Homebuilders Deals & Incentives on New Construction

If they closed in March, and the builder would throw in a free Whirlpool refrigerator, washer, and dryer as well.

K & S Contracting specializes in foundation repair for homeowners across Saskatchewan, in addition, they also offer general contracting services to Saskatoon and the surrounding area. In their latest Trusted Saskatoon contractor tip, K & S Contracting Trusted Saskatoon General Contractors and foundation specialists, discuss vermiculite insulation.

Vermiculite Insulation - What Is It?

What Is The Risk?

 

Asbestos minerals tend to separate into microscopic particles that become airborne and are easily inhaled. People exposed to asbestos in the workplace have developed several types of life-threatening diseases, including lung cancer. Workers in and around the Libby mine developed serious health problems. 

 

Like any hazards, length and intensity of exposure are major factors in the risk of asbestos-related respiratory illness. To assess the risk of asbestos exposure at a house, a sample of the vermiculite would need to be analyzed by a lab. Since most of the vermiculite used in Canada was taken from the Libby mine, the odds are quite good that there is asbestos in the vermiculite in Canadian attics.

 

The good news is that we don’t live in our attics. In addition, as long as it is undisturbed, neither the asbestos fibres bound up in the vermiculite chunks nor the dust will be released into the air. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in the U.S., “Most people who get asbestos-related diseases have been exposed to high levels of asbestos for a long time.” Lastly, most of the time the air in your house flows from the house into the attic, rather than into the house from the attic.

 

The bottom line is, like most household products that may contain asbestos, and there are many, doing nothing is often the best approach. Naturally, the risk of exposure increases with the amount of time spent in the attic.

Our Recommendations

If the attic or walls of a house contain vermiculite insulation, leave it alone. Avoid disturbing the material. Do not sweep it or vacuum it up. Do not store belongings in the attic.

If work is planned that involves these areas, for example installing pot-lights in a room below the attic, send a sample of the vermiculite to a private lab. Send several samples, and use a lab specializing in asbestos analysis. If it is found to contain asbestos, or if you just assume it does, precautions should be taken. The safest approach would be to have the insulation in the affected areas removed by a qualified environmental contractor.

For smaller jobs, it may be sufficient to isolate work areas with temporary barriers or enclosures to avoid spreading fibres, use disposable protective clothing, and use proper respiratory protection. An important note – disposable respirators or dust masks are not appropriate for asbestos. Again, it is best to consult a qualified contractor.

For more information about K&S Contracting, view their listing in the Contractors section on Trusted Saskatoon.

K & S Contracting is a Trusted Saskatoon General Contractor and foundation specialist. 

Saskatoon’s only locally owned and operated staffing and recruitment agency, that offers a full scope of staffing and recruitment solutions from professional search and headhunting to temporary staffing. Express Employment Professionals allow clients to focus their efforts and time on being productive and doing what they do best – their business! Let their team focus on finding that right hire – that is what they do best! In their latest Saskatoon employment agency tip they share an article on building employee loyalty. 

Maintaining a productive workforce is the key to having sustainable success in business. However, with companies adapting to the current economic climate due to closures and social distancing measures, keeping top talent can be difficult. Not only do organizations need to focus on recruiting methods when opening up this summer, they also need to develop best retention practices to ensure stability as the economy ramps back up in the third and fourth quarters.

And with the economy facing tremendous hurdles, one thing a company cannot afford to lose is its employees. According to a study by Employee Benefits News, the average cost of losing an employee is 33% of their annual salary. So, retention needs to remain a major focus.

One of the key measures to retaining workers is building employee loyalty. For businesses that furloughed workers amidst temporary closures, or had to lay off employees due to economic hardships, rebuilding loyalty is paramount to ramping up business efforts.

Enhance Employee Development Plans

Though some professional development plans may have been put on hold during these past few months, it’s more important than ever to pour energy back into your workforce. Employees want to work for a company that invests in their future. And the best way to do this is through education, cross-training or tuition subsidies to name a few.

According to a BlessingWhite study, most employees who were willing to quit their job cited lack of career opportunity, with 26% citing lack of growth opportunities. If your business doesn’t have the capital to invest in development now, what you do have is time and talent. An inexpensive way to utilize these tools is through mentoring programs and cross-training among employees. These are all great ways to engage your workforce and build excitement about their roles.

Continue to Create Culture

A company’s culture is the heartbeat of the organization. It ties everything within a business together, binding values, mission, work ethic, and environment. It is one of the most important tools a company has for retention and loyalty. In LinkedIn’s Workplace Culture report, 86% of Millennials say they would consider talking a pay cut to accept a position at a company with a mission and values that align with their own. And a Hays report found that 43% of workers are seeking a new job with culture being the main reason.

Employees want to work for a company they believe in and also work in an environment where they feel safe and secure. Your culture is your key to not only recruiting new talent this year but also retaining your current workforce.

Engage Your Employees through Empathy

If your business was forced to temporarily close or your workforce was required to work remotely during these past few months, you’re probably tasked with building re-entry plans to safely bring your team back to the workplace. While this will be a great time full of opportunity to increase production, it also may be a difficult time for your employees. They have developed new habits by adapting to the work-from-home environments and may have difficulty adjusting to the new normal. This can cause employee disengagement and emotional detachment. Because of this, empathetic leadership will be a major factor this year.

According to Businessolver, 93% of employees would stay with an empathetic employer while 82% would leave their position to work for a more empathetic company. Consider adopting a partial remote schedule so employees can easily adjust. Or offer new projects between teams to help create newness and excitement in the workplace. By understanding their needs and helping them through the transition, you will be able to not only build trust and engagement, but loyalty as well.

Express Employment Professionals allow clients to focus their efforts and time on being productive and doing what they do best – their business. Let their team focus on finding that right hire – that is what they do best!

• Click Here: Saskatoon JOB SEEKERS
• Click Here: Saskatoon EMPLOYERS

Contact Hanif and the team today! Connecting employees with great companies like yours. 

'It's What They  Do'

Express Employment Saskatoon Your Trusted Saskatoon Headhunters and Employment Agency

Whether you’re buying a house for the first time, the second or the seventh time, it’s still one of the biggest decisions you ever have to make. In order to ensure sheer success, you need Trusted Saskatoon Realtor Clark Dziadyk! Clark will ease your mind by taking the pressure off of you to find your dream home! Be assured Saskatoon Real Estate Agent Clark Dziadyk puts 100% effort into everything he does. He shares regular Saskatoon Real Estate Expert Tips with us and his latest tip he shares an article from Price Water House Coopers Real estate emerging trend series about real estate markets to watch in 2020.....and they include Saskatoon in their top 10 cities to watch! 

Canadian Real Estate Markets to watch in 2020

Vancouver

"The market rise was too strong, and now it is reacting to that. However, by the time it is done, it will be in line with where a steady increase should have gotten us over the years.”

 Economic growth is moderating in Vancouver. The Conference Board of Canada (CBoC) expects growth to dip to 2.3% in 2019 and continue to average at that rate from 2020-23, down from the 3% rise experienced in 2018. Looking at the Vancouver housing market, total starts will drift downwards over the next few years as a result of ample supply and policy measures aimed at taking more steam out of the sector.

Housing prices, particularly for single-family homes, have been decreasing, and sales in the Vancouver area were down significantly at the start of the summer of 2019. The proportion of foreign buyers in the Vancouver housing market has dropped significantly since the BC government introduced a tax on international purchases in 2016.

Despite some headwinds, Vancouver re-emerged at the top of our survey this year for overall real estate prospects. The office and industrial sectors are doing particularly well. For office properties in metropolitan Vancouver, the vacancy rate was just 5.3% in the second quarter of 2019, according to JLL Research.

Looking at the housing market, the long-term trends remain favourable. Recent softness is largely a reflection of a correction from an overheated environment and policies that have caused investors, whether foreign or domestic buyers, to exit the market.

With a strong economy and population growth, Vancouver remains a desirable place to live that will eventually draw buyers back into the market. The question isn’t if, but when, they’ll come back.  

Toronto

“There’s a certain stubbornness that has persisted in the GTA real estate market.”

Fuelled in part by immigration that’s helping to make it one of the fastest-growing cities in both Canada and the United States, Toronto continues to have a healthy real estate market. Economic growth is also solid: the CBoC is predicting growth of 2.4% in both 2019 and 2020. While the housing market had declined as a result of policy interventions like the mortgage stress test, sales and prices have been stabilizing. 

But affordability remains a significant concern, largely due to a decade of land supply issues, coupled with increased demand for housing as a result of immigration and new household formations. With the cost of land per front foot rising, the impacts of government levies and taxes have only added to the affordability challenge.

Toronto’s office market is a major strength, as seen in the continued low vacancy rate and announcements of large-scale developments across the region. Notable among them is a recently announced CA$3.5-billion mixed-use development near the CN Tower that includes two office towers (of 58 and 48 stories), about 800 rental apartments across two buildings and a retail component.

A constant top investment and development pick, the industrial sector continues to shine on the back of e-commerce growth. Vacancies are at historic lows in the industrial sector, with average net-asking rents on the rise. Construction activity is strong, with significant new supply expected to come onstream by early 2020.

Ottawa

“Demand is so far outstripping supply, with nothing suggesting this will go away any time soon.”

With solid economic growth and a vibrant housing market, Ottawa took third place for real estate prospects in our survey. Migration from other cities, including from Toronto-area residents looking for more affordable housing options, has helped the city’s population surpass the one-million mark. With the city having reached that milestone, interviewees expect larger investment players to come into the market.

With so much activity, labour shortages remain a significant issue, as the city grapples with the impact of several large construction projects happening at the same time. And with land supply tight and affordability decreasing, some developers are building townhouses rather than traditional detached homes. 

Purpose-built rental housing is also going strong, particularly as rising prices to buy a home push people to look at other options. Notable projects in Ottawa include a new 24-storey co-living development featuring communal apartments alongside traditional rental units. One interviewee believes renting is a long-term trend in Ottawa, with several retail properties being redeveloped to include rental housing.

The industrial sector is doing well, and many interviewees noted storage as a strength in a government city that regularly attracts newcomers. According to JLL Research, the office vacancy rate declined to 7.7% in the second quarter of 2019, down from 8.7% in 2018.

Halifax

“Slow and steady wins the race in Halifax.”

The Halifax economy is on a steady upward climb, with growth forecasts of 2% in 2019 and 2.6% the year after, according to the CBoC. This comes on the heels of record job creation numbers in 2018.

Strong immigration levels are fuelling population gains and demand for homes, particularly when it comes to purpose-built rental and single-family housing. Asked if oversupply is a concern, interviewees said they’re not seeing signs of that happening yet.

Interviewees say financing is widely available, as institutional and private investors that have capital to invest still view the local real estate market—especially when it comes to purpose-built rental housing and industrial properties—as profitable. On the office side, absorption of new supply has left some older buildings falling out of favour.

Real estate players are actively watching what will happen with proposed new development rules under the city’s Centre Plan. The plan, which updates land-use bylaws and municipal planning strategies, would let developers build bigger towers in the core.

Elsewhere in Atlantic Canada, St. John’s is seeing improving prospects as oil companies make long-term commitments through new exploration and move into new office buildings outside of the downtown core.

Montreal

“Montreal feels like it’s on fire.”

Montreal is on track for continued economic growth, albeit at slightly lower rates than the 3.4% seen in 2018. The CBoC forecasts growth of 2% in 2019, tapering off slightly to an average of 1.6% from 2020-23.

Major strengths in Montreal’s real estate market include multifamily housing and industrial property. An aging population is among the factors fuelling significant demand for condos, while e-commerce, including the growth of cold storage for grocery deliveries, is giving a boost to industrial real estate. Supply of industrial real estate is tight, with the availability rate falling to just 3.2% in the second quarter of 2019, according to CBRE.

The office market, helped by strong absorptions due in part to a growing technology sector looking for flexible space, has also been healthy. The vibrant market is leading to significant investment and deal activities, including transactions involving large US institutional investors and private equity players that see promise in the region’s stability.

Senior housing is another significant trend, as are residential developments offering curated amenities and services aimed at millennials and active adults who have recently retired.

Despite the optimism, there are concerns about rising construction and labour costs and the potential impacts of the city’s proposed 20-20-20 bylaw. Under the proposal, the city would require developers to set aside certain percentages of new residential developments—or make a financial contribution in lieu—for social, affordable and family-oriented housing.

Saskatoon

" The Housing market is picking up nicely and product is moving! "

Saskatoon’s economy continues to expand, with modest growth on the near horizon. According to the CBoC, Saskatoon will see economic growth of 2.3% in 2019 and 1.7% in 2020. 

Population growth will outstrip the national average over this period. Housing sales in 2019 have been showing a modest uptick over 2018, with condos contributing to the year-over-year increase. The CBoC predicts housing starts will increase over the coming years, rising to 2,171 units in 2020 from 1,646 in 2019.

A three-building, CA$300-million residential and commercial development reached an important milestone in May 2019 with a ceremony to mark the completion of the top floor of one of two office towers.

The site’s hotel has already opened, and the smaller of the two office towers should be complete in November. Work on the larger tower, which the CBoC notes is expected to be the tallest building in Saskatchewan, should be complete by 2021.

Quebec city

Forecasts by the CBoC suggest Quebec City’s economy will increase by 1.8% in 2019, with annual growth averaging 1.6% from 2020-23. It predicts housing starts will soften in 2019 and remain below 2017 and 2018 levels for the next four years, particularly when it comes to building single-family detached homes.

Despite the softness in some parts of the housing market, there’s strength in other areas, as seen in large-scale developments like a CA$550-million commercial and residential development in Lévis. Other major projects include the construction of a new hospital complex.

Construction costs are a rising concern. One interviewee pointed to the impact of the hospital project on the price of concrete, while others cited labour shortages as a significant factor behind the cost pressures on real estate projects.

Environmental features are another trend in the Quebec City real estate market. Several interviewees noted the rising focus on the inclusion of rooftop urban agriculture and community gardens.

Access to transportation is also important, which is an area where Quebec City is making significant investment as it moves forward with its ambitious tramway project. The project, which recently secured funding, has the potential to transform the city and open up new development opportunities.

Edmonton

“Although the home builder industry in Alberta has been crippled by fewer residential construction jobs . . . and uncertainty surrounding proposed legislation, we’re hopeful this is the worst and we’ll hit the upswing in 2020.”

Edmonton’s economy is expected to grow by 1.3% in 2019, according to the CBoC, as oil production cuts moderate growth in the energy sector. While anticipated austerity by the new provincial government may also affect growth in the city in the near term, the CBoC expects the economy to grow by an average of 2.3% from 2020-23. Despite some headwinds, the Edmonton real estate market is seeing strength in some areas.

Construction of a number of new office towers is adding vibrancy to the city’s downtown. While JLL Research reported an office vacancy rate of 17.7% in the second quarter of 2019, the downtown area saw positive net absorption, particularly in the city’s financial district. A wave of completions is putting some pressure on the owners of older buildings to renovate or repurpose them as the city experiences a flight to high-quality office properties.

Industrial real estate is doing well, especially in communities outside the city where available land and lower tax rates are helping to stimulate development. As a gateway to northern communities, Edmonton is evolving as a warehousing and distribution centre, as seen in developments like an Amazon facility in Nisku’s Border Business Park that’s expected to open in early 2020.

Winnipeg

Like many areas of Canada, Winnipeg’s economic growth has moderated somewhat. According to the CBoC, growth is forecast to come in at 1.9% in 2019 and 1.6% in 2020, down from an average of 3.4% during the previous two years.

Strong immigration levels have more than outweighed outflows, helping to fuel solid population growth. While the CBoC projects housing starts to soften in the short term, it expects a sustained rebound from 2020-23. Once complete, a new 40-storey, CA$160-million mixed-use development on Main Street will be Winnipeg’s tallest structure.

The industrial market is very strong. The industrial availability rate was just 3.7% in the second quarter of 2019, according to CBRE. Prospects remain solid for the manufacturing sector in Winnipeg, where the average industrial net asking lease rate rose by 2.7% on a year-over-year basis, according to CBRE.

Calgary

“The outcome of decisions on the pipelines will determine our city’s future. I suspect they will be built and that will create jobs and keep us busy.”

Calgary is likely to see moderate economic growth again in 2019, with the CBoC forecasting a rise of 1.5%. Further out, it projects annual growth to average 2.5% from 2020-23.

Many interviewees are particularly optimistic about the impact of a new provincial government and the possibilities of building long-awaited energy pipelines. “We have already seen more people at our showrooms after the election,” said one interviewee.

While the housing market faces cost pressures and the CBoC expects starts to fall again in 2019, it’s projecting a sustained rise in construction activity from 2020-23. Interviewees see some opportunities in single-family housing, particularly when it comes to homes aimed at move-up buyers.

Industrial properties are definitely a strength as Calgary becomes a growing distribution hub. According to CBRE statistics for the second quarter of 2019, the industrial availability rate was 8.4% in that period, putting that area of the market in a much better position than office properties.

With the vacancy rate still quite high at 22.5% in the second quarter of 2019, the downtown office market has seen the withdrawal of some large investors like pension funds, which is creating opportunities for smaller players to acquire buildings and see positive absorption from refreshing them or converting them to other uses. 

JOB Heating & Air Conditioning’s wonderful staff will be more than happy to provide you with an estimate for any home comfort improvement that you have in mind. They also offer training classes at your personal site for maintenance and they also offer home heating tune-ups. JOB are Trusted Saskatoon Furnace experts and they can also help you with all your Saskatoon plumbing needs!In this Saskatoon HVAC article,  Jeff Bolton, owner of JOB, highlights how important it is to be aware of scams in the Saskatoon air-conditioning and furnace marketplace.