Living Spaces Winter 2013 by Lori Kluge

SPACES

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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 & REGION HOME BUILDERS‘ ASSOCIATION

WINTER 2013

THIS OLD HOUSE: Bringing an older home back to life

Inside the butler’s pantry

What’s New In

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A Message from the President & CEO

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

Saskatchewan and communities throughout the province are continuing to prosper and grow, keeping demand for home building and renovating at an all-time high. New and dynamic innovations and advancements in technology, energy efficiency and home design are being brought to the province faster than ever. Those looking to buy a new home or renovate their existing home have more choices than ever before in terms of functionality, layout, and design. Each home can be customized, from the floor plan to the drapery and everything in between, with unique design concepts to suit the customer. There are so many new and innovative products on the market, and many people have been moving towards energy efficient upgrades such as heating systems with highefficiency equipment and ENERGY STAR® certified products. When installing new windows, you can choose higher-performance windows which offer immediate savings on heating and cooling costs. Other options include upgrading light fixtures and bulbs to compact fluorescent, halogen or LED lights, or upgrading to new ENERGY STAR® appliances. Whether you’re building a new home or considering upgrades to your existing home, there are extensive new design options for flooring, kitchen cabinets, windows and doors, and even remarkable technological advances to add throughout the home. These days, you can control everything from your security system, thermostat, lights and appli-

ances to your curtains and blinds right from your Smartphone. You can also update your home with new and exciting home décor. Whatever your needs, you can be assured that there are unlimited choices in home building, renovating and design. To learn more about building or renovating your home we encourage you to attend the HomeStyles Home Show, Saskatchewan’s premier building, renovating and decorating showcase, March 20-23, 2014 at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon. Many of our Association members will be in attendance, showcasing the latest products, trends and innovations in home building, renovating and design. HomeStyles is a great opportunity to get ideas and information about new homes, renovations or decorating concepts. TechStyles is being presented for the second year and showcases the most innovative and technological advances currently available in the home building industry, including products that will take your home well into the future and beyond. We hope you enjoy this edition of our Living Spaces magazine and that you find answers to some of your buying, renovating or decorating questions. This issue is full of helpful new ideas and innovations to help you renovate, decorate, innovate or build the new home of your dreams. Please don’t hesitate to contact our professional team at the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association if your need help finding a member. For further information, contact us at: (888) 955-5188 or email to: info@saskatoonhomebuilders.com

L I VING

SPACES

THE O F F I C I A L M A G A Z INE O F T HE SASK ATOOn & REGION HOME BUILDERS ’ ASSOCIATION

contents

F E AT U R E S 13

AT HOME: Rosewood residence a collaboration of talent

Uplifting ceilings

30 The magnificent mudroom 40 Chandelier style! 58

Inside the butler’s pantry

60 That’s entertainment!

13 8

WINTER 2013/2014

82 40

D E PA R T M E N T S 28 38

ASK AN EXPERT: Maison Fine Homes

46 COMMUNITY: Parkview Cove in Osler 53

ASK AN EXPERT: Kitchen Designs by Delta

54 AFFORDABLE HOUSING: Innovative Residential 56

ASK AN EXPERT: Rempel Brothers Construction

68 DESIGN ELEMENTS: Montana Homes’ new design centre 72

TRAILBLAZERS: North Prairie Developments

BUILDING COMMUNITY: Synergy 8 Community Builders

art direction James Grummett photograp hy Jeff Lyons Elaine Mark

DESIGN & R E N O VAT I O N 33

INTRODUCING: Soak

42 ASK AN EXPERT: Sawyers’ Landscape Management

editor Jeannie Armstrong

This Old House: Bringing an older home back to life

49 What Inspires You? 62

From dream home to real home

64 Going geothermal 70 Renovating from the ground up

FOOD & E N T E R TA I N I N G 44 The seduction of induction 66 Fridges to catch your fancy 80 IN THE KITCHEN: Rusty Penno

contributing writers Jeannie Armstrong Jennifer Jacoby-Smith Hilary Klassen Jackie Blakely Tom Eremondi Jesse Green Ashleigh Mattern Kira Olfert Darla Read Paul Sinkewicz project coordination Pamela Hilkewich publisher The StarPhoenix

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

FROM THE EDITOR

Welcome Jeannie Armstrong Editor

What’s at the top of your new home or renovation wish list? This edition of Living Spaces Magazine, the official magazine of The Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association, is sure to inspire new ideas for building a new home or upgrading your existing property. Mudrooms and butlers’ pantries are among the newest design features creating a sensation in local show homes. Both speak to the needs of busy families who would like to be more organized and control the clutter in their lives. Once only seen in upscale homes, I discovered that the mudroom is now a must-have for even average-sized new homes in our city. Home theatres have achieved a new level of sophistication in our city, thanks to modern automation technologies. Writer Paul Sinkewicz investigates what’s involved in the layout and design of a home theatre

room that will entertain your family for years to come. Even the simplest renovation can have a big impact in your home, such as swapping out an old, boring light fixture for the sparkle of a chandelier. Check out Kira Olfert’s article to discover new trends in chandeliers and unique places to hang them. Renovating a heritage house is one of the most challenging and rewarding projects any renovator can take on. Writer Hilary Klassen reports on the restoration of a 120-year old home on Saskatchewan Crescent – and what it took to bring this grand old dame back to life. Whether you’re considering purchasing a new home or renovating your existing property, creating a wish list of desired features will help you to identify and prioritize your family’s needs. This edition of Living Spaces will get you started!

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AT HOME

Rosewood residence a collaboration of talent by Jeannie Armstrong P h o t o s b y E l a i n e Ma r k ,

Over the past year, Rhonda and Ricky Iula, the owners of Decora Homes, have welcomed thousands of visitors into their company’s spectacular two-storey show home on Gillies Crescent in Rosewood. Entered in the 2012 Parade of Homes, the show home won acclaim for its fresh, contemporary style and innovative features. In July of this year, the Iulas moved into the home themselves, making it their personal residence. “Every time we came here to do an open house, it just felt like home,” says Rhonda. “We liked the house so much that we basi-

cally just decided to keep it,” says Ricky. The Iulas say they put so much of themselves into the home’s design, it was hard to let it go. “We did envision ourselves here from the beginning . Even though it was first intended as a show home, the interior decor and colour palette reflected our own tastes,” says Rhonda. Although the Rosewood residence is no longer a show home, the couple still enjoys opening their home to others. They are quick to point out the home’s many custom features, turning the spotlight on their experienced tradespeople and suppliers.

D&M Images Cont i nue d on f ol l owi ng pa ge

at home c ontinued from previous page “We were trying to bring a little bit of everybody’s talent into the house,” says Ricky. That collaboration began at the design stage, as the couple worked with Krista Martens of Beyond Measure Design to draft the home’s open concept floor plan. The living room’s 20-foot high ceiling, enhanced by a bulkhead with LED accent lighting, is a dramatic touch. Stacked floor-toceiling windows flood the room with natural sunlight. A focal point in the living room is a curved two-way gas fireplace, attired in maple, sandstone and metal. “The metalwork for the fireplace was custom fabricated in-house by one of our guys,” says Ricky. Sensuous curves are a repeating theme throughout the home, seen in the maple fireplace, a built-in bench in the foyer, the basement’s wet bar and decorative ceiling bulkheads. Maple also distinguishes the dramatic ‘floating’ staircase leading to the second floor. “The maple staircase is by DAG-Wood Products. They are made with one stringer, so they appear to ‘float’ in the air. Accent lights under the stairs add to that illusion,” says Ricky. The couple opted for sleek travertine tile floors throughout the living room, dining area and kitchen. “The natural beauty of the travertine really caught our eye. We love the grain in it,” says Rhonda. “We wanted a contemporary, modern feel,” says Ricky. The use of natural stone tile allowed for radiant infloor heating throughout the main floor. The couple also consulted with Tamara Bowman of Metric Design Centre on the project. Many of the home’s unique design elements were sourced from Metric, including the sophisticated NEFF kitchen cabinets. The Iulas were impressed by the cabinets’ impeccable style and quality of construction. The cabinets’ pearl white tone is achieved with a high-sheen automotive finish. A double-thick, high end granite countertop was selected at Pristine Countertop. “We wanted the granite to have a waterfall edge, which is kind of a neat feature,” says Ricky. Castle Designer Glass was commissioned to create the kitchen’s one-of-a-kind glass backsplash in tones of silver, black and white. “With our cabinets being white, we wanted the backsplash to be dramatic and really stand out. We were going for a combination of colour and texture,” says Rhonda.

The Iulas named this two-storey model home ‘The Crystal’. The home’s namesake is a spectacular Swarovski crystal LED chandelier which lights up the dining area. “This light fixture has become a conversation piece in Saskatoon. All of our lighting came from Unique Lighting. This was a gorgeous piece that Moe had just received at the store,” says Ricky. “It really is like a piece of art.” Artistic touches also extend to several walls in the home, which feature Venetian plaster finishes. “We asked Leanne from Urban Wall to do several art walls in the home, on all three floors,” says Ricky. Upstairs is an art gallery of another kind - Rhonda’s shoe collection, displayed to perfection on glass shelves in the master suite’s huge walk-in closet. Luxury awaits in the spacious ensuite, which features a granite-topped extended floating vanity, a wall-hung Toto toilet, a spacious walk-in shower with body sprays, and a freestanding soaker tub with a ceiling-mounted tub filler. While upstairs, Ricky points out the distinctive interior doors, which were crafted by DAG-Wood Products. “The doors are a solid maple butcher-block design, with inlaid stainless steel strips. Each interior door weighs around 200 pounds. They’re all sound- and fire-rated,” says Ricky. While the home’s second floor is designed as a personal haven, downstairs the emphasis is on fun. “Our main goal was to create a space for entertaining. We wanted to recreate the feeling of an upscale lounge,” says Rhonda. C o n tin u ed o n p a ge 18

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& S Homes Ltd. understands the importance of building homes that will meet your familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs. In business since 1977, the company was founded by Dennis Slater and later joined by his sons, Duane, Troy and Derrick. With a strong family dynamic and a commitment to customer satisfaction, the owners of D & S Homes Ltd. build each new project with the same care and quality they would want for their own family.

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That goal has been accomplished with the development of a glass-enclosed wine room and custom bar, a home theatre and a large family room. Commanding attention in the family room is the Aura natural gas fireplace, with an amazing six-foot viewing area. The fireplace, by Vermont Castings, is clad in a shimmering quartzite ledge stone. Building 10 to 20 homes a year in Saskatoon, as well as offering home renovation services, Decora Homes is always on the search for new and innovative products. “We work hand-in-hand with a lot of the major suppliers in Saskatoon. They actually

call us and let us know when something new and exciting has arrived, so we can show it in our homes,” says Ricky. “We don’t really ever build the same house twice. Even if we do take a floor plan we’ve used before, we always tailor it to suit the specific home owners’ lifestyle,” says Rhonda. Building homes since 2007 in Saskatoon, Decora Homes has collected an enviable number of Bridges Awards presented by the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association, including the coveted Beaver Award and Best Production Home under 1,500 Square Feet.

Just a few weeks ago, Decora Homes opened a new show home in Greenbryre Estates, at 409 Greenbryre Lane. “We currently have lots available in Greenbryre Estates, Evergreen and Rosewood,” says Rhonda. This year, Decora Homes also expanded into the Regina market, having acquired several lots in The Greens on Gardiner. Ricky adds, “We’re always setting new goals for ourselves every year. Rhonda and I work together on creating new ideas and innovations for our homes. We really focus on working hand-in-hand with our customers, getting to know them, so we can create a place they can call home.” LS

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UPLIFTING CEILINGS by Jesse Green P HO T OS C OUR T ESY O F BELL A V IS TA DE V ELO P MEN T S P HO T OS BY EL A INE M A RK O F D & M IM A GES

Ceilings don’t have to take a back seat to fixtures, flooring and furniture. There are countless design options, and the right ceiling can add style and dimension to any room in the home. The team at Bella Vista Developments aren’t afraid of a little ceiling challenge. They have installed a number of fresh and functional ceiling features in their Saskatoon renovations. Their brag book includes a luxury en suite bathroom where a curved bulkhead was created to match a raised floor. The freestanding bathtub is gorgeous, but it is the ceiling and floor that steal the spotlight. When a dim condo room with concrete construction posed a problem, Bella Vista looked to the Tuscan theme and installed wooden beams. The beams did the job of housing new pot lights, but also became a feature and brought warmth to the room. Personal preference plays into the choice of ceiling, but the structure of the home can also dictate what is installed. If the ceiling height is there, a bulkhead can allow for extra lighting. “The bulkhead is an inexpensive way to add more light, but it can also add some design and architectural appeal to the space,” says Jeremy Sinclair, who owns Bella Vista Developments with his wife Sheena. Bella Vista Developments offers full-scale renovation services based out of Saskatoon. They pride themselves on offering innovative designs, quality craftsmanship and great service. The team at Bella Vista spends time getting to know the family and how they use

the space. “It’s one thing for a kitchen to look beautiful, but if it doesn’t work it’s not much good,” says Sinclair. They take the edge off renovation-induced stress with their 3D renderings and a super detailed online software system. This takes all the guess-work out of a renovation. Clients can see what tradesperson is coming to the house today, how much did that kitchen faucet end up costing and when the work going to be complete. They approve each phase of the project, access daily work schedules and view an up-todate picture of the budget. Products used are sourced locally, aside from the highend cabinetry that is designed and constructed by a sister company. In addition, Bella Vista Building Products is a line of quality building and landscaping materials which features the stunning cobblestone of Canadian Cobble Systems. The team at Bella Vista does build a selection of custom homes, but their main focus is on home renovations. They approach each new renovation with the same attention to detail and quality service. But, above all, they don’t shy away from a challenge and are able to offer a truly tailor-made solution for their clients. LS C o n tin u ed o n n e xt page

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

Ron Rhode ■ 306-230-1999 ■ ridgecrest@shaw.ca www.ridgecrestdevelopments.ca 23

CEILINGS c ontinued from previous page

Ceiling terminology *No ceilings were harmed in the making of this list, and these ceiling styles may or may not be suitable for your home!

PANEL

These ceilings are a great solution for basements or to cover stipple or cracked plaster. Tin ceiling tiles originated in the late 1800s and are available in plastic and other materials today.

TRAY

The tray ceiling has a recessed centre that is higher than the perimeter. Think of it as a sunken living room in reverse. Crown molding or recessed lighting can accent these ceilings nicely. They give an impression of height and add a custom feel to a room.

BEAM

Exposed beams that run the length of the room. They add dimension to a ceiling and can have a historic or rustic feel. They are often finished in a dark colour to contrast with a white ceiling above.

COFFERED

Think old English study. A grid is attached to the ceiling leaving a series of sunken panels, usually square or rectangle in shape. This is another ceiling style that can add a sense of height and create a focal point to a room.

CATHEDRAL

The traditional church interior; tall, steeplypitched angles that meet in the middle overhead. Usually 15 feet (4.5m) or more, the cathedral ceiling creates a dramatic and spacious feel. It is also a great candidate for a panel of fixed windows.

COVE

These rounded, concave ceilings are often found in arched doorways and hallways. They curve up from each wall and they require a great deal of craftsmanship.

BARREL VAULT

Beneath Michelangeloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s masterpiece, the Sistene Chapel is a barrel vault ceiling. These are curved ceilings created by a series of arches placed side by side. Like the cove ceiling, construction of a barrel vault requires some expertise.

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SO ARE WE. Phone: Fax: Email: 690 Service Rd N Website: Osler, Sk, S0K 3A0 306-221-8887 306-239-4614 jasond@rockridgehomes.ca www.rockridgehomes.ca 25

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Scott Scott is is best-known best-known as as thethe host host of of HGTV’s HGTV’s hithit series, series, Income Income Scott is best-known as the host ofcash-strapped HGTV’s hit series, Income Property. Property. In each In each episode, episode, hehe rescues rescues cash-strapped homeowners, homeowners, Property. In each episode, rescues cash-strapped homeowners, and and teaches teaches them them how how tohe to generate generate income income from from their their existing existing and teaches them how to generate income from their existing residence. residence. residence.

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Q A ASK AN EXPERT

Andrew & JILAIRE Wagner Maison Fine Homes 106 Pritchard Crescent (306) 242-3653

Email: build@maisonfinehomes.ca www.maisonfinehomes.ca

Q. HOW CAN I MAKE THE MOST OF THE SPACE IN MY HOME? A. It’s not how big your house is; it’s how hard it works for you! You have a mountain of inspiration photos stashed in a folder and you’ve already selected your fabrics, paint and furniture but have you really considered the space you’re about to create? Space planning is an important step because whether you are building from scratch or moving into a new space, you are limited by the walls shown on that blueprint or framing your room. Things to consider include: adjacencies between living zones; furniture grouping; and organizational solutions within the home. Let’s get started! Having good space relationships in the home requires determining what rooms should be close together and what rooms need privacy – for example the kitchen and the dining area or the location of the powder room. Paying attention to the proper placement of rooms ensures that your home coordinates with your daily life. Ultimately this creates good energy and flow throughout the home. When selecting furniture for your new home there are many elements to consider. You want your furniture pieces to accent each other while stimulating social interactions and maintaining open space for movement. The right proportions can often make the room appear larger without losing useable space. A balance of large-scale pieces for lounging and smaller pieces for occasional seating often makes the most of a space. Including organizational solutions is important to avoid disrupting the harmony of other elements. You’ve worked hard to ensure your space has good adjacencies and flow, don’t let clutter disturb that. Planning adequate storage through dedicated build-ins, a well-placed dresser or a storage ottoman helps ensure that your space can handle life’s demands. Planning out your new space can be a task, but with a little research and thought on how to make it work, you’re guaranteed to love it. Appropriate space relationships ensure the right rooms are placed near each other, proper furniture groupings create multi-purpose spaces while encouraging social interactions, and organizational features keep the space working hard for your family. LS

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THE MAGNIFICENT MUDROOM by Jeannie Armstrong P HO T OS C OUR T ESY O F SU P ERIOR C A BINE T S LT D .

The dirt stops here! So do the jackets, boots, mittens and backpacks! A dedicated mudroom, located at the entry point between the garage and the house, has risen to the top of many home owners’ wish lists. Just a few years ago, mudrooms were only seen in a few upscale show homes in Saskatoon. Now, mudrooms are a must-have for even average size homes, says Shanna McDonald, D.I.D., a member of the design team at Superior Cabinets Ltd. in Saskatoon. McDonald says that many of the city’s new home builders have begun incorporating mudrooms into their blueprints. “Almost every house has some type of mudroom feature built into the floor plan now.” The popularity of the mudroom stems from the busy lives that today’s families lead, says McDonald. “It’s about busy families trying to stay orgaized and stop the clutter from coming past into the rest of their house.” There’s more to a mudroom than just hav-

ing a closet by the back door. Today’s mudrooms offer a multitude of storage options, including school-style lockers and cubicles, benches with built-in storage compartments and custom shelves and cabinets. Before designing a mudroom for a family, McDonald wants to learn more about their lifestyle. “Usually I ask the client what they’re going to be using the mudroom for. Some families just want a few hooks and a place to sit down. Other families want extra storage for bulky supplies like paper towels, drawers for mitts, an area for boots and for shoes, cubbies for backpacks,” says McDonald. “I go through their routine; what they want to use it for. Each family uses it for different things.” Some home owners even want their mudrooms to include charging stations for their personal electronic devices, including smart phones, tablets and laptops. Pet owners will often request space for

items like food and water dishes, bins for pet food, drawers for leashes and toys, and shelves for bedding. “I’ve done a few mudrooms for pet owners where they’ve included sinks for bathing the pets. Often there’s a spot left for crates where they can kennel their dog,” says McDonald. “We can design a spot for everything you want to stay in the mudroom. I go by what they need the room for. That’s where I start my design.” In recent years, McDonald has seen mudrooms expand in size as well as stature. “Mudrooms have really grown in size. They used to be a few square feet, just large enough for a bench. Now I’m designing mudrooms that accommodate individual storage space for each member of the family,” she says. Mudrooms are not just storage rooms, they are also points of entry into the home. “They need to be large enough so that the whole family can enter the home together, not bumpng into each other,” says McDonald. “A

good rule of thumb is to provide two feet of storage space per person, and then to go out another five feet so people can move around comfortably.” McDonald says that she’s had several clients with heated garages who have opted to have mudrooms incorporated right into the garage space. “Nothing comes into the house. You don’t have to worry about clutter, rocks from your shoes - it all stops in the garage. I think that’s ideal,” says McDonald. When designing a mudroom for a family with young children, McDonald suggests storage options that are low to the ground and easily accessible. Mesh baskets are a great option for the jumble of wet mitts that accumulate when your kids come home from school, she adds. “The mesh baskets allow the mitts to dry overnight.” For smaller square footage homes, a combination mudroom/laundry area may be a practical option. “When adding a laundry area into your mudroom, you also have take

into consideration the size of the washer and dryer. Both machines take up a lot of room, so you have to ensure there is enough space for all of your storage as well as the laundry area,” says McDonald. It’s easier to incorporate a mudroom into a new build or an addition than a renovation, says McDonald. One suggestion for owners of existing homes is to modify a front or back entrance closet, remove the clothes rod, and use the space for built-in shelving and a bench with storage. “Getting rid of the rod is the key. You can install hooks to hang up coats and jackets. You could put shelves down one side, get some baskets for toques and mitts.” The best way to get the feel for the type of mudroom that will serve your family’s needs, McDonald suggests touring through a variety of local show homes. The showroom at Superior Cabinets, located at 747 - 46th Street West, will also open home owners’ eyes to a variety of storage solutions. For more details, visit www.superiorcabinets.ca. LS

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AFTER

OLD HOUSE Bringing an older home back to life This

BEFORE

B y HIL A RY KL A SSEN Photos courtesy of J A B A C o n s t r u ct i o n

“ T h e h ighlight for m e i s just walking i n a nd seeing the wo rk I’ve done i n some of these houses.” Dave Anderchek, JABA Construction.

Old houses carry a certain mystique. Their story whispers through the rooms from decades past, sometimes literally via old newspaper clippings found in the walls. Restoring an older home brings that story back to us with greater clarity. The task of restoring former glory is no small challenge however. The charm and character of older homes can be hard to duplicate, unless you specialize in it. It’s a challenge that is welcomed by certain skilled and innovative types like Dave Anderchek, owner of JABA Construction. With 24 years’ experience in the restoration and renovation business here in Saskatoon, the JABA team still likes to sink their tools into a challenging project. “I love restoring homes,” says Anderchek. “You see all the old architecture and the old designs. You use your mind, plus your tools are your hands and your knowledge.” When starting a new project, a key question is, does the home owner want to match the former

style of the residence? “The first consideration is always structural, the second thing is, what do you need, and when you put the cosmetics back together, do you want it to match what it was supposed to look like originally?” he says. Anderchek has a sizeable feather in his cap. His claim to fame is completing the restoration of the oldest building in Saskatchewan, the Stanley Mission Church. “I replaced beams up in the roof, 60 feet in the air, huge beams that were rotten, for the Heritage Society and Saskatchewan Environment,” he reflects. Since then he’s brought his experience to bear on hundreds of projects. “When I apprenticed, we built custom built homes and we did a lot of high end homes on Saskatchewan Crescent. That’s where I learned all this stuff, from my apprenticeship, and I always carried it forward with me,” says Anderchek. C o n t in u ed o n n ex t p a ge

OLD HOUSE c ontinued from previous page

AFTER

BEFORE

Saskatchewan Crescent is the site of a recently completed renovation. In a unique twist, JABA has done several previous projects on this 120 year-old house, including an addition. It’s a relationship of trust. “The owner won’t let anybody else in the house,” says Anderchek. The latest project was to repair damage from ice damming, which Anderchek says was a somewhat common occurrence last spring. The leakage went all the way down from the second floor, through the main floor and into the basement. The project began with ripping walls open, doing moisture tests and giving a price to the insurance people. The JABA crew had to remove the old sawdust insulation and air out the walls. Eventually, it was time to get the cosmetics back in place. “Some of it involved reusing existing trims, some of it was making new,” says Anderchek. Matching trims can mean salvaging enough of the original trim for one room and then creating custom trim work to duplicate it in other spaces. Whatever the house needs by way of restoration, Anderchek says, “A key for me is understanding what it’s going to take to do that house. When I’m talking to home owners I let them know that the reason we can do this is because somebody already did it 100 years ago so why can’t we do it today,” he says. The Saskatchewan Crescent house was a balloon frame, which means it has one stud that goes from the first floor right up to the roof, to which the floors are fastened. “It’s one of the few homes I’ve ever worked on that had balloon framing and I had to sit back

and really think ‘Okay now what do I have to do,’ because we had to tie in the systems, so that was interesting,” he says. “We saved all the existing baseboards, we made efforts not to damage the floors and protect the existing house. There’s a huge stone fireplace in the living room and we worked as much as we could up to that point. You can only do so much in some of these homes because it’s all cost sensitive.” Safety is always a big consideration when restoring an older home. “What I like to do when I go into these homes is identify some of the hazards,” says Anderchek. Besides structural and load bearing issues, Anderchek will identify for home owners whether asbestos is an issue (as is typically found with old boilers). He often sees the old style knob and tube wiring, and may encounter live wires, which has to be addressed. Anderchek’s other claim to fame is TV work he’s done. “I did Code Green for CBC and I’ve done Talk to the Expert for CTV. My next phase in my life is to spread my knowledge,” laughs Anderchek. He likes to share techniques and knowledge with his 18 employees, but is also considering writing a book. Meanwhile, he still loves the work. “The highlight for me is just walking in and seeing the work I’ve done in some of these houses, or people talking to me and saying, ‘Do you remember renovating my house,‘ ” he observes. For assistance with your restoration or renovation project, visit award-winning JABA Construction at www.jaba.ca . LS

ROCK RIDGE HOMES

The idea of a custom home is one of the most appealing possibilities to any prospective new home buyer. But current perceptions about “custom homes” can vary. When you hear the words you might think a couple of things. One, they’re expensive, and two, they’re probably not really custom homes. These are a couple of misconceptions that Rock Ridge Homes is able to debunk. For nine years, Rock Ridge has been building homes that are truly custom designed. “From starter homes to multi-million dollar executive style homes, that’s what we’re about,” says owner Jason Doell. “From design to finish, they’re custom homes, and that means whatever the customer wants. Their choice is absolutely open.” Doell first got into home building when he gutted and refinished a house he had moved to Osler. “I found I was actually pretty good at finish carpentry. I made a lot of mistakes and I learned a lot,” he says. He applied those lessons in the next few builds he did for his family. When friends and family started asking him to help them and when a couple of requests from strangers came his way, his business was launched.

ROCK RIDGE HOMES

Rock Ridge Homes has been able to maintain a cost effective way of building custom homes. Their ﬁrst two customers helped them arrive at how to handle the ﬁnances. They said, “We’ll cover the bills and pay you a fee for service,” and that became the basis for their business model going forward. “It’s an open and transparent build process,” says Doell. “For cost effectiveness and the relationship with the customer it just worked out really, really well because the trust factor is 100 per cent there.” As a custom home builder, Rock Ridge does not build on a per square foot basis, they don’t buy up subdivisions or build spec homes. “All we do is presold customs,” he says.

and cost efﬁciency. “I never thought I had an artistic bone in my body,” says Doell. “But I found that it’s something I’m very good at. I’m fussy, detail oriented, and very attuned to customers. I try really hard to make sure that we do the best job possible always.” This has allowed them to land those desirable contracts to build executive style homes in the multi-million dollar range. But the company wants to stay true to their roots and continue to serve the starter and mid-range home market, treating every customer and every project in the same way. “No matter what size of home or what the price tag, there should be no difference in the build quality of the house. You should still have as good a quality of home, whether it’s a 1200 square foot starter home or a 5000 square foot home,” Doell says.

Rock Ridge is able to offer custom cabinets through Rock Ridge Cabinets. The emphasis is on cabinets that are truly custom built and fit to whatever the home owner specifies. “We do the onsite measure, work out the design and go through every detail with the customer,” says Doell. “There are not standardized sizes of boxes for every kitchen and then just use bigger fill strips. Everything is designed to fit perfectly for each space. The box design and manufacturing is a lot higher end, stronger built, with a higher quality of products used throughout.”

Rock Ridge Homes makes a custom home accessible to anyone. Your home is an expression of who you are. You choose a design where you can comfortably build friendships, create lasting memories, spend precious time with family and enjoy valuable leisure time. The custom built home is one of the best options because you get exactly what you want at whatever price level and size ﬁts you.

Rock Ridge Homes’ reputation has grown over the years. Word is out about the artistic quality, attention to detail,

To learn more about custom homes with Rock Ridge, visit www.rockridgehomes.ca or call 306-239-2229.

ROCK RIDGE HOMES | WWW.ROCKRIDGEHOMES.CA |

306-239-2229

NEW MEMBER PROFILE

I N T R OD U C I N G BY HIL A RY KL A SSEN P h o t o s BY J E F F LYONS

SOAK

Creating your own sanctuary, your personal spa in your bathroom, got a lot easier when SOAK entered the Saskatoon market just over a year ago. Sensing there may be a niche in the city for luxury bath products, Harold Heisler and Scott Howsam joined forces to open the new SOAK retail shop on Circle Drive North. Heisler had been doing construction in Fort McMurray but wanted to get back to ‘Toon town. He saw SOAK products at a show in Edmonton, bought the franchise for Fort McMurray and had it transferred to Saskatoon. Steam showers are a major piece of SOAK’s retail business. Interest in steam showers has spiked because of their potential health benefits. Steam opens our pores so our skin can excrete toxins and dirt, it increases blood circulation, and helps clear sinuses and nasal passages so we can breathe easier. Steam showers encourage relaxation, rejuvenate the skin and offer pain relief. SOAK also has a selection of massage tubs, vanities, toilets and everything to do with bathroom fixtures. For outdoor living, they carry hot-tubs and patio furniture. A distinct advantage to the products at SOAK is they’re all-in-one units. “They’re all stand-alone units, we don’t build them in or anything,” says Heisler. “It’s like an appliance. You hook it up in the back, you push it in the corner and that’s it.” As a result, servicing the units is easier as well. “If you have any problems you can pull it out to service it,” adds Heisler. Probably their biggest market is women aged 35 and up. Some of the men who walk into SOAK say, “I can’t bring my wife here!” laughs Heisler. Consumers in love with the high end units may at first experience sticker shock, but Heisler says, “when you look at the price of a unit, that includes everything, the Chromatherapy mood enhancing lights, the radio, the steam, the seats, the whole unit.” The owners’ skill sets have allowed them to better serve their clientele. In addition to

general construction experience, Heisler is an electrical contractor. “It seems to help a lot -- people come and I can advise them about the electrical and the plumbing, whereas if they have to source this out to someone else, then they’re thinking ‘Oh I’m not going to bother’,” he says. Howsam assembles all the units and the two do a lot of installs. Heisler and Howsam have also done several complete renovations for customers. “We’ve done anything from supplying the shower to assembly/delivery to full start-tofinish bathroom renos,” says Howsam. As a relatively new company, SOAK is still getting the word out about their highend luxury bath products. They made the decision to join the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association a couple of months ago, in part to help them do that. “We want to make the best of our business and we feel that being a member of the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association is one of the ways of doing that,” says Heisler. The Association has been the voice of the residential construction industry for Saskatoon and area for over 60 years. It not only provides a forum for industry professionals, it helps maintain a standard that creates trust for consumers. Members strive for exceptional standards of professionalism in the industry through continuing education and training. They take pride in their work and maintain a reputation for quality results. The Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association turns the input of its members into ways to serve them better. Heisler has been a member of the Association before with a previous company and knows the benefits of membership. “Being noticed by contractors and home builders and plumbers – I feel that that’s one of the best reasons to get involved,” he says. “Networking is what I see as the big benefit.” The Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association will provide resources and marketing opportunities for this uncle-nephew business duo that will allow them to expand their visibility and multiply their success. LS

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Style

CHANDELIER by Kira Olfert

Chandeliers are a beautiful and creative way to provide a room with a functional focal point. Dining rooms and entranceways have traditionally been popular spots for the “warm, focal glow” that a chandelier gives, but Shelly Schafer from Saskatoon’s Robinson Lighting and Bath Centre says that more and more people are also starting to choose chandeliers for their master bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms. “For the longest time, this was thought of as a Hollywood trend, and then the thought was that only rich people had bedroom or bathroom chandeliers, but it is increasingly becoming a more popular option for everyone,” Schafer explains. “People are choosing them for both the centre of the master bedroom, or are placing them directly over their nice big soaker tubs.” Chrome and crystal pieces of all sorts – drum shades, glass shades, candles and pillar candles – remain extremely popular, according to Schafer. For a new trend this year, Scha-

fer points to the industrial chic look of steam punk-inspired chandeliers. These feature polished brass, iron, wood and leather that draw from the idea of a mechanized Victorian era and of the steam-powered machinery from that time. The sort of “antique, rusty metals, rope and leather” fixtures look best with an Edison, or Ferrawat bulb, which is another big new trend, says Schafer. Edison bulbs give an antique or vintage feel to fixtures, and often feature a visible filament coil and give the room a soft, warm amber glow. Schafer says these bulbs, “can make or break the look with certain chandeliers, especially with the steam punk ones.” However, she cautions that while the Edison bulbs “look good, if you want a bright room, you will need to accent them, possibly with pot lights.” The rules for choosing a chandelier have changed. Schafer explains that there used to be quite stringent regulations on how big your chandeliers could be, but says that because of the “diversity of choice” now available, those

P HO T OS C OUR T ESY ROBINSON LIGH T ING A ND B A T H C EN T RE

regulations have become less strict. However, it is still necessary to ensure “there is 12 inches of clearance at your dining room table. Your chandelier needs to have at least six inches from its edge to the edge of your table, or you’ll be bumping into it. This rules applies to the big drums and the skinny little candle fixtures.” Additionally, “you should have 30 to 36 inches between the top of your table and the bottom of the light, otherwise, it will be hanging in your food.” Overall, you want to make sure that your light does not overwhelm your room and your other furniture. Dimmer switches in entrances and dining rooms are important for setting moods, and can make the overall look more appealing, Schafer adds. A mini-chandelier starts at around $300. Large chandeliers can cost in excess of $30,000, but the average price is closer to $5,000. Endless styles and energy-efficient features make a chandelier an excellent and creative way to change or enhance the look of a room. LS

“ T h e t h ought was that only rich people had bedroo m o r b a t h room chandeliers, but it is increasingly becom i n g a m o re p o p u l a r o ption for everyone.” Shelly Schafer, Robinson Lighting and Bath Centre

JEFF STEWART 1.306.222.3233

www.stewartrealty.ca

Your Commercial & Residential Renovation Specialists! Specializing in: Interior (Kitchens, Bathrooms, Basements, Flooring, Painting, Drywall) • Exterior (Siding, Cladding, Seamless Eavestrough) • Additions • Insulation & Thermal Upgrading • Windows & Doors • Ofﬁce Remodeling •

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Q A ASK AN EXPERT

LEON FERGUSON Sawyer’s LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT 142 – 105th Street East (306) 244-8906

Email: info@sawyers.ca www.sawyers.ca

Snow removal?

306-244-8906 Sawyers.ca

Q. I have a new coloured and textured concrete driveway. What are my options for snow removal without damaging the concrete? A. These types of decorative driveways are often an expensive investment so it is important to make sure you consider all repercussions that snow removal may have on this surface. Most contractors will be able to let you know what effect any salt will have on your driveway surface, for example, if it will cause any concrete pitting and will advise you on the best possible course of action. Hiring a snow and ice management professional to tend to this may be more affordable than you first thought. When the snow starts to fall, it’s a great feeling knowing there will be a team on hand ready to move your snow efficiently and quickly. Q. I’m going to be away this winter on vacation and will need my snow shoveled; how affordable is it to use a contractor? A. Using a contractor to handle this while you’re gone can be more affordable than you thought! Most snow contractors can offer weekly or seasonal rates for those who like to fly the nest at winter. You can also ask about reduced rates and senior discounts. There is usually a reduced response time for this type of service: 1 to 2 days (opposed to a same-night service which is more costly). If you are willing to exercise a little patience, having your snow removed by a contractor can be a very affordable option. You’ll also enjoy peace of mind, knowing that your home looks “lived in” while you enjoy your vacation. Q. After last winter, many of my plants weren’t doing so well although they were healthy in fall. how can I prevent this from happening this winter? Last year we saw more shrub damage than normal. It’s important to remember that not only does snow that comes off the roads contain contaminants harmful to shrubs, that snow is also heavier than we think. Both factors can contribute to shrub damage. When moving snow, we recommend that you try to spread the snow and avoid piling it onto a bed. Excessive snow can weigh heavily on shrubs. If it looks like any of your shrub branches may be at risk of snapping, then you brush some of the snow away and distribute the snow more evenly. By using a professional contractor to remove and haul away snow from your property, you can help ensure that come spring, you will have a more attractive landscape. LS

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Still relatively n e w, i n d u c t i o n cooking just might usurp ceramic cooktops as king of the residential kitchen. P h o t o b y J E F F LYONS

SEDUCTION INDUCTION

THE of

P h o t o C OUR T ESY O F T R A IL A P P LI A N C ES

by Jennifer J ac o b y- S m i t h

The secret behind this new cooking method is both simple and complex: magnetism. In simplest terms, a power generator under the glass creates a magnetic field. When a stainless steel pot comes in contact magnetic friction creates heat, but only in the cooking vessel itself. That is what sets apart induction cooking from other cooking methods. The heat remains in the pot or pan you are using instead of being transferred to the air or ceramic cooking surface. This makes it safer and more energy efficient. “It’s very fast. Depends on the cooktop and the wattage, but you can boil a litre of water in about 80 seconds,” explains Chef Marty Peters from Trail Appliances. “If you’re reheating stuff – say you have some leftover soup – you can heat it a little faster than a microwave just because the reaction is so fast.” The concept of induction was first introduced at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1933,

but rarely saw use outside of industrial applications. In the 1970s, European companies took the concept and ran with it, making it a very popular cooking method across the pond. While the idea is still relatively new in Canada, most manufacturers now offer induction ranges and cooktops. “I didn’t personally work with induction before I started work with Trail Appliances,” says Peters. “I always worked with gas, but I’m very impressed with the performance.” If you’re concerned with safety, induction cooking offers some neat benefits. An induction cooktop won’t turn on unless there’s a magnetic reaction. If there’s no pot in the cooking zone, nothing will happen. “If you have kids at home and controls on the front of your stove, they can’t turn it on and walk away and it’ll be running. It won’t actually heat anything,” Peters explains. Induction cooktops also monitor the amount of heat transfer. So if a pot is removed or if the contents boil dry the unit will automatically turn off. This monitoring of the heat transfer also enables induction cooking to give more con-

sistent heat – especially at low settings. The lowest setting is truly low on induction – it can melt chocolate without scorching it or gently simmer a soup for hours. That level of control can be difficult to achieve on traditional electric ranges. Induction cooking isn’t for everyone, cautions Peters. If you do a lot of wok cooking, for example, you may want to reconsider induction. Cooking with a wok becomes difficult to impossible because only a small portion of the pan makes contact with the magnetic field. Cleaning is very much like a ceramic top surface. A ceramic cleaner and razor blade are used to clean it. Because the heat is created in the pot and not the cooktop surface, there is a lower likelihood of scorching or discolouration. It can be easier to clean since messes and spills won’t get scorched onto the cooking surface. Peters demonstrated a handy trick for cleaning up messes in the kitchen. Paper towel can be used to wipe up spills or grease splatters right away without risking a burn.

In fact, the pot will continue to boil with a few paper towels between it and the burner without missing a beat. One key ingredient in induction cooking is having the right cookware. Cast-iron or stainless steel pots and pans work best, as they contain metallic materials that will create a magnetic field. Copper or aluminum cookware don’t have these same properties. Most vendors will supply a magnet to test your current pots and pans. If the magnet sticks, your pot is good to go. If it doesn’t you may have to invest in some new pots to make your new cooktop work. Prices can range from around $1,500 to thousands of dollars, depending on the brand. Some of the higher priced models will use one generator per burner, while some of the lower-priced models may draw power for all burners from a single generator. This may only become a problem when trying to do high heat cooking on all burners at once. There will always be those who prefer the gas flame cooking, but for those who want quick heat and exact temperature controls, induction cooking may be the way to go. LS

P h o t o C OUR T ESY O F T R A IL A P P LI A N C ES

COMMUNITY

As the focal point of the Parkview Cove development, the park already boasts a family-friendly playground and enough green space for a range of activities, giving an expansive feel to the neighbourhood.

PA R K V I E W COV E in O s ler S T ORY & P HO T OS B y Hilary Klassen

New home buyers will be pleased to find green space incorporated into a new housing development in Osler. Ehrenburg Homes is proud to offer new homes for sale on Parkview Cove in this great community north of Saskatoon. “The name Parkview Cove comes from our design theme of having a large park and green space area in the center of our development,” says Daryl Quesnel, General Manager of Ehrenburg Homes. “Many of our homes overlook the center park, hence, ‘Parkview Cove’.” Osler is a short 15-minute drive north of the city on a fully twinned highway, little more than a stone’s throw past Warman. This growing community offers a great lifestyle with many amenities and services. Osler has its own museum, leisure center, seniors center, family resource center, fire department (volunteer), bank, library, grocery store, fuel station, family restaurant as well as additional shopping. Located on the south west edge of town, the Parkview Cove development presents 30 single family homes, two duplex lots and two multi-family sites. Several of the lots are planned as full walkouts. The development is well under way, with over half the lots sold. A couple of the 12 remaining lots are walkouts. The lot parcels come with services such as Saskatoon water, SaskTel, Access community service, and natural gas provided to each site.

“All homes feature specific architectural guidelines which are designed and approved by the developer,” says Quesnel. “Exteriors include stone and/or brick upgraded vinyl siding products, upgraded roofing materials and other visually appealing finishes. In addition, all of the garage orientations and locations have been predetermined for this development.” A rendering of the Parkview Cove development indicates that most home owners have no neighbours directly across the street. As the focal point of the Parkview Cove development, the park already boasts a familyfriendly playground and enough green space for a range of activities, giving an expansive feel to the neighbourhood. Osler offers a range of community events and celebrations, things like a trade show, craft & bake sales, garage sales, Canada Day celebrations, Midnite Madness in December and more. If you enjoy theatre, you’ll want to take in a show at the nearby Barn Playhouse. The renowned destination and winner of the 2012 Saskatchewan Tourism Business of the Year Award also offers dinners, a Craft Barn, fall concert and other seasonal events. Osler is near enough to Saskatoon to enjoy all the amenities of the city. “Ehrenburg Homes has been building homes since 1983. We have an experienced, professional and dedicated team and we build

Parkview Cove offers new homes centered around a park in the great community of Osler.

great homes,” says Quesnel. “We have been fortunate to have won numerous new home awards for our outstanding designs, innovations and environmental leadership, many of which we are building in this development.” One of the eight Bridges awards the Castle Company won recently was the 2012 Bridges “Green” award. The company is pleased to offer an environmentally responsible new home package to all customers. Ehrenburg’s

building projects are conducted in an environmentally conscious manner, with a policy to reduce, reuse and recycle wherever possible. This might explain their 2012 Bridges Environmental Leadership in New Housing Award. Ehrenburg Homes is a member of the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association, the Saskatchewan Home Builders’ Association, as well as the Canadian Home Builders’

Association. Ehrenburg has a platinum record of quality service with the Saskatchewan New Home Warranty Program. To explore this new neighbourhood in the community-minded town of Osler, make the short trip to the Parkview Cove site and show home in Osler. Alternatively, find Ehrenburg Homes online at www.ehrenburg.com, or call 306.384.1473. Discover the town of Osler at osler-sk.ca. LS

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Inspires WHAT

by Jennifer J ac o b y- S m i t h

YOU?

P h o t o s b y J E F F LYONS

Where do ideas come from? It’s an age-old question in creative circles. In the world of home building, it combines industry knowhow with a splash of boldness and outsidethe-box thinking. In our ‘What Inspires You’ series, we get inside the heads of three local builders about what inspires them when they sit down to design a new floor plan or a new home for a client.

SELKIRK DE V ELO P MEN T S When asked where design ideas come from, Selkirk Developments’ Jeremy Cardinal-Schultz has a succinct answer. “Clients,” he says. “We build houses for people and their families to live in, so we build them based on what people are asking for. If clients start asking for more living space, then we add that in. If clients ask for side entrances to allow for future suites, we design a floor plan for that.” This client-centred approach had a direct impact on their latest show home at 438 Hastings in Rosewood. Realizing a developed basement can feel removed from the rest of the home, yet still wanting to give the future home owner extra living space, the design team at Selkirk added a second living room above the garage. The over-sized room offers space for families to watch movies, sports, or set up a computer workstation. It’s not the first time they’ve built a second living room in their houses and it’s getting

positive feedback. Feedback from the public at Selkirk’s open houses also factors into new designs. “When we meet with new clients or have open houses, we generate ideas on what people like and dislike. Then we build our houses based on these ideas,” adds CardinalSchultz. “We want our homes to work for our clients and their families. When we meet with new clients or have open houses, we generate ideas on what people like and dislike. Then we build our houses based on these ideas.” Aside from determining the customer’s needs, the builder does a lot of research. Talking to suppliers and interior decorators helps them stay on top of current trends and innovations in the industry. “Looking at the newest products or looking at old products but using them in new ways can give a house that little something that makes Selkirk standout,” says CardinalSchultz. LS C o n t in u ed o n f o llo wi ng pa ge

INSPIRES c ontinued from previous page

D & S DE V ELO P MEN T S The latest show home by D&S Developments is $1.7 million of wow! To ensure their homes always have that wow factor, D&S vice-president Troy Slater says they travel to other markets in North America to see what’s making waves. “When we’re designing our show homes we always try to have two or three ideas that are new to Saskatoon,” says Slater. “Being in business since 1977, we have a long track record of trying new ideas and trends, while staying with things that work in the house.” Although D&S homes are currently leaning toward contemporary designs, Slater says they aim to make their homes usable and comfortable for the family that will someday live there. “Some of our new designs are getting more contemporary now. We have to keep

within the trends of the younger generation,” he comments. In keeping with modern and contemporary, D&S Homes often incorporate a home automation system into the build. To stay on top of the latest trends in home automation, D&S works with local suppliers on cutting edge designs to make their houses convenient and a pleasure to call home. Ultimately, it’s about creating a space that will make their client happy. “We get inspired by making someone smile,” Slater says. “Our biggest thing is that we like to make people happy. That makes for a satisfied customer and a happy person in their home in the end. We recognize that it’s a big investment and that’s where they go every day and that’s important to us.” LS

B A YDO DE V ELO P MEN T C OR P OR A T ION Looking for unique products and outof-the ordinary elements put a distinctive stamp on Baydo Development Corporation’s condo and townhouse projects. “We have an in-house design team so we do all of our own mechanical, electrical and architectural drawings,” says Devon Davidson, marketing and sales manager. “And they always strive to be unique and a little bit different. I know that’s important to them.” To start the process, the design team researches the latest trends. They then sit down together to come up with new and different ideas. “We sit down together and come up with the things we’d like to see in our own homes and incorporate that into the designs,” adds Davidson.

Making sure the home is user-friendly has helped Baydo projects – such as Stone Garden in Stonebridge – sell out quickly. “That one had a very different look to it with a 12-foot ceiling in the main living room. It was very well-received.” Davidson adds Baydo’s ultimate goal is to make sure clients are happy with their purchase. Davidson also likes to add in unexpected extras – such as granite, stainless steel appliances or a fenced-in back yard, as with their Forest Ridge project. Known for the condo and townhouse developments, Baydo will soon diversify into the single detached home market. “We always try to make sure everything’s built properly and on time and is something they can be proud to call their own,” says Davidson. LS

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A www.kitchendesignsbydelta.com

EMAIL: kitchendesignsbydelta@sasktel.net

kitchen designs

By delta

Q. WHAT IS THE SECRET TO CREATING THE PERFECT KITCHEN? A. When undertaking a cabinetry renovation project, the first and most important decision is which company to use. This is essential as your cabinetry will not only affect the aesthetics of your kitchen but the functionality and quality of your home. Home owners have a few choices when purchasing new cabinetry- stock, semi-custom and custom. Custom cabinets are sized specifically for the room, allowing for more design freedom and creativity. Many handcrafted features can be added to give the cabinets a true furniture look. Semi-custom cabinetry is generally a factory built product. They typically have a lower price point but you are limited to sizes and custom features. Stock cabinetry is the most price effective option but they are often limited to the actual cabinet box and door without panels, crown molding or other details and are usually only available in increments of three. Q. HOW DO I CHOOSE A COLOUR FOR MY KITCHEN? A. Since cabinetry makes up the majority of the kitchen, the colour will greatly affect the overall look, feel and mood of the space. Using your home and its existing features as a starting point can aid in this decision. For example, if the majority of trim, moldings and finishes of your home are white, adding splashes of colour or incorporating warmer wood tones to complement the existing features adds interest while still coordinating with the rest of your home. Using two or three different colours on your cabinetry creates a more layered, custom look to the kitchen. The most common application is having the perimeter of your kitchen one colour and switching up the island. However, there are many other ways to achieve this look such as colour blocking certain sections of cabinetry or separating upper cabinets from base cabinets. Q. WHAT ARE OTHER CURRENT TRENDS? A. Efficiency is key when designing a kitchen. Incorporating accessories to your cabinets creates a personalized, functional kitchen. Accessories such as tray dividers can be added to even the smallest of spaces to keep things organized and accessible. Floor to ceiling cabinets take advantage of all available storage space. This is important when working with smaller kitchens as items that aren’t used as frequently can be stored higher up. Create interest and drama in the kitchen by incorporating different shapes. If you are dealing with a custom cabinetry shop, take advantage of the craftsmanship by opting for a pentagon or oval shape island rather than the traditional rectangle. You can also integrate custom-turned leg posts or furniture base details to give the look of custom furniture pieces rather than cookie-cutter cabinetry. Adding lights, glass and different finishes such as antiquing or hand rubbed glazes personalizes the space as well as showcases and highlights specific areas.

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AFFORDABLE HOUSING

H ome o wner s hip for everyo ne: I nn o vative R es i dential helps renter s be come o wners b y A s h l e i g h Matt e r n P HO T OS C OUR T ESY O F INNO V A T I V E RESIDEN T I A L

As the cost of real estate continues to rise, saving up for the five per cent minimum down payment on a mortgage is becoming a challenge even for people with a moderate income. Innovative Residential saw this happening in Saskatoon, and made it their mission to provide entry level and affordable homes for families below the $80,000 to $90,000 annual income line. “This has been our mission and mandate since we started doing this work, particularly because we recognize they do need a hand up into home ownership, and that they are getting pushed out of the resale and new home market,” said Stacie Beever, community development officer with Innovative Residential. They currently have units available at Poplar Grove in Hampton Village and at Cambridge Estates in Stonebridge. Both developments are a stacked townhouse model, with a three-bedroom unit stacked on top of a two-bedroom walkout unit. The modular design saves money in labour and construction time, which is a savings Innovative Residential passes on to the home owners. They also pass on savings to home owners through their commitment to energy efficiency. Their Hartford Heights property in Blairmore was designated the first multifamily rental development to reach ENERGY

STAR® status in Canada. “We’re constantly working to push the bar and challenge ourselves to build in more savings for our home owners,” said Beever. People buying with Innovative Residential are mostly moderate income, working families, including single parent households, young couples, and even mature couples who have never had the opportunity to leave the rental market. They also see a lot of interest from newcomers to Saskatoon, both from different countries and other provinces. But Innovative Residential doesn’t just build affordable housing, they also help home owners pay for their new homes. They have grants to help with the cost of the down payment, where buyers can choose to apply for five per cent, three per cent and one per cent down payment grants, all of which are non-repayable. They also have a “rent-then-own” program for renters at their Hartford Heights property. Different than “rent-to-own”, the program helps people move up in the housing continuum by encouraging their renters to become home owners. The rent is set at below market rates and Innovative offers renters a credit-building program. The lower rent helps renters pay down debt or save toward their down payment, while the credit-building program helps renters with poor credit or no credit – a chal-

lenge many newcomers to Canada face. Once they’re ready to buy, Innovative will put them on a fast track to their first home. They also recently announced a new down payment savings matching program. While some of the details of the program are still being worked out, they do know that the program will match the down payment contributions their renters make, further helping them take that first step to being a home owner. The energy efficient, stylish units are also attractive to people who don’t need help through grants or the rent-then-own pro-

gram, so they create a healthy balance of income levels living within their communities. “We take a lot of pride in designing an attractive community,” said Beever, “and I think that’s part of the reason why we have people coming to us that don’t need a grant.” Accessibility is also important to Innovative; they will be opening up two barrier-free units this spring in Poplar Grove, and their rental units at Hartford Heights have four barrier-free models, though they’re currently occupied. The barrier-free plus model is loaded with feature, says Beever, with everything you can

think of that would be handy for someone with limited mobility: wider doors, accessible bathrooms, spaces under the sinks so you can roll right up; a stove and oven that are wheelchair-friendly, and more. Beever says she believes everybody deserves to own a home and take pride in something that is their own. “So they can build equity, so they can no longer be paying rent to a landlord, they can basically be investing in themselves through home ownership, and eventually they can look forward to not having a mortgage payment or rent.” LS

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Q A ASK AN EXPERT

Bruce Rempel Rempel Brothers Construction 201 Jessop Avenue (306) 374-6505

Email: Brucerempel@sasktel.net www.rempelbrothers.com I often get asked questions that pertain to pouring concrete in cold weather. Pouring in Saskatchewan’s winter temperatures is possible – if you use the right methods and materials. Here are some of the most common questions.

Q: Why can cold weather be a problem for concrete projects? A: To set and cure properly, concrete needs to sustain a suitable internal temperature to achieve maximum strength. If the temperature outside is around 0°C or colder, it risks slowing or stopping the chemical process that hardens the concrete mixture. To combat this when pouring basements in Saskatchewan winters, we cover or “hoard” the project and pump heat into the enclosure to protect the concrete from freezing in the crucial first 48 hours. Q: Can I get my basement poured, let it sit over winter and frame in the spring? A: This answer is easy – no followed by another no. In Saskatchewan, frost is always an issue. If your poured basement is left open to the moisture and cold, it is vulnerable to the frost and heaving of the ground around it, and it will shift and crack. When pouring basements in the winter, we recommend having your framer install joists and subflooring and putting temporary heat in the basement to prevent the frost from pushing up your walls. Q: What are Admixtures? A: Admixtures are chemical additives that are mixed into a batch of concrete to change its properties in either the plastic (unhardened) or hardened state. In the winter, we often use “plasticizers” to make the concrete flow more easily without the use of water. These additives do not affect the quality of your project, and make it easier for the professionals to give you a great finished project. Q: How late can I pour a garage slab or driveway? A: There is no deadline for pouring flat work in Saskatchewan, but it is crucial to ensure your project will have time to set and cure properly. Even after 48 hours of curing, young concrete is still highly saturated with water. This water can freeze over subsequent days and cause the surface of the concrete to pop off or “spall”. To help prevent this, ensure an adequate amount of cement is in the initial batch and that the cement was not diluted with water. Q: Can I use salt to help get rid of ice on my walks or driveway? A: For a concrete guy, this is also an easy answer – no and no again. While it’s effective to battle a slippery walkway, over time salt will erode your concrete. Regardless of what the package says, salt isn’t “safe” for use on your concrete if you want to keep it looking good for years to come.

Christmas is for dreaming . . .

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INSIDE THE

BUTLER’S PANTRY by Jesse Green

Hanif Hemani, sales manager with North Prairie Developments, overlooks the scenic views from one of the future lots under development at Riversong, the company’s new acreage development located just north of Cathedral Bluffs.

Where would Batman be without Alfred? Or the Addams Family without Lurch greeting guests with a thundering, “You rang?” The butler is celebrated in pop culture, and in Britain the age-old profession has seen a huge resurgence thanks to the television series Downton Abbey. So, how are these fanciful references relevant to life in North America? It turns out that the butler’s pantry is making a splash on the design scene with these functional coves popping up in show homes and magazines. A search on the online collaborative platform ‘Houzz’ returns more than 28,000 photos of ‘butler’s pantry.’ The modern butler’s pantry can take any number of forms; from a small room used for food storage to an elaborate mini-kitchen equipped with a sink, dishwasher and staging area. It regularly includes counter space

and room for storing pots and pans. Although the trend hasn’t quite hit Saskatoon yet, Haven Builders Inc. has introduced a modified butler’s pantry into their Evergreen show home. “It’s huge in Europe, and we put it in one of our houses to see what the feedback was,” said designer Donna Senterre. Typically the butler’s pantry is between the dining room and kitchen, but this setup requires a lot of square footage and doesn’t lend itself to open concept homes. “The modern way of doing a butler’s pantry is to work it into your kitchen. We tucked it into the back of our kitchen; it’s a twist on the butler’s pantry,” said Senterre. The team at Haven Builders Inc. is proud of their Signature Service. They do have a selection of floor plans, but they don’t like to build the same house twice. “We provide

The butler did it!

this extraordinary service because we want clients to love their home, and to love the design and building process as well,” said Sheri Deobald, the team’s new homes sales consultant. The services of their in-house designer are included. Donna works with clients to carefully design a home that will function perfectly. Shopping days can be arranged, and Donna will ensure that clients are getting the best possible price for the items they have chosen. A full 3D virtual tour gives clients a feel for how the house will look. It also allows for any layout changes during the design stage; much easier to do in pixels than with wood and drywall. Their online project management system allows clients to manage their project and see progress stage by stage. Part of this Signature Service is the ability

to offer the latest styles and materials that are available. The weathered or textured look has made its way to countertops, and the leatherlook granite is on display at the Haven Builders’ Rosewood show home at 515 Hastings Crescent. They have also thrown out the rulebook for their functional and unique ushaped island in another show home. Another factor that sets Haven Builders apart is their exclusive custom cabinetry division. Haven Cabinets provide quality, creativity and service with their onsite shop where individual cabinets are designed and built. The styles range from modern to contemporary, and their craftsmanship is impeccable. Haven Cabinets also offers an extensive array of accessories for kitchen, bath or laundry cabinetry. Haven Builders can be found online at www.havenbuilders.ca.

Today’s modern home is unlikely to include a servant’s quarters or employ a scullery maid. However, here is a quick summary of the Victorian Era great house. The butler was one of the highestranking servants, and his suite of rooms would include the pantry. This room was a staging room, and would store things like serving items and table linens. The butler would wash fine china in a copperbottomed sink. Copper was a soft material that would make less of a racket. The room would house the silver and often a wine log and merchant log. It would be under lock and key with loyal butlers even sleeping there to guard the valuables. The larder would be built in a cold north corner and might contain an icebox to help cool perishable food. The Scots called their larders the spence, and the servants in charge of them were spencers. The larder and the spence were displaced with the invention of refrigeration. The scullery was where the dirty work was done. Running water would be used for washing up of dishes and messy food prep like cutting raw meat or fish cleaning. In the late 1800s the Hoosier Manufacturing Co. introduced storage and working countertops into the kitchen with their freestanding hutch called a Hoosier cabinet. The Hoosier cabinet was geared towards farm kitchens and sparked a great number of replicas from other companies.

That’s entertainment! Home theatre design

b y P a u l S i n k e w i cz

There’s no more satisfying movie experience than relaxing to theatre-quality picture and sound in your own home. The chair is just how you like it, the snacks are plentiful and the amenities are nearby. But achieving cinephile Nirvana takes careful planning. Calvin Garraway, owner of One Touch Automation, loves crafting the perfect environment for watching television or movies. He consults with builders and home owners to optimize the viewing room, taking into account dimensions, lighting and sound optimization. An audio-visual fanatic, Garraway loves to do a demonstration with clients and see the look on their faces when they first experience great home theatre. “They are blown away,” he says. One of the biggest challenges in creating the perfect environment comes from rooms that are irregular in shape or are intended for a variety of uses. Many people opt for a ‘media space’ where a variety of things will be pursued – watching movies, gaming, entertaining, etc. “A dedicated home theatre room is quite a bit more involved because you are dealing with the acoustics of the room,” says Gar-

raway. “You can get into types of flooring, types of furniture and sound-proofing for the room. You generally get into higher end speakers, and more of them, better picture quality and home automation controls for the lighting and temperature.” Garraway says designing a truly dedicated home theatre room is a treat, especially when his customers give him carte blanche on the design. The costs can go as high as a person wants to spend, but usually $20,000 is a pretty big budget for home theatre in Saskatoon. The process of designing a home theatre starts with choosing a speaker configuration. The 7.1 surround set-up is most common. It means there are three speakers across the front, one on each side, and two in the rear for a total of seven speakers and one subwoofer. The 5.1 system – five speakers and one subwoofer – is common in family rooms and master bedrooms. “The first step is to pick the equipment and decide how loud do you want it to be in the room,” says Garraway. “Do you want the chair to shake and rumble with the bass, or do you just want enough to accent the picture.” Great home theatre design involves a lot of math. The type of TV has to be considered,

including angle of view. The angle of the speakers must be calculated taking into account how many people the room will have to accommodate and seating positions. “All of that comes into play. You have to properly design the layout of the room so everybody hears the same thing.” Garraway says if you’re talking in a properly designed home theatre room you should not hear an echo. Somebody not used to that experience should actually find the effect disconcerting because it’s normal to always have sound bouncing around. You don’t want that in a home theatre. Another thing to consider is the aesthetic of the room. “Do electronics fit into that decor? Generally not, so we build an equipment room off the side of the theatre and we put all the equipment hidden away and you have a nice remote that controls it all.” Lighting design is a huge aspect of home

theatre, and modern automation tools make creating the right ambience as easy as touching a button. And that automation technology makes operating a suite of complex video and audio equipment foolproof. “The big thing with enjoying home theatre is being able to use it properly,” says Garraway. There’s no longer any need for a table full of different remote controls with a cheat sheet on how to get the DVD player to show up on the TV. “When one of our clients sits down in their home theatre, they grab the one remote, or the iPhone or whatever their controlling device is, and they press one button. If they are going to watch a Blu-ray movie, they press ‘Watch Blu-ray’ and the smart remote senses what it needs to do to get the correct configuration. “Then you just sit back and enjoy the show.” LS

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FROM DREAM HOME

TO REAL HOME by Jennifer J ac o b y- S m i t h

You’ve been dreaming about it for years. When you close your eyes you can see it, but getting your dream house from an abstract idea to reality is a job for Brett Johnson and his design team at Final Draft Co. Ltd. Johnson, along with a team of five architectural technologists, completes between 200 and 300 projects each year. Most of those projects are residential builds. In designing a custom-built dream home for a client, Final Draft can either work directly with the home owners or more commonly with a builder. Having a builder involved from the start offers several advantages for the home owner. Certain builders may be known for building houses of a specific genre. Already your choice of builder may tell Johnson what type of design suits you best. “Through the process of it, the builder will also have input into, obviously the style, but also the type of construction. There are different styles of framing, different styles of foundation work. They may have a preference as

to how some things are done,” Johnson says. “They may have some preference on construction. There are multiple ways to insulate a house. They already have a template for how they’d like it done. So it’s nice to have them in from the beginning.” The builder generally has trusted networks of contractors and sub-contractors. That experience can save you time and money, not to mention headaches, down the road. It would also be up to the builder to guarantee the work contractors are hired to do. To get started, Johnson and staff meet with clients and go through a series of questions. “Basically [we’re] getting an idea of how you live your life, what your lifestyle is like,” says Johnson. “[We are] bringing out all the different aspects of what they might want individually and getting a good grasp of how they’re going to use their house.” Some home owners ask for media rooms, computer rooms, hobby rooms or enclosed pools.

Johnson and his team have to get very detailed in scoping out the home owners’ vision for each room. In the kitchen, for example, Johnson may ask questions such as... Is there an island? Is the island raised? Is it lowered? Is there a pantry? Is your pantry a cabinet pantry or a walk-in pantry? Is your fridge going to order milk for you? The location of the house-to-be also influences the design. An acreage property, for instance, may want to take advantage of a certain view or feature of the landscape. A house may be positioned in a certain way on a property to get more light or limit a trouble spot. As well, new developments often have strict architectural controls dictating certain styles or colours Johnson and his team can employ. It’s important to know these ahead of time. The climate is an important consideration when designing a house in Saskatchewan. While many design features – such as

a two-sided fireplace that straddles the wall between the living room and your deck – might seem like a beautiful addition, the cold weather might make it impractical. Johnson suggests starting a collection of pictures, sketches, or websites of design elements you like. These can serve as a starting point for Johnson’s team. The internet can be an invaluable resource – allowing a potential home owner to see various types of designs or styles of finishes without leaving their chair. “The best way I can think of for a person or owner coming in and getting the best result from a company like mine is to have as much homework done beforehand,” advises Johnson. “Our job basically is to be able to read and bring out the thoughts and ideas from what our customers want and put it down on paper.” It may take several meetings for the designers to get enough information to complete the home design. Final Draft will then

present a concept plan. Sometimes Johnson says they may only do a concept plan once, but more often it changes and evolves to better meet the clients’ needs. Upon approval from the client, Final Draft does what is called a check set – which is a completed set of drawings. This set of drawings is the official set of blueprints and will include all floor plans, elevations, and electrical schematics. Once a client signs off the check set, they can get an estimate and build their house. More and more often, however, house plans are having to be reviewed by an engineer. In such cases, Final Draft works in conjunction with an engineer to make sure the design is compliant and structurally sound. The process of making your dream home a reality can take months or even years. But the creativity of Johnson and his team can make the process a lot more fun and rewarding. In the end you’ll be able to enjoy a home that is reflects you in every way. LS

GREEN SCENE

G o ing g eothermal: Lexi s Ho mes S T ORY & p h o t o s b y Tom Eremondi

When Bobbie and Kofi Tsinkorang decided they wanted a stylish new home, they also decided they had to dig a little deeper. It wasn’t into their pockets, though. In their case they decided to have the builder install a geothermal heating system. “I heard about geothermal from a friend whose parents live on a farm and also from a friend who’d had it done in the city,” Kofi says. “We did a little research and realized it was something we wanted to try.” “We were debating between geothermal and spray foam insulation,” Bobbie adds, noting either would have added similar costs to their home build. “We went with geothermal because it was a little less expensive.” Fortunately they found a builder more than willing to listen to what his customers wanted – Cam Skoropat of Lexis Homes. The company is known for their innovative, custom-built homes. “When they told me what they wanted, it was easy to comply,” Skoropat says. “I know Kevin, the owner of Dwight’s Next Energy Geothermal Solutions, and we’d just talked about doing some geothermal in our homes. It was shortly after that the Tsinkorangs contacted us and were asking about geothermal. It was a convenient coincidence.” As a builder, he reports, “the main thing we had to do was get the geothermal drilling rigs on the property before we poured

the foundation. The foundation is usually the first step but, in this case, it was putting pipes in the backyard.” Geothermal heating consists of a series of pipes buried in the ground, where the temperature is stable all year round. An ethanol solution is circulated through the pipes to make them highly efficient conductors of heat. In the winter, the ethanol in the pipes absorbs the heat from the ground – the heated fluid is then pumped back through the geothermal unit into the house. While these pipes can be looped horizontally in rural areas, property restrictions in urban areas mean they need to be installed vertically. This is why it’s important pipes be installed before anything else. “After that, we just had to let our electrical and mechanical trades know what was happening,” Skoropat adds. “The furnaces require different electrical systems as well as different ducting. The whole process may have taken just a day or two longer.” As home owners, Kofi says there are very few other differences in the operation of their home. “The biggest is an electrostatic air filter that needs to be washed every one or two months, depending on how dusty the home is.” In addition to heating the house throughout the winter, the same geothermal system and principles cool the house during the

warm summer months. “The house pretty much always stays the same temperature,” Kofi says. “We haven’t touched the thermostat since about two weeks after we moved in last April. It stays perfectly between 20 and 23 degrees.” There is an added cost of about $15,000 but the advantage of installing geothermal during a build is being able to include it in the mortgage. The other benefits, of course, are no gas bills and zero emissions. With geothermal also heating the home’s hot water system, Skoropat says that the couple is saving about $150 a month on their 2,200 square foot home. He notes the addition of spray-foamed joists and triple-paned windows as other energy saving features. “We had thought about still having a gas line into the house but decided we could do without it,” Bobbi notes. “So we had to make sure all of our appliances were electric and that our barbecue was propane. It also meant we ended up getting a biogel fireplace, but that was an attractive addition. “We wanted a totally custom look that you couldn’t see anywhere else and that’s

what we got with Lexis,” she continues. “The geothermal is just another one of the many cool features of our house.” “We were actually looking forward to winter,” Kofi says with a laugh, “so we could really test it out.” Skoropat says, “Now that we know more about it, Lexis will continue offering geothermal as an option for those energy-conscious home owners.” LS

Cam Skoropat, and Bobbie and Kofi Tsinkorang in front of the geothermal furnace, installed by Dwight’s Next Energy Geothermal Solutions.

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Fancy Fridges to catch your

b y J ac k i e B l a k e ly

There was a time, not so long ago, when the temperature food was stored at and how long it kept was largely determined by how much ice was in the icebox. Refrigerators have come a long way since their invention a century ago and Hans Koetting, store manager at Saskatoon Appliance, says their store has many brands to offer. Though options haven’t changed a lot in the past few years, they are constantly being fine-tuned. Samsung has a sparkling water dispenser option so you can make your own soda. The refining of existing options has also lead to preset water dispensers to dispense exactly the right amount of water each time. Microedge shelving is also new. This shelving design will prevent small spills from trickling over the edge of the shelf. “The texture of the glass at the edge of the shelf is different so if drips roll to the edge, it won’t drip down,” says Koetting. Almost all new refrigerators are now ENERGY STAR® rated. This is a government standard that is constantly being revised to produce more energy efficient units. “It’s getting tougher and tougher as time goes by,” remarks Koetting. “Some entry-level products still aren’t (ENERGY STAR® rated).” All refrigerators now use better insulation, which helps reduce the cost of cooling. They also include a variable speed compressor that’s smaller than in the older units, and they run almost continuously. “Instead of having one thermostat,” say Koetting, “you have four micro-processors in various parts of the fridge that relay the stats to a control center to ensure maximum run for the fridge.” Koetting says that manufacturers are always trying to maintain the optimum temperature. “The older models had to work hard to reach the maximum temperature, and then they cut off. A variable speed compressor runs a lot to maintain temperature so there’s no up and down.” An average 19 cubic foot refrigerator today uses approximately fifty dollars worth of energy a year. That cost has been reduced by

about one-third in less than 15 years. Though the changes in the past few years have not been large, manufacturers have made significant advances in sizes and styles. Most refrigerators will not stick out as far as an older model, due to the fact that over the past eight years manufacturers have moved the cooling coils that were on the back of a refrigerator, to the bottom. As well, you can now order refrigerators with doors that match your cupboards. Some manufacturers even offer customizable colour or print panels, to skin your refrigerator just like you would your cell phone. “Style is what people are going for these days,” Koetting explains, adding that stainless steel, French door design, and fridges with water dispensing agents are the most popular. Other options include dual icemakers and convertible units. With an icemaker in the freezer compartment, ice can be made in large batches - good for parties - while ice dispensed through the water dispenser is good for dispensing ice one glass at a time. Convertible units encourage the purchaser to design the refrigerator themselves by allowing them to convert parts of the unit to a freezer or a refrigerator and back again. The unit can also be converted to all refrigerator or all freezer. As well, some models come with an external temperature-controlled deli drawer, so the whole door doesn’t have to be opened to get a piece of cheese. While there still has not been a selfcleaning refrigerator invented and we still can’t operate one with a cell phone, the next five years should bring about computerized changes. “If your fridge has a problem it will show you an error code that you can transmit to the manufacturer, via email, who can then diagnose the problem and dispatch a tech to fix it,” says Koetting. New options will certainly be part of a refrigerator’s evolution. But, as Koetting says, “you can do many, many things, but it still has to be priced affordably.” Saskatoon Appliance is located at 2720 -8th Street East, in Saskatoon. LS

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

511 45th S treet E • 9 3 4 - 0 6 6 0 P h o t o : H o s p i t a l H o m e L o t t e r y b y Va l e n t i n o H o m e s

DESIGN ELEMENTS

M o ntana H omes ’ new de s i g n centre s implifies de ci s i o n making pro ce s s by Jeannie Armstrong P h o t o s BY J E F F LYONS

Decisions, decisions, decisions... A new home affords families the opportunity to choose or modify floor plans, interior and exterior decors, finishes and trims. Making all of those choices can be exciting, but also time-consuming, involving seemingly endless trips to the showrooms of local suppliers and home centres. It’s a process that some people find intimidating, says Wayne Halabura, who co-owns Montana Homes with business partner Jack Wur. Montana Homes has simplified the home building process by bringing together the best of local suppliers’ products under one roof, with the recent opening of their new design centre at #3 - 311 Weilman Lane in Stonebridge. “The first thing we tell them is, ‘This is going to be a fun experience for you.’ If you have a good system in place, good trades in place, this process is a lot of fun,” says Halabura. Anyone purchasing a quick possession or custom-built home with Montana Homes will appreciate the services offered at the new design centre. “When we first meet our customers, we invite them to our design centre and talk about what style of house they want to build. We’ll bring up different blueprints and talk about different neighbourhoods, and find out where they want to be. We look at what the

family’s needs are, their budget and the time frame they need to meet,” says Halabura. He notes that Montana Homes now has its own draftsperson on staff, which helps to eliminate lengthy delays in drawing up or altering blueprints. Following selection of the lot and finalization of the blueprint, the home owners now need to make decisions on items like cabinetry, countertops, flooring, sinks, tap sets, door handles and trims. Rather than driving all over the city, the home owners can simply head over to Montana Homes’ design centre. Montana Homes has sourced the latest selection of top brand name products from their local suppliers for display right in the design centre - everything from interior doors and railing systems to kitchen sinks. The array of styles ranges from elegant traditional to contemporary, with outstanding quality being the common denominator. The Design Centre even features displays of exterior finishing materials, including shingles, siding and stone accents. “The process is very interactive. It’s very engaging for the home owners,” says Halabura. “If the home owner wants even more choices, we can go to our suppliers’ websites and expand those options for them.” Halabura recommends that home owners begin by selecting the style and colour of their cabinetry, as the flooring, countertops

and interior doors should all harmonize with that first choice. The samples come together in one cohesive design montage, right before the home owners’ eyes. “With those major decisions made, we can then proceed onto the fine details, like moulding styles and trims. It’s about seeing all of the elements come together and personalizing your home,” says Halabura. “Rather than dragging samples around from one supplier to another, we have everything on display right here. It’s so much simpler. People are busy; they work all day. For the majority of the houses that we build, the design centre will do everything we need,” says Halabura. “For customers who are building more of an upper end home, they may want to source a few items - perhaps exotic hardwoods - that we don’t have on display in the design centre. However, they will still be able to take advantage of the design centre for many of their choices.” While some home owners have a clear vision of what they want their new home to look like, others are looking for guidance from a design professional. “We have three people on staff who can help you with your colour choices and your selections, so that everything ties together,” says Halabura. “That’s a no-charge service.” Montana Homes chose to partner with local suppliers in their design centre to ensure

their customers’ satisfaction long after movein day. “We believe that by dealing with local suppliers, if there’s an issue that comes up, they’re here for you and they will take care of the product,” says Halabura. “Our model is about using local trades, using products that we can have service on in a timely manner.” Home owners can monitor the progress of their new home through Montana Homes’ interactive software program. By logging on to the program’s dashboard, both the builder and the home owner can access the production schedule and see which trades or contractors are on site at any given day or time. “If you buy a house from us, you can go in and look at the schedule at any time to see what’s going on in your house. If you want a specific photo of the house, our site guys will take the picture and upload it to the site for you to view. This is a great tool for both our staff and the home owners to interact with the process,” says Halabura. Montana Homes currently has show homes open for viewing at 415 Sauer Crescent in Evergreen and 406 Werschner Lane in Rosewood. “We build in all areas of the city and have 100 lots in inventory, including Rosewood, Stonebridge, Evergreen and Kensington,” says Halabura. “The newest neighbourhood coming up in late spring of 2014 will be Holmwood.” For details, visit www.montanahomes.ca. LS 69

Home renovations can range in ambition from re-painting a room to adding a new one. North Ridge Renovations’ Adam Bradley says that often a large scale reno can have comparable costs of labour and supplies of building new, but says that people who choose to renovate over building new are those who “live in established neighbourhoods, on already developed lots with nice big trees. People who do big renovations like the locations they live in, the schools their kids go to, and the parks near-by. They choose to make the house they have already work for them in the area they are in.” According to Bradley, kitchen renovations are still popular, while a new trend in Saskatoon is for people to “completely gut their homes and do a comprehensive renovation. Additions that add square footage to the home are also being done more and more.” This way, Bradley explains, the home owner keeps and adds to the equity they’ve built up over the years while also getting a home for their family to continue to grow and make memories in. Bradley has an important tip for those looking to re-do their homes. “Communication with your contractor is key,” he explains. This encompasses many things. “You

need to have an idea of what you want. We can give you tips, but you need to pick your style for your home. However, we also have experience with what will work and what won’t, and we have access to people in the trades and their knowledge as well, so talk with us.” In fact, Bradley says that having these “realistic conversations with your contractor before you build will ease the process. The more time you spend with us upfront, the more smoothly the build will go.” Good communication also helps to keep costs reasonable. “If you come to us with an idea of what you want to spend and a wish list of what you want done and give us the time to consult with you, we can help you plan the best options for your budget while still giving you as many things on your list as we can,” says Bradley. Establishing a good dialogue with your contractor will also allow them to prepare you for what to expect during the renovation. “People underestimate to what extent their home will be torn apart during a renovation. It is chaotic. We always tell people if they can move out during the reno, they should. And if they are going to stay, there are going to need to plan out how to make that feasible.” Bradley explains further that “we are going to be ripping their home apart, and that

can often be quite traumatic for a family. Their home is often part of their identity, and a renovation like this can leave them feeling as exposed as their house. We have pictures to show people what to expect in different phases of the renovation, and what sizes rubble piles they can expect in their backyard.” Bradley adds that your contractor can help you through “the life cycle of the reno. We see it all the time. People start out excited, and then there is a long period where it doesn’t seem like much progress is being made because everything is taken apart still, and they begin to get discouraged. We help walk them through this part, and it’s really great to see their spirits go up as we start putting finishing touches on.” In more basic terms, Bradley says that a good rapport with your contractor is important because your renovation can take months to complete, so you will see almost as much of them as you will your family. “A relationship that comes from a basis of trust and open communication is essential.” And in the end, he says, it is as special for the contractor as it is for the client to see the family “reap the rewards of the months of disruption. They get to see the visual of the idea that was in their head, and to touch and feel the results. It’s exciting every time.” LS

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TRAILBLAZERS

John and Bernice Williams founded North Prairie Developments in 1987. The couple has now been joined in the family business by their sons Andrew and Tyler, and their daughter Angela.

North Prairie Developments Changing the landscape of Saskatchewan by Jeannie Armstrong

An inviting feature of North Prairie’s Little Tuscany ‘Freedom Lifestyle’ gated community in Stonebridge is the attractive clubhouse, featuring an inviting lounge and fitness centre.

For over 25 years, North Prairie Developments has helped to change the landscape of Saskatchewan. Since the company’s establishment in 1987 by Bernice and John Williams, North Prairie has emerged as one of Saskatchewan’s largest and most experienced builders, taking a leadership role in residential, commercial and retail construction, and more recently, land development. Over the past quarter-century, North Prairie has built more than 2,500 single- and multi-family homes. The builder’s focus on quality construction and outstanding customer service has been recognized through multiple awards, including the prestigious Customer Choice and Multi-Family Builder of the Year Bridges Awards presented by the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Asso-

ciation, as well as Gold Service Awards sponsored by the New Home Warranty Program of Saskatchewan Inc. “We take great pride in developing attractive, well-built homes and projects that we would be proud to call our own,” says John Williams, president of North Prairie Developments. A second generation of the Williams family is now helping to take the company into the future with the same ongoing commitment to quality: Andrew, Tyler and Angela Williams. Over the years, thousands of Saskatoon families have grown up in North Prairie Homes. “We build primarily for the midrange market,” says Andrew Williams, VicePresident, New Homes with North Prairie. “People like our price points and the high

level of quality that we bring to each of our homes. That’s the niche we’ve established in the marketplace.” Currently focusing on their remaining residential lots in Stonebridge and Hampton Village, North Prairie will be moving into the new subdivisions of Kensington and Holmwood. “Those will be our major areas of focus in Saskatoon on our housing side in the coming years,” says Andrew. “In Regina, our housing division is currently operating in Harbour Landing. We’re looking to be involved next year in Dundee’s newest Regina development called Coopertown.” Over the past 26 years, North Prairie has gained renown as the developer of “Freedom Lifestyle Communities.” The builder has completed over 25 of these multi-family projects in Saskatoon, and in recent years, Regina. Among the most recent multi-family projects that North Prairie has brought to the marketplace are Little Tuscany (a gated community with 187 units in Stonebridge), Cottages on Trimble (a community of attached townhomes and single family residences in Willowgrove) and Bellagio Terrace (77 luxury apartment-style condo units in Regina’s Wascana Centre). North Prairie has just recently celebrated the grand opening of its Chaparral Ridge master-planned community in Martensville, featuring 106 attractive two-storey duplex and eight-plex units. North Prairie also operates a Land and Commercial Division. Their first land development project was the subdivision of MacCormack Ranch, introduced in the spring of 2005 in Martensville. The masterplanned community, offering 143 lots on 40 acres, proved so popular, it was completed in just two years. Continuing their focus on Martensville, Sunset Ridge followed, with 237 residential lots, two condo sites and four commercial parcels. The adjacent 85-acre Black Iron Crossing shopping development will be the largest retail centre in the Saskatoon region. “We’ve attracted a number of tenants including Canalta Hotels, Dairy Queen, Little Caesars Pizza, Tim Hortons, Co-op, Pharmasave and TRX RVs. There are some other major tenants at the doorstep right now,” says Andrew. North Prairie recently made headlines in Saskatoon with the announcement of a new high-rise luxury condominium/hotel tower to be located downtown at the corner of Third Avenue and 22nd Street. City Centre Tower will change the skyline of Saskatoon, as it is projected to be the tallest building in Saskatchewan. When asked about the reasons for North Prairie’s success, Andrew replies, “We’ve always provided a good quality product at an affordable price point. We always stand behind our products.” The Williams family also shares their success with the experienced trades and suppliers they’ve worked with over the past 26 years. “Working with key industry professionals has definitely contributed to our success. Many of our trades have been with us for over two decades. Those trades and suppliers are part of our overall success. They provide us with great quality and service, which in turn is passed onto our customers,” says Andrew. Long-time membership in the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association has also been fundamental to the success of North Prairie Developments. “We see a lot of value in our membership in the Association. First, the Association supports a lot of worthy causes that our company is aligned with, including the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Saskatchewan,” says Andrew, who sits on the Board of Directors of the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association. The opportunity to network with other industry professionals is also a benefit that comes with membership in the Association. “Members can seek advice from one another and act as mentors. It’s a great forum to learn about the services that other members offer, as well as

to promote the services offered by our company,” he adds. Through membership in the Association, North Prairie is kept aware of vital issues that impact the residential construction industry in our province. “Key industry issues are brought up through the Association. As members, we’re informed of those issues. We get to be a part of that voice and help make changes that are positive to our industry.” LS

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* Based on selection of o*pBtioanseodneoninstehlecm tionrtgoaf goeptaiosnsisotnaencine tphlaenmooffretgreadgebyasdseivsetalonpceer.pSlaunbsoifdfeyrpeldanbyunddeevreolopptieorn. Sounbesdidifyfeprslafnroumndtheartorpetfiloecnteodne differs from that reflected above.The Developer resaebrovvees.TthheerD igehvt etolom pearkreem seordviefiscathtieonrsigahnt dtocm haankgeem s toodbifiucialdtinognsanadndprcohpaenrgtyedsetosigbnu,ilsdpinegciaficnadtipornospaenrtdy fdeeastuigrne,s;sspheocuifildcatthioenysbaend features; should they be necessary to maintain thneehciegshssatrayntdoarmdaaintdaidnetshigenhingthegsrtiatyndoaf rtdhisanpdrodjeecstigonr tiontm egariintytaoinf tlohcisalpbroujieldcitnogrctoodm e areinqtuairnem loecantl sb.uilding code requirements.

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BUILDING COMMUNITY

Sy ner g y 8 C o mmunity B uild ers fin d jo y in g ivin g ba ck b y A s h l e i g h Matt e r n

ABOVE: The Synergy 8 Community Builders invited pro golf legend Tom Watson to Saskatoon to participate in a charity golf tournament to raise funds for Ronald McDonald House. In addition to appearing at the event, Watson also donated $10,000 towards the expansion of the facility.

In 2008, Troy Davies and seven of his friends and acquaintances decided they wanted to give back to the community. They formed the Synergy 8 Community Builders, and have since raised funds for five big-ticket projects in Saskatoon. Through their annual Drive for Kids Campaign, featuring top-ranking pro golfers like Nick Faldo and Tom Watson, they have raised over $1.2 million for items such as a new pediatric ambulance, an ultrasound machine for pediatrics and fetal assessment, a health bus for the Saskatoon Health Region, and renovations at the Crisis Nursery and the Ronald McDonald House. For their first fund-raiser in 2009 they raised $250,000 for a pediatric ambulance. They had corporate support from big names like SIGA, PotashCorp, and the Children’s Hospital Foundation, all of which mentored them in fund-raising, as none of them had experience doing so. “Thank God we didn’t know what were doing,” said Davies, who is the communications director at MD Ambulance. “Knowing five years down the road what we know now – there’s an extreme amount of work, an extreme amount of volunteer hours.”

The pediatric ambulance has since transported over 500 kids, and has about 170,000 kilometres on it. Davies says it’s the best ambulance the Saskatoon Health Region has to transport kids. The Health Bus has won several awards, and the ultrasound machine for fetal assessment is used almost daily to diagnose problems with pregnancies. But one of the projects that moves Davies the most is the Crisis Nursery renovation, which included a big upgrade to the playground in the back yard. “As soon as we see kids having fun, it’s all about that,” he said. The other community builders are Rob Lozinski, Jason Hynd, Adam Watt, Reilley Dutchak, Jamie Windjack, Trent Sereda and Craig Sled. They all come from different sectors of the business community, which Davies says allows them to tap into each of their professional networks. But on game day, it’s not just the community builders on the field: they have a core group of about 10 volunteers (which includes wives) who have been with them since day one. “We want to make sure that we don’t get all the credit, because at the end of the day,

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Synergy 8’s first project raised funds for a pediatric ambulance which has since transported over 500 children in the Saskatoon region.

Synergy 8 Community Builders is a group of eight business professionals who joined forces to raise funds for worthy causes in our city. Synergy 8’s members include Troy Davies, Rob Lozinski, Jason Hynd, Adam Watt, Reilley Dutchak, Jamie Windjack, Trent Sereda and Craig Sled.

we’re just putting on the event, but it’s the people coming to the event that make it happen. It’s a great Saskatoon event, and not a great Synergy event.” Davies thinks their events do well because they have “zero ego” and are always willing to learn from their mistakes. They offer top notch prizes, a great experience, and they focus the campaign on a specific goal to reach or piece of equipment to buy so people know exactly what their money is going towards. They want attendees to feel like they’re getting a bang for their buck in addition to supporting an important cause. Plus it helps that Saskatoon has gained a great reputation with the golfers they’ve brought in. Often the celebrities end up donating to the campaign; this year, Tom Watson donated $10,000.

The celebrity golfers are a big part of the campaign, but at the recent tournament for the Ronald McDonald House, the real rock star of the day was Donovan Fraser, a 10-yearold who has stayed at the Ronald McDonald House while undergoing chemotherapy and bone marrow transplants for cancer treatment. A private donor paid for Donovan to be Tom Waton’s caddy, and another private donor bought his family a Labour Day package to go to the Rider game. “This is why we’re doing this,” said Davies. Almost as soon as the 2013 campaign ended, this group of eight young business professionals started gearing up for the next year. By the end of December, they’ll have chosen the next organization or cause they’d like to support. LS

Synergy 8 Community Builders invited PGA legend Fred Couples to participate in a charity golf tournament in Saskatoon. The tournament, held at Moonlake Golf & Country Club, raised over $300,000 to help transform the Crisis Nursery.

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IN THE KITCHEN

with

RUSTY PENNO

By Hilary Klassen P h o t o s b y J e ff Ly o n s

Unleash Rusty Penno in the kitchen and he’ll work enough magic to summon all your senses. Hear the pan-sizzle of a red wine reduction sauce, smell the blending of savoury aromas, enjoy the visual artistry of finished dishes – your senses won’t mind. Executive chef at Dakota Dunes for the past year and a half, Penno is the kind of guy who lies awake at night dreaming big

cooking dreams. His cooking dreams first got launched during a dozen years learning the ropes at Boffins Club. “Six months after it opened I joined the team, began at the bottom, started doing pastries and learning everything I could,” says Penno. “After three years I was executive sous chef and after four years I was the executive chef. Then I ran the Club. That was a really great, awesome Cont i nue d on pa ge 8 2

KITCHEN c ontinued from page 80 experience, and that’s what set me up to come to Dakota Dunes.” After Boffins, Penno helped bring the Rock Creek Tap & Grill franchise to Saskatoon, a project he saw through its raw frame structure, kitchen development and right through its first year of operation. “It was really interesting. I got to see a business built from the framework all the way to fruition, all the way to training and cooking. Doing that part was a new experience for me because we try and develop all that you need to run the business,” he says. When he was starting out, Penno took a three month short order cooking class offered by the government which netted him a job in the industry within a week and a half. Later, he took the apprenticeship program at Kelsey SIAST, and has completed two years of a three year Sommelier diploma, which is basically everything he needs to know as an executive chef about varietals and wine pairing. Dakota Dunes has given him the opportunity to get creative. Twice a month he does VIP dinners and basically has carte blanche to do whatever he wants, money is no object. These five course dinners are a chance to give back to their VIP customers and provide them with a memorable gastronomical experience. “The VIP nights are my creative outlet,” he says. He’s had other opportunities to change things up, like making dining more interactive. “We have interactive nights. We do a pizza night where we have fresh dough, fresh ingredients, fresh sauce, on Tuesday nights,” Penno says. People can come up to a curved counter with the pizza oven visible beyond, and place their order. On a recent Tuesday they set a record – 113 pizzas in three hours. They do interactive pasta nights as well. Penno likes to use some new technologies in the kitchen, like his ‘smoking gun.’ This allows him to wrap food in a bag, seal and smoke it, as he does when preparing smoked scallops. He also likes to use Sous Vide technology to cook foods very slowly at low temperatures. “I try to bring new techniques to show people here, like the emergent circulator and Sous vide, and using the smoking gun,” says Penno. “These are techniques to cook things that they haven’t seen here. What I’m trying to do is give back.” Penno mentions Chef Gordon Ramsay who likes to yell and curse, as anyone who has watched Hell’s Kitchen knows. “That’s the truth of a lot of places,” says Penno. “They treat them as if they’re just there to work, the learning part might happen at C o n tin u ed o n p a ge 86

Smoked Scallops WITH Leeks, whisky cream 6-8 10/20 scallops (sizing is 10 to 20 in a pound) 2 tbsp camelina oil (canola or other vegetable oil) 1/2 cup sliced leeks 4oz Kentucky whisky or bourbon 4oz heavy cream Salt and pepper to taste To smoke the scallops Penno used the polyscience smoking gun ($100.00 online). This can be replicated with a bbq smoker box heated on the bbq and transferred to a metal pan with a resting rack in it to elevate the scallops so they don’t get too much heat and then cooked immediately. Warm oil to medium high heat in a pan just large enough for the scallops, add scallops with the flat side down, season with salt and pepper and cook for 2 minutes or until deep golden brown. Turn to other side with tongs and season again. Cook for another 2 minutes and transfer to a plate to rest. Add the leeks and sauté until soft, season and remove. Remove the pan from the heat source and add the 4oz of whisky. Put it back on the heat source and reduce it by half, add cream and again reduce by half. Check it for seasoning. On appetizer plate place the leeks and spread them out and place half of the scallops on top of the leeks and drizzle with the cream.

Red Wine Braised Short Ribs WITH sautéed asparagus AND baby carrots 2oz canola oil 16 beef short ribs, each about 3” in length 4 onions, peeled and chopped 1 bunch of celery, chopped 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped 1 head of garlic cloves, peeled 1 bottle of bold red wine 1 bunch fresh rosemary and thyme Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Heat a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat and add oil to just cover the bottom. Add the ribs in a single layer and brown them on all sides. The browning of the meat is very important for developing the caramel rich flavor in your sauce. Place the browned ribs on a platter and add the onions, celery, carrot and garlic to the hot pan and sauté for 3-4 minutes. Add the ribs back to pan and cover with wine and add the rosemary and thyme and season with salt and pepper. Cover with a tight-fitting lid, or with tightly sealed foil and place in the oven to cook for about 2 2 ½ hours until the ribs are tender and nearly falling off the bone. Skim the excess fat from the top of the sauce and serve with mashed potatoes or your favorite risotto, sautéed baby carrots and asparagus. Serves 4-6.

Crisp Fried Pickerel Cheeks WITH Roasted cauliflower cream 8oz pickerel cheeks 4oz canola oil 4oz flour ¼ tsp seasoned salt ¼ tsp pepper ¼ tsp dill weed 1tsp cornstarch ½ cup milk Soak pickerel cheeks in milk for 5 minutes. In a medium sauté pan, heat canola oil on medium high heat. Remove cheeks from milk and toss with your seasoned flour mixture until completely coated. Slowly lower the cheeks into the hot oil and panfry until nice and golden brown and turn over (1 - 1 ½ minutes each side). Turn off the heat source, remove pickerel from pan and let sit on a plate with paper towel on it to absorb any excess oil. To stock the roasted cauliflower cream take 6oz of cauliflower florets and toss them with an ounce of oil and roast at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes until a deep gold brown. Puree in a blender with a little chicken stock until smooth and add a dash of heavy cream for richness. Check for seasoning. 83

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KITCHEN c ontinued from page 82

another time, but they’re there to work for you, that’s it. And you get what you can by yelling at them.” So when Penno talks about giving back, it’s a deliberate effort to counter that kind of culture and honour the kind of learning environments he was fortunate to be a part of. Getting a little philosophical, Penno discusses how food is art and food is emotion. Of course, when completed, his dishes do look like art. Aroma and appearance are part of the seduction of food. “If it doesn’t look good, are you going to put it in your mouth?” he asks. “If it smells good and its attractive you’re going to say “Why not, I’ve never had this before but I’m going to try it, it looks so darn delicious,‘ ” he says. Many memorable experiences are anchored in food. “I think of my grandma’s house. That brings me back to my childhood and all the smells and the flavours. I can put her in the kitchen, I can put myself in the kitchen, sitting at the end of the table on a stool. I can put myself right back there. Food can put you back to a date and time when you can remember you had this.” The food connects you to the emotion, those feel-good moments. “You might not remember some big event or when some important figure died, but you can remember the meal you had 15 years ago at this one little restaurant,” says Penno. “That experience, you remember that. That’s one thing I like about food.” While the nocturnal ideas keep surfacing, Penno is happy to have more family time since coming to Dakota Dunes. “It’s a pretty nice company to work for in the way they treat people and deal with things,” he says. Time will tell what else he can do with his smoking gun. Now for some tasting! LS

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Warming up: Heating options for your garage b y P a u l S i n k e w i cz

The long, cold winters in Saskatchewan are a perfect time for a hobby, and there’s nothing better than whiling away a few hours in the garage. But heating the workspace is a challenge, and it’s critical to make the right heating choice for comfort and affordability. Before contemplating a heating system, Step one is making sure the garage is properly insulated – both in the walls and the roof – and that the seals at the door are tight. Investing in high-efficiency windows and an insulated garage door will save a significant amount of money over time. The heating system will depend on the size of the space, the amount of time you intend to spend out there and your budget. Electrical space heaters for the workshop can be had for less than $100, but require a 240-volt outlet and gobble electricity. Such a shop heater rated at 4,800 watts would cost more than $10 a day to run full time at current Saskatchewan rates. A better solution, according to Carlos Moniz at Paul’s Plumbing and Heating, is a professionally installed natural gas heating unit. “The size depends on the square footage and the ceiling height,” he says. “We’ll size it up based on the space and recommend the appropriate unit.” Natural gas space heaters are by far the most common heating choice. They are vented through the roof and are usually more than adequate to heat a residential garage. “It’s cheaper than electricity for sure.” SaskEnergy recommends natural gas radiant heaters due to their quiet operation, efficiency rates of about 80 per cent and the comfort the radiated energy provides. A 35,000 BTU natural gas radiant heater will cost about $132 to operate for 600 hours, according to SaskEnergy, using rates from September 2013. A comparable electric heater will cost $546 to operate, so the savings are high.

Retrofitting a garage or workshop with a gas line will add to the initial outlay, with the cost dependant on many variables, but would likely pay for itself after only a few years with heavy usage. Another popular heating option, especially for attached garages in new home construction, is in-floor heating, says Moniz. “In bigger homes we’re doing in-floor heat off boilers, and our customers will often have us do the garage as well. If they’re already investing the money for in-floor heat in their homes, they like the idea of heating a garage with that as well because adding the garage isn’t much more.” In-floor heating systems can also run off the extremely efficient tankless water heater systems. The on-demand system uses the minimum amount of natural gas thanks to its ability to quickly distribute heated water as needed rather than keeping a large tank constantly heated. Back to basics is the choice for some garage-dwellers who look to wood-burning stoves as an economical heating choice. Standard fireplace and combustion warnings apply, however, with proper ventilation critical for safety. It’s also important for your health not to be tempted to burn the wrong kind of scrap wood. Adhesives are used in the making of plywood and MDF, and treated lumber can be toxic when burned. Woodheat.org is a non-profit group dedicated to the responsible use of wood as a heating fuel. The website offers tips on safety, the economic benefits and environmental considerations. There are three million Canadians who rely on some form of wood heating, according to Natural Resources Canada, and wood heat technologies have improved with advanced combustions systems burning more cleanly and efficiently. It recommends buying only high-efficiency systems certified by CSA International and the Canadian Standards Association. LS

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Pacific Home Products Ltd

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Paul’s Plumbing & Heating Ltd.

Saskatoon Smart Homes

Pawluk Contracting

SaskEnergy

Pegasus Homes

SaskTel

PGI Printers (Prairie Graphics Inc.)

Sawyer’s Trees & Landscapes

PinkWood Ltd.

Sears Canada Inc.

Pinnacle Builders Ltd.

Selkirk Developments

PLATINUM HOMES PLUS

Shaw Cablesystems

Ply Gem

SIAST Kelsey Campus

PolarTech Spray Foam

Signature Exteriors

Prairie Castle Developments Ltd.

SOAK LUXURY BATH PRODUCTS

Prairie Lane Builders Inc

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Solar Outpost

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Pre-Con Limited

SREDA

PRIME SOURCE BUILDING PRODUCTS CANADA LTD.

Stantec Architecture Ltd.

New Rock Developments Nice Home Builders Inc. Nordic Industries (1979) Ltd. North Prairie Developments North Ridge Development Corporation Northern Factory Workwear Northern Fireplace Ltd. Northern Sky Developments Inc. Norwood Developments NuFab Building Products

The StarPhoenix

Ward Homes Ltd. Warman Homes Webb Surveys Welcome Homes Ltd. WESTRIDGE CABINETS Westcan Insulators 1991 Ltd. Western Carpet One Western Redi Mix Inc. Western Wall Systems Westridge Homes Wheatland Fireplace Whitecap Construction Windecor Windows Inc. Window Warehouse Winroc, A Division of Superior Plus LP Your Yard Solutions Ltd Zel Countertops Zemco Door Products

Small city living. Big city benefits.

Prices Starting at

$199,900

Visit our Sales Centre in Martensville next to the Dairy Queen.

GOING GREEN

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REMARKABLE SERVICE SERVICE from REMARKABLE

CHOICE LOTS LOTS CHOICE

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MOST OF ALL, WE LOVE BUILDING HOMES. +GST

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CALL THE THE CASTLE CASTLE COMPANY COMPANY CALL

EHRENBURG HOMES HOMES LTD LTD EHRENBURG

Contact: Contact:

Ehrenburg Ehrenburg Homes Homes New New Home Home Sales Rep. Sales Rep.

Ehrenburg Homes Homes Ehrenburg New New Home Home Sales Sales Rep. Rep.

Bonnie Crozon Crozon Bonnie

230-2510 230-2510 Kari Calder

Gerry Bezaire Bezaire Gerry

241-2596 241-2596

Cell: 306-717-1277

Contact: Contact:

Joanne & & Jody Jody Cross Cross Joanne with Remax Remax Saskatoon Saskatoon with

934-0909 934-0909

www.chaparralcondos.com

www.ehrenburg.com www.ehrenburg.com

10/23/13 4:46 PM

SPACES

Great reasons to

InvItIng hardwood floors, granIte countertops & tIle backsplashes

WINTER 2013 WINTER 2011

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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

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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 & REGION HOME BUILDERS‘ ASSOCIATION

WINTER 2013

THIS OLD HOUSE: Bringing an older home back to life

Inside the butler’s pantry

What’s New In

RENOVATION & DESIGN