Current Priority Issues
SASKATOON & REGION HOME BUILDERS' ASSOCIATION
THE VOICE OF THE RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
The Saskatoon & Region Home Builders' Association is the voice of the residential construction industry in central Saskatchewan.
"The association promotes the interests of our business members so they can operate in a positive business climate," says Alan Thomarat, Executive Director of the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders' Association.
"We also work in the best interests of consumers, offering them affordability and choice in new housing and providing confidence in the products and services they are buying from our members."
ADDRESSING BARRIERS TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Over the past quarter century, the association has worked closely with the Saskatchewan Home Builders' Association to lobby provincial government for necessary changes that have helped to maintain the quality of new home construction in the most cost-effective manner.
In recent years, governance has changed to put more authority at the hands of municipal governments, says Thomarat. The association has responded by building new partnerships and improving communication links at the municipal level. "We work closely with key personnel in the Departments of Planning and Operations, Building Inspections, Permits, the Land Branch, and Community Services," says Thomarat.
Of great concern to the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders' Association is improving the inventory of affordable housing in our city. "This is a very diverse housing market. It's necessary to make sure that there are affordable housing options out there for first-time home buyers, empty nesters and seniors," says Thomarat. "However, the association is always watchful of government decisions, at all levels, that might affect housing affordability. Taxes, regulations and unnecessary fees all challenge ones ability to purchase and maintain a home."
MEMBERS LEAD THE COUNTRY IN BUILDING STANDARDS AND PRACTICES
"Members of the Saskatoon and Region Home Builders' Association are leading the country In Innovation, high standards and practices that lead to energy efficiency, environmental responsibility and high quality homes," says Thomarat.
These practices include strict adherence to occupational health and safety regulations. The association's Safety Task Force works hard to ensure that safety is a top priority on all residential construction sites. "Our builders have been very active in establishing work environments that promote safety for both workers and the public," says Thomarat.
The association will soon launch a new program called "Builder Watch," in partnership with the Saskatoon Police Service, CrimeStoppers and Saskatoon Fire and Protective Services. "The program is intended to reduce the incidences of vandalism and arson on construction sites," says Thomarat.
"It's a concern for us, not just because of losses to the industry which at the end of the day impact consumers through increased costs and higher insurance premiums. It's also a safety issue."
RENOVATIONS - ALWAYS GET IT IN WRITING
The Saskatoon & Region Home Builders' Association is also working to support the renovation sector of the construction industry. Thomarat says that Saskatoon will be experiencing increased demand for professional renovators, as residents seek to maintain, upgrade and improve existing homes that are beginning to show their age or to make changes or additions to new homes.
"Our Renovation Committee is concerned that we attract people into the industry that are very professional, highly trained and skilled to meet the need to improve less efficient housing stock. As the requirements for the Kyoto Protocol becomes enforceable, there will be a need to make homes more energy smart, both at the consumption level and the efficiency level. That can involve everything from the installation of new mid- to high-efficient furnaces and water heaters, to the replacement of windows. This requires professionals," says Thomarat.
