Winning the Bid – The Importance of Following Proper Tendering Procedures
British Columbia’s competitive construction industry sees its fair share of intense bidding wars between contractors.
INVESTING IN RENOVATIONS PAYS OFF IN MORE THAN DOLLARS
Compared to conventional financial investments that rise and fall with regular frequency, housing has proven to be a relatively stable and sound investment that keeps up with inflation in most…
CHECKLIST FOR AN ENERGY EFFICIENT RENOVATION AND A HEALTHY INDOOR ENVIRONMENT
Renovation is a great time to improve your home’s energy efficiency and indoor air quality. With today’s products and technology, it is possible to get “new home performance” in any…
The Cost of Doing Business with Friends
When undertaking a significant construction project, it often helps to know someone in the industry. However, a recent decision of the BC Supreme Court highlights the problems that can arise when doing business with friends or family.
Getting Paid and Fixing Deficiencies
It can be very frustrating when a homeowner refuses to make the final payment because of seemingly inconsequential “deficiencies”. However, the BC Supreme Court made it clear in Constructum Developments Inc. v. Hogaboam, 2015 BCSC 1490, that a homeowner may be entitled to correction of all deficiencies before they are obligated to make the final payment. In fact, a contractor’s insistence on receiving final payment before fixing final deficiencies may actually result in a repudiation of the parties’ agreement.
Going Green the Smart Way
Greater demand from consumers and regulators in British Columbia for environmentally sustainable or “green” building practices suggests potential benefits for “green-contractors”. A common strategy is to adopt a labelling system that advertises compliance with defined environmental standards. Common examples of green-labels used in B.C.’s construction industry include the Energy Star label and the Built Green seals.
The Big Issue with Fixed-Price Construction Contracts
For most home owners considering a renovation or new build, price is one of the most important factors in determining the scope of their project, the finishing’s to select and what contractor to choose. For contractors, providing a client with budget certainty can be a significant selling point; thus, the appeal of fixed price construction
contracts.
A Clear View on Implied Contract Terms
One of the biggest challenges Canadian drivers face each winter is maintaining a clear view of the road ahead. Scraping windows, buying new wipers and topping up the washer fluid are all important steps we take to ensure we can see where we’re going at all times.
When an Estimate Isn’t “Just an Estimate”
Carelessness in providing an estimate to a client can have serious repercussions when it comes to claiming entitlement to final payment.
Understanding your Right to Correct Deficient Workmanship
Even where a construction project is performed by a qualified professional contractor, it is not uncommon for some deficiencies to require correction at a project’s end.
Where Sustainability and Livability Come Together
To understand the direction of residential building, it is important to understand what is shaping the homes of today and what will ultimately determine the future of Metro Vancouver.
Bob de Wit’s Province column
Densification and ways to supply Metro Vancouver’s continued demand for housing is discussed in Bob de Wit’s monthly guest column in The Province.
Colour me YIMBY – The Province
The rise of NIMBYism isn’t surprising: it reflects the normal growing pains felt by a region increasing in population by an average rate of 30,000* new residents per year. To solve the housing supply challenges of 2017 and beyond, we need to change from NIMBY to YIMBY – “Yes in My Back Yard.” How does that happen?
West Coast Condominium – Guest Blog Post by Bob de Wit – Choosing your neighbourhood.
Bob de Wit, CEO, GVHBA is featured in Glacier Media’s bi-weekly West Coast Condominium Magazine.
Guest Blogger: Larry Clay of Clay Construction featured in CHBA Newsletter
Larry Clay of Clay Construction featured in CHBA Newsletter discusses social media.
Bob de Wit’s Province Guest Column
Bob’s monthly guest column in the Vancouver Province features topics relating to the residential construction industry and related issues, relevant to the association, and the readers of the paper.
Bob de Wit’s Province Guest Column
Bob’s monthly guest column in the Vancouver Province features topics relating to the residential construction industry and related issues, relevant to the association, and the readers of the paper.
