CURRENT ACTIVITIES AND CONCERNS

RenoMark

The CRC recommended the national endorsement of this BILD (Toronto) initiative which was subsequently adopted.  CRC continues to provide a forum for discussion and promotes adoption by local associations of this important marketing initiative.

Business Tools

The CHBA provides information to assist renovator members in their businesses. Recent CRC publications include a guide for renovation contracts and "Raising the Bar" the Get It in Writing! Handbook.  CHBA also works with government agencies to ensure their information products for our industry are accurate and useful.

Renovation Month

The CHBA promotes the professional renovator through local HBA initiatives that draw on the national framework and promotional materials coordinated by the National Office and sponsored by Home Hardware Building Center, Genworth Financial, Delta Faucet and RBC.

Website

The CHBA website contains a wealth of information for renovators and their customers.  CHBA will continue to maintain and update renovation information on both the public sites and on the members’ site on renovation topics.

Renovator Membership

The CHBA produces a range of information products and services to help promote membership to industry participants including renovators. The Council sees to improve regular communication with renovator members.

Corporate Social Responsibility

The CRC has endorsed CHBA’s Position Paper on the Environment as well as CHBA’s Guidelines for New Home Builders and Renovators to Assist Them in Meeting Realistic Customer Expectations. These documents expand on the CHBA Member Builders’ Statement of Business Values and Commitments.

Tax Treatment of Renovation

Current federal tax policy on home renovation encourages the underground economy. The CHBA meets with government Ministers and officials to press for changes to the definition of substantial renovation, the registration of all businesses and clearer policies for rental rehabilitation. 

The Underground Economy

In addition to pressing for tax changes, the CHBA combats the underground economy by informing consumers about the dangers of dealing with underground operators. CHBA’s “Get it in Writing!” campaign was a major initiative to educate consumers on why they should deal with legitimate contractors.  CHBA still maintains excellent materials for consumers and renovators online.

Contract Payment Reporting System

Intervention by the CHBA helped to reduce the impact of CRA’s reporting requirements. The CHBA has asked CRA to develop more effective ways to combat the underground economy to replace the CPRS.

Renovation Data and Market Information

The Market Analysis Centre at CMHC produces renovation market information, which is presented to CRC on a regular basis. Findings from various sources on the renovation sector, including the CHBA Pulse Survey, are also shared with CRC representatives and posted on the CHBA website.

Renovation Research

There are a number of research initiatives underway at CMHC and elsewhere of particular interest to CRC, including radon remediation. The CHBA will continue to participate in these studies and request research on new topics as they emerge.

Code Related Issues

The CHBA continues to press for greater efficiency and accountability and a limitation in scope to health and safety concerns in the National Building Code. 

Federal Stimulus Programs for Renovation

CHBA had encouraged the federal government to extend the ecoENERGY Retrofit Grants Program which it subsequently did.  CHBA continues to advocate measures that will encourage to work with professional renovators.

Business Alliances

Business alliances with product manufacturers and other parties involved in renovation can provide a competitive edge to the professional renovator and added value to the customer. The CHBA continues to explore the potential of alliances and to share information with the membership.

Recognition/Awards Programs

The CHBA administers the National SAM awards which will include categories for renovation as well as an annual program of awards to recognize members including the CRC Award for renovators.