Technology experts from the Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association (GVHBA), in partnership with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), are presenting the winter session of What’s New in Homebuilding, a workshop for people considering having a custom home built for them.

The workshop will highlight the latest innovations in construction technology, design, indoor air quality and green initiatives.  Workshop topics include:

• Principles of durable building envelope construction
• Healthy housing tips for superior indoor air quality
• Ventilation systems
• Energy-efficient and green construction practices
• How energy choices affect costs

To encourage productive interaction between presenters & participants, registration is limited to 25 people so hurry & pre-register by Monday, February 1, 2010.  Cost to attend is $75 per person or $130 per couple (GST not included), and includes lunch, coffee breaks, and a wealth of printed material on new products & services.  Call 778-565-4288 to register or visit GVHBA.org for more information.

Our very talented Designer / Project Manager, Susan Allison, has done it yet again.  A dramatic transformation on a very modest budget, including a kitchen, fireplace, & bathroom.  Here a few photos taken by the very happy clients:

Before

After

Living Room

Fireplace

This list was provided by 2009 National Dream Home Designers Robert Sennett & Darren Sanger-Smith

1.  Metal Roofs – They are environmentally friendly, clean & gives your old roof a new/different look, whether as an accent or whole roof.

2.  Dark Trim Colours – Gives a punch to the facade of our home.  It allows the house to blend with the landscaping, picture frames opnenings & highlights glazing shapes as proportional architectural features.

3.  Front Porches – Adds connectivity to the home & offers a sense of community when used as an outdoors space for gatherings & parties.

4.  Indoor/Outdoor Landscaping – Incorporates organic details that reflect the architecture.

5.  Brick – Gives real depth to the character of the home.

6.  Stucco as an Accent

7.  Green Design – Everyone is talking green these days.  Whether your contribution is minor updates or a complete reno, be aware and consider options to green your home.

8.  Ceilings – It’s just as important as the floor and the right ceiling can create a sense of volume change and an emotional within any given space that would otherwise be lost.

9.  Water Features – An interior water feature can add to the space as a beautiful piece of artwork with a calming sound that can enhance any space.

10.  Sound/Music/Media – The sky’s the limit with this one.  Think carefully about what you need/want.  Combining technology with a well thought out wall unit or room layout can only enhance the space.