What are the benefits?

Creates Airtight Seal. This type of insulation can stick to every surface, sneaking into every crack, and protecting from the external environment. Spray foam creates airtight seals that prevent temperature fluctuations in your home, keeping it at the temperature that is most comfortable for you. It keeps you warm and dry from the elements!

Easy to Install.  One benefit we love about spray foam is that it is easy to install at any time of the year. It can be sprayed without fault in hard-to-reach areas like ceilings and awkward spaces. Additionally, the foam takes no more than a day to dry to cure, leaving your house ready for the next step!

Energy Efficient. These days, most Sustainable Homes feature spray foam insulation because of its ability to create an airtight seal. By using this material, you can expect your home’s temperature to stay constant, and efficiently keep cool air in, in the summer, and warm air in, in the winter. You can save anywhere from 30-50% on your home energy bills. 

Improves your home market value. Due to the energy efficiency of the product, you can expect your home’s market value to increase. It makes your investment far more attractive when you plan on selling in the future. 
Eco-friendly and non-toxic. This product is built to LAST, with an R-value that does not decrease over time. This means you are using less consumable materials to insulate your home. Spray foam insulation has been recorded to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 6.62 tonnes/ year. On top of this, spray foam insulation does not break down into toxic ducts like its fibreglass alternatives.

One step closer to your Net Zero Home!

Why Build in the Okanagan?

New home construction in Vernon and the surrounding area is no doubt growing. With picturesque landscapes and ideal climates for enjoying the seasons all year long, this doesn’t come as a surprise. The Okanagan is the perfect place for young families to get started and older generations looking for a place to enjoy retirement. It is the perfect place to live, work, and play.

All of this can be your backyard. 

You can find a lot that is perfect for any demographic. The large lots available here are great for new families who are growing and space to explore. Families will love being close to schools, downtown Vernon, markets, and any activity under the sun. If you are working from home, why not do it with views that no office can beat. Retired? Live where life and culture are bustling and enjoy retirement to the fullest!

Building in the Okanagan

Finding the right spot for a custom home can often be the most challenging decision for new home buyers. You’ll find that lots in the Okanagan are often conveniently placed close to city centres, where everything you need is just a short drive away.

Come Live Under the Sun!

Commercial Spaces for the Future

There’s no doubt that building designs have required commercial builders to stay innovative with changing policies, trends and technology. At Brentwell we are dedicated to researching and staying on top of the latest and greatest trends that contribute to a space where people and businesses can thriv

This article will cover some of the design trends that are essential for Okanagan commercial construction.

Outdoor Space Configuration

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses switched from indoor operations to outdoor in order to accommodate business. This was especially evident in the restaurant industry as well as in other commercial construction buildings.

Frameless Glass

If your business has already incorporated an outdoor space or is looking to do so, consider frameless glass as an option during the colder months. Frameless glass helps your space remain flexible and also enhances the square footage of your establishment. These frameless glass systems allow for the ambiance of an outdoor environment while being protected from the elements of Mother Nature.

Enhanced Air Filtration Systems

Over the last years it has become more important than ever to ensure your commercial development is coupled with good ventilation and filtration systems. Instead of systems that recirculate air, commercial builders are opting for systems which extract indoor air and filter in fresh outdoor air.

As more and more consumers realize the impacts of their actions on the environment, they will use their money to support businesses who share the same values. On top of this, the owners of these buildings will save money on utilities and see return on investment from incorporating these technologies. Read more about high-efficiency building in this blog. 

Integrated Technologies

Conclusion

Living and working in an ever-changing world, it will be important to hire the right commercial builder who can design a building that will be future-proof. Incorporating trends that will improve your businesses performance while looking sleek and optimized for any environmental or regulatory condition is key to any commercial project. 

If you are planning for commercial development in Vernon or the Okanagan area, Brentwell is ready to help with your project. As experienced professionals in commercial construction, we are here to support your business’ needs.

Contact us today! https://brentwellconstruction.com/contact/

Read about our approach to commercial construction here: https://brentwellconstruction.com/commercial/

Home

There are many reasons why people love building custom homes. It’s all about getting what YOU want, and not what the builder wants.

By engaging in the planning and design process you are able to build a home that will address all your needs. From where you are located to the quality of finishings – you can build your dream home from the ground up!

Future Planning

If you are at the step where building your home is right for you, you also likely know what your future plans entail. Are you growing your family? Working from home? Will you have pets sharing the space? Do you want to entertain? Only you and your family know what your future looks like!
Outdoor living is often a high priority design element for new home construction. New build houses in Vernon often feature large patio areas and fire pits. With over 300 days a year of sunshine, how could you not?

If you work at home, you may consider implementing a studio or office that addresses your way of work. Or, if you like entertaining you may consider a large kitchen island and living space for wining and dining. 

The right custom home builders will help you address these questions, asking what you think your life will look like and need in five to ten years into the future. 

Floor Plan Optimization

If you are buying in Vernon, often an existing build will not address your floor plan needs. Existing homes in the area tend to be older and built in more closed-off floor plans that may not address your living style. With new home construction you can optimize your floor plan for your lifestyle.

Self-Expression

You want your home to mirror your style. Building custom homes does that in no way an existing build can. You are in complete control of the details!

From wall paint, window layout, lighting to kitchen appliances, bathroom fixtures, baseboards – there is no limit to what you can design. 

You choose everything according to your taste, budget, and desired quality. On top of this you’ll know your home will require less maintenance with new materials that should last for years!

Updated Technology

You will also save money when you choose sustainable and high-performance material such as triple glazed windows/doors, and spray foam insulation. These technologies improve air tightness in your home leading to reduced air exchange and high energy efficiency in your home. By pairing these elements with water conserving fixtures you’ll be saying goodbye to those high water and energy bills!

Read more about high-performance homes in this blog. 

Location, Location, Location!

Before you start building you are often narrowing down where you want to live. This boils down to what neighborhood, lot, and even the orientation of your custom home! 

Doing your research is essential! Do you prefer peace and quiet, or do you like being close to the action? Do you have kids – so will proximity to schools be important? Is a large parcel of land more suitable if you plan on having children or animals?

Often new home-buyers will not have the luxury of finding both the perfect location and the perfect home in an existing build, which can lead to hassle in the future. When you find the right spot you’ll know you have the perfect location and the perfect home when building a custom home.

PRO TIP: It’s a good idea when considering a neighborhood to explore the area at different times of the day!

Conclusion

Building your home is an exciting and collaborative process, often concerning many questions. Involving a builder early in the process will assure that you are finding the right priced land, and that you are making informed design decisions. At the end of the new home construction process there is no doubt you will be proud to own your home, after all it is work of art and craftsmanship!

Brentwell Construction, as an established Vernon builder, can help you build the custom home of your dreams! Start planning with us today and we can talk you through the process and determine what build is right for you!

Most people who are planning on the construction of a custom home, do so with the full intention of staying at that home for an extended period of time – if not life. If you are currently building a custom home, the last thing you want is to grow out of it within a few years. That said, a “forever home” is a common term we as Vernon builders hear within the industry. But how do you define a forever home?

To qualify as a forever home, “there must be enough space to accommodate all that life throws at you”.

We understand the importance of designing a forever home, the work that goes into it, and we are here today to give you crucial tips to keep in mind throughout the building process. Custom homes are an investment, so let’s make it right by building a perfect home to fit your lifestyle which you can grow into.

Make Rooms Adaptable and Accessible

When designing a forever home it’s important to look to the future – while, unpredictable at best, it’s ideal to design your home around alternative uses. Rooms and spaces should be able to adapt to the growth of you and your family. If you have children now, consider how those rooms would look once they move out.

Stay Adaptable To Trends

Design trends can help fill your home with certain features, but if you are future planning, then it’s important to not fill your home with fads that are sure to be outdated in a few years.

Pick An Ideal Location

If we haven’t stressed the importance of location enough in our previous blog, then let’s continue on why your custom home location is key for lifelong living. 

Choose The Right Builder

We mentioned earlier in this blog that building a forever home is all about future planning. We weren’t wrong – there is a lot to think about! But having the right, Vernon builder or construction company will ensure the coordination of your project fits the scope of your forever home.

Planning your future can start today. If you are considering building a forever home, let the team at Brentwell Construction in Vernon, BC build your custom home to last a lifetime. With our custom home experience, we take you through all aspects of the building process, and ensure your custom home is a representation of your current and future lifestyle.

Find more information about how we build forever homes, customized your way, here.

The new “normal” looks different this year – in fact, things have been looking different for quite a while now. However, now that businesses are shifting to meet the demands of guidelines, it’s safe to say that a new way of how businesses function is upon us. Even in the beginning, businesses had to adapt to projects being halted, budgets being readjusted and workforces sent to work from home. While pre-pandemic activities roll back to usual, it’s a great time to set those commercial construction projects in motion (again). 

If you are, however, looking for great reasons to motivate the unpausing of your previous commercial construction project or getting the encouragement to make that first step, then continue reading, because we have a lot to get into. 

Let’s get started! 

Take Advantage of The Season

 Then come springtime, you are fully prepared and organized to start developing your commercial project.

It’s a safe bet to assume most projects have a window of 1-2 years for development and since construction is a multi-step process, it requires action now to finish development months down the line. As well, If plans stay consistent and all goes well, then your commercial builder can have development could end before the off-season next year – so be sure to plan to be prepared for the change in seasons!

Adapt to Change

As we mentioned before, the change in the past years has been substantial. One large aspect of this change comes with the mindset of business owners. Commercial development companies are seeing the demand in office spaces adapting in construction, and these changes can be broken down into four main groups.

Demand for private office spaces

For years the development of office spaces was designed for cost-effective, small grouped spaces. However, with the change of times, and the demand for space, layouts have really shifted. Traditional floor plans are becoming a new norm with closed, private rooms to prevent extended contact with people (HBR, 2021). Even with adapting guidelines, the demand for space still continues to rise! 

Reduction in size of communal spaces

Clean air circulation improvements

Due to the events of the virus over the past few years, there have been shifts in building design, in particular with dental offices, retail, restaurants, and medical practices. These building design changes focus on improved HVAC systems to enhance indoor air quality. Even more beneficial, with many businesses located within the Okanagan – commercial builders are utilizing better HVAC systems to filter out smoke from local forest fires. 

Increase in outdoor environments 

The rise of outdoor environments has shifted over the past few years. Businesses are now investing more into outdoor spaces for staff and customers to use. We can see this being described as “outdoor” workspaces, which are ever-growing in demand. Not only is this beneficial for providing employees with space but this also can boost morale with a team – now that’s an improvement! 

Conclusion

It’s safe to say, be ready for the unexpected. This is why projects nowadays could take longer, and resources from commercial development companies might be harder to obtain. But that’s why we strongly encourage you to prepare as much as possible and get your commercial construction project started now. 

References: 

https://hbr.org/2014/10/workspaces-that-move-people

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/04/29/3-ways-the-office-will-change-after-the-pandemic.html

Introduction

What features would you include in your dream home?

What an open-ended question – but when building a custom home it’s always a great place to start. Considering how far we have come, there are tons of features, design ideas and so much more that can either inspire us or overwhelm us. After all, your home is your lifestyle, and your lifestyle is anything that you make it! 

Whether you’re searching for features to include when building a house or interesting ways to increase home value, check out the list below for ideas on how to make your space really stand out. 

Keep that first question in mind – and let’s get started!

Large Kitchen Islands

Conclusion

If you can dream it – we can build it! 

Our experienced team of builders are ready to take your home to the next level, and help you build your dream home. Our team is with you every step of the way, and ensures your project is completed on time and on budget. 

With attention to detail and adherence to innovation, we are committed to providing service and product excellence in the custom home building process. As we spoke about earlier, there are many features that can enhance your dream home – we however, can bring it to life. 
You can get familiar with our custom home projects here.

A home means something different to everyone, and your ideal home looks different too. From the process of design; colours, concepts, structure, shape – there is a lot to it! Not to mention there is time and budget to consider as well. Your home is an expression of who you are, what you like, and where you find comfort. With that said, there is the saying “Your home is what you make it”, and that’s true of course. 

But we don’t see why you can’t make it your home. 

If you made it here, then that must mean you are already considering making your home, really you. So, Congratulations! You have taken the first steps towards building your own custom home. 

In this blog post, we hope to make the hard decision of choosing the right builder for your dream home, a little less daunting. Whether you have a vision of what you want or not, we can help you get there. So, here are a few steps you can take to educate yourself on how to choose a home builder, and more importantly, ensuring an experience that meets your expectations, your schedule, and your budget.

Let’s get started! 

Step 1: Determine what you want

Building a new home/project is a considerable investment of both time and money. Including the positioning phase, many of our projects are active for 12 months, and in some cases even longer.

Step 2: Research local home builders

At Brentwell, we believe it’s never too early to involve your builder in the process. Considering the process can take up to 12 months to complete; it’s a good idea to make sure that builder is someone you can trust, and are comfortable dealing with.

Step 3: Interview your top picks (and ask the tough questions) 

At this point, you found your budget and researched some options in local custom home builders that you feel fit your goals the best. Now it’s time to get those serious questions answered. We recommend the best way for a client to determine their builder is to simply meet with them.

Conclusion

We understand that it can be hard to know who to work with. Over the 10 years we have been building, we have learned that communication, proactivity and accountability are critical. As mentioned in the beginning, your home is important to you, and we want to make sure that you have a good experience and feel comfortable with the process. 

That’s why each file in our office is not a job, but a relationship. As in any relationship, communication is the foundation for success and longevity. That’s why we are confident you will be happiest with the builder you communicate best with.  
Give us a call today so see if we are the right fit for your custom home project. You can find more information about who we are, and what we have accomplished here.

Every business is unique in its own way. As an exercise for the reader, think about how many businesses and companies you interact with weekly. The number may astound you.

We live, work and play in the beautiful Okanagan Valley. We also have the pleasure of interacting with many stellar businesses offering a seemingly unlimited amount of services. Whether we’re talking about Vernon, Kelowna, Penticton, or beyond, no matter what we need, we can usually find it! The lesson of the above thought experiment is that no two businesses are the same, even if they’re in the same industry and geographic location. 

Simply put, we choose the businesses that best meet our own unique needs. 

The same principle applies to businesses selecting the most appropriate commercial construction team for their short and long-term projects. This post is dedicated to the process of finding the right one for your business, whether your needs involve mere renovations or full-scale construction. Our goal is to steer you in the right direction so you can get the most out of your final choice. 

Here we go!

You also want to think about the particulars of building aesthetics and what client-facing features you require in any sort of construction process. Is your branding modern, or is it more laid-back and traditional? 

There are no right or wrong answers here. The only thing that matters is assessing your needs to bring you one step closer to who would be best to meet those needs. 

Keep it simple here. Strip it all back. Assess those needs thoroughly and then move onto our next step in the process. You’re one step closer to finding the right commercial builder for your business!

Research, Research, Research

A famous inventor named Charles Kettering once said, “research means that you don’t know, but are willing to find out.” 

So far, you’ve assessed your business and arrived at your specific needs. You probably don’t know the names of every commercial construction contractor, but you know the qualities you’re looking for. You may also understand what types of contractors you’re not looking for, which is valuable insight, too.

The next step is to research all your local options and match your needs to their capabilities.  

Only Great Questions Lead To Meaningful Answers

So far, you’ve detailed your needs and come up with a list of commercial contractors that may be an excellent fit for your business. Before picking up the phone to schedule meetings with them, turn your full attention to coming up with the right questions. 

Since you know your needs best, you should be leading the meeting’s agenda. Prepare a list of questions for each builder you interview to help guide your way through each interaction. Such questions can include:

What types of businesses do you most frequently serve, and why are you best equipped to help them over your competitors?

Are there any construction styles you aren’t comfortable pursuing? What is your track record of completing projects similar to those I’ll be needing?

During every call, make it clear that you have some questions you’d like addressed. Give them a rundown of your business, what it offers and where you see it heading in the future. Formulating your questions ahead of time will give you ample confidence in the discussion process. Then, be proactive in case additional questions arise organically. The mantra is “firm, yet flexible”. If all goes well, you’ll be able to choose the commercial construction company ready, excited and equipped to serve you well!

Conclusion

Like any successful commercial project, the key to choosing the right commercial builder is planning and execution. By detailing your needs and researching suitable contractors to meet them ahead of time, you’re prepared to execute your builder interviews. 

Trust the process, and don’t leave any critical questions unanswered before making your final choice!

Building a home is no easy task for both clients and their chosen construction companies, but it’s also immensely gratifying! 

Clients are usually eager to get the process going as quickly as possible. In contrast, contractors are responsible for slowing it down to ensure adequate planning. Then, both parties immerse themselves in a complex process marked by creativity, timelines and production.

Though, we contend the building process should not begin with the construction company. Hear us out on this one. Yes, we’re available at any stage the client deems necessary. However, we believe prospective clients should start the building process with a few simple questions about lifestyle, first and foremost! 

Are you thinking of building a home? 

If so, we recommend asking yourself the following questions to ensure your lifestyle is the guiding force behind your new home’s vision. 

Let’s explore!

Question #1: Where?

Generally, a residential lot needs purchasing before a build, so this is usually the first question anyway. But we want to take this inquiry into deeper territory, though. Besides simply considering what lots are available for purchase, we recommend taking a step back and asking: In what type of environment do I genuinely want to live? 

Do you find the forest rejuvenating and value privacy? Well, you may want to consider a secluded lot in a rural, treed area. Or, maybe you find the presence of water peaceful, and wish to be near others in a given community to accommodate your extroverted self?

In Vernon, a forest-lover might choose the Kedleston area tucked beneath Silver Star Mountain or the Kokanee Road area off Eastside Road. Conversely, someone desiring a lake view might settle in Adventure Bay or near Kalamalka Lake. 

No matter the case, ponder first your deepest desires, your personality traits and your activities of choice. In doing so, you might be surprised at the conclusions you reach!

Question #2: Who?

This question is especially applicable to those with a history in their area of choice. When it comes to living in the beautiful Okanagan valley, we often never wish to leave! No matter the case, It’s helpful to think about who you want to live near when crafting your most optimal lifestyle. 

If you have cherished family members and friends you wish to see often, perhaps living closer to them would add more value to your daily life. On the other hand, if you prefer some distance between loved ones (hey, we’re not judging!), consider destinations accordingly. Another situation we see is someone needing to take care of an ageing family member. In such cases, they may want to live near this family member, or even plan to have an in-law suite in their home building plans.  

Who you wish to live near (or with) is yet another exercise in figuring out precisely what you want to squeeze out of life. 

Planning your construction process won’t take on nearly as much value without such considerations figured out beforehand. Keep your heart open and define who is most important to you!

Question #3: What?

Before we reach the final and most personal question to ask in your quest for a gratifying residential home, we turn to a fun question! We’ll use the Vernon area as a model for seeing this through. 

What do you love to do, and what local services or attractions will nurture these passions?

For those who thrive on being outdoors every day, living in Coldstream near Kalmalka Provincial Park would be an ideal choice. If hitting the slopes in the winter is your style, a home in the foothills might be the perfect choice for easy access to Silver Star Mountain Resort! If you’re a gym-goer or a yogi, perhaps an urban area near your establishments of choice would foster more involvement.

As the Blue Zones project points out, making the healthy choice as easy as possible is key to a fulfilling life in your city of choice. And while such a project is more about large-scale city design, we can take a micro-approach and simply be mindful of living near the things we love to do, whenever possible!

Question #4: Why?

The “why” is the most personal, difficult question to answer. It’s also the most important, as it ties all the other questions together into one cohesive vision. Why do you want to build a home? What drives your desire to take on such a project? 

We ask these questions not to doubt our decisions but to infuse them with meaning. 

By venturing into the expanse of meaning, you work to solidify your confidence in taking on the building process. Knowing where you’re going makes getting there so much more gratifying and meaningful. You deserve a beautiful home, and by asking these hard questions, you’re well on your way to one! 

Conclusion

Building a home is exciting, challenging and rewarding. It’s the result of careful planning and collaboration. Before embarking on the home building journey, it pays to pause on each of the above questions before making your final decisions. 

Remember, it’s not just about the destination but the journey along the way; each informs the other. That’s what makes it all worth it. 

At Brentwell Construction, we believe in asking and answering the hard questions. We believe in the value of exploring your “why” so we can make an effort to buy into it! We don’t see ourselves as mere construction experts; we see ourselves as agents of meaningful change. As an established Vernon, BC construction company, we love to see visions become a reality, and we’re ready to take on your very own home-building project!

To view some of our custom home projects, click here. To find out more about who we are, click here.