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Today’s trends include condo living Today, the experience of going with a newly built home is very different from that of the past. One of the trends we are seeing is that many of Regina’s newly built homes tend to be of the multiunit variety rather than the single, detached home. Just a few years ago, 60 per cent of new homes were single-detached and 40 per cent multiunit. However, today it is the other way around, as more and more consumers are deciding to go with condo living. Chances are, if you are looking to move into a newly built home, many of you will be considering a condominium. We are living in an era of customization. With customization, you have choice over how your newly built home will look and feel, and the end result is a home that is truly your own. But, do these same advantages apply when purchasing a newly built condominium? “The answer is a resounding yes,” said Stu Niebergall, president and CEO of the Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association (RRHBA). “When one thinks of a newly built home, being able to design your own home and having choices regarding its features and finishes is a large attraction to many buyers. When purchasing a newly built condo, many of these advantages still apply”. When it comes to the interior of the unit, customization is the name of the game, although the options will vary with each builder and depend on the target market of the particular condo development. Options for customizing your condo frequently deal with
features and finishes rather than design, and normally include a choice of floor coverings, cabinetry, countertops and back splashes. Paint colour, light fixtures and hardware are other areas where you can make your mark to personalize your newly built condo. Some builders offer options for trims and mouldings around doors and windows, baseboards, and ceilings. The same applies for granite countertops and tile or hardwood floors, although these would likely be considered upgrades, depending on the target market of the development. Many builders will include the assistance of a designer to help in choosing the right combinations that best suit your taste and lifestyle. “There are many advantages to starting fresh and going with a truly new condo,” Niebergall said. For starters, today’s home builders offer designs that are highly functional, with efficient use of space, and new condos stress spaciousness rather than square footage. An open layout or great room — a large informal space for living, working, eating and relaxing — is a popular feature in today’s newly built condos. Also, watch for well-appointed, organized workspaces. Today’s condos are generally designed with plenty of built-in storage and conveniences that include ample closet space, drawers, cupboards and shelves, and linen closets. Look for other conveniences such as laundry rooms on the main or second floors, built-in pantries and attached garages with direct access to
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mudrooms off the kitchens. Niebergall said that home building designs, materials, techniques and systems have advanced significantly over the last number of years, creating more energy efficiency. Generally, energy-efficient, double-glazed windows are the standard, with an upgrade to triple-pane windows. Thanks to the great advances in the construction and sealing of windows and doors, today’s new condos are light and bright, with less worry about heat loss in the winter and overheating in the summer. “In addition, energy-efficient mechanical systems are designed to be more environmentally friendly while saving you money on your energy bills,” Niebergall said. When condos are attached in groups, fewer exterior walls also add to their energy efficiency. Appliances manufactured today are also significantly more efficient than those of even a decade ago. Brand name products are another great advantage of going with a newly built condo, offering solid value in terms of quality, performance, warranty and after-sales service. The types of brand name products will vary with each builder and depend on the target market of the particular condo development. Purchasing a new home is one of the largest investments many of us will ever make, and therefore it demands many special considerations. When purchasing a newly built condo, there are additional items to take into account in discussions with your builder
regarding the common elements, condo fees, bylaws, etc. As such, choosing the right builder is just as important as choosing the right condo. “You will want to ensure that you are dealing with a reputable and qualified professional, who provides after-sales service and warranty,” Niebergall said. The place to start is with the RRHBA. All builder members must be members of a third-party new home warranty program that provides protection to consumers. At a minimum, it generally includes deposit insurance and protection against defects in work and materials, as well as major structural defects. When you are dealing with an RRHBA member, you are dealing with a builder who has agreed to abide by the Code of Ethics and who has met the association’s qualifying criteria. When you are dealing with an RRHBA member, you are dealing with a qualified professional. For more information, go to www. reginahomebuilders.com.
MLS #503914 #4-100 James St S Lumsden
$314,999
Smaller condo community with loads of upgrades. Two good size bedrooms, flex room and sunroom.
Chad Ehman 306-533-7711
chadehman@royallepage.ca REG00193131_1_1
OPEN SATURDAY & SUNDAY 2-4 4205 Green Apple Drive Starting at $271,900
Welcome to the Green Stone Condominiums, located in the trendy new southeast subdivision of Greens on Gardiner. These unique garden-style units all come with 2 spacious bedrooms and some are available with detached single garages….
Jason Rumpel 306-535-1478
REG00193130_1_1