Women in Trades  

Look out boys there coming!

 Time to ring the bell for the pioneering ladies who are making inroads into the trades. I didn’t realize how little the general public realized this was happening. It hit home when I ran into a particularly uninformed perspective lady customer who told me this story.

  “I called a contractor to do my hardwood and when the installer came they sent a woman! I could not believe my eyes! I blurted "do you know what you are doing? She had a man helper!" I could not believe it! I watched her all day, in the end she did a really good job. She even took the nosing’s home and stained them to match the floor!”

 I have been in the supervisory role in the construction industry for 30 years. I am quite aware of the abilities and special skills women can bring to a job site. What shocked me was the level of ignorance from another woman. I guess someone needs to let the world know what’s going on.

  Although on average in the building trades women only make up 3% of the trades work force (once we take away hair dressers and chefs). These women are a force to be reckoned with. With few exceptions there attendance is better, they are on time, well organized, and dedicated. When they complete a job they clean up after themselves (guys are you listening?)  In general help keep those around them organized as well. Good habits usually rub off. They set a good example. What they lack in physical strength they make up for in attention to detail and dedication.

  I had a woman come to work for me who would have her husband come at lunch so she could nurse her baby in the car over lunch. Try that one boys! She was by and far my best team member.

 I would strongly encourage women to investigate the building trades. There are many jobs that pay well and suit the women of today to the tee. Today’s tradesperson is intelligent dedicated well trained and desires to be well paid for their efforts. Its time more women join the already setting such a great example and show the boys how it’s done.

David Federici

Owner Greenwave Construction

Kelowna Home Building Contractor

Kelowna Kitchen Renovations

Kelowna Kitchen Renovations

repurposed wood backsplash

Kelowna kitchen renovations these days are becoming more and more common place. Homeowners are realizing that they can stay in their home and have that dream kitchen they have always wanted.

If you stay with the same layout for plumbing and electrical a kitchen renovation can be quick and painless. Keeping the same layout also allows you to spend money on nicer cabinets rather than paying for expensive plumbing, venting, or electrical work.


Green kitchen renovations are a real possibility these days with many products readily available. Let’s divide the work roughly in two,

one half being the new cabinets and counter tops, the second half being the disposal of existing cabinets, and any modifications to wiring or plumbing, drywall etc. (Please note that new plumbing and electrical work requires a permit. Not getting one could render you liable should a problem occur. )

Bamboo Cabinets

First the cabinets. There are woods available that are considered to be environmentally friendly -- these would be used for doors and facings. Examples could be pine beetle wood, Wenge, (looks like ebony) or woods from as common as birch, alder, walnut and cherry from sustainable forestry operations. The big “green wood” gaining popularity now is bamboo. There are coatings for the wood that are also green. These coatings may contain no VOCs (volatile organic compounds), or be clear without additives and tints.

Second, inside the cabinets. Some manufactures offer products that are made with bamboo or other renewable resources. Finally, the counter tops. These can also be green. Some options include:

Wenge wood natural beauty

● Recycled glass (looks like ceaser stone)

● Composite compressed paper (sounds strange, but looks amazing)

● Recycled aluminum

● Reclaimed wood



The Renovation

Looking at the work around the cabinets, have your contractor make sure that all wire or copper plumbing pipe, drywall, and wood scraps are separated and recycled. The old cabinets can be reused for storage in garages, workshops etc. Place a free ad in Castanet or a local classified service and watch them walk out the door. Remember a great way to be green is to reuse and avoid the energy required to recycle. Reusing and renewing should be your first choice.

This might all seem a bit daunting, so hire a contractor that cares about our planet. At Greenwave Construction we will guide you through the process of green kitchen renovations in a friendly helpful manner. We are the only smart choice for your project.

Kelowna Carriage House Construction

Although the days of the horse and carriage have long ago slipped into history, in the past, the term “carriage house” described a building for the housing of carriages, coaches and the like. These structures commonly had servants’ quarters located above them. As the years went by the carriages evolved into automobiles and the servant quarters in many cases have become secondary suites used for a variety of purposes.

This Carriage Home Shows the design possibilities

Today the term carriage house is commonly used to describe a small home located in the rear yard of an existing home. This home can be used as a mortgage helper, for extended family or for visiting guests. These days carriage houses have made a big comeback. Many municipalities are now allowing carriage homes in their zoning. Cities have seen this zoning as an opportunity to increase density, and their tax base without installing additional services for these residences. Carriage homes can also serve to reduce urban sprawl.                               



Kelowna carriage homes offer a wonderful opportunity to get that mortgage helper or keep a family together as it grows or allow a family to move back closer together. If you are curious as to whether or not you can erect a carriage home just check with your municipal building department. They will sit down with you, answer your questions and make suggestions. There are certain setback and parking requirements that must be met. It is also prudent to enquire about your water, sewer, gas and hydro services; they may be required to be upgraded to allow for the proposed development.




before

Recently, Greenwave Construction actually built a carriage house on top of a home as a penthouse suite (see our video series )   http://youtu.be/bRd0QS0r5rE  because the lot did not allow for the carriage home to be built in the rear yard. The home had a flat roof and the end result is a real head turner. With the home receiving a new cladding it now looks like a new home. Another option could be to attach the carriage home to the existing in the form of an addition; this can save space as well.



after

If you are considering a carriage home or another construction project for your home or business please give Greenwave Construction a call; we want to help. Our 30 years of experience in construction management can save you time and money. We will produce a high quality project at a down to earth price. Today’s mortgage money has never been cheaper and financial institutions usually look favorably upon revenue properties. Carriage homes rent well and are favoured by many as an alternative to suites and condos.

How To Find A Kelowna Renovation Contractor

 

 Finding Your Own Contracting Super Hero.

The spring is about to begin here in the beautiful Okanagan Valley and as we all awaken from our winter hibernation thoughts turn to the home renovation project. Maybe it was a resolution or a long term plan, in any case where do you start?

The first thing to establish is a budget. The second is who is going to run this project. Both of these important facets of your project go hand-in-hand.

Who is a good candidate for the owner/contractor job?

If you decide to go it alone and be your own contractor, you must establish your own budget. Let’s talk about this step first.

 

Ask yourselves, these questions:

Am I available during the day when all the work takes place?

Am I highly organized and have good people skills?
How much do I know about home renovations? (Watching renovation shows on TV does not count!)
Am I a good negotiator?
Can I run a project?
How much time do I have to devote to this endeavour?
Can I get the same pricing as a builder?
Can I find good trades people?
Do I know how to recognize a good trades person, or supplier?  

Now let’s discuss hiring a contractor.

If you hire the right contractor ?

David Federici at work supervising a Large project

Here is what you should expect to get. All the above items are no longer your problem. You now have an expert to do all of these tasks for you! What a relief. Sounds a little too easy doesn't it? If that's how you feel, you're right, it’s not quite that simple. How do you find this superhero of construction? I'm going to describe the right contractor to you, to help you identify the ideal candidate.

 

The qualified contractor will have

 A business licence

 A proven track record with references (that are not family relations)

 WCB coverage.

 A Tax number.

 Pictures of completed work

 A trade certification

 An Homeowners Protection Office certification

 Will have been in business for at least three years in the Okanagan
 A suppliers and trades-person team that they work with regularly.

 He should be in the Infotel Yellow pages directory. If the contactor has been a around a while, he will be listed.

 

To find your contractor I would used your computer and search for Kelowna home renovation contactors.

The contractor should have a website. You can do some research now anonymously and will be able to weed out bad eggs quickly. Look for the 2-5-10 year warranty being offered, testimonials and who the actual builder is. Nothing is worse that a fancy website that does not tell you anything about the person running the show.

Here is something I feel I should mention.

The Better Business Bureau directory does not have the expertise to evaluate the skill level or qualifications of a contractor. Truth is most new companies can start a business and join the BBB. The BBB is a good idea but the problem is primarily this: Most people will never call them and complain about a business; therefore you get a false sense of security.

 What you want to see is that the contractor is a licensed builder in the province of British Columbia and can offer the Home Owners Protection Warranty.

A well crafted job is a beauty to behold

 

These contactors are your "A" list builders. They have taken the time to prove experience, financial viability, stability, and that they have a clean record as far as any claims ever made against them of company's they’ve managed. Your project may not require the home warranty if it is a small renovation, however your builder is fully qualified and chances are they will stand behind their work to protect their reputation. A licensed builder will also be able to obtain better pricing on materials than a homeowner and have a team of qualified trades and suppliers to help you produce a fine quality project. So your costs may not be that much more than if you do the job yourselves.

 I hope this article will help consumers make the right choice when picking a contractor. My company, Greenwave Construction, has as its’ core value the protection of the consumer.

We feel we owe our clients a duty of care and attention if we are selected as their contractor. Greenwave is a solid licensed builder and we support all legislation that helps protect consumers from substandard workmanship or business practises. I hope you find this information helpful.

Good luck with your project!

David Federici

Owner, Greenwave Construction

250-575-2690

www.greenwaveconstruction.ca

 

Kelowna Building Contractor

Greenwave Construction is a fully licensed Kelowna Building Contractor*. This  locally owned Kelowna home construction company is run by one of the most experienced construction managers in the Okanagan Valley. He is the owner and guiding force of Greenwave, David Federici .

 

Timeless Greenwave Quality

  Over his long career David has gained 30 years experience in the residential construction industry as a project manager and site superintendent. All contracts fall under his direct supervision. David believes the best place to guarantee a project's success is in the field. David's qualifications as a red seal master carpenter make him the ideal choice to steer a project clear of any difficulties. David has been at the helm of projects that have received provincial and national recognition.

 

  David's hand-picked team of local suppliers and contractors guarantee high quality fittings, finish and durability.

With Greenwave your project will be run on a tightly managed construction schedule and budget. You will be kept informed and advised every step of the way.

The Attention To Detail Shows

 Greenwave offers complete  services from design through construction to completion. We have partnered with top notch local design professionals to allow us to fit the right client with the right designer. Bring your ideas, sketch's, or renderings and we will transform your drawings into blueprints.

  If a client has already taken these steps and has a finished plan we will be more than happy to execute their design to their individual standards guided by our experience and eye for quality and detail.

 If  you are thinking of a  new home or a major renovation think of David Federici and his team of dedicated professionals.  Make a call or email to Greenwave your first stop on your home building journey.

 

* How A Contractor Becomes A Builder

 

  New home construction  in the province of British Columbia is a tightly regulated Industry. To build homes in this province the contractor must become a licensed builder in the province of British Columbia.

  In order to obtain a licence the contractor approaches a warranty provider, and applies to obtain government mandated insurance coverage to protect the consumers purchasing the builders units.

  This requires the contractor to prove financial stability and integrity and display thorough experience in the home building industry. If approved the builder can then apply to obtain their builder licence from The Home Owners Protection Office.

 

  As a new home builder in the province of British Columbia Greenwave Construction has completed these steps. Consumer protection has always been one of our core values and we the salute the legislation that tightly controls the industry.

Kelowna Carriage House Construction

Teusday Sept 11 2012

Kelowna Carriage House Construction

Project Complete

Here is the Link to the final Video that summarizes The Carriage Home Process.

 

 http://youtu.be/bRd0QS0r5rE

Although the days of the horse and carriage have long ago slipped into history, in the past, the term “carriage house” described a building for the housing of carriages, coaches and the like. These structures commonly had servants’ quarters located above them. As the years went by the carriages evolved into automobiles and the servant quarters in many cases have become secondary suites used for a variety of purposes.



130 Flintoft A 1950 Bungalow



Today the term carriage house is commonly used to describe a small home located in the rear yard of an existing home. This home can be used as a mortgage helper, for extended family or for visiting guests. These days carriage houses have made a big comeback. Many municipalities are now allowing carriage homes in their zoning. Cities have seen this zoning as an opportunity to increase density, and their tax base without installing additional services for these residences. In Kelowna Carriage homes can also serve to reduce urban sprawl

Kelowna carriage homes offer a wonderful opportunity to get that mortgage helper or keep a family together as it grows or allow a family to move back closer together. If you are curious as to whether or not you can erect a carriage home just check with your municipal building department. They will sit down with you, answer your questions and make suggestions. There are certain setback and parking requirements that must be met. It is also prudent to enquire about your water, sewer, gas and hydro services; they may be required to be upgraded to allow for the proposed development.

project well underway penthouse suite has been added .

Final project complete re clad and suite added,
Is that a new house?

Recently, Greenwave Construction actually built a Carriage house on top of a home as a penthouse suite (see our video series) because the lot did not allow for the carriage home to be built in the rear yard. The home had a flat roof and the end result is a real head turner. With the home receiving a new cladding it now looks like a new home. Another option could be to attach the carriage home to the existing in the form of an addition; this can save space as well.

 

 

If you are considering a carriage home or another construction project for your home or business please give Greenwave Construction a call; we want to help. Our 30 years of experience and full in construction management can save you time and money. We will produce a high quality project at a down to earth price. Today’s mortgage money has never been cheaper and financial institutions usually look favorably upon revenue properties. Carriage homes rent well and are favoured by many as an alternative to suites and condos.

 

For more information contact

David Federici
Greenwave Construction

Kelowna, BC

(250) 575-269

Email

dave@greenwaveconstruction.ca

We take the home work out of home Construction

Greenwave Assembly Episode 1.mpg