The Art Of Making Home
By Sandro
The Art Of Making Home Apr 05, 2022
Ep: 22 Adaptive Homes: Renovations for Accessibility
In this eye-opening episode, join Sandro and Cheri Stefanucci as they discuss the critical need for adaptive homes in the face of adversity. With a blend of personal stories and professional insights, they explore the challenges and triumphs of remodelling homes for accessibility, revealing the urgent demand for skilled contractors in this niche but necessary field.
Ep: 21 Building Smarter: The Efficiency of Insulated Concrete Forms
Join Sandro Stefanucci of Abstract Homes for an eye-opening discussion with Anthony Vermeulen from Airform Industries about the transformative power of Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) in modern construction. Learn how ICFs offer a smarter, eco-friendly alternative to traditional building methods, with their remarkable insulation properties and ease of installation. If you're interested in building techniques that save time, money, and the planet, tune in to this episode for a masterclass in energy-efficient home construction.
Ep: 20 Risky Builds: The Perils of Construction Financing
Ever wondered what it takes to finance a new home construction project from scratch? This episode pulls back the curtain on construction financing, revealing the tightrope walk lenders perform to balance opportunity with risk. Learn why these loans are a nail-biter for financial institutions and how they manage the precarious situation of a client defaulting. It's a must-listen for anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes of building a home or investment property.
Ep: 19 Stay Put: Renovating Homes for Aging Gracefully
Discover the secrets to creating a home that ages with you in our latest podcast episode featuring Sandro Stefanucci and Dr. Art Hister. They delve into the concept of 'Aging in Place,' sharing personal experiences and expert advice on making homes safe and comfortable for the golden years.
Ep: 18 Permitting Perspectives: Navigating Vancouver's Building Approval Process
In this week's episode of The Art of Making Home podcast, join host Sandro as he delves into the intricate challenges surrounding housing permits and approvals in Vancouver, engaging in a thought-provoking conversation with his wife, Cheri Stefanucci. Amidst a significant housing shortage and soaring costs, the city faces mounting pressure to accelerate new construction, particularly for multi-family and social housing projects. Together, they explore potential solutions to mend the challenging permit process.
Ep 17: Unlocking Hidden Potential: The Benefits of Laneway Homes
Get the insider's view on laneway homes from expert Sandro Stefanucci. Learn how they enable multigenerational living, create rental income, and increase property values. Hear Sandro's tips for working through tight spaces and collaborating with architects. His decades of experience building laneways in Vancouver shines through. You'll walk away ready to evaluate if a laneway suits you.
Ep: 16 Vancouver Zoning Changes: What Homeowners Need To Know
Join Sandro Stefanucci from Abstract Homes in another episode of "The Art of Making Home." In this discussion, Sandro and his guest Khang Nguyen Founder of Architrix Design Studio delve into the evolving Vancouver housing landscape, particularly the new multiplex regulations and their impact on housing options, pricing, and affordability. For more information about Abstract Homes, visit abstracthomes.com. Listen now for ongoing housing trends, challenges, and solutions in the ever-evolving Vancouver real estate market
Ep 15: From Vision to Reality: The Architect-Builder Partnership
This episode of The Art of Making Home podcast is hosted by Sandro Stefanucci, a seasoned builder with over 37 years of experience. Join Sandro and his guest, Kathy Yuen, founder of Phase One Design, to discuss the crucial collaboration between architects and builders. Discover the power of early teamwork, transparent budget discussions, and a holistic design philosophy that transcends aesthetics. Listen now to unravel the intricate layers of construction and design and gain a fresh perspective on transforming homes.
Ep: 14 Ask a Builder: Unraveling the Mystery of Home Construction
In this episode of The Art of Making Home, Sandro welcomes Damon Steele, co-founder of Pilot Mortgage Group. As well as a homeowner with a heritage-status home in Vancouver. As they discuss his journey of building a laneway and planning a complete renovation, they emphasize the importance of having the right team on board. Damon shares how having a knowledgeable builder early on could have saved him from unexpected challenges and expenses, like dealing with asbestos and foundation issues.
Click here to learn how Sandro can help you build your dream home.
Click here to learn how Damon can help you with your mortgage.
Ep: 13 Building VS. Renovating Your Home
In another episode of "The Art of Making Home," your host Sandro Stefanucci discusses the importance of hiring a builder that specializes in renovations. As an experienced contractor, Sandro shares his knowledge on why entrusting your renovation projects to experts in the field is essential. Listen in to find out the key differences between renovations and new home construction, shedding light on the distinct challenges and opportunities that arise when working on new and existing structures.
Ep : 12 The Future of Vancouver’s Neighbourhoods
In another episode of "The Art of Making Home," podcast host Sandro Stefanucci, owner of Abstract Homes, talks to Khang Q. Nguyen, Principal and founder of Architrix, about the new single-family zoning regulations in Vancouver, BC. Khang shares his knowledge of the changes these regulations will bring to the housing market.
Sandro and Khang discuss these new rules, which aim to increase housing density and address the affordability crisis in Vancouver. As well as how the rules could impact the hot issue of extended permit wait times.
Suppose you are a renter or a homeowner. In that case, you should be aware of these regulations and how they will affect the Vancouver community and how they could help push the city one step closer to figuring out how to solve the housing crisis.
Click here to learn more about Sandro and his company, Abstract Homes And Renovations.
Click here to learn more about Khang and his company, Architrix.
Ep: 11 What is the role of a project manager?
It’s essential to ensure you understand who you are hiring as your project manager when it comes to building your brand new house or if they are leading a major renovation of your home. The person you pick must be able to conduct your project like a conductor of an orchestra, making sure all the moving parts are running smoothly, and your task is running on the proper timeline and within budget.
Hiring the wrong project manager could lead to many problems with trades not showing up at the job site, deadlines never being completed and the budget running out of control.
Listen to this new episode of the art of Making Home With Sandro Stefanucci as he shares his many years of experience in the construction industry knowing what makes a great project management versus a not-so-great one. So let’s get started.
Click here to learn more about Sandro and his company, Abstract Homes And Renovations.
Ep: 10 How Can You Save Money on Heating and Cooling Costs with Rebates
In the Art of Making Home podcast episode, Sandro Stefanucci interviews Matt from Precision Gas & Mechanical Inc. to discuss heating and cooling rebates in Canada, specifically Britsh, Columbia. Matt shares his expertise on the various rebates and incentives for homeowners to invest in energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. He provides insights on how to qualify for these rebates, find the right professional to install the product, and maximize savings on energy bills. Listen now to learn how you could improve your home comfort and the potential to save money on home-related bills. Any rebates discussed in today's episode are just suggestions and require you, as the homeowner, to talk to the company offering these rebates and read the fine print.
If you want to learn more about Sandro and his team and how they could help you build your dream home, visit them here.
If you want to learn more about Sandro's guest on this episode, Matt from Precision Gas & Mechanical Inc, visit here.
Are any rebates mentioned in today's program? Find out more here.
Also, check out Better Homes BC fo more rebates; click here.
Ep: 9 What renovations will increase home value the most?
As homeowners, we always think of ways to renovate our homes. But we want to make sure these ideas make sense for our lifestyle and ultimately add value to our house when we sell. We also see all the pretty pictures on Pinterest and want our homes to look like that. But sometimes the ideas are not practical for our lifestyle or won’t give our home added value when we sell. Find out from Sandro in another Episode of the Art Of Making Home what he considers the best renovations for your home that will add value rather than decrease it.
Get all the tips and tricks for 2023 when building or renovating your home in the new year from expert contractor Sandro Stefanucci. Find more information at https://www.abstracthomes.com/
Ep: 8 Construction Checklist For 2023
Construction Tips for 2023
Learn what you need to mark off your checklist if you want to build and renovate your home in 2023. In this episode, Sandro discusses the steps you will want to prepare for in the New Year to start your new home build or renovation. He discusses;
- Finding and purchasing the lot.
- Researching the type of house you want.
- Researching and hiring the building dream team.
- Get the required permits from the township for your building.
Get all the tips and tricks for 2023 when building or renovating your home in the new year from expert contractor Sandro Stefanucci. Find more information at https://www.abstracthomes.com/
Ep: 7 Net Zero vs Passive House
What are the differences and similarities between Net Zero and Passive house? Also, why is it essential to build these homes to these standards? Sandro Stefanuci, with many years of experience in the building industry, breaks down the characteristics of the homes we have kept hearing about in the last few years. He also discusses the misconception about these homes and how they are an excellent alternative to helping the building industry move into a more eco-friendly practice as well as how these types of dwellings will bring health benefits for you and your family members while living in these homes.
Click here to learn more about Sandro and his company, Abstract Homes And Renovations.
Ep: 6 What Is An Energy Efficient Retrofit?
What is an energy retrofit? In this episode of The Art Of Making Home, Sandro discusses the energy upgrades that are out there for new homes and renovations to help the building industry reduce its impact on climate change. Did you know that 12% of BC emissions are from buildings? That's a significant number, so it's time to change the way of thinking regarding renovating or building a new home. And there are some great incentives from Fortis, BC, that sometimes the public is not aware of for residential construction that can help reduce building emissions just a little bit at a time. Listen now as Sandro shares how energy retrofits can help your home be more energy efficient.
For links to the rebates from Fortis BC, click here
Ep: 5 How Do An Architect And Contractor Work Together?
How do an architect and contractor work together? When building a home, we need both experts to bring the project to fruition. But let's discover why their relationship is essential. In this Art Of Making Home episode, Sandro invites Architect Hitesh Neb Arch. Sci, Co-founder/Partner WNDR Architecture + Design Inc, to have a deep discussion about how both parties work to take the architectural plans and transform the idea into your dream home. Listen now to hear more about this important partnership that sometimes is overlooked by the industry and the general public.
Ep 4: How Much Does A Home Really Cost To Build?
The biggest question that people ask a builder is how much a home costs to build or renovate. There is no magic number, and prices of building materials fluctuate. So you have to make sure you hire a professional contractor that knows the market you are building in and communicates with you honestly about how much your home will cost. In this episode, Sandro Stefanucci discusses the Altus Group Canadian Costs guide, which breaks down the price of building a home in 2022. Click here for the guide.
Click here to learn more about Sandro and his company, Abstract Homes And Renovations.
Ep: 3 Warning Signs When It Comes To Hiring A Contractor
When hiring a contractor for your new build or renovation project, do you know what to look for? Do you know what questions you should be asking in the interview process to ensure you are hiring the right person for the job? Listen to the latest episode of the Art of Making Home with Sandro Stefanucci, where he will discuss how you can find the right construction company for your project.
Episode: 2 Land Challenges When It Comes To Building A Home
When you buy a piece of land or build on your existing property, do you think of the logistics? Depending on your property, there could be different challenges you will face to build your dream home. In this episode of the Art Of Making Home, Sandro opens up about how you can spot the challenges before buying a piece of property or building on your existing property.
Why Do I Need A Construction Permit?
Why do you need a construction permit when building or renovating your home or condo suite. Follow Sandro Stefanucci, who has been a builder for over 37 years in Vancouver and would love to share his knowledge on this vital topic of permits. Before you start building or renovating your home, there is so much to consider, like knowing what the city your building in requires you to begin your project.
To Find out more about Sandro and his team at Abstract Homes, go to abstracthomes.com.
The Art Of Making Home Trailer
The Art of Making Home podcast is an in-depth look at the home building industry through the contractor's perspective on interacting with the industry's different experts: interior designers, architects, and sub-trades. It defines the builder's relationship with these individuals and how this affects the building or renovation process. This podcast is for people who want to get into construction, established industry professionals and people thinking about building or renovating their home and learning about this sometimes confusing process. So join Sandro Stefanucci from Abstract Homes as we learn together and discuss aspects of the construction process that you might have not even considered when you wanted to start a new build or renovation.