Building Excellence - Winter 2021

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P LU S

Top s l o o T PA R T

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Supreme Ho mes: New Brunsw ick

Modular

Construction

Best New

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Trucks Vans

WINTER 2021 VOL.4 ISSUE 4

BE Your Best 6

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

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CEO’S LETTER

Larry Clay Kevin Lee

10 BUILDER PROFILE SRI Homes Kelowna, BC

14 BY THE NUMBERS Modular Housing Stats

16 RENOVATORS’ CORNER

CHBA’s new Renovators’ Manual

SUPREME HOMES, TRACADIE-SHEILA, NEW BRUNSWICK PHOTO BY ISJAKI STUDIO (JEROME LUC PAULIN)

18 DEVELOPER DISCUSSION Inclusionary Zoning’s Impact on Development

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Features 19 TOP UP YOUR TOOLKIT Part 2 of 2

By Allan Britnell

26 FULLY LOADED

2022 Trucks and Work Vans

By Herb Ellis

34 WHAT’S NEW IN MODULAR

Technologies, Techniques, and Trends

By Bernard Desjardins

Insider Info 38 THE KEY TO SOLID SUCCESSION PLANNING

By Romina King, with Melissa Aveiro and Shane King, MNP

42 THE GIVING BACK PAGE Sweet Gestures

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VOLUME 04, N UMBER 04 CEO Kevin Lee

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P R E S I D E N T ’S m e s s a g e

Larry Clay

AN ACTIVE ASSOCIATION RECAPPING ANOTHER BUSY SET OF MEETINGS FOR CHBA

BY LARRY CLAY, CHBA PRESIDENT

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utumn is a busy time for our industry and for the association, both locally and at the national level. In October, volunteers on CHBA’s National Committees and Councils met virtually to continue advancing work in many areas to support your business.

The Urban Council, which focuses on how communities grow and develop, discussed plans for the development of the next iteration of CHBA’s Municipal Benchmarking Project for 2022, building on the successful inaugural report of 2020. The council also engaged on the challenges arising from municipalities’ increased emphasis on inclusionary zoning, which is affecting developers and builders in several areas across the country.

Members of the Technical Research Committee were updated on CHBA’s appeal regarding concerns with the proposed changes to the 2020 National Building Codes for energy efficiency in Part 9 – the first ever appeal to be heard by the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes. National association staff and volunteer members have represented our industry at a staggering 500+ codes

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and standards meetings this year.

Next steps for the RenoMarkTM program were presented at the Canadian Renovators’ Council, which will include the launch of a new website, plus the roll out of the new verification system to reinforce the code of conduct. Results from a recent national renovator survey were all discussed.

At the Adaptiv Home Council (formerly called the Home Modification Council), participants discussed the beta test for the new Adaptiv Home course, which focuses on renovations for aging-in-place and persons with disabilities. With the aging population and many Canadians wanting to stay in their homes as long as possible, this speciality area is rapidly growing in demand and presents a unique opportunity for renovators.

billion exceeded its initial target of 3,000 new housing units, and will support the creation of more than 4,700 units across Canada. The additional $1.5 billion announced for phase two aims to create an additional 4,500 units in 2021-2022 – great news for the industry and Canadians.

Executive Officers and HBA staff strategized about facilitating a safe and exciting return to in-person events for members, which some

“ It is a busy time for the association, both locally and at the national level, working in many areas to support your business including municipal zoning, changes to the National Building Code, growing our next zero and Adaptiv living programs, and more ” The Net Zero Council continues to grow the CHBA Net Zero Home Labelling Program.

Over 690 homes have been labelled to date across the country, the MURBs project is going well, and version one of the Net Zero Renovation Program was launched at the end of October.

It recognizes homes renovated to Net Zero or Net Zero Ready, as well as the renovators and other industry professionals involved.

CHBA’s Modular Construction Council discussed the federal Rapid Housing Initiative, whose 2020/2021 phase one funding of $1

local associations have already started with enthusiastic member participation at the safety-enhanced gatherings.

And finally, the federal election was a key topic at the Board of Directors meeting (see the CEO Message for more details).

Though the transition to online meetings has remained smooth since the early days of the pandemic, members and HBA staff are hopeful and looking forward to a safe return to in-person meetings and conversations in 2022.

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C EO ’S m e s s a g e

BUILDING ON ELECTION PROMISES CHBA WILL CONTINUE TO KEEP HOUSING AFFORDABILITY ON THE GOVERNMENT’S AGENDA

BY KEVIN LEE, CHBA CEO

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he federal election is over, but CHBA’s advocacy work of course continues.

Housing affordability was a major voter concern, with many housing affordability measures included in party platforms, reflecting years of CHBA advocacy. The huge emphasis on housing supply in party platforms was a very important win. At the same time, another less obvious win for the association was the acknowledgement by all parties that there is a difference between affordable housing (i.e. social housing) and housing affordability (market-rate housing).

The terminology had been conflated in the past – possibly intentionally to avoid addressing market-rate housing – but in this election this issue was addressed head on.

Given the minority government win by the Liberals, their campaign promises around housing affordability are now of particular interest. On October 26 the newly re-elected government announced its new Cabinet, which will be responsible for actioning the priorities set out during the election campaign. A familiar face to CHBA, Ahmed Hussen remains in charge of the federal

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government’s housing strategy, but the file’s importance earned a new ministry and a new title: Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion.

Minister Hussen will now be supported by Infrastructure Canada, which is an encouraging indication that the government intends to give more prominence to housing issues by removing the housing minister role from the department of Employment and Social Development and placing it under a department that has a focus on infrastructure projects throughout the country. CMHC moves as well and is now under Hussen’s file.

It is also very helpful that Minister Hussen will now be working closely with Infrastructure Minister Dominic LeBlanc, who is also in charge of intergovernmental affairs, as the federal government will most certainly need to play a leadership role with provinces and municipalities in addressing key challenges to the creation of new housing supply such as zoning restrictions, density limits, and NIMBYism.

During his first week in the new role, and in his first official interview, Minister Hussen spoke about the importance of building new housing supply and addressed head-on the need to work with provinces and municipalities to remove barriers to getting more supply online. This is a positive initial interaction, and CHBA is looking forward to seeing the mandate letter for the Minister of Housing which will spell out exactly what he and his department are tasked with for immediate priorities. CHBA will engage accordingly, building on the several meetings CHBA had with Minister Hussen prior to the election.

Another familiar face for CHBA, Chrystia

Freeland remains Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. Minister Freeland is well versed on housing affordability issues through meetings and roundtables with CHBA since she first became Finance Minister in 2020.

The regular and frequent communication by the association on housing affordability is being well heard. The need for more of the right kinds of housing supply, in the right places, is frequently in the media through CHBA interviews, and top of mind for many well-placed parliamentarians. And with it, the acknowledgement that access to homeownership needs to be more fair and more affordable – now and for future generations.

To support those initiatives, we also need more support for labour force development and more reliable material supply in residential construction – two areas that the pandemic put additional strain on.

And it will be important to adopt an affordability-first mindset to housingrelated climate change policies.

CHBA will continue with our productive working relationship with returning and new ministers, as well as with the opposition parties, to seek to ensure the important issues of the residential construction sector are addressed.

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A DV E RTO R I A L

FOCUSSED ON REDUCING OUR FOOTPR NT MERGING SUSTAINABILITY AND INNOVATION

BY OWENS CORNING CANADA

There is an urgent need for innovation in the residential construction industry to address climate change. Building highperformance, energy efficient homes and retrofitting existing homes to higher levels of energy performance are designed to contribute to lowering greenhouse gas emissions and help provide a better world for future generations.

Building codes are rapidly changing from coast to coast. Some provinces are slower to adopt them, however, nationally the codes are targeting Net Zero Energy Ready performance by 2030. This is something all builders and renovators should be thinking about.

GETTING STARTED If you’re a builder or renovator who’s wondering how to start offering high performance homes, you might want to consider connecting with other members in your local home builders’ association who are already experienced in the space and can offer insight on how they got started and what’s working well for their business.

It’s one of the reasons members who are passionate about energy efficiency get involved in CHBA’s Net Zero Energy Housing Council, which Owens Corning became a proud founding member of in 2014. Being part of the Council gives companies like Owens Corning the opportunity to connect with builders and renovators to hear about their pain points and where they need solutions. It lines up with the company’s

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objectives around footprint reduction and overall operations sustainability excellence.

CONSIDERING SOLUTIONS Along with learning how to build and renovate high-performance homes, professionals also need to consider the types of products that go into those homes, as well as how to market their value to customers. Implementing innovative building products and building enclosure solutions to help reduce operational carbon emissions and choosing sustainable products with low embodied carbon content is a good recipe for successfully achieving a high-performance home, and for showing Canadian homeowners that your company is committed to change.

There are options out there for builders who are looking at sustainable solutions that offer high-performance capabilities, like the Owens Corning next generation of fiberglass insulation. PINK NEXT GEN™ FIBERGLAS® INSULATION, which is setting

a new standard for insulation, focuses on solving problems in safety, precision, comfort, and sustainability, including being made with 100 percent wind-powered electricity 1 and setting a new industry standard for recycled content. It also saves 12 times the energy required to make it in the first year of use 2, and is low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), both of which are great talking points with homeowners.

CHBA has many resources to help your company make a shift to building or renovating to higher levels of energy efficiency. And being able to improve comfort and safety for homeowners while using products and solutions that reduce climate change impacts and help reduce our environmental footprint will undoubtably be part of your goals as well.

1 Via Renewable Energy Credits in accordance with SCS Global Services’ certification protocol. www.scsglobalservices.com 2 Based on savings per pound of fiberglass insulation in the first year of installation.

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B U I L D E R p ro f i l e

SRI HOMES KELOWNA FOCUSSED ON MODULAR CONSTRUCTION

BY NATASHA ROMBOUGH, CHBA’S DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

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HBA Modular Construction Council Chair Darren Bassett is General Manager of SRI Homes Kelowna. The company primarily produces modular homes, though it does a range of commercial projects as well, from portable classrooms to modular office buildings.

Bassett has an extensive background in composite manufacturing and in the forest industry, and was hired by SRI partially for his lean manufacturing experience three-and-ahalf years ago. The move to manufactured housing was a natural fit with his skillset, and the transition, he says, was seamless.

“Manufacturing techniques and procedures may be similar from plant to plant, but every manufacturing facility has its own strengths and challenges,” Bassett explains. “What I find interesting about modular construction is the complexity of all the components and sub-assemblies.”

Before joining SRI Homes, Bassett did have

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an interest in residential construction. The married father of two grown children, he once built two homes of his own acting as general contractor, and still lives in one of them. The experience was sometimes frustrating for someone who relishes efficiency, and he feels it helped lead him to working in modular construction. “I always thought the principles of lean manufacturing could go a long way in construction,” he elaborates.

“Modular manufacturing is one big construction site inside of a plant. That intrigued me about coming here and using that knowledge and the experience of building two homes on my own.”

Bassett brings his drive for efficiency and lean manufacturing to work each day.

“What I really like about my job is taking an improvement mindset to the factory floor.

I work with the team to make improvements to our processes so that we’re working smarter, not harder.”

SRI Homes Kelowna’s Darren Bassett

FA S T FA C T S Company Name: Champion Homes – SRI Homes Kelowna Head Office: Kelowna, BC Full-Time Employees: 205 Average Number of Homes Built Per Year: 250

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FROM FACTORY TO SITE Although you might think that modular construction is inflexible when it comes to floorplans and specific homeowner desires, SRI Homes is anything but. “We build custom floor plans most every day,” says Bassett. The company provides their network of site builders with standard floor plans to use as a starting point. Homebuyers communicate their wish list to the builder, and together they narrow down the standard plans and customize to add an extra bedroom, or move a bathroom, for example. The builder sends a sketch back to SRI Homes, whose design team prepares architectural drawings for review and approval by the builder and homebuyer.

It’s at this point in the process that the homeowner makes final selections on the type of siding, colours, flooring, and so on.

“ Modular construction is often faster, more cost-effective, and produces less waste. ” “Once they sign off on it, it comes back to us and we quote on it, the quote then goes back for sign off, and the purchase order is issued,” explains Bassett.

Modular manufacturers are certified by an accredited third-party agency that guarantees that the work completed in the factory meets the local building code, just as builders have inspectors providing approvals for construction work completed at a jobsite.

For a home that’s comprised of a single

modular unit, the site builder conducts the site preparation, foundation work, and service hook-ups. For larger homes comprised of more than one module, some additional drywalling, flooring, and roofing need to be done where the modules connect, but SRI does as much of the work as possible in the factory and provides the materials for what’s needed to be done on site. “Anything we can do in the plant, we complete in the plant to keep the site work to a minimum,” says Bassett.

THE POSSIBILITIES OF MODULAR While SRI Homes focuses on residential projects, modular construction is used for a variety of housing and building types. The company has built single-family homes, multi-storey townhomes and condos, as well as commercial buildings, hotels, and even large work camps for the oilfields in the past. “All of those opportunities are still out there,” says Bassett.

There are a lot of possibilities with modular construction, and it comes with a lot

Coming CHBA Events NOVEMBER 22-26, 2021

DECEMBER 6, 2021

MAY 9-13, 2022

Net Zero Leadership Summit

6 PM EST Deadline for the 2022 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence

2022 Home Building Week in Canada

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has been a huge issue,” says Bassett. His company has done its best to weather the conditions by increasing their inventory amounts so that they can meet customer demand.

Labour shortages are also having an impact as people – for a variety of reasons – are not coming back to work. SRI Homes has applied to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program to help mitigate the skilled labour shortage.

On the bright side, business is booming.

“The residential sales volume has gone through the roof since the pandemic started,” says Bassett. SRI Homes is not alone, as demand for housing spiked across the country and continues to be high due to the lack of the right kind of supply in areas where Canadians want to live.

TAKING ON THE ROLE OF CHAIR of advantages. “Because we’re able to have materials in the plant that can be used for multiple homes there’s much less waste in manufactured homes than site-built,” Bassett points out. “Another real opportunity is in lead time. A site builder might be building a year or 18 months out or more, but a factory-built home could be typically produced in 8-12 weeks, though the pandemic has caused some backlogs. And because the majority of the work is done in the factory, the labour to install the home onsite is less, which brings down costs as well. Modular construction is often faster, more cost-effective, and produces less waste.”

Bassett encourages builders to consider the benefits of modular construction and whether it’s a good fit for their business, either in whole or even for parts of the build. “Take a look at the advantages in speed and lead time, as well as the cost,” he says. “If you have projects planned for the spring, we can build them in the winter and store them so they’re ready for you as soon as the snow melts.” And for those who want to incorporate modular construction, make sure you get the factory involved during the design phase. “You need to understand what the plant can produce, and you have to consider shipping to site.”

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For those who want to make the leap into modular construction, the next step is to set up that business relationship to work with a factory. SRI Homes Kelowna requires its builder-partners to have a sales display centre. The builder is not limited to working only with the factory, says Bassett. “Some of our builders do site built or order from us depending on the project,” Bassett explains, adding that the option is yet another flexible aspect of modular construction.

PANDEMIC EFFECTS Though modular construction is faster, it hasn’t escaped the effects of the pandemic.

“The lack of material supply and shortages

CHBA’s Modular Construction Council supports the increasing role of factory-built modular construction in the building industry, and Bassett is its newest Chair. “So far it’s been a good experience for me as I’m new to the industry,” he says. “For me it’s going to be all about learning and I’m going to soak it up.”

He’ll be in the post for two years and is looking forward to better understanding the challenges that builders and other factories are facing. Like many who take on leadership roles in the Association, the learning potential is a great return for the time volunteering.

If you’re looking to learn more about CHBA’s Modular Construction Council, contact Kathleen Maynard at kathleen. maynard@chba.ca.

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BY T H E n u m b e rs

MODULAR BY THE NUMBERS Modular construction continues to gain momentum as site builders and developers look to incorporate factory-built homes and components into their business models to help them improve capacity, meet delivery schedules, and control costs. CHBA Modular Construction Council research shows that the

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certified factories in Canada

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number of certified factories in Canada has more than doubled in the past decade, increasing by 23% in the past year alone.

Altus Group analysis conducted for CHBA shows that the sector has accounted for 10 to 16% of all single-family housing production in Canada in the past decade and is expanding

$6B

total economic activity

10% to 16% of all single-family housing starts in Canada over the past decade

43%

beyond its traditional market into multifamily, row and stacked townhouses, and mid-rise buildings. Add to that the significant savings in construction time, CO2 emissions, and material waste reported by the University of Alberta, the sector is no doubt poised for growth.

reduction in CO2 emissions during construction

<1%

material waste

37%

decrease in construction time

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R E N OVATO R S’ c o r n e r

REQUIRED READING NEW CHBA RENOVATORS’ MANUAL BREAKING GROUND

BY DINA MCNEIL, CHBA’S PROGRAM DIRECTOR, RENOVATION SERVICES

C

HBA’s recently released Renovators’ Manual is a guide for people who want to go beyond the basics of home renovation. It’s a companion text to the bestselling Builders’ Manual, and has more than 450 pages of drawings and explanations that take a deep-dive into applying building science to renovating for a wide variety of circumstances.

This manual will be particularly useful to renovators working in the field. I interviewed Gary Sharp, who co-managed the project with me, to give his perspective on the manual.

Gary is a former Director of Renovator Services at CHBA, and prior to that was the Director of Technical Services. Throughout that time, he continued to run his own business, which he does full-time these days when not continuing to lend his expertise to the association as a consultant. Gary was directly involved with writing several of the chapters of the Renovators’ Manual, as well as editing the work of other authors. He was also responsible for reviewing the building science and the recommendations for renovators.

DINA: Can you explain the process for coming up with the Renovators’ Manual content?

GARY: We started with the big picture – the purpose of the book. The goal was to provide a resource for renovators to solve problems in the field and make durable changes to buildings. As a result, we included some

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background in building science, followed by various scenarios of what the renovators might find in the field. Then we compare with how that same feature is constructed in new housing and make recommendations on options that renovators might consider. In all cases we explain the concerns with older technology and the goals we hope to achieve by making changes. The renovator can improvise in order to achieve the goals and make the building better.

DINA: Tell us about the special interest topics included?

GARY: There’s one chapter about how to renovate to Net Zero. There are also chapters that introduce the renovator to specific aspects of renovation, such as making houses more accessible and renovating historic buildings.

These chapters won’t make a renovator an expert in those specific areas, but they provide a good background that explains what’s involved to do work in these areas.

there are no building hazards (radon, mould, asbestos, lead, pests, etc.); make sure the renovation will be durable and last; improve the energy efficiency; and, improve the indoor air quality. If the first two items can’t be met in a cost-effective way, there really is no renovation that should be done to the building.

DINA: Why do you recommend this text to fellow renovators?

GARY: For the first time there is a thorough document that provides support for renovators. This book had input from several experts across the country. I’ve never come across a book specifically for renovators that goes into the amount of detail that this one does. In keeping with the tradition of the Builders’ Manual, I expect this manual to be a well used addition to every renovator’s library.

The Renovators’ Manual is available for purchase at a discounted price for CHBA members at chba.ca/renovatorsmanual.

DINA: What’s the most interesting content in the manual from your perspective?

GARY: That’s a difficult question. The Renovator’s Hierarchy, which we came up with relatively early on, and defines the importance of the changes to be made, and the manual refers to it often. Specifically: make sure the building is structurally sufficient; make sure

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D E V E LO P E R d i s c u s s i o n

IN THE Z NE INCLUSIONARY ZONING’S IMPACT ON DEVELOPMENT

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nclusionary zoning (IZ) is a mechanism for municipalities to encourage the building of affordable housing units for people with low to moderate incomes, as a collaborative approach between municipalities, builders, and developers.1 When executed well, IZ can have many benefits and be helpful if it results in more affordable units without reducing the number of market-rate units or increasing the cost of the market-rate housing associated with it. If done wrong, inclusionary zoning can reduce the number of market-rate housing units and further erode market-rate affordability. With the growing emphasis on this mechanism by Canadian municipalities raising some challenges, this topic was a point of focus during the recent meeting of CHBA’s Urban Council.

HOW IT WORKS There are two types of approaches with respect to IZ – voluntary or mandatory. Based on best practices learned from municipalities that have implemented IZ, it’s always advisable to start with voluntary IZ and then move to mandatory (if needed) as it will allow both the municipality and the developers to better transition into these new requirements.

IZ requires developers to produce affordable housing, which there are various ways to implement. This may include the provision of

set-aside rate (which provides a percentage of the development’s number of units that need to be set aside for affordable housing) and defining affordability – which ultimately determines the rent or sale value.

Relaxing certain development standards such as parking is also common. Other incentives can include waivers or reductions of development charges and other fees and rental development that can be incented by property tax waivers.

WHAT DEFINES AFFORDABILITY?

CANADIAN IMPLEMENTATION

Affordability is challenging to specify because it’s defined in different ways in different municipalities. Since across most jurisdictions rents and sale prices are tied to average median incomes or family median incomes, cities can set affordability levels as a percentage of those numbers. How affordability is defined, and terms for how long these rates must be maintained, have major impacts on the viability of projects.

IZ is currently being implemented across Canada – in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec. Legislation in some provinces allows for IZ but has not been implemented due to a variety of hurdles. A report published earlier this year by BILD-GTA, discusses various best practices across North America, which include low threshold triggers, variable set-aside rates by depth of affordability, cash-in-lieu construction, and the importance of offering offsets and incentives.

At the recent CHBA Urban Council meeting, discussion focused on the state of inclusionary zoning in different municipalities and the opportunity for a best practices overview and supporting guide to support members and local associations and to inform municipalities.

The Urban Council agreed that it would be helpful to develop such a guide with a focus on both to ensure the benefits are achieved and the downsides of IZ are avoided. CHBA National will continue to work with through its Urban Council and local associations to best advance this discussion.

1 For more information, please see: https://bildgta.ca/Assets/Associate%20 Awards/Inclusionary%20Zoning%20in%20 Toronto%20-%20Final.pdf

INCENTIVES FOR DEVELOPERS Many cities also offer a range of offsets and incentives for builders/developers to reduce the cost of housing. This may include develop-

“ Inclusionary zoning (IZ) is a collaborative mechanism for municipalities to encourage the building of affordable housing units for people with low to moderate incomes. ” units, the provision of land, or using cash-inlieu contributions. Under this, there are a number of components such as a project size threshold (which can be as low as one unit), a

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ment charge waivers, reduced development standards, and streamlined permitting processes. The most typical incentive offered is an increase in height or density upon rezoning.

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TO P to o l s

Tools Use YOU’LL WANT TO

HERE IS OUR SECOND INSTALLMENT COMPILING THE LATEST AND GREATEST TOOLS TO ADD TO YOUR COLLECTION SO THAT YOU CAN GET THE JOB DONE FASTER AND SAFER

BY ALLAN BRITNELL, BUILDING EXCELLENCE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

T

here are so many new tools on the market we couldn’t fit them all in one issue! So, here is part two of our top tools collection. And with the holidays fast approaching, you might want to “accidentally” forget your copy on the dining room table with the items you covet the most highlighted.

Plus, read about user-friendly features that you should seek out when shopping around for new tools that help enhance workplace safety.

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For Part 1

See the print edition of our Fall 2021 issue, or read it online at BuildingExcellence.ca.

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Health and Safety

Building and renovating homes is hard work, but it shouldn’t involve injury. Which is why tool manufacturers put a lot of R&D effort into building tools that are safer to use, incorporating features such as ergonomic design and anti-vibration. When shopping around for new tools, here are some features to keep in mind to help prolong your own longevity – and enjoyment – on the job.

ERGONOMICS

SOUND CONTROL

When it comes to hand tools, rather than focussing on brand loyalty – or the cheapest option in the aisle – find the model that’s the right fit for you. Southpaws might even want to invest in the somewhat limited range of tools designed for left-handers.

When comparison shopping for power tools, take note of their decibel (dB) rating. Frequent exposure to anything over 85 dB (about the sound of a lawn mower) is considered loud enough to cause long-term hearing loss. One thing to consider is that the growing number of battery powered landscaping tools are also usually quieter than their gas-fired competitors.

Either way, don’t forget your hearing protection.

DUST COLLECTION Your COVID mask won’t protect your lungs from damage if you ingest fine particles of sawdust or PVC piping. If a tool comes with a dust collection bag, use it. If it doesn’t, see if you can hook it up to a vacuum or dust collection system, particularly if you’re working indoors.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

ELIMINATE FUMES

While PPE has become shorthand for gloves, masks, and hand sanitizer over the last year and a half, the safest tools for the job are often the ones that adorn our bodies: comfortable safety shoes, high-viz reflective clothing, job-specific work gloves, and so on. Plus, all the major manufacturers have ever-growing lineups of heated workwear, providing protection from the elements when the temperature drops.

As battery packs get more powerful, cordless tools not only compete with corded tools, they are increasingly able to replace gas-fired equipment as well. That not only eliminates the need for hauling around canisters of gasoline; it eliminates exhaust fumes. That’s helpful outdoors, and essential when working indoors.

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SAFETY STRAPS Dropping something off a ladder or scaffold can be bad for the tool – and worse for anyone working below you. There are countless options on the market for carabiner clips and Velcro-sealed sleeves that will securely fasten your tools.

DON’T FORGET THE OFFICE STAFF As we slowly move back to working in offices, keep in mind office ergonomics: properly sized chairs and desks, wrist pads for comfort when typing all day, hands-free headsets for phone calls, and so on. Many people swear by adjustable standing desks that allow them to get off their butts for part of the day, even if they are still chained to a desk.

BUILDINGEXCELLENCE.CA

Safety Gear

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1 CRESCENT TOOLS HEAVY-IMPACT WORK GLOVES CWGMED/CWGLRG/CWGXLG Protect your paws with Crescent’s latest pair of gloves.

They feature thermoplastic impact protection on the fingers and knuckles, durable leather fingertips and palm, and foam padding on the inside. Available in medium, large, and extra-large.

CresentTool.com

2 KEEN VISTA ENERGY SHOES

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Sure, you could have the same tan-coloured work boots as everyone else on the jobsite.

But why not share a little of your flair with these men’s and women’s sneaker-style footwear. Lightweight and breathable, they’re CSA certified, oil- and slip-resistant, the carbon-fibre toe cap is 15% lighter than steel, and there’s a cushioned, punctureresistant carbon-fibre midsole. High cuts more your style?

Check out the waterproof Kansas City model.

KeenFootWear.com

3 WERNER TAPE MEASURE JACKET M440002 When you’re working at height, you must be careful you don’t drop anything on anyone below. Which is why safety tethers can be a literal lifesaver. Werner has a complete lineup of tethers and connectors to keep your tools secured, including these polyester tape measure jackets that quickly fit over any standard tape.

WernerCo.com

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Hand Tools

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1 LENOX RATCHETING PVC CUTTER LXHT80822 The one-handed operation can cut material up to 11/8"-diameter.

The manufacturer claims the design requires 25 percent less effort to get clean, square cuts. Cast aluminum body with a rubber grip.

LenoxTools.com

2 IRWIN COMMANDLOCK MEASURING TAPES

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Various models The Mylar-coated blades are in high-contrast white for greater visibility, and each has a 14' reach. The multi-catch hook on the end is magnetic for easily working with metal studs and the like. Available in both metric and imperial measures, they range in length from 16 to 20 feet.

Irwin.com

3 3 XTEND+CLIMB CONTRACTOR SERIES TELESCOPING LADDERS CS 155+/300 Telescoping ladders can be one of the most useful tools in your arsenal. Xtend+Climb’s newest addition to their Contractor Series is the CS 155+/300 model, with a 19½' reach and 300-lb. load rating. Made with aircraft aluminum-grade alloy, it collapses to just 361/2" and weighs 40 lbs.

XtendAndClimb.com

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4 WERNER ALUMINUM LEANSAFE X3 LADDER ALDP376 This three-position ladder has a 13' reach when fully extended, a 300-lb capacity rating, and stores away at 6' high.

WernerCo.com

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5 CRESCENT SCREW BITER CIMSD2SET These tools do double-duty, driving screws in, or removing seized ones that need to come out. Strike the steel endcap on top of the driver and the spring-loaded handle turns seized nails and screws 12 degrees.

The two-piece set comes with a #2 Phillips and ¼" slotted driver.

CrescentTool.com

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Handy Tools: JOBSITE HACK

We spotted this while walking past a jobsite where a crew was rebuilding a front porch. To keep their coiled nails nice and tidy without having to haul around the whole 30-lb. box, they stored what they needed in an empty 2-litre pop bottle shipping crate. Genius!

BUILDINGEXCELLENCE.CA

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Power Tools

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1 MX FUEL CARRY-ON MXF002-2XC Portable power systems such as Milwaukee’s MX Fuel Carry-On offers a 3,600-watt alternative to a gas-generator. With two 120-volt, 15-amp outlets, Milwaukee claims it can complete 1,210 cuts with a 7 ¼" circular saw, 270 cuts on a 12" mitre saw, or drive 1,200 3" nails on a single charge. It’s operating noise rating is only 60 dB, about the level of normal conversation.

MilwaukeeTool.ca

2 DEWALT CORDLESS 7" GRINDER

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DCG440X2 (Includes two 60-volt batteries)/DCB609 (Bare tool) Did we mention that battery powered tools keep getting more powerful?

Take this 60-volt cordless, brushless 7" grinder from DeWalt. With a no-load speed of 6,500 rpm it’ll make short(er) work of your metal and concrete cutting.

And it’s also loaded with safety features including a kickback break and DeWalt’s E-Clutch that immediately shuts down the tool if it binds.

DeWalt.ca

3 BOSCH 12-VOLT CHAMELEON DRILLL/DRIVER GSR12V-140FCB22 This lightweight (1.8 lbs. without battery), two-speed drill/driver comes with Bosch’s Flexiclick 5-in-1 system, meaning there are four attachments that come with it: a right-angle attachment for tight spaces and an offset angle that both have 16 positions, a locking hex bit holder, and a keyless chuck for drilling.

BoschTools.com

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4 BOSCH 18-VOLT 12" MITER SAW GCM18V – 12GDCN14 Earlier this year Bosch unveiled its lineup of new Profactor 18-volt tools powered by their Core18V battery. Tools released under the banner include a rotary hammer, angle grinder, circ saw, impact wrench, and this 12" dual-bevel glide miter saw that can handle 31/2" deep and 131/2" crosscuts.

BoschTools.com

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5 MILWAUKEE M12 CORDLESS PALM NAIL 2458-21 (Bare tool) 2458-21 (Kit) This tool offer ergonomic cordless power for tight spaces with 2.2 ft.-lbs. of force. The 6D-16D magnetic collet securely holds nails for one-handed operation, plus there’s a strap for safety.

MilwaukeeTool.ca

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6 DEWALT SIX-BAY CHARGER DCB116 This six-bay charger doubles as a weather-proof storage case capable of charging six 40-volt DeWalt Max batteries at once.

DeWalt.ca

READER REVIEWS 6

Sarah Langemann of Above Board Carpentry in Minden, Ont., shares her thoughts on a favourite new tool.

This past summer, I purchased the DeWalt cordless fan (DCE511). Outdoor work is hot in the summer. And that can lead to heat-related injuries. But it can also lead to a lower quality of work.

A fan can provide some relief, and it was the best decision I made.

I don’t always have a power source on a jobsite and I didn’t want to increase the tripping hazard of using extension cords, so having the cordless fan was a perfect addition to my summer tool kit. Plus, this fan can also be plugged in if you need.

BUILDINGEXCELLENCE.CA

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T R U C K S and VA N S

Fully THE CREAM OF THIS YEAR’S CROP OF PICKUP TRUCKS AND WORK VANS HAVE THE FEATURES YOU NEED TO HELP GET THE JOB DONE

BY HERB ELLIS

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BUILDINGEXCELLENCE.CA

Y

our work truck or van is much more than just a means of transportation. It’s your rolling office, your mobile toolbox, your portable warehouse, your shelter from the elements… and the list goes on. In short, after you and your crew, your vehicle is your most important tool for getting the job done. Here’s our guide to help you find the ride that’s the right fit for you.

BUILDINGEXCELLENCE.CA

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T R U C K S and VA N S

Ford Transit Cargo Van YOUR WORKSHOP ON WHEELS A key spec of the Ford Transit Cargo Van is its interior cargo height – a workshop-friendly Medium Roof 70.7" or 77.4" High Roof, less two inches of insulation. No, you may not be able to work standing up. But you won’t have to. Ford’s upfitters can build you a workspace with proper lighting, shelving, tool storage, and seating to do all the tasks that need to be done at the jobsite out of the elements.

Interior light kits, a rear heater, and rear A/C are also available through the upfitters.

Access is easy with the power sliding door available on your High-Roof Cargo Van. The door also contains an optional anti-pinch feature to help prevent injury.

Since not every jobsite you go to is on a suburban side street, the Transit offers all-wheel drive (AWD) which balances torque between the front and rear wheels to improve handling and maximize traction to prevent wheel slip.

When you’re shopping for your vehicle, talk to a salesperson who gets it. Ford has Commercial Vehicle Centre Dealers (CVCD)

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who understand your needs: the body and equipment that you need to upfit your vehicle, the maintenance and repair services to keep them on the road, and the service programs to help you save money.

To find a CVCD in your area, just go to the Ford.ca website.

BUILDINGEXCELLENCE.CA

Toyota Tundra THINKING OUTSIDE THE BIG THREE Consider the Tundra, Toyota’s full-size pickup, fully redesigned for 2022. It comes in two four-door options: Double Cab and CrewMax. Double Cab models will be offered with the choice of a 6.5' bed or an 8.1' bed. CrewMax models will be offered with either a 5.5'

BUILDINGEXCELLENCE.CA

bed or a 6.5' bed. All seat five.

The all-new Tundra will offer two powertrain options: a twin-turbo V6 engine and a hybrid twin-turbo V6. Both feature a 10-speed Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission with intelligence (ECTi). It features a sequential shift mode, uphill/downhill shift logic, and Tow/Haul driving modes.

The maximum towing capacity is up to 12,000 lbs./5,440 kg, while the maximum payload capacity is 1,940 lbs./880 kg, up 11 percent over the Tundra’s ancestors.

Toyota engineers widened the rear frame member to improve stability and towing capability, so there’s plenty of power and space for cargo. They have also reduced tailgate weight by 20 percent compared to the outgoing model. And it’s 20 percent taller.

Access to cargo is easy: there’s a tailgate release in the key fob that comes standard on all models.

Two new Tow/Haul modes are available.

The standard Tow/Haul mode works well on light to moderate loads such as small box trailers. In Tow/Haul+ mode, throttle response supplies more muscle for towing larger trailers.

The Tundra will be available late 2021.

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T R U C K S and VA N S

Nissan Frontier ANOTHER REASON TO THINK OUTSIDE THE BIG THREE

With the Nissan Titan gone, the Frontier soldiers on. If the Frontier wants to survive, the trades will have to find it handy. The 2022 Frontier is trying hard to do just that.

A 3.8L V6 engine with a 9-speed automatic transmission is standard. Nissan says the engine’s 310 HP and 381 lb-ft. of torque is class-leading.

Both King Cab and Crew Cab are available.

All models get a standard six-foot-wide bed.

No matter which body style you choose, the Frontier has a max payload of 1,610 lbs./

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730 kg. There’s also an available, factoryinstalled trailer hitch receiver and wiring harness that handles up to 6,490 lbs./2,940 kg of towing capacity.

The Frontier helps its owners make the most of the space in the bed. An available spray-in bedliner protects the floor’s finish and provides extra grip to keep cargo in place. Then there’s the available Utili-Track Cargo System, a set of five channels and cleats that slide, move, and tighten down cargo. You can anchor your cargo with multiple hooks or tie it down.

Aluminum-alloy cleats slide anywhere

Rust in peace: Nissan Titan, Nissan NV, and NV200. All three were taken off the market this past summer, victims of poor sales.

along the channels on the wall or the floor to secure cargo. Secure even the most awkward and unwieldy loads by using the built-in tie-down loops that come with Utili-Track.

Add to that a full line of accessories like bed dividers, extenders, and sliding toolboxes that partner with the Utili-Track system to offer endless cargo storing possibilities.

Under-rail LED bed lighting is also available.

BUILDINGEXCELLENCE.CA

F150 Lightning THE FUTURE OF PICKUPS TURNS ELECTRIC The 2022 Ford F150 Lightning has hit the Canadian market. The Lightning may not be as brawny as its ICE and hybrid siblings, but the Lightning doesn’t get by on looks and novelty alone.

When it comes to payload and towing, the F-150 Lightning is no pushover. The standard range can tow up to 7,700 lbs./3,500 kg, while the extended range battery can tow 10,000 lbs./ 4,535 kg. The payload cap of the standard range battery is as high as 2,000 lbs./907 kg but drops to as low as 1,800 lbs./816 kg for the extended range battery.

Two motors – one for the front wheels and one for the rear wheels – supply instant torque.

BUILDINGEXCELLENCE.CA

The standard range battery gives the Lightning an estimated range of 370 km/ 230 miles. The extended range battery gives an estimated range of 480 km/298 miles.

To ease range anxiety, Ford is prescribing the Intelligent Range (IR) feature and Power My Trip (PMT) as standard.

IR aims to provide real-time range calculations on the dashboard based on factors like weather conditions and how much power a driver is using. The truck also has built-in scales so it can calculate how much cargo is in the bed and how much the Lightning is towing when generating a range estimate.

PMT automatically locates charging stations along a route.

With a 150-kW DC fast charger, the Lightning adds enough juice in 10 minutes

for 90 km/54 miles of range. Going from a 15 percent charge to 80 percent can be done in just 41 minutes with the same charger.

The Lightning comes with standard AWD to take on rugged jobsites with Normal, Sport, Tow/Haul, and Off-Road settings.

The truck starts at $68,000. To ease the sticker shock, Ford says that $68,000 buys a well-equipped XLT variant, while it’s working on a $48,000 unit for business use. The availability date for the bargain unit isn’t available.

Sorry, you won’t be able to take an XLT for a spin at your local Ford store. You’ll have to fill out a reservation form there and leave a deposit. Your dealer will contact you when it’s time to place your order starting this fall.

Pick up yours in spring 2022.

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T R U C K S and VA N S

Ram ProMaster City Cargo Van YOU CAN GET A LOT IN A LITTLE SPACE The 2022 Ram ProMaster City Cargo Vans and Wagon STs can carry a payload of up to 1,900 lbs./862 kg. Parent company Stellantis boasts that this is best-in-class.

Cargo area length is 87.2", while the lift-in height is 23.3".

Upfit-ready, the City comes with near-vertical side walls, a high roof, and low step-in height in the cargo area.

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Partitions are available to separate the cargo area from the driver’s area. They are recommended to protect the driver from heavy or loose cargo when the vehicle is in operation. They are available as a solid wall or with a window.

There are also shelving units to support and hold the tools you use every day. Units come in a variety of sizes to meet your needs.

Drawer units – stacked if needed – help eliminate bending, kneeling, and straining

to reach parts and tools, and keep valuables out of sight.

Most units have drawer retention, so drawers stay closed when the vehicle is in motion, and they can be equipped with locks to prevent theft.

Also available are ladder racks and cargo van roof racks. The list goes on. Pick what you want and in it goes.

Just design your City at the dealership and your van will go from the factory to the upfitter where it will be outfitted, then on back to the dealership ready for you to drive off to your jobsite.

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Supreme Homes, New Brunswick

MODULAR construction

What’s New in Modular TECHNOLOGIES, TECHNIQUES, AND TRENDS

BY BERNARD DESJARDINS, CHBA COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR, MODULAR CONSTRUCTION

C

anada’s modular producers are raising the bar in factory-based housing construction with continuous increases in product quality and efficiencies in “mass customization.”

Innovative technologies, new materials and mechanicals, and advances in production methods and information technology are increasing partnerships among modular producers with site builders and developers and accelerating the pace in the uptake of modular homes and components. We asked the 2021 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence winner and finalists what’s trending in the modular sector.

Supreme Homes, located in TracadieSheila, New Brunswick, has a long history of advancing modular construction methods.

“Demand is outpacing capacity,” according to sales manager Frank O’Blenis. And homebuyer expectations continue to evolve: “For Supreme, contemporary exteriors and more square footage are trending as customer preferences,” O’Blenis says. “Empty-nesters and seniors are downsizing, but young families are increasingly buying larger modular homes,” he adds.

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Regarding new developments in modular construction, O’Blenis has observed that “improvements in the energy efficiency of doors and windows add much to the quality of the home and reduce ownership costs, as do ductless heat pumps – ever-improving technologies and materials for interior finishes also continue to add value and comfort.” The current shortage of materials and accompanying cost increases are presenting builders with

challenges, as is the lack of worker availability.

O’Blenis attributes the success of Supreme’s approach to residential construction to their constant refinement of building processes, improvements to the “house as a system” – mechanicals and materials, for example – and the ongoing commitment to excellence among the company’s highly skilled employees.

Winner in the Modular Innovation Award category of the 2021 CHBA National Awards

Supreme Homes, New Brunswick

BUILDINGEXCELLENCE.CA

Grandeur Housing, Manitoba Grandeur Housing, Manitoba

secure a builder or the lack of trades availability in their region. “I believe that using modular construction is a more environmentally responsible way to build as we can better control and utilize our waste, which diverts a significant amount of construction garbage from the landfills,” Warms says with satisfaction, adding that, “In addition, the impact on the homesite is significantly reduced when the bulk of the construction happens offsite, resulting in only minimal disruption to the neighborhood.”

Grandeur Housing, Manitoba

was Grandeur Housing of Winkler, Manitoba.

Grandeur’s quality control manager Cory Warms describes a few current trends in modular: “We are seeing greater interest in practical designs with main-floor primary suites and more of a focus on flex space for home offices and home gyms. Our average square footage per home has gone down as we see an ongoing trend towards a more efficient use of space and resources.” Modular is being used more for residential construction in Canada, and Warms explains that “the demand for consistent quality and efficiency is important to developers and builders.” The

BUILDINGEXCELLENCE.CA

controlled environment in which the modules are built is becoming increasingly attractive to investors and developers for use in many large, multi-family projects – Grandeur can offer overall project savings on the construction timeline and schedule with modular. Homebuyers are also recognizing the value of modular construction methodology and finding the modular product very appealing – a growing number of innovative thinkers from all age demographics are wanting to give modular a try. Many of Grandeur’s single-family home clients are looking to a modular solution because of an inability to

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MODULAR construction

Located just outside of Ottawa in Morewood, Ontario, Guildcrest Homes, a division of PRO-FAB, has been producing top-quality factory-built houses for 30 years. Marketing services director George Tierney says, “These days, demand is trending towards multigenerational, three-bedroom homes with under 1,200-sq.-ft. of floor space.” And there has definitely been a significant increase in demand for modular product, Tierney points out. “One consumer demographic in particular that has been purchasing modular houses is the retiree segment and others relocating Guildcrest Homes, Ontario

from the Greater Toronto Area,” Tierney says.

Continual improvements to factory processes ensures a steady expansion of productivity – new technologies, techniques, and materials are essential ingredients in this. And the purchasing process for a custom-built modular home is also quick and straightforward, something that homebuyers really appreciate. One challenge facing Guildcrest is the lack of awareness on the part of building officials regarding modular houses. Misperceptions can complicate modular installations, so it is important to get information out on the state-of-the-art methods of factorybased residential construction and the true

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nature of the final product. Modern modular houses feature the highest quality and precision of construction, says Tierney.

Sometimes, you do get what you pay for, and consumers should know that modular excellence does not always come with the lowest price tag.

As far back as 1973, Prestige Homes was manufacturing housing in Sussex, New Brunswick. Their work continues to this day, now using advanced technology and methodology, along with the latest building materials. Regarding general homeowner expectations for modular houses, Prestige’s Roger Bastarache says that, “As with site-built

Guildcrest Homes, Ontario

homes, customers want modern, clean concepts, and finishes.” And the popularity of Prestige’s houses has much to do with the increasing acceptance of small modular homes built using a single module, and the general practicality of a modular home as a viable option. “The demographic is very broad: young clientele looking for starter homes, mature customers looking for retirement homes, and parents looking for a great home in which to raise their family,” Bastarache says. Over the past year-and-a-half or so, builders have been plagued by supply-chain volatility, and Prestige is no exception. “The ability to source products as well as the wild swings in costs have had a dramatic impact on operations,” Bastarache points out. Automation of the design-toPrestige Homes, New Brunswick

BUILDINGEXCELLENCE.CA

shop-floor process at Prestige has been a significant advancement. “We are now able to take 3D customer concepts and convert them into digital instructions useable by our automated manufacturing equipment,” Bastarache explains. “This helps immensely in creating an accurate, repeatable product with fewer errors and thus, remediation, translating into greater affordability for our customers,” Bastarache adds.

The 2022 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence will feature entries from factory-based builders across Canada.

Check out the special awards edition of Building Excellence in Summer 2022 to see what the modular sector does next.

Prestige Homes, New Brunswick

Prestige Homes, New Brunswick

BUILDINGEXCELLENCE.CA

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??

I N S I D E R i n fo

Melissa Aveiro

THE KEY TO SOLID SUCCESSION PLANNING HOW HOME BUILDERS CAN COST-EFFECTIVELY LEAVE A LEGACY DESIGNED TO LAST

Shane King

BY ROMANA KING, WITH INSIGHTS FROM MELISSA AVEIRO, CPA, CA, REGIONAL TAX LEADER, AND REAL ESTATE AND CONSTRUCTION LEADER, AND SHANE KING, CPA, CA, NATIONAL LEADER, SUCCESSION SERVICES

H

ome construction is an intensely competitive industry with a significant proportion of family-owned businesses going up against large corporately run operations. Success is more than just great customer service and access to the best value trades and materials. It requires a deep understanding of local market conditions and a thoughtful long-term strategy. Part of that strategy is to consider how and when the company’s founder(s) and chief decisionmaker(s) should step aside.

While most small business owners understand the importance of training a second-in-command, too often hands-on builders put off this critical task. Having a successor isn’t just good retirement planning, it adds value to the firm today, helps attract talent, and can save tens – even hundreds – of thousands in tax and legal bills down the road.

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INTERGENERATIONAL BUILDERS TAKE NOTE The stakes for family owned and operated businesses were raised with the introduction of Bill C-208 in July 2021.

Under the new legislation, parents wanting to succeed their business to their children were finally on a level playing field when compared to selling to a third party outside the family. Previously, parents were not able to use their Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption in a tax-effective manner on their qualified business if they sold to their kids – only when selling to an arm’s length party.

There is uncertainty with respect to how long the rules, the way they are currently written, will remain in effect. The existing legislation has some ambiguities that are expected to be adjusted which may or may not limit the availability for companies to use them in the future.

Given the limited timeframe on the legislation, it is important to have your succession plan ready in case another opportunity presents itself.

“Preparing to step away from the business you grew over many years can be tough, but getting it right is crucial if the business is to remain successful – and early planning is key,” explains Melissa Aveiro, a Tax Partner at MNP specializing in the real estate and construction sectors.

BUILDINGEXCELLENCE.CA

EQUAL IS NOT ALWAYS FAIR The first step in the succession planning process is to identify all relevant stakeholders and their various goals and objectives.

MNP’s National Leader for Succession Services, Shane King, says people tend to fall into one, two, or three categories when it comes to succession planning: family members, business stakeholders, and/or owners. Determining who fits into each of these categories, and when, is an integral step in the planning process.

“It’s not enough to assume a child or grandchild will take over the business,” says King. “You need to start the conversations with family and key management long before you actually start your transition out of the business.”

“It’s not enough to assume a child or grandchild will take over the business,” says King.

These conversations not only highlight potential successors but can also help illuminate areas of potential conflict.

“Quite often, an owner-manager who has built a family business will assume that leaving equal shares to each child or grandchild is fair, but that’s not always the case,” explains King. What if only one of these successors wants to take an active interest in the business?

By leaving equal ownership of the business, you create a dilemma that can threaten to hurt your business and cause strife within the family.

By working with succession planning professionals, you can develop a strategy that helps insulate the business, reduce family conflict, and safeguard against future legal battles.

“There is a way to structure a succession plan that allows you to pass on the business to a successor who wants to be involved in running and growing the business and still include a successor who does not want to be involved in the day-to-day management of the business you built,” says King.

BUILDINGEXCELLENCE.CA

“ The preparation for this can and should start long before you shop for potential buyers or transition to your successor,” says Aveiro.

INCREASE VALUE AND REDUCE TAXES Before exiting your business, you’ll want to maximize its valuation first. “The preparation for this can and should start long before you shop for potential buyers or transition to your successor,” says Aveiro. Simply making cosmetic changes to a business at the eleventh hour before putting it on the market can lead to a less-than-desirable sale price.

Planning ahead also allows you to identify and develop tax efficient strategies. In general, there are two primary methods to sell an incorporated business in Canada – through the sale of shares or the sale of assets.

The method you choose will have a number of short- and long-term tax implications.

“Setting up a family trust, for instance, allows the business to continue growing in the next generation’s hands instead of the original owner,” Aveiro explains. “The problem with this solution – just like the advantages offered through Bill C-208 – is that it doesn’t work as well when implemented at the last minute.”

Another smart strategy is to foster individual growth and increase responsibility among management as you, the owner, slowly step back. “Developing the management team to show that the firm can win new contracts and run the business even without you in charge could be a key factor if trying to sell the business,” notes Aveiro.

Demonstrating this kind of long-term stability not only boosts confidence within the ranks but it can boost value in the wider marketplace too. According to a 2017 BDC study, 61 percent of buyers look to purchase stable businesses, while only 31 percent prefer a growing business.

“Succession planning is not just about retirement planning but a strategic tool that can attract and retain key talent, protect and even grow the value of the business, and be used as a critical part in leaving a legacy,” explains King.

You’ll also want to consider employee share programs, suggests King. They can take

on many forms, such as stock options, direct ownership shares, or ownership through a trust, but the overall aim is to create a business structure where current management has a stake in future growth.

“In today’s competitive labour market, employee share programs can help keep key talent in the business, which protects your firm’s value and your future exit strategies,” says King.

Since there are three main options for exiting a business – selling to a third party, transferring ownership to a family member, or management buy-out/buy-in – it’s important to identify and implement the tools and strategies that will help you make the most of these options.

More often than not, it takes at least two years to evaluate your options, choose the one that best aligns with your goals, and build the foundation for a smooth, taxefficient transition.

For more information, contact: Melissa Aveiro, CPA, CA, Regional Lead Partner – Tax and Real Estate and Construction at melissa.aveiro@mnp.ca or Shane King, CPA, CA National Leader, Succession Services at shane.king@mnp.ca.

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#1 HEX DRAIN BY SERENITY

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In a world where you can be anything, why settle for ordinary? Serenity presents a geometrical game-changer, beautifully crafted and undeniably unique, the all-new Hex drain. Available in four trending finishes, including brushed gold and matte black, the perfect symmetry of this centre drain is not only aesthetically pleasing, it also boasts superior craftsmanship that can be relied upon for years to come.

SERENITY LUXURY Serenity.Luxury

#2 RENENEWABLE NATURAL GAS Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) can help buildings reduce emissions. RNG is made by capturing and purifying methane emitted from organic waste. It’s injected into FortisBC’s natural gas system and delivered to customers to use just like conventional natural gas.

FORTIS BC FortisBC.com

2 #3 A SIMPLE SOLUTION FOR SEALING LEAKS

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DuPont FlexWrap EZ creates a durable seal around building penetrations such as HVAC lines, vents, wires, and gas lines. A uniquely flexible, self-adhering flashing, FlexWrap EZ helps prevent air and water intrusion and improves energy efficiency, so builders and contractors can make every project a sure fit.

DUPONT DuPont.com

#4 BUILDING GREEN ECO Canada is the steward for the Canadian environmental workforce. From job creation and wage funding to training and labour-market research – they champion the end-to-end career of an environmental professional. ECO provides wage and training subsidies and can help fill job placements to meet demand.

ECO CANADA Eco.ca

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Building Excellence

The “must read” journal and online portal covering the homebuilding, renovation, and residential development industry in Canada

Got a story to tell?

Email our editor Allan Britnell allan.britnell@nexthome.ca

Receive every edition of the official magazine of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association To get the latest builder news, deals and offers, sign up to our e-newsletters!

To get started visit: nexthome.ca/newsletter

t h e G I V I N G BAC K p a g e

SWEET GESTURES C

anadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) members have been building, developing, and renovating Canadian homes for generations.

We are sharing the extraordinary contributions CHBA members make in their communities every day through our ongoing #CdnBuilt for Generations campaign. Here are a few recent stories. To read more stories follow our hashtag or visit blog.chba.ca/category/giving-back.

WEHBA Delivers Chocolate Gifts to Volunteers at COVID-19 Clinic

CHBA Vancouver Island and Momentum Design Build Team Up in Support of Nanaimo Community Hospice

This year, the Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Vancouver Island (CHBA-VI) partnered with member Momentum Design Build to construct the 2022 Dream Home Lottery in support of the Nanaimo Community Hospice. The money raised through the lottery will be used for a new palliative care facility to support the community long-term, and help relieve Nanaimo’s overwhelmed local hospital. Funds will also allow for the expansion of the many programs the hospice offers, including counselling and therapy for those grieving loved ones. “The Nanaimo Community Hospice plays a vital role in our community, so we’re incredibly proud to help build their first ever Dream Home Lottery and support such a deserving cause,” says CHBA-VI president John Drazic.

The draw for the 3,000-square-foot, four-bedroom home will take place on April 8, 2022.

Throughout the year, West End Home Builders’ Association (WEHBA) continued their tradition of distributing food to frontline workers in their community.

Staff at WEHBA, including Executive Officer Mike Collins-Williams and immediate Past President Rob Molinaro, packed and distributed Walker’s Chocolates as thank you gifts to nurses and volunteers at COVID-19 vaccination clinics across Hamilton and Halton. “We loved being able to give back to those in our community who help in distributing the COVID-19 vaccine,” WEHBA wrote in a post. “We are so grateful for everything these folks are doing to get our community vaccinated and thrilled we could keep this program going. We hope they enjoyed the chocolates as much as we enjoyed giving them!”

MHBA and Qualico Communities Sponsor Tooling UP Teens Video Series

The Manitoba Home Builders’ Association (MHBA) and member Qualico Communities teamed up to sponsor the Tooling UP Teens video series, aimed at promoting skilled trades as a career of choice for young students. Tooling UP Teens’ mission is to give all teens an equal and inclusive opportunity to chart out their futures, and to connect trades with young people and parents who see a career in the trades as great option. “The MHBA is proud to sponsor the latest edition of the Tooling UP Teens video series. This initiative is a great way to engage young students and promote residential building trades as a career of choice for young workers,” says Lanny McInnes, President and CEO of MHBA. The video series covers topics such as carpentry, steel fabrication, women in construction, and more.

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TOGETHER AT LAST. The industry’s most comprehensive manuals are now available.

The new edition of the national bestselling CHBA Builders’ Manual is for those who need to know how to build homes in one of the toughest climates on earth, and for the first time addresses Net Zero Housing. Written as companion text, the CHBA Renovators’ Manual takes a deep dive into applying building science to renovating for a wide variety of circumstances. Available now for purchase individually or with special bundle pricing. CHBA members get a further discount on these two must-have texts.

To purchase, visit chba.ca/buildersmanual.

The color is now grey.

The performance is clear.

Meet the newest member of the pack. Now grey, Styrofoam™ Brand XPS Insulation – a reduced-GWP formulation – meets environmental codes and maintains the same high performance.

Learn more at BeyondBlue.DuPont.com

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