Good morning.
My name is Daniel Pascoe. I'm the chief commercial officer and co-founder of Flexobuild Incorporated, a Canadian company based in the Niagara region of Ontario.
In response to the current housing crisis in Canada, Flexobuild has developed a practical, long-term solution for neighbourhood housing, densification and new-home developments. We saw an opportunity to create a solution whereby multi-generational families could remain close by while maintaining their independence and dignity. Many elderly couples are interested in moving into their own ADU, or accessory dwelling unit, sometimes referred to as a garden suite or a laneway house, while their younger family members reside in the main home. It's a smart use of home equity and a way to revitalise neighbourhoods that have space for these dwellings. There is also an income opportunity for homeowners. Those with under-utilized large backyards can rent their ADUs on a long-term basis, providing much-needed housing for others. This not only helps address the housing shortage, but also allows homeowners to benefit financially from their existing property.
At Flexobuild, we use a prefabricated structural steel insulated-panel system to assemble complete homes. This includes a floor, walls and roof, with home sizes ranging from 450 square feet to 1,300 square feet as standard models. These homes can be expanded or contracted in both directions to fit specific property lines, giving homeowners total flexibility. Our product is 100% Canadian-designed and manufactured. We contribute directly to our economy and maintain the highest standards of quality. Flexobuild homes are suitable for installation in all provinces and territories across Canada, ensuring safety and durability in all environments.
Leveraging the automotive industry standard of design for manufacturing and assembly, or DFMA, not only allows us to streamline the process and deliver homes that are fast to build and scheduled for exact, on-time delivery, but also ensures consistency in the final product. Our homes feature spacious interiors with ceilings up to 12 feet, creating a sense of openness and enhancing the overall feeling of space. Despite their smaller footprint, Flexobuild homes feel airy and spacious.
The Flexobuild system is delivered flat-packed on a flatbed truck to the client's site, which is just one of the unique aspects of Flexobuild. Importantly, the installation of the home does not require road closures, and we do not impede traffic in the local area. There is no need for heavy, large cranes and lift structures. Standard hand-operated tools are the only tools required on site. A local general contractor, part of our FlexoConnect program, handles the installation of the home, including essential services such as plumbing and electrical work. In just four to five days, the exterior of the home is complete, including windows and doors, with minimal disruption to the neighbourhood. There is no heavy equipment noise, making the process seamless and neighbour friendly. Every single piece of the home can be carried through a garden gate by two people, illustrating the ease of installation.
The standard foundation option of helical screw piles allows the home to be built above ground and installed on sloped properties, without concern for the ground type. Furthermore, due to the steel exterior of the home, our homes are critter-proof, adding an extra layer of durability. The FlexoConnect member would finish the interior of the home, making it move-in ready within about four to six weeks. The entire process of delivery, installation and interior finishing takes less than two months.
While the Flexobuild process is highly efficient, many of our clients still face challenges, especially with building permit applications. Many homeowners find the process confusing and indeed overwhelming, as building regulations can vary significantly between municipalities. Each area has its own specific sets of rules and processes regarding setbacks, building height, lot coverage and the comparative size of the ADU compared to the main dwelling.
New property developers also encounter significant obstacles when looking to place multiple homes in larger communities. Changing or adjusting local zoning and obtaining approvals for larger property developments can be a very complex and costly process, making it challenging to expand these much-needed housing solutions. Flexobuild has a solution and a product to help address Canada's housing crisis with rapid, efficient and family-centred solutions. With government support and regulatory reform, we can provide faster housing for thousands of families, while supporting local tradespeople and revitalizing neighbourhoods across Canada.
Thank you for your time. My name is Daniel Pascoe, and I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.