Course Overview
Recent code changes and advancements in timber products are allowing for larger and more complex buildings to be built in timber. These multi storey, complex buildings are comparable to steel and concrete in strength and durability and conform to all building codes. Although a relatively small portion of the overall project budget, the course of construction insurance for these projects tend to be much higher than the non-combustible alternative. This presentation will walk the attendee through the nuances of the insurance industry, and highlight the research that has taken place over the last 3 years to lower these rates. We will debunk many of the myths associated with timber construction that serve as roadblocks to desirable insurance rates. The best practices we will examine in this presentation could be instrumental in helping achieve a safe and insurable construction site.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the insurance industry’s methods of assessing construction risk.
- Identify the major risk factors associated with timber construction.
- Identify construction site best practices.
- Be prepared to submit a comprehensive package to apply for insurance.
Course Video
Speaker Bio
Timothy Buhler, BBA
Technical Manager
Canadian Wood Council
Born and raised in Northern Ontario, Tim is very aware of the importance of the forestry industry to Canadians.
Tim graduated from Nipissing University in 2006 and shortly after joined the Canadian Wood Council. Tim’s keen interest in sustainable construction and curbing climate change led him to pursue the role of technical manager within the Wood WORKS! Program. Over the last 14 years Tim’s experience and education has taken him across North America and Europe where he has engaged and learned from a variety of leading experts in the field. Tim has worked closely with industry and the design community to become a resource for all things related to timber construction.
As a technical manager with the Ontario team Tim continues to work diligently to promote timber construction has assisted with over 100 projects in Ontario ranging in size in scope from 1 to 35 (theoretical) stories.