Canadian Home Builders' Association - Calgary Region

Highlights from CHBA and CHBA – Alberta

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:57:08 GMT

Both the national and provincial Canadian Home Builders’ Associations have been working on your behalf on a number of issues of relevance to the residential construction industry. Here are a few of the highlights:
• Canada’s federal immigration programs
The federal government has indicated it is planning to update the point system for the Economic Immigrant Program to make it more proactive, more conducive to younger workers and more accommodating of skilled trades people – an action the CHBA has been recommending for years.
In particular, CHBA would like to see: revisions to points scored for language skills to align with the proficiency needs for various occupations; more flexibility regarding arranged employment, since trades typically work for several employers; greater consideration given to the experience of skilled trades people who can demonstrate competency in their trades; and a review of the current National Occupational Codes required for recognition by immigration programs focused on skilled people. CHBA has asked to meet with the federal government before the update.
• Annual Meeting of Members part of CHBA conference
The 2012 CHBA Annual Meeting of Members will be held on Friday, March 16, at the Fairmont
Tremblant Resort in Mont-Tremblant, QC. All information, including Submitted Resolutions, Audited Financial Statements and the Interim Report of the Nominating Committee has been posted in the Members’ area of www.chba.ca (under “Your CHBA,” then “Governance Committees”).
Create and Transform is the theme of the 2012 CHBA National Conference from March 16-18, 2012 at the Fairmont Tremblant Resort in Mont-Tremblant. Confirmed conference speakers include General Rick Hillier, former Chief of the Defence Staff for Canadian Forces, Mitch Joel, author of the business best-seller Six Pixels of Separation and columnist on digital media, Sean Wise, venture capitalist and known for his role on CBC Television’s Dragon’s Den, McGill University Professor and author William Watson, who will discuss business opportunities during transformative times and participate in the annual Economic Session, and Dr. Nick Bontis, ranked among the Top 30 management gurus world-wide, and recognized by the Harvard Business Review and Fortune Magazine as "a pioneer and one of the world's real experts in intellectual capital.” Click here to register.
• National Building Code Review
As previously reported, the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes wants your input in the review of proposed changes to the National Building Code of Canada 2010. Until March 2nd, Code users and stakeholders will have a detailed look at proposed technical changes and be able to comment on each proposed technical change as to whether it should be approved, altered or rejected. The Province of Alberta has committed to adopting the national changes without further review in Alberta. CHBA – Alberta is encouraging its members to look at the proposed changes and provide comments or to participate in the provincial review that will be coordinated by CHBA – Alberta and which began in January. Click here.
• The importance of Canadian building products
Recently, the Altus Group’s Peter Norman gave a presentation to the CHBA’s Manufacturers’ Council outlining the importance of the Canadian building products sector to Canada’s economy. The highlights are in a short two-page Altus Group report to the CHBA which can be accessed through the Council’s website at www.chbamanufacturers.ca. The key points are:

The Canadian housing market was performing well in late 2011, but the risk environment is elevated;
There are both short‐term and medium‐to‐longer term risks emerging;
Builders should continue to look for opportunities and bring innovative products to market, but make decisions with the elevated risk environment in mind, and understand that the world has changed.

• Everything in Texas is BIGGER
It has proven true, everything in Texas is bigger. From houses to lots, participants of CHBA – Alberta’s first Low-Rise Housing Study Tour in Austin, Texas saw that the saying does ring true after touring close to 30 model homes, one high-rise and an airport redevelopment.
Austin can be closely compared to Edmonton with a population of just over a million people. It is the political capital and it has a housing market that has weathered the economic storm with relatively low impact.
But there were big differences … tour participants visited seven communities and the model homes averaged 3,200 square feet built on 80-foot lots (the smaller lots) – and base homes started at $210,000 US.
“Austin was a great opportunity for our builders and government officials to see a very vibrant, attractive city comparable to both Edmonton and Calgary, with half the housing cost, design differences, and different ways to finance communities. We see our own communities and our industry with fresh eyes when we look at what other cities are doing well,” said Greg Christenson, past president of CHBA – Alberta.
• CHBA – Alberta leadership wanted
Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) is looking to our members to provide leadership in improving safety in the residential construction industry. Work has begun on the structure and goals for a steering committee and a working group operating under an agreement of understanding. The groups will include members of OH&S Compliance and Policy, representatives of the Alberta Construction Safety Association, CHBA – Alberta, and key builder and general members from the industry. OH&S is interested in the areas of compliance tools, executive commitment and best practices for areas of high injury rates.
• Improving safety standards
The provincial government would like to work toward an agreement with industry to improve safety
subsequent to the results of 2011’s inspection blitz. Meetings with CHBA – Alberta, the province and other construction industry representatives on how to improve the safety performance of the construction sector were held recently. Of importance to CHBA - Alberta is ticketing of workers and accessing data that will allow the Association and members to pinpoint the trends.
• Provincial spring session impacts industry
The province is expected to introduce legislation this spring dealing with Mandatory New Home Warranty. Consultation began last summer and CHBA expects the legislation will be ‘reasonable,’ but still has one concern relating to the owner/builder exemption. Both CHBA – Alberta and Alberta New Home Warranty Program have expressed concerns to the province about leaving a loophole that will sacrifice the consumer protection focus on this legislation, which will be “enabling”, says CHBA – Alberta. That means that most of the detail will be added in the regulations. “While this appears to create flexibility, it can also be problematic.”
• Municipal Government Act review.
The CHBA – Alberta Government Relations Committee recently shifted its focus to the Municipal Government Act review led by Minister Doug Griffiths. The Committee is arranging a strategy session to share ideas and plan how CHBA – Alberta, locals and members can share their suggestions with government and make a positive impact on this review.
A first step is CHBA – Alberta staff and board members meeting with Minister Diana McQueen (Environment and Water) to focus on construction and demolition waste, water issues, and energy efficiency, and Minister Manmeet Bhullar (Service Alberta) to focus on licensing of condominium property managers, the Condominium Property Act review, mandatory warranty/building envelope, and seniors housing building code updates.
• Alberta Condominium Property Act review stalled
Progress on the Alberta Condominium Property Act review is currently stalled as issues pertaining to the Act have proven to be more complex than originally thought. Government officials have also indicated that passing the mandatory new home warranty legislation prior to completing the review will result in clearer discussions.

U.S. Housing Market Slowing Recovery

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:48:07 GMT

The economic recovery in the U.S. has been “disappointing” – a direct result of the “out of balance” U.S. housing markets, the chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve in the U.S. told more than 2,500 people at the recent International Builders Show in Florida.

“Many local markets have an overhang of empty and foreclosed homes, and many potentially creditworthy homebuyers cannot obtain mortgages,” Ben said. “The weak housing market also impairs homeowners’ financial health and diminishes the quality and stability of neighbourhoods and communities.”

Sustained, new policies to address “the many interlocking factors holding back the housing market” are needed, he said, although he didn’t go into any detail.

“The state of the housing sector has been a key impediment to a faster recovery,” said Bernanke. While the recovery in the U.S. is now in its second year and some job recovery is evident, “according to the most recent estimate, about one and three-quarter million homes are currently unoccupied and for sale.”

And “we estimate that about one-fourth of the excess supply of vacant homes for sale in the second quarter of 2011 was owned by creditors.”

While those numbers have declined slightly during the past few years, “a very large number of additional homes are poised to come on the owner-occupied market. In each of the past few years, roughly two million homes have entered the foreclosure process, and many of these homes have been put up for sale, crowding out much of the need for new building.”

He expects the foreclosures “to continue for a while, putting additional homes on the market and dislocating families and disrupting communities in the process.”

Foreclosures can diminish the values of nearby properties as well, he noted. And they can be neglected or abandoned which, in turn affects the quality of life in a neighbourhood.

Nationally, U.S. house prices have plunged about 30 per cent in nominal terms from their peak, and nearly 40 per cent in real, or inflation-adjusted, terms. “By some estimates, declines in house prices have reduced homeowners’ equity by more than 50 per cent in the aggregate since the peak of the housing boom, resulting in more than a $7 trillion loss of household wealth. Indeed, about 12 million homeowners – more than one out of five with a mortgage – are underwater, meaning they owe more on their mortgages than their homes are worth.”

That, in turn, affects consumer spending, creates a lower standard of living, reduces the incentives of firms to invest and hire, and reduces financial flexibility for homeowners. “Because some credit-worthy households find it difficult to obtain mortgage credit or to refinance, the strong actions taken by the Federal Reserve to put downward pressure on longer-term rates and to improve financial conditions have had less effect on the housing sector and overall economic activity than they otherwise would have had.”

Restraints on credit for home buyers and home builders alike continue to impede the housing and economic recovery, he said.

One solution is to turn many of those homes owned by creditors to rental – which has “some potential for success,” he said. Land banks, where government entities that have the ability to purchase and sell real estate, titles and accept donated properties, and other neighbourhood stabilization efforts “are just a few examples of the approaches that policymakers could consider to help facilitate the adjustment of the housing market.”

Learn about Solutions to Envelope Design Problems

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:43:39 GMT

A solution is available to avoid future building envelope failures in multi-family residential buildings.

Design Considerations for Low to Mid-rise Multi-family Residential Buildings will be the topic at the March 7th, 2012 Lunch and Learn presentation co-hosted by Brock White Construction Materials and the Alberta Masonry Council.

Dr. Mark Hagel, executive director at The Alberta Masonry Council, will be presenting information that will refresh everyone’s knowledge of building envelope design and construction of low-rise multi-family residential buildings in Alberta – an issue in a sector experiencing a recent surge in activity.

“A number of building envelope failures of low-rise multi-family residential buildings, resulting in large special assessment costs to condominium owners, has spawned a joint report by the Alberta Government and the City of Calgary in 2008, several articles in the Calgary Herald and concern from building envelope specialists about design and construction of these condominiums,” says Hagel.“Experts cite over 200 condo suites are under restoration that are less than 10 years old confirming that there is a growing concern in the City of Calgary with these condominiums needing to be addressed by the design and construction communities.”

Common failure mechanisms such as stucco cladding and roof design for multi-family buildings will be discussed, a number of perspectives on this issue will be explored and solutions will be covered. Effective detailing and design techniques to mitigate moisture intrusion and building envelope failure in this type of construction will also be addressed along with a brief review and presentation on fire safety.

The presentation will take place at the Calgary Construction Centre – Chinook Room between 11:45 am and 1:30 pm on March 7, 2012. Lunch and refreshments will be provided at the event. Registration deadline is March 5, 2012.

To register e-mail Larry Benner at lbenner@brockwhite.com.

Site Safety and Jobsite Loss Prevention

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:09:13 GMT

Most worksite losses due to crime are never reported – an issue Constable Glenn Rowley of the Crime Prevention Unit of the Calgary Police Service will speak to at the February 23rd, 2012 Builder Breakfast.

Currently the numbers of jobsite losses reported to insurance companies are much larger than those reported to the police, says Rowley.

Although some crimes may seem meaningless, it is important to report them, Rowley says. “Whenever you are the victim of a crime, or you are a witness to crime, it’s crucial to notify the police as soon as possible. This enables better tracking of criminal activity in order to identify crime trends and to best respond to them.”

The task of reporting crime is now easier. Members attending the Builder Breakfast will be walked through of the process of reporting particular crimes online. Rowley will also detail which crimes are eligible to be reported online and which require immediate action from the Calgary Police.

Greater participation in crime reporting from the industry will result in a greater response from officials. Statistics of crime will be more accurate, responses will be gauged accordingly and the reported crime could help to prevent other linked occurrences from taking place in the future.

Crimes are still happening in the field, says Lindsay McAlister, project manager for Streetside Development Corporation. The company had a recent incident at one of its developments in the north central area of the city. Neighbours reported strange people on the site after hours and 911 was called.

“They were found on site, they ran but were caught by the police,” says McAlister. “But since there were no witnesses that actually saw them in the unit, they could only be charged with trespassing.”

The fully-framed unit was 95 per cent roughed in – and the damage was more than $1,000, he says. Copper wires were pulled out of walls, cut and rolled up ready to transport. Copper wires are commonly used for meth drug use or are sold for their rising value.

The company now has security there and at other sites – an added cost to construction of housing.

The Builder Breakfast will also feature a segment from the City of Calgary Development and Building Approvals. The new, comprehensive site safety program will be covered in regards to what has already changed on the multi-family side, and what can be expected by single-family builders when the safety surcharge is applied.

Breakfast and registration are from 6:45 a.m. to 7:10 a.m. Presentations occur from 7:10 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at the Glenmore Inn & Convention Centre. Registration deadline is Tuesday, February 21st, 2012.

To register Click Here.

Chamber of Commerce Business Survey

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:03:27 GMT

The Calgary Chamber of Commerce priorities for 2012 are aligned with many of CHBA – Calgary Region’s concerns, says Donna Moore, CEO of Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Calgary Region.

The Chamber recently released its 2012 priorities that will influence policy and advocacy issues in the city throughout the year. In order of highest concern to lowest concern the priorities, in order, are:

Economic climate;
Workforce and immigration;
Municipal affairs;
Tax and fiscal management; and
Regulatory enhancement.

Regulatory enhancement is listed as a top priority for the first time – and that aligns with CHBA – Calgary Region, says Donna Moore.

“Eliminating barriers to business success is key for all Calgary organizations – and reducing red tape is crucial.”

Ben Brunnen, director of policy and government affairs and chief economist of the Chamber, adds: “Poorly designed regulation can be a real cost to business, and reducing red tape encourages economic growth.”

Both the city and the province have dedicated efforts to eliminating red tape when dealing with businesses.

Municipal affairs, the third priority, moved up from fourth place in 2011. The concerns centre on municipal finance and spending, increasing Calgary’s livability and strategic infrastructure investments – all issues that directly relate to the home building industry.

It’s no surprise that the unpredictable world economy topped the list in the annual survey of Calgary Chamber members. At the same time, “Calgary businesses are struggling to attract and retain talent,” says Brunnen. “This creates the very unique challenge of having to embrace growth in the face of global economic uncertainty.”

The Chamber will develop policy solutions and raise awareness of business issues throughout the year.

Next Year Even Better

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:56:34 GMT

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation has just released its Housing Market Outlook for the first quarter of 2012 – and it is slightly more optimistic than its forecast late last year. 2012 will still see 10,300 housing starts in Calgary, the same as its initial forecast, but the total MLS sales will be stronger than originally forecast – inching up by 300 resale units to end up at 23,000 by year end. The average price of those homes will go down $2,000 from its original projection, CMHC reports, ending at $409,000 for this year.

Next year will see stronger housing starts, albeit still below the more than 11,000 starts in every year except the previous three since the start of the millennium. CMHC is calling for an increase of 400 units from this year’s projection for a total of 10,700 units for Calgary and area in 2013. Resale homes should increase as well, up 700 units to a total of 23,700 for next year, with the average price up to $420,000.

The forecast holds true for most of the Prairie region. Across Alberta, CMHC expects 29,100 starts this year and 30,000 next year. Resale sales should reach 54,650 this year and 56,550 next.

“Employment opportunities in the Prairies will continue to draw migrants, supporting new housing demand,” says Lai Sing Louie, CMHC’s regional economist for the Prairie and Territories Region.

Across the province, single-detached starts are projected to rise 14 per cent to 17,300 units this year – but that will decrease to an increase of just four per cent the following year, says the report. “In 2013, price gains and modestly higher mortgage rates will increase monthly carrying costs. Builders will thus align new construction to presales to keep inventory low.”

Multi-family starts in Alberta will continue to rise over the forecast period, CMHC says. “Production in 2012 is projected to increase by 12 per cent over 2011 activity to 11,800 units, and then level at 12,000 units in 2013.”

Safety starts at home

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:30:22 GMT

Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Alberta has released its third edition of the booklet Safety for Sales People – but this time, it’s online for even easier access.

The printer-friendly download is available by simply clicking here.

Thankfully, few incidents involving sales people working in show homes have occurred in and around Calgary, but that is due, in part, to the diligence of both the sales staff and the builder ensuring the workplace is safe. Safety training in all areas of residential construction is crucial, but the hazards of working in show homes, especially alone, present different challenges due to the large number of strangers the sales personnel meet.

And the responsibility to ensure the environment is safe lies not only with the builder, but with the people working the sites, says the booklet.

Builders should ensure safety training includes such things as providing two exit points in each show home, supplying a working flashlight and extra batteries in each sales centre in case of power failure, setting up a ‘call’ system for sales personnel to use to get hold of someone in an emergency, and providing personal alarms and/or alarm systems in homes.

The sales people, on the other hand, should familiarize themselves with escape routes, test alarms and equipment to ensure all are in working order, have cell phones in working order and always on hand, and create a buddy system.

“If you want to use the phone, but you don’t want the person you are with to overhear the conversation and get alarmed, a prearranged distress code can help,” says the booklet.

“If a customer is making you nervous, call the builder or your buddy and tell them you need the RED FILE. In this case, RED FILE is the prearranged distress code to send someone to the site so that you are not alone. You can make up your own distress code, for example, ‘The lights at the show home don’t seem to be working properly.’”

Check the booklet for full details and tips, and pass this information on to your staff and safety committee.

Energy-saving program closed early

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:24:57 GMT

The ecoENERGY Retrofit program aimed at creating jobs in the energy-sector while improving homes for winter conditions in Canada was stopped recently – prematurely in the view of some industry professionals. The program, originally set to run until March 31, 2012, was dedicated to reducing the cost of energy through the implementation of more energy-efficient home components in existing homes. It was designed to encourage clean energy solutions, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the building of a more sustainable environment.

But in ending the program early, the government said that the program is no longer accepting new registrations as it had successfully reached its goal of 250,000 registered homeowners– a goal not mentioned until July 2011, when the original program of 2007 was renewed.

“I am surprised about the early closure of the program as I felt it was a good program for both homeowners and the building industry. It addressed the large number of existing homes and the need to increase their level of energy efficiency,” says David Bengert, past-president of Built Green Canada program and director of corporate purchasing for Jayman MasterBUILT. “I understand the need for fiscal responsibility and hope that the government sees fit to develop another program with input from professionals in our industry.”

Homeowners were encouraged to replace older components such as heating systems, cooling systems, ventilation systems, domestic hot water equipment, insulation, air sealing, windows, doors, skylights, and water conservation. “Homeowners who participated in the program decreased their energy use by an average of 20 per cent,” says Natural Resources Canada on its ecoENERGY Retrofit - Homes web page (Click Here to visit Natural Resources web page). “The program also increased homeowners understanding of energy efficiency activities and successfully encouraged Canadians to undertake more retrofits than they had planned in order to improve their homes efficiency.”

The deadline to submit post-retrofit evaluations and receipts has been extended to June 30, 2012 in order to accommodate homeowners already registered for the program.

The program benefitted both the homeowners and the economy, says Donna Moore, CEO of Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Calgary Region. “We are disappointed because it created opportunities for homeowners to do some upgrading in their homes and do a little more to make their homes more energy efficient – and that creates opportunities for jobs that are now lost.”

Protecting the environment is an important goal for the residential construction industry, adds Bengert. “Our industry knows how to build energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly homes that are affordable to homebuyers and we are willing to share our knowledge. As an example, CHBA - Calgary Region led the country in 2003 with the development and launch of Built Green Canada for new and existing homes.”

Although the ecoENERGY Retrofit program for homes was cancelled, the government announced it will provide $117 million over 3 years to improve housing standards, building codes, industrial practice, vehicle labels, and consumer appliances.

“The positive news is that the government is going to continue investing money in these areas,” says Moore.

Proposed Changes to 2010 National Building Code

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:17:38 GMT

The Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes invites Code users and stakeholders to participate in the review of proposed changes to the National Building Code of Canada 2010 (NBC). This national public review takes place from January 9 to March 2, 2012. Its purpose is to provide Code users and stakeholders with a detailed look at proposed technical changes and to seek comment on each proposed technical change as to whether it should be approved, altered or rejected.

The winter 2012 public review deals with proposed changes to incorporate energy efficiency for housing and small buildings into Part 9 of the 2010 NBC. These proposed changes relate to technical requirements covering the building envelope; heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment; service water heating and performance compliance options for housing.

The new energy objective originally developed for the 2011 National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB), to which the proposed Part 9 energy requirements are attributed, is also being introduced. The energy efficiency of larger non-residential and mixed-use buildings falling under Part 9 is addressed by requiring compliance with the NEC. Click here for the steps to submit comments.

The Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC) is an independent committee of volunteers established by the National Research Council of Canada (NRC).

The Province of Alberta has committed to adopting the national changes without further review in Alberta. CHBA – Alberta is encouraging its members to look at the proposed changes and provide comments directly through the NRC process, or participate in the provincial review that will be coordinated by CHBA – Alberta and which also began in early January.

For more background information, click here. For further information, contact Joan Maisonneuve, manager, technical and safety at CHBA – Alberta at Joan.Maisonneuve@chbaalberta.ca.

CHBF Announces One More Project

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 21:36:04 GMT

Calgary Home Builders Foundation has committed $60,000 to Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary’s Avenue 15 Youth Shelter, which provides a safe place for youth in crisis, providing not only an emergency place to sleep, shower and obtain a hot meal, but to help the troubled youth address problems, face obstacles and barriers, and reconnect with support. It also helps them find opportunities to embrace education and skills development to gain employment and transition back home or to live independently in the community. The donation will include removal of the front porch and upper balcony area to make way for a wheelchair ramp as well as replacement of fencing with a ‘living’ alternative and yard landscaping. Completion date for this 14th Project by CHBF is spring 2012 and will include opportunities for members to participate.

This initiative is the second major project for CHBF this year. Ann Donald, president of CHBF, recently announced a $1 million donation to Easter Seals Camp Horizon, the camping facility in the Kananaskis that allows people of all ages with disabilities and special needs to experience the outdoors in a safe and exciting environment.

The donation will help build two dormitories at the facility to house both campers with their special needs’ equipment, such as wheelchairs, and allow caregivers to be closer to the campers.
The dormitories are part of an aggressive $12 million plan to replace aged and outdated facilities at the camp over the next five years.

Resale Gains Slow but Promising

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 21:22:56 GMT

It’s not only the residential construction industry that should fare better this year; the resale market is poised to grow as well, according to the forecast from the Calgary Real Estate Board last week. The difference this year will be due, in part, to fewer homes on the market, says its new president, Bob Jablonski, a realtor with Royal LePage Foothills. “The lower level of listings this year is partly due to less people being in a must-sell situation and the economic uncertainty preventing some people from listing. The decline in listings combined with improved sales helped reduce overall inventory levels in 2011.” He’s calling for a more balanced market this year – a total of 14,800 single-family sales, compared to 13,186 sales last year, and 5,700 condo sales, up from 5,382 in 2010. Still, he says, although the market “is on a path to recovery,” it will be slow. “Calgary has faced some tough times during the last recession and the housing market has been relatively weak since 2008. In fact, 2010 had the lowest level of sales since 1995. In 2011, single family sales increased by 10% over 2010, but keep in mind, sales are well below long-run averages, indicating we are still in the early stages of recovery.” Prices of single-family homes will be “stable,” he says, moving up two per cent on average to $476,000. On the condo side as well, price growth will be “moderate”, going from an average of $287,172 to $292,000. CREB has hired Ann-Marie Lurie as its chief economist. With nearly 10 years experience in the real estate sector, Lurie brings a wealth of knowledge to CREB, providing factual real-time market conditions and commentary on the global and local economy.

“Learners make the best leaders”

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:47:32 GMT

If you have not yet enrolled in a Professional Home Builders Institute course, you still have time. The courses offered cover an array of topics and are designed to have a practical application. The constantly developing home building industry has changing needs and the courses focus on an array of relevant topics to provide you with solutions to current issues and inspiration for further business development.

Three categories of courses are offered: sales and marketing, business and construction. These segments are further broken down into 23 applicable topics including, but not limited to, Land Development, Home Building on Alberta Soils and New Home Marketing.

PHBIA is the educational arm of the Alberta home building industry and offers courses to further develop business, financial and management skills. The courses offer a multitude of relevant information that is adapted specifically to meet the needs of the industry.

Some of the courses began on January 10th, 2012, while others are starting soon and run until the middle of June 2012, with some courses presented at the NAIT campus in Calgary and others at King’s University College in Edmonton.

Earlier this fall, the Government of Alberta designated residential construction site manager as an occupation, and the Alberta New Home Warranty Program funded the development of the program. The Professional Home Builders’ Institute of Alberta is managing training development, the implementation of the course programs and materials, while also maintaining a registry of trainees. The certification for a residential construction site manager is also available on the PHBIA website – and check our new Profile magazine, due out on Feb. 6, for more on this new designation.
To learn more about the courses or to register Click Here.

WERE YOU THERE?

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:48:20 GMT

Approximately 650 members of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Calgary Region were out last week to put the shine on the crystal ball and find out where Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s senior market analyst from the Calgary branch sees the economy headed. And it appears Calgary is the place to be. A total of 10,300 new homes should be started this year, according to Richard Cho – the first time starts have been more than 10,000 since 2008. Multi-family starts will be up the most – 4,800 compared to 4,208 last year when the condo market gained strength in the second half. In fact, last December, multi-family starts hit 505, compared to just 153 in December of 2010 – and the majority of those were apartment starts, Cho said. “Foundations were poured for 383 apartment units in December, compared to 16 units in the previous year.” On the permit side, expect that strength to continue. The City of Calgary issued building permits for 3,412 apartments in 2011, some of which were high-rise towers, which have been absent in the marketplace as builders worked to reduce elevated inventories. However, it should be noted that permits are only a builder’s intentions to build, and not actual starts. Single-detached starts should reach 5,500, up from 5,084 in 2010, Cho said. On the resale side, CMHC predicts that total sales will only record a slight increase from an estimated 22,468 to 22,700 this year and the average price will go up to $411,000 from approximately $402,848 last year.

HELP BUILD NEW HORIZONS

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:45:42 GMT

Calgary Home Builders Foundation has announced its latest project – and it is an opportunity for our members to help create some wonderful memories for those with special needs and disabilities. The charity of choice of Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Calgary Region will help fund the building of two new dormitories for Easter Seals Camp Horizon in Kananaskis Country. The donation is $1 million over two years to help provide the experience of a lifetime for people of all ages to take part in the full outdoor camping experience free of restrictions. Currently Camp Horizon is operating using 45-year-old buildings that lack essential features for the campers. The two new dormitories will allow the camp to accommodate 300 campers which is more than double what they have now. The new dormitories will have more efficient spaces and features, yet with the same environmental footprint, and campers will have the space to enjoy the outdoor life independently, yet with staff nearby. Calgary Home Builders Foundation has helped provide appropriate shelter for those in need for 25 years, with total contributions surpassing $5 million in direct project costs. In the coming weeks members can expect to hear from CHBF for opportunities to get involved. For more information on CHBF or to make a contribution, click here.

SAIT INDUSTRY NIGHT DATE CHANGED

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:40:56 GMT

PREMIER ALISON REDFORD is the keynote speaker to the upcoming INDUSTRY NIGHT AT SAIT, now changed to FRIDAY, JANUARY 27th FROM 6 P.M. TO 9 P.M. As previously reported, SAIT is holding the Industry Night for everyone in the residential construction industry and SAIT Architectural Technologies’ students. It’s your chance to support the program, meet the students – future potential employees –showcase your company, and network with the architectural community. The event will be held in the Heart Building atrium (right behind Heritage Hall) on SAIT campus. Display space with tables will be available for purchase at $300 to showcase your company and projects to the students graduating this year and next. Donations are also accepted by the Architectural Technologies Student Association. The RSVP deadline has also changed. Please RSVP with estimated numbers by FRIDAY, JANUARY 20. To register or for information, e-mail atsa.sait@gmail.com.

TIME TO PLAN THE NEXT WEEK

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:37:52 GMT

A reminder that two important events are scheduled next week for CHBA – Calgary Region members. The first is our annual Economic Forecast Dinner Meeting on Wednesday, January 11th at Coast Plaza Hotel and Conference Centre. The event has two keynote speakers: Mayor Naheed Nenshi and Richard Cho, senior market analyst with CMHC, Calgary branch. Both speakers will be available for a question-and-answer session afterwards. And since Mayor Naheed Nenshi will be in attendance, we’d like to remind everyone to be sure to fill out the short questionnaire regarding The Mayor’s CUT RED TAPE initiative, if you have not already done so. This critical short questionnaire is your chance to make your views known. The mayor wants to know what your critical issue is with your dealings with the city – and he wants your solution to the problem. The online questionnaire is at www.cutredtape.ca from now until January 31st, 2012. Alternately, you can call 3-1-1 and submit your suggestions to cut red tape. The second important event for our members is our annual HomExpo Jan. 13th to 15th at BMO Centre, Stampede Park. This event is a major fundraiser for our organization and we are very proud of it. In addition, FOR THE FIRST TIME, we are able to offer FREE PARKING FOR THE FIRST 300 CARS THROUGH THE GATES EACH DAY OF THE SHOW, thanks to Stampede Park. The show has seminars from such well-known HGTV show hosts (past and present) including Sarah Richardson (Sarah’s House), John Sillaots (In the Workshop) and Andrew Downward (Divine Design). Take the time to check out what the show has to offer our members and consumers. We have a limited number of free tickets available at CHBA – Calgary Region offices as well, if you are interested. For more information about the show, click here.

CONSTRUCTION PERMIT FEE INCREASES

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:33:02 GMT

As everyone is no doubt aware by now, construction permit fees at the city have gone up as of the first of the year. For single-family builders in particular, the increase may seem onerous – and indeed, it has gone up 38 per cent. While this is a hard pill to swallow, particularly because single-family starts are predicted to be down more than 12 per cent last year compared to 2011, we would like to take this opportunity to provide you with some background. Single-family construction permits have remained unchanged for several years while multi-family permits and renovation permits have been raised several times, so the city decided to harmonize the rates. A five per cent increase was also applied as a cost increase factor – a rate based on inflation and one that is sound business practice for the city. That means that in 2012, the harmonized rate was $8.30 per $1,000 of construction value plus five per cent – $8.72 across the board. But that means that multi-family and renovation permits only had a five per cent increase while single-family permits have a one-time hit of 38 per cent. Multi-family permits, in addition, had a $0.75 per $1,000 construction value increase this year to support current site safety service levels. Single-family permits will also have this safety surcharge applied in 2013. The 2012-2014 fee schedule changes incorporate the annual cost increase factor supported by council - the Municipal Pricing Index (MPI) plus population growth, which is forecast as follows: 2012 – five per cent; 2013, 5.1 per cent; and 2014, 5.5 per cent. The fees are set for the next three years but can be adjusted upwards depending on market conditions. We believe the reasoning by the city was sound. We are not currently out of line with other major centres but that said, we want to make sure we remain competitive. So keeping fees in line and not leading the pack is critical to our ongoing success in attracting new investment and growth.

COURSES OFFER WAYS TO IMPROVE

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:01:32 GMT

Two new course offerings may be of interest to our members. Mark January 24th on your calendar to learn the latest on the concept Training Within Industry (TWI) – an initiative that solves organizational productivity and human relations problems in a company. Put on by FP Innovations, the half-day seminar starting at 7:15 a.m. uses a learn-by-doing approach to teach essential skills to supervisors and team leaders, creating a positive work environment and continuously-improving workforce. “The Trade and Investment division of the Alberta Government has been working on initiatives around enhanced production,” says Joan Maisonneuve, manager, technical and safety, CHBA – Alberta “This course on training from a production perspective may be of interest to larger members who conduct in-house training.” The course, to be held at the Coast Plaza Hotel and Conference Centre, costs $96 (plus GST) which includes breakfast and lunch. Register through Aurora Semilla at (604) 222-5669 or aurora.semilla@fpinnovations.ca. For more information, contact Ric Ptak, rik.ptak@fpinnovations.ca. The second series of courses, Designing for Tomorrow, is set for March 12th to 16th at the Carriage House Inn. Put on by the City of Calgary and Alberta Low Impact Development Partnership, these are the annual Erosion and Sediment Control Low Impact Development and Stormwater Management Courses that count towards professional development hours for organizations such as IECA, EnviroCert International and APEGGA. Courses are varied, from an Introduction to Erosion and Sediment Control for Urban Construction Sites, to ESC Inspector Course and CPESC Review Course. Costs of the courses vary. For information on erosion and sediment control, go to www.calgary.ca/wqs. To register, call 403-268-3800 or click here.

SAIT INDUSTRY NIGHT

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:28:10 GMT

It’s a win: win opportunity for the residential construction industry and students to meet. SAIT Polytechnic is holding an industry night January 26th with the Architectural Technologies Students Association to give students the opportunity to gain insight and knowledge from the industry – and in return, companies will be able to promote their company and their services to future graduates. Tables are available for $300 to showcase your company and projects, or companies and individuals can simply come and network within the architectural community. The event is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at SAIT Polytechnic. R.S.V.P. by January 9th to atsa.sait@gmail.com.

WE NEED YOUR INPUT

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:20:15 GMT

You’ve talked about it and shared your frustrations for years about many of the city’s processes that you feel are too cumbersome, too complicated, too time consuming, and/or too lengthy. Now it’s time to tell those people who can help facilitate changes. THIS IS A CALL TO ACTION for all of our members who deal with city hall. The Mayor’s CUT THE RED TAPE initiative is asking for YOUR input and it’s your chance to make your views known. We need EVERYONE to fill out a short questionnaire not only outlining your critical issue – your number one priority – but PROVIDING A SOLUTION to your concern to help make the process of doing business in Calgary easier. This is your chance to make a difference and facilitate changes to make your job easier. We, as an industry, have been asked specifically to be part of this process, the second phase of the Cut the Red Tape initiative, so our individual voices need to be heard. “This is your chance to go online and identify where you think the city can change its procedures to make it easier for you in your everyday dealings with the city,” says Donna Moore, CEO of CHBA – Calgary Region. “We are part of an advisory group made up of associations throughout the city and we will review all of the suggestions that come in, making our recommendations to administration. Your input is CRITICAL.” In turn, administration will be reporting back to council and monitoring all the recommendations to see they are done. The online questionnaire is at www.cutredtape.ca from now until January 31st, 2012. Alternately, you can call 3-1-1 and submit your suggestions to cut red tape. “Through this initiative, doing business with the City of Calgary can become even better – and that includes getting work done faster and with the least amount of fuss,” says Mayor Naheed Nenshi. The first phase of the initiative included input from city employees and several of the recommendations are already being implemented.

HOMEXPO TICKETS AVAILABLE

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:24:01 GMT

This year we have launched a new initiative to ensure everyone has a chance to see just why CHBA – Calgary Region’s very own consumer home show is such a success. We are offering a number of FREE HOMEXPO tickets to our members to distribute to staff and clients, or to have available in show homes or show rooms. HOMEXPO, JAN. 13th to 15th at BMO CENTRE, is a major fundraiser for our organization and we are very proud of it. In addition, FOR THE FIRST TIME, we are able to offer FREE PARKING FOR THE FIRST 300 CARS THROUGH THE GATES EACH DAY OF THE SHOW, thanks to the Stampede Park. The show features many of our members – renovators, builders, suppliers, and service providers. The show also includes seminars from such well-known HGTV show hosts (past and present) as Sarah Richardson (Sarah’s House), John Sillaots (In the Workshop) and Andrew Downward (Divine Design). Please help us ensure these promotional tickets are used and if you would like additional tickets, call us at 403-235-1911. For more information about the show, click here.

FEW VACANCIES AT DESTINATION RENOVATION

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:26:06 GMT

Destination Renovation is filling quickly, but there is still room for supplier sponsors to display their brochures in the central stopping point of HomExpo next January 13th to 15th at BMO Centre, Stampede Park. Renovators have already filled all their spots because they realize Destination Renovation is the perfect stepping stone leading to home renovations for the consumer. There is still an opportunity for suppliers to sponsor this busy venue and have their company profiled – BUT ONLY EIGHT SPOTS ARE AVAILABLE. Supporting supplier partners will have their logo featured in exhibition booth design; they will be able to have brochures and information available for consumers; the inclusion of their logo, product photos and contact information will be scrolled electronically; and they will be offered exclusivity within their product category. Cost is $1,000. Contact David at 403-730-4250 or e-mail david@chbacalgary.com.

BUILT GREEN CHANGES COMING

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:21:28 GMT

A new checklist of items that help rate a home as environmentally-friendly under the Built Green™ program will be in effect as of January 1st, 2012. The checklist has changed three of its categories and one section has been devoted entirely to energy performance. In previous years, the energy performance items had been scattered throughout the checklist. The new categories are: Envelope and Energy Systems (previously Operational Systems); Materials and Methods (previously Building Materials); Indoor Air Quality (previously Exterior and Interior Finishes); Ventilation; Waste Management; Water Conservation; and Business Practices. “A major change in the program is the segregation of the EnerGuide rating and the Built Green™ level, which will enable builders to market and deliver a home to a targeted Built Green™ level, all the while preserving the integrity of the EnerGuide label, and ultimately, the Built Green program,” says Sharon Copithorne, executive officer of Built Green Canada. “Currently, the Built Green™ seal is tied to the EnerGuide rating and a home that has been modeled and built to a specific Built Green™ level may not achieve that simply because of lot orientation which can affect the EnerGuide rating.” The program will still require a third-party energy audit of every home and the four levels of achievement remain the same: bronze, silver, gold, and platinum. A package of builder options will be included. For more information, check the February, 2012 edition of Profile or check the website www.builtgreencanada.ca

NATIONAL SAM AWARD FINALISTS NAMED

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:18:02 GMT

Finalists for the Canadian Home Builders’ Association SAM Award competition have been unveiled – and Calgary companies have placed in several categories, especially related to marketing. Watermark Development LP, which is developing Watermark at Bearspaw, leads the way with five placements out of the 23 categories that will win an award when winners are announced at Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, March 17th as part of the CHBA annual conference. Watermark was named in these categories: Best Print Ad, Best Direct Mail Promotion, Best Website, Best Project Signage and Logo, Best Brochure/kit, and Marketing Excellence Award. All Watermark creative, concept and production was done by Applied Communications. Other Calgary finalists were: Ultimate Renovations in the Home Renovation Awards, category Whole House – More than $500,000; Avalon Master Builder for Green Home Award; WestView Builders for Best Website; and two Production Homes categories – Sabal Homes for Single-Detached Home under 1,500 Square Feet, and JayMack Custom Homes for Single-Detached Home over 2,200 Square Feet. Homes by Avi Edmonton Inc. is one of the finalists for the Grand SAM award. For a complete listing, click here.

HAVE YOU SUBSCRIBED TO OUR RSS FEEDS?

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 19:31:10 GMT

Subscribing to RSS Feeds makes it possible to review a large amount of online content in a very short time while still keeping current on what’s going on in our industry. It’s the simplest way to ensure you are notified immediately whenever we post something new on our website or any other news of relevance to the industry. Follow these steps to subscribe to our RSS Feeds.
There are four to choose from:
      1) News Feeds
      2) Builder Bulletin’s
      3) Market Trends
      4) All of the above feeds

It’s all part of CHBA – Calgary Region’s new communication strategy to reach out to members in the most effective ways to ensure they are receiving crucial information in a timely manner.

Follow these steps to subscribe:
      1) Login to the Members only section here
          (username and password required)
      2) Click on ‘RSS Feeds’
      3) Choose your feed, or better yet choose all of them
      4) Choose your feed reader
      5) Or click on the XML Feed & copy the link, then follow
          your email programs instructions to add the feed
      6) Start receiving regular updates from
          CHBA – Calgary Region

Our communication strategy also includes our new easy-to-navigate regularly-updated website, Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook pages, and commentary on our Market Trends analysis with information from our Economic Research Council.

We are dedicated to providing our members with the information they need to know in a timely manner. We hope that you will become engaged in some of our new strategies to help your businesses thrive.