Lowes Canada wrote a blog piece about blogging in the Construction community and included myself in the conversation. As one of the few construction companies that blog on a regular basis and has had an active blog since 2008-Klondike was natural choice to help provide insight on this topic.

Writer Jennifer Danko asked what the best way is to attract the right online clients?  Myself and Jay Palter from Palter Social Media in Edmonton came up with 4 basic principles for blogging success.

1) Write with a true passion and interest for your industry or job- if you don’t like what you are writing no one else will.

2) Quality content always wins-write about relevant events, products, ideas and issues to generate engagement, interest and subsequently leads.

3) Make yourself and industry Authority-let people know they can rely on you for your expertise and know-how.

4) Let your followers get to know who you are on a more personal level-your blog should be a place for open conversation and discussion.

To read the complete online-article check out the Lowes for Pros Blog.

Klondike has award winning designers and contractors ready to help you with your next renovation project. To browse through the services we provide visit our Services page.  For more information about our professionals visit our Team page and see if there is a designer or project manager that suits you. For some local Vancouver Renovation and Design inspiration visit our Residential Portfolio gallery.

How is the Design Build Process applied to a Home Renovation Project?:

1. Design Consultation: We want to meet with our clients to understand the scope of work, discuss priorities, budgeting and creative design solutions.
2. Design: Klondike do a complete measure of your home for accurate dimensions, prepares a design package, creates a detailed Construction Plan, Specifications are determined and a detailed scope of work is created.
3. Budgeting: Klondike sends your project’s scope of work to vendors and suppliers, a site visit for trades is organized, quotes are reviewed and preliminary budget is developed.
4. Pre-Construction: Plans, specifications, and budget are approved, permits are submitted, revised budget is prepared and construction schedule is prepared.
5. Construction: Demolition, post-demo site visit, budget is finalized and approved, your home renovation begins.

We can transform your home from the ordinary…. into something spectacular!

For more information about our Design-Build Process and how it can relate your next home renovation check-out our Home Renovation Service Page.  For a project estimate on your upcoming project fill-out one of our Request A Quote form.

Vote Klondike Contracting as your favorite Construction/ Renovator Contractor under the Services category.

Cast your vote now and you can win BIG: Prizes include a 2 night stay in Whistler, gift certificates, movie passes, concert tickets, CD’s DVD’s and much more!

How to Vote:

1. Think Local.
2. One entry per person.
3. Vote in a minimum of 20 categories

Enter to Win!

Retrofitting: adding new components to an existing space; is becoming a logical solution for home and business owners who are looking to stay in the hustle and bustle of the downtown core.  The move toward affordable downtown work and play has seen start-up businesses take over old apartment spaces in the Downtown East Side and young professionals taking up residence in converted industrial buildings.

While most spaces are built to perform a particular function and have a certain aesthetic, our continuing need for usable and affordable space downtown will see an increase in the refurbishment and retrofitting of existing spaces.  Klondike Contracting will keep you posted with innovative reconstruction and retrofitting ideas.

The 17^th annual Parade of Renovated Homes showcases leading-edge design, advanced construction techniques, and innovative building products.

Projects include the relocation and restoration of a 1902 heritage-designated Colonial bungalow, the creation of an ultra-contemporary family home/showroom, and extreme transformations of homes built from the early 1900s to the early 2000s.

GVHBA President and CEO Peter Simpson said Metro Vancouver homeowners will spend $3.5 billion sprucing up their homes this year, and this popular one-day event offers exceptional sample renovations.

“Professional renovators, many of them award winners, will be on site to offer expert advice and discuss their craftsmanship. Project values range from $50,000 to more than $1.8 million, offering people an abundance of ideas they can possibly incorporate into their own renovations,” said Simpson.

Admission is by passport, available at each home for $10 per person. Children 17 and under are free. Passports can be purchased at any home, and then used for entry to the remaining 16 homes. Part proceeds from passport sales will help fund the purchase of tools, building materials and safety gear for a carpentry training program offered by Guildford Park and Frank Hurt secondary schools in Surrey.

The event is limited to six hours, so visit www.gvhba.org to review the selection of homes, then plan your route to ensure you have sufficient time to visit specific homes that capture your interest.

Home locations, directions, descriptions and renovator contact:

BURNABY

4241 GRANT STREET (From Lougheed Highway turn north on Gilmore Ave., turn right at Douglas Rd., turn left onto Carleton Ave., turn right onto Grant St.).  This home was in need of more space and an exterior facelift as the homeowner’s family grew. A second-storey addition became a parents’ retreat from the children with a spacious balcony and large, easy-access closets. The master bathroom is equipped with an extravagant step-in-tub and a glass walk-in shower. This West Coast contemporary-designed home also boasts an impressive kitchen with touch-screen ovens, large breakfast bar and a beautifully displayed eye-level fireplace. Kerr Construction, 604-263-0343, www.kerrconstruction.ca.

NEW WESTMINSTER

500 – 4 AVENUE (From Columbia St., turn west on 6 St.).  The project began with the re-location of a 1902 Edwardian or Colonial heritage-designated bungalow from its original location to a newly created lot. The renovation is the result of a careful analysis of the historic value of the house through a Heritage Revitalization Agreement. The project involved rehabilitation of the structure and roofline, diligent restoration of the siding, trims, masonry, front porch, windows, doors and painting. This house is a true testament to the passion, dedication and commitment of everyone involved to maintaining the historical integrity of the Howay Cottage.  Basil Restoration Ltd., 604-324-9364, www.basilrestorationltd.ca.
#1, 168 – 6 STREET (From Royal Ave., turn west onto 6 St.).  The designer’s own home, the lower floor has been converted to an art studio and the stairway became gallery space for paintings and sculptures. The main floor now features the new kitchen as the heart of an open, multi-purpose room that contains an office, living room, library, and a loft-style stairway leading up to private spaces, and down to the studio.  Special emphasis was placed on light and reflective surfaces in glass, wood and metal. A mix of iconic images – from Buddha to the Godfather – add depth and dimension. Intermind Design Inc., 604-338-9936, www.interminddesign.com.

NORTH VANCOUVER

1160 ADDERLEY STREET (From Hwy. 1, take exit 21, left at Mountain Hwy., first right on E. Keith Rd. Sharp right at Adderley St.). This classic post-and-beam home needed an upper-level master suite to complement its bright living spaces. Lines and colours reflect the original home.  The addition has a dramatic roof structure, open stair risers, a private deck with a view to Mount Baker, and many special finishing touches.  The new clerestory windows at the bedroom and stairwell bring in natural light.  A walk-in closet is neatly tucked into the new upper-level layout.  A Douglas Fir trellis over the new balcony adds a special touch, making this new upper-level suite a perfect addition to this much-loved home.  T.Q. Construction Ltd., 604-430-9900, www.tqconstruction.ca.

SURREY

13090 CRESCENT ROAD (Heading south on King George Hwy., turn right at Crescent Road). This 40-year-old former summer home was completely remodeled, with an addition, to restore its West Coast architectural style.   Western red cedar window walls on the front and back of the house add to the home’s character.  Grand gluelam beams and glass extend outside, creating a covered entry and outdoor living space.  The relocation of the stairs allowed for the creation of a spacious greatroom and kitchen with a dynamically shaped island.  The master suite is complete with walk-in-closet and luxurious en-suite steam shower.  My House Design/Build Team Ltd., 604-694-6873, www.myhousedesignbuild.com.

8853 – 164 STREET (From 88 Ave. turn north onto 164 St.).  This 25-year-old home exemplifies how small changes can make a huge impact on how a home functions and feels. The new kitchen was expanded into the original, underutilized dining room, creating a great room with attached family room. In the kitchen, a grand island was added and the outdoor living space is easily accessible through the new sets of French doors. The main floor received a complete makeover: Natural walnut flooring was installed, with a unique travertine inlay in the foyer, stair rails and trim were refinished, and energy-efficiency upgrades were completed. My House Design/Build Team Ltd., 604-694-6873, www.myhousedesignbuild.com.

TSAWWASSEN

336 52 STREET (From Hwy.17 south, turn left at 52 St.). This spacious Tsawwassen home had potential but the floorplans were convoluted and the circa-1970s décor was in desperate need of an upgrade.  The second floor was rebuilt and the main floor was completely remodeled with the help of a professional designer.  The home now features all new insulation, drywall, fireplace, tile, steam bath and fixtures.  Even the original forced-air system was replaced with a ceiling radiant system combined with an HRV system for continuous fresh air and an 18-zone comfort control. Kemp Construction Management Ltd., 604-948-1124, www.kempconstruction.ca.

VANCOUVER

95 EAST 17 AVENUE (Proceed either north or south on Main St. and turn west on 17 Ave., one block to Ontario St. with the house on the north-west corner of the intersection with 17 Ave). This home originally consisted of five suites (and possibly more) with the homeowners occupying the main-floor suite.  The extensive eight-month renovation removed the suites from the upper two floors and combined the space to make a new home for the homeowners, while making significant upgrades to the home’s structure and infrastructure.  Other exterior renovations included new upper decks and stairs, and a refresh of the trim, windows, doors and paint.  CCI Renovations, 604-980-8384, www.ccirenos.com.

3950 GRANT STREET (From East 1 Ave. turn north on Nootka St., turn right onto Grant St.).  The home, owned by an interior furnishings specialist, underwent a complete re-construction and now reflects a West Coast theme with a contemporary black-and-white Italian style. The highly customized makeover includes natural and reflected light to create variety of shade on the all-white walls; marble and zebra-pattern floors, all glass doors, metal tiles and appliances and two floors of glass railings on the staircase. Bold furniture and minimalist black-and-white photographs complete both a comfortable family home and main-floor display space. Intermind Design Inc., 604-338-9936, www.interminddesign.com.

6309 MACDONALD STREET (From West 49 St., turn north onto Macdonald St.).  The renovator’s challenge was to modernize the layout and traffic patterns of this typical 1960s suburban family home.  The renovation required upgrades to the mechanical and electrical systems, as well as changes to address life-safety issues for use by today’s modern family.  Upgrades included the latest technology for life safety and convenience, as well as the installation of larger, more energy-efficient windows and doors. The new vaulted ceiling and large skylights allow natural light into the home.  All the bedrooms now have ensuite bathrooms. G. Wilson Construction Co. Ltd., 604-873-8013, www.gwilsonconstruction.com.

1291 WEST 64 AVENUE (From Oak St., turn west onto W. 64 Ave.). The scope of this project was to lift the house to produce a full-height, two-bedroom basement suite and storage. An addition to the rear of the house incorporated a new modern galley kitchen. The entire main floor was renovated, including the installation of a stunning floor-to-ceiling fireplace, which now separates the living and dining rooms. The addition of a gable to the upper floor allowed the creation of a new bathroom, as well as the renovation of the two upstairs rooms. Quinton Construction Ltd., 604-271-4876, www.quintonconstruction.com.

4739 CHANCELLOR BOULEVARD (From W. 4 St, turn south on Blanca St., turn right onto Chancellor Boulevard). This previous Tudor-style home was completely renovated to a distinctive west-coast aesthetic to complement the heavily-treed neighborhood.  The second floor’s combined five-foot rear extension and raised roofline maximizes usable square-footage. Previously two-bed and one-bath, the upper floor now contains a spacious master bedroom with ensuite, plus three bedrooms and two bathrooms.  The one-car attached garage was converted to a fully equipped gym with sprung flooring. A detached two-car garage was added in rear. Reid Developments Ltd., 604-733-3799, www.reiddevelopmentsbc.com.

41 EAST WOODSTOCK AVENUE (From Main St., turn west onto Woodstock Ave.).  This 1912 heritage home was given a modern facelift complete with skylights, floor-to-ceiling windows and a gorgeous kitchen. The original floorboards throughout the house were refinished with a natural wax oil to restore their luster.  A new living space was created out of the former attic, retaining details such as the exposed brick wall.  The attic staircase now features 2×12’ reclaimed fir treads and curved wrought-iron railings.  The home’s character was preserved by reinstalling the original chandeliers, performing rewiring through the walls and installing a new 34-ft. ridge beam without removing the roof. reVISION Custom Home Renovations Inc., 604-835-4033, www.revisionrenovations.com.

1955 EAST 6 AVENUE (From Lougheed Hwy., turn north on Victoria Dr., turn right on East 6 Ave.). The house was raised and a new foundation and perimeter drain were built. This allowed for a full-height basement which included a master bedroom and an ensuite, as well as two bedrooms, a family room and a mud room. The existing boiler was adapted to facilitate hot-water heat in the expanded area. A sprinkler system was installed to bring the house to code. The kitchen was reconfigured to allow for an open kitchen/great room concept. Fibre-cement siding was chosen to match the upper floor and meet today’s durability requirements. RJR Construction Management Ltd., 604-254-1760, www.rjrrenovator.com.

WEST VANCOUVER

4148 RIPPLE ROAD (From Hwy.1, take Westmount exit (Exit #7).   Proceed to four-way stop, continue west on Westridge Rd. – straight coming from the east or right turn coming from the West.  Follow Westridge to stop sign, turn right onto Ripple Rd.  House is two blocks ahead on left.). This complete renovation with extensive additions, including living areas, decks and landscaping, transformed an old, almost chalet-style 1970s home into a West Coast wonder.  The upgrades are numerous and the attention-to-detail is exquisite.  The home scored an amazing EnerGuide 85 rating when completed and features energy upgrades like solar and instant hot water and a heat pump.  CCI Renovations, 604-980-8384, www.ccirenos.com

780 – 14 STREET (From Marine Dr., go north on 14 St., just past Esquimalt Ave.). The renovation of this 1920s Craftsman house updated the ground floor of the home, improved the curb appeal with a new veranda, while keeping the classic heritage style.  The basement was completely rebuilt, adding a bright two-bedroom suite and family recreation area.  Radiant heat and hot water on-demand systems were integrated into this renovation.  The bright classic suite is designed for rental now with flexibility and options for family and homeowner use in the future.  The new covered porch integrates seamlessly with the exterior look of the homes.  Kengary Contracting Inc., 604-299-5755, www.kengarycontracting.com.

WHITE ROCK

906 STEVENS STREET (From Marine Dr., turn north onto Stevens St.).  This 20-year-old home with a bay view features a renovated main floor, kitchen, dining, living room, entrance way, staircase and bathrooms.  Traditional bleached oak railings were replaced with oil-rubbed bronze spindles, wood posts and rails to match the cherry flooring.  The re-configured kitchen features a larger island, while a recycled-glass, mosaic-tiled splash glistens over the flowing pattern in the granite.  Lighting was improved by installing specialty high-performance glass to reduce heat build-up, UV and glare off the water, eliminating the need for blinds, and by upgrading the recessed lighting throughout the main floor. My House Design/Build Team Ltd., 604-694-6873, www.myhousedesignbuild.com.

On behalf of the entire Klondike team, we would like to Thank You for making our Grand Opening event a spectacular evening.  We are humbled and honoured to see close to 200 guests ranging from clients, vendors, and sub-trades, in attendance to show your support for what we do.  We hope that you learned something new about sustainable building practices and look forward to working with you in the near future to Transform your Vision into Reality.

This event would not have been possible without the collaboration of a few very important people including: our event planner, Marc of Amuse Consulting, our wonderful caterer from the Vancouver Art Institute, and our hard-working staff who dedicated long hours to ensure every little detail was perfect.  Thank You.  We couldn’t have done it without all of you!

We would also like to announce the winner of our draw for $300 Gift Certificate to apply to any purchase with one of our Preferred Vendors.  And the winner is: Tim Beemer!  Congratulations Tim!

Finally, special Thanks to our Preferred Vendors for not only the products they contributed but also the time they spent to help us with our office:

Without this wonderful team, our office would be just a shell and not nearly as impressive as witnessed last Thursday!

And without further ado, here are some photos (all by Ema Peter Photography) of our event for those who missed it:

We are nearing the long-anticipated day of our (soon-to-be LEED certified) showroom/office Grand Opening!!!  It’s been quite the journey and now we will soon get to celebrate and share it with you.  Join us for appetizers & drinks while meeting our wonderful team of staff, project managers, designers, skilled trades, and preferred vendors.  Learn about new sustainable building products and what it really takes to build with the environment in mind!

When: May 6th, 2010 from 4-8pm

Where: 300-1375 W 6 Ave, Vancouver (street parking is available  in addition to public parking lots on W 7 & W 8 near Hemlock)

RSVP: visit klondikecontracting.eventbrite.com

Whether your are a realtor, property manager, business owner, or homeowner (or all of the above), don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to learn about sustainable building practices, gather ideas for your next renovation/construction project, and meet our wonderful team.

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.

For those in the City of Vancouver, please visit www.klondikecontracting.com/LanewayHousing for further information on Laneway Housing in the City of Vancouver.

For those who don’t already know, a non-refundable tax credit is available to you for work performed or goods acquired in relation to a renovation or alteration to an eligible dwelling, after January 27, 2009 and BEFORE February 1, 2010.  The 15% credit may be claimed on the portion of eligible credits exceeding $1,000 but not more than $10,000, for a maximum credit of $1,350.  Eligible expenses for goods acquired during this period, even if they are installed after January 2010, will still qualify.  If an eligible expense involves work performed by a contractor or a third party, and the work is not completed by the end of the eligible period, only the portion that is completed before February 1, 2010 will qualify even if a payment is made.

A new schedule will be included in your 2009 tax package to allow you to list your eligible expenses and to calculate the amount you can claim.  Also a new line will be added to Schedule 1 to claim the HRTC.

Click HERE for examples of eligible and ineligible expenses.

For more information please visit Canada Revenue Agency’s website.