62 - Friday, June 12, 1987 - Narth Shore News B.C. TRENDS Builders optimistic according to survey WHEN THE Canadian Home Builders Association of British Columbia (CHBA-BC) distributed their survey to 1,100 B.C. builders, they expected a ten per cent response. Instead, they received a 30 per cent response and the results were surprising in more ways than one. The 1987 survey touched on all aspects of the housing industry from building trends, concetns and issucs to consumer demands, from builder certification to the number of new home starts. In 1986, 32 per cent of the builders built more than ten units, and in 1987 that figure is expected to rise to 44 per cent. While no one is predic- ting a return of the 1970s housing boom, 80 per cent of the builders surveyed an- ticipate a stable and gradu- ally increasing market for 1987. The three main issues af- fecting housing in today’s market include interest rates, changing consumer de- mands, and_ technological advancements. The concern over interest rates is obvious. High rates depress the market, while the current low rates are con- wibuting to the industry’s prosperity. The issue of consumer demand centres around the older, more discerning home buyer who is looking, ac- cording to the survey, for higher quality construction, affordable prices, greater energy efficiency and more amenities within the home, in that order. The change in consumer demand combined with ad- vanced home technology has brought about the recogni- tion, within the industry, of the necd for builder cer- tification and profes- sionalism. Of the respon- dents, 80 per cent are regis- tered under the New Home Warranty Program, 55 per cent are involved or intend to be involved in the R-2000 Program, and a surprising 66 per cent are in favor of industry certification to identify the professional builder. The fatter figure is much higher than anticipated by the association. In fact, one of the reasons for the survey *-as to test the waters before introducing the CHBA-BC certification program. With regard to the in- dustry itself, the survey in- dicatéd that the size of indi- vidual firms is small, with 63 per cent of the respondents employing fewer than six employees and 83 per cent of those builders constructing houses of less than 2,000 square feet. Average cost of construction varies, but in the majority of cases it is be- tween $40 and $50 per square foot. Builders perceive the association as a vehicle to raise their professional status, ensure ethical prac- uces within the industry, report on technological changes and to provide education and builder cer- tification. They rely on the Association to keep them abreast of building code changes, to ease the development process, and to advise them on the builder lien act, economic condi- tions, as well as mortgages and financial issues. The surprisingly good response from builders to the survey indicates an overall optimism and com- mitment within the industry. At the same time, the major- ity of builders are cognizant of consumer demands, ad- vancing technology and the need for builder certification and professionalism. New home under consiruction. 2200 sq.ft. finished with a total of 3300 sq.ft. $225,000 Come out to the Open House Mon. to Thurs. 8-4 & Sunday 1-5 Located across from Cates Park off Dollarton A luxury development by: TRI POWER HOMES 596-5111 for an appointment to view phone: fg CAHL MADDEN 980-7110 (Res.) 645-7832 (Pgr.) WARRANTY PRU HAM OF GRITISH COLUMBIA f LOVELY VIEWS FROM THIS SPACIOUS TWO ~ KING SIZE COMFORT A curved Stairway graces a spacious entrance leading to a living room and dining room with patio doors onto a sunny deck. 3 bedrooms (master is ensuite}! Added bonus on this floor is the new kitchen with adjacent utility room! Plus fully developed lower level — all on a gorgeous lot —~ pretty and private! Low $170’'s. THESE HOMES OPEN ALL WEEKEND BY APPOINTMENT! JUST PHONE 985-8866 a & cranes 8 LEVEL ENTRY AND ONE LEVEL LIVING! LISTINGS URGENTLY WANTED IN ALL AREAS! PROMPT, COURTEOUS AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICE! BEDROOM APT. ALL ON ONE LEVEL AND WITH LEVEL ENTRY! 2 BDRMS., 2 BATHS, HUGE DECK! ASKING $195,000! |F YOU WANT ONE LEVEL LIVING THIS 1S THE ONE! IF IT’S REAL ESTATE. “ FAMILY HOME Large private tot, 60x240°, 3 bdrm., hardwood floors, farge rec. room, 1200 sq.ft. main, sundecks, 2664 Mt. Highway, Open Sat. 42-2:30. JUDY KILLEEN 686-0971, 929-4722 [04900 MDE vEd: JUDY KILLEEN 686-0971, 929-4722 QUIET CUL-DE-SAC BLUERIDGE 3 bdrms., 2 pce. ensuite, new large oak kitchen, vaulted ceiling in din. rm., 1 BR, kit., Ivgrm., dngrm. down, 14 yrs. old, 70x132' fot. Open Sun. 12-2:30, 2452 Keats JUDY KILLEEN 686-0971, 929-4722 ete 1 BDRM. & DEN Quiet, peaceful, beautiful 6 month old Lynn Ter- race Il. Decorated, just move in, 1050 sq.ft. in- suite laundry, secured parking, #108-3191 Moun- tain Hwy., Open Sat. 3-5. JUDY KILLEEN 686-0971, 929-4722 fet alle FAMILY HOME ee PRIVATE LOT FAMILY HOME 6C0x122' lot, new sunny sundeck, 3 BR, 16 yr. o!d, QUIET STREET 2 pce. ensuite, 3 pce. bath down, plus rec. rm. | 10 yr. old, 1185 sq.ft. up, 3 bdrms., fin. rec. rm., & den. double carport, 1380 sq.ft. 2576 Bendale, | den, 3 pce. bath down. 33x133’ lot. Call JUDY Open Sun. 2-4 for a viewing. 1666 Ralph Street, JUDY KILLEEN 686-0971, 929-4722 JUDY KILLEEN 929-4722, pgr. 686-0971