The REAL Home Show Guide 2016

OFFICIAL SHOW GUIDE

CUNARD CENTRE HALIFAX

2016

MARCH 4 - 6 Enter a ballot for your chance to win a

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Nova Scotia’s Premium Open House – Walk in with a Vision. Walk out with a Plan.

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Cunard Centre – 961 Marginal Road, Halifax

Welcome Home to the Show!

What’s Inside...

The Real Home Show Intro____ 4

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Another Great Year at the Cunard Centre!

Cunard Centre Floor Plan

What’s at the Show...

Waterside

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Bathrooms_________________ 12 Flooring & Stairs_____________ 14 Outdoor Spaces_____________ 18 Building Products____________ 20

Homeowner FYI

Home Show Contest

Proudly brought to you by:

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Jobsite Safety_______________ 22 Building Permits_____________ 23 Heat Pumps ________________ 24 Working with a REALTOR®_____ 26

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Choosing a Community_______ 28

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Online Contest Stanley Inspection Camera Retail Value $149 pg

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A Special Edition of

The REAL Home Show 2016

New Homes & Renovations Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association

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www.stanleytools.ca

www.newhomesandrenovations.com The REAL Home Show • 2016

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Home Show Exhibitors & Floorplan: Pg 16

A New Homes & Renovations Special Edition

www.newhomesandrenovations.com Published independently for the

The Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association is the voice of the residential construction industry in Nova Scotia. The REAL Home Show Edition is the official publication for The REAL Home Show 2016. 70,000+ copies are distributed throughout HRM and the province of Nova Scotia to paid subscribers of The Chronicle Herald, as an exclusive insert in Metro News and to Home Show visitors.

NSHBA and Dattcom publications include: • The Real Home Show Guide (March) • Spring New Homes & Renovations (April) • Parade of New Homes (May/June) • Fall New Homes & Renovations (October) Please contact the NSHBA directly on how you can be involved in association activities.

124-B Chain Lake Dr, Halifax, NS, B3S 1A2 902.450.5554 or Toll Free 1.800.668.2001 email: nshba@nshba.ns.ca or visit www.nshomebuilders.ca No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior written consent of the NSHBA and Dattcom.

The publishers reserve the right to refuse any advertising and bear no responsibility for advertisers’ messages .

For information on participating in this publication, please contact our editorial and advertising teams at info@homesandrenos.com /HomesandRenos

@homesandrenos

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We’re excited to be back for another great Show!

The Real Home Show at the Cunard Centre Nova Scotia’s Premium Open House!

Are plans of building, buying or renovating in your future? If you answered yes, then you will not want to miss the 17th annual Real Home Show 2016 taking place at the Cunard Centre, March 4 - 6.

You will not find a better opportunity than this to meet with the professionals, see the latest trends and products and learn from the experts.

Consumer Information At the show, visitors will have access to the professionals and information to guide them through the new home or renovation experience. The ideas you get and the information you will walk away with will make you even more excited to get your new project started.

“What is really great about the Real Home Show 2016 is that it incorporates everything you will be looking for whether you are building a new home, buying an existing home or renovating

your current home,” says Sherry Donovan, chief executive officer of the Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association. “We want this show to answer all of your questions and provide you with the information to make your decision making process as easy as possible.”

“We want people to get excited about their plans,” Donovan adds. “Talk to the professionals and ask a lot of questions so you will be able to walk away from the show with ideas for your next steps – whether it is a new home, a renovation, or aesthetic upgrades that will give your home a fresh feeling.”

Home Improvements?

New Construction?

Whatever your plans include – whether you’re in the very beginning planning stages, or if you are already underway with your new home or renovation project – you will find the answers to

Walk in with a Vision. Walk out with a Plan.

The Real Home Show 2016 is produced by the Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association and sponsored by Energy Partner: Efficiency Nova Scotia; Industry Partner: Nova Scotia Power Inc.; Regional Sponsor: The City of Halifax; Media Partners: The Chronicle Herald, C100 and CTV; Event Sponsors: EnergyStar, Capstone Building Products, MJM Energy, Nova Scotia Construction Safety Association and RenoMark; Prize Sponsors: Stanley Tools, DEWALT and Dattcom.

Visit the Home Show page on Facebook just search /therealhomeshow and watch for coupons, prizes and contest opportunities.

For more information contact the NSHBA at (902) 450-5554 / 1-800-668-2001

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CUNARD CENTRE HALIFAX your questions. This show is designed for homeowners, homebuyers and people who are planning at some point, either now, or in the future, to own a home.

Bring your questions, plans and ideas with you and gather all of the answers you need for a successful project. There is something for everyone at the Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association’s Real Home Show 2016 – from kitchens to bathrooms; flooring to lighting; design

trends to windows; outdoor living space to financing for your project. You name it and you’ll be able to find it. Plus, this is the largest gathering of award winning builders and renovators who are all there to answer your questions.

of the displays of products and services, visitors to the show can also have some fun. Enter for a chance to win a $5,000 tool prize including DEWALT power tools, Stanley hand tool and $500 cash!

Contests

Let us help you turn your visions into plans at the Real Home Show, March 4 - 6!

The Cunard Centre, Halifax 961 Marginal Road, next to Pier 21

We all love to have a chance to win and at this year’s show there will be lots of opportunities to do just that! Along with all

Come be inspired!

Read on about what to see at the show...

What’s at the Show...

Articles by Michelle Brunet

Homeowner FYI...

Articles by Heather Clarke

Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association

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Contributing Writer

Contributing Writer

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Visit the Seaport Farmers’ Market while at the Show!

What’s at the Show...

W

hen thinking about the advantages of making a home more energy efficient, lower heating bills and reducing greenhouse gases tend to come to mind.

Being comfortable in your home is just as important a reason, says Jamie Muirhead, the owner of the building performance contractor, MJM Energy.

“We offer a suite of services that are designed to make the home more energy efficient and to have better indoor air quality and to be more comfortable to live in,” he says.

Energy Efficiency

At the Real Home Show, MJM Energy will be showcasing products that make a new or existing home “perform better.”

These include triple-glazed Atlantic Windows, Panasonic heat pumps, Weathershield Cellulose, and Icynene spray foam, an eco-friendly insulation product that MJM is trained and licensed to install.

At the MJM Energy booth, homeowners can even book a time to have an energy assessment done at their home.

“We have a number of building

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performance consultants who will be working the booth who can answer questions and work with the homeowner to provide a solution, and there’s no charge for quotes,” says Muirhead. “We welcome people who have problems or challenges or things that they don’t understand that are happening in their house to come and have a conversation with us.”

Efficiency Nova Scotia will also be at the Real Home Show with displays and representatives explaining the various energy efficiency programs they offer for new and existing homes, as well as businesses.

“The Home Energy Assessment is probably one of our most popular services that we offer,” says Efficiency Nova Scotia’s community outreach coordinator, Barry Walker. “For homes that are heated primarily by electricity, a homeowner can have the Home Energy Assessment done, and it provides a full write-up on their home and suggestions on how to make their home more energy efficient by priority…and of course it opens up to rebates, or to low or zero-interest

Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association

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Heating & Power Systems financing on larger projects.” Rebates towards can be as high as $5,000, Walker says, and low-interest financing can go up to $25,000.

Efficiency Nova Scotia is offering rebates on ductless heat pumps now too. “Ductless heat pumps are under two of our programs,” says Walker. “You can get a rebate under the Home Energy Assessment or you can go through another program we offer called Green Heat, which is [for equipment like] wood stoves, pellet stoves, wood furnaces and ductless heat pumps.”

In addition to financial savings and environmental considerations, Walker says homeowners are considering efficiency for another important reason. “What we’re seeing a lot more now is people are making the energy efficiency upgrades to increase the value of their home. Those homes are always going to fetch a higher price and sell quicker.”

What you’ll find at the Show There will be great information on your energy efficiency needs at the Real Home Show – insulation tips, upgrade suggestions, heating recommendations and the professionals who can answer your questions.

In the Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association booth you will be able to see a computerized comparison of 10 homes, all ranging in size and style from a starter home to large custom home.

These models show the performance at building code requirement stage and what certain upgrades can mean to the overall energy efficiency of the home.

Included in this will be a mortgage calculator so you can see what the upgrades will mean in terms of value and the impact the costs will have on your mortgage.

Drop in to the booth, bring your questions and find out how you can make your new home as energy efficient as possible.

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THE Show for Building, Buying, Renovating & Enjoying!

What’s at the Show...

Kitchens

Photo courtesy of Station 12 / Progressive Cabinets

K

itchens are often the hub of the home, so ideally their design should incorporate both form and function.

Mother Hubbard’s Kitchens & Fine Cabinetry values both aspects of design.

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At this year’s Real Home Show, the local, family-owned and operated company will be showcasing products of a variety of materials and finishes, from high gloss acrylic to textured wood laminate. They will also be sharing tips on multi-purpose kitchens.

For example, incorporating furnishings like a retractable table is one idea to make a smaller kitchen work, says Mother Hubbard’s designer, Martine Côté. “These days, functionality is as important as looks,” she adds. “New cabinet accessories and cabinet inserts are always coming out.”

Mother Hubbard’s representatives can help you completely design your new or existing kitchen. The company helps customers decide on a layout

and among the many options of textures, colours and products – from countertops and appliances to the custom cabinets Mother Hubbard’s builds right in Dartmouth.

“Using a company that produces and manufactures products locally minimizes lead time in case replacement parts are needed,” says Côté.

Mother Hubbard’s also provides delivery and installation services. Côté says, “We love the interaction with the customer throughout the design process, listening to the customer’s needs, their requests and providing solutions within their budget.”

You can also get plenty of kitchen ideas by visiting Living Lighting &

www.rasmussen.ns.ca 8

The REAL Home Show • 2016

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Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association

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Progressive Cabinets at station12 at the Real Home Show. “Our booth will feature two large screen TVs that will be showcasing projects we’ve done in the past, unique features and products that are available throughout our showroom, and tips and tricks on how to plan out your project when it comes to cabinetry and lighting,” says Lauren Langlois, station12’s showroom manager.

Progressive Cabinets creates its products in a Burnside facility and is able to create cupboards, drawers and shelves tailored to a client’s specifications and style. Cabinetry and lighting come together to create purposeful and pleasant spaces.

“Our kitchens feature the latest in cabinet accessories and lighting, with everything from doors that automatically open with a touch of the hand, to under and in-cabinet lighting that enhances the overall feel of the kitchen,” says Langlois.

By talking to experts at the Real Home Show, your flurry of kitchen ideas can become streamlined into a more focused plan. “Everything is about saving space, creating a flow that works and ensuring the designs have the visual impact that the client wants,” says Langlois. “Our designers love coming up with new and custom solutions to ensure the design fits within the client’s budget, lifestyle, and design vision.”

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Nova Scotia’s Premium Open House

What’s at the Show...

Windows & Doors

Photos courtesy of Peter Kohler Windows & Entrance Systems

Photos courtesy of Revolution Windows and Doors / Laflamme

F

or homeowners, windows and doors should not be an afterthought, especially if they are planning on staying in their home for years to come, says President of Revolution Windows and

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Doors, Bob Wood.

“There is a lot more that goes into selecting a window and door, because for the average homeowner, they’re not going to change them out more than once,”

says Wood. “It’s very important for the homeowner to have knowledge and a say in what they’re getting.”

For example, Wood suggests that homeowners conscious of our maritime climate might consider investing in such materials as stainless steel exterior hardware on casement windows. Tripleglazed windows are a popular choice for those concerned with energy efficiency.

For those looking for a higher-end window that will maintain its colour over time, wood aluminium clad windows are a fashionable choice.

Wood takes pride in the products he offers his customers. His company is a dealer of windows and doors from Laflamme, Pella and Sierra Pacific, longestablished, national and international manufacturers.

“We sell windows in various materials, like wood, wood-aluminum-clad, fibreglass, vinyl and aluminium-vinyl,” says Wood. “We also sell fibreglass door systems, steel slab door systems, vinyl

Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association

2016-02-18 11:44 AM

BOOK NOW FOR THE BEST VALUE OF THE YEAR

door systems…We can discuss the pros and cons of each and what is best suited for the homeowner.”

Wood and his team are constantly attending international builder shows and researching trade publications to find out about the latest innovations and trends.

“The paint finishes nowadays on windows and doors are far superior to what they were even 10 years ago,” says Wood, as an example. “…We just got an announcement the other day that our Sierra Pacific stain finishes are all low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds).”

Colourful front doors continue to be popular, Wood adds, with two of every three of the doors he sells being red, green, tan, black, dark brown or another colour other than white.

At the Real Home Show, the Atlantic Canadian window and door manufacturer Peter Kohler Windows and Entrance Systems, with their dealer partner RONA, will be showcasing a lot of colour with their painted windows. “These are prefinished with a specially formulated PVC coating that can be selected from any one of our 25 standard colors or they can be custom-coloured,” says Peter Kohler’s director of sales, John Arsenault.

Peter Kohler will additionally be showcasing products like their Europeanstyle Tilt and Turn window, as well as fibreglass and stained door systems. “We will also show our newly designed Supreme Single Hung window with improved energy performance and triple glazing available,” says Arsenault. “Additionally, we will have a 12-foot sliding patio door with mini blinds built into the glass panels – it’s easy to clean, gives privacy, security and has a great modern look.”

At the Peter Kohler booth, you can learn about their wide range of products – including their revolutionary “high performance door sill” system – and find out how these products can become a part of your home. Arsenault says, “Rona will have sales staff on hand who can discuss various options and schedule an appointment to measure openings so a detailed quote can be provided.”

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The Peter Kohler Winter Window Event. On Now.

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Fill out a ballot for a $6,000 Cash Prize!

What’s at the Show...

Bathrooms

Photo courtesy of Better Baths/Source Atlantic

W

hether you are looking to build a new bathroom or improve an existing one, a number of vendors will be able to answer your questions and provide you with some great ideas.

One of these vendors is Beautiful Baths, a family business owned by Chris Bowie and his wife Tori. Beautiful Baths specializes specifically in bathroom renovations and has been doing so for

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over 20 years.

This year they will be bringing a small piece of their Burnside showroom to the Real Home Show. Displays will include an aging-in-place or accessible feature, such as a walk-in bathtub, as well as low-maintenance, easy-to-clean shower materials. “A big trend for us in recent years are these simulated , groutless products that resemble real stone or tile,

and we will have a few of these at the Home Show,” says Bowie.

Beautiful Baths does both small and large projects from shower conversions and flooring to vanities or countertops.

“We can review with the homeowner what they are wanting to do and the various options that can be done,” says Bowie. “Then we would be happy to come to the homeowner to see their bathroom for a consultation and design.”

Better Baths will also be at the Real Home Show ready to give you some guidance whether you’re building a bathroom from scratch or renovating.

Known as “Atlantic Canada’s Finest Luxury Bath Showroom,” the Bedford business carries a range of toilets, tubs, showers and shower heads, as well as faucets and sinks for both bathrooms and kitchens.

Suppliers include Kohler, Riobel, Moen, Delta, Oceania, Fleurco, Actuell and Wetstyle; innovative products range from a showerhead equipped with a wireless speaker so you can listen to the news

Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association

2016-02-18 11:44 AM

...and more prizes at other booths - only at The Real Home Show!

or music while you shower, to highefficiency toilets.

“Some toilets you can’t even get except in a dual flush now,” says Better Baths showroom consultant, Tamara Stein. “And we’ve been running on six litre flush toilets since probably 2000 or before, and now we have 4.8 litre models.” Considering studies show older toilets can use up to 18 litres of water or more per flush, buying a new toilet is a significant step for water conservation.

Better Baths is not only in touch with innovation and efficiency, but also style.

Stein and her team can tell you about the latest trends – like steam accessories, and grey, white or cashmere colour schemes – and help you realize your bathroom vision.

“We actually offer something that I don’t think really any showrooms do,” says Stein. “We can actually go to your house, take all the measurements and do up some drawings to give you some layout ideas. That’s been very helpful for people who do not know where to start.”

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Walk in with a Vision. Walk out with a Plan.

What’s at the Show...

Flooring & Stairs

Photos courtesy of Vintage Flooring

Photos courtesy of Vintage Flooring

T

oday more than ever there seems to be a flooring option for every lifestyle. And you’ll probably find most of them at The Real Home Show.

“There are a lot of new flooring products that are perfect for any scenario in your household – whether or not you have kids, if the home needs to be wheelchair accessible, if there are pets, whether it’s a high traffic area or …” says Jay Clarke, store manager at Wacky’s Flooring, Atrium location. “There are a lot of options out there that people should consider, and they just need to be aware of them.”

Depending on if you are building or renovating, Clarke says it is important to talk to a flooring professional who can advise you on what products will sustain your particular household and be able to present new options for consideration.

This year at The Real Home Show, the Wacky’s Flooring booth will offer attendees a glimpse at their assortment of flooring – “new colours, new patterns, the current trends…” – and help them decide on the right products for their home and lifestyle.

You can expect to see examples of laminate, engineered wood, luxury vinyl plank, tile and carpet.

“Two products which we are going to show that are very unique is ‘Life Happens’ carpet and ‘Floorte’ Enhanced Vinyl Plank 14

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from Shaw,” says Clarke. “Life Happens has a backing which water won’t penetrate through to damage your underpad or subfloor, and the Floorte Enhanced Vinyl Plank wear layer lasts up to five times longer than the typical urethane finish on other LVP products. Both items will have a full display of colour selections and choices at the Show for you to see.”

In addition to offering a plethora of flooring products, Wacky’ s will provide information on their in-home services, such as measurements, installation and interior decorating guidance. “We’ve built our business for the last 35 years on relationships and every one of our staff members takes pride in what they do,” shares Clarke. “We look forward to starting some new relationships at this year’s show.”

Vintage Flooring will also be at the Real Home Show. They offer flooring as well as staircase solutions, and are involved at every stage of the process.

“Vintage Flooring is a full-service flooring company,” says company president Darrell Cooke. “We have our own custom mill shop, our own stair people, and we also refinish existing hardwood floors.”

Cooke says he and his team help customers navigate through an abundance of flooring choices. “Quite often people have done some homework on the internet,

but they could still be confused about what the best product is for their application. So we will actually go to their house and give them a free, in-home consultation.”

At this year’s show, Cooke says, “We’ll be displaying stair components, metal balusters, Zen railings and newel posts, luxury vinyl and the standard items including hardwood, carpet, ceramic, cork and laminate.”

Vintage Flooring will also be showcasing TORLYS ‘smart floor’ products known for their tight joint technology and resistance to dents and swelling.

For homeowners with existing hardwood floors who are seeking options other than how to replace them, Vintage Flooring offers a refinishing option. “A lot of people have old birch or oak floors that are yellow or amber in colour, but the more popular colours today are mediums browns and greys,” says Cooke. “So we can refinish floors and change their colour at the same time.”

Cooke recommends homeowners learn all they can before making a flooring purchase. “Rather than buying a product because it’s on sale, you really need to take your time because it’s a big ticket item,” says Cooke. “If you do your research and buy a good quality product, you’ll be happy with your floors for a long time.”

Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association

2016-02-18 11:44 AM

“Build it Better” The team at Premiere shares a belief that by striving for perfection, we are each capable of contributing to what we feel is among the highest quality construction and client service in the industry.

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Would you allow a non-registered, uninsured financial “expert” complete control of your life savings or retirement investments?

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HOME SHOW EXHIBITORS & BOOTHS 100 101 104 105

CUNARD CENTRE HALIFAX

Econo Renovations Polytech Products LP Building Products Truly Nolen Pest Control & Skedaddle Wildlife 106 All-Craft - Renovations 107 Pat McCarthy Renovations 108 All-Craft - Decks & Sunrooms 109 Siderman Siding Windows & Doors 110 Han-Cor Construction 113 Ramar Construction 116 Archadeck of NS 117 Glubes AVU 118 Case Design/ Remodeling 120 Bell Aliant 121 Seeview Blinds and Shades 123 Loman’s Kitchens 125 Premiere Renovations 126 Cabinetworks 129 Tower Interiors 130 Nova Scotia Power 134 Stonewater Homes 135 Coldbrook Electric Supply 137 Budget Blinds 138 Garages R Us 140 Denim Homes 146 Atlantic Lighting Studio 148 Mayabella Homes

2016

MARCH 4 - 6 General Exhibitor Booths

NSHBA Builder Booths

Presenting Sponsor Booths

Public & Common Areas

961 Marginal Road, Pier 23 Next to Historical Pier 21 Museum and Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market

NSHBA Renovator Booths

Waterside

Waterside

Waterside

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149 Certa Pro Painters 150 Wood Masters Construction 151 Made in the Shade Blinds 153 Moulding Warehouse 154 Student Works Painting 156 Gerald Mitchell Contracting 157 Barrett Truss & Building Supply 160 Whitestone Developments 161 EnCom Alternative Energy Solutions 162 Cambria 166 Atlantic Concrete Association 167 Alweather Windows & Doors 168 Envirowater Technologies 169 Pristine Plumbing and Heating 171 Blue Ridge Builders 172 Seven Lakes Developments

& Synergy Homes 174 Monk Renovations 176 Ultimate Bath Systems 180 Capstone Building Products 200 Picket Fence Homes 201 Beautiful Baths Renovations 204 RBC Royal Bank 205 Wilsons Security 206 Elite Trade Painting 208 Marwood- Cape Cod Siding 209 Bank of Montreal 210 Sunshine Renewable Energy

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256 Lumbermart 259 Skymark Homes 260 Timber Trail Homes / Apex Homes 261 Jade Stone Halifax 265 HRM Fire Prevention 266 CJ’s Custom Trim Specialists 268 Vintage Mouldings 269 Kitchens by Lynn 270 Maritime Permanent Roofing 272 Sanford’s Painting 273 Ports East Construction Services 275 Delorey and Levy Contracting 304 Wilsons Home Heating 316 NSHBA & Contest Prize Booth 320 The Chronicle Herald 324 Wacky’s Flooring 328 Nova Scotia Construction Safety Association 330 Halifax Heating Residential 334 Halifax Planning & Development 338 RONA 346 GE Commercial Appliances 350 Bird Stairs 354 Cresco 358 Nova Doors and Windows 360 Efficiency Nova Scotia 364 PODS 372 MJM Energy

Contest Prize Booth

Waterside

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211 Station 12 - Progressive Cabinets & Living Lighting 215 Halifax Water 216 Realm Design 218 Rasmussen’s Custom Wood Products 219 Aerus 220 West Bedford Holdings 223 The Garage Door Depot 224 Vintage Flooring 227 Revolution Windows and Doors 230 Rhyno’s 231 Better Baths 234 Armco 235 ADT Security Services 238 Brunswick Limestone 239 RONA 240 Halifax Tree Services 241 Lee Castle Plumbing 242 Atlantic Vacuflo 243 Eastlink 244 Thermo Homes 246 Royal Lepage 247 Atlantic Rain Flo Systems 248 Mother Hubbard`s Kitchens 249 Bath Fitter 253 J & R Concrete / DCT Paving 254 Your Partner in Benefits 255 READY Refrigeration

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MARCH 4 - 6 Friday - 10am to 7pm Saturday - 10am to 7pm Sunday - 11am to 5pm

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Exit Only

Entrance

Children under 12 admitted FREE when accompanied by an adult.

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ENTRANCE

INDUSTRY & REGIONAL PARTNERS

$

Regular Admission: $7/person with this coupon $6/person

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Ticket Booth

Save 1off Admission!

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EXIT

www.nshomebuilders.ca • 902.450.5554

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PRESENTING SPONSORS

Cunard Centre Halifax 961 Marginal Rd, Next to Pier 21

2016-02-18 5:17 PM

More than 200 Exhibitors under one roof!

What’s at the Show...

Outdoor Spaces

Photo courtesy of All-Craft Decks & Sunrooms

A

deck, for entertaining, enjoying that first cup of coffee or kicking back while being outdoors; a sunroom, for being in touch with your natural landscape any time of year; a screened porch, to have an outdoor experience free from pesky flies; pergolas and gazebos, a unique and aesthetic source of shelter or shade.

Your home’s outdoor spaces can be transformed in a multiple of ways for a multiple of reasons, and All-Craft Decks & Sunrooms has probably created the whole gamut.

“The aspects of the designs that our company has completed will show people how they can convert their existing

Your Vision.

Our Passion.

Custom Design & Build www.allcraft.ca | 902.576.3363 187 Bluewater Rd, Bedford

DECKS | SUNROOMS | SCREENED PORCHES | GAZEBOS | HARDSCAPE

Multiple Peak Award Winner 18

The REAL Home Show • 2016

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backyard into a place to spend time with family and friends,” says Brian Johnston, coowner of All-Craft, a locally-owned, family business. “We do not hold back trying to design projects that put an emphasis on functionality and cosmetic appeal. Decks are no longer just a place to put your BBQ; they have now become an outdoor living space.”

All-Craft, which has won the “Most Outstanding Residential Renovation Addition-Exterior” prize at the 2013 and 2014 Peak Awards, will be showcasing some of their outdoor portfolio at the Real Home Show. They will have a full composite deck with a railing on display, will be illustrating examples of their completed outdoor projects on a large screen, and will also have samples of various materials used for constructing these projects.

“For those people who have no specific idea what they are looking for but do know that they want a change in what currently exists in their backyard, our crew will walk them through the design process step by

Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association

2016-02-18 11:44 AM

Photo courtesy of Blue Ridge Builders Inc.

step, from material choices to design ideas,” says Johnston. “We treat people’s properties like they are our own. We respect the fact that a person’s house is typically their most prized possession and when we are finished with a project we want that client to be proud of what we have built for them.”

Blue Ridge Builders, named Sub Trade of the Year at the 2013 and 2015 Peak Awards, will be at the Real Home Show too.

Owner, Heath Pierson – named Outstanding Member at the 2014 Peak Awards – will be talking about and showing some of Blue Ridge Builders’ deck projects. His company offers free quotes, and also does framing, garages, and renovation jobs.

Even though composite decking has been a popular option for homeowners looking for low-maintenance outdoor spaces, Pierson says the majority of their customers have still been choosing to go with wooden decks. “A long-lasting and budget-friendly material is wood, but they would need to stain it to make it last longer,” he explains. “But we do cedar and composite decks as well.”

As someone who has been working in the industry for 17 year, Pierson acknowledges every project is different, and some can be quite complex. “We recently

finished one project that was two different heights and was all composite floor and composite rails,” he recalls. “It was a big deck – about 1,500 square feet.”

They constructed that particular project while building an extension on the house at the same time, Pierson says.

Attending the Real Home Show allows you to learn tips from professionals that are not only trained, qualified and good at what

they do, but that also know about what’s best for our region of the world.

“It is never-ending with the introduction of new products to the market,” says Johnston from All-Craft. “It is our job to filter through the new products and make sure what we are recommending to our clients are good products that will withstand what Mother Nature in Nova Scotia throws at an outdoor living structure.”

by:

THE PATIO SCREEN ROOM 1-866-755-2972

Show Rooms to Visit:

• Highland Square Mall, New Glasgow • North Sydney Mall, Cape Breton • 5+ Home Show Rooms, West Havre Boucher Home Office: West Havre Boucher, NS (902) 234-2921 • Cell: (902) 759-2965 adelorey@ns.sympatico.ca A Division of Deslauriers

www.thepatioscreenroom.com Serving Central, North Eastern Nova Scotia & Cape Breton Island

Heath Pierson

Owner Phone: (902) 209-9418 Fax: (902) 861-1023 Heath@blueridgebuilders.ca www.blueridgebuilders.ca

DECKS • FRAMING • GARAGES • RENOVATIONS 70 Karels Drive, Fall River, NS B2T 1E5 Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association

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2016-02-18 11:44 AM

The perfect venue to research a project!

What’s at the Show...

R

Innovative Building Products

W C Photos courtesy of Capstone Building Products

M

ike Connors, owner of Capstone Building Products, says that anyone serious about building or renovating homes – both homeowners and contractors alike – should attend the Real Home Show.

At the Show, homeowners get to visit a wide range of booths hosted by some of the province’s best builders and renovators, as well as vendors, Connors says. Contractors also benefit from meeting suppliers so they can learn about new products that will enhance their building projects.

This is Capstone Building Products’ sixth year as a major sponsor of the Real Home Show and their eighth year setting up a booth.

“One of the reasons why we keep supporting the Real Home Show, and coming back, is because of the great vendors that are at the show,” says Connors.

“The visitors that come out every year are also excellent and they ask some good questions.”

Capstone Building Products specializes in cutting-edge, high-quality home exterior products for both new builds and 20

The REAL Home Show • 2016

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renovations. Capstone is proud to partner with industry leading manufacturers like IKO, Owens Corning, GAF, Wayne Dalton, Century Aluminum Products and MoistureShield by AERT. “We work with leading manufacturers so we can offer our clients the most innovative products in the industry that are able to meet a variety of wants and needs,” Connors says.

Some of the products you will be able to see and even “reach out and touch” at this year’s Capstone booth include MoistureShied composite decking, Century Aluminum railings, Versatex Trimboards and designer roofing products manufactured by IKO, Owens Corning and GAF. And from Connors and his team, you can learn about a variety of outdoor building and renovation ideas, like durable but aesthetically-pleasing composite decking, garage doors that add curb appeal, and weather-protected shingles that represent a variety of classic and modern styles.

“At first all of the options may seem overwhelming for homeowners,” says

Aluminum Railings – like the Century Aluminum Products featured above – are attractive, durable, low maintenance and provide an alternative to standard wooden railings on decks and verandas.

See samples at Capstone Building Products’ booth at The Real Home Show!

Connors. “Even when a certified professional is building or renovating their home, the homeowner still has to make decisions on aspects like colour, texture, durability, warranty and energy efficiency.”

That is why Connors recommends attendees take full advantage of the wealth of expertise and information at the Real Home Show.

“Come visit our Home Show booth ready with some specific questions,” he encourages. “This will allow our knowledgeable team to provide you with information most helpful for your situation and to introduce you to some relevant products from some leading brands.”

i

F

Capstone Building Supplies is a major sponsor and proud supporter of The Real Home Show

w

Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association

2016-02-18 11:44 AM

RenoMar

Renovate

With Confidence Code of Conduct To qualify for the RenoMark program, professional renovators are required to offer the following to their clients:

Your local source for renovation advice and professional contractors RenoMark™ has been embraced coast to coast in nine provinces and more than 40 communities and has been endorsed by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association. We’re here to help you make informed decisions about your home’s renovation project so you can renovate with confidence!

Look for the RenoMark sign before you hire a renovator.

For more information visit renomark.ca

• Provide a detailed, written contract (including scope of work) for all jobs.

• Offer a minimum two-year warranty on all work (excludes minor home repair).

• Carry a minimum of $2 million liability insurance.

• Have coverage for workplace safety and employers’ liability and/or work only with subcontractors who carry such coverage.

• Carry applicable licenses and permits.

• Maintain a professional level of knowledge of current building codes, permit procedures, and technical skills through continuing education.

• Maintain a safe and organized worksite.

• Return phone calls within two business days.

Contact the Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association for a list of qualified members www.nshomebuilders.ca • 1-800-668-2001 • (902) 450-5554 • nshba@nshba.ns.ca

NH&R_2016_HomeShow.indd RenoMark_NH&R2013.indd 1 21

2016-02-18 11:44PM AM 9/21/13 1:57:33

Get your $1 Off Admission Coupon on Pg.16

Homeowner FYI: F

rom the moment the project begins until the last bit of plaster has been wiped up, a home under construction is officially a work zone – with potential accidents waiting to happen.

Damon Alcock, Chief Safety Services Officer with the Nova Scotia Construction Safety Association (NSCSA), says homeowners often underestimate the risks associated with new home construction or a renovation.

“Each situation will present its own unique hazards, from tripping due to uneven surfaces when replacing flooring or falling into holes or getting electrocuted from touching live wires,” explains Alcock. “A person could also experience breathing problems due to fumes from strong adhesives or paint.”

He says homeowners need to be cautious about moving about their home during the process, and that includes making sure their children and pets are following the rules.

“Ensuring family, friends and pets stay out of work zones is very important to keeping themselves and the work

Worksite Safety Tips crew safe,” says Alcock. “Workers know the hazards on the worksite and have the training and equipment to protect themselves, but typically the homeowner doesn’t. They should talk to the renovator prior to entering the work zone to ensure it is safe.”

Pets and children may damage equipment or pose tripping hazards for the crew, as well as hurt themselves by falling into holes or ingesting dangerous materials.

If possible, Alcock recommends staying out of the home during a renovation so the work can be completed without any risks to the homeowner. If that’s not an option, homeowners need to talk with their contractor about which areas of the home they should refrain from entering.

Of course, it’s also important to hire the right contractor or renovator in the first place.

“You want the work completed correctly and safely, and a trained and certified contractor has the skills and knowledge required to ensure

Homeowners: Protect Your Investment!

Hire COR Certified Contractors to work in your home.

Visit nscsa.org to learn more about COR Certification and Home Building Safety Are you a Contractor?

Learn how to achieve COR Certification Visit www.nscsa.org to find out more or call (902)468-6696 • 1-800-971-3888 22

The REAL Home Show • 2016

NH&R_2016_HomeShow.indd 22

that happens,” says Alcock. “Insured contractors may reduce any financial costs to the homeowner if something happens.”

You’ll know you’ve hired the right contractor when you feel comfortable asking plenty of questions and discussing how to ensure the project goes smoothly for everyone involved.

Alcock says contractors will want to know if anyone in the home has food allergies (so they don’t bring allergens in their lunches) or respiratory problems (which could be made worse by dust or fumes). They’ll also encourage you to be up front about needing to use power or water in the evenings so they ensure it’s safe to do so.

“Everyone has a responsibility for workplace safety, including the homeowner,” says Alcock. “Talking to your contractor prior to the start of any job, will help ensure everyone stays safe.”

The NSCSA has a wealth of information and resources for contractors and homeowners alike and also offers over 40 health and safety compliant courses. www.nscsa.org

Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association

2016-02-18 11:44 AM

Visit the Show Friday, Saturday & Sunday

Homeowner FYI: N

obody wants to be stopped in the middle of a project and told to undo their hard work – or worse, to rip the whole thing down and pay a fine. That’s why planning ahead is critical to ensure your build or renovation project goes smoothly.

Matt Covey, HRM’s manager of building standards, says people typically do a bit of research so they’re “quite well informed” about what types of construction permits and inspections they’ll require – whether it’s a new home, shed, detached garage, deck, pool or solar collector.

Of course, there are always going to be a few people who take a chance and skip the application process. If you’re caught without the proper permits, Covey says it’s handled on a case-by-case basis. But expect to receive a stop-work order until you’ve filled out the appropriate applications and gotten the correct permits in place.

“Sometimes we’ll drive by and spot something, but more often we’ll receive a call inquiring about whether a particular project has the proper permits,” says Covey.

He says construction permits are required for all projects in excess of $5,000 as well as

Enter to

Building Permits anything structural – whether it’s a garage, an addition or a deck. In fact, even replacing a couple of beams on an existing deck requires a permit because you’re compromising its structure. Not all deck projects require a permit, though. A deck that’s 2 ft. high (or less) probably won’t need one, but you always need to check just in case.

The inspections are designed to take place at key stages in the project. If you move past an important milestone without having it inspected, you might have to undo all of that hard work – and nobody wants to tell you to do that.

“We have to observe the work for code compliance, so you don’t want to be too far ahead in the project and have us come out and uncover something or require you to dig something up,” says Covey. “It could be something that affects your overall project.”

Luckily, the inspection system is organized to be quick and painless. If you call (902) 490-7097 and leave a message before 8 a.m., Covey says you’ll most likely receive your inspection that very day.

“We don’t want to hold people up,” explains Covey. “We want to make things as

Win!

easy as possible.”

The trouble that sometimes arises is when a homeowner believes as long as they personally consider a project acceptable, it should be fine – after all, it’s their house, right? Incorrect.

“If it’s a safety issue, we have to enforce it not just for the current homeowner but for subsequent homeowners,” says Covey. “We hear people say ‘Oh, the deck is fine this way.

We don’t mind ...’ but we have to be thinking about other people – like guests and future owners.”

For building and renovation permit info in HRM visit www.halifax.ca/PermitsInspections

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The REAL Home Show • 2016

.ca

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2016-02-18 11:44 AM

Still trying to forget

LAST WINTER? Get Started on Your Heat Pump Revolution

With winter well underway, many Nova Scotians are thinking about how to keep our homes warm and cozy, and still keep our bills affordable. A heat pump is a great option for almost every home. We spoke with a Heat Pump Contractor from Nova Scotia Power’s network to learn more about how a heat pump can keep homes comfortable and save money.

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SO WHAT IS A HEAT PUMP? AND HOW DO THEY ACTUALLY WORK?

WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER BEFORE GETTING A HEAT PUMP?

A heat pump is an efficient heating and cooling system. Nova Scotia has one of the best climates, as it is fairly moderate year-round. When it’s cold, a heat pump absorbs heat from the air, water or ground outdoors and brings it inside to warm a home. In the summer, a heat pump works in reverse, absorbing heat from the air inside the home and releasing it outside.

The best thing people can do is talk to an expert—one of Nova Scotia Power’s participating contractors. They’ll be able to think about your home as a whole, and recommend the right system for you. It’s important to understand how energy efficient your home is already, since that could impact the size or kind of system we’d install. We also always recommend that a customer get more than one quote for a system, and ask their contractors any questions they might have.

IS A HEAT PUMP RIGHT FOR ME? Probably! The technology is very versatile, and we can find a solution for almost any home. They’re one of the least expensive ways to heat your home compared to fossil fuels. The option for air conditioning is a major benefit to customers as well. Whether you’re in an older home with an existing heating system, planning to renovate, or building a new home and considering your options, there’s a heat pump system that can work for you.

HOW DOES INSTALLATION WORK? ARE THEY HARDER TO INSTALL IN OLDER HOMES? Installation will vary depending upon the type of system you choose. Some systems require ductwork installation, and others do not. Most heat pumps are very simple to install, and the disruption to a family is very small, usually just a day or two of work and they’re up and running. Your contractor will work with you to take care of all the details.

HOW WILL A HEAT PUMP HELP SAVE ME MONEY? Heat pump technology is remarkably efficient, especially in our Nova Scotian climate. For every watt of electricity needed to run a heat pump, you get up to three watts of heat transferred into the house. Because of this, they help increase the EnerGuide rating on homes. They are so much more efficient than traditional ways to heat a home like oil, and customers can save a lot on their heating costs. Plus, with the ongoing fluctuation in oil prices, you can’t always predict what the cost to heat your home will be; but with a heat pump, you won’t have any surprises.

ARE THERE OTHER BENEFITS PEOPLE MIGHT SEE WITH A HEAT PUMP? Other than cost savings, the biggest benefit is removing the need to burn fuel in a home. It’ll mean that pollutants are removed from your home, and many people gain quite a bit of space removing an oil tank. Removing the oil tank also means eliminating the general risk associated with having an oil tank. Heat pumps can also help improve the air quality in your home, making them an effective way for people with asthma or allergies to heat their homes.

HOW CAN PEOPLE FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HEAT PUMPS OR TALK TO SOMEONE ABOUT THEIR SPECIFIC PROJECT?

Get in touch with an experienced professional if you want to learn more. You can visit HeatPumpsSetYouFree.ca for a list of heat pump contractors across Nova Scotia.

Or, if you’re visiting the Real Home Show, drop by the Comfort Zone at Nova Scotia Power’s booth (130) to experience a working heat pump.

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2016-02-18 11:44 AM

More than 16,000 people visited last year!

Homeowner FYI:

Getting ready to buy or sell?

Talk to a REALTOR® first

H

ome shows are the best! Where else can you have access to everyone who has anything to do with home buying, selling, building, decorating or renovating under one roof? It is a grown-ups candy store.

However, before you confirm your plans for your home, you may want to consult a REALTOR® and here’s why.

There are many tools out there to help you with home buying and selling transactions, so it may not be apparent how working with a Realtor can make a big difference.

Your Realtor is your Trusted Guide and local expert, knowledgeable about your community’s market conditions and what you can expect during the home buying and selling process. Realtors are dedicated to life-long learning. Each year, Realtors take education courses to increase their knowledge of the industry – these courses cover everything from condos to single family homes, buying, selling and more.

Realtors are also committed to a strict code of ethics known as the Realtor Code. As part of this code, they are committed to professional competent service, absolute honesty and integrity in business dealings, and cooperation with and fairness to all. Your Realtor will always work in your best interests to help you achieve your goals.

Buying or selling a home is a complicated legal process and can be hard to navigate. Your Realtor has experience in guiding people through the ins and outs of real estate. They can help you find the right home for your family, price and market your current home, and navigate complex paperwork. They also have exclusive access to the Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS® MLS® System, which is the single most powerful tool for buying and selling a home in our province.

Here are just a few questions that your Realtor may ask you when you first meet: 1) Why do you want to buy a home and how does this house fit into your long-term goals?

2) What are your must-haves, and what don’t you want in a home? ...Many buyers find wish lists helpful.

3) How long do you plan on living in your next home? Is it your “forever” home, or are you buying a “starter” home, with plans to move-up?

4) Have you considered all the extra costs including Deed Transfer Tax, property tax, inspections, etc?

5) What are you looking for in a community? What amenities?

More information on how to pick your Realtor can be found on www.trustedguide.ca.

What you need is a

REALTOR

®

26

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Your Trusted Guides

TrustedGuide.ca

Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association

2016-02-18 11:44 AM

At Home With Nature

FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

M

Phase 5

EA

LOT 75

DO

W

1.5 acres

VI

EW

W

LOT 76 LOT 77

LOT 82

LOT 83

LOT 81 1.7 acres

2.0 acres

SOLD

SOLD

LOT 42

SOLD

SOLD

PINE RIDGE LANE

Broo k

2.9 acres

1.6 acres

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD SOLD

SOLD

LOT 46 1.4 acres

LOT 48

1.5 acres

LOT 51

FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

1.3 acres

LOT 50 1.6 acres

LOT 49 1.5 acres

1.5 acres

LOT 47 2.0 acres

gravel walking trail

LOT 44

LOT 43

LOT 52

1.4 acres

WETLAND

1.4 acres

2.0 acres

LOT 35

LOT 37

1.6 acres

1.6 acres

SOLD

1.5 acres

SOLD

1.6 acres

SOLD

W AY OAKS

LOT 45

LOT 36

LOT 78

1.7 acres

SOLD SOLD AL R OY

SOLD

LOT 79

LOT 53

1.5 acres

2.6 acres

4.8 acres

PHASE 4

1.7 acres

SOLD

LOT 84

LOT 85

LOT 80

1.8 acres

AY

1.2 acres

WETLAND LOT 40

LOT 41

SOLD

LOT 38 1.3 acres

LOT 39 SOLD

N WETLAND NATURE PRESERVE PARKLAND

2.6 acres

1.4 acres

Lot sizes are Approximate

gravel walking trail

2.9 acres

Lot sizes are approximate

Custom Home Packages by award-winning Kel-Greg Enterprises

Contact us for examples and pricing on turn-key new home packages including lot and all site work.

custom crafted homes & sitework

902.883.8389 • www.kelgreg.com

Helping companies put all the pieces together

Custom Publications

(902) 430-6493

NH&R Publication Series

info@dattcom.ca Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association

NH&R_2016_HomeShow.indd 27

Advertising & Graphic Design

www.dattcom.ca The REAL Home Show • 2016

27

2016-02-18 11:44 AM

Talk with the Pros - learn about the best products

Homeowner FYI:

Choosing the right community

Y

our home is the place where you’ll cook, entertain and curl up to relax after a long day. But outside those four walls are the people and spaces that play an even larger role in your life: your community.

“We all know a home’s style is very important, but really what goes on inside the house and outside the house determine how happy you are in the environment,” says Gail Penney, president of Seven Lakes Developments Ltd. So how do you choose the one that’s right for you? Well, it depends on the kind of lifestyle you want to build – and that’s different for everyone.

For families with school-aged children, the decision can ultimately come down to the local school system. Adam McLean with Armco Communities says school boundaries are “incredibly important” and frequently influence home purchases.

“Sometimes we’ll have a school dividing line run right through a subdivision, and one side will sell out right away because everyone wants their children to go to that particular school,” says McLean.

Although developers are required to give 10 per cent of the land back to the community – either in the form of a park or a green space – McLean says parks are clearly a much bigger selling point for homeowners with small children.

New! Custom retirement homes

Gerald Mitchell Contracting

“Open green areas turn into big fields that don’t really get used. They don’t have the appeal of swings, slides and sandboxes,” says McLean. “We’re building a $500,000 park in a subdivision close to Shearwater and it’s all airport-themed with a runway

LTD.

Custom home builder in Hailfax

Celebrating 35 years

Garden Style Living

gmhomes.ca | (902) 860-4411 28

The REAL Home Show • 2016

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one level homes by

Gerald Mitchell Contracting

LTD.

Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association

2016-02-18 11:44 AM

and little planes for the kids to play on.”

Of course, not everyone cares about schools or monkey bars. McLean says firsttime buyers are all about the amenities.

Years of apartment or condo life has left these urban-dwellers wanting to be close to creature comforts.

“If it’s someone’s first time moving outside of the city, you’re going to have a hard time getting them there without grocery stores and liquor stores and places within a close walk,” says McLean.

Penney agrees that many buyers are excited about spending more time in nature but they also appreciate having quick access to a grocery store, liquor store, restaurants, doctors, dentists and physiotherapists.

She finds city-dwellers are often hesitant to leave the city because they’re nervous about the idea of a well and septic system, so they appreciate that areas like Seven Lakes have “redefined country living” by having on-site services.

For older couples and empty-nesters, McLean says it’s pretty divided: some prefer to be close to many amenities – especially if they’re relying on public transportation or have frequent medical appointments – while others can’t wait to nab a two-acre lot with plenty of privacy.

He’s noticed there also seems to be a love-it-or-hate-it relationship with the neighbourhood covenants that are becoming more prevalent in new areas.

Restrictions about colour palettes, paint colours and stonework are comforting to some buyers and bring out the rebellious streak in others.

“The consistency of a subdivision is important to people who really base their decision on a community’s home style,” says McLean. “They don’t want to buy a $500,000 house with a $300,000 house next door.”

When it comes to new developments, the decision to purchase is often based on what’s coming – even if it’s not there yet.

“People want to know what else is planned. More subdivisions? More commercial properties? New schools?” says McLean. “If people are going outside of the

continued...

Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association

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See you at the Show – March 4 - 6!

Choosing a community, continued...

“...developers are required to give 10 per cent of the land back to the community – either in the form of a park or a green space...” city and taking a chance on a new area, they want to know what it will become in the next few years.”

But it’s not just future amenities that can influence a decision – it’s sometimes the person’s future home. Property manager Nicole Perchard with Seven Lakes Community says homeowners often choose a community where they’ll be able to access different housing options as their

needs change. A couple with teens may start off with a single-family home but want the option to downsize to a smaller home within their own community once their kids are off at university.

Many new neighbourhoods are including housing for every stage of life, from apartments and condos through to townhomes, semi-detached homes, single family homes and finally garden-style

bungalows for seniors. Some areas are even including continuing care facilities, allowing older residents who may need assistance or health-monitoring to stay in their own community.

In the end, choosing the right community is a decision that can only be made by a homeowner who has thought about what is most important to them ... and what feels right for their lifestyle.

END

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The REAL Home Show • 2016

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Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association

2016-02-19 9:41 AM

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