Measure Twice, Cut Once

Looking into windows, one quickly realizes there are many considerations and potential unintended consequences that can impact the heating and cooling, plus the affordability, and comfort of your home. Speaking with Anton Van Dyk of Layton Consulting, Mike and Jennifer-Lee look into the importance of proper window selection. You will find “Measure Twice, Cut Once” podcasts on iTunes, Spotify and Google podcasts. Thanks to sponsors: FortisBC, BC Housing, Trail Appliances, Rami Films, jPod productions, and AI Technology & Design.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.HAVAN – the Homebuilders Association Vancouver rRepresents over 1,100 members. We’ve been a trusted voice in the homebuilding industry since 1974. Our members include builders, developers, renovators, designers, suppliers, trades, and professionals — the people who build over 65% of Metro Vancouver’s homes. As a not-for-profit association, we bring people together — connecting industry and consumers through education, resources, and shared opportunities. We work closely with government to promote smart policy, with a focus on housing solutions that meet the region’s growing needs and are proudly  affiliated with CHBA BC and CHBA National.

Discover the remarkable journey of resurrecting Phoenix House, a home devastated by fire, as Best Builders, Nick Bray Architecture, and Carbon Wise unite to rebuild it to the prestigious Zero Carbon certification standard from the Living Future Institute. Join Mike and Jennifer-Lee as they delve into the extraordinary efforts undertaken by passionate homeowners, determined to pioneer Canada's inaugural Zero Carbon residence for their multi-generational family and the legacy it holds for future generations.  You will find “Measure Twice, Cut Once” podcasts on iTunes, Spotify and Google podcasts. Thanks to sponsors: FortisBC, BC Housing, Trail Appliances, Rami Films, jPod productions, and AI Technology & Design.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.HAVAN – the Homebuilders Association Vancouver rRepresents over 1,100 members. We’ve been a trusted voice in the homebuilding industry since 1974. Our members include builders, developers, renovators, designers, suppliers, trades, and professionals — the people who build over 65% of Metro Vancouver’s homes. As a not-for-profit association, we bring people together — connecting industry and consumers through education, resources, and shared opportunities. We work closely with government to promote smart policy, with a focus on housing solutions that meet the region’s growing needs and are proudly  affiliated with CHBA BC and CHBA National.

Discover the challenges and triumphs of renovating a 112-year-old home as we bring back the builder - TQ Construction, and the homeowner, Dr Janet Simons, to review the high-performance whole home renovation project. Including lessons learned, scope creep, and pesky woodpeckers, this episode is packed with information to help you on your next home renovation. Listen in as co-hosts Mike and Jennifer-Lee talk whole home renovations. You will find “Measure Twice, Cut Once” podcasts on iTunes, Spotify and Google podcasts. Thanks to sponsors: FortisBC, BC Housing, Trail Appliances, Rami Films, jPod productions, and AI Technology & Design.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.HAVAN – the Homebuilders Association Vancouver rRepresents over 1,100 members. We’ve been a trusted voice in the homebuilding industry since 1974. Our members include builders, developers, renovators, designers, suppliers, trades, and professionals — the people who build over 65% of Metro Vancouver’s homes. As a not-for-profit association, we bring people together — connecting industry and consumers through education, resources, and shared opportunities. We work closely with government to promote smart policy, with a focus on housing solutions that meet the region’s growing needs and are proudly  affiliated with CHBA BC and CHBA National.

Zane Erickson from ZED Studio believes every home has a soul, and dreaming of homes on a large luxury scale, Zane’s passion for design helps to navigate the realities of construction. ‘When clients walk into a building that has been designed and built with care and attention, and each person involved in it has put their best foot forward, it's just a feeling you have when you walk through the space’, says Erickson. “It's beautiful. You feel welcomed. You feel comfortable. You feel at home”. Listen in as co-hosts Mike and Jennifer-Lee talk luxury home design. You will find “Measure Twice, Cut Once” podcasts on iTunes, Spotify and Google podcasts. Thanks to sponsors: FortisBC, Vicostone Canada, Trail Appliances, Rami Films, jPod productions, and AI Technology & Design.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.HAVAN – the Homebuilders Association Vancouver rRepresents over 1,100 members. We’ve been a trusted voice in the homebuilding industry since 1974. Our members include builders, developers, renovators, designers, suppliers, trades, and professionals — the people who build over 65% of Metro Vancouver’s homes. As a not-for-profit association, we bring people together — connecting industry and consumers through education, resources, and shared opportunities. We work closely with government to promote smart policy, with a focus on housing solutions that meet the region’s growing needs and are proudly  affiliated with CHBA BC and CHBA National.

Graeme Huguet, Renovator of the Year from My House Design Build Team, is joined by the Chu family who chose to renovate their bungalow.  ‘This is the first home to be a certified Platinum Built Green Plus Net Zero renovated home in all of British Columbia and received a national award for Best Net Zero Renovated or New Home, and two HAVAN Awards; Best New or Renovated Space, and Best Character Home Renovation’, says Graeme Huguet. Listen in as co-hosts Mike and Jennifer-Lee have the podcast guests recount their renovation journey during the pandemic. Thanks to sponsors: FortisBC, Vicostone Canada, Trail Appliances, Rami Films, jPod productions, and AI Technology & Design. LISTEN: Meet the Burden Family and follow their real time reno   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.HAVAN – the Homebuilders Association Vancouver rRepresents over 1,100 members. We’ve been a trusted voice in the homebuilding industry since 1974. Our members include builders, developers, renovators, designers, suppliers, trades, and professionals — the people who build over 65% of Metro Vancouver’s homes. As a not-for-profit association, we bring people together — connecting industry and consumers through education, resources, and shared opportunities. We work closely with government to promote smart policy, with a focus on housing solutions that meet the region’s growing needs and are proudly  affiliated with CHBA BC and CHBA National.

Co-hosts Mike and Jennifer-Lee chat with Interior Designer of the Year Katerina Vastardis, joined by Paul Shepski of Geography Contracting. ‘When you are taking a house and turning it into two homes, space can become quite tight, but there are bylaws in Vancouver that allow more square footage in a Passive House or a Passive House duplex’, says Paul Shepski. Two siblings took their grandma’s home gifted to them and transformed it into a duplex for two growing families. ‘Turning this house into two 1,200 square foot duplexes, knowing that you have an X number of basic things that you need to store, these things don't really change whether you live in an apartment, duplex or single-family home’, explained Katerina Vastardis. Winning the 2023 HAVAN Award winner for Best Renovation: 1 million to 1.5 million, and 2023 HAVAN Award for Best Energy Labeled Home: Whole Home Renovation, the home is packed with solutions. Thanks to sponsors: FortisBC, Vicostone Canada, Trail Appliances, Rami Films, jPod productions, and AI Technology & Design. LISTEN: Meet the Burden Family and follow their real time renoSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.HAVAN – the Homebuilders Association Vancouver rRepresents over 1,100 members. We’ve been a trusted voice in the homebuilding industry since 1974. Our members include builders, developers, renovators, designers, suppliers, trades, and professionals — the people who build over 65% of Metro Vancouver’s homes. As a not-for-profit association, we bring people together — connecting industry and consumers through education, resources, and shared opportunities. We work closely with government to promote smart policy, with a focus on housing solutions that meet the region’s growing needs and are proudly  affiliated with CHBA BC and CHBA National.

Restoring a 1911 heritage home in Kitsilano from three poorly renovated rental suites into the home ‘it always wanted to be when it grew up’, Quinton Construction and Madeleine Design Group share the steps to their award-winning 4-level single-family home with basement suite reno. ‘As a designer, it really boils down to having the personality of your client shine through’, says award-winning designer, and former carpenter, Madeleine Sloback. ‘I tell clients to interview their builders based on their personality, as opposed to what they see on paper, because it is a very personal relationship that you're creating over the course of many years’. On this episode, Co-hosts Mike and Jennifer-Lee share with listeners the history of the award-winning Kitsilano Heritage Home. ‘An older home is based on having huge drying potential. Almost all these houses at some point get wet, but they're able to dry’, explains John Quinton. ‘And you have to be cognizant of that when you're upgrading these homes. For our new construction, we are very aggressive with our air sealing and use entirely exterior insulated wall assemblies. But when you're working with an existing home, you have to be careful about how you apply some of those technologies’. You will find “Measure Twice, Cut Once” podcasts on iTunes, Spotify and Google podcasts. Thanks to sponsors: FortisBC, Vicostone Canada, Trail Appliances, Rami Films, jPod productions, and AI Technology & Design.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.HAVAN – the Homebuilders Association Vancouver rRepresents over 1,100 members. We’ve been a trusted voice in the homebuilding industry since 1974. Our members include builders, developers, renovators, designers, suppliers, trades, and professionals — the people who build over 65% of Metro Vancouver’s homes. As a not-for-profit association, we bring people together — connecting industry and consumers through education, resources, and shared opportunities. We work closely with government to promote smart policy, with a focus on housing solutions that meet the region’s growing needs and are proudly  affiliated with CHBA BC and CHBA National.

Listen in as co-hosts Mike and Jennifer-Lee chat with award-winning duo Laura Grist Interior Design and Jedan Brothers Contracting sharing their secret recipe for award-winning kitchen renovations. ‘There was an opportunity to bring in some real lovely natural lighting. We decided to take out the windows. I know that sounds counter intuitive, but instead we moved the windows above the upper cabinets, and they brought in the light,’ says Laura Grist. ‘Right off the bat, I always recommend to clients to have a 10 percent contingency. But really at the very beginning of the project, I dive in quite deep and create a fairly detailed budget… but anytime we do structural work or just some things that are hidden behind the walls, I always estimate these based on experience and put a time and material allowance on it, says Dan Klassen. ‘So, in advance, the clients already know, okay, there's going to be something behind those walls.’ Thanks to sponsors: FortisBC, Vicostone Canada, Trail Appliances, Rami Films, jPod productions, and AI Technology & Design. You will find “Measure Twice, Cut Once” podcasts on iTunes, Spotify and Google podcasts. LISTEN: Meet the Burden Family and follow their real time reno   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.HAVAN – the Homebuilders Association Vancouver rRepresents over 1,100 members. We’ve been a trusted voice in the homebuilding industry since 1974. Our members include builders, developers, renovators, designers, suppliers, trades, and professionals — the people who build over 65% of Metro Vancouver’s homes. As a not-for-profit association, we bring people together — connecting industry and consumers through education, resources, and shared opportunities. We work closely with government to promote smart policy, with a focus on housing solutions that meet the region’s growing needs and are proudly  affiliated with CHBA BC and CHBA National.

You will find “Measure Twice, Cut Once” podcasts on iTunes, Spotify and Google podcasts Challenged by homeowners to push the boundaries in this custom home design build, Architrix Studio and Kingdom Builders share their solutions to include out-of-the-box design ideas. including in-floor radiant heating plus a floating staircase designed on the exterior wall, typically not possible when building to a passive home level. ‘The solar panels weren't the driving factor in the design. We designed the roof line to fit the holistic architecture of the home, and some of the roofs were oriented nicely to capture or capitalize the solar gain’, says Khang Nguyen of Architrix. Innovations included in-floor radiant heating plus a floating staircase designed on the exterior wall, typically not possible when building to a passive home level.‘We spread the pipes out a lot wider so you're getting that radiant floor heat, but with much less of a BTU’, said Paul Lilley, of Kingdom Builders. ‘We were able to come up with the design by learning from the builder in Washington State and we successfully implemented it. I was really excited about because it's in a passive house, yet we were able to give all the features the homeowners wanted that you might think are not always possible.’ Join co-hosts Mike and Jennifer-Lee. Thank you to podcast partners: FortisBC, Vicostone Canada, Trail Appliances, Rami Films, jPod productions, and AI Technology & Design. LISTEN: Meet the Burden Family and follow their real time reno See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.HAVAN – the Homebuilders Association Vancouver rRepresents over 1,100 members. We’ve been a trusted voice in the homebuilding industry since 1974. Our members include builders, developers, renovators, designers, suppliers, trades, and professionals — the people who build over 65% of Metro Vancouver’s homes. As a not-for-profit association, we bring people together — connecting industry and consumers through education, resources, and shared opportunities. We work closely with government to promote smart policy, with a focus on housing solutions that meet the region’s growing needs and are proudly  affiliated with CHBA BC and CHBA National.

Karly Kristina Design and Marcraft Homes share the design and cliff-dropping building engineering challenges as their clients with waterfront property including ultra-modern home plans - look to build their classic Hamptons dream home, without going back to the architect. ‘With a 40-foot grade from the street level to the ocean, when the excavator is digging and water is coming out, it's a very dangerous situation with challenging geotechnical conditions’, says Matt Jauck. ‘You dig down three, four feet, you hit rock. Now you're blasting and blasting could be like $10,000 a day, if not more for machinery.’ Listen in as co-hosts Mike and Jennifer-Lee talk to the HAVAN Awarding winning duo for Best Interior Design – Custom. ‘I can design the exact same home and issue the exact same spec binder and hand it off to two different builders and the outcome can be so different. It all comes down to communication, and how you work together as a team and also the trades and suppliers that maybe they end up using’, says Karly McLeod. Thank you to podcast partners: FortisBC, Vicostone Canada, Trail Appliances, Rami Films, jPod productions, and AI Technology & Design. LISTEN: Meet the Burden Family and follow their real time reno See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.HAVAN – the Homebuilders Association Vancouver rRepresents over 1,100 members. We’ve been a trusted voice in the homebuilding industry since 1974. Our members include builders, developers, renovators, designers, suppliers, trades, and professionals — the people who build over 65% of Metro Vancouver’s homes. As a not-for-profit association, we bring people together — connecting industry and consumers through education, resources, and shared opportunities. We work closely with government to promote smart policy, with a focus on housing solutions that meet the region’s growing needs and are proudly  affiliated with CHBA BC and CHBA National.

In This Episode; Todd Best of Best Builders teams up with Ian McLean Architecture sharing the story of Triadic, an award-winning home recognized for its environmental initiatives, housing solutions, and excellence in energy efficiencies. ‘I think the most important thing you can do is get the architect, the interior designer, and a good contractor that understands what you want. They may not be the cheapest, but a contractor that you think is going to be able to work through problems with you and understand your goals, and a team that can follow the project through straight to the end is key’, says Todd Best of Best Builders. Working in tandem, this award-winning builder and architect duo worked closely with the homeowners to build a 3,300 sq ft triplex featuring a main home, mortgage helper suite, and one stratified suite for $1.2 million. Thanks to podcast partners: FortisBC, Vicostone Canada, Trail Appliances, Rami Films, jPod productions, and AI Technology & Design. You will find “Measure Twice, Cut Once” podcasts on iTunes, Spotify and Google podcasts. LISTEN: Meet the Burden Family and follow their real time reno See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.HAVAN – the Homebuilders Association Vancouver rRepresents over 1,100 members. We’ve been a trusted voice in the homebuilding industry since 1974. Our members include builders, developers, renovators, designers, suppliers, trades, and professionals — the people who build over 65% of Metro Vancouver’s homes. As a not-for-profit association, we bring people together — connecting industry and consumers through education, resources, and shared opportunities. We work closely with government to promote smart policy, with a focus on housing solutions that meet the region’s growing needs and are proudly  affiliated with CHBA BC and CHBA National.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.HAVAN – the Homebuilders Association Vancouver rRepresents over 1,100 members. We’ve been a trusted voice in the homebuilding industry since 1974. Our members include builders, developers, renovators, designers, suppliers, trades, and professionals — the people who build over 65% of Metro Vancouver’s homes. As a not-for-profit association, we bring people together — connecting industry and consumers through education, resources, and shared opportunities. We work closely with government to promote smart policy, with a focus on housing solutions that meet the region’s growing needs and are proudly  affiliated with CHBA BC and CHBA National.

Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon kicks off Season 6 sharing his outlook on the impact of the Housing Supply Act, with Jake Fry of Smallworks and HAVAN CEO Ron Rapp chiming in with a few thoughts from the builder’s and industry perspective. Join Mike and Jennifer-Lee. You will find “Measure Twice, Cut Once” podcasts on iTunes, Spotify and Google podcasts. Thanks to sponsors: FortisBC, BC Housing, Trail Appliances, Rami Films, jPod productions, and AI Technology & Design.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.HAVAN – the Homebuilders Association Vancouver rRepresents over 1,100 members. We’ve been a trusted voice in the homebuilding industry since 1974. Our members include builders, developers, renovators, designers, suppliers, trades, and professionals — the people who build over 65% of Metro Vancouver’s homes. As a not-for-profit association, we bring people together — connecting industry and consumers through education, resources, and shared opportunities. We work closely with government to promote smart policy, with a focus on housing solutions that meet the region’s growing needs and are proudly  affiliated with CHBA BC and CHBA National.

Co-hosts Mike and Jennifer-Lee chat with Shaun St-Amour who talks about the associated costs, the energy savings, consumer choice, and the importance of challenging the status quo as the industry looks to build resilient, healthy homes with a lighter footprint on the environment. ‘I really think that we should have an AirBNB passive house that we all could just go and experience because when you step into it and you close the door and it's quieter and there's even a difference in fresh air, you honestly see the difference as soon as you take that first step inside.’ says Shaun St-Amour, Clay Construction. St-Amour is passionate about building to Passive House standards for the health and comfort of everyone who's occupying the home. ‘I would rather use the Passive House principles to get to net zero. Not only are you going to enjoy the benefits of a passive house, the comfort, the energy efficiency, the healthy home but you'll also have an opportunity to use materials that can create a 200 plus year old home because you're doing an envelope-first approach.’ Thanks to sponsors: FortisBC, Ethical Floors, Rami Films, and jPod productions You will find “Measure Twice, Cut Once” podcasts on iTunes, Spotify and Google podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.HAVAN – the Homebuilders Association Vancouver rRepresents over 1,100 members. We’ve been a trusted voice in the homebuilding industry since 1974. Our members include builders, developers, renovators, designers, suppliers, trades, and professionals — the people who build over 65% of Metro Vancouver’s homes. As a not-for-profit association, we bring people together — connecting industry and consumers through education, resources, and shared opportunities. We work closely with government to promote smart policy, with a focus on housing solutions that meet the region’s growing needs and are proudly  affiliated with CHBA BC and CHBA National.

Co-hosts Mike and Jennifer-Lee chat with Chris Wimbles of Perspective Homes by Pacific and homeowner, Drew Bonnell, sharing their experiences building their first net zero home including solar power. ‘You hear it all the time, communication. Because this was a complex project and because we had so many moving parts with so many people involved, if there were challenges, it was through a lack of communication rather than too much communication. You know the old adage, there's just no stupid questions. Just get it out there, let's air it, talk about it, and then it'll save time and money later,’ says Drew Bonnell, homeowner. The goals of this project were to build a design forward, future-proof home with sustainable features using renewable energy as progressive as possible, within the available budget. As the plan progressed, it became obvious, net zero was within reach with lots of lessons learned along the way. ‘From a building standpoint, what we've really learned is the importance of having as many design decisions and as many final product decisions from the onset. Obviously, there's always going to be things that change, but really, if you are a homeowner and you want to build something, try to figure out what it is you want and invest in the pre-construction design process of the project... especially with all the supply chain issues that we're still having in the industry, it's critical that you work with a schedule and in a way that that can get it all achieved.’ Chris Wimble, Perspective Homes by Pacific. Offering a first-hand perspective to building a high-performance home for the first time, you will hear tips on how to build more resilient homes with a lighter impact on the environment. Thanks to sponsors: FortisBC, Ethical Floors, Rami Films, and jPod productions LISTEN: Meet the Burden Family and follow their real time reno     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.HAVAN – the Homebuilders Association Vancouver rRepresents over 1,100 members. We’ve been a trusted voice in the homebuilding industry since 1974. Our members include builders, developers, renovators, designers, suppliers, trades, and professionals — the people who build over 65% of Metro Vancouver’s homes. As a not-for-profit association, we bring people together — connecting industry and consumers through education, resources, and shared opportunities. We work closely with government to promote smart policy, with a focus on housing solutions that meet the region’s growing needs and are proudly  affiliated with CHBA BC and CHBA National.