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.
