Latest
Lowe's withdraws "friendly" offer to buy RONA
by Steve PayneThe world’s second-largest home improvement retail chain, Lowe’s, had offered $14.50 per share to RONA in an attempted non-hostile purchase.
What homeowners do when they check you out online
by Steve PayneGoogle yourself. See what your customers are reading about you. Your “webutation” may or may not be fair to you, but it’s important to know what it is and, if possible, improve it.
Canadian house prices dropped 2 per cent in past year: Scotiabank
by Steve PayneOttawa’s mortgage rule changes in July, including a reduction in the maximum amortization period from 30 years to 25 years, are expected to “further moderate” prices in the fall
National Tradesmen Day approaching fast
by Steve PayneMark your calendars for Sept. 21. It’s a great day to ask for that final holdback cheque, no?
CSA to take control of home inspectors?
by Steve PayneThe Canadian Standards Association is in talks with the National Home Inspector Certification Council about having the CSA train, test and certify home inspectors in Canada
Five easy ways for tech-savvy contractors and subtrades to find each other
by Steve PayneA long-term business relationship between a general contractor and a subtrade can’t be forged instantly. But finding each other can be done in a second, online. A look at various ways to get connected.
Lowe's bid for RONA still a chess game
by Steve PayneQuebec’s new separatist premier wants to block takeovers by “foreign” firms
Maxwell's classics
by Robert KociTools editor Steve Maxwell is the Tip King where building is concerned
Who's responsible when a flood occurs on the job?
by Steve PayneThe chances are, you are: the general contractor. Which is why liability insurance, and using licensed plumbers and electricians, is key to avoiding expensive mishaps.
Five ways to increase your referral business
by Steve PayneBy Karen Hamilton As a renovator, getting business from referrals is critical. 65 per cent of new business comes from referrals. People are four times more likely to buy when referred by a friend. 90 per cent of small businesses…
Apprentice carpenters test skills in Edmonton
by Steve PayneNational Apprentice Competition pits carpenters, drywallers and millwrighters in friendly test of skills
NYC carpenters to make $200,000 a year
by Steve PayneCarpenters union hammers out a five year deal that will bring wages and benefits to $99.16 per hour
CMHC discontinues Renovation and Home Purchase Survey Survey
by Robert KociBudget cuts cut down an important report for renovators in Canada
Slamming the Ontario College of Trades: VIDEO
by Robert KociSean Reid of stopthetradestax.ca responds to Ron Johnson of the Ontario College of Trades
Drop your lumber package on the dumpster? Yes!
by Robert KociA simple, cheap way to make the life of your framers a lot easier
Flooring is Canada's favourite reno project
by Steve PayneThe home renovation website www.houzz.com, is creating quite a buzz among Canadians looking for ideas and information about home design and remodeling. The site had 1.5 million unique Canadian visitors in July and it has just publishing a “Houzz and Home…
5 common mistakes contractors make
by Steve Payneby Karen Hamilton 15 years ago, my husband and I bought a vacation home in Haliburton, ON. Built in the 1960s, our cottage stayed in its original form until last fall, when we could finally afford to renovate it. Our…
Ontario College of Trades will protect legitimate contractors, chairperson asserts
by Steve PayneTax grab? No way, says Ontario College of Trades Ron Johnston