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Welcome to the CHBA Blog
Embark on your journey to home ownership in Canada with invaluable insights into renovation tips, finding professional contractors, and understanding the stages of home building. The CHBA Blog is perfect for first-time buyers and seasoned homeowners alike, offering practical advice for every step of the process. Learn how to plan for a new home, navigate the construction process, and execute smart renovations, whether you choose to DIY or hire a professional.
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CHBA Blog
The second annual Constructors Cup, a charity soccer tournament hosted by London HBA in conjunction with Tricar Group, raised $70,000 for The Health and Homelessness Fund for Change, which is administered by the London Community Foundation.
Emily Fielden
Ride Through the Rockies is an annual fundraising event in support of Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta.
Chloe Perreault
Niagara HBA member Centennial Homes, and their network of suppliers and subtrades, have committed to build four townhomes in support of Habitat for Humanity Niagara.
Chloe Perreault
Creating a functional home office space is essential for productivity and well-being, especially in an era where remote work is becoming increasingly common
Chloe Perreault
As the desire for extremely energy efficient homes grows in popularity across Canada, many homeowners are asking Qualified Net Zero Builders/Renovators to deliver their Net Zero dream homes.
Chloe Perreault
As part of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association Central Okanagan’s (CHBA-CO) unwavering commitment to empowering women in the residential construction industry, the HBA has created a scholarship to help women pursuing construction-related post-secondary programs in the Okanagan.
Chloe Perreault
BILD Calgary member Logel Homes partnered with McMan Youth, Family, and Community Services Association of Calgary & Area to build a new community hub in their 27-unit transitional housing development,
Chloe Perreault
Canadian home buyers are increasingly showing interest in Net Zero Homes, and builders and renovators across the country are expertly producing the goods.
Chloe Perreault
The 2024 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence recognize the best in Canada’s residential construction industry. There were over 900 submissions this year, and nearly 300 industry experts from across the country meticulously selected finalists and winners for 48 categories. These categories span newly built single-family homes, multi-family residences, high-rises, and new communities, home renovations at every price point, and residential marketing, reflecting the breadth and diversity of the industry.
Chloe Perreault
Jobs and workplaces evolve, but sometimes persistent myths stick around, influencing how we think about careers and the people who work in them. There are myths and stereotypes about most jobs, and the residential construction industry is no exception.
Chloe Perreault
Tricar Group, a member of Guelph and District HBA, recently gifted $50,000 to Guelph’s Home for Good Campaign, which is delivered jointly by The Guelph Community Foundation, Guelph & Wellington Task Force for Poverty Elimination, and United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin.
Chloe Perreault
Beyond address housing affordability in their region, BILD Calgary member Genesis Builders Group took steps to address the widespread challenge of food affordability faced by parents, guardians, and caretakers in their community.
Chloe Perreault
Canada has committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050. But the country won’t be able to get there without significant energy efficiency improvements to Canada’s existing homes.
Chloe Perreault
Entering the world of real estate as a homebuyer can be both exhilarating and daunting, and a key milestone in the journey towards homeownership is signing a purchase contract.
Chloe Perreault
Niagara HBA member Solmar Development Corp. made a heartfelt contribution into the Niagara region with a donation of $15 million to the St. Catharines hospital.
Chloe Perreault
Did you know that nearly 90% of Canadians wish to stay in their homes for as long as possible? As we age, our mobility and physical abilities can change, making it challenging to navigate our homes. But there are adaptations you can make to your home to help ease the transition, making your home safer and more accessible so that you can stay in it for as long as possible.
Chloe Perreault
As the energy efficiency of homes becomes a higher priority for Canadians, many are trying to decide if a Net Zero Home is right for them. With the ease of information sharing these days, there are also a lot of myths about these high-performance homes. As a result, these myths sometimes cause confusion about what Net Zero Homes really are and how they work.
Chloe Perreault
Working in the residential construction industry is a rewarding and fulfilling career. Building and renovating homes provides a sense of accomplishment at the end of each day when you can see the work you’ve done. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in construction, here are some steps you can take to get started.
Chloe Perreault
Fusion Homes, a Guelph and District Home Builders’ Association member, demonstrated a deep commitment to their community with a generous gift aimed at providing essential food security to families in need this holiday season.
Chloe Perreault
With labour shortages rampant in the residential construction sector and retirements slated to rise over the coming decade, members are recognizing the need to encourage youth to consider a rewarding career in the skilled trades.
Chloe Perreault
Members of CHBA Edmonton Region (CHBA-ER) came together to give back to their community by partnering with local charity Uncles & Aunts at Large Edmonton Area Society.
Chloe Perreault
Home energy efficiency is a growing topic of conversation among Canadians. Buyers and homeowners are increasingly showing interest in Net Zero Homes – and builders and renovators across Canada are delivering.
Chloe Perreault
As home energy efficiency becomes a growing priority for home buyers and homeowners across Canada, custom or renovated Net Zero Homes, as well as production Net Zero Homes, are having their moment in the sun. From high-efficiency windows to a tighter building envelope, builders and renovators are increasingly being asked to meld energy efficiency requirements with great design. And their efforts are certainly quashing the myth that extremely efficient homes require sacrificing beautiful design.
Chloe Perreault
So, you’ve decided to take on a home renovation. You’ve determined what renovations you want done and landed on a rough budget. You’ve also started looking for contractors, but you’re having trouble deciding which ones are right for your renovation, even though you’ve done your due diligence getting recommendations and thoroughly interviewed possible candidates.
Chloe Perreault
Every part of a Net Zero Home works together in harmony to create the ultimate energy efficient living space. Every aspect of the home, including the building envelope, mechanical systems, and renewable energy systems, works together as a system to ensure peak performance. Through advanced “building science” techniques, technologies, and products, builders can significantly reduce a home’s energy consumption. Here are the three main components of a Net Zero Home.
Chloe Perreault
Every year, volunteer members, local home builders’ associations (HBAs), and their staff work tirelessly to build a strong community, strengthen the industry, and give back to cities, towns, and neighbourhoods across Canada.
Chloe Perreault
Have you ever looked at your utility bill and wondered how you possibly used so much energy? As more workplaces adopt a work from home model, you’re likely using more energy than you ever have before. But if you’re someone who follows responsible protocols to conserve energy – like switching off the lights when they’re not in use or shutting down your computer at night – it might come as a surprise to you that turning off your devices doesn’t mean they don’t consume energy.
Chloe Perreault
Today’s homes increasingly prioritize energy efficiency – whether it be through high-efficiency windows, energy efficient appliances, or a tighter building envelope. So, it’s no surprise that Net Zero Homes are gaining popularity among home buyers and homeowners.
Chloe Perreault
Every year we look forward to spring. Until the snow melts and leaks into your home or unveils some other unsightly mess. But there are a few simple steps a homeowner can take to perform an inspection and prevent damage before it occurs.
Chloe Perreault
Net Zero Homes were once only seen in custom homes, but committed and passionate builders across Canada are now offering Net Zero production homes and even full communities. Energy efficient homes are becoming more desirable to many Canadians who are looking for superior quality, greater comfort, and who want to be environmentally responsible. And Net Zero communities are helping reach Canada’s emission reduction targets
Chloe Perreault
When looking to buy a home, you’ll probably start searching for one that meets your short-term needs. Maybe your company just went remote, and you want a place with a home office. Or maybe you just had a baby and need more space or somewhere without an elevator.
Chloe Perreault
After a hectic year where many have spent a lot of time at home, “there’s no place like home” has never rung truer. This Holiday season, members of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA-Central Okanagan) are getting involved in the “There’s No Place Like Home” virtual Gingerbread House Photo Contest, hosted by Habitat for Humanity Okanagan.
Chloe Perreault
On June 12th The Canadian Home Builders’ Association Central Interior (CHBA Central Interior) was presented with the Community Service Award for their donations and work in building the Y Lottery Dream Home in the first ever virtual edition of the 2020 Association Leadership Awards.
Chloe Perreault
“To create a strong community it’s critical that the people who live here – in Edmonton – are healthy. For us that means helping our local hospitals,” said Paul Lanni, president of Averton Homes, when asked about building a dream home in Alberta’s Full House Lottery.
Chloe Perreault
In 2015, the local Home Builders’ Association in Edmonton, Alberta (CHBA-Edmonton Region) began an initiative called the “Renovation Month Days of Service.”
Chloe Perreault
For nearly two decades, Cardel Homes has been working with Dreams Take Flight to help realize the dreams of children across Canada.
Chloe Perreault
The Canadian Home Builders’ Association celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2018 and is proud of its history of building and supporting communities across the country. Together with the Renovation & Supplier’s Council, the Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association (GVHBA) contributed to this history through its renovation of the Easter Seals House 3rd Floor Lounge.
Chloe Perreault
The Canadian Home Builders’ Association celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2018 and is proud of its history of building and supporting communities across the country.
Chloe Perreault
The holidays are a time to come together and celebrate with family and friends. But for families who are struggling to make ends meet, the holidays are particularly stressful – especially for those with children.
Chloe Perreault
The Street Culture Project is a non-profit, registered charity in Regina, SK, providing housing access, skill development and personal support to street involved youth.
Chloe Perreault
In 2016, the Purcell family hired Naikoon Contracting to build a home for their family that required several special features.
Chloe Perreault
The Canadian Home Builders’ Association celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2018, and is proud of its history of building and supporting communities across the country. The Hamilton-Halton Home Builders’ Association (HHHBA) commemorated the occasion by giving back to their neighbourhoods in a big way: they raised $75,000 for local charities.
Chloe Perreault
The homebuilding industry has a long record of community service and giving back to the cities and towns we live and work in. Each year, the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) recognizes the voluntary efforts of its members and local associations who make a difference in the quality of life in their communities.
Chloe Perreault
In 2011, Kayla Blevin developed a severe E. coli infection, leaving her with life-threatening kidney failure and sending her to McMaster’s Children’s Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario. Now, six years later, Kayla has regained kidney function and her parents say they couldn’t be more thankful for the care at the hospital.
Chloe Perreault
For the past decade, the Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Newfoundland and Labrador (CHBA-NL) has collaborated with Habitat for Humanity Newfoundland and Labrador (Habitat NL) to effect positive change in their community. Newfoundland’s First Tiny Home is one result of this partnership.
Chloe Perreault
Tens of thousands of British Columbians have been displaced as wildfires rip through the province, which was declared under a state of emergency in early July. Seeing how hard so many communities have already been hit, Lacey Developments jumped to action just last week.
Chloe Perreault
Measured at more than one million square feet of concrete, brick and granite, the National Arts Centre has been home to thousands of cultural arts performances since its grand opening in 1969. On July 1, 2017 — 50 years after its original construction began— the Canadian landmark will be unveiled to the public once again, thanks in part to CHBA member Diamond Schmitt Architects.
Chloe Perreault
From June 9 to 11, 2017, CHBA Member Doug Tarry Homes gathered more than 600 volunteers in St. Thomas, Ontario to build Project Hope – a Net Zero Ready Home – in just three days. Proceeds of the sale of this new home will help support the family of a local man, Johnny Nooren, who died of cancer last summer, leaving behind his wife Angela and their two young children, Luke and Aleida.
Chloe Perreault
Nine weeks, nearly 7,000 kilometres and 135 riders— CHBA president Eric DenOuden is not going on just any ordinary bike ride. Beginning June 26 in Vancouver, British Columbia DenOuden will kick off his cross-Canada trek to raise awareness and funds to fight poverty with Sea to Sea, a cycling project aimed at finding solutions to end local and global poverty.
Chloe Perreault
Bob Finnigan, CHBA past president 2016, speaks proudly and from the heart about the network of defibrillators founded by Herity/Heathwood Homes, where he is a principal. In 2002, Finnigan’s home builder/developer company based in Toronto, Ontario started The Mikey Network to place portable defibrillators in public spaces. Today, The Mikey Network has distributed roughly 2,200 easy-to-use units to Canadians coast-to-coast.
Chloe Perreault
Members of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) have been building, developing and renovating homes from coast to coast for generations.
Chloe Perreault