LATEST POSTS

Exploring the potential impact of proposed U.S. tariffs on Canadian construction materials, how Canadian tariff retaliation could reshape the industry, and the potential shift towards alternative building methods. Recent statements by the newly inaugerated U.S. President, Donald Trump, propose a significant 25%…

An effective caulking job at air sealing or for water protection in kitchens and bathrooms starts finding the right caulking gun for the job. See here for tips. What is the best caulking tool? The first and most costly mistake made for any first-timers doing a DIY home caulking job is buying the wrong tool. There…

As California faces an escalating wildfire crisis, urban areas are vulnerable. With recent insurance regulation updates, the question arises: Are current building codes enough, or what changes can protect vulnerable communities from catastrophic fires. This week’s fires in California have been a wake-up call with…

Under floor radiant heating systems are efficient and comfortable, they also lead to cleaner indoor air quality by not circulating dust and particulate like forced air systems. Underfloor heating, or infloor heating as it is also called, is a very efficient, comfortable, and healthy way to heat a home. Radiant floor…

The Secondary Suite Incentive Program from Ottawa and the BC Government makes loans available for rentals with apartments, laneway houses and tiny houses. Vancouver has always been on the leading edge of energy efficiency, and all things about sustainable living. It was one of the first cities in Canada to really…

Canada announced it intends to build almost 4 million new homes by 2031. That’s welcome news as they are badly needed, but that's impossible at our current production rate and methods of construction. In April of 2024, the Trudeau government unveiled its housing strategy, which aims to build 3.87 million new homes…

Heating with electricity is a more eco-friendly option than heating with fossil fuels. As an alternative to electric furnaces its worth a look at convection heaters for efficient comfortable heating. Convection heaters are an excellent choice for homeowners seeking reliable, efficient and low-cost heating solutions…

Fancy being a bit of a black sheep when it comes to your home insulation? Try sheep wool Insulation for homes, tiny homes and van conversions. As more people begin to factor indoor air quality and health of occupants into home building and renovation plans, natural insulation materials are gaining traction in the…

Flipping homes for profit - how to make money renovating and selling homes and how not to lose your shirt! Buying a property to renovate and to turn into a Green home: Key factors to consider for a smart investment and healthy return. What to look for when buying and renovating to flip a home for profit Purchasing a…

Asphalt shingles are the most common thing found on pitched roofs, but unfortunately the most common building material in landfills too. Here is how to decide which are the best asphalt shingles and what you should know before deciding on a roof covering. In North America, about 90% of pitched roofs are covered with…

Asphalt shingles are the cheapest roof covering you can buy, until you need to replace it. The short lifespan of shingles makes metal roofing a viable option. We compare the pros and cons of both roofing types to see if metal or asphalt shingles are best. Asphalt shingles are the most common and cheapest roof…

Traditional new construction in Canada mean site-delivered lumber and tradespeople turning up on-site to build a home from scratch - but this type of construction is unlikely to produce the 3.5 million homes needed by 2030, according to the CMHC. Housing affordability and availability are major challenges in Canada…

Quebec plans to phase out fossil-fuel-based natural gas heating in homes by 2040, aiming to curb greenhouse gas emissions. Environmental advocates commend this decision, calling it a critical step in tackling climate change. Environmental groups welcome Quebec’s recent announcement banning natural gas heating in…

Asbestos in building materials is a health risk for humans when disturbed and particles become airborne. Protect the air quality of your home by identifying and mitigating risks of asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a mineral with excellent heat resistance and durability, leading to it being widely used in construction…

We live in an age of rapid urbanization that brings with it an endlessly growing demand for new homes, which has impacted the quality and lifespan of the homes we build. The current fate of older homes is typically one of demolition, sadly, rather than deconstruction. The relatively low-cost of the industrial waste…

Dry rot really is a rotten problem to have to deal with - but this destructive fungus that can infest homes is preventable, repairable and treatable - if you know how. First though, the identification of dry rot, and discover all about it. So what is dry rot? Dry rot - two words that can send shivers down the spine…

Is natural gas a good heat source for your home? If you're looking for a green and clean heat source for you home the answer seems to be no, and it won't be cheap for long either. Is natural gas bad? Yes it very much is no matter how you look at it. Burning any fossil fuel releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere…

Radiant barriers can help reflect heat and reduce heating and cooling costs, but by how much, and are they worth the investment. Do radiant barriers work? If you have noticed that the rough interior of some unfinished buildings or attics is covered in a layer of foil and you’re afraid that you might be missing out…

The electrification of homes and a move away from natural gas and fossil fuel heating systems is fast gathering momentum but are heat pumps any good, and is this a good time to buy one? We take a deeper look into heat pumps. As a seasoned construction professional with lots of HVAC experience, people often ask me…