Quality Is Top In A New Home
by Hugh Heron
Consumers may complain that today’s goods aren’t built like they used to be, but in the case of housing, this is a positive. It’s true that we don’t build them like we used to—we build them better!
I started in the industry during the late 1960s, and the homes we offer today are far better than those constructed 40 years ago.
I was reminded of this fact in June, when Ontario’s 2006 Building Code was announced. The code has undergone many amendments over the years and the newest version includes more than 700 technical changes. Some of them involve incorporating greater energy efficiency through such requirements as near-full-height basement insulation in new houses.
Ontario’s Building Code has always been a proactive document that anticipates future needs. Take, for example, the change to the Fire Code unveiled in December 2005—every home in the province had to have smoke detectors installed on every floor, including basements, by March 1, 2006. That requirement has been standard in Ontario’s Building Code for years. New home purchasers have peace of mind knowing that items such as this are addressed during construction.
In addition to the Building Code becoming stricter, technological advances and improvements in construction techniques have benefited everyone. Quality remains a huge driving force in new home sales compared to resale, and new homebuyers appreciate the additional protection of the Tarion Warranty Corporation.
Another progressive step in the new home industry is the streamlining and focalizing of the home inspection process. Decades ago home inspectors wore many hats, but today’s professionals are trained specifically to understand the Building Code and ensure that its criteria are met.
The family of the 21st century wants contemporary designs, energy efficiency, tighter architectural controls, and pleasing exteriors that are not dominated by garages. In the 20th century, people shifted from formal to casual in their everyday lives, and builders and architects responded by designing layouts that incorporated informal spaces. The 1990s saw the birth of the open-concept trend, which was truly an example of thinking outside the box. Here the kitchen is often the central meeting area, with an adjacent great room or family room encompassing a media or computer centre so that busy modern families have an oasis that encourages togetherness.
The 2006 Building Code, along with these design changes, demonstrates the industry’s continual adaptability and improvement to accommodate the needs of homebuyers. For quality, you can’t beat a brand new home.
Hugh Heron is principal and partner in the Heron Group of Companies, president of Heathwood Homes, chair of the Mikey Network, and a member of the board of directors of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. He is also a past president of the Toronto Home Builders’ Association and the Ontario Home Builders’ Association.
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