On the office corner we created a form to cast our logo into the drive.

We chose to fence-in the back patio with plywood installed in a horizontal tile style. The plywood was treated with Lifetime to protect it from the elements. In a few weeks all of the ply will fade to an even gray.

The stairs and railings upstairs will also feature ply cladding.

Cool hardware. Below that colar is a long stainless steel pipe that goes down to the frostline.

Geometric lines accent a beautiful old tree.

Scott is decking the top floor on a sunny day.

Here Angus is installing the stair risers and treads.

The boss pressure washing the concrete to prep it for sealing.

Meanwhile, in the wood shop, Tom is working away on a special project.

In the office, a new desk is in the works. Designed and built in-house, the desk features brushed aluminum exterior finish with a Baltic birch top. Steevo looks a little confused.

At MRB we strictly use plywood over OSB (oriented strand board) for all wall, roof and floor sheathing applications. As part of a new “materials” series on our blog we’ll be discussing building materials and why we choose certain products.

A quick Google search on the use of plywood vs. OSB provides and array of anecdotal and evidence-based information. A University of Massachusetts study published in 2005 by Paul Fisette delves into great detail in comparing plywood and OSB. He states that OSB and plywood share the same performance and span ratings. While both products may perform the same in lab tests, that is not the case in real world applications where OSB consistently underperforms when in contact with moisture.

OSB is a less expensive product and perhaps because of this it has become a standard in construction applications over the last few years. However, cost savings in the beginning don’t always equal cost savings in the long run.

A few reasons why we choose plywood over OSB:

• OSB off-gasses higher levels of carcinogenic formaldehyde than plywood – making it more of a health hazard for homeowners.
• Plywood is much more stable when in contact with moisture. OSB’s density allows for greater absorption and expansion when affected by moisture. This why it has a reputation for rotting under walls when it’s been exposed to water. Mold and other water related issues follow.
• Plywood floors and walls are stiffer than OSB – less squeaks and spongy feel.
• Nails and screws are more likely to remain in place in plywood.

We believe that a home should be built to last more than a generation. Our processes for sheathing and weather-proofing are designed to allow the home to breath and dry when water gets in. And in Nova Scotia, water will always find its way in.

References:
http://bct.eco.umass.edu/publications/by-title/choosing-between-oriented-strandboard-and-plywood/

http://www.nachi.org/osb-plywood.htm

What’s your name and job function?

Brian Mitchell, Carpenter

Can you talk about your building trade background?

I started my experience in the building industry building log and timber frame homes.  After attending a trade school to learn the necessary skills, I worked as a craftsman building custom homes for about 6 years.  After moving east I continued to develop my skills in conventional home building, and MRB is a great place to learn and use some of the newest technologies and techniques our industry has to offer.

What’s the most satisfying part of your job?

The most satisfying part of my job is seeing milestones in a project as they are completed.  When walls are framed, cladding is finished, or drywall is hung, the project takes on a new shape, and results in a sense of accomplishment and pride in what our team was able to create.

Favourite tool?

My favourite tool would have to be ( and I didn’t want to be the first repeat) framing nailers. They are pretty awesome…really any of the pneumatic fasteners are a lot of fun to use!!

Hobbies?

My hobbies are teaching Mike Burns and and Adam Smith how to hit a golf ball off the tee, and also spending time with my amazing kids!!!

MRB is featured in The Coast’s 2013 City Guide edition. You can see more photos of this backyard deck on our portfolio page.

Last week offered up a mixed bag of spring weather. From a beautiful sunny start to the week, to a sodden ending, we pushed through to get some concrete work done and a lot of framing. We even managed to get the backyard cleared of all debris and graded.

The addition on this home will feature a modern look with no overhangs, metal and wood cladding, and minimalist detail. We’re excited to see how the two designs will merge into one home.

Last week we embarked on a West End Halifax renovation. Without giving it all away, we can tell you that the reno encompasses expanding the footprint of the home, updating the floorplan in the living area, and deleting an old (and I mean Old) shed from the backyard.

Beneath the asphalt shingles on the shed roof were discovered slate shingles. Amazing! It was like being in Wales.

The crocuses seem to thrive in spite of the crazy spring weather shifts and demolition happening all around.

The old sky lights are gone. Next, the entire roof line will come down to make room for the expanded footprint.

The new living area received a full basement treatment with ICF walls and FormADrain footings.

A day or two more of demolition and the framing begins. Stay tuned for more updates!

photos by Omar Gandhi & Scott Billard

Simon Clements – Project manager

Can you talk about your building trade background?

I have worked various jobs in both residential and commercial construction over the years. More recently however, I spent five years working in the insurance industry, the latter part of which I managed residential and commercial building claims, overseeing the remediation and rebuild of insured’s properties.

What’s the most satisfying part of your job?

I’m relatively new to MRB Contracting, but so far it’s been satisfying working with such an inspired and dedicated group of individuals. It’s a great work environment and makes you want to go the extra mile, especially when you see what the result can be.

Favourite tool?

I’d like to say it’s a hammer or reciprocating saw, but the tool that best suites my needs is our software program BuilderTrend. It is a vital tool which helps us stay organized, on schedule and budget, and allows the homeowner to log in and see all aspects of the build from start to finish.

Hobbies?

Spending time with my beautiful wife Jill and our adorable 6 month old daughter Elise is where I want to be when I’m not at work. In my spare time I like to try and watch as many European league soccer games as I can…it’s somewhat of an obsession. I also like to brew my own beer when I get the chance, and can never turn down the opportunity to hit the links with Mike and squeak out the narrowest, yet most satisfying of victories.

Other things you may find in a carpenter’s bag can include dirt, rocks, random fasteners, small pieces of wood, and who knows what else.

Below is a short sequence that shows the cabinets before the Caesar Stone and glass tile back splash installation.

Pine was used for flooring. The colours of the pine pop once they are sanded and finished.

The photo below is one of the living area ceiling. Two large north west facing windows provide lots of natural light late into the afternoon.

The master bedroom also graces Baltic birch cabinets built in-house.

Stay tuned for more interior photos of Kingsburg.

What is your name and job function?

My name is Steevo Moore, I am a project foreman at MRB.

Can you talk about your building trade background?

I have been working in the building trades since I was a teenager. I have an older brother who is a mason and I started working with him when I was 14. I have another brother who is an electrical engineer, and he got me interested in electronics. I have been working in the Halifax area since the early 90′s. I met Mike Burns while working with David Watts Construction Services. Most of my work has been custom home construction, but also lots of renos and old home renovations.

What is the most satisfying part about your job?

The most satisfying part of my job is seeing the reaction from customers who are happy with their project. I really feed off their enthusiasm and positive energy. Knowing that I am using the best methods and materials also makes me feel good about my work. The camaraderie of the team environment is also very important.

Favourite tool?

My favourite tools are my 20oz. Estwing hammer, and my framing square. Both are very versatile and important tools.

Hobbies?

As for hobbies , I am very fond of beer, both brewing and drinking, and I also work as a live sound engineer in my ”spare” time. I really enjoy coaching my son in hockey and basketball, and I enjoy getting out for a regular game myself when time allows.

My main focus in life is my family, my lovely wife Wendy MacIsaac, and my two sons, Angus, age 7 , and Calum , age 3. Life is good for me. I am never bored and always feel like part of something special, at home and on the job.

Ricardo Salcedo. Carpenter and web guy.

Can you talk about your building trade background?

Over the years I’ve had a few short stints doing carpentry and concrete work. After 10 years of program management and communications work I decided to change careers and pursue carpentry full time. I love building things with my hands.

What’s the most satisfying part of your job?

It amazes me what a small group of inspired people can accomplish. I love seeing the projects take shape as each layer gets added to create a home. We tend to take shelter for granted. As a carpenter I pay closer attention to living spaces. The MRB team is very passionate about their work and I enjoy the positive environment and  camaraderie.

Favourite tool?

Who doesn’t love nail guns?

Hobbies?

Surfing.

Tom strikes a line and gets ready to trim the ends off the deck boards.

Three out of four walls are complete. The next step is a surprise.

Tom Premier, Cabinetmaker

Can you talk about your building trade background:

In 2001 I started an apprenticeship at a custom woodwork shop in Maple Ridge, BC, where I worked for six years. I learned about all aspects of the trade, while gaining
experience building high-end custom millwork for both residential and commercial applications. I also attended BCIT, where I attained my journeyman ticket as well as
Red Seal endorsement in Joinery. During this experience I developed a keen eye for quality and design, as well as a love for the craft.

In 2007, I moved to Rossland, BC where I worked for a contractor, renovating old homes from the gold rush era and getting really dirty. I continued with my woodworking on the side, all the while making custom furniture and helping friends with kitchen renovations.

In 2011, I followed my heart to Halifax, and in doing so found the perfect job with MRB Contracting. If I’m not in the shop creating top-of-the-line cabinetry, you can find me on site with my tool belt on, making jokes and filling up Scott Billard’s tool belt with pebbles. All joking aside, I’m lucky in that I love what I do, and that I’m part of an awesome team who builds really cool things.

What’s the most satisfying part of your job?

Finding out that all the math I did in the beginning was right at the end.

Favourite tool?

I’m a sucker for sharp blades in all their glorious forms.

Hobbies?

I enjoy riding snowboards in light fluffy snow and fly fishing.

Below is a short TED talk with Doris Kim Sung. She is a “biology student turned architect” who has been experimenting with breathable metal surfaces. The implications of her research are very exciting.