In this issue:
- 2026 RenoMark Member Certificates Available on Demand
- Successful Pilot of the Renovation Market Index (RMI)
- Building Code Spotlight
- 2025 National Model Codes Available for Free Download
- NEW for Renovators – Part 10: Alteration of Existing Buildings
- MNP Webinar: Succession Planning for Residential Construction Companies
- Adaptiv Home Spotlight
- Newest Qualified Adaptiv Home Specialists
- Upcoming Course: Adaptiv Home Renovation – February 24-25, 2026
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2026 RenoMark Member Certificates Available on Demand
RenoMark certificates for 2026 are now available to all verified RenoMark members to download, print, and proudly display. This is your opportunity to showcase your affiliation with RenoMark and let your clients know they are working with a trusted professional. To access the certificate, sign in to the member HUB with your CHBA website account > go to My Info (tab in left menu) > select the Related Businesses tab and scroll to the bottom of the page. You can also access directly HERE (you may be prompted to sign in).
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Successful Pilot of the Renovation Market Index (RMI)
At the end of 2025, CHBA asked for your participation in the Renovation Market Index to capture the sentiment of renovators regarding the current and future health of their business. CHBA was pleased to receive over 200 survey submissions from across the country. THANK YOU for taking the time to provide your views and opinions. Preliminary findings were presented to the Bank of Canada last week and they were very appreciative that CHBA and its renovators are filling in this data gap in residential construction. CHBA is finalizing the analysis and will release the results of this pilot program shortly.
While participation was good, we need more participation to get regional breakdowns. So, if you would like to participate in future surveys (twice a year), please send an email to rmi@chba.ca to signal your interest.
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2025 National Model Codes Released
The 2025 National Model Codes have been officially released, and while CHBA was successful in getting some positive changes and preventing some negative ones, overall, the 2025 code remains problematic on many levels and such, CHBA is calling for a pause on adoption and is pushing for a re-write of some sections and elimination of others, based on affordability and other issues.
That all said, the code documents are available at no cost. You can download your copies today and review the new renovation requirements that may come to your province soon,. Changes are marked with a bar on the side of the page, and Explanatory Notes provide helpful guidance.
Irrespective of the above, adoption timelines will vary by province and territory. Some adopt immediately, others allow 6–12 months before enforcement, and some take longer. All jurisdictions have committed to adopting their versions by mid-2027 (18 months after publication), though again, CHBA is pushing for a pause on codes or at least significant revisions before adoption, which would have a mid-2027 timeline as well. Note: Some provinces will modify codes before adoption. As always, follow announcements from your provincial building safety regulator.
Stay informed on what is happening in the national codes development system by:
- Opting in to CHBA’s codes meetings notification bi-weekly email (log in to your website account > My Subscriptions > Select “Code Meeting Notifications,” or send us an email).
- Review CHBA’s Code Meeting Briefs on the Member Knowledge Centre.
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NEW for Renovators – Part 10: Alteration of Existing Buildings
CHBA, along with renovator members, had a lot of input into the development of the new Part 10 of the code, and in this case, the outcomes were generally positive and in line with CHBA’s recommendations. For example, CHBA members helped define the new code phrase “to the extent possible,” which triggers a list of meaningful exemptions and relaxations as well as a detailed explanatory note on how practicality should govern when adding insulation in existing buildings (see A-10.9.36.4.(7)). It is important to note that, for the 2025 edition, the requirements will only apply where existing Part 9 buildings are renovated for energy efficiency. The new requirements will cover:
- HVAC and service water heating systems
- Above-ground opaque and below-grade assemblies
- Fenestration, doors, skylights
- Airtightness of air barrier systems
The guiding principles for these changes were to be reasonable, practical and affordable solutions. The code specifically notes that “the provisions of Part 10 are not intended to require building owners to undertake work beyond the planned extent of an alteration.” Additionally, CHBA’s Renovators’ Manual is now referenced in an Appendix note to Part 10 of the National Building Code. Email Alex Bols at CHBA for more information.
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Welcome to the newest Qualified Adaptiv Home Specialists
The following CHBA members have successfully completed the Adaptiv Home Renovation Course and are now part of an exclusive a network of professionals across the country who offer services to homeowners who want to live in their home safely and comfortably for as long as possible. In addition to their recognition as a Qualified Adaptiv Home Specialist on the CHBA website, they receive access to a full suite of resources to help them promote this prestigious designation.
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Adaptiv Home Renovation VIRTUAL Course February 24-25, 2026 | ONLINE
The Adaptiv Home Renovation Course provides knowledge and tools for professional renovators to better support Canadians who wish to live at home for as long as they can. The course includes an overview of the Adaptiv Home market, including specific design approaches and business opportunities. Renovators will learn about ramps and slopes, zero-step thresholds, curbless showers, accessibility equipment and home automation solutions. Don’t wait, this course sells out fast, so register today!
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The Canadian Home Builders' Association
141 Laurier Avenue West, Suite 500
Ottawa, ON K1P 5J3
communications@chba.ca
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