Local Home Builders Respond to the Fire

KELOWNA, August 29, 2003 – The Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) of Kelowna is organizing the industry to deal with the immediate need to replace fire damaged homes in our city.

“Our hearts go out to those who have lost their homes in this tragedy,” said President, Jim Morris.  “Members of our association lost their homes too,” he commented.  “We are now addressing the immediate concerns of how to rebuild this beautiful community and CHBA-Kelowna will be there to help.”

“The first order of priority is to provide information to the homeowners who need their home rebuilt,” adds Morris.  “We have a step-by-step program to assist in the home building process.  We want to ensure that these new homes are built by a licensed professional who is committed to quality, service and customer satisfaction.”  CHBA-Kelowna has put together a comprehensive package to address these concerns.

Additionally, CHBA-Kelowna is organizing a panel discussion next Tuesday for Okanagan builders to help address industry questions regarding the insurance based rebuilding process.  The panel will deal with insurance, financial, and building permit questions.  Okanagan builders licensed through the Homeowner Protection Office will be contacted directly as to the time and location of the meeting.    

CHBA-Kelowna has been in the community for 40 years helping consumers to make informed and confident home buying decisions.  Association members voluntarily adopt the CHBA’s Code of Ethics which is based on principals of fairness, integrity and consumer satisfaction.

The nonprofit association works to make home ownership a sound investment and to ensure that more people can purchase and renovate homes.  Membership is comprised of builders, renovators, developers, trade contractors, suppliers and other professionals in the housing sector.  The Kelowna chapter has 76 member companies.

Last year, Central Okanagan Home Builders delivered 1517 new homes to satisfied customers. CHBA-Kelowna is confident the local home building industry can replace fire damaged homes in a timely fashion.

More information on selecting a builder and hiring a contractor can be found on these websites:

www.chbakelowna.bc.ca   www.hiringacontractor.com

Homeowner packages may be picked up at the Permit Centre at City Hall during normal business hours.  City Hall is located on Water Street.