Living Spaces - Spring 2013

SPACES

L IV IN G

TH E OFFICIAL MAGAZ INE OF T HE S AS K AT O O N & R E GI O N HO ME B UI L DE R S ‘ A S S O C I AT I O N

SPRING 2013

NEW HUES Colours for 2013

at home

Putting down roots in Stonebridge

WINDoWS that WoW!

■ In business since 1983, Ehrenburg Homes has built some of the most distinguished and energy-saving new homes in Saskatoon and area. Every home we build is a castle, designed to complement each family’s tastes and needs!

Building a home is likely the single largest purchase your family will make. By selecting Ehrenburg Homes, you can be assured your home is being built by the best professionals in the industry.

We go above and beyond our customers’ expectations to build homes that are attractive, innovative and liveable ...

Let us help design your custom castle from the ground up!

GOING GREEN A proud ENERGY STAR® certified builder, Ehrenburg Homes incorporates numerous environmental and energy-saving products into these new homes. The homes we build today are designed to have a positive impact tomorrow!

REMARKABLE SERVICE Over the past 28 years, Ehrenburg Homes has earned a reputation for award-winning customer service, including the Platinum Service Award from the New Home Warranty Program of Saskatchewan. Our after-sale warranty is second to none, ensuring your satisfaction.

MOST OF ALL, WE LOVE BUILDING HOMES. pie-shaped lots and lots backing green spaces.

Currently, Ehrenburg Homes has residential lots available in Stonebridge, The Willows, Rosewood, Hampton Village, Evergreen, Blackstrap Lake, Martensville and the new Parkview Cove development in Osler.

Contact:

Contact:

Bonnie Crozon

Gerry Bezaire

Ehrenburg Homes New Home Sales Rep.

Ehrenburg Homes New Home Sales Rep.

230-2510

241-2596

CALL THE CASTLE COMPANY

CHOICE LOTS

Your new castle begins with Ehrenburg Homes!

Whether you choose from our ‘Family of Castles’ or have us custom design the castle of your dreams, our team of qualified and dedicated professionals is at the ready!

Ehrenburg Homes offers one of the best lot selections in Saskatoon for clients wishing to build custom homes, including walkouts, large

www.ehrenburg.com

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• security fenced and gated townhome community • fully landscaped with automatic sprinklers • preselected exteriors, paving stone driveways • wide selection of floorplan types including several walkout basements • “country living within the city” • Rosewood features 65 acres of wetlands, green space, nature trails and conservation areas

Call now to reserve your unit.

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a message From tHe President & Ceo

By alan tHomarat President & Ceo saskatoon & region Home BUilders’ assoCiation

Saskatchewan ended 2012 with growth across the board. This meant an increase in population and jobs, and also the need for housing. As a result, our residential construction industry had to rise up to meet the challenges of growth, and we did just that. The Saskatoon region experienced significant increases in housing starts over the last year, and as the need for housing grows, so too does the demand for innovation in the residential construction industry. When people invest in a home, they want to make sure it fits their personality, that it is unique to them and meets all of their needs. People looking to buy a new home or renovate their existing home now have more choices than ever before.

These days, people have a say in everything that goes into their home from the floor plan to the blinds. Choices mean that you aren’t just getting a house; you’re getting a home that reflects the needs of you or your family. If you are someone who loves art but doesn’t know where to position a piece, there are teams of interior designers who can do everything from creating a customized piece of artwork, to decorating a single room or even the entire home. You can work closely with the interior designers to ensure your home is a representation of your personality and a comfortable space, while also remaining functional.

It is also important to remember that your design needs are not confined to the inside of your home. Landscaping is an integral part of any functional home. Whether you need space for children to play, or a great place to entertain guests, spring is the time to start thinking about landscaping. You can hire a landscaping designer who will find out what your long-term needs are and take the time to design a yard specifically for you. When considering hiring a landscaper, it is important to make sure you’re hiring a professional. Landscaping is more than just deciding how you want your yard to look; it’s creating something sustainable with an actionable plan. A professional landscaper will help you through the design and construction process to ensure the job is done properly, the way you want it, and on budget.

To learn more about building or renovating your home, we encourage you to visit our website at www.saskatoonhomebuilders.com where you can access a full listing of our industry members.

Our Association members are committed to the highest standards of professionalism for the residential construction industry and have access to the latest products, trends and innovations in home building, renovating and design. Hiring a professional ensures that you get quality service and that your investment is protected.

We hope you enjoy this edition of our Living Spaces magazine and that you find answers to some of your buying, renovating or decorating questions. This issue is full of helpful new ideas and innovations to help you renovate, decorate, innovate or build the new home of your dreams. Please don’t hesitate to contact our professional team at the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association if your need help finding a member or have any questions. For further information, contact us at: (888) 955-5188 or email to: info@saskatoonhomebuilders.com 7

L I VI NG

SPACES

tH e oF F iC ia l m a g a Z i n e o F t H e saskatoon & region Home BUilders’ assoC iation

13

coNteNtS 38 Innovations: Monkey Bars

54 Windows that Wow

40 Stellar Staircases

56 Before You Build

13 At Home: Putting Down Roots in Stonebridge

44 Saskatoon Exceeds Five-Year Affordable Housing Goal

58 Protect Your Most Important Investment

22 What Inspires You?

48 The Bold and the Beautiful

60 Community: Live, Work and Play in Martensville

28 Suite Retreat

50 Laundry Day

64 Green Scene: Save the Planet

7

Message from the President & Ceo

10 From the Editor

8

sPring 2013

40

66

eDIToR Jeannie Armstrong ART D IR ec TIoN James Grummett PHoTo GR APHY Jeff Lyons Elaine Mark coNT R IB UTING WRITeR S Jeannie Armstrong Jennifer Jacoby-Smith Christeen Jesse Tom Eremondi Adrienne Fedorowich Jesse Green Ashleigh Mattern Scott McGillivray Charlene Schumacher Paul Sinkowicz PRoJe c T cooRDINATIoN Amber Rankin PUBlIS He R The StarPhoenix

66 Get Personal

82 Planning Your Project

68 Affordable Housing: Modular Developments

84 Amazing Renovations

72 Design Elements: Uncovering the Mysteries of Bathroom Renovation 76 The Great Outdoors

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80 Renovating For Resale

86 In the Kitchen: Wild Cuisine Catering

Living Spaces is published

by The StarPhoenix on behalf of the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association To reserve your advertising space in the upcoming edition of Living Spaces, contact Sherry Dyck at The StarPhoenix, at 657-6213 or email: sdyck@thestarphoenix.com

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F ROM T H E EDITOR

Welcome!

Jeannie Armstrong Editor

The season of renewal is upon us!

Spring brings a dynamic new energy to everything we do, after a long, cold winter of hibernation. It’s a fitting time of year to reveal the exciting new look for LIVING SPACES – the official magazine of the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association, published quarterly by The StarPhoenix.

Our fresh new look begins with the contemporary cover design created by artist James Grummett. Keep turning the pages for great home design and renovation ideas that will help you transform your own living spaces!

In this edition of LIVING SPACES, Jennifer Jacoby-Smith talks to local builders about the creative process involved in home design, asking “What inspires you?”

Today’s new homes are setting a new standard for luxury in the master bedroom. Christeen Jesse takes our readers on a tour of two exceptional master suites created by local builders for their show homes.

With the arrival of spring, our thoughts turn to the outdoors. Ashleigh Mattern asks a landscape professional what it takes to create a landscape that fits your family’s needs and lifestyle.

What are this year’s best-dressed windows wearing? Jesse Green brings you up-to-date on the newest trends in window coverings for your home.

All this and more – in our biggest edition to date! Enjoy!

10

11

Where family and friends gather and memories are made

Rock Ridge Cabinets places an emphasis on creating value for our customers, locally manufactured products, and professional installation services.

Cabinets Phone: Fax: Email: 690 Service Rd N Osler, Sk, S0K 3A0 306-230-0764 306-239-4614 danp@rockridgehomes.ca 12

Website: www.rockridgehomes.ca

AT H OME

PU TTING DOWN ROOTS IN STONE B RIDGE

by Jeannie Armstrong P h o t o g r a ph y b y E l a i n e M a r k , D&M Images

Our city’s vibrant economy is helping a new generation of Saskatonians advance their careers and put down roots in the community.

Optimism about the province’s economic future and a choice of exciting career opportunities are helping Scott Clarkson and Sarah Tollefson plan their futures here with confidence.

A year ago, the couple decided it was time to relocate from their townhome to a larger residence that was better suited to the needs of their family, including young son Aidan. The home they selected was a lovely two-storey residence in Stonebridge, constructed by Homes by Dundee.

“Living in a townhome, we didn’t really have a backyard or a garage, which were important to us. Both of our careers were starting to advance, which enabled us to make the move and upgrade,” says Clarkson, a project manager for Magna Electric Corporation, an electrical engineering and contracting firm in Saskatoon. Wife Sarah Tollefson recently joined the staff of Federated Co-operatives Limited as legal affairs manager.

Providing Aidan with a home where he would have lots of room to play and grow was the biggest factor motivating the couple. “Before we bought our townhome, we lived in City Park, in a C o n t in u ed o n f o llo w in g p ag e

13

at home c o n t in u ed f r o m p r ev io u s p ag e restored 1925-era house. It was gorgeous, but it wasn’t even remotely conducive to raising a family. All the rooms were tiny, and everything was from 1925, so all of the finishing, even though it was restored, was hard, and sharp and angular. The street we were on was also very busy,” says Clarkson.

“We’re still in the city, but it’s away from the hustle and bustle. It’s got all the amenities, but it feels a little quieter.”

- SCOTT CLARKSON

The couple’s first step was to check out the resale market for existing properties. “We looked at a lot of existing homes, but got discouraged because there were so many renovations we’d have to make. First, we’d have to spend a lot of money to buy an existing home and then spend another bunch of money to upgrade it the way we wanted,” says Clarkson.

“By building new, we had a chance to do this from scratch and have everything the way we wanted right from the start.”

With the decision made to build a new home, the couple selected their builder: Homes by Dundee. “We had never dealt with them personally, but as a Saskatoon Kinsmen Club member, I was familiar with the lottery show home they build for the Kinsmen Club every year.

It was a really good partnership, right from the start,” says Clarkson.

Homes by Dundee is one of Saskatoon’s most established new home builders and a longtime member of the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association. Over the decades, the company and its predecessors has built in excess of 10,000 homes in both Saskatoon and Regina, and won numerous awards for its outstanding designs.

When they began looking for a lot to build on, the couple was drawn to the new subdivision of Stonebridge. “We’re still in the city, but it’s away from the hustle and bustle. It’s got all the amenities, but it feels a little bit quieter. And the proximity to downtown is ideal for Sarah,” says Clarkson.

Being close to family and friends also added to the appeal of living in Stonebridge. Clarkson’s parents live just a couple of streets away. “My mom and dad are close, which is great for babysitting,” says Clarkson. “Stonebridge has definitely become home to us. We had the

14

opportunity to build this house in any neighbourhood, but we were already starting to put some roots down here and have quite a few friends in Stonebridge.”

The first step was to find a floor plan that both Scott and Sarah felt at home with. “We had a hard time finding a layout that we both agreed on,” says Clarkson.

After looking at numerous layouts, Scott stopped

by Homes by Dundee’s “Lockwood” show home.

“I called Sarah right away and said, ‘You should come look at this one. I really like it!’ She did too!” says Clarkson.

Even more exciting to the couple was the fact that the exact same home could be purchased at framing stage, just down the street. “We would still be able to select everything that went in it and have it designed the way we wanted, as well as getting it done more quickly,” says Clarkson.

At 1,750 square feet, the two-storey Lockwood model is one of Homes by Dundee’s most popular designs and a great fit for families. Like many of today’s new homes, it features a spacious great room on the main floor. Homes by Dundee gives the open concept design a unique twist with the addition of two elegant archways that subtly define and separate the foyer, living room and dining area.

The dream maple kitchen, designed by Tait Kitchens, is adjacent to, yet partially separated from the living room. Sparkling quartz countertops from Floform Countertops are the perfect complement to the rich maple cabinetry.

The living room’s handsome floor-to-ceiling river rock drypack natural gas fireplace, adorned with an elegant maple mantle, is one of things Scott and Sarah like most about the home. “It wasn’t super expensive, but we think it’s a huge focal point for the entire room,” says Clarkson.

Completing the main floor is a convenient main floor laundry, powder room and direct entry to an attached oversized two-car garage.

Upstairs, the family enjoys three large bedrooms and two appointed baths. After living in a cramped townhouse, the couple appreciates the spacious comfort of their master suite, which features a relaxing ensuite and a convenient walk-in closet.

Aidan’s new room has oodles of room for his stuffed animal collection and his arts and crafts table. Come summer, he’s looking forward to playing his favourite game in the backyard – golf!

Scott and Sarah appreciated the opportunity to C o ntin u e d o n p a g e 1 8

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at home co n tin u ed from page 13 select their own flooring, fixtures and finishes so the home would be a true reflection of their individual tastes and lifestyle.

“Dundee gave us some flexibility and freedom to choose from their preferred vendors or select a few of our own suppliers. We did shop around at other places but ended up coming back to the suppliers they used, such as Braid Flooring and Gregg’s Plumbing and Heating. Our experience confirmed that Homes by Dundee is a reputable company that deals with reputable companies,” says Clarkson.

Knowing that hardwood flooring isn’t the most practical choice for a family with young kids, the couple sought the expertise of the team at Braid Flooring. “The flooring we chose is actually a laminate. Everyone who comes in here compliments us on it and thinks it’s hardwood. It’s a high end laminate that looks really good but is also very durable. It gives us the best of both worlds and was an ideal choice for our little guy,” says Clarkson.

The couple was truly impressed by the punctual schedule the Homes by Dundee team adhered to. “Dundee hit every deadline that they gave us. If there was anything that came up, the communication was fantastic. They let us know immediately and were incredibly accommodating. We always felt like we were a team trying to get something done,” says Clarkson.

“If we didn’t buy this house, lots of other people would have. It wasn’t like they had to make this deal with us. But they made us feel special when we did and that we mattered to them. That was pretty cool!” says Clarkson. LS

Give us a Call!

374 6100

SHOW HOMES AND HOURS OF OPERATION:

Stone Bridge - 911 Rempel Rise Stone Bridge - 403 Teal Lane Hampton Village - 634 Hampton Circle Mon - Thurs - 7 - 9 pm, Closed Fridays, Sat, Sun & Hols - 2 - 5 pm

www. homesbydundee.com

For All of your custom home design or “stock” plan needs.

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T H I N K I N G O F. . .

Selling?

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Call or email us for a FREE MARKET EVALUATION, and we can get together to go through some options for you.

Honesty & Reliability...

Our Standards in life...

Our Standards in business.

Craig Burke (306) 491-9484

craig.burke@coldwellbanker.ca

RESCOM REALTY

www.jeanburke-saskatoon.com

Jean Burke (306) 227-3321 burkeja@shaw.ca

If your property is listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. We are happy to work with them and cooperate fully.

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Award Winners Award Award Winners Recognizing Excellence in the Residential Construction Industry Recognizing Excellence in the Residential Construction Industry Recognizing Excellence in the Residential Construction Industry

Members of the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association strive for excellence in customer service, quality workmanship, innovation. following businesses and individuals havefor been recognized for their excellence in 2012.

Members and of the Saskatoon The & Region Home Builders’ Association strive excellence in customer service, quality Members of the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association strive for excellence in customer service, quality workmanship, and innovation. The following businesses and individuals have been recognized for their excellence in 2012. workmanship, and innovation. The following businesses and individuals have been recognized for their excellence in 2012.

Best Production Home – Up to 1500 Sq. Ft.

Best Production Home – 1500-2200 Sq. Ft.

Best Custom Home –Home Up –toUp 1500 Sq. Ft. Best Custom Home toto 1500 Sq. Ft.Ft. Best Custom – Up 1500 Sq.

Best Custom Home – 1500-2200 Sq. Ft. Best BestCustom CustomHome Home––1500-2200 1500-2200 Sq.Ft. Ft.

Best Production Home – Up to 1500 Sq. Ft. Best Production Home – Up to 1500 Sq. Ft.

Best Townhouse Development Best Townhouse Development

Best Townhouse Development

Renovation of of thethe Year – Any Room Renovation Year – Any Room

Renovation of the Year – Any Room

Best Production Home – 1500-2200 Sq. Ft. Best Production Home – 1500-2200 Sq. Ft.

Best Production Home – Over 2200 Sq. Ft.

Best Production Home – Over 2200 Sq. Ft. Best Production Home – Over 2200 Sq. Ft.

BestCustom Custom HomeOver – Over 2200 Sq. Ft. Best Home 2200 BestCustom Home–– Over 2200 Sq. Sq. Ft. Ft.

Renovation Renovationofofthe theYear Year––Kitchen Kitchen

Renovation Renovationof ofthe theYear Year –– Bathroom Bathroom

Renovation Renovationofofthe theYear Year––Addition Addition

Renovation Renovationof ofthe theYear Year –– Whole Whole House House

Renovation of the Year – Kitchen

Renovation of the Year – Addition

Renovation of the Year – Bathroom

Renovation of the Year – Whole House

Community Development Award

Professional Service Award

Community Development Award

Professional Service Award

Innovation of the Year

Green Award

Innovation of the Year

Green Award

Environmental Leadership in Housing Award Environmental Leadership in Housing Award

Consumer Award Consumer Award

Member of the Year

New Member of the Year

New Member of the Year

Home Improvement Award

Quality Assurance Safety Certification Sub-Trade Award Quality Assurance Safety Certification Sub-Trade

Member of the Year

Home Improvement Award

Award

Customer Choice Awards

Customer Choice Awards

Small Single

Medium Single

Large Single

Multi-Family Builder

Small SingleBuilderMediumFamily Single Builder Large Single Multi-Family Family Family Builder Family Builder Family Builder Family Builder Builder

Customer CustomerService ServiceAward Award Travis Lewis, Development Corporation Travis Lewis,North North Ridge Ridge Development Corporation

of the Year Sales Sales PersonPerson of the Year Renneberg, North Ridge Development DarylDaryl Renneberg, North Ridge Development CorporationCorporation

WomenBuilding BuildingBridges Bridges Award Women Award AdrienneFedorowich Fedorowich ,, Studio Design Consultants Adrienne Studio2.0 2.0Interior Interior Design ConsultantsNew Home Sales Achievement Awards New Home Sales Achievement Awards RooftopperAward Award Rooftopper Terri Leatherdale, North Ridge Corporation, Lifetime Award Terri Leatherdale, NorthDevelopment Ridge Development Corporation, Lifetime Award Errol Blatz , All Weather Windows Errol Blatz , All Weather Windows Daryl Renneberg, North Ridge Development Corporation, Gold Award Daryl Renneberg, North Ridge Development Corporation, Gold Award Kelly Pidwebeski, North Ridge Development Corporation, Gold Award Maple Leaf Award Kelly Pidwebeski, Ridge Development Corporation, Gold Award Maple Greg Leaf JensenAward , RBC Royal Bank Mercina Kokkas, MontanaNorth Homes, Bronze Award Greg Jensen , RBC Royal Bank Kokkas,Homes Montana Homes, Bronze Award JamesMercina Dyck, Ehrenburg - Bronze Award Beaver Award James Dyck, Ehrenburg Homes Bronze Susan Hallabura, Montana Homes, Bronze Award Award Decora Homes Ltd. and Lexis Homes Beaver Award Joanne Stanton Hassler, Boychuk Construction Corporation, Susan Hallabura, Montana Homes, Bronze AwardBronze Award Decora Homes Ltd. and Lexis Homes Joanne Stanton Hassler, Boychuk Construction Corporation, Bronze Award Best Showroom Centennial

Best Showroom Centennial Best Website

Studio 2.0 Interior Design Consultants

Best Website Best Radio Ad Studio 2.0 Interior Design Consultants North Prairie Developments Ltd.

Best Radio Ad Best Print Ad North PrairieHomes Developments Ltd. Ehrenburg Ltd. Best Print Ad Best Brochure Ehrenburg Homes Ltd. Corporation North Ridge Development Best Brochure Best Project Signage or Logo Innovative North RidgeResidential Development Corporation Home Builders’ Logo Recognition

Best Project Homes Signage or Logo Ehrenburg Ltd. Innovative Residential

Home Builders’ Logo Recognition Ehrenburg Homes Ltd.

Community Builder Award for Excellence in Sales

Bonnie Crozon, Ehrenburg Community BuilderHomes Award for Excellence in Sales Joanne Cross, Ehrenburg Homes Bonnie Crozon, Ehrenburg Homes Jody Cross, Ehrenburg Homes JoanneHomes Cross,byEhrenburg Stan Kinal, Dundee Homes Jody Cross, Ehrenburg Homes John Hanson, Homes by Dundee Stan Kinal, Homes by Dundee Michael Loewen, Homes by Dundee Leanne Glover, NorthHomes Ridge Development John Hanson,

by DundeeCorporation TrishaMichael London,Loewen, North Ridge Development Corporation Homes

by Dundee Terri Leatherdale, North Ridge Development Corporation Leanne Glover, North Ridge Development Corporation Daryl Renneberg, North Ridge Development Corporation Trisha London, North Ridge Development Corporation Kelly Pidwebeski, North Ridge Development Corporation Terri Leatherdale, North Ridge Development Corporation Steve Little, North Ridge Development Corporation Daryl Renneberg, Mercina Kokkas, MontanaNorth HomesRidge Development Corporation Kelly Pidwebeski, North Susan Hallabura, Montana HomesRidge Development Corporation

Steve Little, North Ridge Development Corporation Mercina Kokkas, Montana Homes Susan Hallabura, Montana Homes

Inspires WHAT

YOU?

Eh r e n bu r g H o m e s

For over 30 years, Ehrenburg Homes has been building and designing family homes in Saskatoon. General manager Daryl Quesnel says when it comes to new ideas his inspiration comes from many different sources, such as industry and technology trade shows for upcoming trends and gadgets.

b y J e n n i f e r J a c o b y- S m i t h Building new homes requires both artistic flair and engineering skill. A home builder must bring together elements to make a home beautiful with features to make it useful for its occupants. Plus the designs have to meeting building codes, withstand the demanding climate and work within a client’s budget. Finding the creativity to explore new styles, design elements and incorporate beautiful forms isn’t easy.

So where do home builders get ideas? Living Spaces asked three Saskatoon home builders what inspires them when designing a new home and discovered inspiration can come from a variety of sources.

Staying up-to-date on market trends continually inspires Daryl Quesnel and his team at Ehrenburg Homes as shown in this Parade of Homes 2012 entry.

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Jeff Lyons/SP

“We travel regularly to local, provincial and international industry events and shows which showcase new ideas and products,” says Quesnel. “This has always provided some great new ideas and has proved to work extremely well for us.”

Quesnel works closely with a team of architects and interior designers to make sure each new home is functional and useful. Understanding the unique needs of the future occupants can bring the best ideas forward.

“I think the single greatest resource for inspiration comes from working with individuals who are building their custom dream homes as they are creating their own person spaces for their own needs,” Quesnel notes.

Feedback from clients after they’ve lived in an Ehrenburg home for a time also impacts future designs, he adds. “To walk through this process with people is a great experience – whether it be for a large family, a smaller family, a professional couple, or empty nesters.

This is an extremely valuable resource as it really identifies what people really need in a home design.”

Streetscape Developments Yvan LeBlanc from Streetscape Developments says his team can also find inspiration for a new design by looking at the lot location.

“We first check to see if the homes on either side are built or underway. If so, we want to complement and also contrast the house model, styling and exterior colours,” he explains. “The location of the lot on a street is also important. Homes on corners or next to parks and roadways would be oriented to have the living spaces facing these areas and would have more windows on the open sides.”

During the design process, LeBlanc focuses on keeping the home’s environmental footprint small by limiting wasted space in the design. If a house has large unused space it can cost more to heat and cool, increasing energy consumption.

LeBlanc also says he’s always on the lookout for new ideas, whether he’s searching the web, traveling in another city or reading a magazine.

When something does strike his fancy, it’s filed for future use.

New designs are drafted out all the time – some of which may never be used, because they do not meet Streetscape’s exacting standards. But he never knows when something from long ago will suddenly become the focal point in a new showhome.

He also says it’s very important to keep a vision – no matter how grand – practical for Saskatoon’s climate and building standards. Design ideas from faraway places may prove to be impractical, but they can still offer a creative spark.

“Really the biggest inspiration comes from thinking about how people live day-to-day and how they entertain,” says LeBlanc. “We build our homes to be stylish but also practical for everyday living.”

At Streetscape designs they keep their designs stylish, but practical for Saskatoon’s climate. Jeff Lyons/SP

LeBlanc says he’s always on the lookout for new ideas, whether he’s searching the web, travelling in another city or reading a magazine.

C o ntin u e d o n fo llo wing page

“The reason you love luxury hotel suites is there’s no clutter. Everything is clean, simple, shiny and smells good.”

– Charlene Schumacher, Fresco Interiors

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INSPIReS co n tin u ed f rom previous page

Because Pure Developments builds only custom homes, a new build starts by meeting clients to understand their needs and vision. No two homes are the same, because no two homeowners are the same.

S

L IVING

PUre develoPments

Doug Elder says those first client meetings are important to understand who the client is, their personality, their style and what their everyday life looks like. He adds, most clients know exactly what they want.

“We meet with clients all the time who bring us these crazy pictures, these crazy staircases, roof lines, glass windows or folding doors. Ultimately, we want to achieve that goal, that look, for them, but we have to be practical for Saskatoon.”

doug elder with Pure developments says their clients continually challenge them to come up with new and innovative ideas as they custom design each home.

Supplied photos

Elder admits he hates saying no to a client. Even the most outlandish requests can spark his creativity. “If I do end up sitting at the boardroom table and saying no to a client, my brain is usually ticking all day long to come up with a solution and I end up calling them a day or two later saying, ‘I think I found a solution.’”

As the process continues, there are often setbacks and changes to the original design to accommodate unforeseen challenges. The end result can often be far different from the starting point.

Elder explains, “Not one day or not one house is the same as the next. It’s kind of fun to sit down and do something different each time.”

Ultimately, Elder says meeting the needs of his clients in new and fresh designs is what makes his job so enjoyable.

“Our biggest inspiration is our clients,” says Elder. “Obviously we bring a lot to the table as far as knowledge and our technical capabilities, but our clients put the icing on the cake. They always have a different way of looking at something, a different way of presenting something.” LS

24

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Providing cost-effective, quality safety training and advice to the construction industry in Saskatchewan.

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Gould’s has made a name for themselves carrying Homecrest outdoor furniture for over 28 years and is today one of Saskatoon’s premier patio furniture retailers. Brent Casey, owner of Gould Home Recreation, has expanded his lineup of outdoor furniture over the past few years. They now are a National distributer of Oriflamme fire pits made by Designing Fire, Casey says, “Natural gas or propane outdoor fire pits can extend our outdoor season into the spring and fall while adding atmosphere and ambience to your patio.”

From our family to yours, we thank you for the opportunity to help you acquire your perfect dream patio. Gould Home Recreation strives for excellence in customer satisfaction, so please do not hesitate to call on us for any of your patio needs.

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27

SUITE RETREAT There’s a new standard for luxury in the master bedroom.

B Y C H RISTEEN J ESSE H a v e n B u i l d e r s ’ ph o t o s b y Pete Lawrence Robert Andrews Homes’ ph o t o s b y J e ff Ly o n s

Transforming rooms from a place to lay your head at night to luxurious personal retreats, builders in Saskatoon are pursuing a new trend in master suites. Featuring adjoining turret rooms, automation systems, granite islands, dressing rooms, closets with windows, and upscale en suite bathrooms, master bedrooms are becoming bigger and better than ever.

Focusing on enhancing the quality and level of finishing in new homes, Haven Builders is using design tools and innovative features to create top-of-the-line master bedroom suites.

“We are finding that people aren’t really dreaming this stuff up yet, because they haven’t really seen it,” says Haven Builders president Nathan Stobbe of the luxury lofts. “So we are putting these master suites in our spec houses. It’s probably an unusual amount of luxury in a spec house, but we are putting it out there to open people’s minds to what could be.

“It has been received incredibly well. There are so many individuals who just get so excited when they come through our master suites. We are really trying to create a vision of what could be — some people just don’t have that vision to create that on their own, so that’s why we are here.”

Robert Andrew Homes mirrored Haven’s logic when they built a home in Willowgrove Cont in u ed o n p ag e 30

28

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SUITE c o n t in u ed f r o m p ag e 2 8 featuring a massive 625 square-foot master suite with an adjoining turret room, en suite, separate vanity area, wall-to-wall closet space and custom crown molding and trim.

“We were trying to show off what we could do with this particular style of home,” says Robert Schmeiser of Robert Andrew Homes. “We wanted something which, as a show home, would be interesting and different. So the idea of having an auxiliary room as part of the master suite, along with the fancy en suite and all of its tile work and the huge closet and the separate makeup desk and the window in the closet and everything — it all just made an amazing master retreat in this house.”

With turret windows, intricate paneling on the walls, and two doors, the attached auxiliary room could be turned into a dressing room, library/reading space, a nursery, or even another bedroom, exemplifying the functionality of the design — something Schmeiser says is at the core of every Robert Andrew home.

“I am highly concerned with functionality. I want the house to look good but I also want it to provide value,” he says. “This bedroom suite is about space and esthetic beauty. But I’m not getting rid of practicality to achieve that. That’s what makes it special … some places are beautiful but not functional. This is both. You’re not sacrificing one to get the other.”

Specializing in next-level closets, Haven Builders is outfitting their master bedrooms with boutique-style dressing rooms — a retreat of its own off the master bedroom, fit with decadent details and stylish functionality.

“You walk into your dressing room in the morning — and we call it a dressing room because it does not resemble a walk-in closet — and you feel good about where you are,” says Stobbe.

“In our dressing rooms, one of the things that we have typically done is put windows in them, which helps create a bright, open environment.

The second thing we do is put in very high-end custom cabinetry with islands and peninsulas and granite countertops and all sorts of things like that. The third thing is, in our master suites, we run a home automation system in separate zones through the en suite, into the master bedroom and in the dressing room, so there are

Haven Builders combines decadent details and stylish functionality to transform master bedrooms into luxurious personal retreats.

30

Custom crown molding and trim are featured in Robert Andrew’s 625 square foot master suite.

three different zones and if there are two people in the room, they can be listening to two different things.”

Haven has their own cabinet manufacturers and produces cabinetry designed specifically for their homes, allowing them to be creative with islands, organizational units and storage cabinets in their dressing rooms. They also design intricate en suite bathrooms with tons of counter space, gleaming granite, sound systems, and even a fireplace set in the wall joining the bathroom and bedroom.

“We are mixing a feel-good space with functionality,” says Stobbe. “You can have a really luxurious home that’s not very functional, so we really try to mix great features with functions, so that you can still run a family in the home.” LS

Haven Builders specializes in creating boutique-style dressing rooms in their master bedroom suites. The dressing rooms feature custom cabinets, windows, islands, and home automation systems.

31

EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE…

THE D & S DIFFERENCE. T

hroughout the company’s 35 year history, D & S Homes Ltd has come to know which superior products and proficient techniques work best to produce a premium home for you. From framing, flooring, paint and everything in between, you can rest assured your home will not only meet but surpass your expectations and stand the test of time.

Building a home can be a daunting experience. Until a customer has met with a D & S New Home Sales Consultant, decided upon a house plan and customized it to their specifications, no signatures are required. Qualified and professional draftspersons are available to assist in the process. Once finished, the house is then priced down to the very last dollar to ensure customers are aware of a definite price point and confirmed possession date.

D & S has implemented a Client Management System allowing clients up to the minute access on the progress of their build and, the ability to approve or disapprove change orders not incorporated ted into their original contract price alleviating ng any surprises on possession day.

The build is strictly monitored by their Onsite Supervisor who remains in constant ant contact with the Site Foreman to ensure e, things are running smoothly and on time, d. who in turn keeps the customer informed.

32

Upon completion of the house, your D & S New Home Sales Consultant along with

the Site Foreman and/or Project Manager will do a comprehensive walkthrough identifying any adjustments required and/ or deficiencies. Those noted will be completed in a convenient and timely manner. Keys are then released for you to let the moving begin!

D & S Homes Ltd understands the pride you feel in your home. It is the same pride they feel knowing they have provided you with a home featuring quality craftsmanship, superior finishing and a difference… the D & S Difference. View our website at www.dshomes.ca or contact us at 306-374-4774.

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www.majesticcabinets.ca S a s k a t c h e w a n ’ s e x c l u s i v e d i s t r i b u t o r o f M U R P H Y WA L L B E D S ® 34

511 45th Street E • 934-0660

BACK (l to r) Andrew Holinaty, Ward Layton, Mike Holinaty FRONT (l to r) Dave Holinaty, Carissa Peters, Joan Holinaty, Rob Holinaty, Jaro Zufka, Jordan Horbay

With a commitment to top-notch customer service and quality products, Arctic Spas is the city’s specialist when it comes to creating a backyard escape.

Arctic Spas, with a new location on 603A 51st Street E, specializes in hot tubs, but also offers products like swim spas, saunas, walk-in baths, massage chairs, gazebos, and services like hot tub installation, relocation and on-site repair. Owners Rob and Joan Holinaty and business partner Ward Layton took over Arctic Spas last spring, and opened the new location for customers in mid-July, gearing the business towards just that — the customers.

“Service is certainly the biggest thing for us. We are amazed at how many people walk through the door that have had tubs for eight years and don’t have a clue how to run their tubs. They are amazed at how simple it can be,” says Rob Holinaty. “So that’s why we are building our business on service.” Arctic Spas staff spend time educating customers on their products, and walking people through the steps that are necessary to properly use, clean, and maintain a hot tub.

Owners of other local Saskatoon businesses, Nordic Fencing and Trans Industrial Safety Training, the Holinaty’s know the importance of holding their standards high when it comes to customer service. That commitment was recognized on a national scale this year when they were nominated and recognized by Arctic Spas Worldwide as the winner of the Arctic Spas New Dealer of CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

35

the Year 2012. They were also recognized in the top three dealers in Canada for customer service at the company’s 2012 international awards.

“What we did in five months outperformed what everyone else did in a year, so that was a great award to receive,” says Holinaty. “It’s an indicator to us that our philosophy, in terms of how we are going to take care of our customers, is valid.”

Arctic Spas Saskatoon is the only factory authorized dealer of Arctic Spas and home to the only factory authorized service technicians for Arctic Spas products in central Saskatchewan. They supply genuine parts, products, services and warranty. The business is also a member of the Green Business Bureau and has made a commitment to environmentally-friendly initiatives like partnering with the PEFC to ensure the wood used for their spas is produced in an ethical and responsible way and improving water quality through technology and reducing the amount of chemicals needed.

All Arctic Spas products are manufactured in Canada and created with Canadian climates in mind — making them the best choice for those claim-to-fame cold winters.

HOLINATY FAMILY: BACK (l to r) Dave Holinaty, Mike Holinaty, Andrew Holinaty FRONT: (l to r) Rob Holinaty, Joan Holinaty

“There are a lot of good hot tubs out there. But our tub is built here in Canada, in Thorsby, Alberta, and is custom manufactured for our conditions and our climate,” says Holinaty. “That’s the difference between an Arctic Spas and what everybody else out there is producing … Arctic has constructed a unit that is designed for us. These tubs are insulated with the same mindset that homes in Canada are insulated. ”

Arctic Spas offers custom-design hot tubs with endless options when it comes to jet conďŹ guration, color, style, and add-on features. Visit their showroom at 603A 51st Street E or call 477-4688 for further information or inquiries.

INNOVATIONS

M onkey Bars adapts to every family’s storage ne e ds b y P a U L SINKO W I C Z

BEFORE

One of the biggest impediments to tackling the clutter that is keeping your car out of the garage is finally committing to a storage system.

You hope it will suit your needs but in that daunting pile of junk and treasure are a variety of sizes and shapes to consider. Shelves and cupboards are great for boxes, but not so useful for balls and bikes. And once those cabinets are installed, your future options are limited.

Mike Wyshynski was looking for a better way to organize his own garage when he came across Monkey Bars Garage Storage Systems. He was so impressed with his online research he travelled to the U.S. to study the system and sign on as the Saskatchewan distributor. Now he is building a booming business from his Saskatoon home selling the Monkey Bars system.

The strength of the concept is its adaptability. The needs of each family are different and the Monkey Bars system allows for easy customization of the setup.

It’s based on four-foot sections of shelving that can each hold up to 1,000 lbs. of boxes or bins. The support brackets under the shelves are slotted so cross bars can be set in a variety of positions. A range of hooks, bags and racks easily and securely clip onto those crossbars, providing an almost infinite set of possibilities.

From simple hooks in several sizes and configurations to specialized racks for kayaks and canoes, saddles and storage buckets, the Monkey Bars system has a storage answer for most needs.

There are also pre-designed racks for common storage items like bikes, garden tools, golf bags, skis, and folding chairs.

The crossbars that hold the hooks and racks can be set as near or far from the wall as needed, and can even be layered to save space.

“You can basically condense 12 feet into four feet,” Wyshynski says.

Wyshynski says many people fail to take into account life changes when designing their garages: children grow up quickly, hobbies come and go and more ‘stuff’ accumulates.

The system is very easy to reconfigure as needs change.

Being able to easily redesign the Monkey Bars storage set up is a boon homeowners will appreciate.

“That’s the nice thing about this. With the crossbars, you just push a double-button and slide it out and put it where you want it.”

It’s also a very economical system, says Wyshynski. “A lot of people are looking for something affordable and efficient,” he says. “Once they have a look at it, they really see the value in it. I can outfit the average garage for about $1,500.”

Monkey Bars also offers conventional cabinets that can sit on the floor or be mounted to the wall, as well as overhead racks that fasten to roof trusses to provide longer-term storage.

AFTER 38

For more information on Monkey Bars’ innovative storage systems, call 241-4062 or visit www.monkeybarstorage.com/Saskatchewan. LS

JEFF STEWART 1.306.222.3233

The Landscape Professionals

www.stewartrealty.ca

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39

Appr ec i at i n g th e a rt i s t ry o f p o s t s , r a i l i n g s , a n d s p i ndles In a large or open concept house, a beautifully crafted staircase can make a huge impact.

Glass railings, glass inserts, or LED lights can create a dramatic look and add to the spacious feel of a home.

Bernie Pauls, owner of BP Banister in Saskatoon, has been in railing and staircase manufacturing for 22 years, and he’s seen trends change from the colonial-turned posts and spindles to the more contemporary look many homeowners now choose.

“Very square, straight lines, very simple, very plain,” he said. “You don’t see a lot of ornate product. Very few jobs that we do have lots of curves and circles and fancy scrolls; you don’t see that as much.”

Pauls says new homes are larger than they used to be, which leaves room for a stylish staircase. Of course, installing a gorgeous staircase isn’t a need, it’s a want, and Pauls recognizes that.

“We’re catering to the stylish wants of people,” he said. “People are looking for something that really pops, that they can brag about.”

StellarstaircaSes b y A s h l e i g h M at t e r n

The old drywall-enclosed and carpeted staircase is out the door - literally, in some cases. Pauls says they recently worked on an older home where the renovators took out all the walls around the staircase, and BP Banister installed a new, open staircase.

Although the overall trend is towards a more minimalistic style, the traditional look of big heavy posts with large handrails is still a popular option, especially in older homes. Pauls says they’ve gone into really old homes and replicated the classic style while bringing the staircase up to code.

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STAIRCASES c ontinued from page 40 “People are still choosing the traditional style,” he said. “There’s still a large segment of people that want the good, solid wood spindles.”

But one of the biggest changes recently is how many different species of wood they’re now using. Twenty years ago, most staircases were made of oak and maple, but Pauls says they now regularly work with species as diverse as beech, walnut, alder, cherry, birch, and hickory.

“This is partially because there’s more different types of flooring offered... and [homeowners] want to match a staircase to that exotic wood.”

BP Banister manufactures their staircases and railings from raw wood, so they also have to be able to get the wood, which has become easier over time. The only downside is that some of these more exotic woods are tricky to stain, but they bring in outside specialists to finish the railing when they need to.

A staircase needs to be functional, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice beauty or originality. From posts to railings to spindles, a staircase is endlessly customizable. In fact, there are so many options, Pauls admits that some clients find their 2,000 square foot showroom a tad overwhelming.

“Some people might be overwhelmed at all the options, but there are others that come in and they don’t like any of those options.”

If the latter is the case, their staff will try to create something the customer likes.

They make all of their wood products in their 9,000 square foot shop in Saskatoon; the only product they purchase is metal work. Their staff is capable of building just about anything, says Pauls, but they specialize in building custom staircases.

Creating their products in shop, and giving his craftsmen room to be creative and innovate is important to Pauls. New ideas for staircases are born from the craftsmen.

“I encourage [my staff] to use their creative juices and try to come up with something that’s unique,” he said.

BP Banisters’ showroom is located at 2941 Miners Avenue in Saskatoon. For details, visit www. bpbanister.ca. LS

42

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A F F ORDA B LE H O U SING

S a s k at o o n exceeds five-year a ff o r d a b l e housing goal

by Jeannie Armstrong

By year end, the Housing Business Plan had assisted housing providers for a total of 2,759 affordable housing units. Wallace is confident that at least 3,000 affordable housing units will be achieved by the end of 2013.

The plan targets four categories of housing: market rental units, affordable rental stock, affordable home ownership and entry level home ownership.

As part of the Housing Business Plan, the City of Saskatoon introduced a variety of programs to help housing providers increase the supply of affordable housing. These incentives included property tax abatements, mortgage and down payment support, rental construction land cost rebates and capital funding assistance. Only a small portion of the program is funded with tax dollars. “Most of the funding comes from a portion of the revenues from the sale of City-owned lands,” says Wallace.

The Mortgage Flexibilities Support Program, with support from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), Genworth Financial Canada and the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, helps provide qualified homebuyers with the means to finance the purchase of a new home, through a five per cent down payment grant.

“We have now attracted five for-profit builders that are building units using that program,” says Wallace. To date, the program has helped over 440 families make the move from rental accommodations to owning their own homes. “At the same time, rental units are being freed up that don’t have to be constructed,” says Wallace.

The Equity Building Program, offered in partnership with Affinity Credit Union, helps to address the widening gap between wages and rising housing prices. Qualified home buyers can apply for a repayable down payment loan equal to five per cent of the purchase price of the home. This program is designed to benefit households with an annual income of up to $80,000. The low-interest loan helps home buyers qualify to purchase any home they can afford in the city. “Since March, 2011, we’ve seen 47 units completed under this program,” says Wallace.

To encourage the construction of new rental units, the City of Saskatoon introduced the New Rental Construction Land Cost Rebate Program. “It was initially set up for 1,000 units and has now been increased to 2,000 units,” says Wallace.

Five years ago, City of Saskatoon planners set a lofty goal: to increase the inventory of affordable housing in our city by 500 units a year for five years.

Alan Wallace, Planning and Development Branch Manager with the City of Saskatoon, says our city will exceed that ambitious goal as the Housing Business Plan’s five-year term draws to a close.

The program offers capital grants of up to $5,000 per unit to builders for the construction of new market rentals. “These are not subsidized, ‘affordable’ rentals,” he stresses. Under this program, 571 rental units have already been constructed. Over 500 more units are under construction or approved for funding. “That’s over 1,100 units of rental accommodation that have been added to the marketplace,” says Wallace.

Prior to the program’s launch, Saskatoon had a rental vacancy rate of 0.6 per cent. Now, Saskatoon’s rental vacancy rate is averaging just under three per cent, which is close to a “balanced” market.

While vacancy rates in Saskatoon have become more balanced, monthly rents are still high, with a two-bedroom apartment renting at an average of $1,004 a month. As a result, the demand for social (subsidized) housing continues to increase.

To address the need for social housing, the City of Saskatoon created an affordable housing reserve from which the City contributes 10 per cent of the capital cost of each project. Since C o n t in u ed o n p ag e 47

44

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You’ll be covered for*: • Your initial deposit up to $25,000 if the builder defaults • Defects in workmanship or materials for the first year • Exterior water penetration for two years • Major structural defects for five years Plus, you can get even more comprehensive coverage with the optional extended coverage for single family homes.

To find out more, visit our website, or contact us today.

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HOUSING co ntinued from page 44 1987, the reserve has committed funding for the development of 2,400 housing units including social housing, home owner cooperatives and private sector affordable housing.

“We typically do just under 200 units annually in that category, including projects by non-profit organizations such as CUMFI, Cress Housing and Habitat for Humanity,” says Wallace.

In 2011, the Province of Saskatchewan also turned its attention to the growing need for affordable housing.

The HeadStart on a Home program was introduced by the provincial government in 2011, with the goal of financing the construction of at least 1,000 new entry-level homes over five years. Builders and developers can apply to HeadStart for construction loans of up to 90 per cent to bring affordable housing project to market. The $200 million initiative is being administered by Westcap Management in partnership with six credit unions: Affinity, Cornerstone, Synergy, Spectra, Conexus and Innovation.

The provincial government has also partnered with municipalities to encourage the construction of new rental housing stock, with grants of up to $5,000 per new door of rental housing. The incentive program will facilitate the construction of 300 rental units in 2011-12 and 650 new rental units per year for the next five years.

Wallace says that Saskatoon builders have responded enthusiastically to the incentives being offered by both the City and the provincial

government.

“These programs have helped to increase the stock of affordable housing year over year. Our hope is to keep pace with the demand for more affordable housing in Saskatoon, although that is a moving target,” says Wallace.

“When we initiated our Housing Business Plan in Saskatoon, we estimated there was a deficit of between 3,500 to 3,700 affordable housing units. We realized it would take a number of years. As Saskatoon grows, that target keeps moving on us.”

In early 2013, the City will develop a new ten-year housing plan. “We’re reviewing our five-year performance with our council and then looking at a longer term strategy,” says Wallace.

Given Saskatoon’s rapid population growth of the past five years, Wallace has a hard time envisioning what the housing situation would be like now if the City had not proceeded with its affordable housing program. “We would probably be falling further and further behind,” says Wallace.

Before setting new targets for 2013 and beyond, Wallace says that a thorough assessment of the city’s housing needs must be completed. “We’re gathering statistics for our update for 2013. The rising homeless number is definitely a concern. We want to find out where the greatest needs are in the community and then direct public dollars toward those areas.”

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Beautiful Cool pastel colours like green and blue will be popping up everywhere in 2013, offering a subtle way to use colour on all walls.

THE

BoLD

AND THE

ColoUr trends For 2013

By CHristeen Jesse PHotos CoUrtesy rona By design

Changing a space can be as easy as a new paint colour. In 2013, the new colour trends mean that change can be brighter and bolder than ever.

Marie-Claude Brousseau, RONA by Design product specialist says that the biggest trend for the new year is painting with saturated, bold, statement colours.

“That’s the major difference between 2012 and 2013. We were seeing these saturated colours mostly in fashion, but now we are seeing them in interior decorating as well,” she says.

Rich reds and warm oranges will bring tasteful pops of colour to any room, but the key to getting a balanced tone is to mix and incorporate other colours.

“Red is big, but in 2013, it should always be mixed with other colours. When the red is present in the room, it is always paired with other warm colours like a coral or an orange,” says Brousseau, who adds that while we will see warm colours in saturated paints in 2013, we will see cool pastel ones.

“The pastel colours are always great, but the trend is moving towards the greens and the blues and away from the pale pinks that we see everywhere. It’s shifting quite a bit — there are still some blush colours but it is mixed with pastel greens and bleach greens.”

48

mostly white, a touch of beige and a pop of colour is the recipe for a stylish space, according to marie-Claude Brousseau from rona by design.

Muted browns, greys, beige and whites will always remain classic colours to supplement trendy hues.

“Those colours are always going to be there, but they are always paired with something new,” says Brousseau. “In 2013, they are paired with more surprising colours like chartreuse (yellow/green). Mostly white, a touch of beige and a pop of colour.”

RONA by Design has also identified some of this year’s trends beyond just paint and wall colour — the biggest ones being patterns and texture.

“We are seeing a lot of texture. Tone-on-tone texture, geometric patterns — they are both modern and traditional, so it’s a nice mix. The ‘60s trend is shifting into the ‘70s trend and it’s all coming back. The trend of walls with big patterns, the onion shape patterns, mixed depth and length patterns, etc. are really big as well,” says Brousseau.

“We are also going to see a lot of glossed, lacquered texture paired with matte finishes. So you have glossy furniture in front of a soft and velvety finished wall.” LS

saturated colours - especially hues like reds and oranges - and 1970s inspired prints are big trends for wall colours in 2013.

49

LAUNDRY DAY

by Jesse Green

This isn’t your grandma’s laundry room! As laundry graduates from the basement to the main floor, today’s washers and dryers are not only stylish but they are smart too.

Leading models can handle everything from that cherished cashmere sweater to fullsized duvets. They remove pet dander and dust mites and can perk up those loads of laundry that didn’t make it to the dryer before bedtime.

“We’re seeing things that you never would have seen 15 years ago. There are bold colours and styles, but also the technology has come a long way,” says Jordan Fraser, Sales Manager of Trail Appliances, newly open in Saskatoon. The main engineering feat has dealt with the increased flex of main-floor surfaces, as opposed to traditional basement laundry where machines sat on solid concrete.

Of course, the advances in technology aren’t all about motors and noise control. Buyers can expect to find machines with sophisticated features, larger capacity, lower energy consumption and some pretty fabulous colours.

Large capacity drums cut down laundry loads, and many machines feature shortened cycle length meaning less time spent in the laundry room. Models that feature the directdrive motor operate without belts or pulleys and have a longer lifespan.

The Samsung Smart Washer and Dryer feature a large back-lit display which allows users to scroll through temperature, spin speeds and rinse options and even allows cycle settings to be saved by name. Forget filling the sink for those wool sweaters; the Miele washing machine boasts a delicate cycle more gentle than hand-washing.

LG’s allergy-specific cycle removes more than 95 per cent of common household allergens and is certified by the Asthma Society of Canada. Many brands offer the enhanced cleaning cycle with steam injection to combat those tough stains. High-efficiency dryers adjust according to moisture level and air temperature to ensure that all items are dry but not over dried.

At Trail Appliances, customers can find everything from modest, apartment-sized machines to the deluxe pairs that do everything but fold the laundry. The independent retailer offers Canada’s largest selection of appliances under one roof.

PHOTO COURTESY SAMSUNG

The family-owned business was founded in 1974 and today there are 15 locations in Western Canada. Opening the Saskatoon location meant a return to the Broderick family’s Saskatchewan roots - an important milestone for the business. “We are really excited to be back in the Saskatchewan market,” said Sandee Wahl-Meyers, Director of Marketing.

The business had humble beginnings almost 40 years ago, when father and son Jack and c o n t in u ed o n p ag e 52

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Building Homes Since 1975 51

LAUNDRY co n tin u e d from page 50

PHOTO COURTESY LG ELECTRONICS

Paul Broderick added appliance rentals to their existing bottle depot.

Today, the growing business employs hundreds and enjoys the active involvement of two generations of the family. Stores are located in British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Saskatoon’s 54,000-square-foot store features an airy, open-concept showroom with a variety of products including kitchen appliances, barbecues and water softener systems. Well-informed sales professionals are on hand to offer solutions for any budget and style.

“Appliances are our obsession - it’s all we sell,” says Fraser. Being an independent store with regular communication with sales staff allows Trail Appliances to deliver great service and stay current with what’s hot in the industry. Fraser says they are in close contact with their suppliers and often know about new products before they hit the market.

Along with a wide range of products and inviting showrooms comes the promise of service. Customers are looked after well beyond the cash register by factory-trained service technicians, parts and service team, delivery and after-sales support.

The growing business remains rooted in family values, excellent customer service and providing the best selection in the country. LS

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PHOTO COURTESY MAYTAG

For best results on laundry day, LG Appliances offers these useful tips: READ THE LABELS

It’s important to read the care labels inside your clothes before washing them. These instructions not only indicate how to care for the garment, they often give guidance on separating loads too.

LAUNDRY

TIPS

PRETREAT STAINS

To remove stains from dirty clothes, it’s best to pretreat before you wash.

Grab a bottle of HE detergent, pour a small amount onto the stain and gently rub it into the clothing. You can also try the StainCare™ option, which uses multiple temperatures to attack different types of stains, on select LG washers.

SORT YOUR LAUNDRY

Sort your laundry by fabric type, colour and water temperature. Keep clothes that require hand washing or dry clean only items separate. Divide the rest into 5 piles for best results: 1. Whites — everything white, underwear, t-shirts, handkerchiefs, etc.

2. Lights — including striped whites, off-whites and pastels 3. Darks — everything dark, like blacks, blues, browns 4. Brights — reds, yellows, oranges, fluorescents 5. Delicates — fine linens, lingerie, some synthetic fabrics

UNBUTTON, ZIP UP

Mending any tears before washing will help prevent damage from becoming worse. Undo buttons on collars to help minimize wear along folds, and turn dark clothes inside out to help prevent fading. Washable sweaters should also be turned inside out to reduce the chance of fabric collecting in uneven clumps, or “pilling.” Check zippers, buttons, snaps and buckles and secure them to prevent snagging.

THE RED ZONE

Wash reds or new, coloured garments separately the first few times.

These items can bleed and stain other laundry if you’re not careful.

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WINDOWS THAT

!

W o W

By Jesse green

What are your windows wearing? Natural light plays a key role in the design of a home, and it’s what trims a window that can lend style, mood and light control.

Today’s window coverings feature exquisite designer fabrics and well-engineered blind systems that can boost your home’s energy efficiency. As for what’s the hottest thing in window coverings - that is a tough question.

“Often we’re making that drapery versus blind decision based on the style of the home and the image that the owner wants to display,” says Michelle Rowlett. Rowlett is an interior design consultant who leads a team of window fashion specialists at Saskatoon’s Braid Flooring & Window Fashions.

In drapery, a popular and modern look is the side panel. Reflecting the clutter-free and clean lines that are favoured in designer homes, this drapery is available in a great selection of fabrics. With both classic and contemporary styles, Braid features fabrics in silk, linen and has selections featuring adornments like metallic thread and embroidery.

Full-closure drapes are useful for older homes where the extra insulation can be welcome. “A drapery does do a good job of insulating, so in a character home where insulation is sawdust or old newspapers, a drapery option can help,” says Rowlett.

PHotograPHy By HeatHer FritZ PHotograPHy

In fact, a great deal of heating and cooling energy is lost through the windows of a home. Along with insulated draperies, many shade and blind options are designed with R-value in mind. The most popular Hunter Douglas shade is the Duette® Architella® with its ‘honeycomb-within-a-honeycomb’ construction.

Engineered to increase energy efficiency, these shades also do a great job of room darkening for south or east-exposure bedrooms. With a variety of c o n t in u ed o n p ag e 56

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pleat sizes and colours, these hard-working blinds can add style and function to both the traditional and modern home.

Braid hasn’t forgotten its roots and flooring remains key in the business. Customers visiting the airy Millar Avenue showroom can set foot on their choices, with selections of flooring displayed in large walkable sections throughout. Braid offers traditional standards like tile, hardwood and laminate and also has some more recent products like cork and leather flooring.

In addition to the broad selection of products, Braid Flooring & Window Fashions has an impressive roster of services available. Custom upholstery, custom bedding and drapery services are complemented by professional installers and a design team.

Rowlett oversees the design team who offer in-home consultations, helping clients select both Braid products and other items like furniture and lighting. These consultations are key in planning a design, as lighting and layout have a large bearing on how a product looks.

“In my mind, decisions need to be made (at a consultation) in your home. It can look really pretty in the showroom, but until you see it in your space you can’t see exactly how it’s going to look,” says Rowlett.

“Every day is different, which is part of why I love my job.”

This family-owned business has been a staple in Saskatoon for decades.

“Saskatoon is getting to be a big city, but it’s still very small. If we don’t do our job properly, we’re going to hear about it,” says Rowlett.

Judging by the repeat visitors, referrals and customers that span the generations, Braid has earned its solid reputation in the community.

Whether you’re looking for shadings, sheers, louvers or blinds, Braid Flooring & Window Fashions has got you covered. LS

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Before You Build Buying a new home is a big decision and an important investment, and there is a lot to think about. You want to buy with confidence, enjoy the experience and know that you have made the best decision for you and your family.

Typically the process of buying a new home takes place over time and in several stages.

To begin with, you want to take some time deciding your priorities—what you want, where you want to live and how much you want to spend—and then exploring what’s available. Once you have narrowed your choices down to one community, one builder and one home, you are ready to work out the details and sign a contract with your builder. While it is then time to step back and let the builder do the work, there is still much to do before you move in to your new home.

Before you start looking

Th e typical new home bu y i n g process

Get off to a great start by doing some pre-planning before you go house hunting. Discuss with everyone in your household what they want in your new home and surroundings.

Make lists of what’s important and divide them into must-haves and would-be-nice-tohaves. Also think about what you absolutely don’t want to live with.

Call the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association for a list of member builders in your community. Check ads in your newspaper to get a sense of what builders are offering. Talk to family, friends or co-workers who have recently bought a new home. Browse the internet for information about builders, homes, communities, products and financing, as well as home buying advice. Talk with your lender and get mortgage pre-approval so you know the price range you should be looking at. Attend the HomeStyles Home Show to look at the latest in features and finishings, and to meet area builders.

Exploring your options

Now you are ready to see what’s available. As you drive around visiting builders’ model homes, sales centres and offices, it’s a good idea to take notes. That way, it is much easier to make clear comparisons later.

The key to successful home hunting is to take your time. Don’t rush. Take a thorough look at everything and ask questions. The builder or salesperson should be ready and pleased to answer each question. Sales centres will often have a complete information package on the homes, the development and the community, including schools and other facilities.

The Builder

You should shop around for your builder as carefully as you do for your home. Here are some points to consider: • Is the company a member of the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association or the Canadian Home Builders’ Association - Saskatchewan?

• Does the company belong to a provincial new home warranty program? - Find out in detail what the warranty on your home covers.

• How long has the company been in business, and on average, how many homes do they build annually?

• Will they give you the names of past customers for references?

When you have found the home you want, and you are confident that you are dealing with a professional builder, you can ask the builder to write up a sales agreement. Make sure you have a lawyer review the contract before you sign. From here on, you will be working in close contact with your builder, or builder’s representative, to see your home purchase brought to a satisfactory conclusion.

For more information and a list of professional home builders in your area, contact the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association at 955-5188, or email info@saskatoonhomebuilders.com or visit www.saskatoonhomebuilders.com

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Protect your most i m p o r ta n t investment

Being registered with a third party warranty provider is a requirement of all builder members of the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association. As well, the City of Saskatoon has legislated that warranty is mandatory for all builders purchasing city lots for the purposes of building a house; however, if you purchase a lot yourself, your home is outside city limits, or on privately developed land, this protection is not guaranteed. Until third party warranty is mandatory on all homes in Saskatchewan, home buyers must make sure to ask their builders about home warranty before signing a purchase agreement.

Get a New Home Warranty

Any disputes with your builder may be resolved through mediation or conciliation process. Should issues with your builder arise and you are unable to reach a mutually satisfying agreement, the third party warranty provider is available to guide you through the necessary steps to reach an acceptable solution.

Warranty is guaranteed by a third party. When buying a new home, one assumes that if problems arise the builder will take care of them. However, the warranty offered by a builder is highly dependent upon the service the builder is willing to provide and may be null and void if the company goes out of business. Having third party warranty ensures that your warranty does not disappear with the company.

Many lenders require warranty for mortgage approval. Financial institutions want to know that their money is safe. If they are going to give you a mortgage for a new home a third party warranty guarantees that there will be a quality finished product.

Quality and compliance with construction standards are enforced. Builders carrying third party warranty are held to high standards. Typically, they are required to stay upto-date with building codes, technology, and training.

While it is important to realize that third party warranty is beneficial, you also need to know what is covered by your warranty program. While there are similarities between most programs, warranties do vary among providers. The third party warranty carried by your builder may include any or all of the following components: • Deposit protection • Workmanship and Materials – one year • Water Leaks • Major Structural Defects – Five or 10 Years • Additional Living Expenses Do not assume that your new home will be covered for any issue that could arise. Ask about total coverage, what is covered, for how long, and if the builder has any written information that you can review.

Buying a new home is an important step and a large investment. Make sure your decisions are well informed and ask the necessary questions. Nobody wants unpleasant surprises once they move into a new home. Should issues arise, you will want to be protected.

For more information or a full list of Certified Professional Home Builders who carry a third party warranty please contact the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association at 955-5188, email info@ saskatoonhomebuilders.com or visit our membership directory at www.homebuildersdirectory.ca. LS

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CommUnity

live, Work and Play in martensville By tom eremondi

Just declared a city three years ago, Martensville now boasts a population of more than 8,000, will quickly surpass 10,000 and is already planning for 20,000.

“When we became a city, it increased our marketability,” reports Kent Muench, mayor of Martensville. “People realized there was more opportunity in the community, not only to live but also to work and for recreation.”

Muench says current and future commercial developments will most dramatically change the look of the city, about 20 km north of Saskatoon on Highway 12. “People who drive to Martensville now and then drive here next year will see a very different city.”

He reports that the community has planned for a versatile shopping and work experience. “We made available several parcels of land on both the north and south sides and it’s all sold. We’re going to see a combination of the new big box developments with national chains and services. At the same time, we’ve planned for more traditional strip malls with smaller, commercial spaces. Wherever you look, the spaces that we made available are full.”

Muench says this is because the city responded to demand. “People told us they wanted to do their shopping in Martensville and this allows them to do that. At the same time, we’re providing for people who want to enjoy their careers here, whether it’s as an owner of their own business or as an employee at one of the many new businesses coming here.”

A new hotel is coming to the city, just the second in Martensville. The Saskatoon Co-op is also building a new gas bar and convenience store. Tim Horton’s, of course, has been open there for a year.

With booming home sales and a rapidly expanding commercial sector, the city of martensville will change dramatically in the next year, says its mayor, kent muench.

Residents will also enjoy a new recreation centre, featuring a curved running track and three full-sized sports courts. Built in conjunction with a completely refurbished high school, the facility will also see a performing arts centre. Just announced in December, the project is expected to be completed by 2016.

This adds to the already opened aquatics centre, the city’s great parks, and cross-country

With lakes, green spaces and other affordability of land, it’s no wonder martensville has seen its population swell to 8,000.

the frame for this Campbell Homes house in stonebridge was built entirely out of a new Canadian product. the wood is coated with Pinkshield, a special paint that is fire resistant and protected from rot, mold and fungus.

Photo: Jeff Lyons/StarPhoenix

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d&s Homes is one of several home builders offering attractive housing and neighbourhoods in martensville. ski trails, new to the city as of last December.

Not news is the fact that Martensville continues to be a popular choice for new home buyers and builders.

Muench points to the east of the city, where North Ridge Development Corporation is building a new 140-acre development, featuring a mix of residential and commercial space. “There also will be a new elementary school, lots of park spaces and many other amenities. The earth work is done, so new homes will start appearing very soon.”

“We expect our The Meadows neighbourhood to be completed very soon,” reports North Ridge business development manager David Calyniuk. “The new subdivision will be called Lake Vista and will offer more than a thousand single, duplex and multi-family units.

It’s named so because several homes will back a large, communal lake as well as the in-built parks and green spaces.

“North Ridge builds in any municipality where we can deliver value with cost effective housing,” Calyniuk adds. “We’re active in Martensville because the city allows us to deliver these types of exciting projects.”

D&S Homes is another developer busy in Martensville, reports the company’s Duane Slater. “We’ve been in Martensville since 1998.

We’ve just finished selling phase seven of the Martens Estates. It had 135 single family lots and the entire development will see 400 new homes added in the city.”

Slater says phase eight of the development, with lots starting at $99,900, will be made available soon. “We expect this to sell really well. These are big lots, 52 feet wide by 147 feet wide. You can’t find lots that size in Saskatoon anymore.”

D&S is also working with the city on a new townhouse-condominium project.

“People like Martensville because it has a real community feel, a nice pace of living and country settings,” says Andrew Williams, housing manager at North Prairie Developments. “It’s close to Saskatoon yet has a nice price difference.”

North Prairie’s Sunset Ridge is proof. All but 10 of the more than 240 lots are sold. The company also saw the same response to its new commercial development, Black Iron Crossing. All of the nearly 80 acres of the retail development sold quickly, Williams reports.

“People want to live in the community,” Muench says, noting he, too, is a transplant from Saskatoon. “It’s a high quality of life in a super community with great schools, numerous recreation spaces and now even more commercial opportunities. It’s a perfect place to live, work and play.” LS

Discover the

Daytona Difference!

62

Daytona Homes Master Builder expands to Saskatoon!

Established in 1993, Daytona Homes has expanded at a steady pace over the past 20 years. The award-winning builder is constructing a broad selection of houses in the greater Edmonton area, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge, Regina – and now Saskatoon!

Recognized as one of Alberta and Saskatchewan’s largest family-owned new home building businesses, they have made the dream of new home ownership come true for more than 5,000 families.

As one of the region’s most active builders, Daytona currently constructs around 500 new homes annually. Building more than just new homes, they help build and support communities and families through numerous local charitable efforts.

building experience positive and stress-free.

Daytona Homes’ exceptional quality and service doesn’t cost you more!

You’ll be amazed at the exceptional value for your dollar you’ll receive in a Daytona home and are sure to love all the extras that are included.

Daytona will get you into a brand new home within six months (and in as little as 45 days for select quick possession homes).

Daytona Homes has it all! Choose from a variety of move-in ready homes or select a home at the pre-construction phase and choose all your interior colours and finishings.

Rosewood Showhome Now Open

Daytona Homes is proud to provide new and experienced home buyers with award-winning floor plans, superior craftsmanship and exceptional quality.

Daytona’s Escalade showhome in Rosewood is a must-see! This 2,188 square foot two-storey home showcases three spacious bedrooms and an added bonus room. The extremely functional layout makes it a perfect home for growing families and those looking for more space. The open concept main floor is great for entertaining family and friends. A large second floor laundry room and beautiful ensuite with dual sinks are just a few of the convenient extras found in this home.

The Daytona Difference includes first class customer service, where every member of the Daytona team works to ensure your home building experience exceeds your expectations. They understand that purchasing a new home is a large decision and are dedicated to making your home

Daytona Homes offers an exciting variety of award-winning floor plans for first-time buyers, growing families and empty nesters alike. All Daytona Homes in Rosewood feature triple and tandem car garages, large lots, granite counter tops and much, much more!

Experience the Daytona Difference

Discover Daytona Homes today!

Visit our new Escalade Showhome located at 326 Pichler Crescent in Rosewood.

Tel: 306.343.8822 Email: rosewood@daytonahomes.ca www.daytonahomes.ca

Open Mon - Thur: 3 to 9pm Closed daily from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and Fridays Sat., Sun. and holidays from 12 to 5pm

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kitchen

Green scene

co n tin u ed f rom previous page

S av e the planet t o s av e money b y Sc o t t McG i l l i v r a y H o s t o f H GTV ’ s Income Property

Being environmentally conscious has always been on my priority list, but not until recently has it become such a profitable commitment. After 14 years of real estate investing and renovating, I’ve learned that eco-conscious renovations are a win-win choice. First of all, and most importantly, the pressure on the planet is significantly less if you have an efficient home and use cleaner products. Secondly, with the increasing cost of energy, there are significant savings with reduced use of utilities.

Here are some eco improvements that will save you a bundle, and put you on Mother Nature’s good list: Insulation keeps your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Upgrading your attic insulation is one way to reduce your energy consumption and costs. A simple DIY project is to top up your attic insulation, which will increase the energy efficiency of your home. Use an easy-to-use loose stone wool insulation product, such as Roxul RockFill, that can simply be spread by hand throughout the attic on top of the existing insulation.

Household appliances can be energy drains. Replacing your furnace, hot water tank and air conditioning unit with highly efficient models is usually a good start when reducing the energy consumption of your home. Before doing work, check with your gas/electric provider in your area to see if there are any rebate programs.

Windows can be a major source of energy loss. It is usually obvious when it’s time for new windows. And the technology that goes into today’s windows is far

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River Valley For a personal tour of our community call Gwen or Ronn Lepage at (306)222-9789.

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www.Sarilia.com

superior to anything more than 20 years old. If you want to reap all the benefits of new windows, be sure to tell the installer doing the measure that you want them to be “brick to brick,” not “inserts”.

Inserts leave you with smaller windows placed into the old, inefficient jambs.

DIY details. There are a few quick, simple improvements that will increase the efficiency of your home for very little cash invested upfront. Here are some quick eco to-do jobs that can be done in a day: caulk around windows; add weather stripping to door gaps; install low-flow shower heads; put aerators on faucets; switch to compact fluorescent bulbs; change your furnace filter; and set up a programmable thermostat. LS

One of the best ways to reduce your home’s eco footprint is by replacing drafty windows with new high-performance energy efficient windows, says McGillivray.

Your Renovation, Our Specialty.

Professional, High Quality Craftsmanship.

Ron Rhode ■ 306-230-1999 ■ ridgecrest@shaw.ca www.ridgecrestdevelopments.ca 65

b y C h a r l e n e Schu m a ch e r F r e s c o I n t e r i o r s D e s i g n G r o up What element evokes personality in your space?

When you enter a well-designed space, what element immediately evokes a sense of the personality of the home owner? What elevates you and gives you a “feel” for the space? What singular piece takes the undertones and styling of your room and wraps it all into one focal point to allow your room to shine?

Is it the sofa? Coffee table? Lamps?

Nada...the one distinct element which defines a room’s personality is the artwork!

Artwork can be defined as the feature wall focal point! It can be a dramatic abstract with infused colour combined with texture. It can be a relief sculpture, a three-dimensional metal sculpture, or combinations of traditional oils, acrylics, glass, leather, etc. It can be a wall-to-wall water feature or a tiled application with combinations of marble and glass listellos.

Art is quite simply a breathtaking feature which establishes the meaning to the space.

You know the impact art has upon your décor when you take it away and the rooms feel disconnected. It should be the defining piece that completely unites the entire space!

At the Fresco Interiors Design Center located at 40 – 710 Cynthia Street, we carry a wide selection of custom and exclusive artwork. Our stylish gallery enables us to assist each client with their specific environment.

What dramatic piece captures your attention?

The options for artwork are completely endless. It could be subtle, in tone-on-tone shades of gray....or powerfully bold in sharp textures and colours.

The only one consistency is the scale! In order to be effective, artwork needs to encompass a minimum of 60 per cent of the space.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY Tonya Wanner Photography

To define further, artwork should define 60 to 80 per cent of the grounding piece directly below it. If your

C r e at e s o m e d r a m a i n y o u r h o m e

Get Personal 66

grounding piece is a sofa 90 inches in length, your artwork needs to be a minimum of 54 inches wide to a maximum of 72 inches.

Scale is so important to the overall evaluation. You can have the most gorgeous piece of artwork, but if it reads as “small” on the wall, it will not create the impact you desire! It will simply melt into the wall and disappear.

The newest forms of artwork are the “Fusion” pieces. We create works of art that weave mementos into each canvas. We have taken personal letters and copied enlarged words from the authors’ handwriting and entwined them into the texture of the artwork. It gives the artwork a completely new dimension. It allows the viewer a peek at the personal note, yet doesn’t reveal its entire meaning. Only the owner of the letter will know the complete words that hold such meaning to them.

If you’re fortunate enough to have high soaring ceilings, consider layering the artwork. Focus on a “pop colour” and inject shots of this intense colour as it sweeps from floor to ceiling.

The artwork is now a reflection of a person`s sweet thoughts, which will always serve as a warm reminder of beautiful memories.

High contrast colour engages your senses. It sweeps life into a room!

How do you choose the perfect piece for your space?

Does your artwork speak to your soul?

Consider first the styling you love: Contemporary clean lines, traditional overscaled furnishings, distressed leathers, formal design with ornate details? Each home has its own blending of colour and style distinction.

Does it hold something so personal that it feels as though it’s a “part of you?”

At Fresco Interiors, our team of artists create custom works of art specifically for each client. Every custom piece is inspired by the lifestyle of the home owner. It offers a completely custom and individualized design to each room.

No other person has the exact same combination of personality, looks and heart as you, and your room should speak volumes of your individual unique qualities.

For example, at Ehrenburg Homes’ entry in the 2012 Parade of Homes, a textured piece with platinum and brushed nickel metallics offered a softness to the luxurious master suite.

If a client is drawn to the ocean, a luminous jewel-toned piece with watery colors of aquamarine and turquoise will touch their soul and inspire them. It will offer the blue as a feature wall colour which can be the “kick off” to sprinkling watery blue tones throughout the space.

Consider the artwork created for Aqua Terra Luxury Condominiums: series of textured layers in matt and gloss give the waves a sense of movement. The calm delicious warmth of a beautiful day at sea was the inspiration for this space.

From this point, the search begins to find the perfect pieces in the preferred size and colour. This can be a daunting task. How many times have we heard our clients say they have spent two years looking for the perfect piece!

At Fresco Interiors, we offer a new concept for finding the perfect artwork. A “Stylization Staging” allows a homeowner to “view artwork” in the light of their own home. Customers have the opportunity to see exactly how each piece can enhance their space.

The Staging starts with a design consultation. We review your home’s styling and color undertones. Artwork, sculpture, and mirrors are researched to find the specific size, colour and styling to work in their space. We deliver, stylize and hang each piece in the perfect highlighted area. The client comes home to decide which pieces they wish to keep.

It allows us to show the client how focusing on one specific “pop colour” can pull all their public spaces together. Their home interior now has the continuity and drama that defines a unforgettable space.

F r e s c o I n t e r i o r s D e s i g n C e n t r e i s l o c at e d at 4 0 – 7 1 0 C y n t h i a S t r e e t.

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A F F ORDA B LE H O U SING

Modular develo pments h elp ease ho using crunch

by Christeen Jesse ph o t o s s upp l i e d b y I n n o vat i v e R e s i d e n t i a l

Focusing specifically on entry level and affordable housing in Saskatoon, Innovative Residential is working to ease the housing crunch that is weighing on the city’s real estate market. “A few years ago, the City of Saskatoon began taking steps to address affordable housing challenges in the city and outlined goals for what they wanted to achieve. What they recognized to be significant issues for the community included the price of housing and the lack of supply — issues that were actually making it difficult for people to remain in the city. There were no new rental units being built and no affordable entry level products,” says Stacie Beever, Community Development Officer with Innovative Residential.

Aligning themselves with local affordable housing programs in Saskatoon, the business mandated to make homeownership accessible and attainable, regardless of income level.

“For us, it was all about finding the most efficient construction process to benefit our home buyers and ensuring that the cost of living and purchasing a home were affordable to them.

Modular construction is the best way we can do that,” says Beever.

Since the company started up in 2008, Innovative Residential has completed four modular developments and one revitalization project in Saskatoon. Two additional modular developments — Town Square Villas in Evergreen and Poplar Grove in Hampton Village — are currently under construction.

Modular home construction sees each unit of a development built as an individual module in a factory, protected from the elements. The modules are then transported to the development, where land has been prepped and foundations have been laid, and are assembled on-site with a crane.

“The best way to describe modular construction is that it’s like Lego. You put it together piece by piece,” says Beever. “Our modular units are all built in an indoor climate-controlled environment, there are check points at every part of construction, and they are put together in an assembly line type of construction process. It’s quite efficient when you can work indoors, because it removes extreme temperature variables that can fall to lower than -30 degrees — construction moves very slowly when you are doing this type of work outdoors.”

A cost-efficient and time-effective way of building, Beever says it takes just eight to 10 months from start to possession date to complete their housing developments, where a similar size project can take as much as 24 months with traditional stick-build construction.

Innovative Residential developments offer two bedroom walkout units on the bottom level of their buildings and three bedroom, two-level units above the main level walkouts.

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Innovative Residential has received support from all three levels of government: civic, provincial and federal, and offers down payment programs and monthly assistance programs to assist eligible home buyers with financial assistance once they’ve moved in. c o n t in u ed o n p ag e 70

BUYER BEWARE

by Jason Yochim, Executive Officer Saskatoon Region Association of REALTORS® For most of us, the purchase of a home is the largest single capital expenditure that we will make in our lifetime. Unfortunately for most of us consumers, we buy on emotion and justify later with logic. What I mean by that is this, when you first walk into that “dream home” that just screams to you “this is the one” it is like falling in love for the first time. You lose all perspective and for the most part, logical, rational thinking takes a vacation. You fall in love with the landscaping, decorating and possibly the furnishings.

Once the transaction is complete, logic returns from its vacation and you begin to justify to your family, friends and coworkers all of the benefits of your monumental decision like the fact that heavy duty nails rather than regular nails were used in the construction. For most of us it is difficult to be objective and to consider the most important aspects of a home purchase.

Can we comfortably afford it?

What about furnishings that will be required?

What are the monthly carrying costs?

How far is the work commute?

What short and long term maintenance is required?

Will it meet our family needs now and in the future?

At what point of the neighborhood cycle is this home and how will it reflect resale in time?

Is this property suffering from regression or the beneficiary of progression?

Does this home have a history that is covered up by some of that beautiful decorating and landscaping?

What if we have to sell in the short run due to career relocation? What are the options?

What about latent defects in the home? How do I protect myself from loss?

I have heard horror stories of buyers taking possession of a home and wondering if this is the same home they viewed only months earlier. The furniture and personal effects are now gone. Suddenly the deficiencies are glaring at them and the costs start to add up. The same house that kept them awake at night for weeks with excitement now keeps them awake at night for entirely different reasons. New home purchases are not exempt from costly issues that can arise. There is not much in life that is worse than moving into a house with regret for the decision but knowing you are stuck with it for year to come.

Having a professional who is objective in the transaction to guide you through each step of the process is a bit like having that angel on your shoulder. The importance of objectivity

cannot be overstated. A REALTOR® is not only trained in handling the transaction but often knows the history of most homes in a neighborhood and more importantly where to find the answers. They do not have a bias to one property over another but are rather more concerned with the right property for you at the right price and under the right conditions.

A REALTOR® will draw your attention to key issues that you typically may not have considered in the heat of the moment if you were acting on your own.

There are close to six hundred trained and experienced REALTORS® with the Saskatoon Region Association of REALTORS®. With a selection that large there is a REALTOR® for every situation, every neighborhood, and every type of property. In most cases there are no direct costs to the purchaser to enlist the many services of a REALTOR®. Open houses can be a great opportunity for you to interview a REALTOR® to see if you would be comfortable having them represent you. Still not sure who to call, why not contact friends, family members or co-workers and ask them for a referral.

For more information on how REALTORS® help or to find a REALTOR® to represent you, go to www.saskatoonrealtors.ca

Saskatoon Region Association of REALTORS®

www.saskatoonrealtors.ca

AFFORDABLE c ontinued from page 68

“The down payment programs that we offer are a big component of what we do and what makes our developments so special, and what makes them attainable to home buyers.”

Stacie Beever, Innovative Residential “We worked very closely with the City to start offering down payment programs, and since our first Camponi Place revitalization project, we have continued to partner on down payment programs with the City of Saskatoon and now with the province as well, along with the National Affordable Housing Corporation (NAHC),” says Beever.

To date, the City of Saskatoon partnership has provided mortgage flexibility support programs for a percentage of units in each of Innovative’s developments, provincial support for one of the developments has come from the “Head Start” program through the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, and the federal government, through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), has often provided seed funding and mortgage loan flexibilities for Innovative Residential projects.

“The down payment programs that we offer are a big component of what we do and what makes our developments so special, and what makes them attainable to home buyers,” says Beever.

The Mortgage Flexibility Support Program offers five per cent down payment grants offered in partnership with the City of Saskatoon. Available for a portion of the current Innovative Residential developments, the program offers assistance for eligible homeowners with an income lower than $59,000 without dependents and $65,500 with dependents. Innovative also offers a three per cent down payment program through NAHC which helps people who exceed the income limits for the five per cent program cap, but still maintain a modest income below $78,000. A new one per cent down payment program is also available in partnership with the NAHC for households with an annual income between $78,000 and $90,000.

Prices in Innovative’s newest development, Town Square Villas, start at $189,900 for a two bedroom walkout and $269,900 for a three bedroom townhouse. LS

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DESIGN ELEMENTS

Uncovering the Mysteries of a Bathroom Renovation

T o p 10 Tips f o r a Su c c essful R en o vat i o n b y A d r i e n n e F e d o r o w i ch

B AID , N C ID Q ® C e r t i f i c a t e N o . 2 7 1 1 1 , P r i n c i pa l D e s i g n e r o f S t u d i o 2 . 0 I n t e r i o r D e s i g n C o n s u lta n t s P H OTOS B Y F REE B ORN P H OTOGRA P H Y & C RAIG LEONTO W I C Z P H OTOGRA P H Y

Have you been procrastinating over the decision to renovate your tired and outdated bathroom? Don’t know where to start?

Rest assured, if you do decide to take the leap into the renovation world, you will not be sorry as a bathroom renovation will increase the value of your home if done correctly.

As a professional Interior Designer, I have seen and worked on many bathrooms. I’ve seen bathrooms done right and those that were done wrong. The ones that were wrong still cost a lot of money and now need to be renovated again. So let’s ensure that your bathroom renovation is successful and that in the end you can sit back and enjoy the little piece of heaven you have created.

1. Layout is critical When it comes to bathroom layouts, you have a few options. You will need to decide whether you are planning on changing the existing bathroom layout or not. Determining your layout needs to be your first decision since this will impact all of your remaining choices.

If you are considering a new layout, ask yourself who will be using the bathroom and what their needs are. You could install various fixtures in different rooms or areas to increase the number of people who can use the space at any one given time. The other option to consider is a “Jack and Jill” layout, where the bathroom is connected to two bedrooms.

If you are planning on changing the layout, ensure that there are enough good reasons to do so since this will add to your renovation costs. However, if the layout change is needed it can add to the functionality of the space as well.

2. Do it right the first time Typically a bathroom renovation is done once so make sure that you put everything into it that you want and need. Consider both your current and future needs for the space. Maybe

your kids are young now but will there be a bathroom fight every morning when they are teenagers, a situation which could have been avoided with a well-designed bathroom renovation?

A good rule is to determine who is going to be using the space to ensure the right fixtures and materials are installed. If the renovation is going to be the master ensuite, those selections may be different than if you were going to renovate the main family bathroom. If you are designing a space for kids, make sure they can use the space now and when they are older. Consider mirror heights, lighting locations, cleanability of materials and countertop height when designing for children. I would never install a vessel sink when kids will be using the bathroom regularly as it is hard for them to reach and difficult to clean afterwards.

3. Define your style and stick with it Everyone’s style is different so be true to yourself and design your bathroom with a style that expresses who you are. As you make each selection for your bathroom, ask yourself, does this item fit into the look I wanted? If the answer is ‘no’, then select another option. To create that polished look you are striving for, all of the items you select should work together.

4. Lighting, lighting, lighting Lighting is often forgotten or very little thought is put into it. In a bathroom renovation, lighting is one of the biggest considerations. A poorly lit bath-

room is like getting ready in the morning for work in a dark cave. In a bathroom, you need to light the face in order to put on make-up, shave, wash your face, or to see that you really don’t have those bags under your eyes you thought you saw. If you don’t light the face, you will look tired since the overhead lighting will cast shadows over your eyes from your eyebrows.

I also recommend additional lighting to illuminate the bathtub and shower areas. Another great option is to have all the lighting installed with dimmer switches so you can dim the lights when you want to relax in the tub.

5. Stimulate your five senses A bathroom not only has to be functional and productive, it also needs to encourage relaxation and solitude. During the design process, consider features that will stimulate all your senses. Some of these features may include: body sprays, air tubs, built-in sound systems, stunning tile work, heated floors, built-in televisions, steam showers, heated towel bars, shelving for your candles and a place to put down your tea. Now doesn’t that sound just decadent!

6. Shower size does matter When it comes to determining the size of your shower, there are a few things to consider. You don’t want a shower that is so small you can’t raise your arms to shampoo your hair or shave your legs. Alternatively, a shower is getting c o n t in u ed o n f o llo w in g p ag e

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BATHROOMS continued from previous page too large when it will not warm the space during the length of time it takes to have a shower.

For a nice basic shower, I would suggest never going smaller than 36” x 36” as an absolute minimum. If you have room for a slightly larger shower, 36”x48” is a more comfortable size. If you want to incorporate features like a bench, shelving, body sprays or a steam shower, you will need to start at 36”x48” as a minimum and go up from there. For a shower that fits two people comfortably, you will need to consider a minimum of 36”x60”.

7. Storage and counter space is a necessity A bathroom can never have enough storage or counter space. If you are renovating any bathroom other than a small guest half bath or powder room, I would suggest installing a vanity rather than a pedestal sink. A vanity will give you storage and counter space that is needed for everyday functions that a pedestal doesn’t give you. If you have the chance to add storage in any other location it is recommended as long as it doesn’t make the bathroom look too full or lower the functionality of the space.

8. Take a test drive in the show room When it comes time to purchase the fixtures for your bathroom renovation, I always recommend clients test them out before ordering or purchasing them. It might feel silly sitting on a toilet or climbing into a tub in the middle of a show room however if you don’t, you might hate how it feels after it’s installed into your beautiful new bathroom.

9. Do not cheap out on the toilet There are many features that you can select when it comes to purchasing a toilet. Features that may not seem like a big deal in the show room could leave you with a toilet that you need to constantly clean, is hard to clean or doesn’t get rid of the waste like it claims to do. A good toilet goes a long way when it comes to having a happy home. Don’t cheap out!

10. Keep your budget in check Every renovation project needs to have a realistic budget. When considering a bathroom renovation, determine your budget immediately. During the design process, keep referring back to the budget to ensure that you are sticking close to your numbers. If your budget is tight, develop a layout design that doesn’t involve moving your plumbing stack. Another consideration is to only purchase and install fixtures and materials that you really need and will use after the renovation is complete.

As a professional Interior Designer I know that following these tips to renovating your worn-out bathroom will help you produce a space that will bring a smile to your face, increase the value of your home and provide your family a welcoming space to use every day. LS

the GReat oUtDooRS designing a Family Friendly landsCaPe From tHe inside oUt

If your home is your castle, then your yard is your castle grounds. What do you envision for your oasis from the everyday?

The process of creating the perfect yard can seem daunting, especially if you need the yard to fulfill a variety of needs in your family.

But Tom Levy, co-owner of Vision Landscape and Design, says that with a little creativity, a family friendly landscape can flow naturally from the goals of the homeowners.

“You need some goals,” said Levy. “What do you want to use the backyard for? What kind of family do you have?”

Is your family young? Sporty? Do you entertain often? Identifying your main goals will help you determine what you want to use the space for.

A flat yard with grass might seem like a great place for kids to run around and play, but

B y a s H l e i g H m a t t e r n it can be kind of boring, and there’s often a park with wide open spaces just around the PHotos CoUrtesy vision landsCaPe & design

corner.

“It’s not just about the open space where [kids] can kick a ball,” said Levy. “They can do that every day when they go to school.”

Then again, you might want to take into account your proximity to parks. If you won’t be going to a park often, maybe you do want a nice open space where your children can play.

Levy also encourages home owners to get creative. In his own yard, he installed a water feature his kids can play in that waters the grass at the same time. Or he suggests giving the space some depth by putting different elevations in the yard using retaining walls; it looks interesting, and the wall can double as a place to drive toy trucks.

Creating a space for children is all about sparking imagination, says Levy. c o n t in u ed o n p ag e 78

76

TIRED OF COOKIE CUTTERS?

SO ARE WE. Phone: Fax: Email: 690 Service Rd N Website: Osler, Sk, S0K 3A0 306-221-8887 306-239-4614 jasond@rockridgehomes.ca www.rockridgehomes.ca

OUTDOORS co n t inued from page 76 “Make it a place to learn, a place to grow vegetables, a place for peace and tranquillity.”

Trees are important too, he says, to show kids how nature works, and to give them some privacy from their parents, “and vice versa.”

Because making a yard family friendly isn’t just about satisfying the children’s needs.

“If the parents aren’t comfortable sitting back there, chances are the kids aren’t going to be out there, either. Parents have to make sure the place is first off comfortable for them, because kids can really have fun anywhere.”

It’s also important to look to the future to try to imagine where your family is going to be in a few years.

“How old are your kids? How long do you plan on being in this property? If the kids are going to grow up and move out, you want to be able to transfer it over to more of an adult friendly landscape in the future.”

Of course, budget always plays a big role in what your landscape will look like. A designer will charge anywhere from $500 to $2,000 to design a yard. Making that design a reality will run you $10,000 and up. If you have the time and patience to do it on your own, you can make changes for as little as $3,000 to $4,000, says Levy.

But with landscaping, as with many home renovations, it’s a buyer beware market.

“Make it a place to learn, a place to grow vegetables, a place for peace and tranquillity.”

Tom Levy, Vision Landscape and Design

“Anybody with a shovel can call themselves a landscaper,” said Levy.

Your first step is to make sure the company you want to work with is reputable. Next, do some brainstorming on your own so that you have some ideas to bring to the table when you meet with the designer.

“The best way to start is to go for a walk. Go look at your neighbours’ yards; don’t be afraid to peek over the fence.”

Or take a virtual tour of any neighbourhood you can imagine with Google street view. Look at what your neighbours are doing, but put your own spin on it, says Levy. Instead of a square patio or deck, give it some shape.

Once you have a chance to sit down with a designer and discuss your vision for the yard, they’ll come back to you with a basic plan to further refine until you find a design you’re happy with.

Whether you work with a designer, or decide to take on the challenge yourself, the key to creating the perfect yard starts with the heart of the home: you and your family members. Taking stock of what’s important to you will give you an idea of where to start.

For more information, visit Levy’s website at www.visionlandscape.ca or call (306) 373-6716.

LS

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RENOVATING FOR RESALE? B Y TOM EREMOND I Selling a home is more than just a matter of putting a sign on the front lawn, says Realty Executives agent Terry Alm.

“The majority of my clients are repeat or referral clients,” says Alm, “so there’s generally a connection that I have with them. This means that I’m not shy about telling them what they need to do to get their homes to the stage where people will buy them and they’ll get the most amount of money.”

Alm says that could range from minor cosmetics to major renovations. “The first thing I always tell clients they need to do is to get their homes really clean. This includes decluttering, because buyers really don’t like to see a disorderly house.”

Walking through the house with clients, he takes them from room to room and suggests what can be done in each. As a long-time agent, Alm knows the market well and can advise clients what renovations will bring back in terms of added value. He can also work with them within their budget constraints.

For instance, in a bathroom it could be as simple and economical as cleaning or changing the caulking. “You want it to look nice and fresh, to be free of mould and to be very clean. I also suggest scrubbing the grout if it looks dingy and applying a fresh sealer so it looks new, too.”

Longtime real estate agent Terry Alm says people can do everything from easy to elaborate renovations to make their homes sell faster and for more money.

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If sinks are chipped or cracked and faucets are dripping, Alm says people should replace or repair them, either by themselves or by hiring a qualified tradesperson. “For a small amount, these can be upgraded to something that is new and very attractive.”

Vinyl flooring is another area to consider. If it’s been water damaged or soiled, Alm says it should be replaced before listing a home. “It’s usually a small piece and people can often do this themselves.”

Again, if the walls and ceiling or frame around the window are looking dirty and dingy, repainting them is quick and easy. Bathrooms in general tend to be more economical to renovate because of their smaller size, he says.

More major renovations would include replacing the tub and vanity or adding an ensuite or second bathroom.

Alm says painting a home is generally one of the quickest, simplest things people can do. “I recommend painting with neutral colours. Quite often people will have colours that were fine for them or their children but buyers may not like them. A home that’s off-white or eggshell white will always have more appeal to more people.”

Worn and dated flooring also can be replaced. “Many people, because of allergies, prefer to stay away from carpet so I suggest replacing it with laminate. This is often something that can be done by home owners easily and inexpensively, yet it modernizes a home quite a bit.”

Those with bigger budgets can opt for hardwoods, ceramic tile or new carpet.

Lighting fixtures throughout the house are something else that easily can be upgraded, as can light switches and plug plates.

“People spend most of their time in their kitchens,” Alm reports, “so a big part of your renovation should be your kitchen. As with the other

areas of the house, I ask people to look at flooring, fixtures, countertops or cabinets and consider updating them.”

Adding trendy features, such as built-in microwaves and stainless steel appliances that are included in the sale, will increase the home’s value.

He notes, though, that work in the kitchen can be expensive. “If you’re not going to be there to appreciate it, I’d only recommend doing this if it was absolutely necessary to sell the home. You’re looking at moving from hundreds of dollars to tens of thousands.”

Other options people could consider are decks, garages and new fencing.

Alm adds that, “you’ll likely never get all of your investment back in increased value but you have to weigh this against how re-saleable your home is. Sometimes there are just certain things that need to be done in order to get your home to the stage where it will show well and sell fast.

“The alternative is either dropping your asking price significantly or having your house on the market for a long period of time.”

Keeping the city’s active new home market in mind, Alm says, “many buyers aren’t willing to sacrifice the ‘new’ so, if home sellers want to compete with the new home market, they want to be sure that their homes show like new.” LS

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Planning Your Project ...Tips to a successful home renovation

Renovating your home can be an exciting and rewarding process. Whether you are making modest changes in one or two rooms, or you are transforming your dream home, the process can be pleasant and smooth -- if you take the time to plan your project carefully.

Follow these tips to ensure success: Do your homework Research is the key to getting what you want. Consider your lifestyle and the needs of your family, both in the short and long term. Think about how you’re going to pay for the project and consult with a professional renovator, who can help assess the feasibility and budget. Contact your local municipality to determine what permits are required. Contact your insurance broker to review your homeowners insurance policy – you may need to notify them about your project.

Look for a professional renovator For appropriate service and high-quality results, hire a professional renovator. RenoMark™ is a good place to start. You can engage an architect to assist with drawings and plans, or find a contractor with in-house or recommended designers.

Check references Don’t omit this step just because you are too busy or “they seem like the right person for the job.” Call the renovator’s previous clients to ensure that you are making the right decision.

Get it in writing If you accept the renovator’s offer, it’s time to write up the contract. Even the simplest of jobs should be outlined in writing because the contract is the basis of understanding between you and your renovator. Before signing a contract, read it carefully. Are you satisfied with the description of the work to be done? Does the payment schedule include holdbacks? Are the responsibilities of the renovator clearly spelled out? Remember that if something is not in the contract, then it’s your responsibility.

Establish a good working relationship with your renovator Renovators and homeowners agree that a good working relationship is a vital ingredient in successful renovation projects. Mutual trust is essential. Keep lines of communication open at all times. Expect a brief report on the progress of your job at regular intervals and be available to make decisions when they are needed so work is not held up. Research, good planning, a professional work crew and open communication and trust -- a recipe for a home renovation that you will enjoy for years to come.

For more information about hiring a professional renovator, contact the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association at 955-5188, or visit www.saskatoonhomebuilders.com. LS

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a m a Z i n g r e n o vat i o n s

viva las vegas!

21StaNNUaL BRIDGeS aWaRD WINNeR ReNovatIoN oF the YeaR

BathRoom NoRth RIDGe ReNovatIoNS LtD.

Las Vegas luxury was the inspiration for this Bridges award-winning bathroom renovation by North Ridge Renovations Ltd. The master ensuite was one aspect North Ridge Renovations Ltd. was hired to undertake on this 1979 home. The existing second floor master ensuite was transformed into a modern functional space with class and elegance.

The original choppy floor plan consisted of the main bath area with a separate toilette/ shower room and a sauna room. The sauna room was removed to allow for a 43 squarefoot custom shower. A seat was built at the entrance of the shower. It and the walls were covered with Carrara marble. The original toilette/shower room was reconfigured to provide a private and comfortable separate toilette room. Dual vanity sinks now provide

BeFoRe

aFteR 84

BeFoRe space for two people. The original bathroom carpeting was replaced with 12” x 12” custom cut Carrara marble tiles. Carrara marble was also used as a wall covering to achieve the homeowner’s desire for a Las Vegas Hard Rock Hotel look.

Hinged doors were replaced with pocket doors to optimize space and eliminate restrictions of cabinetry. The oak cabinets were replaced with modern dark cabinets giving a stark contrast against the lightness of the rest of the space. LS

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in tHe kitCHen WitH...

B y J e n n i F e r J a C o B y- s m i t H P H o t o g r a P H y B y J e F F ly o n s

WILD cUISINe cateRING For this issue of In the Kitchen, Living Spaces took a walk on the wild side with the guys at Wild Cuisine Catering.

Co-chefs Dylan Houliston and Thomas Brown starting catering about two and a half years ago after finding their styles and passion for food meshed while working at the Willows Golf and Country Club. The pair insisted their take on casual dining in Saskatoon should have a unique twist. Their stated goal was to use wild local meat as much as possible.

“We wanted to do something a little different. We kind of infuse a little bit of rock star into our thing,” Houliston explains.

While offering exotic cuts like wild boar, bison and pork belly, Brown insists their culinary offerings aren’t too far out of the norm.

“It’s a little bit different, but we’re not going too far out of the box. We use a lot more wild meat than most people use,” he says. “It’s not complicated.”

They added partner Charles Elliot as their business and marketing “guru” last year.

The three bring very different personalities and skills to their partnership. Charles admits he does more eating than cooking.

Late last year, Wild Cuisine Catering opened a retail space in the Farmer’s Market.

The added exposure has business booming. The location also affords the pair access to some the best of local fare.

“We have awesome produce ten feet away from us. I mean being at the Farmer’s Market, it’s a win-win,” notes Brown.

“Another reason why we chose the Farmer’s Market is essentially 20th Street,” says

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KITCHEN co n tin u ed from page 86 Elliot. “It’s really starting to get back into the more Broadway type. Businesses are starting to come back here. We have River Landing here. So a lot more people are going to start coming into this area again.”

Having their creations impact their customers brings them both satisfaction.

“I like how people react with cooking,” says Brown. “They celebrate with cooking. When they’re depressed they eat. We eat to survive. It’s so versatile.

You can change it up. We’re not re-inventing anything, but we definitely have fun doing it.”

Brown got his start cooking while he was still in high school. He worked many jobs, but seemed to find his niche in food-related positions. After apprenticing under executive Chef Michael Link at the Keg Steakhouse, Brown spend two years working with Athabasca Catering in Key Lake. His keen interest in the world of wine has enabled him to achieve Level 1 Sommelier.

Houliston’s career choice surprised more than a few who knew him. Houliston’s first foray into cooking involved making scrambled eggs as a youngster to surprise his dad on Father’s Day. The budding young chef forgot a key ingredient – a frying pan.

After mixing everything in a wooden bowl, he placed the bowl directly on the stove element. A small fire ensued, but it didn’t stop Houliston from expressing his creativity in the kitchen years later.

Both admit they love the frenetic pace of life in a commercial kitchen.

“You definitely have to thrive on chaos,” says Brown.

Houliston agrees. “It’s the rush of adrenalin.”

Wild Cuisine Catering is open six days a week in the Farmer’s Market. For more information visit their webpage at www.wild-cuisine-catering.ca.

Homemade Spicy Wild Rice Sausage Ingredients: 1 pack large natural hog sausage casings 3 lbs pork butt 3/4 cup organic wild rice 4 garlic cloves (minced) 1/2 tbsp dried habanero (buzzed) 2 tbsp dried ancho (buzzed) 1/2 onion (minced) 1 egg 1/2 tsp Chinese five spice 2 tbsp dried thyme Salt and pepper to taste Lard, as needed Directions: Grind cleaned pork shoulder using meat grinder on course setting; place in bowl and refrigerate until needed. In a pot with water bring wild rice to a simmer and cook until almost completely tender about 80 per cent done. Place in fridge to cool. Bring out the ground pork and add the garlic, onion, egg, dried peppers and spices.

Season with salt and pepper. Then cook off a little patty of the sausage to taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Rub a little lard on the sausage feeding tube then slide on pre-rinsed sausage casings.

Tie a knot with butchers twine to seal end. Turn on machine and begin feeding through the sausage maker allowing for a little air. When desired length has been reached twist one direction several times. Repeat with sausage and twist several times in opposite direction.

Freeze up to four months.

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Wild Boar Sausage Patty Ingredients: 1 lb wild boar (ground) 2 lb pork butt (ground) 1 free range chicken egg 2 tbsp cumin (ground) 2 tbsp garlic (minced) Salt and pepper to taste Directions: Mix all ingredients into a large mixing bowl by hand. Form three ounce patties and separate them with parchment paper. Cook as desired or freeze.

Bison Bagel Breakfast Sandwich Ingredients: 3.5 oz shaved outside round bison meat 1 tbsp rhubarb hot sauce cream cheese 1 maple bagel 1 free range chicken egg 4 tbsp beef or bison stock Directions:

Bourbon BBQ Sauce Ingredients: 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 large onion (small dice) 4 garlic cloves (minced) 2 cups ketchup 1/2 cup water 1/4 cup lemon juice 1 tsp chili powder 1 tsp sea salt 3/4 cup bourbon (Jim Bean) 1 tbsp paprika 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar 1 tbsp cumin (ground) 2 tbsp worcestershire sauce 1 tsp black pepper Directions: Heat up sauce pan with oil on medium heat. Add onions and garlic and sautĂŠ for five minutes. Then add bourbon and cook off alcohol, about two minutes. Add rest of ingredients and let simmer for about 45 minutes.

Then add salt and pepper and taste. Adjust season accordingly.

Heat up a skillet on med-high heat and have a poacher pot simmering but not boiling. Crack one egg into poacher. While egg is cooking add the stock and bison meat to the pan and simmer bison meat until nice and juicy (about three minutes). When egg is soft, pull out of poacher and let rest.

Slice bagel in half and toast. Spread cream cheese on the top half. Place bison meat on the bottom half. Top with egg and bagel crown.

Buttermilk Cheddar Biscuits Ingredients: 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour 1 tbsp sugar 1 tbsp baking powder 1 tsp crème of tartar 1/3 cup butter 1 cup buttermilk 1 free range chicken egg 3/4 cup old cheddar (shredded) Salt and pepper to taste Directions: Preheat oven to 350° F. Mix all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl with cheddar. Dice butter into small cubes and add to the dry ingredients. Mix butter and dry ingredients thoroughly with hands until the butter chunks are roughly pea size.

In a separate small bowl, whisk egg and buttermilk together; add to large bowl. Mix just until incorporated. Do not over mix. Use a five ounce scoop to drop biscuit batter onto a sheet pan with parchment paper.

Dust biscuits with salt and pepper. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until biscuits are golden.

Cool and enjoy. Makes about six biscuits.

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