The Construction Source

THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA comfortable, they took special care on the waterproofing and ventilation. And in the rare event of exhaust fumes entering from the garage, they installed a carbon monoxide detection and exhaust system in the buried concrete. “So it’s completely safe, and it’s incredibly convenient,” Les says. “In the winter, the owners don’t have to step out into the cold after they pull into the garage. They can go right into their house. It’s exactly what the home owner was looking for.” In addition to demonstrating their problem-solving, the Garneau Home also demonstrated the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability. According to Les, the finished product is at least 40 per cent more efficient than a standard house of the same size. Since being completed, that project has been acclaimed in multiple ways. In addition to winning the CHBA Award, it also earned media attention, with features in the ‘Edmonton Journal’ and ‘Best Home Magazine.’ Even more importantly, it received a glowing review from the client: “They were ecstatic,” Les says. “They absolutely loved it. It really captured all the needs of their lifestyle. It was really fun to see their reaction.” Les credits the success of that project – and the success of all Effect projects, really – to their attention to detail. He says that begins right at the start of a project and continues through to handover and beyond. “It starts with really thinking through the design,” he says. “Then, from the moment we pick up a hammer, we do all the little things.” For example, he cites their basement slabs – before they pour them, they always put insulation underneath, which prevents the cold of the earth from infiltrating into the basement floor. That ultimately makes the home more comfortable to live in and also as more energy-efficient. “That’s something you’ll never see after he house is built,” Les says, “but it’s always there working for the home.” According to Les, Effect has also built relationships with some of Edmonton’s most trusted and reliable subcontractors and trades. He says they are similarly committed to getting the details right. “We have very strong, long- term relationships with some really highly skilled teams. They know that we always have a very high expectation of quality, but they also know that we’re a good company to work with, because we’re very organized and efficient. They complete the work, we inspect it, and they’re paid in a timely manner.”