Second only to Alberta, homeowners in BC plan to spend more on renovations and home improvements than their counterparts in other regions of Canada, according to a 2007 survey from RBC/Ipsos Reid. Findings reveal that 70 percent of British Columbians plan to do so within the next two years, with an average estimated to spend $11,629.

That's good news for construction companies like EJM Construction Management, who concentrate 40 percent of business on home improvements in addition to their full general contracting services. Their expertise crosses multiple disciplines, specializing in the development of residential, commercial, and concrete multi-family residential projects throughout BC’s Lower Mainland.

"We've been in business since 1999 with a strong staff of journeymen and BCIT graduates," says EJM president Ed Mocnik. "We build custom residential and will completely renovate heritage homes, in addition to our senior's housing developments."

A key component to EJM's portfolio is their certification as Aging-In-Place specialists, which is one of the fastest growing segments of the residential remodelling and renovation market. Seniors who choose to remain in their residences are likely to call on experts like EJM to adapt their homes to their needs and lifestyle in order to maintain their independence.

Choosing a contractor or renovator is a crucial decision and homeowners must be diligent when looking for a reputable builder. EJM are building professionals whose educated, experienced, and trained employees are passionate about building a superior home or completing a renovation of distinction. “The ability to communicate with the homeowner that this is an emotional process, prior to the project, is important,” says Mocnik. “As your builder renovator manger, we have been hired to keep the process running smoothly.” Increased efficiency of your home, professional management, and positive results are a few of the tangible benefits clients can expect when signing on with EJM.

Home buyers interested in eco-friendly features can turn to EJM with confidence. "Having recently completed the Build Green Certification course, we have a greater understanding of efficient heating systems, new weather barriers, air barriers, ventilation systems and the effect products have on the environment, for example, we recommend low VOC paints," says Mocnik. "We recognize Build Green Principles and Standards while placing an emphasis on building with sustainability."

Only three percent of homeowners who renovated in the last two years say they did not have any "renovation headaches," reports the RBC/Ipsos Reid study. The key to renovation success is a good relationship between builder and client. Reliability, honesty, and commitment are characteristics you'll find in EJM, qualities that position their reputation as a premier builder. As part of their dedication to you, EJM will assemble the construction team and select the appropriate subcontractors and suppliers in addition to professional site supervision and quality control. "We produce detailed construction budgets and schedules, and provide preliminary cost estimating," says Mocnik. "We emphasize to our clients that we watch the budget, our customers come first — they're number one.”

Mocnik believes the most common renovations people request to update their home for the purposes of resale are: bathrooms, kitchens, windows and doors, roofing, heating system, gas or electric fireplaces, and exterior and interior painting. "We find people are adding spa-like features to their bathrooms, architectural glass doors, body sprays, steam showers, steam rooms, and fireplaces," he says. "Additionally, we see the trends in spa baths, audio and video theatre rooms, home lighting control systems, more efficient laundry, and mud room space for growing families," he adds.

Whether you choose to renovate for resale, improve liveability, or lifestyle adjustments, all work carried out by EJM maintains continuous post construction support and maintenance. Committed to superior building practises, they are a quality choice for your construction projects. Move beyond the ordinary and embark on the extraordinary — you'll discover they don’t merely build better buildings — EJM builds better lifestyles. www.ejmgroup.com.