Wo-Built Inc's Commitment to the Community

Wo-Built Inc's Commitment to the Community

For those of you who have not heard of us, WO-BUILT INC is a women led construction company for women using a "Woman’s Touch". Part of the "Woman’s Touch" is our commitment to the Community.

I am in danger of repeating myself, but we are a construction company with a social mission. As mentioned in previous postings we want to help women succeed in the skilled building trades.

However, our commitment to the community goes beyond our training mission. Many Women and Youth Not-For-Profit organizations in the Greater Toronto Area need construction help at some stage. We want to be of help to these organizations using our talents as project and construction managers so that during construction projects they obtain the best value for their money. We offer this service at very much reduced rates to these organizations. This is our way of giving back to the community.

Of course we have to strike a balance between our Design and Build projects and our community projects. Hence, each project is looked at for its merits and the level of need and if we can accommodate it, we will try to help.

Martina Ernst
CEO
Wo-Built Inc

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Top Renovations That Increase Home Value

Collage: Wo-Built's Renovation Projects: the Ranch and the Tower
Interesting Bungalow Additions with Architectural Merit.
Credit: MS Office ClipArt: Silhouettes

With warmer weather the spring bug strikes. … people start thinking about ideas to improve their homes.

Most often asked is whether money spent renovating can be recouped in increased property value, and which projects increase value the most ???

The key factor is to ensure that renovations increase at least two of three elements: comfort, convenience, luxury. Both aesthetics and function should also be improved with the work.

Return on investment is tied to increasing the desirability of a property to buyers. In established neighborhoods - the character of older buildings, complete with modern conveniences, is most desired.

Renovated Homes sell better than less expensive ones that require work……Few want the inconvenience of upgrading.

If you are brave enough to do it–the investment pays off !!!!

The top renovation areas that increase home value are :

1. Upgraded kitchens and bathrooms.
2. Upgraded architectural elements- windows, porches, skylights, front entries.
3. Upgraded Lifestyle features that:
a. Add comfort - whirlpool tubs, fireplaces, heated floors.
b. Add convenience laundry rooms on a main /upper floor, extra storage, walk outs.
c. Add luxury - steam shower, body jets.
4. Upgraded materials & finishes - wood floors, granite countertops.
5. Upgraded landscaping - decks, patios, water features.

Cost vs. Return on Investment

Adding an extra bathroom: quickest, and highest level of return…. A bathroom on each level is most desirable.

Updating a kitchen: the investment is returned completely in a short time - if reasonable quality items and good design are used.

Upgrading a bathroom: provides an excellent return over time, - especially adding luxury features - separate shower, whirlpool bath.

Additions vs updating existing areas - more space adds most value…. unless existing space is unusable-i.e. unfinished basements.

Now you know your money will be wisely spent there is no reason to hold back ... get out the measuring tape and begin your plans ... Happy Spring.

__________________________________________________
Sheila Doris has been an interior designer for over 25 years and is a member of A.R.I.D.O. She specializes in residential work, and writes about design and renovation. Her company S.I.Design offers a tips & techniques newsletter @ s-I-design.ca.
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Unique Spaces – Is your home really you? - Part 2

Photographer: Roberto Anguita Escribano, copyright.
Used with permission from www.istockphoto.com.

If you want to be the real you in your life and home, ask yourself what kind of person do you want to be and how do you want it represented in your space? What are your values and passions?

More specifically:
What are some things that you enjoyed doing before you got caught up in life?
What do you enjoy to do now?
What are your hobbies? Favourite topics of conversation? Types of books you like to read?
These questions can give a coach or professional insights into who their clients are as well as help them remember what they’re about.

Self Care and Personal Energy.

Some people have asked me “What does this have to do with our environments?” I always say, “A lot!” Our outside world is a reflection of us. If you have great energy you’ll attract situations, people and things with great energy. With great energy, we become less tired and have the drive and motivation to do anything in our lives without excuses.

If you don’t take care of your health and well-being, START!
No daily pleasures? Figure out what they are and ENJOY THEM!
If you don’t engage in activities that make your heart sing and make time fly, MAKE TIME FOR THEM!

Insight and Clarity

Once you have greater clarity about whom you are and have the energy to be it consistently you can now translate it to your space.

Pick and choose items that hold positive meaning and association for YOU at all times so that you feel good energy and keep your focus on things and circumstances that will draw more good things in your life. Honour the items you do choose. Remember your space is about you so don’t be afraid to let it shine!

_______________________________________________
Ayanna McAlmont is a Home and Life Guide based in Oakville, Ontario. In her company Blue Door Solutions, she guides homeowners to have homes which reflect who they are at heart. She says ”when your inner world changes, the outer world will change to reflect who the person has become.” Visit her at http://www.bluedoorsolutions.ca/ or contact her on ayanna@bluedoorsolutions.ca.

copyright Ayanna McAlmont Blue Door Solutions 2007 Articles can be used only with permission by the author

Further article by Ayanna McAlmont: Home Staging -A Case Study for Success

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Wo-Built's Design & Build Philosophy

Notes from the Desk of Martina Ernst:
1) Thank Ari Berman for his contribution to the Information Forum
2) Write about Wo-Built's Design & Build Philosophy

• Design & Build Part 1: Is the Design and Build Process Better Than the Traditional Construction One?
• Design & Build Part 2: So, Is Design and Build the Solution?
• Design & Build Part 3: How will we know if a Design and Build contractor is pricing accurately?
• Design & Build Part 4: Some more thoughts on Design and Build

Ari Berman’s editorial comments on traditional construction projects versus Design & Build projects reflect some of the reasons why we wanted to be a Design & Build contractor. My heartfelt thanks for your contribution Ari.

Our values are very much anchored in professionalism and customer service and we felt we could best serve our customers by providing a total Design & Build experience. Both Elida Huignard and I have architectural backgrounds and we know the importance of upfront planning and communication between designer and contractor. Combining the two functions under one roof enables faster and better communications, hence making design changes less likely during the construction phase.

The upfront involvement also allows for better planning of necessary resources, both labour and material. Better planning usually results in more efficient use of these resources, reducing delays and last minute high cost purchases. Quality generally is higher with upfront planning and expectations are managed on all sides. Often the most important aspect of a good renovation or construction project is knowing what comes next and what to expect next.

Both Elida and I have worked on large projects in the past and we know the importance of budget restraints, cost planning, adherence to deadlines and the importance of great quality work. The design and build process gives us the confidence to be able to deliver a great quality product and leave a client happy.

Martina Ernst
CEO
Wo-Built Inc

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Design & Build Part 4: Some More Thoughts on Design and Build

Image: MS Office

Keywords: architects, blueprints, construction, contractors, developers

Ok, so the million Dollar question is - 'If the Design & Build process is so good why doesn't everyone use it?'

Well, one disadvantage is that the contractual set-up tends to be much more involved than for the traditional one. It requires a lot more up-front work by the contractor which is largely unpaid and much more risky than traditional project bidding. From a home owners perspective the Design and Build process has been largely associated with large public projects and the benefits for smaller projects have not been publicized well. Also there is the fear that one would not get the best deal, by locking in too early and to one provider.

But in our competitive world, there is an emphasis on customer satisfaction to provide repeat and referral business. A properly documented and executed Design & Build process is the more customer friendly and satisfying because it almost totally eliminates the wiggle room for stretching out your project's time or cost. It also gives the client a lot more influence and power in the relationship. By dealing with just one representative responsible for all areas of the project, confusion about who was supposed to do what, when that was to happen and who had to make the call is made very simple and direct. If Design & Build is good enough for mega projects, its benefits will compel smaller consumers to demand the same protection and services. My prediction is that over the next few years Design & Build will be on the rise as consumers insist on having more control and less risk on their projects.

_______________________________________________________________
This article was contributed by Ari Berman, a Management Consultant from Toronto, Canada, with a specialization in operations and process change. He has helped companies spanning aircraft builders to soda drink manufacturers to increase their value - finding and improving important details that never got attended to in past. His work in the construction industry includes overseeing commercial construction projects in retail shopping malls across Canada. He can be reached at 647-235-8181 or via e-mail on ari.berman@cmc-advisor.com.

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Design & Build Part 3: How Will We Know If a Design and Build Contractor Is Pricing Accurately?

Image: MS Office

Keywords: architects, blueprints, construction, contractors, developers

A Design & Build contractor can save money on a project by doing good cost planning, managing site logistics and reducing or eliminating rework/redesign costs. But why would they not take advantage of their position to squeeze the client and fatten their margins? They are, after all, engaged before the design is finalized and have ample opportunity to pump up the numbers. The controls again are built into how they secure their engagement - by the budget and cost estimate they develop during the initial discussions and consultation. Unless the scope changes drastically they are contracted to stay within those limits. The firm contract price which is developed during the detailed design is based on a published fee structures and cost guidelines. Since they are involved in all the stages of the process, they also take some of the risks by giving a firm price at the beginning. They are stake-holders in their clients' projects. And if we as the clients still have doubt about cost validity, additional checks and balances can be introduced, such as an independent cost consultant, detailed fee breakdowns with negotiated percentages and fully disclosed and detailed change order pricing.

From the standpoint of cost and time controls, the Design & Build process outperforms over the traditional construction one.

Some more thoughts on Design & Build. Click here to read on.

_______________________________________________________________
This article was contributed by Ari Berman, a Management Consultant from Toronto, Canada, with a specialization in operations and process change. He has helped companies spanning aircraft builders to soda drink manufacturers to increase their value - finding and improving important details that never got attended to in past. His work in the construction industry includes overseeing commercial construction projects in retail shopping malls across Canada. He can be reached at 647-235-8181 or via e-mail on ari.berman@cmc-advisor.com.

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