March 2019

All posts from March 2019

We’re in the Business of Efficient Buildings

by Bevony on 28 March 2019 Comments Off on We’re in the Business of Efficient Buildings

Vancouver is trying to make it with the Greenest City Action Plan. And as we all strive to make this a reality, here at SilverBeams is no different. We strive to do everything we can do as we build homes for you and your family members with the latest technologies and products to help enhance efficiency while ensuring your comfort.

There are a couple ways we can provide you with a more efficient home. And one such way is in the materials that we chose to use in the creation of your home. Today we want to shed some light on what those materials are and how they do make your home more efficient.

In December the city made it mandatory that all builders provide the most efficient homes they could possible supply to the market. We decided we wanted to go the extra mile and make some additional effort to make homes even more efficient than the baseline. the result is not just a more efficient home, but also a healthier home to raise your children, a more comfortable home and a home that will be more affordable to heat during the winter months and more affordable to cool during the summer months.

The regulation that brings this all to life is the BC Energy Step Code. Why is it called the step code? Because it is made up of groups of measurable goals that are grouped in a “staircase” structure which we builders will have to comply with over time. There are five steps for homes and these need to be applied to new homes over time, one step at a time. Some parts of the city of Vancouver are already mandating step 3 for new homes.

Demand is growing and we have heard you the home buyers on the market. we hear you want more efficient homes and we understand all the reasons why. A recent survey of homebuyers preferences revealed that Canadian homebuyers are in the market for homes that feature high-efficiency windows, energy efficient appliances, heat recovery ventilation and overall energy efficiency among other features.

We realize that our customers are educated and know all the benefits of choosing energy efficient homes and lowering their bills. Here at SilverBeam Homes, we know what you want and we want to build that home for you. We offer a number of different options for meeting your specific needs as a home buyer. We want to help you build a healthier home, a better-built home, a more comfortable home. Let us get you started on the journey to owning your home. Give us a call today and set up a consultation.

Want to know more about what we offer before you call? Go ahead and check our process! We are waiting to hear from you.

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BevonyWe’re in the Business of Efficient Buildings

Laneway Homes

by Bevony on 20 March 2019 Comments Off on Laneway Homes

In recent times Laneway homes have increased in popularity across the west coast of Canada and very much so in the Vancouver area. The name “Laneway” is derived from the position of the home. These homes are built on an existing lot on the back portion of the lot in the backyard area of your single family home so they open on the back lane. Because of their position on a lot with another building they tend to be smaller homes. These are currently largely popular in Vancouver but they are increasing in other dense Canadian cities as well. Also their size has been increasing as well.


A Brief History on Laneway Homes in Vancouver

Laneway Homes was introduced as a way to increase the city’s density by Mayor Sam Sullivan as a part of his EcoDensity initiative. He wanted to retain the single family feel of certain neighborhoods while increasing city density and thus the first Laneway Home was constructed in 2009 under the Laneway House Bylaw. This first house featured 710 square feet and was built on a lot measuring 33 by 122 feet. The home featured a single outside parking space. Though the house was built in 2009, it did not receive an occupancy permit from the city of Vancouver until May of the next year. In 2012 another milestone was reached when the first “net-zero” solar powered Laneway Home was built.

The rules governing the construction of Laneway homes were updated in July of 2013. This update in the rules made it easier for the building of one story laneway homes and also the use of garages to address the concerns about parking that arose.


The Affordability of Laneway Homes

One of the most significant advantages of a Laneway home is their affordability. Because of the large population in Vancouver affordability of housing is a very important issue. At present, the EcoDensity Charter is not applicable in Vancouver. The council is currently updated to strategies and initiatives for Greenest City status and affordability. There is still the need to increase housing while ensuring that housing prices are being moderated and now with the Green initiative there is also the need to ensure that living, energy and transportation costs are kept at an affordable level.

Building Laneway Homes at SilverBeam Homes

If you are interested in adding a Laneway house to your existing property, we can help you make that a reality. Contact us now so we can help you draw up a plan, we can provide you with a custom home that meets all your individual needs while providing these services at a price to fit your budget.

If you are considering a Laneway House but are a bit scared of the idea of living in a small home we can help you see how you can have all your needs met within a small space such as you are presented with when it comes to a Laneway House. Let us help you, call us today so we can set up a consultation to help determine what the bet route will be for meeting your needs of building a new home.

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BevonyLaneway Homes

Green Homes with SilverBeam Homes

by Bevony on 14 March 2019 Comments Off on Green Homes with SilverBeam Homes

As the city of Vancouver strives to create a healthier city for the future generation they have chosen to focus on green buildings, which includes green homes. Under the greenest city goal, the mandate is to “lead the world in green building design and construction.”

This is a mandate that SilverBeam Homes believes to our core and as such we are already urging home buyers to invest in green building technologies and techniques. Our Approach is to offer these types of homes and is always working to improve our operations to ensure that the houses we build now and in the future follow the necessary codes for a greener Vancouver.

Here at SilverBeam Homes, we create homes that are sustainable and environmentally friendly. But what exactly does it mean for your home to be green or environmentally friendly? What kinds of materials are used to ensure that a home fits this bill? What makes a green home any different from other homes built years ago?

What Makes a Home Green?

A home that is referred to as “green” is typically also referred to as environmentally friendly or sustainable. These homes are designed and constructed with materials that employ and incorporate strategies, techniques, and technologies that work together to make the home healthier and more energy efficient while not depleting natural resources. The use of sustainable materials during the building process is just one of the aspects of what makes a home “green”. Along with the use of sustainable materials, there is also the way they are used. For a home to be considered green the sustainable materials must be used so that they lower the maintenance costs of the home to ensure that the home is, in fact, a “green” home. The materials help to improve the health and productivity of the occupant while aiding in the conservation of energy. Most often “green” homes offer a greater amount of design flexibility which can benefit both us the builders and the home buyer in creating a customized home.

“Green” Home Description

According to the Environmental Protection Agency of the United States, the best way to describe a green home is;

“…the process by which a healthy, resource efficient home is constructed, renovated, operated, maintained or demolished…”

Let’s Get Specific!

Owners and occupants of green homes get to benefit from their homes in a number of ways. These include!

When you live in a green home you can see;

  • Energy Savings
  • Reduced Maintenance and Replacements
  • Improved Overall Health

The Green materials used here to build your homes at SilverBeam Homes are:

  • Resource Efficient
  • Help to Improve The Quality of the Air in your Home
  • Energy Efficient
  • Conserve Water
  • Are Affordable
  • Made from Recycled Content
  • Are more Durable than Conventional Counterparts
  • Includes Renewable Content
  • Available Locally

Here at SilverBeam Homes, we are very proud to bring Green Homes to consumers. Let us help you move into your dream Green Home. Contact Us today!

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BevonyGreen Homes with SilverBeam Homes

Best Movers in Vancouver

by Bevony on 4 March 2019 Comments Off on Best Movers in Vancouver


So you’ve you bought your new home and you can’t wait to move in… Move in! Yes, there is that task and sometimes it is quite a tedious one. We want to help make this task a little bit lighter for you and so we have put together a list of some of the best movers in Vancouver. Check out some of these professionals to get you out of your old home and into your new home.

Papa’s Moving

This small family-owned moving company will make your move a little bit easier. They will do small to large moves and do apartments, houses and even business moves. Papa’s Moving will help with your moves in and around the greater Vancouver area, Vancouver Islands, the Gulf Islands, and the Sunshine Coast. They will even coordinate with the ferry schedules. They provide one-day moves as well as two-day moves where they can hold your items overnight.

North Van Mover

This Award Winning Vancouver mover offers full service moving services. They offer a variety of truck sizes to accommodate different moves and are equipped with expert handlers and drivers to ensure that your home goods get to their destination on time and in the same condition they left you in. Not only does this company offer moving services but they also offer packaging if you need it. So whether it be padding, boxes or wardrobe needs that you may have they have you covered. North Van Movers are equipped to take on the unique needs of your home move so get in touch with them so you can start your new life in a new home.

Simple Moves

Simple Moves is another award winning moving company servicing the Vancouver area. This company prides themselves in following strict safety guidelines when moving your items from home to home. They cover your furniture, stair rails etc with blankets to prevent any dents or scratches as they move items throughout the house. They take extreme care in ensuring that your belongings are taken care of in the best way possible. One of the things that set these movers apart is that they offer unlimited wardrobe boxes for your move and will take them away once the unpacking is done. They also offer dismounting and rebuilding services so you can trust them for more than just the transport of your belongings as they can help you at every step of the way. Label all your other boxes and they will place them where they need to go in your new home and even unpack the items for you. With Simple Moves, you build your moving plan os you can get as much taken care of or as little as you can afford, just let them know what you need.

Go Truck Go

Go Truck Go movers specialize in smaller moves of 950 square feet or less. They offer not only moving services but also delivering services and junk removal services as well. This is good since often times when we move we end up with some junk that we won’t be taking to the new home space with us. If you know you will need moving services and junk removal services then this is a great choice for you. Visit their website today to get a free quote to see how much moving with them will cost. They are known for there very affordable moving rates and their speed of service.

Reay’s Moving and Storage

These movers offer local Vancouver moves, island moves as well as they offer storage. It is a family owned business that is locally operated. They have been in operation long enough to know that moves don’t always happen as planned and this is why they offer indoor storage as one of their services. They are open Monday to Saturday and you can easily request a quote online.

Jim’s Moving 

This moving company is located in Burnaby but they offer service into Vancouver and the Sunshine Coast. They offer a free quote on their website and even have prices for standard moving services listed there so you know right away what to expect for your move. Not only does Jim’s moving offer moving services but they also offer TV installations and furniture installation services as well. They have been in the business for more than 20 years so they are a well-experienced team of moving professionals ready to serve you and meet your needs.

BungoBox Vancouver

BungoBox movers offer local and long-distance moves. They offer simple rates up front which are easy to understand and never have any hidden fees. They offer residential moves along with a whole array of other services to meet all the needs that arise when it comes to moving into your new home.

Real Pro Movers

Real Pro Movers is a full service moving company that can help you with a planned move to your new home. They are located in Burnaby and offer billing by the hour to get your job done in the most cost efficient and timely manner. They offer moving packing material as well as different truck sizes to meet your moving needs. They will get you moved in and around Vancouver, Vancouver Island, Lower Mainland, Okanagan and the Gulf Islands. They have a range of deals happening from time to time so check out their website to see what they have to offer today to help reduce your moving costs while still ensuring a high-quality moving service.

Easy Around Moving

These Vancouver have you covered for your small to medium sized residential moves. They service the Vancouver and Lower Mainland area and have been providing their moving and delivery services to locals for more than seven years to date. This is a small company operated by its owners so you can expect to get friendly and highly personal service here. They will take care of all your needs for moving day thus taking away the stress related to moving. For the past three years Easy Around Moving has won the West Ender best of Vancouver awards so you know they have what it takes to take care of your moving needs.Guys and Dollies  This moving company offers so much more than their names says. Not only do you get the guys and dollies but you get full service moving at an affordable hourly rate. These movers have been at it for over ten years and so they know the ins and outs of moving and all the requirements for transporting your lives from one place to the next. They always like to err on the side of caution and take every precaution to ensure that your belongs are disassembled, packaged, transported and reassembled in the best manner possible. Moving into your new SilverBeam Home can be very exciting as well as it can be very stressful. We provide you with the home of your dreams and we want to help you move into it with as little hassle as possible. Choose one of the above movers to help you get started in your new home with the right pricing and the best service.

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BevonyBest Movers in Vancouver