Links

These links to other Web site resources have been recommended by consumers, GVHBA members, and other building industry experts. Our goal is to provide you with good quality information that helps you through the new home buying process.

Some of these Web sites may contain certain information that is not specifically relevant to our Lower Mainland climate and buildings. Be sure to confirm details with your local professionals.

Please feel free to send us your recommendations for other good Web site resources that we might add to this list by using the handy Feedback Form.

Choosing a Professional

• Canadian Home Builders' Association:  Choosing your new home builder

Construction Process

• B4Ubuild: A description of the home building process

Warranty

• Homeowner Protection Office: Residential Construction Performance Guide

Design Considerations

• The Architectural Institute of BC: Resources to assist the public
• The Interior Designers Institute of BC: Information and a resource directory
• BC Ready-Mixed Concrete Association: A resource for concrete considerations

Energy, Health and Safety

• Natural Resources Canada: General Information, Order documents from the virtual library
• BC Hydro Power Smart: Energy efficiency information
• Terasen Gas: Ways to save energy around your home
• CMHC: Healthy Housing and indoor air quality resources

Financial Considerations

• Genworth Financial Canada: Tips and resources for home financing
• Appraisal Institute of Canada – BC: Represents real estate appraiser and evaluation consultants

Find a New Home

• MLS.ca (Multiple Listing Service): Canadian Real Estate Association Home Search Web site

Location

• Statistics Canada: Information for all Canadian communities

Planning

• Planning and development information: Links to GVRD cities' Web sites
• CMHC Homebuying Step By Step Guide: Walks you through the homebuying process
• Canadian Home Builders' Association: Information and ideas for buying a new home

Terminology

• The Glossarist: A wide variety of different construction glossaries
• Vancouver Real Estate Glossary: Terms used in home building and buying
• Royal Bank: Glossary of homebuying mortgage terms
• CMHC: Glossary of homebuying terms

Choosing A Professional Renovator

• Get It In Writing: Jon Eakes and CHBA on the value of having a contract
• Canadian Home Builders' Association: Articles to help you find the right renovator

Construction Process

• B4Ubuild: A description of the complete home building process (good for larger renovations)
• National Association of Home Builders: An overview of the basic construction process

Design Considerations

• The Architectural Institute of BC: Resources to assist the public
• The Interior Designers Institute of BC: Information and a resource directory
• BC Ready-Mixed Concrete Association: A resource for concrete considerations

Energy, Health and Safety

• Natural Resources Canada: General Information, Order documents from the virtual library
• BC Hydro Power Smart: Energy efficiency information
• Terasen Gas: Ways to save energy around your home
• CMHC: Healthy Housing and indoor air quality resources
• Energuide: Canadian government resource site for energy efficient programs and products

Financial Considerations

• LiveSmart BC: Homeowners are eligible for up to $12,000 in rebates for energy efficient upgrades
• CMHC: Financial assistance offerings from CMHC
• Canadian Home Builders' Association: An article explaining common financing options

More Links To Renovation Resources

• Jon Eakes: Renovation information that relates to building technology
• Google Directory: Here are a number of links to various home improvement resources

Planning

• CHMC: Things to consider when assessing your renovation project
• Ontario Home Builders' Association: Homeowners Guide To The Standard Renovation Process
• My Home Reno: Renovation Roadmap resource site from Canadian government organizations
• Planning and development information: Links to GVRD cities' Web sites

Rooms and Areas

• National Kitchen & Bath Association: Design guidelines for safety and functionality

Terminology

• The Glossarist: A wide variety of different construction glossaries
• CMHC: Overview of personnel and roles in Canada’s construction system