Houses

I am happy to have the opportunity to be framing houses again. With the recessed market, it has been approximately a year since most contractors have had homes to build - and there are not a lot of contractors who have homes to build even now.

I also continue to work on client home renovation projects (decks, fences, garages, home and basement renovations), and enjoy the variety that working for both home owners and home builders provides.

Variety is the spice of life. ;)

Flooring

I am completing a basement development for a client, and was pleased to install laminate as one of the final pieces in this very large basement today.

My client has done an excellent job of picking finishings and colours for this space - everything looks great and he is thrilled.

Flooring makes such a positive impact - and the choice of laminate is easy on the pocket-book, and a breeze to clean and maintain.

Exterior Finishing

(After.)

(Before.)

I've recently completed work for one of my toughest customers - my wife. ;)

We purchased a turn-of-the-century home a couple of years ago, and after doing a bunch of structural work (not to mention electric, plumbing, heating, insulation, etc), I have begun to work on our home's exterior.

New windows, new vertical siding (and underneath that, new insulation and Tyvek/home wrap), new trim, paint, a decorative bracket in the top roof peak, and of course a fence and landscaping.

The work you see on the front of the house itself (not the fence or landscaping) was started and completed this weekend.

A Busy Summer

I've had an incredibly busy summer, developing basements, working on a variety of home renovations (inside and out), and designing and building decks and fences.

I am just now wrapping up client projects for the summer, and am quickly booking up again for late summer and fall. I am lucky to receive many client referrals and project extensions, I have met many new clients this summer and am grateful to have been their partner in their construction work.
Here are some photos of a basement renovation that I am close to wrapping up this week, which included design and layout, permit application, framing, insulating/drywalling, painting, flooring, finishing, theatre-room install, and next a bathroom installation.

Fences & Decks

Here are some photos of a client job that I finished this week.

The full framing and completion of a fence and deck (and all additional work required, post holes, concrete setting, etc) - the homeowner is thrilled, and the work looks great. The fence is as straight as an arrow.

Just in time for Spring.

I lifted the railings 3 1/2 inches off the deck, making it easy for the homeowners to shovel snow off the patio in the winter. We also ensured the lattice skirting was pressure treated, and installed a small 'access door' on the side for storage.

This job was completed in five working days.

Window Installation and Exterior Finishing

Here are a couple of shots of a job that I'm working on right now, installing new windows throughout a multi-story home.

This job includes removal of old windows, cutting the walls back and reframing to effectively fit the new, larger windows, and installing all new window trim and finishing.

This renovation provides great impact and improved energy efficiency for these homeowners.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore

Did you know that Habitat for Humanity Calgary operates a store that accepts donations of used furniture, appliances, and building supplies - and then sells them for excellent prices? (All proceeds support the operations of Habitat for Humanity Calgary.)

They also accept donations of kitchen cabinets, windows and doors - and will provide tax receipts for these goods. In some instances, they will have their own team come in and remove the cabinets at no charge. This is a great idea as it both supports an important not-for-profit and saves you labour costs.

"The Habitat for Humanity ReStore sells quality, new and used furniture, appliances and building materials to the public at greatly reduced prices.

All products are donated by local people or businesses keeping useful items out of the landfill.

100% of ReStore proceeds cover Habitat Calgary’s administration costs ensuring that all donations to Habitat go directly to the construction of affordable homes for families in need."

I'm already a supporter of this organization, and suggest to clients that they consider the above when renovating their homes.

Home Renovations

Before beginning larger home renovation projects, there are often big demolition jobs.

I have extensive experience managing and working demolition projects. It's important to know what you're doing, to be safe, what should stay and what should be removed, and how to best approach the demolition to re-use product and save the homeowner money.

It's also important to know how to get the job quickly and in the 'cleanest' way possible, so the homeowner is not living with a mess.

A lot of homeowners are calling me for various sized renovation jobs, it's a good time to invest in your property.

Restoration And Damage Repair

One of my clients had a significant amount of water damage (and mould) in their basement ceiling due to a leaky sink on the main floor.

They have removed the sink and stopped the water leak, but needed to have the ceiling replaced and repaired.

I am happy to remove the old ceiling, and install and finish a new ceiling. While I have done a lot of mould removal for other clients, there is not any mould underneath this ceiling, so it is only a removal and new drywall/finishing job.

This type of repair makes your home safer, cleaner, and keeps your property value up.

Custom Work & Odd Jobs

I received a call last week from a couple who wanted new exterior doors installed in their 1950's home.

This would seem like an easy job, except that the house is made of stone and concrete, and the new doors were larger than the existing door openings.

This job required cutting of concrete, brick and stone, installation and leveling of the new doors.

This kind of work requires patience and experience, and the right tools.

The homeowners are so happy with my work on their doors, they've now booked me to build a new fence, gates, pour a patio, fix their window wells, and repair their bathroom.

Fences and Decks

I'm glad to say I've been receiving a lot of calls from folks who need fences and decks built once the ground thaws.

I have a lot of experience designing and building fences and decks, and take great pride in providing the best construction, design and finished product. I'm also happy to paint or stain to best suit the house.

Here are photos of a fence I recently built, I'm happy to say it's still perfectly straight and looking great.

Custom Work

Here is a photo of a beautiful coffered ceiling I built in a newer home. It was built in the home owner's dining room, and brought an estate feel to the house.

This, and any type of custom work can be done in any home style, any age of home, and can be designed and built to the client's specifications and taste.

Ask your contractor if they have any ideas on how to reflect your personality in your home renovation. With a bit of inspiration and direction, your house can reflect your style - while staying on budget.

Garages, Homes & Sheds

Having built dozens of home in Calgary and area over the past eight years, I have excellent framing and finishing experience.

With the residential housing market slowing greatly, I'm now providing framing services to clients through construction of garages and sheds. (Also fences, decks, and basement developments.)

I enjoy working with clients to design buildings that complement their homes and properties.

Basement Renovations: Floor Repair

I've been in construction for over eight years, and I still find that every client job is unique. I'm constantly presented with new work and new ways to help clients improve their homes. This problem solving is why I love my job.

Here is a photo of a job I'm working on this week. This is a hole in the concrete floor of a basement, where the client's home's previous owners had installed a hot tub - which has since been removed. My job is to fill the hole in, and make it solid, secure and even, so when we finish the basement, it doesn't sound like a hollow spot underneath the carpet.

As you can see, I'm building a wooden 'deck' or grid for a foundation. I'm then installing a double layer of subfloor, being glued and screwed to the decking.

I'm also framing, breaking open floors and moving teleposts, moving plumbing and drains, and adding in a laundry room.

This is a great example of how a small budget can make a huge impact on useable, living space for your family.

Decks, Porches, Verandas

Decks are a great way to expand the 'useable space' of your home and give your property's appearance an affordable and impactful boost.

Here are some photos of a deck I designed and built for a customer. The deck was built out of pressure treated lumber (deck floor), painted spruce railing, aluminum fascia and PVC lattice.

The overall effect is a cozy, cohesive addition, but the materials chosen provided a low cost, and low maintenance deck for the client.

I've never built the same deck twice - each project is unique depending upon my client's needs, budget, and design preference.

Fence Design and Construction

I'm currently receiving a lot calls from folks looking to have fences built this spring. I've built countless fences and gates for clients over the years - many of which I helped design and customize to match the residence.

A fence is not only practical - it also beautifies a home's appearance and improves street value.

Here is a photo of a fence I built for a client over three years ago. When visiting the family this week (the homeowner is now a good friend), I took this photo - and was pleased to see the fence is still as straight as an arrow.

With the warmer weather, the ground is beginning to thaw - I'm looking forward to providing this service to homeowners again soon.

Spring Has Sprung?

It looks like Spring may be just around the corner. (We hope!)

I'm now scheduling client projects for the spring, including:
- fences
- decks
- sheds
- garages
- various home renovations (new windows, room renovations, basement developments, new siding, windows and doors)

I would be pleased to discuss and quote any projects that you need done. If you'd like to chat, please contact me at 403.899.9949.

New Windows

There's not a lot of 'quick fix' renovations that pick up a house like new windows and doors.

Energy savings, improved efficiency, and great street-level impact, window and door replacement is easy to do, and is a smart investment in your home.

Here are some photos of me installing high efficiency windows in a turn-of-the-century home in Okotoks.

With the Home Renovation Tax Credit (see below article dated March 11), this is a great time to do make theis type of property investments.

Small Addition, Big Difference

Here is a photo of a wet bar that I helped construct in a client’s basement this week. I framed, and helped to tile and build this bar. (I also installed the wall cabinets.) The front of the bar will also be finished in tile.

This is a good example of how a bit of creativity and a small budget can make a big difference in a room.

Home Renovation Tax Credit

As you likely know, the Federal Government has included a tax credit for home owners spending money on property improvements in 2009.

“How the HRTC Will Work

The 15-per-cent credit may be claimed on the portion of eligible expenditures exceeding $1,000, but not more than $10,000, meaning that the maximum tax credit that can be received is $1,350.

The credit can be claimed on eligible expenditures incurred on one or more of an individual’s eligible dwellings. Properties eligible for the HRTC include houses, cottages and condominium units that are owned for personal use.

Renovation costs for projects such as finishing a basement or re-modelling a kitchen will be eligible for the credit, along with associated expenses such as building permits, professional services, equipment rentals and incidental expenses.

Routine repairs and maintenance will not qualify for the credit. Nor will the cost of purchasing furniture, appliances, audio-visual electronics or construction equipment.”

–www.budget.gc.ca/2009

Check out the following link for further information http://www.budget.gc.ca/2009/pamphlet-depliant/pamphlet-depliant3-eng.html



As a licensed and registered company, ONIT Construction provides full receipts and documents to clients for application of the above credits.

Do Your Homework

As we enter a very 'tight' year financially, homeowners needing renovations or improvements done will find a lot of tradespeople giving incredibly low quotes to win contracts.

This is good news for homeowners, and I recommend that all customers source at least a couple of competitive quotes, to compare costs, services, experience and skill level of various companies.

Having said that, it is important that homeowners compare 'apples to apples', and ensure they are hiring professional, legitimate contracters with the necessary protection in place to cover both the homeowner, and contracter, should something go wrong on the jobsite.

When considering who to source quotes from for your job, please ensure your contractor:
1) Is registered and licensed municipally and provincially
2) Has the appropriate liability insurance, should someone get hurt on the job site (on your property)
3) Has proper WCB insurance, if they have a crew or employees

Sourcing a competitive price is important - but ensuring your contracter is properly insured and registered is vital, should something happen on the jobsite.


ONIT Construction is happy to provide proof of all of the above registrations and insurance, and encourages all homeowners to request these documents before awarding their business.

Full Services

I'm currently working on a couple of basement developments, providing various services from framing to drywalling, mudding and taping.

Though I've spent the past several years focusing primarily on the framing and full construction of new homes, I'm happy to have solid experience, and a reputation providing the following services:

- framing (homes, garages, sheds, decks, fences, basement developments and home renovations)
- exterior finishing (shingling, siding and hardy board installation)
- window installation and replacement
- full home renovations, including flooring installation, full construction/framing, insulation, vapour barrier, wiring, tile work, painting
- basement developments

With home owners looking to improve their properties on tighter budgets, it's more cost efficient to hire individual contractors with excellent portfolios and skills, who can start and complete full jobs on their own.

I'm happy to say I'm already securing jobs for the spring, I'm just waiting for the ground to thaw to start a few decks and fences.


If you'd like ONIT to provide a quote for any job big or small, just give me a call.

Habitat For Humanity

I was happy to volunteer with family, friends and work colleagues in the framing and construction of a Habitat for Humanity Calgary multi-family project this past summer.

Here's a photo of a wall giong up on the Mayland Heights project, just southeast of the 16th avenue overpass on Deerfoot Trail.

Shakes, and Exterior Finishing

I have a lot of experience installing all types of exterior finishing (siding, shakes, window and door trim, wood and various types of alternative products). I also have extensive experience building and trimming/finishing posts, decks, porches, and various custom decorative exterior house details.

Above is an example of a building where I installed shakes.

It's amazing how a small amount of affordable, custom detail can dress up a house, garage or shed.

A Summary of My Services

Just click on the above to enlarge.

"Studio" Expansion

Here is an expansion I'm developing this week.

It's a 220 square foot 'studio', being built off the second floor of a 1920's house in Okotoks. I am providing all services on this development, including drawing up plans, submitting to the town, permits, framing, window installation, drywall, electrical and shingle installation.

I will also be siding and completing all exterior finishing on this house when complete.

When finished, the owners will have a beautiful sun room/office complete with hardwood floor and skylight.

What can I do for you?