Our House

DoMinion LEnDing CEntRES OUR HOUSE SUMMER 2017 >> 33 stack of paper that says this house is built properly, it's been inspected and it's safe, it's efficient… because all the rest of the stuff is cosmetic." When it comes time to spend, Baeumler has often relied on mortgage brokers or private lenders to come up with creative solutions to get the job done. "Having the proper source of financing and someone that can work with you and someone who is creative and really maximizes your ability to accomplish the task is critically important to any business or any family," he says. Baeumler also stresses the importance of getting the right funding for the right project. While it's the responsibility of the lender to do everything it can to provide the funds and terms the borrower is looking for, the borrower also has the responsibility to make sure they're making the right call. they need to ensure they are living within their means, and that any risks they are taking have been taken into account. "if you're in business and you've done your homework and you've put the hours in, it's critically important to have a lending partner or a lending solution provider you can lean on in times of need," he says. O ver the last decade as Canada's No. 1 do-it-yourself builder, Baeumler has proven he's not afraid to tackle a difficult renovation or build. But there's one address even he might have to think twice about before getting his hands dirty. For years, 24 Sussex Drive in Ottawa, better known as the official residence of the prime minister, has been in disrepair and in need of a complete makeover. And Baeumler hasn't been shy to offer his opinion about the Canadian version of the White House. During a television interview, he called the home an "embarrassment." The comment may have made some waves, but he isn't about to walk it back. And he has the knowledge to back it up. He's talked to prime ministers and their families who have lived there and understands the history behind the home. As he explains, it wasn't originally built for the leader of the country and during a massive renovation years ago, much of the heritage was stripped away. Also, the home is filled with asbestos and the heating and ventilation systems are inefficient. While 24 Sussex may desperately need a little more than hammer and nails, Baeumler believes politics has left the residence in its shabby condition. Successive prime ministers have been reluctant to be the one to spend the money needed to make the home livable. "The guy that's in there that pulls the trigger and says, Let's fix my place up,' he's going to get roasted and I think that's an asinine and immature way for our political system to operate," Baeumler says. "I think it's the wrong view for Canadians to take. It's not the prime minister's house, it's owned by Canada. To me it's not political, it's a piece of our Canadian infrastructure the government and people of Canada own. It's a dump, so let's put it out to a couple architects to rebuild it." He also suggests the cost doesn't need to be in $1,500-per-square-foot range that's been floated around. Instead, he believes it can be done properly for about $300 to $400 a square foot. So is he the right guy to take on the job? While he admits it would be a cool project, he says there are other talented builders in the country who could do a great job. "I like a challenge," he says. "My favourite jobs are where we go into an old heritage home built on a stone rubble foundation that is in imminent collapse as possible and restructuring that thing and turning it back into something that's a work of art. That's the kind of stuff I would love to work on. Twenty-four Sussex is a home like that, but I think there's much more interesting properties in Canada for sure." Prime PrOPerty Baeumler has some pointed views on what to do about the Prime minister's crumbling residence Baeumler has called the state of the prime minister's residence in Ottawa a national embarassment, but successive occupants have been wary of a backlash should they launch an expensive rebuild. Baeumler thinks it can be done for a fraction of the cost cited What it's all abOut Baeumler admits it's a struggle to make time for his family (top left) on top of his three TV shows, his construction company and charitable work. The Baeumler Family Foundation (left) provides renovations for children and families in need of accessibility, safety and security in order to create a nurturing and positive home environment.

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