Measure Twice, Cut Once

Every year, thousands of homes across Metro Vancouver are demolished to make way for new development. But what if some of those homes didn't have to end up in the landfill? Hosts Mike and Jennifer welcome Glyn Lewis, Founder and CEO of Renewal Development, to explore how relocating quality homes creates new housing opportunities while reducing construction waste and preserving valuable building ma...

What role should municipalities play in delivering more housing? Hosts Mike and Jennifer welcome John McEown, CEO of the Burnaby Housing Authority, to discuss how Burnaby is using city-owned land, strategic partnerships, and an arm's-length housing authority to increase the supply of purpose-built rental housing. The conversation explores how municipalities and the residential construction industr...

Episode 90 celebrates the completion of the Phoenix House, Canada's first zero carbon home. What began as a devastating house fire became a groundbreaking residential construction project. Hosts Mike and Jennifer welcome Todd Best of Best Builders and Elisabeth Baudinaud of Carbon Wise back to discuss the journey, lessons learned, and the impact the project is already having across the industry. T...

Episode 89 brings together builder Graeme Huguet of My House Design/Build Team, and Bryan and Sarah Baeumler of HGTV/Stack TV fame for a deep dive into how design, energy performance, and wellness shape modern homes. The group covers building envelopes, healthy materials, circadian-supportive lighting, air quality, mechanical systems, and how to align design aspirations with real-life living patte...

BC Housing’s Dr. Esther De Vos and Chris Hill join Mike and Jennifer-Lee to explain DASH: Digitally Accelerated Standardized Housing. They walk through how DASH links digital tools, standardized designs, and off-site manufacturing to streamline approvals, reduce delays, and help produce multi-unit homes faster across BC. The episode highlights the program’s recent release, its early demo projects,...

Builder Todd Best (Best Builders) and energy advisor Barb Silverthorne (Capture Energy) join hosts Mike and Jennifer-Lee to unpack the full transformation of a 1908 Mount Pleasant home headed for CHBA Net Zero and Built Green Net Zero Energy+. They explain embodied carbon, low-carbon materials, circularity, and why early integrated design creates fewer compromises and a better result. You will fin...

Builder Todd Best (Best Builders) and deconstruction specialist Eric Serpas Ventura (Vema Deconstruction) join hosts Mike Freeman and Jennifer-Lee Gunson to explain how deconstruction works, how it differs from demolition, and why reclaimed materials matter for cost, carbon, and character. Using the 1908 heritage-to-net-zero project as a case study, they walk through material inventories, tax cred...

Alisa Aragon-Lloyd (CEO, Bridgestone Financing Pros | HAVAN's Immediate Past Chair of the Board) joins Mike Freeman and Jennifer-Lee Gunson to demystify construction mortgages —how they work, when funds are released, and why working with a qualified builder makes financing smoother. From permits and draws to contingency funds and lender expectations, Alisa explains how to plan ahead, stay cash-flo...

Builder Chad La Pointe (Nikari Homes) joins Mike Freeman and Jennifer-Lee Gunson to unpack how strong systems create successful builds. From early builder involvement and transparent budgeting to clear communication and reliable trade networks, Chad explains how process—not chance—drives great results. Featuring The Cat’s Meow , an award-nominated renovation designed around both people and pets, t...

According to Bobby Purba of BDC Homes, who has built many multi-plex and multi-generational homes, talking about generational wealth and real estate can be tough, but says these conversations need to S.U.C.K. Sharing insight on the new multiplex legislation, listen in as Bobby offers tips and recommends the professionals to consult before you start unlockinh your home equity. You will find “Measur...

To mark HAVAN’s 50th Anniversary, CEO Wendy McNeil hosts a special conversation with Mark Rosen (Building Knowledge Canada) and Alfred Jury (Euroline Windows) exploring how far we’ve come in building science. They discuss the evolution of window and mechanical technologies, the importance of integrated design, and practical tips for homeowners and builders to right-size their systems for comfort,...

(00:00:00) Ep 81: Bringing New Housing to Market (00:00:46) How housing has changed in 50 years (00:02:28) Layers of regulation & red tape (00:04:09) Government fees and taxes on new homes (00:07:28) The cost of affordability: who really pays? (00:10:15) Comparing Canada & U.S. housing systems (00:12:20) The rise of fees: 1,943% increase since 2015 (00:15:57) Why the private sector builds 95% of h...

Save More Plumbing & Lighting’s Nishin Handa joins Mike & Jennifer-Lee to unpack the plumbing trends shaping modern homes. From water-saving toilets and faucets to instant hot water taps, workstation sinks, antimicrobial surfaces, and bidets, Nishin explains how smart choices improve comfort, efficiency, and health. We also explore composting toilets, net-zero plumbing solutions, and how t...

Builder Sandro Stefanucci (Abstract Homes) joins Mike & Jennifer-Lee to unpack adaptive living —designing homes that adapt to you. From lighting and automation to elevator-ready shafts, wider openings, and stylish, accessible finishes, learn how early planning protects dignity, independence, and budgets. We cover BC’s adaptable-unit direction, working with OTs, condo-friendly upgrades, and sup...

Smarter homes start with smarter choices. Guest Mark Bernhardt (Bernhardt Contracting) explains how HEET (Home Energy Efficiency Tool) turns thousands of energy-upgrade variables into clear, cost-smart options, and why continuing education (CPD) and integrated design are vital for builders and homeowners alike. We also spotlight the upcoming CHBA BC Builder Education Summit (Oct 8–9, Richmond) , w...

From French-fry sketches to modular futures, Synthesis Design’s Curtis Krahn unpacks 30 years of home design—complex sites, Revit, resilience, and sourcing—plus how building science, extremes, and teamwork shape tomorrow’s homes. You will find “Measure Twice, Cut Once” on  iTunes , Spotify podcasts. For images, transcript, and resources shared by Guido Wimmers, go to https://havan.ca/episode-77-ev...

From engineering roots to award-winning custom homes, HAVAN Member Kevin Liskew of Upward Construction shares how trust, teamwork, and strong communication turn challenges into opportunities. Discover the story behind the “California Dream” project, tips for assembling the right team, and why your builder should always be your ally. Tune in now! You will find “Measure Twice, Cut Once” on  iTunes ,...

HAVAN CEO Wendy McNeil sits down with Guido Wimmers, Dean of BCIT’s School of Construction and the Environment, to explore the pivotal role education plays in equipping the people and resources needed to build the homes our communities urgently require. Tune in — you might be surprised by Guido’s eye-opening insights. You will find “Measure Twice, Cut Once” on  iTunes , Spotify  podcasts. For imag...

Successful teams thrive on collaboration built on open communication, trust, and shared goals to navigate renovation challenges. Award-winning designer Jessica Bremner and builder Andrew Kennedy showcase the synergy of design and construction, demonstrating the dedication it takes to achieve exceptional results. Tune in now! You will find “Measure Twice, Cut Once” podcasts on iTunes , Spotify and...

Luxury Homes and budgets don’t go hand in hand – or do they? HAVAN Residential Renovator of the Year Troy Van Vliet of TAVAN Developments shares his strategies for staying on budget when building luxury homes in Vancouver's high-end market.  You will find “Measure Twice, Cut Once” podcasts on iTunes , Spotify and Google podcasts. Thanks to sponsors: FortisBC , BC Housing , BC Hydro ,  Trail Applia...

Hiring and working with a dynamic duo can lead to a multitude of accolades. In the case of Aleem Kassam of Kalu Interiors and Dave Bowes of Tall Tree Construction, this team brought in multiple wins at the 2024 HAVAN Awards. Tune in for award-winning tips! You will find “Measure Twice, Cut Once” podcasts on iTunes , Spotify and Google podcasts. Thanks to sponsors: FortisBC , BC Housing , BC Hydro...

Nick Petrie of Phase One Design is passionate about building codes. And that’s a good thing! With 27 different jurisdictions across the Lower Mainland with an estimated 350 different zones, having someone like Nick on your team is a smart move. Tune in for tips and market updates from Nick! You will find “Measure Twice, Cut Once” podcasts on iTunes , Spotify and Google podcasts. Thanks to sponsors...

Bryan Baeumler of HGTV and Stack TV fame and Graeme Huguet of My House Design Build are back talking to Mike and Jennifer-Lee about keeping homebuilding and renovations real; focusing on what is important to ensure your investment is protected and the home you build can stand the test of time. Tune in now! You will find “Measure Twice, Cut Once” podcasts on iTunes , Spotify and Google podcasts. Th...

Celebrating his 2024 HAVAN Awards Single Family Builder of the Year award, Ryan O’Shea of Miracon Development shares the company’s philosophy for the single-family home and building community. You will find “Measure Twice, Cut Once” podcasts on iTunes , Spotify and Google podcasts. Thanks to sponsors: FortisBC , BC Housing , BC Hydro ,  Trail Appliances , Rami Films , jPod productions , and AI Tec...

Celebrating her 2024 HAVAN Awards win as Interior Designer of the Year, Sarah Gallop share her approach to designing award-winning homes. Tune in. This episode is a winner! You will find “Measure Twice, Cut Once” podcasts on iTunes , Spotify and Google podcasts. Thanks to sponsors: FortisBC , BC Housing , BC Hydro ,  Trail Appliances , Rami Films , jPod productions , and AI Technology & Design...