Summer is fast approaching, and many Canadians are dreaming of the warmer days on the horizon. As the weather heats up, so does the desire to spend more time outside. Here are some of the top trends in 2024 for functional and visually pleasing outdoor living.
1. Indoor-Outdoor Continuity
Outdoor space may have once been considered entirely separate from indoor space, but now we are seeing rooms that connect outdoor and indoor space through items such as flooring and decking that match, or are in complimenting colours, as well as doors and windows that allow for natural light and an open concept feel between indoor and outdoor.
2. Wood Alternatives
Engineered materials such as PVC and composite decking are becoming increasingly popular because they are long-lasting, but still offer the look of a traditional wood deck. These products resist staining, fading, splintering, peeling, cracking and rotting &ndash making them a durable choice for the vast array of weather Canada can face over the different seasons.
3. Less Lawn
The days of sprawling green grass seem to be over for many. Now, we are seeing a lot of alternatives to grass lawns such as ground cover alternatives that are lower maintenance. Creeping Thyme, Clover and Irish Moss are all popular options. Some are even opting out of lawn care entirely and embracing stone or wood-based backyards with large decks, patios or other non-plant based ground coverings.
Smart Modular gets a visit from Prime minister, talks affordable housing and the role of Modular Homes
Bill Boulton has been in the business of Modular homes for 17 years. Starting with the importing of Modular Homes in 2007. Upon seeing the problems around importing with construction and quality, Bill began in-house production with Smart Modular Homes in 2020, at his Thunder Bay Facility. Now, with hundreds of combined years of construction/modular experience &ndash Smart Modular Canada continues to build energy-efficient homes that meet the standards for residents in Northwestern Ontario and beyond, including affordable housing for communities in the North.
The CMHC's 2022 projection predicts that to restore housing affordability in a low economic growth scenario, the number of housing units that need to be constructed in Canada by 2030 is 3.1 million above the business-as-usual supply. In a high population growth scenario, the number of housing units needed increases to 4.0 million above BAU supply.
The need for housing has put Modular Homes at the peak of government interest as a supplement to this need due to the potential for faster construction potential than traditionally built homes. Recently, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau paid a visit to Smart Modular where they discussed the need for affordable housing in Canada, and the Prime Minister and team learned more about the current and growing operations of the business.
Currently, with government support, Smart Modular is working on improvements in their shop that will allow them to make their production lines faster and more efficient. Improvements to the facility include a new truss machine that will allow Smart Modular to manufacture their own trusses, a complete crane system throughout the facility to move floors, walls and roofs that have already been assembled, and an automatic floor and wall jig that will allow for better precision and accuracy on their construction.
The result will be a CSA approved indoor facility that eliminates obstacles that can slow down the production of modular homes such as environment and climate. Usually, the standard for Modular homes (due to rain, snow, and other weather conditions) would be to construct them from the outside in. Now homes can be built from the inside out without the worry of weather. This all leads to increased productivity and year-round manufacturing. With the new indoor facility, Smart Modular's productivity will be up 2 &ndash 4 times, with the ability for up to 14 buildings to be constructed at once &ndash including apartments up to six stories, row housing and detached homes.
Currently, Smart Modular is servicing mainly northern Ontario Communities working closely with the cities in their region to fill housing needs, but they are capable of going anywhere in Canada. There are many discussions on how to meet Canada's housing needs on many levels, including ideas such as the possibility of pre-approved modular floor plans that could help to cut back on permit times.
However, to fulfil the predicted needs for housing by 2030, Bill says it takes teamwork and co-operation from all. From builders, to government, to suppliers &ndash meeting the predicted requirements for 2030 is an all-hands-on deck kind of job from generating ideas to getting homes built.
Congratulations on your facility developments Bill and team, we look forward to seeing the updates as you complete the space.
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The XGT System is the next generation of technology, engineered to achieve the optimum power required for heavier load applications without sacrificing run time. These high-powered products are the one-battery solution to handle the most demanding jobs and environments.
The LXT System handles most applications, but for high-demand applications that use corded, gas or air, the XGT System delivers higher-powered solutions. With 40V max and 80V max XGT Products, pros can fully experience a battery-powered job site.
Contact a Makita representative to learn more about the system benefits and exclusive program offers available for Sexton group members.
Roofing manufacturer hires workers displaced from Venezuela
In early April of 2024, the Canadian branch of IKO Industries met 38 Venezuelan refugees in Lima, Peru. The team made 35 conditional offers.
"We've had our first round of interviews this morning and I was absolutely amazed with the skilled talent and passion of the people so far," said Brian Ketcheson, vice president HR and safety at IKO North America. » read more
Busch brought in as NKBA advisor
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Residential permits down in March: StatCan
According to Statistics Canada, the total value of building permits in Canada decreased 11.7 per cent to $10.5 billion in March. Construction intentions in the non-residential component declined 16.7 per cent to $4.0 billion, while the residential sector decreased by 8.3 per cent to $6.5 billion. Declines were observed in all components except for the commercial component. On a constant dollar basis (2017=100), the total value of building permits fell 11.6 per cent in March, following two consecutive months of increases. » read more
Sitting back and relaxing is easier when you've got a deck that stands up to the elements. Trex® composite decking is durable and beautiful, and comes backed with warranties up to 50 years. Trex decking is also available in a variety of on-trend colors &ndash all of which pair perfectly with Trex railing options. Learn more about how Trex is living up to all the ways you want to live outdoors at trex.com.
DuPont air, thermal and weatherization products work together to make your job easier, and your homes perform better. With 70 years of industry-leading building science and expertise, we provide toughness and solutions you can trust. Our full line – including DuPont™ Tyvek®, Styrofoam™ and Great Stuff Pro™ – in combination with our building science and specialist network helps you build better from every angle. Discover proven protection.
