Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Calgary Region
Profile Volume 16, Number 1 Volume V Winter W inter 2009
A Reputation You Can Stand On
Phone: (403) 287-6077 Fax: (403) 243-3347
Builders, contractors, tradesmen… we listened to your feedback and have improved VISTA !
Now you can: Development
Building
Visit calgary.ca/vista to learn how you can manage your business more conveniently using VISTA, 24/7. calgary.ca/vista | call 3-1-1
2008-2901
contents ‘We loved being at your show... what a great place to create business... we’ll be back bigger and better next year’. Len Reimer - Steel Illusions
‘Tell me what I have to do to get into this show! After seeing what happens here first hand, I have to be in it!
‘It doesn’t get any better than marketing face to face with an extremely positive and qualified audience - absolutely priceless’
Paul Chateau, Jacuzzi
Wolseley continues to be very pleased with the results from HOMEXPO - being the first show of the season, we find the clientele extremely qualified... more of our divisions want to get involved so we’ll need more display space again next year.
Young Marketing
- Wynne Exhibits
Book your space now! For the first major consumer show of the year. 201, 12420 - 102 Ave Edmonton, Alberta T5N 0M1 1.403.235.1917 1.800.316.7366 Fax 780.413.6224
January 16-18, 2009 Roundup Centre, Stampede Park, Calgary, Alberta
showswork.com
FEATURES 26
HomExpo
32
2008 SAM Awards
FEEDBACK Letters to the editor, article suggestions, columns, topics, and opinions are all welcome and encouraged! Please nail us a notice, saw us a yarn, measure us a metre of your thoughts. We’ll print the best ones in the next issue… Contact David Bears, Manager, Marketing & Events, at 403.730.4250 or
[email protected]. We’d love to hear from you!
4 • Profile/Winter 2009
Would your company like to advertise in Profile? Profile is the only quarterly magazine that reaches every member of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Calgary Region. The CHBA – Calgary Region has been in existence for over 60 years. We are a network of professionals that manages industry issues to provide value to our members. For more information on how to reach this highly targeted audience, contact Kim Davies at Naylor (Canada), Inc.
(800) 665-2456 ext. 423 or
[email protected]
CHBA – Calgary Region, representing professionals in the housing industry:
16 ASSOCIATION INFORMATION
19 INDUSTRY NEWS
21
Donna K. Moore, Executive Officer, CHBA – Calgary Region, Managing Director, Calgary Home Builders Foundation Val Veldhuyzen, Director, Finance and Administration Amie Blanchette, Manager, Technical & Government Affairs David Bears, Manager, Marketing & Events Karen Hosking, Executive Assistant Habiba Gulnaz-Khalid, Accounting Coordinator Holly Kohorst, Event Coordinator Lanett Young, Administrative Assistant Deidra Vicente, Communications Coordinator Published for Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Calgary Region Suite 100, 7326 – 10th Street NE Calgary, AB T2E 8W1 Phone: 403.235.1911 / Fax: 403.248.1272 E-mail:
[email protected] www.chbacalgary.com Profile is published four times a year by
7 9
CHBA – Calgary Region President’s Message
35
From Donna’s Desk. . .
City of Calgary – Building Regulations Division
Publisher: Robert Phillips
11 CHBA – Alberta President’s Message
37
40 CMHC
Project Manager: Kim Davies
13
New Members
47
Marketing Associate: Heather Zimmerman
14
Events Calendar
52 Index to Advertisers
Account Representatives: Brenda Ezinicki, Ralph Herzberg, Wayne Jury, Kelly Leschasin, Cheryll Oland, Darryl Sawchuk, Dawn Stokes, Ainsley Tyler
16
Events at a Glance : Industry Forum Curling Poker Tournament RenoMark
54 Advertiser.com
Layout & Design: Irene Pohoreçka
29
CHBA – Calgary Region Technical Issues & Government Affairs
COR/WCB
Naylor (Canada), Inc. 100 Sutherland Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R2W 3C7 Phone: 204.947.0222 / Fax: 204.947.2047 1.800.665.2456 / www.naylor.com
Grant Thornton LLP
Editor: Leslie Wu Advertising Sales Director: Mark Hawkins
Advertising Art: Elaine Connell ©2009 Naylor (Canada), Inc. All rights reserved. The contents of this magazine may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the publisher.
PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 2008/CRH-Q0408/8650
Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses To Naylor (Canada), Inc., Distribution Dept. 100 Sutherland Ave. Winnipeg MB R2W 3C7 Canadian Publication Agreement #40064978
ASSOCIATIONINFORMATION
by Norm Mross President CHBA – Calgary Region
IN RECENT MONTHS our industry has faced some new challenges as a result of changing economic and political conditions borne outside of our borders. Obviously we are not immune to the influence or circumstance they bring. It is in response to such factors that the Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Calgary Region was founded. The need for companies, colleagues and competitors to band together for the greater good of our industry is not new nor has it subsided. This strategy ultimately aids in maintaining the health of our own enterprises and has served members successfully for better than 60 years.
Shaking the hands of others invested in the home building industry remains a powerful catalyst for new business opportunities and a reliable contributor to long-term professional relationships.
As a founding tenet our Association has been committed to developing programs and services of value for members; these programs have evolved and remain pertinent to our industry’s good health as well as that of every member company. For instance, the Association has continuously worked to enhance our voice within the community. Over the last year, to unprecedented success, we took our place at the Plan It Calgary round table. In January, CHBA – Calgary Region was invited to participate for the first time in the City of Calgary Partnering with Industry Symposium. We have gained sure footing as an association of influence and reputable voice within the community; as an educational resource exclusive to members; and as the instigator of many profitable innovations. The Association’s strength stems from the active involvement and ongoing commitment of members. For instance, the Industry Champions Committee of volunteers has worked diligently, meeting weekly to favourably influence the Plan It Calgary process to our industry’s benefit and that of all Calgarians. As well, committees such as the Technical and Renovation Councils have worked over the years to establish and maintain an ever-increasing level of service and information resources to members. The SAM Awards Committee volunteers for the sake of furthering the public perception of our industry and fostering the positive values that are intrinsic with healthy competition. Volunteers drive this association; the benefit to these active members is the development of new and ongoing professional bonds with other industry stakeholders.
Benefits of Association membership are not exclusive to committee volunteers; their primary motivations for volunteering are to the advantage of all members. Volunteers drive the Association’s education initiatives such as the Industry Forum, Builder Breakfast Series, Mentorship Breakfasts, Special Workshops, Dinner Meetings and Builder Bulletins. These exist as a service to those who want to stay on top of developments and trends. These individuals are better equipped to drive the home building industry and their own ventures forward. Over the course of the calendar year, the Association registers thousands of members for educational programs. Naturally, members who participate in educational offerings also have the added benefit of networking with other industry stakeholders. Shaking the hands of others invested in the home building industry remains a powerful catalyst for new business opportunities and a reliable contributor to long-term professional relationships. Whether you actively participate with CHBA – Calgary Region programs and events or choose to take a back seat, the value of membership is as ample now as it was in times of economic vigour. What is evident is that what you get from the Association can be directly correlated with what you choose to put into your membership. Through continual waxes and wanes of global, national and local economic conditions and other influences upon the home building industry, those who play a role in the association’s navigation or participate in its educational and networking opportunities create for themselves the competitive edge that makes survival within this creative and dynamic industry not only possible, but probable.
Calgary Region
Canadian Home Builders’ Association
Profile/Winter 2009 • 7
ASSOCIATIONINFORMATION
Mentoring our future leaders...... THE CHBACALGARY REGION Mentorship Breakfasts are becoming a huge hit. When we formed the Associate Board in 2004 our prime concern was to ensure we had a constant supply of emerging leadership. We also wanted to lower the average age of our volunteers. by Donna Moore Executive Officer CHBA – Calgary Region
All of this was done in an environment where the shortage of workers was a key industry issue. Though our current environment is radically different than it was in 2004, one of the key successes of this Associate Board was the development of the Mentorship Breakfast Series. This breakfast series is a unique mentorship activity that puts together a table of eight members, usually up and comers, with one of our industry’s successful leaders. There is no set agenda and the mentor usually starts the conversation with the story of his or her
success within the industry, which provides a great backdrop for a two hour discussion centered on the participant’s questions. This is a truly wonderful way to learn more about our industry and the people who have shaped it. Watch for the next Mentorship Breakfast Notice and book some of your staff members, it’s a great way for them to learn what really makes our industry tick!
Bill Bobyk, general manager of the Sterling Group
Guests discover how Al Morrison (Morrison Homes), became a
shares the benefit of solid experience.
winning industry leader.
Joe Fererro, Calbridge Homes President, shares
Keystone Excavating’s Ken Elias dredges up his
anecdotes and insights with tablemates.
professional history to the benefit of eager listeners.
Calgary Region
Canadian Home Builders’ Association
We wanted to lower the average age of our volunteers. All of this was done in an environment where the shortage of workers was a key industry issue.
Profile/Winter 2009 • 9
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ASSOCIATIONINFORMATION
by Bruce Galts President CHBA – Alberta
THE YEAR 2008 was one of dramatic change in our industry. I look forward to what 2009 will bring and am optimistic about Alberta’s outlook in the coming year. Through these slower times it is important to take the opportunity to improve practices and processes and continue working toward common goals across the province. Some of the common issues we have strived to work on are improving relations with our government, developing a skilled workforce, and improving building methods.
If we can provide training and education to improve the skill and precision in which residential homes are built, we will see costs decrease while quality – and consumer confidence – increase.
Building strategic relationships with the provincial government on issues that impact the daily business of our members is one of the most important areas we can allocate our resources to. Since our association began focusing on provincial government relationships in 2006, we have seen an exponential increase in occurrences where our industry’s input is being requested and taken seriously. When a subject arises at the provincial level that affects your business, your voice is heard in a professional, respected and credible way. In addition to building relationships, we have worked hard to provide members with information on changes to the National and Alberta Building Codes, new building technologies and construction techniques that contribute to members’ ability to operate successfully. Being kept up to date with the latest information allows members to improve their building processes more efficiently and effectively. Recently, the association was asked to consult with the Alberta Government on many building technology issues. As discussing changes in how new homes are constructed is an ongoing effort, it is important to have resources dedicated to this area to ensure that the voice of our members is heard and has influence on what decisions are made. To continue to be heard and to influence decisions, it is important that those in our industry
across the province are united. We are pleased with the work being done to unite the industry with the newly formed CHBA – Medicine Hat Region. We wish them a successful first year. Another aspect of building our membership is developing a skilled workforce. Change in this area takes time, but progress is being made. The connection between a skilled workforce and other issues such as addressing building envelope concerns and residential building practices is undeniable. If we can provide training and education to improve the skill and precision in which residential homes are built, we will see costs decrease while quality – and consumer confidence – increase. Better skills lead to better homes, which leads to better business results for everyone involved in the home building industry. Focusing on these areas increases professionalism in our industry, which springboards into improved perception of residential construction. Tougher markets mean making the appropriate adjustments. Keeping BuiltGreenTM healthy and strong, increasing the visibility of our industry and the value of home ownership, working with government on initiatives dealing with green building practices, waste and disposal practice, fire and building code changes, and industry training are things we can all work together on at all levels to keep moving forward on the priorities that are important to our members.
Calgary Region
Canadian Home Builders’ Association
Profile/Winter 2009 • 11
ASSOCIATIONINFORMATION
New Members September 2008 New Members BrownRock Renova Inc. Rep: Angela Brown General Contractor BUB Realty Group Ltd. Rep: Scott Weber Consulting for land assembly, development and investment real estate IBUILD Business Management Solutions Inc. Rep: Linden Anderson Provides residential construction management software New Interiors Ltd. Rep: Keith Prew Drywall and insulation contractor
Stone Creek Properties Inc. Rep: Greg Varricchio Resort (golf courses) and development Unity Renovations LP (A Division of UBG) Rep: Kurt Gibson Renovator
Farewells Lloyds Home Ltd. Larry D. Revitt Prof. Corp. Maverick Real Estate Corp. McQdesign Strategies Townscape Development
October 2008 New Members 1156898 Alberta Ltd. O/A PremierGarage of Calgary Rep: Andrea Zacharias Garage enhancement and storage solutions specializing in floor coating, cabinets and organizing systems City Carpets Ltd. Rep: Kam Boparai Carpet, linoleum, tile, hardwood, and laminate supplier Clean Earth Recycling Corp. Rep: Angela King Remove drywall and insulation to be recycled Collaborations with Dana Inc. Rep: Geof Filson Residential and commercial renovators
November 2008 New Members AAA Doors Ltd. Rep: Charlie Sangha Supplier of interior doors and all finishing material Benwood Interiors Ltd. Rep: Gregg Benson Retail sales and installation of hardwood flooring, wide plank, bamboo, laminate, cork and wood tile Brian’s Porta-Potties Rep: Brian Levant Rental and service of porta-potties Cano Coatings Inc. Rep: Joseph Garrido Exterior Architectural finish manufacturer
DK Fine Woodwork Ltd. Rep: Damir Kolakovic Custom woodworking company and home renovations
Special-T Spray Foam Inc. Rep: Rejean Rivest Spray-foam company TG Painting Ltd. Rep: Tom Gaspar Residential and commercial painting contractor
DME Marketing Rep: Denis Emond Manufacturers’ representative for Grohe, Bain Ultra, Shodor and Duravit
Farewells
Edwards Concrete Inc. Rep: Gary Edwards Concrete supplier Premiere Van Lines Rep: Mark Stables Moving company and van line affiliate
Acton Homes Castle Custom Homes Inc. Insul-West Distributors Pointe of View Developments Rubbermaid Canada Stor y Book Homes Ltd.
Rubico Framing Company Ltd. Rep: Michel Theberge Residential and commercial wood and steel framing
Klair Custom Homes Ltd. Rep: Avtar Singh Klair Single family home builder MoreSpace Development Corporation Rep: Dallas Paquette Basement development, decks, fences, garages, renovations Pointe of View Developments Rep: Randy Klapstein Multi-Family builder
Scrub Zero Dry Ice Blasting Rep: Bryan Hawley Dry ice blast cleaning
Farewells Calgary Fastener & Tools Kohler Canada Co. LIFT Inc. Zephyr Group of Companies
Preswitt Manufacturing Ltd. Rep: Joseph Garride Elfs stucco manufacturer
Profile/Winter 2009 • 13
EVENTSCALENDAR
MARCH 11 DINNER MEETING Coast Plaza Hotel
APRIL 10 GOOD FRIDAY Office Closed
11 DINNER MEETING Coast Plaza Hotel
21 CURLING LEAGUE WINDUP BONSPIEL Ogden Legion
18 22ND ANNUAL SAM AWARDS Telus Convention Centre
To register for the events, please use one of the following methods: • www.chbacalgary.com •
[email protected] • Fax: 403.248.1272 • Tel.: 403.235.1911
16 FAMILY DAY Office Closed
26 BUILDER BREAKFAST Glenmore Inn
23 BUILDER BREAKFAST Glenmore Inn
Events are subject to change.
29 POKER TOURNAMENT Grey Eagle Casino
To receive additional copies of Profile, please contact the CHBA – Calgary Region office at 403.235.1911.
FEBRUARY 3 MENTORSHIP BREAKFAST Blackfoot Inn
18 BUILDER BREAKFAST Glenmore Inn 21 BOWLING FUN NIGHT Chinook Bowladrome
14382292_MABE.indd • Profile/Winter 2009 1
5/7/08 5:59:10 PM
Hand-crafted excellence.
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EVENTS AT A GLANCE
Industry Forum Links Members with Helpful Information Sources EXCELLENCE WAS EVERYWHERE at the first annual CHBA – Calgary Region Industry Forum. The gathering of builders, developers, renovators, trades, suppliers and service professionals was rife with information, networking and most readily, goodwill.
The presentations each prompted in-depth question and answer periods. Typically, all of the Forum’s breakout sessions offered intensive information, many running overtime, fuelled by engaged participants.
The event kick-off was the Membership Breakfast sponsored by Double R Building Products Ltd. This highlighted the Honourable Yvonne Fritz, Alberta’s Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, speaking in detail about the recently created portfolio. She gave special attention to RFP processes available to the industry regarding the development and construction of projects under her stewardship. The Minister was welcomed by sponsor representative, Wayne Copeland, Double R’s Sales and Marketing Manager. The growing collaborative relationship between the Association and City administrators was apparent in presentations by David Watson, General Manager of Building, Developments and Approvals as well as Laurie Kimber of the City’s Land Use Bylaw Sustainment Team. The presentations each prompted in-depth question and answer periods which followed. Typically, all of the Forum’s breakout sessions offered in-depth information, with many running overtime, fuelled by engaged participants. Thanks go to The Alberta
16 • Profile/Winter 2009
New Home Warranty Program; Built Green™ Society of Alberta; The City of Calgary; Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation; Grant Thornton; Miller Thomson LLP Barristers & Solicitors Patent and Trademark Agents; and of course, People Performance Consulting Inc. for their sponsorship of the “Street Smart Marketer”, Michael Hepworth’s presentations. A sizable percentage of exhibitors spoke of achieving tangible benefits from their trade show commitment. Laura Parsons, Bank of Montreal’s Area Business to Business Manager, stated, “This trade show gave us a real opportunity to meet with prospective clients under ideal conditions. Members know we’re here to promote our products and they are very receptive to meeting us. The scale of the trade show allows us to provide a level of individual attention that can’t feasibly be offered at large trade shows. Our participation was rewarded with positive results.” Miller Thomson LLP bolstered the member trade show with sponsorship of the walk-about lunch and trade-show mixer.
We give a nod of appreciation to all of our member-to-member trade show exhibitors: A-1 Signs American Standard Bank of Montreal Beaver Plastics Best Home Magazine Conematic Heating Systems D.A. Watt Consulting Group Ltd. Diamond Fireplace Double R Building Products Dynamo Décor Ecowater Systems Calgary Ener-Spray Systems Inc. Enervision Fairways Drywall Ltd. Floors on Crowfoot Grant Thornton Huntwood Custom Cabinets Ltd. IBUILD Business Management Solutions IKO Industries
Jade Stone Ltd. K2 Stone (Calgary) Inc. Marvin Windows Miller Thomson LLP Mystery Consumer Shopping Company Owens Corning Canada Inc. People Performance Consulting Inc. Points West Marketing Prestige Railings & Stairs Renfrew Insurance Safety First Systems Shaw Cablesystems Siding Contractors Association of Alberta Timber Tech Floor Systems Torlys Inc. Unicrete Products Ltd. Wolseley Canada Zytech Building Systems Inc.
Many provided draw prizes for attendees. Winners included: Jessica Thierren and Colin McUchern, each winners of 250 Air Miles from BMO Bank of Montreal; Aaron Biffert, winner of a PVR provided by Shaw Cablesystems; Mary Miller won $750 worth of product from Double R Building Products; All-inclusive movie passes from A-1 Signs were awarded to Gary Malka. In CHBA – Calgary Region Executive Officer, Donna Moore’s event launching acknowledgements, she credited everyone who has supported the event as being the pioneers of what is hoped to be only the first of many Association Industry Forums.
Calgary Region
Canadian Home Builders’ Association
Profile/Winter 2009 • 17
A Proud Sponsor of
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www.jeld-wen.ca
©2007 JELD-WEN of Canada, Ltd. Reliability for real life is a trademark of JELD-WEN, inc., Oregon, USA. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
EVENTS AT A GLANCE
Curling Opening Bonspiel TEN TEAMS COMPETED at the Ogden Legion on the weekend of October 17-18, 2008 to play the first of two CHBA – Calgary Region bonspiels. The curling weekend was sponsored by: Brydon Stairs, Shane Homes and Division Sponsor: Unicrete Products Ltd. Bolder Graphics sweeps for the win against Winroc.
Unicrete Products Ltd. The Skins Style Round Robin competition had members on their toes to see which team would end up placing first. The bonspiel started on Friday night at 7 pm and the last rock was thrown on Saturday night. Way to go to all 10 teams who played some very strategic rounds of curling! The Association Curling League continues weekly competitions until March 26, 2009. Calgary Region
Canadian Home Builders’ Association
A difficult shot is discussed between Unicrete Ltd. team members, Rob Heemskerk and Grant Stout. Regal Building Products eventually took the win.
Congratulations to the 1st Place team: Condominium First Players: Don Davies, Ken Fyles, Kevin McMillan, Devin Davies 2nd Place: Ikon Hardrocks Players: Darren Loewen, Rob Hay, Allan Gustafson, Greg Bromby Consolation: Burntwood Holdings Players: Dave Leslie, Gail Bischke, Tom Walsh, Kim Glenn
Providing Calgary’s Home Builders and Businesses with Group Home & Auto Insurance Solutions. Dave Leslie of Burntwood Holdings slides out of the hack before the game.
560, 10655 Southport Road SW | Calgary, AB T2W 4Y1 Phone: 403-251-1700 | Fax: 403-264-1815 Toll Free: 1-877-207-1700 | E-mail:
[email protected] Website: www.bigi.ca
Condominium First’s last shot to win their game against Burntwood Holdings and to take first place in the Bonspiel. Congrats!
403370_Builders.indd 1
Profile/Winter 2009 19 AM 1/8/09 •9:30:23
WE DIG IT !
PRATTCO Excavating Ltd. About to celebrate
20 years Excavating in Calgary and surrounding areas
and loam • Demolition • Grade certified trained Additions
• • •
WE DIG IT ALL! 20366782_Prattco.indd • Profile/Winter 2009 1
operators Acreages, Ponds Residential Inner City
• • Commercial
serving • Proudly some of Calgary’s finest home builders
3714 - 67 Avenue N.E. Calgary, AB T3J 4H3 Tel: (403) 241-1423 ( Fax: (403) 241-5006
•
1/30/08 12:30:58 PM
EVENTS AT A GLANCE
CHBA – Calgary Region Poker Night: It’s a Wrap ON THE NIGHT of November 19th, the Grey Eagle was hailed as a top-quality casino by tournament attendees. The environment was immaculate and smoke-free. The employees were courteous, professional and accommodating. And, the venue had a fantastic poker room filled with LCD monitors where players and spectators were able to see the tournaments progress.
Lady Luck was spotted that night, sitting next to Craig Wingerak from Dannburg Floor Coverings, who placed first in the tournament. Not only did Craig take home the first place cash award prize of $1,984, he is also the owner of a brand new Tissot Swiss Watch, generously donated by tournament sponsor Prominent Homes Ltd. Sharing the winner’s spotlight with Craig was: 2nd place winner: Pat Mandryk, Dannburg Floor Coverings 3rd place winner: Nav Shergill, Prominent Homes Ltd. 4th place winner: Rob Clapson, M.J.S Recycling 5th place winner: Danny Kohli, Prominent Homes Ltd.
Winners with Deep Shergill at Grey Eagle Casino.
B.B.C. MASONRY LTD. - Manufactured Stone - Brick
What happens at the Grey Eagle Casino stays at the Grey Eagle Casino – with this one exception to the rule. . . Congratulations to the top five winners!
Calgary Region
Canadian Home Builders’ Association
We are committed to excellence, and to leaving an outstanding legacy in your home. We believe in providing our products and service in a responsive, creative and professional manner and have a team of service and installation representatives to strengthen and uphold these values.
We provide window and door installations that will improve the comfort and energy efficiency of your living space.
- Natural Stone - Glass Blocks - All Other Types of Masonry Work
Rob Sturmer Box 6, Site 1 R.R. #1 DeWinton, AB T0L 0X0
Fax: 403.938.9712
tel 403.873.7513 cel 403.809.8637 email
[email protected] web www.legacywindows.net
Cell.: 403.899.6769 Res.: 403.938.7900
406751_LegacyWindowsLtd.indd 1
Profile/Winter 1/15/09 2009 •11:49:55 21 AM
We know the building industry and partner with you for success. For the past 2 decades Huntwood has built our reputation selling direct to builders. We understand job costs, time management and what it takes to be successful in the homebuilding market. Huntwood is setting new standards in green manufacturing: • Environmental Stewardship Program • SCAPCA Clean Air Award • FCC Chain of Custody • Up to 7 LEED Credits
We help make your homes distinctive so they stand out from the competition. We realize the kitchen is the strongest selling point in the home. Today’s customer is all about individualization and we can help you compete in that marketplace. We offer the industry’s largest menu of doorstyles, colors, woods, finishes and custom features.
# 6, 2807-107th Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB, Canada T2Z 4M2 403 -724-9373 / www.huntwood.ca
Participating Renovators
ASSOCIATIONINFORMATION
RenoMark™ Renovation Tour a Success! In a province where renovations dominate
ACCORDING TO A Royal Bank of Canada survey, “Albertans plan to spend more on their home renovations than homeowners in any other region in the country.”
the list of things to
The same survey also states that, “Alberta has the highest
do, coupled with
percentage of renovators in the country.”
an abundance of
Whether it is upgrading the flooring or adding a main floor family room, many Calgarians are choosing to “re-make” their dream home and they want to feel secure with the renovator they have chosen for the job. What kind of work will the renovator produce? Are they reputable? Will they warranty their work? Will we live to applaud or regret our decision? The Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Calgary Region’s RenoMark™ program and the RenoMark™ Renovation Tour were created to provide homeowners with tools needed to address those questions and more. RenoMark™ members are bound by CHBA – Calgary Region Code of Ethics as well as a renovation-specific code of conduct. To the homeowner this equates to reduced risk, renovator
renovators to choose from, Calgarians want to feel confident with the decisions they make.
Founding Sponsors
Profile/Winter 2009 • 23
Precast Steps & Decks Custom Solutions Multi-Piece Deck Options
Precast Window Wells Better Looking Smooth Form Finish Variable Widths
Phone: 403.279.8161
CONCRETE PRODUCTS
reliability, and most importantly — assurance that the outcome of their renovation project will be positive. Public interest and participation in the RenoMark™ Renovations Tour on November 8th was a clear indicator that insights into the renovation process are in high demand in Calgary. It is estimated that more than two thousand people showed up to seven locations throughout the city to see how seven local RenoMark™ member companies improved the homes of participating families. Intentions were to generate ideas for their own home improvements and to speak directly with renovators responsible. Some locations saw visitors lined up outside awaiting their turn to inspect the completed works and gain some insights into the renovation process. What is so unique about the Renovation Tour is the opportunity it gives Calgarians to view and discover for themselves the quality work produced by RenoMark™ members. Tour contributor, Martin Kathrens of Channel Custom Builders told the Association, “We’ve made several appointments with potential clients as a result of our participation and that is a measurable outcome.” Such feedback was a constant amongst participating renovators and already many have reported successfully closed contracts. Ultimately, the purpose of the RenoMark™ program and the Renovation Tour is to provide reliable information to reduce risk, minimize inconvenience, and maximize the pleasure and added value that a well-conceived and executed project can add. In a province where renovations dominate the list of things to do, coupled with an abundance of renovators to choose from, Calgarians want to feel confident with the decisions they make. Calgary Region
Canadian Home Builders’ Association
24 • Profile/Winter 400526_Conforce.indd 1
2009
11/8/08 11:00:35 PM
We at Keystone Excavating have long been recognized as an industry leader in both equipment and job-site safety.
Top of the Heap.
From strong administration to skilled operators, Keystone provides clients the full service - backed with some of the best equipment, and best trained personnel in the industry.
ourlifeisdirt.com™ Keystone Excavating Ltd. 4860 - 35th Street SE. Calgary, AB T2B3M6 Phone: 403.274.5452 Fax: 403.274.1526
401606_Keystone.indd 1
11/5/08 11:09:48 AM
Faster Build Times Superb Craftsmanship
The Tradition of Exceeding Expectations Continues…..
On-Time Quality Possession Priority Service
Showroom 3504 -80th Ave SE Calgary, AB 403-279-5898 www.artisticstairs.com
Artistic Stairs Inc. 376417_Artistic.indd 1
Profile/Winter 25 4/2/082009 6:52:22•PM
Shell Busey approves of HomExpo floor plan.
CHBA Calgary region member Creative Door Serivces Ltd.
Aisles teamed with potential buyers.
HomExpo
Genuine smiles, sincere dialogue and take-home ZeroDraft staff speak with show guests.
information were
Lockwood Design Group.
rewarded with warm leads, captured contact information or appointments set in ink. Fabric swatches were just a sample of Albi Renova’s Murray Petkau.
26 • Profile/Winter 2009
the choices available at HomExpo.
HomExpo WITH GLOBAL ECONOMIC turmoil surrounding the event, CHBA – Calgary Region’s 2009 HomExpo proved its value as the Association’s premier public outreach event.
Jane Lockhart added vibrant colour to the HomExpo experience.
Crowds await tips from celebrity guest speakers.
Forward thinking customers plan for spring.
Bolstered by industry personalities such as Shell Busey, John Sillaots and Jane Lockhart; better than 300 exhibitors brought their product’s sales and marketing savvy to make a first-hand impression upon guests. At the exhibition floor’s threshold were Association volunteers and staff who greeted ticketholders daily from show opening to close. Reams of builder and renovator member contact lists accompanied by tip sheets and brochures on home building and renovating provided buyers with sound advice on how to get started and where to find the best in the business. Many exhibitors bucked the current trend for consumers to keep their wallets closely guarded and suspicions at the ready. Genuine smiles, sincere dialogue and take-home information were rewarded with warm leads, captured contact information or appointments set in ink. “I bring my best people and most exciting product to a show like this,” claims Allison Turcotte of Kitchen & Bath Classics by Wolseley. “Our intention isn’t to move a lot of inventory on the spot, that’s just not how people buy plumbing fixtures. We are here to make a lasting impression.”
Divine Hardwood Flooring’s award-winning exhibition booth.
Profile/Winter 2009 • 27
HomExpo Micasa Stone Products
Wendy Going of Timber-
Garret Jenkinson of
puts best faces forward for
Tech talks floor systems.
Willowbrook Homes.
HomExpo.
Smiling Ambassadors warm the Show Office.
Kitchen Bath by Wolseley Display provides a beacon to exhibition goers.
Crowds sauntered the exhibition weighted with shopping bags full of brochures and marketing materials on products and services from builders, recreational and investment developments, renovators and suppliers. Commented one consumer, “It would take me a considerable amount of time to drive between even a few of these (exhibitor’s) showrooms - the ticket price is nothing compared to what I would have to spend on gas.” When asked if she had found what she was looking for, she continued, “I don’t think I’m about to make a commitment to anything today, but I’ll have a better idea about who I’m going to talk to when I am ready.” Despite most exhibitors looking to long-term gains as reward for their involvement, the air of a bustling market was enhanced by direct sell companies of take-home products. “They are not the stars of a tradeshow, but they add the colour which lends an air of excitement to the event and provide guests with tangible take-aways to enrich their HomExpo experience,” says Rick Young, Show Producer. “HomExpo is still one of the best advertising deals available,” insisted Shameer Gaidhar of Millenium Plus Homes, “for less than the price of most magazine ads, I am face-to-face with thousands of consumers who bought a ticket to hear about our products and services. It doesn’t take a lot of scrutiny to see the value in that kind of targeted exposure.”
Calgary Region
Canadian Home Builders’ Association
28 • Profile/Winter 2009
ASSOCIATIONINFORMATION AS ALWAYS, A new year brings with it the desire to reflect on the successes of the past and an opportunity to look to the future and prepare for the challenges that lay ahead.
by Amie Blanchette Government and Technical Affairs Liaison CHBA – Calgary Region
Laurie Kimber of the Land Use Bylaw Sustainment Team, City of Calgary.
CHBA-Calgary Region has worked diligently to establish partnerships with other organizations to better serve the interests of our members and create a unified voice on several important issues over the past year. Maintaining these relationships and fostering new ones is essential as we continue to increase our profile throughout the community and within the City administration.
Finding a Voice Within the City of Calgary Administration Over the last year, strong ties have been forged with many different City departments and administrative personnel. With large-scale City initiatives demanding extra time and resources, it became a priority to establish meaningful contact with partners in City administration and elected officials. These efforts to engage in an ongoing dialogue with our partners at the City have culminated in the CHBA – Calgary Region receiving invitations to participate in a variety of City initiatives. These have included an affordable housing stakeholder seminar, Land Use Bylaw sustainment committee, online building permit pilot project, stakeholder group on sustainable building practices and a request for the CHBA – Calgary Region to attend a City of Calgary-sponsored session on current infrastructure investment and asset management within the City’s various business units. Some recent wins on the policy side have included amendments to the Land Use Bylaw regarding air conditioner unit installations and show home development permit relaxations. We also organized a meeting with Association volunteers and senior City administrators to discuss the contentious Lot Grading Bylaw. Some of the potential changes that were discussed were seen to merit further consideration. We have been assured that these will be reviewed and a further meeting to follow up will be held in the new year. And finally, there is an exciting new pilot project set to begin shortly for online building permit applications. It should be noted that with the sustained lobby efforts on these and other issues, the profile of the Association has been increased significantly. The professionalism and inclusive manner in which we have addressed industry concerns has been noticed and appreciated by all those we have been in contact with. You can be sure that we will continue to raise the issues critical to all members in the same effective fashion throughout the coming year.
Plan It Calgary industry Champions Committee As you are aware, in response to Plan It Calgary, CHBA – Calgary Region decided to join forces with UDI – Calgary and invited representatives from their association to form a Joint Response Committee. The mandate of this committee was to study and respond to this detailed city plan, and offer an industry perspective on the growth management strategies that were being proposed. Due in large part to the joint efforts of both associations, we have been able to generate a professional, comprehensive response to the numerous documents the City has been producing to promote this initiative. Since the initial response report was drafted and released, this joint committee has presented publicly to City Council, proposed an advisory committee to offer feedback on the drafting of the new municipal development plan (where we are represented by Dennis Little, Joint Response Committee Chair) and has taken the lead in organizing a municipal financing symposium with full support from the Mayor and City resources. In fact, in the last six months, six city Aldermen have accepted invitations to attend a Plan It Joint Response Committee meeting at the CHBA – Calgary Region offices. John Hubbell, The City Transportation Manager, has also been present on two separate occasions to share up-to-date information on the Plan It Calgary transportation plan. This is just a sample of some of the work that has been accomplished in the past year. While we are very proud of these accomplishments, there is much more to do in the year ahead. So, what’s next for your Association?
An Educational Initiative with the Federation of Calgary Communities CHBA – Calgary Region is working together with the Federation of Calgary Communities to develop an educational presentation geared towards Calgary’s community association planning representatives. This presentation will offer information on the time and resources necessary when undertaking a construction project in the inner city redevelopment area, along with information on the bureaucratic process and the financial investment involved. The CHBA – Calgary Region believes that if community associations and their representatives are more knowledgeable about the land development and home building industry, this could lead to a more inclusive relationship between the builder and the community representatives during the actual construction of the planned, approved and welldesigned projects in these areas. Profile/Winter 2009 • 29
A New Committee Makes its Debut in January As we strive to meet the needs of all members within our Association, it is apparent those currently building in the inner city, now known as the developed area in the new Land Use Bylaw, are facing a unique set of challenges. In order to better serve this segment of our Association, I am pleased to announce the formation of a new committee at CHBA – Calgary Region; The Inner City Builders Council. This committee is comprised of multi- and single-family builders of all sizes, renovators with inner-city experience as well as representatives from the architecture and design perspective. The Land Use Bylaw sustainment process, Construction Code of Conduct, Infill Guidelines and Plan It are all initiatives we are currently involved in as an Association and each one directly impacts this group of members. This committee will provide a forum to discuss practical and proactive solutions to some of the barriers currently encountered with inner-city development and would enable us to present a unified voice to City officials. I am pleased to add that we in fact have a member of City administration, Laurie Kimber of the Land Use Bylaw Sustainment Team, who will be attending to hear firsthand some of the challenges this group continues to face. The mandate of the Inner City Builders Council will be to meet once per month throughout the year to discuss the abovementioned issues as well as any other relevant concerns for those building in the developed area. Look for an update on these projects and the results of these valuable partnerships in the next issue of Profile. I am very excited about these new initiatives and I look forward to a busy year ahead! Thank you for your ongoing feedback on the issues that matter most to you. It is because of your support and active engagement that we continue to lobby successfully for change and strive to make a difference for you, our members. Calgary Region
Canadian Home Builders’ Association
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30 • Profile/Winter 390495_Empire.indd 1
2009
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dealer Profile/Winter 8/30/06 2009 •10:11:18 31 AM
SAM Awards Friendly Competition Attracts a Record Number of Members JANUARY 16TH MARKED the submission day for remaining 2008 SAM Awards categories. New Home, Multi-Family Design, Development, Community plus Sales and Information Centre Categories entries reached by Doug Whitney Chairman, SAM Awards Committee
247, topping the previous year’s record of 204. All totaled, 590 SAM Awards entries were submitted, representing an increase of 92 over the 2007 awards.
“We’ve seen a nineteen percent increase in submission numbers this year,” noted Dwayne Seal, SAM Criteria and Judging Committee Chair, “many submitted by members who have not recently or never before entered.” All accounted for, ninety CHBA – Calgary Region members put forth their best to the scrutiny of qualified judges. With final judging days slated for February 6th and 20th, closely followed by independent audit, expect finalists to be announced early the first week of March.
Judges (who will remain anonymous) scrutinize every entry and then their work is scrutinized by independent auditors.
32 • Profile/Winter 2009
Royal Canadian Air Farce Grounded but Star Agrees to Pilot the SAM Awards Long time Air Farce crew member, Don Ferguson will fly in to lead the flock of SAM Awards to their rightful recipients at the April 18th awards gala at the Calgary Telus Convention Centre. Don graduated from Montreal’s Loyola College with an Honours English degree, then worked in private radio and as an audio-visual producer, photographer and documentary film maker until he discovered that comedy writing and performing was more fun. Moving to Toronto in 1970, he became a member of the improvisational comedy revue, The Jest Society, which morphed into the Royal Canadian Air Farce in 1973. Air Farce was CBC Radio’s most successful comedy series ever, running for 24 years, until 1997. In 1992, the show became a successful television series as well. Its final broadcast was New Year’s Eve, 2008. During its 35 years of broadcasting, Air Farce also toured extensively as a stage show, released more than two dozen CD’s and DVD’s, and performed with symphony orchestras across Canada. For those who like statistics, Air Farce averaged half a million viewers per week for 620 episodes over 24 years on CBC Radio, and 1,023,000 viewers per week for 348 episodes over 15-1/2 years on CBC Television. Such a record of success is unlikely ever to be broken.
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Don has also written and directed documentary programs for CBC television, a science-fiction series that was syndicated on Sirius Satellite radio in the U.S., and two plays: a political farce, and a drama about the ill-fated World War II raid on Dieppe. His most recent projects include starring in Discovery/CTV’s Whisky Trail and a CBC sitcom pilot called, XPM. The SAM Awards Committee is thrilled to welcome Don as host of the 2009 awards subsequent to Brent Butt at the helm last year. He continues the legacy of nationally recognized personalities adding sheer entertainment value to the award ceremonies. Tickets for the 2008 SAM Awards gala are available now. Download your ticket order form at the CHBA – Calgary Region website: www.chbacalgary.com.
It is Just as Good as to Give a SAM as Receive One! Opportunities still exist to sponsor a component of the SAM Awards. Award sponsorships, beginning at $1000 provide your company name in Profile Magazine, the SAM Awards Magazine and the Gala Program. Top that up with your company logo on the big screen while you are welcomed to the stage to present the award and one complimentary ticket to attend. For information on award and other sponsorship opportunities contact the association office: 403-235-1911. Profile/Winter 2009 • 33
2008
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2009
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INDUSTRYNEWS
Professional Involvement IN RECENT ISSUES of Profile it has been our pleasure to introduce some of the various faces of Development and Building Approvals (DBA) within the City of Calgary. You’ve met quite a few of us through those articles but our entire staff is committed to making the process of obtaining a Building Permit as smooth as possible, and enhancing the experience of builders by Chad Oberg Residential Plans Examiner Building Regulations Division
Feel free to give the Building Regulations Division a call at 311 and ask to speak to a Residential Plans Examiner with any questions on professional involvement or other aspects of the Alberta Building Code in home construction. As always, we look forward to assisting you.
and homeowners alike. With this in mind it may also be appropriate to revisit some other key players in the homebuilding process, namely Professional Engineers and Registered Architects, and to examine a few areas in which their help is vital in achieving consensus during permitting and in producing a successful final product that meets the desires of the marketplace. The Alberta Building Code (ABC) is the main resource to establish if an Architect or Engineer is required on a project and it does this in a few different ways.
Project Scope The first way the Alberta Building Code alerts us to the fact that professional involvement is required is by looking at the project in terms of its occupancy (or use), building area (or footprint) and building height (or number of storeys). For most multi-family residential the challenges of fire protection, occupant safety and accessibility are considered significant enough to warrant professional involvement either by Architects, Engineers, or both, from start to finish. On the other hand, most single family homes, semi-detached, and certain small multi-family buildings containing four units or less do not generally require a professional to be involved.
Part 9. . . ish In the residential context, most of the buildings for which professional involvement is not required fall within the scope of Part 9 of the ABC, which contains a number of specific rules to help achieve minimum standards of safety. Sometimes this leads to the second way that the Building Code determines the role of professionals. If the general scope of the building is within Part 9 of the ABC but aspects of it are not addressed or go beyond the prescribed limits of Part 9, then an Engineer or Architect will be required to contribute to the design and/or field review for those nonconforming items.
Two common examples that demonstrate the need for professional involvement are tall-wall construction and lateral support of foundations. Part 9 of the Alberta Building Code limits the maximum height of a wood-framed wall and indicates the conditions under which a foundation wall can be considered laterally supported. In an effort to aid builders, the Alberta Housing Industry Technical Committee (AHITC) has published reports authored by Engineers on both of these subjects and they provide details to be used within a well-defined set of preconditions. The report on Tall Walls was recently updated, and the Standata on lateral bracing of foundations is in the final stages of being revised. As a means to provide additional design flexibility, any tall-wall or foundation design that falls outside of either Part 9 of the ABC or deviates from the current AHITC reports would then require the involvement of an Engineer for a sitespecific design and possible field review. Related engineering topics outside of Part 9 include but are not limited to timber-frame construction, elevator shafts, point-loaded steel beams, structural floor slabs located above grade, or any assemblies with high dead loads such as green roofs. Professional involvement is also often required for certain types of cladding such as manufactured stone, Acrylic Stucco, and Exterior Insulation Finish Systems (EIFS). We will provide you with our “Form A,” which has been designed to help involve professionals in the area of manufactured stone/stone veneer. Our “Form C” is currently being revised to include alternative finish systems. The topic of frost protection is usually well taken care of in new home construction; however there are some situations during renovation projects where minimum required soil cover may be difficult to maintain, such as the installation of window wells or an exterior stair serving a Profile/Winter 2009 • 35
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walkout basement. An Engineer will help ensure that frost protection remains adequate.
Project Complexity We all know that renovations and additions can be a bit of a “wild card,” especially when modifying existing loadbearing members. We need to determine the impact on the structural integrity of the building project. So a third way that the Alberta Building Code informs us of the need for professional involvement is regarding the complexity of the work being proposed. If it is deemed to give rise to structural safety concerns it may require that you have an Engineer look at the existing conditions as well as provide design and field review services for the changes. Finally, the construction of retaining walls presents an interesting problem. Here in Calgary engineering involvement is generally requested when the amount of soil being retained exceeds one metre in height. In an effort to serve you better a “Regulations Bulletin” is planned for the first part of 2009 to help clarify aspects of retaining wall design and construction. Feel free to give the Building Regulations Division a call at 311 and ask to speak to a Residential Plans Examiner with any questions on professional involvement or other aspects of the Alberta Building Code in home construction. As always, we look forward to assisting you.
Calgary Region
Canadian Home Builders’ Association
36 • Profile/Winter 304824_Inland.indd 1
2009
11/17/06 5:29:51 PM
INDUSTRYNEWS
Making Safety a Priority THE CANADIAN HOME Builders’ Association – Alberta (CHBA – Alberta) encourages all applicable members to obtain their Certificate of Recognition
Some builders and trade and supply
(COR) in safety or Small Employer Certificate of Recognition (SECOR) in safety. The designation is earned by completing only a few steps. Once achieved,
members from across the province
members registered in the Partners in Injury Reduction (PIR) program and
have taken huge strides to ensure that
holding the designation are eligible for Workers Compensation Board (WCB) rebates of up to 20 per cent off their industry rate.
everyone involved in building a new home is able to get home safely each night. The Association would like to thank those industry leaders for making the investment and creating a safety culture in their organizations.
Lost-time claims can cost organizations thousands of dollars. WCB has provided statistics on Lost Time Claims of COR holders versus non-COR holders. For example, 100 per cent more lost-time claims were made from non-COR holders than COR holders and $7,300 is the average cost of a Lost Time Claim for nonCOR holders; this cost is 37 per cent less for COR holders.
Not only are there financial benefits of obtaining your COR or SECOR but there are many others as well. Not having to find replacement staff because of a losttime claim. Improved employee morale and retention; positive image of the industry; and reassurance for the families of your employees are many reasons why it is worth taking the time to obtain the designation.
Safety is about more than just the bottom line… It’s about real lives.
Consider the potential costs of not having COR. Send them home safe. Go to www.chbaalberta.ca for more information on how to get started.
Alberta Canadian Home Builders’ Association
Protect Your Foundation
Certificate of Recognition
Profile/Winter 2009 • 37
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38 • Profile/Winter 402924_IBI.indd 1
2009
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Annual Return Informational Brief for Employers
Last year 74 per cent of employers that submitted on time, did it online – how will you do it this year? Many have done it before, and this year we want you to do it again. . . online. It’s easy, secure and confidential – and it’s the fastest way to file an annual return. The online form tailors itself to you, showing only the relevant screens. It offers built-in error checking, calculations, prorating and step-bystep instructions on how to complete each section. With the online form, work can be saved in progress and when complete, the system sends a confirmation that the return has been submitted. You can file your annual return between January 1 and February 28, 2009 and doing it online is easy. Passwords to online filing will be in the mail starting late December. Visit www.wcb.ab.ca, enter your account number and password, and breeze through customized screens. If you have not received a password by the first week in February, one can be requested online. Complete and submit online. It’s that easy. Please note: As February 28th falls on a weekend, WCB-Alberta will be extending the reporting deadline to Monday, March 2, 2009.
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Some builders, and trade and supply members from across the province have taken huge strides to ensure that everyone involved in building a new home is able to get home safely each night. The Association would like to thank those industry leaders for making the investment and creating a safety culture in their organizations. Your actions demonstrate to the rest that safety is an expectation in the industry, not a privilege. Your leadership and commitment to your staff and the partners you work with is appreciated. To obtain your COR or SECOR, contact the Alberta Construction Safety Association for a list of upcoming courses at www.acsa-safety.org or call 1.800.661.6090. For more information on the program and to get started, visit the www. chbaalberta.ca/cor website.
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Calgary Region
Canadian Home Builders’ Association
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1
Profile/Winter 12/6/08 2009 • 39 11:52:30
AM
INDUSTRYNEWS
New Home Market by Lai Sing Louie Senior Market Analyst, Calgary CMHC Prairie and Territories Region
Addressing the future
Calgary CMA Single-Detached Starts In 2008, dropped 44 per cent
annual units
11,000 10,000 9,000 8,000 7,000 6,000 5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000
20 09 f
20 08
20 07
20 06
20 05
20 04
20 03
20 02
20 01
20 00
19 99
0
19 98
New home sales in 2008 were impacted by weaker net migration,
Source: CMHC
increased competition from the resale market, cost escalation, and a lower level of demand.
Calgary CMA Multi-Family Starts Highest level since 1981
annual units
single-detached units under construction decreased month-over-month in each and every month.
19 98 19 99 20 00 20 01 20 02 20 03 20 04 20 05 20 06 20 07 20 08 20 09 f
In 2008, the number of
7,500 7,000 6,500 6,000 5,500 5,000 4,500 4,000 3,500 3,000 2,500 2,000 1,500 1,000 500 0
Source: CMHC
40 • Profile/Winter 2009
Addressing the future
Siingle-Detached Units Under Construction December at 2,589, down 49% yr/yr
units
7,000 6,000 5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000
Ju ly 20 08 Ju ly 20 09
Ju ly 20 07
Ju ly 20 03 Ju ly 20 04 Ju ly 20 05 Ju ly 20 06
Ju ly 20 02
20 01
0
Source: CMHC
Less Single-detached and More Multi-family in 2008 Total housing starts in the Calgary Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) declined by a third from 601 units in December 2007 to 403 units in December 2008. December’s production brought the 2008 annual total for housing starts to 11,438 units, down 15 per cent from the 13,505 units started in 2007. There were 283 singledetached starts in December 2008, lower by 28 per cent from the 392 units started in December 2007. Over the entire year, singledetached starts throughout the Calgary region were down by 44 per cent to 4,387 units compared to 7,777 units in 2007. New home sales in 2008 were impacted by weaker net migration, increased competition from the resale market, cost escalation, and a lower level of demand. In 2008, the number of single-detached units under construction decreased monthover-month in each and every month bringing the number of single-detached homes under construction to 2,589 units at year-end, down by almost a half from the 5,110 homes being built at the end of 2007. In December 2008, 456 singledetached units were completed while 437 units were absorbed.
Addressing the future
Calgary CMA – Multis Under Construction Past the peak in this cycle
units 12,000 11,000
Apartment
Row
Semi
10,000 9,000 8,000 7,000 6,000 5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000 1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
Source: CMHC
Addressing the future
Calgary CMA – FT vs. PT Job Growth Part-time job growth in Q4 2008 month/month employment change 5 0 ,0 0 0 4 5 ,0 0 0
Full-Time
4 0 ,0 0 0
Part-Time
3 5 ,0 0 0 3 0 ,0 0 0 2 5 ,0 0 0 2 0 ,0 0 0 1 5 ,0 0 0 1 0 ,0 0 0 5 ,0 0 0 0 -5 ,0 0 0 -1 0 ,0 0 0
- 8 , 8 0 -0 9 , 5 0 0- 6 , 9 0 0
-1 5 ,0 0 0 2 0 0 8
Ja n
F e b
M a r
A p r M a y
Ju n
Ju l
A u g S e p
O ct N o v D e c
The absorbed average price is expected to be lower in 2009 as market competition intensifies and lower input costs are passed on to the consumer. Note that the average absorbed price reflects homes absorbed in the month completed which is not necessarily when the price was negotiated.
As a result, the number of completed and not absorbed units rose by 19 units to 707. This inventory is composed of 360 show homes and 347 speculative homes. At the end of 2008, the number of speculative units in inventory was 282 units higher than a year earlier. The average absorbed single-detached price was $593,759 in December 2008, up 11.8 per cent from a year ago. For the entire year, the average absorbed price was $581,566, higher by 22.6 per cent from the annual average of $474,512 recorded in 2007. The absorbed average price is expected to be lower in 2009 as market competition intensifies and lower input costs are passed on to the consumer. Note that the average absorbed price reflects homes absorbed in the month completed which is not necessarily when the price was negotiated. Meanwhile, multi-family starts, which include semi-detached units, rows, and apartments, amounted to 120 units in December, a drop of 43 per cent compared to a year earlier. Nevertheless, multi-family starts reached 7,051 units in 2008, up 23 per cent from the 5,728 units started
in 2007 and to the highest level since 1981. The annual total is somewhat misleading in that over three-quarters of the multi-family production in 2008 occurred in the January to May period. Multi-family units under construction peaked at a record 11,915 units in May 2008 and then moderated to end the year at 8,627 units. Units not pre-sold will need to be absorbed in a very competitive environment that favours buyers. The very high level of multi-family construction in 2008 in a lower demand environment will lead to less construction activity in 2009. Multi-family completions in December 2008 amounted to 371 units bringing the annual number of completions to 7,080 units, higher by 79 per cent as compared to 2007. Absorptions in December exceeded completions by 20 units, reducing the inventory of completed and not absorbed to 309 units. Inventory levels however are trending up and year end inventory is more than double the level that existed in December 2007. Absorptions in 2008 totalled 6,852 units, higher by 75 per cent from 2007.
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2009
7/31/08 7:38:06 AM
Resale Market Resales lower Total residential MLS® sales in the Calgary CMA reached 23,137 units, down 28 per cent from the 32,177 sales in 2007. Annual single-family sales were lower by 25.5 per cent to 17,459 units while activity in the condominium market dropped 34.9 per cent to 5,678 sales. The resale market in Calgary was in buyers’ market conditions for all of 2008. Supply levels grew and active residential listings reached a record high of 13,461 in May 2008, more than double the active listings in May 2007. The high level of supply relative to a lower level of demand put downward pressure on price as selling times increased, sales-to-list price decreased, and vendors re-priced to make their listings more attractive. The average residential resale price decreased by 2.1 per cent in 2008 to $405,268 from 414,066 in 2007. This represented the first annual decline in the Calgary CMA since 1995 when the average price decreased by 0.7 per cent. The annual average price is somewhat muted as compared to the monthly year-over-year changes at year-end. For example, the December 2008 average single-detached price was 9.5 per cent below the average price a year earlier, and the average condominium price of $274,919 was 9.8 per cent lower. A high level of supply relative to demand and a moderating economy will continue to put downward pressure on prices and the annual average price in 2009 is projected to be lower than it was in 2008.
Building for a
Cure.
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INDUSTRYNEWS
The Credit Crunch: A Practical Guide (Abridged) by David Crawford Senior Manager of Sales and Indirect Tax Grant Thornton, LLP
The coming months should be about instilling rigour and discipline throughout your business. The economic landscape is changing daily – it is crucial to monitor the situation closely and seek professional advice when necessary.
Introduction
#2 Get Closer to Your Bank
With the credit crunch rapidly making its way from Wall Street and Bay Street to Main Street Canada, privately held businesses across a wide swath of industries are experiencing slowing growth, weakening demand and reduced lending by banks. Our general advice to owners of privately held businesses is to take proactive steps to prepare for challenging days ahead, particularly with respect to businesses that rely on the U.S. market or are exposed to highly volatile commodities. In our full-length publication, The Credit Crunch: A Practical Guide, we’ve provided an explanation of some of the recent major financial events, a brief assessment of how they may affect your business, and a 10-point checklist of things to consider as you manage through this difficult time. With careful planning and foresight, you might even be able to turn conditions to your advantage. Businesses that are well-capitalized, wellpositioned and well-managed should see opportunities. The following is an abridged version of the 10-point checklist from The Credit Crunch: A Practical Guide, found on the Grant Thornton website:
Given the current state of the credit markets, banks are a lot more cautious and concerned about credit quality. Banks are still lending money; they just need greater persuasion to do it. In the end, you are trying to ensure that your company has the financing available to operate the business effectively and that may mean you have to go back to your lender for assistance. Here are some things to consider: • Treat your bank as a partner in the business by keeping them informed; • Be proactive in your relationship with your lender; • Have a well thought out plan in hand if you do need help – discuss the best approach with your advisers; • Avoid breaching covenants in your loan agreements as this could trigger technical defaults or result in being put on the bank’s “watch list”; and • Stay current on your debt. Remember that banks make money by lending money – they want you to prosper so they can continue to lend you money. If you talk to your bank early enough, they may be a lot more open to working through problems with you.
#1 Cash is King Cash is the lifeblood of any business and matters more than earnings. In a slowing economy, understanding and managing cash flow is paramount. Banks are no longer as happy to step in and fill funding gaps as in previous years, but the following are some steps you can take to help your business maintain its liquidity in these troubling times: • Undertake a critical analysis of your business operations and how they impact your liquidity; • Build a war chest of cash, even at the expense of drawing down on interest-bearing credit facilities; • Forecast near-term cash receipts and cash disbursements based on realistic financial projections; • Analyze variances and learn from them; • Negotiate aggressive credit terms with suppliers and customers; and • Sell inventory to generate cash. Bigger is not always better. Growth consumes cash and a significant sales or expansion opportunity may have dire consequences on a company’s cash conversion cycle and its ability to finance it in this market. Thoroughly consider the implications to cash flow from increased sales requiring capital expenditures.
#3 Be Relentless on Cost Control Maintaining your current or historic levels of profitability in an environment characterized by decreasing demand and volatile commodity prices will be difficult without a cut to certain discretionary costs and spending. Here are some ideas to keep in mind when looking to keep your operating costs under control: • Have a strategy – cost-cutting initiatives shouldn’t be undertaken at the risk of diminishing value; • Review fixed and variable costs very carefully and determine what costs you actually need to run the business; • Look for ways to improve performance; • Reduce spending and institute policies that encourage and reward cost savings and conservation; and • Validate assumptions you’ve made about your business, your competitors and the industry in which you compete. Lastly, don’t automatically cut marketing expenses. Remember that despite the diminishing economy, there is a lot of business out there – it just becomes a matter of having to try harder to secure market share. Profile/Winter 2009 • 47
#4 Evaluate Customers and Suppliers
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The recent challenges in credit markets as well as a general economic downturn have put increased pressure on the purchasing power and creditworthiness of customers while at the same time resulting in a tightening of credit terms and product availability from suppliers. Don’t assume your customers or suppliers are financially healthy. The tips below should help you avoid being taken by surprise: • Re-evaluate credit terms with current customers and negotiate the shortest reasonable terms; • Carefully review the creditworthiness of each new customer before extending credit; • Continuously monitor accounts and address any problems quickly; • Understand how closely your business is linked to the average consumer and how your customers’ tighter access to credit could affect your business; • Bargain for the longest and most favourable credit terms with suppliers, but take advantage of early payment discounts where possible; and • Critically evaluate your supplier base to determine if the current arrangement is still the most favourable for your business. It’s important that you take the position of doing what is best for your company. Failing to promptly collect receivables and address unreasonable credit terms may result in a cash flow shortfall that could affect all areas of your business.
#5 Get Smarter on Tax Tax, in its various forms, is usually one of the biggest costs for a business. With the current upheaval in the credit markets, you need to look carefully at how you can reduce tax costs and improve cash flows. The following are some of the simpler ways you can successfully navigate through these trying times: • Don’t make tax payments any earlier than you need to; • Determine if you qualify for quarterly tax instalments instead of monthly payments; • Review the balance due date for any remaining taxes for the year; • Investigate ways to reduce your payroll costs; • Review your GST/HST and provincial sales tax practices to maximize recoveries; and
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Profile/Winter 2009 49 AM 2/23/07 •7:59:57
•
Don’t fall behind with your tax payments and other compliance obligations and pay unnecessary penalties and interest; and • Look for SR&ED refund opportunities as well as sales tax, fuel tax and refund/ rebate opportunities. Larger corporations will find their ability to claim the small-business deduction is restricted where taxable capital exceeds $10 million for the preceding year. Determine if there are any strategies available to reduce this amount.
#6 Reconsider Capital Investment Plans Investing in new assets in a downturn can bleed you of cash when you need it most. Carefully consider your capital investment plans and take into account these suggestions: • Consider delaying or deferring investments that are not mission critical; • Negotiate for the most favourable terms when acquiring mission-critical assets; • Weigh benefits against financing costs and understand any changes to working capital that may result from a particular investment; • Incorporate realistic assumptions into capital budgeting metrics; and • Be mindful of how the economic challenges in the lending climate are affecting your customers. Don’t necessarily stop investing in capital during difficult times. If an investment is vital to keep your business operating properly, don’t suspend or postpone the investment decision just because financing is more expensive and complicated.
#7 Consider your financing options If you are having issues with your bank, it could result in a severe restriction in your borrowing capacity, or worse, pulling your financing facilities all together. With what’s happened in the financing environment, it’s not as easy as it used to be to simply secure an alternative source of capital. Here are some strategies that you may be able to integrate into your planning: • Understand all your options for funding your business and consider alternative ways of structuring your current credit facility if necessary; • Investigate alternative lenders; 50 • Profile/Winter 2009
•
Consider other types of secured financing sources like leasing, asset-based lenders and factoring companies as well as any government-supported financing programs that might be available; and • Get creative about accessing cash – consider selling non-core assets and subsidiary businesses or asking for advance payments from your customers. It’s important that you do not assume that your current lending relationships are going to stay in place. Avoid being in the position of not understanding your alternatives if you are forced to end your relationship with your bank, lender or other investors. Don’t be left without a contingency plan.
#8 Keep an Eye Out for Bargains As lending markets contract, some companies will have or anticipate having liquidity problems. The feeling of uncertainty will drive many shareholders to seek an exit or partnership with a strategic investor, thus creating buying opportunities at depressed prices. Well-funded companies looking to expand might find it worthwhile to look into acquiring targets in this way rather than invest internally. Why? • The best buys are made in a down market; • Less competition for attractive acquisition targets can potentially lead to reduced pricing multiples on acquisitions; and • Good acquisitions are an important part of a well thought out growth strategy. Seek out a professional adviser who can increase exposure to such opportunities while ensuring transactions are priced and executed in an effective cost-efficient manner.
#9 Protect Your Personal Wealth When business conditions get tight, it’s important for owners to avoid being too reliant on the business. You need to have a clear view of how you separate your personal wealth from the finances of your business. In the future, banks will likely be asking for additional security and private business owners should know all the implications the current economic climate may have on their personal wealth. You may wish to think about the following:
•
Consider taking recently made “healthy profits” out of the company, while being mindful to keep the company solvent; • Talk to a professional adviser to review the company’s strategic options; and • Don’t put money back into the business unless there is a solid business reason to do so. Consider all your options when lending personal funds to the company as you may not be able to recover all your funds. Above all, avoid throwing good money after bad!
#10 Worst Case Scenario You’ve taken a hard look at your business and your future is uncertain. You’ve produced short-term cash flow forecasts and your current outlook is negative, and you foresee a serious liquidity crisis looming in the near term. A payment is due on bank debt, liquidity is waning and a default is imminent. Don’t panic. Consider taking into account the suggestions below: • Carefully consider strategic alternatives such as restructuring the business through a formal insolvency process or selling all or part of the business; • Look at your business without its existing debt and determine its debt capacity based on your most current financial projections; • Understand your bargaining position and your views on value; and • Consider your fiduciary responsibility – if you are operating in the “Zone of Insolvency,” your responsibility is to creditors, not to shareholders. Do not, under any circumstance, wait until you’re almost out of cash. Hire professionals who can help you assess your options and develop a game plan. If possible, defer conversations with banks and creditors until after these discussions. Don’t assume the problem will go away over time.
Final Words Most of the suggestions mentioned above centre on good business practices – the fundamentals of which are often ignored when the focus is on revenue growth. The coming months should be about instilling rigour and discipline throughout your business. The economic landscape is changing daily – it is crucial to monitor the situation closely and seek professional advice when necessary.
Calgary Region
Canadian Home Builders’ Association
Published by Grant Thornton LLP, reprinted with permission
Calgary Home Builders Foundation Accepts year round donations of your high quality furniture, art, lamps, tableware and accessories for its Show Home Furniture Auction fund raising program. Calgary Home Builders Foundation will happily arrange for pickup at your location and delivery to our auction facility. Should you have items you wish to donate please contact Val Veldhuyzen at 403.730.4251 or email
[email protected].
Canadian Home Builders ‘ Association ion - Calgary Region CHBA - Calgary Region
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CONCRETE PRODUCTS/SUPPLIERS Brock White Canada Company ............ Inside Back Cover Foothills Ready Mix, Inc. ..............................................39 Rolling Mix Concrete Ltd..............................................46 CONCRETE PUMPING Inland Concrete Ltd......................................................36 CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES Calgary Fasteners & Tools Ltd. ....................................49 DECKING The Cedar Shop Building Materials ..............................36 DEMOLITION Smart Site Inc. .............................................................54 DOORS Ultra-Lite Doors ...........................................................53 DRYWALL Jertyne Interior Service Ltd. .........................................54 DRYWALL CONTRACTORS Empire Drywall.............................................................30 United Drywall Ltd. ......................................................30 DRYWALL/INSULATION CONTRACTORS Capital Drywall Alberta, Inc. .........................................44 Prophit Management Ltd. ............................................49
SUPERIOR BUILDING ENVELOPES
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EQUIPMENT RENTAL/SALES & SERVICE Bobcat of Calgary .........................................................31
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EXCAVATION CONTRACTORS Keystone Excavating Ltd. .............................................25 Prattco Excavating Ltd. ................................................20 FENCING The Cedar Shop Building Materials ..............................36 FINAL OCCUPANCY CLEANING Smart Site Inc. .............................................................54 FIRE ALARMS Intercept Systems Corp................................................38 FOUNDATION CONTRACTORS Thiessen Enterprises Ltd. .............................................52 FOUNDATIONS - REPAIR Pro-Well Construction Ltd............................................44 GARAGE BUILDERS CarShacks ....................................................................46 GRANITE Jade Stone Ltd. ............................................................34
52 • Profile/Winter 2009
HARDWOOD FLOORING Alberta Hardwood Flooring 1985 (Cgy) Ltd. ................................Inside Front Cover Divine Hardwood Flooring Ltd........................................6 Metro Hardwood Floors Ltd. ........................................12
SITE MAINTENANCE Smart Site Inc. .............................................................54
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING HeatCraft Heating Service Experts................................46 Lennox Industries Canada ............................................43
STAIRS/HANDRAILS Artistic Stairs Inc .........................................................25 Prestige Railings & Stairs ............................................15
HEATING & PLUMBING CONTRACTORS Wm. Schmidt Mechanical Contractors Ltd. ..................20
STONE - SUPPLIER Coronado Stone Products Canada ...............................42
HOME AUTOMATION SYSTEMS Intercept Systems Corp................................................38
STRUCTURED BUILDING SYSTEMS iLevel by Weyerhaeuser .................................................8
HOME BUILDERS Trico Homes, Inc. .........................................................43
STRUCTURED WIRING Intercept Systems Corp................................................38
SITE WASTE MANAGEMENT Budget Waste Inc .........................................................53
SURVEYORS Jones Geomatics Ltd. ..................................................42 Kellam Berg Engineers & Surveys Ltd..........................49 Lovse Surveys Ltd. ......................................................34 TRUCK RENTALS & LEASING Country Hills Toyota .......................... Outside Back Cover VACUUMS & AIR PURIFICATION SYSTEMS Aerus Electrolux ...........................................................45 WATER PROOFING Pro-Well Construction Ltd............................................44 WINDOWS & DOORS CWD Windows & Doors...............................................49 JELD-WEN Windows & Doors/Willmar Collection .......18 Legacy Windows Ltd. ...................................................21
HOME THEATERS Intercept Systems Corp................................................38 INSULATION Emercor Ltd. ................................................................52 Ener-Spray Systems, Inc. .............................................48 Penta Protective Coatings ............................................48 INSULATION CONTRACTORS Penta Protective Coatings ............................................48 INSURANCE - BUILDERS Builders Insurance Group, Inc. ....................................19 Renfrew Insurance Ltd. ................................................34 INSURANCE - GENERAL Toole Peet & Company Ltd...........................................31 KITCHEN & BATHROOM CABINETS Huntwood Custom Cabinets.........................................22 KITCHEN CABINETS Woodcraft Kitchen Cabinets .........................................46 KITCHEN COUNTER TOPS & CABINETS Action Cabinets ............................................................31 LAND SURVEYORS Vista Geomatics Ltd. ....................................................30 LAWYERS Fric, Lowenstein & Co., LLP.........................................46 McLeod & Company LLP .............................................44 Vickers & Associates ...................................................46 LIGHTING B.A. Robinson Ltd. .......................................................39 LUMBER D&B Lumber & Supplies (Calgary) ..............................44 MASONRY - CONTRACTORS BBC Masonry Ltd. ........................................................21
COMPLETE SITE SERVICE RECYCLING SOLUTIONS
ON-LINE SITE INSPECTION APPOINTMENTS The City of Calgary .........................................................3 PLANNING Kellam Berg Engineers & Surveys Ltd..........................49 POOLS Rocky Mountain Pools & Spas.....................................52 PROPERTY/CONDOMINIUM MANAGEMENT Condominium First Management Services Ltd.............49 ROOFING PRODUCTS & TRADES Unicrete Products Ltd. .................................................44 SAUNAS The Cedar Shop Building Materials ..............................36 SECURITY SYSTEMS Intercept Systems Corp................................................38
Working with businesses to provide consistent, environmentally sustainable, cost effective waste removal and recycling solutions.
SIDING The Cedar Shop Building Materials ..............................36 SIDING/SIDING CONTRACTORS Alberta Siding Projects.................................................44
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BWI BUDGET WASTE INC.
www.budgetwaste.com
phone 403-251-7006 Profile/Winter 12/17/07 2009 •5:52:45 53 PM
CWD Windows & Doors www.cwdwindows.com ...............................................49 D&B Lumber & Supplies (Calgary) ... .........................44 Action Cabinets www.actioncabinets.com ........................................31 Divine Hardwood Flooring Ltd. www.divinehardwood.com .............................................6 Aerus Electrolux Emercor Ltd. www.aerusonline.com..................................................45 www.emercor.com .......................................................52 Alberta Hardwood Flooring Empire Drywall 1985 (Cgy) Ltd. ... ...........................Inside Front Cover www.empiredrywall.ca .................................................30 Alberta Siding Projects Ener-Spray Systems, Inc. www.sidinginstaller.info ...............................................44 www.ener-spray.ca.......................................................48 All Weather Windows Foothills Ready Mix, Inc. www.allweatherwindows.com ......................................10 www.foothillsreadymix.ca ............................................39 Artistic Stairs Inc Fric, Lowenstein & Co., LLP ......................................46 www.artisticstairs.com ................................................25 HeatCraft Heating Service Experts B.A. Robinson Ltd. www.heatcraftheating.ca ..............................................46 www.robinsonlighting.com ..........................................39 Huntwood Custom Cabinets BBC Masonry Ltd. .. ....................................................21 www.huntwood.ca .......................................................22 Bobcat of Calgary IBI Group www.bobcatofcalgary.com ...........................................31 www.archcontrol.com ..................................................38 Brock White Canada Company iLevel by Weyerhaeuser www.brockwhite.com ......................... Inside Back Cover www.ilevel.com ..............................................................8 Inland Concrete Ltd. www.inlandcanada.com ...............................................36 Intercept Systems Corp. www.protected.com .....................................................38 Jade Stone Ltd. www.jadestone.ca ........................................................34 JELD-WEN Windows & Doors/Willmar Collection www.jeld-wen.ca ..........................................................18 Jertyne Interior Service Ltd. www.jertyneinteriorservices.com .................................54 Jones Geomatics Ltd. ... .............................................42 Kellam Berg Engineers & Surveys Ltd. www.kellamberg.com ..................................................49 Keystone Excavating Ltd. www.ourlifeisdirt.com ..................................................25 Jertyne provides a wide variety of Legacy Windows Ltd. www.legacywindow.ca .................................................21 services including: Lennox Industries Canada www.lennox.com .........................................................43 • Insulation and Drywall • Soundproofing Lovse Surveys Ltd. • Basement Development • Ceiling Texturing www.lovsesurveys.com ...............................................34 MABE Canada, Inc. • Garage Development • Attic Loose Fill www.geappliances.ca ...................................................14 • Decorative • Touch Up Mcleod & Company LLP www.mcleod-law.com ..................................................44 Metro Hardwood Floors Ltd. www.metrohardwoodfloors.com..................................12 60 Commercial Drive S.W. Penta Protective Coatings Calgary, AB T3Z 2A7 www.penta.ca ..............................................................48 Prattco Excavating Ltd. Phone: (403) 219-1046 www.prattcoexcavating.com ........................................20 Fax: (403) 250-6721 Prestige Railings & Stairs www.prestigerailings.com............................................15 Prophit Management Ltd. www.prophitmgmt.com ...............................................49 Pro-Well Construction Ltd. ... .....................................44 313686_Jertyne.indd 1 2/16/07 10:39:33 AM Renfrew Insurance Ltd. www.renfrew-insurance.com .......................................34 Multi-family developers – Custom home builders – Renovators Rocky Mountain Pools & Spas www.rmps.com............................................................52 Did you know that: Rolling Mix Concrete Ltd. Costs incurred by building deficiencies account for 10% to 15% of total project cost! 67% of www.rollingmix.com ....................................................46 all deficiencies discovered during delivery stage adversely affected the company’s reputation! Smart Site Inc. www.smart-site.ca .......................................................54 Protect your valuable product, prevent issues before they happen, and save time and money on Taiga Building Products Ltd. deficiencies. Move on to your next project faster, and leave behind a satisfied client. www.taigabuilding.com................................................38 Thiessen Enterprises Ltd. Products developed for construction applications, by an architect and bio-chemist. www.thiessenenterprises.com .....................................52 Toole Peet & Company Ltd. • Cabinet, vanity, built-in protection • Carpet protection • Hardwood floor & tile protection www.toolepeet.com .....................................................31 • Door protection • Tub and shower protection • Toilet sheaths • Counter top protection Trico Homes, Inc. • Dust control • Vent covers www.tricohomes.com ..................................................43 Ultra-Lite Doors • Supply/ install, shipping, and training • Product supplied direct from manufacturer. www.ultralitedoors.ca ..................................................53 • Project estimates and budgeting available. Plan ahead and save! Unicrete Products Ltd. www.unicrete.com .......................................................44 We are specialized to the construction industry, our expertise allows us to provide a superior United Drywall Ltd. product and service with proven results. www.uniteddrywall.com...............................................30 Vickers & Associates ... ..............................................46 Site protection – Construction cleaning – Demolition Vista Geomatics Ltd. www.vistageomatics.com ............................................30 Wm. Schmidt Mechanical Contractors Ltd. ... ...........20 Wolseley Canada www.wolseleyinc.ca .....................................................45 Woodcraft Kitchen Cabinets smart-site.ca 403-441-5757 www.woodcraftkc.com ................................................46
ADVERTISER.COM
Budget Waste Inc. www.budgetwaste.com ................................................53 Builders Insurance Group, Inc. www.bigi.ca .................................................................19 Calgary Fasteners & Tools Ltd. www.calfast.com..........................................................49 Capital Drywall Alberta, Inc. ... ..................................44 CarShacks www.carshacks.com ....................................................46 The Cedar Shop Building Materials www.cedarshop.com ...................................................36 The City of Calgary www.calgary.ca/landusebylaw........................................3 Condominium First Management Services Ltd. www.condominiumfirst.com ........................................49 Con-Force Concrete Products Ltd. www.con-force.com .....................................................24 Coronado Stone Products Canada www.coronadostonecanada.com .................................42 Country Hills Toyota www.countryhills.toyota.ca ............... Outside Back Cover
Quality at its best!
54 • Profile/Winter 2009
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A home that looks better sells better.
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