Return value for your home improvements

Return value for your home improvements

There's no denying that home renovations can increase the value of your home.

According to the recent Canadian Home Renovation Survey (2004) from the Appraisal Institute of Canada, a kitchen or bathroom renovation can be expected to nearly double the amount you invest.
$10,000 spent will increase your home's value by $17,500 - $20,000.

To look at another example, for every $1.00 you spend to paint, inside or out, expect to get $1.50 - $2.00 back.

Bathroom renovation 75 - 100%
Kitchen renovation 75 - 100%
Interior painting 50 - 100%
Exterior painting 50 - 100%
Roof shingle replacement 50 - 80%
Furnace/heating system 50 - 80%
Basement renovation 50 - 75%
Recreation room addition 50 - 75%
Installing a fireplace 50 - 75%
Flooring 50 - 75%
Constructing a garage 50 - 75%

Window/door replacement 50 - 75%

Building a deck 50 - 75%

Central air conditioning 25 - 75%

Landscaping 25 - 50%

Interlocking paving 25 - 50%

Building a fence 25 - 50%

Asphalt paving 20 - 50%

Adding a swimming pool 10 - 40%

Installing a skylight 0 - 25%

Top Ten Concerns for Kelowna Home Buyers and Sellers

This is a popular post on many sites on the web with great info for home buyers in the Okanagan.

No matter the age, style, or location of a house, there are common problems that are likely to turn up during a home inspection. Understanding what these potential defects can be, and how to manage them, is key to making the most out of your buing experience.

RPC identifies the top ten most common concerns:

1. Structural damage: As the foundation settles, it can knock doorways,walls and support beams out of alignment. The end result could make the entire house a safety hazard.

2. Faulty Wiring: Older homes often need electrical upgrades, especially if you plan on installing a lot of electronics (computers, lighting) or pools and hot tubs. Making sure circuits are not overloaded can reduce the risk of a fire

3. Leaky Roof: Roofs may leak due to poor construction or aging materials. The question is, will the subsequent repairs be minor (repacing shingles) or major (replacing the entire roof)?

4. Failing Heating System: If it's an older system, it can pay to upgrade to one that uses less energy and is more efficient. If you have a gas or oil heat system, a carbon monoxide detector is advisable.

5. Plumbing Defects: Older homes may have faulty pipes made of polybutylene-popular in the 1970s till mid-1990s-which are prone to leakage and should probably be replaced with newer more reliable materials.

6. Poor Drainage: If the property is not graded properly, water may not drain away from the house. In addition, gutters and downspouts should be checked and replaced if necessary.

7. Insufficient Ventilation: Check the bathrooms. Without enough ventilation, moisture may have built up, potentially causing structural damage inside the walls.

8. Water Intrusion: If you have water seepage in your home, be sure to add caulk or weatherstripping. Water leaks can lead to mold, mildew and dry rot.

9. Improper Install or Maintenace: Any did-it-themselves, nonprofessional repairs or upgrades could be an aggravation or hazard down the line.

10. Hazardous Materials: Older homes may contain lead based paint, asbestos, carbon monoxide, radon gas or toxic molds. Any of these could eventually cause serious health problems.

David Federici
Greenwave Construction
Kelowna, BC
(250) 575-2690
http://www.greenwaveconstruction.ca/
Email

Greenwave Renovation tip: Check your Gutters.

Now is a good time to check the operation of your gutters and the downspouts on your home. Run a hose on your roof and check for overflowing gutters.

If a gutter overflows it means it is not draining correctly. Check for debris filling the gutter, or whether the downspout basket is plugged.

An incorrect slope of gutter will also cause overflow. The gutter must slope towards the downspout.

WiFor more information on the renovation of your home in Kelowna contact:

David Federici
Greenwave Construction
Kelowna, BC
(250) 575-2690
http://www.greenwaveconstruction.ca/
Email

We take the home work out of home improvements.nter damage can cause gutters to change alignment. Hire a professional if you are unable to complete this yearly maintenance check.

How to develop a Home Renovation Construction Schedule

How to develop a Home Renovation Construction Schedule

A properly prepared Construction Schedule is the framework on which a project hangs. The schedule controls and directs the sequence of the project.

Tasks
To begin to develop a schedule the first step is to make a list of tasks. Events such as plumbing rough in, electrical rough in, or a framing inspection are labelled tasks. These tasks are the events that must be coordinated in sequence to have a project run smoothly. Write down a list including all the tasks that are required then next to them write down the duration of the task. Use 8 hour work days as your increment of measure, with the number one being a one day increment.

Organize your tasks

Now you must begin to put your tasks in order. Number the tasks in pencil until the sequence is developed from beginning to end.

Move your task list to a calendar

Using a calendar starting at your “kick off” date begin to list all your tasks in order. Remember to allow for statutory holidays, inspections, trades that can overlap, and those that cannot. A good example would be that the electrical must be installed and inspected before the drywall installation begins.

Using slack in your schedule.

Now here comes a dose of reality: you must allow for breathing space in your schedule to make up for the times things do not go as intended. Delays may occur with materials procurement, trade availability, or failed inspections among other things. These are all good examples of common project delays. This breathing space is called slack. A good project manager knows how to keep a project on schedule by having slack built in to his schedule. You cannot reschedule an entire project because one thing did not go as planned. Slack allows you to keep rolling and catch up if necessary.

These are the basic steps in constructing a schedule. If you are good on a computer then it will be easier to develop a schedule using Excel or Microsoft Project. If after reading this you feel that you lack the expertise to construct a construction schedule then I would advise against acting as a general contractor on your own project.

The schedule is one of the key elements in the successful completion of your home project. Without it the home renovation nightmare can become a reality. Here is where Greenwave comes in.

To produce a schedule Greenwave Construction consults with clients to establish their needs and with the suppliers and trades to determine availability. After this a schedule is constructed detailing all tasks, resources, milestones and a critical path.

The critical path is the sequence of events that must occur for the project to proceed on time. The schedule is then shared with all parties. This scheduling system keeps the project on time and on budget.

Having a professional project manager negotiating projects, setting schedules and controlling your budget is invaluable. A real renovation is nothing like the programs on TV: they are entertainment not reality. In reality you need a professional in your corner protecting your interests, supervising the project with an eye on quality control, schedule, budget, and all of the other key elements.

Greenwave Construction Kelowna specializes in Home and Commercial Renovations, General Contracting and Construction Management throughout the Okanagan.

For more information on the renovation of your home in Kelowna contact:

David Federici
Greenwave Construction
Kelowna, BC
(250) 575-2690
http://www.greenwaveconstruction.ca/
Email

We take the home work out of home improvements.

Construction and Renovation Budget Control in Kelowna Renovations

Often when a renovation ``nightmare`` happens it is because of cost overruns. This can be a customer’s main concern. If you are planning on embarking on a home renovation this is where you should start.
Here are your steps after you have decided what it is you want done.

1. Set a preliminary budget,
2. Meet with a few contractors, who can do the work and get some ballpark figures on costs,
3. Revise your preliminary budget using this information
4. Decide if the costs are going to work for you; if you need financing, talk to your financial institution or rich relative of choice and feel them out.
5. Pick a contractor: check references, ask for his proof of insurance, W.C.B. number, and business licence number.
6. Contact your contactor and obtain a detailed written quote
7. Finalize your budget
8. Finalize your finances. I would recommend a new sub account to handle the project to avoid having the money mixed up with other funds.
9. Hire your contactor and ask when he requires payment so you are ready to supply the funds to keep thing moving.
10. Begin your project
11. Monitor cost continually: be aware of any times the project contracts are above or below budget.
12. Never give out a check without an invoice, (hst # must be shown.)

If you decide to be your own general contactor the steps are the same except you will have to assemble pricing from more trades to put together your budget. It’s a lot more work; be prepared for the time this will require.

For more information on the renovation of your home in Kelowna contact:

David Federici
Greenwave Construction
Kelowna, BC
(250) 575-2690
http://www.greenwaveconstruction.ca/
Email

We take the home work out of home improvements.

Greenwave Construction EXHIBIT @ CBD Sizzle in the Sun

Sizzle in the Sun

CBD Network is inviting you to attend its Career Fair & BBQ Networking Event

Friday June 17, 11:30 - 3:00, 2033 Gordon Drive, Kelowna

Whether you’re in job search, networking or just want to pop in for a great burger, join us for a fine Friday afternoon under the Okanagan sun! (you just never know who you’ll run into…many local dignitaries and key business leaders will be in attendance.)

If your company is recruiting, or will be in the future, this event is for you. For Career Fair Exhibitor information, contact Karen.

Please RSVP before June 14 to Karen@cbdnetwork.com or 250.717.1821 ext. 231

EXHIBITORS.....

Community Futures
Greenwave Construction
Career Fox
Disney Online (Club Penguin)
.....and more

For more information on the renovation of your home in Kelowna contact:

David Federici
Greenwave Construction
Kelowna, BC
(250) 575-2690
http://www.greenwaveconstruction.ca/
Email

We take the home work out of home improvements.

Personal: Residential - Budget anouncment on eco energy program

ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes Program

Budget 2011 Update


Budget 2011 included $400 million in 2011-12 for the ecoENERGY Retrofit - Homes program to help homeowners make their homes more energy-efficient and reduce the burden of high energy costs.

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) will announce eligibility criteria and other program details in the coming weeks after Parliament passes Budget 2011.

Visit ecoENERGY Retrofit Homes Program to check for updated program information.

For more information on the renovation of your home in Kelowna contact:

David Federici
Greenwave Construction
Kelowna, BC
(250) 575-2690
http://www.greenwaveconstruction.ca/
Email

We take the home work out of home improvements.

Kelowna Renovations - This Old House!!!

Excerpt From the Kelowna Courier

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Darcy Nybo “Shop Talk”

This Old House

One of Kelowna’s older homes has received a new lease on life. David Federici of Greenwave Construction is working on a home built in 1905 that originally had no electricity or central heating. The home, off Abbott Street, has been in existence since before Kelowna was incorporated.

The Cedars, as it was known was once used by the Kelowna hospital as the maternity ward and had a stint as a bed and breakfast.

“One of the challenges was to replace the deteriorated ceiling while at the same time preserving the wallpaper on the walls that meet the ceiling.” Said Federici.

Renovations continue on this home and Federici and his crew have just completed the entire main living area, which was done in classic birch planked hardwood.

The home will continue to evolve in the future with new windows and more work to return it back to its original layout.

For more information on the renovation of your home in Kelowna contact:

David Federici
Greenwave Construction
Kelowna, BC
(250) 575-2690
http://www.greenwaveconstruction.ca/
Email

We take the home work out of home improvements.

Kelowna Renovation - It all started with the Big Bang

David Andersen heard a Big Bang and Loud Crash while watching TV. Fearing his wife had fallen down the stairs he rushed to investigate. Thankfully, she was safe and there was no injury to human life or limb. The damage was however to David’s 103 year old home. A portion of the original ceiling located above the stairs had collapsed and fallen.

This prompted a call to Greenwave Construction. Greenwave was a member of David’s Okanagan Business Referral group and had a reputation for using their extensive experience in renovating historical homes. The owner of Greenwave, David Federici, was thrilled to get the call because Mr. Andersen’s home was not just any home, it was a piece of Kelowna’s history.

The Anderson home formally known as “The Cedars”, had served as a Bed and Breakfast for a period of time, as well as serving briefly as a maternity ward for the Kelowna General Hospital while under going renovations. It was the first residential lot subdivided off of Abbott Street and was in existence before the city of Kelowna was incorporated. Built for a piano salesman in 1905, the original home was constructed with no electricity or central heating. This was later installed when the home was used by the hospital. The antique radiators still function as efficiently and perfectly today, as when they were installed. It’s not a rundown old building; it’s an absolutely beautiful residence.

Kelowna home and commercial renovations is what Greenwave Construction specializes in. The owner of Greenwave, David Federici, was over immediately to undertake a thorough inspection and make recommendations to remedy the damage.

The challenge was to replace the deteriorated ceiling while at the same time preserving the wallpaper on the walls that met the ceiling. Originally it was thought that a crown molding would be required to cover this old-to-new connection, however as the job completed, it became obvious that David had called the right Kelowna home renovation company.

The repair and connection was seamless and the work was completed in a few days. Greenwave made sure to take down the scaffolding as well as vacuum at the end of every work day while the job was underway. Mr. Andersen was so thrilled with the performance that he enquired about a hardwood install on the stairs of their home their kitchen and dining room. Within a few days selections were made and the flooring was underway.

The work and attention David and his staff displayed, prompted the owner to continue the work until the entire main living area of the home was clad in classic birch planked hardwood. Great care was taken to level the floors in the vintage home in an efficient way that allowed the project to continue uninterrupted to its successful conclusion.

Renovation of Kelowna heritage homes requires supervision by master craftsmen and precision high quality work to help preserve the value and integrity of these local treasures.

With over 30 years of experience in residential construction and a Red Seal in carpentry, Greenwave Construction should be every owner’s number one choice. David Federici’s passion for renovating Kelowna homes is second to none.

Give David a call; you will be glad you did.

For more information contact:

David Federici
Greenwave Construction
Kelowna, BC
(250) 575-2690
http://www.greenwaveconstruction.ca/
Email

We take the home work out of home improvements.

General Contractor Kelowna



General Contractor Kelowna

 A General Contractor in Kelowna is responsible for all aspects of a construction Project. The General Contractor must be thoroughly familiar with all aspects of the construction process.

At Greenwave Construction we strive to promote the highest standards in construction. We utilize our 25 years of experience of running projects to proactively avoid challenges and maintain a smooth running project.

Our clients will receive a schedule, budget, and contract that include a detailed breakdown of the work to be completed. The client will be informed on an ongoing basis about there project in a friendly yet professional manner.

For more information contact:

David Federici
Greenwave Construction
Kelowna, BC
(250) 575-2690
http://www.greenwaveconstruction.ca/
Email

We take the home work out of home improvements.

Construction and Renovation Budget Control

Often when a renovation ``nightmare`` happens it is because of cost overruns. This can be a customer’s main concern.

With Greenwave Construction you will get a professionally prepared budget that is not based on best guesses of costs but rather based on actual trades` quotes and accurately calculated costs.

You will be consulted as to any budget matters and guided on how to maintain your projects` cost.

If there are any allowances for selections a customer must make, then the costs will be clearly stated and documented.

 It is our goal to keep clients on track and on budget at all times.

For more information contact:

David Federici
Greenwave Construction
Kelowna, BC
(250) 575-2690
http://www.greenwaveconstruction.ca/
Email

We take the home work out of home improvements.

Home Renovations and Schedules a match made in heaven!!

Match made in heaven!!

A properly prepared Construction schedule is the framework a project hangs on. The schedule controls and directs the sequence of the project.

To produce a schedule Greenwave Construction consults with clients to establish their needs and the suppliers and trades to determine availability. After this a schedule is constructed detailing all tasks, resources, milestones and a critical path.

The critical path is the sequence of events that must occur for the project to proceed on time. The schedule is then shared with all parties. This scheduling system keeps the project on time and on budget.

Greenwave Construction Kelowna specializes in Home and Commercial Renovations, General Contracting and Construction Management throughout the Okanagan.

We take the home work out of home improvement.

For more information contact:

David Federici
Greenwave Construction
Kelowna, BC
(250) 575-2690
http://www.greenwaveconstruction.ca/
Email

We take the home work out of home improvements.

Home Renovations Kelowna

The objective of Greenwave construction is to provide our customers with a professional choice for their Kelowna renovation or construction projects. We utilize an industry leading quality control system. We will give the customers schedules and keep to them. At Greenwave Construction our customers’ needs come first.

At Greenwave Construction Kelowna we will encourage green build technologies and assist our customers in making choices that promote sustainability. We will make their dream home project become a reality. Greenwave Construction will supply fully qualified trades people to do the skilled work who will be managed by knowledgeable experienced construction managers for your residential renovations and commercial lease hold improvements.

We will always deal with our customers with a friendly caring attitude. Our customers will feel that they are working with a friend they can count on. Let us help make your important home renovations and green build projects an enjoyable experience.

Greenwave Construction Kelowna specializes in Home and Commercial Renovations, General Contracting and Construction Management throughout the Okanagan.

For more information contact:

David Federici
Greenwave Construction
Kelowna, BC
(250) 575-2690
http://www.greenwaveconstruction.ca/
Email

We take the home work out of home improvements.

Building a home in Kelowna with Construction and Renovation Budget Control

Often when a renovation ``nightmare`` happens it is because of cost overruns. This can be a customer’s main concern. With Greenwave Construction you will get a professionally prepared budget that is not based on best guesses of costs but rather based on actual trade’s quotes and accurately calculated costs.

You will be consulted as to any budget matters and guided on how to maintain your project’s cost. If there are any allowances for selections a customer must make then the costs will clearly stated and documented. It is our goal to keep clients on track and on budget at all times.

For more information contact:

David Federici
Greenwave Construction
Kelowna, BC
(250) 575-2690
http://www.greenwaveconstruction.ca/
Email

We take the home work out of home improvements.

Commercial Renovations Kelowna

Correct and competent site supervision is one of the most important aspects to the management of any construction project. It is where small errors can be corrected, and large problems avoided.

Project supervision should not be left to just anyone, but left in the capable hands of a construction veteran, and a fully qualified tradesman with many years of in the field experience will lead to a successful completion of the project.

David’s leadership, organizational skills and ability to communicate and direct activities will make or break a project. At Greenwave our supervisors bring with them at least 25 years site supervision experience and a trade’s Red Seal certification.

For more information contact:

David Federici
Greenwave Construction
Kelowna, BC
(250) 575-2690
http://www.greenwaveconstruction.ca/
Email

We take the home work out of home improvements.

Info on Planning your Renovation Project in Kelowna

Your guide to Avoiding the Home Renovation Nightmare

Many people are thrown into a panic at the very word renovation.
All the bad stories from friends about over budget Reno’s, bad workmanship, delays, evil building inspectors etc,etc,etc,.
While these stories may be true most are completely avoidable pitfalls of home remodelling projects. If you start right, you finish right. Think about it. Anything you undertake follows this rule whether you are playing as song, balancing a check book, or even driving to work. If you start wrong the end result is less than the desired effect. So let’s talk about how to start right. Let’s avoid the Renovation nightmare.

I will guide you through the process of home remodelling using my 30 years of experience as a contractor and help you avoid the pitfalls.

First ask yourselves these questions

1 What do you want to do?
2 How much will it cost?
3 Is it within local building guidelines to make these changes?

Go no further! If you’re not clear on what you have planned picture the result! If it is Illegal to add a huge sundeck on your house or you can’t afford it stop before you before you start.

Here is the right way to how to start.

1 What do you want to do?

Clarify this in your mind make a sketch, make notes (and keep them) discuss it with your partner (if applicable). Have a meeting with all those affected by your grand plan.
Come up with a clear vision of your project. You will have nothing but questions at this point but now is when you are going to find the answers for them, not later when the concrete truck is in the driveway. Lets say by example you have decided on a bathroom remodel.You have been a good consumer and have organized you thoughts with notes and a sketch that is almost legible.
Congratulations pat yourself on the back you have started right.

Next instalment contractor or owner built and our budget.

David Federici
Greenwave Construction
Kelowna, BC
(250) 575-2690
http://www.greenwaveconstruction.ca/

The begining of Greenwave Construction

This is the project that brought me to Kelowna "the Waterfront" without a doubt the most challenging project I have ever undertaken. I was responsible for supervising all the trades and the quality control of the entire project. I realized my true capabilities and decided to captain my own ship so I opened Greenwave Construction in 2010. With Greenwave I try to educate and introduce green technologies and products to my customers while using my 30 years of experience to run high quality smoothly managed projects.


David Federici

Greenwave Construction
Kelowna, BC
(250) 575-2690
http://www.greenwaveconstruction.ca/