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Archive for the 'Builder' Category
By Yves Carignan
In its May/June issue, Home Builder Magazine, the official magazine of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association did an interesting report about the evolution of house plans in Canada. Judy Penz Sheluk contacted us to get our opinion about the stock plan industry and the emergence of house plans web sites. You can read the entire article by clicking here.
Marie-France Roger, my partner, was the one interviewed by Mrs. Sheluk and explained that Stock House plans can be sold as is or modified to suit the customer’s needs. We can even do a compelete custom project, on-line, by exchanging information with the customer / Builder.
Some designer, like Mrs. Jane Cameron from Life Home Design, think that people can not be 100% satisfied with a stock plan… Over the years more than 110 000 people can argue with that because it is the total number of stock plan we sold in the past 35 years ! However, a stock plan company must be able to do some modifications to their plans to make sure that we can serve all types of customers and this is what we do.
In the past, people who wanted to do some modifications or get a full custom design had to meet with a local designer to get a complete set of plans. Today, we can all do it on line (we do more than 500 modified / custom house plans per year without meeting direct with the customer!) and tailor a complete design to the customer needs and then, by also contacting local engineers and/or architect during the project to complete the plans and meet the local regulations. Customer saves time and money. Our costs are about 1 to 3% of the total cost to build. Get a quote right here !
If you go to a local designer with some images of a stock plans, make sure that the designer gets the copyright licencees from the original designer and work legally on your project because those plans are potected by our Canadian Copyright law. The original designer has the total right to sue you and your designer… Don’t get in trouble and work legally!
Drummond House Plans has some programs for local designers / drafters who would like to modifiy a plan based on our design; it is simple, quick and not expensive ! Click here for more information.
Special thanks to Mrs. Sheluk and to Charlie Blore, Editor of Home Builder Magazine.
Read the rest of this entry (No Comments »)By Yves Carignan
A few days ago, I got and e-mail from a friend in Alabama, Architect Bob Chatham from Chantham Design Group, who featured in a very interesting TV episode from Dany Lipford.
The video will explain you the details of a green house and also how you can be greener in your existing home !
Congratulations to Bob who designed the featured house of this video. The Fairhope Green Home Project is the first house in the state to receive Gold Certification from the National Association of Home Builders Green Building Program.
Remember one thing if you build green, this type of construction is a real team work !
Enjoy !
By Yves Carignan
You’ve thought about it for so long and now, you are close to start building your home ! What an exciting decision but are you ready ? Are you stepping down this path for the firts time ? Nervous ?!…
Like any process, building his home can be tricky and there are many important details to consider as you get started. Have you decided on a style of home yet ? There are many styles as American, Bungalow, Cottage, Country, Crafstman, and many more. Try to find the style of a friend’s or a neighbour’s home that you like and you will probably find what you like. Write down or draw the details you like and and keep it in a file; once you will meet an architect or any plan designer, you not forget anything. Browse the Internet and you will maybe find the home of your dream through a Stock Plan Collection, or you can do some modifications of a stock plan through the original designer or do a complete Custom plan.
Where you build is very important too. If you already own the land you plan to build on, your options will be more open than if you are building in an established subdivision. One thing very important though; make sure you have your land before buying the plan. Some people bought some plans and bought the land after… They noticed that the home they dreamed of can not be built on the land they bought !
If you buy a land in a subdivision, make sure you know very well all the restrictions and limits from the developer. These “covenants” are in place to assure that all the homes in the area are worth about the same and this will protect the value of your investment in the future. Always remeber that a house is an investment that you have to protect and, even if you do not think about it now, you may want to sell it some day ! Protect it !
There are a lot of things to consider about the location of your new home: Distance to shopping, Schools, work have to be thought about.
Finding the right contractor is your next step. Talk to some friends or relatives about their experiences and make sure, when you have identified the right contractor that you get at least 3 bids plus the names of satisfied customers you can contact. Always remember the old adage: “If it is too good to be true, it problably is !” To ensure that both you and your builder are satisfied with the work, make sure the details are spelled out in a written contract. The time you spend at this stage and on the plan stage will avoid any confusion later on.
With the internet and groups like the Canadian Home Builder Association and your provincial groups, reams of information is available to help plan your home. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation also offers useful information including valuable question and answer sheets.
Beyond choosing a good contractor, you will also need a lawyer and a banker to handle legal matters and financing. Finally, remember that some home builders are more concerned about structural integrity and the attractiveness of your home from the outside. Remember that the interior should also be designed for practical concerns like - will all the furnitures you already have fit ? Do not hesitate to contact an interior designer before starting to build; they will help you to maximise your living space and avoid mistakes you will see once you live in your home !
Want to build green ? Many links like LEED and Built Green can surely help you.
Enjoy !
this post was based on an article from the Cottage and Home Plans magazine provided by Tim-Br Mart. Some information was also supplied by CMHC and CHBA.
By Yves Carignan
Filed under: BCIN, Builder, Building, Building Permit, Construction, Contractor, Government, Homeowner, House plans, Municipality, Owner, Plans, Professionals, Reputation
Last Monday, I posted this messsage on my personal blog from one of our many satisfied customers :o)
Good Afternoon,
We recently purchased one of your designs and are currently in the process of having these plans approved by our local building inspector. We thought we would share some comments he had about your design.
We are going to be doing our own construction and we were very impressed by the detail provided in your plans. Our building inspector indicated that he has never seen such complete and detailed plans and that it was a pleasure to review. Your plans will not only be a hugh benefit to us as we begin to build but it obviously has facilitated the approval process.
Thank-you
Linda Lindsay, Flinton, ON
(original content posted on www.yvescarignan.com)
Considering the fact that the Ontario Building code is very strict, including the BCIN, we are very pleased with that kind of comments from our customers. So, Ontario customers, get the peace of mind with Drummond’s plans !
By Jessica Langlois
It is important to ask ourselves, “What is the main reason for pouring your foundation very early on in the project and leaving it all winter without building on it?” Certain contractors pour their foundations during the winter due to the fact that they have teams constantly moving from place to place and are always ready to build, even during the cold season.
It is a common practice in Quebec to pour foundations 12 months a year. The snow itself poses no real problems but rather serves as insulation. As for the foundation walls, it is suggested to add a membrane on them in order to avoid frost from sticking to it.
In regards to the footings, they will be exposed to the winter climate. They could be exposed to freezing and thawing which could cause them to be unstable. If the wood floors at ground level are not built upon the foundations, according to the building code, backfill must not be used any higher than 3 ft. 11 in. on foundations with a thickness of 8”. If the wood floor is built, it is permissible to backfill to 7 ft. and 6 in. high.
As for the CMHC, they unfortunately have no technical counsellors regarding this subject.
We also consulted the Canadian Cement Association and like us, they do not recommend pouring foundations in the fall without continuing the construction immediately for the same reasons as mentioned above.
It is therefore preferable to wait until spring to pour the foundation. This way, the expensive machinery will only have to be brought in once and you will avoid any major problems that could occur. Should you decide to go ahead, be sure to follow the correct steps in order to put all chances on your side and hope that nothing moves!
Keep us posted on your decision and invite the professionals in your region to comment on our reply. Some may have tricks of the trade that we do not know about.
We look forward to hearing from you!
By Timbermart
Filed under: Association, Budget, Builder, Building, Building Permit, Contractor, Home, House, Material, Planning, Plans, Prices, Project, Reference
Deciding on which contractor will build your home is a critical step in making your dream a reality. There are many things to consider when making your choice.
ROLE OF THE CONTRATOR
The contractor’s role is to control the construction process and manage all aspects of the job from start to finish. They will work from your floor plans, obtain the necessary permits for construction in your local area, and arrange for materials to be delivered to your site from your local lumber yard when needed. The contractor will also manage other necessary trades people (excavation, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, drywall installers, etc.) that will work on your home so that they arrive when needed and complete their jobs efficiently and quickly. All this will be done in a time frame that you agree on and at a quoted cost.
Contractors should be members of the provincial or local home builders’ association which requires them to conform to a code of ethics as well as attend courses on the latest techniques, building code requirements and technologies to remain in good standing. They should also be licensed to work in your area and you should be able to see these licences upon request.
Contractors should also carry insurance in case of an accident during construction or in the event of a dispute. You should be familiar with the rules required by your local government, your home owner’s insurance policy and your bank to ensure that you understand the liabilities involved with building a home and how to protect yourself.
LOCATING A CONTRACTOR
It takes more than just looking in the phone book to find a contractor. A good place to start is often with friends, family or neighbours. Ask them if the contractor they used lived up to expectations and delivered what was agreed to. Ask if they had any problems with the contractor and, if so, how they were resolved. Most importantly, ask if they would hire the same contractor again. You want to know they have a good reputation and a history of satisfied customers.
Your local home show can be a perfect place to look for local contractors who do the type of work that you are planning. You will be able to talk with several contractors and see photographs of their projects while learning about construction materials and getting advice from professionals.
You can also approach the Canadian Home Builder’s Association (visit www.chba.ca). They will be able to put you in contact with contractors from your local area that are members in good standing.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK
Before you begin hiring, take the time to do research. Go online to familiarize yourself with the materials and local requirements for your job. You can’t expect to learn as much as the professionals, but by educating yourself you will more likely be able to identify a contractor that may not be fully competent (or even dishonest). Educating yourself now will also save you time and increase your confidence later when it comes to making decisions like picking fixtures and making choices on items such as flooring materials that will have to be done when construction is under way.
By Timbermart
Filed under: Builder, Building, Contractor, Dream, Home, House, Inspiration, Insulation, Investment, Reputation, Style, Warranty
You’ve thought about it and now you’re doing it, you’re building your own home. It is an exciting decision to make. Being able to choose, plan and live in a dream for many, but now you are making that vision come true.
Are you stepping down this path for the first time? Like anything, the process can be tricky and there are many important details to consider as you get started.
Style of your new home
Have you decided on a style of home yet? If you need inspiration, go to open houses or remember what you like about the design of you friends’ and neighbours’ homes. Make notes. If there is an interesting detail or feature, write it down so that it doesn’t get forgotten during the excitement of building.
Where you will build is very important too. If you already own the land you plan to build on, your opinions may be more open than if you are building in an established subdivision. Many subdivision developers have restrictions called “covenants” which may force you to build a house of a certain size or style. They may limit where you can choose to build your home, even what colour it is when finished. These covenants are in place to assure that all the homes in the area are worth about the same and this will protect the value of your investment in later years. Remember that this is an investment and even if this is your dream home, there may come a day that you will have to sell it. Protecting help ensure its value in later years.
What to consider
There are a lot of other things to consider about the location of your new home. Distance to shopping, schools and work have to be thought about.
Finding the right contractor is your next step. A new home is likely your biggest investment. Make sure you don’t rush into it. It’s always a good idea to get at least three bids and remember the old adage, “If it is too good to be true, it probably is”.
To ensure that both you and your builder are satisfied with the work, make sure the details are spelled out in a written contract. The time you spend at this stage will avoid any confusion later on.
With the internet and groups like your provincial Homebuilders Associations, reams of information is available to help your home. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation also offers useful information including valuable question and answer sheets. Their website address is http://www.cmhc.ca.
Finding a good contractor
To find a good contractor, ask around. Ask family, friends and associates about who has a reputation for doing good work. Ask your contractor to supply the names of satisfied clients. If he can’t, look to another contractor.
Not offering a warranty on their services, poor workmanship and extra costs are all pitfalls on the path to feeling good about building you new home. Remember not every contractor plays by the rules. It is best, of course, to avoid these people.
The contractor will also be handling the scheduling of other trades such as electricians, insulation and drywall installers and any other specialists that may be required to complete the construction of your home.
Beyond choosing a good contractor, you will also need lawyer and a banker to handle legal matters and financing. Finally, remember that many home builders are more concerned about structural integrity and the attractiveness of your home from the outside. Remember that the interior should also be designed for practical concerns like – will all that furniture you already have fit? So if it’s not already clear, researching and planning before the first nail goes in is the key to making your new home a great castle to be enjoyed for years to come.
By Jessica Langlois
Filed under: Builder, Building, Construction, Housing, Multi-family
Single detached housing starts n Ontario dropped by 3%, while the more volatile multi-unit housing starts experienced a very significant increase of 94%.
media-release-significant-increase-in-multiple-housing.pdf
By Marie-France Roger
Filed under: Association, Builder, Building, Construction, Environmental, Taxes
Home Builders have been strongly opposed to the duplication of the provincial land transfer tax in Toronto that will double the current provincial tax rate.
To learn more, click on the link bellow
