Should I renovate or build new?  Clients often come to us with this question.  Below is a slideshow and video that we created for The Home Reno Show last year that we hope will shed some light on this topic.

If you have any further questions don't hesitate to contact us today about your renovation! 

JDL Homes believes in the importance of keeping up with building technologies and being industry leaders with the innovative products that we use on our projects.

We recently sent a few of our carpenters to a Schluter educational training seminar where they had hands on training to brush up on their bathroom waterproofing skills using the Schluter products such as their Shower System, Kerdi-board, Kerdi-Line, & Ditra.  Below are some videos that showcases what they learned!

At JDL Homes we strive to use innovative building materials that will give you a better performing home.  Structural insulated panels (SIPs) is another way that we separate ourselves from other builders in the Vancouver market.  Watch our video above as Jeff Langford explains a bit more about them from our W11th jobsite where the first few panels are being stood up in this new build.

What are Nudura Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)?

Effectively Nudura ICFs are a stay-in-place concrete form that consists of two expanded polystyrene panels (EPS), spaced apart in the desired wall thickness. Polypropylene webs (or ties) are spaced 6" or 8" on centre to withstand the concrete pressure and to allow the attachment of wall finishes (damp proof membrane or rainscreen on the outside, and drywall on the inside).

Why does JDL Homes use Nudura ICFs?

-Increased Efficiency:  The Nudura ICF panels comes in 8ft lengths x 18" high so we can put up more walls in less time.  They are also designed to be collapsible so they take up less space when they're transported or stored on our jobsites.  Another great feature we love about these ICFs is that they're reversible, non-handed, and is available in both angled and radiused profiles.  During assembly, they click into place which prevents form uplifts  resulting in plumb walls!

-Sound proofing: The thick multi-layer nature of the forms help increase sound proofing.

-Superior R-Values:  The City of Vancouver requires a rating of R-22 for all basement and above grade walls.  You can achieve R-24 with Nudura ICFs, which is 10% more compared to traditional assemblies.  As a result, it can help with energy savings in heating, cooling, and ventilation, creating a more superior performing home.

-Increased Interior Square Footage: Using ICFs in basements eliminates the need to build frost walls.  We can directly drywall over the ICF panels giving you more interior floor space.

-Cost: Nudura ICFs is 30% less expensive than conventional forms, savings that we pass onto you!

-Less Waste & Saves Trees: Unlike other conventional ICFs on the market, you can cut these panels to the desired lengths and use the remaining portion for another area, decreasing overall waste! 

We at JDL Homes believe in combining traditional values with innovative building technologies like Nudura ICFs panels to build you a quality home with integrity.  We're always looking for ways to improve and to be more efficient without compromising the overall quality and end result of your home.

​Contact us today to discuss how we can help you with your next project and f​or more information on ICFs please visit Vancouver ICF.

One of the most important things to consider early on with regards to your renovation or new home is what type of mechanical system will be best for you and your family.  Here Doug Langford talks about some of the options you will need to know about to keep you comfortable all year round.

This video shows the installation of the drainage systems at our heritage home renovation in the Kitsilano neighbourhood of Vancouver.

Doug Langford with JDL Homes Vancouver shows the inner workings of a Simpson Strong Wall in new coach house being built in the Kits neighbourhood of Vancouver.