Q:
I want to be a carpenter is there anything I need to know about the job?
A:
As young adults are thinking about what they want to do in life one of the questions that they should be asking themselves is if they should be going into the trades. It’s a serious question, more serious then it was a decade ago.
A decade ago young adults were told to go to college or university because that was the only way someone could make a comfortable living with a good job that will last a lifetime. Well that has all changed as the cost of secondary education has gone through the roof and the prospect of getting any job in your field of study is still slim to none.
This has people looking around for something that they can do without incurring a lot of debt just to get qualified to work for a company. That is bringing people to the trades.
We in the construction industry have been hoping that young adults would start to come back to the trades, the one thing that we have noticed is that people are coming into the trades without fully realizing what it entails to work as a tradesmen.
You asked about carpenters, here are some things you need to understand about being a carpenter;
• Carpenters require strong math skills. Carpenters are required to use math every hour of the day. You don’t have to be able to do advanced calculus but you do have to be able to have strong basics in math. You must also be able to do math quickly as time is money when you are a carpenter.
• You must be able to be in charge of people. You must be able to work with other people and give them orders. Being a carpenter means being the leader and you must set a good example.
• Carpenters have a lot of responsibility. Carpenters are in charge of quality control, safety, crew moral, working conditions, material ordering, equipment and keeping a job moving.
• You must be able to work in imperial and metric. Most children in Canada are taught in metric, they know millimetres, centimetres and metres but what carpenters will have to learn is to be able to work in imperial. Imperial is inches and feet. That means that you will have to be able to do fractions and be able to add, subtract and multiply in them as well.
• Carpenters have to work inside and outside. They will have to work outside in all manner of weather conditions not just the sunshine of the summer, carpenters are asked to work in the rain, the wind and the cold snow of the Canadian winter.
• Carpentry is a physical job and requires you to be physically fit. People who come into the trades not expecting to have to work hard physically usually don’t last long. Being a carpenter means that a lot of times you will be going home physically and mentally tired at the end of the day.
• Carpenters are going to be asked to work at heights. That means that if you’re scared of heights then you better learn to get over it because every carpenter has to work off the ground at some point. Sometimes you will be standing on top of a roof with a rope harness, sometimes you will be 30 or 40 feet up at the top of a ladder without anything to tie off too and sometimes you could be even higher off the ground if you are in an aerial lift.
• You must be able to learn. Carpenters even after they become licensed are required to constantly learn new things as home building is always changing and evolving.
• You must be able to work safely. Safety is one of the biggest aspects of working on a construction site today. Being a carpenter means that you must set the safety standards for everyone around you.
• You must be prepared to buy your own tools. You usually don’t have to buy all your own tools but you should be prepared to buy a certain amount of tools because depending on what company you are working for you will required to bring certain tools to the job as a condition of your employment.
• No matter what you did in school whether it was a college carpentry course or a wood shop course in high school when you are hired by a construction company you will have to start at the bottom as a labourer. You might not like it but it’s the easiest way for a company to make sure that you are properly trained in safety and in the rules of the construction company before letting you use power tools that could injure you or somebody around you.
• To be a licensed carpenter you must work as a carpenter. You cannot become a carpenter just by schooling, you must put somewhere in the neighbourhood of 6500 hrs in as a carpenter before you will be able to challenge the test that will make you a licensed carpenter.
Make sure that if you want to be a carpenter you get hired by a company that will sponsor you for the carpenter program. If you work for a company that won’t sign off on you enrolling in the carpenters apprentice program then the hours you work for that company will not count toward your total hours that you need before they let you write the test.
Being a carpenter can be a tough job but it is also a very rewarding job, carpenters are one of the last jobs where once you’re professionally trained you should almost never be unemployment.
Rob Abbott
Village Builders Inc.
Saturday, May 30, 2015
Monday, May 25, 2015
What type of trim options do I have when I build a custom home?
Q:
What type of trim options do I have when I build a custom home?
A:
The types of trim options you have to select from when building a custom home are as wide a variety as you are able to buy. A custom home is built unique to you the homeowner, this means that you can pick any kind of trim that you want, the only difference is that different types of trim cost more to buy and also can cost more to install.
THE BASICS
At the basics you have two different types of trim that you have to pick from, depending on your decision this will then determine the species of wood that you can choose from and how it can be finished.
1. Painted trim. Painted trim is by far the most popular kind of trim being installed in all kinds and manner of homes whether they are custom or track built homes. Painted trim is the less expensive to install and also to finish. There are three basic kinds of painted trim; popular, pine and MDF. Your selection of the species of wood will depend on the application and your budget.
2. Stained trim. Stained trim is more expensive to buy, more expensive to install and far more expensive to finish. You basically can pick from any type of hardwood or softwood that is available for sale. Harwood trim is more expensive to buy then softwoods, your choice of species of wood will be greatly affect your budget. Your choice of trim can change the entire design/feel of your new home.
INSTALLATION AND FINISHING’S
The reason that there is a different cost for installation has a lot to do with how you are going to finish the trim.
Painted trim is cheaper to install because you have the ability to fill any gaps and you can cover up any mistakes during installation or blemishes in the material. Wood filler works really well to help blend joints, cracks and other imperfections that could be in the material.
Stained trim will not hide any gaps or blemishes or mistakes that are made with installation or with the actual material. The stain that you place on the wood will actually highlight these areas and they will stand out more. Because of this the following has to be done when you want to install stained trim in your custom home;
• You must order more trim material when installing stained trim compared to a trim that will be painted, this will give you the ability to sort and cut out the blemishes and imperfections.
• You must allow more time for carpenters to install the stained trim so that it is done at a high quality to ensure that the end product looks great.
• You must allow for a larger painting budget as it takes longer to properly stain trim.
• Don’t be surprised that you will have to pay for the painter to prepare different stain samples for you to choose from, this is because the painter has to buy the stain to do the samples.
Your budget will have the biggest effect on your chooses as the more exotic the species of wood the more it will cost to purchase, this will have a direct effect on your budget. Work with your general contractor so that you stay within your preapproved budget.
Rob Abbott
Village Builders Inc.
What type of trim options do I have when I build a custom home?
A:
The types of trim options you have to select from when building a custom home are as wide a variety as you are able to buy. A custom home is built unique to you the homeowner, this means that you can pick any kind of trim that you want, the only difference is that different types of trim cost more to buy and also can cost more to install.
THE BASICS
At the basics you have two different types of trim that you have to pick from, depending on your decision this will then determine the species of wood that you can choose from and how it can be finished.
1. Painted trim. Painted trim is by far the most popular kind of trim being installed in all kinds and manner of homes whether they are custom or track built homes. Painted trim is the less expensive to install and also to finish. There are three basic kinds of painted trim; popular, pine and MDF. Your selection of the species of wood will depend on the application and your budget.
2. Stained trim. Stained trim is more expensive to buy, more expensive to install and far more expensive to finish. You basically can pick from any type of hardwood or softwood that is available for sale. Harwood trim is more expensive to buy then softwoods, your choice of species of wood will be greatly affect your budget. Your choice of trim can change the entire design/feel of your new home.
INSTALLATION AND FINISHING’S
The reason that there is a different cost for installation has a lot to do with how you are going to finish the trim.
Painted trim is cheaper to install because you have the ability to fill any gaps and you can cover up any mistakes during installation or blemishes in the material. Wood filler works really well to help blend joints, cracks and other imperfections that could be in the material.
Stained trim will not hide any gaps or blemishes or mistakes that are made with installation or with the actual material. The stain that you place on the wood will actually highlight these areas and they will stand out more. Because of this the following has to be done when you want to install stained trim in your custom home;
• You must order more trim material when installing stained trim compared to a trim that will be painted, this will give you the ability to sort and cut out the blemishes and imperfections.
• You must allow more time for carpenters to install the stained trim so that it is done at a high quality to ensure that the end product looks great.
• You must allow for a larger painting budget as it takes longer to properly stain trim.
• Don’t be surprised that you will have to pay for the painter to prepare different stain samples for you to choose from, this is because the painter has to buy the stain to do the samples.
Your budget will have the biggest effect on your chooses as the more exotic the species of wood the more it will cost to purchase, this will have a direct effect on your budget. Work with your general contractor so that you stay within your preapproved budget.
Rob Abbott
Village Builders Inc.
Saturday, May 23, 2015
What is the role of a project manager or lead carpenter?
Q:
What is the role of a project manager or lead carpenter?
A:
A project manager or lead carpenter is the person in charge of managing the day-to-day activity and the progress on the job site during construction. Their duties usually involve ordering materials, scheduling trade partners, and serving as the homeowner’s one point of contact throughout the project.
They are also in-charge of the order in which things happen on the site. For example;
The mechanical installers will always be scheduled before the electricians, this is because the mechanical installers have less flexibility with where there ductwork is suppose to be installed then the electricians who are installing wires that will bend and turn around obstacles. If this is organized in reverse then there is a chance that the design of the ducting system will have to be compromised or electrical wires will be forced to be reworked. Both these scenario’s cost you the homeowner money.
In large projects there could be a project manager and a lead carpenter, one to make sure that the work is progressing everyday at a high quality and another to be the point of communication for the homeowner and the material ordering.
The larger the project the more organization is needed on and around the jobsite. These two are essential to how a job site flows.
Rob Abbott
Village Builders Inc.
What is the role of a project manager or lead carpenter?
A:
A project manager or lead carpenter is the person in charge of managing the day-to-day activity and the progress on the job site during construction. Their duties usually involve ordering materials, scheduling trade partners, and serving as the homeowner’s one point of contact throughout the project.
They are also in-charge of the order in which things happen on the site. For example;
The mechanical installers will always be scheduled before the electricians, this is because the mechanical installers have less flexibility with where there ductwork is suppose to be installed then the electricians who are installing wires that will bend and turn around obstacles. If this is organized in reverse then there is a chance that the design of the ducting system will have to be compromised or electrical wires will be forced to be reworked. Both these scenario’s cost you the homeowner money.
In large projects there could be a project manager and a lead carpenter, one to make sure that the work is progressing everyday at a high quality and another to be the point of communication for the homeowner and the material ordering.
The larger the project the more organization is needed on and around the jobsite. These two are essential to how a job site flows.
Rob Abbott
Village Builders Inc.
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Can I add livable space to my home without adding an addition?
Q:
Can I add livable space to my home without adding an addition?
A:
Yes there is. If you have already taken advantage of the basement of your home for livable square footage then you should think about building a secondary building on the property. Secondary buildings cannot be a second home on the property; most municipalities have rules against multiple residents in an area zoned for single residential areas.
There are ways to work around that, most places will allow you to build a detached garage. You can put livable space above the garage as a loft that is if your local municipality will allow you to build a secondary building that high. A lot of municipalities have height restrictions when it comes to secondary buildings, one of the reasons they do is to stop people from putting livable space above their garage.
There is another way to get livable space, you can put it below the garage, and you build the garage with a walkout basement. It might sound crazy but we have built a garage with a walkout basement.
http://www.villagebuilders.ca/secluded-office/
This is a garage with a walkout basement that we built in the trees; across the driveway is the main house. The homeowners didn’t want to add an addition to the house as it had historical value but they needed more space and they also needed a garage.
The garage was built with ICF (insulated Concrete Forms), this allows the basement to stay warm and dry in the winter and cool and dry in the summer. The cars that park above it park on top of core slap that is placed on the ICF walls. There is a stairwell that leads down to the living space below that is completely separate from the garage area insuring that no sounds or smells drift downstairs.
The livable space is complete with a living/bedroom, an office and a fully appointed bathroom. The basement has two sets of double doors that look out onto a pristine maple forest and allow a lot of natural light into the space.
The upstairs garage has a cathedral ceiling with Fir exposed beams and ceilings.
The exterior of the home is also finished in Fir, the Fir is stained a dark greyish green to help it blend with its surroundings.
Remember that the only limitation is your imagination when you want something like more livable space.
Rob Abbott
Village Builders Inc.
Can I add livable space to my home without adding an addition?
A:
Yes there is. If you have already taken advantage of the basement of your home for livable square footage then you should think about building a secondary building on the property. Secondary buildings cannot be a second home on the property; most municipalities have rules against multiple residents in an area zoned for single residential areas.
There are ways to work around that, most places will allow you to build a detached garage. You can put livable space above the garage as a loft that is if your local municipality will allow you to build a secondary building that high. A lot of municipalities have height restrictions when it comes to secondary buildings, one of the reasons they do is to stop people from putting livable space above their garage.
There is another way to get livable space, you can put it below the garage, and you build the garage with a walkout basement. It might sound crazy but we have built a garage with a walkout basement.
http://www.villagebuilders.ca/secluded-office/
This is a garage with a walkout basement that we built in the trees; across the driveway is the main house. The homeowners didn’t want to add an addition to the house as it had historical value but they needed more space and they also needed a garage.
The garage was built with ICF (insulated Concrete Forms), this allows the basement to stay warm and dry in the winter and cool and dry in the summer. The cars that park above it park on top of core slap that is placed on the ICF walls. There is a stairwell that leads down to the living space below that is completely separate from the garage area insuring that no sounds or smells drift downstairs.
The livable space is complete with a living/bedroom, an office and a fully appointed bathroom. The basement has two sets of double doors that look out onto a pristine maple forest and allow a lot of natural light into the space.
The upstairs garage has a cathedral ceiling with Fir exposed beams and ceilings.
The exterior of the home is also finished in Fir, the Fir is stained a dark greyish green to help it blend with its surroundings.
Remember that the only limitation is your imagination when you want something like more livable space.
Rob Abbott
Village Builders Inc.
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Exterior Finishes On Custom Homes 2015
2015- Exteriors Finishes
As I price, construct and consult on people’s custom homes and their renovations I see trends emerging in the style and the design of the outside finishes of these homes. Some of these trends are new and have emerged this year and some of them are longer running trends that started in years previous and have continued on.
Exterior Finishes on Custom Homes
Here is a list of the trends that have stayed the same over the last several years;
• Decorative timber framing has become the norm in all gables placed at the peaks.
• Vertical butt-jointed corners are still the most popular with layering taking over giving them more depth and allowing a colour change to accent the homes corners.
• Wood facia and wood soffits that are painted to match the siding colour are still the most popular.
• Freeze boards through the siding at certain heights to help break up a high wall of siding is common.
• Natural stone is by far the most popular option when dressing up the outside of custom homes.
• Coloured eavethrough is common now to match the colour of the facia so that it helps it disappear.
• A 4 foot wall of stone whether it is natural or manmade is seen most often, this helps keep some of the costs down but still gives that stone look.
• Crown molding at the point where the soffit meets the siding has become the norm now, with the crown being painted the same as the siding and soffit.
• Pre-finished wood siding is still the most popular; this has been the case for decades.
• Horizontal pre-finished siding is still the most popular way to install it.
• Simple siding looks with no trims around the windows or corners are becoming popular. It’s a more modern look.
• Homes are being designed with more and more windows and doors; this is requiring less and less exterior wall covering. With that comes the need to simplify siding so that it accents the windows and doors instead of accenting the siding itself.
• Vertical siding is growing in popularity; the cost of the installation is keeping it from becoming the norm over horizontal, but the fact that there are more windows mean there is less siding and vertical has become very appealing.
• Natural wood like pine and cedar have become the norm in cottage country for their natural high end look and the availability of UV resistant paint that lasts longer.
Here a list of the new trends happening in Exterior finishes on custom homes;
• Metal siding or metal sheeting is becoming a popular material on modern houses that are looking for a simplified look.
• Eldorado Stones newer HD stone that looks remarkably like natural stone is becoming a more popular option as the cost savings compared to natural stone is immense.
• There are new vinyl siding products that are on the market that have a high definition look that is starting to steal some of the market share away from cement siding. The vinyl being a lot easier to install and cheaper to purchase overall.
• Thermally modified wood siding is becoming more popular as it requires no maintenance and weathers to look like cedar unless sealed to keep its original colour.
• With the resurgence of vinyl siding (higher end vinyl) so is the popularity of aluminum facia and soffit.
• White soffit and facia is starting to make a comeback because of the amount of people wanting a more modern look to their homes.
It seems that the trends for finishing exterior homes is changing and changing toward a more natural simpler look. That is the trend I see coming but with the amount of different styles out there it might not stay for long. With exterior finishes it is always better to pick something that will be maintenance free in the coming years and that fits your style and taste. I wouldn’t worry about what it does to the resale value because regardless of what you choose it will be out of date by the time you go to sell your home.
Pick something that will have the ability to last long enough so that it still will look good when you
go to sell it.
Rob Abbott
Village Builders Inc.
As I price, construct and consult on people’s custom homes and their renovations I see trends emerging in the style and the design of the outside finishes of these homes. Some of these trends are new and have emerged this year and some of them are longer running trends that started in years previous and have continued on.
Exterior Finishes on Custom Homes
Here is a list of the trends that have stayed the same over the last several years;
• Decorative timber framing has become the norm in all gables placed at the peaks.
• Vertical butt-jointed corners are still the most popular with layering taking over giving them more depth and allowing a colour change to accent the homes corners.
• Wood facia and wood soffits that are painted to match the siding colour are still the most popular.
• Freeze boards through the siding at certain heights to help break up a high wall of siding is common.
• Natural stone is by far the most popular option when dressing up the outside of custom homes.
• Coloured eavethrough is common now to match the colour of the facia so that it helps it disappear.
• A 4 foot wall of stone whether it is natural or manmade is seen most often, this helps keep some of the costs down but still gives that stone look.
• Crown molding at the point where the soffit meets the siding has become the norm now, with the crown being painted the same as the siding and soffit.
• Pre-finished wood siding is still the most popular; this has been the case for decades.
• Horizontal pre-finished siding is still the most popular way to install it.
• Simple siding looks with no trims around the windows or corners are becoming popular. It’s a more modern look.
• Homes are being designed with more and more windows and doors; this is requiring less and less exterior wall covering. With that comes the need to simplify siding so that it accents the windows and doors instead of accenting the siding itself.
• Vertical siding is growing in popularity; the cost of the installation is keeping it from becoming the norm over horizontal, but the fact that there are more windows mean there is less siding and vertical has become very appealing.
• Natural wood like pine and cedar have become the norm in cottage country for their natural high end look and the availability of UV resistant paint that lasts longer.
Here a list of the new trends happening in Exterior finishes on custom homes;
• Metal siding or metal sheeting is becoming a popular material on modern houses that are looking for a simplified look.
• Eldorado Stones newer HD stone that looks remarkably like natural stone is becoming a more popular option as the cost savings compared to natural stone is immense.
• There are new vinyl siding products that are on the market that have a high definition look that is starting to steal some of the market share away from cement siding. The vinyl being a lot easier to install and cheaper to purchase overall.
• Thermally modified wood siding is becoming more popular as it requires no maintenance and weathers to look like cedar unless sealed to keep its original colour.
• With the resurgence of vinyl siding (higher end vinyl) so is the popularity of aluminum facia and soffit.
• White soffit and facia is starting to make a comeback because of the amount of people wanting a more modern look to their homes.
It seems that the trends for finishing exterior homes is changing and changing toward a more natural simpler look. That is the trend I see coming but with the amount of different styles out there it might not stay for long. With exterior finishes it is always better to pick something that will be maintenance free in the coming years and that fits your style and taste. I wouldn’t worry about what it does to the resale value because regardless of what you choose it will be out of date by the time you go to sell your home.
Pick something that will have the ability to last long enough so that it still will look good when you
go to sell it.
Rob Abbott
Village Builders Inc.
Sunday, May 17, 2015
What Are Setbacks When You Are Applying For a Building Permit?
Q:
What are setbacks when you are applying for a building permit?
A:
When you are applying for a building permit the municipality will ask for a drawing either completed by you by hand or drawn by a professional (architect or draftsmen) on a computer drafting software.
The drawing will have to show the proposed building, addition or outbuildings location on the property. It will also have to show the location of every other building on the property and the
distance between them.
The distance between the outside of the proposed building and the property line is called the setback.
The setback is a measurement that the township sets as a minimum standard for the placement of buildings from the property line. This regulation cannot be violated without special permission from the building and planning department of the municipality that you are proposing the construction in.
If your setback measurements violate the minimum distance then your building permit will be rejected. You will have to alter the plan until it meets the minimum distance and then your plan can be approved.
Setbacks can be different in every municipality depending on if you’re in the city or in the country, if you are on the water or near a protected wildlife area. You will have to call the local building department and ask for the setback rules and regulations.
A lot of times the building and planning department will have to do a site inspection to verify if your plan is accurate and has not left out anything of importance.
Rob Abbott
Village Builders Inc.
What are setbacks when you are applying for a building permit?
A:
When you are applying for a building permit the municipality will ask for a drawing either completed by you by hand or drawn by a professional (architect or draftsmen) on a computer drafting software.
The drawing will have to show the proposed building, addition or outbuildings location on the property. It will also have to show the location of every other building on the property and the
distance between them.
The distance between the outside of the proposed building and the property line is called the setback.
The setback is a measurement that the township sets as a minimum standard for the placement of buildings from the property line. This regulation cannot be violated without special permission from the building and planning department of the municipality that you are proposing the construction in.
If your setback measurements violate the minimum distance then your building permit will be rejected. You will have to alter the plan until it meets the minimum distance and then your plan can be approved.
Setbacks can be different in every municipality depending on if you’re in the city or in the country, if you are on the water or near a protected wildlife area. You will have to call the local building department and ask for the setback rules and regulations.
A lot of times the building and planning department will have to do a site inspection to verify if your plan is accurate and has not left out anything of importance.
Rob Abbott
Village Builders Inc.
Friday, May 15, 2015
How Long Should I Wait To Finish The Basement Of My New Home?
Q:
How long should I wait to finish my basement after my new home is built?
A:
I’ve heard this question before, people are telling you that you shouldn’t have your basement finished encase there is a structural problem that requires repair or the waterproofing fails and there is a leak that must repaired.
Put simply this is all fear mongering.
If you have chosen the proper contractor then your new home will be built properly, it will not have
structural issues or waterproofing problems. Since you don’t have to worry about it then you should have no reason not to finish the basement while the rest of the home is being finished.
Your contractor if you have chosen the right one will have a great warranty. That means that if you have the contractor finish your basement while they are building the rest of the home and for some reason there is a problem that they have to fix in the basement they will cover the repair in their warranty. All new homes built in Ontario come with a Tarion New Home Warranty, this warranty has a warranty for structural issues that spans 7 years. You should never worry about if your home has been built incorrectly.
Another reason that you shouldn’t wait to finish the basement; why would you want to live through the dust, dirt and noise of a renovation in your new home. If you trust your contractor to build your whole home why wouldn’t you trust them to finish the basement to the same high standard?
The cost to finish your basement at the same high standard as the rest of your home will be less expensive when it is done by your home building contractor then if you were to bring in a renovation contractor at a later date.
Why would you want to deal with two different companies for any future warranty issues?
Finish your basement and get the building process over all at once, talk to your contractor.
Rob Abbott
Village Builders
How long should I wait to finish my basement after my new home is built?
A:
I’ve heard this question before, people are telling you that you shouldn’t have your basement finished encase there is a structural problem that requires repair or the waterproofing fails and there is a leak that must repaired.
Put simply this is all fear mongering.
If you have chosen the proper contractor then your new home will be built properly, it will not have
structural issues or waterproofing problems. Since you don’t have to worry about it then you should have no reason not to finish the basement while the rest of the home is being finished.
Your contractor if you have chosen the right one will have a great warranty. That means that if you have the contractor finish your basement while they are building the rest of the home and for some reason there is a problem that they have to fix in the basement they will cover the repair in their warranty. All new homes built in Ontario come with a Tarion New Home Warranty, this warranty has a warranty for structural issues that spans 7 years. You should never worry about if your home has been built incorrectly.
Another reason that you shouldn’t wait to finish the basement; why would you want to live through the dust, dirt and noise of a renovation in your new home. If you trust your contractor to build your whole home why wouldn’t you trust them to finish the basement to the same high standard?
The cost to finish your basement at the same high standard as the rest of your home will be less expensive when it is done by your home building contractor then if you were to bring in a renovation contractor at a later date.
Why would you want to deal with two different companies for any future warranty issues?
Finish your basement and get the building process over all at once, talk to your contractor.
Rob Abbott
Village Builders
Monday, May 11, 2015
What Do I Do With Dark Paneling At The Cottage?
Q:
I bought a cottage that has dark wood paneling what should I do with it?
A:
There are several things that you can do with a cottage that has dark wood paneling; this is a common problem I see with a lot of new cottage owners when they purchase older properties.
Most cottages that have paneling on the wall actually have the 4 x 8 foot sheets of paneling. These are about ¼ inch and have a pattern cut or painted into them to make them look like the more expensive 1x6 v groove paneling that is extremely popular in cottage country today.
The reason that cottages were finished in these 4 x 8 sheets of faux paneling is because they are inexpensive to buy and you don’t require any expensive equipment to install. Because they are giant sheets they are easily and quickly installed on the walls of your cottage. In cottage country when these cottages where built in the 60’s, 70’s and even 80’s there weren’t a lot of professional drywallers so finding the appropriate trades was harder than it is today. Most faux paneling is installed with a small simple finishing nail and a hammer.
Here is a brief list of what you can do with faux dark wood paneling at your cottage;
• You can paint it a lighter colour. One thing to remember when you are going to paint this kind of faux paneling is that you will need a heavy primer. You might have to prime twice just to protect the paint against the darker paneling from showing through. Don't be surprised if you have to put more then a couple coats of paint over the paneling to get the true colour to hold and not be affected by the darker paneling underneath.
• You can remove it and install another kind of finishing; drywall or real wood paneling. If you do this you might want to take the time to fix the insulation and the vapour barrier behind the paneling. To do this I would hire a professional to do the finishing; drywall or real wood is an expensive product to purchase and finish, you want it to look good so you should hire a carpenter or a drywaller to complete the work and this will guarantee that it looks great at the end.
• You actually can still buy faux paneling. Today it comes in a lot of different finishes. So if you don’t have the budget to drywall or install real wood on the walls and ceilings you can remove the dark paneling and install new faux paneling that is a lighter colour. This is done fairly easily and does not require a lot of special equipment.
If you are planning more renovations and updates at you’re newly bought cottage but you want to wait a couple of years before jumping into all of that then I would recommend that you just paint the paneling out. This will allow you to use the place right away and also to live in the cottage and use it so that you know what you need to change. This is the best way for you to maximize your renovation dollars.
Remember if you take the time to properly plan out the way you want your cottage to function then your renovation will proceed smoothly and on budget.
Rob Abbott
Village Builders Inc.
I bought a cottage that has dark wood paneling what should I do with it?
A:
There are several things that you can do with a cottage that has dark wood paneling; this is a common problem I see with a lot of new cottage owners when they purchase older properties.
Most cottages that have paneling on the wall actually have the 4 x 8 foot sheets of paneling. These are about ¼ inch and have a pattern cut or painted into them to make them look like the more expensive 1x6 v groove paneling that is extremely popular in cottage country today.
The reason that cottages were finished in these 4 x 8 sheets of faux paneling is because they are inexpensive to buy and you don’t require any expensive equipment to install. Because they are giant sheets they are easily and quickly installed on the walls of your cottage. In cottage country when these cottages where built in the 60’s, 70’s and even 80’s there weren’t a lot of professional drywallers so finding the appropriate trades was harder than it is today. Most faux paneling is installed with a small simple finishing nail and a hammer.
Here is a brief list of what you can do with faux dark wood paneling at your cottage;
• You can paint it a lighter colour. One thing to remember when you are going to paint this kind of faux paneling is that you will need a heavy primer. You might have to prime twice just to protect the paint against the darker paneling from showing through. Don't be surprised if you have to put more then a couple coats of paint over the paneling to get the true colour to hold and not be affected by the darker paneling underneath.
• You can remove it and install another kind of finishing; drywall or real wood paneling. If you do this you might want to take the time to fix the insulation and the vapour barrier behind the paneling. To do this I would hire a professional to do the finishing; drywall or real wood is an expensive product to purchase and finish, you want it to look good so you should hire a carpenter or a drywaller to complete the work and this will guarantee that it looks great at the end.
• You actually can still buy faux paneling. Today it comes in a lot of different finishes. So if you don’t have the budget to drywall or install real wood on the walls and ceilings you can remove the dark paneling and install new faux paneling that is a lighter colour. This is done fairly easily and does not require a lot of special equipment.
If you are planning more renovations and updates at you’re newly bought cottage but you want to wait a couple of years before jumping into all of that then I would recommend that you just paint the paneling out. This will allow you to use the place right away and also to live in the cottage and use it so that you know what you need to change. This is the best way for you to maximize your renovation dollars.
Remember if you take the time to properly plan out the way you want your cottage to function then your renovation will proceed smoothly and on budget.
Rob Abbott
Village Builders Inc.
Saturday, May 9, 2015
Know Your Remodeler
Know Your Remodeler
Many of our clients are anxious to learn all they can about the home remodeling process before embarking on their project. This is understandable and admirable. A remodeling project is exciting, can have a positive impact on a family’s quality of life, and is potentially an excellent financial investment.
A good place to begin the education process is with the remodeling contractor. Customers who understand the remodeler’s motivation and approach to the work will be better equipped to select a remodeler that suits their personality and project.
This is not a mysterious or complex undertaking—remodeling contractors are just business people. We possess skills that lend themselves to home improvement just as you apply your expertise to your chosen profession. Like many others, we want to earn a living doing something we’re good at and are passionate about, as well as leave some positive mark on the world.
As business people, we are interested in making money honestly by providing an excellent product for a fair price. Professional remodelers accomplish this goal by preparing business plans, understanding and adhering to client expectations, and establishing strong and reliable partnerships with suppliers, lenders, and subcontractors. We live in the communities in which we work, and therefore rely on our local reputations to sustain our business success.
As with any business, some remodeling contractors lack adequate business and communication skills to be successful, at least in the long term. Those human deficiencies—not intentional deceit—are the root of most horror stories about dissatisfied customers. Only a very small percentage of remodelers act badly, and they are often (and increasingly) ferreted out and exposed by various regulatory and industry certification standards that continue to improve the reputation and professionalism of the industry.
Professional remodelers—those with both the trade and the business management skills—work hard to avoid misunderstandings and miscommunication with their clients. That effort is sometimes challenging. Unlike other industries, construction work is exposed and open as it progresses, and takes place in the full view of the client. What may appear to be incomplete or a mistake might simply be an unfinished phase of the project.
As a homeowner and potential remodeling client, it is critical to remember that contractors are engaged in the remodeling process every day, year after year, developing a solid sense of daily progress and a vision for how the project will finish to their client’s satisfaction. Homeowners, on the other hand, may go through the remodeling process only once, and so don’t get to develop that long-term perspective.
Successful remodeling professionals recognize the difference between their experienced perspective and the untrained eyes of their clients. They bridge that gap by respecting a homeowner’s questions and providing clear and satisfactory answers. They understand the significant emotional investment and the financial risk undertaken by their clients, and they work hard to calm fears and debunk myths.
Informed homeowners, in turn, must understand that remodeling is all in a day’s work for a contractor. When both you and your remodeler respect each other’s role and approach to the project, it creates a greater opportunity to foster open communication, build trust, and achieve a successful and satisfying project.
Warm Regards,
Doug Abbott
Village Builders
This is an excerpt from a newsletter that is distributed to all former, current and future clients of Village Builders Inc. If you would like to receive this newsletter feel free to email me at www.robabbott@villagebuilders.ca
Rob Abbott
Many of our clients are anxious to learn all they can about the home remodeling process before embarking on their project. This is understandable and admirable. A remodeling project is exciting, can have a positive impact on a family’s quality of life, and is potentially an excellent financial investment.
A good place to begin the education process is with the remodeling contractor. Customers who understand the remodeler’s motivation and approach to the work will be better equipped to select a remodeler that suits their personality and project.
This is not a mysterious or complex undertaking—remodeling contractors are just business people. We possess skills that lend themselves to home improvement just as you apply your expertise to your chosen profession. Like many others, we want to earn a living doing something we’re good at and are passionate about, as well as leave some positive mark on the world.
As business people, we are interested in making money honestly by providing an excellent product for a fair price. Professional remodelers accomplish this goal by preparing business plans, understanding and adhering to client expectations, and establishing strong and reliable partnerships with suppliers, lenders, and subcontractors. We live in the communities in which we work, and therefore rely on our local reputations to sustain our business success.
As with any business, some remodeling contractors lack adequate business and communication skills to be successful, at least in the long term. Those human deficiencies—not intentional deceit—are the root of most horror stories about dissatisfied customers. Only a very small percentage of remodelers act badly, and they are often (and increasingly) ferreted out and exposed by various regulatory and industry certification standards that continue to improve the reputation and professionalism of the industry.
Professional remodelers—those with both the trade and the business management skills—work hard to avoid misunderstandings and miscommunication with their clients. That effort is sometimes challenging. Unlike other industries, construction work is exposed and open as it progresses, and takes place in the full view of the client. What may appear to be incomplete or a mistake might simply be an unfinished phase of the project.
As a homeowner and potential remodeling client, it is critical to remember that contractors are engaged in the remodeling process every day, year after year, developing a solid sense of daily progress and a vision for how the project will finish to their client’s satisfaction. Homeowners, on the other hand, may go through the remodeling process only once, and so don’t get to develop that long-term perspective.
Successful remodeling professionals recognize the difference between their experienced perspective and the untrained eyes of their clients. They bridge that gap by respecting a homeowner’s questions and providing clear and satisfactory answers. They understand the significant emotional investment and the financial risk undertaken by their clients, and they work hard to calm fears and debunk myths.
Informed homeowners, in turn, must understand that remodeling is all in a day’s work for a contractor. When both you and your remodeler respect each other’s role and approach to the project, it creates a greater opportunity to foster open communication, build trust, and achieve a successful and satisfying project.
Warm Regards,
Doug Abbott
Village Builders
This is an excerpt from a newsletter that is distributed to all former, current and future clients of Village Builders Inc. If you would like to receive this newsletter feel free to email me at www.robabbott@villagebuilders.ca
Rob Abbott
Village Builders Inc
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Does Village Builders do Basement Renovations?
Q:
Does Village Builders do Basement Renovations?
A:
Yes we actually do quite a few basement renovations every year for our clients. Village Builders on average does anywhere from 4 to 8 basement renovations for people every year.
These renovations are sometimes as simple as remodeling bathrooms downstairs to full guts of the basements and rebuilding them to an extremely high standard.
We routinely have excavated around homes and fixed damaged or non-existent waterproofing, repaired the weepers, installed gravity drains and even installed exterior sump pumps to help move water away from the basement before it ever gets close to the foundation. This is usually the result of water seepage or a full out flooding of the basement.
Renovating basements takes certain know how, the wrong renovation and a basement can feel like a dark uncomfortable place. What you want your basement to look like is just like the living area upstairs in your home. The problem that you end up with of course is that there is a lot less windows in the basement then in the rest of your home. To compensate for this you have to design the basement in a way that makes the basement feel light and airy, making the space an enjoyable place to occupy.
There’s nothing stopping you from having a wonderful basement that feels comfortable and welcoming, you just require the right contractor with the know how to put it all together.
We have the ability to make your basement the way you want it, drop me an email robabbott@villagebuilders.ca and let’s see if we can turn that basement into something special.
Rob Abbott
Village Builders Inc.
Does Village Builders do Basement Renovations?
A:
Yes we actually do quite a few basement renovations every year for our clients. Village Builders on average does anywhere from 4 to 8 basement renovations for people every year.
These renovations are sometimes as simple as remodeling bathrooms downstairs to full guts of the basements and rebuilding them to an extremely high standard.
We routinely have excavated around homes and fixed damaged or non-existent waterproofing, repaired the weepers, installed gravity drains and even installed exterior sump pumps to help move water away from the basement before it ever gets close to the foundation. This is usually the result of water seepage or a full out flooding of the basement.
Renovating basements takes certain know how, the wrong renovation and a basement can feel like a dark uncomfortable place. What you want your basement to look like is just like the living area upstairs in your home. The problem that you end up with of course is that there is a lot less windows in the basement then in the rest of your home. To compensate for this you have to design the basement in a way that makes the basement feel light and airy, making the space an enjoyable place to occupy.
There’s nothing stopping you from having a wonderful basement that feels comfortable and welcoming, you just require the right contractor with the know how to put it all together.
We have the ability to make your basement the way you want it, drop me an email robabbott@villagebuilders.ca and let’s see if we can turn that basement into something special.
Rob Abbott
Village Builders Inc.
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
Don't Settle For Drywall In Your Cottage
Don’t settle for drywall in cottage country
The standard finishing for wall treatments in residential and most commercial buildings in North America is Drywall. It is seen everywhere; walls and ceilings, where you should see less is in your cottage.
A cottage is suppose to be the place where you get back to nature, where you go to relax and feel like you’re one with the world again and away from all the hustle and bustle of the modern world. Well there’s nothing more modern in this world then drywall, drywall is a constant reminder to someone like me of the modern world.
Drywall was what replaced lath and plaster walls, this wall finish is for your home not your cottage. Your cottage should be something that reminds you of the outdoors, of a bygone day where there was no electricity or gas to power or heat your home and you hacked your existence out of the wilderness around you. You survived because you willed it not because society demands it.
That means that the walls and ceilings of your cottage should be made from wood. They can be any kind of species of wood, whatever you want but they should be some sort of species of wood.
A good rule of thumb is that you should cover the walls of your cottage in the same wood that surrounds the outside of your cottage. If you are in the Muskoka’s you should try to install pine or birch but if you are up the Bruce Peninsula then you should look toward cedar or tamarack . Every cottage area has a different species of tree that lives and survives; finishing the inside of your cottage in it is like thanking nature for the gifts it has given you.
Finishing your cottage in wood is usually a little more expensive then drywall but it will also last longer than drywall and it is by far stronger against being punctured or broken. With wood finishing’s you never have to worry about repairing drywall cracks as natural wood will shrink and expand with the seasons on its own. The brittleness of drywall is a modern thing like all the junk that is created in this throw away society, wood is not, it is installed to survive the life of your home.
Most cottages are built smaller then a normal residential home so the cost for the wood inside over drywall should not cost that much more in your budget.
When planning that renovation or new cottage construction build then look towards wood finishing’s on the inside, make your cottage what it should be, a part of nature not one without it.
Rob Abbott
Village Builders Inc.
The standard finishing for wall treatments in residential and most commercial buildings in North America is Drywall. It is seen everywhere; walls and ceilings, where you should see less is in your cottage.
A cottage is suppose to be the place where you get back to nature, where you go to relax and feel like you’re one with the world again and away from all the hustle and bustle of the modern world. Well there’s nothing more modern in this world then drywall, drywall is a constant reminder to someone like me of the modern world.
Drywall was what replaced lath and plaster walls, this wall finish is for your home not your cottage. Your cottage should be something that reminds you of the outdoors, of a bygone day where there was no electricity or gas to power or heat your home and you hacked your existence out of the wilderness around you. You survived because you willed it not because society demands it.
That means that the walls and ceilings of your cottage should be made from wood. They can be any kind of species of wood, whatever you want but they should be some sort of species of wood.
A good rule of thumb is that you should cover the walls of your cottage in the same wood that surrounds the outside of your cottage. If you are in the Muskoka’s you should try to install pine or birch but if you are up the Bruce Peninsula then you should look toward cedar or tamarack . Every cottage area has a different species of tree that lives and survives; finishing the inside of your cottage in it is like thanking nature for the gifts it has given you.
Finishing your cottage in wood is usually a little more expensive then drywall but it will also last longer than drywall and it is by far stronger against being punctured or broken. With wood finishing’s you never have to worry about repairing drywall cracks as natural wood will shrink and expand with the seasons on its own. The brittleness of drywall is a modern thing like all the junk that is created in this throw away society, wood is not, it is installed to survive the life of your home.
Most cottages are built smaller then a normal residential home so the cost for the wood inside over drywall should not cost that much more in your budget.
When planning that renovation or new cottage construction build then look towards wood finishing’s on the inside, make your cottage what it should be, a part of nature not one without it.
Rob Abbott
Village Builders Inc.
Sunday, May 3, 2015
May is Building Safety Month in 2015
May is Building Safety Month
The Month of May is considered Building Safety Month not just in Ontario but also all over the world.
This is an annual event that attempts to raise the awareness for safety in new home construction and the need for people and multiplicities to follow the safety standards that have been laid out in the building codes.
As a custom home builder I hear from my clients about how the building code is affecting the design of their home because they aren't allowed to do what they want to do. What they don't realize is that the building codes are there not only to protect them it is also to protect anyone who visits their home as well. Since the average Canadian only stays in a home for an average of 7.5 years before they sell it and move to another one you are also making the home safe for the next group of people that happen to buy your home.
The building of homes to a high and safe standard is another reason why you should actively research and screen the potential builder of your new custom home. Your builder will have more to do with the safety of your new home then any building or bylaw inspector ever will.
Safety standards in Ontario for new home construction have changed and increased in the last several years and if your builder doesn't know or understand these new regulations then they will have a difficult time getting your new home passed for you to live in it. This can cost you not only time but money if things have to be added after the fact just to allow you to take ownership of the home.
Remember that safety in your new home should take priority over anything else including the style of your home.
Rob Abbott
Village Builders Inc.
The Month of May is considered Building Safety Month not just in Ontario but also all over the world.
This is an annual event that attempts to raise the awareness for safety in new home construction and the need for people and multiplicities to follow the safety standards that have been laid out in the building codes.
As a custom home builder I hear from my clients about how the building code is affecting the design of their home because they aren't allowed to do what they want to do. What they don't realize is that the building codes are there not only to protect them it is also to protect anyone who visits their home as well. Since the average Canadian only stays in a home for an average of 7.5 years before they sell it and move to another one you are also making the home safe for the next group of people that happen to buy your home.
The building of homes to a high and safe standard is another reason why you should actively research and screen the potential builder of your new custom home. Your builder will have more to do with the safety of your new home then any building or bylaw inspector ever will.
Safety standards in Ontario for new home construction have changed and increased in the last several years and if your builder doesn't know or understand these new regulations then they will have a difficult time getting your new home passed for you to live in it. This can cost you not only time but money if things have to be added after the fact just to allow you to take ownership of the home.
Remember that safety in your new home should take priority over anything else including the style of your home.
Rob Abbott
Village Builders Inc.
Friday, May 1, 2015
Want A Smaller Home, Ask A Custom Home Builder
Want a smaller home, ask a custom home builder
With a shift starting to happen in residential construction to smaller homes (these homes usually wanted by a younger generation of people), there is a question being asked if their only choice is to buy track built homes (sub-division) or homes built in factories and shipped to your location. This is a very limited choice for people, these limited options is proving to be problematic for a lot of consumers as they want a higher standard of quality not only in the materials that are used but also in the overall fit and finish of the home. These mass produced homes usually do not lend themselves to having either high quality materials or a high quality of fit and finish.
What you (the consumer) should be looking into is to have a custom home builder construct you a new home on the property that you have purchased.
Your first thought is probably that you could never afford a custom home, that’s where you are wrong. If you can afford to buy a new home then you can afford to have a custom home built.
Custom homes are what they are; they are custom homes. This means that they are built especially for and are finished especially for you; no one else will have your home as no one else has your exact tastes and personality.
Custom homes are slightly more expensive then the poorer built track or factory homes but they are also built with more care and precision. This means that you will not have as many problems going forward with your new home; you will also have a longer time before you have to renovate or remodel anything in the home. In essence the quality of the materials and the workmanship that goes into a custom home pays for itself in the long run.
When it comes to your budget custom home builders work with you to help you spend money where you need it most, they will advise you were you should spend a little more so that you can maximize the return on your investment. This means not only a higher resale value of the home but also the lowered heating and cooling costs of your home.
Custom homes sell at a much higher value per sqft than track or factory built homes, ask any real-estate agent.
Having a custom home builder that is looking out for you is a great thing instead of a big building company that is just trying to maximize profits. Custom home builders will advise you on the best way to insulate, the best way to heat the home, your best options for windows, roofing, flooring, paint, cabinets and plumbing fixtures.
Because custom home builders get big discounts on plumbing and lighting fixtures they are able to pass that savings on to you. By the time the house is completed the cost between a custom built home and a track or factory built home starts to narrow as you custom home has a higher quality of finish and also a higher level of craftsmanship.
The cost for having plans created for smaller custom homes has been reduced in the last couple of years as more and more companies are offering low cost home designs. This works out for people who want smaller custom homes built as it allows them to design their smaller dream home at a minimum cost.
So if you are thinking about a smaller new home think about getting a custom home builder to build it, it could be the best thing that you ever did.
Rob Abbott
Village Builders Inc.
With a shift starting to happen in residential construction to smaller homes (these homes usually wanted by a younger generation of people), there is a question being asked if their only choice is to buy track built homes (sub-division) or homes built in factories and shipped to your location. This is a very limited choice for people, these limited options is proving to be problematic for a lot of consumers as they want a higher standard of quality not only in the materials that are used but also in the overall fit and finish of the home. These mass produced homes usually do not lend themselves to having either high quality materials or a high quality of fit and finish.
What you (the consumer) should be looking into is to have a custom home builder construct you a new home on the property that you have purchased.
Your first thought is probably that you could never afford a custom home, that’s where you are wrong. If you can afford to buy a new home then you can afford to have a custom home built.
Custom homes are what they are; they are custom homes. This means that they are built especially for and are finished especially for you; no one else will have your home as no one else has your exact tastes and personality.
Custom homes are slightly more expensive then the poorer built track or factory homes but they are also built with more care and precision. This means that you will not have as many problems going forward with your new home; you will also have a longer time before you have to renovate or remodel anything in the home. In essence the quality of the materials and the workmanship that goes into a custom home pays for itself in the long run.
When it comes to your budget custom home builders work with you to help you spend money where you need it most, they will advise you were you should spend a little more so that you can maximize the return on your investment. This means not only a higher resale value of the home but also the lowered heating and cooling costs of your home.
Custom homes sell at a much higher value per sqft than track or factory built homes, ask any real-estate agent.
Having a custom home builder that is looking out for you is a great thing instead of a big building company that is just trying to maximize profits. Custom home builders will advise you on the best way to insulate, the best way to heat the home, your best options for windows, roofing, flooring, paint, cabinets and plumbing fixtures.
Because custom home builders get big discounts on plumbing and lighting fixtures they are able to pass that savings on to you. By the time the house is completed the cost between a custom built home and a track or factory built home starts to narrow as you custom home has a higher quality of finish and also a higher level of craftsmanship.
The cost for having plans created for smaller custom homes has been reduced in the last couple of years as more and more companies are offering low cost home designs. This works out for people who want smaller custom homes built as it allows them to design their smaller dream home at a minimum cost.
So if you are thinking about a smaller new home think about getting a custom home builder to build it, it could be the best thing that you ever did.
Rob Abbott
Village Builders Inc.
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