Award Winning Renovations

BEST PRACTICES FOR COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR CONTRACTOR (as told by a contractor)

5/17/2022

Anyone who has completed a home renovation or home construction project will agree that communication is vital. Good communication reduces stress, improves project satisfaction, and limits cost overruns.

Homeowners can minimize opportunities for miscommunication, by following B Gallant Homes Best Practices.

ONE POINT OF CONTACT

Elect one person within your household to speak with and relay decisions to your Project Manager

This ensures that communication with your Project Manager maintains efficiency and accuracy. With only one person “authorized” to discuss details and ask questions regarding your project, similar questions and contradicting decisions are avoided.

Of course, this doesn’t mean only one person has the decision-making ability, only that one person communicates the agreed decisions and asks the collective questions.

KEEP A PROJECT JOURNAL

Have a set place to record your project details. Paper or digital doesn’t matter, as long as you use it consistently. Everything from conversations with your Contractor, decisions you’ve made and the dates you relayed them should be easily accessible to your household.

Record the questions you want to ask, have asked, and the answers you received.

Whether you mainly communicate in person or via phone, text, or email, having one spot where you can reference information is best.

Remember to date your entries just in case.

SPEAK UP

If you’re unsure of what a term means; you have a question; don’t like a suggestion; or notice the wrong product is installed; speak!

Builder jargon is a thing, standard for the industry, but ambivalent for everyone else. It’s important to fully understand the details and meaning behind the words, so ask for clarification.

Ask questions or voice concerns as soon as possible. Some changes can be done easily, but others if caught too late will require a significant investment of both money and time to correct.

By speaking up and being clear with definitions, you will reduce headaches for both yourself and your Project Manager.

IMAGES

Clear communication can be better achieved with the use of photographs and images.

Provide photographs of the areas as they currently are and mark where you want the changes to happen.

Search for images of your desired outcome and share them with your contractor.

Product descriptions can be misleading, and mistakes can be made when ordering, by providing an image of the detailing or product choice ensures clarity and insurance against mistakes.

Your Contractor will appreciate a visual representation and you can be sure that the overall effect will be achieved.

UNDERSTAND YOUR CONTRACT

Before any work commences in your home, ensure you have read and fully understand your contract. You, as well as your contractor, must keep a signed copy.

Important details, including construction start & finish times, owner and contractor responsibilities, payment terms, and the project’s written estimate should all be referenced.

Any questions or concerns should be addressed at the time of signing. It is especially necessary to have your contractor explain their estimate, what is included and what is not. Think about items such as disposal, inspections, and warranties.

Everyone communicates in their own way, so before everything else, make sure you have an easy rapport with a contractor before starting any project.

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Choosing a Contractor

1/1/2022

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CHOOSING A CONTRACTOR

How do you choose the BEST Contractor for your upcoming home improvement project?
With so many options, review sites, and word of mouth suggestions it can be difficult to know which company to consider contacting. How do you narrow down the countless contracting companies into a manageable list?

Read on to discover 5 ways to narrow your search for a contractor.

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Planning Your Next Home Renovation

4/27/2021

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Where do you start when you decide to renovate?
Do you look for a Designer; a Contractor; collect images of spaces that appeal to you?
None of the above.

The first step for a successful home renovation is to identify what needs to change, why it needs to change, and their order of priority.

Why is this so important?
It clarifies the projects main goals, allowing a Contractor or Designer to suggest alternatives that can better accomplish those goals, adjust designs quickly when inevitable challenges arise, and prioritize your budget costs to ensure your home renovation accomplishes your goals.

B Gallant Homes calls this stage of your home renovation “DREAMING”.
Take your time and include all the members in your household.

Good Planning Results in Successful and Cost-Effective Home Renovations.

IDENTIFY what you want to change in your home and create specific goals for the renovation project.

THINK through what you want to change, and why, this serves as the foundation for your renovation plans.

PRIORITIZE which changes are necessary to ensure a successful project.

Consider the short and the long term.
Your home renovation should provide you with improved function, comfort, and convenience, while maintaining safety for everyone in the household - young and old. When planning your home renovation, consider what you will need for both the short and the long term.

B Gallant Homes believes in “RENOVATING FOR LIVING”. This reflects the fact that as we move through different phases of life, our housing needs change.

PLAN YOUR HOME RENOVATION

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Setting Up Your Home Office or Classroom

1/19/2021

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Supporting your children or yourself to excel in a remote learning or working environment starts with creating a dedicated workspace. This doesn't mean you need to build an addition, though you certainly could, but more about having a space optimally suited to focusing on tasks and productivity.
B Gallant Homes has compiled a list of considerations, based on three important aspects for choosing an area of your home to dedicate to a working environment. Lighting, hardware, and accessibility.

NATURAL LIGHT

Natural light invigorates us!
Good daylight helps to create a sense of physical and mental comfort. Exposure to natural light significantly reduces eye strain, headaches, and blurred vision.
Employing as much natural light as possible in your home classroom or office improves performance, decreases stress, and helps promote healthy sleeping habits.

SIMPLE WAYS TO INCORPORATE MORE NATURAL LIGHT

Set desks or workstations parallel to windowpanes to encourage frequent computer breaks for your eyes.

Ensure large objects and shelving units allow maximum light entry.

Evaluate rooms that have better natural light sources, perhaps the spare bedroom can be shifted to another room or scrapped altogether.

Remember to account for seasonal light changes, so you can take advantage of the most hours of natural light.

Use light diffusing shades when needed and keep the blinds open when possible.

Wash your windows, inside & out.

Take your breaks outside, get out during the daylight and reap the natural health benefits of the sun.

HARDWARE

Setting up your workspace means more than opening your laptop on the most convenient horizontal surface.
Screens need to be at a specific height in order to lessen eye strain, you'll need space to house your copier / scanner and printer, desk phone, router or hub, room for a good desk chair and proper alignment of keyboards and mice.
After you have populated your space with the necessary tools, you’ll need to power and connect them.
Ensure you don’t suffer the frustration of having to unplug one device to power / connect another.

SIMPLE WAYS TO HANDLE ELECTRICAL AND CONNECTIVITY ISSUES

Choose a space that is capable of meeting your electrical needs, plenty of outlets for desk lamps, computers, monitors, your printer / copier, and all the other electronics that offices and classrooms acquire.

Invest in a high-quality surge protector from a local retailer. This is one accessory you hope to never need and need to never hope it works. Protect your expensive electronics and the data stored on them.

Dedicated phone lines or good cellular reception. Make sure your calls won’t be dropped every time you shift your chair. Adding a second line with its own number is an inexpensive way to ensure a free line for your business calls.

Ethernet connection or a close proximity router. Having a hub connected via ethernet allows for multiple devices to access your network and internet connection efficiently.

ACCESS AND ACCESSIBILITY

Location, location, location!
You may be limited as to where you can locate your home office or classroom, but you will not regret spending the time to consider all of your options.

You won’t want to locate it where it provides access to other areas of your home or attached to a well-used passageway. Consider the inconvenience of having family members traveling through your workspace in order to access the garden or garage. Right next to the kitchen or the main family bathroom are also less than ideal.

Of course, space is limited and not everyone will have the same options as others. Keeping in mind the most disruptive areas of your home and locating your workspace as far away as possible, can go a long way in keeping the peace in your home.

SIMPLE SUGGESTIONS FOR A LESS THAN IDEAL LOCATION

Use room dividers to create and hide a walkway / hallway through a room that gives access to other areas

Scheduling can go a long way in keeping family members happy. Schedule time for everyone who uses the space and consistently enforce the limits. Within a few weeks it will become routine.

Invest in quality noise cancelling headphones, protect your ears and concentration by limiting the sound of your surroundings.

NANAIMO HOME RENOVATIONS

Need more help?

Contact us, B Gallant Homes, for Home Renovations in Central Vancouver Island, using our Request a Quote page.

Outside of our area?

Call a reputable contractor, we recommend searching your local Home Builders Association.

The following suggestions for home renovations will improve your home for remote learning or working.

Home Renovations worth Considering for Home Classrooms or Offices

Get rid of the carpet and replace it with light or high gloss flooring to allow light reflection & dispersal. An added benefit is the reduced cleaning and costs, most clients will not plan on shoe removal, and children often forget about their shoes when entering your home office or classroom.

If you do plan on having clients visit your home office, a separate entrance allows for a clear delineation of home and work, keeping your space as private and professional as possible.

Choose light and neutral paint colours that will bring warmth to your room.

A professional contractor can run wire for a dedicated internet connection, update and increase the overhead lighting, and install ample outlets for the various electronics every office and classroom acquire. This will ensure you have ample electrical plugs and efficient network connections available.

Soundproofing options. Hearing every noise your family or pets make can be distracting. Privacy is important in many professions and you may need to ensure your work conversations are not overheard by your family. By planning for and installing appropriate soundproofing, the peace and privacy is kept in both your workspace and living spaces.

Install larger windows and doors, consider adding a new exterior door with light panels that gives ample natural light to your space as well as offering clients or children immediate access to the outdoors.

Solar Tubes channel light along their entire length in a sheet-metal tube with a polished interior. Acting like continuous mirror, the design preserves the light’s intensity. A more affordable option than replacing windows or installing overhead skylights that may not be appropriate for your home or climate.

If your home is truly lacking the space necessary for a home office or classroom, building an attached addition or a small cottage in your yard may be the optimal solution. You can design space that separates your office from the classroom, include as much soundproofing, electrical outlets, and natural light as you want, and even have facilities installed.

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STAYCATION 2020

8/12/2020

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2020 is the year of the Staycation.
Canadians are exploring ways to improve their surroundings; we want to make our homes as inviting and versatile as possible. There is no better motivator than a bored family stuck in close quarters. So, prepare some snacks and get everyone together to discuss the possibilities.

B Gallant Homes Tips to Transform Your Home into a Staycation Destination.

RENOVATIONS & ADDITIONS

Don’t waste that vacation budget, invest it in your home.
Create a personal sanctuary that you’ll enjoy daily. Entertain family and friends in a new game room. Impress your guests with an outdoor kitchen and dining experience.
A renovation or addition is not a fleeting memory, but something meant to enhance your everyday life.
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DO IT RIGHT
Hire a reputable Contractor.
Talk to your friends and family for recommendations and contact your local Home Builders Association for a list of licensed professionals in your area. Look for companies that offer an itemized estimate, a written contract, and a limited warranty.
Consult with your municipal building department for any requirements and permits necessary.
Budget more of your money on hardware and “built in” items. A quality structure, whether it’s a ground level deck or kitchen cabinets, increases functionality, performance, and investment return.
You can modernize a well-designed and professionally built space by altering décor to match the current trends, but décor will not mask a poorly constructed inefficient space.
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WHERE TO START
Examine your home and property, look for underutilized spaces and inefficient design features. Once you have an idea of what spaces can be modified discuss the possibilities with your household.
Combined you’ll have a list of where and what to take to potential contractors for suggestions and estimates.
Incorporating versatility into your project from the start results in a beautifully designed and functional space that has the potential to grow with your family as interests change.
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Check out our top suggestions to make your home a 2020 Staycation Destination.

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New Home Construction: When to Engage a Contractor

4/30/2020

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ENGAGING A CONTRACTOR

New home construction requires as much time to prepare and plan as it will take to build your home. Choosing your Contractor is one of the first steps to successfully managing your project and staying on budget and on time.

WHEN
The best results happen when you engage your Contractor once you’ve decided you want to build. A good Contractor will contribute greatly to the quality of your project and your long term enjoyment. Ensure you choose a Contractor you have a good rapport with. You’ll avoid many common frustrations by understanding how they talk and having your ideas heard. Many hours in conversation will be spent with them and you will be making decisions on their advice.

WHO
When searching for a Contractor, contact your local Builders Association to compile a list of reputable builders. Be careful with any that give an estimate that is far below the average. Inexperienced estimators may leave out significant expenses whereas a quality Contractor will provide you with a detailed estimate and hire experienced skilled workers, an increase in cost and quality.

WHAT
Your expectations for your new home will be discussed in detail. What features will be best suited to your lifestyle, area of town that will provide the necessary amenities, the look versus required upkeep, the budget and timeline.

WHY
Contractors understand the concerns, questions and frustrations involved in every stage of the process. Details can ruin the big picture, especially any modifications that affect the sub-trades. Experienced Contractors provide oversight and can anticipate and mitigate problems throughout the build.

HOW
From these discussions your Contractor will liaise with your Realtor to ensure you're purchasing the right lot that fits within your expectations, coordinate and work with architects, geotechnical/structural engineers, interior designers and other professionals to provide input into the build plan and make suggestions for the most effective ways of turning your dreams into reality.
During the build, dependant on your contract, your Contractor will monitor the entire project. The budget, schedule, building permits right through to inspection, quality of sub-trades, delivery of product, and providing a signed Warranty upon completion of your project.
Regular, scheduled contact with your Contractor throughout the project ensures there are no surprises.

Make your Contractor integral during every stage of your project and you will have a less stressful, more cost effective experience and a home you will enjoy for years to come.

Don't wait to have your projected evaluated.

Start Now

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SPRING MAINTENANCE

2/21/2020

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With spring here, take some time to inspect your home. Use these tips on what to look for before a small issue becomes an insurance issue.

Foundation

Walk around your home, paying close attention to where the soil line meets your the foundation. Clear the space around any foundation vents you find.

Is there any pooling water?

Do your downspouts extend past your home’s foundation or do they empty straight down into soil that has started to erode?

Clear any obstructions blocking the flow of water away from the house, you may want to install a rock drainage trench where the soil has eroded.

Ensure you have a suitable slope around your home, the ground should have a 15 cm drop for every 3 metres, a line level may be used if you are unsure.

Look for any cracks in the foundation, both from the exterior and in the basement. Use tape to mark the length and width and reinspect often for any growth.

It is important to have a qualified professional inspect any cracks in the foundation. Some may be an easy repair with an injected epoxy; serious cracks may require excavating.

Do not procrastinate with the structural safety of your home, it will always cost more the longer you wait.

Call a specialist immediately if you notice any of the following:

• Two vertical cracks on adjacent walls could be a broken footing
• A horizontal crack, a metre below grade, even a hairline crack, may signal a loss in structural integrity 
• Linear cracks in cinder blocks and bricks (not the mortar) are a serious structural concern

Exterior

Check masonry for vertical alignment.

A bulging or sunken brick indicate an unseen moisture issue behind the masonry. Look for efflorescence; a white chalky substance that can indicate masonry joints are no longer repelling water but absorbing it.

Check your siding for any changes in alignment.

Swelling and warping indicates trapped moisture. Inspect seams for mildew and mold. Look closely for holes, even small ones, can be a cause for water penetration and may be caused by insects.

Deck
Check for warped boards, any pulling away from posts, and loose hardware.

The most important part of inspecting your deck is the hardware. Broken hardware or improperly installed hardware directly affects the safety of your deck.

Pay close attention to where railings are attached and that all of your connectors and fasteners are rust and damage free.

Clean off any residue and algae. If you notice water beading on the surface you can wait to reseal. If the wood is absorbing the water it's time to stain and seal.

Roof
You can use binoculars to inspect your roof instead of risking the climb.

Look for any shingles that are curled or buckled and any shifts or sagging.

Clean gutters, check for leaks & make sure they’re attached securely

Check the attic for leaks, mold, and moisture intrusion.
Notice any fire hazards or evidence of critters?
Dealing with these issues quickly can prevent the need to install a new roof, and keep you safe from health dangers caused by mold and animal leavings.

Interior

Inspect caulking around windows for any cracks and repair as needed. This will ensure the seal is kept and keep energy consumption down.

Remove any storm windows and wash exterior windows before installing screens.

Check your interior water lines

Check the washing machine fill hose for any cracks as this line is constantly under pressure and leaks here can go unnoticed resulting in expensive repairs to floors and drywall.

Inspect dishwasher lines and under sink connections to ensure moisture is not present and lines are in good shape.

Check your drains for good flow, if you notice a lag have an experienced company or a plumber flush your drains.

Inspect your bathroom and kitchen caulking for cracks that can lead to water infiltration. Many cabinets are made with particle board which sucks in water and permanently swells.

Vacuum your refrigerator coils and inspect for any leaks or moisture stains.

Replace furnace and water filters.

Have your vents cleaned, this can prevent many airborne allergens from recirculating within your home.

Spring thaw can be just as rough on your home as winter storms. Knowing what to look for and how serious, allows you to hire professionals before a small repair escalates into major reconstruction. An afternoon spent around the house twice a year will save you thousands of dollars and months of stress.

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Fall in Love with your Kitchen

9/13/2019

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What would you change about the most prominent room in your house?

The kitchen is where you and your family gather to cook, eat, and shuffle to the coffee pot every morning. There are class projects, late night snacks and finding empty milk cartons in the fridge.

Whether you decide on a minor renovation of flooring, counter tops, and refurbished existing cabinetry, or a major project that strips it all down to the studs, you can fall in love with your kitchen.

Updating your kitchen is a project to undertake long before you decide to sell. Though minor kitchen renovations can see more than an 80% return on investment, the larger more complex projects rarely justify the cost if you won't be the one to enjoy the fancy features.

Spend your money where you'll enjoy it the most this Fall and contact B Gallant Homes to get started.

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Outdoor Living Health Benefits

6/11/2019

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An Outdoor Living Space Provides Surprising Health Benefits

Remodeling a raised deck or creating a landscaped patio provides more than just aesthetic appeal. By creating an outdoor living space that accommodates your family’s lifestyle, you will improve their overall physical and mental health.

Consider contracting a local reputable builder before you start designing to ensure you take full advantage of your available space. Depending on your area, you will need to know of any city by-law restrictions, placement options, requirements for water and fire features, and possible amenities.

According to the University of East Anglia, exposure to green space reduces the risk of type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, premature death, preterm birth, stress, and high blood pressure.

Analyzing over 140 studies involving 290 million people, researchers studied the health of people with little access to green spaces compared to that of people with the highest amounts of exposure. Their findings show significant and measurable health benefits.

Exposure to health-promoting environments is recognized as both preventing and helping treat disease. With a reduction in diastolic blood pressure and heart rate, and a significant reduction in the physiological stress marker salivary cortisol, exposure to outdoor green space provides meaningful health benefits.

The health benefits of the great outdoors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of greenspace exposure and health outcomes' is published in the journal Environmental Research on 2018 6 July.

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Colour is Back

4/23/2019

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You can’t go wrong with a classic white kitchen; it creates an uncluttered and clean aesthetic for preparing meals and spending time with family. A decade of market domination has meant few choices for adding colour. Those wanting to bring the warmth of wood or bold colours into their kitchens will be pleased by the emerging trends retailers are noticing. Everything from statement backsplashes, bold cabinetry to the understated coloured interior of stainless appliances are now offered by retailers to the white weary.

Adding a wood floor gives the consumer a wide palette to choose from, giving new life to existing appliances and cabinetry. A pale wood subtly compliments pure white cabinetry and counter tops, while a dark rich wood will showcase flawless white with striking contrast.

Updating your white cabinets to a traditional dark wood or keeping current dark cabinetry and installing glossy white counters and tiling combines the trendy white kitchen with traditional ebony or mahogany for a dramatic twist on the two classic looks.

Counters in a vivid marbled granite or a daring hue in solid glass, will elevate a generic white kitchen to a statement of individuality and style.

For the budget conscience, try retiling a backsplash. Glamour it up with reflective tiles and shiny inserts or use a contrasting grout to give a classic white tile a subtle modern twist.

The kitchen remains a favoured domain for clean white on white, incorporating colour prevents it from appearing clinical and uninspired. Now, manufacturers are offering an array of products letting consumers know, that colour is back.

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Author

B Gallant Homes has been part of the Nanaimo community since 1996. A leader within the local Canadian Home Builders Association and Host of the B Gingerbread Homes Community Christmas Event.