Canadian Renovation Leaders. Both Winnipeg and Manitoba have earned this title. Let's look at some of the supporting information.
Winnipeg has the third-oldest housing stock in Canada and the oldest in Western Canada. On one hand, this means that builders here produce homes that last a long time. Manitoba builders have long been reputed to be among the best in Canada and, obviously, given our considerable variances in climate, our new homes have stood the test of time.
On the other hand, older homes generally mean increased renovations over time. The average square footage of a 50-year-old home is smaller than ones being built now, and so additions are a popular feature.
Manitoba leads the country in energy-efficiency initiatives, and so many renovations are for energy-saving upgrades. Many homeowners like their home, like their neighbours and like the local services they currently enjoy. So, rather than move, they renovate.
Manitoba is the only province where more money is spent on renovations per year than on new-home construction. This fact actually presents a double bonus for Manitobans.
Our renovation sector certainly enjoys a healthy existence, but this also speaks to the fact that our new-home market is extremely affordable with average prices tending to be lower than elsewhere in Canada. The combination of the two helps explain our leadership in that area.
The average renovation in Manitoba is slightly more than $8,000 -- below the national average in terms of costs, but leading the nation in frequency. With the cost of resale homes steadily increasing and inventory demand remaining high, this is an opportune time to consider a renovation for your home.
The Manitoba Home Builders' Association advises all consumers to shop with care when hiring a renovator for any project. Look for the RenoMark symbol to ensure that your renovator complies with all of the principles of this program.
A RenoMark renovator provides a detailed written scope of all work; offers a written warranty; carries a minimum of $2 million of liability insurance; ensures that all applicable licenses and permits are secured; and maintains a safe worksite.
All MHBA renovators carry the RenoMark label. After all, given that Winnipeg and Manitoba have earned the titles of the renovation capitals of Canada, it's only fitting that they continue to offer the best-quality service to their clients.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association.
