New Homes
New Homes
Where do parties stand on housing issues?
In a couple of days, we will go to the polls yet again to elect a federal government. We have had quite an election stretch with the recently completed municipal election, followed by the federal next week and then the provincial coming in October.
There is no shortage of issues to be debated. However, surprisingly enough, housing is seldom one that comes to the forefront. Even though the residential construction industry accounts for about six per cent of our GDP, it has not been receiving a lot of attention.
The Canadian Home Builders' Association outlined its priority issues in a document entitled Housing Affordability and Choice for Canadians: Beyond Recovery into Durable Prosperity. Although the title is quite long, it essentially promoted three suggestions for the federal government to adopt, no matter what the party or majority/minority status.
The most important aspect is to get it right, not squabble about who gets the credit.
In 1991, a new house GST rebate was established that encouraged new home buyers into the market. For 19 years, that rate has remained frozen even though the price of a new home has since increased considerably. It's time to establish a new higher price threshold and to index it on a regular basis.
The recent Home Renovation Tax Credit was a resounding success. Everyone (consumer, manufacturer, retailer, government) won. It was a welcome respite from a GST that actually doubles the original tax on a contracted home renovation.
When the federal tax only applied to materials, it was half of what we pay today. It's time to consider a permanent 2.5 per cent GST Home Renovation Tax Rebate for all homeowners.
Finally, legitimate contractors everywhere are urging the federal government to implement measures to tackle the underground economy. The current system still provides too many loopholes for tax cheats to exploit.
Honest contractors and consumers are paying double their fair share to compensate for people operating out of the back of their truck, undercutting costs by working for cash, not paying any taxes and not taking responsibility for shoddy workmanship.
The Manitoba Home Builders' Association encourages lively debate among candidates, active voting and government action based on the direction of the populace. No matter who you support, let's make sure Manitoba leads the country in voting percentages.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association.
New Homes
Holmes offers good advice to city audience
Last week, we focused on some of the many highlights of the Home Expressions Home and Garden Show March 31 to April 3. However, the highlight that caused the greatest stir was the appearance of Mike Holmes as the feature speaker.
As most of you know, Mike is the star of Holmes on Homes and Holmes Inspection, two widely popular shows on HGTV. He is known for his 'shoot from the hip' style on TV and he continued this approach before two sold-out audiences.
He started by talking about his background, interests, why he got into the contracting business and what motivates him to keep going. He shared numerous personal stories and talked about rebuilding communities that experienced natural disasters.
However, this crowd came for advice and direction from Mike and he delivered both. For the larger and more complex jobs, he really stressed the importance of working with a professional. He gave countless examples of do-it-yourselfers or people who tried to cut corners by going with the lowest price and ended up facing disaster.
Just because someone has a truck and tools doesn't make them a contractor. He stressed that a true professional does this for a living; their only living, not a side job after hours or during vacation time.
He stressed the importance of checking references before proceeding with a contractor. Get a list of references and phone these people, finding out what went well and what they would have done differently. Ask lots of questions.
Mike emphasized that a true professional contractor will take out all of the necessary permits in their name, ensure licensed certified personnel do the appropriate work, have full liability insurance, a GST number and are registered with Workers Compensation. All of these are necessary for the protection of you, the consumer.
Most importantly, he emphasized the importance of getting a contract in writing. Too often, he warned, a simple handshake or discussion about the job resulted in a disagreement, bitter feelings and legal battles.
Mike emphasized a build or renovation is a partnership between the owner and contractor. Each has responsibilities to ensure success. His message of Making It Right resonated with the crowd and 1,400 people were delighted with his message and the way he delivered it.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association.
New Homes
Another successful Home Expressions show
Another Home Expressions Home and Garden Show has passed and more than 20,000 people converged upon the Winnipeg Convention Centre last weekend looking for new and fresh ideas for their home, yard and cottage.
Visitors to the show left fully armed with a multitude of ideas from some truly spectacular booths and exhibitors who can deliver the goods and services to make any home upgrade a success.
The hundreds of exhibitors displayed many truly innovative products, too many to list here. However, there were a couple of highlights you might have missed that should be mentioned.
The giant bee on the ground floor was made out of various flowers. Did you know there was a full car under the flowers? Yes, the folks at St.
Mary's Nursery fashioned the flowered bee over a Honda car. The frame, body and windows are still intact.
If you missed it or need a second look, it will be on display soon at St. Mary's Nursery. Speaking of St. Mary's, the Garden Court on the third floor created by their combined mastery with Barkman Concrete was spectacular. There was a terrific flow to the area and one could easily see this being implemented in their own backyard.
Of course, no Home Expressions Show would be complete without the good people from Variety, the Children's Charity. Their volunteers provided yeomen service as show ambassadors. They worked the gates, gave advice and directions, sold raffle tickets and RONA bags and always had a cheery smile.
Best of all, our generous attendees helped them raise some much-needed funds for a great cause. Wayne, Charlotte, Nancy and everyone else ---- you're the best.
Speaking of RONA, the presenting sponsor of Home Expressions was out in full force with two large booth areas, numerous helpful staff in their bright yellow shirts and helping behind the scenes with promotion, ticket sales, providing fundraising opportunities for Variety and going way beyond to ensure they were Doing it Right. Darrin and the entire RONA family showed why they are Canada's home headquarters. Of course, the big name draw for this year's show was Mike Holmes, star of HGTV's Holmes on Homes and Holmes Inspection. Next week's column will focus on his message that was delivered to two sold-out crowds.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association.
