Take good care of your hardwood floors!

Hardwood floors are essential to the comfort and décor of one’s home. With that said it’s important to maintain and take proper care of your hardwood floors.

A humidity level of 40% to 60% must be maintained all year long. A good quality and properly maintained drum humidifier attached to the furnace is required to achieve the proper humidity level. An inexpensive Hygrometer purchased by the home owner is a wise investment to ensure the proper humidity levels are maintained.

Failure to maintain proper humidity levels can and will result in boards cupping and face checking; as well as cracks opening between boards. This is especially true in our dry winters, even during Chinook conditions. Please keep in mind that in most cases it is the reasonability of the home owners to maintain the proper humidity levels!  

Here are some more tips:

-          Homes with radiant heat floors require independent humidification capable of maintaining humidity  

           levels.

-          Portable humidifiers are not recommended

-          Hardwood floors should be vacuumed prior to cleaning

-          Only use the hardwood floor cleaner that is recommended by the hardwood floor manufacturer

-          Damp mopping of any type is strictly forbidden

-          Never use water, water/vinegar mixture, oil soap products or ammonia based cleaners

-          All furniture must have felt pads attached and cleaned on a regular basis

-          Walk off mats at entry doors and in front of kitchen sinks should be used

-          Denting and scratching are not covered under warranties

-          Damage done by pets with their claws are not covered under warranties 

Radiant heating at it’s best!

Keep your toes warm and the your pockets green with heated floors

 

Whenever you’re doing a reno that involves laying a new floor, whether it’s tile, stone, concrete, laminate, or hardwood or engineered hardwood, consider adding a radiant heat floor system like Nuheat.  Radiant heat works by warming everything it touches from the ground up, therefore only drawing energy when it’s used.  Besides the benefit of warm toes, you can count on savings because no energy is lost through ducts in traditional forced air units.  For an average sized bathroom, you’ll spend in the neighbourhood of $400-$800.  It’s super simple to install, just unroll the thin mats with coils at a perfect spacing to avoid cold spots, have an electrician hardwire to a thermostat, and lay your new flooring on top. 

 

More benefits:

-          Silent- no hum of a furnace switching on.

-          Eliminates dust, pollen, and germs blown through traditional force air ducts to decrease allergens.

-          Reduces dust mites and mould for a healthier house. 

-          Installing an energy-efficient product such as this make you eligible for a federal tax credit.

-          Can allow the thermostat to be set 2-4degrees lower than a forced-air system, which can lower energy                              costs by 10-40%

 

Visit www.nuheat.com for more info.

Best Regards, 

Janeen

Manager, Design and Client Services 

 

Unregistered WorkSafeBC contractors means the financial burdens are on you!

Bet you didn’t know…that most homeowners are unaware of an existing law that stipulates the financial and legal liability is on the HOMEOWNER if an unregistered WorkSafe worker is hurt on the homeowners jobsite. In fact, most homeowners would hire a contractor assuming that the contractor would take full responsibility in making sure that everything is looked after. That is often NOT the case.

If you’re looking for a contractor to do either small or large renovations or builds etc… you need to make sure to hire a contractor that is fully registered with WorkSafe. As well, under the current Legislation it states that YOU as the homeowners are responsible to assign a prime contractor in writing and if you neglect this procedure, then you become the prime contractor.

We know that most homeowners hire contractors based on their experience and price rather than their liability credentials. A lot of people just don’t realize that as a homeowner the liability can attach itself both as the employer and as the prime contractor leading to potential financial catastrophes if a worker not registered under WorkSafe is injured your site.

A prime example was a roofer who was killed when he accidentally fell through a skylight of former Gordon Campbell’s vacation home. Gordon Campbell became the “prime contractor” because he failed to assign in writing the role to one of the three general contractors working on his home. As a result, Campbell was legally responsible for coordinating and establishing compliance with health and safety requirements. Luckily for him all the workers were fully registered under WorkSafeBC and the unfortunate death of that worker has been fully compensated. This story highlights the importance of due diligence when hiring subcontractors to work on your home. If that individual who was killed was not registered under WorkSafeBC, then Gordan Campbell as the prime contractor would’ve been legally and financially responsible.

We urge everyone before hiring a contractor to A) Establish the role of prime contractor in writing and B) check on WorkSafe’s online registration database to ensure their chosen contract is registered. If they aren’t registered you can pay an assessment fee to cover the workers on your property, based on a 5.19% payroll of labour costs. Example: $100,000 labour cost should equal $5190 of registration insurance premiums.

For more information: http://www.worksafebc.com/

Jag Hundal
President
Odenza Homes

Real-Estate Liaison
Odenza Homes builds and renovates custom homes in Vancouver and Burnaby. We have an opening for a Real-Estate Liaison. Working directly with our Client Service Directors and Real-Estate agents, you will be responsible for providing crucial assistance to our clients who are looking to purchase lots. You must have a valid driver’s license and suitable vehicle as you will be required to drive clients to various lots that are for sale throughout Vancouver. This is a full time job with salary plus commission, benefits and paid vacations.

Responsibilities:
- Liaising between the “buyers” and “sellers” of lots
- Assisting our client service directors in order to make the sale
- Always on the search for new lots for sale
- Negotiating with seller’s Real-Estate agents on behalf of our clients
- Touring our clients through various lots for sale
- Building relationships and networking with Real-Estate agents through Vancouver
- Promoting our brand
- Upkeep and updating our “lots for sale” section on our website

Requirements:
- Valid driver’s license
- Knowledge in the Vancouver Real-Estate market
- 2+ years of sales experience and/or working with people
- Networking skills
- Motivated and organized
- Ability to read and write fluent English
- CRM experience
- Automobile

Preference (but not required):
-Real-Estate License
-Experience in the Real-Estate industry
-Ability to speak Chinese Mandarin

Please send us your resume and cover letter telling us why you would be a good fit to our company,
PLEASE EMAIL ALL APPLICATIONS TO SODI@ODENZAHOMES.COM

 

Common tips for choosing a lot

Things to watch out for: 

There are many things to consider when choosing your lot. Real estate in Vancouver is at a premium so everyone is looking for that special bargain on a lot. Chances are that if a lot is substantially cheaper than those of the same size in the surrounding neighbourhood there is a good reason for it. Of course you must do your land title search and check the zoning of your prospective lot.

It is also highly recommended that a geotechnical survey be done prior to your purchase, as some parts of Vancouver are well known to be on or near peat bogs; grounds that are unstable and may require expensive piling prior to construction.

Other things to watch for when purchasing a lot are:

 -A high number of trees on a lot with houses that are close on both sides. Falling and removal will be an added cost.

-A steeply sloping lot. This may require added retaining walls and extensive landscaping.

-The proximity of high voltage Hydro wires. This may limit you to where you may be able to build on your lot.

-Down guy wires. These are the angled tension wireswhich anchor and stabilize power/hydro and telephone poles. They can block garage or gate entries and seriously limit access to your property.

-Lastly it is recommended that you speak with the neighbours. They know the area and the people in it and can give you valuable information relating to your potential neighbourhood.

These guidelines will definitely help you minimize any hurdles and slowdowns during your development and construction process.

Happy hunting!

Jason Hammond
General Manager

Further clarification of the HST rebate for customers building custom built homes

New housing rebate – owner‐built homes

An enhanced B.C. new housing rebate will be provided for owner‐built homes where an individual constructs or substantially renovates a house for use as a primary place of residence of the individual or a relation of the individual or an individual hires another person to do such new construction or substantial renovation.  The enhanced new housing rebate for owner‐built homes will be available if on or after April 1, 2012: the new construction or substantial renovation of the home becomes substantially completed; and the rebate application is filed with the CRA. The maximum rebate for owner‐built homes will depend on whether the individual owner paid the HST on the land.

 

No HST paid on land

Where the HST was not paid on the land, the owner will be entitled to a B.C. new housing rebate of 71.43 per cent of the provincial component of the HST paid on qualifying construction expenses (which would not include land), up to a maximum rebate amount of $28,475 (i.e., 67 per cent of $42,500).

 

Time period for claiming B.C. New Housing Rebates

The time‐limits for claiming the existing B.C. new housing rebates will continue to apply for the enhanced B.C. new housing rebates.9 However, for certain housing types (i.e., houses acquired through the purchase of qualifying shares in a housing co‐op and owner‐built housing), the existing or enhanced B.C. new housing rebate will be available only where the application is filed with the CRA before April 1, 2017.

 

Full document is available at: http://www.hstinbc.ca/media/2012_housing_rules_.pdf

 

Threshold being raised to $850,000 for new home purchase effective April 1, 2012

Government announces the transition rules for the HST early

The Honourable Kevin Falcon, Minister of Finance held a press conference on Friday Feb 17^th in Victoria to announce transition rules for the harmonized sales tax and the affect it will have on the home building industry. Effective April 1, 2012 the threshold for new housing rebates will be increased from $525,000 to $850,000, including secondary homes. This means that new homes costing up to $850,000 will now be subject to only 2% of the Provincial portion of the HST, as opposed to the original 7%.

“We are elated the Provincial Ministry of Finance and the Federal Finance Department asked for our input and that our provincial government listened to the lobbying efforts of CHBA BC,” said CEO, M.J. Whitemarsh. “We had the confidence the Government would take our concerns to heart and implement the best solution for our industry; the news today was worth the wait and is even better than we could have anticipated.”  

Since the referendum results to rescind the tax, the Canadian Home Builders’ Association of BC (CHBA BC) has worked diligently providing information from members to the government requesting the implementation of the transition rules be done as simply and quickly as possible to prevent any further stalling of the residential housing industry.

“The out-of-box forward thinking from the Government has created a stable situation for all CHBA BC members who build secondary homes,” Whitemarsh said. “Houses purchased as of April 1st will ultimately be receiving a $42,500 discount, now that the threshold has been raised.” (This is $850,000 of building costs x 5% = $42,500).

Releasing the transition rules on housing early was a wise and bold move on government’s part, one that is mutually beneficial. CHBA BC lobbied for a tax rebate to be created for consumers

on new home purchases and renovations, so the industry could move forward and gain momentum once again.

“Raising the threshold is a brilliant decision that is fair and equitable, a huge benefit to all consumers that will spur the market,” said Doug Wittal, President of CHBA BC. “Including the second home market outside the GVRD and CRD will create a huge boom, creating jobs and pushing the industry forward in very innovative ways.”  

The 2012 budget will be announced Tuesday, February 21, 2012.

 

 

Smart phones…what about smart homes???

One of the least thought through options, yet greatest benefits when building a new home is the ability to “future proof” your home by pre-wiring it to suite all existing and newly created tech gadgets on the market. Quite often inexperienced contractors don’t understand how to pre-wire or even what to pre-wire a home for. It is actually quite easy and cost effective when wiring your home to cover any emerging technology. It is also quite beneficial from a design perspective since unsightly wires and components can be organized and stored to reduce clutter. Newer and more affordable technological innovations are available each day to control everything from sound systems to powered blinds. You can even use motion sensors to light up stairways and hallways at night. With the power and ability of today’s smart phones and handheld tablets along with the rapid decrease in technology costs, it won’t be long until every home becomes a “smart” home.

Jag Hundal

President

Building Blocks for Renovations

Vancouver’s residential streetscapes are as eclectic as its inhabitants, which helps give this city its diversity and rich cultural influence. As communities change and grow so do trends in residential custom home building. It is common to get swept up in the latest fad or trend when it hits the market, especially if you are looking to sell.  If you are thinking of an exterior renovation it is important to research the proposed product, the install application and the qualified contractor prior to purchasing or commencing with the work. The most common mistake when choosing the materials for your renovation is not accounting for our climate in B.C. This is one of the most perpetuating problems people encounter with starting a renovation.  A qualified, established contractor will be able to research, make recommendations and secure sample products for your build. An established builder brings with them a knowledge transfer, whereby they have often worked in a number of different projects and can bring different levels of experience to your build.  So when you are ready to renovate, look for the office of your local neighbourhood builder to get your project started off right!

Derek

General Manager

Odenza Homes

More to the report than just the rating, Energuide

Potentially you can be overlooking many factors when it comes to your Energuide rating for your home. The Energuide report for your new home is not just a score but a wealth of information that explains the rating system and gives a breakdown of energy consumption by end use within the house (space heating, hot water, lights and appliances etc…). It also provides an assessment of where heat is most easily lost from the home.

The Energuide report can also provide valuable estimations on annual energy costs. In particular, the report can estimate the total annual energy consumption of the home, including electricity, natural gas, oil and propane. Any builder should be able to easily translate the report into an estimated annual energy cost, providing the new home buyer with a number they can take to the bank to ensure their efficient carrying costs are reflected in mortgage applications and use to plan monthly bills.

For more information regarding green building and the EnerGuide rating system please visit: www.odenzahomes.com/innovations