All Posts in "Month: July 2022"

The Basic Principles of Green Building Design

If you want to create a green building, there are some basic principles that you need to understand. These include Energy efficiency, Materials selection, Indoor environmental quality, and Water efficiency.

Energy efficiency

In green building design, energy efficiency is the main goal. Achieving this goal will lower the overall costs of a building. It can also reduce the environmental impact of a building.

Many green buildings use renewable resources and incorporate eco-friendly products and technologies. These features increase energy performance, save water, and reduce waste.

A variety of technologies, including advanced building controls, improve building resource efficiency. This includes the automation of heating, cooling, and lighting systems. Advanced building controls also increase the integration of clean energy sources. They can be applied to new buildings as well as existing ones.

Buildings consume an enormous amount of energy and are responsible for an enormous share of global carbon dioxide emissions. Energy-efficient … READ MORE ...

Emily Burgman by — July 25, 2022 in Green Building Concept
This Chart Should Scare You; is the mortgage market in for a 2008 wreck; average down not even close to 20%

Article Originally posted on Fairview Lending

The federal government in their quest to shore up the mortgage market in 2008 has created some new risks to the housing market.  Non bank lenders now make up 74% of the origination volume with only 3 banks even making the list.  What does this mean for the mortgage market and in turn the housing market?  Why are non bank lenders now making up such a large share of originations?  Do we have another large scale “wreck” coming our way?

Why are non bank lenders gobbling market share from traditional banks?

Before talking about why banks are gaining market share, it is important to discuss Dodd Frank.  The response to the 2008 mortgage crisis was the creation of increased regulation in banks to prevent future crashes.  What was in Dodd Frank?

Dodd Frank is a series of measures that first required banks to have … READ MORE ...

Emily Burgman by — July 21, 2022 in Home Products and Services
How to Choose The Right Window Treatment    

When it comes to window treatments, there are endless options to choose from. Roller blinds, curtains, shutters, Venetians, roman panels and drapes – the list goes on and on.

Making a decision can be tough, especially if you’re unsure of what will look best in your home. I recently went through this process when choosing window treatments for our new house. It felt like the never-ending saga all over again!       

Window treatment options       

Plantation Shutters       

If you’re looking for a window treatment that will add a touch of elegance to your home, Plantation Shutters are a great option. Unlike traditional shutters, plantation shutters are made from cordless timber, timber-look or aluminium, so they can be installed without the help of a professional.       

ACA Shutters & Blinds have made this option far more affordable in recent times though. We provide a professional installer to do … READ MORE ...

Emily Burgman by — July 12, 2022 in Home Model Design
Building a New Restaurant in Calgary? Read this First

If you are thinking seriously about building a new restaurant in Calgary, you are in the middle of a lot of research.  Be sure to read this first before you close the door on what you have learned.

Restaurants have rules and regulations that are distinct from other types of businesses.  Once you begin the construction it will consume extensive amounts of your time.  Be sure to get different quotes and opinions from contractors who specialize in building restaurants.  This will give you the opportunity to understand the industry standards and more than an introduction to the health, building, safety, and regulatory codes and rules.  Cutting corners will not serve you well in the long run.  Consider how well your restaurant will do in the various seasons and times of the day.

Depending on the type, the timeline for building a new restaurant in Calgary will vary.  This is based … READ MORE ...

Emily Burgman by — July 7, 2022 in Home Design
How To Build A Sunroom On A Budget

If you are a homeowner and you like the outdoors, but maybe you live in a place that experiences extreme weather, so your goal is to be able to look outside without suffering from extreme cold or heat, then a sunroom would be a great addition to your home. Here at the Custom Remodeling Experts, we have over 25 years of experience building custom sunrooms and we can give you the sunroom or solarium that fits both your and your family’s lifestyles, all with the peace of mind of knowing your entire home is always safe when it’s in our care.

We stand behind our completed projects and workmanship and take pride in the manufacturer materials we use because our clients have expressed great pleasure and satisfaction with the sunrooms we have built. Our professional sunroom contractors will be with you every step of the way to be certain … READ MORE ...

Emily Burgman by — July 5, 2022 in Green Home Design