Preparing for Moving Day for Your RTM Home.

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Congratulations, the process is winding down and your brand new RTM is about to arrive on your property! B&B Homes has been working with Neufeld Mover’s for years, delivering our RTM homes reliably and efficiently to our customers. In preparation for this important day, there are a few steps to take for a smooth day and brand new home delivery. A few things that they require before the home arrives on your lot are:

  • Details on specific road numbers with precise directions (noting any bridges, trees  hanging on the road, soft roads, highwater, train tracks etc) and any other obstacle that may impact the home delivery routing and planning
  • You will need to contact your local RM/town to get permission if you require trimming/cutting any trees on the route (you will also be responsible for clean up afterwards as well)
  • There may be unforeseen variables that can affect costs during the actual move, these include: construction, re-routes from utility companies, rural municipalities or counties denying road usage due to condition, size or weight or obstacles mentioned above.

An important consideration, if you require line lifts, we are unable to accurately predict what the exact utility charges will be. The utility estimates we provide, are based on past moves of similar size in the same area. This cost can get affected by re-routes, weather, road conditions and utility rate changes.

B&B Homes will invoice for the utilities after the move. We can provide an estimate in advance so you can technically have no balance owing at that time this bill arrives. Utility companies reserve the right to bill a customer up to and including two years past the original utility bill date.

In most cases the estimates provided are fairly accurate unless any of the above variables occur. If you have any more questions about the RTM moving process, email info@bbhomes.ca

The Value of Working with a Professional Designer for an RTM

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Anyone can draw up a floor plan, but when it comes to creating a design for your forever home and selecting the features and finishes, you are going to want expert advice that you can trust throughout the planning and building process. Smart design prevents unnecessary renovations down the road. Like when you book a hotel room, you will have expectations about what kind of experience you want to have for what you are willing to pay.

B&B Homes takes pride in offering unlimited creative options to design a home with the counsel of our onsite designer Katia, who will guide your decision making and planning all the way through. From letting you know what you can pull off in your floor plan within your square foot, to going shopping for lighting fixtures and flooring with you, she will be along for the whole ride when it comes to your RTM project.

We must admit, Katia is part of B&B Home’s secret sauce for delivering a premium RTM building experience. Keeping a strong relationship onsite between the designer and the building crew has lead to a lot of beautiful custom RTM homes.

“We are very pleased with the final product of our customized home with the help of our designer Katia. The entire B & B staff was very professional and easy to work with throughout the entire process.”

-Mike & Shannon Palmier

Hear more about the B&B Home’s RTM building process from past B&B Home’s clients here.

Getting Financing & Timelines for an RTM Project

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There are a few different phases of an RTM project before the exciting moving day when a brand new RTM arrives at your foundation location. One of the most important aspects that needs to be in place in order to kick-off a project is securing financing from a lender.

When you are pursuing financing for an RTM project some things that they may ask for include:

• You often must own the land you plan to build on or need to coordinate the mortgage around this purchase (changing land titles can delay a project so start asap if you need to do this)
• You will need a contract or purchase of sale with terms spelled out by the builder including obligations for each party
• Some lenders will request a copy of your blueprints for the project
• Homeowners will need to purchase insurance for when the home is on the foundation (B&B Homes and the moving company insure you before the RTM arrives)
• RTM homeowners often require a building permit to ensure your project complies with local and national code (this can be done through your local municipality and can also cause delays so reach out to them early in your planning)
• A water test is often a requirement for a mortgage (be prepared for them to ask you for one)
• The home must be anchored to a foundation (not placed on a slab)
• The lender will need to release funds before the home is delivered on-site

B&B Homes requires different payment draws at different stages of the project that will need to be approved by your lender. For example, a deposit is due to commence the project, a schedule of payment draws will follow with a final payment due before the home leaves the yard. Contact Suzanne to learn more about B&B Home’s payment draws or to request an introduction to our preferred mortgage specialist.

Please note: Some lenders (such as FCC and others) may ask you to show proof of insurance from the builder and moving company. We are happy to provide this information at your request.

Once you have your estimate and blueprints prepared and financing in place, the build itself will begin to move very quickly compared to the planning phase of the project.

For more information on the different stages of the project, visit the RTM Project Timeline Roadmap.

Keep Cozy in the Winters: Explore these Popular RTM Fireplace Options

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There is no doubt about it that Saskatchewan has some of the harshest winters out there. But there is a silver lining, and that is keeping cozy by the fire in the bitter cold months. RTM fireplaces are a nice perk of enduring yet another cold patch. There are no shortages of options to customize a fireplace with loads of options available. Three popular options for B&B Homes clients are traditional wood burning, gas and electric fireplaces.

RTM fireplace

Wood burning fireplaces are a traditional option that have been heating homes naturally for decades. These tried and true fireplace requires a little more upkeep than more modern gas and electric options and is not as efficient at producing heat. But if the scent and ambiance of the burning logs is what you are after, the additional work can considered a labour of love when maintaining your wood supply and cleaning your chimney seasonally.

RTM gas fireplace

Gas fireplaces are a stylish, modern option that provide flexible heat and aesthetic options by efficiently burning natural gas instead of wood. There are a number of options for gas logs that create the ambiance of your flame. Gas fireplaces are also enclosed, providing safety from embers without requiring any chimney maintenance. Gas fireplaces also provide an alternate heat source for the home.

RTM electric fireplace

Electric fireplaces allow you to have the visual of a fire without producing any actual heat allowing for use all year round. An environmentally conscious option, as electric fireplaces do not use any gas or produce any emissions.

Do you want to warm up by your own brand new fireplace next winter? Start planning your own custom RTM dream home with B&B’s Dream It, Build It, Move It process. Contact Suzanne directly at suzanne@bbhomes.ca to get started.

Considerations When Designing a Kitchen Island

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The kitchen island is one of the fun parts to plan when designing your own custom RTM home. When visioning your layout, you need to be conscious that there is enough traffic space so you can be comfortable doing multiple tasks at a time in the kitchen, making the space functional. Let’s review some ideas you can make your own when designing a kitchen island when planning a custom RTM home project.

Double sink in the island area while allowing for enough space from the range to move around the space for the busy multi-taskers.

You may prefer prairie views when doing this dishes and opt for family meals on an easy to clean and maintain quartz countertop.

No wasted space if you plan for storage in advance.

Create an ambiance based on your personal style and preferences to prepare daily meals. A rustic look can be achieved with custom cabinetry and lighting fixtures to compliment.

Plan your own custom RTM dream home with B&B’s Dream It, Build It, Move It process. Contact Suzanne directly at suzanne@bbhomes.ca to get started.

RTM Maintenance: Protecting Your Home From Humidity and Moisture

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Whether you have lived in your home for a few years or have only recently moved, you need to be careful this time of year when it comes to dealing with humidity and maintaining the longevity of your home. Moisture and humidity problems are classified as regular maintenance issues and are not covered by warranty. It is super important that you are aware of the dangers of not preventing damages so you can take the appropriate steps to avoid incurring costly repairs.

The early warning signs of high humidity are:

  • Exterior door handles & deadbolts no longer work properly
  • High amount of moisture on windows
  • Exterior door handle & deadbolts have visible moisture or frost on them
  • Exterior doors are freezing shut
  • Water pooling on window sills
  • Exterior door handles & deadbolts begin to rust on the inside

If things get really bad, the worse case scenarios of high humidity (which we have seen) include:

  • Cabinet doors swell to the point that they won’t close
  • Paint is peeling on cabinets, railing, etc.
  •  Laminate flooring buckles
  •  Mold will grow on doors, windows and other areas of the home
Fact: A new home typically expels 500-600 gallons in the first year and a half.
Fact: A new home typically expels 500-600 gallons in the first year and a half.

Before any of these warning signs occur, there are some measures you can take. They are:

  • Testing the humidity with a reliable tester (contact us and we will send you one to keep free of charge)
  • Increase ventilation by keeping air circulating with a small fan or by opening windows
  • Make sure an air exchanger is set and running properly (make sure your installer explained all the settings and how to operate it)
  • Run a de-humidifier. If levels remain high you may need one on main floor and in the basement
  • If your basement floor is not cemented, it needs to be sealed with poly
  • During the summer months, running your air conditioner will help reduce moisture

Make sure that the silicone around the tubs, showers and between the kitchen counter top and walls is still fully intact. If it isn’t, you need to replace it. If moisture gets around the tile or counter tops you will develop swelling and moisture issues over time.

table 1

Re: Table 1. Wind chill temperature – this is the method used to relate wind and temperature. Usually traditional temperature readings do not include a wind chill factor.  For example, with an indoor temperature of 20C and an outside air temperature of -12C this table recommends a relative humidity of 30%. However, with an outside air temperature of -12C and a 20km per hour wind, the outdoor wind chill temperature is -26C and so the level of relative humidity should be reduced to 20%. Moisture and humidity damage is classified as regular maintenance and is not covered by your warranty.

To manage the humidity levels in your home, monitor the levels mentioned in the chart above and use your HRV system or a dehumidifier to regulate moisture and protect your investment.

Monitoring moisture and humidity levels help you protect the value and health of your home.  Feel free to contact us if you need more information or have any questions about humidity in your RTM Home.

Preparing for a 2018 Spring/Summer RTM Delivery

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With fall coming full steam ahead and harvest wrapping up, it may be time to consider planning your RTM for a 2018 spring/summer delivery.

Not sure where to start? Check out the RTM Project Roadmap page on our website to see how the process is broken down into different pieces and phases.

It is never too early to start, so you can take your time in the process, as it is common that not enough time is allocated for design, quoting and obtaining financing. The build itself, once started, goes by quickly! There are however a few time intensive steps to take before you get there.

Below are a few things to keep in mind if you decide to work with B&B Homes on an RTM project.

Custom RTM Design Services

B&B Homes offers custom design services to all of our clients. Katia, our on-site designer will work with you to create a floor plan that meets your lifestyle needs, overall aesthetic preferences and will help you to stay within your overall budget. To learn more about the custom design process, visit here.

Efficient Project Management

B&B Homes offers a full suite of services making for a seamless experience including: foundation, basement, garage, deck and hook up services. B&B Homes recommends ICF basement foundations but will also complete wood basements upon request.

B&B Homes is now on Instagram! Follow us @BBHomes07 or click the image below to access visual inspiration from B&B Home’s projects. #DreamItBuildItMoveIt

For more information on planning a custom RTM project or to book a site visit, contact Suzanne directly at suzanne@bbhomes.ca or via phone at 306-856-0073.

Framing the B&B Homes Way

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When planning to build a custom RTM home, building methodology matters. We have built almost 90 homes and have discovered the B&B Homes formula for success when framing an RTM home to last a lifetime. Below are some of the steps that we take to frame the “B&B Homes way”. Feel free to reach out and ask any questions you have about the process.

All B&B floors are constructed using a double 1 ¾” LVL (laminated veneer lumber) on the both the front and the back of the floor system. They are glued and nailed together forming a strong 3 ½” perimeter for the floor system. LVL’s are a high-strength engineered wood product. One of the main advantages is that it can be manufactured, to almost any length, avoiding joints which lead to weak spots. LVL’s are comparable in strength to solid timber, concrete, and steel. This helps minimize floor movement during loading and unloading of the home, as well as during the move. In adding this wood product to our methodology, we have found our floor systems to be sturdier and more durable.

framing RTM

In any spot where we will be installing bath hardware (eg. hand towel holder, toilet paper holder, & bath towel rod), we install backing in the wall during the framing stage. This requires planning ahead on our part, but is well worth it! Who likes to have a loose hand towel holder, or worse yet, have one that continually falls off the wall?

We use high quality acrylic bath and shower fixtures. They all come as one piece units and get installed during the framing stage. They also come with a protective film to eliminate any damage to the finish during the build. The major benefits of using these one piece units, is that you will never have a problem with moisture getting behind the tub or shower, that could create mould in your wall.

For more information on B&B Home’s RTM process, visit here.

Building an RTM Home with Mobility and Accessibility for All Lifestyles.

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mobility access RTM

Your home is your sanctuary to recharge and take care of you well-being. At B&B Homes we know how important mobility and accessibility can be for those that have a disability or are aging. B&B Homes designs homes for all needs and lifestyles so you can live life with comfort and ease. One of the great things about building custom homes is being able to make anyone feel comfortable in their surroundings through design.

Below are a few examples of what we can do to make a home suit anyone’s lifestyle, disability and personal preference:

  • In home elevators
  • Custom hallway space for a wheel chair or a handrail to help support movement through
  • Custom 36″ wide doorways
  • Bedrooms and doors that remove the need to make turns in hallways
  • Open concept in the kitchen, dining and living room areas
  • Vanities open under the sink and lowered so that a wheel chair can wheel up to it
  • A lower eating ledge on the island for the same comforts as above with a built in microwave placed lower with rollout shelves in the pantry
  • A 5′ unobstructed turning radius in the bathroom
  • Grab bars by toilet, and all around bathtub in bathroom
  • Custom closet systems

If you want to learn more about designing a custom RTM Homes that suites your personal needs and preferences, contact B&B Homes for more information.

Custom Cabinets, Shelfware and Closets for an RTM

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At B&B Homes we love building a plan from the ground up and incorporating as many custom features as a family is interested in, it is in fact what we are all about! All of our kitchen cabinetry is made for each home individually. But it doesn’t stop here though, we offer custom shelfware for closets and mudrooms too.

See some samples below for ideas from past projects and get some ideas for your own RTM project.

pantry RTM

With ample space for your groceries, no more discretion is necessary on those Costco runs!

closet RTM

Having some extra space to organize your clothes and get ready in for the day is a luxury you can incorporate into your daily routine in your master suite.

Custom closet shelfware allows your family to keep it all organized while you are trying to keep it altogether.

mudroom RTM

The mudroom area with side entrance has become a popular choice for B&B clients

closet RTM

When planning a custom RTM project with B&B Homes, not only can you have fun creating a theme for your home, but you can also create and design an organizational plan that makes sense too!