CHBA Blog

When the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) introduced the Best Adaptiv Home category as part of the National Awards for Housing Excellence, the intention was clear: to recognize projects that go beyond accessibility checklists and thoughtfully design for real lives, real change, and long-term independence.

Every year, the CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence shines a spotlight on the very best in Canadian new home construction, renovation, community development and residential marketing. In March, finalists were named in 49 categories that capture the full breadth of market-rate homes for ownership and rental. Winners were awarded on May 8 in Québec City during CHBA’s Glitter & Groove Awards Bash, presented by LG Electronics Canada.

Take a peek into Hasler Homes Ltd.'s award-winning Best Custom or Renovated Net Zero Home in the 2026 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence.

If you’re considering your future or helping someone plan theirs, here’s why a career in residential construction could be the smartest move.

From maintaining indoor temperatures to managing energy use and protecting against the elements, the right windows can make a noticeable difference in both your living experience and your home’s long-term durability, performance, and value. In this blog, we explore how high-performance windows – including those used in Net Zero and Net Zero Ready Homes – can transform your home’s comfort, efficiency, and energy costs.

Residential construction offers dynamic, rewarding careers from skilled trades to design to project management to sales and beyond. Despite the opportunities, it’s not a career that comes to mind often for women.

Building a new home is one of the most exciting—and significant—investments you’ll ever make. But before you start choosing paint colors and flooring, there’s an important decision to make: Should you build a custom home or purchase a production home?

When talking about building or renovating homes for energy efficiency and comfort, airtightness often tops the list of priorities. Find out why airtightness is critical for all kinds of homes, including Net Zero Homes, and how it impacts everything from energy bills to indoor air quality.

Simcoe County HBA (SCHBA) is making a significant contribution to their community by spearheading the construction of a new purpose-built rental facility for Youth Haven, an organization that provides housing and outreach services to up to 300 at-risk youth annually.

CHBA Central Okanagan (CHBA-CO)’s Women in Construction Committee sponsored an event hosted by Okanagan College aimed at giving high school girls in grades 9-12 the opportunity to experience trades programs before they graduate and embark on their post-secondary education. Read about it on the blog.

Builders and renovators across Canada submitted their gorgeous Net Zero or Net Zero Ready Homes (qualified under CHBA’s Net Zero Home Labelling Program) into this year’s CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence – Canada’s foremost competition for new homes, renovations, community development, and residential marketing. Take a look at Canada's top 5 projects for Best Custom or Renovated Net Zero Home.

The Government of Canada offers several programs designed to ease the financial burden of renovations. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key programs that every Canadian homeowner should consider when planning their next project.

Builders and renovators across the country are increasingly delivering on Canadians’ growing desire to live in an energy efficient home. In this blog post, we’re showcasing the top 5 projects for Best Production Net Zero Home in the 2025 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence.

The Canadian Home Builders' Association (CHBA) National Awards for Housing Excellence rolled out the red carpet in 2025, celebrating the crème de la crème of the residential construction industry in Canada.

There are many reasons multiple generations of families live together, from cultural norms, to medical requirements, to economic necessity. Whatever the reason, creating a home that serves the needs of multiple generations requires thoughtful design and planning.

Builders who are qualified to build CHBA Net Zero Homes are considered leaders in high-performance homes. To receive a CHBA Qualified Net Zero Builder designation, they voluntarily completed rigorous Advanced Building Science and Net Zero Builder training and demonstrated their skill by building a Net Zero Home that meets stringent technical requirements verified by various expert third parties. Find out what it takes to become a Qualified Net Zero Builder and why home buyers should consider working with them.

BILD Edmonton Metro member Homes by Avi made a five-year, $500,000 investment to support students considering post-secondary studies at Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)’s School of Construction and Building Sciences.

BILD Alberta member Alberta New Home Warranty Program (ANHWP) held two charity lawn bowling tournaments to celebrate the organization’s 50th anniversary.

CHBA BC member Centra Windows hosted a golf tournament for a great cause with their 24th annual Centra Cares Golf Tournament in support of Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Choosing the perfect paint colour for your home can be an exciting yet daunting task. The right shade can transform a space, adding personality and warmth, while the wrong choice might leave you feeling uneasy. Whether you're a seasoned decorator or a first-time homeowner, finding the ideal hue involves more than just selecting your favorite colour from a swatch. Understanding the nuances of colour selection can make all the difference in your decorating journey.

Residential construction is a vibrant and essential sector of the construction industry that focuses on building, renovating, and maintaining homes. This field offers a diverse range of career opportunities, from hands-on roles to management positions and entrepreneurship, each contributing to the creation of comfortable and safe living environments.

Read up on four lesser-known benefits that Net Zero Homes have over homes built just to meet building code minimums.

The second annual Constructors Cup, a charity soccer tournament hosted by London HBA in conjunction with Tricar Group, raised $70,000 for The Health and Homelessness Fund for Change, which is administered by the London Community Foundation.

Ride Through the Rockies is an annual fundraising event in support of Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta.

Niagara HBA member Centennial Homes, and their network of suppliers and subtrades, have committed to build four townhomes in support of Habitat for Humanity Niagara.

Creating a functional home office space is essential for productivity and well-being, especially in an era where remote work is becoming increasingly common

As the desire for extremely energy efficient homes grows in popularity across Canada, many homeowners are asking Qualified Net Zero Builders/Renovators to deliver their Net Zero dream homes.

As part of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association Central Okanagan’s (CHBA-CO) unwavering commitment to empowering women in the residential construction industry, the HBA has created a scholarship to help women pursuing construction-related post-secondary programs in the Okanagan.

BILD Calgary member Logel Homes partnered with McMan Youth, Family, and Community Services Association of Calgary & Area to build a new community hub in their 27-unit transitional housing development,

Canadian home buyers are increasingly showing interest in Net Zero Homes, and builders and renovators across the country are expertly producing the goods.

The 2024 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence recognize the best in Canada’s residential construction industry. There were over 900 submissions this year, and nearly 300 industry experts from across the country meticulously selected finalists and winners for 48 categories. These categories span newly built single-family homes, multi-family residences, high-rises, and new communities, home renovations at every price point, and residential marketing, reflecting the breadth and diversity of the industry.

Jobs and workplaces evolve, but sometimes persistent myths stick around, influencing how we think about careers and the people who work in them. There are myths and stereotypes about most jobs, and the residential construction industry is no exception.

Tricar Group, a member of Guelph and District HBA, recently gifted $50,000 to Guelph’s Home for Good Campaign, which is delivered jointly by The Guelph Community Foundation, Guelph & Wellington Task Force for Poverty Elimination, and United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin.

Beyond address housing affordability in their region, BILD Calgary member Genesis Builders Group took steps to address the widespread challenge of food affordability faced by parents, guardians, and caretakers in their community.

Canada has committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050. But the country won’t be able to get there without significant energy efficiency improvements to Canada’s existing homes.

Entering the world of real estate as a homebuyer can be both exhilarating and daunting, and a key milestone in the journey towards homeownership is signing a purchase contract.

Niagara HBA member Solmar Development Corp. made a heartfelt contribution into the Niagara region with a donation of $15 million to the St. Catharines hospital.

Did you know that nearly 90% of Canadians wish to stay in their homes for as long as possible? As we age, our mobility and physical abilities can change, making it challenging to navigate our homes. But there are adaptations you can make to your home to help ease the transition, making your home safer and more accessible so that you can stay in it for as long as possible.

Energy efficiency has quickly become a top consideration for new home buyers. In fact, CHBA’s Home Buyer Preference Survey shows that energy efficiency features like high-efficiency appliances and windows are frequently among the top 10 features homeowners are looking for in their homes year-over-year.

As the energy efficiency of homes becomes a higher priority for Canadians, many are trying to decide if a Net Zero Home is right for them. With the ease of information sharing these days, there are also a lot of myths about these high-performance homes. As a result, these myths sometimes cause confusion about what Net Zero Homes really are and how they work.

Working in the residential construction industry is a rewarding and fulfilling career. Building and renovating homes provides a sense of accomplishment at the end of each day when you can see the work you’ve done. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in construction, here are some steps you can take to get started.

Fusion Homes, a Guelph and District Home Builders’ Association member, demonstrated a deep commitment to their community with a generous gift aimed at providing essential food security to families in need this holiday season.

With labour shortages rampant in the residential construction sector and retirements slated to rise over the coming decade, members are recognizing the need to encourage youth to consider a rewarding career in the skilled trades.

Members of CHBA Edmonton Region (CHBA-ER) came together to give back to their community by partnering with local charity Uncles & Aunts at Large Edmonton Area Society.

Home energy efficiency is a growing topic of conversation among Canadians. Buyers and homeowners are increasingly showing interest in Net Zero Homes – and builders and renovators across Canada are delivering.

As home energy efficiency becomes a growing priority for home buyers and homeowners across Canada, custom or renovated Net Zero Homes, as well as production Net Zero Homes, are having their moment in the sun. From high-efficiency windows to a tighter building envelope, builders and renovators are increasingly being asked to meld energy efficiency requirements with great design. And their efforts are certainly quashing the myth that extremely efficient homes require sacrificing beautiful design.

So, you’ve decided to take on a home renovation. You’ve determined what renovations you want done and landed on a rough budget. You’ve also started looking for contractors, but you’re having trouble deciding which ones are right for your renovation, even though you’ve done your due diligence getting recommendations and thoroughly interviewed possible candidates.

Every part of a Net Zero Home works together in harmony to create the ultimate energy efficient living space. Every aspect of the home, including the building envelope, mechanical systems, and renewable energy systems, works together as a system to ensure peak performance. Through advanced “building science” techniques, technologies, and products, builders can significantly reduce a home’s energy consumption. Here are the three main components of a Net Zero Home.

Every year, volunteer members, local home builders’ associations (HBAs), and their staff work tirelessly to build a strong community, strengthen the industry, and give back to cities, towns, and neighbourhoods across Canada.

Have you ever looked at your utility bill and wondered how you possibly used so much energy? As more workplaces adopt a work from home model, you’re likely using more energy than you ever have before. But if you’re someone who follows responsible protocols to conserve energy – like switching off the lights when they’re not in use or shutting down your computer at night – it might come as a surprise to you that turning off your devices doesn’t mean they don’t consume energy.

Today’s homes increasingly prioritize energy efficiency – whether it be through high-efficiency windows, energy efficient appliances, or a tighter building envelope. So, it’s no surprise that Net Zero Homes are gaining popularity among home buyers and homeowners.

Every year we look forward to spring. Until the snow melts and leaks into your home or unveils some other unsightly mess. But there are a few simple steps a homeowner can take to perform an inspection and prevent damage before it occurs.

Net Zero Homes were once only seen in custom homes, but committed and passionate builders across Canada are now offering Net Zero production homes and even full communities. Energy efficient homes are becoming more desirable to many Canadians who are looking for superior quality, greater comfort, and who want to be environmentally responsible. And Net Zero communities are helping reach Canada’s emission reduction targets

When looking to buy a home, you’ll probably start searching for one that meets your short-term needs. Maybe your company just went remote, and you want a place with a home office. Or maybe you just had a baby and need more space or somewhere without an elevator.

As the effects of climate change redefine how we think about our energy consumption, more home buyers and homeowners are prioritizing home energy efficiency by purchasing a Net Zero Home or renovating their home to Net Zero. But for those who are still exploring their options, a major question asked by customers is: Can a Net Zero Home really be cost-effective for the average buyer?

As home energy efficiency continues to be prioritized by new buyers, and government incentives like the recent Greener Homes Grant make home energy efficiency renovations more accessible to homeowners, Net Zero / Net Zero Ready Homes are growing in popularity. And as the products and techniques used to achieve Net Zero evolve, trained builders and renovators are becoming more creative with the designs they implement for their clients.

Good Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) are both key to a healthier and more comfortable living experience. On top of being far more energy efficient than conventional homes, Net Zero Homes provide exceptional IAQ and IEQ for greater wellness and comfort. In this post, we break down why Net Zero Homes are healthier and more comfortable to live in.

An energy efficiency renovation improves the energy performance of your existing home. Undertaking an energy efficiency renovation on your home is an investment that delivers a multitude of benefits that you will enjoy immediately, and it can also increase the value of your home when/if you decide to sell.

Thinking about building a new home or renovating your existing one? Investing in energy efficiency for your home will pay off in lower energy bills and can even increase the value of your home. But not all energy efficient homes are the same. There are a few options that you and your builder/renovator can choose from if you want to verify the energy performance of your home.

If you’re purchasing a Net Zero Home, whether it’s a model from a builder you love or you’re building a custom home, your main point of contact is likely going to be your builder. If you’re renovating your home to Net Zero, your renovator is your main point of contact, though if you’re still living in the home for parts of the renovation you may end up meeting many of the professionals involved in your home’s transformation.

Net Zero Homes put on their best show yet in this year’s CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence. From rustic to modern, budget-friendly to luxury, new builds to renovations, qualified Net Zero builders and renovators across Canada showed that Net Zero Homes are pushing the envelope in energy efficient design, construction, and renovation.

If you’ve researched energy efficient homes, you’ve probably come across the terms “Net Zero” and “Net Zero Ready.” But what do they mean, and how are they different? We’re breaking down the differentiating features of a Net Zero and Net Zero Ready Home.

The 2020 CHBA Home Buyer Preference Survey, powered by Avid Ratings Canada, showed an interesting trend in the size of homes that Canadians are expecting to buy. The study asked recent buyers what size of home they’d be looking for if they were in the market again.

After a hectic year where many have spent a lot of time at home, “there’s no place like home” has never rung truer. This Holiday season, members of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA-Central Okanagan) are getting involved in the “There’s No Place Like Home” virtual Gingerbread House Photo Contest, hosted by Habitat for Humanity Okanagan.

The importance of a well-designed and highly functional kitchen is very clear. Over the six years that the CHBA Home Buyer Preference Study, powered by Avid Ratings Canada, has run, kitchen features have maintained top position as the highest ranked group of features, in every year.

For the last six years, the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) has teamed up with Avid Ratings Canada – a leading customer satisfaction research company – to ask new home buyers about what drives their purchase decisions. You may remember we’ve talked about some results before, like this post on renovation trends.

Energy Advisors (EAs) are specialists in rating home energy efficiency, and they provide guidance to homeowners who are interested in improving their home’s efficiency. EAs are registered by National Resources Canada (NRCan) to deliver EnerGuide Rating Systems (ERS) for new or existing homes.

On June 12th The Canadian Home Builders’ Association Central Interior (CHBA Central Interior) was presented with the Community Service Award for their donations and work in building the Y Lottery Dream Home in the first ever virtual edition of the 2020 Association Leadership Awards.

Modular home construction is an efficient and environmentally sensitive way to build a home today. With shorter build times, fewer wasted materials, and exemplary safety measures for workers, the construction method is rising in popularity.

Diversity in Net Zero builds wasn’t lacking this year for finalists of the 2020 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence, powered by Avid Ratings Canada. From custom homes in the country, homes with budget-friendly mindfulness, suburban homes for growing families, a complete Net Zero renovation of an existing heirloom home, to an urban project that pushes the boundaries of density without losing heritage roots – qualified Net Zero builders did what they do best this year.

Today, a master-planned community development offers a beautiful balance between nature, homes, shops and amenities. Thanks to this years finalists, residents are finding themselves in vibrant up-and-coming, sustainable neighborhoods with acres of green space to enjoy the outdoors or relax and watch the sunset.

Keeping up with the Joneses of home design and renovation trends is a great way to help make the most of your home’s staying power. Over many decades we’ve seen design ideas appear only to fall flat fast (carpeted bathrooms?!). But we can’t help but believe that so many of the design and renovation trends we’re seeing in entries in the CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence (powered by Avid Ratings Canada) are here to stay. What say you?

When it comes to marketing for homes across Canada, projects in the 2020 Marketing Awards category of the CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence remain a gold standard of creativity, design, branding and advertising techniques.

The 2020 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence, powered by Avid Ratings Canada, received more than 700 entries across 39 categories this year! Nearly 200 judges volunteered their time to review the incredible entries. And now, the finalists have been announced! So, what home and design trends are we noticing in the finalist entries? Let’s look!

We’re halfway through summer… is your backyard begging to be used? Whether you have a compact yard or an expansive space, you can make your backyard your own personal oasis. Outdoor spaces can be as inviting, comfortable, and stylish as interiors, with the added benefit of fresh air and nature.

“To create a strong community it’s critical that the people who live here – in Edmonton – are healthy. For us that means helping our local hospitals,” said Paul Lanni, president of Averton Homes, when asked about building a dream home in Alberta’s Full House Lottery.

The kitchen is the heart of the home and a natural gathering place. Homeowners are embracing the kitchen as an entertainment area and looking for ways to make hosting easier and more enjoyable for all.

In 2015, the local Home Builders’ Association in Edmonton, Alberta (CHBA-Edmonton Region) began an initiative called the “Renovation Month Days of Service.”

Net zero homes are an excellent option for those looking for a comfortable, energy efficient space. By producing as much clean energy as they consume, net zero homes are up to 80% more energy efficient than typical new homes.

Nothing ties together a room better than fabulous flooring. Feel like your space needs an upgrade? Get some inspiration from these finalists of the 2019 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence.

There’s more to upgrading your home’s flooring than simply choosing the material you like and having it installed. The perfect flooring will look good and be practical. Here are three things to consider when choosing to update your floors.

For nearly two decades, Cardel Homes has been working with Dreams Take Flight to help realize the dreams of children across Canada.

For anyone planning a home improvement project, like a kitchen renovation, finding the right contractor for your project can often be bewildering. You want someone who knows what they are doing, has the track record to prove it, and a lot of happy clients to back this up.

Sooner or later, every furnace ‘dies’. Ideally, you don’t want to wait for the unfixable breakdown to happen in the dead of winter before shopping for a replacement. Begin your research before you’ve got an emergency and you’ll have time to choose a furnace and service company wisely.

After purchasing a 100-year old home, the new home owners decided to undertake a whole-home renovation. The house needed upgrading and one of the new owners had a medical condition that made indoor air quality very important.

This project involved a rental property that needed renovations to an addition. The planned changes were not complex, and for most professional renovators would have been a relatively small project. There was a 2-storey addition in place. The original goal for the project was to install a new foundation and a new first floor while retaining the second-floor room.

In January 2014 a single mom with a young daughter had a problem with ice damming on their roof which caused a major leak and damage to the attic, bathroom, kitchen and dining room. Their insurance company evaluated the project and made a payout of $20,000 so that she could get the necessary repairs done.

This homeowner hired a friend-of-a-friend for a basement renovation and to do some exterior refinishing. Although no contract was signed, an advance payment was made to the “contractor,” and he started work. The basement was gutted and the resulting debris piled in the backyard. The exterior of the home was partially replaced, and then everything ground to a halt.

Most Canadian roofs develop at least a little ice each winter, but if this gets more than a couple of inches thick around the eaves it can cause leaks. A build-up of ice like this is called an ‘ice dam’ and can be a problem because as water pools behind the dam it can work its way under shingles and cause leaking into the home.

The Canadian Home Builders’ Association celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2018 and is proud of its history of building and supporting communities across the country. Together with the Renovation & Supplier’s Council, the Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association (GVHBA) contributed to this history through its renovation of the Easter Seals House 3rd Floor Lounge.

Does your house cost a fortune to heat and cool? Should you switch energy sources? Get a new furnace? While all these questions are valid, they are not the most important ones. The main issue is something more basic — how fast does your house lose energy?

When homeowners repair or renovate, cash deals are all too common. No contract, no paperwork, nobody’s the wiser. Contractors shave their prices by eliminating taxes; consumers pay less and get a better deal. Or do they?

The Canadian Home Builders’ Association celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2018 and is proud of its history of building and supporting communities across the country.

Chances are that your furnace has the capacity to heat your basement and the above-ground levels of your home to the comfort level you expect. So why are so many finished basements cold in winter?

When homeowners repair or renovate, cash deals are all too common. “Pay me cash” contractors shave their prices by eliminating taxes and consumers pay less and get a better deal. Or do they?

The holidays are a time to come together and celebrate with family and friends. But for families who are struggling to make ends meet, the holidays are particularly stressful – especially for those with children.

The Street Culture Project is a non-profit, registered charity in Regina, SK, providing housing access, skill development and personal support to street involved youth.

Home renovations may seem daunting during the planning stages but with the right contractor & these 3 tips, you and your family can enjoy a hassle-free home renovation.

In 2016, the Purcell family hired Naikoon Contracting to build a home for their family that required several special features.

The Canadian Home Builders’ Association celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2018, and is proud of its history of building and supporting communities across the country. The Hamilton-Halton Home Builders’ Association (HHHBA) commemorated the occasion by giving back to their neighbourhoods in a big way: they raised $75,000 for local charities.

The homebuilding industry has a long record of community service and giving back to the cities and towns we live and work in. Each year, the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) recognizes the voluntary efforts of its members and local associations who make a difference in the quality of life in their communities.

Price is a critical aspect of any renovation project. What will it cost to do the job you want? Alternatively, how far can you go on a set budget?

You’ve been planning your home renovation for months, been to all the home shows, and spent countless homes online looking at renovation projects and products. You’ve also interviewed a number of renovation contractors, checked their references and received written price quotes from those you are interested in hiring. Now it’s time to decide who will be doing your job.

Unless you have technical qualifications and a lot of experience, there are some renovation projects and types of work that you are better off leaving to the pros. These are the ones that involve safety risks for you and your family, and it is better to let a professional to do the work.

It might not be easy going back to sleep after your house startles you awake, but it’s likely nothing to worry about.

You’ve decided it’s time to move ahead with your long-planned renovation project. You’ve collected all sorts of great ideas and product pictures, visited the local Home Show and spent many hours online looking at what other homeowners have done in their projects.

When you hire a contractor to renovate or improve your home, there are a lot of details that need to be spelled-out in your work order or contract.

Home renovations can be one of the biggest single expenses most people ever take on, and the success of your project depends a lot on the contractor you choose. The crazy thing is, people often put more thought into selecting a shirt than they do to finding a contractor worthy of trust. So how can you hire intelligently? A little work ahead of time makes all the difference.

Planning a DIY renovation project? Here are some questions to ask yourself first.

In 2011, Kayla Blevin developed a severe E. coli infection, leaving her with life-threatening kidney failure and sending her to McMaster’s Children’s Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario. Now, six years later, Kayla has regained kidney function and her parents say they couldn’t be more thankful for the care at the hospital.

As Canadians, we rely on heating systems more than most nations in the world. But our need doesn’t necessarily translate into knowledge. If you’re unhappy with the comfort or cost of keeping your home warm in winter, here are some things to consider.

The season has changed to fall, and in many corners of Canada the temperature is getting chilly in the evenings. As winter fast approaches (sigh), it’s time to make sure your home heating is in order. Many people struggle with cold basements, but why?

Your dream renovation is underway. You found the right contractor, checked their references, agreed on the plans and schedule, and most importantly signed a contract that includes a warranty.

For the past decade, the Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Newfoundland and Labrador (CHBA-NL) has collaborated with Habitat for Humanity Newfoundland and Labrador (Habitat NL) to effect positive change in their community. Newfoundland’s First Tiny Home is one result of this partnership.

Before hiring a contractor for your home renovation or repair project, here are some important questions you need to answer. Remember that professional contractors can provide clear answers to your questions. If they can’t, they’re not the right contractor for you.

If you’re planning on updating your bathroom, or are currently undergoing a bathroom renovation, remember that achieving a great space isn’t just about choosing great tiles, cabinets and fixtures. Real renovation success depends on getting the hidden technical details right behind the scenes.

Tens of thousands of British Columbians have been displaced as wildfires rip through the province, which was declared under a state of emergency in early July. Seeing how hard so many communities have already been hit, Lacey Developments jumped to action just last week.

A warm, comfortable, and cozy finished basement is a great feature that adds value to your home. It’s summer now, but soon the cooler weather will be here. Is your basement ready for the change in seasons?

Measured at more than one million square feet of concrete, brick and granite, the National Arts Centre has been home to thousands of cultural arts performances since its grand opening in 1969. On July 1, 2017 — 50 years after its original construction began— the Canadian landmark will be unveiled to the public once again, thanks in part to CHBA member Diamond Schmitt Architects.

From June 9 to 11, 2017, CHBA Member Doug Tarry Homes gathered more than 600 volunteers in St. Thomas, Ontario to build Project Hope – a Net Zero Ready Home – in just three days. Proceeds of the sale of this new home will help support the family of a local man, Johnny Nooren, who died of cancer last summer, leaving behind his wife Angela and their two young children, Luke and Aleida.

Nine weeks, nearly 7,000 kilometres and 135 riders— CHBA president Eric DenOuden is not going on just any ordinary bike ride. Beginning June 26 in Vancouver, British Columbia DenOuden will kick off his cross-Canada trek to raise awareness and funds to fight poverty with Sea to Sea, a cycling project aimed at finding solutions to end local and global poverty.

Bob Finnigan, CHBA past president 2016, speaks proudly and from the heart about the network of defibrillators founded by Herity/Heathwood Homes, where he is a principal. In 2002, Finnigan’s home builder/developer company based in Toronto, Ontario started The Mikey Network to place portable defibrillators in public spaces. Today, The Mikey Network has distributed roughly 2,200 easy-to-use units to Canadians coast-to-coast.

Members of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) have been building, developing and renovating homes from coast to coast for generations.

Finding the right renovation contractor for your home renovation project is a little bit like dating. The first step is looking for prospective contractors before choosing ‘the one’ you’d like to get to know a little better. Here’s what you need to know to find and interview the right contractor for your home project.

As the old adage goes, ‘your home is your castle’, and many of us enjoy spending time and money making our homes an enjoyable place to live, play and work. We all want to save money where we can. When you’re looking at updating your kitchen or finally finishing your basement there are some corners you shouldn’t cut — like agreeing to a nothing-written-down cash deal instead of a insisting on a proper written contract.

You dream of removing a wall in your kitchen to redesign a beautiful room with space for cooking and entertaining, but do you need a building permit?

It might be a bigger bathroom or a finished basement – whichever room you’re looking to change, a renovation can be a big project. If you’re considering whether it’s easier to do it yourself (DIY) or to hire a home renovation pro, get informed before you make the first move! Start with a smart plan so you can get your results within a realistic budget.

Kitchens are high-traffic rooms that need exceptional flooring. Besides having to look good, kitchen flooring needs to withstand spills, food, sliding chairs, dropped dishes and the occasional mopping. Here are the pros and cons of the five top kitchen flooring choices.

“A verbal contract isn’t worth the paper it’s written on.” While historians disagree on who came up with this timeless quote, its accuracy isn’t questioned. That’s why when you hire someone to work on your home, you need a written home renovation contract.

If beads of water run down the inside of your windows during cold weather, also known as window condensation, it’s not necessarily a sign you’ve got bad windows. It’s likely your windows are doing what they’re supposed to do — keeping outdoor air outside.