|
Contents:
Thanks to our advertisers, these Alert Notices come to you free.
Check out what they offer.
|
|
What This Ol' Mentor Meant...To Each & Every One Of Us
What on earth could this diverse cross-section of building industry dudes have in common? What, other than food (and not free food to boot), could possibly entice them to take time out of their busy schedules for a casual evening get-together?
Seated around the table was a number of well-known BC builders, renovators, architects, engineers, manufacturers, salespeople, building scientists, consultants, and trainers. The reunion, as most do, began with inevitable so-what-are-you-up-to-these-days dialogues. Shortly, babble turned to the latest industry issues, changes, news, and events. Following naturally, at least in the case of this proudly self-proclaimed lunatic fringe group, were conflicting opinions as to how our industry and the universe in general should be re-arranged. But all was eventually cut short, given our real reason for being there. We had assembled for one purpose only...To pay tribute to Al, a very special person who had affected, in more ways than one, both our business and personal lives.
As our honoured octogenarian sat quietly, humble-as-always, a stream of "Al" tales and tributes flowed forth. Every single person made at least one comment about his knowledge of building science and his promotion of using appropriate technology. Long before it came into fashion, Al was a strong supporter of energy efficiency, green building, and the building science of treating the house as a system. Contrary to his times, he pressed for more environmentally responsible design of roads, subdivisions, and houses - all while stressing consideration for housing affordability. Some recalled his pioneering of co-op housing developments, smaller affordable homes, the R2000 program, and even the building of a demonstration house within a 24-hour period.
Another common thread evolved around stories of how Al was always "thinking out of the box" and open to finding and using new building materials, systems, and procedures. But at the same time as being an innovator, he was always quick to point out that proper testing of products and processes, realistic development of codes, and credible industry training were necessary parts of the overall process. To this end, Al nurtured most of us, at least once, to "get involved". Which leads to another pattern obvious to those in the room. Al had helped instil in all of us, both the need for, and the value of, giving something back. As he was one of the original founders of our home builders association (you oldies may remember HUDAC), he walked his talk. He was instrumental in getting each of us involved in one way or another in committees, Boards of Directors, consumer education, industry training seminars, and community volunteer projects.
But recollections were not limited to his building technology prowess and industry contributions. More importantly, tales were told of how Al had touched us at a deeper level. There was an overriding sense of reverence in the room as we shared how, in his own simple and unassuming way, leading by example, Al had influenced us and helped us grow not only as business people, but also as human beings. Words people used to describe their experiences and learnings from Al included honesty, integrity, commitment, sharing, caring, creativity, practicality, common sense, lifelong learning, and much more of the same. At times when some of these more personal feelings were offered, a few tears of gratitude could be spotted falling from the corners of a couple of older eyes. That says it all.
My wish is that you may be so fortunate, at some time in your career and life, as to have a person such as Albert Koehli to learn from and grow with.
My thanks to John Chepil, Einar Halbig, Herman Rebneris, George Pinch, Eric Burnett,
Brian Hart, Wilma Leung, Mark Gauvin, Ben Van Nostrand, Denisa Ionescu, Bob Muir,
Shirley Chow, and Lisa Toyne for their tips and resources. I hope you find a
wee bit of value somewhere in this newsletter.
Have a "Top Drawer" day.
Ken Farrish
:o)
Update On The New BC Building Info Site
"Where the BC building industry finds and shares information"
Directory Topics With New Links Added
These Topics in our Directory now have lots of new links:
Building Systems: Factory Built
Building Systems: Site Built: Concrete
Building Systems: Site Built: Other
Advertise To The BC Building Industry
If you are a supplier of products and services, BC Building Info provides effective ways to get your message to the desktops of industry decision makers. Learn more about how you can benefit, and special offers for newsletter & Directory advertising here
Submit Your Link Recommendations
If you have any recommendations for links that you think should be added to our Directory, please feel free to submit them to us here
*************************************************
Advertisement
*************************************************
Looking For Products That Meet BC Rainscreen Code Requirements?
|
PowerWood can supply you with a wide range of tested and proven building envelope
and rainscreen products including:
|
For Stone & Masonry: Sure Cavity SM
For Stucco, Siding and Shingles: Driwall
Commercial Grade Building Wrap: Typar
|
Find out more about PowerWood rainscreen products…
**********************************************************************************************************************
|
Canadian Housing Market Outlook For Second Quarter 2008
CMHC Housing Market Outlook for second quarter 2008 summarizes Canadian housing trends and forecasts with both a national and local perspective. It provides a two-year forecast of housing starts, sales, prices and key economic indicators. (PDF)
Looking At Tomorrow In Technology, Buildings & Industry
Building Science digest says examining trends is useful as an aid to understanding the direction the building industry is headed, and where it might end up. It describes a series of changes and possible changes that may influence the building industry and society.
Online Webcast Of May 2008 Conference On Future Of Housing Industry In BC
BC Homeowner Protection Office online Webcast and Podcast of presentations from their May 2008 conference on Next Generation: Future of the Housing Industry in British Columbia includes presentations by Kerry Jothen on changing forces affecting market housing demand and labour supply, Michael Geller on impact of new and emerging technologies, and David Podmore on BC development industry achievements and future challenges.
2008 Report On Canadian Renovation & Home Purchase
CMHC 2008 Renovation and Home Purchase Report summarizes surveys conducted in ten major Canadian centres. It provides information on prior year renovations in all ten centres, and intentions to buy or renovate a home for five centres. (PDF)
Need For Intelligent System For Construction Process Automation
Canadian Institute for Research in Construction reviewed
technologies that could lead to greater construction
efficiency by integrating life-cycle stages of
construction including conception,
design, construction, and operations and maintenance,
and by improving the flow of resources. The report
assesses changes that might include
tracking the location and status of materials,
equipment, personnel, and other resources that
would facilitate delivery on demand.
Compare Courier & Mail Rates For North America
ShipGooder provides an easy, fast search engine to get the best shipping rates by comparing local, regional and national courier companies.
Selling The Design In Design-Build
Journal of Light Construction article describes how a small initial design contract can lead to a big job.
Gen Y Are Hot Prospects For Urban Styled Apartments
US National Association of Home Builders article, from a speech to professionals in the multifamily industry, says there is something more than a little different about the 20-somethings of Generation Y.
Smaller Size US Houses Selling Well In 2008
Money magazine article says soaring fuel costs, environmental concerns and aging baby boomers may alter what Americans want in a home.
Lifelong Learning Is A New Trend in Senior Communities
US National Association of Home Builders article describes how lifelong learning is a new trend in senior communities, and what some builders are doing to consider this.
Best Remodels Of 2008 From Fine Homebuilding
Fine Homebuilding magazine describes some renovations that caught the eye of their editors in 2008.
Presentations From US Conference On Mixed Use Projects
Georgia State University provides online audio podcasts
and slide presentations from their February 2008
Urban Development Conference on legal, land use, financing,
and environmental challenges of mixed
use projects.
What Are Industry Members Saying About BC Building Info?
Jennifer Shaw, Program Director of Built Green BC, says:
"This is great Ken. Really good information and I like how it is organized."
Feel free to let others know about BC Building Info.
New Revisions & Errata For 2005 National Construction Codes
Canadian Institute for Research in Construction has
downloadable versions of June 2008 and December
2007 revisions and errata for the 2005 National
Building Code, Fire Code, and Plumbing
Code.
CCBFC Looking At How To Add New Objectives To Canadian National Codes
Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes has approved
the formation of a task group to determine how
requests for addition of new objectives to the
national model codes should be addressed.
Contact information is included here if you want
to receive updates or participate in the process.
Best Practice For Safety With Silica Dust From Fibre Cement
BC Construction Safety Network bulletin describes best practices for safety from exposure to silica dust when working with fibre cement siding & board. (PDF)
*************************************************
Advertisement
*************************************************
The Ultimate in Water Purification Systems
|
Bottled water, water coolers, jug filters and one-faucet under-the-sink filters are now a thing of the past. Families can now have crystal clear, purified water containing essential minerals to maintain healthy bodies from every faucet in the home…even through a “Water Advisory”!
GE Homespring Central Water Purification System offers you an innovative, natural and efficient technology from GE’s ZENON Membrane Solutions. Developed by people who have led the way in advanced water filtration products for more than 25 years, ZENON Membrane Solutions has received numerous awards for its innovative technology and environmental awareness.
GE Homespring is installed at the point where water enters the house, providing unlimited, purified water from every faucet in the home, all without taking up storage space. Virtually maintenance free, the system self cleans daily using its own purified water. The system is designed for unlimited purified water supply.
Using existing water pressure, the Ultrafiltration system provides a continuous supply of microbiologically purified water for a family’s needs. It uses a chemical-free, advanced physical barrier so bacteria, viruses and cysts are blocked out and flushed away; leaving naturally dissolved healthy minerals in water.
For more information, contact us today at 604-535-2030 or Toll Free at 888-747-7788
Learn more about SafeStar Products here…
**********************************************************************************************************************
|
Online Digests Covering Building Science Topics
Building Science, from Dr. Joe Lstiburek & Dr. John Straube, offers online digests that are papers on specific building science topics written for a broad range of users. Expert advice is given with a focus on establishing an understanding of the theory and translating this theory to practical information.
Research Reports On Building Science & Technologies
Building Science site of Dr. Joe Lstiburek & Dr. John Straube offer free access to their building science & technology research reports that have highly technical and specific information written for researchers but accessible to professionals.
BC Survey Of Opinions On Proprietary Rainscreen Systems
BC Institute of Technology students completed a web-based survey of building industry professionals to get their opinions about proprietary rainscreen products including if they seem to perform as advertised, did they like using them, and would the products ever replace traditional strapping. (PDF)
BC Bulletin On Dangers Of Exposure To Asbestos In Vermiculite Attic Insulation
Workers Compenstion Board of BC bulletin describes vermiculite insulation that may contain asbestos, problems caused, steps to prevent exposure, and sources of more information.
Concrete Floor Problems With Sand Over Vapour Barrier
Building Science article describes problems when placing a layer of sand over the top of a plastic ground cover under a concrete slab.
Overview Of Residential Hoists & Ceiling Lifts For Accessibility
CMHC fact sheet describes types of residential hoists and ceiling lifts that are commonly available in Canada, and issues to consider when choosing and installing a hoist or ceiling lift in a house, condominium or apartment.
Find Energy Efficiency Programs & Financial Incentives In Canada
Natural Resources Canada directory of energy efficiency and alternative energy programs in Canada allows search for programs of the Canadian government, provincial and territorial governments, major electric & gas utilities & companies, and major municipalities in Canada.
Listing Of Classroom & Online Courses On Green Building
US Green Building Council site Greenbuild 365 lists classroom and online educational offerings, podcasts, resources, and plenaries & master speaker presentations from their annual Greenbuild Conference & Expo.
Updates On Changes To Canadian Energy Efficiency Regulations
National Resources Canada bulletins provide updates on proposed changes and amendments to Canadian energy efficiency regulations for energy consuming building and household products.
Webinars On Liability Of Building Green
Green Building Initiative is offering three webinars on liability issues of building green. You can register for any or all presentations; June 24: Risk and Liability in the Construction Industry; July 16: Regulatory Issues that Add to Construction Risk; August 27: How Insurance Plays a Role in Construction Risk.
*************************************************Advertisement
*************************************************
**********************************************************************************************************************
|
BC Coupons For Savings On Enerchoice Gas Fireplaces
Terasen Gas lists EnerChoice natural gas fireplace manufacturer coupons, with savings up to $150, available until August 31 for the regions of Lower Mainland & Squamish, Interior, East Kootenays, Fort Nelson, and Revelstoke.
New BC Directory Of Building Products & Services
Builder Architect magazine new online CoolShowrooms site provides listings (paid), descriptions, and pictures of BC providers of building products and services.
New Resource Site On Landscape Architecture In BC
Sitelines, a new Web site from the BC Society of Landscape
Architects, provides information and resources
on landscape architecture including education and careers, newsletters,
project examples, and supplier listings.
Maple Chase Recalls Carbon Monoxide & Smoke Combo Alarms
Ontario Electrical Safety Authority in cooperation with Maple Chase Company is notifying the public that Maple Chase has announced a voluntary recall of Firex branded 10000 series carbon monoxide (CO) alarms and 12000 series smoke/CO combo alarms. About 36,000 units were sold across Canada.
Thompson Okanagan Project Data Now Available From Green Sheet Construction Data
A provider of building permit information, Green Sheet Construction Data, has announced the addition of Zone 4, the Thompson Okanagan, to their project information services that include updates on New Projects, Pre Bids & Tenders; Project Updates & Bid Results; Building Permits
Free Newsletters On BC Health & Safety Regulations & News
Workers Compensation of BC offers free newsletters for
different industry sectors, on health & safety
information; news releases; regulation, guideline & policy updates;
and incident summaries.
Pacific Coast Builders Show In San Francisco, June 24 - 27
Pacific Coast Builders Show held in San Francisco from June 24 - 27 offers trade show, educational programs, pre-conference intensives, executive-level programs, and more.
BC Recycling Industry Conference & Trade Show In Vancouver
Recycling Council of BC annual zero waste conference in Vancouver from June 25 - 27 features workshops, presentations, trade exhibits, networking opportunities, tours, and awards.
BC Seminars & Professional Development Events For Industry
Some of the professional development seminars offered
by the Association of Professional Engineers & Geoscientists of BC
will be of interest to the broader building industry.
Upcoming sessions include Politics in Project Management,
June 24, and Fundamentals
of Capital Project Cost Control, July 10.
BC Residential Construction Industry Training Organization
Residential Construction Industry Training Organization of British Columbia (RCITO) promotes, develops, coordinates and manages the delivery of industry training and trades qualifications in the BC residential construction industry by responding to the skills and training needs of employers and workers.
List Of Popular Software & Free Online Alternatives
Invest In Tech newsletter lists 25 free online alternatives to big brand software.
Search Engine For Information On Windows Operating System
Windows Secrets newsletter offers their online Google Custom Search engine to query Web sites that specialize in Microsoft Windows related information.
Have Some Fun Parking This Car
So you think you are good at parking a car eh? So did I. Seems simple enough at first, but given the number of times I crashed methinks my insurance rates will be going up.
Last Survey: Would you get value from a BC newsletter on green building?
- 81% Said: Yes
- 19% Said: No
Thanks for your participation
Dittie For Today - On Patience
It takes about twenty years, to make an overnight success.
- Denis Waitley
Quick Links
Subscription Info
www.bcbuildinginfo.com
©
Copyright 2008
Ken Farrish
All Rights Reserved
ISSN: 1703-5597 - National Library of Canada
|
