider textured hardwood planks; porcelain wall and floor tiles (up to 48” wide) designed in mosaic murals; spa rooms with raised floors and sunken therapeutic Asian tubs; glass-enclosed cases to house humidors, cognacs and fine stemware; kitchens with rolling ladders to reach upper cabinets and LED lights in cutlery drawers and other cabinet areas—all of which open and close with a mere touch.

An uplifting experience

Builders and contractors don’t need to be reminded of the aging-in-place trend among homeowners. So for those with accessibility concerns—and who can afford it—a residential elevator is a great way to “future-proof” a home. Apart from addressing mobility and ease of access—perhaps even offering a quick trip to the attic or basement to transport holiday decorations—“an elevator can increase the value of a property by 10% and add uniqueness that will set the home apart from other listings,” claims Florence Facchini, business development manager with Mississauga-based Federal Elevator.

“Although an elevator can be added through a renovation, it’s much easier for builders to include it in the design process,” notes Fachini, whose products usually range from $20,000 to $25,000, including installation and warranty.

For those who want to leave space for future installation, the keys for builders are “to ensure that stacked closets or alcoves are included on all levels, which makes it easy to transform this space into an elevator hoistway when the need arises,” advises the company. “Builders should also rough in all of the elevator’s electrical needs, create an 8”-minimum pit at the lowest level of the home (covered with false flooring until it is required) and ensure that there are no load-bearing beams in the areas where the elevator has been roughed in.”

While the style of hardware is limited to two options—hydraulic drive, which requires a machine room, or traction drive, which doesn’t—the design options can be extensive, from recessed wood panelling and bronze control panels to clear doors and a bevy of finishes to match any home’s decor.

If your customer really wants their elevator to be the focal point of their home, you can bypass the more common interior swing door or powered sliding door in favour of “fully automatic stainless steel doors, similar to that of a passenger elevator,” explains Steve Zadel of Motion Elevating in East York.

An elevator can increase property value by 10%, according to Federal Elevator.

Markant by ACO

Residential & Landscape Products

Markant by ACO is a range of building & drainage products designed for the residential landscaper & do-it-yourself enthusiast.

Markant by ACO offers solutions including: trench drains made of either plastic or polymer concrete, point drains, drain mats with a variety of grates & reinforcement for grassed and graveled areas to allow for vehicle trafc.

The products offer the same quality & design excellence as ACO’s commercial products but are designed to meet the demands of the residential customer.

Suitable Applications

• Residential driveways

• Patios

• Pools

• Walkways

• Light trafc parking

• Entrances

• Golf Cart paths

Teaching green

EnerQuality spearheads renovator training program

By Marc HuMinilowycz

When contemplating a home renovation, whether it is an updated kitchen or a complete gutting of a home’s interior, many Ontario consumers may not even consider green upgrades in their plans. EnerQuality, which has been designing and delivering green building programs to the residential construction industry since 1998, would like to change that.

In response to requests from RenoMark renovators and local home builder associations seeking reputable education for greening their renovation projects, EnerQuality has launched a program designed to train renovators to help their clients make smart choices, while distinguishing their companies in the renovator marketplace.

The Green Renovator Project—a partnership between EnerQuality, the Ontario Power Authority, Reliance Home Comfort, Enbridge, Owens Corning, George Brown College, CMHC, BILD and OHBA— is offering training for renovators to help them incorporate best practices in energy efficiency and green building into their projects. EnerQuality is the creator and lead organization for this project, spearheading the development of the curriculum and program.

“Like most building initiatives, the Green Renovator Project is industry-driven and miles ahead of consumer demand,” says EnerQuality president Corey McBurney. “For years we’ve been helping the new home building industry build better. This is our first foray into the renovation market. As with all of our programs, the Green Renovator Project was created first and foremost with the interest of participants in mind.”

The program offers many benefits to both renovators and consumers. Besides the obvious advantage of reducing environmen-

tal impact, the greening of renovation projects will help to create healthier, more comfortable living spaces with improved air quality and protection from mould, chemicals and pollutants. But it’s also a savvy move from an economic standpoint, since these improvements can help lower operating costs and increase the value of renovated homes.

McBurney emphasizes that the program does not necessarily target eco-conscious consumers looking for a complete energy retrofit of their home. “Our focus is more on the general renovation marketplace—people who want to enhance their lives by upgrading their kitchen, but may consider better-building and greener approaches while they’re at it,” he says. “We want to influence renovators and give them the tools they need to recommend energy efficiency and green building practices in all of their projects, large or small.”

The first phase of the Green Renovator Project began in 2011 with the development of a Level 1 curriculum for renovators. A steering committee comprised of leading renovators and industry partners was established to oversee the project, making sure that it worked for renovators who needed practical, credible knowledge that they could apply immediately to their projects. Workshop facilitators were selected and trained. Training materials were developed, and the program delivered a series of five workshops, accrediting successful participants as “Certified Green Renovators.”

With the successful development and pilot training program under its belt, EnerQuality conducted in-depth research to characterize Ontario’s renovator market and develop a go-to-market strategy to define training products and engage the industry. Con-

sequently, the Green Renovator Project training is now available to renovators. A list of interested participants is being compiled, and classroom workshops are being arranged across the province.

Training consists of five three-hour, hands-on workshops, including in-class discussions, exercises and a test at the end of each module. The curriculum emphasizes “the house as a system,” meaning that the house is a complex, interconnected structure rather than a series of rooms or components. Instructors reinforce this concept, with the goal of providing a holistic and comprehensive understanding for renovators looking to include “green,” even in the smallest projects.

The Green Renovator Project curriculum includes the following modules:

Se SS ion 1

Building Science for h ou S e S

This workshop provides aspects of energy efficiency and sustainability in building science that are most relevant to renovators, such as the building envelope, applying energy-efficient windows, indoor air quality and ventilation, and maximizing the benefits of building orientation (e.g. passive solar).

Se SS ion 2

aSS e SS mentS and i ntegrated d e S ign proce SS

Through this seminar, renovators learn about the methods and tools of the integrated design process, an approach to renovations (large and small) as an interconnected system rather than individual parts. Topics include: project assessment, ratings “labels” (Energy Star, LEED, R-2000, EnerGuide, etc.) and their application to renovations, blower door testing, radon testing and renovation testing (pre- and post).

Se SS ion S 3 and 4

Building SyStem S and technologie S

These seminars look at the components of a house system—the building

envelope, mechanical systems, materials selection, water systems and conservation, waste management, etc.—in relation to one another in the green renovation process. Topics include: house system trade-offs, the building envelope and renovations, indoor air quality maintenance, materials and waste management, water conservation and other conservation and renewable technologies (such as drain-water heat recovery, solar PV and solar hot water, HRVs and energy-efficient electrical/ electronic products).

Se SS ion 5

marketing g reen r enovation S

Drawing on the learning and material from the previous sessions, this workshop gives renovators an introduction to the skills and knowledge they will need to effectively communicate and sell the added value of incorporating green into a renovation. Topics included: the value proposition of green renovations and financing (available green products, financing options and government incentives).

Upon successful completion of the program, participants will be officially accredited as a “Certified Green Renovator,” recognizing that they have received training to help homeowners incorporate energy efficiency and sustainability-related elements into renovations, and that they have demonstrated knowledge in the core subject areas. The Green Renovator Project will not, however, certify homes as being “green renovated” and will make no guarantees with respect to the home’s improved performance or durability.

The next phase of the project, contingent on funding, will offer the curriculum online, making it convenient and accessible to more renovators across the province. “This is a project that we really believe in,” says McBurney. “It is a work in progress. We’re looking to better determine the most effective way to further develop and scale the program to raise the profile of energy efficiency and green measures for renovations of Ontario homes.” oh B

“We want to influence renovators and give them the tools they need to recommend energy efficiency and green building practices in all of their projects, large or small.”

Ram’s affordable ProMaster

CommerCial vehiCles to Covet

By RoBinson nash

That status quo seemed to change, curiously, with the Great Recession of 2009. Ford brought its Turkish-made Transit Connect to North America in 2009. In 2010, the Sprinter, a Euro-styled, Dodge-branded panel van moved from Chrysler dealerships to the Mercedes-Benz retail fold and really took off. Nissan fired its salvo into the segment in 2011 with the launch of its NV line, followed by Chrysler’s new large van, the Promaster, which hit Canadian roads in the third quarter of 2013.

Couple those new units with recent redesigns of the Big Three’s golden geese—the Ford F-Series, GM Silverado/Sierra and Dodge Ram accounted for more than 283,000 units retailed last year or roughly 16% of the entire Canadian vehicle market—and the traditionally boring work vehicle segment is bursting with new blood. And with almost all of those entries benefitting from trickle-down effects in vehicle technology, interior design and fuel efficiency, it really is an exciting time to shop for a work truck.

Here’s a look at some of your best bets for this year:

For generations, tradespeople looking for commercial vehicles or pickup trucks had particularly slim pickings at dealerships across the country. Drivers needing a large van with size and strength were essentially stuck with a few uninspired domestic options and the occasional odd-looking import.

Nissan Nv

Nissan stormed into the Canadian commercial vehicle market in 2011 with the launch of its NV series of trucks. Subsequent releases included a passenger model and the NV200, a compact cargo van that offers loads of flexibility.

Its larger NV Cargo option is the best-seller of the family, though, with 1,029 units sold in Canada in 2013. Available as a standard roof or high-roof model, all units boast six air bags, a specially designed heavy-duty frame and massive 14-inch disk brakes—more than enough to bring even the most loadeddown van to a quick stop.

Inside the cargo area, the truck has several reinforced attachment points, electric power zones for tool use and a flatwall interior to maximize floor space.

Trim levels range from the 1500 V6 S to the 3500 V8 SV on standard-roof models; and from the 2500 V6 S to the 3500 V8 SV on the high-roof model.

Power comes from either a 24-valve, 4.0-litre V6 or a hulking 5.6-litre V8.

In a road test of a partially loaded high-roof version, it handled more like a pickup than any other entry in the segment. Acceleration is swift, considering the dimensions, and the wide-swing rear doors are a great asset. Roof capacity ranges from 136 kg to 227 kg.

NVs really shine inside, though, as the Nissan design team paid particular attention to the details in the cabin. There are multiple storage areas to help streamline any mobile office for the renovator or builder on the go.

Chevrolet silverado 2500hD/3500hD

The big news for the Silverado’s larger versions in 2014 is its higher standard towing ratings. The previously optional 4.10 rear axle ratio is now standard on gas models, increasing standard trailering capability by more than 2,000 kg to a maximum of 5,897 kg for both 2500HD and 3500HD. The move also enhances acceleration and can enable greater efficiency in stop-and-go driving and at speeds below 80 km/h. Customers who do mostly highway driving should select the available 3.73 axle for greater highway fuel economy.

The 2014 HD lineup is offered in WT, LT and LTZ models, in 2WD and 4WD, including single- and dual-rear-wheel 3500HD models.

A 6.0-litre gas V-8 is standard on 2500HD and 3500HD models, with a Duramax 6.6-litre turbo-diesel also available. It is rated at 397 horsepower and features B20 biodiesel capability. A standard 136-litre fuel tank makes the most of the Duramax’s efficiency, enabling up to a 1,090-km driving range on a single tank.

get the SpecS

MSRp:

NV200 compact cargo: $22,248

NV passenger van: $37,898

NV standard roof: $30,998

NV high roof: $34,988

towing capacity: V6 up to 3,175 kg; V8 up to 4,309 kg

cargo Space: NV200 compact cargo: 3,455 litres

NV standard roof: 6,629 litres

NV high roof: 9,149 litres

get the SpecS

MSRp: 2500HD WT (regular cab): $38,000 2500HD LT (crew cab): $46,140

3500HD WT (regular cab): $40,460

3500HD LT (regular cab): $44,195

3500HD LTZ (crew cab): $54,755

Max payload: 2500HD: 1,911 kg

3500HD: 3,276 kg

transmission: Six-speed automatic transmission; Allison six-speed automatic transmission required with the Duramax Turbo Diesel V8

Of interest to many trades would be the new available spray-in bed liner, which bonds to the steel bed to create permanent and watertight protection. It covers the entire interior surface below the side rails, including the tailgate, front box top rail, gauge hole plugs and lower tiedown loops.

mercedes-Benz sprinter

Since joining the luxury brand’s retail network, the MercedesBenz Sprinter has benefitted from a focused marketing and sales campaign that has seen sales volume rise every year.

Available in standard-roof, high-roof, super-high-roof, passenger and cab chassis models, the German import is becoming a favourite option of tradespeople across Canada thanks in large part to its flexibility and low cost of ownership. (High-roof and super-high-roof models come in multiple wheelbases).

Figures courtesy of Vincentric show the 2014 Sprinter has the lowest total cost of ownership in its class. The research takes into account fuel costs, maintenance and retained value.

All models have the automaker’s adaptive electronic stability program to ensure your load remains secure—an amazing feature that once kept this writer from losing control on an icy stretch of desolate highway in Alaska in the dead of winter. Other safety features include lane-keeping, collisionprevention and blind-spot assist.

Complementing the 3.0-litre V6 BlueTEC diesel engine in 2014 is a 2.1-litre, fourcylinder two-stage turbocharged BlueTEC diesel, which pumps out 161 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque.

DReSS it up!

every automaker offering a commercial van in its fleet has a factory upfitment program. mercedes-Benz, for example, has more than 15 approved upfitters and body builders for its sprinter. the same is true with pickups, as oem or aftermarket accessories can be used to turn a normal ride into a workshop on wheels. Check out some of the optional accessories you can include to optimize your vehicle:

ladder racks

Ranger Design says it has launched its Max Rack system—a drop-down ladder rack for cargo vans. The company claims its new rack is safer than other available models because it can lower up to 50 inches in one single motion, with the operator out of the path of the descending ladder. The product passed all of its extreme wear and weather tests and has been field tested with actual tradesmen. “The standout feature was the ease of operation,” the company notes. It’s available on the Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, Nissan NV and Ram ProMaster this fall.

get the SpecS

MSRp: Standard-roof 2500: $39,900

High-roof 2500: $42,400

High-roof 2500: w/extended wheel base: $48,400

Super-high-roof 2500: $47,900

Cab chassis: $38,900

towing capacity: 2,268 kg across all 2500 variants; ranges from 2,268 kg to 3,402 kg on 3500 models

shelving

Adrian

Steel has a number of new shelving products, including the HVAC package for the Ram ProMaster 136-inch wheelbase model. The system includes a partition with a door, welded tank rack, drawer component for storing small parts and a number of adjustable shelving units.

Ford F-150

Perhaps the splashiest update to a work vehicle this year has been Ford’s move to offer an aluminum body on the new F-150. As the best-selling pickup in North America for more than three decades, this is the jobsite’s most frequent contributor. The jury, however, is still out on how buyers will respond to the new body.

Ford executives maintain the 2015 edition is up to 700 pounds lighter, meaning it can tow and haul more, accelerate and stop faster and operate more efficiently.

Using what it termed an “office-on-the-go” mentality, Ford said its engineers and designers included a long list of onboard features that offer capabilities never before realized in a full-size pickup.

Included for the first time in an F-150 are a remote opening tailgate, LED headlights and LED cargo box lights. The significantly altered interior was created with utility in mind, right down to the buttons and controls that are sized so that a person wearing work gloves can operate them.

It will go on sale late this year with a broad selection of trim levels: XL, XLT, Lariat, Platinum and King Ranch.

get the SpecS

MSRp: Prices for 2015 edition not available as of press time, but 2014 numbers were as follows:

XL: $18,749

STX: $20,849

XLT: $23,749

FX2: $32,449

Lariat: $37,849

FX4: $38,349

SVT Raptor: $57,099

King Ranch: $53,049

Platinum: $53,649

Limited: $57,349

towing capacity: TBA (2014 numbers: 11,300 lbs.) (5,125 kg) trailer

payload capacity: TBA (2014 numbers: 3,120 lbs.) (1,415 kg)

engines: 3.5-litre V6

5.0-litre V8

2.7-litre EcoBoost

3.5-litre EcoBoost

transmission: six-speed automatic

ram Promaster

Dubbed by the automaker as the market’s “most affordable high-roof van,” the Ram ProMaster marks its first full year in the Canadian market in 2014.

This model is a direct by-product of the Fiat purchase of Chrysler, as it is essentially a North American version of the Fiat Ducato. It is also the only vehicle in this class with a frontwheel drive system, a benefit for handling and traction, but also for cargo room, as there is no need for rear driveshafts or rear differentials.

Ram said the van’s 3.6-litre Pentastar VVT V6 engine has best-in-class horsepower. It also tops its category in cargo volume with up to 15,000 litres of space.

It comes to Canada in four available body types (1500, 2500, 3500 and 3500 cutaway/cab chassis) and is already challenging for the lowest total cost of ownership.

get the SpecS

MSRp: 1500: $31,495

2500: $35,495

3500: $37,495

3500 Cutaway: $28,495

3500 Cab Chassis: $30,495

Early reports indicate it has a 16,000-km oil change interval. Also of note is that the UConnect 5.0 multimedia system comes standard on all ProMaster models. One of the most userfriendly in-dash systems on the market, UConnect includes handsfree voice commands and Bluetooth phone and navigation.

transmission: Multi-range six-speed automatic

Partitions

Masterack Commercial Vehicle Equipment has a number of predesigned kits to fit nearly every manner of commercial vehicle. Customers driving the Nissan NV200, for example, can choose from either a wire or steel partition. Both come in a black-powder-coat finish and carry a three-year warranty.

Ford transit Connect

Perhaps more synonymous with Canada Post than for its use on construction sites, the Transit Connect cargo van has been redesigned from the ground up. It drives and parks like a car, hauls more payload than some pickups and delivers fuel efficiency unmatched by any other comparable commercial vehicle in North America today.

Customers can choose between two engines—a standard 2.5-litre and an optional 1.6-litre EcoBoost—throughout five trims (XL Van, XLT Van, XL Wagon, XLT Wagon, Titanium Wagon).

The AdvanceTrac with roll-stability control comes with the base model, but Ford’s real digital goodies don’t start as standard equipment until the XLT Wagon, which includes the SYNC communication system.

tonneau Covers

A good way to keep your tools safe is to keep them out of sight. Tonneau Cover Canada has dozens of versions from which to choose that vary on everything from number of folds to colour to material.

get the SpecS

MSRp: XL Van: $26,699

Drivability and fuel efficiency is really where this unit sets itself apart from similar models. You won’t be able to stand up in the cargo area, but, if space is not at a premium, you will love its nimble handling.

Buyers looking at fleet options will particularly like the available Crew Chief application that provides realtime alerts on a wide range of driver and vehicle metrics.

XLT Van: $28,099

XL Wagon: $28,499

XLT Wagon: $29,899

Titanium Wagon: $33,699

towing capacity: Cargo van: 2,458 kg

transmission: Six-speed SelectShift automatic

Fuel Rating: Wagon: 9.5L/100km city/ 6.7L/100km hwy (8.2L/100km combined)

spray- on Bedliners

Any pickup driver who seeks to extend the look and life of his cargo bed should consider a spray-on truck liner, which bonds to virtually any substance. Look for a product that not only offers impact resistance but also offers chemical and corrosion resistance.

ram 1500

Ram came screaming out of the gate last year with an awardwinning redesign of its pickup series. The 1500, named MotorTrend’s truck of the year two years straight, has built on its legendary durability with an all-new, industry-exclusive 3.0-litre EcoDiesel V6.

Its heftier brother also has some bling on the mantel, with the 2500-diesel powered model topping the HD class at the latest Canadian Truck King Challenge.

toyota tundra

Redesigned inside and out for 2014, the Toyota Tundra is a pickup that never gets its proper due in Canada. Despite being designed, engineered and built in North America, it continues to occupy the distant fourth spot behind the pickup offerings from Ford, Chrysler and G.M., with sales of just 7,536 in 2013—1,257 behind third-place Ram and a staggering 112,683 units behind Ford’s F-Series. But the powerful Tundra is a serious half-ton. New for 2014 is a handsome exterior design coupled with a more spacious interior. Designers considered even the smallest ergonomic improvements, including easier driver access to controls and larger knobs for manipulation while wearing work gloves.

Powering it are two proven powertrains: Toyota’s 4.6-litre DOHC i-Force V8 (offering 310 horsepower and 327 lb-ft. torque), and its workhorse 5.7-litre DOHC i-Force V8. The latter, Tundra’s most popular engine with owners, generates 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft. torque.

When equipped with a tow package, Tundra has a maximum tow capacity of 4,763 kg (4x2 Regular Cab Long Bed). The package also upgrades Tundra’s cooling and electrical systems. Integrated engine and transmission oil coolers help handle the demands of towing under a full load, and a heavy-duty battery and alternator are also added.

get the SpecS

MSRp: ST: $19,995

SXT: $20,995

SLT: $25,295

HFE: $26,295

Outdoorsman: $28,995

Sport: $31,295

Big Horn: $32,095

Laramie: $38,895

Laramie Longhorn: $45,095

Laramie Limited: $48,090

towing capacity: Up to 4,740 kg and payload of up to 875 kg.

transmission: six-speed automatic or class-exclusive eight-speed automatic

Despite always being a bridesmaid to the Ford F-Series in terms of sales volume, Ram is coming on strong in 2014 with new design features, capabilities and technologies to woo even the most loyal truck buyer. The 1500 comes with three beefy powertrain options: the aforementioned 3.0-litre EcoDiesel, a 3.6litre Pentastar V6 or the 5.7-litre HEMI V8. Hop up to the 2500 or above and engine choices grow to include a 5.7-litre V8 HEMI VVT, a 6.4-litre V8 MidDuty HEMI MDS and a 6.7-litre Cummins turbo diesel. Check out Ram’s website for trim-specific info, as the list on the 10 different models is extensive.

get the SpecS

MSRp: 4x2 Regular Cab: $26,750

4x2 Double Cab: $30,750

4x4 Regular Cab: $30,825

4x4 Double Cab: $34,825

4x4 Double Cab Long: $36,865

4x4 Crewmax: $39,900

4x4 Double Cab Limited: $46,950

4x4 Crewmax Limited: $48,120

4x4 Crewmax Platinum: $53,700

towing capacity: 4,763 kg (4x2 Regular Cab Long Bed)

transmission: five- and six-speed automatic

All 2014 Tundras come standard with the Display Audio system. Standard on all SR grades is a 6.1-inch touchscreen display, AM/ FM CD Player with MP3/ WMA playback capability, USB 2.0 port with increased charging capability and iPod connectivity and control, phone book access and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology and voice recognition.

fisherpaykel.com

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.

Five renovators discuss their awardwinning transformations

By Tracy Hanes

While superb design and quality of construction certainly play a large role in creating outstanding renovations, the relationships with clients and setting out a clear and detailed work order before the renovation begins is equally important. Here is what the latest Ontario Home Builders’ Association Awards of Distinction victors had to say about their award-winning projects and other memorable jobs, the role of the client and how they’ve overcome some interesting challenges.

eurodale developmenTs

“One of the biggest challenges in renovation is that every single customer has a different set of needs and a different level of busy-ness in their lives,” says Brendan Charters, who, along with partner Jim Williamson, owns Toronto’s Eurodale Developments, which took 2013 honours for OHBA’s Outstanding Bathroom Renovation.

For the bathroom renovation, Eurodale worked with a design created by HGTV’s Designer Guys to construct a deluxe washroom in a coach house that belongs to a home that backs onto the Rosedale Golf Course. The couple lives in Europe most of the time and wanted a multi-person Swedish dry sauna and steam room, adjacent to a fitness room and close to the swimming pool at their Ontario address.

“Because we were tying into an historic space, we had to be careful how we were building, and to match new tiles with existing tiles and to cut in tightly and crisply to make the tie-in to a modern box,” says Charters. “It created a nice juxtaposition between old and new. There were huge energy demands to create a dry sauna and steam room, so we got to know the house inside and out from an electrical standpoint. It was as complex as a washroom reno can get.”

“With this renovation, we never actually met the client face-to-face,” says Charters. For another of their whole-house renovations the homeowner was on-site every day and scrutinizing every step. “Some homeowners are hands-off and want you to do your thing and are comfortable staying out of the actual renovation, while others like to micro-manage and be completely involved.”

Charters says it’s important to arrange regular meetings with a client, even if that means communicating by email or phone so they are involved in key decisions. He says one problem in the reno industry is that deals are often made based solely on price, whereas the relationship and comfort between the homeowner and renovator should be a key factor.

“The critical part is the relationship. It’s not like buying a car or cell phone,” says Charters. “Some renos can span six months or more, so it can be a long-term relationship. It takes two (renovator and homeowner) to have a successful renovation.”

Eurodale transformed a former coach house into a Swedish sauna.

prycon cusTom Building and renovaTions inc.

The extensive transformation of a 1960s waterfront walkout bungalow into a gathering place for the owners’ family earned Matt Pryce and his Prycon Custom Building and Renovations Inc. of Barrie the OHBA award for Most Outstanding Home Renovation over $500,000.

“Going into a project of this calibre, you have to have strong working relationships with the authorities that are approving your project, including the Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority and the municipality,” says Pryce. A similar strong relationship has to be forged with the homeowner.

The existing home had a variety of construction methods, from core slab to masonry and wood, with some parts that had to be demolished and others expanded. “Having to marry them together took a lot of creativity,” says Pryce. “You really need to understand how a house is built and spend the extra time to get a clear understanding of what materials and structure you are dealing with.”

The job involved adding a family room at the basement level, adding bedrooms, expanding the kitchen/ dining area and creating a full master suite with walkout deck. Mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems had to be changed to allow for the new open-concept layout that facilitated the addition of windows and clean, unobstructed views of the lake.

Pryce says the biggest challenge with all jobs “is protecting the clients’ interests. Communicating with the customer at all times is the key to success. They need to understand the roadblocks, so they understand delays and costs, and having clear and concise change orders is paramount.”

Constant on-site supervision is also important to protect everyone’s interests and to take responsibility for the project, Pryce notes. In this renovation, the clients were involved from the design approval to choosing the final finishes.

Great communication extends beyond the client, the approval authorities and tradespeople, right down to the neighbours, Pryce explains. “Normally in a developed neighbourhood, you have to deal with the neighbours and consider things such as property lines, material deliveries and how equipment comes in and out.”

Great communication was required—from conservation authorities to the neighbours—at this Lake Simcoe waterfront property.

WindrusH Hill consTrucTion

“Every project is going to have unique challenges and things that either make it or break it,” says Anthony Alfieri of Windrush Hill Construction in St. Catharines. Alfieri relished the challenge of adapting an early-1970s three-bedroom bungalow to fit the modern needs of its new owners: the granddaughter and grandson-in-law of the original owners. The project was honoured for an OHBA Award of Distinction for Most Outstanding Home Renovation – $100,001 to $500,000. It was also nominated for a CHBA award.

“I loved the grey matter of it and that what we ended up with was not on paper,” Alfieri says. “New ideas were forming, and you can move with them when you have a client willing to explore a bit.”

The house sits on a beautiful escarpment setting. But it had changed little in 40 years and the homeowners needed more room to accommodate their family. “They needed a master bedroom with ensuite, a walk-in closet and wanted a two-car garage. They wanted energy efficiency, an open concept and a bit of contemporary design,” says Alfieri, who expanded the home from 1,500 to 2,100 square feet.

Alfieri and the clients discussed building a second storey, but decided that would not fit in with the character of the neighbourhood, so went back to the drawing board. “We tried to maintain the overall look and style of the home, but modernized it. One of the challenges was that a greenhouse had been on the back of the home for 30 years and it had been tied into the roof,” Alfieri explains. The hot, moist air had seeped into the attic and filled it with mould, requiring a massive section of roof to be removed.

“It was a hard pill to swallow and increased the budget, but it allowed us to open up the centre of the home and create a beautiful open concept,” says Alfieri. “So, the challenge turned out to be a benefit.”

One of the home’s most important features, he says, is a new mudroom that accommodates closets, storage and holds sporting equipment and kids’ backpacks. New insulation, a high-efficiency furnace and air conditioner and HRV brought the house from an EnerGuide rating all the way from 37 to 82.

Alfieri’s advice to other renovators is to tell clients upfront what things cost (such as for entertainment and energy-efficiency options) and to help them make logical decisions and to not over-invest. “The ability to be transparent with customers is imperative.”

This St. Catharines project expanded a 3 BR bungalow from 1,500 to 2,100 square feet of energy efficiency.

oakWood renovaTion experTs

While OakWood Renovation Experts of Ottawa, a fourth-generation design-build business, won an Award of Distinction for Most Outstanding Home Renovation up to $100,000 for a kitchen project, its most memorable recent job is a single-storey addition that showcases a large game hunter’s ‘trophies.’

There were a variety of challenges, according to OakWood’s COO Patricia Liptak-Satov, including: securing a minor variance so the addition could proceed on the corner lot; ensuring that the addition blended with the existing 1980s-era home; designing around specific furniture and wall hangings; and having no transition between floors in the old and new space.

Extensive custom woodwork was cut and stained on-site and installed in a detailed, mathematical fashion; exotic hardwood was used for the floors and custom stone on the fireplace; and real ostrich eggs were painstakingly fashioned into wall sconces in “a white glove procedure,” according to Liptak-Satov.

Acquiring municipal approvals required sun studies to show that the addition would not block light for surrounding homes. OakWood also conducted interior lighting studies to see how to maximize natural light and how to employ light to showcase the stuffed animal heads.

“The homeowners were very involved and very visual people, and we created 3D renderings for them,” says Liptak-Satov. “There was a lot of back-and-forth and a longer design stage than we usually have, but we wanted to get it right.”

OakWood had to plan where to display the heads as well as reinforce the walls to support the heavy pieces. The addition also features a stonework feature wall with TV and fireplace.

“We learned a lot about large game hunters and this project reinforced the importance of planning ahead and taking time to draw it all out,” says Liptak-Satov. “We wanted the homeowners to feel comfortable with the process. They were delighted with the results and even had a party for us, the trades and their neighbours when the renovation was completed.”

OakWood’s most memorable reno work included a single-storey addition to show off the spoils of a big game hunter.

Help strengt H en your business – H ire an arc H itectural tec H nology co-op student

Our Architectural Technology program is designed to simulate a work environment where, along with designing, our students handle the business aspects within an organization.

Our students represent the ideal mix of education, technical abilities and workplace skills.

Our students are skilled at:

• Preparing concept and working drawings, floor plans, elevations, schedules, 2D details and 3D massing models

• Analyzing plans and drawings, and completing revisions to working drawing sets

• Liaising with architects, consultants and other construction professionals to seek guidance and advice on required amendments

Our students possess:

• A strong knowledge of the Ontario Building Code

• A desire to learn and develop both technical and nontechnical skills and abilities

• A strong knowledge of AutoCAD® and Revit®

Work with George Brown College to support your business and help our students gain valuable work experience related to their program of study.

For more information contact: The Industry Liaison Office and Alexis Trejgo at atrejgo@georgebrown.ca or 416-415-5000, ext. 6829

Wc meek design and consTrucTion

There’s more to simplicity than meets the eye, Bill Meek, president of Toronto’s W.C. Meek Design and Construction, has found. Meek, who has a background in architectural technology and interior design as well as construction, was reminded of the adage while designing and building the project that won the award for Most Outstanding Kitchen Design. It represented the most modern kitchen his firm had ever worked on.

The kitchen was at the rear of a 1980s house, overlooking a ravine and backyard pool. A number of walls in the home interfered with the view. Meek removed load-bearing walls and installed structural beams to create an open-concept layout that would allow the clients—who love to entertain—to accommodate a large crowd in the kitchen.

“The design took a lot longer than normal because of the detailing involved,” says Meek. “A modern kitchen may seem like it will be easier, because it looks very simple, but it’s actually harder. You really have to make sure all the details line up and that everything relates properly. When integrating certain appliances, we had to research how they all would fit.”

The new layout was tailored with entertaining and flow in mind, and the new kitchen boasts a stainless steel wall of appliances, a wall of panelling in deep matte black lacquer, a continuous Corian countertop (Corian was also used as a handrail for a glass railing) and a door system that opens up to the outdoor living space.

Building a relationship and keeping the communication open with the client was also a critical element for the firm. “You have to be rigid with your process and don’t start until the design is set,” Meek cautions. “If things start changing on the fly, it ruins the flow of the job. If a decision isn’t finalized, the job has to stop until the decision is made.”

His chief lesson? “Modern and simple doesn’t mean less in terms of detailing and design. There’s more to simplicity than you might think.”

Load-bearing walls were replaced with structural beams in creating a modern, open-concept kitchen.

HTTP:// TIME TO RENOVATE YOUR WEBSITE?

CUSTOMERS ARE LOOKING FOR HELP, BUT CAN THEY FIND YOU?

BY BRENDA PACHER

Need a renovator? After word-ofmouth—and sometimes even before— the modern consumer relies on the internet. But you’re just a rowboat in the ocean. So how are they going to find you?

One of the most cost-effective ways is through internet marketing. A better web presence means increased traffic to your website and more potential customers. If your website does not appear in search results for the services you offer, then you’ll need to look at renovating it to be more search-engine-friendly.

Search engines constantly crawl through websites on the internet and index readable pages. They are quite sophisticated and can tell when content is not original, not well written or lacking in substance. If you are up against other sites that are content-rich and optimized, then your site will probably not be served up as a best result for home renovation keyword search terms. You need to improve your website’s authority—both on page and off—to help it rise up to the first page of search results. Appearing more frequently in search results means more people will find your site and visit it for information—and more traffic means more calls and increased business.

1. Your website should be your online brochure, detailing all of your services, service areas and the reasons homeowners should choose you.

2. Have your logo, name/business and address or service area on the header so that people see it immediately.

3. Make sure your contact information (phone, address, email) is easy to find.

4. Your site should have a pleasing design with easy navigation to go from page to page.

5. Write compelling text to describe your services, making sure it is original content and free of errors. Anything less suggests to customers that you are unprofessional and lack attention to detail.

6. Use photos to showcase past work and add interest.

7. Add trust symbols (certifications, memberships, licences, awards, etc.).

8. Add testimonials from past clients.

9. Build back-links to your website by entering your info into online directories and related sites, such as RenoMark, Houzz, Homestars, etc.

10. Add a Google tracker to your website and monitor your traffic.

Success Stories

If you are thinking of creating or remodelling a website, it pays to look at successful sites that are already on the internet. They do not have to be contractor sites—just sites that rank well in searches and that are user-friendly and visually appealing. By viewing other sites, you will start to notice design elements that you like (or dislike). Notice the use of backgrounds, colours, headers, side or top navigation, photos, videos, animation, graphics, etc. Any good web company can give you a design that fits your personal tastes, especially if you are clear on the look you want. Design, however, is only one component. You can have the best-looking website on the internet, but if no one can find it, it won’t do your business much good. This is why website optimization is so important. Let’s look at three home renovator sites to see what they do well (and not so well):

Charlie-Allen.com is a Boston-area renovation firm specializing in period homes. They’re the top-ranking website in Google search for “home renovators Cambridge MA,” among other related keywords. (Note that part of their ranking strength comes from their ‘off page’ authority and back links from their media.)

Top Marks: Good use showing their awards and mentions in the news on their home page and several deeper pages. This creates credibility and trust, which makes period-home owners feel this company can handle their delicate renovations. The website also provides information about period home types, which demonstrates their industry knowledge, while also featuring lots of keyword-rich text (related words and synonyms that are likely to appear in web searches for the type of services they offer). Testimonials also appear on several pages.

Room for Improvement: The renovations page should be broken up into more specific pages (e.g. one for bathroom renovations, one for kitchen renovations, etc.) rather than a long scrolling page with everything lumped together. This could be done by adding a dropdown menu to the top navigation with the various subcategories. The phone number should be in the header to make it easier for clients to call. NEVER make viewers search for your contact information! Further, testimonials should be added to every page—preferably relevant to the subject matter. For example, the “About Us” page could have a quote on how professional the staff was, whereas the remodelling page could have a quote on how the quality of work exceeded their expectations.

Normandyremodeling.com is a large company based in the Chicago area that won American Remodeler of the Year in 2007.

Top Marks: As soon as you get to their home page, you know what the website is about. You immediately see the title “Home Remodeling in Chicago & Surrounding Suburbs,” which establishes the business and its service area. There is a logo, address and phone in the header, making it easy to find their contact information on every page. The website has trust symbols and awards throughout the pages, establishing credibility and competence. It’s always a good idea to have a social media presence and use it to connect with

potential clients. Their social media links are in their footer, so they appear on every page. This site has pages specific to the type of renovation (kitchen, bathroom, etc.), as well as pages specific to areas of Chicago. They have a page entitled “Our Process,” which allows potential clients to feel more comfortable and confident about undertaking renovations. There is also an awards and recognitions page with trust symbols throughout the site.

Room for Improvement: This website design is rather narrow and a bit dated, with cumbersome navigation in areas. Although it is great they have an “Opt-In” box for their newsletter, it appears the last newsletter added to the site was in 2012. It is important to keep content fresh and updated. Building a contact list by offering a free newsletter or homeowner tips in exchange for the viewer’s email is an inexpensive and effective way to build your list of potential clients. Use it to offer updates, tips or new services to them on a regular basis. Do not spam their inbox with hard-sell emails.

Creativedesignconstruction.com is a remodelling company based in New Jersey.

Top Marks: The website header shows that they do construction and remodelling in New Jersey and New York, with contact phone numbers and “Since 1988,” which shows experience. They offer a complimentary consultation via a click-to-form button at the top of the website. The home page features rotating images (kitchen, bar, bathrooms, outdoors) with captions detailing the photos. They use high-quality photos that have been staged with fresh flowers, pillows, wine glasses, etc. Renovating homes is a very visual business and this helps people see what is possible through remodelling. Since kitchen renovations, followed by bath and basement, are most popular, be sure to address them on your website. This site has social media links in the header, trust symbols and awards on the home page, and a separate awards page. They also offer remodelling hints and a page on “Design Build Process” to build trust with clients.

Room for Improvement: A strange transition page appears when navigating and several pages are slow loading, which search engines will penalize. Some pages take very long to scroll, so few viewers will go all the way to the bottom. The prime real estate of

a web page is above the fold, so this should be used to convey the main message. Divide long pages into more topic-specific shorter ones. Text is skimpy on some pages, giving search engines little to evaluate. Adding details and keyword-rich text help build a website’s authority.

Improve Your Website

Now that you are familiar with what makes a website effective, take another look at your site and compare it to high-ranking sites on the internet. Make a list of pages you will need, then put them in a user-friendly layout. Make certain it is easy to navigate around the site and to find your contact information. Add fresh content and information that homeowners can use. Talk about your competitive advantage (i.e. why should they call you? Price? Experience? Awards? Quality?) You will also want to add metatags (see sidebar) with keywords in your code, or use an SEO plugin if using Wordpress for your site.

Specify which geographic areas you work in. Be sure to detail all of the services you offer. Don’t expect to rank on basement finishing if you don’t have a page on basements on your website. If writing and creating websites is not your thing, then look for a web marketing company that builds optimized sites.

Once you have optimized your site, work on your online promotion. Use social media, make videos, keep a blog, etc. Build your audience and personal brand by posting tips, photos and solutions for common problems. Get into the habit of posting and updating regularly. Search engines—and your viewers—like new and updated content, and are more likely to use their own social media tools (Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, etc.) to spread your news.

Add your company information to local and industry online directories. Ask satisfied clients to give you testimonials and send them links to a rating site (like Homestars or Trusted Pro) to leave a review.

Even small businesses can have great success on the internet when they actively promote. While it may seem like a lot of effort, remember that people are searching online for your services every day. If they aren’t finding you, they are finding your competitors.

Internet Marketing: Promoting a web property online to increase interest and drive traffic through paid ads, social media and online promotion, such as PR articles, blogs, videos, etc.

Search Engine Optimization: Improving your website to be search-enginefriendly so it will be served up in related search results.

Navigation: Navigation tells the visitor where they are and allows them to move around a website. Navigation design can include tabs at the top or side of each page, graphics, text links, etc. Good navigation makes it easy for visitors to find information on your site without clicking through too many links.

Meta Tag: This is a special HTML tag that is used to store information about a web page but is not visibly displayed to the viewer.  For example, meta tags provide information such as the program used to create the page, a description of that page and keywords that are relevant to the page. Many search engines use the information stored in meta tags when they index web pages.

Organic/Natural Results: Search engines serve up results (a blend of websites, directories, videos, etc.) based on a word or phrase entered into the search box. These organic—or non-paid—results are considered a good fit by Google or other search engines based upon their relevancy and authority, as compared to similar sites.

Targeted Traffic: Everyone wants traffic to their website, but targeted traffic means views from searchers located in your area who are looking for your services.

Paid Ads: Located at the top-right side and sometimes bottom of the search results page, these ads are “pay per click.” While paid ads are a way to guarantee you will appear on the first page of search results, they are considered less credible than organic search results. Every time someone clicks on an ad, the advertiser will owe Google (or the site host) a fee. It’s generally $3-$8 per click, but can range in either direction, depending on how competitive the keyword term is, where the ad appears (first spot, second, etc.) and the quality score of the web page that it links to.

Local Search: Local search was created by Google to help promote local businesses. The searcher enters a term (example: “home renovator Oshawa”) and search results show local businesses pinpointed on an area map.

On Page Optimization: Improving your “on page” score may involve editing/ adding content, optimizing web page markup, implementing proper site structure and navigation, adding meta-tags and optimizing photos, as well as ensuring the site can be crawled and indexed by search engines.

Off Page Optimization: Build your website authority by increasing back links to your website. Think of it as putting little arrows around the internet that point back to your website. Create great content that is “link-worthy” so others will share it.

Link Building: Inbound links should come from a variety of sources, including directories, articles, blogs, videos, forums, PR articles, social media, other websites, etc. Links should be relevant and from credible sources.

Web Design: This is the look of your website—colours, layout, design. It’s not the same as optimization or promotion. Keep your branding across all of your marketing materials (on your website, business cards, signs, trucks, etc.).

12 internet marketing terms you need to know

Hammering Home tHe point

Seven Ontario renovators address key issues of concern

By J.P. DOnalDSOn

It’s been five years since the Home Renovation Tax Credit; four years since the introduction of HST on labour. So it should come as no surprise that when it comes to residential renovations, the underground economy has flourished.

“There used to be a small job threshold on cash jobs, maxing out at about $10,000, and even then, we’d still get a few of those projects,” says John Manzo, co-owner of Tego Bathroom Design and Renovation Centre in the City of Ottawa. “Since the addition of HST, we don’t get any. In fact, I’d say the threshold has increased to $20,000. People could deal with 5% GST, but 13%? Not so much. Big-box stores are thriving, and it’s not because professional renovators are using them.”

While the HST remains a contentious issue (and one that doesn’t appear to be going away any time soon), a number of other factors fuel the underground economy, and in so doing dampen the profits of the legitimate operator. We sat down with seven renovators from across the province to find out what impacts their bottom line, along with their suggestions on ways to bring about change.

College of Trades

“In Ontario, the carpentry apprenticeship ratio has recently been lowered to 1:3—that is one apprentice for every three journeymen. Although this is a step in the right direction, I believe that the ratio should be lowered yet further,” says Ted Melchers, president of Melchers Construction Ltd. in Komoka. “In an industry that is trying to attract young tradespeople, we are doing the exact opposite. Enthusiastic young people are frustrated when there are few apprenticeship positions available and many leave the industry. In my opinion, a 1:1 ratio is ideal. An apprentice can work directly alongside a qualified journeyman and learn the trade.

“Another issue with our industry is compulsory trades. In the renovation industry this will absolutely not work,” continues Melchers. “The workforce in this industry has a skill set that enables them to complete many aspects of a project. It would not be cost-efficient to bring in multiple trades for smaller projects. This will further drive the underground economy.”

Not only does John Manzo agree, he’s experienced misinformation from the College of Trades. “Maybe it was just the individual we met with, but we were told that if a homeowner wanted electrical work done, all they had to do was hire a Red Seal electrician. That is simply not accurate,” says Manzo. “Homeowners need to hire an electrical contractor who is registered with the ESA (Electrical Safety Authority). If the College’s top investigators give out inaccurate information, it creates confusion in the marketplace. There needs to be a clearer, more consistent message, and one that is not largely union-driven.”

Manzo’s concerns don’t end there. “At the present time, renovators have been lumped under the category of ‘Carpenters.’ A good renovator understands building science and design, and can put it all together. The College of Trades should recognize that trades

can cross over. If we’re going to have to bring in 11 different Red Seal trades to complete a bathroom reno, that’s only going to drive more work underground, because it will increase the cost and time of job completion exponentially.”

“John is absolutely on point; carpentry is actually a very small part of renovations,” adds Don Koppin, owner of Don Koppin General Contractor & DKGC Insulation Services in Bancroft. “The really frustrating thing about the College of Trades is that there is nothing we would get [as a renovator] by registering, except having to pay a fee. It’s just another tax grab, except this one makes it even more difficult for apprentices. They have to pay, even if they don’t know if they are going to get a job.”

OHBA has been opposed the College of Trades since day one. “We believe the College is biased towards unions and large employers from the Greater Toronto Area,” says Stephen Hamilton, OHBA’s manager of government relations and member of the Association’s Renovators’ Council and Health & Safety Committee. “Not only does the process allow for compulsory certification of trades, there is no residential representation on the Board of Directors.”

Hamilton further explains that OHBA is against compulsory certification for any additional construction trades. “OHBA will continue to inform the College with facts (while) different trades seek compulsory certification. To date, no trade has successfully been made compulsory. We oppose certification because compulsory certification will mean fewer opportunities for workers entering trades due to new regulatory requirements to work in construction. It will also promote regional labour imbalances of labour supply, create an inability to complete projects in a timely fashion, and increase the costs of infrastructure, housing and renovations. Each of these factors will only go on to encourage underground economic activity.”

Meet the RenovatoRs

Owner Don Koppin General

ContraC tor & DKGC

i nsulation s ervi Ces

Bancroft, Kawartha Lakes, Barry’s Bay, Haliburton Highlands, Energy-efficient renovation, construction and historical restoration, thermal imaging assessment and insulation services. Past President, Haliburton Home Builders’ Association

te D MelChers President MelChers

Constru C tion li M ite D London and area. Residential and commercial renovation and new construction. President London Home Builders’ Association (LHBA); past chair, LHBA Renovators’ Council

Ja M ie aDa M President p ioneer Crafts M en ltD. Waterloo r e G ion an D Guelph

Residential renovations. Current OHBA Renovators’ Council chair; member of CHBA Renovators’ Council; past president of Waterloo Region Home Builders’ Association

“it would not be costefficient to bring in multiple trades for smaller projects. this will further drive the underground economy.”

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What OHBA members want is to unlock their potential for creating new jobs through new apprenticeship opportunities across the province, and OCOT is not designed to make that happen.

Ws IB

Perhaps nothing has been more controversial than the recent changes to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, which now dictate that independent contractors are required to register. “For more than 10 years, OHBA has been fighting mandatory WSIB coverage in construction,” says Hamilton. “These premiums will not create safer workplaces, but will stimulate underground economic activity, as it will increase the cost of doing business for legitimate contractors. This legislation is unfairly punitive to the construction sector and penalizes entrepreneurs and small business owners.”

Mike Ross, president of William J. Ross Construction Ltd. in Simcoe is one of those impacted by mandatory WSIB coverage. “My brother Bob and I own and operate our company,” says Ross. “Because of the high cost of WSIB and the reality that something catastrophic would have to happen for us to even consider collecting, we went away from having any employees, (and instead) hired subcontractors and purchased private insurance at a much more affordable cost. Now, in addition to our private coverage, we are required to pay for mandatory WSIB coverage, which for our company works out to $9.10 per $100. The same thing is true for the subcontractors we hire—and it is our responsibility to police them and ensure they are in compliance. If we don’t, we become liable for their insurance. The bottom line? Everyone who’s legit has had to raise their rates. The cash guy doesn’t worry about things like WSIB.”

It’s not just independent contractors who

are feeling the pinch. Mid-range companies are often unfairly penalized because of the way their employees are rated. “A large company can set up a separate clerical division in a separate location,” says Kenzie Campbell, general manager of Toronto’s Royal Home Improvements. “Because of our business model and our singleunit location, everybody in our company, from the receptionist and clerical staff to the estimators and draftsmen, are charged a premium as if they were on the jobsite. That places a fantastic burden on companies—in our case $9.63 per $100—and it’s completely without justification. These employees never set a foot on the jobsite during the construction phase. At the very least, there should be a tiered system: an admin rate, a construction rate and an executive rate. There also has to be compliance across the board and enforcement by WSIB. Create a level playing field. Make not having WSIB coverage an offense under the Act.”

Is there a way for WSIB to become proactive? Campbell offers up a suggestion. “Go to every single big-box store, get a list of their trade accounts and cross-reference for a WSIB number. That would be a very, very good start.”

Pioneer Craftsmen President Jamie Adam is in full agreement. “WSIB has this huge unfunded liability,” says Adam, “Why not look just a little harder for those that cheat the system completely rather than spending thousands of dollars auditing registered businesses that may have failed to pay a few hundred dollars? Instead of targeting just those who have filed a notice of project, the Ministry of Labour’s inspectors should educate and audit those companies who haven’t. It would seem to me that the guy who doesn’t file a notice of project probably doesn’t even have a health and safety policy or program in place. To reduce workplace injuries, should we not be checking in on those who don’t have one?”

Mi K e ross President

Willia M J. ross Constru C tion ltD

Simcoe, Norfolk County and area. New homes and major renovations. Brantford Home Builders Associations’ Representative, OHBA Renovators’ Council; past president Haldimand Norfolk Home Builders’ Assocation

Kenzie Ca M pbell General Manager royal h o M e iM prove M ents

Greater Toronto Area. Residential renovations, remodelling, additions, immediate past chair, Renovators’ Council, BILD, member, BILD Board of Directors.

John Manzo Co-Owner te G o bathroo M Desi G n an D r enovation Centre Ottawa region. Residential and commercial bathroom design and renovations chair of the Greater Ottawa HBA Renovators’ Council.

Darrin Dra K e Senior Project Manager Win M ar

Guelph & Orangeville. Property damage restoration, mould, asbestos and biohazard remediation, renovations. President of the Guelph and District Home Builders’ Association (GDHBA); member, OHBA Renovators’ Council; volunteer, CHBA Renovators’ Council Working Group.

is there a way for WSiB to become proactive? “go to every single bigbox store, get a list of their trade accounts and cross-reference for a WSiB number. that would be a very, very good start.”

—Kenzie Campbell, Gm , ToronTo’s royal Home improvemenTs

r enovaTIon Tax Cred IT

While Ontario’s Healthy Homes Tax Credit for seniors is a step in the right direction, each of our seven renovators said the best way to counteract the underground economy would be to have an overall renovation tax credit, one that can be directly tied into projects completed by legitimate contractors.

“The [2009] Home Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC) was such a powerful tool for the federal government, as well as the legitimate, above-ground economy,” says Craftsmen’s Jamie Adam. “Reinstating and making permanent a full home renovation tax credit has so many possibilities to bring additional revenues to not just the federal government, but our provincial and municipal governments as well. Each homeowner filing their income taxes provides a wealth of information when they claim the renovation tax credit. With a little outsidethe-box thinking, they could also provide government agencies with a multitude of cross-checking opportunities. Would municipalities not benefit from knowing where renovations occurred within their boundaries? By ensuring accurate property value assessments our municipal governments would have more money to fix aging infrastructure. There are many other government agencies that could benefit, and so many opportunities to increase the tax roll, decrease workplace accidents and reduce the WSIB unfunded liability—so many millions and millions of dollars that could be realized by our governments.”

According to the Canada Revenue Agency, more than 3 million Canadians took advantage of the 2009 HRTC, or about one in three owner-occupied households, with an average tax savings of $700 per claimant.

With support from the HRTC, real spending on residential renovations rebounded strongly in Canada, increasing by an average of 18.1% from the second quarter of 2009 through the first quarter of 2010.

Analysts have estimated it pumped an additional $4.3 billion in renovation investment into the economy at a time when the recession would have typically reduced investment in that sector.

The h Igh pr ICe of The underground eConomy

Homeowners traditionally hire cash operators in the belief that they will save money, but it doesn’t always work out that way. Apart from the time spent obtaining their

own permits (if they bother to get a permit) or buying their own materials at the local big box, the cash road is paved with potential potholes.

“We were tasked with hundreds of projects related to the flooding in Calgary and Toronto this past summer and came across a few opportunists looking to take advantage of a client’s distressed state of mind and payments received from their insurance company,” relates Darrin Drake, senior project manager of Winmar’s Guelph and Orangeville’s operations. “Promises were made to homeowners that ‘the mess would get cleaned up,’ and ‘you’ll be back in your basement in no time’—and ‘we won’t charge tax!’ Unfortunately, the cash operators had no training in remediating homes post-Category 3 water contamination or proper structural drying, and left the homeowners with half-finished basements contaminated with sewage and mould. Inferior products and building techniques are often used to maximize the profit for the underground players at the cost of safety to the homeowner. Additionally, the cash contractors typically do not carry proper insurance or WSIB coverage. So the homeowners were placed at risk if an injury occurred during the project—an issue missed by most homeowners and avoided by the cash contractor.”

The horror stories don’t just occur in big cities. “Several years ago, we did a huge cottage renovation,” recalls Koppin. “The previous owner had hired a guy who worked for cash and gutted the inside without a permit. As soon as we went into the attic, we saw serious structural problems, which cost our homeowner $100,000 to rectify. Fortunately, he had Title Insurance, which covered the cost, because there was no permit. The issue is that people gravitate to the lowest price, and they hire people who don’t have knowledge or skills, or any interest in promoting energy efficiency. Yet, for whatever reason, every time new legislation is introduced, it targets the legitimate operator. RenoMark is a strong tool, and more education and promotion will help deliver the message, but it’s still an uphill battle.”

Kenzie Campbell offers another suggestion. “Many years ago, people would brag about drinking and driving. Thanks to repeated campaigns and increased public awareness about the dangers of impaired driving, this is no longer the case. Currently, there is a massive government

campaign against illegal tobacco. Why not introduce similarly aggressive campaigns that make hiring cash operators as socially unacceptable as drinking and driving? Hiring underground operators hurts us all, and those who do so are not just hiring someone who probably isn’t qualified, they are hiring a person who is not paying their fair share of income and other tax. Make homeowners understand one basic principle: If you’re paying less, then all of us pay more.”

ohba five wayS tO fiGht the underGrOund

OhB a has promoted six ideas for government to consider:

1.

A permanent consumer-based renovation tax Cre Dit

2.

a loWere D notiCe of proJ eC t thresholD: OHBA statistics show the vast majority of renovation projects are valued at under $50,000. Currently, only renovations of $50,000-plus require notification to the Ministry of Labour. A lower threshold would curb more cash deals.

3.

a provinCial publiC aWareness CaM paiG n: Educate and warn consumers about liability associated with cash deals.

4. infor Mation sharinG : This includes cooperation and sharing information among municipal building departments (building permits taken out by consumers and contractors), the Ministry of Labour, WSIB and the Canada Revenue Agency.

5.

supplier an D retail outlet au DitinG : Cash deals typically go through contractor accounts at large retail outlets. OHBA encourages more auditing of contractor accounts by the CRA.

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Getting the Message Out

Tips for marketing your renovation business

By Cory SmiTh

In the sometimes dirty digital age, it’s becoming harder for home builders and renovators to keep their reputations clean. Social media and blogs, in particular, offer forums for angry consumers, much of it behind a firewall of anonymity.

Builder & r enovator Forum 2014 r ecap

its e FF ects have been widespread throughout the industry, especially in marketing, which has tried to constantly adapt to changing technology over the past 20 years.

“Today, with the internet and social media, it’s a lot more important to make sure every customer is handled with proper nurturing, because it takes a long time to build a good reputation and not a long time to destroy it. Everything is accelerated,” Carick Home Improvements owner Joel Scopeletti says.

Scopeletti was part of a group of industry leaders discussing marketing strategies at the OHBA’s Builder & Renovator Forum in Niagara Falls in late February.

The Toronto-based general contractor has learned first-hand the internet’s ability to make his job more difficult. It’s something he never had to worry about in 1991 when taking over the family business with his brother. “You need to know what people are saying about you,” Scopeletti says. “The most important thing is to respond. Tell your side of the story. If you rebut the complaint, people will respect it. But if you let it go untouched, they think you’re hiding something.”

For many in the industry, the best defence is a good offence. That means getting ahead of negative publicity, whether it’s in the media, online or word of mouth.

It’s what Jon Packer’s media and public relations firm, Idea Workshop, did in 2008 when citizens of Oakville were upset that a series of luxury townhomes was slated to be built on vacant heritage land. Instead of getting into a heated public battle—one the builder, developer and anyone else involved in the project likely would have lost—they hosted a roundtable discussion with local media. It was a transparent way to humanize the project. And it worked.

“The idea was to get in front of ideas certain people would have,” Packer says. “We got the community onside and everything went well. But it wouldn’t have happened if the community wasn’t onside.”

Conversely, sometimes focusing on negative publicity results in missing the compliments. “One of the mistakes builders and renovators make is they don’t do enough with the positive reviews they do get,” Packer notes, citing newspaper clippings and Twitter retweets as two examples of third-party endorsements. “These are great marketing tools that cost nothing and should be utilized.”

Scopeletti knows that good reviews lead to more business, having witnessed clients hiring his company based on what they heard or read. And he knows that consumers looking to hire a company are going to do their due diligence before they invite strangers into their homes.

“Society is overwhelmed and overhyped with information, and they don’t (invite contractors to their homes) without burying themselves in information,” Scopeletti says.

As part of their marketing plan, Kawartha Lakes Construction uses Guild Quality, a third-party survey company, to solicit reviews and gain feedback. “Bad reviews hurt builders and renovators equally, but good reviews can always be used to bolster better business,” Kawartha Lakes owner Scott Wootton says. “But you have to proactively use the reviews in your marketing.”

While monitoring the message can be difficult, there are many parts of the job builders and renovators can control, one of the most important being managing expectations. “This is where a good written scope of work and contract can really help, and we

often add lines to clarify issues that cause a problem on a job (such as items being late or out of stock),” Wootton says. “It’s usually a lack of setting clear expectations that get people in trouble, so adding clarifying wordage around an agreement is always helpful to both parties and protects the bottom line at the same time. The more clearly things are initially explained, the happier and more predictable the experience is for all.”

In the battle for a consumer’s business, however, session moderator and Energy Matters president Gail Lawlor warned businesses against trying to be the cheapest option. The key is to under-promise and over-deliver.

“It’s important to note that we’re not competing on price,” Lawlor says, adding that builders and renovators need to educate the customer about the quality of workmanship they will receive. “There are lots of people out there with a pickup truck, ladder and measuring tape. There are so many customers who experience (unhappy) surprises and say afterward, ‘If I’d only known this or that—or that for another $100, I could have gotten these windows instead of those windows.’

“Remember that your job is to solve someone’s problem,” Lawlor explains.

Word o F mouth

Before you can market your reputation to potential clients, however, you have to develop one. “Consumers want to know that the renovator has the credibility to do what they say they will do and make sure it’s quality work,” says Packer.

Ensuring that the process will be as seamless as possible begins and ends with communication. Whereas builders have the worksite to themselves, renovators have to share their space with sometimes-wary homeowners who, despite being warned, may not be prepared for the challenges of living within a worksite.

Explaining what is to come, even if it’s a one-sided conversation, is paramount. “The expectations of people today in the microwave society we live in are very difficult,” Scopeletti says. “There are so many intangibles involved in a renovation. It’s going to be a stressful experience no matter how smoothly it goes. People don’t appreciate what goes on behind the scenes.”

And those renovators are already being judged before the first nail is hammered. “There’s this perception from the beginning that things could go wrong,” Packer observes. “If the slightest (unexpected) thing happens—and all of us in the industry know things go wrong—our job is to make them right. That’s the nature of how projects go. It’s quite easy for a homeowner to visit the project halfway through and see something they don’t like, and then they’re talking about it on Facebook. Then it’s, ‘See, I told you—you can’t trust these guys!’ For builders, it’s ‘Let’s wait until the project

It’s usually a lack of setting clear expectations that gets people in trouble

Create a lasting impression...

is finished.’ I think there’s a more balanced assessment.”

Whether you’re a builder or renovator, “the lifeline of any business is repeat business and referrals,” says Scopeletti. “I think smart marketers invest in an existing client base and invest in relationships.”

Packer believes some builders and renovators struggle to identify their client base.

“They all know they need to do some marketing, but they’re not quite sure what the right things are to focus on,” he says. “We have to help them understand where priorities should be.”

Builders and renovators should tailor their marketing strategies to the size of their population base, Packer says. “For example, the good part with a small town is that your reputation can grow quicker by getting your name out. The downside is if you have a problem, it spreads quickly as well. In a big city, you have a ton of competition and you have to make the case that what you do is better than the next guy, and be very aware of what others are up to and have a well-defined point of difference.”

Wootton, whose business is located in Lakefield, just north of Peterborough, has seen many builders and renovators swallowed up by the small-town syndrome during the last 25 years. “In a small

MakIng sense of taxIng Issues

Builders and renovators are notoriously meticulous in their attention to detail, but there’s one area that is prone to being overlooked away from the jobsite.

“A lot of times, when it comes to items of finance or tax, it’s portrayed as something that’s technical or complex,” says Enzo Quattrociocchi, a senior manager specializing in real estate tax with Deloitte. “Once somebody starts speaking about it, it’s intimidating, so nobody wants to deal with it. The people who sometimes benefit the most from it—the entrepreneurs—don’t bother with it. But builders should make an attempt to understand it, or at least have people within their company who perhaps are accountants or have financial backgrounds take the time to bring in qualified tax planners. It could make all the difference in the world.”

Quattrociocchi and Deloitte co-worker Stuart Cottrell tried to break down the finer tax points during one of the OHBA Builder Renovator Forum sessions in February at the Hilton Niagara Falls Hotel and Suites. The duo touched on some audit issues, but primarily focused on opportunities that exist for builders and renovators. “Sound tax planning and taking advantage of tax opportunities are about awareness and understanding that there’s an opportunity,” says Quattrociocchi. “Once you understand that, the implementation is actually fairly simple.”

For example, Quattrociocchi said while many builders are cognizant of soft costs, such as site investigation, tenant inducements and certain administrative expenses, too often they aren’t giving sufficient consideration to potential expense write-offs to make their businesses more profitable. “The tendency when you’re developing a building is oftentimes to simply put the development-

town, you can’t hide when things don’t go right and people talk, so how you handle the hurdles of a project can work for or against you. It’s a major threat to a small-town builder or renovator to develop a bad reputation, and it usually finishes them off pretty quickly. I’ve seen lots come and go.”

Scopeletti says it comes down to treating each client the same. “As much as it’s a global world, it’s also a village,” he says. “I believe any good marketer or advertiser does not try to (appeal to the masses). It’s very hard for a renovator, especially in a big city, because they’re not going to be the Coca Cola. You don’t have the branding to connect everywhere. What’s important is to have a target. You choose that target (by neighbourhood, demographic or social scene) and work that target. In a big city you will waste your time trying to market to everybody.”

Ultimately, while builders and renovators figure out how best to market themselves, it’s important to make sure there is a return on investment. Dollars need to be spent wisely as modern marketing continues to evolve. “You can spend money on marketing, but if you’re not paying attention to whether there’s any return on it, then you might be chasing your tail,” Wootton says. “It’s a hard thing to do, but it’s a necessary thing to do.”

related costs into capitalized building costs, which do not provide the benefit of a tax deduction in the current year,” Quattrociocchi notes. “When you add them up, spend the time and do a detailed analysis of all the costs when you are developing a project, there are actual, obvious tax savings.”

Other costs, such as obtaining permits, legal, consulting and architect fees, may in some cases be deductible in the current year as well, Quattrociocchi adds. “When you get a deduction in the current year, it offsets income. You may be developing one property, but (a builder might think), ‘What’s the big deal if I get a deduction now?’ Well, if that deduction can be applied against income that you’re making on other developments, that’s the easiest thing in the world.”

The biggest challenge Quattrociocchi and Cottrell faced at the session was fitting enough relevant information into one hour. Much of it can be complex, they acknowledged, but there are practical, simple ways to save money, and that can be passed down to the consumer. Like a jobsite, it comes down to paying attention to detail.

“There’s lots of opportunities (for tax savings),” Cottrell observed. “It’s about fitting the opportunity with the individual.”

Costs such as obtaining permits, legal and consulting fees may be deductible.

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Seeing is believing

Dietrich’s 3D software for wood builders offers remarkable detail

Most hoM eowners have difficulty picturing the inside of their new home from a set of blueprints. This increases design time and can lead to expensive changes once the project gets underway and the spaces aren’t exactly what clients imagined. Builders and designers use a variety of tactics to prime clients’ imaginations, from photos of finished jobs to home tours, renderings and models. Many of them are using visualization software. But there is a new level of technology that makes those virtual tours even more lifelike and effective.

Dietrich’s is a prime example—a parametric CAD program for the wood building industry that is linked to a deep product and

materials database. It allows designers to generate realistic 3D renderings of a home’s interior spaces, then move through those spaces on the screen with clients. Google Earth can even be used to place the virtual home on the lot, showing the views out the windows. Clients get a better feel for the home, so they make most of their changes at the design stage and request fewer change orders after work starts.

The software provides unprecedented control over the building process. Changes do more than revise the renderings. When a wall is moved or a roof reconfigured, the Dietrich’s software automatically updates the construction and connection details

while keeping track of the materials associated with each change. That means that designs can be changed without calling the estimator back since the database updates the numbers. The software also ensures that everything stays in compliance with local codes. It even enables builders to show homebuyers the exact cost of that thicker insulation package or those upgraded windows, along with the monthly energy savings.

The program is engineered to run inside AutoCAD. An experienced AutoCAD user can be up and running with Dietrich’s after just a three-day training class.

Dietrichsna.coM

Cedar vs. pine

Choosing the right wood for log homes

while Many property owners aspire to a log home, they often don’t want the added cost or maintenance that full log pine construction requires. Or they do not want to give up the comfort and energy efficiency of a modern home interior. Fortunately, they do not have to compromise on log home aesthetics or modern home cost and comfort when they use cedar log siding for new or remodel construction.

Though pine is typically used for log homes, cedar—especially Northern White Cedar—is becoming a popular alternative, particularly for exterior use. Certain types of cedar look very similar to pine. But where pine must be properly coated and maintained to resist outdoor elements, cedar offers natural resistance to a variety of factors, includ-

ing warping, settling, rotting, mould, mildew and insects, and therefore requires no toxic preservatives.

Most full log companies air-dry or ‘season’ pine, which leaves high moisture content. As the logs dry, the home settles, which can lead to problems like log separation, window stress cracks or stuck doors. Full logs have no insulation other than the wood itself and must be inspected and chinked to avoid air leakage, notes Matt Nevins, General Manager of Michigan builder Holland Log Homes. Full log construction is also costly, Nevins explains, since the home is typically built twice: first at the factory or mill where it’s labelled; then it’s torn down, shipped to the home site, and rebuilt.

“Northern White Cedar log siding, how-

ever, looks virtually identical to full log pine, but it’s kiln-dried to eliminate the settling problems associated with a full log home,” says Nevins. “It’s a true exterior product, used in roof shingles and outdoor decks, with the most decay-resistant rating assigned by the U.S. Forest Products Laboratory. And using the cedar siding allows energy-efficient modern insulation within the framed walls of the home; it can lower the total cost of a finished log home by up to $100 per sq. ft. and save up to four months of building time.”

Options such as tongue and groove construction and pre-finishing the cedar siding in an indoor, climate-controlled environment instead of onsite outdoors can help lower cost, improve quality and expedite the process. By Del williaM s

the warm side of hollow-frame walls, every home would rot to the ground because of internal wall condensation. As warm indoor air permeates outward through the wall assembly, it cools during cold weather. This air eventually cools to the point where it can no longer hold the moisture it carries. When this happens, water droplets appear out of nowhere within the wall, and whenever water and wood meet, mould and rot inevitably follow.

Why we need

better

walls Condensation and mould are ticking time bombs

By Steve Maxwell

Do you really want to build better houses? A good place to start is with an understanding of why typical new-home walls aren’t that great. Sound ridiculous? I don’t think so, and there are two reasons why.

First, typical stud-frame walls are mysterious sealed places that home builders rarely see once the insulation goes in and the drywall goes up. Few builders are in a good position to say how well these walls perform. Second, I constantly run into builders who don’t understand building envelope dynamics in our cold climate, and the kind of trouble homeowners face when things go wrong. A real story from this past Christmas is a case in point. It all started when a homeowner decided to remove baseboard in preparation for a paint job on a second-storey room in a 9 1/2 year-old house. As soon as the trim was pried off, water started flowing out onto the

floor from behind the wall. Not good. After an immediate call to the insurance company it was decided over the phone that the problem must be faulty vinyl siding. “Sorry, no coverage.” The alarmed homeowner pressed the point, the insurance company sent out a contractor to inspect, and the faulty siding diagnosis was confirmed, even though the siding was visibly perfect. Cost for repair: $10,000, with no coverage.

Somehow, the fact that no rain had fallen in Ontario for weeks beforehand was lost on everyone, but the homeowner didn’t buy the siding excuse. A building envelope specialist was called in. The real cause of the water? Condensation developing inside the codebuilt, inspector-approved wall during the ultra-cold, rain-free weeks. Solution? Strip everything back to bare studs and rebuild the wall in a condensation-proof way. Cost? Who knows?

I may be labelled as a heretic for saying this, but typical stud-frame walls used across Canada are just barely adequate for the job, and I’m not talking about R-value here. The real issue is the way these walls are so prone to internal condensation if they’re not put together with a remarkable level of diligence. And the colder the weather, the closer to condensation disaster we get. It all boils down to the fact that it’s possible for air to move through hollow walls. Without some kind of functional vapour barrier on

The only thing that prevents this cycle of cooling, condensation and rot is the vapourbarrier action of paper-thin polyethylene plastic and the painted and taped drywall that sits on top of it. Any flaw in this covering allows warm indoor air to sneak into wall cavities where moisture inevitably condenses. The more flaws, the more condensation you get. When your piecework crew is sloppy with vapour barrier installation, problems like that Christmas surprise occur. Are situations usually this extreme? Absolutely not. But that doesn’t mean that smaller amounts of unseen condensation aren’t still causing damage.

Even worse than all this is the widespread ignorance of the whole wall condensation dynamic. Lacking the proper understanding of the issue, the insurance phone person pointed the distressed homeowner toward an expensive siding replacement job that wouldn’t have solved the problem, and so did the professional contractor who came in later.

So what should you do? Well, that depends on how seriously you take your responsibility to actually build durable, mould-free homes. It really comes down to conscience. The fact is, the risk of being held legally responsible for building walls that form internal condensation in cold weather is very small. The homeowner I told you about doesn’t have the slightest hope of being compensated for a situation that ultimately comes from bad design and never should’ve happened in the first place. Apart from all the distress they’ve faced so far, they’ll also have to somehow find the money to pay a renovation bill that will easily rise to five figures.

Are there alternative wall options? Yes, and they will become more common as energy performance standards rise and homeowners become more sophisticated. The only question is when will you start using them?

Landmark in shingles for CertainTeed

CertainTeed is offering roofing contractors even more options with the introduction of Landmark Pro to its popular Landmark Series asphalt shingles. Landmark Pro includes more weathering asphalt for added protection compared to entry-level Landmark shingles and the industry’s strongest warranty. Landmark Pro also incorporates CertainTeed’s premium Max Definition vibrant colour blend technology, which features a richer mixture of surface granules to create a brighter, more dramatic appearance and depth of colour.

“Boot it, loot it and like it,” says Rinnai

Rinnai Corporation is incentivizing contractors, dealers and installers with $200 in cash for every traditional tank-style water heater they replace with the Rinnai RH180 Hybrid Tank-Tankless Water Heater between April 15 and July 31.

Rinnai’s new water-heating innovation, the RH180 combines the immediate large quantity of hot water provided by a traditional tank-style water heater and the advanced supply delivered by tankless technology. An ideal solution for emergency replacement or remodelling jobs, it offers a 180-gallon first-hour rating and reduced recovery time as compared to traditional water heaters, and also features a controller with diagnostic capabilities, and easy repair and component accessibility.

A faucet just for you

Spring has finally sprung, and while the idea of renovating an entire bathroom is just a dream for many homeowners, updating fixtures such as faucets can provide a whole new look in the home and a much easier sell for designers and renovators alike.

Kohler is making that option rather appealing with their new-for-Canada Artifacts system. Consisting of a collection of Kohler faucets and accessories, a configurator tool empowers homeowners to curate their own personal collection. This tool combines the antique look of the Artifacts collection with the latest technology of the internet. Clients just need to follow five easy steps:

1. Launch the configurator tool on Kohler.ca.

2. Start by picking from three sink spouts.

3. Choose one of three handle designs.

4. Select from five finishes.

5. Find the nearest dealer or share your faucet with your designer or contractor on social media.

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• Construction loans for condominiums both mid-rise & high-rise projects

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Arriscraft expands mobile site

Cambridge-based Arriscraft, whose allnatural products emulate quarried stone, has expanded its digital tools portfolio by adding mobile access to its computer-aided design and draft (CADD) library, a comprehensive system that provides access to over 8,000 details in PDF format for customers in Canada and the U.S.

“Supporting our customers with the tools and references they need is key to our success,” says Glen Frankling, Arriscraft VP of Sales and Distribution. “We recognize that working remotely requires access to our vast product information and we’re excited to meet this need with consistent improvements and developments to our digital communications.”

The existing mobile website features a photo gallery, complete product overview, technical installation guides and video links, dealer locator, key literature, as well as a proprietary building stone calculator for estimating material requirements. Users can also quickly access Arriscraft’s social media accounts for the most current updates, news and events. ARRisCRAf T Com

Targeting senior living

The number of Canadians aged 55 years or older is growing at a rapid pace. Canadians who are now entering retirement are also, on average, better educated, more active and healthier than almost any other generation of retirees in Canada’s history. As a result, developers and project sponsors who are interested in pursuing this increasingly diverse group of individuals need to consider which portion of the market they should be targeting, which type of accommodation will appeal to that target market, and how to successfully navigate all the elements and services that form the full spectrum of seniors’ housing today, from real estate development to hospitality and healthcare.

To help developers better understand the housing options that are available to older Canadians, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has released an updated version of its in-depth report Housing For Older Canadians: The Definitive Guide to the Over-55 Market. This report covers the complete range of seniors’ housing in Canada, including:

Mainstrea M housing: This includes seniors who prefer to stay in the homes they’ve lived in all their lives, as well as those who are downsizing and/or changing tenure—e.g. to condominium or rental. Many developers (particularly in large urban centres) are starting to build and market homes that can be adapted to changing needs as people age. An advantage of these adaptable homes is that they appeal not only to seniors and “empty nesters,” but also to singles and young couples.

i n D epen D ent living an D active lifestyle acco MM o Dation: Active lifestyle accommodation includes communities that combine housing with recreational amenities such as golf courses, clubhouses or tennis courts. This form of housing appeals most to seniors who require little or no assistance with their daily needs, but who want to enjoy access to a wide range of services and amenities. Independent living accommodation can range from detached or row houses to multi-storey apartment buildings, but in most cases, they form part of a larger seniors’ community. Some sponsors of inde -

pendent living or active lifestyle projects offer residents the opportunity to purchase service packages as add-ons to their regular rent or condo fees. Independent or active lifestyle developments can also come with a variety of tenure options, from freehold ownership or rental to condominium, equity co-operative and life-lease.

living acco MM o Dation: Assisted living housing generally appeals to seniors who want or need more personal or healthcare services than are available in an independent living environment. The most common forms of assisted living accommodation are traditional retirement residences (or retirement homes). But assisted living developments can range from housing that caters to seniors who are still fairly independent, to those who require a full suite of personal and healthcare services, such as meal preparation, housekeeping and personal grooming. Modern retirement residences targeting affluent seniors can often resemble luxury hotels, complete with beauty salons, libraries, gardens, computer rooms and swimming pools.

long-ter M care acco MM o Dation: Long-term care homes (also known as residential continuing care or special care homes) are designed for people who need 24-hour nursing care and supervision. The accommodations may be private, semiprivate or shared by multiple residents in a room.

Long-term care homes can be built, owned and operated by a variety of forprofit and non-profit sponsors, including private corporations, municipalities and charitable organizations. Long-term care homes are subject to government regulation and usually require a licence to operate. In return, sponsors receive government funding to help cover the costs of accommodation and services. Some operators of long-term care homes also offer optional services such as cable television, telephone or transportation to their residents for an additional fee. These added services can help increase profitability and attract residents who are willing to pay a premium for semi-private or private accommodation.

Download a free copy of Housing for Older Canadians: The Definitive Guide to the Over55 Market at cmhc.ca. — Courtesy CMHC

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Lighting trends to brighten you up

By Christina Mogk

When we think of trends, the lists tend to focus on colours, kitchens and baths before they expand to look elsewhere in the home. But illumination is crucial for functional spaces. Who cares what colour your wall is or what embellishments dress up your upholstered pieces if they cannot be seen?

Lighting will make or break your space. Here is a look at some of the latest trends in the world of lighting.

1. Back in (Matte) Black

Combining a touch of mystery with a pinch of sophistication and a dash of demure sexiness, matte black is hot. It is showing up in every aspect of lighting: shades, arm extensions, bases. In some case it is on its own, but there is also a significant pairing with gold and bronze tones. My favorite look is a goldlined black shade for a warm, glowing light.

2. golDen glow

Fear not, gold’s reemergence is not about to fade gracefully into the background to make way for matte black. It is more than capable of standing on its own. And simply put, it shines. Think contemporary glam with soft shapes—lots of circles, orbs and organic references.

3. sconces in kitchens

The trend of minimal upper cabinets in kitchens has introduced new opportunities for lighting. Rather than relying upon pot lights, sconces are being installed. Ideally, they include extension arms so they can be optimally used for multiple tasks.

Lighting, to some extent, has always had a sculptural element, at least within rooms where the light is to be a showpiece. It has never been more universal than now, with lighting truly acting as jewellery. Yes, it can stand alone and be beautiful. But when added to an interior, it catapults the room to another degree, adding that final missing link.

5.

Clustered or on their own, a lot of fixtures are showing off their suspension cords and hanging loose. In many cases, the intention

established in 2001, 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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4. lights as art

expose D

is to draw attention to the brightly coloured cord and simple accompanying shade. The look has a bit of whimsy and invites the staggering of shapes and heights when used in groupings.

6. Bent wooD

The organic, sculptural theme continues through the use of wood—both slatted and bent into fluid forms that move the eye. Not only is the form artistic, but the way the light falls from the openings casts great shadows.

As in other areas of the home, creating that matched look has long since disappeared, so you can certainly play with multiple styles and designs within a given space for a layered and artful look.

hristina Mogk is the lead designer for mecc interiors inc., an accredited and awardwinning Toronto-based design.

imA releases new insulation guide

A new comparison guide is available to assist

comparison and choose the insulation that best suits each residential, commercial or industrial construction or renovation project.

You can download Building Insulation at: naimacanada.ca/cmfiles/InsulationComparisonGuide.pdf.

siCo shows its true colours

We’re seeing it on the runways, on the highways and now in all facets of home decor. Opulence is one of the hottest looks for the home in 2014, according to leading brand SICO paint. It’s presenting itself with dramatic colours, rich metallic shades and plush velvet and suede—think shimmery antique golds highlighted by sophisticated darks and gem tones such as emerald, ruby and sapphire.

“Home decor is taking its cue from the world of fashion and cars, and this is translating into lavish colours and designs for walls, furniture, floors and accessories,” says Mylène Gévry, marketing manager for SICO paint.

In unveiling the company’s newest colour theme, a collection of opulent hues called Design Splendour, Gévry noted the look is contemporary, mixed with vintage touches such as tapestries, brocades and gilding, reminiscent of a more regal era in history.

“Glam decor has largely been removed from the spotlight of design since the onset of the recession in 2008, but the return of more embellished looks demonstrates that consumers are slowly but surely renewing their interest in spending.”

SOUL OFTHE CITY TORONTO STAR

“More subways!” It ’s a refrain heard over and over, while the plan calls for more L RTs The future of streetcar is far from certain, but the place it holds as a symbol of a people-friendly city w ill 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 know s 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

We’ve got you covered!

From flooring to roofing, here’s a good way to top things off

By Dan O’Reilly

A long winter is finally over and that means homeowners are turning their attention to their longawaited renovations—from top to bottom. The following, specifically focused on what’s overhead and underfoot, will help renovators to facilitate their customers’ longtime dream home makeover.

A genius of A product

With the Pure Genius smart hardwood flooring from Lauzon Distinctive Hardwood Flooring, renovators can add shine to their clients’ homes and improve their health at the same time. Described by the manufacturer as the first product of its kind, the flooring continuously breaks down airborne toxins, creating a constant supply of pure air in the home. A patented titanium dioxide technology used in the fabrication decomposes bacteria, viruses and moulds, and reduces potential carcinogens by constantly transforming toxic airborne particles into harmless water and carbon. The process is activated by natural or artificial light and by air movement. Pure Genius comes in a wide range of styles and finishes. l Auzonflooring.com

n o more sque Aks

Like the proverbial fly in the ointment, a near-perfect renovation can be marred by a squeaky floor. While the first reaction may be to replace the entire floor, there is a less expensive alternative. Torontobased Silent Floor Solutions has perfected an environmentally friendly method of treating those irritating noises, which often stem from structural wear and defects such as loose joists or nails. The patented process stabilizes the internal layers of wood flooring where squeaks originate with the use of a special adhesive inserted through tiny, carefully drilled holes. The holes then become hidden. silentfloor.cA

tiles Add wArmth

Inspired by the beauty of the natural stone in Italy, the E.SANDS porcelain tile adds warmth and elegance to any residential space. Available in four different sizes and colours, with a strong variation in textures within each of those categories, the 10mm-thick tiles are distinguished by their delicate veins. Two- to threemillimetre joints are recommended for the grout placement. Montreal-based Ceragres, the importer and distributor, has a showroom in Ottawa and one in Toronto. cer Agres.cA

s hingle is strong And striking

CertainTeed has just rolled out a shingle which it suggests combines beauty with strength. With a dual-layer assembly and laminated fibreglass construction, the Landmark Pro Asphalt Roofing Shingle is virtually impervious to deterioration and

leakage. At the same time, its distinctive look will also be appreciated by the homeowner. A colour blend technology, which utilizes a rich mixture of surface granules to create a bright, dramatic appearance and depth of colour, is used in the manufacturing proess. The shingle comes in 20 distinct colours, including the Energy Star-rated Silver Birch. certAinteed.com

f loors thAt spArkle

Strong enough to withstand constant traffic, the Reflector Enhancer Flooring System is an epoxy fluid that adds lustre to virtually any interior setting. It can be applied to existing substrate, concrete or stable wood floors. Although it may look like any conventional stained or polished finish from a distance, the closer people are to the surface, the more they will see sparkles, shading and hues that can’t be created in any other flooring products, says Elite Crete Systems Canada. The Collingwood-based developer and manufacturer has authorized installers and also conducts periodic training workshops for contractors. elitecrete.com

Ceragres

Certainteed

Elite Crete

Silent Floor

LIMITED LIFETIME ARCHITECTURAL SHINGLES

Cambridge HD is the latest offering in IKO’s Cambridge Collection. The new high-definition (HD) profile offered in 5 breathtaking colour blends of the Nature’s Accents Collection gives the shake-like appearance of the Cambridge shingle more contrast than ever before. Like Cambridge, these architectural laminated shingles come in IKO’s Advantage size. Advantage: 3 bundles of Cambridge HD shingles = 1 full square of 100 sq. ft.

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

Colour featured is Biscayne

tiles Are unique And colourful

Using a highly efficient factory firing system, Fireclay transforms 100%-recycled glass into its unique Recycled Glass Tile. The firing process gives the tiles their unique pillowed edges and rich colour depths, says the manufacturer, which sources the glass from window and solar factories. Featuring a selection of 40 colours using all natural pigments, the tiles are offered in a gloss or matte finish. Renovators can choose from more than 17 different sizes and shapes, including a range of mosaic patterns and custom blend options. Every order is handmade in about four weeks. firecl Aytile.com

A hArdwood premiere for premier

Available in oak or birch and in 10 different styles to suit a variety of tastes, Everest Premier Hardwood is a classic five-inch-wide, 47.3/8-inchlong hardwood floor plank from Torlys. Although crafted to create a refined look, its benefits extend well beyond its appearance. A joint technology system provides the utmost in gap resistance and the plank is backed with an attached cork underlay with integrated Microban antimicrobial protection. One of the most useful features is a plank replacer, which can be used to easily remove an existing plank and insert a new one in the event of damage. torlys.com

s hingles evoke nAture

Noting that more and more homeowners consider their roofs an important design element, IKO recently announced significant enhancements to its best line of architectural laminated shingle,

the Cambridge. Developed in response to consumer demand, the Cambridge HD comes in an array of colours intended to evoke the national parks and landscapes after which they’re named. Examples include the Glacier, Biscayne and Pacific Rim. While the current Cambridge shingles are based on subtle gradations of similar colours, the HD offers a much fuller spectrum. The Cambridge collection is also more affordable than other laminated architectural shingles and has been proven to save on-site installation time, says the manufacturer. iko.com

vinyl reduces renovAtion chAllenges

An innovative and easy-to-install vinyl flooring product should help eliminate some of the day-to-day challenges in often unpredictable renovation projects. Featuring enhanced acoustic properties, the LooseLay from Karndean Designflooring is suitable for raised floors, easy and economical to repair, and can be installed over most existing hardwood floors. Requiring little or no adhesives in most installations, the flooring keeps homeowners’ feet warm and creates a quiet living space. k Arnde An.com

Fireclay

Karndean

Iko

Torlys

roofs for life

Not only are they a signature showpiece for the homeowner, cedar and copper roofs require little or no maintenance and will probably outlive the occupants. Environmentally friendly, they can’t be duplicated by other products, says Cedar and Copper Roof Ontario, an exclusive installer of both systems for more than 25 years. Copper roofs will last a lifetime, and with the right underlay, the life cycle of a cedar roof can range anywhere from 35 to 50 years. No additional framing is required, as their weight is less than that of asphalt, slate or tile. thinkcedAr.com

let there be light

Apart from wanting more useable and comfortable space, one of the key objectives of homeowners contemplating a renovation is the desire for more natural light. Renovators can meet those expectations by recommending the original Sun Tunnel from Velux. Sunlight is captured in the dome, channelled through a reflective tunnel and then evenly distributed throughout the room via a dual diffuser. Installation is quick and straightforward, says the manufacturer. A number of design improvements will be implemented later this year. velux.cA

tiles Are contempor Ary And colourful

Two new wall tile collections from Italian manufacturer Ceramica Bardelli allow designers and renovators to be more creative. Comprised of 36 colours (grouped in nine categories from light to dark and offered in a range of sizes),

the Colore & Colore can be used to create patterns in almost any configuration. The second collection is the Colorado. Available in 16 colour variations with glossy finishes, the tiles have a slight textured look, giving them more depth. New York-based Hastings Tile & Bath is the importer and distributor. Although it doesn’t have any Canadian outlets, it will ship orders to this country. hA stingstilebAth.com

e nhAnced by nAture

Circular-sawn and hand-scraped to preserve and enhance its appearance, the two-tone grey engineered white oak plank from RBC Hardwood is sure to appeal to homeowners desiring a rustic ambience. Available in five- to seven-foot lengths, the 3/4-inch-thick engineered hardwood can be installed anywhere above or below grade. It can be nailed or glued, depending on the application, and is backed by a 35-year warranty. Dominion Rug & Home, the exclusive distributor in the Greater Toronto Area, estimates orders will take about six weeks to fill. dominionrug.com

Velux

Hastings Tile & Bath

Dominion Rug & Home

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

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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 interlocking paving stones and retaining wall systems, from a variety of manufacturers

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Mr. & Mrs. Fixit

The modern DIY’er is no longer DOA

Dr. AvI FrIeDmAn

I dread d I scover I ng that one of the fixtures in my house is broken. A leaky faucet or a malfunctioning light switch causes me anxiety. Thoughts about lost workdays and unwelcome expenses always aggravate the situation.

Sometimes I can take care of the matter at home. In recent years, I have joined many hard-working men and women who, in addition to calling a trained renovation professional, have learned to rely on themselves. The phenomenon can best be illustrated with the result of a study conducted by one of my students. She visited 140 homes in the Montreal area, into which young families moved three years ago. The homes were in the affordable price range (under $250,000) and the basements had been left unfinished. The study revealed approximately 35% of them engaged in simple tasks, such as painting walls or replacing a doorknob.

The study confirmed another feature of home renovation work—that the general ability of untrained people to do specific tasks (or what the experts refer to as “envi-

ronmental competency”) has increased over the years. Untrained people used to be far more afraid of tasks that, at the outset, seem cumbersome and daunting. People have become more comfortable with using tools.

The phenomenon can also be attributed, in part, to the proliferation of television shows and magazine and newspaper articles that have made it all the more enticing. The shows explain the mechanics of renovation work in an accessible, illustrated and simple way. Some of the projects displayed on these shows seem overly complex to me, yet the TV producers have achieved something remarkable: the transformation of renovation into entertainment. It is simply fun to watch.

Perhaps the greatest step forward in home renovation is the evolution of the gadgets themselves. Manufacturers redesign and package them to be easily used by builders and homeowners alike. The soldering of metal pipes has been replaced by dry connections in plastic, simplifying installation for a layperson. Smart designs have increased the longevity of items, and

simple instructions have made them easier to install. Gone are the days when opening a package meant trying to figure out where each piece belongs. Some products may contain a small number of components that require assembly, but items like new faucets are designed with a single lever that facilitates their use and reduces the number of moving parts.

Further evolution is expected in product design. A new generation of advanced metals and plastics and 3D printing will make products easy to produce and last longer.

When a homeowner calls me about a malfunctioning element, I still advise them to call a professional renovator, who is likely to do the work in a safer and more efficient way. But it’s nice to know that the modern world has helped make the common folk among us a little more competent, should the need arise. oHB

d r. avI Fr I edman teaches architecture at McGill University. He can be reached at avi.friedman@mcgill.ca.

WE BUILD COMMUNITIES

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 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 of skilled Labourers, who have built homes for Ontario families for decades.

Ontario Provincial District Council