How to Avoid "Handyman Horror Stories"

Video: "Weird Al" Yankovic performing Handy. (C) 2014 RCA Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment

Source: YouTube: "Weird Al" Yankovic - Handy 

“You need only two tools in life: WD-40 and Duct Tape. If it doesn’t move and should, use WD-40. If it moves and shouldn’t, use Duct Tape.”

~ Unknown

Image: Basic Home Repairs Engineering Flowchart.

Quote & Image Source: Pinterest: diyhomerepairs: Handyman Humor: Home repairs made simple

Whether they’ve watched an episode of Holmes on Homes or not, it’s safe to say EVERYONE has seen, heard or experienced a “handyman horror story” at least once in their life.

And on some level, the whole self-image of the handyman is funny. After all, whether they adhere to “the-duct-tape-and-WD-40” school of home repair or are of the “A-type-military-grade-equipment-and-preparation” variety, they all seem to have a kind of “can-do attitude” which borders on the mythical.

Image Collage by Wo-Built: Multi-armed Handiman…mystical powers for fixing things!?

Sources: http://www.handymanstartup.com/assessing-handyman-skills-and-creating-a-services-list/; 

http://www.santabanta.com/photos/goddess-durga/9103035.htm

But there’s a real problem with having an “I can fix anything…” attitude, especially if that statement is finished with the words “…Duct Tape and WD-40.” But it’s just as bad if it’s completed with the phrase “…just look at my awesome toolkit.”

Unfortunately, “experience” doesn’t count for much these days, either. If someone has been doing cut-rate, patch-up repair and/or contracting work all their life, it doesn’t help—it makes matters worse! It’s like a musician who’s been playing out of key for twenty years. Their twenty years’ experience doesn’t mean they qualify to play in London’s Philharmonic Orchestra, it means they’re tone-deaf!

We all know people like that, have meet people like that, or have been on the receiving end of their work. Some of them honestly mean well. Many of them just don’t care. It’s not that they don’t care at all necessarily…it’s that they don’t care enough.

People who think they are god’s gift to renovations but have not made the effort to really observe what it means to do “a job well done,” simply don’t know what it takes. They just don’t know how to “make it right,” as Mike Holmes would say.

Following codes and guidelines with precision and attention to detail is one thing, but then there’s also a “feel” that comes into play. Like anything creative, one must put one’s heart into it—to really want to do the best job one’s capable of. It takes focused attention on oneself, the project, and of course, the client.

Anyone can follow a recipe, but it takes someone who loves cooking to make the ingredients and directions on the page spring to life in a way that’s almost magical. And we can ALL relate to that: mom’s home-cooking, grandma’s baking, our own signature dish. You know: the one you make when you want to really treat friends, family, or a romantic partner. The one you know how to do the best. Or if it is a completely new recipe, you make sure your approach it the same way: you, at your very best.

What you want in “handyman” is someone who approaches anything and everything they do with that same spirit…that sense of care and dedication; not just someone who thinks they can do anything and everything, in any old way. The slacker’s attitude “it’s good enough” is a slippery slope.

What’s true for the handyman goes DOUBLE for a designer and contractor. 

Do you want someone who looks at your requirements and says—without so much as a pause to consider the job—“oh, I can do that no problem!” Then proceeds to deliver you a ridiculously low quote, knowing full well their “can do” attitude hides a “what I know I can get away with” approach?

Or would you prefer someone who takes their time to really understand you, get to know your needs, desires, tastes, preferences, timelines, and budget, then come up with a realistic estimate—including those sub-contractors they need to bring in on the job who REALLY KNOW how to deliver what you’re looking for?

In short, would you prefer to work with a team who LOVES doing amazing work? Or do you want someone who likes making money at the project’s expense?...Your expense? Which do you think will make you feel special? Whose work will give you a real feeling of satisfaction?

Remember: at the end of the day, you’re the one who has to live with it.

So picking a contractor must be something you put your love and commitment into. You’ve got to feel it. It’s a relationship, a bond of trust and an expensive commitment. You wouldn’t get into bed with some sweet-talking “hottie” who tells you EXACTLY what you want to hear! So don’t fall for the gimmicks and rationalizations that “sounds really good” in the head. Don’t fall for the nonchalant charmer (“hey, relax, it’s no problem”), or for the pushy expert (“trust me, just look at the tools I’m packing”).  

Go with your gut instead. Go with the one who shows heart. Your life is a labour of love, and anyone entering it in a capacity where they have the ability to affect you and yours in any meaningful way should approach you and your life with the same level of commitment as you do.  

The choice is yours: Your renovation / building project can be a story filled with joy to share at your first dinner party in your newly renovated home; or, it can be another in a long list of handyman horror stories.

To see the difference LOVE makes to any project, check-out the latest article by PeapodLife on “Organic Landscaping.”

Image Collage by PeapodLife, Division of Wo-Built Inc: Organic Landscaping in Bloor West Village, Toronto

PeapodLife BEST HOMES …Show Me the SLOW MONEY! Investing in the Future via Grassroots Organic Growth Makes Dollars and Sense

Video: TED Talk by Ari Derfel, Executive Director Slow Money

Source: YouTube: TEDxPresidio - Ari Derfel - Slow Money

“Combine poisonous factory-farm tomatoes with disgraced investment banker Bernard Madoff. Throw in a stock market disaster. You get a public spooked by the dangers of industrial food production and investors wary of risky business. This may be the recipe for a Slow Money revolution.”

~ David Gutnick, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

Source: slowmoney.org: Slow Money: Investment strategies appropriate to the realities of the 21st century

If you have just watched the above TED Talk and did not pause to consider the gravitas of Ari Derfel’s introduction, here’s what you missed:

“Too much and for too long, we seem to have surrendered personal excellence and community values in the mere accumulation of material things. Our Gross National Product…counts air pollution and cigarette advertising and ambulances to clear our highways of carnage…Yet, the Gross National Product does not allow for the health of our children, the quality of their education or the joy of their play…It measures neither our wit nor our courage, neither our wisdom nor our learning, neither our compassion nor our devotion to our country. It measures everything…except that which makes life worthwhile.”

The quote, we soon learn, was from Robert F. Kennedy, and we cannot accept the truth of Derfel’s assertion that it could had been written half an hour ago and still be completely relevant today (perhaps even more relevant then when Kennedy first spoke those words).

Image: Robert F. Kennedy

Source: listal.com: Listal: The Kennedy Family Curse list

Just how relevant? Derfel is certainly not the only TED Talk presenter to use this quote. Be it U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron’s TED Talk on The next age of government or Chip Conley’s TED Talk on Measuring what makes life worthwhile, Robert Kennedy’s famous 1968 speech is practically a prophetic treatise on the state of our world.

In fact, Chip Conley was so inspired by Kennedy’s Speech that he created a kind of balance sheet for GDP (GNP)…

Image: What GNP Counts and what GNP Doesn’t Count

Source: peakorganizations.com: PEAK: Transforming the Way Business Is Done: Chip Conley’s 2010 TED Talk Transcript: WHAT COUNTS

So what does all this have to do with Wo-Built?

If we look at The Slow Money Principles, we discover that local investing and investing for the future—and food security—are key.

Wo-Built’s PeapodLife initiative is already a step this direction, from our team’s social entrepreneurial standpoint. However, taken to the next step, we have Wo-Built / PeapodLife BEST HOMES initiative: a way for almost any investor to make an investment in their local community via green real estate investment, social responsibility, and an ROI focus creating a positive feedback loop and future social, environmental, economic investments (“SEE” Investments).

PeapodLife BEST HOMES (Building EcoSystems & Technology via Home Ownership for the Masses that's Economical & Social) offers Toronto and Southern Ontario investors an approach that is truly unique, and offers a slow money approach to alleviating the infrastructure burdens on municipalities and taxpayers!

Together with our partner, Casavant, we can help investors profit from converting old, derelict, crumbling, toxic houses into the healthiest, most stress-free, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly properties imaginable.

Imagine the difference it would have made for the City of Toronto during 2013’s flood disaster had thousands of homes been equipped with their own rainwater capture infrastructure and indoor rainforest ecosystem?  Imagine how many hundreds of millions the insurance companies would have saved (costs that will ultimately be passed along to consumers through higher premiums).

Now, imagine if you, as an investor, had refurbished, converted, built and flipped and/or rented those life-saving properties? And imagine if Wobuilt’s PeapodLife BEST HOMES unique all-in-one green real estate investment program meant those green renovations and ecosystems could be rolled into the first mortgage, greatly reducing your up-front capital costs (and risks)!

Here’s the break-down:

Image By Wo-Built: UNIQUE BEST HOMES INVESTMENT PROCESS

PeapodLife BEST HOMES Investment Benefits:

• Buy, renovate and sell green properties at a fraction of the cost of a typical capital investment, and even less time and effort, and headaches.
• Peace of mind: PeapodLife and any affiliated contractors / subs we use are performance bonded to 1 ½ times the cost of the renovations.
• The system our Architectural Technologist uses is the same one as the insurance agency and is featured on W Network program The Property Brothers.
• Working with the right investors, PeapodLife can also convert existing properties into green rental, rent-to-own, condo, co-op, mixed residential-commercial, or commercial properties.
• Legal Second Suites possible (most likely in the basement) that benefit from all the green technologies on the property, including the ecosystem!

If we’re looking at a simple home buy, renovate & flip scenario, imagine what potential buyers will experience when walking into a PeapodLife BEST HOME (and the IMPACT IT CAN HAVE ON PEOPLE WHO EXPERIENCE IT IN PERSON)…

Video by Wo-Built/PeapodLife: Living Wall EcoSystem Fitch Street

Source: youtube.com: YouTube: Peapodlife Living Wall EcoSystem

Imagine hundreds, if not thousands of homes with the healthiest, most vibrant and beautiful living spaces imaginable. Imagine residents with boosted immune systems, lowered stress, rich relationships with living breathing ecosystems, and growing their own organic food via hydroponic umbilical systems!

THE POSSIBILITIES FOR GREEN SOCIAL REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS ARE ENDLESS! BEST HOMES ARE JUST THAT.

Contact Wo-Built and/or PeapodLife TODAY to learn more.

You can contact us by phone 416-402-2679

Masdar City – the Sustainable Community

Image Montage by Wo-Built: Masdar City Master Plan & Actual Masdar Institute Building in Masdar City
Images Credit/Source: Masdar - A Mubadala Company: Masdar City Image Downloads

Masdar City – the Sustainable Community is not just for Dreamers anymore.
Sadly, it’s just not for Torontonians yet either.

Let’s face it, Canadians are safe. We don’t like rocking the boat—at home or abroad—and we certainly don’t make a big deal about being the first, the best, the most, etc. Sure, we may like it when by some fortuitous accident we find ourselves on top or ahead of the curve, but we generally don’t hunger for it like some other places in the world — notaboy our neighbours to the South. And certainly, if Research in Motion (RIM) or Nortel are any indication, we are absolutely terrible at maintaining our technological edge, if ever we do acquire it.

It’s unfortunate that residents of Canada, Torontonians for instance, are nowhere nearer to living in a truly sustainable community. No, that accolade goes to Masdar City in the United Arab Emirates. A project whose mission is:
"To advance renewable energy and sustainable technologies through education, research and development, investment, commercialization and adaptation."
Source: Masdar - A Mubadala Company: About Us

The following Masdar City promotional video says it all.

YouTube.com: Welcome To Masdar City

Masdar City is the world's first sustainable city - it's taking shape in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Uploaded by Hayes Thompson on Jan 18, 2010

A List of Masdar City Values reads like the philosophy of PeapodLife Building EcoSystems & Technology:

1. Agility – The ability to switch from one technology to another but retain a sound footing based on a balance of best value and state of the art know-how.
2. Commercial Viability – To ensure the widespread adoption of any sustainability technologies, they must be made commercially viable. While some environmentalists may be anti-capitalist, we feel rewarding investors for investing in people, planet and profits is a perfectly acceptable strategy for building a better world built on social, environmental, economic values (SEE-V).
3. Sustainability – There is simply no point in embarking on a new system or course of action unless we consider all known factors—and best guesses as to what lies down the road—to ensure it will perform as needed for decades to come.
4. Grounded in Reality – Dreaming is for bedtime, science fiction and video games. Doing is for those able to ground their imagination in the roots of what is achievable today: financially, technologically, socially, environmentally, et al. Deep down we are all dreamers, but the key to being a successful dreamer is remembering Lao Tzu’s wisdom: “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

So do these values translate to Canada? PeapodLife says: absolutely! As for the “vast distances” we have to travel in this country, Masdar is incorporating two ultra-modern, ultra-high-tech approaches to transit, both imported from Europe: Personal Rapid Transit for in-town personalized subterranean transport, and the Superbus (from the Netherlands), for high-speed transport between cities.

YouTube.com: Superbus visits Masdar City

Superbus, a new clean energy public transport vehicle, visited Masdar city in Abu Dhabi.

Uploaded by Masdar VideosChannel on Apr 21, 2011

It’s such a shame that Canada has seven important factors in common with UAE, but not the political will nor entrepreneurial drive to pursue our own version of Masdar.

The seven characteristics Canada and UAE have in common are as follows:

1. Canada and UAE are wealthy countries with oil revenues.
2. Canada and UAE with climatic extremes (cold and hot).
3. Canada and UAE have lots of available development land.
4. Canada and UAE seem to share a fundamental concern for the environment and long-term sustainability.
5. Canada and UAE are in close proximity (and economic relationship) with economic superpowers.
6. Canada and UAE are known around the world as a “land of possibility / opportunity”
7. Canada and UAE are both cosmopolitan nations; active destinations for both tourism and investment.

But whereas UAE is looking to the future and the impending oil crisis—and with a project like Masdar City is moving preemptively to reinvent itself for the new energy economy—what is Canada doing? Attracting direct foreign investment to develop a wealth of as-yet unexploited natural resources. For shame!

Well, we at Wo-Built and PeapodLife won’t stand for it. It may be an uphill battle ahead, but we are ready to bring our vision for sustainable buildings and indoor ecosystems to Canada and the world, and join the likes of Masdar City and others trying to not just dream or talk, but act.

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

Gala Salutes Green Innovation and Inspires Consumer Education

Collage by Wo-Built: "Keep this Consumer Clean"
Image Credits: MS Office ClipArt: "Clean planet sign in grass field" 
+ "Bald man with a barcode on his forehead".

Partners in Project Green is a growing community of businesses working together to green their bottom line by creating an internationally-recognized 'eco-business zone' around Toronto Pearson.”

~ Partners in Project Green Website

Keynote Speaker Raises the Importance of Greening Consumers "in the Home"

Last Thursday, Wo-Built attended the annual gala awards ceremony of Partners in Project Green (PPG). This networking organization helps businesses reduce energy and resource costs, uncover new business opportunities, and address everyday operational challenges in a green and cost-effective manner.

On that note, keynote speaker John Coyne, V.P. of Legal and External Affairs at Unilever Canada, made some fascinating observations about the lifecycle of Unilever consumer products.

As a world leader in sustainable business, Unilever tracks the resource intensity of its products from sourcing of raw materials straight through to manufacturing, shipping, sale, consumption, and post-consumer waste disposal. The results were not surprising.

On average, over 60% of resource intensity (energy, water, etc. used) takes place in the hands of consumers. This means no matter how sustainable Unilever makes its operations, the majority of consumption because of their products is beyond their control. Or is it?

Mr. Coyne outlined a number of strategies for educating consumers to use their products in more sustainable ways (such as taking shorter showers), most of them limited to their product in some way (i.e. packaging).

Wo-Built suggests another, more all-encompassing approach. To green the consumption of packaged household goods in the home, why not start by greening the house? To change consumer behaviour, one must change their environment. The reason is simple: we are all products of our environment. Sending them important educational information on package labels is also important, but imagine how much more potent such info will be if read within a living ecosystem!

Below is a small ecosystem installed in a High School. Similar units can dramatically improve the environment in homes, condos, small offices, and more. Impact of larger installations is even greater: visually, aesthetically and viscerally. You can feel the difference an indoor ecosystem makes.

Peapod Life Image: Small ecosystem installed in a High School.

We are all about educating consumers: in their home, at work, play, school, shopping, et al. Our approach is "show, don’t tell." The power of natural systems to inspire imaginations just by being there is extraordinary. Interacting with nature produces practical experience (real knowledge aka wisdom). Watching kids’ & teens’ responding to even the simplest ecosystems is magic. Being in the presence of one as an adult makes you feel like a kid again: youthful, rejuvenated … truly alive.

Wo-Built wishes to thank Unilever for its foresight and leadership in recognizing the importance of having a positive influence on consumer behavior with regards to sustainability.

We also wish to congratulate all the individuals and organizations who received awards from the PPG for leadership and excellence in the areas of sustainability, particularly those recognized for empowering people to become more environmentally responsible.


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

links:
partnersinprojectgreen.com: New Sustainable Business Leaders Emerge from the Pearson Eco-Business Zone
Partners in Project Green announced the recipients of the 2012 Partners in Project Green Sustainability Awards and winner of the People Power Challenge at Thursday’s fall networking event.
trca.on.ca: Toronto and Region Conservation for The Living City: New Sustainable Business Leaders Emerge from the Pearson Eco-Business Zone
Media Release, Oct 16, 2012

Summer, Nature, and the Homestead

Image: Wo-Built’s vision for Peapod Life:
Bringing the best of summer and nature to homesteads everywhere!
Image Credit: MS Office ClipArt: agriculture, farms, fields, houses, nature

Peapod Life brings the best of rural Canada to your Condo

This past Sunday, I had the good fortune of attending a spiritual retreat held on a horse farm in Arva, Ontario.

The experience served to reinforce Wo-Built’s vision for Peapod Life: to bring the best of summer and nature to homesteads everywhere! From condos to suburbs; restaurants to spas; hospitals to clinics; offices to schools; everyone should be able to enjoy the pleasures I experienced on Sunday.

Among the many activities on the beautiful property was a nature walk. To be surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature is always uplifting yet calming; invigorating yet soothing. Green was the backdrop for a symphony of colours.

It wouldn’t have been much of a gathering without a feast. Fresh garden herbs and vegetables, local fair of every kind, all served with warmth and hospitality that I believe is 100% supported by the environment of the homestead.

Cities are a necessary fact of life which come with a whole series of advantages, from employment to socializing to entertainment. Toronto recognizes the importance of greening urban landscapes, evidenced by the emergence of initiatives like Live Green Toronto, Evergreen and Food Forward (to name but a few).

When it finally came to leave Arva and return to Toronto, I did so with renewed determination. Peapod Life will do its best to bring the best of rural life to our urban spaces, with products and services both large and small for residential and commercial markets.

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

Habitat Toronto: Helping Others and Supporting Women in Construction

Photo: Elida Huignard, President 2006-2010, Head of Operations Wo-Built Inc.
at a volunteer shift with Habitat Toronto for the WOMEN BUILD: May 1-12, 2012
May 2012 © wobuilt.com

Photo: Elida Huignard, President 2006-2010, Head of Operations Wo-Built Inc.
at a volunteer shift with Habitat for Humanity Toronto's Women Build: May 1-12, 2012
May 2012 © wobuilt.com

Photo: Elida Huignard, President 2006-2010, Head of Operations Wo-Built Inc.
at a volunteer shift with Habitat Toronto for the WOMEN BUILD: May 1-12, 2012
May 2012 © wobuilt.com

Photo: Elida Huignard, President 2006-2010, Head of Operations Wo-Built Inc.
at a volunteer shift with Habitat for Humanity Toronto's Women Build: May 1-12, 2012
May 2012 © wobuilt.com

Photo: Elida Huignard, President 2006-2010, Head of Operations Wo-Built Inc.
at a volunteer shift with Habitat Toronto for the WOMEN BUILD: May 1-12, 2012
May 2012 © wobuilt.com

Recently Wo-Built's co-founder Elida Huignard took part again in the Habitat for Humanity Women's Build weekend; hammer, hard hat and all. As a crew member of the CAWIC team we achieved two of our goals which are dear to us: helping others in need and showing our ongoing commitment to support women in construction.

Thank you, Elida, for representing us in this great cause and judging by the pictures it was a lot of fun. I cannot think of anything better; helping others in a fun community way.


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

To learn more, read Habitat Toronto's 2012 Women Build: Wearing a Hard Hat, Supporting a Great Cause

Screenshot: Habitat Toronto for the WOMEN BUILD: May 1-12, 2012
Elida Huignard Fundraising Goal: $200; Amount Raised: $415
Sponsors: 6; 100% of Goal Achieved! Thank you for your support.
Credit: torontohabitat.ca

Design in Motion … in a House!?

Jerome Olivet Visionary Design: Architecture: Jet House
Image Credit: Jérôme OLIVET Book: Architecture: Plant inspiration

Good Engineering and Beautiful Aesthetics Can Go Hand in Hand in Your Home.

In recent years, there has been an emerging school of thought in design that could be called "motion design" or even "design in motion." From computer animation to automotive, the focus is on designs that look good while moving, not just while standing still. In the automotive world, the approach evolved from ever-more intense aerodynamic testing for performance and fuel efficiency. In other words, it was a natural progression of an age-old tradition in design called "form follows function." When we consider design in motion as another example of form follows function, we can apply the concept directly to home design and layout — and no, we’re not talking mobile homes!

A house is in constant motion. It’s all a question of perspective and relativity. After all, in a wind tunnel test, a car stays in one spot: it’s artificially generated wind that’s really moving; and yet, its aerodynamics can be tested … that is design in motion. In much the same way, rooms, hallways, counters, closets — all these elements stay put. It’s the people living in and around them that move. The motion of a house relates to its occupants. So, if you really think about it, design in motion is perhaps the most relevant consideration when building a house, an addition or any major re-redesign project.

Here are some questions worthy of consideration: in the morning, how many people are there in the house getting ready within the same time-frame? What is the flow of people between bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, laundry and hallways? Where are the “bottlenecks”? We live in Canada: does the home have an alternate entrance and/or mudroom where slushy shoes and snowsuits can be removed and stored away from the primary entrance (i.e. the one used by visitors and guests)? Speaking of guests, is there an office or sitting room relatively near the main entrance close to a powder room where surprise guests can be entertained without disturbing the rest of the household? Perhaps that same office can contain a sofa bed or futon to accommodate overnight guests (in which case it’s best the powder room also has a shower for them to use). Is there a handyman in the house? A gardener? How about a laundry room with a shower within easy reach of the garden, workshop, or wherever soiled people and their clothes enter the house?

Of course, people are not the only things that move in a house. Sound is also an element that is in motion; "sound carries." Anyone who has ever lived in a side-split or back-split arrangement will attest to a design which essentially turns the entire house into a single audio zone (and these are very common among the many "cookie-cutter" designs prevalent in the Greater Toronto Area and elsewhere in Ontario). The placement of rooms next to or above other rooms where "noise contamination" may take place is an important consideration. In some cases (positioning a baby room) you may want to hear every sound coming from the adjacent room. Of course, sound carries through houses in sometimes unanticipated ways. Duct-work can channel noise remarkably efficiently. A finished basement with ceiling vents connected to existing duct-work could inadvertently make a direct (and unfortunate) "audio pipeline" between the basement washroom and the main floor kitchen or living room.

Similarly, light is also an element in constant motion. Obviously, over the course of a day, daylight and shadow shift from one side of the house to the other. But in the evenings, artificial light from one space within the home can "flood" an adjacent space quite easily. There can be too much light or not enough given the activities in any particular room. Often, designer fixtures that "look good" in the showroom are sorely lacking in terms of providing adequate light. Finally, new digital dimmers and timers add a whole other dimension of motion—changes in lighting intensity over time.

The point is this: aesthetic considerations of design aside, a home must be lived in. Designing the layout and functionality of a house in motion will result in a more livable home. The key is to work with a designer and/or contractor who has the ability and the patience to take you through the process of understanding the numerous motions the house will go through to determine the best design.

If all this sounds too much like an exercise in engineering and too little like design, remember: good engineering and beautiful aesthetics go hand-in hand. Truly, having one without the other is not very practical when it comes to building anything that "must be lived with" (lived in). However, one thing is absolutely certain: having a home that just "looks good" at first glance will become very tiresome very quickly if it encumbers the natural flow of the people and daily life. Maybe that’s why so many people in Toronto are opting to build additions or have dramatic re-designs and re-builds done on their existing properties — what was aesthetically pleasing once must be brought up to speed of 21st Century living.

As for the "Aerodynamic House" in the image that opens this blog: in the not-too-distant future, global warming and more extreme weather patterns — particularly here in Canada — may indeed begin to play a more critical role in design in motion considerations as they relate to homes. But that, as they say, is a topic for another day.

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

links:
Jérôme OLIVET. La boutique

Jerome Olivet Visionary Design

gizmodo.com: home is where the art is: Jet House is a New Look on an Old Design
By Christopher Mascari

Cjacotguth’s Blog: Research: Aerodynamic House
By Charlotte Margareta Jacot Guth

luxist.com: The Jet House, Sleek Aerodynamic Living
by Rigel Celeste

Do Industrial Buildings Have a Future?

Is there a future for industrial sites?
Redesign of old industrial buildings.
2011 @ wobuilt.com

I always had an affinity for large industrial buildings. I admire their scale, the unabashedly form follows function designs and the amazing structures and shapes this creates. There is an inherent beauty in those buildings which should be preserved; they are a part of our heritage.

In past posts we talked about combining old and new, i.e. adding a new part to an old building. We concentrated mainly on residential and commercial buildings, but what about industrial ones. Would this be an option? Often we see these interesting buildings disappear, to be replaced by condos and housing developments.

I lived in London, England, in the 80s and out of interest I researched what happened to the extraordinary Battersea Power Station, a listed industrial building, which was decommissioned as a power station in the early 80s. To my delight the latest proposal by Real Estate Opportunities is placing this great building as part of a massive overall area redevelopment, aiming it to be the largest carbon neutral building in Europe. This would be an amazing green achievement.

So realistically what needs to happen to save these great buildings?

The public will to save them: Before Battersea Power Station was listed as heritage I remember many voices shouting for its demolition. Without doubt, it is easier and less expensive to develop a site without having to preserve, rebuild and sanitize an old building. However, as these buildings are part of the history of a city considerable thought should be given to their inherent identity value.

Attraction of private money: Private investors need a decent return on investment. As the restoration and remodeling work for the existing building will be substantial the surrounding area developments will have to offset these costs. Appropriate density, scale and easement of existing restriction are required. Economy of scale is a must.

Usable volumes/spaces: Of course the more rectangular or square building are the easier to convert them into usable different applications. The building examples above all have their own challenges, but their size will still allow innovative million dollar designs.

The closest example in Toronto is most likely the Distillery Historic District, which was converted from an industrial application to an entertainment/residential/commercial destination one with art galleries, restaurants and offices. The initiative gave a historic part of Toronto a new lease of life.

Usually the first step to see if a project is viable is the feasibility study. We would love to be part of one.

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

Please, follow the links to find more information:
wobuilt.com/blog: Combining Old and New: Keeping the Neighbourhood and Community Thriving

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

wobuilt.com/blog: Doors Open Toronto 2011 Featuring City in Focus: Architecture + Photography

Celebrating International Women’s Day - Encouraging Women in Construction

Collage: Happy International Women's Day 2011
Celebrating 100 years of Women's Achievements
#IWD2011 + #internationalwomensday
2011 @ wobuilt.com

It doesn’t happen often, but sometimes it does. Recently I answered a call and the gentleman on the other end politely asked if he could talk to my boss or partner. I was so taken back that I momentarily was lost for words. Finally, I politely counseled the gentleman that I was the boss and that the company is 100% female owned. He tried to apologize by saying that he thought I was the blond young fluffy thing at reception. Some people do not know when to stop.

As amusing the episode is, it shows that we in our society still fight certain stereotyping, especially in a more male dominated industry such as construction. We started Wo-Built to help women to have a career in the construction industry especially in the building trades. We felt that women were at a disadvantage due to prevailing perceptions. So we wanted Wo-Built to be a stepping stone in their career.

Today is the 100th anniversary of the International Women’s Day celebrating women’s achievements and accomplishments. We have made immense strides over the last 100 years in gaining equality, visibility and status in business, but further progress has to be made. And in the developed world it has often very little to do with external influences.

We are looking for one important aspect in the women we help, the right attitude. The attitude is to be the best you can be and not because you want to impress others. You want to be the best for yourself. This is the attitude that will also help every woman to make it in business. It often is the woman’s own prejudices, preconceived ideas and self-esteem issues that help to provide the ‘glass ceiling’.

We have met many competent and professional women in the construction industry, all of them are equal to their male counterparts. These are women who love what they are doing and through this become experts in their fields. They demand respect, a very important attribute in business.

The International Women’s Day theme this year is: Equal access to education, training and science and technology: Pathway to decent work for women. Even though this is a right in Canada, women still have to claim this right in higher numbers. We will encourage any woman who wants to.

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

Season's Greetings and Holiday Wishes from Wo-Built!

e-card: Season's Greetings and Holiday Wishes from Wo-Built Inc.
Credit: MS Office ClipArt MH900440289

Dear Friends & Colleagues,

Thank you for all your support throughout the year.

We would like to wish you a joyous and memorable holiday season, with the hopes that the coming New Year continues to bring you happiness and success!

Warmest Holiday Regards,

Wo-Built's Team
Wo-Built Inc. - Innovative Design and Build

To view the e-card, please click on the following link:
http://tinyurl.com/happynewyear-wobuilt

Home Décor: Hailey's Hot Tip of the Week: Intro

Home Decor: Hailey's Hot Tips
Photo: Hayley Snider, Snider Homes and SMS Interiors
2010 @ wobuilt.com

A while back we mentioned that Wo-Built went into partnership with Snider Homes to be able to give great value to renovation projects. As a Design & Build Contractor we love to partner with companies that have the same values as Wo-Built and help us serve our clients well. From Snider Homes each member is bringing something special to the mix. We were well impressed with Hailey Snider's ability of home-staging, interior decorating, room organization, decluttering, and rebranding your personal or business space.

We know you'll enjoy tuning in every Wednesday, for Hailey's Hot Tips of the week, to help you truly love your home or work space. From decor ideas to cost saving tips, and a chance to get free online advice for our top 3 reader responses - it's worth taking a minute out of your busy week, to stop by the site and see what's new!

From all of us at Wo-Built Inc and Snider Homes we wish you all the magic of the season, and a wonderful New Year!

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

What Is Coming Up In 2010 National Building Codes? Find out How This Will Affect Your Business.

Collage: Build for Tomorrow:
2010 National Building Codes of Canada
Credit: www.nationalcodes.ca

Recently, I attended the seminar “Significant Changes in 2010 National Building Codes Affecting Part 9 Buildings” at the Toronto Construction Show. This presentation was held by the Institute for Research in Construction from the NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL CANADA.

This is a guidance list for designers and contractors to check on the specific changes while working on designing and building residential projects.

Changes to foundation systems:

• Extra requirement of gravel and vapour barrier in basements and heated crawl spaces
• Changes related to the appearance of Radom gas now mandatory

Changes to insulation and heating systems:

• Use of foams as vapour barriers
• Hydronic heating better specified
• Fire and sound resistance ratings

Other changes:

• Range Vs cooktop ventilation requirements
• Ratings for wood products with phenolic adhesives
• Spans for Steel beams

Smaller changes:

• Washroom door sizes
• Starter strips
• Exhaust venting systems
• Location of Co Alarms
• Ducts for cooking equipment

Building codes are clearly an important basis for insuring good quality in structures. And we, as a design and build company working with our designers, architects, and engineers, design and specify interesting and innovative buildings taking all the codes requirements into account. The building code is the baseline for construction and we utilize innovative materials and methods that may provide better performance than the building code calls for to ensure best solutions for our clients.

The site where to check or request the building code is www.nationalcodes.ca or www.nrc.gc.ca/virtualstore.

Elida Huignard
President
Wo-Built - Innovative Design and Build

Here are several photos from the Construction Expo floor:

Screenshot: HomeBuilder & Renovator Expo + Construct Canada
flickr.com: photos Toronto, Dec 2, 2010 @ Olga Goubar, wobuilt.com

link:
National Research Council Canada: Significant technical changes in the 2010 National Model Construction Codes

HomeBuilder & Renovator Expo: Best Practices, New Products and Technologies in Construction

Poster: HomeBuilder & Renovator Expo, December 1-3, 2010

Metro Toronto Conventional Centre, Shouth Building

Credit:www.homebuilderexpo.com

It becomes a tradition for our company to attend this Canada's largest construction industry trade show once-a-year. This year the 14th annual HomeBuilder & Renovator Expo will be held December 1-3, 2010 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre South Building in conjunction with Construct Canada, PM Expo, DesignTrends, and Concrete Canada.


HomeBuilder & Renovator Expo
Strategies & Solutions for Residential Construction & Renovation

When: December 1-3, 2010
Wednesday, December 1, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 2, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Friday, December 3, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre South Building

Construct Canada, PM Expo, DesignTrends, HomeBuilder & Renovator Expo and Concrete Canada at a Glance:

• Show Features 1050 Exhibits
• Hands-on Skills Training and Demonstrations: New Speakers, New Topics, New Features, and New Technologies
• Seminar Programs Tailored for Residential Construction: 450 Speakers, 200 Presentations and Free Demonstrations
• National Green Building Conference: New and Green Products & Services Recognition
• International Business Program: International Architectural and Interior Design Roundtable
• Show Guide Referencing Participating Exhibitors

Strategies & Solutions to Build On sessions in this year's program will discuss National Building Code changes, cost-effective building strategies, marketing tips to help grow your business, and practical green residential building solutions.

Here is a short list of some seminars to choose from:

• Seminar W120: Significant Changes in the 2010 National Building Code: Part 9 Buildings
• Seminar T121: How Better Project Management Can Improve Productivity, Lower Costs, and Improve Quality While Reducing Stress
• Seminar W122: Social Marketing for Homebuilders & Renovators: A Crash Course
• Seminar W121: Marketing Tips & Techniques for Homebuilders & Renovators to Use NOW
• Seminar T211: Kitchen & Bath Design Trends for 2011
• Seminar T120: New and Green Products for Residential Construction
• Seminar T300: An Energy Retrofit of Your Building Is Your Best Investment: The ROI Beats the Stock Market
• Seminar T115: When Does a Green Roof Make Sense? What Have We Learned About Green, White, and High-Performance Roofs?

To review these and other sessions for acquiring valuable updates on best practices and new products and technologies in construction business, please go to the Show's Events at a Glance page.

We are looking forward to attend this big 5 Canada's largest construction industry shows. See you at #HomeBuilder10 Expo.

Attention, Ladies Who Love to Do DIY Projects

Collage: Levelogic ®: We Love This Tool,
We Use This Multifunctional Level.
2010 © wobuilt.com

Attention all you ladies who want to do D-I-Y. Recently we announced that we are now promoting and selling the Levelogic level / cutting edge since we really like using it. We are a women-led construction company and good levels that are easy to handle are hard to find. The level is not only well built, but also has a handle that keeps fingers away from sharp cutting instruments.

Attached is a short specification. For ordering information please contact us on 416-402-2679 or on info@wobuilt.com.

Levelogic's® Technical Specifications

Product : Levelogic® 24" $39.95 (Canadian/US)
Dimension : Length: 24" (60cm) x Width: 4"
Weight : 2 pounds

Product : Levelogic® 36" $49.95 (Canadian/US)
Dimension : Length: 36" (90cm) x Width: 4"
Weight : 3 pounds

Product Uses

• Wallpaper
• Drywall
• Self Installation
• Wood Working
• Stain Glass
• Line Marking
• Stripe Painting
• Tile installation
• Truck Lettering design work
• Insulation cutting
• Quilting
• Spacer for wood board installation
  
• and much more ...

links:
Wo-Built: Levelogic: We Love This Tool. We Use This Multifunctional Level.
levelogic.ca: The Levelogic® PRO, multifunctional leveling tool,
a truly Canadian invention
thisoldhouse.com: Choosing and Using Levels
By John Kelsey, This Old House magazine

Levelogic: We Love This Tool. We Use This Multifunctional Level.

Collage: Levelogic ®: We Love This Tool,
We Use This Multifunctional Level.
2010 © wobuilt.com

Sometimes we come across tools we really like – such as this level / cutting edge. We used it while renovating our new offices. The main feature we like is the handle. It makes measuring, marking and cutting so much easier. It gives a firm grip and hold and it keeps your hand far enough away from any sharp cutting tools to prevent it from being cut.

We like the tool so much that we are now promoting / selling it. For ordering information please contact us on 416-402-2679 or on info@wobuilt.com.

Following is a short description:

Levelogic's® Technical Specifications

Product : Levelogic® 24"
Dimension : Length: 24" (60cm) x Width: 4"
Weight : 2 pounds

Product : Levelogic® 36"
Dimension : Length: 36" (90cm) x Width: 4"
Weight : 3 pounds

Product Uses

• Wallpaper
• Drywall
• Self Installation
• Wood Working
• Stain Glass
• Line Marking
• Stripe Painting
• Tile installation
• Truck Lettering design work
• Insulation cutting
• Quilting
• Spacer for wood board installation
  
• and much more ...

links:
levelogic.ca: The Levelogic® PRO, multifunctional leveling tool,
a truly Canadian invention
thisoldhouse.com: Choosing and Using Levels
By John Kelsey, This Old House magazine

Please Vote for Architect Barbie!!!

Screenshot: wobuilt's tweet: Select Barbie's 125th career!
Please vote for Architect Barbie!
http://www.barbie.com/vote/

News Flash

Global Online Campaign to Select Barbie's 125th Career:

• Polls will be open from mid-January through February 10th, and the winning career will be unveiled at a special event at New York Toy Fair on February 12th, 2010.
• The new career doll will be on shelves in Fall 2010.
• Please vote often - there is no limit to the number of votes one person can make.
• Here’s the site: http://www.barbie.com/vote/

links:
taubmancollege.umich.edu: Dimensions Twenty-One (PDF)
"Architect Barbie was chosen as the theme for the Sanders Fellowship exhibition. Students and faculty of Taubman College’s T-Square Society developed prototypes of Architect Barbie based on their own experiences, fantasies and perhaps frustrations... "

barbiemedia.com: Barbie Celebrates 125th Career with Global Initiative to Inspire Girls
Global Events: Canada - Canada will launch the Barbie “I Can Be™…” academy, which will invite girls and moms to physically try on different roles and learn first-hand about a variety of careers. The event will also celebrate Barbie's past careers for moms and girls to see where Barbie has been and is headed...

online.wsj.com: Barbie(R) Celebrates 125th Career with Global Initiative to Inspire Girls
JANUARY 21, 2010

follow Barbie on Twitter

Smart Home Improvement with ecoENERGY Retrofit Grants

Screenshot: Natural Resources Canada: Home Improvement:

Personal: Residential ecoENERGY- Retrofit Homes
Credit: Natural Resources Canada

ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes is available to owners of single family homes including detached, semi-detached and low rise multi-unit residential buildings. Property owners can qualify for federal grants by improving the energy efficiency of their homes, and reducing their home's impact on the environment. The maximum grant one can receive per home or multi-unit residential building is $5,000; whereas the total grant amount available to one individual or entity for eligible properties over the life of the program is $500,000.

We, at the Wo-Built Inc., always suggest before we start construction of an addition or renovation to have an energy audit done of the existing home to see if any energy improvements are eligible for a grant. As the renovations can be quite substantial it makes sense to see if the house can be made even more energy efficient and to take advantage of the government incentives.

The new Budget announced an additional $300 million in ecoENERGY funding over the next two years to support an estimated 200,000 additional home retrofits. No changes to how the program operates were announced.

For more information check Five easy steps to get your ecoENERGY Retrofit grant
and Questions and Answers section of ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes Program.

links:
Eligible Improvements / Retrofits: Combined rebates from the Governments of Ontario and Canada
ecoACTION - Using Less - Living Better: Home Improvement: Grants for Residential Property Owners
Wo-Built: Interesting Reading: Government Help for Going Green in Homes

Helping to Green our Province

Certificate of Confirmation

As part of having partnered with Trees Ontario, Wo-Built would like to showcase the certificate that will be presented to our clients. For each new client Wo-Built Inc. will make a donation of (#) new healthy tree(s) in the province of Ontario on their behalf. Healthy trees and forests help reduce our environmental footprint, enrich the air that we breathe and enhance our forests and natural surroundings.

You too can donate to Trees Ontario and help support the planting of more trees across the province. Visit www.treesontario.on.ca for more details on how you can be a part of this initiative.
________________________
Lonya is the staff writer for Wo-Built Inc.

links:

Screenshot: Trees Ontario: Planting tomorrow's forests
Credit: Trees Ontario

Trees Ontario: Gathering of experts from science, forestry, government, community groups and the business world that plants trees and forests throughout Ontario
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources: Ontario's Forests
Ontario’s Plant A Tree Challenge: Lend a Hand Plant a Tree
Go Green Ontario: Things we can all do to make a difference
Environment Canada: Take Action for the Environment
wikipedia: Trees of Ontario

link:
Wo-Built Goes Greener by Planting Trees!!!

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Interesting Reading: Government Help for Going Green in Homes

Flyer: The coENERGY Efficiency Initiative
Credit: ecoACTION - Using Less - Living Better

...The ecoENERGY Efficiency Initiative is investing more than $375 million between 2007 and 2011 to promote smarter energy use by Canadians — at home, at work and on the road. These efforts will: reduce emissions that harm our health and the environment; save Canadians money; and make the most of our natural resources — because wasted energy is our biggest source of untapped energy.
The coENERGY Efficiency Initiative features the following components:

• ecoENERGY retrofit ($220 million) offers homeowners, along with smaller businesses and organizations, financial support to retrofit their homes, smaller buildings and industrial processes.
• ecoENERGY for Buildings and Houses ($60 million) encourages both the construction and retrofit of more energy-efficient buildings and houses...

For more information visit ecoaction.gc.ca
Credit: The ecoENERGY Efficiency Initiative

We felt that this is an interesting link for home owners and as it benefits the environment we decided to share this link with you for easy access.

Did you know that you could qualify for a grant from the Office of Energy Efficiency Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) for retrofitting your home?

NRCan offers the ecoENERGY Efficiency Initiative which is geared to promote better energy use in the home, at the office and on the roads.

For more information about the initiative and to find out how to qualify for a grant to improve your home, go to http://www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca/corporate/eeinitiative.cfm?attr=0.

From our point of view we always suggest before we start construction of an addition or renovation to have an energy audit done of the existing home to see if any energy improvements are eligible for a grant. As the renovations can be quite substantial it makes sense to see if the house can be made even more energy efficient and to take advantage of the government incentives.

Wo-Built's Team

link:
ecoACTION - Using Less - Living Better: Home Improvement: Grants for Residential Property Owners