You’re home spring 2014 The official magazine of the Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association
S H O W H O M E S O N M I T C H I N S O N WAY S H O W H O M E H O U R S : M O N - T H U R S 7 - 9 P M W E E K E N D S & H O L I D AY S 1 2 - 5 P M
harbourlanding.ca
www.reginahomebuilders.com
www.reginahomebuilders.com
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Enjoy living smart in this comfortable and conveniently located community in the northwest of Regina. Check our website and find out what our builders can do for you.
Harmony exclusive park backing lots with custom designed homes! View these floor plans and start your build for as low as $420,000 Also Lane lots available in Harbour Landing … build for as low as $320,000 Call to see floor plans today and to see Harmony’s wonderful standards that come with our affordable and amazing homes!
ShowhomeS: Sat - Sun 1 pm - 5 pm mon - Thurs 7 pm - 9 pm
harbour Landing • 5732 Pearsall Crescent • 5254 Aviator Crescent
2901 Saskatchewan Drive • Regina, SK
Katrina Stettner New Home Specialist 306.591.0631 katrina@harmonybuilders.ca
Jennifer Robinson New Home Specialist 306.540.9979 jennifer@harmonybuilders.ca
Nicole Koch New Home Specialist 306.535.7896 nicole@harmonybuilders.ca
Paul Marsh New Home Specialist 306.591.7103 paul@harmonybuilders.ca
www.harmonybuilders.ca • 306-205-7313
Katrina Stettner New Home Specialist 306.591.0631 katrina@harmonybuilders.ca
Jennifer Robinson New Home Specialist 306.540.9979 jennifer@harmonybuilders.ca
Nicole Koch New Home Specialist 306.535.7896 nicole@harmonybuilders.ca
Paul Marsh New Home Specialist 306.591.7103 paul@harmonybuilders.ca
www.harmonybuilders.ca • 306-205-7313
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Chris Kish Kevin Beattie
Steve Vancha
Devin Keefe Dave Biskupek
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We specialize in custom audio video and home automation sales and installations for renovations, retrofits and new construction. We have the largest and most experienced install and sales team in Regina and surrounding area. We have a fully automated showroom Won the award from for “Most Valuable Dealer in Canada!� Great service, Great products, Great staff. come in and see us today!
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STEP UP
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VISIT OUR SHOW HOMES Mon-Thur: 5-9 pm • Sat, Sun, Holidays: 1-5 pm
The Caspian
The Dawson
The Monaco
The Brisbane
5237 Mitchinson Way in Harbour Landing
5278 Aviator Cres. in Harbour Landing
260 N Thauberger Rd. in Edgewater
3502 Green Marsh Cres. in The Greens on Gardiner
306-565-HOME(4663) www.pacesetterregina.com
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
o t e m o c l e W e m o H e r ’ u Yo
A
t long last, it’s spring! It’s time to emerge from our winter cocoons and make the most of the sunshine season ahead.
Warmer temperatures turn our attention to the great outdoors. This edition of You’re Home offers helpful suggestions for making the most of your outdoor living space. A great backyard starts with a plan, says a local landscape professional. Before you begin planting, it’s important to put pencil to paper and create a design that reflects your family’s lifestyle. What’s growing on in Regina? Find out what new plant varieties will soon make an appearance in local greenhouses – from breakthrough bloomers to trendy tomatoes. Spring is the season to get busy, inside and outside of our homes. Turn the pages for great tips on renovating and decorating your home, from a preview of this year’s newest paint colours to advice on kitchen renewal. Explore ways to make your laundry room more inviting and efficient. Find out how you can de-clutter your home and get organized for the year ahead. As you tour through local show homes, are you green with envy? You’re Home offers savvy strategies from a staging and design professional for achieving show home style in your own residence. What happens when a group of energetic and ambitious Saskatchewan volunteers, armed with saws and hammers, get together for a long weekend? The article, ‘Weekend Wonder,’ relates how this co-operative initiative created a lasting legacy for a deserving Regina family.
Jeanni e .
Come on in!
You’re home Spring 2014 7
contents
18 41
60
50
features
68 yard care made easy
58 walkout wow!
12 master award winners
74
get organized for spring
84 ready! set! sell!
18 my space
76
8 design trends for 2014
Home's location enhances its beauty
32 planning is paramount
92 welcoming
Artisan Design Build Ltd.
Stage your home like a professional
88 bonus space
Make the most of your home's footprint
41 weekend wonder:
104 a headstart on home ownership
96 discovery ridge offers small town living, big city access
54
building & design
renovation
Three-day builds - A model of collaboration
get growing
60 growing regina
The Greens on Gardiner - A community for all ages
64 spring clean
Innovative vacuum systems designed for modern spaces
66 reconnecting
The Family Way: Fiorante Homes and Commercial Ltd.
8 You’re home Spring 2014
28 how do you build a new home?
80 colours of the year Cozy up to the new pastels
36 connect with nature in whitetail ridge
107 makeover magic
50 laundry list
110 improve your home's curb appeal
Updating the most-used room in the house
Re-facing kitchen cabinets saves time and money
contributors editor
jeannie armstrong
art directors
66 84
92
112 lighting sets the stage for outdoor fun 114
all fired up!
118 how to inspect for roof damage
ask an expert 25 your home and the law 48 landscaping with carson arthur Here's a remedy for cabin fever
52
rrhba membership listing
122
closing remarks
shawn fulton
www.shawnfultonphotography.com
contributing writers jeannie armstrong carson arthur miranda burski tom eremondi andrew livingstone wendy livingstone ashleigh mattern tammy mclean jessica mees Stu NIEbergall rachele odnokon carol todd michele tyndall leader-post
56 garden talk 120
photography
publisher
your home in design
78 your home and life insurance
bonnie bird jacquie bumphrey
112 You’re home Spring 2014 9
Flooring made
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We carry a full range of:
Come see us at the sPrinG home show Canada Centre building - evraz Place
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1260 McDonald St.
(on the corner of McDonald and 7th)
Regina, SK
2013
Master Award Winners
12 You’re home Spring 2014
Home Builder of theyear
“The Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association recognizes the quality of work performed by its members.” You’re home Spring 2014 13
master Award
2013
Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association
winners
Best Production Home Under 1299 sq. ft. Homes by Dundee
Best Production Home 1300 - 1499 sq. ft. North Ridge Development Corporation
Best Production Home 1500 - 1799 sq. ft.
Production Home Under 1299 sq. ft.
Homes by Dundee
Production Home 1300 - 1499 sq. ft.
North Ridge Development Corporation
Production Home 1500 - 1799 sq. ft.
Artisan Design Build Ltd.
Production Home 1800 - 2099 sq. ft.
Munro Homes Ltd.
Artisan Design Build Ltd.
Best Production Home 1800 - 2099 sq. ft. Munro Homes Ltd.
Best Production Home 2100 - 3000 sq. ft. Ripplinger Homes
Best Custom Home Under 1599 sq. ft. Homes by Deveraux
Best Custom Home 1600 - 2499 sq. ft. Munro Homes Ltd.
Best Custom Home Over 2500 sq. ft. Sthamann Homes Inc.
Best Townhouse 1 - 2 Stories Daytona Homes Regina Ltd.
Best Townhouse 3 - 4 Stories Homes by Deveraux
Single Family Sales Volume Award Rebecca Edmondson - Daytona Homes Regina Ltd.
Multi-Family Sales Volume Award Lynn Robison - Oak Park Living 14 You’re home Spring 2014
Regina is growing quickly, and part of that build includes new homes in and around the city. The Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association recognizes the quality of work performed by its members. Every year the Master Awards recognize the achievements of RRHBA members in new home construction, home renovation, sales, and community development. This year’s winners all showcased the terrific style, design, and builds taking place here in Regina. We’ve provided a snapshot of our city’s best.
New Home Kitchen Award Century West Homes Ltd.
Kitchen Renovation Award Kitchen Craft Cabinetry
Exterior Renovation Award Bar-T Construction & Pre-Stainer Ltd.
Production Home 2100 - 3000 sq. ft.
Ripplinger Homes
Bathroom Renovation Award Home Solutions
Basement Renovation Award Quantum Construction Inc.
Landscape Project Award Paramount Plantscapes Ltd.
Custom Home under 1599 sq. ft.
Homes by Deveraux
Environmental Leadership in Housing Award Dakine Home Builders Inc.
Safety Award Homes by Dundee
Community Service Award Homes by Dundee
Custom Home 1600 - 2499 sq. ft.
Munro Homes Ltd.
Showroom Award Superior Cabinets
Marketing Award Harmony Builders Ltd.
Custom Home over 2500 sq. ft.
Sthamann Homes Inc. You’re home Spring 2014 15
2013Master Award Winners Townhouse 1 - 2 Stories
Townhouse 3 - 4 stories
Best New Home Kitchen
Daytona Homes Regina Ltd.
Homes by Deveraux
Century West Homes Ltd.
For more inFormation on your new home, and to check out our new virtual tours, visit us at
www.fiorantehomes.ca 3205 E. Quance Street 306-569-3456
Celebrating 40 Years of Creating Homes!
anson square Units starting at $340,000 plus GST, Includes indoor heated parking and executive finishes 1515 Anson Road in Canterbury Park (College Ave and Broad St.)
Marketed by:
Terrie Dunand • 306-530-9050
My Space
Home's
Location M
By Wendy Livingstone Photos by Shawn Fulton
18 You’re home Spring 2014
ilt and Wendy Walker built their new home in Wascana Gardens Court to perfectly complement their lifestyle. The contemporary, two-storey walk-out with its spacious, open, main floor and large games room on the lower level is a beautiful spot to entertain the large groups that are often hosted by the couple. What is the most breath-taking feature of the home, however, is not part of the Walkers’ property - it is the 171-acre McKell Wascana Conservation Park that is visible just beyond the home’s backyard. The spectacular view can be seen as soon as one enters the front door of the home - the openness of the main floor provides a clear sight of the landscape through the huge windows that comprise the back wall of the home. “When you walk in the front door, you look right out to the great room and you see the creek, which runs directly towards our rear windows,” said Milt. “It was very, very exciting to move into the house and appreciate the view we had.”
Eitsnhances beauty Milt and Wendy, now empty-nesters, have six grown children between them. The open-concept design of the home easily accommodates the visits of large groups of family members or friends and business associates. The expansive living area, which includes a large kitchen with a huge island in the centre, a spacious dining room, a separate living room and a great room with a fireplace, can comfortably host up to 25 people. The ceilings in the area are vaulted to a height of approximately 18 feet, adding to the bright, airy atmosphere of the home. “It’s a very, very open, spacious, comforting spot to step into,” said Milt. Guests to the home are captivated by the view at the rear of the house, but they are equally drawn to the dramatic stairway that entices one to the home’s lower level. Located just inside
the front door, the extra-wide staircase, which is bordered with heavy wooden railings and metal spindles, descends through a large, circular cut-out in the floor. “It’s a large opening and a large stairwell, so it’s very inviting to go downstairs,” said Milt. On the lower level, the Walkers’ discriminating taste in design and decorating is equally evident. The area, with its pool table, games room, bar, big-screen TV and entertainment area, displays the same elegant décor and imparts the same warm ambiance as the upper level. “You know, you don’t want the downstairs to be something that’s second class, so I designed it to reflect that,” said Milt. “It’s probably my favourite part of the house. That’s sort of a gathering space when we have company over.” Continued on Page 22 You’re home Spring 2014 19
Milt & Wendy Walker
"A custom house takes a lot of work trying to incorporate all your ideas into a functional plan."
Continued from Page 19 Another of the Walkers’ favourite spots - a glass-enclosed patio with a Jacuzzi hot tub, exterior TV and fireplace - is located adjacent to that space. “It was Arizona-inspired,” said Milt. “What we were trying to do was have outdoor space that is three-season space. In the middle of the winter in Saskatchewan, you can’t do very much with the weather we have, but, on the shoulder seasons, with some glass enclosures and some moveable (items), you can have more outdoor time in comfort. That was one of our objectives, and I think we have met that.” But even when the Walkers are at their winter home in Arizona, they can still feel that they are close to their home. “The house includes a fully operational digital control system which monitors and adjusts temperature, turns on and off all the lighting, runs the audio visual system and controls all of the motorized window coverings in the house. Security cameras can be remotely monitored and adjustments made to any settings from our house in Phoenix,” said Milt. As the president and CEO of Century West Homes Ltd., Milt is very familiar with the process involved in creating homes that perfectly suit his clients’ needs. “A custom house takes a lot of work trying to incorporate all your ideas into a functional plan. Whenever you are building a custom home, you have to pay a lot of attention to all the construction details. We are doing some very highend custom homes now. Some of the homes are very unique and they have unique fixtures and fitments. You have to spend a lot of time designing and detailing those to transfer the information involved to the construction group. We recognized that during the process and, in fact, used our home as a bit of a test to see where we were with being able to do that.” This is the first home that Wendy and Milt have built for themselves. “My wife and I did the design,” said Milt. “Wendy picked all the interior fixtures and equipment. She selected many of the materials as well as made all the final colour choices, and then we had it approved by our design group, who came up with the final design. It was an enjoyable experience.” For more information about Century West Homes, visit www.centurywesthomes.com. n
22 You’re home Spring 2014
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and andthe theLAW LAW
title to your home Q: What is a “Title”? A: Title to your land now exists within the computers of the Information Services Corporation (ISC) which maintains the database of land ownership on contract from the Provincial Government. Your house (more specifically the lot it sits on) exists as a “Parcel #” within the Registry. The Registry notes that John and Jane Doe own Parcel #111222333 located in the Town of Zealandia. It is a relatively efficient way of keeping track of property ownership in Saskatchewan, but there are some things to watch out for.
Q: Other than Ownership, does anything else show up on my Title? A: The Registry entry for the land on which your house is built also shows all of the “interests” which apply to your property. There are many types of interests which may be registered on the title. If you have a mortgage, the amount of the mortgage and a copy of the mortgage exist in the Registry. If you don’t pay your taxes, the Government may put a “tax lien” on your property. If you don’t pay a builder, a builder’s lien may be registered against your property. If you live in certain areas (eg. near the airport), there may be warnings listed on your property about the potential for future noise if the airport expands.
Q: When buying a house, should I worry about Interests? A: When buying a house, one of your lawyer's most important jobs is making sure you receive "clear title". Clear title means all prior interests which would affect marketability of your property are removed (usually old mortgages or liens). Your lawyer ought to also make you aware of any interests (or “encumbrances”) which are registered against the parcel when you buy it which cannot be removed. Ask for copies of any interests that your lawyer says are important or unusual. For example, most interests by SaskPower or SaskTel are not a concern. They ensure that if the power/telephone line breaks, the company can come and fix it right away. If however there is a registered interest warning you about the potential for bad smells, significant noise, or some other unusual warning, ask your lawyer for a copy of that interest when purchasing your home.
Q: How do I know if a new Interest is registered against my property? A: When a new interest is registered, you will get notice in the mail. If you receive an unexpected notice from ISC, contact a lawyer to investigate why a new interest is being placed on your land and whether there is a legal issue you need to pursue. Your home is a major investment, and one must be aware of what interests are registered on the title. Most are expected and non-problematic, but where you are unsure about changes being made to the Registry, you should consult a professional. n
MAKING SENSE OF REAL ESTATE LAW Buying. Selling. Contracts. Transactions. The ins and outs of real estate law are detailed and many. Legal expertise, knowledge of the region and a genuine approach to doing business are what you need to simplify the process. At Miller Thomson, our goal is to be your only source when it comes to your legal real estate matters. Our lawyers in Regina—with access to a national network of ten offices across the country—can offer you the solutions, both large and small, that your home building business needs. Contact us to learn more: Miller Thomson Regina regina@millerthomson.com 306. 347.8300
Added experience. Added clarity. Added value.
Miller Thomson LLP
millerthomson.com
You’re home Spring 2014 25
TransformYourPatio…
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“Imagine a durable, versatile and attractive patio cover. One that delivers shade on hot days, protects your family from harmful UV rays and keeps your deck and outdoor furniture dry during a rainstorm. We custom build your louvered roof as an addition to your home/business or as its own free-standing patio cover. Our built-in guttering system effectively channels away rain runoff to prevent flooding and structural damage. The louvers are operated by a hand-held remote which is charged by an efficient solar panel. Open the louvers slightly to increase ventilation, or a full 180 degrees allowing maximum sunlight into your home.”
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Reduce Wind, HeaT & Bugs!
Suncoast Screen Enclosures offers a screened-in, outdoor area, that allows you to enjoy your deck, pool, spa or patio without the sense of being enclosed in an indoor space. These esthetically pleasing and durable sunrooms protect you from the wind, hot sun, rain and the nuisance of annoying and dangerous insects. The roof can be made of screening to allow an uninhibited view of the sky with other roof options available. Each of our screen enclosures is custom built on-site and offer year round use even in the winter to keep your deck area free of snow for the enjoyment of your spa and barbeque all year long. In addition, there are several features that we can add such as custom colors, power retractable screens, 3 season windows, powered louvered roof and of course a doggy door.
adjacent room to the enclosure. Every 3 SEASON SUNROOM is custom designed and built to fit and match the architecture of each unique home. We can frame around changes in roof heights, bay windows, fireplaces - everything about our building process is custom to meet the specific needs of our customers and their homes or restaurants.
Stop by our booth at the Spring home Show
One of the greatest things about a deck enclosure is the ability to leave doors and windows wide open into the enclosed area (you can even permanently remove the screens from the windows). This truly adds an outdoor room to your existing home and creates an outdoor feel in any
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How do you build By Tammy McLean
W
ith our city growing at an almost unprecedented rate, coupled with the construction season being upon us, Regina has been swept up in a sea of residential building activity. These prosperous times have created an incredible demand for newly built homes in our city. Many who are looking to go with a newly built home wonder where to start and what is involved in the process. “The Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association (RRHBA) provides the one and only starting point in answering these questions,” said Stu Niebergall, the Association’s President and CEO. Most home buyers have a lot of questions about the construction of their home: How long will it take to build? What does each step involve? When can we visit the site? When do we have to make final selection decisions? When do building inspections take place? Will we have a chance to inspect it ourselves before we take possession?
One Home at a Time.
441 Quebec St.• www.pbcustomcabinetsregina.ca • 306-543-6112 28 You’re home Spring 2014
The answer to these questions, and many more, can be found at www.reginahomebuilders.com. There you will find over 110 articles on home building, renovating, owning a home, and green building and renovating. You will also find educational videos that will inform and inspire. “Our website is the main touch point for consumers who are looking for information on home building or renovating,” said Niebergall. One sample of what the website has to offer answers the question of just what is involved in the building process. How do you build a new home? Here is a general outline of the typical construction process today, keeping in mind that schedules and processes can vary as they are subject to many factors that come into play.
These prosperous times have created an incredible demand for newly built homes in our city.
a New Home? Before construction begins, plans for the home are developed, finalized and submitted to the municipal building permit office for review. The new home buyer works closely with the builder and designer at this stage. The house is staked out, the land prepared and then the footings are formed and poured. At this time utilities are brought in. The foundation walls are erected and insulated and damp-proofed. Weeping tile is installed and a municipal inspection of the foundation may be conducted before the outside perimeter is backfilled. The builder may ask the purchaser to begin making selections at this time, on flooring, tiles, cabinets, etc. While it will be weeks before these items are installed, they must be ordered early to prevent delays later. Exterior walls, interior partitions and the roof are assembled. Frames are built, one wall at a time and then lifted in place. Roof trusses are often brought to the site ready for installation, and roofing is completed as quickly as possible. Another municipal inspection may now take place to ensure the structure meets municipal standards. Windows and doors are installed. The builder's aim is to get to "lockup" as quickly as possible to protect the structure from the elements. The basement floor is poured. Electrical and plumbing services are roughed in, and heating, cooling and ventilation duct work is installed. The municipality will now conduct a mechanical inspection to ensure the work is completed according to building code requirements, and an electrical inspection takes place as well. For the next several weeks, a great deal of work will happen inside and out. Proper scheduling is key to smooth progress. The exterior walls and the roof are insulated, and a vapour barrier is applied. Another inspection may take place to ensure this work has been done properly, before the drywall is in place. Heating and cooling systems are then installed.
Walls and ceilings are painted, flooring is laid, and kitchen and bathroom cabinets go in. Plumbing and electrical fixtures are put in, trim is applied, and interior doors are hung. The exterior finish is applied on the outside, along with eavestroughs, and decks are installed. Final lot grading is done, and the driveways and walkways are poured. A final inspection is completed to check stairs, handrails, smoke detectors and other health and safety related items, before an occupancy permit is granted. Throughout the process, the home builder will update the purchaser on progress and discuss deadlines for selecting finishes and making other choices. At this point, the builder and crew are busy completing the final touches. The purchaser will do a walk-through of the home with their builder, last-minute touch-ups will be done, and the new home buyer will be handed the keys to their new home. With so much involved in the home building process, how can consumers be sure of the quality of their newly built home? “Here again, the RRHBA website is of inestimable value,” said Niebergall. Simply click on the Member Finder to find a complete list of builder members. All home builder members of the RRHBA must complete the Certified Professional Home Builder Program and all are members of a third party new home warranty program, which provides protection to consumers. As part of your search, visit the website’s New Home Locator, to view the latest in show homes, and browse the Community Developer Section for information on Regina’s newest communities. How do you build a new home? Start with www.reginahomebuilders.com. n
You’re home Spring 2014 29
it’s a big
and we can help!
job…
pv disposal — a growing part of regina
pv disposal PV Disposal has been servicing Regina and the surrounding area since 2009, and the family-owned-and-operated business is proud to be growing along with the Queen City. “In 2009, I had a two-year-old and a six-month-old baby. I worked from home on sales and dispatching the trucks out. Now, the kids are in school and we have four trucks and 85 bins,” said co-owner Karen Allan. PV Disposal offers a wide range of bin sizes for every job, and flexible billing options for every budget. Their bins are driveway-friendly, come in a variety of sizes, and are suited to everything from long-term rentals to one-day jobs. The staff and management at PV Disposal are experts at determining what will best suit each job. PV Disposal provides disposal service from doorway to landfill for homeowners, construction companies and those dealing with estate sales and clean-ups, and they take pride in a job well done. Customers are more than just a number to this community-centred company. “We’ve been able grow and expand because of our focus on customer service. We were so thankful to the companies and individuals that have grown with us and who provided us with awesome referrals when we were in the first year of business. The company has grown with Regina, and is extending its reach online as well. With a new webpage (www.pvdisposal.com) and a strong presence on Facebook (www.facebook.com/pages/PVDisposal/) and Twitter (@pvdisposal), PV Disposal has provided many
easy-to-access platforms to reach their customers. And, by staying current and approachable, they have also been able to give back to the community in a variety of ways. “We have been able to watch the city grow. I was born and raised in Regina and have always loved our city. I live a block away from the house I grew up in and my kids attend the same school I did. I love that. We started not knowing Regina would boom the way it did and us with it, and now we are in a place to give back and have a strong sense of community,” said Allan. PV Disposal also offers scrap metal recycling, and has worked on composting contracts with the City of Regina and Crown Shred and Recycling and is proud to offer an alternative to the landfill for folks who are cleaning out their homes. “If someone has rented a disposal bin and has items that could be reused, they can text us or put a picture up on our Facebook or Twitter feed with the hash tag #yqrfreecycle and we’ll promote it as a free item for trade. This diverts waste from landfills and puts much needed products in the hands of someone else for free,” said Allan. From the start, PV Disposal has contributed to community projects, including Regina’s Extreme Home Makeover and has been an ongoing contributor to Habitat for Humanity’s Women’s Build and other Habitat for Humanity projects. A successful business, a proud fundraiser and a community-oriented company that truly cares about their customers, PV Disposal provides service and care that perfectly meet the needs of Regina residents.
pv disposal I regina (306) 522-7770
I www.pvdisposal.com
Paramount Planning is By carol todd
W
ith summer around the corner, home owners have begun to dream of warm weather, barbecues and backyard bliss. Yet, for many of us, the snow leaves behind an uninviting tangle of grass and dead foliage, or a blank and barren expanse. Now is the time to start making those dreams a reality. Long before the first plants send their tentative tendrils into the air, home owners should begin thinking about summer and landscaping. As in other aspects of life, careful planning of your new or improved landscape is the secret to success, according to Brent Waliduda, owner of Paramount Plantscapes Ltd. Using a professional designer can ensure the final result is in keeping with your dreams – and your wallet. “Without a doubt, the very best way to have your yard landscaped is to use a professional designer. We can achieve the best use of space and style, while considering the budget and individual needs of our customers. We believe good yard design is a necessity rather than a luxury,” he said. Waliduda, who is a horticulturalist as well as a professional landscape designer and landscaper, points out that a good designer will have an excellent understanding of scale and proportion, as well as the balance between the hard and soft elements of the 32 You’re home Spring 2014
landscape. They can make suggestions and provide detailed plans that will ensure that landscape elements blend in with existing surroundings and will add appeal and value to your property. The designer will take into account how home owners and their families will use the yard, as well as the style and materials they like, and will use the information to put together a design that meets their criteria as well as their budget. “When trying to design and install a renovated or new yard, it’s a wise choice to use a credible and reputable landscaper,” he said. Designers like Waliduda will not only draft out the hardscape features of your yard, like fences and patio stones, but will also design flower beds, and suggest the trees, shrubs and smaller plants, both perennial and annual, to plant. He takes into account the climatic requirements of the plants to ensure they will grow and thrive, and also considers bloom times to give you a yard full of continual colour. And the benefits extend to the home owners’ wallets, as having a professional design not only results in a more attractive yard, but can save money by avoiding expensive mistakes or last minute changes once the contractor is on site. “A garden design fee represents a very small percentage of the overall build cost; why take the risk of working without one?” he asks.
Having your yard professionally designed and built can add value to your property, as well as greatly improving your own personal living environment. Although the process involves time and money, a designer will ensure you can actually see, from scale plan drawings and visualizations, exactly what you are getting. “Gardens should be fun to create and a good designer will want to work with you to ensure you enjoy the experience,” Waliduda said.
Di st i n c t ly Di f f e r e n t Home Builders focused on Quality not Quantity
The final design will be drawn to a scale appropriate to the size of your yard and, once the drawings have been created, a designer should be able to provide an accurate quotation. By the end of the design process, home owners will know exactly how the new yard will look, and with the design in hand, the designer will have a clear plan to follow. Even if the home owners already have a design prepared or have a firm idea as to what they want built, a designer like Waliduda can make suggestions and provide examples of materials to use. Regardless of the size of your yard, proper planning and preparation, and a qualified professional designer, will ensure you have an outdoor space that will make your summer-time dreams come true. For more information, visit www.paramountplantscapes.ca. n
306.501.1420 • 355 Broad Street • Regina, SK e: distincthomes@accesscomm.ca w: distincthomesregina.com t: @distincthomesk f: facebook.com/distincthomessk You’re home Spring 2014 33
HOME IS YOUR
SERENITY
Beacon Manor in South Harbour Landing offers open, modern floor plans with all the amenities of a single family home combined with the great value of townhouse living. The two-storey plans feature contemporary exteriors, second-floor laundry and triple pane windows for energy efficiency. The three-bedroom, 1300 sq. ft. units include single attached garages at the front and private decks at the rear. With multiple floor plans to choose from and many high end finishes, you’ll surely feel right at home in Beacon Manor. Townhouse style condos Approx. 1300 sq. ft. 3 bedrooms
Island style kitchen 2.5 bathrooms Rear facing great rooms
web homesbydundee.ca beaconmanor.ca
phone 306.347.8100
Gas fireplace (opt.) Large owner’s suite Second floor laundry email info@homesbydundee.ca
Covered front area Single attached garage Close to green space
“
t h g i r l e e f y you’ll surel . r o n a M n o c a e B n i e m o h at
”
Brought to you by
Nature
Connect with
By miranda burski
W
ide-open skies, green trees and valley floors that reach the horizon - such is the view from any one of the homes being built in Westridge Developments’ Whitetail Ridge at Deer Valley.
Leon Friesen, president of Westridge, said it’s this beautiful surrounding that truly sets Whitetail Ridge apart from many of the Regina area’s other developments. “There are not too many places where you can watch the sun rise, watch the sun set, and that you have every home in a subdivision that has an unrestricted view of the valley,” said Friesen. “Typically, you’ll see deer in the valley every day; you might see a coyote trotting across the valley. [Whitetail Ridge] is an opportunity to be back closer to nature.” To help the development’s residents fully take advantage of the view of the valley, 18 out of Whitetail Ridge’s 20 lots are walkouts. This, said Friesen, allows for more window space in each home, giving residents a spectacular view in addition to generous amounts of sunlight. 36 You’re home Spring 2014
But the view isn’t the residents’ only way of connecting with nature. There is also plenty of opportunity for nature walks - particularly ones taken along the Trans Canada Trail, which runs right along the Whitetail Ridge development. It’s this natural setting, said Friesen, that will likely be the most appealing factor for Whitetail Ridge’s residents. “It’s the opportunity for being in a country setting, but still having all the amenities as far as street lighting, paved streets, sewer and water, the same as you would have in the city,” he explained. Other amenities include those offered by Deer Valley itself. Whitetail Ridge is situated along the golf course’s back nine - the lots overlook the course’s 10th and 11th holes - allowing for easy access to Deer Valley’s clubhouse and golf shop. Also nearby are the city amenities offered by both Lumsden and Regina - a five-minute and 15-minute drive respectively.
in Whitetail Ridge
Residents of Whitetail Ridge will enjoy incredible views of Deer Valley. - Photo courtesy of Westridge Developments
Its distance from the city means Whitetail Ridge can offer residents more space than they would be likely to find within Regina’s limits. Each lot is between a quarter- and a half-acre, which allows for wider side yards than what would generally be found in the city. The homes themselves have a minimum size of 1,500 square feet for bungalows and 1,900 square feet for two-storey homes.
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As part of the commitment to maintaining Whitetail Ridge’s natural feel, each of the houses built in the development follows a set of design guidelines. “We are looking at having either stone or brick on a certain portion of the face of the homes,” explained Friesen. “We’re looking at staying away from brilliant colours we’re looking at more earth-tone colours, fitting more into the valley setting.” For more information about Whitetail Ridge or to learn more about available lots, visit www.westridgehomes.ca. n
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You’re home Spring 2014 37
64 great plains road, emerald park, sk
(across from the rink)
WHITE CITy/EMEralD Park
Emerald Park Homes what’s on your wish list? Emerald Park Homes invites you to view a virtual tour of our customer inspired, open concept design 1550 sq. ft. bungalow with 806 square feet of heated space in the garage at http://www.leaderpost.com/homes/virtual-tours/ new-homes/index.html This spectacular bi-level entry has a vaulted ceiling adorned with sparkling chrome and optic glass inserts from DVI’s Eclipse Collection of light fixtures. The short stairway leads to the family room with a wall of windows surrounding the cozy fireplace. This fabulous kitchen has not only one but two corner pantries as well as dark maple cabinets with granite countertops. The large island has room for seating, a vegetable sink and lots of storage.
Double doors lead to the master bedroom, walk-in closet, Ensuite with two vanity sinks, shower with a bench and a rectangular jetted tub. The main floor laundry room is strategically located near both bedrooms and bathrooms. Main bath has a tub-shower combo, maple vanity and granite top. This home is the inspiration for our upcoming show home on Churchill Crescent in White City. If these features are on your wish list, call us today for your private viewing or watch our webpage for more information.
White City - you will love it here! Call us today at
306-781-3383 Custom Builder, Our Quality Shows
Thank you for sharing your wish list Tom and Candy Merryweather
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Three-Day Builds - A Model of Collaboration By jeannie armstrong Photos by Austring Photography Ltd.
J
ohn and Janet Robinson have given the centuriesold tradition of barn-raising a new twist! Since 2009, the founders of Robinson Residential Design Inc. have organized “three-day builds” on three different occasions. Each work bee resulted in the construction of an attractive cottage, aided by friends and family, as well as total strangers. The idea of a three-day build stemmed from John Robinson’s experiences as a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity Regina. “Habitat used to follow the model where they would build a house in five days. I would take a week of holidays and join in. It was so much fun! You’d meet new people, work together and see the house go up in five days,” said Robinson. He decided to take a similar approach when constructing their 1,400 square foot family cottage at Buffalo Pound Lake. The Robinsons spread the word of their three-day build and were overwhelmed by the response. Over 150 volunteers signed the on-site guest book. “We had people show up that we had never met before and family members came from Alberta to be part of the fun,” said Robinson. “So often these days, we don’t know who our neighbours are. Some people who came out to our first build have been drawn back several times because they had so much fun. People just want to connect and this is an opportunity to do that.” Robinson says that organization is the key to a successful three-day build. “You have to make sure you have all the materials you need and that you have all the tools rented.” Everyone on site had an assigned job, determined by their skill and experience. “You want to make sure that everyone has a job when they show up. In order to do that, we tried to get a skills inventory before they got there. We made sure that we had all our trades covered, like plumbing and electrical.” You’re home Spring 2014 41
Those without construction experience also had important responsibilities. “They could be runners. They could be taught how to hold siding and nail it on. Some people did site clean-up; others were hauling lumber. Some were washing dishes.” The delicious meals were a highlight, he added. “Our neighbour did all the cooking (and that was for 150 people) for three full days! She absolutely loved doing it!” The dream cottage incorporated a number of innovative, eco-friendly construction technologies, including the use of Structural Insulated Panels (SIP). Using these pre-fabricated panels meant that the cottage was at lockup stage in less than one work day. In just three days, 95 per cent of the cottage was constructed. “For the month after the build, I just finished small things here and there - some siding, soffits and the inside of a closet,” said Robinson. One summer later, the Robinsons were ready to take on another three-day build, at Lumsden Beach Camp on Last Mountain Lake. The camp, owned by the United Church, which John and Janet’s daughter had attended since the age of six, required a new staff cabin. Janet suggested organizing another three-day build to get the job done. “We built a 700 square foot staff cottage with a finished basement. It was large enough to house all the paid staff and had a kitchen and a lounge. Again, we did it in three days,” said Robinson.
Ken Nyhus passed away before he could finish his dream project. 42 You’re home Spring 2014
“It was a really positive experience for everyone who was there. The cabin itself was kind of cool, with all different colours of siding in sort of a plaid effect.” After spending two summers in a row organizing threeday builds, the Robinsons took a hiatus for a few years. A chance meeting with a former client, Betty Nyhus, led to the Robinsons’ third three-day build, which took place at the end of July, 2013.
Ken and Betty Nyhus had previously purchased a set of plans for a small cottage from Robinson Residential Design. After running into Betty at the grocery store, Robinson asked her how the cottage was coming along. “She told me her husband had died a year ago. He had just started on the cabin,” said Robinson. “The cabin was framed and the metal roof was on, but there weren’t any windows or doors installed. Betty had felt her only option was to tear it down. “I said, ‘You know what we should do? We should get some people together and work for three days and finish that cabin!’ She was blown away!” Betty Nyhus explained, “Once John heard that my husband Ken had died of cancer and was unable to finish his dream project, he and Janet were on board immediately. They basically took the cabin from a shell, with four walls and a roof, to where it is today. The Robinson team transformed it into a wonderful dream come true, in memory of Ken.” The entire team at Robinson Residential Design supported the project and the preparations began for the big weekend. “We made a trip up there to survey the site and think about what we would need. It’s an absolutely beautiful spot,” said Robinson of the family’s lot at Parr Hill Lake, two hours north of Yorkton. Companies like Parkland Carpet One and Fries Tallman Lumber generously supported the three-day build. “The guys at Parkland Carpet One are incredible. Every build we’ve done, they hear about it and want to do what they can to help us out,” said Robinson. “The same is true of everyone at Fries Tallman Lumber. For all three of our builds, they put trucks on hold for us so we could get deliveries at any time. They delivered materials all the way up to Parr Hill Lake, which is a four-hour drive from here.” A crew of 48 volunteers arrived for the three-day build. “We all camped in tents. There were no showers, no flush toilets. It was pretty rustic camping. The bugs were terrible and it rained. But we had an incredible time,” said Robinson.
Nyhus said when the crew showed up, “it was like the cavalry arriving! I was overwhelmed to see all the trades people, the Robinson crew, and the friends and family all come.” She added, “Our friends and family were a big part of the fun and food organization. I have to say they are just as committed to seeing it completely finished as I am. My sister Elaine was in charge of organizing the fun every night at campfire. One night was Riderville, with prizes and contests. I think the energy was transferred into the Riders winning the Grey Cup! The food organization by our friends Ron, Kim, Joan and Shelley was amazing! With minimal electricity and no running water, they made these gourmet meals. My other sister Loretta and her husband Don put together the kitchen cupboards.” The empty shell of a cabin was rapidly transformed into a warm and inviting family retreat. The walls were insulated, doors and windows installed and cabinets were hung.
Continued on Page 46 You’re home Spring 2014 43
www.greensongardiner.com Show homeS Now opeN:
viSit our webSite for Show home locatioNS!
Explore Kensington Greens, a community of homes with classic architectural charm and enduring craftsmanship. Choose from a selection of affordable and spacious floor plans expertly designed by Regina’s most established home builders. Many homes feature front street verandahs, attached garages, larger back yards, rear lane access and wide lots, making for an inviting streetscape and friendlier neighbourhood. Located in north Regina, Kensington Greens is an architecturally styled development including park spaces, play areas for children and lit pedestrian walkways. Choice park facing sites are available for executive styled homes.
www.kensingtongreens.ca
Continued from Page 43
now looking forward to putting into practice. “Ken had always involved Kai and Kira. At the build, they were right in there, contributing,” said Nyhus.
“We built three big decks around the house. We also built an outhouse with a bit of bling - stained glass windows and a chandelier. We decided to put an addition on, including a loft, because the original shell hadn’t allowed for a bathroom. We put in a bathroom and a second floor deck,” said Robinson.
The family now plans to “pay it forward” by volunteering for the Robinsons’ next three-day build. “We made a commitment as a family to help others and volunteer for the next project,” said Nyhus. The Robinsons have another fastpaced project lined up for this summer. “We’re planning to do a camp at Lumsden Beach that will be a design and building camp for teenagers. Each cabin of teenagers will build a shelter in five days. The teenagers will design them. And we’re going to do them all from recycled materials. It will be so cool!” said Robinson. For more information regarding this camp for high school-aged future builders, contact: ynotu@lumsdenbeachcamp.com.
Expanding the cottage’s footprint necessitated a second weekend work bee. “We had about 30 people who came the second weekend. That’s when we did most of the interior finishing, putting up the golden knotty pine ceiling and the skylights. We hung the doors and installed the flooring. Kira with some helpers installed a stone fireplace,” said Robinson. Betty Nyhus, her son Kai and daughter Kira were moved beyond words by the life-changing experience. “After we got together for this build, John, Janet and the Robinsons are like family. I will be forever grateful to them!” she said.
To read all of the details of the Robinsons’ three-day builds, visit www.robinsonplans.com. Betty Nyhus shares her experience at www.kenscabin2013.blogspot.ca. n
Her son and daughter acquired new skills at the build, which they’re
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By Carson Arthur Landscape Designer, Author and Television Host of Green Force on HGTV and Global's Room to Grow
Here's a remedy for
cabin fever A
neighbour told me once that she had to get outdoors because of ‘Cabin Fever’ and loved gardening because it gave her an excuse to escape her home. After the winter we’ve just had, you probably know exactly what she’s talking about. Think back to the holidays: hosting the family, dealing with decorations, gifts, wrapping paper, or even just the kids being home for several weeks, all indoors because of the cold, ice and snow. Eventually, the house starts feeling very small! Even if you live in a palatial mansion, the sensation that the walls are closing in is pretty common by March or April. I want to help you find a permanent solution to cabin fever and I’m not thinking about a huge addition to your home. The truth is, anything that you want for the inside of your home can now be done outside and all you have to sacrifice is some grass. Does your kitchen feel cramped? Do you need extra living space with a bigger television? How about a playroom for the kids or an outdoor oasis for you? This idea of the outdoor room isn’t a new one, but the technology and the features that you can now have outside have come a long way in the last few years. Outdoor rooms can expand your home without actually changing the square footage. Let’s start with the outdoor kitchen. Stand in your kitchen at home and look around. What’s missing? Do you need more counter space? Maybe you’d love a deep fryer or even a larger stove. Instead of blowing out some walls to get that extra space, what about an outdoor kitchen that you can use three seasons of the year? 48 You’re home Spring 2014
Need another living room but no one is ready to give up control of the remote? An outdoor living space complete with a fireplace, large screen television and even art on the wall has become a reality for today’s home owner. Designing an outdoor room is just like designing an indoor one, right down to the floor and accessories. With so many options, creating an amazing outdoor room can be overwhelming. So how do you make the most of your back yard and escape the house for the next three seasons? Here are my four easy steps to deciding what you really need:
1. Dream Big - Go through your home and list all of the
shortcomings. Be honest and be brutal. This is how you’re going to really maximize your investment. A great example is a home that I recently reno’d needed a bigger kitchen but there was no room in the house to make one. Instead, I built an outdoor kitchen with plenty of counter space and a fantastic grill. Now the homeowners cook outside more than they do indoors! 2. Set the scene - How does your family really use the outside of your home and compare that with how they use the inside rooms? Understanding the family needs and dynamics will help ensure that your outdoor room is actually used. Most families spend the evenings sitting in front of the television. We all have our favourite shows and no one wants to miss an episode. The days of sending the kids outside with a soccer ball and expecting them to entertain themselves are over. What if you could watch those shows outside? Combining the best of both worlds!
Designing an outdoor room is just like designing an indoor one, right down to the floor and accessories. 3. Location, location, location - Where should this room go in the backyard? Access to the house is key. Outdoor kitchens are best near the real kitchen so that you are not covering large distances when you need some extra salt or a fresh set of plates. Outdoor living rooms are often better further from the windows especially if you are incorporating anything wood-burning. 4. Consult a professional - Finally and possibly the most important step, get a real design in place before you do anything else. With all of your wants and needs, hiring a designer to really understand how to make this work in your yard will save you thousands in the end. Improving the backyard can be a big investment; do it right the first time and have a plan that you can work from.
There is one other big bonus to expanding your home’s living space that I haven’t mentioned yet. The truth is, we all want to make sure that when it’s time to sell our home, we get the most out of our investment. Real estate agents all agree that having a back yard that is well designed and that buyers can see themselves using goes a long way to helping sell a home. Take a look at that list of things your home needs. This is probably the exact same list that potential buyers will make when they consider owning your space. Doesn’t it make sense to solve the problem with a space that not only your family can enjoy, but also that future buyers will want for themselves? n
Are You struggling with the look you want for your home, on coffee breaks and lunch hour? Do You have time to decorate? We can work together to achieve the look you want for your “dream Home”.
“Let’s Get the Ball Rolling”! Call IngrId
306.535.0374 www.decor8ing.ca
Phone: (306) 352-6617 | Toll Free: 1-877-352-6617
www.robinsonplans.com
You’re home Spring 2014 49
laundry list Updating the most-used room in the house
T
By ashleigh mattern he laundry room is no longer relegated to being a dull space tucked away in the basement. Contemporary designers have realized the potential in this formally maligned little room.
“The laundry room has turned into the mudroom, the hamper, and the multi-purpose storage area in every home today,” said Jackie Farrell, certified interior designer and assistant manager with Lifestyle Cabinetry. “It has become the new, harder-working laundry room. It has migrated from the isolated basement, when possible, and can be found on the first and second floors, where the washer is just a dishrag’s throw from the kitchen, or a sock’s toss from the bedroom.” With the right design choices, doing laundry can become less of a hassle, and more of a joy, says Farrell. She suggests investing in good lighting if you don't have natural light coming in, and choosing a bright colour scheme, saying lighter colours can make a small room look bigger. “Add some fun decor to your laundry room. If you put up shelves, 50 You’re home Spring 2014
add some flair with a happy colour. Bring in items that make you happy; if you spend a lot of time in a room, you should enjoy being in there.” Many people are opting for quality counter tops to match their kitchen, but there are no hard and fast rules. Even more budgetfriendly options can give the room the kick it needs. But designing or updating your laundry room isn't just about looks; even more important is functionality. Farrell says the must-haves in a laundry room today are “storage, storage, and storage.” Functional solutions include built-in cabinetry, shelving, baskets, hampers and storage boxes. “Where space is available, place hampers, shelves and baskets beneath a counter; decorative storage boxes on shelves so you can keep it clutter-free. Install the counter at waist-height for easy folding, and choose hampers on wheels. Ensure baskets are available for clean clothes specifically, and hang a rod above the counter for those items needing to be air-dried.”
Choosing the right appliances is also important. A quality washer and dryer can substantially cut down on the amount of time it takes to get your laundry done. (Because let's face it, no matter how cheery the room is, laundry is a chore we all want to get out of the way as soon as possible!) Paying attention to detail in the laundry room can make a difference. Farrell suggests choosing a deep stainless steel or enamel sink with a gooseneck faucet to make it easy to fill a bucket, clean rubber boots or soak large items. “Laundry room design is about efficiency and functionality,” she said. “Install a hideaway ironing board. When space is an issue, think about including a wall-mounted ironing board. You can even paint it to match the trim.” Installing built-in storage cabinets or drying racks can also help save on space and make a laundry room look cleaner.
The laundry room is no longer relegated to being a dull space tucked away in the basement.
Farrell points out that you should consider your own habits when planning a laundry room. Open shelves create a relaxing, casual look, but they need to be neat and organized all the time. If this doesn't sound like something you can manage, you might want to choose floor-to-ceiling wall cabinets. She says that on average, families spend about eight hours a week doing laundry. That's a lot of time to spend in one room, so why not make that experience the best it can be? “I think it's unfortunate that so many people ignore the design of their laundry rooms. It's as though these spaces are an afterthought even though the laundry room is a room we use all of the time.” For more information, visit www.lifestylecabinetryinc.ca. n
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You’re home Spring 2014 51
Ask an expert
your home
in Design By Brenda Gordon & Launa Koch
Q: How can I integrate my interior living space with my outdoor living space? A: Sometimes we take for granted that our interior spaces are divided up into rooms. The idea of ‘rooms’ is something we can take outdoors to create individual living and recreation spaces. Decorate your outdoor rooms just like you would the interior: establish the use of the space and a focal point. Choose furniture and accessories that complement the natural surroundings and colours. Include furniture and finishes that give the same feel as the interior of your home. To bring the outdoors inside, choose natural or rough finishes for flooring and furniture, bamboo and heavily textured linens for window treatments, and display high definition photography of landscapes and nature scenes.
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Brenda Gordon and Launa Koch, Design Consultants Alford Floors & Interiors (1967) Ltd. 306.522.5651 bgordon@alfords.ca lkoch@alfords.ca
Q: Privacy is an issue in my yard. How can I maintain privacy without surrounding my yard with tall fences? A: Backyard lots are getting smaller and houses are being built closer together. We’d all like to be friends with our neighbors and privacy goes a long way in keeping those friendships. Install trellises covered with climbing vines in strategic locations to block the view and add visual interest. Place folding screens in metal, bamboo, or wood around seating and lounging areas to give a nice backdrop and keep peering eyes out. If you have a deck or gazebo, you can install weatherproof curtains around the perimeter. This is also great for extra shade in yards whose trees haven’t matured. Formal hedges are also great for privacy, especially if you’re going for a more tailored look in the yard.
Q: What do I need to do to plan an outdoor living space? A: Make a wish list of what you would like in the space, like furniture, a barbeque, fire pit, etc. Be sure to include how the space will be used most often as this will impact what you’ll put in it! Think about where the sun falls so you can have an idea of the shady and sunny areas. You can use online websites like suncalc.net to estimate the sun’s path during different times of year, or make notes of where the shadow of your house falls during the day. Take pictures all around the exterior of your house and make a list of the features you’d like to show off or cover up. Sketch out your property, include the house, large trees, and other features that can’t be moved. Plan out your different outdoor rooms such as eating spaces, lounging and recreation spaces, and include potential focal points and privacy issues. n
You’re home Spring 2014 53
Growing! Get
By carol todd
W
hether you're an ‘old oak’ or just a ‘seedling,’ whether you have a few pots or a huge plot, the coming of spring is an exciting time for gardeners.
Every new year brings the excitement of watching the fresh shoots of your perennial plants emerge, and exploring seed catalogues and garden centres for new additions to your yard. While the excitement starts to build early, Regina area gardeners still have to wait to plant those precious seeds and tender seedlings. Most garden centres don’t have their plants available until May, and the Victoria Day long weekend is the traditional time to plant in our area. The reason we plant then is based on soil and air temperature and the length of the growing season. Here in southern Saskatchewan, the soil isn’t warm enough for plants, and there is still a danger of frost, until the middle or end of May. Our growing season is considered to be about 110 days long - that’s plenty long enough to grow most of the plants we enjoy, but not enough for exotic plants or vegetables like eggplant.
Every year brings a host of new cultivars of gardeners' existing favourites. Vegetables like radishes, spinach, peas, lettuce, onions, cabbage and turnips, which prefer cool growing temperatures, can usually be planted earlier in May, but other plants, like basil and heat-loving flowers like dahlias and African daisies should wait until early June. Tomatoes and peppers are among the plants that will survive the still cool nights of May, but their growth may be slowed. The Regina area is considered to be in Zone 2, according to the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada 2000 plant hardiness guidelines. In contrast, the Victoria area is Zone 8. The zones are 54 You’re home Spring 2014
just guidelines, however, and many Zone 3 plants grow well in southern Saskatchewan. There are also numerous factors, such as wind protection, location and elevation that can result in “microclimates” where even Zone 5 plants can be grown.
Every year brings a host of new cultivars of gardeners’ existing favourites. The first visit to the garden centre can be a voyage of wonderful discovery. The following are a few new cultivars available this year that are destined to become future favourites. Check your favourite garden centre for others. Please note that not all garden centres may carry all of the plants listed, or they may be available under different names. • Petunias: This garden standard is now available in more colours, sizes and care options than ever before. The past few years have seen new colours, like the ‘Picasso’ with its yellow stripe and last year’s new cultivars in shades of black. Watch for the ‘EZ Rider’ mix this year. In the most common colours, this new cultivar is more tolerant of cooler conditions. • guara: Another garden favourite, this cultivar is also available in white this year. • trailing annuals: A must for pots, boxes and planters, trailing annuals that hang over the edge of their planting area come in more varieties than ever. Trailing snapdragons emerged onto the gardening scene a few years ago and have become a staple for many gardeners looking for something different. Watch for the trailing ‘Tumbler’ series of Impatience for your shaded-area pots and planters this year. • strawberries: What’s the only fruit with the seeds on the outside? Why, strawberries, of course. This plump sweet darling of the garden can now, believe it or not, be grown from seed. The new cultivar ‘Grandian’ is said to produce fruit the first year from seeding.
• tomatoes: Try the new cherry tomato, ‘Jasper’, which matures in 60 days. The Prairie standard full-sized tomato, ‘Early Girl’, has been updated for this year. ‘New Girl’ is an improved cultivar that matures in 62 days and is disease resistant. • colour: Add colour to your vegetable garden with the myriad of normal, and different, hues now available. The bright ‘Rainbow’ Swiss Chard has been available for some time, as have the various yellow tomatoes. This year brings a purple bell pepper and blue broccoli. The advice to always check the tags for plant care is easier than ever. At Lowe’s Garden Centres, for example, all the plant information is available by scanning the tag’s barcode on your smartphone, or by visiting lowes.com/plants and entering the individual plant code on the tag. Many garden centres also offer a guarantee on their perennial plants, such as perennial bedding plants, trees and shrubs. Lowe’s, for example, offers a one-year guarantee. All that is usually needed is to return the dead plant (large or small) along with the original receipt. Whatever you end up doing in your yard this year, take the time to stop and smell the roses, and petunias and tomatoes! Enjoy yourself and your plants - you’ll both benefit! n
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You’re home Spring 2014 55
Garden Talk What does it mean?
Annual
microclimate
Plants with a life cycle of one year. Often referred to as “bedding plants.”
The smaller “climate” that may exist within a certain area making it more or less hardy than the overall zone.
biennial Plants that need two years to bloom, set seed and die. They usually bloom in the second year. These are often “self-sowing” i.e. if you allow them to go to seed, they will replicate themselves in and around the original plant, so you’ll have them for more than two years.
cultivar Stands for “cultivated variety”. Cultivars are plants that are reproduced and kept under human cultivation to maintain unique characteristics.
hardening off The process by which greenhouse-grown plants are adjusted to outside conditions.
hardiness zone Scientific guidelines based on an area’s average climatic conditions.
herbicide Chemicals used to destroy weeds.
perennial Plants with a life cycle of more than two years. This includes trees and shrubs, but usually refers only to “smaller” plants.
pesticide Chemicals used to kill or control insects.
ph level Stands for “potential hydrogen” and is the measure of a soil’s acidity. Ranges from 1-14, with one being highly acid and 14 highly alkaline. 7.0 is neutral and the best for most garden plants.
variety A group of plants growing in the wild that possesses distinct characteristics making them different from other members of their species. n
The SRMCA represents over 60 concrete plants and approximately 90 percent of the ready mixed concrete poured in Saskatchewan. The SRMCA membership consists of Producer Members and Associate Members. SRMCA Producer Members are full-time professional concrete producers who derive their livelihood from the manufacture and sale of concrete. Because this is their chosen vocation, upon which their future depends, they are committed to service with integrity and are dedicated to providing the highest possible standard of concrete.
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Wow!
Walkout
By miranda burski Photos byCalvin Fehr
58 You’re home Spring 2014
I
n so many houses, the basement doesn’t truly feel like a part of the home. It tends to be darker, smaller and somehow less inviting than the rest of the house.
particular way, usually involving a slope or hill. “The only thing stopping more [walkouts] from happening is the land being graded to accommodate a walkout,” said Schmidt.
But in a home that sits on a walkout lot, the basement feels much more integrated. “Your basement feels like a main floor, it doesn’t feel like a basement,” said Sean Schmidt, owner of Distinct Homes Inc.
Second, potential home owners need to take a look at the exterior of the house. Many walkout homes include a raised deck connected to the main level of the house - a deck that may include an exterior staircase leading to the ground. The placement of this exterior staircase could play a role in how the home owners use the groundlevel space.
For many, the basement becomes a second living area. Home owners also need to be sure that proper grading and retaining walls have been accommodated so that the ground stays in its proper place. “As long as you have retaining walls and proper grading, it shouldn’t be too bad,” added Schmidt. “Anyone I’ve done was [built] on piles. I think that’s kind of a must for something like that because a lot of your foundation is exposed, as opposed to having it buried and not be a walkout.” A potential home owner cannot just turn any lot into a walkout lot, however. A lot’s potential to be a walkout is determined by the area’s developer, and the accommodations to make the lot a walkout must be made before construction on the home has begun.
In his time as a home builder, Schmidt has seen an increase in the number of homes being built on walkout lots in Regina. This, he said, is due in large part to the expanded functionality of a walkout basement. Basements in walkout homes tend to be partially or fully finished before the home owners move in, giving the family plenty of options when it comes to deciding what to do with the space. For many, the basement becomes a second living area. “That’s one of the reasons I like it,” said Schmidt, who lives in a walkout home himself. “I can access my backyard easily. The looks of it, it just feels, again, like a whole other main level.”
But if the right needs are met, then the home owner could end up with the walkout basement they’ve always wanted - one that feels like extra living space, with plenty of natural lighting and access to the outdoors. For more information, visit www.distincthomesregina.com. n
“Making Safety Everyone’s Business”
One example of this is the amount of window space found in the basements of walkout homes. The windows in such basements tend to be larger and more plentiful, allowing for more natural light than what would be found in the basements of more traditional houses. “The natural light that comes in would definitely be the biggest [benefit], in my mind,” said Schmidt. With such benefits, it isn’t surprising that the number of walkout homes being built has increased so much. But there are a few things potential home owners need to keep in mind if they’re looking to buy or build a walkout home. The first and possibly most important consideration is the land the home is being built on. Walkout lots need to be graded a
Providing cost effective, quality safety training and advice to the construction industry in Saskatchewan Your Home Builder’s Partner in Achieving 498 Henderson Drive | Regina SK S4N 6E3 | 306.525.0175 www.scsaonline.ca f t in You’re home Spring 2014 59
growing regina
T
By Jeannie Armstrong
here’s a charming sense of nostalgia to one of Regina’s new subdivisions: The Greens on Gardiner.
combination of commercial and multi-unit development, including apartment buildings and some seniors’ residences,” said Yagelniski.
The community, located in Regina’s southeast sector, offers pleasing streetscapes, inviting green spaces, pedestrianfriendly walkways and grassy boulevards more often associated with mature neighbourhoods.
“That’s all in the works. The east side of The Greens will be our main focus of development this year. We’ll be developing a new phase of lots. A brand new school has been announced; we’re hoping construction on the school will begin late next year.”
The Greens on Gardiner also harkens back to the days when multiple generations of family lived in close proximity to one another: young couples and growing families living within a few blocks of grandparents and great-grandparents.
Yagar Developments had set land aside for a school in the subdivision’s original concept plan. The announcement by the provincial government of a proposed school on the site was good news, says Yagelniski. “This will lead to the development of additional park space adjacent to the school. It will be developed as part of our new phase of lots this year.”
The subdivision was originally the homestead of the Gardiner family, who played an active role in the development of Regina during its early decades. In designing The Greens on Gardiner, Yagar Developments Inc. wanted to reflect the family’s prairie heritage and rural sensibilities, while building for the future. The development incorporates numerous environmentallysustainable practices, such as designating 40 acres of green space for features including an environmental reserve, a rainwater conservation system, permeable paving and the selection of drought-tolerant turf and plants. Bordered by Arcola Avenue and Woodland Grove Drive, the subdivision is now in its third and fourth phase of development. “The Greens has been growing very well,” said Lorne Yagelniski, president of Yagar Developments. “This year, we are getting into some new product, which includes mixed use development. Construction has already started on Gateway in The Greens, a ground floor commercial development with condos above it. That project is located on the very east side of The Greens, on Chuka Boulevard.” The condominium units will range in size from 500 to 1,200 square feet and promise to be attractive to first-time buyers, he added. Chuka Boulevard is the subdivision’s newest arterial road, offering easy access from Arcola Boulevard to Phases Three, Four and Five of The Greens on Gardiner. “It’s a mixed use street, with a 60 You’re home Spring 2014
As in the subdivision’s initial three phases, Phase Four of The Greens on Gardiner will offer a pleasing variety of housing product. “We’re constantly trying to integrate new types of product into The Greens. This phase will have houses with attached single front garages, on narrower lots with a focus on affordability. We haven’t really tried that type of product before. There will also be a combination of townhouses, duplexes and some park-backing lots,” said Yagelniski. “The density isn’t as high as other new subdivisions in Regina,” added Yagelniski. “We haven’t gone that route in The Greens. We have some higher density areas, along with some entry level product, but we are also offering some large lots where million dollar-plus homes are going in.” Phase Five of The Greens on Gardiner is also in development. “Phase Five will see the introduction of some apartment rental buildings. That’s a first for The Greens. We have a high-level seniors’ care facility going into The Greens in Phase Five. There will also be a gated higher-end condominium development in Phase Five, featuring single and double attached units,” said Yagelniski. “Some additional mixed use property has also been sold, mainly for commercial development, with condos above. Most of that has been spoken for.”
There's a charming sense of nostalgia to one of Regina's new subdivisions: The Greens on Gardiner
The Greens on Gardiner - A community for all ages Currently on the drawing board is Phase Six of The Greens, added Yagelniski. “That will include the new school, the adjacent park and a couple hundred lots. Forty of those will be park lots, a variety of townhouses, lane lots and lots for houses with single and double front garages.” This spring, an exciting pilot project of carriage lane homes will open in The Greens on Gardiner. The development is comprised of 11 laneway lots, each featuring a primary streetfront residence with a detached combination garage and revenue property facing the back lane. The homes are complemented by an attractive streetscape, featuring tree-lined on-street green space. “They’re going to be really nicely done. We put the lots on a treelined greenway. It’s got an eight-foot wide sidewalk with a nice landscape strip,” said Yagelniski. Homes by Deveraux is constructing the attractive carriage lane homes, offering a choice of three different housing plans. “Those are currently under construction, with the show home scheduled to open in April,” said Yagelniski. “They are looking fantastic!” The City of Regina has restricted the construction of carriage lane homes to the current development in The Greens and a second proposed project in Harbour Landing. The pilot projects will allow the City of Regina to assess the viability and impact of this housing model upon the community. “We haven’t run into any issues to date,” said Yagelniski.
To accommodate the carriage lane homes, Yagar Development designed lots that were 125 feet deep and 38 to 40 feet across. “We made them deeper and a little wider to provide enough room for the structures, as well as sufficient parking for both residences. In all cases, there was parking for three vehicles - two in the double Continued on Page 63
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Continued from Page 61 garage, as well as a single vehicle parking pad - or else space for a triple garage. I don’t want to have parking issues,” said Yagelniski. “If we find that parking for two vehicles would have been sufficient, then next time around, we could potentially reduce the size of the laneway lots a bit and make them even more affordable.”
and aspects of community. I want there to be housing choices for everyone - from first time buyers, to families, to someone retiring, to my senior parents living in a laneway home - all within the same community. To me, that’s an ideal community!” n
Yagelniski is very enthusiastic about the carriage homes pilot project. “I’m hoping the carriage lane homes will be very successful and that both the market and the City of Regina will like them. If that happens, we will introduce more carriage lane or laneway homes in Phase Seven of The Greens. I think it’s a very good style of housing that caters to the home owner who would like to generate some additional revenue,” said Yagelniski. “It’s a new type of product we’re excited to showcase to the city. I know city council is very interested in this project because it’s probably going to be something that’s allowed mainstream down the road.”
Bring your plans in and see one of our qualified specialists…
Yagelniski says laneway homes also offer the potential for creating ground-level housing options for seniors who are interested in living near their adult children. It’s an idea he’s very interested in exploring. “We’re constantly trying to explore new niches where we can do things a little differently and add a new dimension to the marketplace,” said Yagelniski. “When completed, my whole goal for The Greens on Gardiner is that it will be a fullscale development, home to all age groups
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Paid to Members in 2013 You’re home Spring 2014 63
Spring
clean
Innovative vacuum systems designed for modern spaces By Andrew Livingstone
A
lthough the function that central vacuum cleaners must perform has not changed, potential buyers will encounter several recent advancements intended to make them a harmonious part of modern living spaces. Because efficient use of space is becoming a priority for Regina condo and home owners, higher-quality central vacuum systems are designed with features that make them as unobtrusive as possible, both in use and in storage. Central vacuum systems used to require the wrangling and storage of a hose, but modern models have done away with that chore. “The newest thing in central vacuums is called ‘Hide-A-Hose,’” said Ralph Latta, manager of 1 Stop Vacuum Centres. “It hides the hose right in the wall and you don’t have to wrap it up.” Taking advantage of this new feature does, however, require some foresight. “The only trick to it, of course, is that it has to be installed while the structure is being built,” Latta said. “Especially in condos, it’s probably not the sort of thing that a person can put in after it’s done because you’ve got to hide the piping in the wall to put the hose into.” The popularity of condos has also inspired vacuum designers to refine the opposite end of the process: the exhaust. “With the new machines now, dust is just not an issue: it’s all kept within the machine,” said Latta. 64 You’re home Spring 2014
Central vacuum systems used to require the wrangling and storage of a hose, but modern models have done away with that chore. This degree of cleanliness is made possible by an advanced filtration method known as High-Efficiency Particulate Absorption (HEPA). “Basically, it is a level of filtration that pretty much means ‘no dust,’” Latta said. “It removes 99.99 per cent of the dust down to three microns. When you’re running that in your storage, laundry or furnace room in your condo, there’s going to be no dust coming out of the exhaust. “That’s important in condominium living because, especially in apartment-style homes, there’s no way of venting them outside,” said Latta. “Even in freestanding condos, most condo associations or boards won’t allow an outside exhaust on a built-in vacuum simply because of the noise - a neighbour doesn’t want to hear the vacuum running. So, pretty much all of our machines are now designed for interior venting with HEPA filtration on them so that they don’t have to be vented outside.” The higher-quality models found at 1 Stop Vacuum Centres even reduce the noise of the motor itself for better coexistence in close quarters. “The machines that we’re running right now are running at about 58 decibels, and some of the older machines would be pushing over 100 decibels,” Latta said. “We have central vacuum systems that you could literally have running on one side of a wall, and the neighbour on the other side isn’t going to know that you’re vacuuming.”
Because noise is one factor that varies drastically from model to model, Latta recommends that buyers put the effort into verifying the quality of a machine before proceeding with a purchase or installation. “Have a listen to some machines - don’t just buy the first one that’s out there,” he said. “If a contractor is recommending that they put in a central vacuum for you, it’s still a good idea to check on what they’re putting in and do some comparisons.” Although the attachments that accompany a vacuum tend to be a standard assortment, some floor surfaces dictate extra measures. “If you’re getting lowerpile carpet, you’re okay with a smaller power head,” said Latta. “If you’ve got a lot of deep pile, plush carpet, you’ll probably need a little better power head with a height adjustment on it. “Now, we’re getting into that silk shag carpeting that actually requires a special power head. A lot of people don’t realize this until they are already moved in.” The factor that Latta considers nearly irrelevant is one that impresses many customers: the size of the canister. “There are lots of different sizes and models of built-ins, but even our smallest built-ins have more power than our big machines used to,” he said. “The little machine that I normally put into condos is small in the physical size, but I wouldn’t hesitate to put it into 4,000 to 5,000 square feet home. “These are the important questions that people have to answer. How quiet is this central vacuum system going to be, how dust free is it going to be and how long is the warranty? Better quality vacuums will normally have a longer warranty,” said Latta. “Come in to our store at 1004 11th Ave, and see how our vacuum systems include these features,” said Latta. For more information, visit www.1stopvacuum.com. n
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By michele tyndall
Christina who are adding the family touch to construction management, site supervision, marketing and client care. Long-term employees and sub-contractors, some of whom have been with the company since the first day, are considered family as well. Rob Fiorante has been the New Homes Sales Manager for Fiorante Homes and Commercial Ltd. for nine years and understands that client needs are continuously changing, and that recognizing those needs and responding with a quality product is key to success. “Complexity of homes has gone up in many ways. The desire for energy efficiency has gone up. Customer’s access to information through the internet and other communication has changed the complexity of our builds,” said Fiorante. As well as recognizing trends in the community they serve, such as the growing popularity of condominiums in Regina, Fiorante Homes and Commercial Ltd. have also been trendsetters, in both home building and community building.
his year, Fiorante Homes and Commercial Ltd. celebrates 40 years of new home construction in Regina. This family-run business has a reputation for experience and excellence in home building as well as land development that includes condominiums and commercial buildings.
T
“We always hope that in certain areas we’ve started trends. Little things, like floor trusses, or more recently, structural basement floors with piles; we were one of the first to incorporate that. We are always learning. There are always new items, new codes, new trends,” said Fiorante.
Started in 1974 by home-building brothers Joe and Vince Fiorante, Fiorante Homes and Commercial Ltd. has maintained a strong family focus over the years that is the key to its success. Both Vince and Joe are still involved with the company, expanding their attentions to new homes and condominiums (both bareland and apartment style) as well as commercial projects. They have been joined by Vince’s sons Rob and Dean and Joe’s daughter
Combining an understanding of location desirability with clients’ financial needs and adding in great pride in their work has produced many successful ventures for Fiorante Homes and Commercial Ltd., including new homes in McCarthy Park, bareland condominiums in Gardiner Park and Canterbury Park (which is a new community of both home and commercial builds near Wascana Park).
66 You’re home Spring 2014
This family-run business has a reputation for experience and excellence in home building as well as land development that includes condominiums and commercial buildings. In addition to providing excellent service to their clients, Fiorante Homes and Commercial Ltd. also turns their range of talents to the community, taking pride in the many grand prize show homes they have built for the Hospitals of Regina Foundation’s home lotteries. They have been affiliated with this important organization for over 25 years. All of the hard work has paid off. On top of the repeat business and many satisfied customers, Fiorante Homes and Commercial Ltd. has received many awards over the years, including the 2012 New Home Warranty Customer Choice Award for Multi Family 10+ Units. As well, the Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association (RRHBA) has recognized the company with Master Awards that include Best New Condominium Project (2012), Best New Custom Home under 2,100 Sq. Ft. (2012), and in 2010, the Master Awards Community Service Award. The Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association represents over 280 businesses involved in the residential construction industry in Regina, including Fiorante Homes and Commercial Ltd. Every member of the RRHBA is screened and held to the RRHBA Code of Ethics. Every builder member must also be registered with a third party new home warranty program. Membership in the RRHBA is a guarantee of protection for a company’s clients in every aspect of their build. Fiorante Homes and Commercial Ltd. is a proud member of the RRHBA. Rob Fiorante has served as a Director for the past ten years, and has recently taken the Chair position on the Board.
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“I’ve been on the Board as long as any one and I think I bring experience to the equation. I’ve always felt that the RRHBA was a way to be actively involved while learning from other members, so potentially I can pass on my knowledge this way,” said Fiorante. Sharing knowledge, holding themselves to the highest standards of conduct and taking great pride in the personal touch have helped Fiorante Homes and Commercial Ltd. achieve success in the industry as builders, but it is their commitment to family and understanding the needs of all the unique families that make up Regina that has made them true home builders. “For us, our family is our biggest selling feature. When you are building a Fiorante home, you know that you will be dealing with a Fiorante directly. We have called Regina home for our entire lives and truly care about everything that affects this city. Nothing builds confidence like that,” said Fiorante. For 40 years, Fiorante Homes and Commercial Ltd. has been a family that has offered quality and commitment to all the families in Regina, and they will continue to do so in the future. For more information, visit www.fiorantehomes.ca. n
Choosing a builder who belongs to the New Home Warranty Program ensures your new home is protected from problems that can occur with new buildings. you’ll be covered for*: • Your initial deposit up to $25,000 if the builder defaults • Defects in workmanship or materials for the first year • Exterior water penetration for two years • Major structural defects for five years Plus, you can get even more comprehensive coverage with the optional extended coverage for single family homes. To find out more, visit our website, or contact us today. This is not a complete description of coverage. Contact the New Home Warranty Program of Saskatchewan for warranty details.
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(306) 546-5220 You’re home Spring 2014 67
yard care
I
s your backyard a battleground? Are you waging war with unruly weeds, tyrannical turf and out-ofcontrol shrubs and trees? Arm yourself with the latest innovations in outdoor power equipment and show your yard who’s boss! Home owners in the Regina area are familiar with South Country Equipment Ltd. as a John Deere dealer, but the company’s Emerald Park showroom also carries Stihl, Deere’s preferred brand of hand-held power tools. With Stihl equipment, backed by Deere’s reputation for quality machinery and customer service, yard care is hardly a chore. Today’s hand-held power tools are lightweight and easy to use, with an arsenal that includes power trimmers, leaf blowers, lawn edgers, hedge trimmers and chainsaws. Can’t decide what tools you need most? Multi-task tool systems accept a wide range of attachments, quickly converting to the tool of your choice.
By Andrew Livingstone Photos courtesy of STIHL Canada
68 You’re home Spring 2014
Stihl leads the way with its unique KombiSystem, which offers unprecedented versatility. “Their Kombi system is a dedicated power head - it’s an engine on its own with interchangeable attachments,” said Peter Desiatnyk, South Country’s turf, lawn and garden sales consultant. “So, with one engine, you can do a pull-saw, a hedge trimmer, a chainsaw or a leaf blower. With a simple turn of a screw, you take off the current attachment, put on the desired one, tighten it up and you’re good to go.”
made easy
The modular, four-pound Kombi engine allows for much more efficient use of limited space. “Storage is becoming such a sought-after commodity in our homes now because people are tending to keep more things or buy more things and not have the space for them,” said Desiatnyk. “Now, with this Kombi system, instead of buying five different engines with dedicated machines, you buy one engine and you can buy seven more attachments, so it takes away from having to store and service all of those extra engines.” The choices don’t stop here; options include electric, battery or gas-powered tools. Desiatnyk says that each power system offers advantages. Gasoline-powered tools may be considered old-school, but manufacturers like Stihl have given them a modern tune-up. New low-emission engines deliver impressive power and fuel efficiency. Start-up is a breeze with Stihl’s Easy2Start feature, which requires far less strength to use than pull-cords of the past. “The Easy2Start is two interior recoils that work against each other,” said Desiatnyk. “As you’re pulling the rope, the first recoil is winding the second one. So, instead of having that aggressive yank, with one smooth pull, you’re winding the first recoil, and then it gets to a certain point, releases and then spins the other one.”
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Arm yourself with the latest innovations in outdoor power equipment and show your yard who's boss! Stihl also offers a user-friendly line of Lithium-ion batterypowered yard equipment, which is gaining favour “for its simplicity, ergonomics and ease of use,” Desiatnyk said. “That the batterypowered line is a complete line of hand-held equipment ranging from chainsaws to hedge-trimmers, to weedeaters, to leaf blowers. They all take lithium batteries that can run on continuous charges from 45 to 90 minutes of continuous use depending on the battery’s strength.”
drag from your house all the way around your yard.”
Stihl’s gas-powered and battery-powered tools operate with the same torque and are nearly indistinguishable, and, like the Kombi system, the battery-powered line employs a modular power source that can be shared with other, similar tools. “One thing about the battery-powered line is that the one battery is interchangeable with all of the implements, so you can buy one battery for five pieces of Stihl equipment,” said Desiatnyk. “If you have five pieces of equipment, you don’t need five batteries.
Price is, however, a significant factor in choosing between gaspowered and battery-powered models. Desiatnyk said that, by incorporating portable batteries,“there are cost savings, because that 100-foot extension cord can run you $75 to $100.”
“What that helps aid in is that there are no more recoil pull-cords, there’s no more mixing oil and gas, and there’s zero maintenance,” Desiatnyk said. “It is 100 per cent wireless, which is a selling feature because, in the past, it was a 100-foot extension cord that you had to
This particular line of tools is ideal for home owners who wish to reduce the noise of their yard work. “Battery-powered ones are substantially quieter due to no exhaust,” said Desiatnyk. “So, for commercial guys that need to start at five in the morning where there are decibel laws in place, they can start earlier because they will not emit over that allotted decibel rating.”
Nevertheless, the relative cost of advanced, battery-powered tools may decide their value to the individual buyer. “The corded options are considerably cheaper than the battery-powered options,” said Desiatnyk. “Stihl’s line of electric corded machines would not exceed $300, whereas to buy just the battery and the charger for the batterypowered models will run you $200, not including the machine.” For more information, visit www.southcountry.ca. n
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Spring
Get Organized for
C
By tom eremondi
losets are coming out of the closet.
In Regina, that’s thanks to companies like Simply Stowed Custom Closets. They provide custom home organizing solutions for not just bedrooms but also garages, home offices, pantries, laundry spaces, foyers and entertainment areas.
after
“We help people organize their lives better,” said Maria MakrisNagel, who owns Simply Stowed Custom Closets with her husband Bill. “That starts with their home and how they live. It’s all about decluttering and the key to decluttering is better organization of space and systems.” The business was founded with a personal need in mind, she reports. “We were a growing family living in a smaller home. A few years ago we decided to look for a larger house. While we liked the size and designs of the showhomes we were seeing, the closet and storage spaces weren’t what we needed.”
before
Makris-Nagel says the couple realized they could build the space they wanted themselves. “Bill and I learned how to manage our own space. After we did that, we realized that there weren’t many businesses doing what we just did. We realized that there was a niche in the city.”
“Everyone is different so we just try to get to know them and get a real sense of what they need their closet space to be.” 74 You’re home Spring 2014
They started Simply Stowed three years ago with immediate success. “Our very first client told us she’d been waiting years for someone to do what we were doing. We doubled and tripled the amount of closet space she had.” Simply Stowed is an authorized dealer of ORG Home product, a company with 25 years of experience. “Through them we offer a fantastic product and more than 30 finishes, including 24 laminated and eight wood veneers. There’s also a large selection of doors and handles. People can mix and match and tailor everything to their own personal style.” The association with ORG Home also allows Simply Stowed to offer commercial solutions such as staff rooms. “The systems are all designed to fit with a customer’s needs and style,” Makris-Nagel said, noting the first important part of the process is meeting with the customer. “Everyone is different so we just try to get to know them and get a real sense of what they need their closet space to be.”
Closets are coming out of the closet. Simply Stowed’s business in Regina is split fairly evenly, with the company providing 60 per cent of their systems to new homes. Given this, Makris-Nagel urges people to give closet and organizing space more thought. “So many people look at closets on paper or when they’re in an empty house. Then they move in, suddenly discover that those systems and spaces don’t fit their needs and end up wondering where they’re going to put things.”
there, if we’re running late or if product shipments are delayed and installation needs to be rescheduled.” For more information, visit www.SimplyStowed.com. Also watch for Simply Stowed systems and brochures in select showhomes in Regina and area. n
She adds that people who may be considering moving because of space could consider other options. “Many home owners are turning smaller bedrooms into walk-in closets. A wall bed is also an option that lets people better use the space they have.” Simply Stowed can work off blueprints for homes in the design stage or they’ll visit and take precise measurements. “Then we go back and prepare some designs,” Makris-Nagel explains. “We have a really cool 3D tool that lets customers see their spaces from many different angles. We can even show them how it will look filled with shoes, clothes or whatever. “This stage really helps customers envision the final product and ask important questions like ‘are there enough hooks for backpacks and coats?’” Designs can be changed easily at this stage, she adds. The entire process usually takes around two weeks from initial consultation to final installation. Again based on their own experience, MakrisNagel says Simply Stowed works to ensure proper communication with clients. “We work hard to let customers know when we’ll be You’re home Spring 2014 75
8
Design Trends for 2014
By stu niebergall
W
hile attending the annual International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas my favorite session was the “Best in American Living Awards,” which showcased the leading trends in home and community design. Design trends that make their appearance at these prestigious Awards often become standard features sought after by home builders and consumers in the years to come. Here are some of the trends to watch for:
electric car charging stations, spas, and a concierge service, just to name a few.
Design Trend #1 – White on White. Cabinets, flooring, backsplashes, counters, fixtures and appliances are beginning to lighten up. Layering white on top of white is a new approach in many kitchens and bathrooms that is giving way to a fresh and light feeling. To achieve clean lines and a modern feel, designers and builders are selecting European cabinetry, adding shiny surfaces via appliances, backsplash and countertop choices, and even incorporating glass walls.
Design Trend #6 – Historic Styling with Modern Flair. New or remodeled homes, be they Craftsman, Prairie, Mid-Century Modern, or another historic architectural style, are adding modern flair to their traditional designs through colour, finish, fixtures, and lighting selection, while continuing to be influenced by the past through the use of reclaimed building materials and classic proportions and detailing.
Design Trend #2 – Bold Exterior Colours are making their way to the exterior of homes. Whether it’s through paint, a mix of cladding materials, doors, windows, porches, shutters, or trim, an extra layer of drama is being added to the design of elevations, further enhancing curb appeal. Design Trend #3 – Interior Courtyards are popular in all housing types right now, including single-family homes, multifamily complexes, and within communities. The primary differences are scale. Gardens are popular with homeowners and often occupy community courtyards, while multi-family projects use interior courtyards to showcase private amenities such as pools and fire pits. Within single-family homes, courtyards provide private and safe outdoor living areas and are being shifted to side yards. Design Trend #4 – Out-of-the-Box Amenities. Both single-family and multifamily communities and multifamily projects are being designed fully loaded, with over the top amenities that appeal to home buyers. Residents want to feel as though they are living in a four-star hotel, so builders and developers are offering features such as communal kitchens for cooking classes, pools with added wow factors such as a lazy river, a pool for dogs, and dog parks, 76 You’re home Spring 2014
Design Trend #5 – Specialty Lighting such as specialty pendants and fixtures are “lighting it up” this year. Regardless of whether it involves a custom or a stock fixture, designers are finding ways to showcase them as pieces of art rather than just a functional element. Lighting is being paired with wood ceiling details to further enhance the room’s design and create a feeling of warmth.
Design Trend #7 – Blurring the Lines between Inside and Out. Lines continue to be blurred between the inside and outside of homes. No longer limited to areas with warmer climates, this is being seen all across the country. Both production and custom homes have movable glass walls, gourmet outdoor kitchens, and interior courtyard pools, adding more everyday living space. Design Trend #8 – Dual Master Baths. Dual master baths are all the rage! They are glamorous, yet extremely functional. Surprisingly, this can be achieved even in a smaller space. While remaining simple, functional and clean, dual baths often have a shared shower and continue to feature fixtures, colours and finishes with a spa-like feel. The best time to implement these trends is during the initial construction of your new home. Or, perhaps you want to implement these ideas as part of a home renovation. Either way, the best place to start is www.reginahomebuilders.com. There you will find the latest in Regina and area show homes, a complete list of builders who are members of the Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association, and plenty of helpful consumer information. If it is a renovation you are undertaking, look for the list of our RenoMark™ members. n
style and simplicity With Kitchen Craft, visionary style gets easier and easier. We have many new ways to help your freshest ideas come to life. Styles, woods, finishes and features that complement the works of your imagination in a very practical way.
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Ask an expert your home
and Life
Insurance
Jeff Wood, Advisor SunLife Financial Member of Advocis Tel: (306) 757-8631 ext. 2254 Cell: (306) 529-2889 www.sunlife.ca/jeff.wood
By Jeff Wood
Q: We all want to live long, happy and healthy lives – hopefully in our dream home – surrounded by friends and family. However, this may not always be the case. I've noticed a building frenzy of personal care homes and senior centres in recent years. Obviously, there must be a need for such facilities. Is it possible to insure for this eventuality? A: Absolutely! Long Term Care Insurance (LTCI) is a product that some insurance companies carry on their shelf for exactly those needs. As the name implies, LTCI provides the policy owner with a benefit, usually paid weekly, as long as the insured meets the claim qualifications, which are related to that person’s ability to function and take care of themselves. Benefits will pay based on the plan purchased, but a lifetime benefit period is often recommended.
Problems? Worries? Dreams? Bring them to us. We live for this stuff. Talk to me today about Money for Life – Sun Life Financial’s customized approach to your financial and retirement planning. Jeff Wood*, CFP® Jeff Wood Insurance and Investment Services Ltd. Tel: 306-757-8631 ext 2254 jeff.wood@sunlife.com www.sunlife.ca/jeff.wood
Life’s brighter under the sun *Mutual funds offered by Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc. Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is a member of the Sun Life Financial group of companies. © Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2014.
78 You’re home Spring 2014
Q: Sounds too good to be true. There must be a catch; it’s either too expensive to purchase or too difficult to qualify for in the first place. Which is it? A: Like all personal insurance, premiums are more expensive as you get older but are very reasonable at younger ages when planning for retirement should begin. With LTCI, you can choose how much coverage you want based on what your pocketbook can afford. There are also plans available that can have the premiums paid up at age 65 with the policy remaining in-force for the duration of the insured person’s lifetime. In terms of qualifying in the first place, the parameters are a bit different than life or critical illness insurance. With LTCI, your future need for care is assessed. For example, if you have back issues or have been diagnosed with arthritis you may not be insurable. An LTCI specialist can assist you with this determination.
Q: What happens if I never put in a claim? Can I get my money back? A: The short answer is yes. However, consider this… The cost of a care home facility is upwards of $3,000 per month at today's rates. In 20 years, this cost could easily be $5,000 per month. If you have Alzheimers or another form of brain injury (including stroke) your length of stay could be ten years or more. Quick math says your costs for this could easily run you $600,000. This is a huge financial burden for any family. A monthly premium of even $200 per month could pay in the millions easily. Purchasing LTCI, like all insurance, is about peace of mind. For more information, talk to your insurance advisor. n
LOTS TO COME HOME TO
Fairways West is now selling premier walkout lots. Each ample lot backs the Joanne Goulet golf course and offers gorgeous views of picturesque Wascana Creek. This quiet neighbourhood is bursting with green space and perfect for families that love the outdoors. Choose from a variety of Regina’s leading builders and find the home of your dreams in Fairways West. Learn more by visiting harvardcommunities.ca or call 306.777.0650. L OC AT E D IN NOR T H W E S T R E GIN A
•
W I T HIN FA IR WAY S W E S T,
SOU T H OF L INK S WAY A ND FA IR WAY S W E S T D R I V E
colours of the year:
Cozy up to the new pastels By ashleigh mattern
T
hings are looking bright for home décor in 2014. After a year where sombre greys and muted blues ruled the scene, eyecatching colours are fighting back, bringing multi-coloured pastels to the forefront.
“We are mainly going into light pastel colours,” said Jasreet Kaur, residential sales associate and interior decorator at CertaPro Painters Regina. “There is a coziness to light pastels, like light blue or yellow.” Kaur says while last year's greys might still be around this year, the shade will be shifting more into a blue, in keeping with the move towards brighter colours. But more popular will be light yellows and greens, and even poppy red. Not only does the more varied palette rejuvenate the colour scene, Kaur says pastels are also a classic, timeless option, in part because they can help to make a space look larger, which is always a plus. “Pastel colours are always in,” she said. “When you come home, you need something 80 You’re home Spring 2014
relaxing, and anything pastel, anything light, will go for years and years.” Kaur also points out that these colour trends don't only apply to the walls of your home: “If we talk about fashion in terms of dresses… clothing is coming in these same colours, so it's all interconnected.” Yellow is a strong favourite this year, showing up in nearly all of the top companies' colour palettes for 2014. If you find yellows to be too bold of a choice for an entire room, Kaur says it's a great colour to use in accessories, especially against a blue paint. “You're going to see yellow all over the place,” she said. “It can bring some joy to your style.”
For more inFormation
306-789-0891
www.mapleridgeregina.com ParticiPating Builders
306-789-6080
306-525-2329
306-569-3456
306-789-0136 306-949-0290
Yellow is a strong favourite this year, showing up in nearly all of the top companies' colour palettes for 2014. Just changing the accessories in the room can be a good option if you've recently completed a paint job, or you're not quite ready for a change. “Vases, dining table sets... put a new colour on your dining table, a yellow colour or blue colour,” said Kaur. “Small touches can bring a complete change to the home without spending a lot of money. Buy some accessories like cushions and throw them into your living space; you will have a completely new room. Any small change to a room will bring a change to the entire space.” Kaur says even just rearranging some of your furniture will have an impact. It can be a big job, but can make a huge difference to a room. “Play around with your space; it’s always about playing with and loving your space.” Choosing colours you love is key. No matter the trends, you should choose colours that speak to you personally. Kaur says whenever she's helping a client design a space, she always sits down with them first to determine what will work best for them based on their lifestyle. What do they do for a living? What is their style? How many family members are there? She likes to take into consideration the tastes of everyone who lives in the home, if she can.
Willow Place is a newly released Mission Style inspired luxury adult condominium project located in popular Southeast Regina at the corner of Willow Road and East Haughton Road. Located within one block of the beautiful Prince of Wales Park, Willow Place is also close to various amenities along Quance Street as well as throughout the booming East end. Willow Place has 2 bedroom and den options. Sizes range from 1063-1434 sq.ft. Suites feature modern open floor plans with 9’ A Joint Gilroy/VArsity Homes ProJect
ceilings and lots of windows for natural light, granite counter and vanity tops with undermount sinks, maple or oak cabinets with clients choice of stain, stainless steel appliance package, ensuite bathrooms have 5’ glass enclosed showers. Features of the building include: amenities room, exercise room, heated ground level garage parking and storage, elevator service and wheelchair accessible. For complete information call 306-539-7628.
“It’s more about what you like,” said Kaur. “We can't just say, this is in, you should paint the wall this colour.... This is your space, this is your taste.” Choosing colours you truly enjoy also means you won't have to paint your home new shades year after year, says Kaur. It's challenging to always be on trend, so while it's important to know what the popular choices are, they shouldn't be your only touch point for making a decision. Consider the lighting, the mood you want to create, and even the themes in other parts of the house. It's important for the colours to complement the whole space. “It's about bringing that space alive,” said Kaur. “How do you bring that charm out?” For more information, visit www.certapro.com. n
82 You’re home Spring 2014
Custom Cabinets that fit your lifestyle.
“30 Years Experience in Custom Cabinetry & Renovations� serving southern saskatchewan
J&C
Custom Cabinets ltd. 1831 macKay street 305-585-2223 email: jccabinets@sasktel.net
after before
ready, set, sell! Stage your home like a professional
W
hether you want to make your house more appealing to future buyers, or just want to give your living space some showhome flair, these tips for staging your home will help you make your home into whatever you need.
No matter how you look at it, your house is an investment. It may be the first step in your home-owning journey, or the home you pass on to your family, but either way, recognizing ways to maximize your investment will reap benefits in the long run. Today’s home buyer has less time and more resources for their home search, and often the first time your house will be seen is on the Internet. Great pictures of key selling points like lot space, windows and appliances will get your home noticed before anyone even visits.
By michele tyndall Photos courtesy of Utopia Designs
A first look online may intrigue a buyer, but it’s the first look in person that will entice the person to take more than a passing look. The term “curb appeal” is common now, but its importance cannot be stressed enough. Landscaping, doors that look clean and inviting and wellmaintained roofing can make the difference between a visit to an open house and a drive-by. Once you open your home to potential buyers, you don’t want to show them how you live in the house, but rather all the ways that they can live in their new home. The house needs to be open to their imagination. You want them to picture how their lives will fit into this space. Continued on Page 87
84 You’re home Spring 2014
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• Sewer system • Treated water from Emerald Park • All utilities to property line • Over 1,500 spruce trees • Paved roads • Street lights • Creeks running thru-out • Wrought iron fencing around Spruce Creek Lake • Lots starting at 1/2 acre to full acres
in reginA AreA —100 WAlk ouT loTS—
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Office 306-949-7400 Dennis@dshomes.ca www.dshomes.ca
3 innovative floor plans available to fit your lifestyle
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306.352.9974
w w w. d e m a r c o p o i n t e . c o m
A first look online may intrigue a buyer, but it's the first look in person that will entice the person to take more than a passing look. Continued from Page 84 A cluttered house gives the impression that it’s smaller than it actually is and can be distracting to a potential purchaser. Even if you are not selling your house, taking time to go through your home and determine what you need in each room, what can be sold or donated, or storing items is a great way to get organized. Don’t hide all your hard work. Making sure every room is well lit is a great way to show off design features of your home. When lamps and overhead lights are on, and curtains are opened, it helps to emphasize all the great details in the house. “Lighting can make or break a beautiful design. Many home owners appreciate an abundance of windows in their homes,” said Kristy Lee, president of Utopia Designs. Since starting her design portfolio in 2004, Lee has built a company that takes an approach to home-staging that is both unique and practical. “I am serious about my clients, and Utopia is built on my reputation. All of my business is referral based,” said Lee. With a background in finance, Lee also understands that cost is more important than ever when it comes to preparing a home for sale. When factoring in a new move for yourself as well as regular cost of living, budgeting to get the best look for your home without breaking the bank is crucial. Painting is still one of the most cost-effective ways to enhance your home. Dark colours can make a room look smaller, but bright colours can sometimes be off-putting to potential buyers. Stick to neutral colours, especially in common rooms like the living room or kitchen, and you’ll be giving your viewer a great background to visualize their own creativity against. Small, inexpensive changes, such as drawer pulls that match, new shower curtains and small lamps can create a contemporary look that speaks of both comfort and care and will be a definite selling point. When considering staging your home for selling, contacting a professional company such as Utopia can make the difference between getting your house sold in a timely manner and watching your property sit on the market for months. Professional stagers are aware of industry trends and buyer demands, and will suit their recommendations to your needs to give you the edge in today’s competitive home selling market. For more information on home staging services, visit www.utopiadesigns.ca. n You’re home Spring 2014 87
Space
bonus
Make the most of your home's footprint By rachele odnokon
A
re you thinking of buying a new home, but tired of the same old generic designs and floor plans? Do you want a home with a bit of character and a personal flair, but without all the hassles of maintaining an older building? Thanks to the innovative team at Crawford Homes (1991) Ltd., you no longer need to choose between modernity and character. “As a fully custom builder, Crawford Homes offers virtually any modification within the client’s budget, from vaulted ceilings, to dual sinks, feature walls with stone and gas or electric fireplaces, to whatever the budget allows!” said Jeff Bashutski, New Home Sales Consultant at Crawford Homes. One of the major concerns with designing a new home is how to make the most of the available space or the house’s “true” square footage, Bashutski explained. Rather than adding unnecessary and costly square footage, by pushing back exterior walls or adding additional rooms, a popular new trend is to go for a modified bungalow or bi-level design. These designs allow the home owner the financial and creative freedom to make use of ‘bonus space’ in the design, such as above the garage, or underneath a stairwell. “Most of our designs allow this addition, and as the foundation and roof over the garage already exist, this is extremely affordable as this square footage is included in the true square footage of the home unlike basement development,” Bashutski stated.
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With just a few simple and costeffective modifications, you can achieve the perfect personalized touch you were looking for, without sacrificing style. Bashutski noted that the popularity of these types of designs is growing, in part because of the flexibility that it affords. “Being a designer and now an owner myself, I have seen the popularity of this type of design grow, not only from the appeal of having an ‘owner’s retreat’ just steps away from the kids, but also to have extra storage within arms’ reach from the kitchen and laundry, added insulation as well as passive heat to the garage (which we all need in our climate),” said Bashutski. In addition to flexibility, the Brokerage License #316055
design mortgages
appearance of a larger structure holds a lot of street appeal, making it an attractive option for those looking to stand out. There are many uses for these bonus spaces, from kids’ playrooms, to extra storage, to having your own private “owner’s retreat” or dream master bedroom above the garage. “The imagination seems to run once you step out of the ‘traditional’ family structure,” said Bashutski. With just a few simple and costeffective modifications, you can achieve the perfect personalized touch you were looking for, without sacrificing style. The modified bungalows and bi-levels offered by Crawford Homes are custom-made and unique to the individual, while sticking to a trendy, modern design. The sky is really the limit when it comes to designing your new home with Crawford Homes. As a family business, the staff at Crawford Homes is committed to their clients, working tirelessly alongside them throughout the entire building process. “When you build a home for someone, you are normally entering into a relationship with someone for not only the eight- to 10-month build time, but for the duration of the warranty as well,” said Bashutski, pointing out that Crawford Homes offers an exclusive warranty package, varying from two to five, and even 10 years of coverage. Above all, what sets Crawford Homes apart from the competition, as Bashutski explained, is the unparalleled level of customer service and, more importantly, satisfaction that Crawford Homes delivers. “Seeing clients weeks or years after their purchase, it is always smiles, if not a discussion about their next build. Many clients are on their third, fourth or fifth build with us!” said Bashutski.
Experienced, accredited mortgage professionals. We offer financing for purchases, refinances, rentals, renovations, secured lines of credit and new-home building projects. Give us a call today and let us design your dreams.
PH: 306.721.2434 FAX: 306.721.2419 338 Great Plains Road, Emerald Park, SK S4L 0B8
canadian association of accredited mortgage professionals
90 You’re home Spring 2014
In 2014, Crawford Homes is celebrating 35 years in business. When asked what the future holds, Bashutski was very optimistic. “The confidence in the real estate market is great and we are looking to another 35 years of building for old clients, new clients and new Canadians. And we are still Canada’s largest R2000 and ENERGY STAR® builder. Come see us with your ideas and we will build it!” Bashutski said. For more information, or to start designing your dream home today, visit www.crawfordhomes.ca. n
Upscale rustic
A SenSe of
Two ACComplisheD ReginA BuilDeRs
Two of Regina’s finest custom home builders, Munro Homes Ltd. and Sthamann Homes, have combined their talents and
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skills to create a Regina neighbourhood that offers an incomparable lifestyle. Detached, single-family condominiums are being constructed on a quiet bay nestled in The Creeks, an area known for its peace and tranquility. These beautiful homes provide the advantages of both detached-home and condominium lifestyles. Residents will be able to experience independent living in their own detached homes — complete with spacious yards and two- to three-car garages — and the maintenance-free, secure lifestyle of condo living that allows the freedom to enjoy extended travel and vacations. Located in
sold
LotS for SALe
Fully landscaped homes starting at
306.596.2727
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Find us on
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306.789.0136
www.sthamannhomes.com
550,000
$
4154 Timber Creek Place $ 734,000 including lot, landscaping, fence and GST
• 1,565 sq. ft. 1 bedroom plus den bungalow • energy star Certified • Cherry Cabinets, cherry hardwood, granite countertops • 22’ x 26’ garage • immediAte poSSeSSion
Welcoming
Artisan Design Build Ltd. By jessica mees
T
he Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association (RRHBA) is well-recognized throughout the city and provides member businesses with a great degree of credibility. For Artisan Design Build Ltd., this was a large factor in their decision to join the Association. “We joined the RRHBA partly for the name, as it is a notable affiliation for the Regina home building industry. Buyers are interested in whether their builder is a member of the RRHBA or not,” said Michelle Lam, marketing manager at Artisan Design Build. “The RRHBA is a great organization and we wanted to be able to say we are a member. They give the industry a community feel and bring companies together, like at the Master Awards gala, while facilitating the exchange of information as they do at conferences and the Spring Home Show.” Artisan Design Build started building custom homes in 2008 92 You’re home Spring 2014
with a focus on environmentally-friendly technology. Since then, Artisan has grown to also provide value-filled homes to the entrylevel market, and most recently, homes that offer a contemporary lifestyle at an affordable price point. “All of our processes have been simplified to be able to provide our clients with the best value for their money, especially processes related to our clients. They find our sales process and our selections process easy to flow through and as stress-free as imaginable. We have a floor plan and we have a lot. You pick which ones you want and if they fit together, that’s the house you want,” said Lam. “The process is similar for the interior finishes. We have flooring choices, countertop choices and so on. From that, you’re able to pick the colour combination you prefer. With changing our processes to their current state, we are now able to offer our clients a superior product for an excellent price.” Within the last year, Artisan Design Build has developed a brand new series of homes, the ICE series.
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Artisan has grown to provide value-filled homes to the entry-level market, and most recently, homes that offer a contemporary lifestyle at an affordable price point.
“ICE is contemporary living at an affordable price point. All design aspects focus on the modern style. The exterior includes large windows, flat roofs, and higher end materials such as stucco and bamboo accents. The interiors are a step above, with glass and tile, and nine-foot ceilings on the second floor. With our first show home in this series now open, the positive response has been overwhelming,” added Lam. “The ICE series currently has three detached floor plans and one townhouse style. The townhouse style project, called the Glide Townhouses, has started and is an area of interest for buyers.”
continued to strive to greater heights. Their main focus remains to provide their clients with a higher standard and quality while providing value.
Since their decision to join the RRHBA, Artisan Design Build has
For more information, visit www.artisandesignbuild.ca. n
“In the end, we look at it from our clients’ perspective and want to be able to provide them with desirable products with added value to their home whether it is their long term home or their starter home,” Lam said. “We want them to feel like they are getting as much as they can for their money. It is about providing the maximum value we can to our clients for their desired product and following this philosophy as often as we can.”
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Discovery Ridge offers small town living, big city access By wendy livingstone
O
wning a home in Pilot Butte can provide many advantages, particularly for those who enjoy outdoor living and a small town lifestyle. Discovery Ridge, a new development that is taking shape in Pilot Butte, offers lots with plenty of room for a garden for growing fresh produce, a sandbox or playground equipment for the children, or a triple garage with enough space for multiple vehicles or a workshop. Lots in Discovery Ridge hold an advantage over their nearby city counterparts because the cost of raw land in Pilot Butte is significantly lower. However, the general subdivision services are still the same. “There’s sidewalk, curb, asphalt, streetlights and centralized water and sewer,” said Patrick Mah, Regina operations manager of North Ridge Development Corporation. A large, contoured retention pond acts as the focal point for the subdivision, offering residents a place to enjoy a year-round connection with nature. The area surrounding the pond will be fully landscaped and will include an asphalt path, trees, shrubs, seating areas and the existing natural vegetation. The development also includes Discovery Field, a two-acre soccer field which is a sports facility that the community was previously lacking. “Pilot Butte needed a soccer field like that,” said Mah. “It is probably one of the nicer fields on the outskirts of the city. It’s sodded and irrigated. It’s a very nice facility that will provide enjoyment to all of the residents for years to come.” Home buyers will be able to choose from several reputable local builders who are participating in the project: North Ridge Development Corporation, Century West Homes Ltd., Trademark Homes Inc., Emerald Park Homes Ltd., Zarkor Construction Ltd. and Crawford Homes (1991) Ltd. Mah said that these Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association (RRHBA) accredited builders will ensure a subdivision with a look of quality, while providing ample choice to consumers. “Having the closed subdivision is great, because you are only dealing with builders who are reputable and who make sure that the architectural controls are followed or exceeded. We have a very strong builder group.” 96 You’re home Spring 2014
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Owning a home in Pilot Butte can provide many advantages, particularly for those who enjoy outdoor living and a small town lifestyle. One of the builders, Trademark Homes, has made a significant investment in and commitment to Discovery Ridge. “They have purchased 14 lots on Butte Street, backing the pond, and plan on starting their project in early 2014. These homes will all come with a three-car garage, acrylic stucco and character-rich porches,” said Mah.
Bar-T Construction is a family-run business that has been serving Regina and Southern Saskatchewan since 1983. At Bar-T Construction we understand that building a new house or doing a renovation can be a stressful time, so our knowledgeable staff will help you through the process of choosing the right exterior package for you. Please visit our showroom at 1150 Park Street and let us help you, whether you are looking to update your curb appeal or make your home more energy efficient. We are the exterior people.
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For Pilot Butte residents who are employed in Regina, the short, 11-kilometre trip to the city provides a gradual transition between home and work. “It’s a very convenient commute for people going to Victoria Avenue East or into Ross Industrial Park, due to the town’s proximity to Highway 46 and the Trans-Canada Highway,” said Mah. “To get into Ross industrial Park via Highway 46, it takes about five to six minutes - that’s a real attraction. Even if you were to live on the far west side of Regina, it’s probably quicker to drive to these areas from Pilot Butte and avoid the city traffic.” Stage One of Discovery Ridge, which is comprised of 40 lots, has been completely serviced. Most of the lots have been sold and home construction is underway. The next 37 lots, which comprise Stage Two, are now being developed and will be available for construction in the late spring of 2014. North Ridge and Trademark will soon have show homes available for viewing. Although the immediate area may not have all of the amenities of the city - such as big box stores, hospitals or chain restaurants - its remoteness is offset by the small-town atmosphere and Pilot Butte’s own unique features. Residents can enjoy the community’s abundant ball diamonds and new soccer field in summer, its popular toboggan hill in winter, and Discovery Ridge’s distinctive water feature all year round. You may wonder why you would ever want to leave your own neighbourhood. For more information, visit www.discoveryridgesask.com. n
Visit your Mirage dealer today
Regina
206 4 Ave. E. 306.359.6300
www.floorsbydesign.ca
Handcrafted Red Oak. Hopscotch
Floors by Design — home fashion from the floor up Floors by Design Ltd. is proud to be a one-stop centre for home design and renovation. Specializing in a vast array of flooring options, Floors by Design is also home to an array of window treatments, tiling and bedding choices that take the guesswork out of designing the perfect home. “We carry blinds, fabrics and bedding along with our flooring so we can cover the whole house,” said Darren Illingworth, owner of Floors by Design Ltd. in Regina. Located at 206 Fourth Ave. E., Floors by Design employs experienced staff and presents their products in a large and beautiful showroom. “We’re cutting edge, and we’ve sourced product so our customers don’t have to go to other cities to find what they are looking for. And if we don’t have it on hand, we offer custom orders as well,” said Illingworth. Whether it is tiles for a bathroom floor, bedding and curtains to update a bedroom, or a whole-home renovation, Floors by Design has the right products for the job, and can make the process of selecting those products easy and convenient. The team at Floors by Design wants every customer to have an enjoyable experience when they decide to make changes to their home, and they will take the time to review their client’s needs, including the quality of the product, the maintenance-level and the customers’ budget, to ensure they get the right product for all of their decorating ideas. The staff is enthusiastic about the process and happy to help guide customers to the products that will match their individual flair. “We offer every client home fashions that meet the modern day world,” said Illingworth.
Regina
206 4 Ave. E. 306.359.6300 www.floorsbydesign.ca
Home renovations can be stressful. Updating a single room, replacing existing flooring or matching counters and cabinets in a new home are all important and complex investments. The goal of Floors by Design is to provide and install the latest products while providing guidance, information and assistance all in one place, to make the process simple and rewarding. Visit www.floorsbydesign.ca.
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Modern trends in home fashion
Visit your Mirage dealer today
Regina
206 4 Ave. E. 306.359.6300
www.floorsbydesign.ca
Old Red Oak. Seashell
Soft tones and bold accents are the key for today’s home fashion trends. From drapes to carpets, floors to kitchen counters, classical and practical are meeting, with beautiful results that are easy to care for. “We used to live in a beige world, but people aren’t afraid to take risks and try new things anymore,” said Darren Illingworth, owner of Floors by Design Ltd. Home fashion trends are cyclical, and for 2014, the colour palette is full of grey and brown, warm earth tones that are matched with splashes of purple and azure for dramatic effect and soft, butter yellow for light. Curtains, sheers, and drapes are becoming more popular than ever. The use of fabrics to create bold window treatments is a great way to add a personal touch to any home, and has the added appeal of being easier to change than whole floors and walls when it comes to updating or reselling a home. Wood floor is still popular, but the new hardwood has a distinctive feature that makes it a practical choice as well as a beautiful one. The hand scraped wood shows a marked pattern that makes it more userfriendly. Along with the new hardwood, carpet is starting to come back, especially in multi-tones. It’s another great look for active homes. Polished tile is a frontrunner for floors right now. Highgloss finishes and imitation marble create a timeless and elegant look. And with new anti-skid materials available, the sleek look is matched by convenient functionality. Tile is growing in popularity — not just on the floor, but everywhere. New colourful tile backsplashes are appealing to customers to enhance the quartz and granite countertops that are becoming an industry standard. Floors by Design carries a wide range of products in a multitude of colours, because designing and decorating a home is also a very personal journey, and every customer has a unique idea of what they want in their home. The modern home is elegant and classic in style, simple and fresh, but imbued with warmth to create a home for families of any shape and size.
Regina
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A Headstart on S
askatchewan's economic boom has been fantastic for the province's business sector. Regina's real estate market is going strong, with a favourable outlook for the coming year. But as the cost of living goes up, some residents are getting left behind. Lynn Robison, sales consultant with Oak Park Living, says there's a pent-up demand for affordable homes in Regina, and it's not always easy for interested buyers to save for the home they need. “It's difficult for people to save for the down payment,” said Robison. The Saskatchewan government recognized this problem in 2011, when they announced the HeadStart Equity Builder Program, as part of the Saskatchewan Advantage Housing Plan. The goal of HeadStart is to create 1,000 new entry level homes across Saskatchewan, and to get people into those homes. 104 You’re home Spring 2014
When purchasing a HeadStart home, buyers can take a loan for up to five per cent of the purchase price from the credit union paired with each project. The loan is repayable over five years, at a prime rate. The only requirement for the program is that the buyer must plan to live in the house, not rent it out to others. A madein-Saskatchewan solution, there are no other programs like it in Canada. “It allows them to get into that home and start building equity instead of renting,” said Robison. Paying rent and bills every month makes saving for a home more difficult, which is why programs like HeadStart are so important. “Rentals have a place obviously, but so many people aspire to [home ownership],” said Robison. “Oak Park Living really tries to provide affordable housing and get people into a home and out of renting.... We always look for a way to get somebody in their home.”
"When you own your home, you take pride in your home…"
home ownership Oak Park Living has two HeadStart projects: Life townhomes, and Velocity condos, both in Harbour Landing. Life townhomes start at about $258,000, while the Velocity condos start at about $159,900.
One of the qualifying factors for Oak Park Living to participate in the HeadStart program is that they had to offer their homes at below market value. “That is something that Oak Park consistently does, not just to get into the program. We offer our homes at prices that are a little bit less than the average,” said Robison. “We’re builders that like to help people get into a home. Part of our whole philosophy is affordable home ownership.” In conjunction with the HeadStart program, Oak Park Living was also granted 10 non-repayable $10,000 grants to give to people with an income of less than $66,000 per year combined household income. While they've awarded most of the grants so far, they still
By ashleigh mattern
have a few available. As with the HeadStart program, the only other requirement is that the home buyer must be planning to live in the house. As Regina's population continues to grow, increased availability of affordable homes is more important than ever. Rental vacancy rates are currently sitting at just under two per cent – an improvement from previous years – but that number is still a little close for comfort. Not only does affordable home ownership help relieve the pressure on rental vacancy rates, Robison says it can make for a better city overall. “When you own your home, you take pride in your home. Home owners are involved in their community, they stay in their community longer, and generally it builds a healthier city,” she said. For more information, visit www.oakparkliving.ca. n You’re home Spring 2014 105
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Magic
makeover
Re-facing kitchen cabinets saves time and money By tom eremondi
before In addition to re-facing cabinets, Renewed Kitchens can also alter their size to make way for new appliances such as dishwashers and larger fridges.
T
after
ired of your kitchen cabinets? Want a new look without the hassle of tearing out the old cupboards and starting over?
Another benefit is that people can keep their existing cupboards, which are usually well-built.
Try re-facing.
“Renewed Kitchens & Countertops will put all new doors and drawer fronts on the cabinets,” he said. “We can also replace existing hinges on the outside with the European style hinges on the inside, giving the cabinets a sleek, modern look.”
That’s right. Re-facing. Thanks to Renewed Kitchens & Countertops, you get a whole new look in a matter of days. “Cabinet re-facing is like giving a facelift to a kitchen,” said Dwayne Hipkiss from Renewed Kitchens & Countertops. “If you’re a home owner who’s happy with the layout of your kitchen but tired of the way it looks, we can give you an entire new look.” He adds that the advantage with re-facing is it saves time and money. “Typically we’ll come in somewhere between 20 and 40 per cent less than the cost of doing a whole new kitchen. In addition, where complete kitchen makeovers take six weeks to six months, we usually do an average kitchen in three to five days.”
Customers have a variety of finishes to choose from, meaning they can easily match the new surfaces with their existing colours. He adds there are three styles of doors, the most popular being a thermofoil door. “It’s an engineered product with the main advantage being that there are numerous profiles, styles and colours available. Also, because it’s man-made, it’s not subject to any issues that you’d have with a real wood door – it won’t warp, fade over time, or absorb moisture and grease like a real wood door will.” You’re home Spring 2014 107
before
after
You can give your kitchen a brand new look using less time and money by re-facng the cabinets through Renewed Kitchens & Countertops.
Polyester doors are another engineered product offered through Renewed Kitchens & Countertops. “They give the look of a real wood door with a perfect consistency. They won’t have knots or black streaks like you might find in wood doors.” Those who do prefer the natural look can still opt for real wood, Hipkiss says. “Oak, maple and cherry are the most popular.” Renewed Kitchens & Countertops also offers other services that easily modernize a kitchen, he adds. “We can do things like raise the heights of cabinets so people can put in taller fridges. We can also take lower cabinet doors and convert them into pots and pan drawers.” The process starts with removal of the existing drawers and doors. Then the cabinets are lightly sanded before applying the finish material. If cabinet heights are being altered, this will happen before doors and drawers are installed. Hipkiss says customers can opt to add in a pantry or create an opening for a dishwasher. Finally, Renewed Kitchens can also install new countertops. “We added this service so that customers could have it all done by just one business. They don’t need to shop elsewhere.”
after
Again, the average kitchen with basic re-facing will take three to five days. “Larger jobs with new countertops and lots of drawers may add another day or two onto this but that’s about it,” said Hipkiss.
before A one-stop supplier, Renewed Kitchens can complete the look with lovely countertops. 108 You’re home Spring 2014
“We started Renewed Kitchens eight years ago by offering the door-to-drawer conversions but then, wanting to expand, we decided we could do more than just change functionality. We could also change the style and look, give customers a one-stop shopping experience as well as the latest functions and features without the expense of a full renovation.” For more information and to view the gallery of available styles, visit www.RenewedKitchens.com. n
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Appeal
Improve your home's curb
Ensuring a home's primary entryway is welcoming and well-groomed is one way home owners can improve curb appeal.
M
en and women who have tried to sell a home are likely familiar with the phrase "curb appeal." Curb appeal is similar to getting ready for a big date, only you're not dressing yourself up to make a strong first impression. Instead, improving curb appeal involves dressing your home up in the hopes it makes a strong first impression on prospective buyers. A home with strong curb appeal can entice buyers who are likely to believe that a home with a well-maintained exterior is likely to have an equally impressive interior. Homeowners who want the process of selling their home to go smoothly can improve the property's curb appeal in a number of ways, many of which don't necessitate a substantial home improvement budget.
• Clean up. The most effective way to improve curb appeal is
to clean up the property. Many home owners are savvy enough to remove toys and other items from the yard before showing a home, but cleaning up goes beyond removing clutter from the property. Make sure all hedges are trimmed and remove weeds, sticks and other debris from any flower beds. Lay mulch in the flower beds and garden, as mulch prevents weed growth while helping the soil retain moisture, resulting in more attractive gardens to catch a buyer's eye.
• Get an "edge" on other sellers. Edging is another easy and effective way to improve curb appeal. Edge driveways, sidewalks and other walkways around the property, removing or trimming anything that is hanging over the driveway or walkways. If the boundary between your driveway and lawn is not distinct, consider installing edging materials such as stone or bricks. The edging can be level with the driveway or elevated, but keep in mind that elevated driveway edging can protect the lawn, preventing kids from riding their bicycles onto the lawn or cars from driving onto it. • Take to the trees. Many home owners grow
accustomed to overgrown trees around their property and may not 110 You’re home Spring 2014
notice that low-hanging, unsightly branches are hiding the home from view. Buyers want to see the house, so take to the trees and trim any branches that hang too low or obscure your home.
• Clean the gutters.
Leaves and sticks hanging from the gutters are a red flag to buyers, who tend to associate clogged gutters with roof damage. Clean the gutters thoroughly before putting your home up for sale and keep them clean throughout the selling process. If your property includes lots of trees, install guards to keep twigs and leaves out of the gutters.
• Make the home accessible through the front door. Many home owners enter their home through
a side door or through their garage. If you fall into this category, keep in mind that prospective buyers will be entering through the front door, so make this area accessible. Clear any clutter, such as overgrown hedges, away from the front door, and consider upgrading the door handle to a more modern feature. In addition, make sure the lock on the front door doesn't stick, forcing the realtor and buyers to immediately struggle before entering the home. You want buyers and their real estate agents to get in and out of the home as smoothly as possible.
• Make sure all plants, including flowers, are living. Dehydrated or dead plants and
flowers are eyesores, and they will give buyers the impression that you didn't pay much attention to your property. Make sure all plants are alive and thriving and replace those that aren't. You can replant new flowers or plants or just use potted plants instead. When purchasing new plants, choose low-maintenance varieties that appeal to buyers who want good vibrant plants but might not want to put in much work into the garden. When selling a home, home owners can employ a number of tactics to improve their home's curb appeal. (MNS) n
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So ld !
Lighting
sets the stage for outdoor fun
I
Outdoor lighting can play up the more decorative features of a yard.
t’s the season for making changes in and around the home. The arrival of warmer weather renews home owners' vigor for various home improvement projects, and many have grand plans for interior and exterior renovations as they prep their living spaces for comfort, beauty and entertaining opportunities. While there are many worthy projects to pursue, adding outdoor lighting to a home can help increase its value and make the home safer and more attractive in the evening hours.
• Create outdoor rooms. Outdoor lighting at the borders of a space is a great way to create barriers, both vertically and horizontally. Lights in a tree create something akin to a chandelier hung in the middle of the sky, and even accent lights in the general area of the edge of a patio, deck or porch will shine across the space and provide enough of a comfort level for people to understand where things are.
With a few updates to outside lighting, families can make even better use of their homes at night. Adding outdoor lighting is easier and less expensive than many homeowners may know, allowing them to transform an existing patio, deck or pool area into an enjoyable nighttime retreat. Pool parties, dinners on the patio or barbecues with neighbors become even more memorable when outdoor lighting is added or improved.
blinding, as can light that's too bright. Lighting along paths should be cast downward, with fixtures that are hooded. A variety of lighting options will create layers, allowing you to add or subtract as necessary. Exterior-safe dimmers also can provide flexible control over the level of light, as can movable fixtures added to a patio or porch.
Homeowners who want to install or upgrade their outdoor lighting should consider the following tips, courtesy of the American Lighting Association (ALA):
• Improve navigation. Lighting is typically layered into a room or outdoor space in three ways: overhead, task and ambient. Even outdoors, where there are no typical boundaries and borders, those three layers are necessary. Outdoor overhead lighting should improve visibility on steps, paths and walking surfaces, especially where there's a bend or an intersection. Task lighting can be used around cooking or gardening areas. Ambient light will cast a comforting glow around any outdoor space.
• Enhance security. To improve visibility and security, combine a motion detector with a sconce to illuminate dark corners or entryways. Be sure to aim lights away from the door to improve visibility. Lanterns on either side of the door can give a home a warm, welcoming appearance and improve the safety of entryways. 112 You’re home Spring 2014
• Reduce glare. Outdoor lighting that casts a glare can be
• Add decorative elements. Just as arbors, pergolas, patios and other outdoor elements help to enhance the style of an outdoor space, so, too, can lighting contribute to a well-designed landscape. Lighting should play up decorative features of a yard and add the ambience that homeowners desire. Step lights make passage safe while also highlighting molding or trim details. An outdoor chandelier can make for a wonderful accent during dinnertime on the deck or under a pergola. Patio lights provide atmosphere as well as illumination for cooking outside.
• Enhance views from inside. Outdoor lighting can make the view from inside pleasant and enjoyable. Use a variety of lights, including spotlights on trees, lights dotted along pathways and accent lights on unique landscape features, to create an idyllic landscape visible from inside the home. Outdoor lighting enhances functionality of yards and landscapes while making such areas safer for homeowners and their guests once the sun has gone down. (MNS) n
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P
Portable fire pits are freestanding units that can be moved around the yard on a whim. They also can be loaded into the car and taken to a neighbour's house or even to the beach. Portable fire pits are less expensive than permanent models, and some homeowners prefer a trial run with a portable pit before deciding to install a permanent structure.
eople have sat around an open fire outdoors for centuries. Not only does fire provide warmth and light, but also it offers a relaxing setting for conversation and socialization. The outdoor fire pit has transformed the concept of backyard entertaining. Home owners understand how a fire pit can add value to a home and make their yard an inviting place to be on a summer evening or a chilly autumn night.
all fired up!
Outdoor fire pits are a relatively new creation that continue to grow in popularity. Once available strictly through specialty retailers, fire pits can now be found on the shelves of many home improvement and big box stores. Fire pits can add a lot to a home's exterior entertaining area. Some fire pit styles and materials will last longer than others. Homeowners should assess their needs and the space available before choosing a fire pit for their home.
First, homeowners must decide if they want a permanent or portable fire pit. If you are ready to make an enduring change to your yard and landscape, then a permanent fire pit is the way to go. These can be made of stone or brick and are often very durable. Permanent fire pits can be incorporated into landscape designs to create a professional patio look. They're also some of the safer types of fire pits because they cannot be knocked over and the bricks or retaining wall construction provide a barrier around the fire.
Portable fire pits are made of metal and usually coated with a fireproof paint. Over time, exposure to the elements can cause the metal to rust or weaken, something homeowners should consider prior to purchase. Homeowners also must consider a fuel source. Wood is a common fuel source for fire pits. Wood can be inexpensive, especially when gathered from around the yard. However, a wood-burning fire will constantly have to be fed with new branches. If you want to have a roaring fire but don't want to maintain it, then a gas-fueled fire pit is better. Natural gas fire pits can run off of a portable propane tank (think barbecue tank) or be directly connected to a home's natural gas supply. Now you can decide on the style. Gas fire pits will give you a greater number of design options, but there are still plenty of choices with wood fire pits. From bowl-shaped pits to rectangular-shaped pits to barrel-style pits to chimineas, there are designs to fit most preferences and size constraints. (MNS) n
www.lifestylecabinetryinc.ca 1400 St. John St. | Regina Sk | 306-545-7301
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You want quality products applied in the correct way, and you want the installers to pay attention to the details to make sure that the finished floor is perfect.
We can help.
At Superior FD Coatings, we only do garage floor coatings. And we deliver the best floor on the market. For the second year in a row, Superior FD Coatings is a major door prize sponsor of the RRHBA Spring Home Show. One lucky visitor will win a FREE Floor Coating — it might be you! Visit us at the Spring Home Show. sfdcoatings.com info@sfdcoatings.com 306.205.7900 Regina 306.242.2412 Saskatoon — FrAnChiSeS AvAilAble —
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$379,900
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For more information, visit www.thecreeks.ca
How to inspect for roof damage
M
any homeowners do not think twice about their roofs. But when leaks develop, roof repairs and the subsequent costs of such work shed light on how important it is for homeowners to pay closer attention to the roofs over their heads.
Though certain roof issues, like shingles lost to inclement weather, are unforeseeable, many problems can be avoided with routine roof inspection. Checking roof conditions twice a year can help homeowners avoid potentially costly repair work or even more expensive roof replacement projects. Spring is a good time to inspect roofs, which are often at the mercy of harsh conditions throughout the winter. Heavy snow, ice and biting winds can do significant damage, making spring the perfect time to assess if any such damage occurred and address any issues. • Start the inspection in the interior of the home. Before breaking out the ladder and climbing up to the roof, inspect the home's interior, pinpointing potential problems that may indicate roof damage. Check for stains on the ceiling which may indicate leaks that need to be addressed. Homeowners with attics should enter their attics and look for signs of water damage, making note of any damp or wet insulation. This will let you know if water has been entering the attic all winter. Pay attention to the location of any wet spots or stains so you can match them up to the exterior of the roof later on. Musty smells also may be indicative of moisture problems, even if there are no visible leaks. • Inspect the roof outside. Grab a set of binoculars and inspect the exterior of the roof. Look at the roof flashing, including around the chimney and other areas of protruding pipes and vents. If the flashing is warped or damaged, moisture might be settling underneath. Sealant around dormers or skylights can also degrade, resulting in leaks. Check for spalling on masonry, such as the mortar of chimneys. Porous areas will allow water to infiltrate. • Go directly on the roof and check. Work with a partner and carefully climb on the roof while someone holds the ladder below. Walk on the perimeter of the roof, looking for peeling or warped shingles, missing shingles, holes, or scrapes. If the roof is compromised in any way, it will need to be repaired. The problem will only grow more significant and repairs more expensive if damage is ignored. Sometimes a repair can be as simple as patching a leak with a new shingle and roofing cement. Popped nails can be pounded down and any curled shingles can be nailed or cemented back into place. • Consult a roofing expert. If you are unsure if your roof has made it through the winter unscathed and would like a second opinion or if you find there is considerable damage, contact a roofing contractor. This person will offer a professional assessment of what can be repaired or if the roof should be replaced.
This spring, be sure to check your roof and gutters for damage that may have occurred during the winter months. Consult a roofing expert for a professional assessment of any repairs that are required. 118 You’re home Spring 2014
• Check the gutters, too. While you are up on the roof, inspect the gutters and downspouts as well. Cracked or damage gutters will cause water to leak down the side of the home, potentially damaging the foundation. Clear any debris or leftover leaves from the gutters to ensure the rain can wash through unobstructed. A post-winter roof inspection can protect homeowners and their families from the elements and reduce the likelihood of potentially costly repairs down the road. (MNS) n
L
uxury is not often a word associated with bathroom and kitchen design, but it should be. The Ensuite, a division of EMCO, opened its Regina showroom in May 2013, and the choices are endless. The open concept layout allows consumers to see, touch and feel products before even taking it home. This unique style of shopping assures customer satisfaction. Anything you can dream of for the two rooms you are sure to use frequently, is surely available at The Ensuite. The
showroom also considers all budgets when featuring and choosing products. With trained consultants who are not only product savvy, but also familiar with the construction industry, finding the perfect fit for any space has never been easier. The professionals on hand will often show you things you never even knew existed. Let your imagination run wild. Stop by the new location to see the latest trends in kitchen and bathroom design.
We carry a wide selection of high quality, brand name products to
turn your
design dreams into reality!
Visit our NEW Designer Showroom 678 Cornwall Street • Regina SK. • 306-352-3626
RRHBA Member Directory 1 Stop Vacuum Centres aaa spray foam Access Communications adjile Advance Door Systems ltd. AECOM affinity credit union Alford Floors & Interiors (1967) Ltd.
Capital Ford Lincoln commercial fleet caveman stone products inc. Century West Homes Ltd. CertaPro Painters chba - saskatchewan Chippers Contracting Ltd. CIBC Mortgage & Lending Cindercrete Products Ltd.
All Weather Windows
City of Regina
Allman Homes & Realty Ltd.
clark's custom creations
Evans Development Group Inc.
Huntwood Custom Cabinets Ltd.
Evolution Insulation Inc.
HYBRID Construction
executive royal hotel regina
Hydeman Property Management Ltd.
exit realty fusion expocrete an oldcastle company Exterior Finishers Direct Inc. f.y. construction inc. Fanny’s Furniture & Kitchens Federated Insurance Fenk Construction Ltd.
AmeriSpec Home Inspection Service
Classic Canadian Homes Ltd.
Fiorante Homes and Commercial Ltd.
Ardel Steel
clear view windows and doors
Fix Building Products
Armada Construction Corporation
clutter x organizing systems
Floform Countertops
Arrow Plumbing & Heating
CNG Stone Products Ltd.
Floors By Design Ltd.
artisan design build ltd.
Coast Wholesale Appliances inc.
ASL Paving Ltd.
cobb & company cabinets inc.
FM Residential Designs & Consulting Inc.
Aspen Granite
Cold Busters Insulation Services
Aspen Homes Ltd.
Information Services Corporation of Saskatchewan Ingrid Ruud Decor8… ing consultant Inland Concrete Div of Lehigh Hanson Inland Metal Mfg. (1994) Ltd. Innovation Renovation & Roofing Inc. I-XL Masonry Supplies Ltd. J & C Custom Cabinets Ltd. janson homes & realty jay's moving and storage ltd. JELD-WEN Windows and Doors
Focus Corporation
JGN Kitchens & bath
condominium institute
Fries Tallman Lumber (1976) Ltd.
JIC Windows & Doors
Associated Engineering Ltd.
CONEXUS Credit Union
frontier masonry ltd.
Association of Regina REALTORS Inc.
Continental Factory Direct
K.M. Burgess Agencies Ltd.
G.R. Distributors Inc.
Audio Warehouse
Convoy Supply Ltd.
Kanuka Thuringer LLP
galon insurance brokers
Authentic Developments Inc.
Cornerstone Masons Ltd.
Karina Developments Ltd.
automated av/shield integration ltd.
cougar custom cabinets
Gang Nail Trusses & B uilding Components
Kaycan Ltd.
Crawford Homes (1991) Ltd.
Gellner Homes Ltd.
Creative Door Services Ltd.
Gentek building products ltd.
Creative Kitchens Ltd.
GES Global Experience Specialists
Bank of Montreal Bar T Construction & Pre-Stainer Ltd. Bath Fitter Regina
Crown Appraisals - Randy Toth
Baywest Projects sask Inc.
Crown Shred & Recycling Inc.
Best Price Railing Ltd.
Culligan Water Conditioning
Better Business Bureau of Sask. Inc. Biofoam Spray Foam Insulation & Coatings Brandt Tractor Ltd. Budget Blinds budget car & truck rental Builders’ Plumbing and Heating Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation
Kim Shaheen Financial Inc.
Kitchen Craft Cabinetry
Cypress Homes Ltd.
Golden West Radio ( 800 CHAB/COUNTRY 100/mix 103)
Klean King Vac Ltd.
D & S Homes Ltd.
grasshopper construction
Dakine Home Builders Inc.
Habitat for Humanity Regina
Daytona Homes Regina Ltd.
Halcyon Spas
decora homes ltd.
Harmony Builders Ltd.
Deiana General Construction Ltd.
Harris Rebar
Delta Regina
Harvard Developments Inc.
distinct homes inc.
harvard western insurance
Dundee Developments
haztech fire and safety services inc.
eastern alliance development
120 You’re home Spring 2014
Kenroc Building Materials Co. Ltd.
Glacier Glass Service Ltd.
Canadian Home Builders’ Association
CAP Masonry
Kelturn Drywall Ltd.
Kitchen & Bath Classics
durabuilt windows & doors
canyon creek estates
KC Renovation Warehouse Ltd.
Gilroy Homes Inc.
canadian custom flooring
Canridge Roofing
jlb electric ltd.
easy wall & ceiling Edward Jones Investments Emerald Park Homes Ltd. EnviroFoam Insulation Regina
henderson insurance inc. Home Solutions
KMP Law kpmg llp Kratz Homes Ltd. kraus canada inc. Krazy Kiley’s krn residential design ltd. Lafarge North America Larry’s Sheet Metal Leader Post - Div of Postmedia Network INC. Lennox Ind. (Canada) Ltd.
homes by deveraux
Lifestyle Cabinetry/Cabinet Outlet Inc.
Homes by Dundee
Loraas Disposal Services Ltd.
house envy interiors
Lowe’s Canada
RRHBA Member Directory MacPherson Leslie & Tyerman LLP
Prime Fasteners
Sierra Construction Ltd.
McKercher LLP
Professional Plumbing & Heating Inc.
Sign A Rama - Regina
merit contractors association metro regina
Progressive Home Warranty Solutions Inc.
microage regina
PV Disposal
Midwest Surveys Inc.
quantum construction inc.
Mikron Homes & Construction Ltd.
queen city custom construction inc.
Miller Thomson LLP
Queen City Glass (1961) Ltd.
Mintz & Wallace C.A.’s
R.N.G. sales ltd.
Monarch Homes (1970) Ltd.
RBC Royal Bank
Munro Homes Ltd.
regal homes inc.
Myrah Appraisals N.I.S. Contractors Ltd.
Regina & District Chamber of Commerce
National Home Warranty Group Inc.
Regina Construction Association
New Home Warranty Program of Saskatchewan
Regina Regional Opportunities Commission
nexus construction ltd.
simply stowed custom closets SK Environmental Industry & Managers Association SlabMaster Ltd. South Country Equipment Ltd. southland roofing inc. Spray Guard Air Tight Solutions Inc. Spraywest Inc. spring green homes ltd. Stantec Consulting Ltd.
Town & Country Plumbing & Heating (2004) Trademark Homes Inc. Travelodge Hotel & Conference Centre Trithart Homes ltd. Truss T. Mfg. Ltd. tth law firm Ultimate Insulation foam & fire inc. United Drywall Ltd. Usonia Homes Inc. utopia designs Varsity Homes Ltd.
Steel Craft Door Sales & Services Ltd.
W.F. Botkin Constr. Ltd. Ready Mix Div.
Sterling Plg, Htg & A/C Ltd.
Wappel Construction Ltd.
Sthamann Homes Inc.
westcan mechanical sales ltd.
Regina Soffit & Eaves Ltd.
Sun Life Financial
Westridge Homes Ltd.
Nimbus Water Shop
Regina Window & Exteriors
sun west construction ltd.
WestSource
North Prairie Developments Ltd.
Reimer Custom Homes & commercial Inc.
suncoast screen enclosures
Wheatland Fireplace
sundog developments ltd.
Wheatland Roofing Inc.
Renewed Kitchens
Sunset Bay Leisure
Wilco Contractors Southwest Inc.
Northern Fireplace Ltd.
Richardson Lighting
superblinds & draperies of regina
windfield construction ltd.
Northern Tar & Tile Ltd.
Rick’s Custom Cabinets & Renovations Ltd
Superior Cabinets
Wood Country
superior fd coatings ltd.
wsp canada inc.
TD Canada Trust
Yagar Developments Inc.
Terra Developments Inc.
youngs insulation services inc.
the bevelled edge countertops
zarkor construction ltd.
North Ridge Development Corporation
Northern Tropic Solariums Nu-Fab Building Products Oak Park living Olive Waller Zinkhan & Waller LLP Olympic Paving Stone Inc. on av inc. Operation Dirt (2006) Inc. optimum roofing inc. Overhead Door Co. of regina (1973) ltd.
Ripplinger Homes Robinson Residential Design Inc. Rona Home & Garden roofmart prairies ltd. safe building solutions Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association
The Brick the ensuite the floor show (regina) ltd. The Lung Association of Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan Housing Corporation
the mortgage centre - design mortgages
SaskEnergy
the shake shop cedar warehouse
Pacesetter New Homes Ltd.
SaskPower
Thomas Sand & Gravel
Palandri Cabinets
SaskTel
Timberstone Distribution Regina
Paramount Plantscapes Ltd.
Scotia McLeod - Prairieview Wealth Management
P.B. Custom Cabinets Renovations & Millworks
Parkland Carpet One pebble tree developments pekarbilt homes & commercial ltd. Phantom Screens Ply Gem Canada Inc. posh patio deck covers inc. Power House Electric Ltd. primary engineering and construction
Bold listings indicate members advertising in this issue
sears commercial Security Building Supplies SecurTek
455 Quebec Street Regina, SK S4R 1K8
shademaker blinds
306.543.5319
Shatkowski Homes Shaver’s Sash & Door Ltd. Sherwood Co-op Home Centre Shoemaker Drywall Supplies
CommerCial and residential Wiring You’re home Spring 2014 121
closing remarks
By Stu Niebergall, President & CEO Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association
Newly-Constructed Homes vs. Resale Homes
P
urchasing a home is one of the largest financial decisions many of us will ever make, and there are many things to consider when making a decision about our purchase. Here are some criteria to guide you when evaluating your options. no worries – One of the most important considerations in purchasing a home is looking at what will be required for ongoing maintenance, upkeep and operating costs. Low maintenance products, quality construction and energy efficiency are all important factors in providing peace of mind. Home Décor – You will want to choose a home that suits your tastes, when it comes to colours, flooring, lighting, cabinets and countertops etc. lifestyle & needs – Look at the home design and whether it meets your lifestyle and needs; the number of bedrooms, storage, whether you entertain guests, or work from home, for example. location – Do you want to be close to work, and amenities, and is there an area preference? price – Of course, you will want to look at your budget and what you can afford. Resale homes generally have the advantage of a better price point over a comparable newly constructed home, however, resale homes are likely to come with compromises. It is not likely that you will find a resale home that is updated with no-maintenance products, with all of the energy efficiency upgrades, designed and decorated to your satisfaction, and that also meets the latest in safety, structural, and construction standards. When you go with a resale home, you will need to take into account the costs and work involved in either ongoing maintenance and repairs, or of bringing the home up to a satisfactory standard when it comes to energy efficiency, or the structural and safety features of the home. There may also be the added costs of updating the décor and other features so the home suits your lifestyle and tastes. If you do go with a resale home, be sure to have the home inspected first. Then, take into account any upgrades to the home that this may reveal. Plan for surprises, as sometimes repairs are required after purchase, that were not apparent during the time of inspection. If you prefer an older home because of the charm and character, keep in mind that old homes can come with a huge renovation bill sometimes running into the tens of thousands of dollars and you may also need to deal with health concerns such as lead paint, asbestos, or mold. If you love the charm of old world craftsmanship, consider that some custom builders can replicate this in a newly built home. With a newly constructed home, though you may be paying more up front, you will not be making the same kind of compromises that come with a resale home, and you will be saving on operating costs. 122 You’re home Spring 2014
When you purchase a brand new home you won’t need to worry about maintenance and upkeep because new homes are built with the latest in maintenance-free products. New homes are constructed to modern construction standards using the latest building codes, which provide a wide range of safety measures. They are also built with the latest and most advanced building technology. From construction materials to heating and ventilation systems, the technology built into every new home ensures not only high performance, but durability as well. And thanks to new building technology, new homes can take the worry out of the cost of your energy bills. A newly built home is about 66 per cent more energy efficient than a home built 30 years ago, and is 30 per cent more efficient than a home built as recently as 2005. Newly built homes include more efficient heating and cooling systems, resourceefficient plumbing products, higher levels of insulation, more efficient windows and doors, and Energy Star™ appliances. Peace of mind also comes with the healthy indoor air quality of a new home accompanied by comfortable moisture levels and no mold. Though a new home does have the worry free advantage, sometimes things can go wrong, and if this happens, and your new home was constructed by a Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association (RRHBA) member, you still have peace of mind. Your new home will be covered by a third party new home warranty which provides protection against defects in work and materials as well as major structural defects. Resale homes come with no such protection. When it comes to needs and lifestyle, newly built homes are designed to fit today’s lifestyle. They have open, inviting living areas, allowing you to be cooking in the kitchen for example, while entertaining guests in the living area; they come with plenty of storage, including pantries and walk-in closets; lots of light; and versatile work spaces. The design and flexibility of newly built homes makes it easier than ever before to work from home and they can be prewired for today’s technology. You can also completely customize your home to suit your own needs, tastes and lifestyle. Some resale homes have the advantage of being located in a lovely old established neighbourhood near local amenities. There certainly is something to be said about the charm of an old neighbourhood, but do keep this in mind: First, a brand new home can also be built in a lovely old existing neighbourhood. Second, Regina’s newest neighbourhoods are being developed in every area of the city, and, are being developed as complete neighbourhoods where shopping, restaurants and even places to work, are close at hand. Some of these neighbourhoods are also being modeled after the street car communities of the past and therefore are capturing the charm of our older neighbourhoods. There is so much to take into consideration when you are purchasing a home. We hope that this information helps you with your decision. You can find out more at www.reginahomebuidlers.com. n
Quality Obsession! is our
Enjoy living smart in this comfortable and conveniently located community in the northwest of Regina. Check our website and find out what our builders can do for you.
Harmony exclusive park backing lots with custom designed homes! View these floor plans and start your build for as low as $420,000 Also Lane lots available in Harbour Landing … build for as low as $320,000 Call to see floor plans today and to see Harmony’s wonderful standards that come with our affordable and amazing homes!
ShowhomeS: Sat - Sun 1 pm - 5 pm mon - Thurs 7 pm - 9 pm
harbour Landing • 5732 Pearsall Crescent • 5254 Aviator Crescent
2901 Saskatchewan Drive • Regina, SK
Katrina Stettner New Home Specialist 306.591.0631 katrina@harmonybuilders.ca
Jennifer Robinson New Home Specialist 306.540.9979 jennifer@harmonybuilders.ca
Nicole Koch New Home Specialist 306.535.7896 nicole@harmonybuilders.ca
Paul Marsh New Home Specialist 306.591.7103 paul@harmonybuilders.ca
www.harmonybuilders.ca • 306-205-7313
You’re home spring 2014 The official magazine of the Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association
S H O W H O M E S O N M I T C H I N S O N WAY S H O W H O M E H O U R S : M O N - T H U R S 7 - 9 P M W E E K E N D S & H O L I D AY S 1 2 - 5 P M
harbourlanding.ca
www.reginahomebuilders.com
www.reginahomebuilders.com