Its Award Season at Blackfish Homes!

"Each year the Canadian Home Builders of BC and BC Homes celebrates and rewards builders and renovators throughout BC whose passion for protecting the environment shines through in their residential construction projects." Blackfish Homes was honoured to win the Best Built Green® Whole House Renovation by the CHBA of BC and BC Homes Gala in Vancouver on September 29, 2012.

The home achieved an outstanding EnerGuide rating of 87 and ultra-low air change per hour of 1.2, making it one of the most energy efficient homes on the North Shore and in B.C.’s Lower Mainland.

Our award winning Best Built Green® Whole House Renovation home was designed by Alex Voth of Alex Voth Design on the north shore. Thanks to the homeowners for their time and vision.


What's next?

BEFORE

Blackfish Homes is now a finalist for the 2012 Georgie Award for Best Kitchen Renovation under $100,000. The Georgie Awards are Canada's premier housing awards program that celebrates excellence in home building and is an industry recognized stamp of quality.  This sleek kitchen transformation has added efficiency and flexibility to the space. Referred to as the heart of the home, the kitchen is a place to cook, entertain guests and gather as a family. This space now accomplishes all of that and so much more.

AFTER

The family room, which is adjacent to the kitchen, also underwent a 'minor' renovation to keep the space continuous. The fireplace was moved from the corner and centered on the wall. Shelving and cabinetry was added for additional hidden storage and a new patio door installed. The result? A tired space superbly transformed into an updated, organized and beautiful space for this family.

AFTER

A Teepee in a Box

A Teepee in a Box sounds like the beginning of a myth or legend.  But it's just that - a surprise teepee in a box. Or rather its designed to feel like a teepee once you crawl inside and have a look for yourself!

Blackfish Homes is taking part in the Canfor Playhouse Challenge in support of Habitat for Humanity. A diverse group of architects teamed with builders are creating the most unusual and remarkable children's playhouses which will be on display at the PNE and then auctioned off with the proceeds aimed at affordable housing for families in BC through Habitat for Humanity.  

Architect Michael Green from Michael Green Architecture, designed the Teepee in a Box with his 11 yr old son who came up with the concept. And it's not "just" a playhouse - the combination of structure, design and material, it could also be a construed as a piece of art. Whatever your thoughts are on the play structure it's beauty most definitely lures your interest.  

It's a privilege to be working with Michael who has a reputation for being innovative and who has a passion for building with the environment at the forefront of his designs. Furthermore, working on a project that will ultimately benefit Habitat for Humanity is an honour for all of us at Blackfish Homes. 

Teepee practice! 

Check out the Teepee in a Box at the PNE. We'll add another post once the fair is finished to let you know where the Teepee's final home will be.

Look Who's Arrived...

Maelle Claudine Griesdale

April 3, 2012 9:07 am

7lbs 1oz

We are delighted to announce a new addition to the Blackfish Homes family. Maelle Claudine Griesdale was born on April 3, 2012 weighing 7lbs 1oz. 

From all of us at Blackfish Homes: congratulations Rob and Erika and "big" brother Loic! 

Maelle and her proud dad

Excited to be a big brother!

Loic, Rob, Erika, Maelle

BLACKFISH WINS GOLD AT THE GEORGIE'S

We are proud to announce our win at the recent Georgie Award's which were held on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Our award category was for the best residential renovation with a price range between 500 and 800 thousand dollars. Up against four other finalists, we felt we had a great chance with our St. Andrews project but we sat nervously as photos of all the entries were shown on the two huge screens. A moment of pause and then the big announcement – we won! We are very proud to receive this award and of all of our accomplishments over the years including our great relationships with our clients, trades and vendors and all the wonderful homes we have built. To hear our company name being read out to the 600 plus guests and industry representatives was such a highlight for us and it really feels like a pat on the back for all the hard work we have put in over the years. Special thanks to our clients Scott and Elisa,  designer Alex Voth, and JRS Engineering. The Georgie Awards have just reached its 20th year of celebrating the success of builders, renovators and other industry members from all over BC. During the evening events, over 50 awards were handed out for a broad range of projects, marketing efforts, logos and other categories. This was our first Georgie nomination and we look forward to many more to come!  

HST Transition Rules

The HST transition rules and tax relief measures have been announced by Kevin Falcon, Minister of Finance in BC.

The two major points: 1) effective April 1, 2012, the HST rebate threshold on new homes increases to $850,000 from $525,000. The maximum rebate rises to $42,500 from $26,250; and 2) secondary and recreational homes outside of the Greater Vancouver and Capital Regional Districts, the HST rebate threshold rises to $850,000 from $0, also effective April 1, 2012.
 
Additional details: the PST will be implemented effective April 1, 2013. The transition rules from HST to PST for newly built homes where construction begins before April 1, 2013, but ownership and possession occur after, purchasers will not pay the 7% provincial portion of the HST. Instead, purchasers will pay a temporary, transitional provincial tax of 2% on the full house price.
 
Home renovation will fall under regular transition rules to take effect April 1, 2013.
 
For more information, go to www.pstinbc.ca and click on "New Housing Rules".

CONGRATULATIONS TANIS & STU

The Blackfish Homes family celebrated a wonderful New Years wedding! On December 31st at around 5:30pm Tanis Kohlen and Stu Sanders tied the knot. The wedding took place in the small town of Glacier in the foot hills of Mount Baker. A small group of family and friends were present to celebrate with the newly weds, and bring in the New Year.  The couple is now off to honeymoon in Australia for three weeks!

The wedding party included long time friends Neva, Kim, Lars, and Rick.