LivingSpaces_spring2012

T H E O F F I C I A L M A G A Z I N E O F T H E S A S K AT O O n & R E G I O N H O M E B U I L D E R S ‘ A S S O C I AT I O N

SPRING 2012

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HOMESTYLES 2012 IS HERE! Western Canada’s biggest home show

58

ALL DECKED OUT!

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Low maintenance options LIVING SPACES SPRING 2012 1

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■ 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!

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MOST OF ALL, WE LOVE BUILDING HOMES. walkouts, large 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.

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With more and more smart electronics playing a central role in our daily lives, they deserve an even smarter role at home. Control4 has the mastermind solution, making it possible for virtually any appliance or device in your home to intelligently communicate with another—from locks to lights, doors to drapes—and you the ability to control them, no matter where you are.

Because a Control4 home automation system makes it possible for virtually everything in your home to work together—from TVs to receivers, DVD players, stereos, speakers, even security systems, garage doors, pools and much more—your ideas of control can be as unique as you are. See Phil or Miguel for ideas and examples of how intelligent automation can bring you and your family more comfort, convenience and peace of mind.

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A Messagefrom the President & CEO

by Alan Thomarat President & CEO Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association

Now more than ever Saskatoon is a very exciting, welcoming and prosperous city to call home. Never before in Saskatchewan’s history have we experienced such an increase in population and therefore an increase in investment and jobs. Saskatchewan is currently leading the nation in many key industries that contribute to great opportunity and success for the province.

The Saskatoon region ended 2011 with 25 percent more housing starts than in 2010. The City maintained this pace due to the strong economic performance, low unemployment and high business confidence throughout 2011 and the population growth over the year shows that people have noticed the change. With a population gain of over 6,000 people in 2011 and a record-breaking level of building permits allocated, the growth in Saskatoon shows no sign of slowing down.

In 2012, we can look forward to continued growth and expansion in our province, and the new employment and business opportunities that result will have this province leading economic development for the upcoming year and beyond.

The Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association and its members understand how important of an investment your home is. Our members lead the industry in professionalism and strive to offer you the best homes and building products, as well as good customer service as you invest in your new home or renovate your current home.

Many of our members will be showcasing the latest products and trends at the 2012 HomeStyles Home Show, Saskatchewan’s premier building, renovating, and decorating showcase.

HomeStyles will take place March 22 through 25, 2012 at Prairieland Park. On behalf of the Association, I invite you to visit the show and see hundreds of home-related products and services conveniently under one roof – a great way to start planning your next new home purchase or renovation project. For more information about the show, please visit www. homestylesonline.com.

If you have any questions, or need advice on housing matters, please contact the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association office at (306) 955-5188 or visit us online at www.saskatoonhomebuilders.com.

LIVING SPACES SPRING 2012 7

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE SASKATOOn & REGION HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION

18

contents 10

From The Editor

24

Busey Still Has All The Answers

13

At Home

28

Smart Consumer

18

HomeStyles 2012

30

Bridges Awards

38

Ask An Expert

40

20

Sandra Rinomato: Real Estate Superstar

22

In Conversation with Samantha Pynn

8 LIVING SPACES SPRING 2012

46

Celebrating Excellence

48

Design Elements

50

Community

54

Affordable Housing

Hearth & Home

58

All Decked Out

42

Breaking Barriers

60

Innovations

44

Amazing Renovations

63

In The Kitchen

41

editor

Jeannie Armstrong

art direction

James Grummett

photography

Jeff Lyons Elaine Mark

contributing writers

Tom Eremondi Jennifer Jacoby-Smith Jenn Sharp Saskatoon & Region Home Builder’s Association

project coordination Terry Sukut

publisher

The StarPhoenix

cover photo by

Virginia Macdonald

61 56

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 Terry Sukut at The StarPhoenix, at 657-6204 or email: tsukut@thestarphoenix.com

LIVING SPACES SPRING 2012 9

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE SASKATOOn & REGION HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION

from the editor Welcome!

J eannie A rmstrong E ditor

Welcome to LIVING SPACES, the official magazine of the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association, published quarterly by The StarPhoenix.

from the editor

What’s on your ‘to do’ list this spring? This edition of LIVING SPACES is sure to inspire exciting new home construction and renovation projects.

Look inside for a sneak preview of Western Canada’s largest home show, HomeStyles 2012, presented March 22 to 25 at Prairieland Park by the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association.

We take you behind the scenes to chat with this year’s celebrity guest speakers, including real estate guru Sandra Rinomato, host of HGTV’s Property Virgins and Buy Herself; interior designer Samantha Pynn, star of Pure Design and Summer Home; and home improvement media legend Shell Busey.

Our thanks to designer Samantha Pynn and photographer Virginia Macdonald for providing us with the fabulous photo appearing on the front cover of this edition of Living Spaces. From an episode of Pure Design, the vibrant, inviting family room depicted on our cover started off as an unimaginative third floor loft. Samantha transformed the space to match the colourful personalities of the home owners, Carolyn and Derek.

This edition of LIVING SPACES also celebrates excellence. Check out the winners of the 2012 Bridges Awards, presented by the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association. Then explore two outstanding properties constructed by Lexis Homes. Both earned recognition as finalists in the prestigious SAM Awards, presented by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association.

On page 12, LIVING SPACES continues our “At Home” series. In this edition, new home owners, Phil and Jodie Nelson, take us on a tour of their gorgeous two-storey residence in Willow Grove.

It’s easy to see why the Nelson family fell in love at first sight with this spectacular walk-out home.

This spring, my husband and I will begin landscaping our brand new yard, from the ground up.

The tips on maintenance-free deck design on pages 58 are sure to point us in the right direction.

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L o v e at first sight in W illow G ro v e

by T om E remondi P hotography by E laine M ark , D & M I mages

“We were only here for a couple of weeks and it already felt like home.”

That’s what Phil Nelson says of his family’s recent move into a spacious and gorgeous new home, built by Decora Homes, a member of the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association.

The Nelsons, who previously lived in the Silverspring neighbourhood, were to ready to move from an 1,800 square foot home as their daughters, McKenna, Grade 5, and Kaitlin, Grade 7, were getting older.

“We weren’t even thinking of buying a house,” Phil says. “We wanted to custom build and had been looking at floor plans.”

“I was looking for design ideas on the Internet,” Jodie reports, “and I saw the listing for this Willow Grove home. We decided to look at it mainly to get an idea of what we might want in a house for ourselves.”

C o n t in u ed o n f o llo w in g p ag e

LIVING SPACES SPRING 2012 13

at home

co n tin ued from previous page

“I could tell by the third room that this was going to be ours because I could see the look in her eyes.”

- Phil Nelson

Instead, the couple was absolutely swayed by the Decora Homes house, Phil recalls. “I was looking at Jodie as we toured the house. I could tell by the third room that this was going to be ours because I could see the look in her eyes.”

“When we walked in we were just wowed by the home,” Jodie says of her reaction.

For a very brief time after viewing the house, the couple still considered a custom build.

“We thought we could just take that floor plan and duplicate it ourselves,” Phil says. “But one of the things we were impressed with was Decora’s attention to details and the extra quality in things like a heavier, more expensive drywall that’s meant to last. We also realized we might not have been able to get all of those finishing details in a custom home.”

Those finishing details included heated marble floors, eight-foot solid core custom doors, stainless steel appliances and hardwood.

14 LIVING SPACES SPRING 2012

“Within a week, and after both of our daughters had seen the house, we were ready to put in an offer,” Jodie says.

Each member of the Nelson family has a specific reason for loving their new home. McKenna and Kaitlin are especially fond of their Jack and Jill style bedroom. With large walkin closets in each, in between is a roomy bathroom with separate toilet enclosure, affording privacy and functionality at the same time.

The nine-foot ceilings on the top level meant McKenna could continue using her loft bed, something she soon would have had to give up at their old house. The basement also sees nine-foot ceilings, while the main level has a majestic 10 foot ceiling.

Jodie says, “the kitchen was by far my favourite part, especially the island.”

Well, it’s not really an island. It’s more like a continent. The massive 14-foot, granite counter was part of the chef’s style kitchen that also

has a five-burner gas cook top, custom maple cabinets, and an ample walk-through pantry.

Jodie does have a close, second most-admired feature. “I love the mud room, especially the built-in lockers. It makes it so much easier for everyone to come in and neatly hang up their stuff.”

Phil adds that he loved “the overall floor plan and how there was just so much more space.

We really liked our old house but the girls had no room in their bedrooms.”

“When we moved our furniture in here and saw how much space we still had, we wondered how we had fit it all into the old house,” Jodie adds.

The home is just over 2,500 square feet on the upper levels, with another approximately 1,100 on the fully finished walkout.

With easy access to a green space, the basement is home to a large family room, complete with a wet bar and a second fireplace. There are two ample guest bedrooms and the third full bathroom of the home, which also sees a half bath on the main level.

Because the home had everything they possibly could have wanted, the move was quite easy. The couple took possession of the home December 1 and settled in for good a couple of weeks later.

“We adapted quickly,” Phil says. “We started bringing small stuff over two weeks before we moved, so it wasn’t much of a transition. It felt like home really quick.

“All of the appliances were here, so that made the move easier,” he continues. “But it also made it easier to sell our old house because the appliances there were pretty new. It only took three days to sell, which was good because things were moving pretty fast.”

Shortly after the move, the family easily entertained more than 40 family members for Christmas.

Another bonus was being just a short drive away from the old neighbourhood, allowing the girls to continue going to the same elementary school.

The Nelsons have only been in Willow Grove for a few months but are so far enjoying the neighbourhood. The couple, who own Smiley’s Buffet and Catering, have a quick comC o n tin u e d o n fo llo wing page

LIVING SPACES SPRING 2012 15

at home

co n tin u ed from previous page

mute from the northeast community to the Circle Drive restaurant.

“The one thing we’re really looking forward to in the spring is doing the landscaping,” Phil says. “That was something else we were looking for – a yard that we could develop ourselves.”

He adds that Decora Homes made the whole experience of buying, moving and settling in so much easier. “We had done our research and knew they were a quality builder. After the sale, they answered all of our needs. There have been a few just very small glitches but Decora has responded to every one of them very quickly. The service has been great.” LS

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Whether you’re renovating or building, you can plan your entire project at HomeStyles 2012.

It’s showtime!

HomeStyles 2012 W estern C anada ’ s largest home show

An annual showcase of home building, renovating and decorating, presented by the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association, HomeStyles has evolved over the past 31 years into the largest home show in Western Canada.

by J eannie A rmstrong

“Building permits and housing starts in our city are at or near record levels. With so much interest in new home construction and renovations, we expect to see more people than ever at HomeStyles,” says Trefiak.

HomeStyles 2012 gets underway Thursday, March 22 through Sunday, March 25 at Saskatoon Prairieland Park.

Last year, over 38,000 visitors attended HomeStyles. Sarah Trefiak, Director of Marketing and Events for the Saskatoon Home Builders’ Association, anticipates that 2012 attendance figures will break last year’s record.

The number of exhibitors at HomeStyles 2012 is expected to top previous years. Over 270 exhibitors will display the latest building and renovation products and services.

“Many of our home builder members will be there, with information on this season’s floor plans and lot availabilities. There will also be a variety of mortgage experts on hand, to talk about different financing options,” says Trefiak.

“If you’re interested in renovating, you can plan out your entire project at HomeStyles. It’s all here: cabinets, countertops, paint, flooring, furniture, as well as design consultants to help you put it all together. For people who want to make their homes more environmentally friendly, there will be everything from displays of geothermal technologies to green cleaning products.

“Whatever you’re looking for in home construction or renovation, it’s all here under one roof. You don’t have to drive around the city to compare products or ask for estimates.”

18 LIVING SPACES SPRING 2012

Trefiak adds,“We have a lot of new exhibitors this year, bringing in a diverse range of products and services – everything from storage and moving services to home automation systems. Several exhibitors will feature vacation properties, including Costa Rica.”

HomeStyles continues to attract nationally acclaimed celebrity designers and home experts as guest presenters. This year, the HomeStyles Speakers’ Stage features three big stars!

Real estate expert Sandra Rinomato is the host of HGTV’s Property Virgins as well as a brand new series, Buy Herself. Sandra will share hot tips on buying and selling real estate when she takes the stage on Saturday, March 24 and Sunday, March 25.

“The launch of Buy Herself coincides with HomeStyles, so we’re excited about the buzz she will bring to the show. Buy Herself focuses on females buying their own properties. Sandra represents industry professionalism and that’s what our association stands for. With Saskatoon being such a hot real estate market, Sandra will have some great tips for people who are looking to buy or sell a home,” says Trefiak.

TV show and share great decorating and design tips,” says Trefiak.

Home improvement media maven Shell Busey returns by popular demand to the HomeStyles stage on Friday, March 23 and Saturday, March 24. Bring your home renovation questions to Shell and he’ll provide all the answers. “Shell is really a mainstay of our show. He’s so popular! Every year, people ask him new and different questions about their home renovations. He really takes the time on stage to connect with people and give them the answers they need,” says Trefiak.

While exploring HomeStyles, be sure to visit the 2012 edition of the Ultimate Man Shed, designed and constructed by Homes by Dundee.

The Saskatchewan Law Enforcement Guardians will be selling raffle tickets for the Man Shed, raising funds to support a variety of charities in our community.

The doors open Thursday, March 22 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.; Friday, March 23 from 12 noon to 9:00 p.m.; Saturday, March 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; and Sunday, March 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

One-day admission to HomeStyles is $12.50 per person. A four-day show pass is available for $25.00. Children under 12 are free.

Saskatoon audiences know celebrity designer Samantha Pynn from her HGTV show Pure Design. In April, her new show, Summer Home, debuts on HGTV Canada. When she appears on the HomeStyles’ stage on Friday, March 23 and Saturday, March 24, Pynn will take audiences through the different stages of creating an amazing room.

For complete details about the show, visit www.homestylesonline.com, go to Facebook or follow the action on Twitter at www.twitter.com/homestylesshow.

Last year, HGTV celebrity designer Tommy Smythe, the popular co-star of Sarah’s House and Sarah 101, wowed HomeStyles audiences. “Tommy was so popular we wanted to bring another designer back. Samantha is sure to be a crowd-pleaser! She’ll take people behind the scenes of her

The Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association will also have an information booth in the front lobby of the Prairieland Park Trade Centre, where the association team looks forward to answering any questions and providing directions to specific exhibits and displays. LS

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LIVING SPACES SPRING 2012 19

R eal E state

SUPERSTAR HGTV’s S andra R inomato comes to H ome S tyles

by J ennifer J acoby- S mith

20 LIVING SPACES SPRING 2012

HGTV’s dynamic personality Sandra Rinomato will share her real estate wisdom at the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association’s 2012 HomeStyles Home Show.

The Toronto-based real estate expert has coached dozens of potential home buyers through the difficult process of purchasing their first home on HGTV’s Property Virgins. The show often invokes a reality check as first time home buyers adjust their dream home vision to something that fits the market and their budget.

Property Virgins, which has filmed over 130 episodes, follows home purchases in the Toronto area, as well as several major cities in the U.S. Now, Rinomato will take her 15 years of real estate experience to a brand new show called Buy Herself. The HGTV show will feature women buying property on their own. It’s a project Rinomato is very passionate about.

“Thirty years ago a woman wouldn’t have been able to get a mortgage… she couldn’t even get a credit card without a male co-signer,” notes Rinomato. “Times have changed.”

Rinomato is excited to help women gain financial independence regardless of their stage of life or marital status.

She adds, more women – married or not – are taking charge of their finances by investing in real estate or buying homes before they marry. “Homeownership is one of the first steps to financial freedom or financial independence.”

When buying property as an investment vehicle, Rinomato recommends women or men focus on location. With the right location, a property can continue to appreciate in value for years.

For those wondering if now is the right time to get into the market, Rinomato says it depends.

“It’s very, very difficult to catch a rising market or predict a falling market,” she says. “There are people who try to keep their finger on the pulse of the market and you can’t. By the time you recognize a change, it’s over. Even realtors, we do this 24-7, and even we can miss a trend.”

What’s more important for prospective buyers is to assess their own personal situation and make sure their circumstances make buying a home feasible.

“Is it the right time to buy? If it’s the right time for you and you’re ready financially, emotionally… then it’s the right time for you to buy.”

Once a prospective buyer has all their financial ducks in a row, Rinomato says, it’s a matter of determining their lifestyle. “I think some people fall into the trap of not really understanding what their lifestyle is. Sometimes they go on what they hope their lifestyle will be. They end up never living that lifestyle and buying the wrong property.”

Spending some time in introspection can help couples determine what’s important – not the wish list but the absolute must-haves.

One of her pet peeves is hearing other experts advising people to get into the market now for fear that if they don’t, they never will. It’s advice Rinomato herself followed when she bought her first house, just two weeks before the real estate bubble burst in 1989.

“I hate to hear people offering advice,” she says, “because it’s never going to be unaffordable. There will always be affordable housing. You may just have to adjust your expectations. So don’t rush because someone tells you that.”

Such an important and complicated decision as buying real estate brings out emotions in everyone. Rinomato is happy to help others navigate the process and find something they can call home.

“Real estate is very close to our hearts, because it’s our life savings. It’s the most money we’ll ever spend on anything. We live in it. It’s our home,” says Rinomato.

First time home buyers or experienced real estate investors will not want to miss Rinomato at HomeStyles. Her topics will include the current state of the real estate market in Canada. She will speak on March 24 and 25. Time will be allotted for questions. For show times visit homestylesonline.com. LS

J&S

WAREHOUSE

121 D Jessop Ave | 373-1171 | www.jandspicture.com

Find us on Facebook Come See Us At The Home Show March 23-25 LIVING SPACES SPRING 2012

21

With a little planning, Samantha transformed Walter and Ania’s vast bedroom into a luxurious boudoir, during an episode of Pure Design. Photo: Virginia Macdonald

In conversation with HGTV c e l e b r i t y d e s i g n e r,

Samantha Pynn

by J eannie A rmstrong

HomeStyles 2012, Saskatchewan’s Premier Home Show, presented by the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association, continues to turn up the star power! Among the guest speakers at this year’s event is HGTV celebrity designer and National Post columnist Samantha Pynn.

Pynn got her start in the industry as a location scout for commercials and music videos in Toronto. Within a few years, she had landed a coveted position in the design department at Style at Home magazine. As design editor, she became responsible for producing big stories on the hottest décor trends, coming up with design concepts for many of the articles, producing makeovers and scouting homes featured in the magazine.

Her flirty, fresh style was quickly noticed by the producers of CityLine on CityTV, where she was a regular guest expert for six years.

Pynn stepped into the national spotlight several years ago, as the host and principal designer of HGTV’s Pure Design. The show captured the close working relationship that Pynn established with her clients, as she helped them to transform ordinary rooms into inviting and unique interiors.

In April of 2012, HGTV will debut Pynn’s newest television series, Summer Home.

HGTV celebrity designer Samantha Pynn, host of Pure Design and Summer Home, steps into the spotlight on the HomeStyles’ Speakers Stage on Friday, March 23 and Saturday, March 24.

22 LIVING SPACES SPRING 2012

In a recent telephone conversation, Samantha Pynn shared exciting details about her new show, her personal decorating philosophy and upcoming appearances at HomeStyles 2012.

JA: Saskatoon audiences are most familiar with your TV series Pure Design. What project are you currently working on?

SP: I’m working on a different series called Summer Home. It’s all about decorating and renovating homes in cottage country. We filmed the first season during the summer of 2011 and it will debut on the air in April.

Now we’re gearing up to start filming a second season of Summer Home.

JA: What is the premise of Summer Home?

“In my own home, I have a tendency to be very feminine and quite girly,” says Samantha.

She chose muted pastels to decorate her dining room and office.

Photo: Virginia Macdonald

SP: During the season, we work with 13 different home owners. Generally, it’s the living/dining/kitchen because those are the areas that people want renovated in their homes the most. It started out with a focus on decorating, but now it’s whole-hog renovations. So often, these cottages have been handed down from generation to generation. They haven’t been changed for 75 or 100 years. It’s fun to get in there, striking a balance between preserving family memories and making sure that it’s a cottage that has all the comforts of today.

JA: You take a different approach to home design than other makeover shows, by really honouring the homeowners’ wishes instead of your own design agenda.

SP: It’s their vision; I execute it for them. It’s my interpretation of their vision. Obviously they’ve come to me because they like my esthetics. In my own home, I have the tendency to be very feminine and quite girly.

I’m at home with very soft pastel colours. However, because I worked at Style At Home magazine for so long, on everything from über modern to the most traditional, I can flex very easily between many different styles.

I always want our clients to feel like they got their vision, only better… that we surpassed their expectations.

JA: What design trends are you most excited about in 2012?

SP: I love all the different stones and tiles that people are using, and the ways they are being applied. People are becoming more daring and using those textures in different ways. Tile is a lot more prevalent. I love that, especially in the kitchen. It’s such a huge trend. It’s not just the typical 17-inch high backsplash. We’re now using tile from the countertop all the way to the ceiling, and in some cases, from the floor all the way to the ceiling.

Pattern, texture, colour – especially moody colours – are creating excitement this year. However, it’s all about what works for you, as the home owner… what you gravitate toward. That’s more important to me. I love researching the trends, but for me, it’s about distilling that information down to what works best for the individual.

JA: What decor pieces are ‘must-haves’ for you this year?

SP: I love pillows. I get accused of ‘over-pillowfication’. I think it’s the best way to bring pattern and texture into your home. Another must-have is a small, interesting piece of furniture, like a little ottoman. Something with great lines, like an X-based stool upholstered in a great fabric, or a taboret table in a fun pattern.

JA: What can audiences look forward to when you take the stage at HomeStyles 2012?

SP: I’ll talk about how to decorate a room, from start to finish. How do you get started? So many times, people know what they want but they don’t know where to start. They skip the most important steps and start buying. That’s the worst mistake that you can make.

“The reason you love luxury hotel suites is there’s no JA: Will HomeStyles audiences have opportunities to ask questions? clutter. Everything is SP: I love answering questions! I love being interrupted and they can clean, simple,I would shiny ask questions after each presentation. love to hear about people’s decorating challenges and help them move forward in the right direcand smells good.” tion.

The first step is to get inspired. Collect photos from home magazines of rooms that appeal to you; then analyze those images. Figure out what it is that you like about each photo, then ask, what are the recurring elements in each photo?

Samantha Pynn appears on the HomeStyles’ Speakers Stage on Fri– Charlene Schumacher, day, March 23, and Saturday, March 24. Visit www.homestylesonline.

Fresco Interiors com for show times. LS LIVING SPACES SPRING 2012 23

Busey still has all the answers Newsflash: Home improvement expert and popular spokesperson Shell Busey is retiring.

The B.C. based renovation guru, who turns 70 later this year, announced at the end of July that he was stepping down from his live weekend radio broadcasts. One of those, the Home Discovery Show, was heard on the Corus network in Western Canada on Saturday mornings; his other show was heard only in B.C. on Sunday mornings.

Sort of.

“I’m really glad I made this decision,” Busey says, noting that the radio shows were taking up too much of his weekends. Already working six days each week with other projects, he says radio would have him working from early, early in the morning until noon on Saturdays and Sundays.

by T om E remondi

He adds that there were some important reasons for the decision. “I wanted to, first, spend more time with my two grandsons and working weekends prevented me from doing that. The other major reason was that I had open heart surgery last year and needed to take 12 weeks of rest.”

For

He could have let the show be hosted by someone else for those 12 weeks but, after nearly 30 years on the air in some capacity, Busey decided to retire from at least that portion of his career.

beauty and

That doesn’t mean he’s disappeared altogether from the home improvement scene. He still maintains a busy company. “We have two divisions – Shell Busey Home Improvements, which is an actual renovation company,” he explains. “The other is the House Smart Home Referral Network (askshell.com), which is where people can go to get ‘the how to, the what to, the where to, the why to, the when to and the who to.’”

function

the

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24 LIVING SPACES SPRING 2012

www.plumbshoppe.com

To replace the Home Discovery Show, he’s developed a new mechanism that lets people stay in touch and keep receiving his wonderful advice. “We now have a Shell Busey Club and, in less than a year, have seen more than 38,000 people join. Members can access questions and answers, a ‘how to’ library, and also send emails about home improvement projects directly to me.”

“I like coming to Saskatchewan and have so much fun helping people learn how their homes work.”

– Shell Busey While Busey can’t answer every question in person, he does note that, “members will receive a tape recorded voicemail from me with their answers.”

Busey demonstrates how far reaching his status is. “I just had a call for advice from a fellow in California, a place where we’ve never broadcasted.

I asked him how he heard of me and he said that he just Googled ‘laminate flooring do’s and don’t’s’ and my name popped up. That’s pretty powerful.”

Fans of the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association’s HomeStyles show, running from March 22 to 25, will see one of Busey’s rarer appearances on the home show circuit. “I used to go to about 40 shows every year and will also be stepping back from those a bit. I’ve decided I’ll only attend shows sponsored by people who are members of my House Smart association, which the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ are. That means that I’m only going to 10 shows this year.”

Speaking at HomeStyles on Friday and Saturday, Busey didn’t want to

eliminate all personal appearances. “I like coming to Saskatchewan and have so much fun helping people learn how their homes work.”

After years of listening to and helping people solve problems, he says someone recently gave him a new nickname. “They’ve started calling me the OmBuseyman and so I see it as my duty to continue answering people’s questions.”

For example, he says a common problem people are experiencing these days is related to condensation. “This happens more after they’ve installed a high efficiency furnace, along with new windows. They’ve never seen it before and are wondering all of sudden why it’s appearing. Those are the types of questions I can answer.”

Asked if he’ll ever fully retire, Busey admits he probably won’t. “I’m not one to go to the golf course. I prefer to take calls, answer emails, and go to job sites. I don’t mind going to the office if it’s to answer questions.”

For speaking times visit www.homestylesonline.com . LS

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smartconsumer

A lways sign a contract !

Being a smart consumer means protecting your investment and when you build or renovate your home, signing a contract is the best way to do that.

Before you build, make sure that you have chosen a professional, reputable builder. The Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association members are the best in the industry, know the importance of having a good contract, the need to follow building code and safety guidelines and are on the look-out for their client’s best interests. When you choose an Association member, you are choosing a professional.

Once you have decided on which builder to hire, the next step is to discuss the details of a contract with your builder. With large builders, this is usually done at the sales office, where you and the salesperson together work through the items that go into the contract.

Alternatively, the builder may write up the contract on his or her own and present it to you for consideration. Or you may choose to have your lawyer prepare the contract.

There is no mandatory or standard contract form; many professional new home builders use forms adapted from model contracts developed by their provincial Home Builders’ Association or new home warranty program.

A good contract will cover issues including a description of the lot, the model, the selected upgrades and other obvious items such as the price and financing terms. In addition, it should include information on restrictions and obligations that may affect your rights and responsibilities as a home owner, such as: • Rights of way or easements registered against the lot. For instance, will there be a fire hydrant on your lot, or an electrical box?

• Subdivision requirements. For instance, there may be restrictions on the number or kinds of trees that you may plant. Or restrictions on parking commercial vehicles, trailers and boats or performing general automotive maintenance in the driveway. Or on installing a satellite dish.

• Municipal bylaws that regulate activity in the neighbourhood. For instance, are there any restrictions on nanny or in-law suites, home businesses or storage buildings?

A builder that does not agree to sign a contract, or tells you that a contract is unnecessary, is setting up a risky relationship that may not end well.

Without a written contract that outlines the agreed upon price and responsibilities of both you and your builder, it is your word against theirs.

In the event that there are cost overruns or payment issues, you have little protection if work is not being done as expected.

If a builder says that a contract is not needed, there may be reason to worry that work will not be done properly or that costs will be different than expected. Without a contract, a builder may ask for more money without completing agreed upon work, they may do sub-standard work, or they may not be carrying appropriate insurance to protect you and those working on the house.

With a contract in place, however, there is a written guarantee from the builder that work will be done at a certain price within a certain amount of time. A good contract treats both parties fairly. You want assurance that you will get what you agreed to, on the schedule agreed to, at the price agreed to. Contractors want their obligations clearly spelled out, and assurance that you will pay in full and on time.

28 LIVING SPACES SPRING 2012

With a contract in place, you and the builder get the best deal – a fair deal.

Working with a good contractor will save many headaches – and heartaches – as you build the home of your dreams. LS

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Saskatchewan’s Premier Home Show

March 22-25 Prairieland Park, Saskatoon, SK www.homestylesonline.com

Sandra Rinomato Host of HGTV’s “Property Virgins” MARCH 24 & 25

Samantha Pynn Host of HGTV’s “Pure Design” MARCH 23 & 24

Shell Busey The HouseSmart Guy MARCH 23 & 24

HomeStyles is managed & produced by LIVING SPACES SPRING 2012 31

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32 LIVING SPACES SPRING 2012

vation Fashionistas “Give us a bit of your personality, and we’ll give you the room to match!” - Corinne Kaye

Getting to know you… that’s the secret to an inspired home design, says Corinne Kaye, lead renovation designer with Centennial.

“Give us a bit of your personality, and we’ll give you the room to match!”

The renovation fashionista begins every design project with a visit to her clients’ home. “There’s always one signature item in your home that reveals your personal style to me – like a favourite pair of shoes or a red chest of drawers. Every family has a picture in mind of what they want their home to look like. They just don’t know how to get it onto paper. That’s my job,” says Corinne.

Centennial’s Renovation and Design Team has earned an enviable reputation for home improvement projects ranging

from kitchen and bathroom remodeling to basement developments and home additions. “There are four elements that are vital to a successful renovation: client input, excellent design, thorough planning and quality workmanship,” says Corinne.

She remains in close touch with her clients throughout the renovation and design process. “Your input is vital to ensure you’re happy with the end result,” says Corinne.

A thrilling moment for every homeowner �� ��� ����������� �� ��� ��������� ���� design concept as a 3D digital rendering.

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With Centennial’s extensive retail showroom, it’s easy to source all the products for your home renovation under one roof – including stylish cabinetry lines, ����������� ��� ������� ��� ���� �������� ������������ ����� ���� ������� ����� ��

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Ongoing training ensures that Centennial’s team is at the forefront of industry advancements. “Having all of our own trades ensures quality control and that the ���������� ���� �������� ���������� �� �� all the planning and scheduling for you. It’s all taken care of,” says Corinne. “Centennial backs its quality workmanship with a twoyear warranty on home renovations. It’s one more advantage that sets Centennial apart from other home renovators.”

Is there a fabulous pair of peep-toes or stilettos in your closet waiting to inspire Centennial’s renovation fashionistas? Visit Centennial’s Renovation Studio and let the planning begin!

LIVING SPACES SPRING 2012 33

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34 LIVING SPACES SPRING 2012

Welcome to Pure Developments Building Homes with Pure solutions.

Doug Elder PURE DEVELOPMENTS INC. 1810 8th Street E. 306.281.2340 www.purehomes.ca

Pure Developments is not your suit and tie builder, Pure is a young, innovative, hands on developer with a very educated team of local Tradesman and Suppliers. Pure has a remarkable know how to pay attention to ALL details. At Pure we are involved with many projects including spec homes, custom homes, renovations and design consulting. Our company grows one project at a time ensuring that each and every New build is not just another House but built like it was our own, This is the Pure Standard!!! Pure has a unique ability to give you what you never thought you could have Our value, workmanship and design is something we get excited about every day and we hope you do to!

LIVING SPACES SPRING 2012 35

The Cottages at Trimble Pointe 342 Trimble Crescent (Willow Grove)

Located in the heart of Willow Grove. Exciting models to choose from: 2 storey walkouts and 2 storey town homes.

Upgraded interiors including granite countertops, hardwood flooring, Kohler plumbing fixtures, maple cabinets and much much more. Maintenance free exteriors - fully landscaped with automatic underground sprinklers, abundance of green space. www.Trimblecottages.com | North Prairie Developments Ltd. | 931-2880

The River 525 Hunter Road

Located in Stonebridge, The River townhouse complex is the best example of cutting edge design and quality craftsmanship. Each 1462 square foot unit allows for your selection of two different floor plans, distinguished finishes including maple cabinets with island, hardwood flooring, natural gas fireplace and a double attached garage. Perfect for any lifestyle starting at $390,000.

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Stone Point Estates 901-4th Street S, Martensville

Whyrentwhenyoucanbetheproudownerofyourownluxuryattached home for $219,900? Maple hardwood flooring, maple cabinets, quartz countertops, upgraded finishing package with some units featuring a natural gas fireplace makes this an affordable and wise investment.

D & S Homes Ltd. 374-4774

36 LIVING SPACES SPRING 2012

Saskatoon continues to lead the country with new housing starts, including many exciting multi-family developments. Explore these exciting condominium developments now on the market in Saskatoon.

Little Tuscany

150 Langlois Way (Stonebridge) Secure gated community Unique mix of town homes and single family homes Amenities centre with fitness area, sport court, wine bar and entertainment area 16 different floor plans to choose from Located in the heart on Stonebridge Close to any amenities including Stonebridge retail & business centers, future parks, lakes, walking paths and much much more. www.littletuscany.ca | North Prairie Developments Ltd. | 931-2880

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ask anexpert D o I need a lawyer to purchase my home ? W hat do lawyers do in the process ?

Quality Workmanship from Footing to Finish

38

pawlukhomes.ca 220-1533 LIVING SPACES SPRING 2012

?

?

Do you have a new home construction or renovation question that you would like the experts at the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association to answer in our next edition? Send your question to: jarmstrong@thestarphoenix.com

Purchasing a new home may seem like a challenge to many first time home buyers who are not familiar with all the parties that are involved. You may know that you can rely on a realtor to help you purchase the right home, but where does the process go after making the deal? When a home changes hands, there are legal details which a lawyer can help to sort out.

WHAT DOES A LAWYER DO? If you are planning on building a new home, a lawyer may come in early in the process and assist with drafting a contract between you and your builder. If a builder provides a contract for you to review and agree to as part of the sales process, a lawyer can go through the details with you to ensure that you are getting what you want in a home.

When you purchase a resale home, a lawyer is there to see to the legal issues that accompany the change in ownership. You will need the services of a lawyer to search the title of the property, draw up mortgage documents, register new ownership and liens and look after other closing details such as disbursement of funds and arrangement of the land transfer.

HOW MUCH WILL THIS COST? Legal costs vary considerably depending on lawyers’ practices and the complexity of your transaction. Get recommendations and spend some time comparing firms to ensure you get the best value for your money.

HOW DO I FIND A LAWYER FOR MY HOME PURCHASE? Law associations can refer you to lawyers who specialize in real estate law.

Remember that a lawyer should be licensed, work in the area you live, understand real estate laws, regulations and restrictions, provide service at an acceptable cost and be able and willing to explain things in language you can easily understand.

Your real estate lawyer will deal with most of the paperwork once the home buying conditions are met. It is in your best interest to make sure that you understand the steps of the process and your lawyer should be available to answer any questions that you might have. Get a real estate lawyer that you can develop a relationship with and count on for advice. If you take those steps, your real estate experience is likely to be a satisfying one. LS

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hearth &home Counter C ulture

It’s not just about the look when it comes to choosing countertops for your kitchen. Countertops enhance the look of your space, complement your cabinets and other design features, but they also function as a serving area, preparation area and even an eating area.

Your countertop must look good, but it also must perform well.

by J ennifer J acoby- S mith

“People will come in and they’re fairly overwhelmed during their first visit,” says Pat Martin from Pristine Countertops. He recommends customers do some quick research on the internet before visiting a store to give them an idea of what’s available.

Today’s designers and homeowners have tons of choices when it comes to countertops.

Quartz countertops are a fairly recent addition to the market. John Eustace at Floform Countertops says they started carrying quartz about six years ago.

“The biggest seller for us would be quartz countertops,” says Eustace. “Most of your new homes are going with what we call ‘hard and shiny’.”

Quartz is made up of 93 per cent natural quartz stone, which is then crushed up and mixed with resins and binders.

The sophisticated look of quartz, coupled with the low maintenance surface has created a surge in popularity. Unlike granite countertops, quartz doesn’t need any additional sealers applied.

Eustace also says many manufacturers are creating quartz products that mimic the look of natural stone. “You would never know it’s not granite.”

Quartz is completely food safe, highly scratch- and stain-resistant. It is heat-resistant, though not completely heat-proof.

Cost-wise, quartz is very comparable to granite, though a few low end granites might be cheaper than quartz.

When it comes to elegance, there are few materials that can rival granite. Granite countertop can glam up even the most modest of spaces. Large pieces of granite slab are cut from the earth and then sized to fit the customer’s requirements. As a result, no two slabs will ever be the same.

Quartz offers the same polished look as granite with similar functionality. And unlike most granite, quartz countertops never have to be re-sealed. Photo: Cambria

40 LIVING SPACES SPRING 2012

The high shine surface is scratch, stain and heat resistant, though acidic liquids such as citrus can eat at the surface if not wiped up immediately. The surface of granite is porous making it food-safe only as long as the seal is maintained. Most contemporary granite comes with a maintenance-free 10year seal.

Solid surface countertops, such as Corian, are also gaining in popularity.

The advantage of a solid surface countertop is in the uniform look. The options in colour, shape and designs are almost limitless. Scratches and gouges can be sanded out and the product proves to be highly scratch and heat resistant. The cost for solid surface countertops is more than laminate, but usually (though not always) cheaper than granite.

Another specialty countertop is butcher block. “We used to get almost zero requests for it,” says Martin. “But over the last few years, it’s going up.”

While the look is warm and inviting, wood is high maintenance requiring regular application of oil. Wood can also scratch easily or be scorched if exposed to high heat. Wood is also not a good option around sinks where moisture can cause the block to warp.

Stainless steel is another specialty option that both companies are starting to see more of in residential applications. While the look is very clinical and sterile, the surface is unsurpassed in heat and stain resistance.

Stainless steel will mark up and scratch over time. If the fingerprints on your stainless steel refrigerator door drive you crazy, this might not be the best countertop option for you.

Laminate countertops have been around for ages, but this old standby isn’t so old and boring anymore. With improved photo reproduction, laminate can mimic the look of authentic granite.

Laminate countertops require no special maintenance and are very resistant to stains. However, laminate will scratch if you cut on it directly.

“Laminate is a good all round option,” says Martin. “If staying within a budget is a must, go with laminate for sure. You can do some really nice looking stuff with laminate for 25 per cent the price of granite or quartz.”

Both Eustace and Martin agree dark colours, like espresso or black, remain on trend, though Martin says Pristine has seen an increase in white or light coloured countertops. The look is very crisp and modern.

Choosing the right countertop will create more than a beautiful kitchen.

It will stand up to whatever your family throws at it and enhance the space you call home. LS

These granite countertops offer elegance and sophistication to any space. Countertops by Pristine Countertop.

Photo courtesy of Centennial Renovations

LIVING SPACES SPRING 2012 41

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For details on lot availability in Evergreen or other land developments including Hampton Village and Rosewood, contact the City of Saskatoon Land Branch at (306) 975-3278, visit www.saskatoon.ca/go/evergreen or contact your homebuilder.

One of Saskatoon’s newest communities located in the city’s Northwest A variety of street, lot and homestyles to suit any lifestyle Large parks and pedestrian walkways Scenic surroundings A small town feel with city conveniences

For details on lot availability in Hampton Village or other land developments including Evergreen and Rosewood, contact the City of Saskatoon Land Branch at (306) 975-3278, visit www.saskatoon.ca/go/hamptonvillage or contact your homebuilder.

Visit the Land Branch Booth (#408/409) at Homestyles 2012!

LIVING SPACES SPRING 2012 43

amazingrenovations DOES YOUR Bridges Award HOME NEED Renovation of the Year – A LIFESTYLE MAKEOVER?

Kitchen

Centennial was challenged to turn an outdated 1980s home into a refreshed and modern living space, complete with a gourmet kitchen. The home’s original kitchen was outdated and cramped; dividing walls cut up the space. The eat-in kitchen and separate dining room didn’t easily accommodate large gatherings or encourage guests to mingle. As the homeowner loves to entertain, a large, well-designed kitchen and dining space that made the best use of available space was essential.

The decision to renovate can be triggered by a number of things. You may need to repair or replace something, such as roofing, siding or windows. It may be time to freshen up a tired-looking kitchen. Often, home owners simply want to update their home so that it better suits their lifestyle. To make your renovation a positive experience, always choose a professional renovator. Visit the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association’s RenoGuide website at www.renoguide.ca for a full listing of professional renovators, builders and contractors in the Saskatoon region.

BEFORE 44 LIVING SPACES SPRING 2012

To add maximum natural light to the previously dark, closed-in kitchen, a partition wall was removed and three large windows were installed. The new windows added a beautiful view of the backyard and the open concept allowed extra light in from the living room.

The effect was to brighten and enlarge the space, creating a natural flow-through from the kitchen and dining room, and into the family room.

Making the kitchen and dining area large and airy with an open concept feel meant getting creative in a small area. In order to accommodate a separate dining area in the kitchen, a table large enough for five diners was built into the expansive island. This unique feature created an intimate feel for informal family meals close to the kitchen and effectively used the limited extra space.

The functional and striking cabinet layout was designed by Corinne Kaye of Centennial to provide all of the amenities of a large kitchen in a small area. The dark, oak cabinets contrast with the creamy granite island and table and include a wine fridge and extra storage space. Finishing touches, such as the pot lights, new flooring, and trim detail on the ceiling all add to the sense of modern, sleek comfort that the homeowner desired.

The homeowner wanted a new home, but was drawn to the charms of an existing neighbourhood.Centennial’s unique design and attention to detail gave the homeowner the best of both: a newly renovated, modern home with all the beautiful, updated finishes of a newly built house in the homeowner’s perfect spot. LS

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This Lexis home in Hampton Village is a top five SAM finalist in production home under 1,500 square feet category.

C elebrating

excellence

by J ennifer J acoby- S mith

Saskatoon home builder Lexis Homes has been named, not once, but twice as a top five finalist for the Canadian Home Builders’ Association National SAM Awards.

Not bad for a small company just four years old.

Lexis co-owner Cam Skoropat says the company prides itself on building extraordinary homes that get noticed.

Two projects were named as finalists in separate categories. Lexis Homes’ Broadway townhome was named a finalist for single attached home of the year, while 703 Hargreaves Crescent in Hampton Village was named a top five finalist in the best production home under 1,500 square feet.

The SAM Awards honour outstanding performance by Canada’s new home builders. Entries are judged on excellence in design and construction, distinctive community development, innovative technology and construction techniques, and exceptional marketing and sales activities. (Winners were announced after this issue went to press.)

Lexis was the only Saskatoon builder to make the top five in any category.

P hotography by C raig L eontowicz

46 LIVING SPACES SPRING 2012

“There’s only one other builder in Canada that was named in two categories. Pretty good for a young company!” comments Skoropat.

Lexis Homes was started by Skoropat and business partner Duane Hill after the pair had spent several years renovating houses.

Though they both loved the challenge of renovations, they eventually decided it may just be simpler to build from scratch. But they both agreed, if they were going to start building houses, the houses had to be distinctive and unlike anything on their respective streets.

The result was a company with a focus on “good design,” says Skoropat, who is an engineer by training.

Skoropat credits the first project – a townhouse on Broadway Avenue – for bringing Lexis a lot of attention.

The high-traffic street coupled with the distinctive exterior got many people talking.

“We got an unbelievable amount of compliments on our exterior,” says Skoropat.

Each side of the two-storey townhouse features over 1900 square feet of space. Triple pane windows minimize road noise and maximize efficiency. The Energy Star rated home also has high efficiency furnace and hot water heater. To reduce noise between units, the common wall has more than double the sound dampening of standard building code requirements.

Part of the thoughtful design, electronics clutter is minimized by built-in centralized audio and video component wiring in the family room. Meanwhile, two islands maximize workspace in the kitchen and the massive pantry is hidden behind a custom-made sliding door.

“We don’t use the same ideas over and over again,” says Skoropat. “It takes a lot of effort on our part.”

While it may not be the easy way, the excellence in design seems to be paying off with national recognition. But more importantly, says Skoropat, clients are happy to have a house that expresses their own personality.

“People just like the fact that their house sets them apart from everyone,” Skoropat explains. “Most people who come to us don’t want cookie cutter houses.” LS

Each side of this duplex on Broadway Avenue boasted a completely different floor plan, allowing Lexis to showcase different ideas.

The distinctive exterior garners a lot of attention for the young home building company.

“Each side has a totally different layout, which is nice, because we could showcase a couple of totally different ideas,” says Skoropat.

Lexis earned a second SAM nomination for 703 Hargreaves Crescent in Hampton Village. This well-designed home with a distinctive exterior features large windows and a garage flush with the rest of the home.

“That’s one thing we do is try not to make the garage be the focal point of the house in the new neighbourhoods,” says Skoropat.

The modern styling continues in the kitchen with clean lines, dual islands and thin countertops.

Lexis built 10 homes in 2011 and plans for 12 in the upcoming year. The new projects include the Vibe on Five – a modern home project on 5th Street.

Skoropat realizes their ultra modern homes may not appeal to everyone and that’s just fine with him.

“We don’t try to appeal to the whole market. We have a little niche for people who are very interested in the design side of it,” he explains.

Skoropat says their design process in building a custom home is a bit different from the norm, with an interior designer involved from step one. The collaborative approach allows the Lexis team to keep things fresh and new each time.

LIVING SPACES SPRING 2012 47

designelements Points of contrast add visual interest in an open concept floor plan. “It could be the colour contrast between the cabinets and the countertops, or the cabinets and the flooring… You want a bit of unexpected in every space,” says Tara Lefebvre, IDT.

T ips for designing your open concept home

by J e A N N I E A R M S T R O N G

PHOTOGRAPHY BY J E F F LY O N S & H eather F ritz P hotography

One of the design trends distinguishing many of today’s new homes is the open concept floor plan.

An open floor plan amplifies the feeling of spaciousness within a home, even one of modest proportions. Living, kitchen and dining areas merge into one unified space, commonly referred to as the ‘great room.’ High ceilings and large windows that flood the space with natural light turn up the volume even more.

A well-designed open floor plan will accommodate multiple functions with ease, says Tara Lefebvre, Interior Design Technologist (IDT) with Westridge Homes Ltd. in Saskatoon. “Most of your family’s daily activities will take place in the great room,” says Lefebvre.

“Open concept floor plans are ideal for entertaining. The open flow of the room invites interaction. You can be cooking in the kitchen while your guests are relaxing in the living room, and never have a break in the conversation.”

While popular, open concept homes can be challenging to design and decorate. “Make sure that your builder knows what functions you want the space for. If you do a lot of entertaining and require a lot of seating, make sure the room will accommodate a large dining table, or extra living room furniture. Be aware of the size of your furniture. If there are specific pieces of furniture you are bringing into the home, make sure they will fit into your design,” says Lefebvre.

To enhance the flow of the room, Lefebvre advises using the same flooring throughout, with hardwood the most popular choice. She notes you can define a space by changing the floor-

48 LIVING SPACES SPRING 2012

“Open concept floor plans are ideal for entertaining. The open flow of the room invites interaction.”

– Tara Lefebvre, Interior Design Technologist ing, giving the example of using tile in the front entrance. “If you tile the foyer and have the rest of the room in hardwood, it will make the entrance feel like a separate area, even if it’s all one space.”

Consistency in wall colour will also make your open concept floor plan more cohesive. “It’s difficult to change paint colour within an open concept plan because you don’t always have a good start and stop point,” says Lefebvre. “With some plans, there may be a feature wall that you can accent with a different colour.”

Points of contrast are also needed to create visual interest in the room. “It could be the colour contrast between the cabinets and the countertops, or the cabinets and the flooring. Contrast can also be achieved through changes in texture, or adding an unexpected rustic or vintage piece of furniture in an otherwise modern décor. You want a bit of unexpected in every space,” says Lefebvre.

With so many different activities taking place in your great room, it’s essential to define individual spaces within the open floor plan. Lighting is one way to differentiate the living, dining and kitchen areas. “Even in these large open great rooms, intimate spaces can be created through different layers of lighting, such as the installation of pendant lights over the island or hanging a chandelier over the dining room table,” says Lefebvre. Independent switching and the use of dimmers are also recommended. With the flick of a switch, you can define and highlight a specific zone within the space.

“Trim details are another way to define spaces in your open floor plan; these can include details such as wainscoting, paneling or crown moulding. Ceiling details or changes in ceiling heights can also help differentiate a certain space,” says Lefebvre. Options range from simple ceiling medallions to intricate coffered and vaulted beamed ceilings.

The designer also offers tips for furniture placement. “In an open concept room, you want to avoid placing all your furniture against the walls. Instead, group your sofa, love seat and chairs in a closer, conversational setting. People may think that grouping the furniture will make a space feel smaller, but it can actually help to achieve an image of space,” says Lefebvre.

An area rug will define and unify your arrangement, she adds. “Placing an area rug under your living room furniture, or under the dining room table, will create a feeling of separation within the great room.”

To maintain the spacious, airy feel of your open concept floor plan, it’s crucial to keep clutter under control. “It’s essential to have enough storage space.

There needs to be an abundance of drawers and cabinets in your kitchen,” says Lefebvre, who suggests incorporating built-in recycling bins and an appliance garage into the initial design.

“Another good choice for open concept homes is furniture with built-in storage, such as an ottoman or a hall table. They serve a double purpose in the room,” says Lefebvre.

Many of the homes constructed in Saskatoon by Westridge Homes feature open concept floor plans, demonstrating the builder’s clever use of space and meticulous attention to detail.

Placing an area rug under your dining room table, or living room furniture, will define the space and create a feeling of separation within the great room.

Westridge Homes is a division of Westridge Construction, one of the province’s leading general contractors. Westridge expanded into residential home construction ten years ago in Saskatoon, under the leadership of managing partner Regan Tameling.

Tameling uses his diploma in architecture and 20 years of experience in the construction industry to build homes that are both visually impressive and practical in design.

Tameling and Lefebvre work in collaboration on the homes’ interior designs. “Regan’s quite traditional, while I tend to lean towards the modern.

Together, we achieve an eclectic mix of traditional elements in a modern setting,” says Lefebvre.

Working in the design field for the past four years after acquiring her diploma in Interior Design Technology at Lakeland College, Lefebvre says that she loves every aspect of the design process. “I enjoy being part of the Westridge team and having the opportunity to see a project through, right from the initial planning stage to completion. I get quite attached to the homes, and even though it is very exciting to pass a home over to the new owners, it can still be tough to see them go.” LS LIVING SPACES SPRING 2012 49

M omentum is building in R osewood

After five years of intensive planning, consultations and infrastructure development, the southeast subdivision of Rosewood is now blossoming into one of the fastest growing new neighbourhoods in Saskatoon.

by J eannie A rmstrong

Boychuk Investments Ltd. is the lead developer of the new subdivision, working in partnership with the City of Saskatoon, Casa Blanca Holdings, Lakewood Estates Inc. and Rosewood Land Inc.

“It’s exciting! All new subdivisions come to a point of critical mass where they begin to move forward very quickly. Rosewood is now at that stage of development,” says Ron Olson, general manager of Boychuk Investments.

The Rosewood land parcel is comprised of 722 acres of prime southeast sector land, located south of Briarwood and east of Lakeridge. When completely built, Rosewood will be populated by an estimated 11,000 people.

Rosewood is Saskatoon’s first green-themed subdivision, home to a 65-acre wetlands conservation area. A series of linear parks will bring Rosewood residents close to nature. Walking and biking paths will extend along numerous lakes within the wetlands area. The trails will link to a centrally located ‘village square,’ featuring commercial development, a community centre, soccer fields and ball diamonds. Landscaping of the linear parks will begin this spring.

According to Olson, 2012 will be a year of unprecedented growth in Rosewood. “Within Boychuk-owned lands, Phases One, Two and Three have all been sold, and we have just completed the underground development of Phase Four,” says Olson.

“Phases Two and Three consist primarily of multi-family sites. Two types of multi-family projects are under construction there. One is a townhome condominium development in the middle-price range. A stacked, or apartment-style condominium project is also under construction right now, targeting the entry-level or affordable segment of the market.”

Jastek Developments will also unveil a new upscale condominium project in Rosewood in 2012. “This will be one of the largest condominium projects ever developed in Saskatoon,” says Olson. “The clubhouse alone will be in the million dollar range.”

Boychuk Homes is finalizing plans for its own upscale condominium development in Rosewood. Olson says Rosewood Estates will appeal to empty-nesters looking to downsize from their large family homes to the carefree condominium lifestyle.

“Many units will have walkout basements with views of the wetlands. All of the townhomes will be luxuriously appointed, and offer double attached garages,” says Olson.

Boychuk’s fourth phase of development consists of 156 single family lots, on the subdivision’s southern perimeter. “We brought the first 81 lots out in November and presold 50 per cent,” says Olson.

“In Phase Five, we intend to complete a number of higher-end lots backing onto the wetlands. These upscale lots sit about 20 feet higher than the surrounding wetlands and will offer amazing vistas.”

Phase Five will also include more moderately priced lots, some backing onto green space.

“There is a real mix of housing types available in Rosewood, from affordable lots to upscale properties,” says Olson. c o n t in u ed o n p ag e 52

50 LIVING SPACES SPRING 2012

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community

c ontinued from page 50

Boychuk-developed lots are sold directly to professional builders. “Architectural controls ensure attractive streetscapes and protect the home owners’ investment,” says Olson. For more information about lot availabilities, contact Boychuk Investments at (306) 374-3939.

Fifteen per cent of the land in Rosewood is owned and under development by the City of Saskatoon. These lots are available through a lot draw process, to builders and private citizens alike. “We have some of the nicest lands adjacent to the wetland conservation areas,” says Frank Long, Land Branch project manager with the City of Saskatoon.

The Land Branch held its first Rosewood lot draw in October, 2011. Of the 156 lots available in the City’s first phase of development, 50 lots remain, including several walk-outs. “Some of the lots back onto green space and offer great views of the wetlands,” says Long. “Additional lots will be released to the market in March or April of this year.”

Forty-five per cent of the lands in Rosewood are owned by Casa Blanca Holdings. The land owner has entered into a partnership with real estate developer Arbutus Park Properties to create The Meadows at Rosewood, a master planned neighbourhood comprised of multi-family, single family residential and commercial retail units.

Arbutus Park Properties director Jeffrey Drexel says, “We have 235 acres in Rosewood, with options on an additional 110 acres.”

This spring, Arbutus Park will roll out its first phase of available lots. “We have just put in the roads and underground servicing for 95 single family lots and two multi-family sites,” says Drexel.

Arbutus is working with three architects and a master planner to create a unique neighbourhood of front-porch ‘Craftsman-style’ homes. “We have made lots available to a select group of eight to ten builders. Arbutus Park Properties will also build some houses ourselves.

Later in 2012, the City of Saskatoon will bring another 140 lots onto the market. “This land parcel will feature a good mix of product, including some of the more affordable lots, as well as a few higher-end, pie-shaped lots on cul-de-sacs,” says Long.

“We are also developing a gated community geared towards people aged 50-plus, called Sterling Gate,” says Drexel. The walk-out bungalows will feature 10-foot ceilings, open floor plans, hardwood floors, granite countertops and double attached garages.

Long says response to the Rosewood subdivision has been very positive.

“Part of Rosewood’s appeal is its convenient access to other areas of the city. If you work downtown, it’s an easy ten-minute commute to work.

Once the South Circle Drive Bridge is complete, there will also be quick access to the southwest sector of the city.”

For more information, check out www.rosewoodsaskatoon.com, and visit the sales centre, located on the Taylor Street entrance.

Arbutus Park Properties, the City of Saskatoon Land Branch and Boychuk Investments will all have informative exhibits at HomeStyles 2012. LS

Your Renovation, Our Specialty, Professional, High Quality Craftsmanship.

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52 LIVING SPACES SPRING 2012

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affordable housing

S o suite :

S econdary suites e x pand potential for new home ownership

by J enn S harp

Rising housing costs and rental increases are making it challenging for first time home buyers and renters alike. For those on modest incomes, affordable housing options are a must in Saskatoon.

If you’re building or buying a property, consider adding a secondary suite to increase your income and help pay down your mortgage, while providing affordable housing options for those in need. Secondary suites are self-contained living units created within single-family homes. These suites include a kitchen, bathroom and a separate entrance.

The City of Saskatoon and the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation have several grant and rebate programs in effect. Several home builders in Saskatoon are also concentrating some of their efforts on constructing homes with secondary suites.

SECONDARY SUITE OPTION North Prairie Developments Ltd. offers two options for buyers who wish to purchase a home with a secondary suite.

North Prairie’s Sienna model is a 1,080 square foot bi-level with a rear attached garage.

With the addition of a two-bedroom suite, the home is priced around the $369,900 mark.

The Foxborough is a 1,213 square foot bi-level with an attached double garage that sells for $409,900 with a one-bedroom basement suite. The same home with a two-bedroom suite lists at $416,900.

Andrew Williams, single family housing manager for North Prairie, explains the suites were designed for investors and first time home buyers who need a rental income. He says the suites are move-in ready, completely soundproofed and fire-rated.

Suites are heated using baseboard heat which eliminates the cost of a second furnace and separate gas meter for the basement. However, a separate electrical panel and meter are needed to measure power usage and costs.

Suite access for the Foxborough model is incorporated through a side door in the fully heated garage, making the suite visually less intrusive on the neighbourhood. Williams says North Prairie only builds 10 per cent of their homes on a street with secondary suites. Too many secondary suites on a street not designed for them may cause parking and aesthetic concerns for residents.

“If we’re building 20 houses on a street, two of them will have secondary suites,” he says.

“They’re also split up throughout the street.”

The company started offering the secondary suite option two years ago as an answer to the increase in rental demand. Williams says the suites have been popular.

“They’re in hot demand. Since we’ve started them we haven’t been able to finish one (before the home is purchased). That’s partly due to our model of not oversupplying the market. We’ve found that by the time it hits drywall stage, we’ve got competing offers on it.”

For more information, call North Prairie Developments at (306) 931-2880 or visit them online at northprairiehomes.com.

REBATE PROGRAM The City of Saskatoon offers a permit fee rebate program for homeowners developing or legalizing a secondary suite. Full and partial rebates are available for the fees associated with building, plumbing and development permits. The amount of the rebate depends upon c o n t in u ed o n p ag e 56

54 LIVING SPACES SPRING 2012

LIVING SPACES SPRING 2012 55

housing

co n tin ued from page 54

whether a suite is a new build or converted into a legalized suite.

Allan Wallace, Manager of Neighbourhood Planning, says the program will run until the end of 2012, when additional funding will be needed to continue. He says homeowners can expect to receive between $900 to $1,200 a month in extra income from renting a suite.

“That money goes a long way towards covering a mortgage payment and makes owning a home much more affordable.”

He says homeowners should also consider extra costs associated with building a suite, such as maintenance, heating and ventilation, and a parking space for potential tenants (which is a requirement for renting a secondary suite).

For more information on the city’s affordable housing plan, click on ‘N’ on the city’s website at saskatoon.ca, then ‘Neighbourhood Planning,’ followed by ‘Housing.’

FORGIVEABLE LOANS The Saskatchewan Housing Corporation has a secondary suite program that provides financial assistance to eligible homeowners and rental property owners to construct or renovate a secondary suite in the form of a forgivable loan.

As of January 1, 2012, several changes have been made to the program from last year. Secondary suite support is now shared with the federal government under the Investment in Affordable Housing agreement.

This funding has resulted in a $2 million investment in the secondary suite program in Saskatchewan.

Tim Gross, Executive Director for Housing Development with the Government of Saskatchewan, says they have increased the loan amount available to homeowners wishing to build a secondary suite. The maximum loan amount is now $30,000 per unit, up by $6,000.

“We looked at what we were hearing from people applying for the program who were saying their costs had been going up over the last number of years. The costs to (construct) rental units are increasing. We looked at the costs of construction and pegged it to the rate of construction inflation for the last number of years to make that increase,” he says.

The loan is for 50 per cent of the total construction or renovation costs to a maximum of $30,000.

To qualify for the program in the past, the homeowner had to agree to keep the rental suite affordable for a 10-year period. That forgiveness period has now been reduced to five years. Gross said the challenges to rent a unit for 10 years became a barrier that prevented home owners from making use of the program.

The intended purpose of the secondary suite program is to provide affordable housing options for those with modest or low income households. The maximum income limits for people renting these units remain unchanged at $52,000 for households with dependents and $44,500 for a single person without a dependent.

AFTER

Interested homeowners and rental property owners can find more information by contacting the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation at 306-7874177 or 1-800-667-7567 or by visiting: socialservices.gov.sk.ca/housing. LS

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You want to work with a reputable contractor – one that treats you fairly and honestly, puts their promises in writing, and backs up their work. You should not deal with anyone who offers a special price if you pay cash and nothing gets written down. A cash deal means a lot more risk for you, and far less control over how your project turns out. And that’s no deal at all.

ALL DECKED OUT

by J eannie A rmstrong

Who wants to spend every summer re-staining your deck or replacing worn and rotten wooden deck boards?

Today, maintenance-free decks are a top priority for home owners, says Rene Laberge, owner of the Saskatoon Deck Shop, located at 111 Wheeler Street, by Silverwood Golf Course.

Laberge has provided maintenance-free decking solutions for local home owners since 1993. The Saskatoon Deck Shop is the province’s leading distributor for Duradek, the industry’s original sheet vinyl waterproofing system for decks and balconies. “The Duradek decks we built in 1993 are still standing,” says Laberge. “Duradek has stood the test of time and proven that it can withstand our extreme climate conditions.”

Once available in just a few basic colours, Duradek now comes in a wide assortment of patterns, shades and textures – including the Ultra Tiledek that offers the look of tile or slate on your outdoor deck.

Home owners can also choose from a variety of maintenance-free rail systems, including picket and glass styles. Laberge notes that glass rail systems are gaining popularity because they provide clear views of the surrounding landscape, as well as serving as a wind block – always a consideration in Saskatchewan. Frosted or tinted privacy side panels are smart options for home owners whose decks are in close proximity to their neighbours.

Rob Keep, manager of The Dexperts, a division of Beachcomber Hot Tubs at 2412 Millar Avenue, agrees that maintenance-free is the only way to go with a new deck. The company sells both vinyl and composite decking, as well as aluminum and glass railing systems.

With a maintenance-free vinyl deck, home owners can spend their summers relaxing.

Photo: Saskatoon Deck Shop

“There are a lot of different products on the market. We did research for almost two years before selecting our vinyl decking line, to ensure we were offering a product with an industry leading warranty and that would last for years. We carry vinyl deck surfaces by Global Dec-K-ing. They’ve been around in Canada for 34 years. Deck-K-ing’s vinyl membrane is a fully approved roof and deck surface that acts as a complete waterproof barrier,” says Keep.

Proper installation of a waterproof decking system is crucial say both deck professionals, who advise home owners ensure their installers are factory trained and certified.

BIGGER IS BETTER Not only are today’s decks maintenance free, they are bigger than ever, says Laberge.

“It used to be that a 10 by 12 foot deck was the norm. Now the deck will be the full width of the back of the house, extending 14 feet out. Bigger is better. With the trend to a bigger deck, people are looking for a lot more options – from outdoor kitchens to screen rooms and enclosures,” says Laberge.

58 LIVING SPACES SPRING 2012

“It’s really common now to incorporate entertainment centres into the deck design… They’re really designed to entertain.”

– RENE LABERGE, SASKATOON DECK SHOP Ryan Cowie, owner/operator of Design Pro Construction contracts deck builds and vinyl decking installations for The Dexperts. Cowie says, “People are spending more time in their back yards, on their decks. They are designing their entire back yards around their decks. The deck becomes the centerpiece for the yard.”

Today’s decks have evolved into inviting outdoor living spaces. Super sized and super stylish, these decks have it all, says Desiree Hubbs, customer service specialist at Saskatoon Deck Shop. “People are starting to create different living areas within their deck: a kitchen area, a dining area, an area to sit and relax. It’s all about creating outdoor rooms.”

The generic deck is a thing of the past, says Hubbs. “People really want to customize their deck space. There are so many options today, it’s easy to achieve a design that suits your individual needs.”

Today’s outdoor kitchens can be as lavish as an indoor kitchen, including granite countertops and barbecue stations with built-in ovens, sinks and coolers.

“It’s really common now to incorporate entertainment centres into the deck design, including built-in sound systems, speakers and TVs. They’re really designed to entertain,” says Laberge.

A designated hot tub area is also high on home owners’ wish lists, says Keep. As a division of Beachcomber Hot Tubs, The Dexperts often design and build decks with designated hot tub areas, including surrounding privacy panels.

Other deck options overcome inclement weather, such as patio covers, retractable awnings, enclosures and screen rooms, says Lebarge. “These systems give you the option of closing in your deck on a cool or windy day, but when it’s hot, you can open everything up and enjoy the elements.”

One of the ultimate options for indoor/outdoor living is the NanaWall,

says Laberge. Custom designed for large openings, the NanaWall is a glass wall system that opens up any room with a view to the outdoors. Folding and sliding systems are available in aluminum, wood or clad frames.

The first step to making your dream deck a reality is to call for a home consultation, says Hubbs. “We’ll come out and look at the space, and talk to the home owners about what they plan to use their deck for. Together we draw up a wish list. We’ll suggest sizes based on the furnishings they plan to include on the deck. We’ll draw out preliminary plans for them to look at, based on that conversation.”

Having professional input into the design of your deck is invaluable, says Keep. “We see hundreds of decks. We know what works and what doesn’t work. It’s all about customer service. We want to provide a high quality product and have them be happy with the end result.”

Keep adds that home owners are happy to learn that The Dexperts will do more than just build their deck. “We also build fences, install underground sprinklers, sod, you name it – anything out your back door!”

Before hiring a deck company, what questions should home owners ask?

“The best question any consumer should ask before hiring any type of construction trade is for references,” says Laberge. “Then be sure to follow up on those references.”

Keep says, “Don’t just make a phone call. When you follow up on references, ask to see the decks they have built.”

“Ask the contractors what associations they are members of. Reputable contractors will be members of the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association or the Better Business Bureau. Those organizations ensure that their members are knowledgeable and will follow the building codes,” concludes Hubbs. LS

With a small yard, home owners may want to consider installing a ground level patio adjacent to their deck, says Dexperts contractor Ryan Cowie.

Photo: Dexperts/Design Pro Construction

LIVING SPACES SPRING 2012 59

innovations PINK PRODUCTS WITH A CAUSE

by T om E remondi

A Calgary-based Canadian company has developed a new product that it hopes will revolutionize the homebuilding industry.

“The product, PinkShield, was developed by Cano Coatings of Calgary,” reports Blair Nutting, vice-president of PinkWood, the subsidiary company that Cano created to market the new product.

PinkShield is a fire resistant coating that will also protect wood against mold, fungus and rot, Nutting adds. “Because it’s water based, it’s also non-toxic, environmentally friendly and low in VOCS – volatile organic compounds.”

He says PinkShield-coated products burn significantly slower, preventing fires from spreading and allowing fire crews more time to respond. This means fires more likely will be contained in a home, reducing risks for contents.

PinkWood sells three lines of coated wood products – PKI joists, PK lumber, and PK fibreboard. Using all three will provide maximum protection for a house but Nutting says the best and most common use is in the joists.

“The joists are boards used in the flooring,” says North Ridge Development’s Errol Fisher.

“The flooring is usually the first thing that goes when there’s a fire, so that’s the most important part to be protected. If you had a fire in your basement, this wood would stop it long enough for the fire department to get in, which is why they really like it.”

The company was the first in Saskatoon and area to use PinkWood joists. It did so in a Martensville home and North Ridge has announced that all homes it builds on the street will include those joists. “In addition, any house we build in the future with i-joists will have PinkWood i-joists,” Fisher says.

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

60 LIVING SPACES SPRING 2012

A demonstration by PinkWood shows the protective nature of its product. Untreated wood will burn through more rapidly than wood treated with PinkShield. Photo courtesy of North Ridge PinkWood also can be especially valuable during construction, he says.

“If a house gets wet when it’s still uncovered, the lumber tends to lose some of its integrity. With PinkWood, that’s not going to happen.”

nate materials and the amount of money saved would then be donated to the centre,” he reports. “As of mid-January we’d raised $30,000 and are hoping to raise $50,000.”

A former firefighter, Jason Campbell of Campbell Homes, agrees that joists are most important to use in the prevention of fires from spreading rapidly. “If the fire is spreading slower, firefighters have more time to respond and then get into the homes to attack the fire. After seeing the demonstrations, I’m convinced this is the minimum you should use and that’s why all Campbell Homes will have the PinkWood joists in the future.”

Fisher says that customers like the added value of the product. “First, they know it’s for a good cause and second, customers love anything that’s going to protect their house for longer.”

With a recent showhome, though, his company went a little further than i-joists. He decided to construct Saskatoon’s first house with a frame built entirely of PinkWood. “The stairs, floors, joists, trusses, all the two-by-fours and all the two-bysixes are PinkWood. Because of this, the Stonebridge home is more than twice as safe in the event of a fire. With the added mold, rot and fungus resistance, a PinkWood house like this will simply last a lot longer.”

While PinkWood in most homes will eventually be covered, Campbell says buyers easily can see where it is to guarantee they actually are getting a PinkWood home. “In the basement, look overhead for the joists. You’ll see this more in unfinished basements but, in basements that have already been developed, your best place to look will probably be in a utility room because that’s where the joists are typically exposed.”

So, from where does the pink come? Nutting says Cano Coatings was debating what colour to make the shielding when its CEO Martin Dettbarn suggested pink and tying in the product with raising funds for breast cancer research.

“Pink wasn’t a lumber colour on the market,” Nutting explains, “and breast cancer was a cause we felt worthy of supporting. We donate a portion of sales and to date have raised more than $25,000.”

Campbell also decided to support breast cancer research and treatment through the Saskatoon City Hospital’s Breast Health Centre. “With the Stonebridge house, suppliers were asked to do-

In addition to Campbell Homes and North Ridge Developments, Nutting says there are now more than half a dozen Saskatoon homebuilders who have used PinkWood in their houses. The product, distributed by Taiga, is also available for consumer purchase at Warman Home Centre.

For more information, visit pinkwood.ca . LS

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Agrium Market Kitchen

featuring chefs Mike McKeown and Joel Hassler

by J ennifer J acoby- S mith P hotography by J eff Lyons This edition, we are ‘in the kitchen’ with chefs Mike McKeown and Joel Hassler as they try out the new Agrium Market Kitchen located in the heart of the Saskatoon Farmers Market.

When asked how he got into cooking, McKeown explains, “I just kind of fell into cooking, and then just went with it.”

“He wanted to be like me,” jokes Hassler, who went to high school with McKeown. The pair ended up at SIAST taking cooking courses together.

McKeown has been a mainstay at the Farmers Market for the last couple of years selling pre-packaged gourmet meals made with fresh local ingredients. Recently, McKeown opened his own restaurant called Prairie Harvest Café, located at 2917 Early Drive.

Hassler cooks with McKeown at the restaurant.

“The whole place is about elevated comfort food, doing different takes on it,” says McKeown.

The perogies, which are made using fresh flavours like spinach, are a case in point.

“We’re experimenting with different fillings. I’m trying to elevate them (the perogies) a little bit, using our own bacon or chanterelle mushrooms, ingredients like that,” he says.

In fact, all items on the menu at Prairie Harvest are made from scratch with both Hassler and McKeown contributing new and unique flavour combinations.

“We’re liking experimenting with burgers right now. We’re trying to do a lot of vegan items right now too.”

Hassler says that vegan desserts are a popular menu addition. “Vegans are so limited on what they can eat at most normal places, because pretty much everything for dessert has milk or eggs in it. We have a lot of vegan friends. They encourage us to try different creations.”

LIVING SPACES SPRING 2012 63

kitchen

co n tinued from previous page

McKeown still maintains his booth at the Saskatoon Farmers Market and participates in various events there – including being the featured chef for the upcoming monthly Chef Event on May 17th.

He loves the addition of the Agrium Market Kitchen.

“It’s something that has been needed for a while now. I think it’s going to be a really good thing. It’s good for the chefs as they have a chance for some exposure they might not otherwise have, and good for people to be exposed to food from right here.”

He motions to the Farmers Market around him. “They can look and see what they can do with all the fresh, local ingredients. There’s more available in Saskatchewan than you think.”

You can enjoy fine Saskatchewan ingredients at Prairie Harvest Café or try out these popular recipes from Chefs McKeown and Hassler:

Fish Burger with Remoulade

by Joel Hassler This can be made with any type of fish. We use all local fishes, but you can easily substitute salmon, halibut or any other firm fish.

1 lb ground whitefish 1 lb ground trout 1 lb ground pike 2 oz fresh dill 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice zest one lemon zest one orange 1/2 onion 2 garlic 1 pinch fresh ginger 1 oz cilantro Place all ground fish, set in perforated insert and drain liquid.

Mix all ingredients together and form into six ounce patties.

If they do not form well enough add a bit of bread crumbs till they stay together. Cook on well oiled skillet until brown on both sides, finish in oven for 3-5 minutes till firm.

REMOULADE: 1 cup mayonnaise 2 gherkin pickles zest and juice of one lemon 3 cloves garlic 2 fillets of anchovy 10 capers 1/2 tsp chipotle paste Combine all ingredients but mayonnaise in food processor.

Pulse until fine and then fold into mayonnaise. Serve on burger bun.

64 LIVING SPACES SPRING 2012

Perogies

by Mike Mckeown DOUGH: 2 cups flour 1 egg 1/2 cup sour cream 1/4 cup butter Mix butter in small chunks into flour. Add sour cream and egg. Mix until firm and smooth. Let sit for 20 to 30 minutes before rolling out. Roll out dough to desired thickness. Cut with 4-inch ring mold. Place 1 tablespoon of filling in centre. Brush perimeter of dough with water and pinch together. Boil for 2 minutes, finish in frying pan with butter till slightly browned. Serve with caramelized onion, sour cream or crème fraiche.

FILLING: 1/4 large onion 2 boiled potatoes 1/4 cup raw bacon chopped 1 cup fresh spinach 100g aged cheddar Cook potatoes till soft, mash, set aside. Cook onions and bacon on hot pan till bacon is cooked and onions translucent, turn pan off add spinach, mix until soft. Combine onion mixture with potato add cheddar and let cool.

Vegan Carrot Apple Cake

by Joel Hassler CAKE: 2 cups grated carrot 1 cup grated apple 2 cups all purpose flour 1 tsp salt 3/4 cup sugar 2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking soda 2 tsp cinnamon 1/2 cup maple syrup 1 1/2 cup canola oil Mix all dry ingredients. Reserve juice from apples for glaze. Mix together dry and wet ingredients. Pour into 9-inch floured spring form pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes to one hour.

GLAZE: Juice from grated apple 1/8 cup maple syrup 1/8 cup brown sugar Combine in sauce pan and bring to slow boil. Brush onto cake while still hot.

Serves 8-10

Roasted Eggplant Hummus

by Mike McKeown 1 small can chickpeas, reserve liquid juice and zest of 2 lemons 3 cloves roasted garlic 1 cloves fresh garlic 1 eggplant roasted till soft 1/8 cup olive oil 1/4 cup canola oil salt and pepper Put all ingredients, except oils, in food processor. Blend until paste.

Combine oils in measuring cup and add slowly until blended to desired consistency. If needed use excess chickpea liquid to finish. Serve with crackers, bread or chips.

LIVING SPACES SPRING 2012 65

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