Home Renovation Resources
Web-based drafting programs
In case you are invigorated by the prospect of learning new software, there are several webbased drafting programs available for your use.
Renovation Website by the Canadian Home Builders' Association
The Canadian Home Builders' Association has an informational website that is actually quite impressive.
Grants for Secondary Suites
The City of Victoria has made changes that will make installing a secondary suite even easier for homeowners. One of these changes is a grant program that will offer homeowners a grant equal to 25% of construction costs of new secondary suites, up to a maximum grant of $5000. Council approved this grant program on February 19, 2009 and the official launch date for the program was March 30, 2009.
Product Evaluation
The NRC Institute for Research in Construction (NRC-IRC) supports innovation in construction not only through research, but also through product evaluation by its Canadian Construction Materials Centre (CCMC). At http://irc.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/ccmc you can review these evaluations. Most recently CCMC also provides the website links to the product manufacturers with the evaluation. Note: CCMC is not a consumer watchdog. The opinion rendered is limited to the question of the product's compliance to minimum code requirements. However, with the added link it is a valuable resource.
Sample Renovation Contract
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) advises you to receive a detailed written proposal/contract from your renovation contractor for even the smallest of renovation and home repair projects. View their sample renovation contract.
The Canadian Construction Documents Committee
The Canadian Construction Documents Committee (CCDC) is a national joint committee responsible for the development, production and review of standard Canadian construction contracts, forms and guides. www.ccdc.org
Website Links
Pacific Solar Smart
Solar energy is a clean and abundant energy resource that can be used to supplement many of your energy needs. Solar energy can be utilized as a form of heat, such as solar water heating, and as electricity, such as solar photovoltaics. Pacific Solar Smart can provide you with a replacement energy source, not an alternative.
The Future of the Planet
Some links do not exactly fit into a readily defined category, such as Guy Dauncy's talk entitled ‘Spirituality, Hope and the Future of the Planet’, given at the First Unitarian Church of Victoria on Sunday, April 20/08 online, both audio and text, at http://www.earthfuture.com
Foam Insulation
Walltite Eco Foam Insulation - This spray foam insulation product was recommended by Mike Holmes - Walltite Eco . It has the benefit of sealing up cracks and hard to get at places, plus allows head room to be maximized in dormer and attic spaces by replacing fiberglass rafter insulation, using far less space to achieve same R rating and not requiring air space above insulation - now accepted in Victoria when certified by an engineer.
Live Edge Design - Furniture and countertops from reclaimed wood, wind-falls and what is left behind after logging.
http://www.liveedgedesign.com/
Electrician and Electromagnetic Consultant
Walter McGinnis of McGinnis Electric, phone (250) 652-2554, does regular electrical work, plus can measure for electromagnetic fields and do wiring alterations to improve your situation if you ask. I have worked with Walter and can recommend his services. He is not at all pushy about electromagnetic issues, instead doing a thorough job by installing circuits, switches, lights and plugs strictly to code, which almost completely removes the possibility of magnetic fields. Walter's rates are reasonable and he and his crew clean up behind themselves leaving your home neat and tidy.
On Saltspring Island B.C. call Chris Anderson (250) 537-5102
or email at: emf@islandnet.com
Rainbow Consulting
Katharina Gustavs, of Rainbow Consulting, is an electromagnetic consultant who is referred to in the EM Radiation Task force Report to the David Suzuki Foundation http://emr.bc.ca/Articles/Suzuki-6.html There is also information in Wikipedia about electromagnetic fields and radiation. If you decide to make your renovation or new home to the safest electrical standards, Katharina works with your architect or designer in producing the electrical plan.
Enmedex
Paul Rutten of Enmedex is an air quality consultant. On his webpage, he speaks briefly about the solutions "Clean Air Products." These solutions not only help our health, but also help prevent mold by controlling the moisture in our houses. Balanced ventilation provides fresh outside air on a continuous basis, using variable speed fans which can bring in additional fresh air as needed in an economical method.
Plan2Build
Plan2Build is a directory for all things related to building and home improvement.
Planterra Management Ltd.
Rob Janus, owner of Planterra, first briefed us in 2003 on how to make our operations more green. Green has become more popular since then, with information available at every turn . However, now as then, it takes thought and work to navigate through the claims to a decision one can feel good about. Rob, with extensive knowledge on recycling options and energy saving products is a valuable consultant to review your project.
VicStart Hotels & Directory
http://www.vicstart.com
Local Web Directory for the Greater Victoria
area. Links for cars, news, real estate, weddings....
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