Some 200 local builders, renovators, suppliers and retailers packed the Palladium Room at the Radisson Hotel, Oct. 19, to honour their own with the Residential Awards of Excellence.

Put on by the Sudbury and District Home Builders' Association (HBA), the award winners were chosen by a panel of judges from the residential construction industry within Northeastern Ontario. Judging criteria included design components, floor plan, customer service, technology, innovation and creativity, function and curb appeal.

Although new housing starts are down in the city from last year, when it comes to renovations, contractors are reporting good health, said Laura Higgs, executive officer of the home builder's association.

She said federal changes to mortgage rules that limit the terms to no more than 35 years and changes to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation rules requiring buyers to put down at least 10 per cent of the purchase price are a likely culprit to the drop in housing starts.

This fact has not affected the renovation industry, Higgs said.

“In the reno category the picture remains healthy,” she said. “Probably because people are choosing to renovate rather than relocate or up-size.”

Because of the impact on resale value and curb appeal, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, as well as landscaping, are the most common renovations, Higgs said, adding that increases in remodeling and building additions to homes are also expected.

“HBA members who are renovators (and) suppliers/lumber stores report a great to very great year,” she said.

Higgs also said changes to homes to improve energy efficiency remain a healthy product “as more homeowners are looking for ways to save money on energy costs.”

In terms of industry issues, she said the association has seen an increase in calls from homeowners who have paid cash for work in order to avoid taxes and have consequently not signed a contract. These calls generally complain about the quality of workmanship or contractors not returning to finish a job.

Her message is a simple one.

“No contract, no recourse,” Higgs said. “People simply are not aware of the risk they put themselves in when they make this decision to support the underground economy.”

She encouraged homeowners to “do their homework” when finding a contractor and suggested they call the HBA, visit the association website, sudburyhomebuilders.com, or speak with other professional associations for advice.

Residential Awards of Excellence winners:
Suppliers and Retail — Best Overall Supplier
- Northern Air Climate Care

Best Overall Showroom
- Surface Design & Décor

Exterior Construction/Design — Most Innovative Exterior Detailing
- J. Corsi Developments Inc. – The Vienna

New Home — Best New Home (2,500 square feet and over)
- Zulich Construction Inc. – New Haven

Best New Home (less than 2,500 square feet)
- J. Corsi Developments Inc. – The Vienna

Best Custom-built New Home
- Zulich Construction Inc. – Gilbeau Residence

Best Kitchen In New Home
- J. Corsi Developments Inc. – Vienna’s Kitchen

Best Bathroom In A New Home
- Zagmar Builders - Highland Ensuite

Home Renovation/Addition — Outstanding Kitchen Or Conversion
- La Cuisine Kitchen – Timeless Elegance

Outstanding Bathroom Or Conversion
- Lifestyle Homes Inc. – Outhouse To Spa

Outstanding Alternate Space
- Lifestyle Homes Inc. – A Room With A View

Outstanding Renovation Under $100,000
- Lifestyle Homes Inc. – The Lake House