You're Home November 2013

You’re home winter 2013 The official magazine of the Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association

www.reginahomebuilders.com

www.reginahomebuilders.com

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.

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR o t e m o c l e W e m o H e r ’ u o Y

W

hether you’re building a new home from the ground up, or renovating an existing property, every project requires a great design.

This edition of You’re Home Magazine showcases different aspects of design, from the steps involved in achieving the custom home of your dreams, to expanding your present living space through renovation or the construction of an addition.

Join us on a tour of a Regina builder’s own dream home, a Victorian beauty with modern flair. The builder found this design project particularly fulfilling, an opportunity to fully express his creativity.

The Usonian style of architecture was pioneered by Franklin Lloyd Wright in an effort to create affordable housing options for families during the 1930s. This unique architectural style is now being interpreted for a new generation by a Regina builder. Check out our article and discover how forward-thinking Wright was, from his innovative designs to his commitment to the environment.

To meet the current and future needs of home owners, builders are increasingly incorporating elements of universal design into their blueprints. We talk to a local architectural consultant about the benefits of opting for a barrier-free home – now and for the years to come.

Jeanni e .

You’ll find even more great design and renovation ideas inside this edition of You’re Home!

Come on in!

You’re home Winter 2013 7

contents

11 25 features 11 my space

Builder's home is his masterpiece

22 growing regina

The evolution of Harbour Landing

31 double your living space

Home owners holding basements to higher standards

42 habitat for humanity launches new multi-family development 50 urban renewal

Infill homes revitalize mature neighbourhoods

54 welcoming

The Mortgage Centre - Design Mortgages

8  You’re home  Winter 2013

62

28 80 reconnecting

Harvard Developments Inc.

92 tips for a carefree moving day 94

it wood be great!

building & design 28 building a home with your signature style 46 the wright influence Usonia Homes

57 forever home starts with universal design 62 new build

Emerald Park residence designed for entertaining

69 designing woman

Professional advice prevents design dilemmas

77 designing and renovating for energy efficiency

renovation 15 taking the stress out of your home renovation 40 subtract the unexpected from your addition 72 ward off the big chill 82 renovation magic

A practical guide to total transformation

86 details make the difference

Tips for a successful bathroom renovation

contributors editor jeannie armstrong

art directors

80

bonnie bird jacquie bumphrey

photography shawn fulton www.shawnfultonphotography.com

matt powers

22

31

contributing writers

88 your home and life insurance

jeannie armstrong carson arthur miranda burski tom eremondi jesse green andrew livingstone wendy livingstone ashleigh mattern tammy mclean jessica mees Stu NIEbergall rachele odnokon carol todd michele tyndall

96 rrhba membership list

publisher

91 prevent basement woes before you renovate

ask an expert 25 landscaping with carson arthur A time to renew

35 your home and the law 38

98

your home in design

closing remarks

46

leader-post

You’re home Winter 2013 9

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My Space

M

Builder's home is his

asterpiece

By Wendy Livingstone Photos by Shawn Fulton

W

hen a builder is commissioned to construct a house, there is satisfaction in creating a structure that another family can be proud to call home. Not surprisingly, when that builder is free to express his or her creativity in designing and building a home for his or her own family, the result can be particularly fulfilling on a very personal and artistic level.

Such is the case with Todd Bodnar, the owner of Dakine Home Builders. Each time Bodnar walks into his new home, he feels as though he’s living his dream. “You almost have to be pinched every day that you come home to realize that this is yours,” he said. “And then it really makes you think, ‘This is what I get to do for our clients every day, because they are going into a home that they absolutely love and have worked so hard for.’ ”

Todd Bodnar, owner of Dakine Home Builders and his family.

Bodnar’s dream home is not the typical Regina show home of 2013. He said: “The house is very Victorian. It may not be for everyone, but it’s not a fad. We chose this style because it really is a style that lasts the test of time.”

The theme is carried throughout the 1,930-square-foot bungalow, from the stone on the exterior to the extensive woodwork and coffered ceilings of the main floor, down into the basement entertainment area.

You’re home Winter 2013 11

“I’ve tried to put woodwork in every room. There’s no room that’s just four walls and paint. Every room - every wall for that matter has something in it to look at. The whole main floor, aside from the bedrooms, is all wood wainscoted. We have a beautiful wainscoted fireplace with a TV above it. Pillars around the fireplace are all wainscoted. Both of the kids’ rooms have window benches that act as toy boxes,” said Bodnar. Even the bathrooms continue the home’s distinctive style, with subway tile wainscoting and tile chair rails.

The Bodnars have ensured that every detail of the décor reflects the theme they refer to as “Victorian with a modern flair.” Acquiring a supplier for the unique components required some research, though.

“We’ve got crystal light fixtures throughout the whole house as well as the old-style crystal door knobs with the key hole. I tracked them down out of New York.”

Bodnar’s craftsmanship is not restricted to the main floor, as the basement is an extension of the luxurious main floor living space. For recreation and conversation, the area’s great room features a U-shaped couch with a TV, a pool table and a granitefloored bar. The same stonework that is seen on the outside of the home adorns the walls around the bar and the two doors - one on each side of the bar - that lead to a wine cellar and an office.

Each time Bodnar walks into his new home, he feels as though he's living his dream.

But the room that Bodnar is most proud of is the master bedroom. “It really is kind of my masterpiece. I absolutely love it,” he said. The room features a coffered ceiling above the bed with 12-inch crown moulding that he constructed from scratch. It showcases a wood inlay that has been cut in the same pattern as the room’s wallpaper.

Located at one end of the house, the master bedroom and ensuite are separated from the children’s rooms by the great room, kitchen and dining room. “It really works great for us,” said Bodnar. “With having a two-year-old, she naps in the afternoon on one side of the house, yet we can do laundry on the other side without waking her up. In the evening, we can sit in bed and watch TV.” 12 You’re home Winter 2013

The office, from which Bodnar runs his business, is wainscoted in cherry wood with matching filing cabinets and a dark wood desk.

Houndstooth wallpaper and a leather floor add to the classic style.

“People say you should get rid of the desk, have four chairs and make it a cigar room because that’s the kind of feeling you get when you walk into it,” said Bodnar.

“The house is very Victorian. It may not be for everyone, but it’s not a fad. We chose this style because it really is a style that lasts the test of time.”

Also in the basement is another of the home’s signature rooms. A grand entrance with large round columns framing arched French doors leads to the theatre room, which has been designed for an authentic cinema feel. Six La-Z-Boy chairs on two tiers face the 105-inch projector screen. The room is soundproofed, and velour panels hang in Italian frames on the walls to enhance the acoustics and give the effect of a classic theatre.

Dark navy carpet with gold and red scrolls adds to the effect.

It was important to the couple that the exterior of their home be as warm and welcoming as the interior, so the frontage of the living area of the home is wider than that of the garage and it features a wide entrance with a front porch. “Just walking up the driveway you get that real sense of home. It’s inviting,” said Bodnar.

A large lot was needed to accommodate the width of the bungalow, so the couple chose the Skyview neighbourhood in northwest Regina. There, they were able to purchase a 64-footwide lot that backs onto a park, a bonus for the young family.

Before they moved into their new home, the Bodnars opened it to the public in order to display the work that is done by Dakine Home Builders. Because all of the company’s products are custom-designed, it seldom has a show home available.

You’re home Winter 2013 13

“When we showed it, people didn’t even make it past the front door and the OMGs were coming out,” said Bodnar, “and most people that went to the basement had a hard time coming back up.”

It was an affirmation that he is indeed in the right line of work.

“I’m very fortunate in what I do and my abilities to be able to do this for myself and for my family as well as to do it for a living.

I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I would have to say it’s the most rewarding career I could ever ask for - very, very gratifying.” n

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Taking the stress out of your home renovation By tammy mclean

T

here are many reasons to undertake a home renovation.

Whether you are planning to sell, or you need to fix or repair something, or perhaps you want to make your home more energy efficient, or update your home to reflect the latest trends - regardless of the reason to renovate, one thing that home renovations often have in common is that they can be stressful.

We may be inconvenienced or experience chaos due to the temporary disorganization of our space. In addition, decisions need to be made about what to do, where to start, what might be involved in the process, how much to spend and who to hire. Here are some tips that may help to eliminate some of the stress when tackling your first, or next, home renovation.

Before starting your renovation, consider having your home inspected by a professional home inspector. An inspection can give you a snapshot of your home’s condition and can identify items that may need your immediate attention. Home inspectors can also advise you on the types of renovations to undertake to make your home more energy efficient.

The “must-do” repairs need to be taken care of first in order to maintain your home’s condition. When taking inventory of what to do, identify the things that need fixing first, then look at those areas that don’t work well for your current lifestyle and other things you would like to change or update. Look at both your short term and long term needs. Short term might include the need for a home office, for example. Long term would include ensuring your home is accessible and easy to get around in.

While most renovations will increase the market value of your home, some projects will have a more positive impact than others. If you are thinking of selling your home in the next few years, consider whether your renovation will enhance the buyer

appeal and selling price of your home. Renovating kitchens and bathrooms brings the greatest return on investment.

If you have decided to renovate because you want to update the look of your home you can research the latest trends by flipping through home magazines, such as You’re Home, visit show rooms, and search websites. Take a look at the latest in Regina show homes on our New Home Locator at www.reginahomebuilders.com.

Regardless of the type of renovation you are undertaking, you may also consider hiring a professional interior designer or decorator to help coordinate the look of your renovation, and provide you with tips, for example, on how to make a small space look larger and more open, and ensuring everything is to scale.

The more care you take in preparing for your renovation, the less likely you are to run into problems especially when it comes to scheduling the work - and when your house is in chaos, finishing on schedule becomes a top priority item! Have the design, materials and products completely decided upon before embarking on the actual renovation. This is better than leaving loose ends and “deciding once you get to it.” You want to avoid holding up the project, or having to make rush decisions. This step also allows you to thoroughly research the costs involved in your project, to ensure that your project stays within your budget.

Book your renovator early. Professional renovators are booked months in advance. If you are in a hurry to get started, you risk ending up hiring someone with less experience, who may not be able to deliver on time and on budget. Many types of renovations require a permit. The time involved to get a permit must be calculated in the timeframes of your renovation. Make sure the renovator explains the timelines and schedule clearly so you know what to expect. In turn, be sure to communicate all of your You’re home Winter 2013 15

B

Beacon Manor

— a condo living project from Homes by Dundee

Homes by Dundee, the 2012 RRHBA Home Builder of the Year, has been a leader in the new home industry since the early 1950s.

According to Dave McEachern, vice-president of Regina Housing, their success was built on a simple philosophy that continues today: provide the best total value to their clients.

“Our Homes by Dundee management and staff are some of the most experienced and qualified professionals in the Regina home-building industry,” said McEachern. “In fact, our senior management team was instrumental in the implementation of Saskatchewan’s New Home Warranty Program.”

Over the years, Dundee has learned that quality people are the key to providing quality homes.

This is what makes their newest project, a condo development, Beacon Manor in Harbour Landing, so exciting. Buyers can have extreme confidence that they are purchasing a great value from a multipleaward-winning company in customer service and that provides the new homeowner peace of mind.

“What sets Beacon Manor apart from other Regina condo developments is that it combines the same quality and style of our cost-effective single family homes,” said McEachern. “Each of the 51 units has been specifically designed to provide the home

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owner a secluded private deck.”

The plans for Beacon Manor also show that owners will have individual attached garages with driveways, plus the location will also offer plenty of visitor parking.

“The exteriors are fashioned from prairie-style architecture, with clean, linear lines,” said McEachern.

“Our units feature second-floor laundry for added convenience and triple-pane windows for energy efficiency.”

McEachern also pointed out that Beacon Manor offers buyers the option of two open, modern floor plans with large windows and nicely finished interiors with island-style kitchens. As well, the dropped entryways reduce the number of steps to enter the homes. Some

of the units have been designed to offer buyers the option of an upgraded fireplace and extra windows.

feature second-floor laundry for convenience and lots of closet space for storage.

The two-storey townhouses, arranged in three-, four- and five-plexes, will be approximately 1,300 square feet and come with front yard landscaping.

The condo development is right across from Norseman Park, which will feature walking paths and activity areas.

Homes by Dundee is known for quality and value, and Beacon Manor is no exception to that model.

“Beacon Manor will have its own park area that will provide a gathering place for homeowners,” said McEachern.

What distinguishes Beacon Manor from other projects in the marketplace is the design. There are two- and three-bedroom options, with the twobedroom plans featuring a den for those who want some extra office space or a bonus room! They will

“Our staff understand their roles in delivering a top quality Homes by Dundee home,” said McEachern.

These are the people who will work with you throughout the building process. They truly are the key to our continued success.

Building will begin in the fall of 2013 and is expected to run 18 months.

For more information on Beacon Manor or other Homes by Dundee projects, call one of their experienced sales consultants at 306-347-8100 or visit them anytime online at www.homesbydundee.ca.

N 2012 Home Builder of the Year N 2012 Safety Award N 2012 Environmental Leader in Housing Award N 2012 Customer Choice Award For Large Builder N 2012 Best New Home: Over 2100 Sq. Ft.

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concerns and expectations. Keep changes to a minimum once the work has begun. Changing your mind may affect both timelines and cost. Be sure to keep the lines of communication open with your renovator, so you can ask questions or express any concerns you may have throughout the process.

Above all, be sure that you are hiring a professional. All professional renovators will provide you with a written contract, which is very important as it provides you with a formal understanding of the work and costs involved of the project. A written contract will also provide you with recourse should something go wrong. A professional renovator will also offer you a list of clients they have done work for. Be sure to follow up with these reference checks to ensure that you are hiring a contractor with a good track record.

A good place to start your search is the Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association (RRHBA) website, where you will find renovators who belong to the RenoMark™ program. Regina RenoMark™ renovators have agreed to abide by the RRHBA Code of Ethics, as well as a renovation-specific Code of Conduct, which includes providing a written contract.

Simply visit www.reginahomebuilders.com and click on the Member Finder and search under Renovators. The RRHBA website boasts a searchable database of over 280 members which includes RenoMark™ renovators, as well as a number of trade contractors and service & supply companies for home owners who are looking to replace specific items such as their roof or furnace, windows or doors, or perhaps are looking to upgrade to hardwood floors, or granite countertops, for example.

Regardless of the home improvement project, you will find a member of the RRHBA who can do the job right for you.

In the end, the quality of your home renovation depends on the quality of your renovator. n

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G R

rowing egina

H

arbour Landing is a community that, through its brief history, has markedly altered its personality to meet the needs of Saskatchewan’s changing new home marketplace.

It was first conceptualized on the drafting table as the standard Regina development of that time, with lots that were more than 50 feet wide, designed to accommodate the traditional, spacious, garage-in-front home. Now, as homes are sold in the West Landings and Porchscape areas in the final stages of the southwest Regina development, Harbour Landing offers many more alternatives for the new-home buyer.

“It’s kind of anything but what we used to provide,” said Paul Moroz, Dundee Developments’ general manager. “We’ve got single detached with unattached garages and some without on lanes. We have duplexes, three-plexes, four-plexes, apartment-style condos, garden suites, stacked garden suites, apartment rental, wide-shallow lots, units with basement suites…”

Few predicted the increase in demand for housing in the local market that took place soon after the development began to take shape six years ago. “We started moving dirt in 2007 and expected it to finish in about 2025, but we are now into the final stages, which will take us to about the end of next year for sales, so a 20-plus-year project has turned into six or seven or eight years.”

As a result of Regina’s record population growth and rising home prices, the size of the lots in Harbour Landing decreased to accommodate the demand and to enhance affordability.

Harbour Landing was originally expected to be home to about 3,500 residents, but up to 14,000 people will call it home when the community is completely occupied.

The higher density has not come at the expense of the comfort or style sought by home owners though. Many of the units now being 22 You’re home Winter 2013

The evolution of Harbour Landing: Designed for a new Regina

By Wendy Livingstone

sold are attached or semi-detached - thus eliminating the cost of land between the buildings - something that was unheard of in Regina until very recently.

“People can no longer afford the big house and the big lot, so they have to think about bringing housing to market in different forms, and that is generally in a smaller format. Builders are very creative in how they think about bringing different things to market,” said Moroz.

Even though the home is placed on a smaller lot, the quality of the living space remains the same. “You’ve got a 1,500-square foot, two-storey on a 30-foot lot, which is not a very big lot by our normal standards, but there’s actually a lot of value in that house.

It’s got everything that you need: three bedrooms, two bathrooms up (including a master ensuite), a walk-in closet, plenty of room on the main floor, bathroom on the main floor, a big basement and a big, 24-by-24 garage for two cars off the lane. It’s got everything you need and it looks quite attractive,” said Moroz.

“So, that would be a single detached on that 30-foot lot, and, if you take out the side lot and squish the units together, you’ve got a duplex. And you save on that eight feet of land between the buildings. The units are attached, but you still have the exact same home.” If the home is attached on both sides, as in a tri-plex or townhome, the lot can be even smaller, resulting in even greater savings.

The increase in density does not mean a decrease in green space or parks. Regina’s modern residential landscape does, however, differ from neighbourhoods that were designed in previous decades.

“We used to box-in the school site by backing the homes onto it. So everybody wants to back a green space. But the result of that is a green space that doesn’t really get a lot of use because it’s not very warm and welcoming,” said Moroz.

By contrast, homes in Harbour Landing’s new neighbourhoods are based on a planning model designed to create an inviting, sociable neighbourhood where houses face the streets that surround the school and schoolyard. “All the housing around the school site has lanes, so you’ve got front porches and a much more street-oriented type of housing form. If you’re in the front of the house, you’re looking out into the school and into the playground,” said Moroz.

“Hopefully, the neighbourhood lends itself to a more pedestrianfriendly environment, and kids can walk to school and feel safe doing it.”

include active and passive open spaces and a pathway system that runs through the development from north to south. “Open spaces are what attract people to places - places to play, hang out,” said Moroz. Recreation facilities include an outdoor rink, complete with a warm-up shack, large play structures and open areas for practicing sports such as football and soccer, with the result that Harbour Landing offers as much diversity in the parks system as it does in options for housing.

One of the things we are proud of in Harbour Landing: there's a little something for everybody.

The sense of community is also enhanced in Harbour Landing by the number and diversity of the development’s parks, which

“One of the things we are proud of in Harbour Landing: there’s a little something for everybody. You can have the million dollar walk-out and you can have the rental apartment or the small semidetached,” said Moroz. “Because there’s so much diversity, it’s stronger in the long run and more interesting.” n

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By Carson Arthur Landscape Designer, Author and Television Host of Green Force on HGTV and Global's Room to Grow

E

A time to Renew

very year the experts come out with the list of gardening trends and things to watch out for. In 2013, it seems to have been a little different. There are still the great lists of new plants and new fabric colours that are popular, but the consensus this year has been that it’s a year for starting over.

I’m officially declaring 2014 the perfect time to renew our love for outdoor living.

Here are four simple things we can all plan to do that will help get the process started for spring and work towards helping make a friendlier environmental impact for those around us.

1. Plan to plant a tree. Trees are the backbone of any well-designed garden. They help define the space and give it structure. With different shapes and sizes, trees allow us to fill holes, create privacy and add colour. On a larger scale, trees are disappearing at an alarming rate all around the world. We need them to clean the air of the pollutants we put into it. The world is also quickly becoming a warmer place. On average, a shade tree in a garden can reduce the air temperature by up to two per cent in a backyard. They can also help to keep our homes cool as nature’s air conditioner. One new tree in your backyard will help make a difference for many years to come.

new benefits. They are lighter and easier to use because they’ve been designed to do the job they were intended for. The movement away from gas towards electric or battery is cleaner both for the user but also for the environment.

3. Remove a strip of grass. Our lawns have the unpleasant distinction of being the highest resource-consuming item in our backyard. A good lawn uses more water, fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides and fungicides then anything else we could possibly have on our properties. We need to question our need for grass. If everyone reduces the size of our lawns by a small amount every year, we can conserve so much of our natural resources. Instead of grass, increase the size of your gardens or add more to the patio Continued on Page 37

2. Retire the old tools. Making the yard work easier is paramount to enjoying your backyard space. Take a look in your garage or shed. Which garden tools use gas? Which ones are heavy or cumbersome to use? Which tools don’t really do the job that you use them for? With new technology, yard and garden tools have come a long way. Keeping it simple, the new lines of garden tools are built to be used with all the same power and features of the original models but with many You’re home Winter 2013 25

64 GREAT PLAINS ROAD, EMERALD PARK, SK

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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

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 spectacular bi-level entry has a vaulted ceiling adorned with sparkling chrome and optic glass inserts from DVI’s Eclipse Collection of light fixtures.

This home is the inspiration for our upcoming show home on Churchill Crescent in White City.

The short stairway leads to the family room with a wall of windows surrounding the cozy fireplace.

If these features are on your wish list, call us today for your private viewing or watch our webpage for more information.

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.

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Custom home builders are dedicated to building houses that fit each of their clients' signature styles.

28 You’re home Winter 2013

Building a home with your

By miranda burski

E

ach of us is different, and so each of us has our own unique style. This is particularly true when it comes to your home and yet, sometimes it can be difficult to find a home that fits exactly what you are looking for.

Custom home builders are dedicated to building houses that fit each of their clients’ signature styles. The best way to accomplish that, said Dustin Halvorson with Century West Homes Ltd., is to do a lot of work prior to signing. “[We want] to have our ducks in a row early, rather than it be a reactive building experience,” he added.

In order to truly get their prep work done, the Century West Homes’ team makes it a priority to really get to know each client. “If an older person, a middle-aged person and a young person were all given an iPhone, in a matter of minutes they would all change that iPhone to fit their style and needs,” said Halvorson. “We look at that the same as their house … people want a customized fit, and it starts by getting to know that family and where they’re at in their life and where they’re going to be within those first five years of moving into their home.”

To start, Halvorson and the Century West Homes’ team help their clients narrow down exactly what they’re looking for. Halvorson recommends using one of three different methods: bringing in three

Style or four different floor plans and combining them; going online to check out pictures of rooms the client is interested in and then taking those pictures to Century West Homes’ in-house designer; or writing down a list of needs and allowing Century West Homes’ design team to come up with an original floor plan.

“We’re not afraid to be fresh and try and throw a different spin on [it]; even the most classic floor plan can have a twist,” Halvorson said. “We want [our clients] to have at least been shown options that were above, maybe, what they were considering. And even if they say ‘no,’ that’s OK … If they like it, great; we can do something incredibly unique that will be theirs and only theirs.”

Once the initial floor plan has been determined, it’s time for the client to begin choosing their finishes. While not everything is chosen at this stage in the process, the Century West Homes’ team does show their clients finishing options before signing the contract.

Meeting with the suppliers and touring other homes first ensures that the client gets a better idea of what finishes they’re looking for, as well as the price range of those finishes. This allows Century West Homes to provide the client with a finishing allowance that gets worked into the overall cost of the home.

“I always tell my customers, ‘allowances are your best friend,’ ” said Halvorson. Having the allowance lets Century West Homes budget the potential cost of the client’s finishing choices. However, if not all of the allowance gets used, then the client doesn’t pay its full cost.

“We try to work with our customers to set expectations properly from the start when it comes to allowances,” said Halvorson. “And that’s where we work together. it’s a joint venture where [the client] has to take some responsibility in the allowance that we give them by doing a little research.” This involves determining a budget, looking at the client’s taste and setting reasonable expectations in order to try to balance the two.

Working with their clients in this manner has made Century West Homes a strong player in the custom home market. They’ve designed about 100 custom homes since 2003 in Regina, with more to come. They’ve also won a number of Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association Master Awards, including Best New Custom Home, Best New Home and, in 2011, Home Builder of the Year.

For more information about Century West Homes, visit them at www.centurywesthomes.com. n

You’re home Winter 2013 29

Double your living space: Home owners holding basements to higher standards By ashleigh mattern

B

asements are no longer relegated to being the cold, poorly finished spaces of yesteryear. Today, home owners are holding their basements to the same standards as the main floor.

“I think people are just at the point where they don’t want the old basement with the wood panelling – which I grew up with,” said Ian Moats, co-owner of Innovation Renovation and Roofing Inc. in Regina. “That’s just not what people are after. They just want more finish.”

Home owners are creating well-lit, welcoming spaces with trims, woodwork and flooring that matches what you'll find on the main floor. In newer homes, and in some renovations of older homes, basement windows are bigger, leaving you feeling like you're not in a basement at all.

A great basement development can effectively double your living space and the uses for the space are as varied as the people who use them.

Family rooms are always a popular choice for basement developments, as are extra bedrooms or office space, but Moats says clients are also getting creative, designing a place for teenage children to have their own space, or crafting a place for specific hobbies.

Moats says one of his recent clients opted for a winemaking area as part of their renovation. Even playrooms are getting extra treatment, with parents spending more time to create a finished, special place to play.

You’re home Winter 2013 31

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But Moats says the key to creating a great basement is staying flexible, so the space can change along with your life.

“Eventually, your kids are going to move away,” he said. “You don’t want a room that’s so geared to what a teenage son or daughter wants in a room that when they move out it’s not functional for adults.”

Hobbies change, mobility changes, so it's best not to limit yourself. Plus, you don't want to limit the house’s resale capacity.

He also underlines the importance of getting quality work done, and avoiding any shortcuts – or you may find yourself wishing you had done it right the first time.

“Do it right so you don’t have to be doing things in the future.

Most people don’t want to be in a continuous renovation state.”

Renovations to older houses also present a particular set of challenges to keep in mind. Creating new bedrooms can be difficult because the window sizes in older homes tend to be smaller. By code, basement bedrooms need to have a certain size of window, so if you really want that extra bedroom, you may find yourself cutting bigger windows into the wall.

And in older houses, often the basement itself needs to be repaired before the real renovations can begin. For example, uneven floors can be an issue, or older electrical systems may need to be replaced.

“You have to be realistic with what you can do. There's no point in making it pretty if the foundation is moving.” n

A great basement development can effectively double your living space and the uses for the space are as varied as the people who use them.

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Builders' Liens after renovations Q: What is a builders’ lien?

A: A builders’ lien is an “interest� registered on the title to your property. A lien will generally be registered when a home owner has contracted for an “improvement� to their property, but then fails to pay the contractor. Sometimes a lien will be filed by a subcontractor against your property if the contractor does not pay his/her bills to them.

An improvement can be almost anything that adds value to your property: landscaping, a bathroom renovation, adding an indoor koi pond, etc. Sometimes a builders’ lien will be registered by an unscrupulous contractor or subcontractor in an attempt to get money to which they are not entitled. Most often it is the case that a contractor hasn’t been paid by an owner for one reason or another.

Q: Should I write a cheque for the full contract amount as soon as renovations are completed?

A: When making payments to a contractor after a job is done, you are required to “hold back� 10 per cent of the total contract price for 40 days. The reason for this is that if a subcontractor didn’t get paid, they have a right to lien your property. A lawyer can help get rid of a subcontractor’s lien if you pay the holdback amount. If you didn’t hold back any money from the contractor, you might be on the hook for paying 10 per cent of the total price to a subcontractor even if you didn’t know they existed! By way of example, if a home remodelling costs $100,000, you are required to “hold back� $10,000 for 40 days after the work is finished, at which point you make your final payment to the contractor.

Q: What should I do if I am notified that a lien is placed on my property?

A: If a lien is placed on your property, you will receive a notification from the Information Services Corporation and will likely receive a written notice of lien from the lien claimant. If you are comfortable, you should inquire from the contractor/ subcontractor what the issue is and what they require to voluntarily discharge the lien. If you are not comfortable talking to the person, or if the amount is large, you ought to contact a lawyer who specializes in builders’ liens. If the amount owing is overstated or the entire circumstances are just plain wrong, a lawyer can be of significant assistance. A lawyer will be able to determine whether the lien is valid and the best way to remove it from your property. n

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You’re home  Winter 2013  35

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a time to renew Continued from Page 25 deck area. Whatever you choose, go with something that will enhance your outdoor experience.

4. Plant some herbs or vegetables. It’s not a surprise that food pricing continues to go up. With larger populations, the availability of fresh produce decreases. After years of farmers having to compete to survive, organic vegetables are becoming the hot crop.

For most home owners, having a veggie garden in the backyard is a daunting situation. However, container vegetables are easy which is why the G.I.Y. (Grow It Yourself) movement has taken off.

This spring, instead of purchasing annuals for decoration, plan on buying some large flowerpots that will not only look great on the deck or patio, but will give you a return on your investment. There

is a large list of vegetables that will grow in containers including tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, and lettuce. The trick to having success with these plants is the pot that you put them into. Stay away from decorative terra cotta as the clay has been proven to dry your plants out. Instead, go with a recycled plastic that has a proper drainage tray in the bottom. Plastic is the best option for creating perfect individual ecosystems for each plant. Also consider mixing some herbs in the pots with the vegetables. Chives are a perfect companion plant as they deter rabbits and insects.

There is nothing quite like making a change that starts you on a better path for the future. Let’s all take the first step forward in 2014 by renewing our own outdoor spaces. n

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Ask an expert your home

in Design

By Brenda Gordon & Launa Koch

Brenda Gordon and Launa Koch, Design Consultants Alford Floors & Interiors (1967) Ltd. 306.522.5651 bgordon@alfords.ca lkoch@alfords.ca

Q: Why should I consider renovating my home?

A: Renovating accomplishes many different purposes.

Renovations can modernize the style of your home, make it more comfortable and functional, as well as increase the value of your home. To ensure the longevity and investment of your home, it is important to keep your home up to date. Growing families may find that their current layout doesn’t work as well. By adding more space or modifying the layout, the home becomes more livable. Updating cabinetry, counters, hardware, appliances, and fixtures will add value to your home.

Q: I’ve never hired a professional to renovate. What should I look for?

A: With any renovation, it is important to decide early on who will do the work for you. If you are hiring a contractor, are they reputable? Ask for credentials and references. When you hire a renovator, you are buying a service rather than a product. Find a budget you’re willing to work with, inform the professionals, and stick to your budget. Be realistic and you will not be disappointed.

Bring in a professional to help choose finishes, colour schemes, layouts, and other materials. Your designer will help you stay on track with design decisions and can help you find alternatives if your budget starts to strain.

Q: How do I plan a renovation and what can I expect during the project?

A: Major renovations involving structural changes or major layout changes, like taking out a wall or moving the plumbing around, should always be done and reviewed by a licensed, reputable contractor who knows the building codes. Plan ahead as much as you can and stay flexible as you may encounter problems as the renovation progresses.

The first step is to make a prioritized list of your needs and wants.

The more clearly you can envision the project and describe it on paper, the better you’ll be in making your design decisions later on. Make an ideal upgraded budget. This way you can always scale back instead of increasing your cost for bigger and better things. Next, start doing some design research. Browse through design magazines and websites like houzz.com for ideas and visuals. Once you have a clear idea of how you want your space to look, it’s time to choose your finishes and start organizing your timeline. Products take time to come in and contractors can be booked up. The more planning ahead you do, the smoother your project will go.

The demolition stage of a renovation can get really messy. You may think this is the time to take a vacation. Stick around as this 38 You’re home Winter 2013

is the time you may come across minor setbacks. You never really know what’s under the floor until you pull up the carpet!

tide you over before the big reno, a change of hardware will do the trick. It’s simple and easy to do yourself.

Once your renovation is complete, show your appreciation by having your contractors over for a nice post-renovation party.

They love to see the finished project!

Q: I’m going to sell my home. What is the most recommended renovation?

Q: I’m not ready for a major renovation.

How can I update my house quickly and cost-effectively?

A: Minor changes can have a huge impact.

Adding in a new trend like the colour of the year is an easy way to update your home. Here are a few things you can do to update your home quickly – these can be done over a few days!

Paint: A great way to change the look and feel of a space is simply with a fresh coat of paint. Find a colour that goes well with existing flooring and furniture.

Hardware: Your kitchen may need a complete gut, however, if you need something just for now to

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A: Kitchens and bathrooms! These rooms really sell a house when they are well planned out, functional, and look beautiful.

Be sure to keep your design choices broad; make design choices that appeal to many different people. Choose finishes that are neutral and flexible. If you’re making major layout changes, have a professional go through the design to be sure that it is functional and meets building code requirements. You should also consider the type of family that may purchase the home. A young family absolutely needs a bathtub in at least one bathroom.

Installing a giant soaker tub in the master ensuite might seem like a great selling feature, but without enough room for a shower and vanities, it is money wasted. n

BUYING A NEW HOME? PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT

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*:

s 9OUR INITIAL DEPOSIT UP TO IF THE BUILDER DEFAULTS

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s -AJOR STRUCTURAL DEFECTS FOR lVE YEARS 0LUS YOU CAN GET EVEN MORE COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE WITH THE OPTIONAL EXTENDED COVERAGE FOR SINGLE FAMILY HOMES 4O lND 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  Winter 2013  39

W

hen a home can no longer quite provide for the needs of its residents, building a new house would be difficult and expensive, but adding to the existing structure can be challenging too. Karl Fenk, the owner, operator and supervisor of Fenk Construction Ltd., built his first addition in 1979, and, nearly 35 years later, he has a great deal of advice for those considering adding to their home.

Karl Fenk, the owner, operator and supervisor of Fenk Construction Ltd.

The first question that a home owner must ask when considering an addition is whether it would be wiser to simply build a new home. “I always tell people right from the beginning stages to weigh out the cost of your existing house without an addition - if you were to put it on the market and sell it - then add in the expected costs of your addition,� said Fenk. “If you add those two together, is it more feasible to have somebody build you a new home?�

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40  You’re home  Winter 2013

Those who choose to make an addition to their current structure are often those who are most attached to the location and do not wish to be homeless while their home is demolished and then rebuilt. “They know it’s going to cost them more money per square foot, but usually it’s that they’re close to the school and the neighbourhood that they want their kids to grow up in, and that has almost always been the deciding factor,�

Fenk said.

Realism regarding the cost must also apply to the design phase, and Fenk encourages home owners to ensure that their new designs are integrated into the present structure: “If prints aren’t drawn up to incorporate the existing house - sometimes, the prints are only drawn up to cover the addition - eventually, the rooms will be re-

S

ubtract the unexpected from

profiled and the existing home will probably have to be changed for a different type of living space.”

Even after soberly designing an addition, clients often notice adjustments that they would like to make during the construction phase. “A realistic expectation is that an addition could end up costing more when you start adding different things on,” said Fenk. “It could take 10 per cent more because of unforeseen changes and a lot of extras added.”

your addition

By Andrew livingstone Photo by Matt Powers

guarantee that the developing addition will survive the extremities of the elements, and the home owner must account for that. “We try and make sure that people increase the insurance on their home, because now your home is worth more,” said Fenk. “You need to have your insurance upgraded to reflect that right from the beginning because there are things that occur that aren’t covered under the builder’s insurance.”

Because a home is so important, Fenk suggests that owners take the time to make certain that a prospective builder is capable of undertaking the kind of addition that they want attached to their home. “Generally, you ask for references from some of their last builds and definitely copies of their insurances,” he said. “And, definitely, you should be calling references with any renovation.” n

Although not homeless, residents undergoing an addition will probably need to prepare for a loss of access to the area under construction. “There is disruption, especially if the kitchen is involved,” said Fenk. “In some of these bigger additions, there are kitchens involved where they’re down to fractions of kitchens until a new kitchen arrives. Sometimes, they’re living on microwaves and ordering in.” Meanwhile, family pets may take advantage of openings in walls or react negatively to the activity.

Airborne debris caused by the construction can also be an issue, though it’s one that Fenk strives to minimize. “We try to control dust as much as possible with big fans and filtering systems, but dust will get into your existing living (space),” he said. “We try and not disrupt the existing living quarters, because, often, an addition will be a great room, living room or family room, where we won’t have to open up their existing home by tearing up the connecting wall until the addition is already at lock-up stage with windows and doors on and safe from the weather.”

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Keeping the weather out of the older portions of the home does not, however, You’re home Winter 2013 41

A project of firsts:

Habitat for Humanity

launches new multi-family development By ashleigh mattern

Luckily, Coutts says it doesn't matter what age you are or what level of experience you have, Habitat has something for you to help with.

H

abitat for Humanity Regina's multi-family development at 263 Lewvan Drive is a project of firsts for the non-profit organization.

This is the first time Habitat Regina has built anything other than duplex or single family dwellings, the first time they've partnered with a developer in the city, and it's the first time since 2007 that they've built outside of north central Regina.

“We’ve been a big part of inner city development,” said Dennis Coutts, past CEO of Habitat for Humanity Regina. “We’re outside of that model simply because that’s where the land is. There’s not a single house that can be sold without it being on a piece of dirt, and dirt is expensive in Saskatchewan. And once you do find a piece a land, you have to put a lot of houses on it to pay for the dirt.”

Despite this shift away from the core, Coutts underlined the fact that they’re still committed to building affordable housing in the inner city. They will continue to buy or accept donations of land whenever they can in north central Regina.

But Coutts thinks multi-family developments are here to stay. The multi-family development at Lewvan started this fall and their next planned project is also a multi-family development. They've purchased the old Haultain School site in Eastview, which has 3.1 acres of land.

“I think pretty much everybody across the country is in the same boat trying to do multi-family units simply because land costs and building costs are driving us to do that,” said Coutts.

This shift means they have to adapt, and that's why the partnership with North Ridge Development Corporation is so beneficial.

Servicing such a large piece of land is a fairly engaged process, says Coutts, and Habitat Regina simply didn't have the expertise to do so on their own. North Ridge has been teaching the Habitat crew

everything they need to know about developing a larger piece of land.

“We’ve now moved off the realm of being house builders to land developers and builders, and we didn’t know how to do the developing,” said Coutts. “It's been an education for us.”

Habitat Regina sold North Ridge half the site. North Ridge will be building a four-plex and a five-plex to sell for market, while Habitat Regina will be building three tri-plexes for their housing programs.

All the units will be on the same site, and have the same look.

“You won’t be able to tell it's two projects,” said Coutts. “It’ll be a little village.”

Most years, Habitat Regina builds about 10 single family units. They also build in Moose Jaw, Yorkton, and Fort Qu’appelle, and they recently started a chapter in Weyburn. This year, they're building 17 units and next year they're building 20. Coutts says they're planning on working their way up to building 25 units a year.

It takes 2,500 to 3,000 volunteer hours to raise a house, so the nine houses on the Lewvan site will take 27,000 volunteer hours. That's a lot of work boots to fill! Luckily, Coutts says it doesn't matter what age you are or what level of experience you have, Habitat has something for you to help with.

If you’re too busy to volunteer your time, you can make a gift to Habitat Regina generally, or to specific builds like the Lewvan project, or you can shop at or make a donation to the ReStore.

“We’re grateful to this province and this city,” said Coutts. “The people of this province are wonderful in volunteerism; they’re wonderful in their support.”

For more information about Habitat for Humanity Regina, go to www.habitatregina.ca. n

You’re home Winter 2013 43

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The Wright influence:

U H

sonia omes By jeannie armstrong

F

rank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) is acclaimed by the American Institute of Architects as the greatest American architect of all time.

Wright revolutionized architectural design of the 20th century. His simplistic, open concept designs represented a bold departure from the highly ornamented Victorian style that dominated the 1800s.

Wright pioneered the term ‘organic’ architecture, stressing the need to harmonize the design of a structure with its natural surroundings.

One of the best-known examples of Wright’s nature-inspired homes is the Fallingwater Residence, suspended over a waterfall and creek in rural Pennsylvania.

His dedication to the environment was particularly evident in the “Usonian” style of architecture that he first introduced in the 1930s. Wright’s Usonian homes incorporated many green building principles that builders are embracing today, including smaller footprints, passive solar heating and the use of sustainable materials.

46 You’re home Winter 2013

Wright’s Usonian style of architecture has now inspired a custom home builder in Regina. Usonia Homes Inc. is in its third year of business in the Queen city. “We started as a collective to refresh the home building industry in Regina and expand the range of custom home building options in our city,” said Usonia Homes’ lead designer Derek McDonald.

Many of the houses built by Usonia Homes feature design traits associated with Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural style. “Some of the components of our houses are very similar to Frank Lloyd Wright. The cantilevered flat roof is the visual element that most people identify with. Our choice of materials and window design and placement also draw attention as well,” said McDonald.

When Wright unveiled his Usonian style of homes, the country was at the height of the Great Depression. Wright aspired to design houses that even the ‘common people’ could afford. “To control costs, he designed a series of houses that had no attics, no basements and little ornamentation. From there, the design has evolved into a contemporary style for our day,” said McDonald.

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The Regina builder not only incorporates elements of Wright’s architectural style into its houses, the company is also committed to utilizing the latest in green building technologies. Usonia's homes feature ICF basements, spray foam insulation around floor joists, triple-pane low E windows, in-floor hydronic radiant heating and green roof systems. Each home is framed with Structurally Insulated Panels (SIP) to achieve a tight thermal envelope.

In keeping with the philosophies of Frank Lloyd Wright, Usonia Homes designs and builds each of its houses to meet the owners’ unique needs.

“Frank Lloyd Wright actually invented the SIP panel.

A student of his, Alden B. Dow (of Dow Chemicals fame) took Wright’s concept and perfected it with an insulating foam that he developed,” said McDonald. “We build exclusively with SIP panels. In addition to energy savings, it really streamlines the building process.”

Usonia Homes currently builds between 12 to 15 houses a year. Many of Usonia’s homes are constructed on infill lots in Lakeview and the Crescents. “We are also building a few in Harbour Landing and White City,” says McDonald.

In keeping with the philosophies of Frank Lloyd Wright, Usonia Homes designs and builds each of its houses to meet the owners’ unique needs. In fact, the builder’s motto is “Designed by U,” reflecting Usonia’s commitment to work hand-in-hand with their clients, from design through to final inspection.

“We really get excited by the opportunity to design a home that’s perfect for the individual client, not for everybody else. We never build the same home twice,” said McDonald.

“We’re building homes that range in size from 1,500 to 4,500 square feet. When homes get to be on the larger scale, they don’t embrace as many of the Usonian ideals, but the style and the construction principles are still there.”

Usonia begins the custom design process by discussing the future home owners’ aspirations, needs, budget and lot choice. “From there, we work on a preliminary design, going back and forth with the client to tailor the design of the space and the floor plans,” said McDonald.

“With the final plans approved, we then fast track to the construction stage. We use an online project management system that integrates almost every aspect of the build, right down to the home owners’ selection of trims and finishes. The system is utilized by our staff, the trades, the suppliers and our clients. It’s a very integrated process, allowing the home owners to track everything online.”

For more information on Usonia Homes, visit www.usoniahomes.ca. n 48 You’re home Winter 2013

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U R

rban Infill homes revitalize mature enewal neighbourhoods By jeannie armstrong

L

2740 Robinson st.

ove your neighbourhood, but not your house?

An older neighbourhood may be charming, but an aging home can easily turn into a money pit for its owners. The need for constant renovation, replacement and restoration can be overwhelming. The decision to build a brand new home on an infill lot can be the ideal solution for renovation-challenged home owners.

Ken and Leanne Ripplinger, the founders of Ripplinger Homes, understand the appeal of infill properties. “We started out around 15 years ago, primarily as an infill builder. Over the years, as we expanded, we also began building in the new subdivisions of Regina,” said Leanne Ripplinger.

The couple’s own home is an infill property, located in their familiar neighbourhood of The Crescents.

“It was the third house we ever built. We loved the neighbourhood and had just finished renovating our existing home when the opportunity to build an infill home a couple of blocks away came up,” said Leanne.

The desire to live in an established neighbourhood, with mature landscaping, is appealing to many home buyers.

“Most people who are interested in infill homes have grown up in an older area of town and want to stay in the area,” said Ken Ripplinger.

50 You’re home Winter 2013

Find your freedom.

For more information, visit www.thecreeks.ca

“All of the houses we’re building are ENERGY STAR®-rated.

They’re very well insulated and built with energy efficient products.

Best of all, it’s in a neighbourhood you love.”

Having built numerous infill homes over the past 15 years, Ripplinger Homes is adept at dealing with the unique challenges associated with infill development. “There is the challenge of tearing down the old house and not disturbing the neighbours on either side. You have to communicate with the neighbours, let them know what you’re planning on doing before you begin the demolition phase,” said Ken. “And if the site has large, mature trees that the home owner wants preserved, this also adds to the challenge. It can affect the design of the home,” said Leanne.

2078 york st.

2727 mccallum “Renovations to existing homes can be costly. While the results may look great, often you’re still left with an aging home. And some properties are beyond fixing. With an infill build, you get a brand new house instead of a drafty, energy-guzzler. It’s state-of-the-art with modern design features and all of the conveniences you want in a new house.

stucco exteriors, trimmed with a heritage-style stone. Architectural elements include higher roof peaks, front pillars and design elements that are sympathetic to the character of the street.

“We create a house that has all of the modern conveniences but also has the look of a character home, so it will blend into the neighbourhood,” said Ken. “A lot of people who have seen our houses in the past will often ask if it’s a renovation, because it looks like it always belonged there.

That’s always a good compliment to hear. When people find out it’s a new house, they’re even more impressed by how it blends in with the community.”

Although a bit more challenging, an infill build brings with it a great feeling of accomplishment. “It’s always nice when the house is complete and it fits right in. People get a state-of-the-art, energy efficient house, in the neighbourhood they want to be in and raise their family,” said Ken.

Many infill homes are built on narrow, 25-foot lots. “When you’re putting the new basement in, you have to be extra cautious. The lots are smaller, so it’s a bit more challenging to get everything in there.

Once the basement is in and the framing is done, you’re well on your way to getting it done,” said Ken.

Over the next 20 to 25 years, close to one-third of new housing development in Regina will take place on infill lots in mature city neighbourhoods, according to the Official Community Plan (OCP) awaiting final approval by city council. Ken anticipates that the demand for infill housing will continue to increase and agrees with the OCP’s vision for infill development. “With the price of land and lots in the new subdivisions, people will be finding other alternatives to stay in their existing neighbourhood and rebuild.”

Infill homes on 25-foot lots are usually 1,600 to 1,700 square feet in size, on two levels. “We’ve done some larger infill projects on 50-foot lots – some ranging in size from 3,000 to 4,000 square feet.

Those type of projects are more common in the Lakeview area or The Crescents,” said Ken.

As a custom home builder, Ripplinger Homes is busy in both new and mature areas of Regina. They have lots available in most of the new subdivisions: Harbour Landing, The Greens on Gardiner and Lakeridge. “We also have a couple of older properties in The Crescents reserved for infill development,” said Ken.

The Ripplingers take great care to ensure the design of the home and the materials selected for its construction harmonize with the other homes in the neighbourhood. The infill homes often feature

Ripplinger Homes has just opened a new show home, located at 5286 Aviator Crescent in Harbour Landing. For more details, visit www.ripplingerhomes.com. n

52 You’re home Winter 2013

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Welcoming

The Mortgage Centre - Design Mortgages

O

shops the mortgage market for you

wning a home is a dream and a wonderful experience for most people. One of the first steps to home ownership involves qualifying for a mortgage. This qualifying process is regulated by the federal government as well as the lenders’ rules and regulations.

Throughout this process, home owners can count on The Mortgage Centre - Design Mortgages, conveniently located in Emerald Park.

Their experienced and knowledgeable staff can assist in the process, starting with the mortgage application, up to the day you move in.

They continue to work with you after possession to answer any follow-up questions or concerns you may have during the mortgage term.

A large percentage of the staff at The Mortgage Centre – Design Mortgages have over 30 years of hands-on experience in banking, financial planning, lending and other areas of financial expertise, including Certified Management Accounting. They also have developed many professional relationships in the community and can provide references if you need the services of an accountant, lawyer, financial planner, etc.

What qualifications should you expect from your mortgage broker/associate? They should not only have passed the legal licensing requirements, they should also be able to apply the knowledge with some background experience, and have access to a knowledgeable team that can assist in making solid mortgage decisions based on your situation.

Design Mortgages. “At The Mortgage Centre - Design Mortgages, we will work with you to achieve your dream of home ownership.”

Mortgage brokers/associates are paid by the lender, not by the client who is using the mortgage broker’s/associate’s service. Extra fees are rarely collected, unless the client has a special situation or damaged credit. If there is a fee, you will be advised of the fee during your application process.

Anna Barone and Lavonne Melle have years of experience in construction mortgages and draw mortgages; these mortgages have many changing circumstances during the build that can affect mortgage qualifications. The broker/associate must be dedicated to follow up on every step with both the builder and the client to ensure that everything proceeds smoothly.

This hands-on experience is helpful in today’s changing markets, changing rules and regulations and changing interest rates. It is a process The Mortgage Centre - Design Mortgages can help you with from start to finish.

When looking for a broker/associate, it is extremely important to deal with someone who understands the industry. Most of The Mortgage Centre – Design Mortgages’ staff were previously employed at a Chartered Bank for years and have hands-on experience. “With The Mortgage Centre - Design Mortgages, you can rest assured that you will receive some of the best advice in the Saskatchewan market,” said Anna Barone, AMP and co-owner of The Mortgage Centre – Design Mortgages.

At The Mortgage Centre - Design Mortgages, Photos by Shawn Fulton they have great relationships with a wide variety of lenders. Each lender has different options for every lending category. Among these categories are people who are The Mortgage Centre - Design Mortgages recently became a self-employed, new to Canada and first-time home buyers, to list member of the Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association just a few. The Mortgage Centre - Design Mortgages has experience (RRHBA). “The Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association is in both residential and commercial mortgages. a great fit for our office. It’s a great opportunity to network with members of the construction industry and to keep on top of market Some lenders choose to work exclusively with mortgage brokers/ conditions in Saskatchewan,” said Melle. “And we are proud associates, therefore, the list of options a broker/associate can make Saskatchewan Roughrider fans! Go Riders go!” available to you is more extensive than meeting with only one lender. “Special rates from lenders allow us to pass the discounts For more information, visit on to our clients, which you just won’t find on your own,” said www.mortgagecentre.com/designmortgages. n Lavonne Melle, AMP, principal broker with The Mortgage Centre 54 You’re home Winter 2013

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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Forever Home starts with

niversal Design By ashleigh mattern Photos courtesy of National Kitchen & Bath Association

Y

our last kid has moved on and you're ready to downsize to something smaller. You want to spend the next 30 or 40 years in your new home, but you have no idea what the future will look like.

Kelly Nadler, architectural consultant, president and owner of KRN Residential Design Ltd., says some empty nesters are starting to add elements of universal design to their homes with an eye toward the future.

“They talk about the possibility of one of them being in a wheelchair,” said Nadler. “They’ve got experience from life, and the struggles that maybe their parents had, and they may not necessarily want to go to a care home just because they’re in a wheelchair. They want to stay at home.”

Also known as barrier-free design, universal design in homes aims to accommodate people with different levels of ability. Nadler says about two to five per cent of people are asking for universal designs in their house and the design decisions can vary widely.

“Universal design, although there are standards that we apply, really comes in a number of creative ways,” said Nadler. “A lot of it depends on the disability.”

Specific technologies can be installed for different disabilities, such as fire alarms that include flashing lights for people who are hard of hearing. But for owners who are future-proofing a home in light of potential, unknown disabilities, there are some basic design choices they can make.

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Also known as barrier-free design, universal design in homes aims to accommodate people with different levels of ability.

One of the most important design choices to consider is the ability to access every area of the house. Will the individual be able to access all floors? Is there a basement? A wheelchair ramp or lift can address some issues, but Nadler says some developers have been scrapping the basement altogether.

Personal elevators are also an option, albeit an expensive one; Nadler estimates the installation of an elevator could cost around $30,000. “[Home owners] like the idea of having an elevator in the house for a mother-in-law who lives in a basement, or parents living with them. This is a change happening in younger families, where they may have the parents living with them.”

An easy way to ensure access to a home is to create larger doors.

A 32-inch door is large enough to accommodate wheelchairs and complies with barrier-free standards. Newer homes often already comply with these standards because design trends are calling for larger and more spacious houses.

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To learn more about LiteRise,® please visit hunterdouglas.ca. Valid at participating dealers only. *Shades of Joy manufacturer’s rebate will be issued in the form of a Hunter Douglas Prepaid American Express® Gift Card. THE PROMOTION CARD is a trademark of Hunt Diversified Marketing Inc. All Rights Reserved. THE PROMOTION CARD is a Prepaid American Express® Card issued by Amex Bank of Canada. ® Used by Amex Bank of Canada under license from American Express.

You’re home Winter 2013 59

There are a ton of gadgets for the kitchen that can create a barrier-free design, such as cupboards that can be easily pulled down to a reachable level and automatically return to their original position. But basics include a higher kick – at nine inches instead of the standard four – so a person in a wheelchair can comfortably fit their toes under the cupboard.

And as in the bathroom, space under the sink allows room for someone to pull right up to do the dishes. Nadler has even seen sinks that actually move up and down so the person washing dishes can choose between a standing height or sitting height.

Building a completely barrier-free home is quite the challenge, says Nadler, because there's a fight to try to stay compact in building design right now. The footprint of a barrier-free home needs to be larger to accommodate the larger hallways, bathrooms, and bedrooms, but land is expensive and space is limited.

Still, universal design is possible, and Nadler says it's something more people should be talking about.

“I think it should be one thing that’s always brought up by the architect or the design team as something for their client to consider,” said Nadler. n

Find a natural balance in Edgewater, where big city amenities meet small town sense of community. Stop by today and tour beautiful show homes by Regina’s leading builders.

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• Sewer System • Treated Water from Emerald Park • All Utilities to Property Line • Paved Roads • Street Lights • Wrought Iron Fencing Around Spruce Creek Lake • Creeks Running Thru-Out

E

new build Emerald Park residence designed for

ntertaining F

By jessica mees Photos by Shawn Fulton

amilies who love to entertain will be enchanted with the new ready-for-occupancy display home from custom home builder Emerald Park Homes Ltd. The home, located at 53 Lott Road East in White City, shows off the quality workmanship and products that Emerald Park Homes brings to each of its new residences.

An Emerald Park Homes’ feature that has been very popular in past homes is the beverage center. “This feature allows guests to be served beverages away from the kitchen area when you’re entertaining, and into the dining room or family room area,” said Lorena Sawchyn, co-owner of Emerald Park Homes Ltd. “At 53 Lott East Road, the beverage center includes a beverage fridge, with lower cabinets on either side, a granite countertop for your coffee maker, ice bucket, punch bowl, etc. Upper cabinets have decorative chinchilla glass to store a variety of glasses and beverage related accessories.”

62 You’re home Winter 2013

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An Emerald Park Homes’ feature that has been very popular in past homes is the beverage center.

The textured chinchilla glass is also featured in the kitchen’s pantry and cabinet doors.

For those who love the idea of nestling up next to a warm fire, the Rave fireplace offers unmatched style. Contemporary design elements are highlighted by a long, mesmerizing ribbon flame rising through attractive river rock.

“The fireplace has a really clean and sleek look with a maple mantel flanked on either side by a floor-to-ceiling niche. Either wood or glass shelving could be installed in the niches or left as is, for tall, free-standing decor or lamps without a risk of being tipped over.“ Since the main floor laundry room does not have a window for natural light, the addition of a sun tunnel is a useful, design element.

“It brings in the light on sunny days, while conserving energy by not requiring the light fixture to be turned on. It is similar to a skylight but you don’t have problems with condensation the way you might with a skylight,” said Sawchyn. “This home also has a sun tunnel over the staircase.”

Throughout the house, indirect and direct lighting on different switches allows task lighting when required and soft indirect lighting for relaxing.

Continued on Page 67 64 You’re home Winter 2013

Our Showroom is Your Showroom

Our luxury plumbing showrooms offer a wide selection of plumbing fixtures, faucets, and accessories from the industries top quality names. We display the latest trends and cutting edge styles, and our showrooms feature expansive open concept vignette displays, demonstrating a wide array of products in realistic settings.

Our knowledgeable Consultants understand the building and renovating process, and are able to provide personalized service for all our clients.

Our commitment is to assist you in making the home building, design or renovating process an enjoyable journey.

Be inspired by stepping into one of our showrooms and see the endless possibilities that await you.

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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 freestanding 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.”

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.

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 commercial properties.

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Continued from Page 64 “It is also about what you don’t see that makes our homes unique – like steel beams, open web trusses, plywood subfloor, a full roof water membrane and energy efficient features like spray foam insulation, Durabuilt fibreglass doors and triple glazed, low-E windows,” said Garry Sawchyn, builder and co-owner of Emerald Park Homes.

To increase your chance to enjoy some relaxation on the front porch, even in our challenging climate, there is a covered verandah facing east as well as a huge covered and enclosed deck with windows on one end, as well as screens and a screen door.

The sound system is wired throughout the house including the deck, so you can hear the game or your favourite playlist in the great outdoors as well as in the fully developed basement family room.

Brightened by over-sized windows and ample pot-lights, this space does not feel like a basement at all. It has a gigantic family room, two bedrooms and a full bathroom with plenty of storage space.

For the future home owner, perhaps the most exciting feature is the location.

The home backs onto a mature yard with tall trees and has a back alleyway that provides direct access to Highway 48.

The size of the back yard and the addition of a gate to the back alley can provide the option to add a detached garage or hobby shop.

For more information, visit www.emeraldparkhomes.ca. n

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You’re home Winter 2013 67

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*Dealers are free to set individual prices. Additional dealer fees may apply. Financing on approved John Deere Financial credit only. See dealer for details. Limited time offer which may not be combined with other offers. Discounts or other incentives may be available for cash purchases. By selecting the purchase financing offer, consumers may be foregoing such discounts and incentives which may result in a higher effective interest rate. 5Offer valid only at participating dealers. Offer valid from [Oct 1,2013] until [Dec 24,2013] and is subject to John Deere Financial approval. For personal or commercial use. Up to a 20% down pymt. may be required. For example, on a [2320 pig], based on a selling price of $[23,799] less a [20]% down pymt. results in a balance of $[21528.90] to be financed for a maximum of [5] years with [60] mo. pymts. of [359.00], totaling $[21528.6], based on [0.00]% APR with a cost of borrowing of [VARIABLE].

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esigning

woman

Professional advice prevents design dilemmas By carol todd

A

n interior designer can help with more than getting you settled in a new home – they can also help you with remodelling or renovations, and save you money in the process.

Christy Dunbar of House Envy Interiors said many people think interior designers are only needed when buying a new home. Yet, many people could use some help with their existing homes, whether they’re planning a full renovation or just want to add a touch of something new.

Designing a remodeled space to reflect your personal taste may not be as easy as it sounds and that’s where a designer like Dunbar can help. “Each space is as different as the clients and their needs,” she said. She works with her clients to determine what they desire, how they plan to use the space and how much they want to invest in the space. She’s available to help with any design dilemma, whether a new home, a full room renovation or simply selecting a new paint colour.

Dunbar, with a background in commercial design, is accredited by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ). The Council protects public health, safety and welfare by identifying interior designers who have the knowledge and experience to create interior spaces that are not just aesthetically pleasing, but also functional and safe. She started up House Envy Interiors in the fall of 2012 to focus on residential design, which has always been her true passion. “Residential design is so much more personal. I love falling in love with the space as much as my clients do,” she said.

Regardless of the size of a project, Dunbar believes working with a designer is a good investment that can actually save money in the long term. It’s expensive to have to keep taking back items that looked great in the showroom or store but awful in your living room. “I want them to feel that, when they

Design your home so that it’s a true reflection of you – that’s what makes a home special and really stand out from the rest. hire a designer, they are making an investment. I help take the guess work out of the decision-making process, which helps to make the right choices in their home," she said.

A recent project is a case in point. A client moved into a new home several years ago, taking the existing furnishings with them. After some time in the new place, they knew that something wasn’t quite right, but they just couldn’t seem to pull the space together.

“They just couldn’t get it to work,” Dunbar said. She worked with them to develop what she calls an “inspiration board,” helping them see how various ideas would work in their new space. “It’s a board full of ideas,” she said, “all the items that will finish the space, like paint, furniture, lighting.”

The result she said, had a huge impact, but it was not particularly expensive. “The budget doesn’t have to be large; you just need to know which items will create a beautiful space. Then the outcome will be fantastic,” she said of the project, which included new lighting and draperies. “The client invested some money and I created a space that looks great and is now a true reflection of the family’s style.”

While fashions in clothing and accessories drive trends in interior design, encouraging the style-conscious to make continual changes to keep pace, Dunbar recommends staying true to yourself. “My best advice is to design your home for you. Don’t worry about trends. Don’t worry about things that you see in other homes.

Design your home so that it’s a true reflection of you – that’s what makes a home special and really stand out from the rest,” she said.

And, for those who struggle to find their true self, a designer like Dunbar can help. “I think there is a misconception that designers are just there to spend your money.” Not so, she said, pointing out that many clients have said, ‘If only I’d talked to you earlier.’

Whether moving into a new home, or simply putting a fresh face on an existing space, getting professional help can ensure you and your family will have a place that looks and feels good, without the expense of trial and error. That recent project is a perfect example. “We made it into a family home,” Dunbar said,” before it was just a house.” And, that’s something we can all envy. n

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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.

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Ward off the big

hill By jesse green

N

othing says “cheery” like a brightly-lit room. Windows let the natural light shine, making homes happy and healthy while benefiting the bank balance and carbon footprint.

However, not just any window will do. Signs that you may need to replace your window include the obvious like leaking water, rotting frames, air loss and frost build-up. Aluminum-frame and single-pane windows are huge culprits for loss of heat and energy.

Faded curtains or pictures are a sign that UV protection may be in order.

The all-Canadian company, All Weather Windows, sells products that can cut energy consumption by 16 per cent and offset a great deal of greenhouse gases. In fact, you would have to plant 80 trees to outdo the annual carbon offset of their ENERGY STAR® windows.

Options for choosing a new window are endless with grille types, styles and colours galore. The first choice is usually around the operating style. Awning windows have a top hinge and are great for rainy weather. Casement windows hinge open from one side and direct breezes into the home. Double-hung windows provide a traditional look and are a great choice for children’s rooms with the ability to close the bottom pane and still get air flow through the top.

Depending on what direction the window faces, UV protection can be a big energy saver for a home. East and west-facing windows benefit from a coating of UV protection. They still let that wonderful natural light shine in, but deflect much of the heat.

Continued on Page 75

72 You’re home Winter 2013

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hether building a new home or renovating your existing space, you’ve spent time and money making your home just right down to all the details, now its time to let me help you put the finishing touches on all that hard work. Leave it to a design expert to help you pick out the window coverings that will enhance all the beautiful features you’ve created in your home. It can make all the difference on a first impression of a room. I love my profession and would love to help you narrow down the choices by giving you a free in-home consultation. Don’t be fooled by large showrooms that can be overwhelming and uncomfortable. We believe you need to see the options in your own home with your atmosphere, lighting and expert advice to create the mood that fits your lifestyle. And with my lower overhead costs, keeping it simple means my customers don’t pay more. We are a local, family owned business that believes that every customer should be treated the way we would want to be treated. Every customer is special and unique and its my job to take care of each and every one of them and I am proud of that.

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Continued from Page 72 Fixed windows are excellent for creating the banks of windows that are popping up more and more often in residential construction.

A wall of windows isn’t just for the downtown office building any more, and they can be a stunning addition to a home. Residential windows haven’t traditionally been used in this manner, so All Weather Windows has reinforced them as they increase in size.

These large windows are structurally sound and still maintain high standards for energy ratings.

However, even the best window can’t prevent heat loss from a faulty installation. Improperly installed windows will allow air and water leaks and also cause wear and tear on the moving parts.

Professional installers should be WCB-certified, insured and have installation warranty.

in their facilities each day. That PVC waste is recovered and reprocessed into a number of different consumer goods.

The company has grown into Canada’s largest privately-owned window manufacturer with nine branch locations and more than 1,000 dealers. The award-winning windows and doors are produced in their two manufacturing plants, one in Edmonton, AB where their head office is, and one in Mississauga, ON. All Weather Windows operates four business channels including a commercial division, sales to home builders and the dealer market.

They also operate renovation divisions in Edmonton and Calgary.

You can find them online at www.allweatherwindows.com, and their products are available at 1,000 dealers across the country. n

All Weather Windows is proud to offer a revolutionary technology called V-weld. Window joints are welded together and air and water leaks are virtually eliminated on these units. With three ENERGY STARŽ awards under their belt, the leadership team is active in the fenestration industry. “We make significant investments in our operations,� said Tracy Nadiger, director of marketing. Recent innovations include a vinyl-wrap laminating machine which allows PVC windows to come in colours other than white.

In addition to being forerunners in technology and design, All Weather Windows does an admirable job of looking after its staff and customers. Family values, honesty and integrity continue to run deep, with many employees’ tenure reaching into the double digits. “Our people are our success. We try to work with customers and treat them as part of our family, and I think that definitely sets us apart,� Nadiger said. They celebrated 35 years in business this year.

With memberships in Built Green Canada and the Canada Green Building Council, All Weather Windows is heavily involved in environmental awareness and sustainability.

They run an extensive recycling program that sees more than 2,000 pounds of PVC recycled

You’re home  Winter 2013  75

Designing and Renovating for energy efficiency By tom eremondi Photo by Matt Powers

W

hen it comes to energy efficiency and housing in Regina, one company’s name is likely involved: FM Residential Designs & Consulting Inc. That’s because it’s been a part of the efficiency scene for more than 30 years.

“FM originally started as an architectural design firm,” said president Francis Belle. “I have a science background that I first used in a fire safety and industrial prevention career.

Then I became interested in mechanical design and how it applied to home building.

“FM always had an interest in energy efficiency and we moved more into that side of things when the R2000 program was being established in the early '80s,” he added.

FM Residential’s role was as a third party evaluator and validator, inspecting homes, ensuring they were built to the R2000 standard and issuing certification.

The company also supplied building and mechanical science training to builders and contractors.

As interest in energy efficient homes grew with both builders and consumers, FM Residential saw itself involved in new programs such as ENERGY STAR® for

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New Homes and the more recent EnerGuide for New Homes. “For the last 12 years, about 100 per cent of what we do as a company has been related to energy efficiency,” Belle said.

difficulties. Fortunately, radon testing programs are now being developed by Health Canada. FM Residential took this training and now offers this service.”

Having been involved in energy efficiency since 1982, Belle has witnessed many changes. “It’s evolved from being experimental, of builders trying to see what they can do to make homes more efficient.

Over time, with the development of new equipment such as improved furnaces and water heaters, it’s become a standard offering for many builders.”

FM Residential also supplies ventilation design across Saskatchewan.

With the EnerGuide for New Homes program, builders can decide what they want to offer based on market conditions and demands.

A newer service offered by the company is radon testing, said Belle. “I became interested in this after reading an article from the ReginaQu’Appelle Health Region. It talked about how radon is prevalent in the ground everywhere but it will affect some homes and not others, usually because of how they were built. The concern is that home owners may be exposed to radiation, which of course causes health issues, notably lung cancer.

“Because of this, it’s important that every home be tested at least once in its lifetime,” he continued. “I decided I wanted to test my own home for radon gas build-up but encountered several

The presence of the three programs means consumers wanting energy efficient homes can purchase at any level. “A good starting point is the ENERGY STAR® for New Homes program, which ensures that their new homes are 20 per cent more efficient that homes being built to code.

“With the revamping of the R2000 program last year, those consumers who want to take their homes as close to Net Zero as possible with leading edge efficiencies can. The R2000 program sees homes computer modeled to use just 50 per cent of the energy of what we consider a good efficient home. It’s really pushing technology to build the best house that we can.

“With the EnerGuide for New Homes program, builders can decide what they want to offer based on market conditions and demands.

There are no set parameters so they can choose how they want to build the house but have it validated by having it computer modeled, inspected when it’s finished, and an energy label attached.

“Making Safety Everyone’s Business”

“Builders can choose to just have it better than building code, so it’s still an affordable option.

But there may be many builders and consumers who may want Net Zero or close to it. Others will choose to be somewhere between. The programs offer them flexibility to build where they want to be.

“What I’m really excited about, with these programs, is that we now have a distinct path, where consumers and builders can get involved in energy efficiency housing wherever they feel comfortable.”

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 78 You’re home Winter 2013

Whichever program consumers are buying into, third party validation is crucial in today’s market, he says. “There is so much ‘green washing’ happening – people who claim they’re building energy efficient or green homes but can’t support that with documentation.

“The benefit of the three programs we’re involved with is that they’re all sanctioned by the federal government, meaning they’re well regulated. It essentially means the home owner is provided certification that their homes are built to the standards that the builders says they are.” n

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Harvard Developments Inc.

growing Regina for 110 years By miranda burski

H

arvard Developments Inc. is the oldest land development company in Regina. It was formed 110 years ago and has been a prominent player in Regina’s real estate market ever since.

time homebuyer and those looking to buy a move-up home. This includes front-attached homes, laned homes, park-backing homes, walkouts and attached multifamily homes, all built around a central park.

“Our first community was Lakeview, and since then we've developed neighbourhoods such as Hillsdale, Normanview, Westhill Park and Fairways West,” said Chad Jedlic, residential land manager at Harvard.

These three communities, as well as each of the others Harvard has established in the city, were designed to give Regina residents a diverse and high quality selection of neighbourhoods in which to live.

Harvard’s residential land division operates as Harvard Communities. Jedlic explained that, in the simplest of terms, Harvard Communities takes bare land and transforms it into residential neighbourhoods. “We engage planners, engineers, residents, builders, the City and other key stakeholders to guide the development of raw land into the most desirable and well planned communities,” he added. The company currently has three residential projects under development: Fairways West, Greenside Terrace and Edgewater.

As part of its dedication to the city’s residents, Harvard joined the Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association (RRHBA) in 1976.

Joining, said Jedlic, has given the company the opportunity to connect with other developers in the area. “There are only a handful of residential land developers in the city. As such, the RRHBA is a good forum for us to discuss issues relating to our industry, and to collectively voice our opinion.”

All three areas are located in northwest Regina. Fairways West, while near all of the amenities you could possibly need, is defined by nature. The community is bordered on all four sides by green space, including the Devonian pathway, the Joanne Goulet golf course and Wascana Creek. The community itself is linked together by a network of pathways and linear parks.

Greenside Terrace, which is a phase of Fairways West, is a bare land condominium development with terraced lots, built on a peninsula surrounded by Wascana Creek and overlooking the Joanne Goulet Golf Course.

Edgewater, which is the final phase of Westhill Park, is a community for every lifestyle. It features homes perfect for both the first80 You’re home Winter 2013

But one of the most beneficial aspects of the membership, Jedlic said, is the RRHBA’s dedication to supporting its members. “The Association does a lot of work with the provincial and national associations to bring knowledge from those organizations to our local builder and developer community. They also do a great job of promoting the local building community and the neighbourhoods under development.”

As a developer, Harvard’s clients are home builders such as Homes

by Dundee, Century West Homes Ltd. and Pacesetter New Homes Ltd. All builders that construct homes in Harvard Communities are members of the RRHBA. More information about Harvard Developments can be found at www.harvardcommunities.ca. n

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after

renovation

A practical guide to total transformation By michele tyndall

H

agic

before

ome renovations are as unique as home owners and as such require great preparation and planning. But the results are well worth it as you can create a signature home for yourself or additional value for resale.

Recognizing the value of your home and its overall condition will give you a general idea of what you need to do to achieve what you want to have.

“There are a lot of new homes popping up in Regina, but what we have been finding are customers who are looking to renovate their homes. They have been living in their homes for a while. The landscaping has been completed.

They like the area they live in and they generally have enough equity in their home to do an extensive renovation,” said Jerry Ricci, co-owner of Quantum Construction Inc. The two main starting points are always going to be cost and result.

Beginning by reviewing everything you want to do with your renovation and then matching that to a well researched budget will give you plenty of room for being creative as well as practical.

Renovations can be as simple as new flooring in the living room or light fixtures in the hall, or as all-encompassing as a whole new kitchen or bathroom concept that involves plumbing, heating and electrical.

82 You’re home Winter 2013

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While you are envisioning colours and styles, take some time to measure out the spaces and sections you will be working on; it will save you time and confusion in the long run. Then, once you know what you want to do, determine the best order for doing it. For example, it makes more sense to do ceiling work before you install that new hardwood floor.

Follow-up to your vision is the more practical pricing side of renovations. From seventy cents a foot for vapour barrier to demolition costs in the thousands of dollars, a myriad of items will affect your budget. Research your needs to find out the costs of both the materials and the work you need done. Stores, the internet and people you know who have had similar work done are great sources of information on everything from cost to colour to longevity of materials. Speak with contractors, builders and architects to get quotes for the work you want done. And finally, be sure to add on just a little extra to your budget, in case of unforeseen costs. “A total home renovation requires extensive communication between owner and contractor. To price out a job properly we need to understand what the owner is looking for in terms of a renovation. Some customers are lost in terms of what they may be looking for. In a case such as that we would ask enough questions to find out exactly what they are looking for and also give them some ideas along the way,� said Ricci.

A good home contractor will work with you to draft a contract that meets your expectations. As with any project, the more work

involved, the bigger the chance of going over budget, both in cost and time. Make sure you are clear on estimated time frames and costs. Ask for details if you are unsure of something and be sure that when the plan is complete, it is submitted to the correct urban planning departments for permits.

If you choose to do the work yourself, keep detailed records of material costs and work done so that you stay within your guidelines. If you are using professional contractors, stay involved.

Being aware of what’s happening with your renovation and engaging in dialogue with your contractor is the best way to avoid mishaps or blowing your budget. “Do a lot of research on what you are wanting, have a budget in mind for the renovation and do not be afraid to discuss the budget with the contractor. In the past we have come across people who want an extensive home renovation and their budget wouldn’t have been close to what they had in mind for a renovation. Lastly, do your due diligence on the contractor, ask for references, liability insurances and call members of the Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association,� said Ricci.

A home renovation can target one or two rooms in your home, or involve a total transformation of your residence. It can increase the value of your house for resale, or make your house safer and stronger. Or it can make your house a home that you enjoy living in for years to come. With a little planning and research, expert help and creative ideas and a practical budget, the results will be truly rewarding. n

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Tips for a Successful Bathroom Renovation By michele tyndall

W

hen it comes to home renovations, the room that often tops wish lists is the bathroom. Whether it’s flooring or lighting, fixtures or tubs, the bathroom has gone from simply functional to stylish and comfortable.

An effective bathroom renovation will address all of your needs, whether it’s physical, mental or emotional. Beginning with an idea, a plan and a budget are the best way to see that the renovation then goes smoothly and meets those needs.

Renovating the bathroom is also one of the most effective ways of adding value to your home, whether it’s a cosmetic refurbishing or a complete overhaul.

“Generally speaking, customers are looking for a budget-friendly bath area renovation that will offer them a refreshing new bathroom with some options for design and accessories. Many customers are dealing with mold or leaky faucets that have caused damage to their bathroom. Other customers have a second bathroom that they want to update or create in their homes,” said Angela Ricci, co-owner of Ultimate Bath Systems Saskatchewan – a division of Hybrid Construction.

If your bathroom fixtures, including the tub, toilet and shower, are in good shape, a simple update can save money and create a stylish look. Changing the hardware such as drawer pulls, faucets and showerheads to a modern matching material like nickel or stainless steel can make the whole room look like new.

Refinishing is also an option if the base items are still in good shape.

Refinishing costs less than replacement and can be done to tubs, showers, sinks and floors without a lot of construction or loss of bathroom usage.

Moisture is a bathroom’s number one concern, and if mold and mildew are affecting the room, a full scale renovation may be in order. As with any home renovation, it’s important to speak with contractors and experts and even people you know who have completed the same work to determine a budget for your renovation and to make sure that all the work you do will create the room you are looking for.

“When doing a bath area renovation, take the time to remove all existing material in your bathroom. A bath renovation should address any water damage or mold that might be living behind your walls. Even if you think there is no damage behind those bathroom walls, be sure to take the time to check before applying the new materials,” said Ricci.

Ventilation is key so that your renovations last. Bathroom fans are 86 You’re home Winter 2013

available in a wide array of models for every look and budget. Add water-resistant materials for walls and floors and you’ll avoid costly repair work in the long run.

If you are going to be replacing your main features, you can save a lot of time and money by keeping the tub, toilet, sink and shower in the same place so that the plumbing does not need to be moved.

If your remodelling project is being done to address mobility issues, you don’t need to sacrifice style for efficiency. Many walk-in or walk-through tubs are now available that are affordable, safe and provide independence as well as coming in a wide variety of styles and colours.

“We have experienced an increase in bath designs that offer options for the elderly such as seating, grab bars, bathtub cut-outs, and temperature control. At the same time we have seen an increased demand for bath-to-tub conversions, shower shields, rain shower heads and stone designed wall systems,” said Ricci.

Little details make big differences. Consider designer tiles to enhance warmth or elongate a room. Combine pot lights with mirror lights to create moods or enhance visibility. And choose storage that is designed for bathrooms whether it’s shelves or vanity drawers.

Many new designs, such as double-sized showers, subfloor heating in ceramic and stone tile floors, jet or air tubs, and counter-top vessel sinks are turning bathrooms into showpiece rooms that leave a lasting impression with family, friends and even potential buyers.

No matter what your ultimate goal is, a bathroom renovation done with a detailed budget and plan and with assistance from an established contractor can be a project that enhances your home and your life. For details, visit www.hybridconstruction.ca. n

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Ask an expert your home

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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: As their lives change, home owners are continually making improvements and adaptations to their properties by way of renovation. I've heard that I might have the ability to "convert" my life insurance coverage as my needs change. Is this true?

A: It certainly is! Most insurance coverage purchased to pay off a mortgage (if the worst was to happen), is term coverage. That is, the premium remains the same for whatever the term happens to be: usually 5, 10, or 20 years. The premium will jump significantly once the original "term" is up and a new one begins. Term life insurance also expires at a certain age, usually at 75 or 80, and never has any cash value. Thankfully, term insurance purchased through a life insurance company can be "converted" to a different type of plan at any time.

ns o i t u l o s r e t h Brig re u t u f r u o y r o f Participating life insurance is a powerful tool that protects your family and assets while helping you reach your long-term goals.

Together we can find the right solutions for you and your family. Let’s talk about Money for Life.

Jeff Wood* CFP® Jeff Wood Insurance and Investment Services Inc. 306-757-8631 ext 2254 jeff.wood@sunlife.com www.sunlife.ca/jeff.wood Avord Tower, Suite 1200 2002 Victoria Avenue Regina, SK S4P 0R7

*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.

Life’s © Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2013.

88 You’re home Winter 2013

brighter under the sun

Q: If I decide to convert my insurance coverage to another plan, what are the options available?

A: There are a few options to consider. Two of the more common plans are universal life (UL) and participating whole life, or "PAR".

Both of these plans can be considered an asset class and earn a cash value. With UL, your funds are put into an investment account, and the insurance premium is drawn from this account on a monthly basis. The funds in the account can be invested, just as you would invest within an RRSP or TFSA. The idea with this plan is to put more money into the account than what is required for the insurance premium. These funds are sheltered from tax as they grow in the investment and at death are added to the death benefit. Since they become a part of the death benefit, they pay out tax-free as well.

The only real drawback to these plans is that the investments are normally market based, so there is the possibility that your fund levels could drop.

With PAR insurance, the insurance company invests a significant portion of your premium as they see fit. By participating in the growth of the insurance company's "fund", which is often very large, they pay a dividend back to the policyholders. In most cases, these dividend rates are quite attractive, averaging 9% over a 25-year period. In some cases, the insurance company has paid a positive return every year for well over 100 years! Now that's a steady return!

Q: These seem like good plans, but how do I actually get at my money?

A: There are a number of ways. The funds can be accessed via regular withdrawals, loans, or even by leveraging the cash value at a financial institution. The latter is normally associated with PAR plans. The best course of action for anyone interested in these plans is to talk with your financial planner or insurance advisor. n

!

"

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Prevent basement woes before you renovate By andrew livingstone Photo by Matt Powers

Bruce Mihalcea and the team at Windfield Construction repair a soggy basement in Regina.

D

Mihalcea. “Depending on what it is, some people opt to just level the basement floor and leave it and the upstairs will still have a slope to it.

“There are a lot of things that you could look for if you’re going to develop a basement,� said Bruce Mihalcea of Windfield Construction Ltd. in Regina. A potential basement development is a good opportunity to examine the health of a basement but, “once you can determine that you don’t have any issues or anything that’s sticking out that’s problematic, then you can plan and develop a basement, whether it’s one room, bathroom or whatever it may be,� said Mihalcea.

All of these issues are reminders that a home is a part of its environment and remains in a constant state of flux. Moisture issues begin well beyond your basement walls, said Mihalcea: “If you have water problems, make sure that your eavestroughs are working properly, and make sure your yard is graded properly.�

eveloping one’s basement is an excellent way to maximize the living space within a home, but such comforts should be added only if the structure and atmosphere of a basement can support them. In order to create a lasting development, a basement should be checked for several common problems before a renovation can proceed.

The most obvious cause for concern is the presence of cracks in a basement’s exterior walls. “If it’s a small, hairline crack, if you’re not going to develop it, you can just monitor it,� Mihalcea said. “But, if it is even just a small, hairline crack and you’re going to develop and finish it, then you’re better off to brace it.� Strategically attached, steel channels can bolster basement walls against the hydrostatic pressure of the surrounding earth.

“Or, the house can be raised - you can lift up any portion of the house and stabilize it. Then, you’ve got a solid house, but you still have to do the levelling in the basement too to level it out so that everything’s level: the top floor and the bottom floor.�

Whereas all structural work requires an engineer’s report and/or city permit, proper yard grading and functional eavestroughs are easy, uncomplicated ways of preventing a problem at its source without any red tape. n

Cracks are an indication of structural problems, but they can also be a clear source of water ingress. “If I’m going in looking at a basement wall and it’s protruding and water’s coming in, it has to be braced,� said Mihalcea.

Bracing the structure will prevent the basement from buckling inward any further, but the walls must be fully waterproofed in order to rectify a moisture problem. “If you have moisture problems on the exterior walls and water is coming in, probably there are going to be cracks or something where the water is seeping in, or water is seeping through the concrete,� Mihalcea said. In such a case, “the only way to stop water from coming into a basement is to excavate and put a waterproof membrane on the outside.�

Water can sometimes even enter a house through the basement floor. “If it’s an older house and you’re getting moisture coming in through the floor, there are a couple of different ways to deal with it,� said Mihalcea. “You could go with sump pumps in different areas or, if the whole floor is done, you could actually put weeping tiles inside the basement to eliminate the moisture coming in.�

Finally, check that your basement floor is level, a particular issue for homes built on the local clay. “Over the past 25 years, Regina has got into a situation with the weather changing, and we’re having a lot of structural problems,� Mihalcea said. “If the problem is with the leveling and the footings are dropping down, obviously you’re going to want your floor level,� said

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Specializing in new residential, commercial and renovations.

1150 Park Street Regina, SK

306.789.9777

You’re home  Winter 2013  91

Tips

for a carefree moving day By rachele odnokon

W

ith the joy of new home ownership comes the stress of moving day. The experts at Jay’s Moving & Storage Ltd. offer many helpful tips to make packing up and moving more enjoyable.

Don’t procrastinate, advises Aaron Scandrett, Regina Moving Branch Manager for Jay’s Moving & Storage. “We suggest that you be involved, be prepared and plan ahead. The best way to minimize stress is to not leave things to the last minute,” Scandrett said.

Rather than waiting until the last minute, Jay’s suggests customers consult the Jay’s Moving Guide & Checklist, which is available for free on their website. The Guide and Checklist goes through all of the details of the move, along with a timeline of when each task should be completed, to ensure the swiftest and most bump-free move when the big day finally arrives.

For those planning a major re-location for the first-time in their lives, the process can be a daunting one indeed. One of the biggest concerns a home owner may have is simply not knowing what to expect when booking a moving company. Choosing a company that understands your concerns and individual needs is paramount, Scandrett explained. “When booking a move with Jay’s, you can expect professionalism and experience. We offer complimentary estimates and suggest them to every customer to have a better understanding of their unique moving situation.”

Scandrett also pointed out that customers should not hesitate to ask 92 You’re home Winter 2013

any questions they may have at the time of the booking, as each move is unique. It is important to go over things well in advance to avoid potential speed bumps along the way. If the size or fragility of a certain item is a worry, specialized arrangements can be made with advance notice.

Scandrett recommends that home owners schedule an appointment with one of Jay’s Relocation Consultants to take care of the finer details. As Scandrett explains, the customer comes first at all times, and no concern is taken lightly. “What separates Jay’s is our commitment to the customer. We are ‘a family moving families’ and stay true to those words with every move we do.”

In addition to choosing the right moving team, there are some simple things a customer can do themselves to make the process

run smoothly. Jay’s recommends submitting a list of where things should be placed in the new home, in order to assist with the unloading of the truck.

It is also advised that customers have everything packed, labelled and ready to go on the day of the move, if they are packing their belongings themselves, or have their items arranged for packing if they’ve requested the company’s help.

Ensuring beforehand that there are clear paths inside and outside the home for the movers to maneuver safely will save time and make things easier. Jay’s Moving Guide & Checklist outlines other important details that the customer should be prepared for, such as what to do before moving into the new home.

Since their humble beginnings in 1964, with just three trucks and one delivery route, Jay’s has grown to be one of Saskatchewan’s most trusted moving companies, serving as an agent for Atlas Van Lines since 1970, and becoming a subsidiary of the Mullen Group Ltd. as of June 1, 2013. Winning ABEX Awards for Customer Service and Business of the Year in 2010, Jay’s was also nominated for the ABEX Award for Community Involvement this year. With a reputation for reliability, courtesy and efficiency, Jay’s is sure to make your move day a carefree one.

For more information, call Jay’s dedicated and supportive team of experts at (306) 721-1222 or visit www.jaysmoving.com. n

You’re home Winter 2013 93

It WOOD F

rom classic to contemporary, from traditional to trendy and from tree to timeless, wood is the ageless material for many of your home furniture needs.

The styles currently available in home furniture offer a wealth of different options. Yet for timeless and classic appeal, solid wood furniture is the tried and true material for discerning home owners.

Since 1984, Fanny’s Furniture & Kitchens, a family-run business, has set the standard for Canadian-made solid wood furniture for the whole home. “The quality of Canadian-made products is superior. The construction is more hands-on; it’s not mass-produced. It’s all built tongue-in-groove, dove-tailed and dadoed,” said owner Debra Huber.

The result is high quality furniture that will stand the test of time.

“It’s timeless,” she said. The finishing is superior as well, with a high quality, durable finish that is superior to varathane.

The quality may be of the highest, but the prices aren’t. “Not only will you be impressed with our huge selection and gorgeous showroom, but 94 You’re home Winter 2013

be great! you will be amazed at the outstanding values you will see, because we truly do own the factory and sell it direct to you,” states the company website fannysfurniture.com.

The suppliers for the majority of Fanny’s furniture are in the Okanagan area of British Columbia: Huber’s Furniture in Vernon, and Kekuli Bay in Vernon, Kelowna and Regina. “We have our own trucking division, as well,” Huber said, which ensures the furniture sent from the factories arrives safely.

Regina residents may remember the original Fanny’s, Auntie Fanny’s, which sold giftware. From that base, the company expanded over the course of the following 30 years to become the current Fanny’s Furniture. In addition to its high-quality furniture, Fanny’s has also been providing wood cabinets for the past three years. Like the furniture, the cabinets are Canadian-made in British Columbia.

Wood furniture may be timeless, but it is still subject to the vagaries

By carol todd

of the marketplace, and to the changes in home interior design.

“The styles and finishes are largely based on supply and demand,” Huber said. The most common design factor is the colour and variety of the wood, she said. “The trend toward colours, like espresso, is dying off,” she said. “There is a move toward the warmer colours.”

And, if you don’t see what you want among the numerous styles and finishes that Fanny’s has in its showroom, don’t worry, they’ll be happy to help you create timeless furniture that reflects your personal style. “If you don’t see what you like at a Fanny’s store, tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll build it for you. We can help you create the perfect piece for your home and your life,” according to the website.

Regardless of the size of your home, or your family, Fanny’s Furniture is a safe bet for finding furniture trends that match your lifestyle. For more information contact www.fannysfurniture.com. n You’re home Winter 2013 95

RRHBA Member Directory 1 Stop Vacuum Centres

canyon creek estates CAP Masonry

Enercon Products Ltd. a beacon roofing supply company

homes by deveraux

aaa spray foam Access Communications

Capital Ford Lincoln

EnviroFoam Insulation Regina

house envy interiors

adjile

caveman stone products inc.

Evans Development Group Inc.

Huntwood Custom Cabinets Ltd.

Advance Door Systems ltd.

Centum Canada Mortgage Direct Ltd.

Everflow Eaves & Exteriors Inc.

HYBRID Construction

Evolution Insulation Inc.

Hydeman Property Management Ltd.

AECOM affinity credit union

Century West Homes Ltd. CertaPro Painters

Alford Floors & Interiors (1967) Ltd.

Chippers Contracting Ltd.

All Weather Windows

CIBC Mortgage & Lending

Allman Homes & Realty Ltd.

Cindercrete Products Ltd.

AmeriSpec Home Inspection Service

City of Regina

Ardel Steel

Classic Canadian Homes Ltd.

Armada Construction Corporation

clear view windows and doors

executive royal hotel regina exit realty fusion Exterior Finishers Direct Inc. f.y. construction inc.

Homes by Dundee

Information Services Corporation of Saskatchewan Ingrid Ruud Decor8… ing consultant

Fanny’s Furniture & Kitchens

Inland Concrete Div of Lehigh Hanson

Federated Insurance

Inland Metal Mfg. (1994) Ltd.

Fenk Construction Ltd.

Innovation Renovation & Roofing Inc.

Arrow Plumbing & Heating

clutter x organizing systems

Fiorante Homes and Commercial Ltd.

artisan design build ltd.

CNG Stone Products Ltd.

Fix Building Products

J & C Custom Cabinets Ltd.

ASL Paving Ltd.

Coast Wholesale Appliances LP

Floform Countertops

janson homes & realty

Aspen Granite

cobb & company cabinets inc.

Floors By Design Ltd.

jay's moving and storage ltd.

Aspen Homes Ltd.

Cold Busters Insulation Services

JELD-WEN Windows and Doors

Associated Engineering Ltd.

condominium institute

FM Residential Designs & Consulting Inc.

Association of Regina REALTORS Inc.

CONEXUS Credit Union

Focus Corporation

Audio Warehouse

Continental Factory Direct

Fries Tallman Lumber (1976) Ltd.

Authentic Developments Inc.

Convoy Supply Ltd.

Bank of Montreal

Cornerstone Masons Ltd.

Bar T Construction & Pre-Stainer Ltd.

Crawford Homes (1991) Ltd.

I-XL Masonry Supplies Ltd.

JGN Kitchens & bath JIC storm-tite Windows & Doors jlb electric ltd.

frontier masonry ltd.

K.M. Burgess Agencies Ltd.

G.R. Distributors Inc.

Kanuka Thuringer LLP

galon insurance brokers

Karina Developments Ltd. Kaycan Ltd.

Creative Kitchens Ltd.

Gang Nail Trusses & B uilding Components

Crown Appraisals - Randy Toth

Gellner Homes Ltd.

Crown Shred & Recycling Inc.

Genivar Inc.

Culligan Water Conditioning

Gentek Building Products Ltd.

Biofoam Spray Foam Insulation & Coatings

Cypress Homes Ltd.

GES Global Experience Specialists

Kitchen & Bath Classics

Brandt Tractor Ltd.

Gilroy Homes Inc.

Kitchen Craft Cabinetry

Dakine Home Builders Inc.

brown communications group inc.

Glacier Glass Service Ltd.

Klean King Vac Ltd.

Daytona Homes Regina Ltd.

Budget Blinds

Golden West Radio ( 800 CHAB/COUNTRY 100/mix 103)

KMP Law

decora homes ltd.

budget car & truck rental

Deiana General Construction Ltd.

Habitat for Humanity Regina

Builders’ Plumbing and Heating

Kratz Homes Ltd.

Delta Regina

Halcyon Spas

calvert construction ltd.

kraus canada inc.

Dominion Lending Centres Team Kehler Inc.

Harmony Builders Ltd.

Krazy Kiley’s

Harris Rebar

krn residential design ltd.

Harvard Developments Inc.

Lafarge North America

harvard western insurance

Larry’s Sheet Metal Leader Post - Div of Postmedia Network INC. Lennox Ind. (Canada) Ltd.

Bath Fitter Regina Baywest Projects sask Inc. Best Price Railing Ltd. Better Business Bureau of Sask.

Inc.

Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation Canadian Home Builders’ Association

Creative Door Services Ltd.

D & S Homes Ltd.

Dundee Developments durabuilt windows & doors easy wall & ceiling

Canadian Home Builders’ Association - Saskatchewan

Edward Jones Investments

haztech fire and safety services inc.

Canadian Western Bank

Emco Corporation/the ensuite

henderson insurance inc.

Canridge Roofing

Emerald Park Homes Ltd.

Home Solutions

96 You’re home Winter 2013

KC Renovation Warehouse Ltd. Kelturn Drywall Ltd. Kenroc Building Materials Co. Ltd. Kim Shaheen Financial Inc.

kpmg llp

RRHBA Member Directory Lifestyle Cabinetry/Cabinet Outlet Inc.

Ply Gem Canada Inc.

Security Building Supplies

the floor show (regina) ltd.

posh patio deck covers inc.

SecurTek

The Lung Association of Saskatchewan

Power House Electric Ltd.

shademaker blinds Shatkowski Homes

MacPherson Leslie & Tyerman LLP

primary engineering and construction

the mortgage centre - design mortgages

McKercher LLP

Prime Fasteners

merit contractors association

Professional Plumbing & Heating Inc.

Loraas Disposal Services Ltd. Lowe’s Canada

metro regina

Shaver’s Sash & Door Ltd. Sherwood Co-op Home Centre

Thomas Sand & Gravel Timberstone Distribution Regina

Shield Integration Ltd.

Town & Country Plumbing & Heating (2004)

Progressive Home Warranty Solutions Inc.

Shoemaker Drywall Supplies

microage regina

Trademark Homes Inc.

Sierra Construction Ltd.

Midwest Surveys Inc.

PV Disposal

Sign A Rama - Regina

Travelodge Hotel & Conference Centre

Mikron Homes & Construction Ltd.

quantum construction inc.

Miller Thomson LLP

queen city custom construction inc.

SK Environmental Industry & Managers Trithart Homes Association Truss T. Mfg. Ltd.

Mintz & Wallace C.A.’s

Queen City Glass (1961) Ltd.

SlabMaster Ltd.

tth law firm

Monarch Homes (1970) Ltd.

R.N.G. Marketing Inc.

South Country Equipment Ltd.

Ultimate Insulation foam & fire

Munro Homes Ltd.

RBC Royal Bank

southland roofing inc.

United Drywall Ltd.

reeson premium signs ltd.

Spray Guard Air Tight Solutions Inc.

Usonia Homes Inc.

regal homes inc.

Spray Jones

utopia designs

Regina & District Chamber of Commerce

Spraywest Inc.

Varsity Homes Ltd.

spring green homes ltd.

W.F. Botkin Constr. Ltd. Ready Mix Div.

Regina Construction Association

Stantec Consulting Ltd.

Wappel Construction Ltd.

Nimbus Water Shop

Regina Regional Opportunities Commission

Steel Craft Door Sales & Services Ltd.

westcan mechanical sales ltd.

North Prairie Developments Ltd.

Regina Soffit & Eaves Ltd.

Sterling Plg, Htg & A/C Ltd.

North Ridge Development Corporation

Regina Window & Exteriors

Sthamann Homes Inc. Stucco by Tom (2010) Inc.

Northern Fireplace Ltd.

Reimer Custom Homes & commercial Inc.

Northern Tar & Tile Ltd.

Renewed Kitchens

Northern Tropic Solariums

Richardson Lighting

Nu-Fab Building Products

Rick’s Custom Cabinets & Renovations Ltd

Myrah Appraisals N.I.S. Contractors Ltd. National Home Warranty Group Inc. New Home Warranty Program of Saskatchewan nexus construction ltd.

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.

P.B. Custom Cabinets Renovations & Millworks

sun west construction ltd. suncoast screen enclosures sundog developments ltd.

Ripplinger Homes

Sunset Bay Leisure

Robinson Residential Design Inc.

superblinds & draperies of regina

Rona Home & Garden

Superior Cabinets

Roofmart Prairies Ltd.

superior fd coatings ltd.

ross projects inc.

TD Canada Trust

safe building solutions

Terra Developments Inc.

Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce

The Brick

Pacesetter New Homes Ltd.

Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association

Palandri Cabinets

Saskatchewan Housing Corporation

Paradise LeisureScapes

SaskEnergy

Paramount Plantscapes Ltd.

SaskPower

Parkland Carpet One

SaskTel

pebble tree developments

Scotia McLeod - Prairieview Wealth Management

Phantom Screens

Sun Life Financial

sears commercial

Westmount Developments Ltd. Westridge Homes Ltd. WestSource Wheatland Fireplace Wheatland Roofing Inc. Wilco Contractors Southwest Inc. windfield construction ltd.

Wood Country Yagar Developments Inc. zarkor construction ltd.

Bold listings indicate members advertising in this issue

455 Quebec Street Regina, SK S4R 1K8

306.543.5319 COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL WIRING You’re home Winter 2013 97

closing remarks

By Stu Niebergall, President & CEO Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association

How do you keep renovations honest?

E

ven though I represent the New Housing Industry in Regina and Region, I have not actually purchased a new home.

Like many Regina citizens, my family purchased an existing home in an existing neighbourhood and over the years we have completed many renovations.

Through this process I have learned that I am not much of a DIY person. In fact, on the biggest investment of our family’s life, I should not even be attempting to be a DIY guy. I don’t have the skills or the proper tools and I have a tendency to MacGyver everything.

Not a good idea.

Besides the obvious reason for doing it yourself, which is to save money, I also believe people undertake home improvement projects themselves because they do not want to get taken advantage of by unscrupulous contractors.

While some home renovations are easier than others, more often than not they are best left to the professionals. Whether as a result of a DIY project or through the use of a poor contractor, a renovation gone wrong can be stressful, both emotionally and financially.

However, home renovation projects can actually be an enjoyable and financially rewarding experience when done properly, by using a professional renovator.

There are some important steps you must take to ensure you are working with an ethical, professional renovator. When you hire a renovator, you are buying a service rather than a product. The quality of the service the renovator provides will determine the quality of your renovation; both the finished product and your satisfaction level with it.

For starters get a list of professional renovators, and flipping through the Yellow Pages or some sort of “Trusted” website is not necessarily the ideal method. Our suggestion is that you look for a list of renovators who are part of the National RenoMark™ program. This program has been embraced coast to coast in nine provinces and more than 40 communities, including Regina.

RenoMark™ renovators have agreed to abide by the RenoMark™ Code of Conduct which includes providing a detailed, written contract/scope of work for all jobs. They also agree to offer a minimum two-year warranty on all work (excluding minor home repairs); carry a minimum of $2 million liability insurance; have coverage for workplace safety and employers' liability and/or work only with subcontractors who carry such coverage; carry applicable 98 You’re home Winter 2013

licenses and permits; maintain a professional level of knowledge of current building codes, permit procedures, and technical skills through continuing education; and, maintain a safe and organized worksite.

In agreeing to abide by this Code of Conduct, these renovators are demonstrating that they believe in and practice professionalism.

In addition, these renovators are “in the loop” and are part of an extensive home building and renovation industry network.

This offers you a level of “peace of mind” that your renovator is concerned about fair and honest quotes, reliable start and finish dates and that they understand the importance of keeping the lines of communication wide open as key to a successful job.

RenoMark™ renovators have legitimate business licenses and do not support the underground economy of renovators who avoid paying taxes and operate "fly-by-night" and "cash only" businesses. This is important as “cash only” deals may seem attractive up front, but are full of liability issues for the homeowner, not for the unscrupulous contractor.

Across Canada, the renovation industry is a $66 billion industry, according to an Altus Group report. Along with the Canadian Home Builders’ Association, we have been advocating for a permanent federal home renovation tax credit equal to 2.5 per cent of the total cost of the renovation. It will benefit homeowners in the existing stock of homes in Regina which are ripe for renovation, and this also meets our objective, as the local Home Builders’ Association, to advocate on behalf of consumers.

A federal tax credit that encourages consumers to use professional contractors and get everything in writing will also protect homeowners from illegitimate operators looking to do cash deals and evade paying taxes. It is important that you and your family are protected, and working with a professional who has a solid reputation - with proof of proper business practices including using a written contract outlining the job - is a good place to start.

If you visit www.reginahomebuilders.com you will find numerous articles to guide you through the renovation process. Subjects range from Qualifying a Renovator, Financing your Renovation, Renovating Room by Room, to Managing your Renovation Project etc. Our website also provides you with the complete list and contact information for Regina’s only RenoMark™ renovators. n

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.

You’re home winter 2013 The official magazine of the Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association

www.reginahomebuilders.com

www.reginahomebuilders.com