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Why Hire An Architect: 8 Things Successful Architects and Designers Do

9/9/2014

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8 Things Successful Architects and Designers Do
Contributing writer and architect Eric Reinholdt provides insights into the value architects and designers add to projects in his article recently posted on Houzz. Reinholdt describes his insights and provides an "ideabook" full of photos to support his arguments. His eight insights are:
  1. They tell a story.
  2. They take risks.
  3. They sweat the details.
  4. They simplify.
  5. They establish order.
  6. They repeat, repeat, repeat.
  7. They break the rules.
  8. They engage the senses.
For his full article and rationale, follow the links.


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Air Leakage & Thermal Performance

6/26/2014

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On a project currently under construction we discovered the improper installation of the vapour barrier at electrical outlets done during a previous renovation. The vapour barrier is not sealed to the outlet using a pre-manufactured outlet box. Instead there are numerous holes for air and moisture to enter and exit the home through the exterior wall. This can lead to mould and rot issues.

When on site reviewing projects under construction we review to ensure that contractors conform to the requirements of the contract documents (a.k.a. drawings and specifications). Two of the most important items to review for proper installation are the air and vapour barriers. These two membranes work hand-in-hand with properly balanced heating and cooling systems and their continuity are critical for providing an air-tight home, reducing risk of mould, and decreasing energy consumption.

According to John Straube, principal of Building Science Corporation and professor at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, air leaks can be responsible for up to one third or more of the energy loss of a home.[1] Air leaks are caused by pressure differentials between the interior and exterior of the home. These differentials are caused by three factors: wind, fans and the stack effect. For example, when wind pushes on the house the leeward side becomes negatively pressurized, drawing warm, damp air from inside the home out through holes in the walls. When this warm, damp air is drawn through the exterior walls of the home, if it is colder outside than it is inside the water vapour in the air will condense inside the wall. Over time this can cause mould and rot. Similarly, the stack effect works on the principal that warm air rises. Like a large chimney, air and heat will escape through holes and cracks of the roof of a house based on the upward air movement. If not sealed properly, moisture can build up in attic and ceiling spaces.

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Residential Renovation and Retrofit Rebates

6/24/2014

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There are many rebate an incentive programs available throughout Canada that support sustainable and energy efficient renovation and new construction. Unfortunately the majority of programs are available for commercial development or multi-family dwellings including townhomes and condominiums.

For the typical homeowner based in Toronto, the current options are very limited. For approximately five years the Federal Government ran a very successful program called the Eco-Energy Retrofit. This program provided up to $5,000 for improving the energy efficiency of your home including installation of new windows, adding wall insulation, and improving heating and cooling equipment. The incentive money was relatively simple to receive as long as a prescribed process was followed. Regrettably, this program was phased out in March of 2012.


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Residential Soils Testing

6/13/2014

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When undertaking an addition onto your home or starting from scratch with a new build, information is required about the soil on your property to determine its bearing capacity – or ability to withstand loading created by the house, its materials, furnishings and the people inside. This test will help the architect and engineers determine the type and size of foundations required to support your home.

Soils vary from one property to another. In some locations such as Toronto’s west end near High Park, soils are typically very sandy. This provides good drainage, but usually low bearing capacity. Conversely, locations in Toronto’s Beach neighbourhood typically have dense, clay-filled soils which support structures well, but also retain water.

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Legal Surveys for Your Home: Ten Simple Steps

6/12/2014

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Let’s be honest: legal surveys are a boring topic. They are boring, but they’re also important. A real property report – or legal survey – is an important tool. It is essential not only for property resale but also a requirement for any property development – even minor applications such as front yard parking permits in the City of Toronto must be accompanied by a legal survey. They also provide legal definition to the extent of a property; they determine where one property begins and the other ends in relation to its neighbours. In older areas – especially Old Toronto – there can be surprises. The fence doesn’t always sit on the property line. The legal survey may help resolve – or potentially start – neighbourly disagreements.

When a homeowner wishes to develop their property – whether an addition or new construction – they must start collecting information on ‘existing conditions’ – or the state of the property prior to any intervention. Of the required information to document existing conditions, the legal survey is the most important. 

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    Kate Harrison is a licensed architect and is the principal of KHA.

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