What to Do When You Outgrow Your House? Move or Be Moved?

Collage: Relax during a renovation? This could be you!
Image Credit: MS Office ClipArt: home, living room, couple, relaxing
2011 @ wobuilt.com

What to do when your family, tastes, and or other needs outgrow your current home: buy a new home, build a new home, or remodel your home. Explore different options to create your family dream home.

Many people believe there is only one way to "trade up" in the world of real-estate: to move. Fair enough: there’s an entire industry — and a very vocal one at that — focused on gearing us to think in terms of selling our home, finding a new home, getting a new mortgage, moving, etc. The fact that there are middle-men (i.e. from real estate agents to mortgage brokers) at every stage of this process all "taking their cut" is a little factoid of information rarely mentioned. Still, it’s an understandable approach to the dilemma of what to do when your family, tastes, and or other needs outgrow your current home. And certainly, one need only look around the Greater Toronto Area to see the real estate sales cycle in full swing.

Another popular route is to build a new home from scratch. In the contemporary scenario, this usually means a move to the suburbs (or "suburban hell" as I like to call it), where "reasonably-priced" lots are still available. Of course, from a GTA perspective, this means going to areas west of the city like Mississauga, Oakville, and Milton. Or, perhaps north to Brampton, Vaughan, Markham, or Newmarket. Possibly east to Scarborough, Oshawa, Peterborough. If you’ve ever wondered why all the houses in any particular subdivision in any of these cities all look the same (including older areas in Toronto, from downtown to Etobicoke to North York), it’s likely because all the designs came from one builder’s binder of cookie-cutter plans. If you ask me, cookies belong in lunch boxes, not neighborhoods. Besides, visit any decent bakery (i.e. in the city) and you’ll see how appealing a spread can be when there’s a good mix of decorative cookies on offer — a selection that’s a bit more creative than "chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin or peanut butter."

So what about the least well-known yet possibly most economical route? That is, of course, to build a dream home on the lot that’s available already underneath your existing home. The advantages are numerous. For starters, you don’t have to move to a different location. If you like your neighborhood, neighbors, location, etc. why pick up and transplant your family to a completely new one? Many people living in Toronto near the lake — East York and the Beaches, for example — want to stay in the area, what with the proximity of the Danforth, subway, etc. — and only need to upgrade their older house. Secondly, you already own the lot beneath your home (at least partially, if you still have some mortgage left to pay on it). At the very least, you will be able to leverage its current market value without having to go through the hassle of selling and the expense of paying an agent.

Presumably, you picked the property you live in for a number of good reasons. If some of your needs have changed over time, a simple addition might be just the thing. Of course, if your home choice was limited by your economic status at the time, perhaps you could consider something a little more involved than a simple addition: a complete re-design. It is a little-known fact that you can tear-down the vast majority of an existing home and build something almost completely from scratch in its place (maintain a few basic elements) and have it qualify as a renovation. This has significant benefits over building a house entirely from scratch. Plus, as already mentioned, your new dream home is built in the neighborhood you know and love. This option is especially attractive to anyone living in an older bungalow in East York, The Beaches, along the Danforth, Etobicoke, even Oakville. Lakeside properties that have houses which were designed to be "cottage-like" are now prime candidates to be transformed into lakeside dream homes — close enough to downtown Toronto, preserving the cottage feel, but with all the benefits of a brand new home.

The point is this: in today’s real estate market, you may be able to sell high, but that means you also have to buy high. Alternatively, you have to go where you can buy cheaper and be stuck in suburban hell in a home that looks like everyone else’s, while adding some extra time into your morning commute. Or, you can take advantage of low interest rates and rising property values to make an investment into your lifestyle and the property value of your existing home. We’re not talking about a "lipstick and rouge" job, either. With some professional design consultation and creative use of space, you might be amazed at the value a "complete renovation" can add to your quality of life — house and home.

In other words, why just move when you can be moved?

Attila Lendvai
VP of Strategic Development
Wo-Built Inc. - Innovative Design and Build

links:
moneysense.ca: MoneySense Magazine: Homes: Renovate or relocate
If you’ve run out of space at home, you have a big decision to make. Should you move? Build an addition? Raze and rebuild from scratch? MoneySense costs out the options.
By Bryan Borzykowski

moneycentral.msn.com: Is it time to remodel -- or buy a new house?
Keeping up a home for 30 years may cost you up to four times its purchase price. Is it smarter just to buy another home every 10 years? Here's how to decide.
By Liz Pulliam Weston

realestate.msn.com: Why build? Move an older house instead
Moving and fixing up a reclaimed home sounds like a real bargain. But it's not a simple job. Here's how two friends did it and came out ahead.
By Marilyn Lewis of MSN Real Estate

cmhc-schl.gc.ca: Renovation and Home Purchase Report - Major Market Highlights
"Forty-two per cent of households in ten Canadian markets renovated their home in 2010."
This publication highlights the key trends, analyses and statistics from CMHC's Renovation and Home Purchase Survey, conducted in ten major Canadian centres. The survey provides information on prior year's renovations in all ten centres. Intentions to buy or renovate a home are highlighted in five of the centres, so you can learn more about Tomorrow's Customers Today.

headstartforbaby.com: Can I Afford to Buy a Bigger House for My Growing Family?

Expanding Architecture: Design-Build and Social Mission

Collage: Our Busman's Holiday Inspiration:
Design Expo, Home Show, and Word on the Street
Credit: iidexneocon.com + fallhomeshow.com + thewordonthestreet.ca
2011 @ wobuilt.com

Our Busman's Holiday Inspiration: Design Expo, Home Show, and Word on the Street

I had a busman’s holiday over the weekend – IIDEX/Neocon Canada, the Toronto Fall Home Show and Word on the Street.

I am exhausted but inspired: so many great things for Wo-Built!!!! Maybe it was design, build and social mission days. The three pillars of our company.

On Friday I went to Canada's national design expo and conference, IIDEX/NeoCon Canada and I really enjoyed seeing so many great interior design elements, I hadn’t seen before. I loved ThinkGlass’s glass countertop, the new innovative LED light fixtures from Lumo: very European, some really cool signage from MediaGraph and the living wall systems by TropicsNorth, just to name a few. On a more practical note I was impressed by Evonik Industries acrylic building materials. Maybe something we will use for covering decks and patios as it is very versatile.

But the most interesting for me was the DIRTT’s (DIRTT = Doing It Right This Time) booth. We are very interested in using partitions in offices, but their system is much more versatile: it can be used for the residential as well as the non-residential projects. They had beds hanging off their partitions, a fire place, wine racks, shelving, a version of a living wall and many more practical items; so many I cannot remember them all. It was an impressive showcasing of their innovations, products, and trends.

The Toronto Fall Home Show on Saturday had a few surprises as well. One was the Lumon balcony glazing system, which enables enclosing existing balconies and patios and making them three-season spaces. Look out, we definitely will incorporate this into our designs where appropriate. Also kudos to my fellow BILD members who were there and either had a booth or showed their work at the BILD renovation booth. Great work!

But the most fruitful for our social missions was the Word on the Street festival. I had never been and was astonished at the selection of independent publishers. I got a range of books, from community organizing (Community organizing: a holistic approach, by Joan Kuyek) via green politics (The no-nonsense guide to green politics, by Derek Wall) to a comic book (This will all end in tears, by Joe Ollmann). Lots to read which might further Wo-Built’s causes. But the find I am most happy with: A collection of quotations by Frank Lloyd Wright on architecture, nature, and the human spirit.

A current personal favourite Frank Lloyd Wright quote on architecture is from 1957, maybe because it resonates with what we try to do for our clients and our community: "The mission of an architect is to help people understand how to make life more beautiful, the world a better one for living in, and to give reason, rhyme and meaning to life."

Maybe what I learned and still will absorb from this past weekend will bring us closer toward our goal to be the best builder while doing good.

Martina Ernst
President/CEO
Wo-Built Inc. - Innovative Design and Build

An Addition = A Home that’s more than just the Sum of its Parts

Collage: An Addition Creates a Home That Is More Than The Sum of Its Parts
Image Credit: MS Office ClipArt: Additions, Extensions, Homes
 @ wobuilt.com

Our "pain in the neck" house was converted into our "dream home" just by addressing the handful of pet peeves with a little imagination and a leap of faith — the addition truly created a home that was more than the sum of its parts.

I can distinctly recall the family meeting that took place a number of years ago at our kitchen table… “We need more useable space in the house. That carport is utterly useless as-is. We need another bathroom in the house. A Jacuzzi bathtub would be nice. An office that is tucked well away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the open-concept house would let someone work in relative peace and quiet. What about a heated garage and tool-room / workshop?...” and so on.

The problem? The thing is, we didn’t want to move. Notwithstanding the usual considerations of market prices, logistics of moving, etc., the simple fact was we liked where we lived. After all, isn’t real estate all about “location, location, location?” To give up a prime location that works for everyone in the family for the sake of a little more useable square footage seemed like an unwise exchange. That’s not to say we didn’t consider all our options. We certainly did look around for an alternative property (and I cannot begin to count how many weekends were completely consumed in the process of house-hunting…all those weekends we’d never get back). Plus, it seemed like every house we looked at was too big! Our existing house suited our needs except for a few sticking points; it seemed strange buying extra rooms we couldn’t use for the sake of solving a few pet peeves. In the end, there simply was no house that sensibly met our budgetary limits and location needs. So what was the solution?

The solution? I must admit, when we first sat with the contractor to discuss an addition onto our house, I was a little sceptical. Building a new garage, office and mudroom seemed straightforward enough, but converting the existing carport into a living room and bathroom? Somehow it was difficult to wrap my head around the transformation of a space that had been a thorn in our family’s side for years (one cannot escape the bitter irony while shovelling snow drifts out of a “garage wannabe”). Despite not being to “see it,” I went along.

The result? The solution to almost every problem we had with our existing house. We had a beautifully finished living room for the antique furniture set and Persian rug, complete with hardwood floors, stucco ceiling, crown mouldings and chandelier. It was bright and airy, thanks to the two windows knocked out of the carport’s solid brick wall. Being able to move a number of furniture pieces into the new space opened up existing rooms in the house as well. Our existing dining room felt more airy and not like a furniture warehouse anymore. The extra bathroom with Jacuzzi tub was like manna from heaven for a family of four. As for the new office, hours of privacy could be had while studying for exams, working on assignments, playing a computer game, or simply talking on the phone. The new garage had an automatic garage door opener, plenty of space for two cars, and featured a tool room and workshop to boot (also snow drift free). It was all pretty much exactly what we had brainstormed around the kitchen table in our original family meeting, even if we “couldn’t see it” at the time.

The cost? A lot less than having to move into one of the many monster-sized homes we had seen (especially if we take into account real estate and moving fees). The best part was we were able to stay exactly where we wanted to be, in the neighbourhood we loved. Our “pain in the neck” house was converted into our “dream home” just by addressing the handful of pet peeves with a little imagination and a leap of faith — the addition truly created a home that was more than the sum of its parts.

Attila Lendvai
VP of Strategic Development
Wo-Built Inc. - Innovative Design and Build

links:
wobuilt.com: Second floor addition project

wobuilt.com/blog: Another Addition Renovation We Are Proud of: The Wow Factor Approach!

wobuilt.com/blog: A Second Storey Addition - New Construction Approach
wobuilt.com/blog: What Do These Three Renovation Projects Have In Common?
A Comparison of Three Renovation Projects: the Classic, the Ranch and the Tower. What Do These Projects Have in Common?

A Reflection on Jane Jacobs' Contributions to Urban Planning

Photo-Collage: Jane Jacobs' Toronto Forum,
September 15, 2011, OISE Auditorium;
On the occasion of the release of the
50th Anniversary edition of Jacobs' classic book,
The Death and Life of Great American Cities;
Hosted by: the Centre for City Ecology.
Photos: Olga Goubar @ wobuilt.com

Jane Jacobs' Toronto
Event date: Thursday, September 15, 2011, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, OISE, Auditorium, main floor, 252 Bloor St. West at St. George subway
On the occasion of the release of the 50th Anniversary edition of Jacobs' classic book, The Death and Life of Great American Cities, join the Centre for City Ecology and four of Toronto's past Mayors for their reflections on the impact of Jane Jacobs on our city.
* David Crombie, Mayor of Toronto, 1972–1978
* John Sewell, Mayor of Toronto, 1978–1980
* Art Eggleton, Mayor of Toronto, 1980–1991
* Barbara Hall, Mayor of Toronto, 1994–1997
Jane Jacobs arrived in Toronto in 1968 and lived here until her death in 2006. These four Mayors knew Jacobs personally. They will discuss the impact of her work on the city and her influence on their leadership of it.
Presented by Centre for City Ecology, Cities Centre, Canadian Urban Institute, SaloN cAmDen.
Credit: citiescentre.utoronto.ca

Last week I went to a discussion to celebrate Jane Jacobs' urbanism hosted by the Centre for City Ecology. Four past mayors John Sewell, Art Eggleton, David Crombie and Barbara Hall all retold their dealings with and admiration for the woman who was instrumental in shaping Toronto as a City.

My architectural education was from Europe and though I had heard of Ms Jacobs, I was not familiar with her work. Listening to the mayors who knew and worked with Jane Jacobs was an eye opener. Many of her ideas resonate with me.

Her four main urban planning principles mentioned were:

• Mixed uses.
• Short blocks.
• Buildings of various ages & states of repair.
• Density.

The third point: buildings of various ages and states of repair is especially interesting for us. We, as a company, are great believers that cities grow and evolve; hence giving a sense of history. Generally we are not in favour of tearing down old buildings without looking into the possibility to keep, add and improve them first. In past postings we looked at the rational of combining old buildings with new architecture. We believe strongly that marrying old with new can revitalize buildings and in extension communities. However, we also believe that buildings should be kept in good repair, even though a run-down building might bring more flavour to an area.

Re-evaluating Ms Jacobs' ideas for the next phase of Toronto's development is a must in our opinion. And it is timely. As the Toronto Official Plan is being discussed again, there are opportunities to re-look at some of the recommendations, zoning and transportation needs and adjust them for Toronto's ever changing development. The preservation of neighbourhoods as viable living, working and playing areas is important, but we have to incorporate change that is suitable for our ever growing city.

Future posts will look at our take on mixed use and density.

Martina Ernst
President/CEO
Wo-Built Inc. - Innovative Design and Build

links:
wobuilt.com/blog: Combining Old and New: Keeping the Neighbourhood and Community Thriving

wobuilt.com/blog: Do Industrial Buildings Have a Future?

wobuilt.com/blog: Aspects of Longevity of Design: How to Design Timeless Spaces

wobuilt.com/blog: Architecture: Combining New and Old

guardian.co.uk: Obituary: Jane Jacobs
Urban philosopher and activist with an intimate interest in how things work
by Veronica Horwell, The Guardian, Friday 28 April 2006

pps.org: Project for Public Spaces: Jane Jacobs
Biography • Perspectives • Quotable • Publications • Links • Contact

peopleplantoronto.org: PPT Planning Glossary: How we talk about how we build.

cityecology.net: Responses to Jane Jacobs' Toronto event last night
Posted by Heather Ann Kaldeway on September 16, 2011

@spaikin: ex-mayors crombie, sewell, eggleton, and hall discuss jane jacobs' contrib to urban life. yfrog.com/h496171100j
by Steve Paikin from TVO's "The Agenda with Steve Paikin" managed to tweet while moderating the conversation between the Mayors.

Toronto Real Estate Development: Big Headaches … Little Progress

Architect with Engineering Blueprints Watching Construction
Image Credit: MS Office ClipArt: Construction, Construction Sites, Cranes.

Why the vast majority of major development in the GTA is condo, and new rental housing developments are almost nowhere to be found?

Have you noticed all those cranes in the GTA? The vast majority of the developments are high-rise condos. And no wonder: the fastest way to guarantee cash flow and ROI is to sell off 80% of the building before you ever break ground. What investor wouldn’t like that risk profile?

When it comes to other types of massive developments or redevelopments, the rule of thumb is:

• the first developer goes bankrupt,
• the second developer maybe breaks even,
• the third developer turns a profit.

Let’s break it down:

The first developer believes with economies of scale, know-how, experience, and deep pockets, they can “find the holy grail” where all others have failed. And, motivated by such thinking, inevitably fail. They run out of money (or can no longer stomach sinking tens of millions more than what their projections had planned for, knowing they will never see a return on their investment).

Like any dutiful vulture would, the second developer swoops in, snaps up a half-completed development at pennies on the dollar (thank-you very much) and then jumps two-feet first into the “killer-deal.” Killer is right, as the second developer promptly discovers how deep and deadly the sink-hole the project actually is. After throwing tens of millions more into it than expected, they also either sell off the headache or just barely break even. Either way, they are happy to climb out of the money-pit.

The third developer is the real shark. Smelling so much blood in the water, comes in and gobbles up a bona fide feast: a two-thirds or three-quarters completed development pennies on the dollar. They complete the development and are able to turn a profit (usually, although not without challenges).

So what are the first and second developers thinking? Is this the real reason why the vast majority of major development in the GTA is condo, and new rental housing developments are almost nowhere to be found? Is this why it’s next to impossible to conceive of huge urban beautification and renewal projects? It’s not surprising developers are gun-shy. With so much precedent, who would be crazy enough to be “first guy to take a bullet, this time ‘round?”

More interestingly, is there a solution? Can the “holy grail” of massive developments be found? Only time will tell. One thing is certain: clearly in the past developers have believed they’ve found the solution; and yet, we know they haven’t.

What big progress could be achieved, indeed, if someone could solve this puzzle in the world of real estate development? What amazing urban renewal and re-envisioning designs could see the light of day? For now, we wait for someone to figure out how to hit one out of the park at first bat.

Attila Lendvai
VP of Strategic Development
Wo-Built Inc. - Innovative Design and Build

What We Do: Renovating, Contracting, Building Custom Homes

Wo-Built Inc.: Renovating, Contracting, Building Custom Homes
2011 @ wobuilt.com

We would like to introduce our company to you as a General Contractor specializing in home renovation and custom built construction projects.

Renovation

Everyone wants to live in a "dream home." That means different things to different people, but most would agree that no matter what they live in right now, it falls a little short of their dream. Many will cite sky-high real-estate prices in Toronto, the headache of selling one home and buying another, and the hassle of moving as reason enough not to pursue their dream-home vision; so, it tends to remain just that: only a dream.

Introducing Wo-Built, the Vision Builder. Dream Homes are our specialty. We are in the business of helping you create your ideal home by transforming the property you already own (we also renovate and/or transform commercial properties). No selling. No buying. No moving. Just the exciting creative process of turning the space you already know into the dream home (or office) you will truly love.

As specialists in designing and building large renovations and additions, we help you see the vision for your property realized. Our designs are innovative, green, cost-effective and always provide a "wow factor" that will impress friends, strangers…even your in-laws.

To find out more about the Company and our Dream-Renovation Program, please visit our website.


Contracting

With over 50 years combined design and building experience, including involvement in several prestigious projects, the Owners have the know-how to tackle the oft-misunderstood and easily-underestimated property renewal and transformation process. We have the honesty to be up-front on estimates and the integrity to deliver on contracts.

Introducing Wo-Built, the Vision Builder. Wo-Built is a Design and Build Construction Company in the west end of the Greater Toronto Area (Ontario, Canada), offering complete design and build services for both residential and non residential clients. We specialize in commercial light construction and projects such as home extensions, additions and custom homes.

Our vision is to build the future on a foundation of timeless values: innovative designs that are, green, cost effective, always provide a wow factor and are built to last. We are also actively involved in the education, training and apprenticeship of the next generation of vision builders.

For more information about Wo-Built, the Vision Builder, please visit please visit our website.


Custom Homes

So you’re thinking about building a custom home: maybe you’ve just purchased a bungalow or piece of land, but are unsure how to go about building a custom house, let alone something you could call your dream home. Will it be completely new or a custom addition? What are the pros/cons of each option? What about zoning, permits, timelines, budgets? Wo-Built, the Vision Builder offers a one-stop-shop for your project.

Introducing Wo-Built, the Vision Builder. We offer a one-stop-shop for your construction and renovation project. Our Custom Home / Addition Service begins with consultations designed to capture your visions for your dream home. By exploring your individuality, along with your unique needs, challenges and circumstances, we can determine what will best suit you. Next, we answer any and all concerns you may have openly and honestly. We lay out just what you can expect during the building process and what you can look forward to in the final product. Then, we deliver; keeping you informed every step of the way.

This is how Wo-Built envisions and creates dream building projects from start to finish. We want our customers to tell others about the integrity and reliability of their builder…the Vision Builder…Wo-Built.

For more information about the Company and our services, please visit please visit our website.

Perils of Basement Renovation

If your house is not new, but old;
Remove any basement mold.
Image Credit: MS Office ClipArt: Basements, Buildings, Houses
2011 @ wobuilt.com

If the basement is used as a living space, it has to be safe, dry and healthy.

We never want to be the bearer of bad news when we do our renovations, but basements seem to be our nemesis (with regards to being the messengers of bad news). In cases of unfinished basements problems are easily identified, but in finished ones: many evils are covered up.

Originally most basements were designed for storage, unfinished utility rooms, coal storage; generally the walls were left unfinished and not insulated, making a wet basement not a huge problem. Later, the same basements were converted into living spaces. This is when a lot of problems started.

There are two main issues: water and water related structural ones. Wet basements are common, especially in older buildings. Most older homes do not have a working weeping tile system on the outside, which would drain the water away from the house. Water is allowed to reach the walls and put pressure onto them. Over time due to water and ice attacks the walls develop cracks and the water will seep through them. Some construction methods seem to hold up better than others, but there are no hard and fast rules.

It is quite possible that when the basements were converted that the walls were still in reasonable condition. Water damage can occur at any time. However, some basements we now encounter have horror stories to tell.

Once the water has access to the basement interior and is allowed to soak the drywall, mould will form and spread rapidly. Moisture ingress can be difficult to detect, especially in a dry spell, and unless there is evidence of water stains and exterior mold, home inspections can be mislead. Once found, we recommend that both drywall and studs are removed to allow a thorough mold remedial.

Water related structural problems can be found if the water has been allowed to seep through the wall for a long period of time. Concrete block work seem to be affected the most. The wooden spacers between each layer of block rot way and can form large gaps, potentially making the wall less stable.

The principle of fixing the water issue is relatively straight forward. You either keep it away from the wall from the outside, or let it come in and then divert it to a sump pump where it is ejected from the house. The choice of system and method will depend on the severity of the structural damage, where the water enters the building, the ease of being able to dig outside and if it is possible to trench inside due to choice of flooring and finishes.

However, there is a choice you cannot make: to do nothing. If the basement is used as a living space, it has to be safe, dry and healthy. Even if you decide to do the mold remedial and fix the structural issues, if you do not control the water, the problems will not go away. If anything they might become worse.


Martina Ernst
President/CEO
Wo-Built Inc. - Innovative Design and Build

Please, follow the links to find more information:

cmhc-schl.gc.ca: Renovation Fact Sheets: Renovating Your Basement for Livability
If you are planning a basement renovation, you should inspect your basement for possible problems.

cmhc-schl.gc.ca: Avoid Surprises: Renovating Your Basement — Moisture Problems
Moisture problems are caused by a buildup of a variety of water sources. Whether it comes from surface or ground water that leaks in, water that wicks up or water vapour that condenses, it must be controlled.

wobuilt.com/blog: Top Reasons to Do Kitchen and Bathroom Renovations

Attila Lendvai – VP of Strategic Development

Attila Lendvai, MBA, VP of Strategic Development
Wo-Built Inc. - Innovative Design and Build

Wo-Built’s Team Is Expanding

We are happy to welcome Attila Lendvai to the Wo-Built's team.

For us Attila is responsible for the strategic development of existing, and new business initiatives and to explore new and exciting building’s initiatives that are in tune with our company philosophy of being the best builder while doing good. He will work closely with our existing partners and look to develop new partnerships with likeminded parties.

He is well suited for this position since he has worked alongside managers and business owners in industries ranging from textiles and designer fashions to power generation and maintenance to I.T. and the Internet. He has helped develop and manage brands, strategic communications and investor relations. Attila is incorporating his skills and training in linguistics, communication, collaboration, and presentation into what he sees as a gaping hole in the world of business. For years he has worked as a consultant developing, practicing and perfecting his simple system for strategic innovation, communication and execution.

Today, Attila applies his unique skills and experience as a Social Entrepreneur Executive Management Consultant, supporting social entrepreneurship and corporate social intrapreneurship where hearts and minds are open to crafting and executing conscious strategies that make the world a better place.

In addition to his consulting practice—Attila is also a respected public speaker, spokesperson and emcee. He is an accomplished essayist, blogger and published author, notably his contribution, “A StratCom Model for the Practice of International Competitive Intelligence” published in Competitive Intelligence and Global Business and his book entitled The Attlas Project – SEE the World in a New Light, and weblog of the same name.

All his experience and his ability to look at matters from unique angles will be of great value to Wo-Built. We look forward to a successful collaboration.

From the entire Wo-Built team - Welcome Attila!

Martina Ernst
President/CEO
Wo-Built Inc. - Innovative Design and Build

Attila received Honours Bachelor degrees in English Linguistics and Dramatic Arts from the University of Guelph and his Masters of Business Administration from Wilfred Laurier University, Waterloo. In addition, he has a Diploma in Television and Radio Broadcasting from The National Institute of Broadcasting, Toronto.
website: The Attlas Project
linkedin: Attila Lendvai
facebook: SEEATTLAS
blog: The Attlas Project: Raise Awareness. Awaken Consciousness.

For Wo-Built related issues contact:
Attila Lendvai, VP of Strategic Development
Wo-Built Inc. - Innovative Design and Build
Suite #3, 1287 St. Clair Avenue West
Toronto, ON M6E 1B8, Canada
email: attila@wobuilt.com
phone: 647. 460. 0560

Being Part of Green-committed Businesses in Toronto

Screenshot: Live Green Toronto Membership Card
New Business Member: Wo-Built
Credit: livegreencard.ca

"Get your free Live Green Toronto Membership Card and join the growing number of shoppers who choose to support green-committed businesses in Toronto. "
livegreencard.ca: Save more than money

We would like to thank the Live Green Toronto team for including us on the LiveGreenTOcard.ca website. We fully support the City of Toronto in their efforts to encourage green living.

Our Green Commitment
We are dedicated to being environmentally conscious and have embraced "Green Construction" in all our projects. We strive to be the leading design and build company that is sought after for its innovative design and quality construction and one that is recognized for using their projects as a means to help women, the community and the environment.

Our Special Offer for Members
Incorporate in your renovations the following: green roofs, solar, geothermal or heat recovery measures and save 5% of the retail costs.


Martina Ernst
President/CEO
Wo-Built Inc. - Innovative Design and Build

Please, follow the links to find more information:
livegreencard.ca: Looking for a consultant, contractor or company to help you go green?
These participating businesses can help you reduce your ecological footprint by providing products and services for your life, home and workplace. You could find our green deal under the Specialty cluster of the Livegreen Toronto businesses.

wobuilt.com/blog: Carbon Neutral Neighbourhood Project Launch in Toronto

wobuilt.com/blog: Feeling Green and Doing My Bit for the Environment

wobuilt.com/blog: National Home Show - Wo-Built Inc. Green Design and Build Presentation

wobuilt.com/blog: Wobuilteco Is Our Eco Green Building Blog