C ongratulations, you’re building a custom dream home. This will be one of the biggest investments in your life and one of the most exciting. In the Winter 2019 edition, we talked about the benefits of building a custom home versus buying a resale home, and you’ve weighed your options and decided a custom build is the best decision. What comes next? Choosing a qualified home builder is your next step, and it’s important to understand that a builder may have years of experience, yet may be behind on current building and safety trends. So, what do you need to do before you choose a builder? Obviously, the first thing you need is a list of their qualifications and certifications in addition to the years of experience. Ask about the experience and training of the crew that will be working on the build as well. Ask about sub-contractors who will be hired. Can you expect a majority of the work to be “subbed” out or will a certified builder be hands-on throughout the build? Research the builders you’re considering. Ask for a list of completed builds, and talk to the homeowners about their experiences with the builder. Ask about the process: were they satisfied with the finished build, was it on time and on budget? Do they have any hesitation recommending the builder to their family or friends? Have there been any concerns since moving into the property? Ask about materials; if a builder’s quote is well below a competitor’s, it may be the quality of the
materials or other factors that allow the builder to cut corners. You, as a homeowner, may have to pay for those "savings" down the road in repairs. During the past 18 months the cost of building materials rose considerably, affecting the entire industry, with materials often being unavailable. Ask the builder if there will be extra costs or delays due to COVID-19. Specifically ask the builder if they are a certified Master Builder. A certified builder has invested in training and certification that gives you confidence in the quality of your build. There are levels of certification, with the highest being a Master Builder. Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) member builders who have earned Master Builder certification must meet specific criteria to be offered the distinction. Master Builders have years of credible experience. They hire professionals, operate under recognized warranty programs and undertake regular professional development. The rigorous criteria that they must meet and maintain includes: •Two-year membership with the CHBA • In good standing with a recognized warranty program • Five years of residential construction experience • letter of Solvency • A recognized quality assurance program • COR certification • R-2000/ERS certification • Red Seal staff or journeyperson, engineer, CET, or architect
• Annual professional development for staff • Completion of recommended courses You can build your custom home with confidence when choosing MacKenzie Builder Services Inc. and Legacy Homes Ltd., knowing your custom builder is a certified Master Builder.
Darren MacKenzie Master Builder/Owner MacKenzie Builder Services Ltd.
MacKenzie Builder Services Ltd. 262 Howe Point Road, Eglington 902.687.1508 C: 902.969.0425 darren@mackenziebuilders.ca www.mackenziebuilders.ca
FALL 2021/WINTER 2022 www.pei-living.ca
53
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker