Home renovation seminar offers expert advice 

Homeowners considering renovations can obtain creative ideas from the internet, television, newspapers and magazines, but careful planning is needed to de-mystify the renovation process, said Peter Simpson, CEO of the Greater Vancouver Home Builders' Association (GVHBA).

To help homeowners make informed decisions, the GVHBA Renovation Council – in partnership with BC Hydro, Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation and Terasen Gas – is presenting its popular spring home renovation seminar on Thursday, May 13 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Croatian Cultural Centre, 3250 Commercial Dr., Vancouver. More than 300 registered last year.

Homeowners will be guided through the various stages of the renovation process, including design and planning, legal and contracts, selecting a renovator, municipal permits and inspections, and living through a renovation. Presenters include award-winning renovators, a construction lawyer senior municipal building official and interior designer.

This year the display area – which will feature more than 50 RenoMark renovators and suppliers of home-improvement products and services – will be open at 5 p.m. to allow homeowners ample time to discuss their renovation plans with the experts before the seminar program starts.

Simpson said $7 billion will be spent on home renovation and improvement in B.C. this year – approximately 65% of those dollars in the Lower Mainland alone – so it is crucial that homeowners do their homework before they sign a contract with a qualified renovation contractor.

Seminar attendees will learn about RenoMark, an industry-led national program designed to provide greater confidence to homeowners when hiring renovation contractors. To be accepted into the program, contractors are obliged to abide by a 10-condition code of conduct. Also on the agenda will be details on how the harmonized sales tax (HST) will impact the cost of home renovations.

“Home renovation is a hot trend, and there is ample opportunity for fly-by-night operators to take advantage of trusting homeowners. Dealing in the cash-only underground economy to avoid tax, rather than working with a professional renovator, exposes homeowners to liability issues and close scrutiny from municipal bylaw officials, provincial safety authorities and others,” said Simpson.

Although admission to the seminar and exhibit area is free, pre-registration is required. Click here to register via email or call 778-565-4288. Public transit is nearby and there is ample onsite parking. Attendees are asked to contribute a food item for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society.

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Speakers
Expert speakers include:

• Award-winning renovators
• A lawyer
• A municipal building official
• Interior designer