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Protecting Your Investment: A Custom Homebuilder’s Guide to Essential Maintenance

by Bevony on 4 March 2025 No comments

At SilverBeam Homes, we don’t just build houses; we craft homes designed for a lifetime of comfort and joy. We understand the excitement of moving into a brand-new custom home, where every detail reflects your unique vision. The fresh paint, the pristine finishes, the feeling of finally settling into your dream space – it’s an unparalleled experience.

However, we also know that maintaining this pristine condition requires proactive care. As your trusted custom homebuilder, we’re committed to not only delivering exceptional craftsmanship but also empowering you with the knowledge to protect your investment.

Think of your home as a finely tuned machine. Just as a car needs regular maintenance, your custom home requires attention to ensure its longevity and continued beauty. That’s why we’ve compiled this essential maintenance guide, focusing on quick and easy tasks that can make a significant difference.

Our Expert Maintenance Checklist:

Crawl Space Integrity:

  • We understand the importance of a dry foundation. Regularly check your crawl space for signs of water leaks or dampness. Early detection prevents costly mold and water damage.

Deck Longevity:

  • Your custom deck is an extension of your living space. Perform a simple splash test to ensure your sealant is still effective. We recommend resealing every two to three years to combat moisture and rot.

HVAC Efficiency:

  • We build homes with energy efficiency in mind. Maintain optimal air quality and system performance by regularly checking and replacing HVAC and furnace filters.

Furnace Safety:

  • Your family’s safety is paramount. Schedule annual professional furnace servicing to prevent carbon monoxide leaks and ensure efficient operation.

Window Sealing:

  • Properly sealed windows are crucial for energy efficiency. Inspect and recaulk windows annually to prevent heat loss and maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.

Fireplace Safety:

  • If your custom home features a fireplace, prioritize safety. Schedule annual professional chimney cleaning to prevent fire hazards.

Plumbing Integrity:

  • Protect your bathrooms from water damage by checking toilet and bathtub seals annually.

Gutter and Drainage:

  • Prevent water damage to your foundation and roof by regularly cleaning gutters and drains.

Garbage Disposal Care:

  • keep your kitchen smelling fresh and clean by regularly cleaning your garbage disposal using ice and vinegar.

Our Commitment to You:

At SilverBeam Homes, we’re more than just builders; we’re your partners in homeownership. We’re here to provide ongoing support and guidance, ensuring your custom home remains a source of pride and comfort for years to come.

By following these simple maintenance tips, you can protect your investment and enjoy the full potential of your dream home.

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BevonyProtecting Your Investment: A Custom Homebuilder’s Guide to Essential Maintenance

The Home Renovation Market for Greater Vancouver

by Bevony on 8 January 2021 Comments Off on The Home Renovation Market for Greater Vancouver

Not everybody is living in doom and gloom during the pandemic. Many are seeing the opportunities where they are and are moving to go and grab them. That is why people are looking to Surrey, Squamish and Coquitlam for home ownership. This is because the permitting times are shorter here. So one can purchase and renovate a home which is cheaper than buying a new one and can get the necessary work done in less time. 

How Do They Work So Fast on Renovating Shows?

How often do you watch home renovating shows? They can be really satisfying as you watch a property be transformed into a beautiful dwelling. But watching these shows and actually doing the process yourself are two different things. When it comes to the permitting process there are headaches and hiccups to be had. Even the pros on the shows have to submit like the rest of us but you just don’t see that part of the process. 

Waiting for Permits in Vancouver

Waiting for a building permit can take months. Often other things are filmed while they are waiting on the permits to be sorted. Also with multiple projects being worked on at the same time it is easier for them to provide the content without you seeing all the red tape they have to go through to get to the actual building and the actual transformation. 

Vancouver has a significant permit waiting time with some straightforward renovations waiting for up to a year. While there are people that are willing to wait for years for their homes, not everyone is like this. A Lot of this wait time is believed to be due to a backlog of applications. Over the past twenty years, the city of Vancouver has seen a number of new renovations and new builds. 

As professionals, we always warn our clients about the potential wait time when it comes to the permit process. We do all we can, so our clients are not stuck with a mortgage and house they can’t live in at the same time. But the reality is that this happens when you are not building your home from the ground up . So it would be a great idea for you to choose us to build your dream home. 

What to Do if You Want to Renovate

If you are looking to renovate we recommend you choose a home in one of these areas. They are Surrey, Squamish or Coquitlam as these areas have a shorter wait time when it comes to processing permits. These areas also offer more affordable prices as well for potential homeowners. 

We can help you make your dream of owning a home in Vancouver a reality. We are house builders for the Greater Vancouver and British Columbia areas. That home you have wanted with those specific design features does not have to elude you. Give us a call today, so we can set up consultations and show you how we can help make your dream a reality. 

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BevonyThe Home Renovation Market for Greater Vancouver

Getting a Mortgage When You’re Self Employed

by Bevony on 8 January 2020 Comments Off on Getting a Mortgage When You’re Self Employed

As a self-employed individual, you work hard. However, you may have already experienced hardships in obtaining credit, whether it is for a credit card, any type of loan or a mortgage. This is especially true if your business is new. Why? Because as a self-employed individual you won’t have a standard regular income that a regularly paid employee will have, some institutions will see you as a high risk. There are, however, institutions that have special lending programs just for you.

One example of this is a lending program that allows an eligible self-employed individual to qualify for mortgage financing. In such a case, they use what they call “reasonable stated income” to frame the terms of the loan. This is mainly because some self-employed people choose to reduce their personal income in an effort to grow their business or to be beneficial for tax purposes. Under this type of program, you will be able to access a mortgage that allows up to 65% financing of the purchase price. There is also the confirmed down payment that is necessary as well as a good credit rating. With the last two in place, you can own home as a self-employed individual.

Documents Necessary for Your Application

If you are self-employed, here are some documents you will need for your application for mortgage financing.

  • T1 General
  • NOA – Notice of Assessment
  • Financial Statements for Your Business
  • Articles of Incorporation
  • Business License
  • Business Credit Report
  • GST/HST Return Summary
  • Proof of Other Income if any

In addition to these documents, the mortgage specialist you deal with may ask you for other documents that may be unique to the type of business you offer.

Flexible Mortgage Options

Several entrepreneurs are opting for flexible mortgage options. There are a number of these available including the Homeline Plan from RBC. This is not the only place you can find this type of offering as most lenders have this type of mortgage product. These types of plans allow you to access both your personal and your business credit under one umbrella. If you opt for this you can even customize your mortgage financing and leverage the equity on your current home.

Our team of experts here you can find the financing you need if you choose us to be your custom home builders. Give us a call today and set up a consultation. Let’s show you how our team can help you make your dream a reality.

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BevonyGetting a Mortgage When You’re Self Employed

Closing Day – What You Need To Know

by Bevony on 6 November 2019 Comments Off on Closing Day – What You Need To Know

When it is time to close, you may think that it is the end of the road and all will be easy and well. But as it turns out, closing day can be one of the most stressful days of the entire process. Let us get you through closing day.

General practices will often vary but you will find yourself working with several different parties throughout the process of closing. You will find yourself interacting with, the seller or builder, the realtor, a lawyer/ closing agent/ notary and the lawyer or notary of the seller. There will be several financial and legal documents for you to review at closing. There will also be the closing costs which will be many fees including;

  • Your down payment
  • PST and mortgage insurance premiums
  • Title insurance
  • Land transfer tax
  • Property tax
  • Utility bill adjustments
  • Notarial or Legal fees and disbursements Upgrades for your new home construction

Additional Closing Costs

In addition to the above-mentioned costs, you can also have costs related to appliances, furniture and carpeting.

What to Bring to Closing

You should bring to closing, a bank draft for the amount of your closing cost balance. You can find this amount for closing on the document labelled the “buyer’s statement of adjustments”. You will also need to bring your proof of property insurance along with two different forms of ID.

What to Do Before Closing

Ensure you review all documents. This way you have a better understanding of your mortgage, the various fees, the interest rate, the schedule and the payment amount. If you need confirmation, ask questions before you sign any documents. All the experts will be there to answer the questions you have.

When you are comfortable with everything you can now sign your closing documents and the keys to your new home!

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BevonyClosing Day – What You Need To Know

Finding the Right Greater Vancouver Neighborhood

by Bevony on 19 June 2019 Comments Off on Finding the Right Greater Vancouver Neighborhood

Homebuyers are now looking beyond the value of the housing structure itself and looking into the quality of life as they consider which neighborhood they want to call their home.

Greater Vancouver has the highest prices in real estate when it comes to Canada. As such homebuyers are looking or more than the value that is within their house. A good neighborhood can be just the edge needed when sellers are looking to attract potential buyers. So what are the features that can cause a neighborhood to stand out more than any other for potential homeowners?

What HomeBuyers Want

According to a report from RE/MAX in 2019 Canadians rank easy access to dining, shopping and green spaces at the top of their criteria for what makes a neighborhood more livable. Other important factors are proximity to preferred schools, work, public transit, community centers, and cultural centers. The report shows that Canadians spend in excess of two-thirds of their time within their very own neighborhood. This rate is a lot higher for baby boomers who want to stay in their neighborhood and have direct access to all or most of their needs there.

Kerrisdale, West End, and Main are the top three neighborhoods as ranked by RE/MAX in Vancouver when it comes to access to parks, green spaces, retail and restaurants, ease of getting around, walkability and access to public transit.

When it comes down to affordability and a good available housing inventory the neighborhoods mentioned include Renfrew-Collingwood, Downtown-Vancouver and Mount Pleasant. As a matter of fact, if you are considering the Renfrew-Collingwood area, we’re here at SilverBeam Homes have houses for you.

It is important to note that these livability factors are often the ones that cannot be changed whereas price and value can change over time either up or down. The livability factors are what makes a home a great place to live.

Top 10 Vancouver Neighborhoods

A fourth-quarter analysis of Greater Vancouver in 2018 showed the top 10 neighborhoods of the time were:

  • Marpole
  • Vancouver West
  • Saunders
  • Lackner in Richmond
  • West Cambie
  • Steveston North
  • Hastings East
  • Collingwood
  • Queensborough
  • Fort Langley

Queensborough has been rated the best neighborhoods for condo and townhouses on a list with other neighborhoods such as Renfrew, South Cambie, Saunders, Pemberton, and Central.

What are your must-haves for a neighborhood before choosing to purchase a home there? Let us help you find the right home, in the right neighborhood. Contact us today and let us start working towards getting you the keys to your dream home.

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BevonyFinding the Right Greater Vancouver Neighborhood

Why You Should Buy New!!

by Bevony on 22 May 2019 Comments Off on Why You Should Buy New!!

With housing prices falling, purchasing a brand new home is a great investment or those who can afford it. A more buyer favorable housing market means more ROI for you which is always a good thing when purchasing anything and especially housing.

But there are a number of hidden costs involved when purchasing a property – you say.

You may find that more affordable homes can be the older ones, with an older structure there is a high chance that this home will need you to get some amount of work done to get the home up to code. At this point, you may see how something that seems like a great deal can turn out to actually not be. You don’t want to purchase a home that ends up being a money pit and that is reason # 1 to Purchase a Brand New Home – you will get Value for Money. What are things to look out for when looking for your new home?

Location

With new construction, this typically means you are getting a brand new home in an up and coming area. This can mean a lot of benefits which include;

  • Good school districts
  • Low crime rates
  • Great roads
  • Nice parks
  • Nice sidewalks

New Appliances and Warranties

When purchasing a new home, we here at SilverBeam Homes provide a warranty on the property. We do this because we are certain of the quality of our homes and all the materials, techniques and technology that we use to build you a strong, safe home for you and your family. Also, any appliances included with your purchase have never been used and so you don’t have to worry about them conking out within the first month. And that gives you reason # 2 to buy a new home – Peace of Mind.

A Custom Built Home

Here at SilverBeam Homes, we offer you the option to create a customized home that will intimately and precisely meet the needs of you and your family. This is not something you can get when you purchase an older home. And that is reason # 3 supporting why you should purchase a brand new home – The Ability to Customize the Home. You can choose your location, choose your floorplan and choose your amenities.

Immediate Inventory

When it comes to purchasing a home, it is not always smooth sailing. Statistics show that 1 in 5 homes get canceled at closing. So new homes will often offer you a better price and less stress as closing can be done as soon as the next day. You see in these instances, the builders are motivated to sell. We may even have a discount we can offer if you are willing to close earlier. 

Choose the Seller’s Mortgage Company

Going with the mortgage company that your seller works with can help to streamline the entire process. This makes the builder more comfortable as well as it helps the entire process to go through faster and smoother. You may even get some sort of discount or additional offer that make the deal even a little bit sweeter. Opt to ask for other partner companies that the builder works with. These may be companies you need for other things related to purchasing your new home and getting settled in there.

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BevonyWhy You Should Buy New!!

New Home – What Now?

by Bevony on 15 May 2019 Comments Off on New Home – What Now?

So you bought your first home! Congratulations, we are super happy for you to have reached this milestone in your life. But what do you do now? We know you are tempted to purchase all the home goods at all the home goods and furniture stores but wait, let’s hold off on all of that for right now. Yes, we understand that your new home is a new start and filling it with a bunch of new things feels like the right thing to do. But let’s face it, there are monetary constraints and it makes no sense to put yourself into debt with a house full of brand new items. So what do we suggest should be the new purchases for your home? Keep reading to find out.

1. Lighting

Lighting is a very important factor in every home. In most cases, each room will require different levels of lighting based on how it will be used. Your office may require more lighting than your TV room for instance as well as your bathroom may require more lighting than your bedroom. The fact of the matter is you will need lighting before you attempt to move anything into your new house so let’s start here.

2. Window Treatments

Window Treatments – the jury is still out whether you should take care of lighting before you take care of the window treatments. These window treatments can really add some happiness to an empty room and they can also keep outside eyes from seeing what’s going on in your house while you are unpacking, moving in, sorting out your space. They can also keep the wandering eyes from knowing that your living room is still empty even though you moved into your new home three months ago. I hear you though, you haven’t got the color scheme and design all figured out yet. You can start off with basic window treatments that are only for allowing privacy. Get some drab drapes or some basic blinds until you have your full design figured out.

3. Side/End Tables

Side/End Tables – you never realize just how important these little pieces of furniture are until you have nowhere to place stuff. The great thing about these is even if you haven’t decided on your design theme or color story you can find neutral tables that can later fit into your chosen theme or story. These tables are very versatile and as such provide you with an exceptional bang for your buck since they can be placed in every room in your home.

4. The Necessities

The Necessities – now we cant list these out for you as these are different for each family. You will need to take stock of all home items you already own and first get those into space. Remember you can always change out into new things later, but for right away we want you to take all functional items that are still working and move them into your new space. Its all about making responsible fiscal decisions. Choose necessities that you don’t currently own and start with those purchases first.

While we understand that each homewoners needs are different going into their first home this list is a great place to start. It wont be a complete list for many and there may even be unnecessary things on there for some but it gives you a good idea to start off your new home purcashing or wish list with.

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BevonyNew Home – What Now?

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