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,…
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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…
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– 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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Do you like viewing new homes, renovations, and design? You’re going to love playing this game! The doors are swinging wide open once again to showcase HAVAN’s Awards for Housing…
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Electrical contractors and companies hold a lot of power. Hiring the wrong person or company for your project could cause delays, damages, impact your home insurance, and ultimately create an…
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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.
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Photo credit: TQ Construction Ltd. Guest Blogger: HAVAN Member Alisa Aragon, Bridgestone Financing Pros Home renovation shows are one of our favorite TV programs to watch. They are entertaining and…
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Home Design Consultation. $1,500 Value! Offered exclusively through the 2020 HAVAN Awards for Housing Excellence Predict the Winners Game Review rules and regulations @ www.havan.ca/awards This offer entitles the…
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Home Design Consultation. $1,500 Value! Offered exclusively through the 2020 HAVAN Awards for Housing Excellence Predict the Winners Game Review rules and regulations @ www.havan.ca/awards Offering a full spectrum…
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Home Design Consultation. $1,500 Value! Offered exclusively through the 2020 HAVAN Awards for Housing Excellence Predict the Winners Game Review rules and regulations @ www.havan.ca/awards Offering a full spectrum…
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Home Design Consultation. $1,500 Value! Offered exclusively through the 2020 HAVAN Awards for Housing Excellence Predict the Winners Game Review rules and regulations @ www.havan.ca/awards Offer can be used…
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The doors are swinging wide open to HAVAN’s 2020 Awards for Housing Excellence Gala: Home Edition. To celebrate, HAVAN is offering the chance to win one of four design consultations,…
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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…
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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…
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There are many considerations when shopping for a new home. HAVAN member Alabaster Homes suggest zeroing in on the structure of the building, before getting carried away with the appliance…
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After a year that has seen prices fall by over 10%, a 30% reduction in new home sales, and a surplus of resale listings and new home inventory through the…
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It is a wise decision to source award-winning builders and renovators to help you build your dream home. It is also a good idea to ensure there is harmony between…
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Now that we are into December, it’s time to start thinking about preparing your home for winter and the freezing weather that comes with the change of season. If you…
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Builders are responding to market demand with a variety of housing choices. With affordability an issue, townhomes are no longer viewed as a step to a forever home, but as…
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Shopping for appliances Before thinking about style, colours, finishes or appliances, Lucila Diaz, Founder and Creative Director, Harmony Sense Interiors Ltd. says “The first step in creating a great kitchen is to…
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Micro-homes are a solution for adding housing to existing neighbourhoods to sustain thriving communities. Given the high cost of renting in Vancouver and low interest rates, the micro-home is a…
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Vibrant, inclusive communities are built to support families through various stages of life. Different sizes and floorplans will cater to different needs as a family grows through the natural cycles…
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HAVAN members Kalu Interiors know how to splash out when it comes to personalizing a home. Working with On Time Construction Ltd. they remodelled a two-bedroom condo into one master…
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Designed for an active family, this 2019 Ovation Award winning kitchen by Bolder Homes Ltd. showcases the outstanding results achieved by working with professionals to properly plan for quality craftsmanship,…
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Constructing homes to meet today’s building standards set by the province and municipalities across BC requires an integrated approach of highly skilled trades, including builders, designers, architects, energy advisors and…
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Townhouse living today far surpasses the starter homes of generations gone by. The ‘Shaughnessy Residences’ by Alabaster Homes, nominated as a finalist for five Ovation Awards including – Best New Kitchen:…
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Have you ever wondered what it takes to build an award-winning kitchen? There is no secret recipe. It takes good planning and attention to the construction details, with a keen…
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Townhomes come in different shapes and sizes. Visualize life in your new home and choose the floorplan that’s right for you. Greatrooms on the main are the norm, however the…
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A thriving community is one that offers a complete mix of housing to provide for a variety of families and their housing needs. Neighbourhoods that embrace gentle densification versus ‘keeping…
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So, you’re thinking about selling your home and your realtor suggests a price lower than you anticipated. Now what? Knowing what renovation will help you optimize the true value of…
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It’s a great time to buy in the Lower Mainland. For the first time since 2012, Vancouver has become a buyers’ market. Gain expert advice at the upcoming 25th annual…
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Read Bob’s latest article in Next Home magazine talking about community considerations, when buying into a strata complex. Featruing Tien Sher Home’s project ‘Venue’ there are five key tips to…
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Are you wondering how you can afford a home in Metro Vancouver? The 2019 Homebuyer Forum will provide you with strategic tips on how to enter the Metro Vancouver market.…
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The energy efficiency of Canadian homes has improved greatly over the years. Thanks to major advances in building science and product innovation, today’s new homeowner can expect to use only…
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With winter just around the corner, now is a good time to check the exterior of your home in preparation for the colder weather. Some points to consider include: Gutter…
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Renovations present many options for a homeowner. In the case of a Vancouver condo overlooking False Creek, faced with repairs due to water damage, the homeowners took the opportunity to…
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Ovation Award Winner: Best Custom Home: $1.5 million – Under $3 million Ovation Award Winner: Best Interior Design HAVAN Builder: Upward Construction & Renovation Ltd. To view this project and…
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Music is core to our being. Homes filled with music are filled with more laughter, more love and more family togetherness. Everyday tasks like cooking and cleaning become more enjoyable…
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Want your home to look pleasing to the eye, especially when you’re having guests over? We have the simple yet powerful trick. The Pillow Fluff. This trick gets missed all…
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Homes that are over 20 years old with the original windows are typically due for an upgrade. Well-designed windows play a variety of important roles and can improve your home’s…
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1) Replace Ionization with Photoelectric Smoke Detectors Most residential fire fatalities are due to smoke inhalation. In smoldering fires, ionization smoke detectors respond an average of 15 to 50 minutes…
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Everyone has heard over the past years how LED’s have a positive effect on the environment, or how LEDs can help save households money in the long run. But not…
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“Timeless, elegant, simple and uncluttered.” Marg knew the style she wanted for her renovated master bedroom ensuite, but she didn’t know where to start. She went online and visited…
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With every new year comes new trends for the world of interior design and 2019 will not disappoint with what it has in store. Keep reading to see a snapshot of how the world of kitchen design is evolving and what we at Designs by K&S predict to be the market leaders in trends for the new year.
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In the last few years there has been a National effort to reverse Climate Change and one of those efforts is to make homes more energy efficient.
The energy used to cool homes in Canada is increasing each year and efforts to reduce this will help everyone, as the energy used will usually make the environment hotter outside.
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Stone has long been one of the foundations for home construction. Its rounded shape and smooth texture make it the perfect decorative accent for any room in your house. Incorporating stone into your design can add a touch of modern elegance to a bedroom or a bit of rustic class to a kitchen. Your possibilities are endless when you are looking to incorporate this material into everyday décor in some of the most commonly used rooms in your home.
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Building a home can be extremely stressful – choosing finishes and styles, and working with builders, contractors and trades to ensure at the end of the day you and your family are choosing the best materials representing who you are.
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Let Us Help You With Your Home. The purchase of a home will be one of the largest investments in your lifetime, getting it right, and buying with confidence is…
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By Bob de Wit Buying a home is one of the most significant investments people will make in their lives! That is why home warranty insurance is an integral…
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Vertical living is one of the solutions to the challenges of an ever-growing urban population. No longer just your entry-level home type, condos appeal to a variety of generations, from…
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What exactly constitutes luxury living? With the help of 2017 Ovation Award Winner, Mulberry Properties’; Mulberry Home in West Vancouver, we can explore living in luxury and how to bring…
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Congratulations! You’ve purchased a new home. As a new homeowner, what should you expect from your builder, and what are your responsibilities to maintain the value of your home? To…
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Budgeting for a home renovation can be a challenging process with many variable costs to consider including materials, labour and the condition of the existing building to name a few.…
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Most homebuyers have a lot of questions about the construction of their home: How long will it take to build? What happens when? What does each step involve? When can…
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Gather your ideas Inspiration is everywhere — Pinterest, websites, magazines, catalogs, housing awards, real estate listings, showhomes, etc. – so gather your ideas for your dream space. Remember, photos are…
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Buying a new home is a big decision and you want to get full value for your investment. This means choosing an established and reputable builder, someone who has the…
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Planning a heritage renovation? Look to award-winning renovator Marino General Contractors for quality, experience and assurance.
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When in search for a reliable contractor, look no further than award-winning renovator & builder My House Design/Build/Team. Serving Vancouver, North Shore, and Surrey, this custom home builder has plenty of renovation tips to share with you.
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Searching for a reliable contractor? Look to award-winning renovator Sprucehill Contracting for quality and assurance. Based in North Vancouver, Sprucehill Contracting has an impressive track-record for custom home building
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Planning a condo or townhome renovation? Look to award-winning renovator Maison D’etre for quality, experience and reliability.
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Searching for a new high performance home? Look to Symphony Homes for innovation, quality and piece of mind.
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Searching for your new townhome? Look to award-winning builder Hayer Builders Group for innovation, quality and new communities.
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Searching for a sustainable home in Vancouver? Look to award-winning builder Adera Developments for innovation in green building and high performance homes.
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Searching for a new family home? Look to award-winning builder Portrait Homes for quality and new communities.
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A home renovation is both a financial and emotional investment. We have heard hundreds of renovations stories, most of the tales end with happy homeowners, but that is not always…
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Your new home will provide you with your own personal space and refuge from the outside world. The area in which the house is located will also be an important…
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Getting ready to buy a new home? Whether you are a first-time home buyer or planning for your next home, you will want to consider the financial aspects of your…
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Whether you are planning on buying your first home, thinking of helping a millennial get a foot in the door, or a new-comer to Vancouver, there is one golden rule to follow: prepare before you purchase. Read Bob’s article in the February 17 issue of New Home and Condo Guide.
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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…
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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…
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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.
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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.
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Renovation trends reflect the changing needs of Canadian homeowners whether it’s creating room for aging parents, a home work space or simply a more enjoyable living environment. At the same…
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Living expenses like mortgage payments, rent payments, property taxes and house insurance can all take a big bite out of a family’s budget. There is little a family can do…
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Creating a sense of calm and space is essential when designing a spa-like bathroom.
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Condominium living used to be the quintessential definition of being in your 20s and early 30s, living on your own or with your partner in the heart of the city, and enjoying the trendy life of name-brand coffees and late-night dinners. But in the past decade, there has been a dramatic shift in the demographics of condo dwellers in Vancouver, who now are just as likely to be walking around town with designer strollers as with frou-frou dogs.
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Condo life is like living in a micro community and developers have picked up on this trend by including amenities to reflect the lifestyles of the buyers.
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Whether you have lived in your condo for a couple of years, or a house for thirty, preparing to sell your home can be an overwhelming experience. All those little annoying things you have put off fixing; the loose hinged drawer, a dripping faucet, a finicky light switch, a worn carpet, are they really so important to making the sale?
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I remember when my husband and I took the plunge to buy our first home back in 2006.
We were renting downtown, as so many 20-somethings do, enjoying the urbanite lifestyle but also dreaming of a time when I could sleep undisturbed — no 3 a.m. wake-up calls from my neighbours’ sound system and the early-morning deliveries taking place in the alleys.
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When you buy a brand new home, it’s easy to make sure you are completely satisfied with your purchase before you take possession of it. As your home gets close…
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The Homebuilders Association of Vancouver (HAVAN) believes If you are like most renovating homeowners, obtaining a building permit is probably unknown territory. When you hire a professional renovator, he will…
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The first step in hiring a professional renovator is to collect names of companies that seem well suited for your project. Then you can follow these procedures with each of…
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