Episode 2: The Interest Rate Squeeze – Financing Challenges in Construction in Uncertain Times
High interest rates are squeezing construction financing, but relief might be on the horizon. As of September 2025, the Bank of Canada’s policy rate holds steady at 2.75%, following gradual cuts earlier in the year (wowa.ca, bankofcanada.ca). Recent weak jobs data has boosted odds of a 25-basis-point cut in September or October, potentially easing to […]
Episode 1: Inflation’s Grip – Rising Costs in Construction in Uncertain Times
Inspired by our latest deep-dive article, “Part 2: The Economic Chill” in the “Construction in Uncertain Times” series, we’re breaking down key takeaways into bite-sized, actionable insights. Over three episodes, we’ll spotlight inflation, interest rates, and adaptive strategies — helping general contractors, developers, and architects like you stay ahead. Episode 1: Inflation’s Grip – Rising […]
Part 2: The Economic Chill. Understanding the Economic Chill in Construction in Uncertain Times
In our previous installment, “The World at a Crossroads,” we explored how global instability — from wars to trade tensions — is reshaping the construction landscape. Now, we turn our focus inward to the economic forces at play. The economic chill sweeping through Canada and beyond is more than a temporary dip; it’s a profound […]
Part 1: The World at a Crossroads. Understanding Global Instability and Its Long Reach into Construction
Construction, once a locally grounded industry, now stands exposed to the winds of global change. Wars erupting thousands of miles away, trade tensions between superpowers, mass migrations, and fractured alliances — these are no longer headlines we scroll past. These are the background conditions that shape the cost of concrete, the availability of skilled labour, […]
Building in Uncertain Times: Why Construction Must Think Beyond Blueprints
In a world increasingly defined by instability, the construction industry cannot afford to operate as if it exists in a vacuum. Wars and armed conflicts (Russia-Ukraine, Israel-Hamas, China-Taiwan, Pakistan-India, etc.), volatile trade relations, aggressive tariff policies, political unrest, financial tightening, unpredictable elections, and mass migration — these aren’t just headlines. They are early warning signals […]
Part 3: The Hidden Risk in Envelope Projects? Poor Sequencing
In leaky condo remediation, timing is everything. One misstep in scheduling trades — like applying cladding before critical envelope work is done — can set the project (and warranty) back by weeks, even months. At Lynx Siding Inc., we work alongside General Contractors who lead envelope renewal projects. Our team brings not just experience, but […]
Part 2: How We Support General Contractors on Leaky Condo Remediation Jobs
🔍 Hidden Issues Beneath the Cladding? Here’s What We See If you’re managing envelope remediation, you’ve likely come across water-damaged assemblies hiding behind siding — compromised sheathing, rusted fasteners, and failed membranes. At Lynx Siding Inc., we’re more than siding installers — we understand building envelope systems and know how to adapt on the fly […]
Part 1: Why Leaky Condo Projects Require Specialized Cladding Contractors
🔍 GC Tip: Not All “Leaky Condo” Projects Are Created Equal We’ve seen it too often — buildings flagged for envelope failure where the real issue isn’t just poor workmanship but a total breakdown in the system: cladding, weather barrier, flashing, and air gaps all missed the mark. 🛠️ The challenge: GCs often inherit messy […]
Vancouver’s Leaky Condo Crisis: A Costly Lesson in Building Envelope Failures
For many homeowners in Vancouver, the phrase “Leaky Condo Crisis” evokes frustration, financial hardship, and a deep mistrust of past construction practices. Beginning in the 1980s and persisting well into the early 2000s, this crisis affected thousands of residential buildings across British Columbia, costing homeowners billions in repairs. The Root Cause of the Crisis The […]
Case Study #1: Identifying and Correcting Siding Installation Mistakes
At Lynx Siding, we take pride in our commitment to best practices and adherence to architect and building envelope requirements. In this case study, we were called by a general contractor to provide an expert analysis of siding installation mistakes made by a previous contractor. Using marked and numbered details in the accompanying pictures, we […]
