Fine Homes Regina Summer 2014

SUMMER 2014 | VOLUME 5 ISSUE 2

REGINA

In Support of the Casey Foundation

AMAZING SPACES HOME RENOVATION & DESIGN TOUR

MEREDITH HERON: STARTING DESIGN PROJECTS KEN BEATTIE ON CHARMING FAIRY GARDENS SMART AND SUSTAINABLE HOMES

Fastest Internet in Saskatchewan!

Speeds of up to 260 Mbps SaskTel’s new infiNET™ Fibre Optic Network, will give SaskTel customers increased bandwidth that will enable a whole range of feature-rich Television, blazing fast High Speed Internet and Voice services.

Because infiNET comes right to your door, it’s consistently fast, so you can upload and download in a fraction of the time it takes now. And infiNET is future proof because once Installed, upgrades that allow future speed increases can be made without replacing the fibre. maxTV is better with infiNET too!

Run up to seven maxTV set-top boxes over infiNET! We take great pride remaining one step ahead of the technology curve. Since 1987, SaskTel has invested more than $3.7 billion in its core network to ensure SaskTel customers have access to the BEST maxTV, Internet, wireless, data and future IP-based services in the world.

Ultimate Connections Blazing Speed Infinite Potential To find out more about infiNET services, please visit sasktel.com/infinet infiNET services are available in a growing number of neighbourhoods in Regina, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw and Prince Albert.

See sasktel.com/infinet for details.

SKTEL-1117I_infiNET_FineHome_May_7x9.25_050214.indd 1

2014-05-08 2:43 PM

Moorcroft, said to be the finest art pottery in the world today tours Canada with

Provinces of Colour The Moorcroft 2014 tour of Canada is a celebration of the incalculable variety of floral beauty that Canada’s vastness has provided. It is beauty recognised by each Province through the selection of their official floral emblems.

Moorcroft Designer, Rachel Bishop has skilfully transformed the emblems of each province into design imagery for six stunning, limited edition Designs by Rachel Bishop pieces, including a dramatic 16 inch prestige vase which carries the name of the Collection itself. A special backstamp makes this a unique Collection. Find out more about this exciting tour www.moorcroft.com

Win this free raffle prize (worth CAN$1585). Also a years free membership to the Moorcroft Collectors’ Club will be given with every pottery purchase made.

PLAYERS COLLECTIBLES

308 Main Street North Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan S6H 3J6

Thursday 3rd July 1pm – 8pm

Hayley Moore on tour (during Moose Jaw Sidewalk Days Festival) Telephone: 306-693-7111 info@playerscollectibles.com www.playerscollectibles.com

www.moorcroft.com

first word With Fine Homes editor Sherry Lee

O

ur home is our castle: the place where we live, work, rest, entertain, express our creativity through design, building and improvements… and create memories.

Whether it’s a townhome, condo, house or another type of dwelling, this precious space that we call “home” is an extension of our personal style and tastes. This issue of Fine Homes Regina features many Regina and area businesses that want to help with your ideas and needs on the “home front.”

Have you decided that condo living is for you? Find out more about attaining the condo of your dreams. Smart and sustainable homes are on the increase; it’s about shelter with a conscience! Whether buying or selling, learn more about the value of using a REALTOR®. Inside your abode, create a “his & her” bedroom that meets both your needs, as well as that smart and classy kitchen you’ve always wanted.

More advice and inspiration comes from our national columnists. Meredith Heron will get you started on your design project, Ken Beattie shines a light on fairy gardens, and the ever-practical Shell Busey examines the importance of clean air ducts in your home.

Our cover story about the recent Amazing Spaces Home Renovation and Design Tour in Regina will touch your heartstrings and kick-start your creative “inner ninja.” This annual event raises funds for The Casey Foundation that supports and enriches the lives of children with autism. The organizers, homeowners, homebuilders, local businesses and attendees who throw their support behind this initiative are to be highly commended. Fine Homes Regina is pleased to play a part in promoting this impressive tour: soak up the beautiful photos, learn more, and get involved in next year’s event.

Have a wonderful summer!

FineHomes REGINA

Summer 2014 VOLUME 5 ISSUE 2 www.finelifestyles.ca Associate Editor

Sherry Lee sherryl@finelifestyles.ca Art Direction Amber Moon, Senior

Lisa Redden, Associate Design Natasha Burkholder

Brittany Pickrem Staff Writers Alyssa Rudyck

Courtney Tait

Henny Buffinga

Rebecca Henderson

Tobie Hainstock

Tonya Lambert

Tori Stafford

Trina Annand Cover Photography Dakine Home Builders Inc. Photography Aidan Morgan

Calvin Fehr

Dakine Home Builders Inc.

Henry Godnitz

Megan Antoniuk Photography

Meredith Heron

Tamco Homes Contributing Writers Apolline Lucyk

Holly Appelquist

Ken Beattie

Meredith Heron

Shell Busey Distribution & Subscriptions wayne@finelifestyles.ca

finemags @finemags

Sherry

ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS

Jacob Dietrich Sales Manager 306.737.8064 jacobd@finelifestyles.ca

Brooke Watson Advertising Consultant 306.551.4789 brooke@finelifestyles.ca

Randy Glascock Advertising Consultant 306.526.4957 randyg@finelifestyles.ca

Fine Homes Regina is published four times a year by Fine Lifestyles, 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, Ltd., publications are copyrighted 2014 with all rights reserved, except for original articles submitted to Fine Homes, where copyright resides with the author. No other part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of Fine Lifestyles, 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, 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.

Canada Post Publication Agreement #41818060 Return Undeliverables to: 3440 Balsam Grove; Regina, Sask; S4V 1H1

Nicole Zielinski Advertising Consultant 306.550.4948 nicolez@finelifestyles.ca

44 FineHomes Regina FineHomes Regina

Christy Crerar Advertising Consultant 306.527.0883 christyc@finelifestyles.ca

NEW SHOW HOME NOW OPEN! Located in Harbour Landing

SHOW HOME LOCATIONS & HOURS 258 N. Shillington Road (Edgewater) Monday to Thursday, 7-9 p.m.

Saturday, Sunday & holidays, 1-5 p.m.

4245 Green Olive Way (Greens on Gardiner) Monday to Thursday, 7-9 p.m.

Saturday, Sunday & holidays, 1-5 p.m.

5768 Pearsall Crescent (Harbour Landing) Monday to Thursday, 7-9 p.m.

Saturday, Sunday & holidays, 1-5 p.m.

124 Emerald Ridge (White City) Saturday, Sunday & holidays, 1-5 p.m.

5262 Aviator Crescent (Harbour Landing) Monday to Thursday, 7-9 p.m.

Saturday, Sunday & holidays, 1-5 p.m.

4925 Wright Road (Harbour Landing) Saturday, Sunday & holidays, 1-5 p.m.

Crawford Realty

306.525.9801 | info@crawfordhomes.ca 533 Victoria Avenue, Regina

Table of Content

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contents SUMMER 2014

HOMES & PROPERTIES 16

Clean Air in the Home

THE SMART AND SUSTAINABLE Home

COVER

Starts with Clean Ducts 28

AMAZING SPACES HOME Renovation & Design Tour

CONDO LIVING

40 M

60

By Shell Busey

ost of us are well a w a r e that our heating and cooling system should be inspected annually. This is best done before the fall or winter rush. But making sure the furnace is up to snuff is not all one should do. Getting your home’s air ducts cleaned is also a crucial step in ensuring ideal air quality. If you haven’t had your home’s furnace ducts cleaned by a certified professional in the past five years or so, or if you have pets or a dusty or unpleasant

40

FINDING YOUR DREAM Condo

odour when your furnace comes on, BED & BATH it is advisable to consider getting your ducts cleaned a professional.

The 44 by CREATING THE IDEAL His & Her most effective way Bedroom to clean air ducts and a ventilation system is by having the contractor place the systemKITCHENS under negative DREAM pressure through the use of a specialized 48vacuum.

THE SMART & CLASSY Kitchen truck-mounted As to how often they should be cleaned INNER BEAUTY & DESIGN really depends on the individual household; under circumstances, 52 normal MEREDITH HERON Getting Started on every two to three yearsProjects is advised.

Design

HOME IMPROVEMENTS & RENOVATIONS 60

SHELL BUSEY Clean Air Starts with Clean Ducts

OUTDOOR LIVING/ SEASONAL TRENDS 70

KEN BEATTIE Charming Fairy Gardens

REALTOR DIRECTORY 79

52

SOME OF REGINA’S Best Realtors

SERVICE DIRECTORY

16

80

REGINA & AREA BUSINESSES Ready to Serve You

Combining affordability with a

modern lifestyle.

GLIDE Townhomes starting at

$339,000 including GST

A rt i s an D e s i g n B uild 7 – 1 8 01 Tu r vey Roa d , Reg i na 3 06 . 9 8 8 .1869 www. A r t i s a n D es i g n Bu i ld .ca

Home Automation

Custom-Built for You

By Tobie Hainstock

I

magine the luxury of having the control of your heating, lighting, cooling, entertainment, security, sprinkler systems and more — all at your fingertips, no matter where you are. With a Control4 Home Automation system from ON AV, everything is controlled from one master remote control, smart phone or smart device.

What once seemed like a pricy luxury or something from a science fiction novel is now an affordable and convenient feature to add to your new or existing home.

“Home automation ties everything together for you, which saves you time and money,”

explains Kent Magnuson owner of ON AV. Home automation makes it possible to preset your heating or cooling system to adjust the temperature when you are away.

You can even program the timing on your sprinkler system to water your lawn or garden at the best possible time of the day for proper soil saturation.

The most appealing aspect of home automation is the convenience. Your home automation system can be programmed to include a number of features, such as controlling your lights with program timers, adjusting the thermostat when you are away or even being able to monitor your home from almost anywhere in the world.

Your Control4 system can be accessed from your smart phone or smart device for added convenience.

Be as simple or as elaborate as you choose — it’s completely up to you! Easy to use and very adaptable, your new home automation system doesn’t have to be complicated.

In fact, Magnuson advises that it’s best to start out with a couple of items in your new system to get the feel of how it works. You may wish to add to your Control4 system as you get more accustomed to using it. This is easily done. “We will design the system for the customer and work with them from start to finish,” he comments.

L-R Team ONAV Kevin Beattie, Dave Biskupek, Cory Lemke, Chris Kish, Kent Magnuson, Tanya Magnuson, Steve Vancha, Jesse Wintonyk

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When it’s a new construction, ON AV will work closely with the builder, making sure that everything is done according to schedule. The ON AV team will educate you on new available technologies and how they may benefit you and your new home.

They have extensive experience retro-fitting systems for your existing home, and will sit down with you to plan out a system that will work with your lifestyle and budget.

ON AV is a Platinum-Certified Control4 dealer and 2013 Canadian Dealer of the year. What does that mean for you? It means you can trust ON AV to offer you a top-quality product and the very best in customer service. “Among the team, we

have over 90 years of combined experience in the audio video industry,” notes Magnuson. “We will walk you through the process and explain it all when we’re done.”

That solid background also comes with the added peace of mind that ON AV has worked with the most prestigious homebuilders and contractors around.

Whether building a new home or renovating, adding a home automation system will enhance the security, efficiency and convenience of your home. Call ON AV and find out how you can get started with your Control4 Home Automation System today.

On AV 306.522.6628 2301 7th Ave, Regina, SK www.onav.ca | |

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9

Protecting Your Greatest Investment

Your Home

By Trina Annand Photos Aidan Morgan

N

othing sets the tone for what is inside a home and differentiates it in the neighbourhood quite like great curb appeal.

Updating the exterior of a home not only adds resale value, but also protects a home from the ravages of time and weather, even making it more efficient. While working in the industry, Bobby Keller saw the need for a different type of exterior renovation company — one built on hard work, trust and communication — thus BWK Eavestrough & Exteriors was created.

With nearly a decade of experience in the industry, starting his own business

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seemed like a natural step for Keller.

“Communication is key to the success of any business regardless of the industry.

I am not only the owner, I work on each job; I am part of every step of the process.

Home renovations are a big investment for our clients, they need reassurance and to be well informed throughout the process. We work strictly with residential home owners because we feel it’s important to build personal relationships with our clients,” remarks Keller. BWK is so dedicated to their clients and work that they offer a unique to the industry five-year warranty on their work and

are accredited members of the Better Business Bureau.

The company offers an unparalleled nogimmicks approach to pricing. Rather than artificially inflating prices so they can offer price matching, BWK gives the best price first — no games. After all, if a price seems too low there is often a reason — reasons that give contractors a bad name.

“With the boom in Regina comes a lot of work and a lot of new businesses. Good businesses can ride the ebb and flow of the economy; I am building a company that will be here well after the boom. We are trying to reinvent the image of contractors

ABOVE Bobby Keller, owner

in the city,” notes Keller. Rather than subcontracting out work they don’t specialize in, BWK focuses exclusively on their areas of expertise: eavestrough, fascia, soffits, vinyl siding, GenStone application and window cladding, ensuring the best possible job every time.

At each job, BWK uses a unique hidden bracket and screw eavestrough system as well as Canadian materials, allowing the company to support the local economy and consistently provide a good product to clients. “We maintain the highest quality work because you are only as good as your last job in this industry. Every job is

different and if I don’t learn something on a job, we’re not doing it right,” says Keller.

Whether clients are looking for custommade seamless eavestrough with an integrated Gutter Guard that is guaranteed not to clog for 40 years, or the unique look of GenStone, the experts at BWK can update the look of any home. Using guiding principles of integrity and dedication, Keller is able to provide the highest quality service to his clients, improving the community one home at a time.

BWK Eavestrough & Exteriors 306.533.0441 www.bwkexteriors.ca

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Resurface and Beautify Your Existing Floor

By Tori Stafford

Y

our home is your castle and you want every aspect of it to shine — and that includes the floors and surfaces you tread upon daily. EverStone Saskatchewan offers the ideal solution for both esthetically beautiful and incredibly durable flooring — indoors and out.

The first company to bring the EverStone product to Canada, EverStone Saskatchewan is the go-to place for innovative resurfacing and unique stone flooring, ideal in a variety of applications — from the floors in your

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laundry room, to your entire pool surround and backyard patio.

EverStone products are created in the United States, and use a blend of natural North American stone and propriety epoxy resin. Tested and developed in Ohio for over a decade, EverStone products are designed based on customer satisfaction, and have proven to stand up to regular wear and tear, severe climate conditions and the test of time. That’s why John Ermel and Colson Langley, coowners of EverStone Saskatchewan knew

right away that EverStone was a product they could honestly stand behind, and be proud to bring it to their home province as the exclusive dealers for the company in all of Canada.

Available in a wide variety of colour combinations and textures, EverStone products can be used to resurface almost any structurally-sound surface. Because EverStone floors are both durable and easy to clean, they are ideal in recreational rooms, such as the basement and the garage. Their beauty and intricate, one-of-

a-kind designs allow EverStone floors to make a statement in bathrooms or kitchens.

“Besides extending the life of your hard surfaces, it can also beautify and add value to your home,” says Ermel.

“If you regularly get water in your basement, with our product, you only have to vacuum up the water and the flooring doesn’t have to be replaced. It doesn’t mold or peel, lift or discolour like carpet or tile... and it doesn’t have fibres like carpet that hold in allergens such as animal dander, dirt or food particles,” Ermel adds.

EverStone flooring is meticulously installed to ensure a long life that eliminates uneven surfaces responsible for safety concerns and eyesores. In outdoor applications, such as driveways or walkways, the porous consistency of EverStone products allows water to be absorbed, and either follow the natural drainage path or evaporate. This helps to keep surfaces free of standing water and reduces the pooling or puddling of water, which can create the danger of slips or falls.

Backed by EverStone Saskatchewan warranties, which range from five years to a lifetime, depending on the application, EverStone products are extremely durable and can hold up to 10,000 pounds per square inch, Ermel explains. The installation process is easy on the homeowner: the products emit little odour and are not health-hazardous, and most floors are ready to be used within 24 to 30 hours.

BEFORE

AFTER

Above all else, Ermel and Langley want EverStone products to add value and beauty to your home. They will work with each individual client to ensure their products are a good fit, and that every project surpasses their clients’ expectations. “We want to build a relationship with our customers, and we want them to be as happy and proud of their new flooring as we are,” Ermel says.

BEFORE

EverStone Saskatchewan Regina, Saskatchewan 306.775.0373 info@everstone-sk.ca www.everstone-sk.ca

AFTER

Affordable Living Meets

High Style Luxury

By Tobie Hainstock Photos Calvin Fehr

A

rtisan Design Build is pleased to present Glide Townhomes. Imagine the thrill of living in a luxury free hold condominium. Currently under construction, these strikingly opulent townhouses are located in Regina’s Harbour Landing.

townhouses epitomize ultra-modern living, featuring the sleek clean contemporary lines and flat roof that has become the signature look in this sequence. Built in blocks of four and six units each, the homes include a lovely landscaped front exterior and large parking pad in the back.

Modelled after Artisan Design Build’s popular Ice series, these two-storey

“The townhomes feature an open-concept design with three bedrooms and two-and-

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a-half bathrooms,” explains Michelle Lam, marketing manager of Artisan Design Build. “The master comes with a lovely en suite and spacious walk-in closet.”

As with all designs in the Ice Series, the Glide Townhomes offer the affordability of a starter home with the prestige and style of a trendy high-class condo. Efficiency is top of mind as these condos feature an Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) basement,

spray foam roofs and plenty of large triplepane windows.

The kitchen offers style and function with a large island and plenty of counter space for preparing your favourite meals.

Stunning tile backsplash is a practical, yet classy, addition to the kitchen décor.

Enjoy top-of-the-line quality soft-close cabinets and doors located in the kitchen and bathrooms of these lavish units.

Lovely, easy-care laminate flooring is installed throughout, enhancing the high-end look of the home without the extreme cost. Nine-foot ceilings on the second floor really give an open and airy feeling to the area. A laundry space is also offered on the top floor for the convenience of the homeowner.

These high quality and stylish homes are perfect for young families and couples young at heart. “We find buyers of all ages are attracted to the sleek modern designs of our ICE series,” comments Lam. With more than 1,400 square feet, Glide Townhomes are both spacious and tastefully designed.

The most attractive feature of the Glide Townhomes is the price. With prices starting at $339,000 including GST, the Glide Townhome is proof that you can have your “cake” and eat it too.

“These condos look high class and swanky,” notes Lam. “They make you feel like you are spending a lot more than you really are. The many outstanding features of the Glide Townhomes truly prove that

there is top quality value for your money.

Owning a home is a major investment, whether you are just starting out, looking to downsize or somewhere in the middle.

The Glide Townhomes by Artisan Design Build will offer you a chic contemporary luxury home that is suitable for virtually any budget.

Although they are still under construction, Lam urges interested homebuyers to contact the Artisan Design Build home team right away to avoid missing out on this tremendous opportunity.

Artisan Design Build 7 – 1801 Turvey Road, Regina 306.988.1869 www.ArtisanDesignBuild.ca

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15

SHELTER with a conscience

THE

SMART and Sustainable Home

By Courtney Tait

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I

n 2014, the words “smart” and “sustainable” go hand in hand, especially in the world of home building and buying. From innovative building materials to smart wiring, builders and buyers are taking advantage of cutting-edge technology that conserves energy, saves money over the long term, helps the environment, and adds value to homes. So what are some of the options?

Solar PanelS Most homeowners consume energy without giving anything back (except in the form of payment to the power company). But what if you could be a power producer? Solar panels can be likened to a rechargeable battery, collecting

energy from the sun. The charge is transformed by an inverter, enabling it to connect to your home’s electrical panel. As one of the sunniest parts of the country, Saskatchewan is a prime location to consider adding solar panels to your roof.

While panels are costly upfront (approximately $20,000 for installation), programs such as SaskPower’s Net Metering Program are in place to compensate power producers for the excess energy they produce. Your excess electricity gets delivered to SaskPower’s grid, where it’s banked and applied to your monthly consumption for the duration of the year. (At the end of 12 months, the credits reset to zero.) The cost of solar panels has dropped significantly in recent years, and with yearly energy costs rising, your panels could pay for themselves in about a decade. inSulated concrete formS (icf) If you’re at all familiar with the building industry, chances are you’ve heard of insulated concrete forms.

The hollow panels or blocks — made of expanded polystyrene (EPS) plastic foam — are stacked into the shape of a building’s exterior walls. Reinforcing steel is added, and concrete is poured to fill the gap between the layers of foam. The concrete, steel and foam structure has proven to be far more energyefficient than traditional insulating techniques, making it an increasingly popular construction material in North American homes. Along with conserving energy, ICFs allow for faster construction

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time, resist severe weather, and contain no formaldehyde or other toxic gases that could affect indoor air quality.

Smart Wiring Wiring your home the smart way is one of the strongest investments you can make, with more home buyers demanding automation. A variety of smart home capabilities are available, such as controlling lights, security systems, locks and audio systems — all from a smartphone or tablet.

The amount of network devices on the market and appearing in homes is also on the rise, including use of multiple PCs, laptops, internet-enabled phones, network-enabled gaming consoles, and network printers. To access digitally-stored music and movies, media centre PCs and streaming devices are designed to be compatible with TVs and home theatres. Smart wiring enables homeowners to use this technology, as wireless networks can’t deal effectively with the plethora of devices. Another bonus?

With smart wiring, the home can be reconfigured as the needs of its occupants change, preventing expensive rewiring.

Smart thermoStatS No one likes getting their heating bill only to discover it’s far higher than expected. Wi-fi based smart thermostats enable you to control your home’s temperature with your smart phone. This means you can set it remotely, as well as instantly see how much you’re spending on heating or cooling (adjusting accordingly). Another key feature of managing your home’s temperature the smart way is its programming function.

You can pre-set it to automatically change temperature based on the time of day. For example, you can have the heat turn off at the time you leave the house in the morning, and come on shortly before you arrive home. More control over the climate of your home results in less energy consumption and lower bills. “r” iS for recycled While traditional wood homes are beautiful and elegant, a range of more eco-friendly materials can be used in home construction.

recycled Steel BeamS These customized beams made from recycled steel can be used in place of wood. According to the Steel Recycling Institute, while a 2,000 sq. ft. wood home typically requires 40 to 50 trees to build, a recycled steel frame for the same size could be made with the material from six scrapped cars. recycled Wood/PlaStic comPoSite lumBer This material makes a great option for your home’s deck. Made from 50 per cent wood fibers and 50 per cent waste plastics, it’s more rigid than pure plastic lumber, and more durable and less toxic than most treated lumber. reclaimed Wood Also known as barnwood, reclaimed wood comes from old barns, factories and warehouses. The age and imperfection of the wood is seen as a positive feature, giving it warmth and character. Consider using this kind of material for interior home features such as flooring, ceilings, staircases or countertops.

Before buying or remodelling, consider which of these or other features might enhance your home and lifestyle. A virtual wonderland of options exists to create or renovate a home that aligns with concern for the environment to create what might be labelled “shelter with a conscience.” Windows, doors, paint, flooring, insulation… the list of elements is endless. A sustainable home will benefit not only you and your family, but future generations who will increasingly depend on smart, eco-friendly elements for everyday life.

Your Start-to-Finish Custom Home Builder

Queen City builds premium homes using some of Regina’s finest tradesmen. We build every home as if it were our own, paying attention to every detail throughout — a benchmark in quality that only a smaller builder can deliver.

306-552-9588 | queencitycustomconstruction@sasktel.net

6 beautiful show homes to view in The Greens on Gardiner — bungalows/bi-levels/ two-stories. All ready to move into!

Call Dustin at 306-527-0882 or Carson at 306-591-2109 for your own private showing or if you're thinking of building. Come and compare.

SHow Home HourS: Monday to Thursday, 6–9 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday, 12–5 p.m.

By

By Trina Trina Annand Annand Photos Photos Megan Megan Antoniuk Antoniuk Photography Photography

Creating a Sustainable Future with

Solar EnErgy By

By TrinA TrinA AnnAnd AnnAnd Photos Photos MegAn MegAn AnToniuk AnToniuk PhoTogrAPhy PhoTogrAPhy

I

n a world where non-renewable resources are dwindling and climate change is a reality, finding alternative energy sources is a necessity. At Sound Solar Systems Inc., clients can find much more than solar energy options — they will discover a philosophy of energy

reduction tailored to their needs. As a 2013 Saskatchewan Volta Award Finalist, the company understands the importance of environmental sustainability. Whether building a new home or upgrading an existing one, Sound Solar has energy solutions for all lifestyles and budgets.

“Saskatchewan is a great place to implement solar energy practices. We get over 1,300 hours of sunlight a year, which gives us the highest amount of sunlight in Canada. In a recent climate change report, Saskatchewan is named as the heaviest polluting province in the country. We all have an interest in the

ABOVE L-R Cai Dennis, Brooke Longpre, Kaige Dennis, James Dennis, Chloe Dennis and Keagan Fisher. Photo by Calvin Fehr

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future of our province, and there is a need to re-evaluate available resources,” notes Brooke Longpre, head of corporate sales and development for Sound Solar.

The energy output of 1KW of solar energy is roughly equivalent to burning 170 pounds of coal and 300 pounds of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere.

Looking at the numbers, solar energy is the easy choice.

Solar energy is also a great choice for its economic benefits. Currently, SaskPower is offering a 20 per cent SaskPower rebate for those wanting to make the shift to solar; however, this incentive ends in November, so there is no time like the present. Adding solar alternatives reduces or even cuts the need for traditional power, which is especially important since SaskPower will be introducing a 10.5 per cent rate increase over the next two years. “If you’re looking to lock in your power rates, then the solution rises every morning. Solar energy adds resale value to your home: when the power rate goes up, so does your home’s value,” remarks James Dennis, president and operating partner.

This philosophy of increased value is also important for builders when creating developments and homes. Making a choice for solar-powered or solar-ready homes is becoming more attractive to homebuyers because it is easier to plan ahead with solar installations than to retro-fit, creating a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

“Working with reputable, enlightened homebuilders, like Rocy Homes Ltd., creates a path that challenges the principles of building responsibly. We look forward to expanding the homebuilder network in Saskatchewan,” says Dennis.

Sound Solar is the Western Canada certified installer for Inovus solar streetlights, which are currently used in Rowan’s Ravine Provincial Park. These lights are the perfect option for those looking to create a carbon-neutral residential or commercial development, eliminating the hassle of a monthly lighting consumption charge.

“Solar power is no longer an experimental technology — it is tested and reliable.

Solar modules are tested for the harshest

conditions, and contrary to popular belief, they are more effective in cooler climates,” says Dennis. Solar modules carry a 25-year warranty and have been known to last up to 35 or 40 years. The greatest reason to invest in solar energy is still the same: the future.

Whether you’re looking for a complete solar project for your home or a solar streetlight system, there is only one place to go: Sound Solar, providing expert service for years to come. Stand up for solar in Saskatchewan.

Sound Solar Systems Inc. 306.586.2308 P.O. Box 216, Kronau www.soundsolar.ca

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Congratulates

CENTURY 21 CANADA

Grand CENTURIONS速

The Irv Tremblay Team Irv Tremblay Realty Inc. #3 Team by Production #5 Team by Units in Canada

Double CENTURIONS速

Ben Taylor

#29 by Production #39 by Units in Canada

Brent Ackerman

Brent Ackerman Realty Ltd. #67 by Production in Canada 22

FineHomes

Lynne Bobyck

#38 by Production #65 by Units in Canada

Lawrence Maduck

#75 by Production in Canada

www.century21dome.com Regina

Award Winners

CENTURY 21 DOME CENTURIONS®

The Brian Bast Team

The Neal Schaefer Team

David Meng

Jia Na

Brian Bast Realty Inc.

The Peakman Group

Karen Ryan

Steve Bell

Pauline Relkey

Masters Diamond

Ross Bateson

Michael Beatch

Jonah Franklin

Marcel Rossler

Terry Hnatiuk

Cameron Wilkes

Stacey Maduck-Rutzki

Sunny Zhao

Masters Emerald

Rory Clark

Debbie Crabbe

Ethan Sun

Jerry Flegel

Jodi Thompson

Jeffery Harmel

Thomas Wong

Independently Owned and Operated. ®/TM trademarks owned by Century 21 Real Estate LLC, used under license or authorized sub-license. © 2014 Century 21 Canada Limited Partnership, CENTURY 21 Dome Realty Inc.

Congratulates

CENTURY 21 CANADA

Masters Ruby

Michael Antonini

Ryan Biberdorf

Ryan Bremner

Mark Cullen

Ray Gartner

Dave Markus

Dwayne Michel

Ray Park

Kevin Peter

Sean Pollard

Suzanne Siller

Jaymie Walker

Masters Silver

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Troy Blanchard

Lane Boghean

Jennifer Buckingham

John Doege

Kathy Feszczyn

Noel Geremia

Adrienne Heron

Ian Johnston

Alice King

Eldon Lautermilch

www.century21dome.com Regina

Award Winners

CENTURY 21 DOME Masters Silver

Roland Marriott

Hieu Nguyen

Phil Selenski

Jordan Oslie

Doug Slinn

Carol Russell

Karol Schram

Adam Tondevold Brian Tondevold

#2 in Canada for UNIT SALES #4 in Canada for PRODUCTION

Bernie Weinbender Broker/Manager

Dave Markus Manager

Independently Owned and Operated. ®/TM trademarks owned by Century 21 Real Estate LLC, used under license or authorized sub-license. © 2014 Century 21 Canada Limited Partnership, CENTURY 21 Dome Realty Inc. ®™ Trademarks of AIR MILES International Trading B.V. Used under license by LoyaltyOne, Inc. and Century 21 Canada Limited Partnership.

Charity Begins at HOME…

#1 Fundraising Office in Canada!

$83,462.01 . . . and so does corporate responsibility. CENTURY 21® Dome Realty agents and staff are committed to Easter Seals and sending kids to camp. Each year, CENTURY 21® Dome agents and staff organize and volunteer at numerous fundraising events and also donate themselves to this cause. As the CENTURY 21® charity of choice internationally, our office has been invited to experience a number of events where we can see firsthand the incredible difference this organization makes.

We are extremely proud of the accomplishments of our team of agents and staff, but we feel the best accomplishment is to be a top fundraising office in Canada supporting Easter Seals year after year.

The teamwork and hard work of our offices to raise funds for children with disabilities to be able to attend summer camp, and then to see

the smiles we put on those children's faces, is an amazing feeling.

Camp Easter Seal is about helping children living with disabilities to be able to experience opportunities that they may be unable to experience elsewhere.

Since 1994, CENTURY 21 Dome in Regina has been raising funds for Camp Easter Seals in Watrous, Saskatchewan, and since then, we have raised over $1,250,000.

CENTURY 21® system members around the world have supported Easter Seals since 1979 as their national “charity of choice” through local fundraising activities and volunteerism. To date, more than $100 million has been raised for this charity.

Independently Owned and Operated. ®/TM trademarks owned by Century 21 Real Estate LLC, used under license or authorized sub-license. © 2014 Century 21 Canada Limited Partnership, CENTURY 21 Dome Realty Inc. ®™ Trademarks of AIR MILES International Trading B.V. Used under license by LoyaltyOne, Inc. and Century 21 Canada Limited Partnership

21000

A e C N A CH iN , W TO Air Miles®† reward miles

Yeah, We Got That!

See win.century21dome.com for full details Contest period: February 1 to December 31, 2014

Independently Owned and Operated. ®/TM trademarks owned by Century 21 Real Estate LLC, used under license or authorized sub-license. © 2014 Century 21 Canada Limited Partnership, CENTURY 21 Dome Realty Inc. †®™ Trademarks of AIR MILES International Trading B.V. Used under license by LoyaltyOne, Inc. and Century 21 Canada Limited Partnership.

COVER STORY

It Takes An

Amazing Village: Photos courtesy Dakine Home Builders Inc. and Tamco Homes Ltd.

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Amazing Spaces Home Renovation & Design Tour Helps Local Children with Autism

T

hey say it takes a village to raise a child. This is especially true if you have a child with autism: families cannot do it alone.

The fifth annual Amazing Spaces Home Renovation and Design Tour is a shining example of how the community came together to support local children in need. The tour took place Saturday May 10 and featured 11 extensively renovated or newly-built custom homes in support of The Casey Foundation for Autism Support.

The tour was a collaborative effort between more than 50 sponsors, 100 community volunteers, and in excess of 600 ticket holders, who together raised more than $50,000 for local children with autism and their families.

The concept for this home tour was born out of an idea

by Holli Appelquist, interior decorator and owner of Holliberries Interiors Inc. While on the Davin School Home Tour, which features unique homes in the Cathedral neighbourhood, Appelquist had an idea to plan a similar home tour that instead focused on interior design and renovation projects.

“People are always asking about my latest renovation project and are curious to hear about the before-and-after transformations. They want to see the latest design trends, learn what materials, finishes and colours are hot, and how they can transform their own homes into amazing spaces.” says Appelquist. “This tour offers an avalanche of design inspiration and provides a valuable link for home owners to find quality tradespeople and product suppliers to complete their own renovation or building projects.”

Two award winning projects were featured on this year’s tour, including the Dakine Home Builders’ personal residence (photos featured pp. 28-30), which won the 2013 Canadian Home Builders Association’s award for the Best Custom Home Under 2500 Square Feet in ABOVE The Casey Foundation creative by PIVCOMM.CA FineHomes

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COVER STORY

Photos pp.28-30 courtesy Dakine Home Builders Inc.

the entire nation. Kitchen Craft in Regina designed the other award-winning home on tour. Their creative kitchen renovation won the Regina and Region Home Builders’ Association 2013 Best Kitchen Renovation Project of the Year award.

The tour has continued to grow in popularity and support under the leadership of Fries Tallman Lumber, the tour’s Title Sponsor since the event’s inception in 2010. Regina’s building and renovation industry, along with its product suppliers and tradespeople, generously donated more than $40,000 in advertising sponsorships this year alone.

Combined with ticket sales, the tour raised well over $50,000 this year.

“We’ve raised more than $125,000 for local children’s charities over the past four years, but this year’s tour marks a stunning 40 per cent increase in funds raised year over year!” says Appelquist, organizing committee chairperson.

“The tour continues to attract new designers, builders, contractors, product suppliers and subcontractors — all of whom play an integral part in the renovation or new building process.”

All funds raised support The Casey Foundation for Autism Support. This charity was founded in 2005 when Alexis (Leippi) Cuthbert, a then single mother raising a child with autism, realized the need that Saskatchewan families faced. Saskatchewan has much lower funding levels and fewer treatment options available to children with autism than most other provinces. This leaves parents paying for whatever services they require out of their own pockets.

“It just didn’t seem right that children should be prevented from developing to their full potential because of a lack of funding” says Cuthbert.

This issue affects an increasing number of families every year.

The latest statistics from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) states that the prevalence of autism has risen to a staggering one in every 68 children. That is more than all other major childhood diseases and disorders combined.

The Casey Foundation is a grass roots organization that runs strictly on volunteers. Each year, requests for help increase. Last year alone, The Casey Foundation funded more than 260 applications from 44 different towns and cities across Saskatchewan. Since its inception, it has funded hundreds of families with hundreds of thousands of dollars. “What we are able to provide to each family yearly is not nearly enough to cover the extra costs it takes

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Photos this page courtesy Tamco Homes Ltd.

to raise a child with autism, but every little bit helps.” says Cuthbert. “The Amazing Spaces Home Renovation and Design Tour is helping the cause in a big way!”

Thank you to everyone involved in this year’s tour. It really does take a village to raise a child. Regina, take pride that our strong and vibrant “village” cares for those who need us most!

If you have a project you’d like to include in next year’s tour or are interested in volunteering, please contact Holli Appelquist, Amazing Spaces organizing committee chairperson at holli.a@sasktel. net or 306.539.1820.

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EXPERT ADVICE Are You Tired of Arguing With Your Teen About Cleaning?

SHARLA SHAW owner The Tidy Time Saver Professional Cleaning Service 306.546.1505 Regina Ultrasonic Blind Cleaning Service 306.525.2655 202-2206 Dewdney Ave sharlashaw@tidytimesaver.com

Proud partner of

W

hat’s the biggest source of conflict with your teenage son or daughter?

For many parents, it’s not dating or broken curfews or bad grades — it’s cleaning. Your teens get sick of being nagged; you get sick of nagging. Even after the fight ends, a cold war ensues: weeks of dramatic sighs, surly stares, and eye rolling.

Following are some tips to help parents get through the never-ending battles.

ADJUST YOUR EXPECTATIONS Decide what’s really essential to you and what you’re willing to let slide.

COME TO AN AGREEMENT Come up with a cleaning plan that both parent and teen are comfortable with.

BE ABSOLUTELY CLEAR Don’t make the mistake of assuming that your kids will know what you mean. You need to come up with a list of specifics. That way, you all know exactly what “clean” means — and there’s less room for miscommunication and argument.

HAVE SENSIBLE CONSEQUENCES Dock their allowance. Set earlier curfews.

Take away car privileges. What if that doesn’t work? What if after all that, your kids still won’t clean their messy rooms?

Here’s a suggestion. Explain to your teens that since they won’t clean their rooms, you’ll hire someone to do it — and pay for it out of their allowance.

DON’T MICROMANAGE Give your teens a task and a deadline. Then back off and let them accomplish it in their own way.

As parents, we need to set some standards for how our kids behave in our homes and some expectations they have to meet.

Respecting your teens’ individuality can mean compromise — accepting that they’re just not quite as tidy as you wish they were, and that it’s not something that arguing will change. If all else fails, you can save yourself the time and hassle and hire a cleaning company to help reduce the stress in your home.

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LOCAL AND RELIABLE

PLUMBING AND HEATING SPECIALISTS Specializing in new home builds, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, boilers, water heaters and fireplaces.

Locally owned and operated in the Lumsden and Regina area.

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306.540.8055 | valleyboyzinfo@gmail.com

valleyboyzplumbing&heating.ca

LUXURY AND PRIVACY IN IN A A PICTURESQUE PICTURESQUE SETTING SETTING Welcome Street South in picturesque Lumsden.

Welcometoto625 625James James Street South in picturesque Lumsden.

You immediately immediately notice notice the the inviting inviting warmth warmth of of the the home homewith with high highceilings ceilings and and oversized oversized windows windows in each room Rich dark dark hardwood hardwood throughout throughout the the main main level level complements complements the warm modern room — even downstairs. Rich tones of of colour colour on on the the walls walls and and espresso espresso maple maple cabinetry. cabinetry.

An open staircase leads to the lower level, where the openness continues continues with with tall tall ceilings ceilings and and oversized oversized windows. You won`t feel like you’re in a basement. basement. Relax Relax on your own private deck tucked between the house house and and oversized oversized double garage.

Lumsden Lumsden isis located located 20 20 minutes minutes northwest northwestof ofRegina Regina with with most mostamenities amenitiesinintown, town,including includingaaK-12 K-12school. school.

Karen Ryan,REALTOR REALTOR®®|| 306.731.8084 306.731.8084 Karen Ryan, karen.ryan@century21.ca | www.karenryan.ca karen.ryan@century21.ca www.karenryan.ca

Why use a

REALTOR ? ®

By Apolline Lucyk

W

ith all the resources available to us through technology, it may seem cheaper and more convenient to sell or buy your house independently. However, REALTORS® bring market knowledge and extensive realty experience to the home buying and home selling processes, which makes for a much more enjoyable and more productive realty experience.

“An agent gives a business-like perspective to the process, and can help the buyer or seller go about the process more effectively,” says Gord Archibald, executive officer of the Association of Regina REALTORS®.

E n j oy thE Buying ProcEss Real estate agents are essentially your personal expert advisors, there to help you through the process of buying a new home and making it as enjoyable as possible.

“At the beginning of the process, the agent helps the buyer narrow down what they’re looking for, and what they can afford,” explains Archibald. They ensure they have a good understanding of what type of house and price range suits their client before they even begin to search for houses for them.

The agent will then begin to look for houses for the buyer. “If the agent is a member of a REALTORS® association, he or she has access to the Multiple Listings Service® System,” says Archibald. Once a property is put on the market, and if it is listed with a REALTOR®, it immediately is posted on the MLS® database. Your REALTOR® will then have access to it right away.

During the showing process, your agent accompanies you to showings, giving you that extra set of eyes, and an objective opinion on each property. This helps to ensure that you find a house which is wellsuited to you, and that you do not make the decision impulsively. “Once there’s an offer prepared, the agent can go through it with the client,” says Archibald. “And if the buyer wishes to propose a counter offer,

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take home more money if you have a REALTOR® helping you with your sale.

One of the biggest benefits of using a REALTOR® to sell your house is their acute knowledge of market pricing, which is essential to making a good sale.

“Agents have access to comparable sales that have taken place in the past to provide comparable prices for the property,” says Archibald. “If a property is overpriced, it will sit on the market without attention or showings,” he warns. Conversely, “if a property is underpriced, a seller’s potentially leaving money on the table.”

Therefore, it is critical that your house is priced well within the market, and your agent can help you to price it accurately.

The agent will also list your property with the MLS® System, which is a very important tool in selling a house. “There are about 490 agents in Regina, and when a property is on the MLS® database, it’s immediately available to all of them,” notes Archibald.

In terms of showing houses, agents know how to rearrange a house in order to stage it for a showing. Organizing showings through your REALTOR® also provides you with a higher level of security, which is really comforting when you are showing your own home.

Finally, once the property has been shown, and an offer has been accepted, the agent will take care of the deposit given by the buyer. “The agent will put the deposit in a trust account, and take care of it until the sale is completed,” says Archibald.

the agent will draw it up and submit it to the seller’s agent on behalf of the buyer.”

Generally speaking, REALTORS® understand the process and timing of buying a house. They have already had experience with different home inspectors and mortgage brokers. They know and can recommend credible professionals.

MAkE thE Most oF sELLing Many people have the perception that selling a house with a REALTOR® costs more money, and that they can save by selling their house themselves. However, due to the vast amount of realty experience that a REALTOR® brings to every sale he or she is involved in, you are likely to ultimately

Finding thE right r E A Lto r ® When choosing a REALTOR®, it is most important to look for someone you enjoy working with, and who understands your housing goals and needs.

People usually find their REALTORS® by word of mouth. However, sometimes you might not be able to find an agent through referral; in that case, you must check into a few different REALTORS® to find one that is the best “fit” for you.

Ultimately, you need to look for someone who you will get along with. Once you’ve made your choice, your REALTOR® will make your home buying or home selling experience more profitable and enjoyable.

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A Balanced Lifestyle that Works

for Family & Real Estate Business

By Tobie Hainstock Photos Calvin Fehr

B

uying or selling a home is an important transition in a family’s life. It affects every member, and each person will have some feelings about it. That’s why it’s important to have a REALTOR® who truly understands how life’s changes influence everyone.

When you first talk to Glenn Nichol of RE/MAX Crown Real Estate, you are automatically drawn in by his warm and friendly personality. His dynamic demeanour is infectious as he shares his

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broad experience as a REALTOR® in the Regina area.

With more than 20 years of experience, Nichol offers expertise that is second to none. His passion for helping families find their dream home is evident in his success rate. “You have to have an enjoyment level in your work in order to really be successful at what you do,” he comments.

Nichol takes the extra time to get to know his clients. Understanding their dreams and

priorities helps him find the best home for them at their particular stage in life. “I’ve met some truly great people over the years,” Nichol recalls. “Many of them have become friends who have stayed in touch.”

Growing up in the town of Nipawin, Nichol was taught the importance of a strong work ethic. Taking pride and having a passion for his work has always been very important to him. Equally as important was maintaining a proper balance of family and career. Since his

LEFT Glenn Nichol and daughter, Lainie

wife, Tammy, passed away a little over a year ago, Nichol has been a single dad raising his beautiful daughter Lainie.

Being faced with the challenge of parenting a young 12-year-old alone can be an overwhelming undertaking. His daughter courageously embraces each new day with the love and support of her father at her side.

“I was unsure of how I would cope with everything,” says Nichol softly.

Because working as a REALTOR® offers a great deal of flexibility, Nichol is able to balance his career and family life without compromising either one. “For us, it’s about living a positive lifestyle,” he explains. “I’m an active father, and my career allows me to spend time with Lainie while still doing the type of work I love to do.”

The father/daughter duo has become a strong team and work through the dayto-day challenges of everyday life. “Lainie is a charming and articulate young lady,” observes Nichol. “We have come to lean on each other in the good times and bad.”

It’s important to build great memories: Nichol and his daughter take time for activities such as family trips, taking great photos, walking in the park with their dog (Draque), and much more.

Nichol is pleased that stepping into this new stage of his life is going smoothly, and he looks forward to assisting more people find the homes they need as their families evolve.

Glenn Nichol, Associate Broker, RE/MAX Crown Real Estate 234 University Park Drive Regina 306.535.0148 gnichol@accesscomm.ca www.nicholsworth.biz www.remax.ca

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FINDING YOUR DREAM

CONDO 40

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“B

uying a condo can be a little more complex than other residential purchases,” explains REALTOR® Leanne Tourney. “You’re getting yourself into a situation where you are living commonly with other people, and have to consider how you are going to fit in with the condo association, and what their bylaws are like.”

Throughout her extensive experience selling both new and resale condo properties, Leanne has found condo ownership to be primarily a lifestyles choice, where aspects such as location, resale value, condo fees and associations are extremely important considerations when it comes to finding the condo that is right for you.

There are many different variations of condo ownership, each with its own unique neighbourhood, structural features, nearby amenities and monthly costs.

High-rise complexes are a popular type of structure available for condo ownership. They are typically located in city centres, and often come with aesthetically pleasing interiors and picturesque views of downtown cityscapes.

They may also include access to onsite facilities such as gyms, pools, saunas, elevators, underground parking, as well as additional security, onsite management, or even doormen.

By Alyssa Rudyck

Buying real estate can be overwhelming. There are several factors to consider, and so many different housing options, it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly what you want and need.

Although these extra perks are sure to make life a little more comfortable, keep in mind that mortgages and condo fees in high-rise condominium buildings tend to be higher than those in less luxurious locations, and can also be problematic when it comes to parking and downtown traffic. However, high-rise condos are usually within walking distance of restaurants, clubs and other local entertainment, and can be well suited for people with an active nightlife who love being close to the action.

By comparison, low-rise condo complexes are much more family-friendly. Usually situated in commercial residential areas, lowrise condos are advantageously located near grocery stores, schools, gas stations and major shopping centres. Typically, they come with little to no onsite amenities, but are more

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After determining the features that are most important to you, narrow your search to space and location requirements that fit your criteria, and seek the counsel of an experienced real estate agent to help you find exactly what you are looking for.

“Buying real estate can be a very emotional decision for people, which sometimes cause them to overlook important details… what I always try to do is keep people in check… it’s nice to have somebody there with experience and expertise to guide you and represent you,” says Leanne, who strongly encourages people work with a REALTOR® from the beginning, to assure their best interests are being looked after.

Leanne explains that when buying a condo, the buyer is able to request the bylaws and financial statements of the condo association beforehand, along with any additional information on the condo itself, and review them before completing the purchase. As well, she adds that it is important to note people can enlist the help of a REALTOR® when considering a new condo property, not just resale.

By situating yourself in the ideal setting structurally, geographically and financially, you will be well on your way to finding a home that is right for you. Enlist the services of a qualified REALTOR® to protect your interests and help you find the listings that best fit your dream home criteria. Happy condo hunting!

affordable in monthly fees, making them ideal for families, students, retirees, single parents and first-time homeowners. Although these complexes can provide a sense of community among residents, it is important to evaluate your neighbours before buying, as you will be living in close proximity.

If living in a shared multi-unit complex is not for you, you may be better suited for townhouse ownership. Like low-rise condos, townhouses are typically located in residential areas, and provide access to a variety of family-friendly amenities. They come with more square footage, including private or semi-private yards, balconies and decks, and provide a more private atmosphere, as they only share one common wall with other tenants. Townhouses can be a great option for individuals looking for a permanent place to raise a family, empty-nesters looking to downsize, and first-time homeowners who might want to take advantage of renting out extra rooms to help pay the mortgage. Townhouses come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and tend to vary considerably in price.

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ExpErt Advice Things to Consider Before Skipping a Mortgage Payment

Cari Skjerven Mobile Mortgage Specialist

I

Affinity Credit Union Regina Area 306.552.6468 Cari.skjerven@affinitycu.ca

f you are one of the millions of Canadians who hold a mortgage, you may have noticed your financial institution offering you a chance to skip a mortgage payment. As enticing as this may seem, there are a few things you should think about before taking that payment “vacation.”

If you hold a high-ratio mortgage secured by either CMHC or Genworth Financial Canada, you’ll need to look into the specific guidelines that both institutions have in place regarding skipping mortgage payments.

Even though your financial institution offers the option to take a break from your mortgage payment, the type of mortgage you hold may mean you’re not eligible.

Additionally, your mortgage needs to be current and up to date. If you’ve fallen

behind in your payments, skipping the next one won’t be an option for you.

Let’s say you don’t hold a high-ratio mortgage, and you have been diligent in keeping your mortgage payments up to date. What harm can come from skipping a payment?

Although taking a payment vacation can give you increased cash flow in the shortterm —whether it’s for a life-changing event like going back to school or taking a much-deserved vacation — it’s important to understand how this will affect you in the long-term.

Skipping a mortgage payment results in interest capitalization. This means that while you benefit from the temporary extra cash flow, the accumulated interest is actually added back onto the outstanding principal of your mortgage. When your mortgage is up for renewal, your monthly payment will need to be adjusted so that your mortgage stays on track and doesn’t exceed your original amortization.

The end result? Depending on interest rates when you renew your mortgage and if you made any prepayments on your mortgage sometime during that term, you may be faced with an increase to your regular monthly payment for the next whole term of your mortgage. The short-term gain may not be worth the long-term pain.

All things considered, it’s important to keep your personal financial goals in mind. Instead of taking the plunge right away and signing up to skip a payment, take some time to talk to your mortgage specialist. He or she can give you the information and advice you need based on your unique circumstances so that you can choose what’s best for you.

Whether you’re considering taking a payment vacation, purchasing your first home, building the home of your dreams or anything in between, you can count on the mortgage experts at Affinity Credit Union to help you every step of the way.

Contact us today!

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His & Her Creating the Ideal Bedroom For Both of You

By Courtney Tait

Have you ever felt like you and your partner are speaking different languages when it comes to decorating your bedroom?

Everything from choosing a colour palette to furniture to art can feel compromised when your style is at odds with the one you love (and live with). Follow these nine tips to find a balance that incorporates both masculine and feminine elements for a happy, restful room.

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1 2

Clarify how each of you want the space to feel in three of four words. If your partner wants relaxing and comfortable and you want stylish and inspiring, you know those are your parameters, and you can set out to work within them. With clear, intentional guidelines and a little creativity, a middle ground is always possible to find.

Choose a colour palette you both like. Your dream accent shade might be yellow, but if your partner doesn’t like it, you’ve got to find other options. Hone in on colours that appeal to both of you, and collect ideas using paint swatches or images you find online.

Once your colours are decided, mixing different furniture and accessory styles is easy: as long as they fall within the palette, they can work. To bring a masculine element to the room, include at least one dark shade in your palette such as navy or charcoal. This will balance out any bright or more feminine pops of colour. And make sure you include a mix of warm and cool tones.

3 4 5

Paint the walls a gender-neutral colour, and save the dramatic shades for textiles and accessories. White or soft grey creates a clean, easy backdrop to work from.

Incorporate at least one piece of masculine style furniture. This could be a leather chair, wooden headboard, or darkcoloured dresser. Having this piece will make it easier to add feminine aspects such as patterned cushions or a contrasting vintage tufted chair.

Consider the shape, colour and placement of your lighting. An antique wall sconce may appear too feminine on its own, but placing two of them above your headboard instantly creates a masculine symmetry. In general, clean lines and defined shapes feel more masculine, so a good way to blend your lighting preferences is to choose a style of lamp that’s masculine in shape and feminine in colour, or vice versa. If you have enough masculine elements in your furniture, you might even be able to get away with a dramatic chandelier.

6

No, matter where it’s placed, your bed is the centerpiece of the room, and the bedding is the star. Typically, the simpler in colour and texture your comforter is, the more gender neutral it is, and the more you can play with colourful throws and patterned cushions. The key is in the mixing: if you

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choose a bright, patterned, or textured bed cover, incorporate at least one masculine colour from your palette, and keep the pillows and cushions understated.

7

An area rug ties all your bedroom’s elements together. If you’re opting for a lot of colour or patterns throughout the room, keep the rug relatively simple. If the overall décor is clean and airy, you can bring in some depth and vibrancy with a bold rug. Because it’s such a big piece, ensure your rug doesn’t feel overly masculine or feminine — choose one that falls somewhere in the middle.

8

Art can be one of the most divisive part of decorating, but it can also be the most rewarding. When considering the art you currently own, first separate what complements your colour palette. From there, take out anything either of you feel strongly against. This should leave you with a few good options and room for some new pieces. A painting that appears more feminine can be matted and framed in a strong, heavy border for balance. Consider

Be Inspired.

a few abstract pieces to incorporate colour without overly-gendered imagery. And adding a few framed family photos will give the space a personal touch you are both guaranteed to love.

9

The master en suite is an extension of your bedroom, and the décor should flow accordingly. Include at least one colour from your bedroom’s palette in the bathroom, and apply the same balancing rules of masculine and feminine. Want a ruffled or patterned shower curtain?

Ensure it features a masculine colour, and balance it out with a simple, streamlined style in items like your soap dish and toothbrush holder. Metallics such as stainless and copper are ideal masculine fixtures that mix well with fluffy towels and cozy, textured bath mats.

Remember that if each of your preferences are being considered, the decorating process should be fun and fulfilling. Take your time and choose wisely, and you’ll create a bedroom both of you

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The

Smart & Classy Kitchen

By Courtney Tait

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T

he kitchen has always been the social hub of the modern home.

Inching closer to the futuristic cooking space of George and Judy Jetson, smart appliances are now available, offering enhanced efficiency and ease. By choosing on-trend appliances that blend with your home’s décor, and ones that offer the latest high-tech features, you can create a smart, classy kitchen that makes dining and entertaining more enjoyable than ever.

Hidden AppliAnces—The latest trend to hit the open-concept kitchen is appliances that disappear into the décor.

This purposefully blurs the line between kitchen and living spaces, increasing the social aspects of your cooking environment. One stylish option for hiding appliances is to incorporate stylish bi-fold doors that fold back or slide open when the appliance is in use.

Ever wish your refrigerator or dishwasher looked less like an appliance and more like a piece of furniture? Built-in or integrated appliances are becoming popular for a streamlined kitchen look. Wood panels that blend with your cabinetry make the fridge or dishwasher appear as an attractive cabinet. The same can be done with a builtin beverage center, keeping your wine, beer and mixers under wraps until cocktail hour. smArt stoves—Using an electric magnetic pulse to heat iron or steel cookware, induction-cooking stovetops are high-speed and energy-efficient. The heat — which comes on rapid-fire fast — is controlled through numbered dials, allowing for precise, consistent temperature.

Commonly used in Asia and Europe, induction cooking is becoming more popular in North America, with buyers drawn to a greener option that saves cooking time. As an added bonus, induction burners supply heat directly to the cooking vessel, keeping the kitchen cooler. efficient disHwAsHers—If you’ve ever felt guilty for running your dishwasher before it’s full, you’ll appreciate having an efficient one, which allows you to customize cycles for different sizes and kinds of loads. Other features of efficient dishwashers include low-temperature washing (without compromising performance) and fans or air-dry options, which consume less energy than using a heating element. All this adds up to less water and energy waste, and lower household bills. The best part? These dishwashers are ultra-efficient and ultraquiet, so you can clean your dinner plates overnight and still get to sleep. rAdicAl refrigerAtors— Cookbooks are a great resource for meal ideas, but there’s one thing they don’t take into account: the contents of your fridge.

On the front of Samsung’s four-door smart refrigerator, an app-filled tablet offers recipes from Epicurious, based on the ingredients behind the door. Along with dinner-planning made easy, the tablet enables you to type in grocery list updates which will instantly appear on the mobile devices of family members. The feature ensures whoever’s doing the shopping won’t miss an essential item.

If you’ve ever been embarrassed to discover a container at the back of the

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cutting-edge appliance will be able to control temperature and download cook settings. Set to be released this summer, the smart oven is a high-end item designed for luxury kitchens. convenient coffee And simple Juicing—Quantity, strength and temperature: the three keys to brewing the perfect morning cup. With appenabled coffeemakers, you can start the brewing process from your smartphone, including the time it should begin. An integrated grinder ensures your beans will be ground fresh.

Ever gotten on the juicing bandwagon, only to fall off after a few mornings that felt too rushed to bother? Smart juicers come with speeds matched to the vegetables and fruits being juiced, which makes for quick, healthy juice at your fingertips. LCD screens enable you to choose settings, with slower speeds corresponding to soft items, and higher speeds corresponding to more dense items. With juicing simplified, you can take a smart, efficient approach to getting your fruit and veggie intake.

Upgrading your kitchen to become a highly-functional, attractive space is both exciting and timely. Less time cooking (and cleaning up after) will provide more time for the best part: gathering around the table to enjoy meals with family and friends.

fridge filled with moldy leftovers, you’ll appreciate Samsung’s smart refrigerator’s grocery manager. When you add fresh food or leftovers to the fridge, you can type in an expiry date, and set it to notify you before your food goes bad. optimized ovens—The compact oven has come a long way from simply toasting bread and bagels. For simplified cooking that won’t take too much counter space, compact smart ovens are the way to go. Pre-set functions can do everything from baking to broiling, and an internal sensor calculates cooking time and adjusts power automatically.

If you’re looking for the smartest full-size oven on the market, Dacor has created a two-oven, six-burner appliance complete with Android tablet. Using a pre-installed app called Discover IQ, owners of the

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MODERN

ELEGANT

CLASSIC

TRADITIONAL

Kitchens are one of the most important areas of your home. As cooking becomes a family activity, it is more important than ever to make sure your kitchen is functional. KEKULI BAY CABINETRY‌ designing kitchens that work for your family.

1217 Broad Street Regina | 306.545.9818 www.fannysfurniture.com | kekulibaycabinetry.com | Like us on

Getting Started on

GettinG Started

By Meredith heron Photos courtesy of Meredith heron

T

he warmer months are inevitably the busiest for the design industry in Canada.

Our office is prepared for the phone calls that arrive with the warmer temperatures, asking if we can “start now and finish before the end of summer.” We are able to keep a straight face as we gently counter with: “it depends on the scope.”

Planning for any design endeavour is essential to the overall success of the project. With planning comes

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budgeting, which may or may not involve a “cometo-Jesus moment” with the calculator in hand!

I am often asked what a realistic budget is for “this and that.” At a cocktail party several months ago, one half of a couple was eagerly discussing plans for an upcoming kitchen renovation he was planning. He conspiratorially whispered to me that their budget was actually about $30-35,000, but to not let on to

his partner that it was that high. I smiled as I sipped my drink, not wanting to burst his bubble. Kitchens are expensive, and the one he described was going to be very expensive. It was the holidays; I didn’t want to put a lump of coal in his stocking, so I am secretly hoping he is reading this article.

LEFT This condo kitchen we designed for our clients was medium-sized and a hybrid of “handy homeowner and almost full service.” We opted for cabinetry from a big-box store that we customized with crown moulding and custom cables. The marble counters, including the waterfall edge and the backsplash, were where we splurged.

BELOW This 5,000 sq. ft. home we designed just outside of Boston, MA, has a very well laid-out kitchen; while not huge, it would fall in under the “large kitchen” category. Premium appliances, including panelled fridge and freezer, quartzite countertops and fabulous lighting definitely have this kitchen reaching beyond the $75,000 mark. We trimmed costs back on our window treatments,

What Does a Kitchen Cost?

Kitchen Size

DIY’er

Handy Full-Service Homeowner

SMALL KITCHEN (150 sq. ft. or less)

$20,000

$35,000

$45,000

MEDIUM KITCHEN (150-350 sq. ft.)

$35,000

$50,000

$70,000

LARGE KITCHEN (350 sq. ft. and up)

$45,000

$70,000

$75,000 and up

Table courtesy of NKBA.org. Price estimates are before applicable taxes.

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opting for my now famous “Fromans” or “Fauxmans.” The fabric we initially selected had major minimums and at $450/yard, wasn’t in the cards. Our solution was for me to hand-block three yards of fabric using wooden blocks I’d purchased at Brimfield Antique Fair the year before. You don’t get much more bespoke than that!

Window treatments can realistically cost upwards of about 30 per cent of your design budget. When purchasing a new home that does not have functional or decent looking window treatments, you should factor the cost to cover them with something into your budget right off the top. Many people think that Roman Blinds are a great solution, but I am always leery of them if budget is a factor.

Roman blinds are often the most costly because they are hand-sewn; they require

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significantly less fabric, but the labour takes them out of the budget treatment category.

Our Froman/Fauxman is a valance that we have made to look like a raised Roman, but it isn’t functional.

ABOVE We find that having our clients put together a wish list or shopping list at the start of any project helps to determine the budget, and also helps ease them past “sticker shock.” After we have their list, we create a chart with “low/high” pricing options based on each piece. For example, if they need two sofas in the living room, we will give them a “low” of $2,400/sofa and a “high” of $4,000/ sofa. This is done with the caveat that costs are based on projects we’ve completed in the last 12 months, the “high” includes custom fabric, and the “low” has a graded fabric.

Giving a range helps a client to better prioritize their design goals relative to how much they want to invest. If their wish list exceeds their budget, we can phase their project over a period of time or make changes to the scope or their priorities.

The budget ultimately belongs to the home owner. The designer works on behalf of the client to hit their targets and realize their goals. The best way to maximize the budget is to invest the time to create a solid plan and give equal time to realize the plan.

Meredith Heron Design works on residential projects across North America. If you are looking to transform your own space into something more luxurious, we’d love to hear from you info@meredithheron.com.

Something!

1 of 1

AVAILABLE AT:

ALFORDS FLOORS + INTERIORS 1601 4th Avenue Regina, Sk. 306.522.5651

THE FASHION of Flooring and Elegant Window Coverings

By Courtney Tait

Whether you’re building a new home or renovating your current one, choosing the right flooring is essential. Finding a style that suits your taste can inspire your entire home’s décor.

O

ver the last decade, flooring options have drastically increased, with the latest fashions in tile, hardwood, vinyl, laminate and carpet now considered as important as their function. Local flooring business, Parkland Carpet One, offers the largest selection of flooring in Southern Saskatchewan, with a 13,000 sq. ft. showroom that showcases its products beautifully.

“When people walk in, they are surprised by the selection, different product offerings, and size of the showroom,” says Robert Grain, owner of Parkland Carpet One. “They are not expecting that from an independently owned local store.”

As part of Carpet One — the world’s largest flooring co-op, with more than 1,000 stores internationally — Parkland Carpet One offers its customers the service of a local business with the protection of a global company. Serving the Regina area for the last three decades, the store has in recent years, shifted from what Robert calls a commodity business to a fashion business. “There’s a lot of great fashion in flooring right now,” he says. “We get the latest trends and are able to showcase them. People don’t need to go to a box store to get a good selection.”

Along with a vast range of flooring, Parkland Carpet One features window coverings by Hunter Douglas, the industry’s largest manufacturer. The store showcases 130 feet of windows displaying a variety of shades, allowing customers to envision how the products will look in their own home.

“With so much natural light coming in, you can see what you’re buying,” says Robert.

One of the biggest advantages of choosing flooring at Parkland Carpet One is The Beautiful Guarantee: a promise with select products that if you are unhappy with your flooring after it’s installed, the company will replace it for free. Some products offered at Parkland Carpet One including their flagship carpets by “relax, it’s … Lees®” come with a no exclusion 25-year warranty, ensuring that if you are unable to remove a stain, your product will be replaced for free.

These kinds of warranties give customers peace of mind, enabling them to choose flooring without worrying about making the wrong decision. The “relax, it’s … Lees®” line of carpets has recently been relaunched, with 28 new styles available.

Parkland Carpet One’s flooring and window coverings consultants are trained extensively through the company’s online university training program, as well as through in-house seminars by Carpet

One and its manufacturers. Customers appreciate the knowledgeable service they receive. “People are met with qualified, courteous, informative staff, and we have the selection and products to support their decisions,” says Robert.

Parkland Carpet One features a full installation department, and Robert says the business deals with everything from bathroom renovations to custom homes. “Everybody’s house and dreams EXPERT Advice EXPERT Advice are different,” says Robert.

“When people Flooring that is Friendl are making the changes and choosing Personal Serenity Earth and It’s Your products, they are really excited. a Budget With Natural Cork whole fresh start.”

ing the base and elegant nature’s bes nology to cr that are env and fully r Timbers are ing timeless complement and texture able in eight grains and a that makes Installation i

Robert Grain, Grain owner Robert Grain Robert Parkland Carpet Carpet One One Parkland 1600 8th Ave Regina, Sk. Sk. One Parkland 1600 8th AveCarpet Regina, 306.525.9125 306.525.9125 1600 8th Ave. Regina www.parklandcarpetoneregina.com www.parklandcarpetoneregina.com 306.525.9125 Parkland Carpet One understands At Parkland Carpet One, we take www.parklandcarpetoneregina.com benefits that come with having

STyliSh and

Strong

If you’re loo recreate that business or o the warm loo durability an adhesive-requ surface the that has mad for inc the popular and r our flooring very seriously. We conoffering perfect floor in your home. Not only do market today tinually research established and against you experience the everyday comfort recy new beauty manufacturers fromflooring aroundoffers, per cent wonder and that quality year comme the globe, searching for fashionable discove you also have the strength and durability the and is efficient of flooring to inis very that neededstyles to handle the wear and tear providing troduce to household. all of our customers. warmtrat of a busy A popular choice your high r also effe amongst the many different brands of Sylvana’s flooring that Parkland Carpet One of carries, resistseffortles scuf A common request from many isour thecustomers expressiveiswarmth durability permanent in to find and flooring can contained within Torlys Cork Floor. it the You perfect that provides theawarmth, strength one-hal such as resta and feel of traditional hardwood flooring Torlys offers their customers a floor that motels, assist at a lower price and with more 3/4 inc is FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) FineHomes Regina ho installationhaving options. the are certified, passed the rigorous multi-level

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Protect Your Biggest Investment

with JS Basement Works

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The company is Regina’s largest basement repair company and can provide the following services — quickly and efficiently • • • • • •

Basement waterproofing Basement wall bracing Engineered knee wall Foundation underpinning Sump pits and pumps New concrete basement floors

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Engineered Approved Repairs

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LICENSEd & INSuREd

WE ARE SUPERIOR FD COATINGS. These are our masterpieces.

When you want your garage floor coated, you want it done by people who know how. You want quality products applied in the correct way, and you want the installers to pay attention to the details to make sure that the finished floor is perfect.

WE CAN HELP. At Superior FD Coatings, we only do garage floor coatings. And we deliver the best floor on the market.

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ORGANIC POUND S OM

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info@sfdcoatings.com 306.205.7900 Regina 306.242.2412 Saskatoon

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO REQUEST A QUOTE SFDCOATINGS.COM FRANCHISES AVAILABLE

Clean Air in the Home

Starts with Clean Ducts

M

By Shell Busey

ost of us are well a w a r e that our heating and cooling system should be inspected annually. This is best done before the fall or winter rush. But making sure the furnace is up to snuff is not all one should do. Getting your home’s air ducts cleaned is also a crucial step in ensuring ideal air quality. If you haven’t had your home’s furnace ducts cleaned by a certified professional in the past five years or so, or if you have pets or a dusty or unpleasant

odour when your furnace comes on, it is advisable to consider getting your ducts cleaned by a professional. The most effective way to clean air ducts and a ventilation system is by having the contractor place the system under negative pressure through the use of a specialized truck-mounted vacuum.

As to how often they should be cleaned really depends on the individual household; under normal circumstances, every two to three years is advised.

However, if you or someone in your home has allergies you may want to consider having the ducts serviced more often. A comprehensive cleaning of all heating and cooling system components (furnace fan blower, furnace heat exchange, air conditioning coil, humidifier and ducts) will also help air circulation. If you have recently had or are having your furnace upgraded to a more efficient heating system, you should have your heating ducts cleaned, and of course after any type of renovation that has caused a lot of dust (for example, from drywall, plaster or wood cutting projects).

Be sure to allot three to four hours of time for the duct cleaners to do the job. Mention any other items that could require cleaning as well, such as your air conditioner coil or dryer vent. Now that the ducts have been cleaned, maintaining cleaner indoor air can be attained by using full-time air purification equipment such as an HRV (heat recovery ventilator) or higheďŹƒciency air filtration (hybrid systems).

An HRV allows fresh air to enter while exhausting an equal amount of stale air

and recovering the heat or cool from the exhaust side and using it to warm or cool fresher air coming in. Air is filtered before being redistributed in the house.

Also now available are energy recovery ventilators (ERVs), which return not only heat energy, but moisture to help humidify the home if required. If you suffer from allergies or asthma you can add a HEPA (hybrid) filtration system to the HRV and have fresh, clean air.

While you are having your ducts cleaned I would suggest also having your dryer venting cleaned as well. By maintaining clean dryer venting you reduce the risk of fire, save money on energy costs and prolong the life of your dryer.

Good air quality in your home is something that will not only make you feel good, but will also make your home environment comfortable for family members with allergies and sensitivities to dust or other airborne particles.

For more home-improvement information, to send Shell an email, or to watch Shell’s Ask Shell Coffee Break go to www. AskShell.com

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LET THE EXPERTS INSTALL QUALITY SPRAY FOAM INTO YOUR HOME Spray Pros can reach you and your project just about anywhere in western Canada. Increase your energy efficiency and reduce costs with a certified spray foam installer/contractor. Spray foam insulation provides exceptional energy savings with high “R” values, not seams and resistance to air leaks. It also resists mildew and fungus, adds structural strength, reduces noise and is environmentally-friendly.

• Seal out drafts—drastically reducing year-round HVAC costs — in many cases by as much as 50%.

• Superior noise insulation.

Offering residential, commercial and agricultural solutions.

• Applied by trained, certified applicators.

Call or email for a free quote.

• Keep moisture out—the cause of harmful mold and mildew.

• Help keep insects, rodents and other pests outside where they belong.

• It won’t sag, shrink or shift like batts or loose fill. Adds strength to the building structure. Lasts for the lifetime of your house.

306.201.4919 | info@spraypros.ca

www.spraypros.ca

Terry Fesler

Cliff Scott

Regina’s Premier Carpet Installer

Regina Carpet

I am highly skilled in the trade, and I know all the “ins-and-outs” about all types of carpet. I’m also currently a one-man crew, so I can offer cost-effective and flexible pricing.

Call Cliff for Your Free Consultation!

Regina’s No.1 Carpet Supplier and Installer

306-216-7134 goldmedallion20@gmail.com reginacarpet.com

Dynamic Stucco:

Quality, Beauty & Durability

By Tori Stafford Photos Aidan Morgan

T

here are two things that everyone wants for the exterior of their house: aesthetic beauty and functional durability. With Shawn Durocher and his team at Dynamic Stucco, you can have the best of both.

Established by Durocher, a certified stucco system mechanic with more than two decades of experience, Dynamic Stucco has provided high quality stucco service to Regina and area for eight years. Known for outstanding workmanship and going above and beyond the standards of others in their trade, Dynamic Stucco has developed a strong reputation for doing exemplary work and perfecting million-dollar projects.

There are a number of reasons why

stucco exteriors are so popular these days, Durocher expresses. The two that are by far most important are the multitude of styles and designs that can be employed to create uniquely beautiful homes, and the fact that stucco exteriors can withstand the dynamics of Saskatchewan weather.

protective barrier, preventing water seepage, shielding from noise and pests, and even helps make a home fire-resistant. Because stucco bonds to form an airtight finish, it can also help with energy efficiency, keeping cool air indoors in the summer, and heat inside during the colder seasons.

“It’s stylish,” Durocher says of the clean, luxurious appearance that stucco exteriors deliver, “but it also stands up to weather better than any other exterior. When we have a hail storm, siding is gone, but our work lasts for years and years.”

With a team dedicated to high standards and attention to detail, Dynamic Stucco can help finish your new dream home, or breathe new life into your existing estate, says Durocher. As a fully licensed and insured installer, as well as being accredited through the Wall and Ceiling Bureau, Dynamic Stucco offers friendly service you can trust with reputable workmanship to make your home stand out for all the right reasons.

While stucco exteriors are touted for their intricate, one-of-a-kind patterns, they can also help protect and add value to your home, Durocher explains. Stucco creates a

OPPOSITE Shawn Durocher and his team at Dynamic Stucco

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In addition, Dynamic Stucco is well-versed in stone work and exterior stone facades. Using select stone, Durocher and his team can create beautiful combination exteriors with both stone and stucco, or they can create an entire exterior using stone alone.

Adding natural and stately impact, stonework is just another way Dynamic Stucco can help you create a custom exterior reflective of your style and taste.

“We do the highest quality of work, and we make sure that everything is done the right way, the first time, every step of the way,” Durocher adds. “We always take the extra steps to make sure everything’s done to our high standards.”

Dynamic Stucco 306.541.4323 dynamic_stucco@hotmail.com www.dynamicstucco.com ABOVE The Casey Foundation creative by PIVCOMM.CA FineHomes

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Speed, Flexibility and Solutions for All Your Home Renovations No job is too big or too small for this father-and-son team.

They know how to get the job done!

Services include: ยง Decks ยง Patios ยง Landscaping ยง Siding

ยง Roofing ยง Interior renovations and finishing ยง Bathrooms

ยง Basement ยง Kitchens ยง Tilling ยง Flooring installation

Duperreault Renovations 3302 Lโ arche Crescent, Regina | 303-737-3644 | reno.duperreault@gmail.com

L-R Zach & Chris

We Treat Your Home As If It Was Our Own We offer a full line of exterior finishing including eavestrough, soffit, fascia, and all kinds of siding.

We've been in business for five years with a staff of eight, and we're ready to work for you!

K&M EA VES & EXTERIORS

306.591.5265 kandmeaves@gmail.com

I’D LOVE TO BE YOUR GUY! Jay is the guy who can do almost anything. If he can’t, he’ll find the right guy for the job and make sure its done to his standards.

Jay has been doing renovations for 10 to 15 years.

Jay got into the business through his family, helping them out with projects. During that time, Jay became the guy who friends and family would call on for household projects. He realized he was “that guy” who people called on to get the job done.

From the smallest to the biggest job, Jay is THAT GUY to call on!

THAT GUY CONTRACTING | 306.537.4986 | jaykoch@sasktel.net

3D Designs • Custom Millwork • Hidden Passage Doors • Custom Furniture

TURNING YOUR IDEAS INTO REALITY

ABOVE Daniel Toupin, owner RIGHT 3D rendering of reception desk

AT D-LUX CARPENTRY LTD

. we enjoy turning our clients’ ideas into a reality. Working with you through every stage of development — from initial concept, to 3D design, into a show stopping piece — the quality is in the details.

Through the years, we have worked on some very inspiring (and challenging) projects. The newest is a front reception desk for Emerald Park’s new Ramada Hotel. We always look forward to helping our customers achieve their distinctive and unique style in their home or project.

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank our employees for all their hard work on finishing the Ramada Hotel. Good job guys!

w w w. d l u x c a r p e n t r y. c o m | 3 0 6 . 5 3 3 . 9 9 4 7

An

ELFIN Inuence

By Ken A. Beattie, NPD, PH.D

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G

arden design can be and has been influenced by a great many external forces. Look at the great follies and bucolic pastorals of British landscape architects to the Trompe l’oeil, parterres and symmetry of French and Italianate gardens — all influenced by something.

Contemporary design influences may not be as obvious or for that matter even rational, however “kitch” and garden ornamentation seems to never go out of vogue.

The mirror gazing ball or, goodness knows, the garden gnomes have survived for countless ages; fortunate or not, they are still with us.

Gnomes and “wee folk” have been associated with gardens in many cultures — most popular in the United Kingdom.

Leprechauns, flower fairies and even the odd troll have found their homes in many gardens from the distant rocky shores of the Hebrides to the Brecon Beacons of

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Wales and, of course, throughout Ireland.

It’s not such a leap to understand that these wee folk have found their way into North American gardens in a big way. “If you build it, they will come” has long been the mantra of fairy gardeners, so why not consider giving it a try this season?

My personal introduction to the commercial side of fairy gardens happened at about this time of the year on a requisite jaunt to a cluster of local garden centres. Always cognizant of the “new” for the season in plants, typically I avoid the landscape accoutrements. However, this time there was a serious congregation around what

appeared to me to be a collection of doll houses complete with miniature landscapes surrounding them. I thought cute, but not for my garden. Boy, was I wrong!

Before you could say Rumplestiltskin, the shopping cart was full to the brim with a bridge, stone walkway, cute little garden bench a lantern, and on it goes. So popular was this display of fairy gardens that the fairy house we had selected had to be ordered in.

As I am the person in our home charged with anything to do with creativity, it was now my chore to make a fairy garden, and for my sake, fit it into the existing landscape.

It was actually a lot of fun!

Consider that a fairy garden can be as complex as you wish, or perhaps just a corner in your garden where you may be having difficulty growing a wide selection of plants. I used a container as the base of my garden for a couple of reasons.

First off, it would be portable within the landscape and, as the mood determined, I could place the garden in full view or completely out of sight. Secondly, the plants that I chose required relatively moist conditions; this situation is more easily achieved in a container.

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Should you choose to develop a fairy garden within the existing landscape, it may take considerably more planning, but the results could be very rewarding. As a matter of fact, this season I may create a village scene along the east side of a walkway in the rear garden. The plants you choose need to be hardy for your region if you decide to use perennials. Annuals and exotics naturally can be used as a “one off ” to create your elfin landscape.

Scale is important; if you choose to place fairy furniture, accommodations or wee folk into the landscape, all should appear to be of the correct proportion. Consider using Maidenhair Fern, as it can be selectively trimmed to resemble a fairy-like tree and it tolerates rather low light. For drier and sunnier areas, the Aeoniums, Crassula and selections of succulents provide a rather unusual texture for your fairy-scape.

Bacopa and Iris Moss, in combination with Black Mondo Grass, makes a truly magical combination.

In short, the sky is the limit when creating a fairy garden, containerized or in situ. I do caution everyone who decides to engage in this activity — it is somewhat addictive.

BETTER

OUTDOOR

Attention Homeowners: Imagine a durable, versatile and attractive patio cover. One that delivers shade on hot days, protects your family from harmful UV rays and keeps your deck and outdoor furniture dry during a rainstorm. Suncoast Screen Enclosures will custom build your louvered roof as an addition to your home/business or as its own freestanding patio cover. Our built-in guttering system effectively channels away rain runoff to prevent flooding and structural damage. The louvers are operated by a hand-held remote which is charged by an efficient solar panel. Open the louvers slightly to increase ventilation, or a full 180 degrees allowing maximum sunlight into your home.

Suncoast Screen Enclosures offers a screened-in, outdoor area that allows you to enjoy your deck, pool, spa or patio without the sense of being enclosed in an indoor space.

306.761.1801 | Toll Free 1.877.449.5106 www.suncoastenclosures.com | don@suncoastenclosures.com

LIVING

Stylish Stucco and Accent Mouldings

to Welcome You Home

By Tonya Lambert/Alyssa Rudyck Photos Scot Templeton

Y

our home is your castle; it is your refuge as much as it is your showcase. The exterior of your home plays an integral role in maintaining this dynamic. It is your first line of defence against the outside world, and the first thing you see welcoming you home at the end of the day.

At Dreamicio Stucco & Accent Mouldings, they understand the importance of a wellbuilt and stylish exterior. This is why they

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have chosen to install DuROCK stucco products in Regina, recommended by home improvement specialist, Mike Holmes.

“We offer an industry-leading Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS) created

by DuROCK, a Canadian company, [that has] patented a new generation of acrylic stucco specifically for our diverse Canadian climate,” explains Neil Mandziak, Dreamicio Stucco & Accent Mouldings co-owner. “Whether it is new

construction or an existing makeover, the additional investment improves energy efficiency, repels and drains water, breathes and adds vital flexibility, while enhancing the home’s image and providing customers with additional reassurance.”

DuROCK’s premier products are not only designed to increase energy efficiency and durability — they meet the future National Building Code, and create an exterior that is maintenance-free and UV-resistant.

ABOVE Neil Mandziak, Mauricio Diaz, Sergio Dadda

Dreamicio combines this top-quality finish with DuROCK’s Pressure-Utilized Compartment Cavity System (PUCCS) EIFS, which creates the ultimate air and moisture barriers. The DuROCK line also makes customization simple with a wide range of colours and textures, which can be utilized by skilled Dreamicio acrylic stucco specialists, Mauricio Diaz and Sergio Datta, to create that unique look you have been dreaming of.

“Sergio and Mauricio have many years designing and applying accent mouldings with acrylic stucco to buildings in the demanding and exacting Toronto market,” notes Mandziak. “It is the DuROCK system combined with their vast knowledge and experience that creates such high quality results. They

are experienced with advanced EIFS techniques, and provide a personal and traditional customer experience you are sure to enjoy.”

The Dreamicio crew can also further enhance the exterior of your home with decorative accent mouldings around windows, doors, corners and transition areas, which can have a profound impact on a home’s outer appearance, and give it a more complete look.

“Mouldings are available in many diverse styles and dimensions. Something like crown mouldings can easily overflow to a home’s interior with a stunning result,” says Mandziak. “We consider our team to be stucco special forces: artists with trowels!”

Along with helping customers design and renovate their residential properties, Dreamicio can also apply DuROCK stucco to commercial office buildings.

“DuROCK’s products are ideal for all types of construction. The systems adjust for every substrate,” Mandziak notes, adding that DuROCK has three PUCCS EIFS systems, each designed to meet challenges posed by various buildings.

Come by and dream in colour with the Dreamicio Stucco & Accent Mouldings team. Get started on designing an exterior that will protect your home for years to come, and welcome you home with a view that is uniquely you.

Dreamicio Stucco & Accent Mouldings 2673 Park Street Regina 306.924.3109

FineHomes

Regina

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Home

REVIVING YOUR

Re-purposed and Recycled Items for Inside and Out

by Kevin Hall

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FineHomes

Regina

O

ne of the best ways to breathe new life into our living spaces is to add something old — something with a story to tell. Often the items we love the most in our homes are special not just because of what they are, but also because of what else they are.

Our computer desk is a great example of re-purposed furniture with a story — a vintage, fold-down farmhouse table purchased at yard sale in a farming community. It was sold to us for the modest amount of cash we had on hand and a big bear-hug for Velma, the delightful seller, who happened to still live on the street named after her: Velma Street.

I was recently in search of similar treasures with my family in an out-of-the-way Saskatchewan village where a small church building was being retired. We were thrilled to make a donation and discover a couple of items that will now find a new life as part of this year’s garden project; the sturdy, worn wood work table we found will make a perfect base for a surface built from recycled pallets. That will be a piece that not only has a great story to tell but is eco-friendly as well.

Along the same lines, reclaimed materials, such as barn wood or rescued stained-glass windows are becoming increasingly popular in building, renovating and redecorating. Salvaged wood can be used to create a unique hardwood floor that has character as well as conscience — preventing wood from ending up in landfills.

An antique cast-iron tub or pedestal sink can serve as the perfect complement to a spacious, modern bathroom.

Out in the garden, there are many possibilities for using reclaimed and repurposed materials, even if building tables from recycled pallets or restoring old benches to use around a fire-pit seems ambitious. In addition to the growing number of shops and small businesses who fabricate or sell artisan products with sustainability in mind, there are many great products sold through your local garden centre made from recycled materials.

A deck or gazebo made with composite boards and materials manufactured from recycled plastics is attractive, affordable and will resist wear due to moisture and frost. Products made from recycled tires, such as rubber patio tiles, garden edging strips or even rubber landscaping mulch are easy to handle and install as well as being naturally resistant to weeds, mould and insects.

You can make a positive ecological choice, helping to redirect harmful items like scrap tires or plastic bottles out of landfills while receiving the benefits of a result that will require little or no maintenance — looking beautiful for years to come.

So this summer, revive your home or yard with something that tells a great story. Whether it’s a story about an unexpected use for a salvaged material or a re-purposed antique that comes with a little bit of history of its own, those are the elements that add new life to the spaces you love the most.

Kevin Hall works within Saskatchewan’s recycling sector for Shercom Industries, a manufacturer of recycled rubber products.

MIDDLE Rubber bark mulch BOTTOM Recycled rubber patio tiles (Photos courtesy Shercom Industries and Multy Home)

FineHomes

Regina

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RUBBER

Reinvented

Improve my home

Help save the planet If it’s a cracked and worn driveway, or a new patio, or that spot under the trees where nothing grows but weeds‌ your next home project could use some old tires!

Recycled Rubber surfaces and products are naturally weather resistant, durable, easy to maintain, and very affordable.

By redirecting tires from landfills to useful applications, you help the environment.

Products from Award Winning Saskatchewan Manufacturer, Shercom Industries, are available through dealers like CVS Rubber Products and other local retailers across Canada.

For more information or to book your free estimate, contact:

CVS Rubber Products Regina 1.800.667.8083 | 306.352.5908 | cvsrubber@sasktel.net

www.shercomindustries.com

regina

REALTOR

DIRECTORY

Exceptional Customer Service is My Goal “I Work for You!”

Glen Boehme

glen.boehme@century21.ca www.century21.ca/glen.boehme For all you RESIDENTIAL needs give me a call at:

306.737.6166

Rick Roland Royal LePage Regina Realty 3889 Arcola Ave East rroland@sasktel.net rickroland.ca | reginahomesales.ca

877.359.1900 | 306.591.0163

Connecting People with Homes Carole Vogel Royal LePage Regina Realty 3889 Arcola Avenue East 306.359.1900 (w) cvog@hotmail.com

306.531.5904

A Passion for Excellence Leanne Tourney

www.leannetourney.com leannetourney@remax.net

306.791.7666

FineHomes

Regina

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regina

regina

REALTOR

SERVICE

DIRECTORY

DIRECTORY

“

Sports Memorabilia and Custom Framing

I have had the pleasure of working with amazing clients, from first-time home buyers and sellers to experienced buyers & investors. This has given me the opportunity to be placed in the category of “Top Producing Agents” with Century 21 Dome Realty Inc. A big thank you to my 2013 clients for helping me to achieve Centurion Top Producer!

A sports fans paradise! Wide range of sports memorabilia and custom framing, dry mounting and full line of display cases for that unique one-of-a-kind item.

Legends Sports Memorabilia 372 Albert Street North, Regina | 306.522.2111 legendssports@sasktel.net |

”

Karen Ryan, REALTOR® | 306.731.8084 karen.ryan@century21.ca | www.karenryan.ca

Integrity-Value-Quality

Residential and commercial contractor services. Carpentry, electrical, plumbing. Interior and exterior renovations.

New construction. Home additions. Fully licensed and insured.

Sandstra Construction Ltd. 306.533.7316 sandstraconstruction@sasktel.net | sandstraconstruction.com

All the visits are free. No obligation.

Compliments of local businesses.

Are you new to the neighbourhood?

Having a baby? Planning a wedding?

A new business or executive?

1.877.251.8685 www.welcomewagon.ca

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FineHomes

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Taking Pride in Finishing Your Home

Dan Toupin is a Red Seal Journeyman Carpenter specializing in finishing your railings, fireplaces, interior doors casings and baseboards, custom closets and hidden doors.

D-Lux Carpentry Ltd. 306.533.9947 | dan2pin@gmail.com www.dluxcarpentry.com

Helping Your Landscape Thrive

Paving Stone & Retaining Wall Specialists

Thrive Landscape Design 303.539.9946 | alicia@thrivedesign.ca www.thrivedesign.ca | |

Regina Interlocking Paving Stone Company 306.591.3852 www.reginainterlockingpavingstone.com

We Fix Basements

Luxurious and Affordable Homes for Regina

AAA Solid Foundation PO Box 37052, Regina | 306.352.1826 www.aaasolidfoundation.com

Artisan Design Build Regina | 306.546.8030 www.ArtisanDesignBuild.ca

Experienced Professional Landscaping

Make Your Yard Spectacular

We Do It Landscaping 306.527.3214 | Regina wedoitlandscaping@gmail.com |

Rispens Landscaping Ltd Regina | 306.699.7737 | www.rispenslandscaping.com info@rispenslandscaping.com | |

A custom landscape design that will bring your backyard to life and make it a place for family and friends to enjoy.

Regina’s foundation repair specialists. Specializing in knee walls, bracing, teleposts and more. Let us add precious equity to your home through a solid foundation.

We are a local, experienced landscaping firm that blends the design, construction and maintenance of unique landscape projects into a seamless professional experience.

WeDoItInc

Serving customers with honesty and integrity for the past 26 years.

We are Regina’s premier paving stone and retaining wall specialists!

Offering affordable base prices on all homes with standard upgrade options including quartz countertops, triple-pane windows and nine-foot main floor ceiling, making your home unique.

We’ll turn your yard into a beautiful oasis and keep it that way.

Offering complete landscape construction and maintenance packages. Call today.

FineHomes

Regina

81

regina

seRvice

DIRECTORY

Simplify Your Surroundings

Durable, Stylish Cabinets for Your Lifestyle

C&C Organizing b.chandler@ccorganizing.ca | 306.536.8844 www.ccorganizing.ca | |

Cupboard Brothers Phone: 306.721.5545 | Toll Free: 1.855.721.5545 www.cupboardbrothers.com

High Quality Fence, Down-To-Earth Pricing

Modular Homes Ready & Delivered on Time

Down To Earth Fencing 2209E Redbear Avenue | 306.529.4594 www.downtoearthfencing.com

Dufferin Homes P.O. Box 2278 Highway No. 1 East, Moose Jaw | 306.694.5455 www.dufferinhomes.ca | sales@dufferinhomes.ca

Better Outdoor Living

The One OneStore Storefor forYour Your Perfect Floor The Perfect Floor

Suncoast Screen Enclosures 306.761.1801 | dgl.inc@sasktel.net www.suncoastenclosures.com

Parkland Carpet One Parkland Carpet One 16008th 8thAve., Ave,Regina Regina | 306.525.9125 1600 | 306.525.9125 www.parklandcarpetoneregina.com www.parklandcarpetoneregina.com

Professional Organizer, Bev Chandler, provides solutions and processes that show you how to get and stay organized.

Locally owned and operated since 2008, our friendly and professional staff will ensure your fence is installed with accuracy by paying special attention to detail.

These aesthetically pleasing and durable sunrooms protect you from the wind, hot sun, rain and the nuisance of annoying and dangerous insects.

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Imagine owning beautiful high-quality cabinets designed to your specifications. Whether cabinets or closets, we build top-quality competitively priced products. Try our DIY product line.

Cost-effective RTM, modular and manufactured homes that are delivered on time. All homes are ready to go, including appliances, window coverings and more.

CarpetOne OneFloor Floor&&Home Homeoffers offers largest selection of carpet, Carpet thethe largest selection of carpet, hardwood, hardwood, laminate, ceramic and porcelain tile,flooring, resilientwindow vinyl laminate, ceramic and porcelain tile, resilient vinyl flooring, window coverings and more. Visit us today. coverings and more.

Visit us today.

Dream it.

Build it.

Build Your Dream Home with Tamco Homes Tamco Homes delivers the most personal homebuilding experience by allowing your involvement - every step of the way. We have never built the same home twice because all our new homes truly become a reflection of their owner, and they become a house that you’ll be proud to call home. From the security of our Ten Year New Home Warranty to the critical architectural and design details, all the way through the final finishing - your investment is protected along its journey. Dream... then let us build for you.

tamcohomes.ca (306) 539-9882

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