Professional Home Builder

Regular Home Builder VS Professional Home Builder

With real estate prices soaring in Vancouver, more and more people want in on the action. Whether its through buying land for development, purchasing properties intended to be flipped or a means of creating passive income by remodelling a property for rental. A point of contention that repeatedly comes up is the cost of building homes. Since building material prices are dramatically fluctuating, to be on the safe side many first-time investors opt to hire an average home builder or even a general contractor, over a trustworthy professional building company. What’s The Difference? So, is this a problem? What is the difference between a regular builder and a professional home builder? A regular builder or general contractor is often a sole proprietor or a single-person contractor who can do general repairs around the house. Often times these builders are usually only equipped with a van full of tools and not much more. There is no barrier of entry when it comes to becoming a builder, most start as apprentices and learn on the job. They do not require any advanced technical training or degrees which leaves many, often times underqualified, workers to enter the profession. In comparison, a professional home builder often possesses a team of advanced construction experts who have complete in-house capability to build homes from top to bottom. They usually have a head office with departments in engineering, design, accounting, & marketing. Professional home builders in BC are classified as Licensed Residential Builders which comes with governing provisions they must follow. This is to ensure that homes are constructed to meet only the most stringent requirements. Professional Home Builders must also supply their clients with a 2-5-10 construction warranty on their erected structures. The 2-5-10 warranty gives the homeowner a 2-year warranty on labour and materials (some limits apply), a 5-year warranty on the building envelope (including water penetration) & a 10-year warranty on the structure. It is often said whatever you save in the short run by hiring just any regular builder will be multiplied by 10 and spent in the long run. Licensed residential builders in Vancouver bring multiple attributes to the table which a regular builder or general contractor does not. So why do some people choose these builders? Let’s take a look at the multiple facets which you must consider before committing to either one of these two options. It is definitely a rational move for an investor to look for any means to reduce the cost of construction, but a professional building company will bring many advantages in terms of quality, safety, reliability and productivity to a project which makes it a definite must. The funny thing is that in a long run a professional building company will be more affordable than an average builder and will save many sorrows and regrets at the end for investors. The major reasons it is preferred to choose a professional home builder in Vancouver over a regular home builder are as follows: Quality Control Professional Building Companies in Vancouver have systems in place for each step of construction, these systems ensure the quality of the work completed and makes sure to minimizes risk and errors/work repetition. These systems also ensure effective scheduling is implemented which significantly reduces the construction time and consequent cost. Effective Management and Communication Profession building companies possess comprehensive reporting and documentation routines which will ensure all details of the work are checked and recorded. Nowadays, these systems are cloud based which makes the information available for everyone in the company. These systems are an effective tool for communicating with investors to help them stay up to date with any and all aspects of the ongoing project. Productive & Clear Scheduling Through effective scheduling practices, a professional building company will inform the investors of the exact time of commencement and completion of each task as well as whole project. Hence, from the start of a project an investor will remain well informed of project timelines, task costs, timing and construction draw amounts. Effective scheduling will help the projects run smoothly. It prevents confusion and headaches concerning project financials. It will reassure investors that there is no increase in the construction costs and helps avoid any unwarranted costs down the road. Reliability Professional builders are held accountable for their actions to a greater degree than an average builder or general contractors. They have a reputation to fight for and won’t will be repeatedly readjusting their designs, styles, controlled routines. Professional building companies possess customer service capabilities which are much more robust and reliable than an average builder. It is always easier and more pleasant to deal with a team of professionals who have staff on standby. With a professional building company, you can rest assured that they are held to a stringent standard and won’t increase your costs down the line. An average builder on the other hand is expected to only follow rudimentary code. On average, home builders are researched by prospective clients anywhere between 6 to 12 times more than regular builders and general contractors! This also leads to an increase in possible litigation. Professional home builders in Vancouver are held legally liable for their work which also plays a large role in why they hold themselves to such high standards. Distinction & Ease of Sale Every intelligent new home buyer always asks for the builder’s information and schedules to meet with that builder to go through the home’s details. Professional building companies put their brand on your home and bring distinction and prestige to your investment. They signal to all future home buyers that the home was made by the best. These kinds of homes sell for much higher during any market. Cost Of course, non of the above stated advantages would come free with a professional building company. Keep in mind that a professional building company will also save on construction costs through several ingenious means like significantly decreasing construction time, increasing the building quality dramatically & making the home energy efficient in

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Professional Home Builder

To Build Or Not to Build

Building a new home is one of the most popular ways of creating wealth, but it’s not all smooth sailing in this ever-changing market. It requires a lot of learning, research, and experience to fully understand all the risks one will be exposed to. Many investors who opt to invest their life savings in a house nowadays are left wondering whether they should build in a buyer’s market or a seller’s market. Essentially, the million-dollar question is: when is a good time to build or not to build? On one hand, there are plenty of benefits to building in a buyer’s market. There are opportunities such as increased affordability of construction materials and labor, easier scheduling, and more availability of different trades. Most of these expenses are variable, depending on the market, and they are often favorable to investors during a buyer’s market. Lower expenses equal a greater profit margin, that’s a no-brainer. On the other hand, what if the house gets ready when the market is still down? You need to be prepared and ensure you have planned for this scenario. For one, you might decide to sell at a buyer market price and take advantage of buying the next investment property at a lower price or choose one of the many alternatives that would be more suitable to your condition. But all should be planned before starting to build. Building a custom house needs about one year of continuous planning, investing, and professional work; hence, an investor will likely start building in a seller’s market and time the buyer’s market correctly when the building is done. Obviously, it is not an easy answer. The answer depends on multiple variables, including the investor’s condition such as his financial situation, the type and size of the house he is planning to build, his sale and marketing strategies, his niche market, his desired markup, and many more. Others are general conditions such as; the market situation, lenders’ criteria, quality of the house, and so on. Just like preparing an architectural plan for building a house, there is a need to prepare a plan for different scenarios incase the unknown does not bode well. This will be done through a complicated process that considers all known variables and minimizes the risk of the unknown. The answer is unique to the conditions of each investor and requires the necessary experience, research and time. You may wonder “who can provide this plan?” This is where a professional builder will step in. With their years of experience, professional builders have gained valuable insights into different markets. They can lead investors through all kinds of obstacles in building a house in different markets. Professional builders offer help and guidance for making complicated decisions that protect the investor’s life savings. A professional builder also provides high-quality homes at an affordable price which adds value and impresses the buyers. Having a brand name of a trusted professional builder also attracts more buyers in all types of markets, hot or cold. In conclusion, it is advisable to build with an experienced and well-established professional building company. This is the only way to guarantee safety when going through the risk of building in and kind of market. With their expertise and track record, professional builders reduce risks of building and selling. Builders depend on their reputation for business, which is why they spend a lot of energy to ensure the home stands out. As an investor, you’re guaranteed the best designs and in-demand finishes. You may wonder what the pros and cons of hiring professional builder vs an average builder are?  For that answer, stay tuned for our next articles or call IRACA Group at 604 200 7678. At IRACA Group construction we are Vancouver’s premier construction and renovation company. We are a North Vancouver-based custom home development expert. We specialize in luxury single-family residential homes, providing stellar home development and construction services to homeowners and investors. Offering services in everything from custom home renovation and modern home remodelling to 3D design and real estate consulting. Our skilled team of construction professionals & engineers have decades of experience across various housing & development projects throughout Vancouver. We are always at your fingertips so feel free to Contact Us! Have A Question? We Are Here To Help! IRACA Is Here For You! Feel Free To Reach Us! 104 East 3rd Street, North Vancouver 604-200-7678 604-800-3262 (Fax) Info@Iracagroup.com

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Decisions to make on a Custom Build Home

3 Things to Keep in Mind When Making Design Decisions for Your New Custom Build Home

Making so many decisions while trying to build a custom home can quickly become overwhelming. Each new item to be considered can feel a bit draining, especially if you don’t have a road map. Here are a few things to help slow you down and direct your focus. #1. Start From The Floor Up. If you don’t know where to begin and would like a tip, we point to the floor. Start by choosing your flooring and make your way up the walls and to the ceiling. Making this decision first gives you a foundation from which to make your other decisions. Subsequent decisions become easier once you have the flooring as a reference point. Once you have made your mind up about the structural elements, you can begin the décor and furniture. Here you can follow the same road map of starting with the floor up. Choose your rugs and head up. #2. Color, Oh Mighty Color! Color choices will always change appearance in different locations and lighting. Be sure to take your samples, swatches, and fabrics to the house and place them in the spot they are intended for. Witness what happens to the colors at various points in the day. Observing the colors in the home gives you the best experience of how the color will express itself in the actual space. Find the colors that work well in your area. #3. Permission to Have Fun. It’s all too easy to get swept away in all the energy and effort it takes to make so many decisions, and with your dream on the line, it can feel like pressure. We encourage you to slow down and remember to cultivate a childlike enthusiasm when designing your home. Get creative and find ways to enjoy the process. The odds are that if you’re enjoying yourself, the finished product will embody this and be a masterpiece. Building a house is a beautiful metaphor for life. Although the objective is a finished house, if you neglect to utilize a map, witness reality, and forget to slow down and enjoy the process for its own sake, you might miss the party. So remember to slow down and enjoy yourself as you ease into paint samples, color swatches, and oh so many decisions! Have A Question? We Are Here To Help! IRACA Is Here For You! Feel Free To Reach Us! 104 East 3rd Street, North Vancouver 604-200-7678 604-800-3262 (Fax) Info@Iracagroup.com

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Warm Grey living room

Has Covid Changed The Value Of Staging A Home Before Putting It On The Market?

Let me ask you this: If selling a home is one of the most significant financial transactions you can make would you prefer to do it well or cut corners? I trust that your intention would be the former. It won’t take long searching on Google to discover that the stats show how important it is to stage your home before putting it on the market. That said, we wonder if Covid has impacted this in any way. We went digging for current reports and emerged with the understanding that staging may be more valuable than ever. In the current market of British Colombia, houses are moving fast in what they are calling a “seller’s market.” With offers being made sight unseen and married couples sending partners solo to sniff out a property and make offers on their behalf in haste, it makes us wonder if we should still bother with staging the house at all. Covid has moved things around by having less in-person viewing and pushed many potential buyers online to scroll for homes. House shopping has become more like online dating. Swipe left for yes, please and right, for no thank you. With more buyers, online scrolling, we can see the value of having top-notch professional photographs are more crucial than ever. To get good photos, you will want great staging. Instead of having to find a home of interest, book an appointment, and show up to take a look, it’s faster than ever to compare several locations online. If your home is empty, cluttered, or full of your hammy-down furniture, your photos will lose you a lot of attention. Then comes the highly anticipated Covid style homes viewings, nothing like our first global pandemic to make you realize how sacred the shared experience of viewing a home truly is. You get this opportunity to showcase this entire home in person, and WHAT it’s empty!? We feel it is safe to say that buyers have come to expect the viewing to be respected enough to have some high-quality effort put into its moment in the spotlight. Miss this trick, and you will not only lose time and money but, more importantly, you could lose sleep. The choice is yours. You could choose to honor the importance of this endeavor and hire a phenomenal staging company or cut corners and throw her on the marketplace as is. Choose wisely, as this decision is not about the home you are selling but about you. How do you approach significant events in your life? Do you give it your all and do your very best, or do you find ways to scrape by? This decision is an opportunity for you to choose to put in the effort. Do yourself, your loved ones, and the future owner of your home the justice of hiring a staging company. Remember, this is about honoring the significance of this transaction by doing the very best you can. Making the call to get your home staged will allow you to stand tall and rest with ease. Have A Question? We Are Here To Help! IRACA Is Here For You! Feel Free To Reach Us! 104 East 3rd Street, North Vancouver 604-200-7678 604-800-3262 (Fax) Info@Iracagroup.com

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white walk in closet

7 Tips for Building Your New Custom Home

Building can be exhausting both emotionally and physically if you don’t work with a professional and dependable builder and carefully plan the design of your house. Once you have a general concept of what you’d like, the smartest way is to go room by room with your custom house builder and discuss each feature you would like in your new home. Working with a seasoned custom home builder, particularly one with an in-house design/build process, may help you manage these nuances and ensure you get a home that meets your demands. Here are some pointers to get you started on custom home construction: 1. Search for the Ideal Location Finding the ideal location is among the greatest custom house building tips because it is among the most significant aspects of the construction process. You’ll want a view you’ll cherish for the rest of your life, a lovely neighborhood, and a safe and enjoyable community. Visit potential communities and take a walk while searching for a location. When picking a neighborhood, there are many factors to consider, and you may learn about some of them just by spending time there. Assess whether the community is close to your workplace, shopping, and other vital amenities. It is essential to consider where you live because it can have an impact on your daily life. Check to see if the property or community you’re considering has the correct “feel” for you. You are unlikely to like a neighborhood in the heart of the city if you favor something more rural or suburban. Access to major highways is also vital for your commute and access to outside attractions. 2. Make an Informed Decision When It Comes to Hiring a Contractor Whatever level of involvement you intend to have in the construction process, you’ll want to hire a renowned, dependable, and skilled contractor. A custom home builder should have many qualities. Examine your builder’s track record and financial stability. It will help if you look for a builder who has a proven history of on-time deliveries and high-quality work. Choosing the correct builder for your project might mean the difference between a dream house and a nightmare. You might fall in love with an area or a floor plan, but you’ll be disappointed if you move in and discover that the builder scrimped on quality. 3. Begin with the Fundamentals Some people have spent years imagining their ideal home and understand precisely what they want. Even if you don’t have every detail worked out, you probably have a good concept of what you want and don’t want in your custom home. It might help your builder gain a sense of your tastes and style if you can communicate these thoughts to them during the design phase. Putting these ideas on paper in advance of time will help you organize your thoughts. You might even find out that you have a better understanding of what you’d like in a  custom home than you imagined! You can also acquire more ideas by going to open houses and local home exhibitions. Considering what you dislike about your current residence will help you come up with design ideas for your own home. 4. Think About the Amenities Obviously, some features are included as standard and will be included with the home. But, what modifications are available that would be more suitable for your lifestyle? When you find that you prefer certain changes to the regular version, upgrading may be the best decision for you. Not only will adding luxury amenities make your house more enjoyable for you and your family, but it will also significantly increase the market value. The bathroom and kitchen are two of the most crucial areas to consider for amenity enhancements. Those rooms have the most appliances and water fixtures. 5. Consider the Aesthetics The color, light, and movement of a home significantly impact the ambiance and even change the mood. For example, millions of Americans suffer from the “winter blues” each year due to a lack of natural light. This problem can be solved by having a lot of well-placed windows. Colors in a room can have a significant impact on a person’s mood. While some colors evoke sentiments of serenity and peace, others might provoke sensations of excitement and vigor. When choosing a color palette, consider the psychology of color to help you create the mood you want in each area. 6. Incorporate an Outdoor Living Aspect The days of broad swaths of unspoiled lawns and simple flower beds around the property are long gone. Instead, create a comfortable outdoor living area for yourself. You may spend nights with your family under the stars or entertain visitors in the open air. You can be as imaginative as you want when it comes to outdoor facilities. Start with a beautifully planted porch for entertaining, or consider “aquascaping” for a secluded, scenic retreat. Many people are constructing outdoor kitchens, spas, and showers, among other things. 7. Draw a Diagram of the Electrical Outlets and Plumbing In any modern home, figuring out where to install electrical outlets and plumbing is critical. You’ll want to make sure that you have easy access to outlets for both large and small appliances. At the same time, you want to make sure that you have plumbing where you need it and installed in a way that is appropriate for your home’s current and future needs. You’ll want to make sure there are enough outlets for your computer, a spot to plug laptops, tablets, and chargers, and a few for appliances, gadgets, and other odd devices. You might also want to invest in outlets with USB connections so you can recharge your smartphone without having to go for a wall adapter. Investing considerable time in designing electrical outlets in your custom home will make life much easier later. As you begin your home-building journey, we hope you find this list of 7 tips for building your custom home useful. If you’re

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728 Rochester

3 Reasons Why You Should Get A 3D-Model Before Building Or Remodeling

Taking the ideas in your head and communicating them to other people who then must impart those same ideas to other people is fun when you’re playing the old party game of telephone. In this game, a group of people sit in a circle. The first person whispers a thought into the ear of the person sitting beside them, who then takes what they heard and shares it with the person sitting beside them. This act carries on until the thought has made its way around the circle, where it is then spoken aloud by the last person. It is at this moment that the group discovers just how botched the thought has become. Everyone usually has a good laugh. This funny scenario pops into my head when I think about building a home without having 3D-Model that everyone can see. Except, with building a house, it’s not so funny and pretty costly. There are so many moving parts and busy hands involved in a build or renovation of a home. Its potential for human error is high. This potential is a great reason to utilize any way humanly possible to communicate the end goal to everyone contributing. Nowadays, we have 3D-Modeling. This way allows you to have a digital representation of what the end goal is. Having a 3D-Model leaves little to no room at all for misunderstandings. If you have not considered why 3D-Modeling is the way, here are three reasons to go 3D with your next project. 1.) Clear Communication With a 3D representation of your desired end goal, everyone can see what it is they are aiming to accomplish as a whole. Being afforded this perspective allows for everyone to be on the same page. As different tradespeople join a build, they can be privy to the end goal and see what their contribution is creating. Having the ability to see the bigger picture boosts timelines as well as conformance. Seeing the model also allows for greater team collaboration. In the end, you will reduce lead times, eliminate errors, and cut down costs. Not to mention, this can boost engagement and team morale. 2.) Well Informed Decision Making Decisions on your finishing touches, designs, and layouts, can be made while looking at how they all come together in 3D. You can easily make changes in finishes and design choices before committing to anything. Utilizing a 3D-Model is an ideal way to keep costs down and ensure satisfaction with the finished product. Having your model allows you to enhance your overall design with increased precision. 3.) Realistic Expectations Give yourself the gift of a 3D-Model of your home-to-be. Getting to see it in 3D allows you to get familiar with how it’s going to look. There is a lot less room here for having to use your imagination to fill in gaps. Seeing the model of your project allows you to align your expectations to reality. Enjoy the feeling of having reality match what you were expecting instead of the other way around. Unless you like surprises of the unpleasant and costly variety, do yourself a big favor and get a 3D-Model of your next build or renovation. Enjoy the process of your home coming to life with a bit more confidence and ease in the knowledge that you have communicated clearly. Unlike in the telephone game, your 3D-Model will do its job to keep the idea intact to the very end. For pricing on a 3D-Model for your next build or renovation contact us here. Request a Quote Ready to Work Together? IRACA Is Here For You! Feel Free To Reach Us! 104 East 3rd Street, North Vancouver 604-200-7678 604-800-3262 (Fax) Info@Iracagroup.com

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Modern dining room white and grey

3 REASONS TO STAGE YOUR PLACE BEFORE LISTINGS

Getting ready to list your home can be a time of thrill, tension, and major decision-making. Ideally, the choice of which staging company should be right at the top of things to consider. Statistics paint the picture that staging is one of the most effective ways to help your home sell quicker and for higher prices. The fundamental staging strategies will thoughtfully address the look and feel of your home to create a warm and inviting space for interested buyers. Staging companies achieve the desired effect by addressing lighting, plants, striking art, rugs, and a balanced number of accessories. Still in two minds about staging? Check out these 3 reasons to choose staging for your home.  1  Sales happen sooner and the prices are higher. What is not to love! Naturally, you would like for the sales process to roll along to a healthy tempo and wrap up sooner rather than later. We imagine you would also like to get the highest price for the home. The absolute best way to support these desires is to stage your home before you list. Staging was born for this very reason – to showcase your home in its best possible light and have it leaving a lasting feeling in the hearts of promising buyers to set your home apart from other potential options. Leaving your home un-staged has unwanted consequences. The investment you make with staging is bound to pay off in the quick sale and top dollar value. 2 Staging allows promising buyers imagine themselves living in the home. Helping people vividly imagine themselves living in your home is your key role as the seller. First things first. You must thoroughly de-personalize your home at all costs. Creating a blank canvas through de-personalizing and neutral colours allows people to envision their belongings and style in the home in a way that captivates their imagination and appeal to their senses. The ideal experience for your buyers is to see themselves inhabiting the home – putting their art on the walls, organizing their furniture, and eating breakfast in your kitchen. The last thing you want occurring in the minds of your buyers is images of you and your family living there. Making a personal connection will be much harder if they’re confronted with your family photos and personal items. Out they must go. The other thing you would be wise to address is style-specific decorating choices. Funky knickknacks and bold paint are all fun while you are living there. When trying to sell, these things must be neutralized. The intention here is to allow others to insert themselves into the space to accomplish this, we must erase your mark upon the home. 3 Your home will have appeal online.  The very first step for most home buyers these days is the internet. Although many people are just window-shopping, others are buying, and they are looking for something to capture their imaginations. To attract attention your home will want to be thoughtfully staged. The most important intention here is to have the staging done beautifully so that when the realtor’s professional photographer comes in, they can get some stunning images to post online. A promising buyer is more likely to book an actual showing if your photos are on point. It is with this vital step that you get your opportunity to show off your masterpiece in person. Staging sets the foundation for having the right colours and complementary lighting that will give your home that Instagram-able look that will call out to serious buyers. With benefits like these, the decision to stage your home should be a no-brainer.  When it comes to selling your home, do not just sell but sell well! Get your home purposefully staged before listing. For insights like this and other related blogs, visit our website: iracagroup.com  Request a Quote Ready to Work Together? IRACA Is Here For You! Feel Free To Reach Us! 104 East 3rd Street, North Vancouver 604-200-7678 604-800-3262 (Fax) Info@Iracagroup.com

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solar panel installation

Technology Development and Solar Energy Use on New Construction

Why Solar Energy? Technological developments have enabled us to expand the use of our resources not just for luxury living but also for environmentally friendly living. In addition, because everyone wants to take care of the Earth we live in, people began taking solar energy use into consideration when thinking about building a new home construction or a custom-built house. IRACA is also in the move for this positive change and already has a project that has used this type of technology for a better Earth.Many believe this is a huge step towards a more environmentally friendly way of living. Solar energy technology has many environmental benefits, it has proved to be financially beneficial in the long run as well. There are many other benefits that come with solar energy use, for instance, it may reduce your monthly electricity bills and it does not require a lot of maintenance nor is the maintenance pricy. Also, it looks fancy, modern and luxury appearance wise. How and Why? The reason as to why solar energy is a good resource for the environment is that it is pollution free and contains no greenhouse gases. Furthermore, it is safer and cheaper in the long run, why? According to IRACA’s custom home building experience, although it contains an expensive installation process, the future electricity bills are much lower than the average home electricity bill. Also, if there is an excess production of energy then you may be given money instead of paying a bill. Downside? The installation is quite pricy because of its’ materials but it is a one-time payment. Also, this technology is weather dependent, which means that although it can get energy on cloudy and or rainy days, it is not as efficient as the energy it receives on a sunny day. Furthermore, many people forget this technology does not run at night. IRACA suggests that if you are thinking about installing this technology to your custom home plan, you might want to consider your geographical location and some of the advantages and disadvantages that comes with it. HOWEVER, you are NOT alone, book your FREE CONSULATION with IRACA today to explore all the possibilities of your dream home. Visit soon for more information on residential construction on our next blog post! Request a Quote Ready to Work Together? IRACA Is Here For You! Feel Free To Reach Us! 104 East 3rd Street, North Vancouver 604-200-7678 604-800-3262 (Fax) Info@Iracagroup.com

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