The Calgary residential construction industry's view on government policy at any level often hinges on housing affordability and choice, and these issues remain a point of emphasis for builders and developers as candidates for mayor and council hit the campaign trail.

Anyone who has walked into a hardware store lately is aware of the current price of lumber, a situation that is creating issues for the homebuilding and renovation industries in Calgary and across the country.

Calgary is one of the most unique cities in Canada when it comes to weather. Throughout the year, we can see temperatures span from -40C to 40C in a matter of months, and chinooks can warm our frostbitten city into a springtime paradise in only a few short days.

Because of this, our homes have to be prepared to withstand the most extreme weather Alberta has to offer. While these temperature fluctuations can cause damage to your home's exterior, they can also affect your home's interior, as there is a direct correlation between the temperature outside and the indoor humidity. The damage your home sustains could lead to unforeseen issues and cost thousands of dollars to repair.

By early 2022, the first of Alpine Park's eventual 10,000 residents will be moving into a mixed-use community at the heart of a new type of Calgary suburb.

A custom home can tick every box on a prospective buyer's wish list. Without the right builder, however, both the experience of building the home and the finished product might come up short.

Before signing a contract with a builder, there are several important questions people in the market for a custom home should have answered.

Builder focuses on the extra flavours*

When Lisa Kaiser goes to suppliers seeking quality products for Genesis homes, she doesn't want the "vanilla ice cream" flavour they are offering every other builder.

"When everyone is buying vanilla ice cream, you get a lot of vanilla ice cream," said the company's project manager interior design. "I ask them to give us the new flavours."

It is one way of explaining Genesis Builders Group's focus on ensuring its new suburban homes don't fall under the stereotype of being bland when compared to its inner-city counterparts.