We began deconstructing the previous building in early April with our trade partner, Phase One Dismantling Services. They saved any building material that could be reused and separated as many materials for recycling as they could, thus diverting an enormous proportion of construction material from the landfill.
By early May, Corona Excavations was performing the site works to prepare the site for the new house.
We built the concrete forms provided by Vancouver ICF in mid-June and completed the concrete footings and foundation pour in the last week of June.
In construction, one example of wasting time is making numerous trips to the hardware store every day. Each trip uses fuel, increases wear and tear on the vehicle, and, most importantly, removes a worker from the site and slows down the overall speed of the build.
Pat from GB Concrete working with Liam from RDC
Lean Construction forces us to examine this situation and see how it can be improved. It may seem simple, but by anticipating the exact amount of materials needed each day and week, we can prevent multiple trips away from the site. Applying this logic to our business has made it leaner and run better.
In early July, Ashlu Mechanical, one of our preferred plumbing, gas, and mechanical partners, was on-site to complete the underground plumbing rough-ins.
This was the last item to complete before we installed our radon gas mitigation system (see below).
Radon Block Installation
On July 13th, Alan Whitehead (President and CEO) and David Innes (Director of Sales) from Radon Environmental came on-site to help us install the Radon Guard and Block mitigation products. Radon gas is a radioactive, carcinogenic gas that has recently been found to be present in West Vancouver and the Sea to Sky Corridor.
Radon gas can enter your home through the floor (concrete and typical 6mm poly vapour barriers are porous), windows, groundwater, and cracks in the floor and walls. Even if your home is completely air-tight, radon gas can find its way in.
For more information on radon gas, please review our blog post on that topic.
RDC works with Radon Environmental (a Holmes Approved Homes company) to bring technologies from around the globe to efficiently test and mitigate your home’s risks.
They generously provided material (Radon Guard and Block) and their time to help us install the foundation under slab insulation and barrier system, which helps mitigate radon gas in homes.
RADON BLOCK INSTALLATION
Radon Guard helps create better airflow below the concrete slab while simultaneously adding insulation and structural integrity. Radon Block was used instead of the poly vapour barrier we usually use (poly vapour barrier is approved in the building code and is standard practice). The difference is that the poly barrier blocks almost no radon, even if it is taped and sealed.
Radon Block is currently the best available membrane system in the industry for blocking radon gas. This is one of many areas in which RDC is ahead of the competition in terms of building innovation and performance.
The installation went very well. Alan and David from Radon Environmental enjoyed working with our RDC crew of Liam, Jesse, and Jamie. They were highly praised for their positive attitude and willingness to learn. We plan to use this mitigation system on all our new homes going forward. Other mitigation techniques are available for pre-existing homes. If you are interested in a retrofit, please get in touch with us.
Once the Radar Guard and Block were installed, we were able to pour our foundations. GB Concrete, one of RDC’s preferred concrete pump, place, and finishing trades, completed this.
David Innes, Director of Sales and Alan Whitehead, President & CEO Radon Environmental with our President, Bob Deeks.
Our Whistler Rd home is also panelized. There are many benefits to building a panelized home, including shorter construction timelines, price certainty, and quality that can surpass site-built homes. We worked with another Holmes Approved Holmes company, BASF, to design the perfect home for our clients.
These clients wanted a cost-effective, energy-efficient, structurally sound, and high-performing home. That is why we decided upon the HP+ Wall System XR Series.
Cameron Prefabricated Walls In Transport
The HP+ Wall System XR Series is a strong structural assembly that exceeds building code requirements. The XR series offers exceptional energy and cost efficiencies. It contains three of BASF’s innovative products:
The HP+ Wall System XR Series has been tested by third-party laboratories and reviewed by an independent engineering firm. Cameron Walls in Quebec manufactured the walls, floor trusses, and roof trusses, which Norvinic Transport shipped to the site at the end of July.
First Day of Panel Installation
The RDC crew (Liam, Jesse, Jamie), along with the help of BASF representatives Stephan DesRochers and Hugo Beauregard, successfully installed all prefabricated items, including the walls, floor trusses, plywood, and roof trusses, for a 1,800+ sq. ft. home in just two days!
This was possible due to detailed preparation and good communication between RDC and BASF in the weeks before the installation.
The project’s Site Supervisor, Liam Casey, worked extensively with Stephan DesRochers (Residential Construction Specialist for Western Canada) to review production drawings and construction details and ensure the success of the site installation.
Second Day of Panel Installation
Throughout the planning and execution of this project, BASF has provided RDC with incredible customer service and training on its HP+ Wall System XR Series, which is designed specifically for residential construction applications.
RDC looks forward to partnering with BASF on projects like this in the future. Now that the walls and roof are up, our team will soon wrap up the rest of the home!
The clients are thrilled with the progress thus far and were watching the installation from the street (along with other curious bystanders) on both days.
WATCH THIS VIDEO FOR MORE DETAILS about Panelized construction!
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We specialize in building custom homes and renovations in the picturesque Sea-to-Sky Corridor, including Whistler, Squamish, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, and Pemberton.