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.

How to install a new bathtub

How to install a new bathtub (one piece acrylic tub)

 

   Wow this sounds like a big job! But that big bone colour thing is so outdated. Wouldn't one of the new soaker tubs with nice tile look great! You bet it would!

So here you go step by step. First decide what quality level new tub you want . If you get one at home Depot or Rona you'll save money but it may not be the same quality as that found in a new home. These stores cater to the home improvement market not the new home construction market. Most new homes have there fixtures supplied through the wholesale plumbing industry companies like Woolsey, Andrew Sherrit, and Bartle and Gibson to name a few.

To purchase here you will have to go through a plumber or a contractor.  For this project , lets pick this choice, because its really the right way to go. Cheap tubs can loose there finish, flex, and crack.

   So lets hire a plumber and order a good tub 30" by 60" so it will fit in the old space.

Now your going to need tile . Either you buy tile and do it yourself our you go to a tile store, select tile, and have them install regardless time to go shopping.

 Ok so now shopping's done you’ve selected tile, hired a plumber, and  picked a tub.*

Now order it all! Get delivery dates once all the materials are here .not on there way.

    What did you learn so far? Well you have hired trades and scheduled them, bought  materials and fixtures, ordered them had them delivered and set up a schedule. All this before you start! This is what contractors do. This is the right way.

 

Next : set you schedule See below. Typical one week schedule.

 Now start the Reno.

Monday cut out tub and haul away

  Now lets take out the tub. You'll need a reciprocating  saw with a short medium fine blade .You can rent one if need be.

  Turn of the water to the house.(Just in case).  Then carefully begin cutting out the tub. start high on the wall in the middle cut down across and up towards you basically cutting the tub in half. Now quarter the tub cutting aging these pieces in half . Avoid the drain and tap area for now.  Take a razor knife an cut 1 1/2 inches away from the tub all around it .you have to get at the flange. remove drywall from this area then any mounting screws you may find. You should be able to start removing sections of the tub now. Cut around the drain and the taps leave them on until the plumber comes tomorrow .He will remove these.

 Tuesday plumber comes and installs tub. You may have to remove the toilet and some drywall to get it in but often it will slide in. Check behind where the tub was and make sure the framing is true usually it is but not always . They had a big fibreglass tub in there so there might be corner framing missing . It could be poorly framed . Rectify before drywall. Usually the new tile will cover the drywall replacement but if not delay the sequence until the exposed drywall is properly filled sanded and painted.

wend drywall install and waterproofing

Thursday ( nothing) this is a slack day in schedule in case anything goes wrong leading up to this day you have a day to get things straightened out.

Friday have tile install scheduled to begin allow three days total *2

 Monday tile grout

Tuesday tile seal and caulking

Wednesday plumber is back to install finish

Odds and sods new shower curtain rod.  (curved are nice) curtain or perhaps a custom frameless glass enclosure ?

  Material and tool checklist

Ok so next honey...

 These are the main items

reciprocating saw with fine blade and extension cord
multi driver
razor knife
 two sheets waterproof drywall
drywall screws and screw gun
straight edge
tape measure
pencil
tile cutter either wet saw or snap cutter
tile adhesive ,adhesive applicator
grout
grout sponge
grout trowel
rags
bucket water
tile nippers
tile drill bit for tap locations
grout mixing paddle for drill.

 

*  Plumbing note

Since you are doing all this work replace the old taps and diverter they should be selected at the same time as the time fro the wholesaler.

 *2

 if your doing the tile yourself.  and you need tiling info, go online there's plenty of recourses out there .









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

 

It all started with the Big Bang

 A Big Bang and crash was what David Andersen heard while watching TV. David feared his wife had fallen down the stairs as he rushed to investigate and found thankfully there was no injury to life or limb. The damage was 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. Greenwave 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 is not just any home. It is a piece of Kelowna history.

 The home was formally known as “The Cedars” and had served as a bed and breakfast for a while, as well as serving briefly as a maternity ward for the Kelowna General Hospital whilst the hospital underwent renovations.

The home was built for a piano salesman in 1905 and originally had no electricity or central heating. While in use by the hospital the heating was installed. The antique radiators still function as efficiently and perfectly as the day they were installed.

 It was the first residential lot subdivided off of Abbott Street and was in existence before the city of Kelowna was incorporated.

It is not a run down old building; it is an absolutely beautiful residence.

  Kelowna home and commercial renovations is what Greenwave Construction specializes in. The owner of Greenwave, David Federici, was over directly 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 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 work everyday 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 as well as into the 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 and deal with surprises in an efficient, fair way to allow 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. Greenwave Construction should be every owner’s number one choice. With over 30 years of experience in residential construction and a Red Seal in carpentry, David Federici’s passion for renovating Kelowna homes is second to none.

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

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. 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 contacts are above or below budget.

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.

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.

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 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 improvements

Here is a great winter checklist for your home. courtesy Lennox.

Home Maintenance Checklist for Fall and Winter

General guidelines for keeping your home warm and efficient:
Have a qualified HVAC professional inspect your home’s ducts and cooling equipment.
Set your thermostat to 68°F when you’re at home and awake, and as low as 60°F when you’re
asleep or awake.
Clean or replace furnace filters every month.
Clean chimney and check to see if your fireplace is working properly.
Seal air leaks in the attic, basement and crawlspace, and also around windows and doors.
Insulate inside of windows with heavy-duty, clear plastic sheets.
Check your attic for proper insulation. (The U.S. Department of Energy suggests a value between
R-22 and R-49.)
Close curtains or shades at night and keep them open during the day
Clean windows on the south side of your house to maximize sunlight exposure.
Weather-strip doors that lead to cold or outside areas.
Wrap and insulate waterlines to prevent them from freezing.
Repair leaky faucets.
Extra steps you can take to save energy:
Install a programmable thermostat, so you can preset temperatures for different times of the day.
Insulate the water tank and first six feet of hot and cold water pipes connected to the unit.
Lower the temperature of your water heater to 120°F (for every 10-degree decrease in temperature,
you may save 3% - 5% on your energy costs).
Install rubber gaskets behind outlets and use switch plates on exterior walls.
Install low-flow showerheads.
Things you can do to improve air quality and reduce potential health risks:
When adjusting clocks, change batteries in smoke alarms, as well as radon and carbon monoxide detectors.
Consider a ventilation system to increase air circulation inside and add a healthy dose of fresh air.
Clean water-damaged carpets and materials, or consider replacement.
Reduce the potential for buildup of allergy-causing pollutants by keeping your house clean
Take special precaution when operating fuel-burning appliances to avoid leakage.
Store and dispose of household chemicals in a safe manner

Green Kitchen Renovations

Wenge wood Kitchen ceaser stone tops

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. )

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:


● 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.


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

We take the home work out of home improvements.

The Federal grants for energy upgrades are ending.

Consumer tip nov


The Federal grants for energy upgrades are ending in March next year. Now is the time to get your energy assessment done and try to complete the upgrades before the grants end. Email dave@greenwaveconsrtuction.ca and we will try and get your work complete to allow you to cash in on this great program.

How to renovate your Okanagan Home.

How to renovate your Okanagan Home.

The Renovation of a Fifties Bungalow Part two

The transformation of a fifties bungalow to a contemporary styled home has been an exiting project with a few challenges encountered along the way.

Day one

All projects of this scope can be a bit like archaeology with the contractor uncovering unknown things along the way. Without xray vision a contractor must rely on his knowledge and experience to help guide him through this process.

I decided early on to personally supervise the carpenters, so instead of hiring a subcontractor I hired carpenters on a hourly basis. This allows a far greater degree of control. Since I am a red seal carpenter and have 30 years experience in home construction and renovations I felt this was the wisest way to proceed.

This kind of project is not for the faint of heart. To add a story on a existing home of this vintage is to say the least a bit tricky. Never mind the fact that the owners chose to stay in the home and live directly below the renovation.
Fortunately in spite of the fact that at times there was only a half inch of drywall between my workers and the customers the work proceeded seamlessly and without incident. There was do water ingression in spite of the fact that the roof had been removed to allow us to sister the joists. There was minimum damage to the ceiling and all work was done from above including wiring plumbing and venting.

The second story is on

I did bring in a structural engineer to give direction and add his expertise on some issues. Most municipal building authorities will require a structural engineer to sign off on issues with a project of this type. All building professionals as well as building inspectors should be viewed as helpful partners in the project. There expertise is invaluable when undertaking a project of this nature. If you have a contactor that seems nervous about inspections or the involvement of engineers or building professionals this should send up red flags. If the work is done by qualified professionals
and supervised by experienced site supervisors inspections should never be a concern.
At this point in the project we have completed the rough framing, back framing, plumbing, and electrical. The windows and doors have been installed and stairs completed. Next week we have framing inspection and then insulation. All this work has been completed in five weeks. This is a remarkable pace considering the complexity of the project.

finished product

Project update!  check out the project video on you tube  http://youtu.be/bRd0QS0r5rE

So if you’re thinking of a home renovation in the Okanagan give us a call and let us guide you through the process of planning, designing and building your homes transformation. With the help of our fully certified trades and with my personal supervision, Greenwave Construction is a winning combination. With 30 years of experience Greenwave Construction is the only smart choice for Kelowna home Renovations.

Don’t move renovate, transform your existing home. With today’s low interest rates there has never been a better time to grow your home to address the needs of your family now and in the future. Give us a call we can help take the home work out of home improvements.

The Renovation of a Fifties Bungalow

From Fifties to Nifty

Is anyone old enough to remember the fifties? I know I’m not! I was born in 1957. I think we are all familiar with the fifties thanks to Hollywood’s version of Happy Days and American graffiti. The big North American made cars, in those great colors: salmon, powder blue, and turquoise. Most of those cars are gone now, relegated to the sidelines of our everyday life. They can be viewed being driven by silver haired owners with memories in their eyes at the local car shows that dot the Okanagan Valley during the summer. These days those great fifties fashions are coming back as is the music. What about the homes we lived in back then: what happened to them? Many of these older homes have been modified beyond recognition or are in disrepair.

I want to talk about a particular style of home the nineteen fifties, the flat roof bungalow that was commonly painted the same color as those great old cars. Some did have second levels so were not by the true definition bungalows, but because of the flat roofs they appeared low sprawling and modern in their day. In the postwar fifties home designers were trying to come up with a new look that was cost effective and pleasing to the eye. These homes were well laid out, economical, and sleek. They were also a great departure from the California craftsman house of the west coast.

Today these flat roofed vintage homes look dated. However, they have unlocked potential that deserves exploring. Recently I was contacted by a client interested in a carriage home. Unfortunately the back yard set backs did not allow for it. After doing a thorough inspection of their fifties bungalow I suggested putting the carriage house on the roof! I came up with a design calling for a 700 square foot self-contained penthouse suite to be added on top of the home. This suite was to include two rooftop decks, two bedrooms, and a modern kitchen with 10 foot ceilings. They were thrilled.

What made this renovation possible was the flat roof. In the project we will be re-cladding the entire home and bringing the design completely up to date while retaining the distinctive fifties flat roof. The next step before anything is done is to have an energy audit completed. There are grants available from both federal and provincial programs that can make your old home the most energy efficient home on the block!

So the big question is: what will new proposed design look like? The new design looks like a modern home with sleek lines and simple detailing. The transformation will be startling. I will post info and photos on our blog as the project proceeds.

Give us a call and let us guide you through the process of planning, designing and building your home's transformation. With the help of our fully certified trades and with my personal supervision, Greenwave Construction is a winning combination. With 30 years of experience Greenwave Construction is the only smart choice for Kelowna home renovations.


Proposed Front Elevation

Don’t move: renovate, and transform your existing home. A mortgage helper can keep you in your home for a long time. With today’s low interest rate there has never been a better time to grow your home to address the needs of your family now and in the future. Give us a call we can help take the homework out of home improvements.


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

Two sides of the Renovation Coin

As the owner of Kelowna’s Greenwave Construction, I am commonly approached by two types of clients that represent two sides of the coin in the renovation industry.

The first are recent purchasers of property. Quite often these purchasers will tell me what a “great deal they got” because the home required work and the buyers were not interested in completing the project prior to putting the home on the market. I am more than happy to assist these clients in completing the requested renovations or maintenance. This work always increases the value of the home. If properly done these projects help protect the value of the home in the future.

Now let’s look at the other side of the coin: sellers.

Recently, I have been contacted more and more by a less common type of customer. These clients have properties to sell and they are faced with a slow market. They have been advised to have the home undergo repairs to help the property sell. In many cases these homes are very valuable and are available to more discerning buyers.

It seems the Okanagan valley is filled with high priced fixer-uppers. These are homes that have been used seasonally or sparingly by out of town buyers and have not been maintained or updated. When the need arises to sell such a home the sellers quickly realize that they will lose hundreds of thousands of dollars in most cases on their sale price if the work is not done. Even if the buyers do not notice the problems their home inspector will. This will result in the buyers discounting their offer or not offering to purchase at all.

A buyer will usually want to deduct far more money than the work will cost to complete simply because of the hassle and risk associated with assuming the problem. Who needs the headache!

My advice to all clients is the same.

1. Have your home maintained properly on an ongoing basis.
2. Do not overbuy. All property will require maintenance.
3. The cost of this maintenance should be factored in when making a decision to purchase.

Failure to maintain your property will result in its devaluation on the market. If you want to sell your property have a reputable firm complete the required work. As a result of current property disclosure laws you may be held liable for poorly completed work as well as any defects in your home that you have not disclosed.

Protect yourselves: be a smart home seller and offer a good product to the housing market.

For Kelowna Renovations, contact Greenwave Construction and let us help guide you through the renovation process. It could save you thousands of dollars.

Greenwave Construction

Kelowna Home Renovation Contractor

(250) 575-2690

http://www.greenwaveconstruction.ca/

















David Federici


Greenwave Construction

Kelowna, BC


Email

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.