HAVAN Spotlight: Todd Best
SEASON 1 | Sponsore byDetailsA Small Mistake means Big Costs for a Negligent Subcontractor
SEASON 1 | Sponsore byDetailsHAVAN Spotlight: Laurel James
SEASON 1 | Sponsore byDetailsTownhomes becoming ‘forever’ homes
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…
DetailsHAVAN Spotlight: Blake Ponuick
SEASON 1 | Sponsore byDetailsAsk the ‘Homebuilders Association Vancouver’ Experts
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…
DetailsHAVAN Spotlight: Giovanna Perot-Averill
SEASON 1 | Sponsore byDetails2019 Centra Cares Home Renovation
SEASON 1 | Sponsore byDetailsHAVAN Spotlight: Renée Auer
SEASON 1 | Sponsore byDetailsHAVAN Spotlight: Dawn Sondergaard
SEASON 1 | Sponsore byDetailsTRUSTEE 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…
DetailsHAVAN Spotlight: Wendy McNeil
SEASON 1 | Sponsore byDetailsHAVAN Heroes: Easter Seals Fundraiser
SEASON 1 | Sponsore byDetailsFlex rooms expand livable space in micro-homes
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…
DetailsThere’s value in buying into inclusive communities
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…
DetailsHAVAN Spotlight: Ron Rapp
SEASON 1 | Sponsore byDetailsChildren’s Hospital Foundation Fundraising by Versa Platinum
SEASON 1 | Sponsore byDetailsA SPLASH OF STYLE!
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…
DetailsSTRIKING BALANCE BETWEEN BEAUTY & FUNCTION
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,…
DetailsREAP the benefits of award-winning living
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…
DetailsTownhouses: A viable option for everyone
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:…
DetailsBeautiful kitchens take smart planning
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…
DetailsNATS Nursery Ltd.
SEASON 1 | Sponsore byDetailsConstruction Cares by Naikoon Contracting
SEASON 1 | Sponsore byDetailsTour opens doors to 19 homes
SEASON 1 | Sponsore byDetailsChoose a floorplan wisely
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…
DetailsAward-winning housing: Choices in gentle densification
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…
DetailsTop Five renovations for optimal return in a down resale market.
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…
DetailsCaliber Projects Kindergarten Field Trip
SEASON 1 | Sponsore byDetailsHASLER HOMES HELPS WITH LYNN VALLEY EDIBLE GARDEN
SEASON 1 | Sponsore byDetails25th Annual Homebuyer Forum
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…
DetailsBuying a New Home: Community Included.
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…
DetailsHomebuyer Forum 2019
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.…
DetailsCOMFORT IN ENERGY EFFICIENCY HOMES
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…
DetailsALL DECKED OUT FOR WINTER
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…
DetailsLIGHT, LOCAL AND BUILT-IN MAKES SPACE FOR A NEW CONDO
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…
DetailsCreating an Ultra Modern Home
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…
DetailsSolutions 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…
DetailsTO 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…
DetailsMusic Makes the Home
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…
DetailsHow to Make Your Home Look Stunning All The Time
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…
DetailsWhen was the last time you checked the condition of your windows?
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…
Details5 Tips For Your Home Intrusion and Detection System to Keep You Safer and More Secure
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…
DetailsMaking the switch to LED
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…
DetailsCreating That Dream Ensuite
“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…
DetailsKitchen Design Trends for 2019
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.
DetailsEnergy efficiency upgrades for your home
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.
DetailsSTONE CAN ADD A TOUCH OF MODERN STYLE TO ANY ROOM OF YOUR HOME
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.
DetailsFIRST IMPRESSION
Make sure the Material you Choose for the Outside Reflects what you want to Achieve on the Inside.
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.
DetailsTrustee 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…
DetailsDigital 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…
DetailsWhen 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…
DetailsREW Home Buyer’s Resource Guide in Partnership with HAVAN
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…
DetailsThe 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…
DetailsWHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR HOME WARRANTY
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…
DetailsHigh-Rises: Experience the Urban Lifestyle
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…
DetailsBringing Opulence Home
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…
DetailsMaintaining Your Home After Moving In
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…
DetailsLooking 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…
DetailsUnder 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…
Details11 Step Guide to Budgeting for your Renovation
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.…
DetailsABOUT THE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS
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…
DetailsTop Tips to Get Your Dream Space from Concept to Completion
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…
DetailsWHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A NEW HOME BUILDER
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…
DetailsMarino General Contractors
Planning a heritage renovation? Look to award-winning renovator Marino General Contractors for quality, experience and assurance.
DetailsMy House Design/Build/Team
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.
DetailsSprucehill Contracting
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
DetailsMaison D’etre
Planning a condo or townhome renovation? Look to award-winning renovator Maison D’etre for quality, experience and reliability.
DetailsSymphony Homes
Searching for a new high performance home? Look to Symphony Homes for innovation, quality and piece of mind.
DetailsHayer Builders Group
Searching for your new townhome? Look to award-winning builder Hayer Builders Group for innovation, quality and new communities.
DetailsAdera Developments
Searching for a sustainable home in Vancouver? Look to award-winning builder Adera Developments for innovation in green building and high performance homes.
DetailsPortrait Homes
Searching for a new family home? Look to award-winning builder Portrait Homes for quality and new communities.
DetailsGet It in Writing
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…
DetailsCoalition Based Advocacy in Support of Adequate Provincial Funding
SEASON 1 | Sponsore byDetailsCHOOSING THE LOCATION OF YOUR NEW HOME
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…
DetailsMORTGAGE FINANCING
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…
DetailsWith 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.
DetailsGather market intelligence at the HAVAN Homebuyer Forum
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.
DetailsGimme 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.
DetailsWinning 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.
DetailsINVESTING 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…
DetailsCHECKLIST 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…
DetailsThe 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.
DetailsGetting 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.
DetailsGoing 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.
DetailsThe 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.
DetailsWhen 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.
DetailsUnderstanding 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.
DetailsWhere 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.
DetailsBob 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.
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