ADAPTABLE HOMES – 12 Tips to Help You Design Your Forever Home and Age-in-Place
As the saying goes – “your home is your castle”, it’s your safe place, a place you make memories, grow your family, enjoy friends old and new, meet new neighbours,…
10 Essential Tips for Designing and Renovating Small Living Rooms
Designing and renovating a small living room can be a delightful challenge. With the right strategies, you can transform even the coziest of spaces into a stylish, functional area that…
Transform Your Bathroom: Top Renovation Strategies for Increased Resale Value
– Jamie Banfield, Principal Designer Jamie Banfield Design Inc. A well-designed bathroom can significantly boost a home’s value, making it more appealing to potential buyers. At Jamie Banfield Design Inc., we’ve…
Passive Home Design
Imagine a home that’s not just a shelter, but a cozy haven that’s kind to both your living environment and the planet. That’s the essence of Passive House Design, a…
Elevate Your Home: Embrace 5 Home Design Trends of 2024
Are you eager to transform your living space into a haven of style and comfort? The exciting world of interior design in 2024 has plenty of trends to inspire and…
Kitchen Design Trends with Sarah Gallop Design Inc
The kitchen is the heart of the home, a space where families gather, meals are prepared, and memories are created. Whether you’re renovating your existing kitchen or building a new…
Preserving Charm: A Guide to Renovating Your Character Home
Renovating a character home in Vancouver can be both exhilarating and challenging. These homes, with their unique features and historical significance, demand meticulous planning and execution to retain their charm…
Splash Out with a Bathroom Renovation!
Embarking on a bathroom renovation is an exciting endeavor for homeowners seeking to infuse new life into their living spaces. From luxurious spa-like retreats to modern functional designs, three latest…
Eight top tips to consider before renovating a child’s room!
Renovating a child’s room can be both exciting and challenging. You want to create a space that is functional, fun, and reflects their personality. To help you get started, here…
Outdoor Living Ideas
Designing your dream outdoor living space can be a great way to extend your home and create an inviting space to entertain and relax. Whether you’re looking to add an…
Top Ten Small Kitchen Ideas and Design Tips
Designing a dream kitchen in a small space can be a challenge, but with the right inspiration and design tips, you can create a functional and stylish kitchen that works…
Award-winning Basement Renovations and Ideas
Basements are often overlooked when it comes to home renovations, but they have the potential to be some of the most versatile and functional spaces in a house. With a…
BRANDING YOUR CONSTRUCTION SITE
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT, AND HOW TO DO IT Guest Blogger: Joanna Bieda, Director of Marketing and Communications, Modu-Loc Fence Rentals October 19, 2022 Editor’s note: this blog post was originally…
Homeowners embrace smart home technology to fight against climate change
79 per cent of Canadian homeowners say they are familiar with smart home technology and 4 in 5 (78 per cent) believe smart home technology can reduce their bills by…
WHITE – OUT!
2022 Kitchen Design Trends. Gone are the days of the ‘all-white’ kitchen. Natural elements were centre stage at the 2022 HAVAN Awards for Housing Excellence. This year’s winning kitchens reveal…
ConEcon – Trusted Partners in Real Estate Development
ConEcon offers Quantity Surveying through cost management and loan monitoring, for 19 years we have successfully helped clients get the most from their investments. Why Partner with ConEcon Price…
Renewable energy solutions for your home
FortisBC is a leading energy solutions provider in British Columbia (B.C.) and serves its approximately 1.2 million customers with natural gas, electricity, propane and renewable energy solutions, through around 56,000…
How to Install a BLANCO VINTERA Undermount or Flushmount Kitchen Sink
This farmhouse sink collection boasts versatile installation capabilities and provides the option of using same-size cabinetry to simplify the installation process. BLANCO’s VINTERA farmhouse sink collection is a clean, contemporary…
BLANCO’s VINTERA Collection in Coal Black
A Contemporary Upgrade to the Farmhouse Sink Looking for a modern solution to the classic farmhouse sink? BLANCO, a leading granite-composite sink manufacturer, is now offering the VINTERA farmhouse sink collection – a clean,…
Anti-Theft Work Site Solutions
The skyrocketing cost of lumber is wreaking havoc on construction. Not only is it adding a significant cost increase to the builder and or end-user, it is also creating a…
Rebates up to $15,000 available through CleanBC Better Homes New Construction Program
The CleanBC Better Homes New Construction Program provides rebates of up to $15,000 for the construction of new, high-performance electric homes. It is open to builders constructing new Part 9…
Breathe the best air with Air Excellent, Fantech and Barclay Sales
You see health, food, and miracle diet commercials at every single TV station break. Pillows, protein powders, powerful pills, and everything in between tout their respective health benefits. You may…
Socio Guide: HAVAN’s Event Platform
This guide walks you through how to register and use HAVAN’s new event platform Socio. We will be hosting many events here in the future, so follow the steps below…
Design Inspired Hand Sanitizing Solutions
Helping you and your clients stay healthy is a top priority for Cantu. Introducing a NEW set of dispensers, available as tabletop or wall-mounted versions. In times where personal hygiene,…
Resources to Prepare Businesses for a Second Wave
As more businesses re-open in the fall and cooler temperatures keep people indoors, infectious disease experts warn that Canada will likely see a second wave of COVID-19. This could put…
MEASURE TWICE, CUT ONCE PODCAST: LIKE, TAG & FOLLOW TO WIN A BBQ
Never miss an episode! Enter on Instagram post to be entered to win a Napoleon Prestige P500 stainless-steel natural gas barbecue, valued at $1649, compliments of FortisBC.
Great partnerships start with a simple introduction.
As a proud member of the Homebuilders Association Vancouver, helping you do more business is our business. Find comfort in knowing that American Express® has your back during uncertain times;…
Proper Worksite Policies Help Avoid Hazards
Every construction project comes with its own set of risks – from fire and water damage to equipment theft, slips and falls, cyber attacks and even infection control. These risks…
Improve Sales with Psychometric Testing
In the Post Covid-19 environment, do you know what core behavioral competencies are required for your team members to succeed in your “New Normal” working environment? You can have excellent…
GALA Home Edition: Best Dressed Competition
We can’t wait to reveal the winners of the 2020 HAVAN Awards for Housing Excellence and we know you are excited too! A highly anticipated evening, the Gala showcases the…
Awards Gala: Home Edition Dance Party
Bust out Your Best Dance Moves for the chance to WIN A PRIZE! HAVAN’s Online GALA Home Edition Friday, June 19th We can’t wait to reveal the winners of the…
BCCSA – Ergonomics: Working From Your Home Office
Having a proper ergonomic set up whether at the office or your home office is important to help reduce the risk of strains and sprains and other musculoskeletal injuries…
Phase 2 Reopening – BCCSA’s Recommended Phased approach
As British Columbia enters Phase 2 of the provincial restart during the COVID-19 pandemic, employers are now considering how to manage office-based staff who have been working at home during…
New COVID-resistant coating promotes safer hand washing
HAVAN member, Valley Acrylic Bath, in partnership with the University of Victoria, is excited to announce it is working on an innovation to fight Covid 19, by creating a new…
Best Practices for Operating Safely during COVID-19
May 6, 2020, the Government of BC released BC’s Restart Plan, with timelines on the re-opening of the economy and the repealing of certain COVID-19 restrictions. What the New Normal…
AVOIDING ONLINE SCAMS
Cyber threats are on the rise with COVID-19. HAVAN member Federated Insurance has prepared a list of resources to protect you and your business from phishing scams including outlining how…
Shop@Home initiative offers consumers free samples & advice.
TORLYS Introduces “Shop Globally, Buy Locally” Program “Shop@Home” initiative offers consumers free samples & advice from the comforts of home. TORLYS, a global flooring company specializing in beautiful, responsible flooring…
Preparing Workplaces with Pending Economic Re-Opening
Surrey Board of Trade Releases Call to Action and Planning Guide to Prepare Workplaces with Pending Economic Re-Opening The Surrey Board of Trade has released a call to action to…
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS THROUGH VIDEO CONFERENCING
Lessons from a long term user Audio Insider is pleased to present a free webinar, offered over a series of dates, on how to effectively use Zoom and other video…
HAVAN Awards for housing excellence – Finalist showcase 2020
Photo: Martin Knowles Photo/Media Builder: Novak Contracting & Construction Ltd. Project: Outside In Location: Surrey Project Finalist: Custom Home:$2 million to under $3 million; Best Space: New Construction, Best Special Feature, New or…
Global Passive House Happy Hour
Dear Passive House enthusiast; This is social distancing at its finest! This weekly event enables our Passive House community to come together to continue to share all the great…
Home Office Design Guide
These unprecedented times are filled with anxiety and stress, yet they present us with a unique opportunity that is worth noticing. We are now seeing more and more people…
COVID-19: Making sense of federal resources
During COVID-19, the Federal Government is offering business resources to help keep employees working with the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, and businesses operational with access to credit, deferred tax payments,…
Business Continuity Planning & COVID-19
Federated Insurance is sharing resources to help members during COVID-19, including business continuity planning guides, checklists plus signage to ensure you and your business are protected. In order to…
Bounce Back Surrey with Minuteman Press
Bounce Back Surrey, an initiative created by Minuteman Press, offers two free services to help support neighbouring businesses as we find a way to work together through these unprecedented times.…
A Few Good Lads Clean Sites for Peace of Mind
A Few Good Lads have undertaken COVID-19 cleaning services to ensure job sites can stay operational and running as smoothly as possible. Offering their current client base this service…
EMOTIONAL WELL BEING AND COVID-19
As we head into the Easter long weekend, many people will be facing what is typically a weekend spent with loved ones and family, alone. Faced with unprecedented times,…
BCCSA: Resources & Frequently Asked Q&A During Covid-19
The BC Construction Safety Alliance BCCSA has been developing, posting, and sharing many resources around Construction and COVID-19, such as safety notices, sign downloadables, FAQs, and mental health resources. Check…
Credit Card Fraud Prevention
At a time when social distancing is profoundly impacting many of our businesses, the last thing any of us want is for losses to be compounded by the action of…
ABSTRACT HOMES WORKING THROUGH COVID-19
How Abstract Homes & Renovations is preparing its construction company during Covid-19. As with any safety measures, Abstract Homes & Renovations is reminding its workers how to minimize risk on…
BC Design + Construction Forum
Jamie Banfield Design has created a Facebook forum for British Columbia Design + Construction industry members. Designed to assist, educate, and create innovative, successful ways for the design industry…
FortisBC Support During COVID-19
As businesses and government take additional steps to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, FortisBC has taken several steps to protect the health and safety of our…
Kuhn LLP: How COVID-19 Impacts Construction Contracts
Introduction The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is significantly impacting the construction industry in British Columbia. But is it enough to legally justify changing or terminating your contractual obligations? Business is becoming…
Trillium Project Shares Covid-19 Operating Procedures
Trillium Projects is a Vancouver based construction and project management company. Over the past 20-years, they have developed over one billion dollars of real estate ranging from townhomes and condominiums,…
COVID-19 Construction Site Signage
Maintain the health and safety of your onsite workers. Post these Site Safety Signs to remind everyone of the new protocols required to help stop the spread of…
ALAIR HOMES Invites Industry into their Weekly All Partner Calls
Feeling overwhelmed and alone? We get together every Wednesday. Join us. Every day in communities all across North America, we help people live happier, healthier and more productive lives. Whether…
Insightful Healthy Homes: Site Policy During Covid-19
As a small builder, Insightful Healthy Homes is organizing site activities as follows, to achieve social distancing: Divide crew into teams of ~three, and each of these teams would…
Capital Home Energy – Release Covid-19 Work Site Policy
ATTENTION Important information about the site visit: As the COVID-19 situation continues to develop, Capital Home Energy is sharing some best practices and our policies for site visits. These policies…
COUNTING THE DAYS – UNDERSTANDING THE “21 DAY NOTICE” PROCESS UNDER THE BUILDERS LIEN ACT
A builders’ lien can be an effective tool for those in the construction industry, such as contractors, subcontractors, workers, and material suppliers to secure payment. A lien hinders owners from…
When Time Isn’t On Your Side
A contractor may be asked to provide a homeowner with an estimated schedule for completion before a project starts. While there are always contingencies and unforeseen circumstances, projects can get…
TRUSTEE TROUBLES – A NEWLY DEFINED DUTY TO DISCLOSE LABOUR AND MATERIAL PAYMENT BONDS
The purpose of a labour and material payment bond is to provide a form of security to labour and material suppliers on a construction project by giving them a right…
Solutions to Help Reduce Energy Use this Winter.
REDUCE YOUR USE. On October 9, 2018, an Enbridge-owned natural gas transmission pipeline ruptured near Prince George, BC. While the pipeline has been repaired and returned to service, it is…
TO BE BLUNT: NAVIGATING CANNABIS USE IN THE WORKPLACE
Recreational cannabis will be legal in Canada in two days: October 17, 2018. Adults who are 19 years of age and older will be permitted to legally possess, share, purchase…
Trustee Troubles – A Newly Defined Duty to Disclose Labour and Material Payment Bonds
The purpose of a labour and material payment bond is to provide a form of security to labour and material suppliers on a construction project by giving them a…
Digital Marketing Developer Whitepaper
Have you ever wondered what is required to run a successful digital marketing campaign? Featuring stats from 18 local developers, the numbers provide a benchmark and interesting read. Click here…
When Time Isn’t On Your Side
WHEN TIME ISN’T ON YOUR SIDE A contractor may be asked to provide a homeowner with an estimated schedule for completion before a project starts. While there are always contingencies…
The final results for 2017 are in and new condominium sales and town-home sales are noteworthy.
Written by Fifth Avenue Real Estate Marketing Ltd. In a preliminary excerpt from a report by Fifth Avenue Real Estate Marketing Limited, a residential project marketing and sales agency with…
Looking Ahead
by Scott Brown, President & CEO of Fifth Avenue Real Estate Marketing Ltd. It is coming to the end of the honeymoon period for the new NDP government. I wonder…
Under Pressure: Putting the Job Before the Agreement
Homeowners and general contractors often find themselves under various pressures to complete work and advance the project. The rushed approach that often ensues can cause parties to overlook or postpone…
With Great Expectations Comes Greater Responsibility
In a recent Small Claims case of Lund v. Appleford Building Company Ltd., a general Contractor (the “Defendant”) learned the importance of due diligence and paying heed to its clients’ concerns and high expectations.
Gimme Shelter (Staying Behind the Corporate Veil)
Incorporating your construction business has many clear advantages, one of which is personal liability protection under the “corporate veil”. The so-called corporate veil refers to the shelter one receives in their personal capacity when their company is being sued; essentially, they are shielded from personal liability.
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.
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.
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.
Guest Blogger: Larry Clay of Clay Construction featured in CHBA Newsletter
Larry Clay of Clay Construction featured in CHBA Newsletter discusses social media.
