FineHomes Regina Spring 2012

REGINA SPRING 2012

CRAWFORD HOMES Best of Both Worlds

DOWNTOWN LIVING Makes a Comeback Q&A WITH DAVID SUZUKI’S Queen of Green KEN BEATTIE Canada’s Favourite Gardener

Budget Blinds is Regina and Surrounding Area’s #1 choice for all your window covering needs!

Budget Blinds is North America’s largest window covering company, which provides the competitive edge on products and buying power.

Locally owned and operated, Leanne Fisher is proud to call Saskatchewan home again after moving to Alberta for college 13 years ago! “If you ask any of our staff why we do what we do...they will all answer...because we get to meet so many great people”! Our staff makes the difference! In addition to providing customers with education about each product at a competitive price – our staff truly cares about facilitating a fun, professional in-home atmosphere to make the window covering process easy! If it’s having product air shipped and installing at 11 p.m. on a Friday night to prepare for a wedding the following day, or aiding an elder customer with cleaning her windows while we’re up on the ladder – we are different – we go the extra mile!

534 University Park Drive, Regina, Sk. e-mail: reginaadmin@yourbudgetblinds.ca www.budgetblinds.com

We are out to change how you buy window coverings! Shop where your windows are. We come to you! Explore fabrics, materials, choices and features from hundreds of product styles and colors. We measure so you get the perfect fit, and then provide professional installation to ensure a beautiful view!

Call to book your free in-home consultation!

REGINA & AREA: 306.949.2300

We work for you, not the lenders.

Left to right back row: Andrew Anindo (Lic#315937) 533.5192 , Paul Kozan (Lic#315901) 536.5587, Kim Seifert (Lic# 316147) 533.4492, Steve Kozan (Lic#315938) 737.7827, Lyndon Kozakewich (Lic#314073) 533.2633, Left to right front row: Susie Taylor (Lic#315923) 631.8658, Kara Lachance (Lic#316101) 535.4243, Paul Randall (Lic#315909) 533.8550, Christina Roulston-Marceca (Lic#315363) 537.3426

With interest rates currently hovering at historically low levels, there has never been a better time to secure a mortgage. Whether you are looking to purchase a new home, or wanting to refinance an existing residence, now is an ideal time to do so.

As your trusted mortgage professionals, we always have your best interest at heart. We have access to multiple lenders which allows us to ensure that you are getting the very best rate and mortgage with features that match your unique needs.

Contact one of our agents today to secure a 120 day rate hold.

2058 Lorne Street | Regina, Sk. | 306.522.5626 | www.mortgagecentre.com License #315900

The 2012/13 season marks the 95th Anniversary of the Regina Pats

Season tickets for 2012/13 are on sale now at ticketmaster.ca Season Tickets | Fundraising | Group Tickets Voucher Packs | Corporate Partnership Opportunities Suite Rentals For single game tickets call 306.543.7800 or visit reginapats.com

reginapats.com

BasketCases

More than baskets,

....always extraordinary.

Live in air you love!

BasketCases More than baskets,

....always extraordinary.

Purify, fragrance and eliminate odours, all without chemicals or sprays.

Lampe Berger - what every well-dressed home is wearing!

BasketCases

More than baskets, ....always extraordinary.

1275 Broad Street | Regina Saskatchewan | 306.352.3916 | www.basketcases.ca

Resale

Custom

Condos

New Homes

ore than just a real estate agent.

One

JANINE WILSON MLS ® REALTOR®

JANINE WILSON 100-533 Victoria Ave

One Call Does It All! Call Does

It All!

• Condos • Resale (MLS) • Relocation • New Build

One Call (MLS) Does • Condos • Resale • RelocationIt • New All!Build

• Condos • Resale (MLS) WINDSOR CROSSING • Relocation • New Build DEVELOPMENT CORP.

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

REALTOR

R

MLS

Janine Wilson JANINE WILSON

WINDSOR CROSSING DEVELOPMENT CORP.

MLS ® REALTOR® MLS® REALTOR® 100-533 Victoria Victoria Ave 100-533 Ave. www.janinewilson.ca 306.537.3200 www.janinewilson.ca

537-3200

REALTOR

WINDSOR CROSSING DEVELOPMENT CORP.

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE R

MLS

TM

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

REALTOR

R

MLS

TM

TM

MLS ® REALTOR® www.janinewilson.ca 100-533 Victoria Ave 537-3200 www.janinewilson.ca

537-3200 JANINE WILSON MLS ® REALTOR® 100-533 Victoria Ave www.janinewilson.ca

537-3200

DANIELLE WILSON-CREASER MLS ® REALTOR® and MORTGAGE BROKER www.daniellewilson.ca

536-0027

Danielle Wilson DANIELLE WILSON-CREASER MLS ® REALTOR® and MLS® REALTOR® and Mortgage Broker MORTGAGE BROKER DANIELLE WILSON-CREASER Broker # 315890 MLS306.536.0027 ® REALTOR® and www.daniellewilson.ca MORTGAGE BROKER www.daniellewilson.ca www.daniellewilson.ca 536-0027

536-0027

Here comes the neighbourhood! Live, work and play downtown.

Motivated by the City of Regina’s desire to rejuvenate downtown, Centre Square Developments presents CENTRE SQUARE PLACE, a signature 71 unit, multi-use, LEED compliant condominium project on the southwest corner of 15th Avenue and Broad Street.

• Locally designed, developed, and built • 1,2 & 3 bedroom designs • 900-1990 sq.ft.

• Hardwood floors and Granite Countertops • Energy Star™ stainless steel appliances • Underground Parking • Main level retail • 3 year property tax exemption

CENTRE SQUARE PLACE

Starting from the $330s

2300 Broad St. Regina Sk. 306.565.2300 info@centresquareplace.com Presentation Centre 2139 Broad St. Regina Sk.

High Quality Fence with Down To Earth Pricing Our friendly and professional staff will make sure your fence is installed with accuracy by paying special attention to detail. We strive in providing HIGH QUALITY FENCE WITH DOWN TO EARTH PRICING.

• Maintenance Free • Limited Lifetime Warranty

No job is too big or too small.

• Sales & Professional Installation • Superior Strength & Durability • Various Styles & Colours • Aluminum & PVC Railing • D.I.Y. Packages Delivered • Free Estimates and Consultations

306.529.4594 Email: downtoearthfencing@sasktel.net www.downtoearthfencing.com

Locally owned and operated and proudly serving Regina and surrounding area since June 2008

FineHomes

REGINA

WITH FINE HOMES EDITOR THOM BARKER

Spring 2012 VOLUME 3 ISSUE 1 www.finelifestyles.ca

n February 8, Statscan rolled out the first results from the 2011 census. The sly statsticians at Canada’s counting agency know just how keep the anticipation and excitement building by dribbling out the data in four releases over an eight-month period, just like Hollywood keeps us on the edges of our seats awaiting the sequels to our favourite film franchises.

Fine, call me a geek, but I have always been fascinated by human geography and demographics. The initial release included population and dwelling counts, which are particularly relevant to this magazine and to Regina.

Between 2006 and 2011, our city’s population grew from 179,282 to 193,100, almost eight per cent in five short years. However you count it, 14,000 people is a pretty hefty increase, but it’s hard to really appreciate the magnitude of it until you put it in perspective. If 14,000 people were plopped down into a brand new city, it would be the seventh largest in Saskatchewan. It is the equivalent of taking the city of North Battleford and moving them to Regina.

If Toronto, which boasted a population of 2.5 million in 2006 had grown at the same rate as Regina, it would have added 200,000 people. As it stands, the Big Smoke added 4.5 per cent during the last census period, or approximately 112,000 people. That would be the third biggest city in Saskatchewan, the 34th largest in the entire country, just ahead of Lethbridge, Alberta.

Fascinating, am I right?

Okay, so maybe you’re not waiting with bated breath as I am for the second, May 29, release of age and gender data, but what about the fact that Regina added 4,487 private dwellings over the past five years? That is an extraordinary amount of construction, not to mention all of the associated design, wholesale, retail, consulting and financial services activity, the economic benefits of which trickle down to virtually every person who lives here.

All of that puts me in mind that a tip of the hat should probably go out to the City of Regina. Through all of this growth, there have been some growing pains, but all in all, I’d have to say the municipality seems to be keeping up pretty well under expansion conditions that nobody would have predicted a decade ago.

Finally, there is the question of where all these people are coming from. There are returning Saskatchewanians and job-seeking Canadians from other provinces, but one of the largest cohorts is immigrants from overseas. This can be seen anecdotally in all the great new ethnic restaurants, groceries and other businesses cropping up all the time. As one who cannot get enough ethnic cuisine, it is very heartening to see, but I suppose that is fodder for a column in an upcoming issue of Fine Lifestyles.

Editor Thom Barker editor@finelifestyles.ca

Associate Editor Quinn Bender quinn@finelifestyles.ca

Contributing Editor Ryan Holota ryanh@finelifestyles.ca

Graphic Design and Layout Joni Gaudette joni@finelifestyles.ca

In-house Design Lori Gallagher lori@finelifestyles.ca Tracy Hahn tracyh@finelifestyles.ca Amber Moon amber@finelifestyles.ca

Cover Photography Shawn Fulton www.shawnfultonphotography.com

Photography Calvin Fehr www.calvinfehrphoto.com John Morrell www.morrellstudios.com

Contributing Writers Amy Nelson-Mile G.H. Lewmer Ken Beattie

Mackenzie Brooks Meredith Heron Sheena Koops

Shell Busey Tobie Hainstock Trilby Henderson

Advertising Consultants Brooke Watson Chris Mish Randy Glascock Todd Elik Melanie Pasoli

brooke@finelifestyles.ca chrism@finelifestyles.ca randyg@finelifestyles.ca todd@finelifestyles.ca melp@finelifestyles.ca

Publishers Randy Liberet 540.3320 randy@finelifestyles.ca Wayne UnRuh 541.3365 wayne@finelifestyles.ca 3440 Balsam Grove Regina, Sk. S4V 2S4 Fine Homes Regina is published four times a year by Fine Lifestyles Regina, Ltd. We reserve the right to edit any materials chosen for publication including photographs. We reserve the right to reject or accept any article, photograph, image or advertisement. All contents of Fine Lifestyles Regina, Ltd. publications are copyrighted 2011 with all rights reserved, except for original articles submitted to Fine Lifestyles Regina, where copyright resides with the author. No other part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of Fine Lifestyles Regina Ltd. or its writers. The name Fine Homes Regina, its logo and material cannot be reproduced without the written consent of the publishers. The views and opinions expressed in the expert advice columns herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Fine Lifestyles Regina Ltd. or the companies it represents. The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavour to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future.

No one should act upon such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation.

Featured Contributors Photographers

Writers

John Morrell

Amy Nelson-Mile

As a Photographer and owner of Morrell Studios, John Morrell has routinely exhibited the passion, vision and dedication necessary to be successful in the photography business world.

John is responsible for managing all major aspects of the business as well as overseeing the daily operations and future expansion.

Morrell Studios is a company which provides on-site photography, specializing in large group sessions, gala events, special events, corporate photography and sports organizations.

Morrell Studios boasts an innovative virtual studio www.morrellstudios.com designed around his customers’ needs.

Amy Nelson-Mile is a non-fiction writer who writes corporate material and magazine articles. She has published hundreds of articles in various magazines and newspapers on a wide variety of topics, including the arts, business, education, fashion, health, heritage, human interest, spirituality, and more. She is also a writing instructor, researcher, administrator, and energy worker. She has lived all her life on the Saskatchewan prairie and feels a deep connection to the land here. Her other passions are listening to music, reading, and spending time with her husband and animals. www.amynelsonmile.net

Shawn Fulton

Mackenzie Brooks

Shawn Fulton’s passion for photography began in high school with darkroom developing and printing techniques and evolved at the University of Regina while he was acquiring his BFA in film production. Since, Shawn has all but abandoned the darkroom for digital photography, but still likes to play with antique and Polaroid cameras at social events to give his “party photos” a timeless quality.

Mackenzie Brooks is a freelance writer whose articles appear in several local publications, as well as, magazines in British Columbia and as web copy for a diverse range of clients in the fields of fashion, beauty and advertising. Her work has been featured in ad and media campaigns in event management and professional fundraising content. She is also a featured contributor on www.atrampabroad.com, a website dedicated to travel writing and inspiring wanderlust.

Shawn has a remarkable talent for lighting, which he attributes to his extensive background in stage and film. His work as a director, cinematographer and animator has been screened at film festivals nationally and he was recently featured on the cover of Saskatchewan Filmpool’s Splice magazine.

Mackenzie is also a dedicated arts enthusiast whose love of dance and history has taken her across Europe in pursuit of each, most recently in the dusty and forgotten corners of Spain, Hungary and Romania.

Shawn lives in Regina’s Cathedral Village with his wife, Kendra, and their two children, Rosco and Suki. www.shawnfultonphotography.com

Dorothy Law

Trilby Henderson

Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Dorothy has always had a passion for the arts, so when the opportunity to attend the Visual Art & Design program at Vancouver Film School arose, she happily jumped on board.

Dorothy sees beauty in all people and her surroundings and is utterly fulfilled when she is able to capture that beauty with her camera. “Not many people enjoy having their photo taken, but getting that perfect shot of someone can completely change the way a person views themself, for the better,” she says. Having people feel great about themselves is what keeps Dorothy’s passion thriving. www.everythingvisual.ca

Trilby Henderson completed her BA in Journalism at the University of Regina in 2005. She spent the next several years working in corporate communications and media relations, where she mastered the art of business writing. In 2009, Henderson embarked on a full-time freelance writing career by launching Captive Ink Freelance Writing and Editing Services.

Henderson’s work has been featured in several magazines, newspapers and trade publications. She also provides writing and editing services to businesses and individuals to meet their specific needs, such as the development of a company newsletter or content for a website.

306-543-1566; www.captiveink.com

“Outstanding opportunities to connect with other like minded individuals”

“The best personal and professional development session I have ever attended”

“Excellent format, Powerful faculty of speakers, Empowering experience!”

– Margaret Page, Etiquette Page Enterprises

– Kathy Assayag, Concordia University

– Alan Ruddiman

..............................................................................................................................................................................

Saskatoon

April 13, 2012 • 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Credit Union Centre 3515 Thatcher Avenue .............................................................................

Register Today

1.866.994.2555 www.PowerWithinLeadership.com

.............................................................................

One Full Day of Inspiration, Motivation and Tools for Excellence!

Dr. Phil McGraw Michael (Pinball) Clemons Leonard Brody Mike Lipkin Phil Town Jennifer Heil

Dr. Phil McGraw

KEYNOTE PRESENTER

Dr. Phil McGraw, perhaps the most well-known mental health professional in the world, is the host of the new leader in daytime talk, DR. PHIL. Launched in 2002, DR. PHIL provides the most comprehensive forum on mental health issues in the history of television. For nine years, Dr. McGraw has used the DR. PHIL platform to make psychology accessible and understandable to the general public by addressing important personal and social issues.

Host & Executive Producer Dr. Phil

Dr. McGraw’s work was recognized by the American Psychological Association in 2006, by honoring him with a presidential citation. Over the years, the DR. PHIL show has received 21 Emmy nominations and won 5 PRISM Awards, for the accurate depiction of drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse and addiction. In addition, The Alliance for Women in Media, sponsors of the Gracie Award, named after Gracie Allen, has honored DR. PHIL every year since 2008.

Dr. McGraw is the author of six #1 New York Times bestsellers, published in 39 languages with over 24 million copies in print. In 2003, Dr. McGraw established The Dr. Phil Foundation, a nonprofit charitable organization, funding many worthy projects benefitting disadvantaged children and families. In addition to his work with the Dr. Phil Foundation, Dr. McGraw is a frequent supporter of many worthwhile organizations, including the Court Appointed Special Advocates program.

Dr. McGraw earned a B.A., M.A. and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of North Texas, followed by a year of post-doctoral training in Forensic Psychology at The Wilmington Institute. After 25 years he retired from practice as a licensed psychologist to devote full time to his educational media platform.

An avid tennis player, golfer and scuba diver, Dr. McGraw lives in Los Angeles with his wife Robin.

TEAMWORK Winning Against the Odds

(Pinball)

Michael Clemons

Renowned as one of pro football's most electrifying players, Toronto Argonauts running back Michael "Pinball" Clemons was the CFL's all-time all purpose yardage leader. However, it is his exceptional character, in addition to his outstanding athletic ability, that has made him the remarkable fan favourite throughout Canada.

Pinball’s tireless community involvement and participation in countless charitable causes exemplify the qualities he possesses. He has used his superb leadership and communication skills in his former roles of Coach, President and CEO of the Toronto Argonauts - and now as the vice-chairman of the franchise.

In 2001, Clemons was honoured with the Order of Ontario, and he was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2008.

Pinball’s presentations are at once captivating and empowering, and clearly demonstrate the capabilities of teamwork. Pinball inspires his audiences by illustrating what is possible and what it means to beat the odds. Pinball communicates his heartfelt stories with a passionate spirit and his patented, contagious smile.

CFL Legend and Toronto Argonauts Vice-Chairman

www.PowerWithinLeadership.com | 1.866.994.2555

Leonard Brody

Bestselling Author and Two-Time Emmy Nominated Media Visionary

LEADERSHIP Leadership Alchemy: The Ten Steps To Creating The Chemistry for Success in Times of Change

TECHNOLOGY

The Monumental Shift: An In-Depth Look into the Future of Canada, Technology and the Changing Workforce

Leonard Brody has been called "a controversial leader of the new world order."

He is a highly respected entrepreneur, venture capitalist, bestselling author and a two-time Emmy nominated media visionary who has been through one of the largest internet IPOs in history. A co-founder of user generated news powerhouse NowPublic.com; the President of Clarity Digital Group, one of the largest online news conglomerates in the world; and an advisor to venture capital funds and companies and governments around the world, Leonard is a highly sought after speaker who addresses everything from how technology will continue to revolutionize the workplace and workforce to how corporations can use challenges to steer them toward innovation and growth.

Mike Lipkin

Mike Lipkin is a Toronto-based speaker, author, motivator and persuasion coach who has worked with over 1,000,000 people worldwide. He is the President of Environics/Lipkin, one of Canada’s largest and most sophisticated research houses. By combining Environics’ Social Values Research with his personal expertise and experience, he provides people with the confidence and insights to connect with others at the deepest level.

Specifically, Lipkin provides people with The Personal Best Practices to embrace change while motivating others to do the same. Lipkin has authored four best-selling books including his newest book is One Life, One Meeting – How to Achieve Preeminence One Conversation at a Time.

Bestselling Author, Business Leader & Motivational Speaker

www.PowerWithinLeadership.com | 1.866.994.2555

Phil Town

FINANCE

Investing for Financial Success

He isn’t your typical Wall Street guy. An ex-Green Beret and former river guide, Phil Town is a self-made millionaire several times over and America’s most widely sought-after speaker on investing. He is credited with calling both the top of the market in 2007 on CNBC and the bottom in 2009.

Bestselling Investing Author of Rule #1 and Payback Time.

LEADERSHIP

SUCCESS STRATEGIES Becoming the DriverCreating a Plan for Success

Phil teaches novice investors how to invest for high returns with less risk than putting money in managed funds and regularly references Warren Buffett, David Einhorn, Joel Greenblatt, Julian Robertson and Ray Dalio as examples of the investors who do it the right way – what he calls Rule #1 investing. His books RULE #1 and PAYBACK TIME were both instant #1 New York Times bestsellers and are now published in 14 languages. He has made over 40 appearances on MSNBC-Tv’s “Your Business” and starred on CNBC Tv’s “Millionaire Inside” Series. Phile Town lives in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Jennifer Heil

As one of Canada's premier athletes and recipient of multiple Olympic medals in freestyle mogul skiing, Jenn Heil is a woman whose approach to life consists of a dedication to hard work and a vibrant spirit. After winning gold in the 2006 Winter Olympic Games, she was voted CanWest Media Canadian Female Athlete of the Year in 2007 and won silver in the latest Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver.

Jennifer was also recently received The Bobbie Rosenfeld Female Athlete of the Year Award, 2011, presented by the Canadian Press. Now retired from competition, Jenn focuses on her drive to succeed and pursuit of excellence in her charitable work. She is active in supporting Plan International's Because I am a Girl Campaign, and is a passionate mentor to youth sports and young women.

Canadian Olympic Champion - Voted Canadian Female Athlete of the Year

www.PowerWithinLeadership.com | 1.866.994.2555

The best personal and professional development session I have ever attended – Kathy Assayag, Concordia University

WHAT you will learn Leadership & Innovation • The fundamental tools for establishing a strong leadership foundation • Improve response and reaction time while energizing your team • Combining execution and rewards as a driver of performance Organizational Effectiveness • Harness the power of teamwork, determination and personal excellence • Cultivate a responsive environment • Leverage internal assets in order to expand your competitive edge

EVENT HOST

WHO Should Attend

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

Marketing, Business Development & Information Technology

• Increase productivity in order to thrive in a rapidly evolving business and social environment • How technology will continue to revolutionize the workplace and promote innovation and growth Personal Development • Discover “Your Power Within” to create meaningful results • Overcome challenges and achieve your personal best • Creating the life you desire ........................................................................................................................

Executives, Senior Managers and Candidates for Leadership Positions Human Resource Professionals Business Development, Marketing & Sales Professionals Social Media Consultants and Professionals Information Technology Professionals Project Managers Business Advisors & Management Consultants Educational Professionals Government Managers and Administrators Entrepreneurs, Business Owners & Franchisees Managers & Team Leaders Healthcare Professionals Professional Services

Register 3 tickets and receive the 4th complimentary

(Applies to general and VIP tickets only. Must register by

phone to receive the Group Rate offer)

EMERALD

Media Rate: $395

VIP

Media Rate: $203

(includes Preferred Seating and Photo Opportunity with Dr. Phil)

(includes Preferred Seating behind Emerald Section)

GENERAL

Media Rate: $69

........................................................................................................................

CLICK HERE

TO REGISTER ONLINE ........................................................................................................................

Register Today!

1.866.994.2555 www.PowerWithinLeadership.com

Tickets are subject to 10% TAX. Please add $7.50 service charge per transaction. All sales are final. Please note, the conference ending time may vary as this is a live event. Speakers and date may be subject to change.

What’sInside

32 20

66 FEATURE STORIES 24 Downtown Living 32 Cover Story: Crawford Homes 18 SHOW HOME LOCATOR MAP

66 Homes by Deveraux 78 Meredith Heron 101 Ken Beattie 116 Shell Busey

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DEPARTMENTS 20 Condo Living 30 Homes and Properties 100 Landscaping 116 Renovations and Home Improvement

FineHomes REGINA

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REGINA AND AREA

SHOWHOME LOCATOR MAP 16 6

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Devonshire Dr

1 Pasqua St

Rochdale Blvd

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9 Ave N

Argyle St N

9 Ave N Sherwood Dr

12 Ave N Ring Rd

McIntosh St

Rink Ave

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Whelan Dr

McCarthy Blvd

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Lewvan Dr

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Massey Rd

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Hillsdale St

Rae St

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25 Ave

25 Ave

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REGINA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

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Broad St

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Lewvan Dr

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Gordon Rd

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Township Rd 170

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1.

LAKERIDGE

DUNDEE DEVELOPMENTS 347.8130

WEST 5. FAIRWAYS HARVARD DEVELOPMENTS 777.0650 PARADE OF HOMES

2.

3.

SKYVIEW

TERRA DEVELOPMENTS INC. 924.0445

MAPLE RIDGE

MAPLE RIDGE DEVELOPMENTS INC. 789.0891 STHAMANN HOMES Brad Gregg 591.1736 7002 Maple Vista Drive (Opening Soon) 7002 Maple Vista Drive (Opening Soon)

4.

LAKERIDGE ADDITION

DUNDEE DEVELOPMENTS 347.8130 HOMES BY DUNDEE 1834 N. Blake Road 347.8100 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 7-9 pm Weekends & Holidays 1-5 pm

18

FineHomes REGINA

ARTISAN DESIGN BUILD 221 Brookview Drive 546.8030 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 7-9 pm Sat. & Sun. 1-5 pm DAYTONA HOMES 101 Poplar Bluff Cres 522.3216 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 3-5:30 pm / 6:30 - 9:00 pm Sat. & Sun. 12-5 pm GILROY HOMES 225 Brookview Drive. 789.6080 Hours: Mon- Thurs.- 7-9 pm Sat & Sun 1-5 pm HOMES BY DUNDEE 217 Brookview Drive 347.8100 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 7-9 pm Weekends & Holidays 1-5 pm YAKOBOVICH HOMES 229 Brookview Drive 546-5353 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 7-9 pm Sat. & Sun. 1-5 pm

CENTURY WEST HOMES 222 Brookview Drive 522.1062 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 7-9 pm Sat., Sun. & Holidays 1-5 pm CRAWFORD HOMES 352 Prarie View Dr. 525.9801 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 7-9 pm Weekends 1-5 pm crawfordhomes.ca PACESETTER HOMES 218 Brookview Drive 565.4663 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 5-8 pm Sat. & Sun. 1-5 pm

COURT 6. EVANS EVANS DEVELOPMENT GROUP 584.5378 3566 Evans Court 3501 Evans Court Hours: Tues. - Thurs. 7-9 pm Sat. & Sun. 2-4 pm

7.

CREEKS 8. THE www.thecreeks.ca 522.2300

HARBOUR LANDING

DUNDEE DEVELOPMENTS 347.8130

GILROY HOMES 4838 Sandpiper Cres.

Ron MacDonald 539.4568 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 7-9 pm Weekends & Holidays 1-5 pm

PARADE OF HOMES Hours: Mon- Thurs- 7-9 pm Weekends & Holidays 1-5 pm CRAWFORD HOMES 4703 Glass St. 525.9801 (Daily 1-5 pm)

HOMES BY DUNDEE 4707 Glass St. 347.8100

HOMES BY DUNDEE 4127 Chuka Drive 347.8100 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 7-9 pm Weekends & Holidays 1-5 pm

CENTURY WEST HOMES 4810 Upson Rd. 522.1062 NORTHRIDGE DEVELOPMENTS 4711 Glass St. 352.5900

TRADEMARK HOMES 4822 Upson Rd. 205.2502

KRATZ HOMES 4123 Chuka Dr..737.1912 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 4-9 pm Fri- Sun 12-5 pm

GILROY HOMES 4802 Upson Rd. 789.6080 VARSITY HOMES 4806 Upson Rd. 525.2329

VARSITY HOMES 4147 Chuka Dr. 525.2329 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 7-9 pm Sat. & Sun. 1-5 pm

HARMONY BUILDERS 4818 Upson Rd. 591.0631 DEVERAUX DEVELOPMENTS 4719 Glass St. 522.5556

NORTHRIDGE DEVELOPMENTS 4139 Chuka Dr. 352.5900 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 7-9 pm Sat. & Sun. 1-5 pm

ARTISAN DESIGN BUILD 4826 Upson Rd. 546.8030

STHAMANN HOMES 3902 Goldfinch Way (Opening Soon) Brad Gregg 591.1736

WINDSOR CROSSING - CONDOS 46 Forty Harbour Landing Dr. 537.3200 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 7-9 pm Sat. & Sun. 1-5 pm

GREENS 13. KENSINGTON YAGAR DEVELOPMENTS INC. 789.0891 GILROY HOMES 2022 Norman MacKenzie 789.6080 Hours: Mon- Thurs.- 7-9 pm Sat & Sun 1-5 pm

ON ROSE 14. GARDENS KENSINGTON DEVELOPMENTS 1910 - 12 Ave. Lana Harrison 790.1843 Hours: Sat. & Sun. 1-4 pm

PARK 15. REGENT TRADEMARK HOMES 565 Elphinstone St. 205.2502 Hours: Tues. & Thurs. 5-7 pm Sat. & Sun. 1-5 pm

DALE ON LAST 16. SUN MOUNTAIN LAKE

NORTHRIDGE DEVELOPMENTS 101-2501 Windsor Park Road 352.5900 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 7-9 pm Sat. & Sun. 1-5 pm

TIMBER CREEK

THE LANDINGS

STHAMANN HOMES #1 Timber Creek Place (Timber Creek Condominium) (Opening Soon) Brad Gregg 591.1736

NORTHRIDGE DEVELOPMENTS 4625 Padwick Cres. 352.5900 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 7-9 pm Sat. & Sun. 1-5 pm

CRAWFORD HOMES 4409 Padwick Rd. 525.9801 Hours: Daily 1-5 pm Mon. - Thurs. 7-9 pm crawfordhomes.ca

CRAWFORD HOMES 10 Lott Road East - Bower Estates 525.9801 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 7-9 pm Weekends 1-5 pm crawfordhomes.ca

CREEKS EDGE

NORTHRIDGE DEVELOPMENTS 4657 Hames Cres. 352.5900 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 7-9 pm Sat. & Sun. 1-5 pm

JASTEK RIVERBEND PROJECTS INC. 2102 Heseltine Rd. Rory Clark 790.3638 Mark Cullen 790.3695

347.7747 \ 536.5993

FIORANTE HOMES 4143 Chuka Dr. 569.3456 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 7-9 pm Weekends & Holidays 1-5 pm

RIPPLINGER HOMES 4715 Glass St. 533.9698

RIVERBEND

PARK / WHITE CITY 12. EMERALD TRITHART HOMES

MUNRO HOMES 4114 Chuka Dr. 596.2727 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 7-9 pm Sat. & Sun. 1-5 pm CLOSED HOLIDAYS

JANSON HOMES 4814 Upson Rd. 537.3200

HOMES BY DUNDEE 4413 Padwick Rd. 347.8100 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 7-9 pm Weekends & Holidays 1-5 pm

11.

SUNSMART HOMES 335 Mihr Bay Jaquie Stewart 791.7666 Hours: Mon.- Thurs. 7-9 pm Sat. & Sun. 1-5 pm Resort tours daily 1-5 pm SANDSTONE HOMES 237 Tuwale Trail Jaquie Stewart 791.7666 Hours: Mon.- Thurs. 7-9 pm Sat. & Sun. 1-5 pm Resort tours daily 1-5 pm

9. WASCANA VIEW ON GARDINER 10.GREENS www.greensongardiner.com 789.0891

DAYTONA HOMES 4417 Padwick Road 522.3210 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 3-5:30 pm / 6:30 - 9:00 pm Sat. & Sun. 12-5 pm

GILROY HOMES 3304 Valley Green Way 789.6080 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 7-9 pm Sat. & Sun. 1-5 pm DAYTONA HOMES 3600 Green Moss Lane 522.3211 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 3-5:30 pm / 6:30 - 9:00 pm Sat. & Sun. 12-5 pm SPRING GREEN HOMES 4157 E. Green Willow Terrace 719.1444 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 10-6 and 7-9 pm Sat. & Sun. 12-5 pm

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SophiSticated Urban Living Modern condos for a modernizing city centre

By Mackenzie Brooks owntown living: it’s a lifestyle choice, and it’s one that increasingly means having to make very few compromises. With our growing amenities in downtown Regina – restaurants, shops, urban green spaces and the newly redesigned City Square Plaza on 12th Avenue – it’s a choice that more and more people are making. Downtown is experiencing a purposeful and planned redevelopment of urban style, focused on rejuvenating and reinvigorating our city’s heart; the soul comes with the people who will make downtown Regina the best place to live, work and play, but most of all, to live.

Inarguably the most artfully designed housing project underway in our city’s downtown is The Gardens on Rose condominiums. A beautiful blend of traditional brick-work and modern 20

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sensibilities, The Gardens on Rose presents downtown living at the height of urban style with sophistication in spades. The Gardens on Rose, currently planned to open in late 2013, already piquing the interest of a wide scope of buyers, is more than one-third sold and boasts some enviable features not yet seen in Regina’s downtown housing market.

What to Expect at 2055 Rose Street The Gardens on Rose is now under construction, and situated on the east side of Rose Street just south of Victoria Avenue, and is guaranteed to become a true fixture of the neighbourhood. The developers of this ground-breaking project have incorporated some truly unique and unexpected features that will please residents in the new high-rise space.

Chief among these features is the rooftop garden for which the project is named.

The rooftop terrace boasts a three-season communal outdoor living space (complete with greenery, rooftop plantings and a gas barbecue area) and a year-round, accessible community room with twoway fireplace for added entertainment space, as well as a hot tub, kitchen and fitness centre for use by all residents. It is plain to see that The Gardens on Rose will become a prized address, not only for its location but also for the added touches that the development team has been sure to make a priority when designing for their sophisticated urban clientele. It is anticipated that The Gardens on Rose will suit the living needs of a great cross-section of the urban buyers’ market. It is apparent that a great deal of thought has gone into what will surely be a premiere living space.

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Inside The Gardens on Rose, buyers can expect the same thoughtfulness.

Because of careful planning the 12-storey building boasts views from each of the floors. This is achieved by building the parking spaceabove ground rather than under, thus ensuring that living space begins on the fifth floor. Each unit inside The Gardens on Rose will have its own balcony, but the fifth floor will feature extra wide balconies as they cover the roof of the parkade below. Perhaps the best feature of the building’s parking is that each owner will be allocated two parking stalls for their private use – a luxury that is uncommon in the downtown area.

Fronting the building on the main floor, inside the modern and slick foyer area, The Gardens on Rose project has also thought to incorporate residents’ leisure time as well and will feature an independent and locally-owed coffee and pastry shop for residents and the public to enjoy. Not only will The Gardens on Rose fulfill housing requirements in Regina’s rejuvenated downtown, it will also contribute to the creation of entertainment and leisure facilities and help bolster the local economy. The Gardens on Rose project has been spurred to action by local ideas to move our city in a forward and

progressive motion. Investors, designers and the construction team are all local companies who believe that investing at home will yield opportunities for all.

The Suite Life Residents of The Gardens on Rose can choose from nine floor plans that feature a one bedroom plus den and two bedroom suites with and without dens that range in price from $400,000 to $650,000.

Each unit is artfully designed to maintain privacy, reduce communal noise with solid concrete construction and maximize insuite storage space. Every unit is equipped with a fireplace, two washrooms and adequate-sized bedrooms. Overall space ranges from 1,100 to 1,400 square feet and each unit will incorporate a combined kitchen-and-dining area with great room space to create an open-concept feeling while still maintaining the privacy of sleeping quarters. Buying pre-construction means your finishing work is guaranteed to be your own; choice and customization options abound for the buyer who purchases early.

The Gardens on Rose hits the mark when it comes to sophisticated urban living and graciously lives up to its name by providing

green space and beauty to residents and the neighbourhood alike. If The Gardens on Rose sounds like the place where you would like to put down some roots, visit the sales centre on the corner of 12th and Rose (just north of Victoria Avenue) to discuss your future at this prestigious address and to secure your space. The Gardens on Rose is downtown living at the height of grace. Be among the first to call The Gardens on Rose your home and experience downtown living as it has never been before.

Drop into the sales showroom to discuss your own space in The Gardens on Rose and make your move downtown a beautiful one. The Gardens on Rose – 2055 Rose Street and online at www.gardensonrose.com FHR

Gardens on Rose 2055 Rose Street sales@gardensonrose.com www.gardensonrose.com

EXPERTAdvice How to ConvinCe Your SpouSe to Hire a Cleaning ServiCe

1. “We can’t afford it” – It may be time to take a look at the budget and reassess your priorities. It is easier to relocate funds rather than add on additional expenses. It may be worth giving up the $5 latte at $150 per month in return for having your home cleaned.

You can schedule your service to the frequency that fits your budget.

2. “How hard can it be to keep this home clean” – Make a list of everything you do or would like to be doing when cleaning the home and split the chores over the next couple of weeks. You may be surprised how much time and energy it takes to keep your home in tiptop shape and how worthwhile a cleaning service can be.

3. “We are clean people. Our house is not dirty” – Dirt and germs hide in areas that are often not touched when we only have a few moments to clean. A professional cleaning service will get to areas that you may not have time identify.

By Sharla Shaw Tidy Time Saver Professional House Cleaning Service.

306-546.1505 sharlashaw@tidytimesaver.com www.tidytimesaver.com

D

o you often come home from work completely exhausted only to find your home in complete disarray?

All you want to do is put your feet up and relax but the nagging voice in your head is telling you that your bathrooms need a good scrubbing and the floors are in desperate need of a good cleaning. Do you dream about being one of your neighbours who has the luxury of coming home to a sparkling clean home, because they have hired a cleaning company? But the thought of bringing the subject up with your spouse is daunting, to say the least? Here are some common objections and how to negotiate your way to a less stressful life.

4. “You worry too much – just relax” – Not everyone employs the same standard of cleaning, but if you are feeling stressed that you can’t get your house in order, that will affect the relationships with your spouse and children. Imagine the feeling if company pops by and you don’t have to worry if your bathrooms are clean.

5. “I do not like to have strangers in our home” – With a professional cleaning service all security measures are taken care of. Any cleaning company you hire should be able to provide you with the hiring practices and insurance coverage. Hire a company that fully trains their employees.

Many companies hire anyone and everyone, as they believe that anyone can clean.

This is the furthest thing from the truth.

People who work for a professional cleaning company need to be professionally trained. A trustworthy, hardworking individual can be trained to become a great cleaner.

Ask if the company is covered by insurance and WCB, and is bonded.

Staff at Tidy Time Saver

This will ensure that the employees are insured against accidents, crime and any other liabilities while in your home.

This gives you the peace of mind you cannot get from hiring a “friend of a friend”.

6. “It is a luxury we don’t need” – The time has come think of a cleaning service not as a luxury, but a necessity. Unlike going out for dinner and a movie (often the same cost as a cleaning), the cleaning helps preserve your home and your family’s health. A cleaning service will give you time to spend together as a family.

Still not convinced? Try a cleaning service one time and experience the feeling you and your spouse will enjoy while walking into a clean home. This may truly demonstrate the value of hiring a professional cleaning company. FHR

Tidy Time Saver Professional House Cleaning Service

Serving Regina and area for over 11 years

Photo Credit: Tourism Saskatchewan/Hans-Gerhard Pfaff

FULL CIRCLE Downtown living makes a comeback

By Ryan Holota

egina is changing. This statement may seem obvious at first, but if you delve into the culture and attitudes in the city a little deeper, you uncover some fundamental changes in the way that people across Saskatchewan are thinking. As much as Saskatchewanians in Saskatoon and Regina like to think that our main cities are cosmopolitan, we have great lengths to travel before we reach the levels of ‘big cityness’ that places like Calgary, Vancouver, and Toronto

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have achieved. One of the key factors in that regard is the number of people who are living in the downtown core of the community. For the past 50 years or so, the trend has been to push away from the downtown hubs and to spread the community across the vast prairie landscape.

Today it seems as if every family wants a 43’ lot with a two car garage and an open concept living/dining room. Living in the downtown core was seen as something for people who aren’t as well off or who

can’t afford their dream home in the suburbs – students, single people, and the aged, who just never moved away.

Of course, this perception hasn’t always been shared by everyone. There have been downtown condominiums for decades, often incredibly glamorous and beautiful spaces that rival those of any Vancouver building. Lofts and condominiums with views of Wascana, filled with carefully selected items chosen by

interior designers have existed in Regina all along. But now, more and more people are looking for their own piece of big city living, right here in Regina.

It IS Easy Being Green The topic of energy conservation can be highly divisive, but whether you care about the environment because you believe in protecting the world around us, or are simply looking for ways to save money on expenses, energy conservation can help you achieve your goals.

Put simply, dense urban areas are more environmentally friendly than sprawling suburban areas. For one, the living spaces are typically much smaller than those in suburban Regina.

These smaller spaces naturally require less energy to heat and cool, and compact spaces require less lighting. This has a positive effect on both your utility bills and the amount of energy that you consume each month.

Photo Credit: Tourism Saskatchewan/Casino Regina

Driving is another area where you will save a lot of money and reduce your environmental footprint. While all of your friends are talking about installing remote starters and letting their cars warm up for 15 minutes before they begin the 30 minute drive downtown to work, you get to sleep in, pour a tall hot coffee, and set out for a leisurely 10 minute walk, no matter where you have to go. With everything being so close, you’ll barely need to use your car at all. Fewer miles on your vehicle means less fuel is consumed, a plus both for your wallet and for the environment. And less wear and tear means fewer trips to the repair shop and a higher resale value. In fact, with Regina’s public transportation systems, you may find yourself rethinking whether you really need a car in the first place.

Photo Credit: Tourism Saskatchewan/Black Box Images

Photo Credit: Tourism Saskatchewan/Black Box Images FineHomes REGINA

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Photo Credit: Tourism Saskatchewan/Black Box Images

In The Middle Of It All Some people say that Toronto is the centre of the universe, but those who live in downtown Regina may just disagree with that. Living anywhere downtown puts you in easy walking distance of many of Regina’s greatest features. Head out for supper at some of Regina’s finest establishments, watch a play at the Globe, or join your friends at one of downtown Regina’s many great pubs. Of course, you can always watch a live performance at Applause or head a few blocks south and walk around Wascana Lake. There is no end to the entertainment, cultural, and lifestyle destination events that surround Regina’s downtown.

Looking for supper? Restaurant choices include seafood, steak, sushi, and more.

Want to meet people? The downtown is littered with pubs, coffee shops, and public spaces. Trying to get some exercise? You are just blocks from the second largest urban park in Canada (just behind Nose Hill Park in Calgary). The truth is, you’ll never be alone in downtown Regina.

Amenities, Development, and Beauty It has often been said that Regina does not have a downtown grocery store, though the truth is that there are several places to buy groceries just outside of the downtown core. There is a Safeway located on 13th Ave and there are several ethnic and organic food stores near the area. In addition, some stores will deliver 26

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Photo Credit: Tourism Saskatchewan/ Greg Huszar Photography

groceries, and private companies exist which will purchase your groceries at any store and deliver them to you whenever you want. Though, with all the restaurants in the downtown area, you may not want to cook much anymore.

Several downtown developments are in the works for downtown Regina. The largest is Capital Pointe Condominiums which, when completed, will feature 26 floors of residential living and is rumoured to become the tallest building in Regina. Other buildings planned or under construction for the area include Gardens on Rose and Centre Square Place.

commuter time and congestion on city streets. An increasing number of people have already chosen to make downtown Regina their home. If moving downtown is something that you’ve been thinking about you need to ask yourself ‘when am I going to do what I want to do?’ If you haven’t been thinking about it, why not?

FHR

With the completion of the new City Square Plaza encompassing Victoria Park, the downtown is an even more beautiful place to spend time. In summer the streets are lined with food carts, people gather to enjoy the sunshine and each other’s company. In the winter, beautiful lights enhance the architecture and a skating rink provides yet another way to stay active.

On The Verge Of A Transformation A revitalization has been taking place in the downtown Regina housing market.

An increasing number of housing units have been developed, and continue to be developed, in the downtown area. Regina is growing at a record pace, and this growth is not expected to slow anytime soon. As more and more people continue to flood the city, the suburbs will expand, driving house prices up and increasing

Photo Credit: Tourism Saskatchewan/Douglas E. Walker

C A P I TA L P O I N T E AT A L B E R T A N D V I C T O R I A

& n o C’m y t i C e h In T

Live

capitalpointe.ca

C’mon & Live In The City.

Cap

Live In The Heart Of It. Downtown At Capital Pointe Capital Pointe will be the pre-eminent residential location in Regina, the tallest building in the City and the jewel in the development of the Downtown area.

Indoor, Outdoor. Everything At Your Door!

Capital Pointe will offer residents their own lifestyle amenities right on their doorstep, including pub, restaurant and shops; and their own lifestyle services, through an exclusive 24 hour dedicated Condominium Concierge program, based out of a private residential lobby.

$200’s

FROM THE MID

306.757.1205

www.capitalpointe.ca

Prices and specifications subject to change without notice. See sales representatives for details. Rendering is artist concept only. E. & O. E.

Downtown At...

pital ital Pointe Pointe

View From Legislative Building Artist concept

It’s So Exciting To Be A Part Of It. The People, The Shops, The Cafes!

Capital Pointe is located just steps away from Downtown shopping, restaurants and entertainment, the centre of the business community, major parks and pedestrian malls, theatres, museums, libraries and so much more.

Developed by:

Serving Regina AND AREA for over 50 years!

Joan and Kevin Stricker, Free Estimates Owners • Lumber • Decking Materials • Building Supplies • Builder’s Hardware • Mouldings • Roof Trusses • Metal Roofing and Sheathing • Windows and Doors

1737 Dewdney Ave. Regina, Sk. 306.525.2791 www.friestallman.com

Hwy 35 Fort Qu’Appelle, Sk. 306.332.2833

Featuring the New American Standard Tropic Introducing the new look of luxury for the bathroom.

The LXP (Luxury Performance) toilet.

INSPIRED DESIGN ELEVATED WATER SAVINGS TROUBLE-FREE USE UNCOMPROMISED PERFORMANCE

Touch me, feel me, turn me on...before you take me home.

Canada’s most interactive kitchen & bath showrooms.

With hundreds of products, one on one appointments and the latest trends.

Regina • 306-565-2284 1176 Hamilton Street

Saskatoon • 306-933-2237 649 - 51 Street East

Winnipeg • 204-788-0550 1300 St Matthews Avenue Visit Us www.upgradeyourlifestyle.ca

Member Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association

Re-Roof & New Homes | AspHAlt sHiNgles 5” CoNtiNuous eAvestRougH soffit & fAsCiA | iNsuRANCe ClAims liCeNsed & iNsuRed | fRee estimAtes

Building

Mutually Beneficial Relationships,

One ROOf At A time

1 4 2 1 E d g a r St rEEt, rEgina | 306 .502.16 6 0 | www.can r id g Eroofin g .co m

Above and Below Photos by Shawn Fulton

Frankie Parris New Home Sales Representative

invest and save

By Mackenzie Brooks

A

re you considering a home building project? Perhaps you’re seeking guidance on the path to new home ownership? If you’re unsure about your position on building new (versus buying resale), make some time to speak with Frankie Parris, a new-home building consultant with Crawford Homes – one of Regina’s biggest names in home building.

“I have always been the kind of person who sees business development opportunity in all the projects I take on,” said Frankie.

“When I built with Crawford, I had the chance to see the ins and outs – the true daily workings of the company – and I was convinced that I could apply my own business knowledge to the process and help other new home buyers navigate their path to home ownership. I’ve always been

a ‘helper,’ and I’m excited to be helping people, especially young families, move into their first new home.”

With rental- and resale-home costs being what they are in Regina, Frankie’s approach to new home ownership is simple: invest and save. “Resale homes can come with pre-existing issues that cost money to repair, and they are also sometimes over priced and are obviously not customized to your tastes,” he said. “By working as a consultant on behalf of the buyer, I’m able to show them that investing in a new home and choosing which options to mortgage and which to purchase outright save you money; you get exactly what you want and can feel confident that your home is solid and suits you and your family.”

Move your family into a new home with Frankie’s help and guidance. Guaranteed personal attention and a consultant working for you, means your new home will be as unique as you are.

Find new home floor plans, and information on Frankie’s other business projects at www.frankieparris.com or call 306-501-3761. FHR

Frankie Parris Crawford New Home Sales Representative 306.501.3761

CUSTOM, NEW OR PRE-OWNED, CRAWFORD IS #1

By Ryan Holota. Photos by Shawn Fulton

1979: A big year in the world. Electronics manufacturer Phillips publicly demonstrated Compact Disc technology for the first time (at the same time, the 8-track player was still an option in new cars), and the Sony Walkman went on sale in Japan.

Star Trek: The Motion picture debuts on the big screen, and Pioneer 11 becomes the first spacecraft to visit Saturn. In Regina, Al and Audrey Bashutski were a part of forming Crawford Homes.

Today, with more than 30 years of experience, Crawford Homes prides themselves on being #1 in the business: #1 in service, #1 in quality, #1 in value and #1 in selection. Crawford Homes builds some of the best houses in Canada. Their new homes are EnergyStar approved, feature the Crawford Homes Exclusive Gold Warranty (2-5-10-Lifetime), and have the best standard specifications in the business. Those are just some of the reasons they’ve won so many awards for their work.

Crawford has used their experience in the home building business (they’ve built more than 4,000 homes in Regina and area) to develop an extensive selection of new home plans. They have something for everybody in their catalog and an impressive selection of lots across the city for you to build on. In addition to homes built just for you, they also have an inventory of show homes and spec houses

Sell Your Home Guarantee Homelife Crawford Realty boasts some of the best new and used home salespeople in the city. This is important, because the last thing that someone who has just built a new home wants to do is carry a mortgage on their last home because it isn’t selling. With that in mind, Crawford Homes has developed a program to guarantee that your old house will sell before you take possession of your new home – or they’ll buy it from you at a pre-determined price. Not only does this lend peace of mind to you, the contract also serves as an unconditional offer when it is time for you to approach a financial institution for your new home mortgage.

Get In Touch With Crawford Homes Today

Jeff Bashutski NEW HOME SALES 306.591.6264

Dwight Wentzell Doug Giesbrecht Janine Wilson NEW HOME SALES NEW HOME SALES NEW HOME SALES 306.591.7998 306.529.6161 & REALTOR‰ 306.537.3200

Al Giesbrecht NormaWILSON Deck JANINE Kaitlyn Probe Lori Van Woert MLS ® REALTOR® HOME SALES NEW HOME SALES NEW HOME SALES NEW HOME SALES NEW 100-533 Victoria Ave 306.737.2863 & REALTOR‰ 306.596.7556 306.737.1070 www.janinewilson.ca 306.536.1249

One Call Does It All!

• Condos • Resale (MLS) • Relocation • New Build

Raj Verma Dennis Galandy Danielle Wilson Mike Toth NEW HOME SALES NEW HOME SALES NEW HOME SALES NEW HOME SALES ‰ & REALTOR‰ & REALTOR‰ & REALTOR‰ & REALTORWINDSOR CROSSING 306.581.2487 DEVELOPMENT CORP. 306.522.6683 306.536.0027 DANIELLE WILSON-CREASER 306.536.3562 MLS ® REALTOR® and MORTGAGE BROKER www.daniellewilson.ca

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

Whether you’re looking to buy an existing home or build the house that makes the Joneses jealous, Crawford Homes has the experience and the professionals to help you out. Give them a call at (306) 525-9801 or point your browser to www.

CrawfordHomes.ca to view all of their current listings and available floorplans. FHR

537-3200

Crawford Homes has the experience and the professionals to help you out

that are available for sale. If you can’t wait the short time (four to five months) it takes to build from scratch, Crawford probably has a new home that is nearing completion for you to claim as your own. And if you have a house that you need to sell, Crawford can help you out there as well.

REALTOR

Ajit Matharu REALTOR‰ 306.581.3130

R

MLS

536-0027

TM

Anh Ly NEW HOME SALES & REALTOR‰ 306.596.5534

Dallis Franklin REALTOR‰ 306.581.9498

Frankie Parris NEW HOME SALES 306.501.3761

Doug Gold REALTOR‰ 306.591.7874

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Shawn, Virginia and Brandyn Lemieux

Follow a real customer through their experience with Crawford Homes When my Mom and Dad moved to Regina in 1999, my Mom selected Homelife Crawford Realty to help her buy a home. I remember how closely their Realtor worked with my Mom to find the perfect place to live and how often we saw her. We got to know her quite well throughout the process and she really became a family friend.

When my husband and I got married in 2004 we decided that it was time for us to buy a home as well. Once again, Homelife Crawford Realty was there to help us through the process of establishing our needs and helping us find a home with everything that we wanted. Our agent was willing to do whatever it took to make everything work for us. She respected our budget and what we were looking for and she helped us to find a great home.

CRAWFORD HOMES SHOWHOMES

Seven years later it was time for us to move again. This time, we wanted to build a new home and Crawford was the natural choice. Crawford Homes is a well respected and well recognized name in the community. They build great homes and deal with other Regina-based companies for supplies.

4703 Glass Street

Crawford homes was scheduled to break ground on our home on November 15. My husband and I were surprised to find that they actually broke ground almost a week early. We stop by the job site everyday and have been amazed at how quickly everything has been progressing. The house was fully enclosed with windows and doors before Christmas. Because we’ve been at the construction site every day watching the progress, we know that there have been people working on our home all the time.

352 Prairie View Drive

Check back in the summer 2012 issue of Fine Homes Regina to see when Virginia and Shawn took possession of their home, and to learn about their experiences building and taking possession of their new home, as well as how their post-possession customer experience has been.

Visit our website: www.crawfordhomes.ca for the most current showhomes and map

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Our possession date was originally scheduled for June 15, 2012. Amazingly, we are now looking at getting the keys to our new house on March 23, 2012.

-Virginia and Shawn Lemieux

4409 Padwick Road

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We first spoke with Crawford Homes in October of 2011 to discuss the idea of building a new home. We walked in with a budget that we wanted to stick to and an extensive wish list. These weren’t things that would be ‘nice to have,’ but items that we would need in our new home to make it worthwhile for us to move. They searched through their plans and came back to us with one that suited our needs. Even though the house we are building isn’t truly a custom home, they have allowed us to customize the plan to include everything that we want without having to go back to the drawing board and sit down with a salesperson and design everything from scratch. They were able to provide us with everything that we wanted and it really feels like the house was designed just for us.

Crawford Homes 100-533 Victoria Ave Regina, Sk. 306.525.9801 www.crawfordhomes.ca

CUSTOM CLADDING WINDOWS (MADE IN SASKATCHEWAN) CUSTOM BUILT DOORS SIDING, SOFFIT/FASCIA • Renovating Saskatchewan Homes for 31 Years • Out of Town Work Welcome/Free Estimates • TD Financing Available BEFORE

AFTER

Member Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association

BUILDING PRODUCTS LTD.

www.fixbuildingproducts.ca | 525-8144 | 1- 866 FIX RENO 1-866-(349-7366)

L to R: The Team at A Balanced Approach consists of Kate Enright, Jackie Schlamp, David Fernandez, Pricilles Pierce, Krystal Cowie, Caitlin Pierce.

Missing: Rosalie Juravle-Clark, Secretaries Roberta Caza and Amanda Eberle.

HEALING THROUGH BALANCE THROUGH THERAPY

By Mackenzie Brooks. Photos by Calvin Fehr

“The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human body, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease.”

– Thomas Edison 38

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nside the glorious old house at 2310 College Avenue, rejuvenation has taken place. What many citizens of Regina will remember as a bastion of a bygone era has been newly restored and remade into something fresh and beautiful. Inside the fine, former home, the staff at A Balanced Approach Therapy Centre is hard at work doing the same for their clients. With a holistic approach to wellness and health, the team makes certain that their new facility delivers on its promise to make an investment in their clients. By providing a setting to feel at home, A Balanced Approach promises a safe place to touch

base and reconnect with yourself.

“We know that life is busy for everyone these days,” said owner and registered massage therapist, Pricilles Pierce. “The entire team here is dedicated to bringing both physical and emotional wellness to our clients. We aim to be a place where everyone feels that they are appreciated and welcome,” she continued. “Our new home on College Avenue has made it possible to help many more clients to become balanced and find their way to renewed health. The house stands as a testament to what is possible when you

dedicate yourself to renewal, of the physical body, of health and of spirit too. We knew the house was the perfect fit for us when we first looked at it.”

With nearly 20 years in the health and wellness practice, Pricilles knows that holistic health is important. “Yes, we do offer esthetics in our studio, but we remain focused on whole-health well being,” she explained. “What is most important to us is to touch our clients on a deeper level, rather than simply on the surface. Even our body wraps, for example, are conducted by an esthetician, while the accompanying massage is performed by a registered massage therapist; all our esthetic services have a health aspect to them and are done with all-natural products.” In keeping with their mandate of holistic health and renewal, A Balanced Approach specialises in all areas of massage therapy (including prenatal, sports, therapeutic and couples’ massage), reflexology, craniosacral therapy as well as bodytalk. Certified bodytalk practitioners use your body’s own indicators to release physical and emotional pain that then allows your body to heal itself naturally. Infrared sauna treatments, which can be added to any service, are available to aid in lowering blood pressure, weight loss and improved circulation.

“It’s important to us that we allow our clients to create their own experience when they come to us,” said Pricilles. “We know it can be wild out there. If you’re looking for a place where you can really leave the world behind for an hour, we can do that. If you need to get your work done while you soak your feet, we can do that for you too. We want our clients to feel at home.

The whole team is dedicated to delivering exactly what you need, whatever that might be. We know that relaxation means something different to everyone.”

A Balanced Approach represents the best of holistic wellness, and offers the same to their clients. Drop in online to book treatments, find monthly specials and to keep informed of the team’s news and new directions.

“We’re excited to expand the team. We would love to add a counsellor, naturopath, chiropractor and a nutritionist. We see big things in our future.”

Visit A Balanced Approach at 2310 College Avenue and find your way home to holistic health. For more information or to book your next appointment, call 7573200 or visit them online at www.abalancedapproach.ca.

FHR

A Balanced Approach Therapy Centre 2310 College Avenue Regina, Sk. 306.757.3200 www.abalancedapproach.ca FineHomes REGINA

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Finding the home of your dreams and making it yours was the hard part.

Protecting it is easy!

To find out how, just visit us at: 4615 Albert Street

302 University Park Drive

(South Albert, next to McDonald’s near Gordon Road) Phone: 306-789-8384

Auto

•

Home

•

Commercial

(Just Northeast of Arcola Avenue) Phone: 306-791-3474

•

Travel

www.saskinsurance.com

•

Surety

Property Inspections

Susan

Gerry

Trevor

Administration Commercial Residential GLOBAL PROPERTY INSPECTIONS 306.545.2613 Toll Free: 1.855.545.2613 www.GlobalPropertyInspections.ca You have found a wonderful home, the one you have been searching for. You see yourself building your future there in this dream home or condo. It can be an exciting yet stressful adventure. Whether it is brand new or an older home/condo there is many things to consider when buying.

One important element is a good home inspection. A home inspection is the examination and evaluation of all the major components within a home or property.

These components include electrical, plumbing, heating, roofing, foundation, interior and exterior.

A good and qualified home inspection helps eliminate many questions by providing you with a thorough evaluation and with a well documented report explaining the condition of the property.

You will learn what areas of the home are in acceptable condition and whether there are major or minor concerns. Such a report enables you to make a well informed decision about one of the biggest investments you may ever make.

Even if your home is newly constructed a home inspector can be the final set of “new eyes” to confirm that all the basic and custom items that you, your general contractor, and subcontractors agreed on, were properly completed by the possession date and again just prior to the one year anniversary.

When you buy a car you don’t buy it only because it is comfortable or it’s your favourite colour. You take it to your mechanic to look for what you cannot see, right? So, spend less than half of 1 % of the home’s purchase cost and protect yourself through a home inspection.

When looking for a qualified inspector there are a few points to remember: • Saskatchewan does not yet require property inspectors to be licensed. Anyone can print off business cards from their home computer and call him or herself a home inspector.

• Price should never be the deciding factor.

Keep in mind, that in the end you do get what you pay for.

• Verify if the inspector is a member of an inspection association such as CAHPI (Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors), CanNACHI or InterNACHI (Canadian and Inter National Association of Certified Home Inspectors) • Ask about the inspector’s work experience, training and continuing education program.

• How detailed is the inspector’s report?

You deserve more than a 3 page checklist.

• Does the inspector carry Errors and Omissions Insurance? This insurance provides protection to the buyer if the inspector, through gross negligence, misses something which causes financial or health hardships

all the tools of the trade such as infared equipment?

• Does the inspector have training in proper mold recognition and able to assist you in the testing of the mold if some is found?

• Remember, professional ethics does not allow an inspector to also be a contractor.

• Don’t be overwhelmed, you took a long time to find your dream home, take a bit more time to search out the home inspector professional who will serve you and provide you with the informative tools to make that confident decision to step over the threshold into your new home or condo.

The Top Ten most common inspection items 1. Improper surface grading and drainage 2. Improper and undersized electrical wiring by do-it-yourselfers 3. Older and damaged roofs 4. Deficient and older heating systems 5. Poor Overall Maintenance. On average, we take better care of our cars than we do our homes 6. Structural Problems 7. Plumbing problems 8. Flaws in a home’s exterior 9. Poor Ventilation 10. Miscellaneous item such as sticky windows or dripping faucets, as well as a number of environmental concerns, such as mold and asbestos FHR

• Is the inspector trained in the use of FineHomes REGINA

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DAVID SUZUKI’S

QUEEN OF GREEN “Saving the planet isn’t a spectator sport”

By Ryan Holota hen Lindsay Coulter was nine years old she was watching CBC Television’s The Nature of Things when she turned to her parents and, crossing her fingers, said, “One day, David and I will be like this.” Not many children are able to predict their futures before the age of 10, but Coulter could not have been more correct. After graduating from the University of Alberta with a degree in Zoology in 1999, Coulter began working on a series of intensive scientific research projects. Working in the remains of harvested forests in Northern Alberta, she was concerned about what she saw. She wanted to find a way to communicate with people, to educate them about the consequence of their choices, and the things they can do to be kinder to the environment.

Contributing editor Ryan Holota sat down with Coulter to ask about this education, and find out why people need to recycle less.

FHR: How did you come to be known as The Queen of Green?

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LC: I moved to Vancouver to work with the David Suzuki Foundation, while I was planning my wedding in 2006. I wanted to have a greener wedding, to offset the carbon footprint of all the flights, etc, and so I talked a lot about the things I did to accomplish this. I became the go-to person for a greener everyday life – things we can all do that are actually backed by science and can make a real difference.

FHR: How do you feel that people can make the biggest difference?

LC: I get asked this question quite often.

I always say that you need to look at where your biggest impact is going to be.

For example, if you fly a lot, try to find ways to reduce the number of flights that

you take. One of my favorite suggestions is for people to recycle less.

FHR: Recycle less?

LC: Yes. Recycling is one of these socialnorming things that makes people feel okay about the choices that they make.

Recycling is important, but it should come after finding ways to reduce and reuse the waste that we create. Reuse what you can. One of my favorite examples of this is glass jars. People spend tons of money on containers and storage, and throw away lots of glass jars.

Glass jars can be heated and frozen, used to store dry goods, and as decorative containers. They’re quite useful.

FHR: Once people feel like they’ve mastered the basics, how do you suggest that they move on to the next step?

LC: I’m very passionate about this. You need to begin leveraging what is happening in your community. Once you’ve mastered composting, for example, start helping other people do it. If you live in a small community, try to set up a community composting programs, for example. Saving the planet isn’t a spectator sport. It’s time everybody gets involved.

FHR: You’ve been outspoken about home-cleaning products and offer recipes for people to make their own. Why do you suggest that people do this, and are these products as effective as the ones you can buy from the store?

LC: Absolutely. In Canada, food and cosmetics are the only things that need to be labeled with ingredients. We have no idea what goes into other products, such as cleaners, but we know that many of these ingredients do have negative side effects. One of the easiest things that we can do is to simply look at everything we buy. If the manufacturer hasn’t opted to include a list of ingredients, then don’t buy the product. If there is an ingredient list, then look for items that are on the Dirty Dozen list and avoid those products as well.

I haven’t bought laundry soap for six years; now I just make my own. It’s much more affordable. The price for liquid laundry detergent is around $6 per litre in the stores, but you can easily make it at home for $1 per litre. That’s a significant savings for something that is easy to do, works well and can protect the environment. FHR Lindsay Coulter writes a blog at davidsuzuki.org and at metronews.ca as the Queen of Green. She can also be read in Canadian Living magazine and listened to on radio shows and podcasts across Canada. For a list of the Dirty Dozen ingredients, visit davidsuzuki.org.

Lindsay Coulter

Maintain a clean and hygienic kitchen without the chemicals of store-bought solutions.

Make your own all-purpose cleaners GLASS AND MIRROR CLEANER Wipe with newspaper to avoid streaks • 1/2 cup white vinegar • 1/2 cup water Pour into spray bottle.

TIP: Before switching to this green cleaner, clean up the waxy residue traditional brands leave behind with a 5% rubbing alcohol-to water solution.

STAINLESS STEEL CLEANER Removes smudges from stainless steel appliances • 1 Tbsp olive oil • 1 Tbsp white vinegar Drip olive oil onto rag. Rub surface to get rid of smudges. Drip white vinegar on the other side of rag. Wipe and let dry.

FURNITURE POLISH Since wood finishes vary, always do a test patch • 2 cups warm water • 2 Tbsp olive oil • 2 Tbsp white vinegar (or lemon juice) Pour into spray bottle. Shake well, spray, rub, and polish with rag.

Sustainable harvest

healthy oceans EatEat forfor healthy oceans

Drunkengarlic garlicprawns prawns Drunken in10 10minutes minutes in ASK FOR ASK FOR Trap-caught spot prawns from Trap-caught spot prawns from Canadian Pacific. thethe Canadian Pacific.

Smash garlic cloves chopping board with side of your knife.

Add Smash thethe garlic cloves onon thethe chopping board with thethe side of your knife.

Add some a deep pan over medium heat.

Toss garlic cloves in the until some oiloil to atodeep pan over medium heat.

Toss thethe garlic cloves in the oiloil until slightly golden.

Turn heat onto high.

Add prawns and sake.

Quickly slightly golden.

Turn thethe heat onto high.

Add thethe prawns and thethe sake.

Quickly cover with cover with thethe lid.lid.

2 lbs spot prawns (frozen 2 lbs livelive BCBC spot prawns (frozen thawed used andand thawed cancan be be used as as a a substitute fresh) substitute forfor fresh)

Every minute, hold tight and shake pan to toss prawns without Every minute, hold thethe lidlid tight and shake thethe pan to toss thethe prawns without releasing steam.

The prawns cooked when their flesh is firm, their releasing anyany steam.

The prawns areare cooked when their flesh is firm, their eyes grey, and their shells turn orangey-red completely.

Depending eyes areare grey, and their shells turn orangey-red completely.

Depending onon thethe size, this will take minutes. size, this will take 4-74-7 minutes.

Drunken garlic prawns in 10 minutes 2 tbsp chili paste 2 tbsp redred chili paste

Sake (Japanese Rice Wine) 300300 mLmL Sake (Japanese Rice Wine)

ASK FOR: Trap-caught spot prawns from the Canadian Pacific

INGREDIENTS • 2 lbs live BC spot prawns (frozen and thawed can be used as a substitute for fresh) • 2 tbsp red chili paste

Smash the garlic cloves 1 head of garlic cloves, whole on the chopping board with the side of your knife. Add some 1 head of garlic cloves, whole Peel, dip, eat, slurp, and repeat.

Serve with a crusty baguette to soak Peel, dip, eat, slurp, and repeat.

Serve with a crusty baguette to soak upup allall thethe oil to a deep pan over medium heat.

Toss the garlic cloves in the oil until slightly Flavourless Oil (such as Grapeseed) briny essence.

Flavourless Oil (such as Grapeseed) briny essence. golden. Turn the heat onto high. Add the prawns and the sake. Quickly cover with the lid.

SIMPLE DIPPING SAUCE SIMPLE DIPPING SAUCE

Every1/2 minute, hold the lid tight and shake the pan to toss the prawns without releaslight sauce 1/2 cupcup light soysoy sauce This recipe is courtesy of SeaChoice ambassador Melody Fury, a Vancouver-based This recipe is courtesy of SeaChoice ambassador Melody Fury, aeyes Vancouver-based ing any steam. The prawns are cooked when their flesh is firm, their are grey, food blogger founder of Vancouver Food Tour.

Visit GourmetFury.com Juice zest of lime 1/2 lime food blogger andand thethe founder of Vancouver Food Tour.

Visit GourmetFury.com forfor thethe Juice andand zest of 1/2 and their shells turn orangey-red completely.

Depending on the size, this will take original recipe and a step-by-step photo guide. original recipe and a step-by-step photo guide.

1/2 Thai chili, minced 1/2 Thai chili, minced 4-7 minutes.

1 tsp brown sugar 1 tsp brown sugar

• 300 mL Sake (Japanese Rice Wine)

1 tsp sesame 1 tsp sesame oil oil

• 1 head of garlic cloves, whole

Several mint leaves, minced Several mint leaves, minced

• Flavourless Oil (such as Grapeseed) SIMPLE DIPPING SAUCE • 1/2 cup light soy sauce • Juice and zest of 1/2 lime

Ladle prawns, garlic cloves, and sake broth into deep bowls.

Combine Ladle thethe prawns, garlic cloves, and sake broth into deep bowls.

Combine dipping sauce ingredients. dipping sauce ingredients.

Ladle the prawns, garlic cloves, and sake broth into deep bowls. Combine dipping sauce ingredients.

Peel, dip, eat, slurp, and repeat. Serve with a crusty baguette to soak up all the briny essence.

• 1/2 Thai chili, minced • 1 tsp brown sugar

.org .org

• 1 tsp sesame oil • Several mint leaves, minced

This recipe is courtesy of SeaChoice ambassador Melody Fury, a Vancouver-based food blogger and the founder of Vancouver Food Tour. Visit GourmetFury.com for the original recipe and a step-by-step photo guide.

and delicious meals

Warm beet ‘n scallop salad with crabapple relish

Serves 4

ASK FOR: Farmed scallops, preferably those raised using the off-bottom culture method INGREDIENTS • 8–10 large scallops • 6 organic beets for healthy oceans& EatEat foras healthy • 1 fresh pork sausage, such the oceans pork apricot sausage from Oyama Sausage Company

RELISH • 10 crabapples, cored and quartered Drunken garlic prawns Drunken garlic prawns • 1 onion, minced in10 10minutes minutes in • 1 bunch mint, chopped

ASK FOR ASK FOR Trap-caught spot prawns from Trap-caught spot prawns from Canadian Pacific. thethe Canadian Pacific.

2 lbs spot prawns (frozen 2 lbs livelive BCBC spot prawns (frozen thawed used andand thawed cancan be be used as as a a substitute fresh) substitute forfor fresh) 2 tbsp chili paste 2 tbsp redred chili paste Sake (Japanese Rice Wine) 300300 mLmL Sake (Japanese Rice Wine) 1 head of garlic cloves, whole 1 head of garlic cloves, whole

• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar •the 2 garlic Tbsp organic honey Smash cloves on chopping board with side of your knife.

Add Smash the garlic cloves on thethe chopping board with thethe side of your knife.

Add some a deep pan over medium heat.

Toss garlic cloves in the until some oiloil to atodeep pan over medium heat.

Toss thethe garlic cloves in the oiloil until • golden.

OliveTurn oil heat onto high. Add the prawns and the sake. Quickly slightly slightly golden.

Turn thethe heat onto high. Add the prawns and the sake. Quickly cover with cover with thethe lid.lid.

Combine the relish ingredients in a medium bowl and

Every minute, hold tight and shake pan to toss prawns without Every minute, hold thethe lidlid tight and shake thethe pan to toss thethe prawns without set aside. releasing steam.

The prawns cooked when their flesh is firm, their releasing anyany steam.

The prawns areare cooked when their flesh is firm, their eyes grey, and their shells turn orangey-red completely.

Depending on eyes areare grey, and their shells turn orangey-red completely.

Depending thethe Wrap the beets in foil and roast in a 350° ovenonfor size, this will take minutes. size, this will take 4-74-7 minutes.

30-40 minutes or until a knife pierces them easily.

Ladle prawns, garlic cloves, and sake broth into deep bowls.

Combine Ladle thethe prawns, garlic cloves, and sake broth into deep bowls.

Combine When cool enough to touch, peel the beets, cut into dipping sauce ingredients. dipping sauce ingredients.

thin slices and arrange on a medium plate. Drizzle with

Peel, dip, eat, slurp, and repeat.

Serve with a crusty baguette to soak Peel, dip, eat, slurp, and repeat.

Serve with a crusty baguette to soak upup allall thethe olive oil.

Flavourless (such Grapeseed) briny briny essence.

Flavourless OilOil (such as as Grapeseed) essence.

SIMPLE DIPPING SAUCE SIMPLE DIPPING SAUCE 1/2 cup light sauce 1/2 cup light soysoy sauce Juice zest of lime 1/2 lime Juice andand zest of 1/2 1/2 Thai chili, minced 1/2 Thai chili, minced 1 tsp brown sugar 1 tsp brown sugar 1 tsp sesame 1 tsp sesame oil oil Several mint leaves, minced Several mint leaves, minced

Cook the sausage in a small frying pan over medium heat until the juices run clear when a fork is inserted.

Remove from heat and let rest for 5-10 minutes. When This recipe is courtesy of SeaChoice ambassador Melody Fury, a Vancouver-based This recipe is courtesy of SeaChoice Fury, a Vancouver-based cool enough to touch,ambassador cut intoMelody 10 slices. food blogger and the founder of Vancouver Food Tour. Visit GourmetFury.com for the food blogger and the founder of Vancouver Food Tour. Visit GourmetFury.com for the original recipe a step-by-step photo guide. original recipe andand a step-by-step photo guide.

Clean the scallops, removing the adductor muscle.

Pat dry and season with salt. In a medium pan on high heat, add olive oil followed by the scallops, ensuring that there is plenty of space between each one. Sear the scallops 30 seconds per side and the remove from heat.

Slice each scallop in half, width-wise, and arrange the slices on top of the beets, alternating with the sausage.

Top with a drizzle of olive oil and salt and pepper and serve with the crabapple relish.

.org .org

This recipe is courtesy of SeaChoice ambassador Melody Fury, a Vancouver-based food blogger and the founder of Vancouver Food Tour. Visit GourmetFury.com for the original recipe and a step-by-step photo guide.

Darryl Millham, Rene Putzlocher, Margaret Molesky and Erin Capp

Spring is here!

Whether you’re renovating or building your home, we are here to help! At Wood Ridge, we are pleased to offer design services with your flooring purchase. We are also available after hours by appointment to accomodate your busy schedule.

Come in, have a coffee and relax. Wood Ridge will help you with your next renovation project- from start to finish.

Dewdney Ave. CO-OP Gas Bar

SUDS Car Wash

Park St.

Elliott St.

Winnipeg St.

Monday - Friday 8 - 6 | Saturday 9 - 5 | After hours by appointment only 435 Dewdney Ave | Regina, Sk. | 306.352.4639 | www.woodridgeflooring.com

A BETTER PLACE FOR YOU Finding the right policy doesn’t have to feel like a tax audit

By FHR Staff

on-going communication, which may include scheduled policy reviews, safety and loss prevention inspections and yearly renewal checklists. “Just as you change, so too do your insurance needs, and we like to be pro-active about that.”

assendowski Agencies is an insurance company for all seasons. No matter what your insurance requirements are, the agency will be able to meet your needs. Their knowledgeable staff not only answers all your questions, but ensures that you get the exact insurance you need and want.

get the appropriate amount and type of coverage. “Our strength is the ability to explain insurance to people in ways they can understand,” Kevin says.

“We try to balance it; we don’t want to bore people, but we do want them to understand what their options are and what the policy would cover.”

“The first thing we do when someone comes to us is find out what their current concern is,” says Kevin Bassendowski, insurance advisor. “For example, they might have a concern about a sewer backup, so we’ll deal with that. Once that’s taken care of, we’ll see if they would like to review the rest of their insurance needs.”

Bassendowski Agencies is a go-to location for all insurance needs. “We sell almost every kind of insurance: home, automobile, life, wealth, commercial, farm, disability, critical illness and special events. Essentially, if there’s a risk… we can find a home for it.”

Bassendowski Agencies Ltd. has a staff of seven people, all of whom are licensed and undergo ongoing training to stay on top of their specialty. “Insurance is constantly changing and evolving,” says Kevin. “For example, there is a growing need for insurance against identity theft—it’s a major concern. The entire field requires lifelong learning.”

The agency likes to nurture its client relationships by ensuring policy holders remain properly covered. The process of keeping clients properly insured involves

The staff enjoys working with their clients, and it shows. The agency has won prairie dog’s award for Best Insurance Agency for 2010 and 2011—the only two years

The staff at Bassendowski Agencies ensure their clients understand the insurance products available, so they 48

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the category existed. “I have the best people working for me, bar none,” says Kevin. “I was lucky to find great people who can get the job done so well.”

Kevin Bassendowski himself has a wealth of experience in the industry. He has been in business for over seven years and is a second generation insurance advisor. He took over the business from his parents, who provided insurance solutions from the early 1970s.

Bassendowski Agencies Ltd. has an exclusive contract with The Co-operators and The Co-operators group of products. “Each Co-operators office is run by a different agency, so each has its own personality.

We’re a relaxed group who likes to have fun.

Insurance doesn’t have to be stuffy, and it doesn’t have to remind you of a tax audit.”

The personalised service that clients receive from Kevin Bassendowski and the rest of the staff sets this office apart.

“If it will make you happy to buy ‘off the rack’ insurance, so to speak, then we’re happy to supply that for you,” he says. “On the other hand, if you would feel more comfortable with a customised approach to your insurance, then that’s where we really shine. We like to think of ourselves as the bespoke tailor of insurance agencies.”

To reach Bassendowski Agencies Ltd. CALL 347-6600, CLICK bassendowski.ca, or COME IN to 1920 College Avenue. FHR Kevin Bassendowski

Bassendowski Agencies Ltd. Kevin Bassendowski 1920 College Avenue 306.347.6600 kevin_bassendowski@cooperators.ca www.bassendowski.ca The friendly staff at Bassendowski Agencies FineHomes REGINA

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AFTER

BEFORE

RADIANTLINK SAVES ON HEATING COST

By Amy Nelson-Mile. Photos by Paul Austring or anyone considering purchasing a new heating system, the innovative RadiantLink system is an efficient and cost-effective option.

Local engineer Murdoch MacPherson created RadiantLink in 2003. “It was patented in the US and Canada in 2008 and was available commercially shortly after,” says his wife Aura Lee MacPherson.

“The RadiantLink system works on a very simple principle,” she explains. “The RadiantLink system is attached to the furnace, and the warm air from the furnace heats the liquid within the radiant heating piping. It’s a closed loop system; domestic water does not touch

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the heating system.”

One of the beauties of this system is its flexibility. “You can use this system in your house or your garage. It can go in the walls, under the floors, through the heated towel bar in the bathroom, or around the bathtub. If you put it around the tub, it keeps the water in the tub 3-4 degrees warmer than usual.”

The MacPhersons have installed RadiantLink in their own house. “We live in a lovely house in Hillsdale but thanks to some heavy rain and some old lines, the sewer backed up,” said MacPherson.

“When we replaced the sewer line we couldn’t afford to replace the concrete floor, and we didn’t want to put the

radiant piping on top of the floor because of the potential for the floor to move. We decided to put it in the perimeter basement walls.”

Theirs was the first residential radiant wall installation in the country. Today, between residences and commercial properties, there are about 75 RadiantLink system installations in western Canada.

RadiantLink has won distinguished awards, most notably from the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

Recently they won the 2012 ASHRAE Technology Award (Honorable Mention) in the “Commercial Building-- Existing”

category for an office renovation in Saskatoon.

There is an up-front cost to installing RadiantLink, but owners of an average-sized house (approximately 1,200-square feet) will find that within 10 years it will have paid for itself. After that, homeowners can expect to save about $500 a year.

AFTER

BEFORE

BEFORE

AFTER

The system can be installed easily; Town and Country Plumbing, Heating, and Electrical can handle the entire process. It will take approximately three days to complete the installation, and the results will be noticeable within a few hours. “When we started our system, within a day the temperature in the basement rose from 18 degrees to 22 degrees. In our north-facing bedroom upstairs we also installed radiant wall heating, and we found the same increase. As the temperature outside gets cooler, the radiant heated floors and walls get warmer.”

The system requires minimal maintenance. “It’s very easy to manage, because the house temperature is still controlled by the thermostat.” The only moving part is a small circulating pump.

Salesperson Chris Turgeon of Town and Country is equally enthusiastic about RadiantLink. “We’ve been involved with RadiantLink for six years now. The concept and product is simple; that’s what makes it attractive. Not everyone can afford the large costs of boilers and the yearly maintenance,” he says. “With RadiantLink you get ease of installation, minimal operating costs, and comfort. I can’t think of anything in this industry that is that simple.”

“The bottom line is that with RadiantLink it’s easy to create a space that’s comfortable,” says MacPherson. “We don’t have to live the typical way we do in Saskatchewan where the top floor of the house is hot and the basement cold. With RadiantLink any floor or wall, including the basement’s, can be very warm.”

To arrange for an installation, call Chris Turgeon at Town and Country Plumbing and Heating (call 306-352-4328 or E-mail cturgeon@tccomfort.com). For more information see www.radiant-link.com. FHR

RadiantLink Embodied Systems Regina, Sk. 306.584.0578 www.radiant-link.com

Town and Country Plumbing and Heating Regina, Sk. 306.352.4328 Aura Lee and Murdoch MacPherson of RadiantLink

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51

ROCK BRIDGE REALTY LTD.

IN

real estate, strong strategic marketing and negotiation abilities are key elements that clients should seek when choosing a professional to represent their interests.

And yet, training in the art of negotiation is not part of the education required to become a realtor, nor is it a skill most realtors will pursue after they are licensed.

Fortunately for his clients, Brooks Findlay, owner of Rock Bridge Realty, is not most realtors. Findlay is passionate about representing his client’s properties, and goes above and beyond the standard to ensure he, personally, has the skills and abilities to best serve their needs. He diligently and consistently strives to enhance his negotiating abilities, learning from top experts such as Herb Cohen, who has served as the negotiation specialist for every American president since Jimmy Carter.

“Studying negotiation from Herb has provided so much insight into the true art of negotiation,” said Findlay. “An agent’s ability to successfully negotiate on a client’s behalf is incredibly important in the process of a successful sale and what a client ends up receiving as a net dollar figure.”Findlay also understands and pays attention to the trends that today’s consumers are following - knowledge that is crucial to developing a successful strategic marketing plan. He and his team at Rock Bridge Realty take pride in the amount of time and commitment they put into defining a well-thought-out process for success.

“Strategic marketing starts at the foundation of your company’s culture,” said Findlay. He focuses on providing training for building very successful systems and creating a defined value chain, or ACCORD, that differs from the competition. This involves determining proper measurement criteria so that the company can use the most effective method and identify solutions to any of our client’s constraints. The Rock Bridge ACCORD may not always be visible from the outside, but it can be seen through the client’s experience.

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ROCK BRIDGE EXECUTIVE HOMES PRESENTED BY BROOKS FINDLAY

4561 HAMES CRESCENT REGINA

ROCK BRIDGE R E ALTY LTD.

ROCK BRIDGE EXECUTIVE HOMES PRESENTED BY BROOKS FINDLAY

18 ASPEN PLACE WHITE CITY

ROCK BRIDGE R E ALTY LTD.

CUSTOM BUILT: DECKS CABINETS ADDITIONS SUNROOMS BATHROOMS • Free In Home Consultation • Out of Town Work Welcome • Renovating Saskatchewan Homes for 31 Years • TD Financing Available

Member Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association

BUILDING PRODUCTS LTD.

www.fixbuildingproducts.ca | 525-8144 | 1- 866 FIX RENO 1-866-(349-7366)

It Is stunnIng the DIfference a QualIty Door Makes By tammy robert Photos by candace epp

“If you can dream it, we can build it.”

- Myron Guenther

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hen renovating or building your dream home, it’s easy to forget how we enter and leave it. If you think that modern door design is a simple matter of open-and-shut traditional style philosophy, then GP Door Design is your destination to change all that. Their distinctive doors will be the center and modern accent in any house design.

GP Door Design Inc., an entrepreneurial and innovative Saskatoon-based company, was born out of co-founder and contractor Myron Guenther’s desire to incorporate a unique high-quality door product into his own home.

“I wasn’t happy with the door styles that were available,” says Myron, a finishing carpenter by trade. “I had decided that I wanted solid doors in our house, and thought I could try building them myself, to save a bit of money and be able to feature my own designs in my home.”

Myron began by creating a prototype door in his garage, before incorporating

from left to right: arlen speakman, Myron guenther, kyle fillion and Jillian holladay

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PrIncess hoMes

them into his home. “Soon I was using my own home as a show home for builders, to display the kind of work I could do,” he explains. “Chris Oleksyn from O Homes asked if I could create doors for one of his show homes and now uses them in every one of his projects.”

When Myron started GP Door Design, the only other available custom door product was produced in Eastern Canada, and the selection of designs was limited. Today GP Door Design Inc., is supplying Western Canada’s leading manufacturer and supplier of solid-core, custom designed, high-end interior doors, each individually created with the individual customer’s desires and specifications in mind.

o hoMes

With more and more homeowners asking Myron for his skilled, artistic creations, he knew there was a market for custom doors.

He visualized a niche in the industry for high-end, modern and stylish doors, falling directly in line with all the current trends in contemporary new-home construction.

“When you’re building a house you can customize just about every feature to reflect the owner’s unique style - why not the doors as well?” he asks.

“We use solid, premium MDF material combined with other mediums such as stainless steel, glass, laminates, and a variety of veneer and arborite choices,” explains Myron. “This combination allows us to produce high quality doors with a modern, sophisticated flair.” Don’t be fooled by the stunning exterior, a GP Door Design door offers much more than a pretty face. Look inside and discover engineering and craftsmanship exceeding professional standards.

Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) is so designer-friendly,” he continues. “We can turn it into virtually anything the customer wants. It’s also very hard to damage, 58

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PrIncess hoMes

Contractors, home owners and commercial businesses are now able to order GP Door Design’s quality interior doors, incorporating virtually any design request imaginable while taking advantage of their quick turn-around delivery to any location at home in Saskatoon or across the country.

o hoMes

easily fixable, paints and even stains great.

Many people would not even notice the difference between a dark stained MDF door and a dark stained maple door, so cost is also a huge benefit.” Myron also points to the environmental benefits of MDF, which is a green-friendly product using predominantly all recycled materials.

MetrIc DesIgn

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When you open and close a door from GP Doors, the high quality craftsmanship is obvious. Being completely solid MDF means the doors are extremely heavy.

The quality and feel of the entire home is improved instantly! Being solid MDF also gives homeowners the advantage of soundproofing.

Use the quality and design of a modern interior door to control the feel and the flow of your home’s interior design. GP Door Design is where you will create the interior doors that represent that final touch, giving your home the exquisite look and feel Myron and his team believe all of their customers deserve - limited only by your imagination. Unlimited possibilities for graphics, creative hardware and even three-dimensional designs will ensure that your doors are not like any others. You can choose a door with the same design on both sides, or customize each side separately to suit the personality and decor of your spaces.

“We always consult with the customer to find out their ideas first,” says Myron.

“Some clients come to us knowing exactly what they want, others take advantage of the extensive collection of designs in our catalogue. We ask questions to get some idea of the style of the house, or overall design element they are looking to achieve. Our clients come to us with all kinds of different ideas and we welcome that absolutely.”

Contemporary interior doors delicately balance form and fashion. GP Door Designs’ creations compliment a wide range of architectural styles, as well as design needs - offering standard or custom-sized interior doors. Their priority is producing products constructed with the highest quality craftsmanship while following cutting-edge designs, infusing beauty and character into everyday living.

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Every entrance door has its own charm, which reflects the personality of its inhabitants, and needs to compliment the home’s exterior while perhaps demonstrating a little about nature of the interior design. “We also manufacture exterior doors,” Myron says. “The designs are endless and it’s a weather-proof product, customizable not only by design, but also by size. One of our designers will help homeowners create the entry way of their dreams.”

haven BuIlDers

The future for GP Door Designs is bright, Myron says. “We’ve grown to employ four people, and are moving towards selling

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our doors across western Canada, talking with distributors in key areas to help promote our doors and our concept of customization.” As for Myron, he couldn’t be in a better place. “I love what I do today, because it doesn’t feels like work. We get to help people make their homes their own.”

There are so many choices at GP Door Designs. See them for yourself on their website, where you can start planning your next renovation or new home design right away. Or check things out in person by swinging by their Saskatoon showroom, located at 2210 Speers Ave. Inside, and assisted by Myron and his staff, you can see - and touch - for yourself examples of exactly what you can do with custom doors. Anything from different types of glass options to different types of designsthe options are endless.

“When you walk through a home which has GP Door Designs installed within, you understand the difference right away,” says Myron, the pride evident in his tone.

shIrley hoMes

“The trend right now is towards ‘less is more,’” says Myron. “Clean lines and simple, elegant designs.” Whether looking for something one-of-a-kind or classic and timeless, the bottom line is that GP Door Design strives to please the customer, whatever they require. In fact, they recently completed a job where they created a piece of wall art to match the doors designed for the client’s house.

“You sense that the home looks and feels of a higher quality - there’s a sense of style that you might not even be able to pinpoint right away. But you will. One of the only moving parts in a home - we pass through doors every day of our lives.”

For more examples of GP Door Designs creations, visit one of the homes available from their valued partners: O-homes, Fisher Homes, Haven Builders, Boychuk Construction, Soroski Homes, Ivory Homes, Valentino Homes, Touchstone Developments, Sparta Homes and Fresco Interiors.

“If you can dream it, we can build it.”

- Myron Guenther FHR

GP Door Design 2210 Speers Avenue Saskatoon, SK S7L 5X7 p: 306.955.9934 e: myrong@gpdoordesign.ca www.gpdoordesign.ca

Custom Builder, Our Quality Shows

Great atmosphere, Great views and Great friends! You’ll love it here!

We are a custom builder with 30 years of experience.

Emerald Park Homes invites you to take the short drive east of Regina to see how much the Town of White City and Emerald Park have grown. We have many choice lots for your new home.

We would love to show you around!

Looking for a 3 car garage?

What about a coverd deck?

Have you ever thought about a walk out?

Garry Sawchyn • 306.781.3383

Call or visit us today on Facebook or at www.emeraldparkhomes.ca

we’ve got you covered.

No need to worry…

Let our experienced professionals take care of all your insurance needs so you don’t have to worry… we’ve got you covered!

Visit our convenient location just off of 13th Avenue or call us today!

· · · · · · · · · ·

Home & Tenant Auto Travel Sickness Life Disability Commercial Investments Driver’s Licence Vehicle Registration

2101 Retallack St. | Regina, Sk. | 306.757.0621 www.insurance-store.com

EXPERTAdvice DREAM KITCHENS Creating the Kitchen of Your Dreams turn to friends or family for advice—they might have a fabulous idea that you hadn’t thought of yourself—but in the end, make sure that your choices reflect what you want. Always follow your instincts and keep your focus on building the kitchen of your dreams, and no one else’s.

Don’t be afraid of color!

Amanda Blakley

KitchenCraft 1434 Broad St. Regina, Sk. 306.522.8949 www.kitchencraft.com

A kitchen renovation is one of the best ways to update and invest in your home, but it can require a significant commitment of time and energy. If you keep your mind open to the endless possibilities, aren’t afraid to inject your personality into the project and follow your instincts, you are sure to end up with a dream kitchen that you absolutely love.

Renovate for you!

Whether you have been waiting to turn your dream kitchen into a reality for five years, or even 25 years, it never hurts to take a little extra time to make sure that the new kitchen you create is exactly as you have always imagined. You can certainly

From the bright and bold to the soft and understated, color is finding its way onto kitchen cabinetry everywhere. When you choose to mix and match from the broad range of cabinet colors and countertops available today, your options become virtually endless. Don’t worry about making sure everything is perfectly coordinated.

Be open to mixing cabinet colors, door styles and even wood species, and have fun exploring different combinations of counter-top colors and materials, like a granite counter with a butcher-blocktopped island. As long as your new kitchen fits your decorating style and taste, it will look great in your home.

Don’t be afraid to buck the trend!

You don’t want your kitchen to be an exact replica of your neighbor’s, do you? Well, maybe you do, and that’s okay. But it’s also okay to do something different. Be open to thinking outside of the decorating box. Inspiration can be found anywhere online, in magazines, and most definitely from your Kitchen Craft designer. When you see something that you like, whether it’s a color, an island design or an overall

layout, bring a picture of it with you when you meet with your designer. Who knows, you may be the one to set the next kitchen design trend! FHR

Will Foam Insulation Soon Be Obsolete?

EXPERTAdvice HOME IMPROVEMENTS Home Insulation with G. Michael Dynna, President of Spray Jones

Given that almost any piece of technology that you purchase today is likely to be obsolete in the next five years, this question comes up a lot. The short answer is no.

Spray foam can trace its roots back to the 1930s, with the first commercial uses of it as insulation taking place in the 1950s. NASA worked on the technology in the 1960s and 1970s for the space program, where it is still used today. In the late 1960s a commercial building in Toronto was built using spray foam insulation. In 1985 applications were made to have spray foam insulation recognized in the National Building Code. Foam will continue to be the industry leading insulation for decades to come.

It’s true that foam technology has changed. It is now easier to apply, the raw chemicals are easier to work with, but the end product has always been and remains the most effective insulator and moisture barrier on the market. Unlike the pink stuff, Walltite Eco is manufactured and installed onsite, specifically for your home. You are not buying drums of ingredients – you are purchasing a sealed, insulated home that will keep you and your family comfortable and safe for as long as your home stands. Walltite Eco will not settle in your walls, be damaged by moisture, or need to be replaced if your sewer backs up. And, it can save you thousands of dollars per year on utility costs.

G. Michael Dynna

President of Spray Jones Phone: 306.359.FOAM (3626) Toll Free: 1.888.414.FOAM (3626) www.sprayjones.com

Walltite Eco Spray Foam Insulation from Spray Jones has the ability to flex and expand and contract with the timbers in your home, providing a tight seal and moisture barrier. In truth, the foam insulation in your walls will long outlast the wood that is used to frame your home. With spray foam insulation, you can rest assured knowing that you made the best choice and sleep great well into the future. FHR Michael Dynna is the President of Spray Jones Spray Foam and Acoustics. Dynna has been in the foam insulation industry since 2000 and founded Spray Jones in 2005. Spray Jones is the founding father of residential and commercial foam in the province and has insulated more buildings than any other company.

Kratz Homes Ltd. - Exceptional service to Regina and area families for over 45 years.

Customer Choice Award 2011 for (small home builder 5-12 category) and is through the New Home Warranty Program of Saskatchewan customer survey

New Home Award 2011 (for 1500- 1699 sq ft. category) our 2011 Show Home in “The Creeks” 4123 Chuka Drive open during show home hours.

Visit Our Award Winning Show Home at 4123 Chuka Drive in “The Creeks”.

Coming Soon: Spring 2012 Show Home at 3898 Goldfinch Way “The Creeks”.

Val Taylor (c) 209.5352 val@kratzhomes.com Dawn Johnson (c) 737.1912 dawn@kratzhomes.com Member Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association

Visit our website at www.kratzhomes.com

The Dierence of a

REPUTABLE HOMEBUILDER On top of quality, can luxury add-ons really come standard?

By Trilby Henderson. Photos by Shawn Fulton

Mike and Carla Sillinger

The Homes by Deveraux Experience Few people know how to recognize a quality-built home better than Mike and Karla Sillinger. The retired NHL star and his wife moved around a lot during his 18-year-career, living in more than a dozen different homes while Mike played for the Vancouver Canucks and the New York Islanders The Sillinger Home built by Homes by Deveraux

Each summer they and their three boys would return to Regina, the couple’s hometown, where they bought their first house in 1997. When Mike announced his retirement in 2009, and shortly after accepted a job as the director of player development for the Edmonton Oilers, the couple chose to make Regina their permanent year-round home.

The Sillinger home built by Homes by Deveraux

With an abundance of experience to draw on, Mike and Karla knew exactly what kind of house they wanted to build for their family.

They also knew which company they wanted to work with. “Homes

by Deveraux was an easy choice for us because we wanted to build a custom home that fit our family’s needs. We were impressed with the high-quality standards and the company’s stress-free guidance throughout the building process,” said Mike, speaking on behalf of himself and Karla.

“Over the years in my profession, we have lived in many different homes so we were able to choose what was important to us and Deveraux was open-minded to all of our thoughts and ideas,” he continued. “There are so many different homebuilders these days, but we are so happy that we chose Homes by Deveraux .

Our experience was smooth and worry free.”

Kevin Gelsinger, one of the principals in Homes by Deveraux, has been building top-quality custom homes for clients in the Regina area for nearly 15 years. In that time, the company has become known as one of the finest custom homebuilders in the city, in part, because of the superior homebuilding experience it delivers.

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“For most people, building a home is one of the biggest personal investments they are ever going to make, if not the biggest,” said Denis Jones, also a principal in Homes by Deveraux. “It should be an enjoyable experience.”

Kevin and Denis choose to limit the number of custom homes they build each year so that they can ensure each client receives the attention and high-level customer service they deserve. But although Deveraux prefers to focus on a select number of clients at one time, its capabilities are in no way limited. In fact, the company’s chief operating officer, Rick Turchet, said Deveraux has the right people and processes in place to execute projects of immense magnitude in an efficient, timely and costeffective manner.

This is best demonstrated by the $40-million Harbour Landing apartment complex that Deveraux is currently in the process of completing. At the time they began the project a mere two years ago, it was the largest residential build in the province. When finished, it will bring 314 units and an additional much-needed 75 units located in the Sky View development called Sky Pointe.

The Homes by Deveraux Team

“Be it a rental [property] or a home, we know the care that needs to go into it. We know the quality that goes into it—all those things that we need to execute to be able to deliver,” said Turchet.

This project is one example of Deveraux’s ability to identify a need in the market and deliver a solution. Another is the company’s new Dreams

by Deveraux line of custom homes, which are designed to meet the demand in Regina for new homes in the $350,000 to $550,000 range.

Dreams by Deveraux The Dreams by Deveraux collection is described as the introductorylevel product in the company’s repertoire, but these homes are anything but basic. The Dream collection currently features four custom home plans ranging from 1,224- to 2,013-square feet of living space (not including the basement). The designs are both practical and stunning, but what truly sets the collection apart from the standard base-model homes on the market are the extra details and custom touches that Homes by Deveraux adds to each. Features like crown molding, wainscoting and vaulted ceilings are also available as an upgrade.

In Regina’s hot real estate market, high demands on everything from land to materials and trades mean homeowners are paying a premium dollar for their properties. Turchet said the Homes by Deveraux team wants to make sure that the homes they build will not only stand out on the market, but stand up to future pricing fluctuations, should the homeowner ever choose to sell. “We want to make sure that you get all of your money back if the market does turn, or that you get a little bit more, because it is built with incredible quality and value,” he said.

The Deveraux Difference When designing its Dreams by Deveraux collection, the company put careful thought into adding features that most homeowners not only want, but also need, in order to enjoy the comforts and conveniences of modern life. “Our homes are built for life in 2012,” said Gelsinger.

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The Homes by Deveraux Show Home in Harbour Landing

What does this mean for the client? It means getting a home with a finished acrylic stucco and brick exterior, as opposed to the industry standard vinyl siding. It means accessing their front door via a reinforced concrete step, rather than a less permanent wooden structure.

It means maintenance-free, triple glazed all weather windows throughout the home, and R-50 blown-in insulation in the attic. It means Delta chrome faucets, interior pot lighting and a fireplace.

The Bonis’ home built by Homes by Deveraux

It means automatically getting things that used to be considered luxuries – like granite countertops, Verywood hardwood flooring and San Marco tile floors and backsplashes – in addition to the small conveniences that most homeowners don’t even think about until they need them, like a soffit plug for their Christmas lights.

By including these popular features—options that many homebuilders would consider upgrades—within their base price, Homes by Deveraux effectively takes the “shock factor” out of the homebuilding experience and enables clients to enjoy the process of selecting flooring, cabinets and wall colours without worrying about costly add-ons that will blow their budget. In fact, there is now no need to “add-on” a water softener or central vacuum after you purchase your home because, starting in March 2012, these options come standard in all new home purchases.

Plus, if the homeowner wants an upgrade that is not already included on their package, such as a Jacuzzi tub in their ensuite bath, Homes by Deveraux will tell them exactly what the item will cost before they add it to their plan.

“That’s the Deveraux Difference,” said Gelsinger. “You know what you are getting when you come to us.”

Building Success One Client at a Time The Sillingers are not the only clients to tout their Homes by Deveraux experience. The positive referrals that Homes by Deveraux receives from its past customers are a huge driving force for the business. “When we build somebody a quality home in the time frame that we allotted, for the price that we say, that word of mouth is huge,” said Gelsinger.

Spiro Bonis, owner of Western Pizza, is another Deveraux client who is quick to share his satisfaction in the custom home the company built for his family. Spiro said one of the reasons he hired Homes by Deveraux in 2010 was because he had heard great things about the company from friends who had worked with them.

“They did a great job,” he said. “We’re very happy with our home.”

Angie and Thomas Siarkos, owners of Memories Fine Dining and Lounge, say the same about their custom-designed, two-story home, built by Deveraux in 2009. The couple wanted to create a home where their three adult children could congregate and enjoy time together as a family, while still having access to personal space.

Angie said their Harbour Landing home delivers all that and more, with plenty of room to entertain, work, relax and enjoy family meals.

The Bonis Family

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Angie and Thomas Siarkos

Angie described the Homes by Deveraux team as meticulous, reputable, reliable, honest and trustworthy – all characteristics one would hope to find in a homebuilder – and said she was impressed with the ease of the Deveraux building process. The company provides professional training to its staff to better equip them to meet their client’s needs, and employs an intuitive 10-step process to help educate and guide their clients through every step of their new home’s construction, from selecting a lot to followup customer care and warranty.

Homes by Deveraux offers both a one-year Deveraux Limited Service Warranty which covers workmanship standards from the foundation to the roof and involves set follow-up, as well as the Five Year Saskatchewan New Home Warranty.

Angie also said she was impressed with the high standards Deveraux upheld for both the professionals they employed and the materials they used. The company guarantees consistent, high quality work by only working with skilled professionals, and retaining its trades year-round.

“We pride ourselves on our craftsmanship and on the quality of our homes,” said Gelsinger, adding that they have been told on numerous occasions that their current show home—a 1,300-square-foot bungalow located at 4719 Glass Street in Harbour Landing—is the nicest in the city.

This show home has already been sold, but visitors are still welcome to stop by and see Deveraux’s quality craftsmanship, and the Deveraux Difference, for themselves. They should also watch for Deveraux’s next show home, which will open in September, a spectacular bungalow with walk out basement located in Greens on Gardiner.

Show home hours run from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

You can also visit Homes by Deveraux online – www.Deveraux .ca - to learn more about the Deveraux homebuilding process, view the floor plans available in its Dreams by Deveraux collection, browse through the photo gallery and more. FHR

2230 Lorne Street Regina, Sk. 306.522.5556 info@deveraux.ca www.deveraux.ca 70

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The Siarkos home built by Homes by Deveraux

EnviroFoam Insulation is commited to offering our customers the best product, quality, professionalism and service in the industry. Whether you are renovating or building new, EnviroFoam Insulation can offer you a plan to save you money and protect your family. Call today to get your free quote and be on your way to a warmer future!”

• Completely eliminates heat loss caused by convection • Save 40%-60% on your heating bills • Improve air quality of your home • Mold and mildew resistant • Stronger structural strength

Ask About Our “Go Green, Get Green” Rebate

Money Isn’t All Your Saving

306.543.8111

e: lonny.forrester@envirofoaminsulation.com w: www.envirofoaminsulation.com Lonny Forrester of EnviroFoam speaks to a client about the benefits of EnviroFoam Insulation.

REBUILD YOUR CASTLE IN CAMELOT Where the homes are truly custom made and never duplicated

By G.H. Lewmer chose the name Camelot Homes because it mirrors my core belief,” says Camelot Homes president Wally Derow. “I want every customer to feel proud to own a home that is one-of-a-kind; something that is unique and honours the spirit of the family who inhabits it. When I first meet a customer I tell them I want to build them a house that is your castle.

Not something that looks and feels like everything else.”

Wally is passionate about building.

Working with students for over 30 years as a carpentry instructor at SIAST has 72

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given him the practical understanding to recognize that quality, customer satisfaction and originality are the primary ingredients to success. Wally started Camelot Homes in 1997 as a summer “hobby” from teaching. This hobby has now grown into one of the most prominent personalized home building companies in southern Saskatchewan.

“At Camelot Homes we pride ourselves as being personalized home builders.

We work one-on-one with the clients to understand their interests and help them make informed, cost-effective choices and selections. We assist in guiding them with honesty and integrity so that they can realize their life-long desire in building their very own dream home. What sets Camelot Homes apart from other builders is that the same house is never built twice. Other builders have a limited number of designs that the client chooses from. Our business

will never operate that way. We believe in building a relationship with our clients.

They are not just numbers to us.”

With 30 homes completed in a 10 year period in the Emerald Park, White City and surrounding area, Wally brings a personalized approach to every project he undertakes. He works collaboratively with the client to ensure their expectations are met. “I’ve always built houses on the principle of satisfaction more than amount.

My word as a builder to the client and the quality of my work means everything to me. That’s why I always work directly with the owner. I’m very fussy that the job has to be done to the highest of standards.

My goal is to build a home that will be the perfect realization of the client’s wishes.”

Camelot Homes allows clients the opportunity to choose how they want to price their build by offering personalized

contracts designed specifically for the owners’ needs. “We offer two different building contracts that clients can choose.

We can offer them a contract with a set price for the build along with alternate allowances for some aspects of the build.

We can also offer them a more flexible contract whereby we calculate the total cost on their house with every cost broken down for every phase of construction.

With this flexible contract, the client then has the freedom to select and compare products and trades that they would like to use and have in their home. If they go over the allowable costs in a certain area, there are no overcharge costs in that area.”

“The reason for this is that we manage the entire build on a percentage of the cost. In that case, if it happens that in one area they are under the allotted budgeted price but over in another area, we still charge the same percentage. With all of our contracts, the

client gets a copy of all the original invoices as they arrive and we always keep them informed by giving them a running tally of all costs. This way the client knows that we are working with 100 per cent transparency and they always have 100 per cent knowledge of what we are doing at all times.”

Camelot Homes also recognizes that the decision to build and move to a new dwelling is life-changing. We are so pleased to be an important part of the decision that we are engaging clients at the online social media level. Upon request, we can provide pictures, videos, and descriptions of the entire build which clients are welcome to share on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr or other online sharing sites.

By combining all these elements over the entire period of our build, the clients are left with a cherished keepsake of their new home, not unlike a “baby album.”

Even with all the success that Camelot Home has attained, Wally remains firmly down-to-earth about the future of the company. “With every new home we build, I also build a new set of friends. To my mind, building and having these new friends are equally as important as Camelot Homes. I want these new friends to last a lifetime, just like the homes I build.”

You can reach Wally and Camelot Homes by calling (306) 780-7715 or (306) 539-0705. You can also reach them via email at camelot@yourhomebuilder.ca FHR

Wally Derow Camelot Homes 306.789.7715 or 306.539.0705 fax 306.781.0215 camelot@yourhomebuilder.ca FineHomes REGINA

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CUSTOM SERVICE FOR CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS

By G.H. Lewmer

arkland Carpet One is proud to be one of Saskatchewan’s premier retailers for Hunter Douglas products. Hunter Douglas Window fashions bring an unrivaled commitment of the finest customized choices by incorporating industry-leading innovation with the highest quality materials.

Technological advances, unparalleled design, expert craftsmanship, professional service and installation are a few of the attributes that have turned Hunter Douglas and Parkland Carpet One into industry leaders.

Nancy Mercer, Parkland Carpet One Window fashions consultant, values the quality of Hunter Douglas products. “I have found Hunter Douglas window treatments to be among the most effective and aesthetically pleasing window fashions on 74

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the market. The blend of fashion, function, innovation, quality and service is at the core of today’s discerning consumer. We have window-covering solutions to fit most every budget and design.”

Parkland Carpet One represents qualitydesigned and practical solutions that express good taste and enhance everyday living by taking style, fabric and form into the consulting and creative process. From arches to angles, circular to Palladian, Parkland Carpet One has window fashions to showcase any size or shape of window.

Working with sheers, honeycomb shades, blinds and shutters provides you with a wide selection of products and colors to choose from, allowing you to personally sculpt with light and texture, transforming your home

or business into a functional, practical and tasteful concord of luminance.

Come visit the spacious Parkland Carpet One showroom at 1600 8th Avenue, in the heart of the historic Regina warehouse district, and meet with Nancy to plan which window treatments and colors will work best for you in your home.

Having personal consultations can make a world of difference, by focusing on and respecting individual style and function needs. “A good way to assist in your selection of which window fashion works best for you is to view how they interact with natural light. In the showroom, our many full-size display windows feature Hunter Douglas products, styles and colors, so you can experience first-hand how a

Nancy Mercer Window Fashions Consultant

current product and style could conceivably look and function in your home.”

Cheryl, a Regina professional, had nothing but praise for her recent window coverings purchase. “Nancy was absolutely wonderful to deal with. She offered so much support, valuable information and follow-up service during the selection and installation process. The window treatments look fantastic in the house. Every aspect of the Parkland Carpet One experience, from the quality of Hunter Douglas window treatments and their lifetime warranty, to the professionalism and friendliness of the staff, was tremendous.”

Whether you prefer low-light, calm or full-sun brilliance, defining your window

fashion needs is key to maximizing the effect of window treatments. Hunter Douglas Window fashions will help you to achieve the degree of privacy and light control required, while offering you a variety of easy-to-use mechanisms and an array of motorization options to raise, lower or adjust from side to side. These options work hand in hand with the latest green technologies, managing solar heat while getting the most out of natural light, allowing you to harness your energy use in both an economical and creative manner.

The reason for Parkland’s continued success, according to Nancy, is simple.

“Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is second to none. People who choose Hunter Douglas Window treatments

from Parkland Carpet One love how they enhance the look of their home.”

To see the Hunter Douglas line of Window treatments, or to book an appointment with Nancy, you can visit the Parkland Carpet One showroom at 1600 8th Avenue or call 525-9125. You can also visit us online at www.carpetone.com FHR

Parkland Carpet One 1600 8th Ave Regina, SK 306.525.9125 www.parklandcarpetoneregina.com FineHomes REGINA

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EXPERTAdvice Flooring in your new home

Robert Grain

Parkland Carpet One 1600 8th Ave Regina, Sk. 306.525.9125 www.parklandcarpetoneregina.com When choosing luxury vinyl flooring, it’s important to find a surface that is both practical and beautiful, as well as functional and flavorful. At Parkland Carpet One you can choose from every imaginable color, style and pattern. We offer a wide selection that gives you tremendous value and affordability for a reasonable price.

Searching for the right design of luxury vinyl flooring for your home is an overlooked consideration that many tend to underestimate. Finding the right design will enhance the beauty of our home in a subtle and complimentary manner. When you visit Parkland Carpet One you can choose from a diverse selection of designs the likes of natural-looking ceramic or stone, hardwood or chic geometric patterns, all in the comfort of our spacious showroom.

When investigating all the possibilities that luxury vinyl flooring offers, it’s imperative to 76

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gather as much information and advice as possible before making your purchase. Our staff of installation and flooring experts are more than happy to assist you in assessing how your luxury vinyl flooring will look and work inside your home. We feel very strongly about the quality of service that we bring to each and every customer; that’s why, if for any reason, you aren’t fully satisfied with the luxury vinyl flooring purchased at Parkland Carpet One, we’ll replace it free of charge through our 120-Day Beautiful Guarantee.

I strongly believe that one should always choose quality when making any luxury vinyl flooring purchase. In choosing quality, you’ll never have the problems that inevitably develop when you settle for secondrate material. That’s why we recommend the Invincible Titanium LIne of Luxury Vinyl tile. This line has over 11 diverse stylings to choose from, with looks as varied as Mediterranean Ceramic, Natural Hardwood, Finished Stone and Wide Wooden Plank.

With the amount of choices that Invincible Titanium Luxury Vinyl offers, it’s easy to find the perfect match for your home.

All Invincible Titanium Luxury Vinyl Tile comes with superior design advances that will help make your investment last, backed by a 25-year warranty. Their MoistureLoc

watertight seal and Intensity Surface Shield protects against dirt, scratches and water damage while the Intelligent Support System and Superbase construction insures that your floor will never buck or gap in the face of any environmental condition.

See for yourself the quality that Invincible Titanium Luxury Vinyl Tile offers by visiting us at 1600 8th Avenue or online at www.parklandcarpetoneregina.com. FHR

Trust the name.

Trust the experience.

To Cliff and Staff: Wayne and I would like to take this time to thank Frontier Masonry for the wonderful stone work that was done on our home. Its a complete transformation that has made us smile, as well as make our home more beautiful.

The service was great, Cliff, your employees on site at our home were great. Very polite, hard working men.

They did an amazing job. Neighbors, friends, family have all complimented on how our home looks so much better.

Thank you again, we will totally recommend your company to anyone requiring this type of home construction.

Make the investment in your home with beautiful natural stone, brick or manufactured stone features. With more than 20 years experience as a masonry professional and Red Seal Journeyman Bricklayer, you can trust Cliff, and his crew of Journeymen Bricklayers, of Frontier Masonry to deliver detailed quality craftsmanship that will last a lifetime.

Masonry IS all we do.

• Specialty Stone or Brick Features on New build or Renovations • Commercial and Residential Masonry Construction • Custom Fireplaces • Glass Block

Wayne and Pam Karchewski Member Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association

Frontier Masonry Ltd. Regina, Sk. | Cliff Kobelsky | 306.533.6070 frontiermasonry@myaccess.ca www.frontiermasonry.ca

DESIGNER GREEN

By Meredith Heron reen Design. Truth be told, the only people who ever ask me about this, are journalists looking for a sound bite for a story that they are working on.

I can count on my hand the number of clients who have ever asked me about including an environmentally friendly product in their project.

Even fewer, have asked that we design from a greenbased/ environmentally-based platform. Coincidentally, though, as I type this, I have been approached by someone whose entire ethos is ecologically-/environmentally-based to do her dining room according to very strict guidelines.

I didn’t learn about green technologies or design in design school. It was beginning to become a bit of a buzz, but sadly, 10-plus years ago it still wasn’t really on anyone’s 78

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agenda. I became more aware of them when I met my husband—and now business partner—nine years ago. I often joke that I married a tree hugger.

My philosophy around green design, however—thanks to the aforementioned tree hugger is pretty simple. Common sense. What’s that you say? True, I am not exactly the poster child for common sense, but here goes: • Buy local products and services • Make choices that are sustainable materials • Avoid products with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) • Install windows/doors, appliances and insulation that promote energy conservation.

• Use water-based lacquers • Use natural fibres (they are actually more stain resistant and kid animal friendly) • Buy handmade when possible • Invest in quality • Invest in the best you can afford and if you can’t, save until you can

WHERE BETTER DRAWINGS LEAD TO A BETTER BUILDING EXPERIENCE SPECIALIZING IN: CUSTOM HOME DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS (MODERATE TO ELABORATE HOMES)

I’m not a trend-follower—a trendsetter maybe—but I really don’t believe in them and find design trends, more often than not, are gimmicks to drive sales. Green design, on the other hand, is a way of living, not a trend, so you need to incorporate eco-friendly choices in wherever you can (hence the common sense part).

If you are looking for great products that are eco-friendly and design friendly too check out a few of my favourites...

MEREDITH

Threadcount Fabrics Flor Brizo, Delta Faucet, Axor (Masco Corporation) Forbo Floors Weaver & Loom Merida Meridian Para Paints

DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS ALSO AVAILABLE FOR: ADDITIONS RENOVATIONS BASEMENT PLANS SECONDARY SUITES

If you’d like help creating a home you absolutely love, please contact info@ meredithheron.com about our design services, including our Virtual Design Studio.

We would love to work with you on it. FHR

CHRISTOPHER EVANS ARCHITECTURAL & BUILDING TECHNOLOGIST REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN

306.531.2541 WWW.CJEVANSHOMEDESIGNS.COM

EXPERTAdvice HOME STAGING Simple staging means significant savings.

scents the seller loves, it can easily backfire with the buyer. Curry, fish, pets, an unmade bed smell and even scented candles and air fresheners can turn a buyer around at the door.

• Light: When people enter a house that is bright, they love it. If it has big windows that offset even a dreary day, it is a winner. They should also be sparkling clean!

In addition to the above five points, an updated kitchen and baths, as well as updated floors, fixtures and landscaping are also very important.

Di Thompson

How Much Can Staging Save You?

Simply Stunning Designs phone: 306.585.0775 | cel: 306.581.7750 dithompson@sasktel.net www.simplystunningdesigns.ca

Statistics have proven over and over that staging a home will sell it faster at a higher price. But what we need to understand from those stats are a few more breakdowns.

What Really sells a house?

If a home goes on the market and does not sell within the first selling month (six weeks), the homeowner continues to pay the Mortgage (usually .0075 of the home price) and the utility costs (heat, electricity, water, etc.).

Of course, pricing plays a major part, but very often when you have several choices within your price range, you narrow it down by size, location and a few other factors you or your family require.

These 5 points (in no particular order) sell a house: • Maintenance: Weeds in the front garden, dripping gutters, cracked windows and visible dirt and rust inside give the impression the seller does not care about the property. The buyer may wonder what else has been left unrepaired.

• Staging: Well-placed furniture and accessories that do not overwhelm a space allows a buyer to imagine his own things in the room. A fresh approach with slipcovers, a few new accessories and plants can help avoid a dated impression.

• Cleanliness and order: A house that is well cared for, tidy and uncluttered sells much better than one in an untidy condition.

• Neutral smell: If a house smells of 80

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At that point if the realtor has not been able to sell the house or generate activity they ask the homeowner to consider a price reduction – on average one per cent each month.

I have used the services of Dianne Thompson of Simply Stunning Designs for several properties. Recently she staged our basement suite. We had advertised it for over six weeks with very little interest shown.

When Dianne came to look at it, she told me the space had good bones, but was a little underdressed. We agreed on a price, and she got to work. After the staging, we had many interested potential tenants, and ended up renting it to two people from out of province for $500 more than our original asking price. Dianne totally transformed the space from “okay” to “awesome”. Thank you Dianne!

Sincerely, Ruth Pradzynski A.R.E. Law “As a Real Estate Investor, having someone like Dianne on my team is truly helpful. She has staged several of our properties both for sale and for maximizing rents.

She knows what she is doing – she can take a very ordinary looking place and make it look ‘Simply Stunning.’”

Edna Keep - 3D Real Estate Investments Ltd Di Thompson – owner, lead designer of Simply Stunning Designs. As an artistic person her entire life, Di studied staging training in Regina, 2006, through the Canadian Staging Professionals. She also completed an interior design course in the early 90s.

Based on the US Census Bureau the average home-sale price was $249,500 in 2010.

Based on the average monthly mortgage payment of $1,870 and utility costs of $250, the total monthly cost for carrying a home on the market is $2,121 per month.

Homes that were staged sold in 78 per cent less time. Prior to staging, these homes were on the market for 233 days (that’s over 7 months), but were sold within 53 days after staging. So, if the owner had staged their house first they would have saved a substantial amount of money: $12,600 to be exact.

If you’re getting ready to list a property and think you can test the market without staging your house, perhaps you should reconsider. FHR

Lynda Daly – Staging Designer. Lynda trained in interior staging and design in Dublin, 2006.

She started her own company in Ireland that offered design consultations and staging for five years until moving with her family to Regina in 2011. Her projects in Ireland ranged from commercial to residential. Lynda and Di work well together and offer fresh ideas while having fun combining styles.

Bringing Your Home To Life Custom Residential Design Stock Housing Plans Certified Foundation Designs Additions & Renovation Planning Light Commercial Consulting

Regina, Sk. 306.205.2549 | www.krndesign.ca

BUILD PERSONALITY INTO YOUR HOME WITH FABRIC Leanne

By Mackenzie Brooks nvesting in your home will involve some of the biggest financial decisions of your lifetime. After you make your decision and move your family into a new home, it is time to make your house your own and personalize your space. Your home is a reflection of who you are, after all. So, who are you? Are you bold? Bright? Traditional? Neutral? Or, maybe you are the kind of person who needs some help deciding?

These are some of the questions homeowners ask themselves when they make their home their own. Leanne Fisher and the team at Budget Blinds make personalizing your space easy. Their own personalities guarantee that the process of matching your personality to your home is fun, and the results are fabulous. “I love going into people’s homes and helping them discover how to get the most out of their window fashions,” said Leanne. “It’s a true privilege to meet and work with wonderful people.” she continued.

“Complementing your home is easy when we have so many options, and our window fashion lines just keep growing.”

New this year, and just in time for Regina’s annual spring Home Show is Budget Blinds’ new window-stock-panel program. Leanne’s team offers you pre-made panels in modern

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Amanda

Natalie

Sharon

Tracy

and hip fabric fashions that show influence from around the world in colour and pattern. Your choice in the latest window hardware and curtain finials means that your window fashions are 100 per cent your own creation, and prices remain very affordable when compared to traditional custom window draperies.

Window cling-films for a decorative finish and added privacy also offer new choices for home owners that accentuate without detracting from your home’s architecture.

“We are seeing a real resurgence in fabric as a décor choice,” said Leanne. “It’s exciting to be able to offer our clients thousands of fabric choices, not just in window fashion, but also in new areas like custom headboards and custom bedding.” The Budget Blinds team is currently gearing up to showcase their custom bedding at the Regina Home Show, and invite you to take advantage of their special discount deals available only by stopping by their display at the Home Show. “We are especially excited about our custom bedding,” said Leanne.

“You can choose your own size, profile, custom tufting and hardware accents.

Our fabrics come in thousands of different colours, patterns and textures. We’re seeing sculpted and scalloped headboards that are right on trend with home décor spring fashion.”

With Budget Blinds, there is no reason to be basic or boring. Say “so long” to beige.

With so many choices, the team at Budget Blinds can confidently accommodate any price point. “That’s the best part of our job,” said Leanne. “We want to help you make the best choice, get you precisely what you want, and make sure you always stay inside the limits of your budget. It’s so great to see happy clients, and we are committed to making sure you have the best options presented to you and that your personality is always paramount in your window fashion choice.”

To see the Budget Blinds team in action at the Regina Home Show, drop by their space and take advantage of their specials (available only at the Home

Show) just in time for a spring renewal for your home’s window fashions. Browse the thousands of fabric choices and let the personalities at Budget Blinds help you find your personality in window and bedroom fashion.

Contact Leanne and the team at Budget Blinds at 949-2300 to renew your home this spring and find your windows’ perfect match, and yours too. FHR

534 University Park Drive, Regina, SK Weyburn: 306.842.5328 Estevan: 306.634.5328 Regina: 306.949.2300 e: reginaadmin@yourbudgetblinds.ca www.budgetblinds.com

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DEFUSING A TIME BOMB Installing Liquid Backfill during the building of your new house can save a lifetime of aggravation and money

By Trilby Henderson our new home is sitting on a ticking maintenance time bomb when the backfill installed around its foundation has not been compacted to pre-excavation standards necessary to ensure compliance with the National Building Code, which states: Backfill shall be graded to prevent drainage towards the foundation after settling Despite being one of the most critically important elements of any new home, backfilling is generally an area overlooked and neglected by new home builders.

Proper backfilling is important throughout Saskatchewan. However, it is especially important in the expansive clays of Regina, where an average 84

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18 inches of progressive backfill consolidation settlement around a foundation is commonplace.

Even though your new home may appear properly graded to prevent drainage toward the foundation, there is no assurance the builder compacted the fill material used in order to eliminate the “void content,” to prevent subsidence of your grade over the next 20-plus years.

Two decades of Liquid Backfill history Over the past two decades, Gunner Ltd. has been putting its unique, innovative and highly effective product, Liquid Backfill, to work helping home and business owners prevent foundation seepage and settlement problems caused

by poor backfilling methods.

Clint Kimery, president of the Reginabased company, says Gunner Ltd. developed Liquid Backfill, a special lowshrink impervious clay-based material combination, in conjunction with the Canadian Research Council in the early ‘90s.

Since then, Liquid Backfill has proven to be a cost-efficient universally compact fill material, used in such places as the entire backfill of new foundations, utility trenches, and in place of porous water retaining sand as an impervious clay base under driveways, walks and patios where it is important to prevent water from collecting and causing freezing, thaw shifting and crack damage.

settling is a common problem in Regina relative to the problem of negative grade conditions initiated by improperly backfilled foundations.

SERVICE EXCAVATION

NEW FOUNDATION EXCAVATIONS

SLAB ON GRADE

BUILDING SLAB ON GRADE

“There is zero settling with our material,” says Kimery. “It’s equal to an undisturbed ground condition, providing maintenance-free landscaping over the lifetime of your home.”

Liquid Backfill prevents structural and cosmetic maintenance costs because it preserves the existing moisture condition of the bearing soil in a stable environment, similar to the original preconstruction moisture condition. “Liquid Backfill provides maintenance-free grade stability, therefore the homeowner is not required to annually chase a settling grade with a wheelbarrow of dirt and a shovel,” Kimery says.

the bulk of run-off water, it is not a reliable system a homeowner should count on. Keep in mind that weeping/ drainage tile is never installed on a slope to drain, so water is allowed to be retained in every dip of the tile, which facilitates a thin membrane of softened clay directly beneath the concrete spread footings.

The natural character of Regina clay, when in contact with water, creates a thin self-sealing surface membrane that seals off and prevents additional moisture from deeply saturating any further down into the bearing soil clays causing foundation heaving.

Don’t rely on weeping/ drainage tile

Typically this thin horizontal membrane that forms directly along the bottom of the footing concrete is far too thin and soft to support the weight of the concrete foundation. As a result, the structure fractionally settles on each occasion that runoff water is allowed into the weeping/ drainage tile to create this membrane condition below the footing.

While weeping/drainage tile installed along the foundation footing may handle

Foundation heaving is an extremely rare condition while progressive foundation

Water runs downhill and free water does not run through clay. These are the two guiding principles that Liquid Backfill is simply based on in respect to maintaining a dry and stable basement condition.

Eventually the progressive fractional settlement is being measured in inches, which is accompanied by the notorious cracking of Regina foundations and deterioration of interior finishes.

Liquid Backfill sets up the conditions that avoid this problem by simply controlling water runoff away from the foundation.

Basements not only stay dry, they are less prone to mildew, mold and various insects.

Your sump pump is a detector, a monitoring device not unlike your smoke detector.

You would not be thrilled to have your smoke detector go-off nor should you be joyful in hearing your sump pump start up. Your sump pump is warning you that you have water/grading problem undermining your foundation that requires quick attention.

Too often, topsoil or sand is mistakenly used as a re-grading material. While both are easy to handle and, after installation, look better than the pre-fill condition, problems arise when these types of materials become saturated and find the water simply running straight through and down toward the foundation following the underlying negative grade and into the weeping tile, continuing the settlement and wet basement cycle.

With proper backfilling practice, Regina, with its expansive clays, “should have the reputation for the driest foundations FineHomes REGINA

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in all of Canada,” Kimery says. “Instead, the city is best known for its unstable foundations.

“New home owners place far too much reliance on their builders to initiate innovative options in the marketplace and fail to appreciate the importance of specifying backfilling standards until it is too late.”

Certainly in this subject area the onus is on the new home owner to take the lead in order to protect their long term financial investment, without gambling and without having to accept compromises a few years later when the time bomb is imploding around you.

At that time you are on your own, the builder is fully paid and out of the picture while you are being told: “Well, that’s Regina for you!”

Specify Liquid Backfill New homeowners must insist on proper backfilling standards and then hold their builder legally responsible to provide them with this insurance. Liquid Backfill provides this foolproof proper backfilling assurance to the homeowner.

Once Liquid Backfill flows into an excavation, it solidifies, equaling an original undisturbed ground condition.

The key component of Liquid Backfill is clay, and the important characteristic of clay is that it doesn’t get wet very easily and it doesn’t get dry very easily.

It actually creates a “control grade” that preserves the pre-construction ground moisture condition, which is so critical to long-term foundation stability.

How much does it cost, to annually re-landscape your yard, to realign, to replace or support a settled and shifting foundation, or to replace or mudjack your driveway, patio, steps or sidewalk? All of this can be avoided, along with the disappointment, worry, tens of thousands of repair dollars and long hours of backbreaking work, by simply insisting on Liquid Backfill.

“Liquid Backfill not only protects your investment, it is a prized sales feature 86

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to future buyers,” says Kimery, adding, “With the price of homes nowadays, the cost of a Liquid Backfill installation is miniscule.”

Liquid Backfill can be applied to improve existing grades around older homes, under existing hard-to-access decks and concrete steps, to fill washout cavities under concrete slabs, and to fill utility line trenches. It also provides a firm base for new concrete slabs or new paving stone installations. It is flexible to work with, can be installed in a matter of hours and can be molded into a variety of landscaping contours—and, if necessary, can be easily re-excavated.

Go ahead… don’t install proper backfill around your new foundation, let your grade settle 18 inches, let your driveway settle, let your sidewalks settle, let the water run down your foundation wall and into your weeping/drainage tile to progressively settle your foundation. Hey,

your sump pump will handle it all… right?

We can guarantee you that the following pictures show the type of conditions you can expect to progressively develop relative to your new home over the next few years should you fail to specify proper backfill standards with your builder.

Under these circumstances, we want you to know that a large part of our business over the last 30 years involves the raising of settled concrete slabs originally constructed on an improper base and settled/wet foundations not property backfilled. Generally, the slabs have numerous cracks and the foundations have settled at least 2 to 4 inches, often more.

Mudjacking Mudjacking is the process of raising settled concrete slabs such as driveways,

sidewalks, slab garages and slab houses.

This process involves drilling two inch holes just through the concrete at approximately 4 to 6 feet apart. Over a number of passes our special claybase material is incrementally pumped through each hole, dispersing the weight of the concrete slab and permitting the slab to rise accordingly until the desired elevation has been attained.

The Mudjacking process does not create hydraulic lateral pressure that could damage an eight- to 10-inch foundation wall while raising a thin three- to fourinch concrete slab. To further explain, it is important to understand that there is no confined space under a concrete slab and the injection nozzle is not mechanically anchored to the slab, which may just push out, while a thin slab could crack and the clay-base mud being pumped will exit an adjacent hole at the same rate. Furthermore, there is generally only dirt packed along the leading edge of a slab or other joint spaces.

While Mudjacking can realign a concrete slab back to its original elevation and fill voids and cavities under that slab, Mudjacking cannot alter the underlying ground condition that may still contain

a void ratio compounded by the ground drying once the runoff is redirected.

There is a possibility the slab may again show signs of settling. Keep in mind that the same propensity for settling affects a newly replaced slab.

The beauty of Mudjacking is that it can be re-Mudjacked indefinitely using the same configuration of holes, until such a time as the underlying ground has returned to its pre-excavation state of compaction.

Compaction Grouting Compaction grouting is the process used to raise settled foundations. It is an acknowledged structural engineering process that involves having to install injection pipes below the concrete spread footings or concrete piles supporting the structure. Depending on the degree of settlement as determined by an elevation survey, these injection pipes are spaced accordingly and are incrementally injected with our special blend of grout material.

the foundation footings begin to heave and the foundation follows the vertical movement upwards.

It is important to note that along with the vertical lift of the foundation there is generally unavoidable collateral damage relative to raising any rigid structure by any method, due to the condition and history of every structure, which the owners should have a miscellaneous repair contingency in place.

Gunner has the years of skill and experience behind its quality work, along with the right equipment to address any remedial issue, residential, commercial or industrial.

Although the company primarily works in and around Regina, it does accept projects throughout the province, in other provinces and internationally. FHR

Gunner Corp.

682 Adams St. Regina, Sk. 306.775.2626 www.gunnercorp.ca

The injected material displaces the underlying ground and as the grout bulb enlarges the ground mass under FineHomes REGINA

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THE IDEAL PRAIRIE HOME Competitively priced, green construction ethic and a quick move-in date

By Trilby Henderson

Good things may come to those who wait, but even better things come to those who choose PrairieBilt Homes.

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f you’re looking for homes in the Regina area and Southern Saskatchewan, PrairieBilt Homes offers homebuyers a selection of high-quality homes that boast style, express turnkey service, option flexibility and competitive pricing versus on-site construction, but are move-in ready in approximately a third of the time.

With 30 years of experience in the manufactured home industry, PrairieBilt president Dave Curtis has truly

experienced the evolution of home building. “The strength and quality of our homes competes with many alternatives,” said Curtis. “The only difference is simply the construction methods.” Bringing an in-depth knowledge of the industry, Curtis developed and operates PrairieBilt Homes with marketing and sales manager Ryan Germin, who adds more than a decade of sales, large-volume retail, service and marketing experience to the company.

Evolving Home Building PrairieBilt Homes are built under controlled conditions, where unparralleled standards in both materials and construction can be achieved. This makes the process immune to factors such as weather, vandalism and subtrade scheduling. “The result is a finished home that competes in quality against our market’s narrow supply of higherpriced, site-built homes,” said Germin.

A controlled construction process lends itself well to express turnkey service.

In fact, PrairieBilt Homes are typically move-in ready in about a third of the time it takes to complete a site-built home. Homeowners can expect to be living in their new PrairieBilt home within 60 to 90 days of placing their order - a huge advantage for those in a hurry to move, or need to be out of their current home by a set date and want to avoid the added stress of finding temporary accommodations while waiting for their new home to be ready.

Germin said PrairieBilt Homes are affordable compared to most market alternatives, and the company’s broad range of options means there is something to suit nearly every budget.

Still, though they are reasonably priced, PrairieBilt Homes offer a distinct style and quality comparable to much more expensive homes. This is best reflected in the professionally designed kitchens,

which are created with both class and practical innovation top of mind.

The quality-crafted modern kitchen designs boast a range of options, from large, functional islands to stunning cabinetry. “Everyone feels a little more sophisticated in our kitchens,” said Germin.

PrairieBilt Homes are also more environmentally beneficial than most other new homes on the market. “One of the unique ways we achieve this is through a partnership with the Reginabased company, Ten Tree International (www.tentree.org) in which we ultimately replenish the wood products that we use in the building process,” said Germin.

This means that, based on a squarefootage calculation, a specified number of new trees are planted for every home built. Additionally, PrairieBilt elevates the standard by certifying that the majority of the construction waste material is recycled and reused throughout the controlled building process.

Offering over 175 floor plans and a complete range of styles for homeowners to choose from, PrairieBilt has simplified the selection process by classifying the designs into different series, making it easier for homeowners to narrow down the type of home that will best suit their needs. For example, the homes in its Evolution series feature open-concept layouts, modern finishes and beautifully designed kitchens, while its Whole-

Home series includes bungalows and two storeys with garage and permanent foundation options. The company also offers a Waterfront series with great cottage and vacation homes, a Multifamily series that provides affordable solutions for multi-family housing, and a Commercial series with office or lease space that can be built to suit tenant needs.

Germin said PrairieBilt is affiliated with a land development division and will be announcing available lots in exciting new subdivisions throughout the year. He encourages anyone who is considering buying a new home to visit their website www.prairiebilt.com - or give them a call to discuss why a PrairieBilt Home is the right choice for them. FHR

PrairieBilt Homes Ltd. 420 McDonald St, Regina, SK Toll Free: 1 (855) 494.4743 www.prairiebilt.com FineHomes REGINA

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DEVELOPERS SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY SUPPORTING THEM Lake-front properties on the leading edge of Qu’Appelle Valley growth

By Mackenzie Brooks

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n the community of Fort Qu’Appelle,

people to other people, and are moving

At the leading edge of this progressive community is ClearView Developments, a local business with global reach. Not your typical land developer, ClearView Developments is carving out a niche for themselves and setting the community of Fort Qu’Appelle and the recreational and resort areas around the town apart from the crowd. What ClearView Developments has created is unique in Saskatchewan – a land development company with real estate clout and established connections to the local building community. A uniquely Saskatchewan idea brings them, and holds them, together. It creates strength for individual relationships and strength for businesses and economy. ClearView Developments delivers this for the people of the valley and continues to expand their reach across the province’s south and into the global land-development scene.

their community forward. Progress is

Quality

made. Business is built. Cooperation is

At the head of ClearView Developments, is director of development, Val Hamilton. Val’s title is a grand one, but in reality Val and the employees at ClearView Developments, along with their partners at Stone Ridge Realty, are regular

a movement is growing; through this movement, people are connecting with one another. Through hard work and motivation, businesses are connecting

achieved. People succeed. Life blossoms.

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Saskatchewan folk. “We love that many of our contracts, deals and best and closest relationships with our contractors and clients are done on a hand shake. It’s great to know that a company can rely on the people of Saskatchewan,” said Val. “Grassroots movements are not a thing of the past, and the best part of the process is that we’re participating in building something better, together.”

With continued development of the valley and the relationships associated with ClearView and Stone Ridge, it is evident that these two organizations are going places. “We’re excited to have our clients and their families along for the journey.”

With a solid background in the legal aspects of real estate transactions and

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land development in residential, resort property and agricultural and commercial land, the team at ClearView Developments is ideally equipped to deliver exactly what their clients need. In addition, the symbiotic relationship that ClearView maintains with Stone Ridge Realty extends their available services to their clients. “We want to be able to serve our clients in a comprehensive manner,” said Val. “We know that buying a piece of land, and going through the processes of researching the land, acquisition and ownership, development and building can be difficult, and sometimes challenging. The family dynamic amongst ClearView and Stone Ridge lends itself to helping families like our clients. We work hard together as a family, to benefit other families.”

Stone Ridge Realty provides the real estate end of business in every area of development that ClearView transacts, whether it be residential, commercial, resort or agricultural. Because Fort Qu’Appelle and surrounding area are so diverse, Stone Ridge Realty is prepared to answer everything their clients ask of them. Ken Hinton and his team work hard to support the community and all new families moving into the area. Because the team at Stone Ridge Realty is so hard working, and because their experience in real estate is so far reaching, ClearView Developments knows that their clients will have a great experience with Stone Ridge Realty – they are “the friendly professionals” for a reason.

“Ken Hinton and his team are not only

Estates is divided into one- and five-acre parcels. They ideally offer hillside and valley views, as well as access to all the amenities in the nearby town of Fort Qu’Appelle. At the intersection of rural and urban, Clear View Estates is the apex of living in the idyllic valley setting.

“We’re very excited about this particular development because it offers our clients some incredible benefits that are not always available on lakefront property in the region. Because of the hill-side location, and because the parcels are larger, Clear View Estates’ lots create freedom for buyers in this area.” said Val. This freedom is choice. Just off of Highway 10, and three minutes from Fort Qu’Appelle, Clear View Estates gives buyers access to solitude as well as town life, and direct access to the two provincial resort recreation areas: Katepwa and Echo Lake are minutes away. Because of the size of the lots and their location on the hill side, the subdivision also offers buyers the chance to own horses and livestock, invest in their families and maximize their outdoor leisure time. The experts at Robinson Residential (premiere home designers in partnership with ClearView Developments) give the team and their clients incredible plans and a solid foundation to create a beautiful community. ClearView clients have maximized choice with Robinson Residential’s expertise.

wonderful realtors, they are also wonderful people who complement the progressive movement that the valley is experiencing. It’s a great experience for us and for our clients to do business with them. They are good people to have on the team; they have become an extension of the ClearView family.” said Val. The family relationship is no exaggeration either; Stone Ridge is a family affair; the

entire Hinton family is part of the team, in life and in business.

Community ClearView Developments’ current project site brings the best of the Qu’Appelle Valley to the doorsteps of those who choose to make the new community of Clear View Estates their home. The

In addition to all this, the development of the hill side and valley view lots in Clear View Estates has also taken into consideration the natural grassland and tree lines of the area. Much consideration has been taken to preserve the natural beauty of the habitat for people and wildlife alike. ClearView is dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of the land, as they recognize that it is a primary factor that draws people into the valley and the valley lifestyle. “We want to make sure that everyone who buys in Clear View Estates can benefit from the landscape. The landscape is part of what makes us the people who we are in this province. Saskatchewan is a beautiful place to live and we want to keep it that way,” said Val. A second project is underway for ClearView Developments at the former Boy FineHomes REGINA

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The Team of Clearview Developments and Stone Ridge Realty: L to R: Ken Hinton, Nichole Redlick, Val Hamilton, Brittany Mish, Debi Dittrick, Doug Blatter. Missing: Roger Finishen

Scout camp located on the lake at Gilwell Pointe. When it came time to close the camp, the former directors came to ClearView to see what could be done.

The team is thrilled with the opportunity that this piece of the valley offers: hill side property that slopes down to the lakefront on the north shore of Mission Lake with panoramic views. As one of the last untouched sections of lakefront left, the team is excited to see where this project will end and how it will impact the people of the valley and the residents of the subdivision. Because the lots are located on higher ground, the flood risk is eliminated. Privacy is guaranteed and the large environmental reserves ensure wildlife will continue to roam freely in the area.

Commitment Stone Ridge Realty and ClearView Developments are committed to their clients and to continuing to build the community that they serve. “We’re always on the lookout for the next great opportunity for us and for our clients and for continuing to create and nurture relationships with the people we do business with,” said Val. “We’re lucky to be living here, and during these economic times we are lucky to be experiencing growth and helping to con94

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tinue to move our community forward.”

If you are considering a move that brings together the best of the valley, and offers freedom of choice, the best of rural living with the convenience of urban life and access to the resort lifestyle and recreation facilities, ClearView Developments has all this in spades. “We are excited to work with all our clients to bring people together to build something great and to continue our progress forward. We are so proud of what we have been able to achieve so far, and we are truly grateful for our partners in the community and for the interest of our clients,” said Val. With Saskatchewan poised to continue its economic boom and attract new residents eager to build their lives here, ClearView Developments is making investment in Saskatchewan easier and, well, clearer. As a province of traditionally hard-working people, Saskatchewan has always been a land of building and of pulling together. ClearView Developments continues to make this possible for people in the valley and southern Saskatchewan as well as investors from around the world.

Stop in to visit the folks of ClearView Developments and their partners at

Stone Ridge Realty, located in the historic Hudson’s Bay trading post in the charming town of Fort Qu’Appelle, to discover where this community can take you.

Through cooperation and dedication to one another and to business, ClearView Developments is moving themselves, their town’s businesses and the province of Saskatchewan forward. Become a part of the movement. FHR

ClearView Developments 306.332.4383

Stone Ridge Realty 306.332.5767 197 Broadway Street W. Fort Qu’Appelle, SK. www.clearviewdevelopments.ca www.stoneridgerealty.ca

The moment you step into Casa DĂŠcor the excitement begins!

We are pleased to offer a fabulous showroom featuring quality custom upholstery and dining furniture, art and accessories, and interior design service. We provide our clients sleek sophisticated products, comfortable pricing and the ultimate in customer service. Come explore our constantly changing showroom. Our creative team is ready to assist you and answer any of your questions. We look forward to unleashing your desire to create your own unique and personal Casa Space.

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ROCK SOLID SERVICE Stonework company gauges success on customer experience

By Ryan Holota. Photos by Shawn Fulton

hat factors make a business great? For most people, the first thing that comes to mind is customer service. Price is important, of course, but exceptional customer service really makes people sit up and take notice, probably because it’s something that few of us see anymore.

But if you’ve had countertops installed by CNG Stone, you’ve seen exceptional customer service. That’s because CNG Stone built its reputation on delivering custom-

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er service that goes the extra mile.

Part of delivering exceptional customer service at CNG Stone is educating their customers. “There are more than 800 colours of stone available, with between 60 and 70 colours that are used regularly,” says Scott Tresek, owner of CNG Stone “In addition to those colours, each piece of stone is different in terms of pattern and texture. No two kitchens are really ever the same. Granite is a natural product, and so it’s never perfect. There

are pros and cons to it, as there is to every countertop material, so it is important to me that my customers understand the product, as well as how to care for it,” says Tresek. “There isn’t a lot of maintenance that is required, but doing it properly will ensure that your countertops will be beautiful for ever.”

“Let’s face it, natural stone countertops come from the ground. None of them are truly perfect. And anybody can start a company, bring in a slab, and sell it to a

customer. It could be stone from the same quarry as the stone we have. But buying a countertop is much more than just buying a piece of stone. You have the craftsmanship, the installation, and the service to consider as well.”

Natural countertops are delivered in slabs already sliced and surface polished, but much more needs to be done. The kitchen must be carefully measured, the stone cut to size, the edges polished and sealed, and then all the pieces must be installed. It’s a lot of work, and every flaw shows. CNG Stone has invested heavily in equipment and training to make sure everything looks amazing when they are done.

The production manager, David Gray, is a lifelong stone worker who moved to Regina from Quebec just for the opportunity to work with CNG Stone. “This is the best place I’ve worked in my career,” he says.

“Here, I have complete control over the quality of the product that we deliver, and nothing goes out the door without meeting my standards.”

Because of all the colours and textures available, it is very important to see the actual slab that is going to

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be used in your home or business. CNG stone has you covered there, with more than 200 slabs for you to look at. Most of the granite in Canada comes from quarries in Brazil, but CNG recently discovered some amazing quarries in Italy, and from there imported an entire shipping container of stone. Bringing in large quantities of stone from a single quarry has a lot of benefits to the end user—including price, quality and the flexibility to accommodate larger kitchens and matching vanities.

Still, in the world of homebuilding and home renovations, problems sometimes arise. That’s why some of CNG’s favorite referrals are from customers who have had snags on the job. “I’ve always believed that your reputation is the best asset any business can have,” says Tresek. “That’s why we go out of our way to do anything possible to build and protect ours.”

“When we deal with issues head on, our customers know that we are truly working for them, and that sets them at ease.

That’s why we have seams in our showroom, so our customers know what they are going to get.” And CNG does have two seams in its showroom for all to see. “This seam over here,” explains Tresek, “is the industry standard seem. It looks okay, but you can definitely see that it is there. This seam over here,” he explains, pointing to the other side of the display, “is what our seams look like.” A cursory glance doesn’t reveal a seam at all, but upon close inspection a faint line is seen in the pattern.

“We have very experienced workers, and a very expensive seam setting machine. It is an additional cost for us, but it allows us to deliver a superior finished product.”

With a showroom that is open six days a week to accommodate its busy customers, CNG stone makes it easy to discover the products you want. Located at 1445 Scarth Street, CNG is open from 8-5 on Monday through Friday, and from 10-4 on Saturday. If you need to learn more about stone products outside of those hours, visit www.cngstone.com, or check them out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ cngstone. You can also call them at (306) 585-9876. FHR

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What Do Customers Say About CNG Stone?

“CNG Stone was excellent to work with, and very quick with out project. It was less than a week from the time they took the templates, to the install date, which nobody else could match. They even asked us if there was a piece of the slab that we really liked so that they could work with the template layout to feature those areas. I would highly recommend them to other people who are looking for granite countertops.”

-Philip and Pam Korczak “I had a specific look in mind, but I wasn’t sure how to achieve it. I told them what I wanted to do and they did the research, sourced the stone and brought it in for me to look at.

“The installation was easy, on time, and they followed up with me afterward to make sure that we were completely happy. They went above and beyond to make sure that everything was right.”

-Christie Reid and Curtis Trann

“CNG Stone installed new granite countertops in my kitchen. I was really happy with the work that the three men did when they installed the countertops, and I’m very pleased with the quality and the look of the finished product. They were really easy to deal with and even picked up supplies from another of our contractors when I was out of town. They were also able to co-ordinate with the plumber so that my sink and taps could be installed at the same time.

“CNG Stone installed granite in our bathroom, laundry room, and kitchen. Their approach to customer service and their willingness to bring in the right product for us really appealed to us. Their prices were competitive, but it was their customer service that really set them apart from their competition” -Ryan and Jennifer Schindelka

“I was referred to CNG Stone by a neighbour, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone else.”

-Linda Thompson

CNG Stone 1445 Scarth St. Regina, Sk. 306.585.9876 sales@cngstone.com www.cngstone.com

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GROWING UP GREEN

By Ken Beattie he sun returns, our spirits lift and the seed packets arrive on the shelves of every conceivable retail outlet known to humankind. Perhaps it is a primal instinct to get things growing, starting seeds and planning for the upcoming season. Personally I think a great deal of this instinctual business of spring is triggered by vitamin D from the ever-increasing sunlight.

I can recall as a small boy still in elementary school the rush and buzz of the first seed catalogue’s arrival (nowadays they arrive in December).

There was a thrill in sitting down with my Dad leafing through the already dogeared pages, drooling over the potential that the images offered. Perhaps one could draw an analogy to Playboy Magazine and that genre of literature, as I only read the seed catalogues for the articles, honest!

Nevertheless, articles or images, the seed catalogues were a crucial planning tool for the seasonal gardener to follow.

The age old lesson that one learns, it seems over and over again, is not to sow the entire packet of seed. One hardly needs 27 varieties of basil, now really!

Admittedly, I am as guilty as the next person, having sown the entire packet of seeds and yes, all 27 varieties of basil did very well, thank you very much.

Not that I am blaming my parents for the rich over-indulgence, horticultural of course, but there were a great many life lessons learned growing up green.

Today, there is a particular urgency for all things “green” and natural. Perhaps it is a generational phenomena but it really seems quite reasonable to assume that

growing plants and in most cases, food, the way I did as a kid, is nothing unusual or special, it is just common sense.

My great grandparents, grandparents etc., all grew a very “natural” garden.

There was very limited, if any, use at all of synthetics other than perhaps potato dust! As it turns out, my Saturdays spent in the potato patch collecting greasy, fat potato bugs in a tin can was “organic.”

OMG, who knew?

Like every other gardener whom I have met, the topic of manure always comes up, yes in a good way. One would think that we gardeners were members of some upscale wine group the way we discuss manure and other such wastes at every opportunity including social outings.

Compost ranks right up there as well,

but nowadays, recycling and composting have an entirely different association than they did when I was growing up.

For goodness sakes, what other society actually manufactures bags for waste, supplies vehicles to haul it away and then worries about all the waste?

Composting was always a part of the cycle of the garden; we just knew the process under a different name.

Information abounds on the positive attributes of garden compost inclusive of plans and recipes to prepare the perfect batch. Compost really works along at its own speed and I can’t really see the need for a “compost thermometer” and some of the other accoutrements that are so popular today.

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gold to be gingerly applied to the most special of plots in the garden. Nothing fancy about that, just haul it away and dig it in. In researching for a project one day I came across a word that was used to describe this seething heap of potato rinds, grass clippings and orange peels; skutch! As it turns out this term is used to describe the wastes that come from the linen process and indeed was composted.

So, my parents and grandparents actually had a familiarity with the process and didn’t just make up the name for our benefit. Today, I can’t produce enough compost of my own to satisfy the needs of my heavy clay soil, so I usually purchase some to augment my home brew. The long and the short of it is, there is never enough!

Growing vegetables in the home garden is becoming popular again with a younger demographic. This trend may well be associated with food security issues or simply having fresh, unadulterated produce. We can all agree that if you have grown your own tomatoes, there is nothing like eating fresh from the vine relative to the perfectly formed, red balls we see at the supermarket. Not everyone, however, has the space to produce sufficient produce but even a small city yard can yield quite an amount of food.

There are no rules broken if you actually plant veggies in with your perennials and seasonal flowers, actually many of them are great companions. Rhubarb is one of my favourite plants to use in the landscape as here on the Prairies there are not a lot of coarser leafed plants that will survive. Onions do remarkably well within a patch of snapdragons or Shasta Daisy; actually, they help discourage many insects from visiting.

Beets can be very attractive in containers along with lettuce and edible greens.

Continue to harvest the young leaves throughout the early season and enjoy “micro greens” from home. Window boxes overflowing with herbs and edible leaf crops are very attractive and produce continuously if grown in a good sunny location. Hanging baskets have proven to be excellent homes for miniature tomato and cucumbers (both which will climb also).

There really is no end to what you can do in your garden to “green” it up. The terminology of green is frankly getting a bit tiresome as we tend to overuse and brand everything for the sake of marketing. Simple enough, just apply common sense, consider that what you give to the soil it will give back and practice what we preach in the garden.

Good advice, simple to follow and

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success is sure to follow. See you at the garden centre! FHR

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HAVE A SOAK FOR PLEASURE AND HEALTH

By Sheena Koops

F

ew things say relaxation like soaking in a hot tub. Whether it’s for the health benefits or just the sheer joy of immersing yourself in the steaming, rejuvenating liquid, even the thought of it starts to melt away stress.

But not all hot tubs are created equal.

Arctic Spas are built in northern Alberta where they know everything about engineering a product to withstand harsh Saskatchewan winters. And right here

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in Regina there is a dealer who knows everything about fitting homeowners with just the right tub.

Sunset Bay Leisure Selection, follow up service, product and who you’re buying from, that’s what Sunset Bay opened with in 1994, and now in 2012, they can add longevity to their list of achievements. The staff at Sunset Bay knows hot tubs, with more than 40

years of combined industry experience.

Experience that tells them they have the best product on the market, the widest range of accessories and maintenance products in town and the most comprehensive after sales service (even if you bought your tub somewhere else).

“We’ve carried Arctic Spa since the day we opened,” says Tory Morissette, co-owner with Alison Morissette. “We believe in our product, and it has passed

the test of time. Just the other day, I did a tub swap, delivering a new tub in exchange for one I’d delivered in 1999.

Now the used one is sitting out on our showroom floor looking great. It’s really stood up over 13 years.”

Not just different… better That’s because Arctic Spas are designed differently from the ground up. Their Forever Floor® is a sturdy insulated platform—standard on every hot tub they produce. This means that you can rest the spa on any level surface eliminating the need for foundation materials like concrete, blocks and gravel. It also means you can even install a new hot tub in the middle of January—just clear off a spot on the ground and put the hot tub in place. In addition, your hot tub is now entirely portable.

Unlike other brands, Arctic Spas are fully insulated in the right places to save you money. Design-inspired by our homes in northern Canada and using a selfsupporting shell they insulate the exterior walls, floors and, most importantly, the attic with a Castcore® Mylovac cover.

This means that the heat is retained in the hot tub reducing your energy costs.

Going beyond the best insulated cabinet in the world, Arctic Spas recently introduced FreeHeat® to capture even more residual equipment heat, monitored by spa packs and balancing the cabinet temperature when required. Another benefit of FreeHeat® is that your hot tub has true freeze protection in a power outage. Without insulation between the water and cabinet the heat energy transfer gives you about 5 days at -20ºC before any freezing occurs.

Reap the benefits It may seem self-evident that soaking in hot water would relieve stress and therefore have psychological benefits, but there is much more to it than that.

The physical benefits can also be extensive, from lowering blood pressure to relieving headaches and arthritis pain

Photos by Shawn Fulton

to inducing weight loss. One study, published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine, even indicated that soaking in a hot tub for 30 minutes a day for three weeks reduced blood sugar levels by an average of 13 per cent in patients with Type 2 diabetes.

There may even be evidence that using a hot tub can improve your love life. Clichés of the wild and crazy bachelor pad aside, having a spa encourages people to spend relaxing time together without distractions such as TV and Internet. Whether just the two of you or the entire family, it’s great for relationships of all kinds. And the kids love it even more than video games.

Smart spa The Sunset Bay Leisure Team: L to R: Mike Anderson, Alison Morissette, Tory Morissette, Barclay McIvor

Of course, these days everything is about technology and the latest Arctic Spa models have built-in Wi-Fi. Download the onSpa® app—exclusive to Arctic Spas—and you can control your tub using virtually any mobile device from anywhere in the world. Turn up the heat as you’re leaving work using your smart phone so the tub is just the right temperature when you get home. While you’re putting on your bathing suit, turn on the jets, the lights and send your favourite playlist to the built-in speakers. Sunset Bay even has a waterproof case for your phone so you can take the controller in with you or invite friends over to join you for a nice soak.

Other spas want to be Arctic Spas Arctic Spas has set the standard in the industry. More often than not, when you go shopping for a hot tub, other dealers will compare their product to Arctic Spas to show you the level of quality that they have built into the product. But why would you want an imitator when the real thing is local and so easy to get?

Sunset Bay is the best destination in southern Saskatchewan for hot tubs, steam showers, infra-red saunas, smoker barbecues, gazebos, accessories and so much more. FHR

Sunset Bay Leisure 1333 Albert Street Regina, Sk. 306.525.0546 1.800.597.7727 e: sales@sunsetbayleisure.com www.sunsetbayleisure.com

www.naturescanvas.biz

306.596.2940

PERFECT SOLUTIONS FOR A LOW-MAINTENANCE YARD

By Sheena Koops anadians love to relax in their yards, or at the lake, not worrying about yard work. But it’s unrealistic to expect a low-maintenance yard. Or is it? Maybe it is possible to enjoy the weekend, or that well-deserved holiday without worrying about the yard work.

“I’ve always enjoyed the great outdoors,” says Frank Vervalcke, owner and operator of Perfect Landscape Solutions in Regina.

Vervalcke’s product – specifically Perfect Turf and Brock Paver Base – is reinventing outdoor living. Perfect Turf is synthetic grass and putting greens for all seasons; 108

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Brock PaverBase is interlocking brick projects with half the hassle.

“People love synthetic grass for all sorts of reasons, but a main draw is the low maintenance lawn solutions. From putting greens, to dog runs and landscape grass, our synthetic turf is the perfect solution for your yard,” says Frank. A custom built putting green is great for entertaining and a fun way to spend time with the family.

Not only can they be installed outdoors, they also make an excellent addition to your dream basement or Man Cave.

“Our Synthetic grass has become quite popular over the last 10 years throughout

Western Canada. Our clients love that fact that they can enjoy their weekend and not stress about doing yard work!” adds Frank. Pet owners, say good-bye to your dead, brown stained grass and say hello to beautiful, lush, green, pet-friendly synthetic turf.

“We do all types of landscaping,” says Vervalcke. “From paving stones and retaining walls, to natural sod and synthetic grass, zero-scaping, water features, and bobcat services; we are your one-stop landscape shop. Our main focus is to provide exceptional customer service and the best products available;

when we did our research into synthetic turf, we found that Perfect Turf was by far the most reliable product, with the most comprehensive warranty.” The manufacturer, Pro Green International, is a pioneer in the turf industry, and since 1987 has been one of the largest, mosttrusted manufacturers in the world. Pro Green continues to do extensive testing on their product; these tests have proven it will endure Canadian environments and last for years. Perfect Landscape Solutions is proud to be a Perfect Turf provider.

“The new turf they installed in my front and backyard left my wife and I with a ton of extra time to enjoy the great outdoors last summer; not having to mow, water, or weed the lawn was heaven!” says Lite92 FM’s Greg Morgan.

“If there was a problem, or concern, Frank was always diligent in getting back to me and ensuring we were completely satisfied.”

Frank Vervalcke of Perfect Landscape Solutions

Vervalcke is also a proud distributor of Brock PaverBase which allows do-it-yourselfers to build their own interlocking brick projects. Brock PaverBase is a load bearing panel, which reduces the need for deep excavating. Traditionally, brick projects require eight to 12 inches of excavating, but with PaverBase, digging is cut in half, providing a cleaner and quicker construction time. Now DIYers truly can build the perfect patio. For contractors, using Brock increases profitability and

eases installation. For homeowners, the best part about Brock is the Lifetime warranty. “If your contractor isn’t using Brock PaverBase, ask them to look into it,” says Vervalcke.

“As fast as you install the Brock PaverBase, you can install the stone,” says Jamie of Precision Excavating in Regina. “This is a installer-friendly product! A simple utility knife is all that is required to cut it. If your customer decides to change the inset pattern or curvature you can slide your pavers accordingly; with no touch-ups required on your BROCK bed. We will continue to use the product on all our hard-scape projects and recommend it to other contractors and do-it-yourself people.”

The Perfect Landscape team is a company focused on the details, small details like the uniforms they wear and big details like their quality craftsmanship, which they back with a great warranty and exceptional customer service. Call them today and let them help create your perfect yard. FHR

Perfect Landscape Solutions Regina, Sk. Frank Vervalcke 306.537.2615 frank@myperfectyard.com www.myperfectyard.com

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Landscaping Supplies, support and plans in one location

By Tobie Hainstock o, you want to do some landscaping.

You know what you want and how you want it to look. You’re even looking forward to doing it yourself. But you just might need a little helpful advice along the way.

yard and you know what you’d like to see there, but you just don’t know where to begin and what will work out for the best.

“Bring in your ideas and we will help you come up with a plan that will work right for your yard,” Stefan says.

With a love for outdoor living, and a combination of more than 35 years experience in the landscaping industry, Sean Stefan and partner Steve Kesslering of The Rusty Shovel offer more than gardening and landscaping supplies.

“We offer supplies and support to our customers,” states Stefan.

In most cases, a do-it-yourself project such as this is a one-time-only situation and you want to get it right the first time.

Because of the extensive experience of the The Rusty Shovel staff, they are able to pick out trouble spots in the design, or factor in future issues that most people wouldn’t think to consider. “We try to think of the things that you’re not thinking of in order to help carry the project through to completion,” says Stefan.

A lot of customers are coming into The Rusty Shovel planning to do the landscaping themselves to save on labour costs.

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He adds that when you visit The Rusty Shovel, you get the products you

purchased as well as step-by-step instructions. “Be sure to check out the online video support featured on our website.” Video instruction can be found at www.therustyshovel.ca and more advice is provided through hand outs and follow-up emails that go along with your purchase Offering fast and friendly service is a priority at The Rusty Shovel. According to Stefan, if you bring in your ideas and order your product in the first part of the week, you will have your supplies and instruction by the weekend, if not that same day, depending on the type of project. With their sprinkler systems for example, when you provide a scale drawing of your yard plan, they will put a package together with all the parts you need and provide a copy of your plan that shows exactly where each sprinkler

should go and what nozzle and fittings are required for each sprinkler.

Stefan says they have a great line of landscaping and sprinkler products to choose from when planning your outdoor look. “It’s good to come by and see what we have available to help you through the planning process,” he says. Blu-lock

by Hydro-Rain is a popular sprinkler pipe-fitting system featured at The Rusty Shovel. This is a quicker and easier method than traditional pipe fittings because it utilizes push-and-go technology that requires no tools or tightening.

Sean Stefan and Steve Kesslering of The Rusty Shovel

Another popular product line is the Aquascape pond and pondless waterfalls. These items come with easy to follow instructions which will have your yard looking fantastic in no time. Pond and pondless kits feature Aquascape’s 20 products in 20 steps philosophy, which will help you create beautiful water features without having to guess whether or not it will work when it’s finished.

A great looking and functional yard is enjoyable not only for you, but for your friends and neighbours as well. Beautifully landscaped yards equal a beautiful looking city, and everyone enjoys that.

For more information about completing your own landscaping or sprinkler installation, call 757-2227, visit them online or drop by at 680 Angus Street. The Rusty Shovel is open Monday to Friday 7:30AM to 5:30PM and Saturday 8:30AM to 3:00PM. FHR

The Rusty Shovel Landscape Shop 680 Angus St. Regina, Sk. 306.757.2227 www.therustyshovel.ca

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RENOVATING FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING Aging boomers create a boom in accessiblity modifications

By Shell Busey

or many seniors, living independently at home is a less costly and much more welcome alternative to moving to a seniors facility. However, the design of our homes, does not address accessibility issues that sometimes come with growing older. Seniors can have some

Some of these barriers, however, can be eliminated without major home repairs or having a big impact on your budget. In general, adapting the space in a home to accommodate an aging resident should have enough space for a wheelchair or walker.

This includes wide aisles and doorways, large toe kicks, and adjusted countertop heights. Here are some more specific ideas to keep in mind when remodeling for the future.

Bathroom

difficulty carrying out daily

• Install a bowl that hangs over the edge of the vanity to accommodate a wheelchair.

activities because of stairs, hard

• Install a single lever faucet with a retractable nozzle for easier reach.

to reach switches and cupboards,

• Have a mirror that tilts forward, for comfortable use by a wheelchair user.

bathroom fixtures that are too awkward or narrow halls and doorways.

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• Provide a side-entry, walk-in tub, or convert your existing tub, and install a heightadjustable showerhead.

• Arrange cupboards for easy access to heavy items. Choose cabinets with pullout shelves, turntables or Lazy Susans in cupboards.

• Provide lower countertops with higher toe-kick space to accommodate wheelchair users.

• Use large handles on cabinets to make them easier to open and close for those with arthritic hands.

• Make sure knee clearances have a minimum width of 30-inches, 36-inches is ideal. The clearance should also be 27-inches high and 19-inches deep.

• Additional conveniently placed electrical outlets may need to be installed.

Throughout the home • Install wider doorways and hallways.

Door openings should be at least 32 inches wide, A 36-inch-wide door is even better.

• Hallways also should be at least 36 inches wide.

• Use pocket doors or doors with hinges that allow them to open wider. Also, create open pathways in and around the room.

• Install backing behind walls for grab bars, especially in the tub/shower and toilet areas. If you’re remodeling the bathroom and you’re tearing out tiles around the tub, then it’s a logical time to put in reinforcement for grab bars.

• Install faucets with single-handle controls or infrared sensors.

• Buy a special toilet or retrofit an existing toilet to raise the seat 17 inches from the floor.

• Include a large roll-in shower with a seat, separate the tub and shower or replace the tub and shower combination with just a shower.

Kitchen When planning a new kitchen for independent living, careful choices of appliances: • Install the wall oven higher off the ground and a front-control cook top.

• Install the microwave oven at counter level or below. Also, allow recessed space beneath the kitchen sink.

• Look for a sink that is four-inches deep rather than the standard seven-inch depth, and consider side-by-side refrigerator and freezer so you don’t have to reach, bend, or crouch to get into either.

• Consider which way doors should open. Install levered door handles that are easier to grasp than traditional round doorknobs.

• Replace flip-type light switches to rocker switches.

• Light switches, thermostats, and other controls should be no more than 48 inches from the floor.

• Install adequate task lighting. Equipping any room with proper lighting is important, and particularly for the elderly who may enjoy reading, writing, sewing, or crafting.

• Add motion detectors on exterior lighting. Well-lit entries are safer and they act as a crime deterrent.

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Hardwood flooring

• Equip the entry door and other doors with easy-to-use levers instead of knobs.

• Electronic keyless entry locksets can replace keys for entry doors.

• Automated security services are available.

• Provide flat thresholds that are easily navigated by someone using a wheelchair or walker.

• Install non-slip flooring in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room, or treat floors with an anti-slip solution.

• Avoid hard tile or any flooring that is grooved or ridged. Area rugs can also pose a hazard to an elderly or sick loved one. Look for smooth hardwood flooring or commercial-grade carpeting.

• Lower rods in the closets and install shelves so that objects can be raised off the ground – placing the clothes most often used in the middle of the clothes rod.

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL PVC Windows (Sask made) Siding

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After

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119 Park St. Regina, Sk. Phone: 306.352.2842 Toll Free: 1.866.451.7881

Motion detectors

• Purchase a front-loading washer and dryer with front controls and place it on a raised platform.

• Casement and crank-style windows are easier to open and close than double-hung windows.

Heating and cooling This is very important to the comfort of the area. If you are remodeling a separate suite such as a basement or coach house there are some great options when it comes to heating and cooling. They can range from adding a gas or electric fireplace insert or installing an in-floor heating system. There are systems on the market for just about any type of heating retrofit application.

Radiant Electric Floor Heating Systems can be installed under floor coverings such as ceramic, natural stone or floating laminates. A ductless air conditioning heat pump system such as the Mitsubishi Mr Slim unit is ideal when there is no duct work. FHR For more home improvement information, or to send Shell an email go to www.AskShell.com.

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KEEPING THE CHARACTER Start to Finish Construction renovates a Robinson Street character home for modern living

By Trilby Henderson. Photos by Calvin Fehr

When Al and Janette Dennis decided to purchase her aunt’s Robinson Street character home, they were faced with the challenge of preparing their current house for sale, while at the same time embarking on a major renovation of their new home. The Dennis’s put their trust in Start to Finish Construction.

Owner Stephen Lucyk founded the Reginabased business in early 2008 and has since focused on meeting the needs of commercial and residential property owners, including new construction and small and largescale renovations.

In addition to completing renovations on the Dennis’s former home, Lucyk and his team worked with the family to transform the 1 1/4 story Robinson Street house into an expanded two-story home that would better suit the needs of their family, including their two daughters who still live at home and son who lives nearby in the city.

It was also important to the couple to preserve as much of the home’s original charm and character as possible. “It’s been in the family for years,” said Janette, stating that her aunt had first purchased the home in 1964. “There are lot’s of memories associated with it.”

“I think the main feature that I love about the house is the cove ceiling,” said Jeannette.

The softly curved ceiling is truly unique, but though it embodied the home’s old world charm, it presented a serious challenge to the Dennis’s plans for a second story addition. Al explained that because the ceiling rafters had been carved down to a width of only three inches at the centre point to create the arch, they could not support any additional weight. “It was unwalkable,” he said.

Lucyk solved the problem by installing another set of support beams above the original beams to provide the necessary support for the second level addition. By removing the entire existing second floor and rebuilding the space, Lucyk was also able to give the Dennis’s an extra four feet of room on either side while maintaining the same roofline.

In addition to completely rebuilding the second story of the home, the Start to Finish

team extended several exterior walls, including significant expansions at both the front and back of the house.

All of the electrical and plumbing was upgraded throughout the home, and a high-efficiency furnace and firebox was installed.

Start to Finish replaced the original front porch, which had begun to break away from the house, with a larger entrance. In the entrance, as in other areas of the home, the crew had to

find ways to work around the existing piping. “All this piping, they had to really dance around and rebuild in [keeping with] the character of the place,” said Al. To make use of the wasted space in the entrance, Start to Finish added built-in shelves.

“I quickly put some nice things in there so that Al wouldn’t use it functionally,” laughed Jeannette.

The front-end expansion also increased the size of the dining area, which Janette said used to be quite cramped. Now the room easily accommodates their dining table, storage and display units, and a window seat.

The narrow doorway between the dining room and galley kitchen was changed to a wider arched entry to match the other entries on the main level. The kitchen itself was completely gutted and rebuilt, with new cabinets, marble countertops and tile flooring.

The Dennis’s also asked Lucyk to push back the exterior wall in the kitchen to add an extra six inches to the width of the room.

“Everybody thought we were kind of nuts to do it,” said Jeannette. “But it made a huge difference.”

The main floor also features a bathroom, office area and large back entrance with a wide stairwell leading to the basement, as well as a bedroom. Although the room is currently being used by one of the Dennis’s daughters, having a main floor bedroom means the couple can comfortably remain in their home if there ever comes a time when they can no longer easily access the second level.

The home’s new second level features a family room/office area with a Juliette balcony, a bedroom, a four-piece bath with a glass-block shower, and a large Master bedroom, which also features a balcony. The most surprising feature on the second floor is the sauna, which Al completed himself.

The second floor’s 12-foot ceilings make the space feel open even with the tapered ceilings, and the new hardwood floors mirror the original wood floors on the main floor.

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“We tried to maintain as much of the character as we could,” said Janette.

One way they achieved this was by preserving the original hardwood flooring in the dining and living room area. All of the original electrical outlets had been located on the floor, as were many of the heating vents, and holes were left in the hardwood when the fixtures were moved. The floors had also been damaged in places but, fortunately, the Start to Finish team was able to recover enough original oak from other areas of the home, as well as the Dennis’s old house, to fill all of the gaps. “It kept the whole character really nicely,” Al said.

Although there were some features that couldn’t be salvaged or replaced, the Dennis’s were able to work with Lucyk and his staff to come up with workable solutions. For example, Janette had wanted to recreate the home’s original plaster walls, but learned that it is a skill few artisans still possess. Start to Finish was able to create a similar finish on the walls of the main living area and Janette is quite pleased with the result. “It turned out really nicely,” she said. “They did a good job.”

Al and Janette said they requested several changes as the project progressed, but Lucyk was always open to their ideas and responsive to their needs. For example, when couple selected a beautiful solid wood door for the front entrance, they became concerned that the lack of a window would make the space feel dark. To solve the problem, Start to Finish added an opening in the wall separating the entrance from the dining room, so that light from the area’s large front window could flow into the space. “He listened,” said Al. “We did [make] a lot of adjustments along the way, which he accommodated.”

It has taken Janette time to get used to her new home, particularly because she still has strong memories from when her aunt lived there, but in the end, the Dennis’s couldn’t be happier with the result. “The place was pretty much torn apart,” said Al. “Now that it’s been put back together again, it looks great.”

Lucyk encourages other Regina resident’s in need of a renovation or new build to contact him directly or visit the Start to Finish Construction website where they will find more information about his business. FHR

Steven Lucyk

“If you wanted something, he would try to make sure it happened,” added Jeanette.

When the couple sold their former house and had to move in to the Robinson Street home while it was still under construction, Lucyk and the members of his staff made their living situation as comfortable as possible. “We’re danced around each other quite well, and it worked out,” said Al.

Start to Finish Construction Regina, Sk. 306.531.4438 www.stfconstruction.ca

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CHOOSING YOUR CERAMIC TILES Invest in quality craftsmanship and invest in the community

By Mackenzie Brooks n the growing community of Emerald Park, families are experiencing the kind of opportunity that the people of Saskatchewan experienced around the turn of the century. Saskatchewan is a province in boom, and it’s making a name for itself on the global scene. The most satisfying reality of our current economic situation is that these changes which make us stand out on the global scene are first put into action locally. All over Saskatchewan, and in the bedroom communities of Emerald Park, White City and Balgonie, regular families are exercising their choice for a better life. It’s in our grasp, right here and now.

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At the centre of the business boom and community growth is families. The family unit makes choices that impact the local economy every day. One of these impacts is through housing. Choosing the perfect home for your family is a big investment. It is the details that make a house, and the family who occupies it, truly special. Deal Direct Ceramic Tiles is the perfect combination of family and business, and moving the community forward is part of who they are.

The Matenda family is the head and the heart of Deal Direct. Brothers Krsto and Zlatko Matenda and Renata Vidic have chosen Emerald Park as their place to

conduct and grow their business. With nearly 20 years of experience in the tile-setting and stonework business, Krsto, Zlatko and Renata moved to Saskatchewan five years ago. Recognizing demand and opportunity in the Regina Market, they founded Deal Direct.

“There is no limit to the growth out here,” said Krsto. “We can see it all along the highway from Regina to Indian Head. It’s good for our business to be situated in the middle of the boom so that we are able to simultaneously grow our business and provide our customers with choice and craftsmanship. We are ready to serve our customers and build something with them.”

Photos by Shawn Fulton

Deal Direct provides its customers with top-quality and affordable ceramic, porcelain, glass tiles, river stone products and natural and cultured stone for installation in kitchens, bathrooms and even the outdoors, as backsplashes, wall coverings and shower installations some of which are exclusive to the company.

Because Krsto, Zlatko and Renata deal directly (as their name suggests) with the supplier, you save when making your choice with Deal Direct. “We opened our showroom in Emerald Park just six months ago to benefit our customers, and to accommodate their schedule we even offer after-hours showroom appointments,” said Zlatko.

“We know that when people see the variety of products that we have to choose from, and the clear savings that we offer our customers that they will be excited to work with us. What’s more,” said Renata, “we offer installation

and warrantee to go along with our products, so our customers benefit from dealing directly with us throughout the entire transaction—from purchase to completion of installation. We are very proud to offer end-to-end service.”

In addition to tiles and tile installation, Deal Direct also offers hardwood floor installation. If you are considering traditional hardwood, engineered hardwood or laminate flooring in your home, Deal Direct carries a wide range of styles and colours from the Mont-Royal line of flooring by Magna, which Zlatko says rivals anything on the market today at a much more reasonable price.

In keeping with their mandate to provide superior service, Deal Direct works with their trusted, licenced to create a beautiful finished product and superior planning to execute your install with little

down time to your personal schedule.

“We like to work with the best, and our installers have experience in new hardwood floor installations as well as refinishing and custom coating of existing hardwood floorings.” said Zlatko. “With the team we currently have assembled, we are experienced in giving advice and conducting installation for new home builds and completing existing home renovations. We have also done some great work in show homes.”

Word of Praise for Deal Direct Bill and Alison Schmidt make their family’s home in Regina’s Windsor Park neighbourhood in the busy east end of the city. “We had Deal Direct do an extensive renovation in our home’s kitchen and two bathrooms. Even though our home isn’t really that old, we wanted FineHomes REGINA

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to make it our own unique space,” said Bill.

The Schmidts’ renovation included a tiled backsplash, a tiled feature wall and several angled walls in their design layout. “It was a lot of work with some challenging areas from a tiling perspective, but Deal Direct did everything beautifully. I have no hesitation at all in recommending Krsto and his team to anyone. They were competitively priced and it was worth spending the money to have it done properly, because I could see that we were getting superior craftsmanship.”

When considering new flooring, kitchen or bathroom design, renovations, or even outdoor stone work, consult the team at Deal Direct Ceramic Tile for expertise and experience from a staff with access to hundreds of choices in material—and nearly 40,000 square feet of in-stock material to keep your build or renovation on schedule. Save money and time by dealing direct with Deal Direct Ceramic Tile Ltd. Visit their showroom at 220 Great Plains Road in Emerald Park, 8a.m. to 5p.m. or online at www. dealdirectceramictiles.ca. FHR

220 Great Plains Road Emerald Park, Regina, Sk. 306.721.2525 info@dealdirectceramictiles.ca www.dealdirectceramictiles.ca

The Deal Direct Ceramic Tile Team - Renata Vidic, Krsto Matenda and Zlatko Matenda

Make no assumptions Many people have made the mistake of assuming that a certain store or chain of stores will give them a better deal. To establish this, detailed price comparisons are necessary. Many specialty stores offer equal or better pricing. Ensure that you are comparing “apples to apples” between different companies. You also will want to place a value on the quality and timeliness of the work.

from The Bevelled Edge

Be prepared

the materials they offer. The salespeople should be a good source of information about the pros and cons of each product.

Websites are also good tools and will have links to the suppliers for you to check colours and enhance your search.

Lorna Glasser

The Bevelled Edge Countertops 1145 Rose St Regina Sk. lornaglasser@thebevellededge.com www.thebevellededge.com 306.790.8488

Starting point Educate yourself on what products are available. Discuss with your family what the most important features are for you. Is it cost, durability, maintenance or simply beauty? Most countertop dealers have a showroom where you can see and feel

Keep an open mind The countertops in someone else’s home may not be right for you or your family. Consider the purpose of your purchase and the location in the home or business. Do seams matter? Can it be repaired if damaged? How long will you be in this home or business location? Is cost recovery important? Do you like to change décor periodically? Is the purchase for your enjoyment or for resale? Many considerations go into the decision of product.

When asking for quotes on a countertop project you should have a cabinet layout, or at least a rough sketch of the room with your measurements. Countertop retailers will do an estimate in their showroom with this information. Once a product is chosen and the price is agreed upon, an on-site measure is preferred before the fabrication begins. Allow a minimum of three weeks for larger installations. Small projects and/ or supply-only countertops can often be produced in a shorter time frame, depending on the material.

Choosing colour and pattern The choices can be overwhelming. It is helpful to have samples of other elements from the room. Bring samples of flooring, wall tile, cabinet door, upholstery, or paint to the countertop showroom. Every bit helps in narrowing the options.

Choose your vendor carefully Quality fabrication and installation of countertops requires a considerable degree of experience and expertise. Be comfortable that the business you choose has a good reputation in this specialty, has accommodating and helpful staff, as well as service capability. Also ask about turnaround time and travel to out-of-town jobs.

When all is said and done, a new countertop can give your room a whole new look. It is functional and beautiful. The process should be pleasant and the results remarkable. Enjoy! FHR

L to R: Grant, Neil, Ryan - sales at The Bevelled Edge

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“I truly believe the products and services that Superior FD Coatings offer are amazing. We use them in our show homes and offer it as an option to our customers in their new homes.

We love new and exciting products. I even have it in my own home.”

Terry Gilroy - Gilroy Homes “We are excited to be using Superior FD Coatings’ products in our homes.

The coatings complete the garage and convert what was just a garage to now another living space.”

Ken Ripplinger Ripplinger Homes

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ARE YOU TIRED OF STARING AT THAT UGLY, CRACKED, AND CHIPPED GARAGE FLOOR? hinking of covering it up with another coat of paint or some of that do-ityourself garage floor ‘coating’ from the home improvement store? There is a more beautiful, longer lasting alternative.

Superior FD Coatings can install a gorgeous, durable, industrial strength floor coating for you in as little as one day.

Superior FD begins by grinding your floor flat with a machine to remove all the impurities, stains, and chemicals that might be present. Then they apply a finish that is 4x stronger than epoxy coatings, is impervious to oil, chemicals, and damage from hot tires.

A floor coating from Superior FD

Coating is the perfect solution to your flooring needs, whether it is industrial, commercial, or residential. It’s not just for garages either. The finish is so beautiful and long lasting that it makes perfect sense for retail locations, bathrooms, kitchens, or basements.

Want to take a look at the coating?

That’s easy too. Many homebuilders are installing it in their show homes. Drop by any Ripplinger, Kratz, or Gilroy show home in the city to experience the beauty of Superior FD Coatings. Or just visit their booth at the Regina Spring Home Show, they’ll be there with samples and can answer all of your questions. They’ll be at booths 310 and 311.

When you’re tired of looking at ugly concrete, give the boys at Superior FD Coatings a call. You’ll be glad you did.

Many more colour choices available.

Superior FD Coatings | 306.205.7900 www.sfdcoatings.com

DON’T LET YOUR WINDOWS GO NAKED Regina’s only Hunter Douglas Gallery store ust what is a gallery store, and how is it different from any other showroom? A Hunter Douglas Gallery store is much more than just a showroom - it’s a utopia for those in need of window coverings. You’re able to view and operate the full-range of available products and select the options that best compliment your home. At Superblinds, there’s no such thing as an off-the-rack blind, every piece is custom created just for you and your home. And with choices such as the exclusive Alustra Collection which features distinctive details and unique fabrics, you’re guaranteed window covering combinations that simply can’t be beat.

Hunter Douglas 20/20 Gold Guarantee Superblinds & Draperies has a unique relationship with Hunter Douglas. As a Gallery store, they can offer the 20/20 Gold guarantee, something that no other store can touch for custom blinds. Once the installation of your new window coverings is complete you can enjoy them in your home for 20 days. In the unlikely event that you are not completely satisfied with 130

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the way your new window coverings beautify your home, simply contact Superblinds within the next 20 days. They’ll work with you to replace your window covering with something that is more suited to your tastes.

A One Stop Beautification Store Whether you’re moving into a new home, renovating an existing one, or just want to make the place where you spend so much of your time as comfortable and beautiful as a luxury hotel, Superblinds and Draperies can help you achieve your goal. Regina’s only Hunter Douglas Gallery store features the exclusive Alustra collection, thousands of fabrics and choices for stunning draperies, gorgeous custom bedding packages from Eastern Accents, Alloray area rugs, and metal art from Artisan House.

With products for every budget, stop by Superblinds at 1142 Broad Street, or give them a call at 757-1331. Don’t let your windows go naked. www.superblindsregina.com FHR

1142 Broad St Regina, SK 306.757.1331 www.superblindsregina.com

UNLIMITED INCOME? If you’re an advertising sales professional not making over $100K/year or just want to check out what we’re all about, we should talk!

Fine Homes/Lifestyles magazines invites you to apply with resume to: randy@finelifestyles.ca, today! (we’re also accepting applications from contract photographers, writers & designers)

FineHomes rEgINa

G RIN L SP ECIA SP

Central Vacuum System

• 30 plus years life expectancy • Deluxe hose and tool kit for bare floors • Premium German-made power head for carpet and floor • 700-Airwatt Suction Unit

Reg. Price: $1369.99

Sale Price: $999.99

While Supplies Last

Other systems starting from

$395 complete for bare floors $499 complete for carpets

HILLYBILLY VAC SHACK

340 Victoria Ave. Regina, Sk. 306.352.9061 www.hillybillyvacshack.com Centrals & Portables | New & Rebuilt | Sales & Service

Much More than roll ends

By Ryan Holota Photos by Shawn Fulton

uestion Which flooring store has the biggest collection of in-stock flooring, including carpet, vinyl, tile, hardwood, and laminate?

The friendly staff at End Of The Roll.

End Of The Roll, of course.

And that stock isn’t castoffs, unusual pieces, or discontinued flooring either. It is name brand, modern materials by the entire roll or palette. Surprised? ur name doesn’t really give the right picture of the store,” says Alison Elliott, owner of the Regina End Of The Roll. “Twenty-five years ago, the founder of our company had a high end flooring store in Vancouver, and he founded End Of The Roll as a way to sell his roll ends at a great price. We still do that, but we can also special order carpet for you, or sell you an entire house worth of flooring right from our showroom.”

Of course, End Of The Roll does have an amazing selection of roll end stock—as of this writing the store has more than 200 pieces of vinyl that would be perfect for a single bathroom (from as little as $40), more than 100 pieces that would be perfect for a kitchen – and tonnes of other

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materials that can save you a lot of money on individual rooms.

One of the biggest benefits of End Of The Roll, besides the excellent pricing, is that they have a massive inventory. When you walk in, the roll that you look at is the actual roll that your flooring will be cut from. “If you drive into Regina from Weyburn or Estevan, you can pick out your flooring, we’ll cut it for you that day, and you can take it home with you right then,” explains Elliott.

“We get a lot of business from contractors and insurance repair specialists, as well as do-it-yourselfers, simply because our prices are so good and we are so quick.

We also rent the tools that people need

to install the flooring, such as kickers and seam irons. We can also help you choose the right adhesvies, grouts, cleaners or other accessories you might need to do your own installation.

“We’ve heard stories from our customers who have had damage to their homes from flooding or sewer backups, and they’ve told us other flooring stores have asked them to wait two, three, even four months for their flooring to come in and be installed. To me, that’s just too long,” Elliott continues. “These people have lives that are in disarray, their whole worlds have been turned upside down, and now they’ve got to live with a bare floor for months. It’s really sad, especially when we know those same people could have flooring today if they came to see us.”

You can Feel It When You Walk In Everybody is really happy at End Of The Roll. There is can-do attitude in the store that is present from the first time one of the employees speaks to you. In part, it’s because everybody is equal. All of the employees can talk to you about the products, handle the sale, drive the forklift to load the product, and give you advice on the installation and maintenance of your new flooring. And if you don’t want to do it yourself, they have 10 teams of installers just waiting to descend on your home and make the floors beautiful.

Kids love shopping for flooring at End Of The Roll too. No, they aren’t allowed to climb on the rolls of carpet, but

Chocolate DuraCeramic™, glass mosaic backsplash and Summerside Stainmaster™ carpet.

there is a play area meant just for them with a sandbox and toys to keep them entertained while parents make their perfect flooring selection. “We can always tell if a family has been in our store before,” laughs Elliott, “because as soon as they walk in the door the kids make a beeline for the toys.”

Selection That Is Second To None If you can imagine a room in your home, End Of The Roll team members can provide solutions for it. They even do tile for backsplashes and bathroom walls and showers. They have hardwood, laminate, tile, and vinyl, as well as unique products

such as snap-together flexible vinyl that has the ease of installation of laminate, the durability and cleanability of vinyl, and the look of hardwood. Don’t forget the carpet: shag, berber, commercial, kangahyde, cut pile, loop, nylon, polyester…even environmentally friendly PET carpet that is made from recycled pop bottles. All in stock, and at as much as 50 per cent less than in other stores.

Giving Back To Saskatchewan “I moved to Saskatchewan before moving to Saskatchewan was cool,” jokes Elliott.

Originally from Edmonton, she and her husband moved to Regina in 1997 to open

Concrete 12 x 24 porcelain tile, and Sculpted area rug.

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this store. Her husband, Lee, was born and raised in southern Saskatchewan, and being back in the province has been great for both of them. That’s not the only End Of The Roll connection to Saskatchewan either; the Vice-President of the company grew up in Wilkie, not too far from North Battleford. Like so many others in our province, both End Of The Roll and Elliott like to give back to the communities that support them. Corporately, End Of The Roll is a proud supporter of the Sunshine Foundation, a group that helps kids with critical illnesses and severe disabilities realize their dreams. Locally, Elliott and her team are proud sponsors of Rebuilding Dreams (formerly Regina Extreme Home Makeovers), and they sponsor a local hockey team.

You may not be in the market for new flooring right now. That’s fine – just store the name End Of The Roll in your mind for a later date. However, if you are in the market for new floors right now, head to End Of The Roll as soon as you can. The store is located at 2410 Victoria Avenue East (that’s on the North Service Road that you can access via Fleet Street or Coleman Crescent).

End Of The Roll does have a website (www.endoftheroll.com) with loads of information about how to choose new flooring, but you really need to get in the store and see the variety for yourself.

Go check them out. Their prices, and selection, will really floor you. FHR

2410 Victoria Avenue East Regina, SK S4N 6M5 p: 306.585.7655 e: regina@endoftheroll.com www.endoftheroll.com

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Tera Stevenson, owner of Shades of Bliss hair salon in Balgonie.

Featuring Silver Maple laminate from End Of The Roll.

At ClutterX, our mission is to provide clients the freedom and benefits of an orderly, efficient and even elegant lifestyle at an affordable price.

• Free home consultations • Design and complete install • Lifetime warranty on product

Organizing Systems

Regina, Sk. Mark Dean 306.596.5792 mark@clutterx.ca www.clutterx.ca

Durable anD beautiful Get the most out of your concrete floors

By Ryan Holota. Photos By Shawn Fulton Concrete. Hard. Unyeilding. Beautiful.

Beautiful? Yes. Curtis Brown and John Galinski, the owners of GlossWorks decorative polishing for concrete, terrazzo, and stone, know that concrete has an unmatched beauty that just needs a little bit of help to rise to the surface.

Concrete contains millions of tiny pores that absorb stains, collect dirt, and allow moisture to penetrate the surface. At GlossWorks they take diamond abrasive pads of various grits to knock off surface irregularities and then resin-diamond 136

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polish the slab, tightening up the surface and eliminating the pores. This final step produces a high gloss, mirror-like shine.

Some people try to protect and beautify concrete floors with paint, epoxies, and waxes. These can work for a little while, but they have drawbacks. Paint and epoxies chip, flake, and wear down, resulting in a patchy-looking surface that needs frequent re-application. Further, they are coatings that don’t allow the slab to breathe, resulting in moisture damage, shaling, and pitting over time.

Waxes look great, but their life span

is very limited, and requires frequent buffing, stripping, and re-application.

When GlossWorks puts a shine on a concrete floor it lasts almost forever.

Rather than covering up the surface, they uncover the natural beauty inherent in the concrete itself. The breathtaking polished floors in the photos were done

by GlossWorks for Six Three Furnished Suites, a provider of beautifully furnished accommodations in Regina’s finest neighborhoods offering both short and long term stays (www.sixthreesuites. com).

Concrete is a natural floor finish in warehouses and working spaces, but with the beauty and shine that GlossWorks creates, it suddenly becomes a viable option for retail spaces, showrooms, and offices. If you’re stuck figuring out what kind of floor treatment to use in your commercial renovation, why not have GlossWorks polish the existing concrete?

While most businesses typically spend between $1.75 and $2.00 per square foot PER YEAR to maintain their floors via waxing, sealing, or painting, the maintenance cost of a GlossWorks polished floor is virtually zero, since regular washing is the only thing needed to keep it looking amazing. If, after a decade of heavy use, the finish did begin to dull, a quick pass with GlossWorks’ rejuvenation system will restore that shine you’ve grown to love.

While the mirror surface left behind may look slippery, it actually has a higher coefficient of friction, meaning that the floor has more grip, wet or dry, than unfinished concrete. In fact, the floor meets or exceeds OSHA recommendations for workplace floors.

If the beauty of natural polished concrete isn’t enough for you, GlossWorks can also apply a number of decorative treatments, such as decorative staining and stenciling, which can lend colour and pattern to your floors. The floors are then polished, locking in the colors and design forever. This finish is perfect for garages, basements, warehouses, retail spaces, even the living spaces of homes. To further enhance your home, GlossWorks can also pour, polish, and install custom concrete countertops, giving a unique touch to your kitchen or vanities.

the SuperDriveway We all know what a driveway looks like after a few years in Saskatchewan. Every winter you throw ice melt on it, scrape it with a shovel, and park your salty car on it. Our springs and falls subject them to hundreds of freeze-thaw cycles; damage such as shaling and pitting inevitably occur. And let’s not forget the oil stains the pizza delivery guy leaves behind.

If you’re smart, you head to your favorite home improvement retailer and buy gallons of sealer every fall. You scrub your driveway, wait for it to dry, and then roll on the sealer as best you can. This will prevent your driveway from looking like the surface of the moon, at least for a while. It’s okay though, because you have lots of free time and money to keep doing this, right?

There’s finally a better way.

GlossWorks now offers the SuperDriveway. The SuperDriveway is a leading edge, high performance, penetrating driveway sealer that provides long lasting protection – its even guaranteed for a full three years.

This liquid technology not only seals, it also enhances the natural beauty of the driveway, ensuring that your home looks as great as you want it to. And it’s all done when you’re at work, or better yet, when you’re out on the lake, enjoying our short-lived warm temperatures.

The SuperDriveway process is also great for garage pads, stamp-crete / paver patios, or any other concrete / stone surface that requires superior protection from the elements. Have GlossWorks seal your driveway to protect your investment, keep it looking great, and avoid a costly driveway replacement in the future. If your driveway is already damaged, GlossWorks can repair it by applying a highly adhesive concrete top coat, giving you a fresh driveway at a fraction of the cost of having it ripped out and re-poured.

When you’re ready to take your existing concrete from blah to WOW, or want to add some beauty to your home, give GlossWorks a call at 306-737-5194, or head over to www.glossworksonline. com. They have much more information about the process, possibilities, and photographs of their finished work. If you are still unsure, they can even do a small test section on your own floor, so you can see and feel how great polished concrete truly is. FHR

(l to r): John Galinski, Curtis brown, Goran Jankovic, Dragan Kostic

GlossWorks Concrete Polishing Inc. Curtis Brown and John Galinski 306.737.5194 Toll-Free: 1.855.445.6778 info@glossworksonline.com www.glossworksonline.com FineHomes REGINA

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This could be your backyard.

pergulas / decks

landscaping / sprinklers

stonework / patios

Summer is around the corner.

Call us today to transform your back yard!

Rockstar Construction 306.596.2820 rockstarconstruction@live.com www.rockstarconstruction.ca

Save Water, Time & Money

Go Green with Red Shale!

Benefits of Colored Shale Products: • • • • • • • •

No additives No sprays No chemicals Promotes conservation Retains its color Does not blow away Good compaction 100 % natural product

Colored Shale is able to supply varying gradations of shale which can be used for decorative landscaping, driveways, pathways, ball diamonds and tracks.

Please visit www.coloredshale.com to view our list of suppliers in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba

Moose Jaw, SK P: 306.693.8800 | C: 306.631.1955 | F: 306.693.8836

www.coloredshale.com denise.therrien@sasktel.net

Ne w! Eldorado Fireplace Sur round s Shown is the new Eldorado Stone Soho Boutique Fireplace Surround with Birch Ledge Cut33 Stone.

We s t e r n C a n a d a’s m o s t c o m p l e t e o f f e r i n g o f m a s o n r y p r o d u c t s i n c l u d i n g clay brick, veneer stone, outdoor living products and much more.

Vi s i t a n I - X L s h o w r o o m t o I m a g i n e t h e P o s s i b i l i t i e s .

511 Dewdney Ave E. Regina, S4N4E9 306 757 2661

716 - 43rd Street Saskatoon, S7K3T9 306 664 3388

Brick & Stone,

Imagine the Possibilities

Celebrating 100 Years in 2012

w w w. i x l m a s o n r y. c o m

Wappel Construction

• Sewer and Water Main Installation • Concrete Supply • Highway And Street Construction • Bridge, Tunnel, And Elevated Highway Construction • Water, Sewer and Pipeline Construction • Communications and Power Line Construction • Excavation Work

230 10th Ave. E. | Regina, Sk. | 306.569.3000

Garett Adam, owner/operator of JAGG Curb Appeal

SUN ROOM CURB APPEAL Adding value and a bright personality to your home

By Mackenzie Brooks. Photos by Calvin Fehr

ur infamous Saskatchewan winters make us known for harsh weather, snowy storms and, of course, lots and lots of wind. In an ironic twist of nature; we’re also the province that receives the most days of sunshine.

Is Saskatchewan actually the province of sundogs and sunrooms?

JAGG Curb Appeal makes you master of the elements in your own home by creating a space that maximizes your home’s curb appeal and personality, 142

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making every day a sunny day. Garett Adam, owner of JAGG Curb Appeal, has made fulfilling your home’s sunniest dreams his mission. With a background in business accounting as a CMA, Garett knows and tells his customers that sunrooms are good investments.

“Because a sunroom extends the usability of your indoor or outdoor spaces throughout the year, you get maximized time in the home that you’ve chosen to make your own. It’s really a reinvestment in yourself, your home and the time you

spend there with your family. It’s a special way to make your home truly your own and extend the seasonable usability to three of our four seasons.”

JAGG Curb Appeal has been transforming homes for nearly three years. Garett and his team are fully equipped to make your sunroom exactly what you want it to be. Because their sunrooms are fully customizable to your exact specifications, you get what you want whether you’re considering your

choice of roof style or window design.

“At JAGG we don’t cut corners,” says Garett. “We’ve chosen the supplier we did, because they don’t either. All our sunrooms and screenrooms meet or exceed building codes, so safety is never an issue when installing your sunroom.

All our products are fully guaranteed and covered by superior warranties. You know your JAGG sunroom is solidly built and backed.”

The process of designing and installing your own JAGG Curb Appeal custom built sunroom is simple. In a one-on-one consultation, the JAGG Curb Appeal team will make a detailed plan of your available space, taking into account all the options: French doors, man doors, sliding doors, and low E (tinted, argon gas and reflective windows). Your sunroom is

as original as you and your family are. At your consultation, the JAGG Curb Appeal team will provide you with samples of their products to create your ideal plan.

After measurements are taken, JAGG sends your sunroom dimensions to the manufacturer where the approved drawing is put into production.

“Production usually takes about four to five weeks. During this time the JAGG team turns their efforts to the foundation of your sunroom,” said Garett. “When foundations are built solidly, we’re able to turn your sunroom installation around in about three days.”

Sunrooms are not the only thing JAGG has going for them either; they’ve also made clients happy by adapting sunroom plans into hot tub enclosures, and deck screens for increased privacy and wind

blocking. “We have every different type of customer, and every customer has a different requirement. We’re so pleased to be able to adapt to your needs,” said Garett.“We have been on jobsites in Regina and in the surrounding areas. Our clients are retirees at the lake, young folks in town and everyone in between. It’s great to know that we are that versatile.”

What Customers are Saying about JAGG Sunrooms Colynda and Terry Anaka are JAGG Curb Appeal customers living in Regina’s booming east end. Their project was also the largest JAGG sunroom renovation to date. When Colynda and Terry made the decision to purchase a hot tub, they also decided it would need to be enclosed to maximize their use of it during the winter FineHomes REGINA

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season. “We made sure that if we were going to do it, we were going to do it right.” said Colynda.

The Anaka family contacted JAGG to conduct an estimate and hired them to remove the existing deck and sunroom and replace it with a 32-foot by 15-foot three-season sunroom, accessible through the home’s kitchen. The couple reports that they are extremely pleased with the outcome of their renovation.

“The JAGG team was wonderful to work with and we were very happy to have them in our home. When we had questions they were happy to answer them right away, and the entire renovation ran smoothly with no delays and no stress.” said Colynda. “We highly recommend JAGG to anyone considering a similar renovation.

They worked well with our vision for our home and the whole endeavour has increased our home’s value and usability.”

To get a glimpse of what is possible with the JAGG Curb Appeal team and to investigate your own sunroom or enclosure plans, visit the team at the Regina Home Show to discuss how they can help beautify your home and extend your indoor/outdoor usability and maximize your sunniest days, while respecting your budget and your home’s personality.

Visit them online at www.jagg.ca or connect with them at jagg@sasktel.net or call (306) 536-5682 to discuss your options or make a plan with JAGG Curb Appeal today. Be the next client on the list of folks who love their JAGG custom built sunroom. FHR

JAGG Curb Appeal Garett Adam 306.536.5682 jagg@sasktel.net www.jagg.ca 144

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Wood Country Your trusted building supply partner.®

Let the professionals at Wood Country help you with your projects this summer...

IT’S ALL ABOUT INNOVATION. Timbertech Earthwood Evolutions composite decking takes scratch, stain and fade resistance to an entirely new level with warm, natural hardwood style and authentic graining. Capped with a fully protected poly shell that features TimberTech’s exclusive HyrdoLock™ technology, the plank is practically impervious to the elements and everyday accidents endured by most decks. Earthwood Evolutions’ 25-year Fade and Stain Warranty gives total peace of mind.

• Cabinets • Decking • Doors • Drywall • Electrical • Flooring • Garage Doors

• Garage Packages • Hardware • Insulation • Lumber • Mouldings & Trim • Paint • Plumbing

• Roofing • Seasonal • Siding • Windows • RTM Homes • Custom Built On-Site Homes

McLean 306.699.7284 Estevan 306.634.5111 Tisdale 306.873.4438 www.wood-country.com

If you can think it, we can build it Basement Problems? We can help!

Whether it be a full basement renovation or development, Certified Renovations can create the basement into a fully livable and functional area for the family to enjoy all year round.

-Interior and exterior renovations -Awnings and Solariums -Windows, doors, sidings and capping -Steamed showers and more -Stone work and custom design -Servicing southern Saskatchewan -Extended labor warranty -Skilled tradesmen -Licensed and insured 700732589 001 S004 REGINA YELL

CERTIFIED RENOVATIONS INC. CALL TYLER: 306.541.4426 certifiedrenos@yahoo.com

CER

RENO

Your s our pr

Texture and colour for spring his season is all about textures and bold, bright colours. Now, we are not talking about rooms so bright that they give you a headache, we are talking about taking a neutral canvas of greys, creams, browns and whites and injecting them with some bold, bright colourful accents.

Texture, Texture, Texture! Texture has always been important to any well-designed space, but this season it is even more so. Incorporate this season’s musthave items, such as an incredible wood carving on a decorative stand, or a rustic console or coffee table.

Andy Hamilton Photography

LOW 02/09/2012 08:03

RTIFIED

OVATIONS INC.

satisfaction is riority.

Jillian’s Design Elements is your go-to place for inspiration, knowledge and customer service. Whether you are just looking for one great piece, or putting an entire room together, we can help. We have a large selection of custom ordered products that are unique and modern: headboards, sofas and chairs, barstools, end tables and dining furniture. We are here to assist you in putting a designer’s touch into your home.

For a perfectly executed space, call us to book an in-home consultation and get your project started. Visit our new locations to get fashion inspiration for both you and your home.

www.jilliansdesignelements.com

621 Main St N. | Moose Jaw, SK 306.693.0673 www.jilliansdesignelements.com

Finally to Regina!!!

Park St.

Dewdney Ave.

CO-OP Gas Bar

All In One - Home Design Service Centre Coming Summer 2012 Wood Ridge Design Centre Complete Design Service for Home Building and Home Renovations Your One Stop Shop for all interiors and exteriors!

Elliott St.

SUDS Car Wash

Winnipeg St.

Visit our booth at The Spring Home and Garden Show

435 Dewdney Ave | Regina, Sk. | 306.352.4639 | www.woodridgeflooring.com