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Replacement Windows – What You Need to Know

Q: Window replacement is a very popular and common home improvement. What advice can you offer to get homeowners started?

A: A great place to start is by asking family, friends and acquaintances if they’ve ever contracted this type of before and if there was someone they could recommend. The next step might be contacting the Siding and Windows Dealers Association of Canada (S.A.W.D.A.C) They have an excellent web site which walks homeowners through all aspects of choosing the right contractor along with a great education on products such as window glass and their benefits. This information will enable you to make some style choices and your increased knowledge level will ensure your visit with the contractor is more productive for both you and your contractor.

Q: How do window requirements vary by region?

A: At one time triple glazing on window glass was recommended for far northern climates only however, since the cost of heating and cooling a home has skyrocketed , triple glazed, high performance glass makes more sense than ever, in all parts of the country.

Q: What’s the best way for homeowners to budget for window replacements and get a reasonably accurate idea of total costs?

A: Contact a contractor with approximate sizes and styles. They will be able to provide a rough estimate. Once you have an approximate cost you can budget accordingly. Some contractors can also arrange bank financing to suit your budget or offer deferred payments which enable you to get started right away.

Q: What elements of the replacement process can make a difference to the job’s timeframe? What are some best practices that homeowners can employ to ensure the job stays on schedule?

A: Window options like colour, shapes and decorative grids add to production time. Ask your contractor to include an installation timeframe on your contract and if you are contacted with questions on the order communicate your responses to the contractor right away as your order will likely be held until you do. A follow up call to your contractor at the 30 day mark inquiring about the status of your order would be a good idea.

Q: What trends are you seeing in window replacements? What in your opinion is the “next big thing” in the industry?

A: Triple glazed windows have become very popular due to the high cost of energy and we’re anticipating the advent of remote control function to open and close as well as raise and lower internal blinds. The ability to open your windows from work to allow fresh air flow is around the corner.

Q: What are some exciting new products homeowners should be aware of [e.g. more energy-efficient]?

A: Roll down and magnetic screens have become very popular along with a coating on the glass which actually ” self cleans ” the exterior of the window.

Q: What other advice can you offer to homeowners replacing or upgrading their windows?

A: Wherever possible try replacing with casement or awning window style. They are the most energy efficient operating windows on the market and if you choose from a maker with a lifetime warranty available on the crank mechanism, you’re worry free.

Q: Why did you join our network?

A: Our customers are using internet research more often than not now, when considering home improvements – especially if there is technical jargon involved that they want to become familiar with even before they meet with a contractor. Then when they are ready to get comparison quotes they are researching specific contractors online too. We want our customers to find us on reputable sites and service-specific sites.

Q: Naturally, we hope homeowners use our service to find a reputable local contractor…but if they don’t, what criteria should they use to determine the right choice for their window replacement?

A: Credentials and accreditation. There are currently no window-replacement specific licensing requirements in Ontario like there are for plumbers or electricians. So your best bet is to hire the contractor who has the following:

A business license for your municipality and a “Renovator’s License” in the GTA
Liability insurance
A good record with your local Better Business Bureau and preferably an accredited BBB business
Membership and affiliations with organizations like SAWDAC, ENERGY STAR Canada and Ontario Home Builders will ensure they have met the high standards of those associations. Window Wise Certified craftsmen and products means your installation is guaranteed.
Lifetime warranty on windows means your product is guaranteed.
Windows must be CSA approved and ENERGY STAR certified.

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Posted by The Builder - April 29, 2012 at 5:57 pm

Categories: General Home Building   Tags: ,

Real Estate – Is This the Right Time to Buy?

The current downturn in the economy can be a good thing for some people in the real estate market. First time buyers, move up buyers, investors and builders with cash for inventory stand in a very good place for making money during these trying times. Statistics for Toronto real estate reveal the best opportunities of the past several months for buying a new home. Competition is low, and interest rates are bargain basement. So are the asking prices of existing house. Experts are predicting that Canada in general will recover quickly from the current economic crisis.

Research, Then Buy

First things first. Before taking advantage of the market, determine where you want to live in the GTA area. Then locate a good agent, one who has fierce negotiating skills ready to be put to the task in your behalf. Then find a seller motivated to move his property. Sounds easy, doesn’t it?

So What’s Out There and Available?

A move up buyer is a person who owns their own home and wants to sell for any number of reasons. They are expecting another addition to the family. Or their kids are grown and have left the home, allowing the parents to downsize living arrangements. Or maybe they just need a change in location, the job has moved, etc. Sellers stand to lose money on the sale upfront. However, the seller will be buying at a higher price which will allow him/her to make back all monies of the loss as well as generate new gains.

Who Gets the Best Deal?

So who stands to get the best deal in the Toronto real estate market? Well, the best deal should go to the buyer who has been straddling the fence for the past six months. Or, the person who may have gotten a promotion or raise and needs to move to a new house and simply hasn’t had the time to look for property yet. The point is that job security makes it possible to jump successfully back into the market.

Example of Savings

Say, you bought your house for $500k two years ago, and now you have to sell for $400k. That equals a $100k loss. However you buy a more expensive home for $900k that was selling at $1 million before. Therefore, you get back the $100k that you lost on the sale and then some in today’s market. The specifics may vary individually, but you get the picture. Now is the time to jump because excess inventory such as property in Central and Downtown Toronto, have just about dried up. There are fewer new listings taking place.

Investment Buyers and Builders

Investment buyers can strike it rich in this market by snapping up the multi unit buildings currently available. Property values in Toronto proper have stayed strong through the crisis. Potential renters and condo buyers are still active and looking. Investors can lock in low interest rates with only a nominal down payment. Operating costs will be covered by the rental income. A builder with cash in the bank can buy up inventory at very good prices for future projects and even sit on them until the market makes an upturn.

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Posted by The Builder - April 29, 2012 at 2:17 pm

Categories: General Home Building   Tags: ,

Finishing a Basement – And How to Plan For It

Profile: We had the opportunity to talk about finishing a basement with Bobby Assadourian, President and CEO of Triple R Inc. Located in Hamilton, Ontario, Triple R has been serving customers throughout the Golden Horseshoe for six years. The company covers a wide range of renovation, rebuilding and repair services. One common job type is basement remodeling – Triple R can often be found finishing a basement in a new home, or enhancing an existing finished basement that needs work.

Other services include general repair and maintenance – both indoor and outdoor; renovations – bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and more; masonry; complete plumbing and electrical; landscaping; framing, drywall; painting; ceramics and flooring; heating and cooling; doors and windows; siding; and roofing.

Q: Let’s talk about basements. Finishing a basement is a concern for many homeowners. What advice can you offer to get them started?

A: First, make sure your basement is dry.

If your home is new, wait two to three years to let the home settle and for all the materials in the basement to interact with each other. Be aware that some basement waterproofing may be necessary.

If it’s an older home, make sure there are no moisture issues in the basement before you start anything!

Don’t trust that basement moisture is temporary or may “go away,” or that nice drywall and paint will “cover it up” – it doesn’t work that way.

Every dollar you spend on your basement remodeling will be wasted if you don’t address the moisture issues first. I’m always totally honest with homeowners: if they’re better off to wait, I’ll tell them upfront.

Bear in mind the Tarion warranty (see Tarion for the exact specifics regarding time limitations, etc.). During the two-to-three year period, you’re covered for defects in the foundation – but you need to be able to see the problems! You have to see the whole basement floor and the walls. There can be no dream basement until this period is over!

The documents from Tarion often sit on refrigerators collecting dust, and that’s very dangerous. You have to put off the sports bar, the home theatre and the sound system in the basement until you can be certain the foundation is sound. This might not be what you want to hear about your dream basement remodeling, but if you don’t allow adequate time you’re going to be throwing your money away (this all pertains to new construction).

Q: Assuming moisture issues are addressed, what’s the homeowners’ next step in finishing a basement?

A: Do not build to Ontario minimum building code! Mike Holmes of Home & Garden backs me 100% on this. Often, basement remodeling comes down to money – but beware that the “minimum building code” is exactly what it sounds like! It won’t produce a basement or anything else that will stand the test of time and it won’t provide value for your dollar. It’s truly the bottom of the barrel.

The funny thing is, there’s not much of a monetary difference between good to best. However, because building codes are designed for builders and contractors, in some ways the system benefits them. Builders can save a few dollars on products, and that really adds up over time as they build hundreds of houses. That’s why many of them choose to build to lower specifications.

For homeowners, though, the cost difference is pretty minor. Labour is the same – or, in some cases less, because good products are easier to install. It’s really worth your while to insist on the best when you’re finishing a basement. Bear this in mind and you’ll save a lot of pain in the years to come.

C: What’s the best way for homeowners to budget for a basement remodeling and get a reasonably accurate idea of total costs?

A: To get an accurate idea, they shouldn’t try to cost it out themselves – get a contractor.

Take your time, though, to educate yourself before calling a contractor. Read magazines, literature, talk to people at big box stores.

Get a really good idea of how your finished basement with look in terms of layout, design features, and materials – know them by trade name! Contractors have a much easier time when homeowners know exactly what materials they need. If you can’t afford certain materials, talk to the contractor about finding the best balance between cost and quality.

Knowing your materials will also increase your chances of having a good contractor experience – the contractor will know within a few minutes of speaking whether you’ve done your homework and are knowledgeable and serious. Contractors need to impress homeowners, yes – but there’s nothing wrong with the homeowner impressing the contractor! Contractors are more likely to prioritize your quote and get back to you quickly if they can tell that you are serious, that you know what you want, and that you’ve done your research.

Q: What trends are you seeing in basement remodeling? Any exciting new products homeowners should be aware of?

A: First off, remember that you’ll spend a lot of money over the years heating and cooling your basement. Due to this, there’s a growing trend toward being Energy Star-efficient and -compliant.

To achieve this standard, you must seriously consider upgrading from “pink or yellow” basement insulation to Roxul. It provides some labour savings because it’s safer and not itchy, it lasts much longer – but most importantly, the energy savings are phenomenal! The money you spend upfront will pay itself back in dividends over the next few decades in energy savings. It’s also fire-resistant.

Another interesting basement product to be aware of is “Ipex.” It’s a revolutionary plumbing product that’s phasing out copper. It’ll take several years for most contractors to adopt it, but that’s true for any new amazing product that comes out on the market. Even if the products are the best choices for finishing a basement, or are more green and efficient than other products, contractors tend to “wear their old shoes.”

Again, be aware of the product options when finishing a basement, do your research and be ready to ask for them by name. Show the contractor that you know what you’re talking about.

Q: What other advice can you offer to homeowners looking to finish a basement?

A: To have a really successful basement renovation, you must have good communications with your contractor. The vast, vast majority of problems in basement remodeling are caused by poor communication!

Homeowners have to consider the time they spend looking for a basement contractor, or any contractor, as a dating period! “Date” your contractor for an appropriate amount of time, because you’re entering into a relationship with that contractor. You need to evaluate them personally, not just professionally!

Q: Why did you join our contractor network?

A: It’s an association that’s doing good on a large scale and bringing quality people together. Since I started with them, nothing but good has come my way. These people run the company so efficiently and with so much discipline, and they contribute to so many good causes in addition to their regular work (such as the March of Dimes).

Q: We hope homeowners use our service to find a reputable local contractor…but if they don’t, what criteria should they use to determine who’s the right choice for finishing a basement?

A: I firmly believe that there are three or four valid ways that you can research a contractor and make very sure he’s legitimate. When renovations go wrong, the contractor bears responsibility – but, to be honest, the homeowner usually does too! The bottom line is that a basement renovation or any other type of work demands that you thoroughly research both your project and your contractor, and maintain good communication. If you do that you’ll almost certainly have a positive experience.

1) never hire a contractor without a city license (*note – where applicable).

2) call in to WSIB and make sure your contractor has proper workplace insurance.

3) call their commercial insurer.

4) call references and visit the jobs in person.

Remember that nobody else can do this for you (unless you’re using a service such as ours). It is your responsibility and you must take it seriously!

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Posted by The Builder - April 29, 2012 at 10:06 am

Categories: General Home Building   Tags: ,

Wall Construction Simplified

Walls are built as two primary components, they are the structure, and the finish materials.

Structure

The structure is used to house service utilities, provide support for the upper portions of the building, and as means of attachment for finish materials or insulation. They are constructed in two major divisions, interior walls, and exterior walls.

Interior wall structure is constructed in two primary categories, load bearing, and non-load bearing. Although not common, many homeowners opt to insulate the wall system to reduce sound transmission and lower heat loss in unused rooms.

Interior load-bearing walls are primarily constructed of 2″ x 4″ or 2″ x 6″ dimensioned lumber, with a two top plates, and one bottom plate, nailed to vertical members called “studs” spaced 16″ apart. They are located over bearing beams, columns or footings, capable of supporting the loads that will be placed on them. Most often, load-bearing walls are installed perpendicular to, and as support for upper floor joists, ceiling joists or framed roof assemblies. Openings in load bearing walls are installed with headers, or small beams, supported on shorter studs, spanning the required height and width of the opening in the wall. Often cross bracing is required to prevent parallel deformation from external forces, and holds the building square.

Interior non-load bearing walls are installed in locations where the upper structural components do not rest or require support. They are built usually from single top and bottom plates, with studwork, often on 24″ centers, nailed to them. Locations that this type of wall is used include walls parallel to joists, and in buildings with clear spanning truss’s or manufactured/framed joist work. Openings in these walls generally do not require the use of structural headers or supports, but often do need diagonal bracing to prevent lateral movement.

Exterior walls always provide support for the upper structure, including floor and roof assemblies. They are always load-bearing, requiring diagonal supports or shear panels, and enough space for insulation. In Northern Ontario, these walls are generally constructed from 2″x6″ material, but often double wall systems for added insulation are constructed. In the wall assemblies, windows and doors are installed to provide access to the building, as well as allowing for natural light or ventilation of the indoor environment. They are constructed from a framework of studs, usually 16″ apart, nailed to a double top plate, and single bottom plate. Within the cavity, utility lines and insulation is placed.

The interior surface is treated with a vapor barrier, and finish, with the exterior surface having an air barrier and exterior finish or “siding” installed. Openings are framed with beams or lintels, supported on shorter studs, called “jacks”, and nailed to the top and bottom plates. Although there are many configurations, builders utilize, for diagonal support, it is most often installed as shear panels, which are sheets of plywood or aspenite, nailed to the exterior of the walls framework. Other methods of diagonal support include wood or metal wind bracing which is a member placed diagonally from the bottom plate, through the studs, to the top plate.

Finish

There are two main areas on walls over which a finish will be applied, they include the interior exposed surface and the exterior exposed surface. The finish materials provide an esthetic surface, protect the utility lines, and reduce the transmission of sound and heat.

Interior exposed surfaces

Finishes applied to interior walls are very much the more important consideration to homeowners. This is the surface, which they will see each day, and must be visually appealing, yet, durable and require little maintenance. Of the multitude of finishes, we will discuss paneling, gypsum board, and interlocking wood.

Paneling is thin sheets of wood products, typically 4′ x 8′ in size, and come with a variety of finish textures, colors and patterns. It is manufactured for use in general locations, but some types can be installed in wet areas, like shower stalls and laundry rooms. It is easily put on, requiring no finish work other than trim and caulking, when required. Advantages to this type of finish is that it can be quickly installed and requires no maintenance or upkeep. One disadvantage is that the finishes are generally only available for a few years, so future repair, tends to require the complete replacement the damaged panel, and all adjacent panels, to ensure a match.

Gypsum board (often referred to by the trade name “drywall”) is probably the most popularly installed interior finish. Gypsum board provides a smooth, flat surface finish, which is durable, can be altered by painting over to change its appearance, easily repaired and requires little maintenance. It is relatively cheap to install, but does tend to be a bit messy. This is due to the need for repetitive coats of a plaster based compound, required to fill in all the joints and penetrations located between the individual sheets, which need to be sanded down. It is a good sound and heat barrier, in that its smooth and light-colored surface easily reflects both sound waves, and radiates heat, back into the room.

Interlocking wood finishes, are very natural surface treatments. They are simply strips of wood, designed to interlock with each other. This type of finish, can be manufactured from oak, birch, maple, cedar, or most commonly, pine. Installers normally use small nails to fasten the individual slats, but often they will opt to glue the sections in place. This type of finish requires trim work to hide any exposed edges. Interlocking wood, is more expensive to install, both due to material costs, and higher labour time. It requires occasional sealing with shellacs, sealers, oils, or stains to maintain, and repair work is rather difficult. Finishes of this type, are most often installed in areas requiring less noise, like dens, living rooms or libraries.

Exterior Exposed Surfaces

Finishes applied to exterior exposed wall surfaces are an important consideration to homeowners. This is the surface, which the neighbors and passerby’s will see, each day, and must be visually appealing, yet, durable and require little maintenance. Of the multitude of finishes, we will discuss paneling, vinyl or aluminum siding, brick, and interlocking wood.

Paneling is thin sheets of wood products, typically 4′ x 8′ in size, and comes with a variety of finish textures, colors and patterns. It is manufactured for use in exterior locations. It is easily installed, requiring no finish work other than trim and caulking. Advantages to this type of finish are that it can be quickly installed and require little maintenance or upkeep. One disadvantage is that the finishes are generally only available for a few years, so future repair tends to require the complete replacement the damaged panel, and all adjacent panels, to ensure a match.

Vinyl or aluminum siding is by far the most popular type of siding, installed in modern homes. It is a product manufactured by extruding, or pressing poly vinyl through a mould, or by stamping aluminum sheets into shape. It comes in a wide variety of colors and textures, as well as varying in width. It is fastened to the building with small, large-headed nails, which are left loose to allow for thermal expansion. This is a durable, maintenance free type of finish, with a very long life span. Because of this, and the fact that it is one of the cheaper sidings to install, it tends to be the siding of choice for builders. The only disadvantage to this type of siding is that they damage easily, and repairs are difficult, at best, to make.

The most durable and expensive, exterior finish, is the popular brick siding. Bricks are made from clay or cement, molded or extruded to form small 4″ x 3-1/2″ x 8″ bricks (typically). They come in a variety of colors, and a variety of textures. Other types of brick siding can include rock or stone, cut to fit. Brick is installed by laying the units in a 1/2″ bed of mortar, called a joint, and connected to the walls with brick ties. The mortar can be tinted to accent or match the brickwork. Brick siding is a very durable and maintenance free finish, requiring no maintenance or upkeep, while giving a very solid or stoic feel to the home. It is quite expensive to install but still remains a popular choice for modern buildings.

Interlocking wood finishes, are very natural surface treatments. They are simple strips of wood, designed to interlock with each other. This type of finish can be manufactured from pine, or more commonly, cedar. Installers use small-galvanized nails to fasten the individual slats. Interlocking wood requires trim work to hide any exposed edges, and caulking to seal the exterior penetrations. It is a moderately expensive finish to install, both due to material costs, and higher labour time. It requires occasional sealing with shellacs, sealers, oils, or stains to maintain, and repair work is rather difficult. Finishes of this type, are most often installed in cottages or rural building locations because of its natural look.

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Posted by The Builder - April 29, 2012 at 6:08 am

Categories: General Home Building   Tags: ,

If Rome Was Built Today It Would Be Built Using ICF Construction

What would you think if we said that a home could have:

* Heating bills 35%-60% less.

* Weather resistance that will stand up to hurricane force winds, and is rated to withstand earthquakes.

* The ultimate fire resistance insofar that some insurance companies decide to give a 20% (or more) discount on a homeowners’ policy.

* Healthy indoor air quality, essentially free from dust and pollen.

* A guarantee to never get dry-rot, or be infested by termites or carpenter ants.

* Recycled material components that save in average 15 trees per home when constructed.

* Reduced exterior wall sound transmission by more than 65% so barking dogs, lawn mowers, and even airplanes are reduced to a whisper.

* The most amazing thing of all, is that this technology is available right here, right now and it costs only a little more than a conventional wood built house.

The Magic of ICF’s……

The big secret that more and more builders, architects, engineers and homeowners are beginning to uncover is the new advances in concrete homes constructed using Insulating Concrete Forms (ICF) construction technology.

Insulating Concrete Forms are lightweight, highly durable foam blocks or forms composed of an expanded or extruded polystyrene, and recycled materials.

Raw plastic beads are molded into one of several basic form types. Some of these forms look like hollow blocks that you stack and interlock like big “Lego’s”. Others use panels that are held at a constant distance apart by a series of plastic ties.

Either way, the product is stacked in the shape of your home, reinforcing steel is placed inside, and concrete poured in between to create a solid, structural wall.

The Insulating Concrete Forms remain in place after the concrete sets, and function as thermal and acoustical insulation, an air and vapor barrier, and exterior wall sheathing. Your finished wall is basically 6″ +/- of reinforced concrete with 2″-3″ of dense foam insulation inside and out, resulting in a rock solid, 12″ thick, super-wall!

The integral, permanent insulation allows builders to construct ultra efficient walls in a fraction of the time required to build walls out of wood or steel studs.

How is an ICF Home Construction More Environmentally-Friendly?

In so many ways; ICF home construction reduces the consumption of energy. These are the most air-tight homes on the market. The concrete absorbs solar heat and slowly releases it so heat is distributed evenly throughout the home. The average energy consumption reduction is 35-60% below conventional wood frame houses. The houses use fewer natural resources to heat them and they will last quite literally for centuries.

ICF walls conserve forest resources and their energy efficiency reduces fossil fuel consumption. It’s estimated a 2,000 square foot home saves up to 15 large trees when compared to conventional construction. Concrete is inert, non-toxic, and produced from abundant natural and recycled material.

Lower noise from the outside world and the air exchange system all contribute to a more peaceful and healthy environment for the occupants of an ICF home.

Disadvantages of ICF construction:

Cost; expect to pay 5-10% more for an ICF home depending on where you live.Where ICF homes are popular the cost will probably be a little cheaper.

Even though ICF construction is very durable and Code approved, it might take a little extra time to get your plans through the building department (unless they are familiar with the particular system that you are using).

ICF construction requires subcontractors to do certain tasks differently. Wiring, heating, plumbing, and drywall will be different than in traditional construction. This might cause prices to be higher or occasionally, difficulty in finding sub-trades that have experience working in an ICF home.

The ICF industry is growing rapidly, and in the last few years we have completed projects in many different townships and municipalities. There are very few building departments left in Southern Ontario where they are not familiar with the ICF building process.

Summary:

* ICF homes are a superior system to wood framed or steel framed homes.

* Once the exterior walls are poured they are ready for finishing (on the inside and out).

* They are extremely durable and they don’t cost much more than a traditional framed home.

* Finding subcontractors may be a challenge, but if you are planning to live in your home for many years, ICF homes are the only choice to make.

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Posted by The Builder - April 29, 2012 at 2:10 am

Categories: General Home Building   Tags: , , , ,

Tarion New Home Warranty – Do I Need an Inspection?

Every new home in Ontario is protected by a mandatory Warranty that is provided by the Builder and guaranteed by the Tarion Home Warranty Programme. The Warranty covers deposit insurance, protection against defects in work and materials, unauthorized substitutions, delayed closings or delayed occupancy. The most common claims relate to defects in work and materials, which require homeowners to submit a list of deficiencies at 30 day and one-year deadlines.

While Builders provide a pre-delivery inspection (PDI) for buyers just before closing, these are more related to cosmetic issues such as whether the chosen flooring, cabinets, countertops, etc. are installed. Although the PDI serves a purpose it really does not cover all the systems of the house.

While a typical PDI is basically a walk through inspection and generally takes about one hour, an independent thorough inspection should take about three hours and should include such items as foundation, roofing, grading, structure, insulation, plumbing, heating and ventilation.

While most people think that buying a new house will mean everything will be perfect, it’s not uncommon to find missing insulation in the attic, poor ventilation systems or even structural issues. An example of this may be something as simple as a bathroom fan venting into the attic. This can cause serious damage when moist air meets the cold attic. If caught quickly little damage will result but a year down the road, mould, mildew and even rot may be visible on the attic sheathing and rafters.

Although buyers may believe that the Builder and the City Inspectors will have thoroughly inspected everything, this is rarely the case. The problem generally stems from the fact that there are many tradesmen following each other during construction, each with a very tight schedule. On a large site with multiple trades and many house designs in different stages of construction it’s not unusual for some things to get moved or damaged or just plain forgotten.

The average home owner can not be expected to be familiar with the complex systems of a home.

A professional Home Inspection by a Registered Home Inspector (RHI) is your best defence when it comes to protecting your investment and receiving the full benefit of the New Home Warranty program.

When choosing an inspector, those with RHI designation have extensive training and are required to conform to a strict Code of Ethics and the Standards of Practice as set out by the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors.

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Posted by The Builder - April 28, 2012 at 9:40 pm

Categories: General Home Building   Tags: , ,

Easy Website Development For Beginners

Website development for any business it critical to keep up with the competition. Both online and offline business have realized the importance of a web presence and the power of the internet for marketing and business promotion. A website is not only a reflection of the business, but a reflection of the owner and should be give careful thought and consideration beforehand.

Planning Your Web Design

There is no right or wrong when it comes to web design. For a formal business, your web pages should be clean and sleek minus a lot of gadgets and extras. There should be adequate white space and the content should be well written and informative. One the other hand, jazzy and over the top with flash and animation works well for fun and informal. Either way, it should still be easy to navigate through and not too cluttered. The content needs to still be well written and informative, but less formal.

The ultimate goal is when visitors reach your home page to catch their attention so they will continue on until they reach your sales page and make a purchase. You have to design your web pages according to the type of target audience you want to reach. For the young adult audience you must include information that they can relate to such as music, pictures, and videos. If you are seeking a more mature audience useful information, resolutions to their problems, and content that will entice them to move forward to make a sale.

Do It Yourself or Outsource

There are many web builder programs available on the internet. This allows even the beginner to create their own websites and save some money. If you are experience in HTML code you can certainly take on the task yourself, but for those who are not as experienced this can be a challenge. The decision to outsource or do it yourself is a personal decision. Is this a task you want to undertake or would you prefer to do it on your own?

When searching for someone to build a website there are many places to look. Outsourcing sites will allow you to sign up for free, place an ad such as looking for a web designer and you will get tons of potential designers with their bids. You can then browse their profiles and review their bids. If you want to work with one of them you can choose to or not.

Other places to look are in the free classified ads, college or university classifieds, or even run your own ad. Even some high school students have the knowledge to create web pages for a pretty fair price. What is important is that they understand your ideas and have the ability to fulfill your needs. A professional web designer is another option, but they often come with a high price tag.

Adding Content to Your Web Pages

One thing that is often overlooked when designing a website is the ability to add content or make changes. If you hire someone to create a website and you do not know how to add or change the content you will always depend on someone else to make any changes. Even if you do not know code, it is important that you know the basics in order to make changes. If you have the budget to pay someone to do this, it is not a problem.

Regardless of whether you want to do it yourself or hire someone take the time to make sure your website is inviting. You only have a few seconds to catch the visitors attention so make it count.

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Posted by The Builder - April 28, 2012 at 4:55 pm

Categories: General Home Building   Tags: , ,

4 Home Buying Rebate Programs You Need to Know About

Purchasing a home is the largest cheque most people will ever sign, so making sure you have all the information at hand before making your purchase is important.  In addition to your down-payment there will be various closing costs that you will need to think about as well.  These costs can add up to quite a substantial amount of money.  But for many home buyers, especially first-time home buyers, these extra costs could be offset, at least in part, by available rebate programs.  Here are 4 home buyer rebate programs you need to know about.

Land Transfer Tax Refund for First-Time Home Buyers

Every buyer in Ontario must pay the government a land transfer tax which is based on a percentage of what the home sold for.  First-time home buyers however can apply for a rebate for and receive a rebate for all of a portion of the tax paid.  Other provinces may have similar programs available and in Ontario the maximum amount that would be refunded is $2,000.  Some cities, such as Toronto, have also implemented their own land transfer tax but this too can be refunded to eligible buyers.  That’s nothing to sneeze at.

GST Rebate For New Home Purchases

If you buy a resale home you generally do not have to pay GST on the purchase price.  Not so however if you buy a new home construction.  New homes are subject to GST on the purchase price but there is a rebate program for this as well.  In general eligible new home buyers can apply for a refund of all or a part of the GST.  Keep in mind though that some builders include the GST in the price of the new home and any GST refund would go to them since they are the ones who absorbed the GST in the first place.

Affordable Housing Program

Government is continually trying to make home ownership affordable and available to everyone and with any government program the rules can be complex.  In a nutshell the affordable housing program allows those people who qualify to apply for a government grant for the down-payment of their home.  Municipalities and provinces have different rules as to who qualifies so check with your real estate professional for more details.

Home Buyers’ Plan

For most people looking to buy their first home the monthly mortgage payments are not the issue.  Mortgage payments are usually close to what they are already paying in rent.  The biggest obstacle to buying a home is coming up with the down-payment.  If you have money in your RRSP however you can withdraw up to $20,000 tax free for the purpose of using it as your down-payment.  This money needs to be paid back to your RRSP within fifteen years and payments need to be made to it every year.

It is important to do your research and speak with your real estate professional to find out more on theses programs and which ones you will be eligible for.  Even qualifying for only one program can save you a substantial amount of money.

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Posted by The Builder - April 28, 2012 at 1:44 pm

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Beware of Hidden New Condominium Closing Costs

When shopping for a new Toronto condo buyers should be aware of hidden condominium closing costs.

Do not sign sales Contract without your Buyer Agent

Your own buyers agent should be able to point out some of the extra closings costs hidden in the fine print of your new Toronto Condo sales contract.

Check sales contract with your Lawyer

In Ontario buyers of new Toronto Condos have a 10 day cooling off period upon signing a contract after which the agreement becomes legally firm and binding if you do not inform the builder/developer that you wish to abort the contract.

You should use this period to have your sales agreement checked by your real estate lawyer and have them explain the additional closing costs to you.

Some of the more common hidden closing costs are as follows:

Tarion New Home Warranty

Each new Toronto Condo comes with a new home warranty issued by Tarion Home Warranty Program.

The builder/developer passes along the cost of this warranty to you, the buyer.

Education Levies

School boards in Ontario charge a levy on each new condo built for new schools required as a result of new developments.

Municipal Levies

The City of Toronto will also charge a levy on each new Toronto Condo unit built for new parks and such.

Municipal Sewer Connections

There will be a municipal sewer connection charge that the builder/developer will pass on to you.

Electric Meter Connection

The local electrical utility will charge for an electrical meter connection which the builder will pass on to you.

Gas Meter Connection

If your new Toronto Condo building has individual gas heating to each unit the local gas utility will charge a gas meter connection charge. The builder will pass this on to you.

City of Toronto Transit Pass

The City of Toronto now requires builders to include a Metro Toronto Transit Pass for a period of one year to every buyer of a new Toronto Condo unit. You can be sure the builder will pass this additional cost on to you.

These are just some of the additional hidden closings costs but there will likely be others buried in the fine print of your new Toronto Condo sales contract.

They can and will add thousands of dollars to your costs on closing day.

Your sales contract will not necessarily specify a dollar figure on each of these costs as they could change by the time the closing date comes along.

Once you have an idea what these are you can have your buyers agent go back to the builder/developer and negotiate a cap on these costs allowing you to at least budget for them.

This will ensure there are no nasty surprises when the closing date of your new Toronto Condo arrives.

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Posted by The Builder - April 28, 2012 at 10:24 am

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Faulty Furnace Exhaust Vents… The Rest Of The Story

Early in 1995 the Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations (MCCR) announced a program to replace up to 20,000 mid-efficiency gas furnaces in Ontario, because their plastic vent pipes were prone to failure, and might leak carbon monoxide into the house. Other sources indicated the number might have been as high as 40,000 – but no one knows for sure.

The crux of the problem was that no other type of vent pipe had been approved for use with mid-efficiency furnaces.

Hundreds of home owners planned to sue the government, the manufacturers and others for refusing to pay for the entire replacement. At that point, home owners were expected to pay about $1000 of the estimated $1500 cost to exchange the furnaces for high-efficiency models, which would function safely with plastic vent pipes currently available. The home builder was to pay $200, the ONHWP $200, and the gas companies $100.

By the end of 1995 neither the Government of Ontario, which approved the faulty vent pipes, nor the manufacturers had made any contribution toward the cost of replacements in private homes and businesses. But the government did pay for replacements in government-funded non-profit and co-op housing.

And apparently, the program offered nothing to people who had already replaced their mid-efficiency furnaces before this program was announced.

On September 12, 1995, the Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations issued a Safety Order requiring all owners of heating appliances with high-temperature plastic vents to have these systems corrected by August 31, 1996. Gas utilities and propane suppliers were required by Ontario law to discontinue the supply of fuel to appliances which had not been corrected by the deadline. Correction consisted of replacing the defective vent with an approved alternate vent, if available, or replacing the whole heating system.

Two vent pipe manufacturers in Toronto claimed they had safe, effective replacement vent pipes (a special grade of corrosion-resistant stainless steel) which would solve the problem with mid-efficiency installations. These replacement pipes had not yet received approval, and for some furnaces, replacements were never approved. One manufacturer asked the Premier’s office to spend some of the millions ear-marked for furnaces in government-funded homes, to speed up testing and approval of the replacement pipes. The upgraded vent pipe installations typically cost a little over $400 per house.

In theory at least, all affected furnaces should have been re-fitted or replaced, by August 31, 1996.

However private home inspectors were finding some of these heating systems still in service, with the original hi-temp plastic vent pipes still in place, as late as the summer of 1997. It is entirely possible that some still exist today. Home owners should watch out for plastic exhaust vent pipes labelled Sel-Vent, PlexVent or Ultravent. (or any vent other than those in service on high efficiency furnaces, which are labelled ABS, PVC or CPVC, and are acceptable)

A licensed gas-fitter/installer should be consulted, if own a mid-efficiency furnace and you are uncertain of the vent pipes attached to it.

All owners of gas heating appliances should have CO (carbon monoxide) detectors in service, and have their appliances inspected regularly.

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Posted by The Builder - April 28, 2012 at 6:13 am

Categories: General Home Building   Tags: , , , ,

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