After purchasing a 100-year old home, the new home owners decided to undertake a whole-home renovation. The house needed upgrading and one of the new owners had a medical condition that made indoor air quality very important. Knowing that the renovation was going to be a long and complex project, the homeowners met with 12 … Continued
The writer is a member of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA). This project involved a rental property that needed renovations to an addition. The planned changes were not complex, and for most professional renovators would have been a relatively small project. There was a 2-storey addition in place. The original goal for the project … Continued
The writer is a member of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA). This homeowner hired a friend-of-a-friend for a basement renovation and to do some exterior refinishing. Although no contract was signed, an advance payment was made to the “contractor,” and he started work. The basement was gutted and the resulting debris piled in the backyard. … Continued
Home renovations may seem daunting during the planning stages but with the right contractor & these 3 tips, you and your family can enjoy a hassle-free home renovation. Do your research Have you ever heard the saying, “If you’re going to do something, do it right”? That’s how you should approach deciding on a contractor. … Continued
The homebuilding industry has a long record of community service and giving back to the cities and towns we live and work in. Each year, the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) recognizes the voluntary efforts of its members and local associations who make a difference in the quality of life in their communities. Only one … Continued
You’ve decided it’s time to move ahead with your long-planned renovation project. You’ve collected all sorts of great ideas and product pictures, visited the local Home Show and spent many hours online looking at what other homeowners have done in their projects. Now your ‘shopping’ for a professional contractor who will make it all happen. … Continued
When you hire a contractor to renovate or improve your home, there are a lot of details that need to be spelled-out in your work order or contract. The more obvious of these are a thorough description of the work to be done, the work schedule to be followed, and what amounts you will pay … Continued
Home renovations can be one of the biggest single expenses most people ever take on, and the success of your project depends a lot on the contractor you choose. The crazy thing is, people often put more thought into selecting a shirt than they do to finding a contractor worthy of trust. So how can … Continued
As Canadians, we rely on heating systems more than most nations in the world. But our need doesn’t necessarily translate into knowledge. If you’re unhappy with the comfort or cost of keeping your home warm in winter, here are some things to consider. Insulation is key While the kind of energy source and heating equipment … Continued
A warm, comfortable, and cozy finished basement is a great feature that adds value to your home. It’s summer now, but soon the cooler weather will be here. Is your basement ready for the change in seasons? If you’re in a new house and planning on finishing your basement for the first time, take note: … Continued