It banged off a girder near the top of a skyscraper, then nosedived 180 metres, hurtling to the earth at speeds up to 200 km/h.

The metal tool clattered onto the concrete below, then ricocheted up and punched a hole the size of a football in the main-floor window of the Calgary Police Service’s downtown headquarters.

Then, it came to a stop.

“I thought, ‘What the heck is this?’ ” recalls Barry Akehurst, a CPS commissionaire and one of the first on the scene when the wrench hit.

Then he looked up.

Beyond the gleaming glass of The Bow building being built across the street, to its highest levels still under construction, to the work site that stretched into the sky. He soon determined the wrench’s origin on the building site.

CALGARY – Housing starts in the Calgary census metropolitan area soared in June compared with a year ago.

According to preliminary data released today by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp., total starts during the month were 685, up by 57.8 per cent from June 2009.

Single-detached starts jumped to 531 from 374 last year, a 42 per cent hike while multiple-family starts rose by nearly 157 per cent from 60 in June 2009 to 154 last month.

To the end of June housing starts have increased in both categories year-to-date. There have been 4,617 total starts in the first half of this year compared wtih 1,981 for the same period a year ago. In the single-detached category, starts have increased from 1,549 last year to 3,335 this year while the multi-family category has seen a rise from 432 last year to 1,282 this year.

General Questions

1. What is the expected time frame for my new construction?
2. What is your price range?
3. What are the floor plans offered, if I want want something changed from your floor plans is that possible?
4. What type of amenities do you offer? How are you different from other home builders? Why are your prices higher/lower?
5. What is your warranty policy and what are the critical factors in evaluating a warranty?
6. How many years have you been in the home construction business?
7. How often can I have access to the home during the construction process?
8. What are the costs of the taxes and what are the (HOA) fees if applicable.
9. Ask your builder for a list of referrals.

Construction Questions?

1. Do the subcontractors provide a good building quality and materials? Are the reliable, have you worked with them previously?
2. Does the community have an architectural control committee?
3. How individual can my home be? Can it have a style that would reflect me?
4. What products do you use when you are building a home?
5. What green home building products do you use?

And there are a number of other questions we can go on for days…but this is a great place to start, the more you know the better you will be ready to start your new construction.  Vaughan Custom Homes and Designs can and will help you with all of these questions and many more feel free to call us anytime to get started your new home.

We will be the best first step you ever make!

Effectively See To Planning A Renovation Project
by Adriana Noton

When redesigning an interior space or home, the proper tools are often essential to see that the job is done effectively and within your budget. You may want to pay for the services of an expert builder who will be able to confirm that the plans for your dwelling are adequate and easily obtainable. As such, when you face planning a renovation project, there are a number of elements to take into consideration.

Pricing is often the most critical part to influence the extent of the overhaul. An unlimited budget may present greater options for the renovation but even smaller finances can be used accordingly, if the planning is done well.

Many times, an architect may help you in the redesign of the space as you have it in mind. This qualified person could help you draw up the necessary plans and have them approved in your district. Depending on what you want overhauled, the plans may state all that will need to be done, including breaking down existing walls, adding new doors and window frames or even redirecting the entire purpose of a room.

The foundation of an existing area is important in the renovations as this is often the hardest part to redesign. Often times, builders use the existing ground level to rebuild a different area or may build on to the current foundation to offer extensions to a current dwelling. If the space around your plot permits it, you could even be able to branch outwards and extend the flow of your space.

In many instances for those undertaking to build upwards, the consent of neighbors is regularly required. For new double storey structures, the surrounding homes should be alerted to the fact that this may affect the amount of sunlight they will get into their homes. Once nearby resident approve of your plans you could begin to develop the designs of constructing a staircase leading upwards. In this case, the entire roof will also have to be raised to make for greater living spaces on a new floor.

Sometimes it is possible to remain in the house while renovations are taking place. However, depending on the amount of work that needs to be done and the safety issues that could surface, the home owners may be obliged to move out of the present home for a period in order to complete the basic restoration. This will need to be considered early enough when the initial plans are being put up. If reflected on at the start of your project, you might be able to make other living arrangements way in advance of the building schedule.

Building on to your home may initially be an overwhelming thought. It could also take much effort, time and finances, but often times, the rewards of living in a renovated space can outweigh all the negative aspects. You may want to make a list of pro and con alternatives to help you decide what will be best in your situation.

In conclusion, the general design of a space can be the determining factor in planning a renovation project. You may want to consider the advice of a professional before you commence with any unique floor plans to suit your requirements.

Written By:

Architectural drawings Toronto offers Toronto drafting and management services for your home improvement. Services Permit Drawings Toronto, and BCIN. We are here to help with any of your home improvement needs.

5 Home Rehab Tips to Save Money and Energy in Your Home

by Dwight Miller

Modest rehab tips can provide big environmental as well as financial savings. Here are some tips that not only will save you money but will help the environment. The best strategy is to start at the top and work your way down and deal with the guts of the house first.

• Start at the top. You attic, one of the best ways to save environmentally and financially is to insulate (or re-insulate) your attic with environmentally friendly insulation. For example insulation made with recycled denim or cellulose insulation made from recycled newspapers (an example is Nuwool).
• Having poorly insulated or leaky windows is like no having windows at all. Reseal and repair windows where necessary or replace windows with highly efficient Norandex windows.
• HVAC. If you have a really old HVAC system it may be time to replace it with an energy efficient system (Checkout EnergyStar ) that will save money and energy. If you heater is relatively new add a thermostat timer and ceiling fans to help conserve.
• Install Dual-flush, low-flow commodes (look for a High Efficient Toilet (HET) standard and replace appliances with energy efficient models
• If you decide to paint use the new low Voc paints. VOCs (volative organic compounds) are unstable, carbon-containing compounds that readily vaporize into the air. When they enter the air, they react with other elements to produce ozone, which causes air pollution and a host of health issues including breathing problems, headache, burning, watery eyes and nausea, so save yourself and use low VOC paint.

There they are 5 tips for a simple green rehab that can save your money and help conserve energy.
Save Money and Rehab Green Today

Written By:

http://www.MarinContractor.com is dedicated to helping Marin County CA residents with their rehab and renovations needs. For more information contact info@marin-contractor.com or call 415-902-9344

Now I am going to tell you a few truths about home builders and renovators that may not make me too popular, and there are those who will deny these truths and try to discredit me (because their very livelihoods depend on it), but I will share them none the less.  When you are working with a professional home builder or renovator….and I truely mean a professional, not a tailgater, not a fly by nighter…..there are very few technical differences in the product they provide.  Meaning that there are generally standardized methods of construction that are used by most every major builder/renovator in the business (heck, we often use the same tradespeople).  Now don’t get me wrong….there are always options, always upgrades, better products, but these generally mean additional cost.  And that is fair….I don’t dispute that.  There is a cost for technology.  Often there is an upfront cost to save more dollars down the road.  There is a cost for the latest and greatest (just think how much a 50 inch TV cost 10 years ago!!).  And why are things generally standardized?  Because if they weren’t you would be inundated with so many technical choices that you don’t understand that you would never be able to make a decision….and if the builder automatically made all the choices for you based on the best products out there he would price himself right out of the market because they would not be comparing apples to apples with the competition, and the comsumer….you….who does not understand all the technical mumbo jumbo would really only understand one basic thing….PRICE.

Which brings me to my next point.  Why Vaughan Custom Builders?   Why not Bob’s Builders?  Or Rick’s Reno’s?  It’s simple.  It’s you.  It’s not about the product that we give to you, but how we give that product to you.  It’s the time we take to explain your options to you…the good, better, and best….the costs associated with them, the pro’s and the cons of them, the benefit (or lack thereof) of budgeting and spending your money appropriately and in the best area’s to maximize getting as much out of your money as you can.  It’s about educating you as much as you would care to be, on what makes your house a home…the sytems that comprise the whole.  It’s about giving you, the client, the best possible experience with your build or renovation.  A positive and enlightening experience that allows you to understand and appreciate your home to whatever degree you choose.  To give you the most control in the decision making process by giving you the information you need.  And this is what we offer to you.  If you walked into the showhome of any major builder and asked the saleperson what systems comprised their homes and how they worked together and which were better or worse than which, could they tell you?  Or are they just what their name implies….salepeople?  People who may, or may not understand the home, put in place for their skills and abilities to sell a product or service….but not to necessarily understand that product or service.  And that is what we beleive makes us different from the rest…because our focus, and our promise, is to you….and providing you with not only the best product we can, but the best experience as well.

1.RenoMarkTM members believe in professionalism. They are committed to their industry and to their businesses and are willing to pay annual dues to keep informed and to help educate consumers as well.

2.RenoMarkTM members have legitimate business licences. They do not support the underground economy of renovators who avoid paying taxes and operate “fly-by-night” and “cash only” businesses.

3.RenoMarkTM members are informed. Information and education are important benefits of membership. Our members are the first to know about changes in building codes, municipal requirements, health and safety regulations and more through our courses, information sessions, and communications program. Our Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Calgary Region Renovators Council meets monthly for industry updates and information exchange sessions.

4.RenoMarkTM members are “in-the-loop”. It makes sense to hire a renovator that is part of an extensive home building and renovating industry network. Our members are in touch with manufacturers, suppliers, and experienced sub-contractors. They know what’s new and where to get it.

5.RenoMarkTM members offer peace-of-mind. Joining our program is your sign that a renovator is concerned about fair and honest quotes and reliable start and finish dates. They understand that keeping the lines of communication wide open is the key to a successful job.

6.RenoMarkTM members comply with the association’s general code of ethics applicable to all members plus a renovation-specific code of conduct. It’s all about integrity. Our members believe in treating not only their clients appropriately, but also deal fairly with sub-contractors and employees.

7.RenoMarkTM members offer a wealth of advice. Put them to work for you in the planning stages of your renovation. Our members can offer design and technical advice to achieve designs you may not have thought possible. They are one call away.

8.RenoMarkTM members take care of the details. Hiring a professional means that the details like ensuring all sub-contractors have Workers Compensation Board coverage, necessary approvals and permits are in place, and obtaining the appropriate insurance are not only taken care of, they are readily available to you for your assurance.

9.RenoMarkTM members offer a warranty. A contractor committed to professionalism will offer you the coverage you need. Under the table deals leave you no recourse – so make sure your renovator spells it out on paper. Our members can also provide you with a written list of referrals so you can check on their performance and expertise.

10.RenoMarkTM members are part of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Calgary Region – a crucial first step in knowing that you’ve hired a professional.