Renovation Seminar

Home renovation seminar offers free expert advice. 
The next seminar will be November 2011 (date to be announced).

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, President and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Home Builders' Association (GVHBA).

To help homeowners make informed decisions, the GVHBA Renovation Council presents its popular home renovation seminar twice a year (November and May), from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Croatian Cultural Centre, 3250 Commercial Drive, Vancouver. Almost 300 registered for the spring seminar, which took place on May 17, 2011. Doors open at 5:30p.m. to allow attendees to visit the more than 40 exhibits featuring renovation contractors and renovation-related products and services.

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.

Simpson said $7.8 billion will be spent on home renovation and improvement in B.C. this year – approximately $4.4 billion 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 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. For more information on RenoMark, visit www.renomark.ca/vancouver.

"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.  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.

Seminar Overview

The Home Renovation Seminar is a free seminar held twice a year for homeowners who are planning renovations.

At each seminar more than 300 attendees are treated to presentations from award-winning renovators, a lawyer, interior designer and a municipal building official on topics such as:

• Choosing a professional renovator
• Communicating with your renovator
• Legal considerations and contracts
• Permits and inspections
• Renovation pricing

Participants can view products and services, collect renovation literature, hear presentations and ask questions about their own renovations plans or projects.

Speakers

Expert speakers include:

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

Please check the GVHBA Calendar of Events for more details on other GVHBA seminars.