It can be a little daunting to tackle a home renovation, and downright terrifying to tackle a home build, without having the know-how to give you the confidence you need.
Fortunately help is at hand – for free – at the B.C. Home + Garden Show on February 19-23, thanks to the experts from Homebuilders Association Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»(HAVAN).
The HGTV Canada Main Stage, presented by HAVAN, will be offering sessions to give show attendees the information they need to make smart decisions when it comes to building, designing and renovating their homes.
A highlight of the main stage events will be HAVAN's Ask the Experts panel discussions, which will cover everything from design inspiration to energy efficiency to construction contracts and more (see schedule below for full details).
Just one of these panel events, the High-Performance Homes discussion will cover upcoming building code changes, and various design-build solutions to meet the increasing energy requirements of new homes. HAVAN CEO Ron Rapp said, “Considering the permit process can take months, if not years, it’s a good idea to know what changes are coming, to ensure when it’s time to build, your home will meet code.”
For more personalized advice, showgoers can also sign up for free one-on-one consultations with the panellists. Rapp encourages people to stop by HAVAN’s Kiosk (booth 1641) to meet with the expert designers, builders and renovators who will be on hand to offer complimentary consultations.
Rapp said, “Free expert advice is invaluable before you begin any project. Understanding the scope of work, budgets, timelines, and permitting is essential, specifically as building code requirements advance.”
One of the experts on hand will be Chris Hill, president of local building company bCollective, who advised attendees to come prepared.
“Think ahead of time about what your hopes and expectations are on the specific renovation project or home you want to build,” said Hill. “You’ve got a room full of experts to answer those questions. And if you don’t know what questions to ask, think about what you’re trying to achieve. Come prepared with ideas. It might not even be a solid plan but just a feeling. Are you looking for an oasis, or a home that is extremely functional? A family will have different needs from downsizers, for example. Thinking about these things ahead of time can really focus the conversation.”
Although the experts may be available on a walk-up basis, pre-registration is recommended. What’s more, HAVAN is offering a great deal, as the first 100 registrants for an Ask the Expert consultation will receive two complimentary tickets to the show. Visit to pre-register.
The B.C. Home and Garden Show runs from February 19-23 at B.C. Place Stadium. For more information, go toÂ
B.C. Home + Garden Show main stage Ask the Expert panel schedule
Kitchen Designs
Date: Thursday, February 20, 2020
Time: 3:00PM – 3:45PM
Panelists: Katerina Vastardis and Silvie Pantsios; Designs by KS; Greg Baarts, GreNor Homes; Robert Capar, maison d’etre design-build inc.
Indoor/ Outdoor Living
Date: Thursday, February 20, 2020
Time: 6:00PM – 6:45PM
Panelists: Matt Herbert, Sherwood Outdoor Kitchens; Elton Donald, Kerr Construction; Matthew Senf, Sasen Homes & Renovations.
Get it in Writing (Renovation Contracts)
Date: Thursday, February 20, 2020
Time: 5:00PM – 5:45PM
Speaker: Andrew D. Delmonico, Partner, Kuhn LLP
Renovation Realities
Date: Friday, February 21, 2020
Time: 7:00PM – 7:45PM
Panelists: Henri Belisle, TQ Construction Ltd.; Laurel James, Novell Design Build; David Martin, RSC Renovation Science Corp.
High-Performance Homes
Date: Saturday, February 22, 2020
Time: 2:00PM – 2:45PM
Panelists: Mark Cooper, Shakespeare Homes & Renovations Inc.; Steve Kemp, Kemp Construction Management Ltd.; Chris Hill, bCollective Homes Inc.
Design-Build Process
Date: Sunday, February 23, 2020
Time: 2:00PM – 2:45PM
Panelists: Todd Best, Best Builders Ltd.; Sandro Stefanucci, Abstract Homes & Renovations Inc.; Mila Djuras, Intermind Design Inc.
