Our Blog

Peak Audio | do you remember when?

After passing scissor lift training with flying colours, Scottie and his team have begun work at our North End neighbour Peak Audio. Established here for over 25 years, Peak Audio has employed our expertise to perform this cosmetic facelift. As the team removed the dated vinyl siding in preparation for the updated corrugated iron cladding they revealed some of this buildings interesting history. Fabulous vintage signage have us guessing that this store was home to the local Pharmacy sometime in the 50-60's, and prior to then a Bakery. Perhaps the 40's. Maybe you or someone you know remembers? ...

13 November, 2014

Remembrance Day

Who do you remember today? All around the world, today is a day to honour, respect and remember past and present members of the armed forces who dedicate their lives to our countries during times of conflict, war and peace. Lest We Forget. On this beautiful fall day perhaps you will attend one of the events or ceremonies in and around Halifax. Photo credit : Point Pleasant Park...

11 November, 2014

Purcells Cove | framing

I love doing updates on the work sites in their early stages of construction. As walls go up and floors go down the building form drastically changes and begins to take shape. Corey and the team at Purcells Cove have the first floor down, and have started framing. As the frame goes up it helps you to visualise how this build will sit in the landscape. It also gives you an idea of the complexity of the structure and support this architecturally designed home requires. Like the bones beneath its skin! ...

06 November, 2014

Inverness | Renovation

After completing and handing over the Clifton Street build, Smitty's next project is this bathroom renovation. A complete tear out of the existing fittings and fixtures to make a clean slate for the new. Electric in floor heat, tiles, custom shower, and vanity will fill this space. When Smitty is done here our owners may never want to leave this sanctuary, spending many hours soaking up the serenity in their whirlpool tub! Here are the before photos: And a special shout out 'Congratulations' to our team estimator Brian Mitchell. Dressed to impress on Halloween Friday, Brian set scene for a very romantic marriage proposal to his girlfriend Dianna. A well executed display of fireworks on the lake followed her acceptance. Love is in the Air! ...

04 November, 2014

MRB | Go Retail

Conceptual drawings came to life in the MRB woodshop this week. Stunning 'reclaimed wood' was used to craft huge panels in readiness for manifesto. Our North End neighbourhood friends from 'The Black Book Collective' came in for the paint work. See these bold statements broadcast in their storefront homes on Spring Garden Road, and Birmingham Street, Halifax. ...

30 October, 2014

MRB team | Love Is In The Air

A HUGE congratulations goes out to our team members Scottie and his wife Megan, and also to Phil and his wife Janna. Blessed with beautiful days and surrounded by their closest family and friends, the boys recently declared their love and commitment to their beautiful brides. We hope your futures are filled with good fortune, good times, and good luck! CONGRATULATIONS. XX ...

28 October, 2014

Gottingen St | Old Meets New

With the demolition of the unwanted add-on and concrete foundations now all complete, the MRB team have shifted their focus to the 'improvements and renovations.' This beautiful Victorian North End home still boasts many features dating back from its original construction in the 1870's. Ornate plaster mouldings and archways, high baseboards, wide flooring and stunning cedar shingles have all stood the test of time. Joined on site by Jonathon; Steevo will be using his experience, knowledge and fine craftsmanship to preserve these heritage features. Utilising modern building enclosure design and technology, along with traditional cedar shingles will ensure energy efficiency and comfort, without altering the overall appearance. Replica external dentil and mouldings will be carefully crafted to adorn the home. ...

23 October, 2014

MRB | Skill building

Before Scottie and teammate Daniel can embark on their next project, they are required to extend their already broad repertoire of skills. So, MRB Contracting sent them off for an afternoon of scissor lift training. Commonly used in the construction industry, a scissor lift allows access to otherwise inaccessible areas, particularly at great heights! Utilising a tool like the scissor lift will assist us to optimise productivity on our architecturally challenging builds. As with all MRB practises and procedures, safety is of foremost concern. While the boys pay particular attention to proper technique and operation, they also had a little bit of fun! ...

21 October, 2014

MRB | what does your Thanksgiving look like?

Here's a peek of what some MRB team members Thanksgiving weekend looked like. We hope you had the chance to take a moment to enjoy yours! Thankful for Sunshine Thankful for 2nd helpings of Pie Thankful for Sisters and Weddings Thankful for Downtime Thankful for Cousins Thankful for Cabinlife Needs no words. X ...

14 October, 2014

MRB Contracting team member Phil volunteers his weekends

MRB | what are you doing this weekend?

The team at MRB Contracting are a diverse group of motivated individuals. Midweek we come together and share a passion for custom modern architecture, skilled craftsmanship and the overall urge to build things. Weekends are filled with all array of activities, however, to no surprise, many of us are still building things. Our team member Phil, humbly volunteers his time to 'Habitat for Humanity.' "I've been involved with Habitat for Humanity on several builds over the past couple years. What got me involved with the organization was simply that I really enjoy doing carpentry and it was a great chance for me to use my skills to help someone. I usually work as a Crew Leader and can have as many as 12 volunteers working under me. A majority of them have never swung a hammer before but with so many volunteers we accomplish a lot in one 8 hour shift." Check out the project Phil is currently working on in North Kentville. If, like Phil, you would like to support this organisation you can volunteer your time, or alternatively, you can shop for building and renovation supplies at their ReStore [caption id="attachment_5612" align="aligncenter" width="510"] Kingscountynews photo[/caption]...

09 October, 2014

Purcells Cove Rd | watching the ships roll in

With MRB foreman 'Corey' at the helm, it's full steam ahead on our Omar Gandhi 'Stereovision' design on Purcells Cove Rd. Stunning northerly views to the opening of Halifax Harbour, Point Pleasant Park, and McNabs Island, will be one of this homes many features. As usual, right from the start, MRB have invested time in preparing this amazing site in readiness. The sizable build will sit on two already completed foundations. Pictures below show Corey and the team from RKO steel setting two 16 inch thick 'I' beams in place. These beams span between the two foundations and will pick up the weight load of first floor and wall loads above. Trenches were dug and lined with concrete casement to house the power lines in the from road and out of sight. Follow us on this project, and for a sneak peak of Omar's vision check out his website 'Stereovision' ...

07 October, 2014

Gottingen St | new project

Our renovation expert 'Steevo' and his team have commenced work on a gorgeous old home in Halifaxs 'North End.' Before they get started on the list of improvements and upgrades that will be done, the team peel back the layers of this home and remove the old 'add-on' to reveal what's beneath. It's no surprise for Steevo to find the old homes kitchen not bearing on the foundation at all, with nothing but dirt below and hence rotting sills. So, first priority tasks are: build temporary beam supports to prop up the 2nd floor while the 1st floor structure is removed, followed by preparation and installation of concrete foundation walls to support new structure. ...

02 October, 2014

Westmount | as easy as 1, 2, 3 !

You can't turn on the television without seeing a DIY reality program where 'everyone is a carpenter!' What was portrayed to be a simple list of upgrades, 'just remove that wall', 'replace the tub', or 'extend the deck', all made to sound so easy. DIY? Or perhaps 'that guy next door can help?' He's handy! All too often these projects are MUCH bigger than expected and can end in disaster. And as mentioned in other posts, there is no way of knowing what might be revealed once things start getting pulled down. Know exactly what is involved right from the start. Advice, timeline, budget, anticipated hold ups, product knowledge and options, it's all part of our job. Employ professional experienced contractors right from start and your renovation can be a pleasure! A perfect example is Jonathan's work on our Westmount renovation. With work almost complete our client will be enjoying their home without having to worry about a thing! ...

30 September, 2014

Clifton St | finishing touches

The countdown is on for finishing up work at our Clifton St build. As our team put their focus on structural details and interior finishes, the team from Concreations were back to lay paving and bring the architectural vision of Outside Planning and Design to life. Photos show the gorgeous bespoke cedar bench carefully crafted by Corey and Phil, and the stunning slate pavers that complete the exterior architect design. Stay tuned for the final reveal of this MRB showpiece. ...

25 September, 2014

Clifton St | Not just a ceiling

Our Clifton Street build has many bespoke features, the stairs, and outdoor cedar benches to name a few. Another stunning installation in this home is the design and craftsmanship of the drop ceilings. Photos show Pete at work meticulously cutting and fitting SPF (Spruce, Pine, Fir), more often used as flooring, into this stunning feature ceiling. Holes are cut in preparation for lighting, and corners are carefully mitred for a perfect finish. Finally, a urethane coat is applied for a subtle matt finish allowing the beauty of the natural wood to become the highlight. ...

23 September, 2014

Westmount | Exterior

Jonathan and his team are fast crossing things off that long list at our Westmount renovation. And that was just the interior! We have also commenced work on the extensive list of upgrades that are being embarked upon on the exterior. -Stripped complete exterior cladding and fascia/soffit from house -Installation Vaproshield building wrap on entire house -Installation of cladding rain screen -Installation of new cape cod siding, cap cod v-joint soffit and cape cod wooden fascia boards -House will also be re-roofed. ...

18 September, 2014

For Sale | 2454 James St

Remember our James Street job completed in early 2012? These gorgeous flats could now be yours. Design by Omar Gandhi and craftsmanship and work by MRB Contracting, an investment opportunity like this doesn't come along too often. For full details and further appraisal of this listing head to Red Door Realty Attention to detail is evident in all aspects of the buildings form & function The design offers clean architecture with an intuitive living space ...

16 September, 2014

Clifton St | Stairs

Take a minute to check out what foreman Smitty has been crafting. Wow! Way beyond a functioning staircase, these stairs are a focal point and fabulous feature. Smitty cut these awesome stringers from 3 1/2 x 12 inch Parallam. Parallam is made from clipped veneer strands laid in parallel alignment and bonded with adhesive. Parallam can be made from any wood species, but Douglas-fir, southern pine, western hemlock, and yellow-poplar are commonly chosen because of their superior strength. Brackets were mounted before drywall (inside the wall), so leaving just a 'fin' protruding to attach the stair landing. 3" thick pine treads, coated with Urethane, and all fastened together with the strength of galvanised carriage bolts, leave this installation looking as though it's floating in air. ...

11 September, 2014

Black Point | Deck

Meanwhile, back to Scottie and 'the dream job.' He and his team have been crafting the finishing touches on the exterior of this MRB design-build. Each post on the deck has been meticulously rabbeted to allow the glass panels to slide in snugly with no handrail leaving unobstructed views of Blind Bay and beyond. Simultaneous work on the interior, and the drywall is all but hung and taped ready for painting. ...

09 September, 2014

Westmount | Renovation

A significant renovation on this Westmount home has been keeping MRB newbie Jonathan and his team busy. The list of jobs is long, and include; -Complete main floor gut right back to framing -Installation of several structural beams to enable us to remove walls for open plan -Rewire of entire main floor and installation of new 200 amp electrical service -Reframed several window units to accommodate two large units that will allow ample natural light throughout the main floor -Reframed fireplace in center of main floor to integrate existing wood burning fireplace insert into the new clean modern lines of the new space -Kitchen will be relocated to the west side of the home -Addition of main floor powder room -Existing stairs and railings will remain to keep some of the homes original charm. ...

04 September, 2014

OUR BLOG