Unit 7 - Construction and New Houses Flashcards
Who administers the Nova Scotia Building code?
Administered provincially by Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations
CMHC has the most widely accepted housing construction stats in NS. What are three terms for new construction build KPIs?
- Starts
A pending start means permit issued but no footings poured yet. A start means construction has begun - Completion
90% or more of structure is complete - Absorption
The complete structure has been sold or rented
What is an R-2000 home?
R-2000 homes are a certified building system for better energy efficiency, air quality, health, comfort, and durability.
They have:
- High level of thermal insulation
- Energy efficient windows/doors
- Efficient heating and hot water
- Low air leakage
- Efficient lighting
- Mechanical ventilation
- Green building materials
- Water-saving devices
Describe the Atlantic Home Warranty Program (AHWP)
Provides new home and renovation buyer protection.
They offer 7 to 10 year warranty coverage along with deposit protection all with no copayment or deductions!
Builders have to be members to offer this to their customers. It’s a great value add for buyers though.
What is the only acceptable method to establish exact land area?
The only acceptable method to establish exact land area is by means of a survey. It’s important because for farmland, or acreage, the price is often per sq ft or acre.
What is the Builder’s Lien Act?
The Builder’s Lien Act protexts subcontractors and others building the home but not directly under contract by purchaser.
Basically establishes liens in relation to unpaid monies owed to builders and others
What is a house built on spec?
Built on spec means the house or other non-residential structuerrs built without a purchase commitment from a buyer
What is assemblage?
Assemblage is combining two or more abutting parcels of land into one
What is plottage value?
This is the value increment from combining multiple pieces of land that is greater than the sum of the individual lands.
What is infill?
Infill is when you build new construction in an already established neighbourhood.
What is the metric equivalent to the R-Value?
RSI-Value
What is the function of footing?
Footing transmits the weight of the house to the soil without allowing it to sink
Does efflorescence on the inside basement wall indicate a serious drainage or seepage problem?
Nope. It’s harmless crystallized salt that has just formed over time.
Where can you find buffer zones identified?
Buffer zones are identified within site plan agreements.
The Builder’s Lien Act provides for a hold-back of how much of the contract price?
10% of the contract price
