“A lot of guys aren’t into the innovative side of things in the construction industry, especially on the residential side,” explained Tim Clattenburg, the owner of East Coast Panelized Wall Systems in Liverpool, Nova Scotia. Tim had a halting matter-of-factness in his voice when he spoke with Spotlight on Business in late May and I quickly learned that it comes with the certainty – the complete lack of pretense does – that 27 years in the construction industry affords a man like him. “The industry really needs to be turned upside down; there are better ways to do things,” he said. “So much about the residential and commercial construction industries in Nova Scotia is 40 years behind everyone else. You look at the way most companies go about a stick-frame job: exposed to elements the whole build. I mean, you wouldn’t build a car out in the parking lot.” Panelized wall systems, or prefabricated “pre- fab” wall systems, combine time-tested building methods with modern technology. Built in a quality and climate-controlled environment, this innovative method delivers customizable, energy efficient, beautiful new homes and structures all while saving the customer money and time.
By David MacDonald N ecessity. So often here at Spotlight on Business magazine we chat with successful business owners like Tim and learn that it was necessity that brought them to where they are today. “Necessity and a lot of time and patience, too,” he laughed. “I started a construction company 18 years ago. We were doing a lot of new homes, a lot of framing, things like that, and we built all year round. But in a lot of cases working outside in this part of the world just isn’t feasible in winter. I always thought there must be a better way, a faster way to frame buildings so I did a lot of research and invested a lot of money into a pre-fab wall panel facility for both commercial and residential wood- frame projects. Everything is done inside in a climate-con- trolled environment. Off-site building really is the future and it really is the way to go. I’ve been at this for 27 years and there are still times when I do things the old way but what you want is quicker when it’s your own buck and that was the thinking behind East Coast Panelized Wall Systems: be more efficient.” East Coast Panelized Wall Systems provides “a complete system,” Tim explained. “It’s pre-fab walls and floor panels, everything you need up-to the trusses. We also have options for exterior sheathing, an insulating sheathing that can be applied to the walls. We also do rain-drain systems and prepare openings for windows. When you stand these walls up they’re completely ready for siding installation and window installation. There are only a few tie-ins that need to happen but it completely eliminates the need to put-up staging all around your project. It’s a lot easier – and safer and cheaper – when everything is flat in front of you on the tilt tables at our facility.” If you’re a fan of How it’s Made, the YouTube video of the Panels Plus system that Tim and his team use at the East Coast Panelized Wall Systems worksite in Liverpool is worth a look. From the component table, to the framing table, to the squaring table, and then finally the sheathing bridge,
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MAY 2018 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
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