The Inspection and Guarantee program offered by APCA to Specification Authorities and Owners provides a two year guarantee of the workmanship and materials employed by the Painting Contractor who follows the qualifications and standards set out in the MPI Architectural Painting Specification Manual.
The APCA Guarantee Program was designed by the industry for the industry and provides a tool for APCA members to demonstrate quality and excellence of their work.
The goal of the inspection service is to provide all parties concerned, i.e. architects, project managers, painting contractors, and general contractors, with detailed and accurate reports, documenting procedures and products utilized in the successful completion of any and all painting and decorating contracts.
The service will monitor projects from start up to lock out, reporting abnormalities or variations from the specification to the Specifying Authority/Owner. All reports will be submitted at regular intervals, and a “Final Inspection” will be delivered prior to the APCA Guarantee being issued.
Here is how it works:
APCA is notified of an APCA Guarantee job that is specified
Contractor/Spec writers will notify APCA who won the bid
APCA confirms that the painting contractor is a member
Inspections are carried out once products are approved and first installment fee is paid
When inspections are finished, a deficiency list signed off, and final fee is paid, a Certificate of Guarantee and inspection booklets are provided to the owner, architect, and paint contractor. These booklets include all inspection reports, contact information, paint samples, technical data and maintenance requirements. (Final fees are due at the midpoint of the job.)
The program also provides no-cost industry standard technical advice and assistance to the Consultant, the objective being to assist in obtaining a superior and consistent quality performance, project after project.
Please notify us by phone, fax, or e-mail when you are specifying an APCA job in the future to aid our staff in facilitating the Certificate of Guarantee inspection process.
The Inspection and Guarantee program offered by APCA to Specification Authorities and Owners provides a two year guarantee of the workmanship and materials employed by the Painting Contractor who follows the qualifications and standards set out in the MPI Architectural Painting Specification Manual.
The APCA Guarantee Program was designed by the industry for the industry and provides a tool for APCA members to demonstrate quality and excellence of their work.
The goal of the inspection service is to provide all parties concerned, i.e. architects, project managers, painting contractors, and general contractors, with detailed and accurate reports, documenting procedures and products utilized in the successful completion of any and all painting and decorating contracts.
The service will monitor projects from start up to lock out. All reports will be submitted at regular intervals, and a “Final Inspection” will be delivered prior to the APCA Guarantee being issued.
Here is how it works:
APCA confirms that the painting contractor is a member
APCA receives a Request for Inspector (2022 Form) with partial fee calculated on base contract amount
Inspections are carried out once products are approved and first installment fee is paid
When inspections are finished, a deficiency list signed off, and final fee is paid, a Certificate of Guarantee and inspection booklets are provided to the owner, architect, and paint contractor. These booklets include all inspection reports, photographs, contact information, paint samples, technical data and maintenance requirements. (Final fees are due at the midpoint of the job.)
The program also provides no-cost industry standard technical advice and assistance to the Consultant, the objective being to assist in obtaining a superior and consistent quality performance, project after project.
First, complete the APCA Request for Inspector (2022 Form). Then provide the Product Submittal Form and use the checklist(keep this checklist form) for your own records and information. The intent of this checklist is to guide you through the Certification process.
You will notice the non-member fee on the Request for Inspector Form. This indicates a higher payment and it must be noted that you will not receive an APCA Guarantee as a non-member, only the qualified inspections. Therefore, if you are the contractor who won the APCA job then you will need to process membership with APCA prior to starting the job.
Please notify us by phone, or e-mail when you are bidding an APCA job in the future to aid our staff in facilitating the Certificate of Guarantee inspection process. We value your comments, and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the General Manager, Kirk Beggs at the APCA office.
Commercial painting businesses can drop off their leftover volumes of commercial paint at the Shepard Waste Management Facility on Friday, May 12 from 8am – 2 pm.
Commercial painting businesses are invited to bring their leftover paint and empty paint cans for recycling to Nor-Alta Waste in Edmonton on Thursday May 25, and Friday May 26 from 8:00 am – 3:00 pm.
APCA offers a one-hour Lunch & Learn Session for Architects and Specification Writers
The Alberta Painting Contractors Association (APCA) is the accredited quality assurance association in Alberta for the Master Painters Institute (MPI) Quality Assurance Program.
This program provides assistance with:
· Specification Review & Development
· Inspection & Deficiency Reports
· On-Site Inspection Services
· Two-Year Warranty
· Technical Assistance
· Final Sign-Off
The Lunch and Learn Session is presented by a qualified Paint Inspector and/or a Paint Manufacturer/Supplier Representative. You will receive up-to-date information on new Approved Products, Future Trends, and Environmental Concerns as they relate to the paint industry i.e. Green Products.
They will also briefly cover Industry Standards and the APCA Inspection and Quality Assurance Program, which provides you with superior, consistent quality performance, job after job and ensures the above items are incorporated.
The Master House Painters Association of the U.S. and Canada was formed in 1885 with the purpose being“…to solve problems created by unsatisfactory materials, and to devise a means for assuring the public of the skill, honorable reputation and probity of master painters.” The Master Painters Institute (MPI) was formed in 1996 to further these aims through the revision and publication of the Architectural Painting Specification Manual and the Maintenance Repainting Manual. (Click here to order these manuals.)
MPI Updates
Standards
MPI have been working on updating the performance standards associated with testing and listing in the MPI Approved products list. For more information on these updates please click here: http://mpi.net/promotion/standard/
A new performance standard has been released for Latex, Interior, High Performance. MPI #142 is for Flat (MPI Gloss Level 1), whereas only Gloss level 2-5 have been available previously.
Anyone that has purchased the complete set of standards within the last year will receive all of the updated versions, plus the new standards, including the MPI #142.
The MPI is changing the “Decision Tree Tool” and below you will find DEMO links to try these out.
MPI Architectural Painting Decision TreeTM – DEMO
A tool to assist with specifying coatings on new-build Architectural and Commercial coatings projects.
MPI Restoration Repainting Decision TreeTM – DEMO
A tool to assist with specifying coatings on repainting/ restoration Architectural and Commercial coatings projects.
If you are a current subscriber to the MPI Specification Manuals there are two options to access the DT tools available to you:
Swap your current subscription to the new Decision Tree Tools, at no extra cost for the remainder of your subscription term. After it expires you will be charged the new Decision Tree renewal rate.
Keep your current Online Manual Subscription, while investing in the new Decision Tree Tools subscription at a largely discounted rate.
Contact us if you would like to choose one of these options, or for more information.
ACA has responsibility to maintain Trade Definitions on behalf of the industry. As you may be aware, with the exception of minor changes in one scope in 2011, the Trade Definitions have not been comprehensively reviewed and updated since before 2004.
The Edmonton Construction Association, as a member of the ACA, has undertaken a comprehensive review to align the Trade Definitions with current practice and are inviting all trade associations to review the update and suggest any needed improvements prior to final ratification.
* A full copy of the updated Trade Definitions draft can be found here:
ATCC
When Prompt Payment was progressing in Ontario, representatives from the NTCCC visited various provinces to propose that Provincial Trade Associations should also be formed. The first so called Alberta Trade Contractors Coalition (ATCC) meeting took place October 18, 2011 in Edmonton followed by a second meeting in Red Deer on February 21, 2012. Most recently, a session was held on September 17 in Red Deer with a number of trade associations represented. This joint task force presented recommendations to setup a Trade Coalition in order to address various issues, for example the current prompt payment issue. The focus at this time is in Ontario where the legislation has gone through the 1st and 2nd reading and is currently at committee. Once it goes through committee, it will go to 3rd reading which tends to be the most difficult to obtain approval. If it goes ahead in Ontario, it will set a positive precedent for the other provinces. There are similar laws in the US and UK, but nothing like this in place in Canada so it would be a positive initiative for industry.
The ATCC are hoping for a memorandum of understanding between the involved groups to create this Trade Coalition Association. APCA has indicated their support of this initiative and that they would agree to be involved. We will keep you updated as things progress.
Trade Definitions Promotional Video
The ACA and the ECA along with our Alberta local construction association partners are pleased to present this video to members. This video complements the 2016 Trade Definitions, and offers further insight into the Definitions and their usage.
ACA Chairman Paul Verhesen and a number of others were interviewed for the video which explains the benefits of Trade Definitions. Our hope is that the Trade Definitions will continue to be adopted by the Industry, and we encourage our members to both view and share the video amongst their networks.
ACA, its member local construction associations and the 3000 plus member firms endorse adoption of the 2016 ACA Trade Definitions as a best practice. We encourage all tender authorities and their design consultants, specification writers, and contractors and suppliers to cite and utilize the 2016 ACA Trade Definitions for their projects.
Trade Definitions provide clarity to all construction project stakeholders as to the allocation of work to be bid and performed. This clarity in turn reduces confusion, error, disputes, and litigation.
The 2016 Trade Definitions represent a comprehensive update to reflect current technology and business practice, and are the consensus result of input from many industry volunteers. They are not a tendering system. Trade Definitions are a guideline and the allocation of work amongst trades on any given project remains the responsibility of the tender authority and general contractor.
All member companies and trade associations may request changes to any or all trade definitions by providing their request in writing to the Alberta Construction Association or the Edmonton Construction Association, care of the Trade Definitions Committee, before January 1st of each year. The request must include the change, reason for the change and the effect on the other scopes. The Trade Definitions Committee will review and rule on all requests. Changes to the definitions will be finalized and published on March 1st each year.
You may wish to put a reminder in your calendars to check the end of February each year for the latest edition.
Trade careers have a lot going for the skilled men and women who work in them. Many trades offer the right kind of challenge, as they are highly technical, involve lots of math and sciences, and are changing quickly. A trade career can lead to supervision, management, the professional and business entrepreneurship. Pay rates vary, but are generally very good. The aging workforce means an overall increase in future demand for skilled tradespeople. Employers need people with the right skills!
There are many ways to get you through the program financially. Be sure to check out all the options available to you.
FOR STUDENTS:
SCHOLARSHIPS
The Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Scholarships provide approximately 400 annual Scholarships of $1,000 per year. Check out the numerous ones available on the Apprenticeship and Industry Training site.
RAP – THE REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
Earn credits toward your apprenticeship and your high school diploma – at the same time!
Paid career training before you leave school.
For more information visit www.tradesecrets.org or call in Calgary 403-297-6457.
TOOLS TAX DEDUCTION
Canada Revenue offers a tax benefit in the form of the Tradespersons’ Tools Deduction. Apprentices may be able to deduct the cost of eligible tools bought to earn employment income as a skilled tradesperson.
INCENTIVE GRANT
As an apprentice in a Red Seal trade, you get to earn while you learn, but a little extra money can always help.
The Government of Canada provides up to a maximum lifetime amount of $4,000 per person in federal apprenticeship taxable cash grants to help you progress in or complete your apprenticeship training.
The Apprenticeship Incentive Grant (AIG) is a taxable cash grant of $1,000 per year or level, for a lifetime maximum amount of $2,000 per person.
To be eligible for the AIG, you must:
be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person;
not be a high school student;
have the required AIG supporting documents;
be registered with your provincial/territorial apprenticeship authority as an apprentice in a designated Red Seal trade; and
provide proof that you have successfully completed either the 1st and/or 2nd year or level (or equivalent) in a designated Red Seal trade.
The deadline to apply is June 30 of the year after you complete the first and/or second year or level.
Through the Employment Insurance (EI) system, the Government of Canada provides income support to eligible apprentices during periods of technical training.
Although all efforts are made to ensure the accuracy of this information, apprentices should consult Service Canada, the official source of information about EI. See also Employment Insurance for Apprentices.
To be considered for EI benefits while attending technical training, apply at the website above as soon as you stop working. If you have applied for, or are receiving EI benefits prior to training, you must complete another application indicating your technical training information.
Apprentices can call 1-800-206-7218 (in Alberta) or visit the Service Canada website.
The Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit (AJCTC) is a non-refundable tax credit for an employer that is equal to 10% of the eligible salaries and wages payable to eligible apprentices in respect of employment after May 1, 2006. The maximum credit an employer can claim is $2,000 per year for each eligible apprentice.
Canadian Apprenticeship Forum: Return on Investment
Review this document to see why you should be supporting/encouraging your employees on this career path. Involvement creates a healthier industry and benefits everyone overall.
Membership invoices and renewal reminders were sent out by mail in early November. If you have not received your invoice, please contact the office. The APCA Membership year runs from January 1 – December 31, so don’t let your membership lapse and renew today!
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