Homeowners considering renovations can obtain great ideas from how-to television shows, magazines, newspapers and the internet, but careful planning is needed to keep the dream alive, said Peter Simpson, CEO of the Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association (GVHBA).
To help homeowners make informed decisions, the GVHBA Renovation Council will present its popular fall consumer home renovation seminar on Tuesday, November 24, 2009. The seminar is from 7 – 9 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to visit the more than 30 displays of renovation-related products and services, gather printed material and discuss their plans with renovation and design pros.
Homeowners are guided through the various stages of the renovation process, including design and planning, legal considerations, selecting a renovator, municipal permits, and living through a renovation. Presenters will include award-winning renovators, interior designer, construction lawyer, and a senior building official.
Simpson says despite a slow market, a record $7 billion will be spent on home renovation and improvement in B.C. this year – 65% of those dollars in the Lower Mainland alone – so it is crucial that homeowners do their homework before they sign a contract with a qualified renovation contractor.
“Renovation is a hot trend; there is ample opportunity for fly-by-night operators to take advantage of trusting homeowners. Dealing in the cash-only underground economy, rather than working with a professional renovator, exposes homeowners to legal complications and close scrutiny from municipal bylaw officials, provincial safety authorities and federal taxman,” said Simpson.
Attendees also learn about RenoMark, a program GVHBA introduced in Metro Vancouver last fall to provide greater confidence to homeowners when hiring renovation contractors. To be accepted into the program, contractors are obliged to abide by a 10-condition code of conduct.
To register for the next seminar, call 778-565-4288 or
e-mail GVHBA.