1501 W Central Street • Prince George, BC • Tel: 250-563-1538Find

us onOPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

COLOURIS KEY TO MAKING YOUR

HOUSE A HOME

Exceptional quality. Fashionable colours.

250.563.3306 | www.chbanorthernbc.cafacebook.com/chbaofnorthernbc

Because your House is your HomeHire a CHBA Member!Hire a CHBA Member!

CHECK INSIDE FOR

INFORMATION ON RENOVATING

YOUR HOME!

Renovating your home is an exciting process. RENOVATE: Do your HOMEwork will provide information in helping you make the right choices and develop a clear map to reach your renovation goals.

When you renovate your home, the most important decisions need to be made before the work begins. With today’s housing technology, you can increase the comfort of your home signifi cantly by making it healthier and more energy effi cient. This means better living for you and also helps to protect our environment by reducing greenhouse gasses and other pollutants.

Each section of RENOVATE: Do your HOMEwork provides information and tools you will need to map out your renovation plan. This includes how to set your goals, where to fi nd the information you need, the needs of your home, home inspection information and much, much more.

The Canadian Home Builders’ Association of Northern BC is the voice of Northern BC’s residential construction industry. Building your community since 1958, CHBA of Northern BC in collaboration with the National and Provincial levels of the Association is proud to support Renovation Month.

Additional information about Renovation Month can be found at the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (www.chba.ca).

do your home work

the renovation roadmap

PROUD MEMBER OF

www.pgfreepress.com | newsline: 250.564.0005

GIVING: People helping people - planned givingP

27

FRIDAYOCTOBER 25

INTERIOR FRENCH DOORSYour Choice $7500 each

Compared up to $29900

INT

RENOVATION CENTRETREMENDOUS ASSORTMENT

VISIT US AT OUR NEW LOCATION 175 FORT STREET (1ST & FORT ST., ACROSS FROM THE BOTTLE DEPOT) • 250.563.3200*NOT AS ILLUSTRATED

1 GOLDEN RULESThe Canadian Renovators’ Council of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association offers a number of golden rules to help renovating homeowners achieve their goals.

• Know what you want. Take the time you need to explore the possibilities for your home and develop a fi rm plan. Begins with the fundamentals - what do you need and how you want your “new” home to look, feel and work for you and your family. Once you have a clear idea of the “big picture”, your renovator will help you work out all the details.

• Set a realistic budget. Decide as early as possible how much money you want to spend - this allows you and your renovator to focus on the work that is doable within that budget. Experienced renovators can provide sound cost advice and recommendations. Sit down with your lender and discuss the amount you can reasonably afford and the most suitable fi nancing options. Remember that your budget should cover everything that may arise from the renovation, including such items as new drapery, blinds, furniture and appliances.

• Plan for the long term. Thinking ahead avoids short-term renovations that may need to be redone in the future. Discuss your short- and long-term goals openly with your renovator. Professional renovators can conduct a thor-ough inspection of your home and offer suggestions for the most effective sequencing of work over a period of time.

• Don’t jeopardize the quality of your renovation by compromising on the quality of products or materials. If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well, and that means using products that offer the right combination of performance, durability and aesthetics. Experienced renovators can help you choose the best products within your budget.

• Don’t choose a renovator on price alone. While it is always tempting to go for the lowest price, you need to consider the implications of doing so. Does the renovator understand what’s involved in your project and have the necessary experience? Will the renovator offer a warranty on the work? Will the renovator still be in business if you need to call back?

• Protect yourself. Dealing with a professional renovator is your greatest protection against an incompetent or unfi nished job. A written contract spells out the arrangements between you and your renovator and describes your renovation in detail. Professional renovators also carry workers’ compensation, liability insurance and any licenses required by your province.

• Don’t buy from a door-to-door salesperson without carefully checking out the company. Before you enter into any kind of agreement, talk with friends and family. Contact your local Home Builders’ Association to see if the company is a member - membership is an indication of professionalism. Also check with the Better Business Bureau to see if anyone has lodged a complaint against the company.

2 GET THE INFORMATION YOU NEEDHome renovation is a multi-billion dollar industry in Canada that includes public and private organizations, professional and industry associations, manufacturers and suppliers, fi nancial institutions, and dedicated renovation professionals across Northern BC.

If you are thinking about renovating your home, there is a wealth of information and assistance available from many different sources. It can help you to decide what you want and how to get it, and ensure a successful renovation that you will enjoy for years to come. Most of this information is free of charge or available at a modest price.

• Contact your local Home Builders’ Association and ask for a list of renova-tor members and information on the renovation process. Many local Home Builders’ Associations organize special consumer activities such as renovation seminars, open house parades of renovations and displays. Take advantage of these opportunities to get to know the professional renovators in your community and learn about the latest trends, products and fi nancing options.

• Natural Resources Canada is the primary source of information on opportuni-ties to improve the energy effi ciency of your home through renovation. Browse around on their web site or call 1-800-387-2000 to order various publications on renovation.

• Your municipal government can provide information about building codes and regulations, and the permits and inspections needed for your renovation project.

• Provincial government departments dealing with consumer and commercial relations may have publications and other information on hiring and working with renovators. Also ask about the Contractors’ Lien Act and the holdback requirements in your province.

• Ask banks, trust companies and other fi nancial institutions for information on renovation fi nancing.

• Visit building material and product suppliers and browse through their display areas to get ideas for your renovation project. The vast majority of manufactur-ers and suppliers of building components, products and materials also have websites with extensive photos, listings and descriptions of their products.

Before making fi rm plans to put in a new kitchen or add the sunroom you have always dreamed of, it’s a good idea to take a close look at the condition of your home. It’s important to know if there are any underlying problems or repairs or replacements that need to be dealt with in the near future. With a clear picture of the condition of your home, you can budget for both the short and the long term.

Here is what you can typically expect to fi nd in an older home:

• Wear and tear. Many items that suffer the most from normal wear and tear are not necessarily expensive to redo or replace, but can make a big difference to the appearance of your home, and your enjoyment of it - for instance paint, wallpaper, carpeting, fl oor fi nishes, exterior and interior trim, stairs and eaves.

• Components reach the end of their service life. Many of the products in your home have a defi ned lifespan. Careful maintenance may extend this somewhat, but sooner or later you need to replace them. For instance, after 15 to 20 years roof shingles may begin to curl, disintegrate and lose their ability to keep out moisture.

• Structural damage. Over time, cracks may appear in the foundation and brick siding, gaps may develop between the foundation and walls, or there may be other evidence of shifting and movement. Mortar in stone or rubble foundations

3 CONSIDER THE NEEDS OF YOUR HOME may fall out, siding may work loose, and windows and doors

may bind. Floors may slope or sag, and there may be cracks in the drywall or plaster. As a result, your home may not be as comfortable, energy effi cient or healthy as it could be, and if these problems are left unattended, further structural deterioration may occur, leading to more costly repairs.

• Moisture problems. Moisture can damage your home and your health. Water seepage around plumbing fi xtures can destroy surrounding wood and fi nishes. Moisture trapped in the exterior walls and roof can cause structural deterioration and create cracks, bulges or stains in walls and ceilings. Condensation on windows can eventually rot wood frames and sills. Molds may grow in both visible and invisible places, and a damp basement may give the whole house a musty, unpleasant smell. Moisture problems should be identifi ed and dealt with before or at the same time as your renovation; this will help to protect your home, improve the quality of the indoor air and ensure a healthier living environment for you and your family.

• Need to upgrade systems. The electrical system in your home may pre-date today’s equipment-intensive lifestyle and may not be adequate, or safe, for your needs. Your plumbing system may not give you enough hot water or steady pressure for your family’s showers and laundry. An older heating system may not deliver enough heat. You may also want additional items to bring your home up to today’s standard of performance and

comfort - e.g. ventilation, electrostatic furnace fi lters, water purifi cation, alarm systems and wiring for home offi ce equipment.

• Need to upgrade the energy effi ciency. Improving the energy effi ciency of your home can save you money and increase your living comfort - fewer drafts, fewer cold and hot spots, less fl uctuation in temperature. From caulking to added insulation to better windows, there are many ways to upgrade the energy performance of an older home.

A good fi rst step is to conduct your own inspection. When you discuss plans with a professional renovator, you can expect a detailed assessment of your project - what’s involved, the impact on the whole house and the need to upgrade systems or the structure. The renovator will also advise on other work that may be needed.

Renovators may recommend an assessment of the energy perfor-mance of your home and opportunities for upgrading. In the event of severe air quality and mold problems, they may suggest you hire an indoor air quality investigator.

If you want a thorough and formal assessment of your entire home, from top to bottom, you may want to consider hiring a professional home inspector. Make sure it’s someone, who is qualifi ed, properly trained and insured, and ask for a written report.

renovate: do your home work

DISCOVER THE DULUX DIFFERENCE!

Visit us at:

Staff

Pr

W

r

© AKZONOBEL, revised © 2013 PPG Industries, Inc. All rights reserved. Dulux is a registered trademark of AkzoNobel and is licensed to PPG Architectural Coatings Canada Inc for use in Canada only.

1602 Ogilvie St. S Prince George

Tel: (250) 562-2466

Receive a FREE 63MM Dulux® Angle Poly/Nylon Brush

with your purchase of any gallon of Dulux Paint.*

BONUS OFFER(Retail value of $16.92)

*Customers must remit coupon to location listed above. Cannot be combined with any other offer or promotions. Offer applies off the regular retail price of 3.0L-3.78L Dulux Paints manu-factured products. Expiry date December 31, 2013. FREE ITEM SKU: 310063.081

CU Soon. www.integriscu.ca

Follow us on

4 A HOME INSPECTION CAN HELP YOU PLANA home inspection can provide you with the information you need for a well-planned approach to renovation and home maintenance. Consider:

• A pre-purchase inspection of a resale home assesses the condition of a home you may consider buying. Is it structurally sound? Which repairs or replacements may be needed immediately or in the foreseeable future? When you buy with the intent to renovate, an inspection can give you a realistic impression of what is needed to bring the home up to the standard you want.

• If you have lived in your home for a number of years, a complete inspection can give you a snapshot of the condition of your home - a solid starting point for a full plan of renovation and ongoing home maintenance.

• A common reason for renovation cost overruns is the “unexpected”. An inspection will help to reduce surprises that can throw your renovation budget and schedule off track. For instance, an inspection can help identify particular problems needing immediate attention such as faulty wiring or defective heating equipment, which may not be immediately apparent.

• An inspection can help you assess your renovation ideas - can it be done, what will it take and what’s the impact on the rest of the house? For instance, an addition may require a larger furnace or an upgraded electrical panel. Or new energy-effi cient windows may necessitate better ventilation in the whole house.

5 DEVELOPING YOUR WISH LIST AND PRIORITIESNow that you have set goals for your project, it’s time to look for ways to accomplish what you want. This next part of renovation planning can be the most fun and exciting.

Developing a “Wish List” involves listing the specifi c features you would like to include in your renovation. You should also give some thought to the importance of each item. Is it something you absolutely need? Or is it something you would like to have, but not essential if your budget can’t accommodate it?

This stage of planning is all about exploring design and product ideas and learning as much as you can about what is available. Get out and see what others have done, what new products are available and what type of “look” is right for your family and home. Here are some ideas:

• Visit family, friends or neighbours and fi nd out what they really like about their home, particularly if they have renovated recently.

• Look for design and home improvement magazines at your local newsstand or library. Collect pictures of homes, rooms and products that appeal to you.

• Visit new home builders’ showhomes to see the latest in design, construction and fi nishing of homes.

• Visit kitchen, bathroom and other retail showrooms. Talk with salespeople and pick up manufacturers’ literature on the types and brands of products you like.

• In many communities, home shows are held during the year. Renovators, designers and product manufacturers take part in these shows. This provides an excellent opportunity to see what’s new. Check with your Local Home Builders’ Association for information about home shows.

• In some communities, local renovators will organize renovation open house tours to showcase recent renovation projects. Again, check with your Local Home Builders’ Association for details.

• And, of course, the Internet is a great source for home renovation information. Visit the websites of Canadian product manufacturers and suppliers, governments and fi nancial institutions.

• For effective long-term planning and budgeting, it is important to know when to expect major home maintenance expenses. An inspection can make it easier to plan for future expenses, such as furnace and roof replacement.

Who should I talk to?

Most commonly, inspections are done by a professional renovator or a home inspector. Your choice will depend on your reasons for having an inspection done, and the type of information you need.

• Professional renovators: The services offered by professional renovators can vary greatly, and the best approach is to call a few companies. To begin with, professional renovators will automatically examine the parts of your house involved in a proposed renovation in order to estimate and plan your project - that’s simply part of doing a professional job. Many renovators will also routinely identify repairs and upgrades that make economical sense to include in your renovation plans.

• If the renovator is designing your project, the design phase usually includes a thorough inspection. On large jobs, this may entail a “feasibility study” or an inspection by a structural engineer or other specialists.

• Beyond that, some renovators may offer additional assessment services.

• Home inspectors: If you want a third-party assessment of the condition of your home, you can hire a home inspector. Ask about qualifi cations, references and proof of errors and omission insurance.

• Make sure the price includes a detailed, written inspection report and share the results with your renovator. Together, you will be able to develop estimated costs, a list of priorities and a schedule of work for renovation, repair and replacement that is right for you and your budget.

THE DESIGN PROCESSA successful home renovation begins with good design. Whether you are remodelling the entire house, turning your basement into living space or updating your kitchen, the design of your renovation ultimately determines how satisfi ed you will be with the fi nished job.

Getting expert assistance in the early planning stages is a defi nite advantage. Experienced renovators will work with you to explore designs that fi t your home, lifestyle and budget.

• For a simple renovation project, you and the renovator may be able to work out the design details in the course of your conversations about the project. If your renovation is large or complex, the renovator may suggest that design be dealt with as a fi rst and separate step of your project.

• A growing number of renovation companies have a designer on staff - part of a growing trend towards one-stop shopping. Alternatively, renova-tors may recommend a designer or architect from their network of profes-sional associates Either way, having a renovator involved at the design stage helps to ensure that your design is practical and feasible from a construction standpoint.

• Typically, the design process begins with a discussion of your ideas and a look at photos, drawings or product literature that you may have col-lected. The renovator or designer will also ask you to describe what you are trying to accomplish and what do you really need and want.

• Based on this information, “concept sketches” are developed, usually more than one to give you a range of options. Often additional fi ne-tuning is needed to complete the design of your choice.

• At the end of the design phase, you will have a set of drawings or plans that are the basis for getting cost estimates. The drawings should show clearly what the fi nal project will look like, including close-up details, and be accompanied by a specifi cation list of the products and materials to be used.

• When your renovation entails structural changes or other work that re-quires a construction permit, working drawings or blueprints are required for approval by your municipality. Professional renovators can take care of all the details, including dealing with building offi cials.

renovate: do your home work

PROUD MEMBER OF

PROUD MEMBER OF

250.563.3306 | www.chbanorthernbc.cafacebook.com/chbaofnorthernbc

We are community builders! Use a CHBA member:A Cut Above Drywall Services Ltd All Weather Windows Armtec Artistic Homes Ltd

AWG Doors & Windows Plus Ltd. AWG Windows and Doors BC Housing Management Commission Belledune Homes Ltd

Better Business Bureau Brock White Construction Materials Carpet Superstore Carson Insurance Brokers Ltd.

Central Builder’s Supply Central Interior Logging Assoc. Centre City Drywall Ltd Centre City Electric Ltd

Century Group City of Prince George CKPG/PGTV The Pattison Group Cloverdale Paint

College of New Caledonia Columbia Bitulithic Ltd. of Lafarge Canada Comb’s Custom Building Comfort Insulation

Creuzot Homes & Construction Dean Mason & Company Inc DNR Professional Painting and Drywall Repair Dulux Paints

Ebb Construction Emco Corporation Fair Value Homes Fortis B.C.

Fortwood Homes and Sons Ltd Fred Surridge Ltd Gienow Windows and Doors H. G. Bliss Development Corporation

Hayer Homes Home Depot Canada Store 7171 Homeowner Protection Offi ce Icon Homes Ltd

Infi nity Properties LTD Integris Credit Union KPMG Kenroc Building Materials

L & M Engineering Lionshead Construction Marathon Eavestrophing & Decking Matt Bros. And Sons Construction

McElhanney Assoc. Land Surveying Ltd Myatovic Construction Newcombe Construction Ltd Northern Capital Wood Products

Northern Traditional Homes Ltd Northwest Energy Improvements Paradise Manufacturing Ltd Peace Enterprises Ltd

Polar Refrigeration Portal Installations Ltd 2009 Prince George Free Press Right Choice Flooring

Rise Construction Rolling Mix Concrete BC Ltd Rona (Capital Building Supplies Ltd) RBC Royal Bank

S.M.E. Contracting Ltd T & L Electric Traxler Haines Barristers & Solicitors

Vanway Cabinets Ltd Virk Homes Ltd Waste Management of Canada Corp

Western Financial Group Windsor Plywood Winton Homes Ltd

W R Ventures ltd

Disclaimer: Memberships are renewing & being added now. The 2014 Membership List will be available December 1, 2013. Check www.chbanorthernbc.ca as at December 1, 2013 for the most up to date list of members

CHBA of Northern BC 2013/2014 Board of Offi cers/DirectorsPresident ....................Gordon Bliss 1st Vice President ........ Rod Croome2nd Vice President ......Jody Tindill Treasure/Secretary ....... John StevensPast President.............Ed Rebelo Executive Offi cer .......... Terri McConnachieDirector ......................Ian Baxter Director ....................... Allen CreuzotDirector ......................George Hackle Director ....................... Brad LentzDirector ......................Debie Hemich Director ....................... Marti Ranu

do your home work

Because your House is your HomeHire a CHBA Member!Hire a CHBA Member!

Step 1 | Get Informed. Knowledge can protect you from risks

Home renovation and construction is a complex process. As a consumer, you need to know where you stand, and that your interests are protected.Some things you need to be aware of, and that should be ad-dressed in a written contract, include:

• Building codes and permits. Most projects, even minor ones, require a building permit and must adhere to code require-ments. As the homeowner, you are responsible for ensuring this happens. Your contractor can usually look after this on your behalf.

• Insurance. Does your homeowners’ insurance cover construction-related risks? Call your agent to confi rm. Also, your contractor needs to have business liability insurance to protect you from their mistakes.

• Liens. Each province has requirements for holding back a portion of all payments to your contractor for a set period of time. Doing this protects you from claims if the contractor fails to pay suppliers and subcontractors.

• Workers’ Compensation. Those employed to work on your property may require coverage under provincial Workers’ Compensation programs. Without it, you could be liable in the event of a workplace injury.

• Warranties. Professional renovators provide a clear written warranty on their work. Custom new home builders should provide a third-party new home warranty.

Step 2 | Hire a Professional. Know who you’re dealing with.How can you fi nd a good professional contractor?

Ask around. Some of the best recommendations come from friends, family, co-workers and neighbours who have had positive experiences. Other sources of information include:

• Home builders’ or trade associations

• Building materials stores• Utility companies• Better Business Bureaus

How do you know they are on the level?

Professionals provide the following, often as part of your written contract:

• Full contact information, including name, Address and phone number

• Confi rmation of business liability insurance that protects you or third parties, such as neighbours

• Proof of Workers’

Compensation coverage

• Their government issued Business Number or GST/HST number, and proof of any business licence required by the municipality

• A clear written warranty specifying what is covered and for how long

Step 3 | Get Control. Get it in Writing!Professional contractors always work with a proper, written contract. A contract spells out a clear project plan and what you and your contractor have agreed to. It is the best way to protect yourself and ensure things go as planned – and a valuable part of what a professional contractor provides.

A written contract should include the following:

• A full description of the work, including the materials and prod-ucts to be used

• Dates when the work will start and be completed

• A clear payment schedule that lays out when and how much you will be charged, and what lien holdbacks are required

• The contractor’s warranty detailing what is covered and for how long

• Confi rmation that the contractor has business liability coverage for your project, and that required Workers’ Compensation cover-age is in place

Don’t sign a contract unless you are satisfi ed that it includes all the necessary information and accurately and fully represents what you have agreed to.

6 GET IT IN WRITING