central alberta homes summer 2013

Su m m er 2013 cen t r a l a lb er ta h o m eS 5

summer 2013 | issue 04

market overview

11 Going up Central Alberta new home starts spike in first quarter

feature

13 Coveted contest CHBA – Central Alberta Region honours its own at Awards of Excellence 2013

show home profiles

16 Oh Carolina! Riser Homes’ show home

wows in Blackfalds

18 Country charmer Mason Martin Homes’ Pomona model

mixes country-western with modern

community

20 Going carbon neutral Students, industry partner on unique home building project

27 In the swing of things CHBA – Central Alberta’s annual golf

tournament slated for June 7

interiors | exteriors

22 Growing green Sustainable and energy-conscious

building gaining momentum in Central Alberta

industry news

29 Homebuyer protection plan Alberta New Home Warranty Program

undergoing changes in 2013

cover photo: mason martin homes @CHBACA1@chbaca1

13

SAM

16

departments

6 Message from the Executive Officer

9 Getting to Know…

30 Member List

22 27

contents

6 cen t r a l a lb er ta h o m eS Su m m er 2013

message from the executive officer

CANADIAN HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION – CENTRAL ALBERTA represents professionals in the housing industry. CHBA – Central Alberta has been in existence for over 55 years and is a network of professionals that manages industry issues to provide value to our members.

10, 7895 - 49th Avenue Red Deer, Alberta T4P 2B4Tel: 403.346.5321 Toll-free: 1.888.346.-5329Fax: 403.342.1301 Toll-free: 1.877.342.1301E-mail: [email protected]

Denie Olmstead | Executive Officer [email protected]

Joan Butler | Executive [email protected]

PUBLISHED By Source Media Group Corp. 207, 5809 Macleod Trail S.W. Calgary, Alberta T2H 0J9Tel: 403.532.3101, Fax: 403.532.3109 Toll free: 1.888.932.3101Email: [email protected]

AssOciAte PuBlisher | Jim Zang Art DirectOr | Jean Faye Rodriguez

GrAPhic DesiGners | Lama Azhari, Dave Macaulay, Megan Sereda

PrODuctiOn cO-OrDinAtOr | Colleen Leier

cOntriButOrs | Tess Flewelling, Jennifer Isaac, Jim Rivait, Daniel White, Shelley Williamson AccOuntinG | Donna Roberts

DirectOr Of sAles | Norma [email protected]

ADvertisinG sAles | Andrea [email protected]

Copyright 2013 by Source Media Group Corp. Material

cannot be reprinted in whole or in part without the express

written permission of the publishers. Source Media Group

Corp. agrees to advertise on behalf of the advertiser

without responsibility for claims or misinformation made

by the advertiser and acts only as an advertising medium.

Source Media Group Corp reserves the right to refuse any

advertising at its sole discretion.

Central Alberta Homes is published quarterly and is

distributed to every member of the Canadian Home

Builers’ Association – Central Alberta, as well as on free

stands throughout the region.

RetuRn undeliveRable Canadian addResses to source Media Group Corp., 207 - 5809 Macleod trail s.W., Calgary, ab t2H 0J9. Publication Agreement # 41072011

Sincerely,

Denie OlmsteadExecutive Officer

CHBA – Central Alberta

Wow! What a night!I’M TALkING ABOUT the annual Awards of Excellence in Housing, of course, the biggest

night of the year for members of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Central

Alberta.

Congratulations to all the award winners and finalists on their well-deserved

accolades, we truly do have an industry to be proud of. And special thanks to all those

volunteers, and our association executive

assistant, Joan Butler, for all their efforts in

helping create a memorable evening.

you can check out who the winners were

on page 13.

Meanwhile, we check in with last year’s

home builder of the year, Mason Martin

Homes, at their show home in Vanier Woods,

The Pomona. Our other show home profile,

The Carolina, by Riser Homes, takes us to

Blackfalds, just outside of Red Deer.

It’s spring and with things greening up

all around us that’s where our focus is this

edition also, with two separate articles on

environmentally responsible building. First,

learn about the cool school project some RDC students are working on, and then read

about what some local home building companies are doing as part of the Built Green™

program.

Leigh Stuart, of Red Deer Overdoor, teaches us about dubstep in our CHBA member

profile; and Jim Rivait, CEO, Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Alberta, talks about

some of the upcoming changes to the provincial New Home Buyer Protection Act.

All the latest new home start statistics are in from CMHC, and things are still

looking good. Speaking of things looking good, my golf swing isn’t one of them. But I’ll

be out there at Alberta Springs anyways on June 7th at our annual CHBA tourney, to

raise funds for our student scholarship commitments with Red Deer College and Olds

College. Read about it on page 27, and remember: head down, eyes on the ball.

See you around town.


If you’re one of those people who think

number crunchers are boring, think again.

Meet Leigh Stuart, here to put that myth

to rest once and for all.

Oh sure, as the Accounts Payable/Payroll

Manager at Red Deer Overdoor she deals

with numbers all day every day. And as the

Treasurer of the local chapter of the CHBA

she deals with even more numbers on a

volunteer basis.

But all work and no play would make

Leigh a dull girl indeed and, in reality, she’s

anything but. In fact, she’s been on the

CHBA board of directors for the past four

years and is also their Events Committee

Chair, organizing everything from business

related functions to golf tournaments and

other ‘just for fun’ events.

Born and raised in Red Deer, Leigh’s

aptitude for business and her strong

entrepreneurial spirit come naturally — her

parents, though now semi-retired, have

owned and operated Red Deer Overdoor

for more than 25 years. With that kind of

upbringing, it’s no surprise that this success-

driven lady held several part time jobs

prior the age of 18, including the obligatory

teenage stints at MacDonald’s and Walmart,

before pursuing her passion and obtaining a

Business Administration diploma from RDC.

Leigh StuartTreasurer/Events Committee Chair, CHBA – Central Alberta

getting to know

Nowadays, Leigh spends much of her free

time hanging out in her Red Deer County

home with her husband of just over a year,

Mark. “We have no kids,” she says, “just fur

babies. Two dogs and a cat.”

She’s also into weight training, going to

concerts and, when she can, traveling. But,

she says, “I truly like just staying in with

my husband and fur family to watch a good

movie.”

Reading is also high on her list of likes.

“I’m currently reading a book with a title not

really appropriate for a magazine,” she says.

“The last book I read was My Booky Wook,

by Russel Brand…quite enjoyable.”

Adding to her eclectic taste in

entertainment options is her choice

of music. No country twang for this

thoroughly modern Central Alberta gal.

Nope, she much prefers the big beats of

electronic dance music or dubstep —

whatever that is. you’ll have to ask Leigh. If

you want to find out for yourself, her Sirius

satellite radio is tuned to BPM (channel 51).

Give it a listen, or check out the video at

youtube.com/watch?v=Wgll2gDy-Rw

As for living and working in Red Deer,

Leigh’s been here all her life and sees no

reason to think about leaving now. “I grew

up with the town, so I know it pretty well. I

By J IM zANG

Leigh Stuart

like that it’s small, but still has everything

you need.”

One thing it maybe could use more of,

she says, is skilled workers, especially in

the home building industry. “Acquiring and

maintaining skilled workers is probably the

biggest challenge facing the industry right

now.”

Despite the shortage, houses continue

to go up in and around Red Deer, as both

buyers and builders continue to reap the

benefits of a strong provincial economy.

Her advice to potential homebuyers: “Make

sure you do your research on the builder.

Who’s behind them? How long have they

been around? Are their suppliers and trades

reputable? Search online for reviews and

check to see what associations they are a

part of. Do your homework.”


Housing Starts in Central AlbertaJanuary – March

LocationSingle-Detached Multi-Family Total

2012 2013 Yr/yr % Change 2012 2013 Yr/yr % Change 2012 2013 Yr/yr % Change

Camrose City 10 6 -40 8 4 -50 18 10 -44

Clearwater County 4 14 250 0 0 – 4 14 250

Lacombe City 6 11 83 16 4 -75 22 15 -32

Lacombe County 5 8 60 0 0 – 5 8 60

Mountain View County 10 4 -60 0 0 – 10 4 -60

Red Deer City 49 71 45 88 165 88 137 236 72

Red Deer County 17 15 -12 0 0 – 17 15 -12

Sylvan Lake 27 28 4 24 7 -71 51 35 -37

TOTAL 128 157 23 136 180 32 234 337 28

The year of the snake rattled into

the first quarter on the new-home

construction front, according to the

most recent stats from Canada Mortgage

and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

Even ahead of a projected gain in housing

starts for the year, the first three months

saw a 72 per cent spike in new home

construction in Red Deer, with 236 housing

starts already on the record, versus just 137

as of March 2012.

Multi-family starts outperformed their

single-family counterparts, rising by 88 per

cent from 88 to 165 year-over-year for the

January – March period.

CMHC market analyst for the Prairies

Going upCentral Alberta new home starts spike in first quarter

and Northwest Territories, Regine Durand,

credits employment growth, more lots

becoming available and fewer active resale

listings in the City of Red Deer.

“When you look at active listings, we look

at that as competition (to new homes), and

they were down 15 per cent in March and

down seven per cent year over year,” she

explains.

Red Deer also saw healthy job growth and

employment rates in the first quarter, with

53,200 of a total 90,654 population on the

job force, up 800 people from 2012, or a 2.1

per cent increase. In addition, 1,200 more

full-time jobs were also created between

March 2012 and March 2013.

market overview

“A participation rate of 75 per cent in

March 2013 means that seven out of ten

people looking for jobs were able to find

one,” says Durand.

Durand says CMHC will be re-assessing

earlier projections of a seven per cent

annual growth of housing starts for Red

Deer, with a likely finish for 2013 in the

double digits.

She says it’s a welcome change to 2011,

when builders expressed a desire to craft

new homes, during an admitted shortage of

land to build.

“We knew there were new lots coming to

the market,” says Durand, citing an addition

of about 600 lots in the city in 2012.

Rural building in Central Alberta also

saw a jump, with a 250 per cent increase in

new home starts in Clearwater County and

60 per cent more new single-family homes

begun in Lacombe County than in the first

quarter of 2012.

Source: cmhc

Multi-family starts outperformed their single-family counterparts, rising by 88 per cent from 88 to 165 year-over-year…

By SHELLEy WILL IAMSON


CHBA – Central Alberta Region honours its own at Awards of Excellence 2013

Central Alberta home builders,

renovators and partners once

again tipped their hardhats to their

peers for industry accomplishments at the

CHBA – Central Alberta Region’s Awards of

Excellence and President’s Gala.

Sorento Custom Homes took home the

most hardware from the May 4 event,

with five awards, including Large-Volume

Builder of the year. Larkaun Homes got the

nod for Builder of the year/Small-Volume,

while Bowood Homes took Renovator of the

year honours.

The event, sponsored by Wolf Creek

Building Supplies Ltd. — Timbr Mart

Lacombe and Abbey Master Builder, saw a

packed attendance of 500 at the Sheraton

Red Deer Hotel and Exhibition Centre.

Entrants were given points for housing or

renovation projects entered in the CHBA –

CA Awards of Excellence and results from

customer and trade partner surveys.

The president of the Canadian Home

Builders Association – Central Alberta says

the competition was stiff again this year

and the judges, as always, had some tough

calls to make.

“We have a lot of high-calibre builders so

it’s nice to have them all together in a room

and recognized for their achievements,”

says Lisa Buckingham, CHBA – Central

Alberta president, noting the association

had about 100 entries to choose from

for 28 awards.

Buckingham says the AOE have

really become notable for builders and

renovators, and interest in the coveted

CHBA – Central Alberta contest has risen

in the past several years.

“Having that award is really becoming

recognizable among the Central Alberta

(building) community,” explains

Buckingham.

Other top awards, presented as part

of the President’s Gala included Pam

Cameron of Asset Builders, who was

named Rookie of the year; Member of the

year John deRegt of Wolf Creek Building

Supplies, Timbr Mart Lacombe; and the

Gus Bakke Memorial Award (for a member

contributing notably to the association),

which went to Dan Ouwehand, of Carpet

Colour Centre Carpet One.

After the awards portion of the evening,

which was emceed by Joe Whitbread,

members blew off some steam with a

fun casino and dance, as part of the

annual President’s Gala. The evening’s

entertainment included the Calgary

Fiddlers as an opening act, and Red Deer

band Porter.

Coveted contest


feature

“We have a lot of high-calibre builders so it’s nice to have them all together in a room and recognized for their achievements.”


BeST New HOMe: SiNgLe FAMiLY HOMewiTH OR wiTHOuT gARAge:

Winner for Best New Home up to $224,999 (SF1)

Sorento CuStom Home S

Winner for Best New Home between $225,000 - $259,999 (SF2)

LAeBon HomeS


true-Line HomeS


FALCon HomeS


LAndmArk HomeS red deer


LArkAun HomeS Ltd.


Sorento CuStom HomeS


CoLBrAy HomeS

Winner for Best New Estate Home between $750,000 - $999,999 (EH1)


Winner for Best New Estate Home over $1,000,000 (EH2)

Bowood HomeS

BeST New HOMe: MuLTi FAMiLYTOwNHOuSe/DupLex/COMpLex:

Winner for Best New Multi Family Home – Town House/Duplex Style under $199,999 (MF3)

FALCon HomeS

Winner for Best New Multi Family Home –Town House/Duplex Style over $200,000 (MF4)


feature

Awards of excellence, CHBA – Central Alberta Region — Full winners list

BeST ReNOVATiON pROJeCT

Winner for Best Renovation up to $99,999 (RN1)

true-Line HomeS

Winner for Best Renovation over $100,000 (RN2)

PLAtinum HomeS

exCeLLeNCe iN iNTeRiOR DeSigN

Winner for the Excellence in Interior Design (ID1)

interior designer: dAnette Loewen; Builder: PLAtinum HomeS

SAFeTY LeADeRSHip AwARD (SLA)

Winner for the Safety Leadership Award

Bruin’S PLumBing And HeAting Ltd

below: Sorento custom homes


feature

pARTNeR AwARDS

Winner for Trades of the year – Small Category

CAnAdiAn CLoSet

Winner for Trades of the year – Large Category

tHermo Pro inSuLAtion And drywALL

Winner for Supplier of the year – Small Category

nortHLAnd ConStruCtion SuPPLieS

Winner for Supplier of the year – Large Category

timBer woLF truSS Ltd.

Winner for Service Professional of the year – Small Category

SneLL & oSLund SurveyS (1979) Ltd.

Winner for Service Professional of the year – Large Category

ServuS Credit union Ltd.

BeST OF THe YeAR AwARD wiNNeRS

2013 Renovator of the year

Bowood HomeS

2013 Builer of the year – Small Volume

LArkAun HomeS Ltd

2013 Builder of the year – Large Volume


pReSiDeNTS AwARDS

Rookie of the year Award

PAm CAmeron, ASSet BuiLderS

Member of the year Award

JoHn deregt, woLF Creek BuiLding SuPPLieS –timBr mArt LAComBe

Gus Bakke Memorial Award

dAn ouweHAnd, CArPet CoLour Centre CArPet one

Awards of excellence, CHBA – Central Alberta Region — Full winners list

above: larkaun homesbelow: bowood homes


The kitchen opens up with loads of counter space, storange and not to mention the walk through pantry towards the garage.

show home profile

Oh Carolina!Riser Homes’ show home wows in Blackfalds

By TESS FLEWELL ING

Sitting down with Lloyd Fiddler,

Riser Homes’ Sales and Marketing

Manager, the message is clear: “We

want to make sure that your new home

has everything you want in it, which is

why we offer so many floor plans with the

flexibility to change this room and this

room and that layout with this one. We

take the time to ensure our customer is

receiving a quality product.”

Their newest show home, the Carolina,

located in one of Blackfalds’ newer areas,

Mckay Ranch, is a perfect example. Only

ten minutes from Red Deer, the area is

ideal for first time homebuyers or people

looking to accommodate a growing family,

with parks and walking trails right across

the street.

Upon entering the 1,805-square-foot

Carolina show home, your first impression

is a lasting one. Whether it is the nine-foot

ceilings drawing the light from the many

large windows, or the European theme,

this home is dressed to impress. With a

half bathroom just down the hallway, the

kitchen opens up with loads of counter

space, storage and not to mention the walk

through pantry towards the garage. Just

under a half dozen large windows flood the

dining and living room with warmth and

light, creating a comfortable atmosphere

that makes you want to curl up in front of

the in and out fireplace.

The lower level, which still showcases the

nine-foot ceilings and

large windows, supports

a spacious area for children

or a great place for adults, including

one bedroom and one bathroom.

Don’t worry — the in floor heating

ensures that you will be warm and

comfortable.

If the lower level left you feeling

wowed, just wait until you walk

up the glass railing staircase. The

upstairs family room is built for


to their customers, says Fiddler, including

their guarantee that your home is built on

time and with exceptional craftsmanship.

“With so many different options available,

whether you want a ready-built home or

wish to design your own, Riser Homes is

ready to make your homebuying experience

a great one,” says Fiddler.

show home profile

just that, families, with two bedrooms off to

the side. This room offers up everything you

might want in a living space. Just past the

upstairs bathroom is the glorious master

bedroom, and what a masterpiece it is; this

room includes a large area, not to mention

a full walk in closet. The master bathroom

sports his and her sinks, a full tub and a

separate walk in shower.

This show home captures all the features

of a fully functional home with custom

made lighting adorning the kitchen and

bedrooms. At only $295,000 (not including

the price of the lot), this home makes a

statement out of affordable and stylish.

This home also features many different

For more information please visit

www.riserhomes.com

The master bathroom sports his and her sinks, a full tub and a separate walk in shower.

green qualities that are especially pleasing,

including lights that automatically turn off

when you leave the room. Also featured in

the home are low-flush toilets and a large

hot water heater as well as a high efficiency

furnace.

Locally owned and community-driven

Riser Homes has been building quality,

affordable homes in the Central Alberta area

for 20 years. Riser Homes’ success is based

around their focus on what means the most


show home profile

Entering the Pomona show home

is to step into a world of country-

western modern, where beauty meets

practicality.

The two-storey, 2,600-square-foot home

is the latest offering of award-winning,

master home builder Mason Martin Homes,

and is located in Vanier Woods, one of Red

Deer’s newest communities.

“The area encourages pedestrian safety,”

says kyle Lygas, Senior New Home Planner

with Mason Martin Homes. “Vanier Woods

is a comprehensively planned residential

neighbourhood that takes advantage of

the existing wetlands, natural areas and

utility rights-of-way to create a pedestrian-

friendly community.”

Conveniently located in the southeast

portion of Red Deer, Vanier Woods is an

easy 10-minute commute to downtown.

By JENNIFER ISA AC

Country charmerMason Martin Homes’ Pomona model mixes country-western with modern

Schools close by include Mattie

McCullough Elementary, Westpark Middle

and Hunting Hills High. The Collicutt

Centre is a few minutes’ drive away.

Warmth and welcome describe the

classic country look inside the luxurious

home, which is a successful combination of

colour and texture. The sense of light and

space is achieved effortlessly.

In the kitchen, the Earthstone pizza oven

takes centre stage. “It’s by far our biggest

showstopper,” adds Lygas, who admits it’s

his favourite feature of the home. “The

pizza oven operates with wood or natural

gas.”

Also in the kitchen is a Wolf Sub-

Zero fridge, with matching panels that

blend seamlessly into the knotted alder

cabinetry, complete with oil-rubbed nickel

hardware.

The country-western modern theme

carries on throughout the room, with

the exposed beam knotty alder ceiling.

A natural gas stove, wall oven and

wall microwave all combine to create

a luxurious yet professional cooking

ambiance. The quartz-veined, granite

countertops add to the planned versatility

and generous workspaces. A convenient

coffee corner is a thoughtful feature, as

are the built-in book niches and electronic

alcoves throughout the home. Porcelain tile

and walnut hardwood help create balance,

while the neutral colour scheme integrates

the kitchen into the surrounding office

area and mud room.

Upstairs, three bedrooms and a bright

and airy flex room with an inviting, private

balcony carry on the country-western

modern theme.

The master bedroom has an ample

walk-in closet, and a gorgeous 180-square-

foot ensuite, with a glass block wall and a

custom-tiled shower, featuring a Rainhead

shower head.

“There are his and her sinks, a make-up

vanity and an air tub,” says Lygas.

Mason Martin Homes builds ‘green’ for


show home profile

the future of your home. “We are a Built

Green™ certified builder,” he notes. “We

have high efficiency appliances, furnace

and hot water tank. Homeowners save

approximately 15 per cent per month on

utilities.”

Mason Martin Homes is committed to

building you a home that appreciates in

value. “From the foundation to the roof, all

of our homes are built to save homeowners

energy and water costs, as well as help

the environment by wasting less and

conserving more,” Lygas says.

Mason Martin Homes has been building

in Central Alberta since 1990. “We

understand that building a home is the

largest and most important investment a

family will ever make,” he adds.

“By choosing us as your builder, you can

be assured that you will receive the best

value and highest combined knowledge

and expertise of our certified staff.”

A dedicated construction team, trades

and suppliers are trained professionals

who pride themselves on completing

your home on-time and with top quality

workmanship.

“We will design your home the way you

want,” says Lygas. “All plans are custom

designed to maximize square footage and

value. We arrange for you to consult with

our in-house designer, which is provided to

you at no extra cost.”

Every home is backed by a one-year

Builder’s Warranty against workmanship

and materials, as well as five years of

structural warranty through Alberta New

Home Warranty.

“We provide three service appointments

in the first year, as well as 24-hour

emergency service, if required,” says Lygas.

The Pomona has three bedrooms and

two and a half bathrooms. The lot size is

a generous 50 x 110 feet. A double front

attached oversized garage faces the street.

Purchase price is $799,000.

The show home is located at 23 Voisin

Close and is open daily from 1 to 5 p.m.

Warmth and welcome describe the classic country look inside the luxurious home, which is a successful combination of colour and texture.

For more information please visit

www.masonmartinhomes.com.


community

Going carbon neutralStudents, industry partner on unique home building projectBy DANIEL WHITE

There’s a lot to be said about being

neutral. After all, look how well it’s

worked for Switzerland. Superior

banking system. Accurate watches. Great

cheese and chocolate. Don’t take sides, play

the middle ground, and everyone will like

you. Sounds great.

However, being neutral doesn’t always

mean not taking sides. In fact, when you’re

talking about housing, being neutral is just

about as far as you can go on the energy

conservation side of things. It’s definitely

not the middle ground.

And that’s exactly what makes building

a carbon neutral home in Red Deer such an

attractive project for it’s partners. Red Deer

College, Olds College, Avalon Homes and

Landmark Group are nobody’s fence sitters.

They’re not afraid to take a stand one way

or the other, and they’ve taken it. They’re

in favour of building more environmentally

responsible housing. And they’ve put their

money where their mouth is by supporting

the construction of a carbon neutral home

as a student project.

A carbon neutral home has design

features which limit greenhouse gas

emissions during manufacturing and

maintenance. The intent is to get as close

to net zero as possible. Essentially, it

produces as much energy as it uses, as well

as utilizes other green building methods.

The focus of the project is to pursue,

discuss, and share affordable alternative

housing methods with the public while also

inspiring students.

According to Gary Halvorson, the

construction liaison at RDC, “We are just

completing the ground work at the campus

and the permit process is underway. We


the RDC’s alternative housing project.

Most consumers wouldn’t mind shedding

their troublesome, and often sporadic,

monthly energy bill. And, because the

house connects to the grid, there is also the

possibility to sell excess

energy back to the

grid at a premium.

If you missed the

house at the expo,

home tours will

be available upon

its completion.

community

One of the key features of this project is that any and all proceeds realized from the project will go directly to studen scholarships.

hope to have the construction started on

campus this month and be able to display it

at the upcoming Career Expo on the second

of May. We will be assembling the structure

on campus (North of the Trades wing)

to encourage student engagement, then

dismantle the home and move it to a site off

campus for re-assembly and completion.”

Halvorson says they are interested in

“investigating the benefits of panelized

construction to show the benefits of

providing new homes in an existing

neighbourhood while minimizing impact to

the area by shortening the build time. We

are planning to install a PV (photovoltaic)

system on the roof to generate electricity

for the home. This will be tied in to the

grid.”

“One of the key features of this project,”

says Halvorson, “is that any and all

proceeds realized from the project will go

directly to student scholarships.”

As well as benefiting students, there is a

lot of opportunity for future homebuyers to

scout out features for their own new homes.

The home measures 21-feet by 46-feet and

boasts three bedrooms along with a full

basement. Although the building of the

project has not begun, owners for the home

have already been found.

Halvorson thinks it is quite possible

that sustainable housing projects like this

will become the new norm in Canada. As

ecological issues become a more pressing

consideration for home builders and

homeowners alike, these projects are

becoming more significant. Self-harvested

energy is an important implication of

gary Halvorson



Growing greenSustainable and energy-conscious buildinggaining momentum in Central Alberta

trevor Gamelin

It may not be easy being green, but for a

handful of Central Alberta builders, going

the extra mile for homebuyers — and the

Earth — is worth it.

Among those focusing on not only being

“greener” but also building for sustainability

is Avalon Central Alberta.

Trevor Gamelin, operations manager at

Avalon Central Alberta, says it starts from

the ground up. “For us in particular, we

really focus on durability and starting with

a proper building envelope,” says Gamelin.

Gamelin says part of the Red Deer-based

builder’s approach using treated wood to

create a barrier that’s waterproof, insect

and mould proof, followed by a special rain

screen system to build a further shield

between soil and the home’s concrete

forms.

“It cuts down on water sitting against the

concrete … and prevents extra stress on the

home’s foundation,” says Gamelin.

Independent inspections are done prior to

the siding — which is made of HardiePlank®

composite cement instead of vinyl — being

installed.

“Most consumers have a 25-year

mortgage,” says Gamelin. “What’s

happening is a lot of homes are not even

lasting the life of the mortgage. We think

a home should last at least as long as the

payments on it.”

Inside, health is a big consideration for

a home’s air and owners. Triple-glazed

windows, LED lighting, high-efficiency

water heaters and furnaces with heat-

recovery ventilation, and low-flow

faucets and toilets are among

the details included in the

construction and finishing.

Avalon follows the

EnerGuide rating system

and Gamelin says its homes measure up

at 85 to 86 out of 100. “That is really high,

because after that it includes renewable

energy. The average home is about 72 to 74,”

he explains.

He says the benefit to the consumer,

who will pay about 10 per cent more with

Avalon, is not only a healthier residence but

also lower bills, a quieter living space and a

solid structure that will have fewer needs

for renovations.

Riser Homes, a member of Built Green™

Canada for several years, also sees the

benefit in addressing a home’s energy


“We think a home should last at least as long as the payments on it.”



efficiency from the outside inward, so the

builder begins with insulated concrete

forms (ICF) for its foundations.

“It means energy savings of about 50 per

cent,” says Elisa McLellan, architectural

designer for Riser Homes, and the builder’s

representative for Built Green™.

McLellan says Riser crafts two or three of

its 30 homes a year using ICF all the way to

the trusses, for added resistance to mould

and an even more energy-efficient home.

The builder also uses repurposed

materials when possible, such as finger-

jointed joists, recycled underlay and

recycled material interior doors and

mouldings.

Another factor is heat loss through

bonus rooms above garages, so this space

is treated by spray foam on the floor joist

ends, notes McLellan.

Riser’s appliances all fit Energy Star

standards, while hot water tanks and

furnaces are highly efficient, coming in at

95 per cent or higher, says McLellan.

Other small details the consumer might

not notice, but which add to a home’s

insulation and durability are a home wrap

and insulated plastic electrical boxes on the

exterior and a ceiling spray foam that rates

the homes at R-50.

“The standard is R-40,” says McLellan.

In addition to its homes meeting a

Based out of Edmonton, Built Green™ began in 2003 and has builder and industry

members in Ontario, Alberta and B.C. Though originally limited to single-family

home construction, the national industry-driven body now offers programs for

high-density and renovation projects, with a communities

program under development.

Members must pay dues and build at least one Built

Green™ home per year at a bronze, gold or platinum level.

“Built Green™ Canada goes beyond energy efficiency,

with an approach that includes the preservation of

natural resources, reduction of pollution, ventilation and

air quality, and the improvement of home durability,”

says Built Green™ Canada executive director Jenifer

Christenson.

“This holistic approach means using advanced building

technologies that consider the home as a system or a sum

of its parts — everything from site orientation, building materials, HVAC equipment,

windows, water and electrical consumption, and builder practices,” she adds.

For the reporting period of 2012, there were 3,134 registered projects with Built

Green™ Canada — of which, 2,058 were from Alberta and 1,076 were from British

Columbia.

At the end of 2012, Built Green™ Canada’s membership was 496 members.

Busse Homes

Christenson Developments

Habitat for Humanity

Lacey Homes

Landmark Group of Companies

Riser Homes

Built green™ Central Alberta members

Built green™ facts:

Jenifer christenson

bronze-level or higher standard for Built

Green™, the builder also follows the

EnerGuide standards, to bring their homes

to a 78 or higher rating, says McLellan.

Though solar power is still relatively new,

Riser builds all of its homes to be “solar

ready” with the necessary piping to the roof

to apply solar panels down the road.

McLellan says the move to greener

home building takes some educating of

homebuyers, but once they appreciate what

they are getting, they are on board.

“It’s not just about the finishing anymore,”

she says. “And it’s important to us to build a

better home. It’s healthy and more energy-

efficient for the customer.”

Riser builds all of its digs to be “solar ready” with the necessary piping to the roof to apply solar panels down the road.

“It’s important to us to build a better home. It’s healthy and more energy-efficient for the customer.”


being finalized, says Stuart, who did confirm

Trail Appliances is once again a sponsor for

a hole-in-one prize.

“At each hole there will definitely be a

challenge,” she notes of the best-ball contest.

Spots were still available for interested

CHBA – Central Alberta members as of

presstime. Entry fees are $185, including cart

rental, lunch and dinner after the day on the

links. Visit www.chbaca.ca to register.

It’s that time of year again, when the

weather is finally co-operating and

thoughts easily swing to the links.

Members of the Canadian Home Builders

Association – Central Alberta have the

chance to spend the day with industry

colleagues, while supporting post-secondary

students through the association’s annual

golf tourney.

“It’s mostly just for fun and getting

to mingle with the other people in the

business,” says Leigh Stuart, chair of the

CHBA – Central Alberta events committee,

of the Friday, June 7 event.

To that end, a theme such as last year’s

Mexican and an earlier year’s Scottish

dress will be associated with the rain-or-

shine festivities. Stuart says the committee

is leaning toward a “tight and bright”

theme, adding she expects to see some

colourful, wild garb on the course by

participating members.

Stuart says organizers expect about 144

to take part in the event, which is open

to all CHBA – Central Alberta members.

Proceeds this year are earmarked for

$6,000 in scholarships benefitting Red Deer

College and Olds College students.

The Par 72, 6,773-yard Alberta Springs

Golf Resort plays host to the much-

anticipated tee off for the fourth year

running, this year presented by Central

Alberta Tile One.

Golfers of every level are welcome, and new

participants are urged to get in the game.

Prizes for holes and the tournament are

In the swing of thingsCHBA – Central Alberta’s annual golf tournament slated for June 7By SHELLEy WILL IAMSON

community


This is a landmark year for Alberta’s

home building industry — by the end

of 2013 new provincial rules will be

in place requiring all builders to provide

warranty protection to buyers.

But details of the Alberta government’s

New Home Buyer Protection Act are still

being worked out and until they are in

force new home buyers face a critical

choice — do they gamble by choosing a

builder which does not offer a warranty on

its product?

Members of the Canadian Home

Builders’ Association – Alberta led the

nation by offering the first warranty

protection for homebuyers starting in 1974.

Now our builders provide coverage through

the Alberta New Home Warranty Program.

More than 106,000 Alberta homeowners

are currently covered under this program,

with 15,574 homes enrolling in the

first 10 months of 2012. The provincial

government estimates 80 per cent of

new home sold now are covered through

this program or other insurance-based

providers.

Given the magnitude of the purchase,

Homebuyer protection planAlberta New Home Warranty Program undergoing changes in 2013

one has to wonder what the 20 per cent

who buy a new home without a warranty

are thinking.

Nobody would drive away from an

auto dealership in a new car without

a warranty. Many people choose to

buy extended warranties for their

smartphones or tablet computers even

though they are sure to be obsolete as

soon as a newer model is available. Both

of these purchases cost just a fraction of

a new home.

The protection offered by CHBA

members starts as soon as the buyer

puts down a deposit and continues after

possession with coverage for materials,

workmanship and structural integrity.

CHBA members must demonstrate

knowledge, commitment and discipline

to be approved by the program and

an annual review includes checks on

customer satisfaction.

Mediation, conciliation and arbitration

services are available to solve any dispute

that may arise.

The staff at Alberta New Home

Warranty has developed valuable

information packages to help guide

you through each step of the home

purchase and how to follow up with your

builder if there are issues. Even owners

of older homes will find the excellent

maintenance checklists can help them

keep their property in great shape for

years to come. (Check their website

www.anhwp.com.)

While the government’s new law is

working its way through the legislative

process, home buyers would be wise to

check with builders whether they now

offer a warranty and what it covers.

CHBA – Central Alberta Members: Please visit

www.awards/chbaca.ca to register and enter

your company’s achievements in any and all of

the award categories you are eligible for.

industry news

By J IM R IVA IT

Think twice if a builder suggests you can

save the estimated $1,700-$2,000 cost of

the coverage because the legislation has

not yet taken effect. With the average cost

of a new home in Alberta topping $340,000,

does it make financial sense to cut corners

on protecting that huge investment?

The Canadian Home Builders’

Association – Alberta represents over 1,500

business members including new home

builders, renovators, developers, trade

and supply companies, and professional

services.

CHBA members must demonstrate knowledge, commitment and discipline to be approved by the program...

canadian home builders’ association – alberta ceo Jim rivait

30 cen t r a l a lb er ta h o m eS Su m m er 201330 cen t r a l a lb er ta h o m eS Su m m er 2013

member list

aabbey master builderalfano homesall Weather Windowsallrose exteriorsammonite custom homesaries/airf lo heating & air conditioningartistic Stairs ltdasset builders corp.atco Gasaudio Integrationsavalon central alberta

bb&b cowie Insulation ltd ben’s Glass & marblebildex construction ltdbomaier Developments ltd.bowood Incbruins Plumbing & heatingburnco rock Productsbusse homes ltdbuylo homes ltd

ccanada mortgage & housing corpcanadian closet & Storage co.candel homescan-air heating and air conditioning ltd.carolina homes Inccarpet colour centrecentral alberta Flooring/hotck holdings ltd.central alberta realtors associationcentral alberta co-op ltd.central alberta tile onecentral Stoneworks ltd (acadia Stone)christenson Developmentscity of red Deer (Inspections Dept)cKGY Fm/cIZZ Fmclearview Glass Service ltd.coast Wholesale appliances lPcolbray homes ltdcommunications Group red Deer ltdcomplete Flooring Solutions Incconsolidated Gypsum Supply ltdcottonwood meadows (chW land management ltd.)counterscapescunningham electric ltd

dDeer run homes (1990) ltdDominion lending centres regional mortgage GroupDoormasters IncDurabuilt Windows & DoorsDynovac Industries Inc

eeagle ridge homes corpemco corp.executive builders Group

fFalcon homes ltdFanta homes ltdFargey’s Paint & WallcoveringFindmynewhouseFresh renovations

gGeneral appliances lacombe ltd.Gienow Windows & DoorsGilmar constructionGlobal overhead Doors ltdGoodmen roof¡ng ltd.G&r builders Innisfail ltdGreat canadian roofing & Siding (red Deer) ltd.

hhabitat for humanity - red Deerharbour Spasharvard broadcasting (100.7 Fm the river)havan built custom homes henry’s eavestroughing ltdheywood holmes & Partnershome building centrehome renewalshomestead custom carpentry Inc.howard & company real estate appraisers Inc.huntwood custom cabinets ltd

iInland concrete ltd

jJade Stone (red Deer) ltd.JelD-Wen Windows & DoorsJim Pattison broadcast GroupJorgenson homes ltd

kKcb cabinetsKnelsen rock Products ltdKrest homes ltd.

ll.a. radio Grouplaebon homeslafarge canada Inclakeside rona building centrelandmark homes (red Deer) Inclarkaun homes ltdlevi-rio custom home builders ltd

mmalibu communitiesmarshall construction co. Inc.mason martin homesmcGonigal Signature homes Inc.m.c home ltd.mcKee homes ltdmelcor Developments ltd mr. Fireplace

nnational home Warranty northland construction Supplies

oolds collegeoriel Windows & Doors

pParadise homes corp. Parkland community Planning ServicesParkland Drywalling ltdPhoenix Insurance Group of red Deer IncPlatinum homes & DevelopmentsProfessional home builders Institute of albertaProform Precast Products Inc.Progressive home Warranty Solutions IncPly Gem

rrainy creek Developmentsrealty Investments corporationred Deer advocatered Deer countyred Deer college red Deer electricred Deer expressred Deer Fasteners & toolsred Deer lightingred Deer overdoorriser homes ltdrbc royal bankrona revy Inc. royal lePage network realty corp

sSerges homes ltdServus credit union ltdSiderman ltdSigns nowSml Games & hot tubsSnell & oslund Surveys (1979) ltdSoderquist appraisals ltdSorento custom homes ltdSource media GroupStalwood homesStevenson Development corp.Stoneworx masonry & Stucco Inc.Sylvan lake homes ltd

ttar-ific construction ltdthermo Pro Insulation ltd.the alberta new home Warrantytimber Wolf truss ltd.trail appliances ltdtrue-line contracting

u-zunique elevationsWestern Financial Group-red DeerWestridge cabinets ltdWindow masters 2013Windsor PlywoodWolf creek building Supplies ltdZytech building Systems Inc

central alberta homes summer 2013

Documents

central alberta homes

home wows

home profiles16

alberta t2h 0j9tel

source media group corp

alberta t4p 2b4tel

unique home building

butler executive