You're Home Summer 2013

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

harbourlanding.ca

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

o t e m o c l e W e m o H e r ’ You

W

hat’s the best thing about purchasing a new home?

As we discover in this edition of You’re Home, it’s the opportunity to make the house truly your own whether through design, décor or landscaping.

I was fascinated to learn more about the Craftsman style of architecture that is enjoying a revival in Regina. Read on to discover what characteristics distinguish a Craftsman design and why this architectural style is being embraced in many of the city’s newest neighbourhoods.

Former editor Julie Folk returns to the pages of You’re Home magazine to relate the experiences she and her fiancé shared as first-time purchasers of a new home. Julie takes our readers through the different stages of their new home build, from selecting and modifying a building plan to the eagerly anticipated move-in day.

How can you ensure your new home is a “dream come true?”

Opting for a custom-built home is a foolproof way to guarantee that all the features and amenities you’ve been dreaming of will become reality. Wendy Livingstone takes us on a tour of a spectacular custom built home in Harbour Landing that truly reflects its owners’ personal style.

The perfect house doesn’t have to be a mansion, it just needs to be a perfect fit for your lifestyle and budget. Jessica Mees offers helpful tips on “living big in fewer square feet,” examining the trend towards smaller-scale home designs.

Did you know that 80 per cent of ENERGY STAR® homes built in the province are being constructed right here in Regina? Read Tom Eremondi’s report and learn why Regina is setting the standard for green building technologies in the prairies.

Jeanni e .

Come on in!

You’re home Summer 2013 7

contents

11 28 features 11 craftsman revival

Regina revisits classic style of architecture

28 building blocks

Habitat for Humanity Regina builds homes and hope for families in El Salvador

36 welcoming

KRN Residential Design Ltd.

38 my space

72

peek-a-boo appliances

A clever way to streamline your space

82 glass with class 86 make a grand entrance 89

one day wonder!

98

power up!

105 fancy fences

Home reflects couple's personal style

51 garage envy

High performance coating saves garage floors

55 reconnecting Richardson Lighting

65 bathing beauties

Make an extraordinary tub the centerpiece of your bath

8 You’re home Summer 2013

38

22

ask an expert 32 landscaping with carson arthur

Curb appeal has never meant so much

101 your home in design 108 your home and the law

110 your home and life insurance 114

closing remarks

building & design 22 and the winner is…

Homes by Dundee, Home Builder of the Year

42 compact design can have a big impact Living big in fewer square feet

46

go with the flow

Bubble, bubble, they're no trouble!

58 home, sweet home

Couple shares first-time home building experience

68 regina energy star® of the prairies

contributors editor jeannie armstrong

art directors

58

bonnie bird jacquie bumphrey

photography shawn fulton www.shawnfultonphotography.com

vienna di ruscio www.vmdphoto.com

105

82

76 bring your dream home to reality 92 spruce up your home for summer 94 kitchens more entertaining than ever

new homes 18 advantages of buying a newly built home 62 growing regina Edgewater

72

contributing writers jeannie armstrong carson arthur miranda burski tom eremondi jesse green christeen jesse hilary klassen andrew livingstone wendy livingstone ashleigh mattern tammy mclean jessica mees Stu NIEbergall carol todd

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You’re home Summer 2013 9

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Craftsman revival

by Jeannie armstrong

regina revisits classic stYle of architecture

S

The creeks everal of Regina’s newest neighbourhoods are reflecting the charm of days gone by, thanks to the revival of Craftsman style.

A derivative of the English Arts and Crafts style first introduced in the 1880s, American Craftsman architecture reflects a style philosophy first advocated at the turn of the century by New York furniture designer Gustav Stickley. In his magazine, The Craftsman, launched in 1901, Stickley encouraged readers to construct houses with a simplistic design, utilizing handcrafted, locally-sourced materials.

John Robinson, principal designer and founder of Robinson Residential Design Inc. in Regina, says that Craftsman style arose out of a reaction against automation and mass production. “Craftsman was all about celebrating hand craftsmanship: masonry, nice stonework, a lot of stained glass, and detailed hand crafted woodwork, for example. It was all about getting a simpler life.”

Craftsman style was also strongly connected to nature, says Robinson. “The best Craftsman houses used materials that came from the surrounding area locally sourced stone and native wood species, if available. The houses were really warm looking, natural and welcoming.”

Regional interpretations resulted in variations of Craftsman style, explained Robinson. “Frank Lloyd Wright did the Prairie style. The Mission style was a sort of Californian approach to Craftsman style.”

You’re home Summer 2013 11

Several of Regina's newest neighbourhoods are reflecting the charm of days gone by, thanks to the revival of Craftsman style.

Craftsman style was transported in the 1920s to Saskatchewan through kit houses developed by Aladdin, Sears and Eaton’s. As the province’s first settlers became more established financially, kit houses were a popular ‘move-up’ option.

“Those houses had a lot of the Craftsman details built into them.

Because they came out of a kit, they were kind of everything that the originators of the Craftsman movement were trying to avoid, like automation, duplication and the impersonalization of a house.

But it was the way that people of that time could get the Craftsman style look at an affordable level. Because there weren’t a lot of skilled tradespeople to put them together, the houses had to come pre-fabbed as a kit,” said Robinson.

Robinson identifies several distinguishing elements of Craftsman architecture. “Historically, they would have extra large overhangs at the roof. Ceilings were usually lower. Darker, natural colours prevailed. You usually would not see a white Craftsman home. You 12 You’re home Summer 2013

would see earth tones used primarily. They used the term earth tones before earth tones became a common buzzword in the ‘80s.”

A front porch was perhaps the most obvious hallmark of a Craftsman home, often adorned with tapered columns, trimmed in stone.

“People associate that front porch with older homes from mature neighbourhoods that have a really inviting feel,” said Robinson.

“It is the overall form of the house that people respond to the most: the bigger overhangs and a verandah with stone columns. That’s what people typically think of Craftsman style.”

In recent years, Craftsman architecture has enjoyed a revival in Regina. It’s a classic style that is making itself at home in several new neighbourhoods in the city.

“There are some pretty interesting houses being constructed in Regina where people have taken that Craftsman style and run with it,” said Robinson.

One of the new twists to classic Craftsman style is the use of maintenance-free materials. The stone facade and wood look-out brackets of a century ago have been replaced by cultured stone and metal clad or PVC trims.

“The biggest change is that we’re using man-made products to simulate the original wood, stone and brick,” said Robinson. “People are still getting the look of Craftsman style, but the materials aren’t close to what an original Craftsman style house would have called for.

Again, that’s driven by budget, availability and maintenance issues.”

The interior of a century-old Craftsman house reveals small, defined rooms, often separated by doors. Today’s home owners favour open floor plans. “The way to pull that Craftsman style into today’s open concept homes is through cabinetry, interior door and window trims and the use of earth tone colours inside the home,” said Robinson.

Craftsman style dictates the use of flat, simple trims. Shaker-style

cabinets would also be appropriate. “You wouldn’t see crown moulding in a Craftsman house,” said Robinson.

Architectural design trends move in cycles, said Robinson. “We’ve done the different stucco houses from the ’80s and ’90s. They were pretty much designed to be big, but with no definite style. Square footage was the main attraction. Now houses are getting smaller and people are desiring a look that feels more like home. The Craftsman style really feels like home when you drive by it. If that’s the kind of connection you have with home, that’s going to be the style you want.”

Craftsman style homes are a great complement to today’s smaller size residential lots, adds Robinson. “Typically, a lot of the kit homes in the 1920s were built on smaller lots. Today, Craftsman style is a great fit for rear-lane lots, where the house isn’t dominated by a garage. The shape of a Craftsman home fits that narrow 30-foot lot spacing quite well.”

You’re home Summer 2013 13

With its smaller footprint and judicious use of trim materials, a Craftsman style home can also be a more economical choice for many homeowners. “With other styles of homes, if you were to incorporate stone or a lot of masonry, the cost per square foot would be considerably higher,� said Robinson.

Craftsman style has also evolved as a result of modern building technologies, adds Robinson. “The houses we’re building now in Craftsman style have larger windows than they would have originally.

The original Craftsman style houses were quite dark; the rooms were quite enclosed. Today’s Craftsman style houses have higher ceilings.

You would seldom see a ceiling higher than eight feet in an original Craftsman home. Now, nine- and ten-foot ceilings are the norm.�

Robinson Residential has been producing Craftsman style house plans since 2001. “We sold a lot of plans into the U.S. before we ever sold anything here. Now it’s become the norm here. People are building a lot of Craftsman style,� said Robinson.

Robinson Residential worked closely with the developers of Harbour Landing and the new Porchscape streetscape to provide architectural guidelines that would help builders achieve true Craftsman style. “For Harbour Landing, we identified seven different styles of Craftsman architecture,� says Robinson. The guidelines identified key elements

of Craftsman architecture that would assist builders in staying true to that style.

Roof slopes are one element of Craftsman style that often aren’t interpreted correctly, said Robinson. “The roof slopes should be quite low-sloped. Trims around the window should be wider and quite detailed. Quite often the gable ends would have a different treatment than the wall. You’d want to treat the gable differently than the second or main floor,� said Robinson.

Incorrectly proportioned columns also grab Robinson’s attention as he drives through different subdivisions of Regina. “Craftsman style columns usually have a tapered top over brick or stone. Some of today’s houses don’t get it quite right. It’s those little things that really make the look complete,� said Robinson. “Guidelines serve as an education for builders. To do it right or to do it wrong is the same price. With a few minor tweaks, you can make it amazing, instead of just okay. What design controls do is give you an opportunity to do that and make suggestions.�

Because of its classic look, today’s take on Craftsman style will retain its popularity longer than many other design trends, he adds. “That’s why it’s so important to get everything right as much as you can, when it comes to proportion and balance,� said Robinson. n

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In 2012, Homes by Dundee received the prestigious Home Builder of the Year award from the Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association.

The honour of this award solidifies the excellent reputation the company has acquired over the past 60 years — earning the trust of new home owners. In addition, Homes by Dundee has consistently won the Platinum Service Award from the Saskatchewan New Home Warranty Program for maintaining a high standard of workmanship and service.

A leader in new home construction, Homes by Dundee has built over 10,000 homes in the Regina

area throughout the years and offers over 60 different floor plans to provide a variety of choices to customers. As a member of the New Home Warranty Program, consumers select Homes by Dundee with the confidence that the investment in their home is protected and valued by the company.

Coupled with a strong foundation of teamwork, commitment and experience, Homes by Dundee has a solid history with, and access to, various trades people and services. Partnerships with suppliers and trades allow Homes by Dundee an invaluable network of highly skilled workers

who meet and exceed industry standards in the construction of your house. The wealth of industry knowledge is second to none, guaranteeing a high quality finished home, built right.

Sales consultants from Homes by Dundee guide you through every step of the construction and building specifications, which quickly sets this company apart from the rest. Dedicated to maintaining a high level of communication with clients throughout the building process, the company has a large on- and off-site staff to ensure customer satisfaction, and that Homes by Dundee’s high quality standards are met. The customer’s needs are top priority.

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.

105 - 1230 Blackfoot Drive, Regina, SK N (306) 347-8100

The lifestyle you want. The price you can afford.

As well, a Homes by Dundee representative is always in direct contact with you throughout the entire construction process. Designs are carefully considered in order to best accommodate your home on its particular lot. All plans and blueprints are reviewed and approved by engineers, ensuring the plan is thoroughly laid out with a clear timeline for the home’s construction from start to finish. In addition, Homes by Dundee has an interior design team that works with you to personalize your new house, transforming it into your home.

The construction of your home also ensures many efficiency features, providing long-standing comfort and enjoyment that is cost efficient.

With a commitment to high quality structural and mechanical components, your home is built to exceed industry standards, while emphasizing high quality.

To further assist you and maintain a positive building experience, Homes by Dundee carries the cost of your home throughout its construction with a builder’s mortgage. Another service that creates a

positive and stress-free customer experience while building your dream.

A leader in business, quality, safety and craftsmanship, Homes by Dundee understands that your dwelling is the largest, most rewarding investment for you, the customer.

For more information, visit www.homesbydundee.ca or visit a show home today.

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Advantages

of buying a newly built home by tammY mclean

“T

here are so many advantages to buying a newly built home,” says Stu Niebergall, President & CEO of the Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association (RRHBA), “with the opportunity to customize your home to your own personal taste and lifestyle topping the list.”

Niebergall explains that you can work closely with your builder to choose from an incredible selection of new home plans. Often the builder’s plans simply offer a place to start. Many professional builders will customize their new home plans to suit your lifestyle and budget.

When it comes to features and finishes, new home builders offer a wide range of options – from paint colour to countertops, from flooring to faucets, from kitchen cabinets to lighting. Many builders offer a full range of product upgrades as well as unique features that will add value, enjoyment and convenience to your home. The latest features and finishing products spell great looks and superior performance for your new home.

There are many other advantages to going with a newly built home. “The new homes of today feature great designs – they combine function and style, with open, inviting living areas, efficient use of space, lots of light, well-planned kitchens and work spaces, plenty of storage and built-in convenience, and flexibility,” says Niebergall.

In addition, new homes are built with the most advanced building products. From construction materials to heating systems, the 18 You’re home Summer 2013

technology built into every new home ensures high-performance, durability and long-term customer satisfaction.

Thanks to advanced construction, higher levels of insulation, more efficient windows and doors and heating and cooling systems, new homes are also highly energy efficient. “You not only save money on your energy bills, you also participate in reducing your environmental foot print, and enjoy a far more comfortable home,” says Niebergall.

Those getting in on new homes’ energy savings will benefit for years to come.

New homes are designed to give you and your family the best possible indoor living environment, with clean air, no mold or lingering odours, and a suitable level of moisture. New homes’ ventilation systems are designed to prevent back-drafting of potentially harmful combustion gasses from heating systems and to ensure an adequate supply of fresh air.

A newly built home is also constructed to the latest construction standards using the most recent building codes, and providing a wide range of safety measures to protect you and your family. Because you were part of the process, with a new home, you know exactly how the house was built - you know what went into it, both what is visible and what is behind the walls. And, when it comes to the electrical, you have the reassurance that it is brand new with the service sized to meet your home’s requirements.

“Another advantage of a new home,” says Niebergall, “is plenty of electrical outlets!”

"UILT WITH 0RIDE

Going with a newly built home also offers the unique possibility of having your new home pre-wired for today’s technology, and, the technology of the future. Most builders include basic telephone and cable pre-wiring in their standard specs; some offer a complete “home automation� package that allows you to add all kinds of functions from front-door surveillance to remote temperature control.

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One of the great advantages of building a new home is when a warranty comes with it. Niebergall explains that professional home builders stand behind their work with an after sales service program and a guaranteed third party warranty.

To choose a qualified builder who will stand behind their work with quality and professionalism, you can turn to the Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association. “Builder members of the Association are qualified through the Certified Professional Home Builder Program and they must be members of a third party new home warranty program, which provides protection to the consumer,� says Niebergall.

Members of the RRHBA also have access to a wealth of research and information keeping them up to date on technological advances, regulations, products and materials, financing and design. “As such,� says Niebergall, “they have the know-how to provide you with the latest and the best in the market place.�

Building a new home takes teamwork and the expertise and cooperation of many suppliers and trades. Members of the RRHBA have access to a network of professional companies and individuals providing service to the residential construction industry.

If you are looking for a new home builder, start your search with www.reginahomebuilders.com and click on the New Home Locator to view the latest in show homes and new home inventory. In the end the quality of your new home, depends on the quality of your builder. n

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Escape from theCity… with aCustomBuiltTrithartHome inEmerald Park

F

or more than 17 years, Tim Trithart and the staff of Trithart Homes have been helping to make dreams come true. As a builder of custom-made homes in Emerald Park, he and his team of dedicated employees have worked with families, couples and individuals to design and build homes that fulfill home-buyers’ wishes. The builder considers the clients’ needs and wants and incorporates their input into the designs, ensuring that every detail is exactly as the home-buyer had imagined it.

“We pay close attention to your needs,” said Trithart. “We want your home-building experience to be a good one, so we work closely with our customers, paying attention to every detail. Our focus, as a builder, is to provide the best quality housing at the most reasonable price.”

The seven-member, full-time building crew comprises two fourth-year apprentices, two first-year apprentices and three interprovincial journeyman carpenters, including Trithart himself. His sons, Mike and Ken, are a part of that group, and his wife, Rhonda, handles the administration-related responsibilities.

“We want your home-building experience to be a good one, so we work closely with our customers, paying attention to every detail.”

To make certain that the workmanship in every Trithart home is top quality, the company uses its own skilled workers to complete most of the home-construction process. “We build and install all our own cabinets and do all the interior finishing and trim in the houses as well,” said Trithart. When it is necessary for the company to sub-contract work, only tradespersons with whom the company has longstanding relationships and who understand Trithart’s high expectations are called upon.

Those high expectations help to produce outstanding results, as evident in the company’s showhome at 122 Emerald Ridge East in Emerald Park. The 1,690-square-foot bungalow features

1 22 E M E RA LD R I DG E E A S T - E M E R A L D PA RK dark-stained oak cabinets; granite countertops; a natural stack stone fireplace; nine-foot ceilings; a triple, attached garage; a developed basement, complete with two bedrooms and a full bath; a fully covered deck area; and air conditioning.

Trithart chooses to construct homes in Emerald Park and White City because he appreciates the value of small-town living just minutes away from Regina’s east end. “It’s a great place to build houses. It has bigger lots, lower taxes, there is a new school opening in 2014, and it is a short commute to the city,” he said.

The company is a member of the Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association and the New Home Warranty Program of Saskatchewan, affiliations that guarantee that any new home they build will be constructed to give the home owner many years of enjoyment.

For more information on Trithart Homes, visit the website www.tritharthomes.com or email Tim Trithart at timtrithart@sasktel.net.

www.tritharthomes.com

306-347-7747

The R-2000 Home: More than Energy Savings

*

Home omes by H Builder of Dundee the Year

And the winner is…

T

he Master Awards are to Regina’s residential construction industry what ‘Oscar’ night is to the movies!

By jeannie armstrong

At both gala events, anticipation escalates during the evening, as nominees await the announcement of the ultimate award of the evening.

Held at the Delta Regina on January 26, the Master Awards paid tribute to the outstanding achievements of members of the Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association (RRHBA). Categories included Builder Awards, Renovator Awards, Sales Volume Awards, Industry Awards, Customer Satisfaction Awards and the Customer Choice Awards.

22 You’re home Summer 2013

The final award of the evening was the highly anticipated ‘Home Builder of the Year’ Award. Jason Christbason, RRHBA communications and project coordinator, acts as director of the Master Awards. He describes the ‘Home Builder of the Year’ award as “top of the top‌ the diamond! It’s the big one. The bragging rights are immense.

Winning ‘Home Builder of the Year’ speaks volumes about a builder’s commitment to the community, their safety practices, and their environmental standards.�

To qualify for consideration as Home Builder of the Year, Association members have to submit applications in a minimum of three different categories of the six Builder Awards, as well as three of the Industry Awards (Safety, Environmental Leadership and Community Service).

To ensure the selection process remains unbiased, winners are determined by an independent panel of judges. For example, the Safety Award is determined by the Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association.

The Master Awards are to Regina’s residential construction industry what ‘Oscar’ night is to the movies!

As the final moments of the Master Awards approached, all eyes were on the podium.

The Home Builder of the Year for 2012 was announced: Homes by Dundee. “It’s a nice accolade, it’s an honour. It’s great to recognize our team,� said Dave McEachern, Vice-President, Housing with Homes by Dundee. “We have a team that ranges from young 20- and 30-somethings to people who have been with our organization for over 30 years. It’s a nice acknowledgement of the hard work and the pride that our team puts into all of our homes.�

1BSL 4USFFU 3FHJOB 4, 4 / : 1IPOF

You’re home  Summer 2013  23

A pillar of Regina’s new home construction industry over the past six decades, Homes by Dundee looks to the future with optimism.

Homes by Dundee is one of Regina’s most established new home builders. The company’s history dates back to 1952, when Jim Cairns founded Cairns Homes. “We operated under the Cairns name until 1997, when Dundee purchased us,” said McEachern.

Over the past six decades, the firm has constructed thousands of homes in Regina and Saskatoon. McEachern recalls the housing boom of the 1970s, when annual housing starts in Regina topped 3,000 units. “We were doing probably close to 35 per cent of that business back then,” says McEachern.

The recession of the early 1990s hit the residential construction industry hard, with annual housing starts dropping to lows of 200 to 300 units per year. “The whole industry fell on some lean times,” said McEachern of the resulting downsizing and reorganization of their company.

From 1996 to 2006, growth was slow but steady, with Homes by Dundee building about 25 per cent of the single family homes in Regina. “From 2006 to current, the growth for the city has been exponential, back to where it was in the ‘70s. We’re looking at expanding and growing with the market again,” said McEachern.

Land development has been integral to Dundee’s success in Saskatchewan. “We’ve been both a builder and a land developer since the 1950s,” said McEachern. Dundee has developed some of Regina’s most popular neighbourhoods, including Lakeridge, Garden Ridge, Gardiner Heights, Varsity Park, Woodland Grove and Wascana View.

Dundee is among the city’s local land developers who are eagerly awaiting the release of Regina’s Official Community Plan (OCP) in the next few months. “The OCP will define how Regina is going to grow over the next 20 or 30 years. We have been putting ourselves in a position on the land side to very much participate in that growth.

We’ve acquired some lands in what we think will be growth areas, both within and next to the city limits. We plan to be a big part of Regina’s growth,” said McEachern.

Dundee currently has two subdivisions on the go: Harbour Landing and Lakeridge. “We’ve finished developing Lakeridge on the land side. It will be built out probably within the next year or so.”

24 You’re home Summer 2013

Homes by Dundee satisfies a wide range of home buyers, building new homes ranging from $300,000 to $800,000.

This summer, Homes by Dundee will unveil a new 51-unit townhome project in Harbour Landing. With units priced in the $350,000 range, McEachern said the townhomes are designed to appeal to first time buyers and families in need of more affordable housing.

Homes by Dundee also focuses on the move-up and custom home market, extending up into the $800,000 range. Even at the luxury end of the spectrum, Dundee remains focused on bringing value to their customers. “On the custom side, we can do it all, providing all of the luxury touches and finishes, but we try to keep it within means of most people,” said McEachern.

board of directors.

Homes by Dundee also supports many charitable organizations and community initiatives. “We’re a leader in the community. We try to support as many worthy causes as possible. Right now I’m on an internal national committee within Dundee to help define that as we go forward and to ensure that remains a priority with us,” said McEachern.

A pillar of Regina’s new home construction industry over the past six decades, Homes by Dundee looks to the future with optimism.

“Saskatchewan has come into some very exciting times. We think that over the next 10 to 15 years, it’s going to continue to be the best place in North America to live and do business,” said McEachern. n

Dundee homes don’t just rely on their good looks. “We’re the largest ENERGY STAR® builder in the province. It’s important that our houses not only look good, they must operate efficiently and provide people with outstanding comfort,” said McEachern.

Of the many previous Master Awards that company has received, McEachern takes great pride in the Customer Choice Award presented by the New Home Warranty Program of Saskatchewan. “We did a recent market survey that showed the resounding thing people appreciate most is our service.

We’ve had many purchasers who have built two, three or four homes with us over the years. The number one reason is that they know we’re there for them if there are any challenges,” said McEachern.

Since its inception, Homes by Dundee has been a member of the Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association. McEachern and colleagues Kevin Bilan and Paul Moroz also take an active role on the organization’s You’re home Summer 2013 25

Most importantly, Ray and Lovina now have a home of the highest quality that they can consider uniquely their own.

WHITE CITY/EMERALD PARK

Emerald Park Homes earns reputation for customer satisfaction Ray and Lovina Buhs began the process of building their house with Emerald Park Homes Ltd. in June of last year and, at the end of April, moved into a home that they can be proud of. Although constructed by Emerald Park Homes, the couple can feel that the end result is their own creation due to the builder’s versatility and willingness to please its clients.

The couple chose Emerald Park Homes partly on the basis of the company’s reputation. “We heard good things about them,” said Ray. “I talked to different people that have built, and I’ve got a couple of friends that built with Garry, and they were quite happy with what happened. Everybody you talk to seems to be very happy with them.”

That reputation was confirmed for Ray and Lovina when the couple had the opportunity to oversee the construction process. “They were very approachable, and no problem was too big or too small to be taken care of immediately,” said Lovina. “The friendliness of people like Garry and Lorena makes them excellent people to work with.”

Most importantly, they now have a home of the highest quality that they can consider uniquely their own. “Their tradespeople have done things in here that are very different,” said Lovina.

“The finish work is really good,” Ray concurred.

With their new home a reality, Ray and Lovina can now echo the praise of the friends who originally encouraged them to enlist the expertise of Emerald Park Homes. “We’re very happy with the build process,” said Lovina. “Everything went very smoothly. I would definitely recommend Gary and Lorena to anyone building a home.”

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Ray agreed that the open and communicative relationship with Garry, Lorena and their contractors made the building process a satisfying experience: “They’re good people to work with. Anytime we had an issue, Garry took care of it.”

As a result of the overall quality of their new home’s construction, the couple is hard-pressed to identify any features that deserve particular praise — rather, the house comes together as a unified masterpiece. “I love everything about it,” Lovina said. “I think they’ve done an excellent job.”

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BUILDING BLOCKS: Habitat for Humanity Regina builds homes and hope for families in El Salvador

By Christeen Jesse

W

e swung our pick axes into the dry Central American soil, already knowing it was our first, but certainly not last adventure to El Salvador.

Fast-forward one year and there we were again with tools in hand. There were some familiar faces, and many new ones, but we had the same mission in mind - the one that was printed on the backs of our team t-shirts: Everyone deserves a decent place to live.

In 2012, the first ever Father/Daughter team participated in a Habitat for Humanity Global Village build. Along with five other pairs from Regina and Calgary, my dad and I traveled to El Salvador and built a home for a deserving woman and her family. Our experience was unforgettable, and one we were lucky enough to re-live again this year. The 2013 Father/ Daughter team had 18 pairs of dads and daughters from across Canada, and together we spent a week in February constructing a home for a local family in San Vicente. Boris, a local restaurant owner, his wife and two children – one just 7 days old when we arrived – would occupy the 720 square-foot, three-bedroom, onebathroom home upon completion.

Starting with a blank canvas of unprepared land, we spent five days on the site, working with a local mason and his two helpers, building the foundation of the home. Sweltering heat beat down on us as we pick axed meter-deep trenches, handmixed countless loads of cement, shoveled dirt and rocks, and hand-bent metal rebar into a form. Not a single power tool was used. We transported the concrete by wheelbarrow and tamped

28 You’re home Summer 2013

it with homemade coffee can/broom stick tampers. Never in my life have I worked so hard, but all my motivation came straight from the people working by my side. Our mason, Ulysses, earned around $8 per day, and his helpers made roughly $6. The local men, employed

by Habitat for Humanity, quickly became a part of our ‘familia’ and just as their Spanish rubbed off on us, so did their incredible work ethic. By the last day, our team had completed the foundation of the home and laid the first layer of bricks for the walls.

"No one can do everything, but everyone can do something."

As much as I wished we could have finished the entire house, I had to remember our team’s mentality that “No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.” The mason and his helpers would finish the house our team started – but we were lucky enough to help lay the foundation of the family’s future.

Habitat is El Salvador’s national housing strategy. Over the two last decades, the country has been stricken by civil war and shaken by natural disasters, leaving it in a developing state.

Hurricane Ida swept across the landscape in 2009, destroying everything in its wake and burying entire communities under rubble. Sections of the country had to be entirely rebuilt and Habitat for Humanity played a major role in erecting new homes in stricken communities. El Salvador’s local Habitat affiliate in San Vicente works the same as any local Canadian affiliate by assisting families to help build their homes by providing volunteer labor, donated materials and a no-interest mortgage tailored to their income level. As mortgages are repaid, the funds are used to build more houses.

Our team of 18 Canadians poured our sweat and strength into changing one family’s life, but our team took so much more from the people of El Salvador than we gave. Their gracious spirits, positive outlooks, and welcoming smiles are things that will inspire me forever. Those are the things that brought me back this year for a second time, and will draw me back countless times again. Seemingly oblivious to their poor living conditions, the people in El Salvador are among the happiest and most selfless people I’ve met. Often without a pair of shoes or a single toy, the kids wore permanent smiles and showed constant affection.

The relationships our team built with the people of El Salvador were instant, but the development of relationships between fathers and daughters within our team this year was remarkable. There’s no doubt the Global Village Father/ Daughter model will continue for the years to come — building homes for families who need it most, but also building relationships within families in the process. n You’re home Summer 2013 29

1 Stop Vacuum Centres:

superior customer service guaranteed “In this day and age of ‘big box’ stores and impersonal service, it is wonderful to be treated genuinely as a valuable customer by a locally owned and family run business at 1 Stop Vacuum Centres. Whenever we require vacuum services, supplies or a new product, I have found the staff to be friendly, courteous and knowledgeable about their business.”

Customers Bob and Pat Hornsberger

1 Stop Vacuum Centres was founded in 1968 by Don and Gemma Jackson.

Don still remembers with a touch of excitement when they started 1 Stop Vacuum Centres at the corner of 11th Avenue and Winnipeg Street. Back then, there was only Don and his wife Gemma and the store occupied only a portion of their current location. Through the years the business has grown to include the entire building which they originated in as well as a warehouse, separate storage facility and parking lot.

Not only is the business a landmark location, but so is the General Manager, Ralph Latta. Ralph has worked with 1 Stop Vacuum Centres for 32 years. “I wouldn’t want to do anything else. How many people get to go in to work every day for over 30 years to a job they love?” Ralph’s passion for what he does is infectious and you can see it in his interaction with both staff and customers.

Last year Don and Gemma’s daughter, Comena Perala joined the 1 Stop family.

With a strong background in relationship management, customer service and leadership, she brings a fresh perspective to the business. “My goal is to maintain the customer service commitment and ethical basis that my parents built the company on, while expanding the brand to attract some excitement and energy from a younger perspective. You may notice some of our advertising changing up a bit….I want customers to see our personality and that we really do love what we do and have fun doing it. After the initial shock I think dad and Ralph are getting used to me!”

“When you have a problem we have a solution,” is the motto of 1 Stop Vacuum Centres. Don says they named the store 1 Stop because that is essentially what it is. If it has to do with vacuums, cleaning equipment and supplies, they’ve got it all in one location. “We will exhaust every avenue to meet our customers’ needs” says Ralph. Many customers are shocked at the lengths 1 Stop Vacuum Centres staff will go to ensure customer satisfaction. The staff has grown from Don and Gemma to fourteen, with many of the staff working with the business for 10 - 20 years. What makes 1 Stop Vacuum Centres unique is that staff are leaders and empowered to “make it right” for customers in every aspect of customer service. Everyone at 1 Stop Vacuum Centres believes in always treating customers the way they would want to be treated themselves.

The service department is a key component of 1 Stop Vacuum Centres. “With four factory trained service technicians, we offer warranty service on most makes and models of vacuums and free estimates on major repairs. Our service department sees almost every make and model on the market so it’s no accident that we carry the products that we do. We determine our products by the best performing and longest lasting based on our warranty and service experience. In addition our product lines consist of many high quality European made products such as Sebo and Miele from Germany, Karcher from Italy, Taski from Switzerland and Nilfisk from Denmark” says Service Manager Greg McCrindle, who has been with 1 Stop Vacuum Centres for almost 20 years.

Advanced technology and a strong internet presence has allowed 1 Stop Vacuum Centres to market their product and serve customers in Saskatchewan, across Canada and the USA, though their dedication to providing excellent customer service to Regina and the surrounding area remains a top priority.

With excellent products, competitive prices and exceptional customer service, 1 Stop Vacuum Centres has developed a reputation for excellence in the industry, and has been rewarded by the respect and loyalty of many second and third generation customers.

The coffee is always on and the smiles are always free at 1 Stop Vacuum Centres located at 1004 11th Avenue and is open six days a week, Monday – Friday 8:30 - 5:30 and Saturday 9:00 – 5:00.

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by carson arthur Landscape Designer, Author and Television host of Green Force on hGTV and Global's room to Grow

curb appeal has never meant so much!

W

hen sellers are in competition to make the most out of their largest investment, improving your home’s first impression is one of the best ways to set it apart from the rest of the pack.

When prospective buyers or renters drive through your neighbourhood, what do they see? This is a really important question that you need to answer because it will help explain what your buyer is going to be looking for in a new home. Once you’ve answered this, ask yourself objectively if the front of your home is in keeping with the rest of the houses on your block. The first impression is critical in setting the mood for prospective agents and buyers. If your home’s exterior looks like it needs work, then people immediately assume that your house is a ‘fixer-upper.' The opposite is true if your front yard is manicured, the roof is in good shape and the driveway is in good condition. Having a potential buyer walk into your front door in a positive mood can translate into big dollars for you.

So where do you spend the money?

Set your budget and be realistic about what you’re trying to accomplish with it. Keep in mind that you are trying to create an excellent first impression to attract potential buyers. This isn’t the opportunity for you to realize your landscaping dreams. Consider a new paint job using a colour scheme that highlights the character of your home. One of the easiest and least expensive ways to get instant appeal is through great house colours.

What colours should you chose? I’ve seen many different colours used successfully, even in combinations that would surprise you.

32 You’re home Summer 2013

Before

One of my favourite combos is green and purple! I saw a home that used a great shade of tan as the base colour; an olive green for the shutters and trim; and a fantastic shade of purple for the front door.

To completely set it off, they had all of the light fixtures and door handles done in a matte black. Sound complicated? The key is to take inspiration from your neighborhood because you want your house to belong instead of stand out.

We all want to express our unique styles and tastes, but here is my simple test for you to follow: Take a bunch of the latest paint chips and stand outside and try to find the corresponding colours in things around you; like the trees, or other houses, or even in the rocks. If you can find those colours close by, then you know that those choices will work best.

This is why natural colours are so popular, because they are everywhere outside.You might notice that more homeowners are painting their front door with something bright or bold. This is a great idea if you want a pop of colour that requires minimal commitment. A quart of paint and an open afternoon is all you need to make a change right away! I love matching a unique door colour with bright planters or even pieces of outdoor artwork. When it comes to colour, have fun in areas that are easily changed. That way, if you make a mistake, you can quickly hide the evidence.

Lights at night are always inviting. As most potential buyers will often drive by a listing after work, setting your house apart is important. With all of the amazing new lighting systems, there is definitely an option for every home. I love the new solar systems that are available. As long as you have sun, you can have stylish

after

after

Make the best first impression possible and enjoy the rewards. light. With no wires or electrical needs, you can now put outdoor lights anywhere you want them, simply by pushing them into the ground. Remember, when choosing a system, moderation is very important. Lights that face downward and highlight the edge of the path allow your guests easy access and help make your front yard a safer space. Aim for welcoming and not airplane runway when installing them, especially if you have a long front walk. To do this, stagger them on each side of the walk. As most solar lights are designed to provide subtle lightening, the best use is to highlight the edges of the path so that your guests don't step off the side.

One of the easiest ways to improve your curb appeal is to have a clean and tidy front yard with a manicured lawn. We all know to keep the inside spotless for viewings; the same goes for the outside. Get the yard tools ready and spend 10 minutes every night making the most of the front of your home. Consider mulching those plant beds and adding some warmth with some colourful annuals.

Remember, curb appeal helps to create an emotional connection to your home at a glance.

Make the best first impression possible and enjoy the rewards. n

You’re home Summer 2013 33

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Welcoming

KrN residential Design an established member of the building community by andrew livingstone

P

rospective homeowners and builders in southern Saskatchewan seeking specialized assistance in designing future living spaces can enlist the experience and expertise of the architectural technologists at KRN Residential Design Ltd.

photos by Shawn fulton

36 You’re home Summer 2013

The company is able to draw on a pool of trusted talent to supplement the knowledge offered by the company’s architectural technologists. “We also have over a dozen supporting engineers — mechanically, electrically, structurally — to assist us with developing the required engineering for specific projects,� Nadler said. “Housing in general requires certified foundation engineering, which we provide as part of our service.

Our drawing packages are a complete service.�

Although KRN has been enlisted to assist with more major projects, its focus is on smaller, residential designs. “We like to deal with people in general and their living environments,� said Nadler. “Every building structure is about people, but we focus primarily on housing, plus some smaller commercial facilities such as motels, hotels, care homes and extended living centres.�

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“KRN Residential Design provides not only the builders in the industry here, but also private clients, with the opportunity to meet with us and discuss their clients’ needs or their needs on custom houses in and around this area,� said Kelly Nadler, owner and operator of KRN. “We basically design and prepare construction drawings for custom housing. We also plan and design spec housing for builders, plus develop planning for condominiums and some lighter commercial projects.�

Nadler has worked in commercial design for over 17 years, but enjoys more interpersonal interaction. “I just find that working with families is more appealing to me,� he said. “When you work in housing, the projects are more intimate and you build relationships with the families that will be occupying the design, as opposed to dealing with large committees during the planning of institutional and larger commercial facilities.

“I like the smaller projects for that sense. It’s not just a project — it becomes more personal. I’ve always had this desire since I was very young: I had a natural creative imagination for design and would often plan out on paper living accommodations for myself and family, always taking into consideration our family's growing needs that occur through the course of life. We also keep this same focus when we meet with our clients.”

KRN has joined the Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association (RRHBA) to establish itself as a member of the industry in Regina through both boom and bust. “I joined because I wanted to strengthen my business and team up with the leaders in the industry," said Nadler. “I know there's a chance the industry’s not going to be as busy. The Regina market, and the Saskatchewan market in general, is booming, we’ve seen this before and we have to proceed forward with caution. Being connected with a well-organized community of members will always provide that extra strength for our company."

Membership in the RRHBA has the additional benefit of making a statement to those who may be in need of KRN’s services.

“It gives our clients and our future customers a sense of security that

we’re not a fly-by-night company,” Nadler said.

“We’re not messing around; we’re serious; we’re willing to be part of a group that abides by specific standards and code of ethics which helps ensure our clients that they'll be treated with professionalism.

We’re there to provide, to the best of our means and knowledge, a professional service. It’s important for our clients and future customers to know that.” n

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My Space

Home reflects couple's

Personal Style by wendY livingstone photos by Shawn fulton

T

he home that was designed for Heather McGinnis and her husband Darcy McKay in Harbour Landing is unique, and that is evident before one even steps through the front door. The unusual shape of the exterior of the home is the first aspect of the home to catch the eye. “I wanted something architecturally quite different, that didn’t look like every house on the street,” said McGinnis, a project consultant for Munro Homes Ltd. “We bought our lot, which is a corner lot backing onto the park, and then designed our house around it. Because we side onto a street, but also face a street, we put our front door on one street and we put our garage on the other street,” she said. “So, while it might be confusing if you’re having a pizza delivered and that sort of thing, it looks quite unique.”

heather McGinnis and her husband Darcy Mckay

38 You’re home Summer 2013

The distinctive appearance of the home is enhanced by the fact that it is asymmetrical, has a roof with a lower-than-average pitch, and has stonework only part way up the exterior walls.

McGinnis describes the home’s style as ‘urban modern.’

They believe that what is the perfect home for them will someday also be the ideal home for another couple who are at a similar stage in their lives.

Inside the home, the individuality that McGinnis and McKay have sought is equally striking. Decorated with rich, earthy colours, oil-rubbed bronze, textured-leather-finish granite, and woods such as maple and oak, the home has a very warm, inviting aura.

Natural Peruvian limestone tiles cover an entire wall, stretching to the top of a 14-foot vaulted ceiling.

McGinnis has found that the process of developing a new home is made much easier when the services of a professional interior designer are used, and the designer’s touch is evident throughout. “I’ve learned to listen to our interior designer and let her make decisions for me that I’m really not qualified to make, and involve her in the process,” said McGinnis. “It means relinquishing some control, but the finished product shows it.”

You’re home Summer 2013 39

The floor plan of the 1,812-square-foot, one-bedroom bungalow has been designed with a very specific purpose in mind — to accommodate the large-scale entertaining that the couple enjoys. “We are a little bit unique from an entertainment standpoint, in

that rarely do we have six people over — we have 60 people over,� explained McGinnis. “We wanted a house that would hold 100 people, and this house will.�

“We specialize in Cultured Stone Veneer Facings�

The kitchen is one that even the most ardent of cooks can only dream of, boasting double wall ovens, a full-size commercial fridge and freezer, two kitchen sinks and an oversize pantry. The storage has been designed to be very accessible, and includes no less than 78 drawers. Recently, the couple hosted an event in which three chefs — a head chef, a pastry chef and a sous chef —worked in the kitchen together. “They loved it because they could all work at once,� said McGinnis.

A seven-foot bar, complete with a wine fridge and a beverage fridge, is another feature of the home that makes it particularly suited to the type of entertaining that McGinnis and McKay enjoy. It has been located near, but not in, the busy area of the kitchen, allowing for drinks to be mixed and served without interfering with the cooking process.

“Quality Workmanship and Honest Results�

F .Y .

Construction

FYCONSTRUCTION 40 You’re home Summer 2013

M A S O N RY D I V I S I O N HOTMAIL COM s

There were two other important items on the McGinnis-McKay wish list: “Our reasons for moving were that we wanted a covered, screened-in deck and we wanted main floor laundry, which we couldn’t have in our last house, and we couldn’t even renovate to get them. Now, I’ve got a really big, beautiful, main-floor laundry room and we have an amazing screened-in area,� said McGinnis. During the construction period,

the couple decided to glass-in the deck area, allowing them to use it three seasons of the year, and it is now one of their favourite places to spend time. “We’ve been in this house for 14 months now. We’ve spent so much time in that screened and glassed room, we chuckled that we have an 1,800-square-foot home and we’re living outside of it in 140 square feet, because we were having breakfast, lunch and supper in there, watching TV, watching movies — we’ve spent every moment that we could in there,” said McGinnis.

Just as McGinnis advises customers of Munro Homes to set a budget and stick to it, she and McKay did not allow themselves to spend recklessly when planning their home. “We had a budget that we had to stay within, and we had to stay mindful of that,” she said. “We could just go crazy and spend more money than we have.” They chose a relatively conservative approach when designing their bedroom. “The house has what I would call a modest master bedroom,” said McGinnis. “It’s a decent size, but there’s nothing palatial about it. It has a modest en suite with a steam shower, which was number one on my husband’s list.”

the time comes to put it on the market — they believe that what is the perfect home for them will someday also be the ideal home for another couple who are at a similar stage in their lives. n

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While the home has been custom-made to perfectly fit the lifestyle and the needs of McGinnis and McKay, it is probably not what an average Regina family would be in the market for. The couple is not concerned, however, that the home’s unique features will negatively affect its resale value when You’re home Summer 2013 41

Design

compact

can have a big impact

F

by Jessica mees

or over 60 years, Qualico has been a leader in building quality homes.

As a division of Qualico, the expert team at Pacesetter New Homes Ltd. stands true to this testament and will build a home of any size to suit personal needs. Focused on providing experienced professionals to ensure that customers get the best and most functional design for their needs, this company is one of Regina’s pride and joys. When this company started out, the trend was to have larger spacious homes, but for some that is no longer an option.

“We’ve been in Regina for about two years. We’re still kind of in the growth stage, but we are part of the largest home building company in western Canada,” said Curt Keil, sales manager at Pacesetter New Homes.

While living in an apartment is ideal for some, many dream of owning the perfect home. For many first-time home buyers, this could feel like a pipe dream.

It doesn’t have to be. Home builders are now accommodating these needs with smaller-scale designs. When focusing on smaller structures, new home builders can deliver quality construction at a more affordable price.

“Maybe a lot of it is based on affordability but I think in a way there is a little bit of a trend to go smaller,” Keil said. “People don’t necessarily want a big home that they don’t need, even as far as just cleaning and maintaining.”

For many first time homeowners, a smaller-scale home is still a castle in comparison to their one-bedroom apartment. With the younger generation spending more time at work, school or socializing, the issue of space in a home

42 You’re home Summer 2013

Living big in fewer square feet

isn’t always the greatest concern. If a couple purchases a large sixbedroom house, is all of that space really being used? The chances are that it is not. The extra space becomes a storage area, half full, maybe even empty.

“It’s got to be personally assessing your own needs. What do you truly need for yourself? If it’s only a young couple, do they really need three bathrooms or can they get away with two? Could they just use a powder room ensuite versus a shower and bath,” he said.

“People just need to assess if that’s something they can live without.

In a smaller home the laundry might end up back in the basement, but one of the benefits now is that we have stackable machines. You can essentially put your laundry in a closet. A lot of space-saving techniques are appliance related.”

When taking a tour around a home, it is important to question how often you will make use of each room. At one point in time homeowners and guests gathered in living rooms nightly, but how many people actually use their living rooms now? As for a formal dining room, many families are opting to eat their meals around the smaller kitchen table. Of course there are exceptions, some families still follow the traditions of using these spaces, but this isn’t a necessity.

With a thoughtful floor plan, there are many simple ways to save

space. A smaller-scale living space doesn’t have to mean living in chaos. The simple addition of a window seat can add that relaxed feel you are looking for and add additional seating. The ceiling height and number of windows also have a huge impact on the look of a room. A small room with many windows is brighter and cheerier.

“Brighter and lighter colours can make a room feel a little bit larger.

Certainly from that standpoint a lot of it is related to decorating,” he said. “A lot of these smaller homes still have lots of storage space.

You’ve still got the kitchen cabinets and a pantry to keep the clutter out of the way. Smaller homes three or four years ago didn’t even have entry closets, but that’s not the case anymore.”

By finding clever ways to create more space, you won’t have to give up any of the items on your must-have list.

“Bathrooms are very well designed now. You can tuck a bathroom into a tight spot,” he concluded. “The design is better now; it’s made so there is no wasted space.”

Don’t forget the costs you’ll save on energy each year by simply reducing the square footage of your home. That small fact alone is enough to convert most people who are sitting on the fence about the purchase of a new home. n

You’re home Summer 2013 43

Explore Kensington Greens, a community of homes with classic architectural charm and enduring craftsmanship. Choose from a selection of affordable and spacious floor plans expertly designed by Regina’s most established home builders. Many homes feature front street verandahs, attached garages, larger back yards, rear lane access and wide lots, making for an inviting streetscape and friendlier neighbourhood.

Located in north Regina, Kensington Greens is an architecturally styled development including park spaces, play areas for children and lit pedestrian walkways. Choice park facing sites are available for executive styled homes.

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www.greensongardiner.com Regina’s Ne South Ea west Neighbou st rhood!

The Greens is Growing!

— Exciting News for 2013:

— New Phase of Lots — Neighbourhood/Mixed Use Centre Commencing Construction — Chuka Boulevard Connection to Arcola Ave. — NEW SHOW HOMES ARE OPEN! Visit our website for a complete list.

— Summer is here! Enjoy Regina’s Largest Completed New Park!

go with the flow ubble, Bubble, Bthey're no trouble!

By carol todd

S

outhern Saskatchewan homeowners may be loath to consider adding more water after this past spring, but for those who want to replace nature’s water features with the man-made variety, there are numerous options available.

From waterfalls to ponds and everything in between, there’s lots for people to dip their toes, er, fingers, into!

The newest trend in residential water fountains makes adding a water feature inexpensive and easy. They’re called ‘bubblers,’ and they come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and materials.

Don’t confuse them with drinking fountains of the same name, although they do operate in a similar fashion: water rises through the centre of the fountain, then bubbles up for a few inches before flowing back down into the reservoir to do it all again. Unlike drinking fountains, however, the ‘bubble’ at the top can’t be adjusted to a tall spout; the height of the ‘bubble’ varies according to the fountain. To give you an idea of how they work, there’s a bubbler in Wascana Lake on the north side near the bandstand, albeit much larger than the ones in residents’ backyards!

Brent Waliduda, owner of Paramount Plantscapes Ltd. in Regina, recommends the bubblers for homeowners who haven’t had a water feature in their yard before, have limited space or who already have a pond and want to add another, smaller, feature. “They’re convenient and economical and they’ll add a unique feature to your yard,” he said, adding that the new wave of fountains come in a range of sizes and styles. “Some even bubble three to four feet high.”

That variety lets homeowners choose not only what works best in the yard in terms of size and shape, but colour and design as well, to complement the house and patio or deck. Many of them even come equipped with either built-in lighting or places to add it, to create a special effect to the tumbling water.

Best of all, they’re easy to install and enjoy. “There are a lot of minikits available for small bubblers and even inexpensive kits for small fountains,” he said. The bubblers are pretty simple to put together and don’t require any special electrical or plumbing efforts.

“There’s a small pump inside and everything is sealed and waterproof,” said Waliduda. Just plug it in to an outdoor outlet and hide the cord under your mulch. Add some water and you have an instant bubbling fountain!

46 You’re home Summer 2013

There is also a myriad of larger fountains available that require a minimum of effort to install, making them another good choice for homeowners. They come in many sizes and shapes and can feature the same water recycling type of pump and reservoir as the bubblers. They can be large and heavy, though, so you’ll need to plan out where exactly you want them to go in the yard.

Waliduda recommends consulting a professional landscaper before tackling any major water features like large fountains, waterfalls, or even ponds, especially if there’s digging involved. “It’s a challenge to work with (Regina’s) clay soil,” he said. “It’s not as easy as you might think. It’s hard to make water run where you want it to go.” And, don’t forget to ‘dial before you dig!’

There are pond kits available, too, as well as above-ground tubs for those who want a water feature without the digging.

Regardless of the kind of water feature you choose, and especially this year with the wet spring, mosquitos can be a concern. The larvae hatch in standing water, so unless you have a fountain or waterfall that runs continually, you’ll need to consider adding the appropriate chemical to kill the mosquitos.

From waterfalls to ponds and everything in between, there's lots for people to dip their toes, er, fingers, into!

48 You’re home Summer 2013

The same applies to ponds, though with ponds you can substitute fish and water plants instead. Waliduda, who is a horticulturalist as well as a professional landscape designer and landscaper, suggests ensuring the plants cover at least 50 per cent of the total water surface to help keep the bugs away. The kids will love having fish in the pond, but remember fish grow and will have to be dealt with at the end of the summer. Fish are also fond of eating different varieties of water plants, so choose your greenery carefully to ensure you don’t have to keep restocking.

Whether you hire a contractor like Waliduda or take on a project yourself, it’ll help to have a clear idea of where your water feature will fit into your overall landscape. Thinking it through ahead of time, even sketching a rough design out on scrap paper, will ensure your water feature won’t have to be moved later and will continue to enhance the overall ambience of your yard - happily gurgling and bubbling for years to come. For additional information, visit www.paramountplantscapes.ca. n

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garage envy High performance coating saves garage floors

by Jesse green before

A

fter enduring one of the harshest winters in memory, Saskatchewan garage floors are in need of some spring TLC. Garages are easily the most neglected area of the home, with the concrete under attack from salt, chemicals and freezing water - kryptonite to the porous material.

Choosing the right floor protection can be a daunting task. Options include tiles, mats and numerous do-it-yourself sealants. What sets Superior FD Coatings Ltd. apart is the innovative technology in their polyaspartic coating.

Its ultra-fast drying time, UV resistance and the ability to be installed in extreme heat or cold offer many advantages over existing epoxy options.

garage that night. It can be applied in virtually any weather condition, including high humidity and sub-freezing temperatures.

Fuchs first saw these floors in Arizona, where the polyaspartic coating is very common. He and Deis researched and realized that it would be a great match for our climate, with the ability to install in any temperature and the long-lasting protection against salt.

A common problem that Superior FD sees is insulated garages that are not heated. The warmth from a newly-parked vehicle will heat the space and allow water to fall, bringing with it salt and toxins. When the vehicle and garage cool down, that water freezes and erodes the concrete. This continues day after day until the floor is cracked and uneven. “Having to remove and replace your concrete is a substantial cost. It’s better to protect it now than try to repair it later,” Fuchs said.

After enduring one of the harshest winters in memory, Saskatchewan garage floors are in need of some spring TLC.

“Our floor is better looking, longer lasting and more resilient than any other floor coating available today,” says Brandon Fuchs, who owns the Regina company along with Chris Deis.

Other sealants protect floors, but they need to be applied year after year. That means emptying the entire garage, applying the sealant, allowing for drying time and then putting the room back together every 12 months.

Superior FD’s surface will last for many years. It cures so quickly that if it’s applied in the morning, customers can be back in their

Superior FD Coatings has chosen to specialize in this particular garage floor coating, allowing them to become experts in their trade.

The company was founded three years ago and has since built a solid reputation in the Regina area with expansion to Saskatoon underway. Their attention to quality has won them many highprofile contracts, including Regina Lottery Homes and a number of show homes in the city.

You’re home Summer 2013 51

From simple car parks to decked-out man caves, any garage floor deserves both brawn and beauty.

The reaction from past customers is nothing but positive, with many people stopping by the booth at Regina’s Spring Home Show to comment on how much they still love their floors.

Regina melon-heads will notice the flooring in areas of Mosaic Stadium, applied by Superior FD. Elsewhere, this durable, attractive coating is used underfoot in L.A.’s Dodger Stadium and as a topcoat over the decorative concrete flooring at Florida’s Ava Maria University.

Just as it stands up to the masses of fans at Mosaic Stadium and Dodger Stadium, the coating will resist damage from most regular uses in a garage like rolling furniture, hot tires, salt, chemical spills, oil or gasoline spills. Along with fast drying times, strength and longevity, this flooring is also environmentally sensitive.

The coatings do not contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). VOCs are the solvents included in many paints which evaporate and contribute to smog and create that ‘new paint smell.’

From simple car parks to decked-out man caves, any garage floor deserves both brawn and beauty. Superior FD Coatings’ floor systems offer industrial strength and a striking appearance, adding function and value to any space. For more details, visit www.sfdcoatings.com. n 52 You’re home Summer 2013

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Shining Star a

Reconnecting

in the regina business community

by wendY livingstone photos by Shawn fulton

R

ichardson Lighting has spent the past 46 years building and maintaining a solid reputation in the Saskatchewan marketplace. From its humble beginnings as Richardson House of Fixtures on Scarth Street to its current 12,000-square foot location at 2101 Seventh Avenue, the business has grown to better provide lighting products to clients, who range from individual home owners to large building contractors.

Ernie Richardson, having earned renown for skipping the curling Richardsons to four world championships, founded the lighting company in 1967. Ernie's name as a successful, dedicated curler preceded him and Regina warmly welcomed its curling hero into its commercial establishment, but it was his commitment to customer satisfaction that secured the company's strong customer base for decades to come. Now, the day-to-day operation of the business is managed by Ernie’s son Don, who carries on the Richardson tradition of honest and knowledgeable service.

The Richardsons strive to support the businesses and individuals that have contributed to their success. Many of their clients are involved in the home building industry so, in 1983, Richardson Lighting joined the organization that is now the Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association (RRHBA) and has been a loyal member ever since.

Don’s ongoing contribution to the RRHBA includes assisting with the association’s events related to sports such as golf and curling. His volunteer support has also included several years of service on the board of directors, an experience that he found to be mutually beneficial.

“I learned a lot from just being part of it — how the committees were set up and how professionally it was run,” he said.

The board of directors is not, however, the only aspect of the RRHBA that has impressed Don. “They are very progressive — they are always looking at ways to improve their service and their presence. They have a great website and strong membership,” he said. “They are big in education, especially for home builders, making sure the businesses have their credentials to be able to operate in a profitable, professional manner.”

Don richardson (seated) and his father, ernie You’re home Summer 2013 55

He said that, because the RRHBA requires that its members uphold certain levels of competence, belonging to the organization lends builders and other members credibility. “[The RRHBA logo] is a logo that members can and will display proudly.�

Don’s high regard for the local association is shared by home builders’ associations across Canada. “Regina is looked upon with

great admiration throughout the country and in larger centres — highly respected, almost a model as to how it should be done, and that’s quite a compliment. Just the way they do business, the professionalism of the organization, the amount of members and the retention of members,� he said. “The RRHBA is awarded quite frequently at national conferences for outstanding achievement. It makes people pretty proud to be part of it.� n

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56 You’re home Summer 2013

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Home ome

couple shares first-time building experience

by Julie folk b Completed Photos by Vienna Di Ruscio Construction Photo by Julie Folk

58 You’re home Summer 2013

I

never thought I would build a new house.

I love history. When I thought ‘home,’ I thought of a beautiful, statuesque 100-year old brick home in Regina's Cathedral area. The house would be tucked amongst the green canopies that lined the streets, flanked by distinctive character homes.

Building a new home never entered my mind. Yes, they were nice and new, but the line of garages fronting the houses standing all in a row, full of high ceilings and big spaces? No way, not for me.

So when my fiancé Peter Woldu and I began house-hunting, I insisted on looking at the "established" areas.

As a real estate agent, Peter knew the market. We were never lacking for information or knowledge on the homes that came up on the market. He liked the idea of building new but agreed to look at existing houses throughout the city. Listing after listing in our price range came in. We'd tour the home, and while all were nice, nothing really seemed to fit what we were looking for.

Some of the houses had character, but most had a little too much character...out-of-date cabinets, stained carpet, scratched hardwood...the list was endless. As neither Peter nor I are what you would call "handy," all we saw was a lot of work and all of our savings going into renovations.

While walking through yet another house, we stopped to decide what we really wanted. Well, a walk-in closet would be nice.

And double sinks in the master bathroom. And an office overlooking the front yard. And maybe new cabinets. And how about an open great room?

It didn’t take much to realize that maybe building new was the answer. Peter knew this all along, but I needed the experience of the search before fully realizing how far a new build could go. Yes, there were concessions to be made. A beautifully landscaped neighbourhood and a nearby school would be years away - and by the time the trees formed a canopy, I probably wouldn't be there to see it. But, nevertheless, I was open to the idea.

I was concerned though. Could we build on our budget?

Peter and I had heard of Zarkor Construction Ltd. and the plans they had for new builds. We heard they were coming out with a new design.

We met with Shaheen Zareh, Zarkor’s CEO. The new plan was a long, narrow bungalow, to be built on a lane lot – so no front garage! He was still waiting for the plan and the design, but it was coming. In the meantime, we checked out some of the existing plans and a new build Zarkor had completed. The quality was there, and the design was there. And my mind changed just a little bit more.

We thought and we waited. Soon Zarkor had plans prepared for a stretch of land in The Greens on Gardiner - a set of lots that would be built on what was at that point a large pile of mud.

What is difficult about building new is stretching the imagination. Seeing a home in an established house is one thing.

Picturing building a life in a non-existent house is something altogether different. But I think we all have a little imagination in us if we try hard enough.

You’re home Summer 2013 59

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Zarkor’s new 1295 square foot bungalow design checked off all the items on our wish list: two sinks in the master bathroom, a second four-piece guest bathroom, an office in the front of the home with a gorgeous north-facing picture window, an open concept great room, and most importantly, a walk-in closet.

It didn't take much to convince us after that. Of course, for anyone building new, checking the builder’s references and credentials is a must.

bringing it all together was the tricky part.

Zarkor had included design fees with a decorator into our contract.

Her help was invaluable, as she took what we wished for and brought it together. She helped us choose and piece together the cabinets, countertops, laminate flooring, carpet, tile and paint colours - it was like making sure all the puzzle pieces fit.

By December of 2012, the house was ready. Our movein date was December 20th, and an eventful day it was. The house looked beautiful, and with all of the finishes we chose ourselves, it truly felt like ours. And we’re excited about our neighbourhood. We know most people on our block, including Peter’s twin brother, as they can’t seem to be separated by more than a few houses!

In November of 2011, we signed the contract, and then it was time to wait. We knew that construction wouldn't begin until the spring or summer of 2012. Yes, there were slight delays but mostly due to the wait for land surveys in the bustling residential construction industry.

Our builder was very good about adhering to the schedule. The build began shortly after the August long weekend, and in the meantime, we had our homework to do.

I think sometimes people are intimidated about building new because of all of the decisions that have to be made. In a new home, you can choose everything from doorknobs to the fireplace. When it comes to the finishes, the best part of building new is that you can make it yours. For many, that's also the worst part! We had ideas - too many ideas! We knew what we liked and what we wanted. Of course we each had our own thoughts as well – sometimes a little different from each other. While Peter likes shiny and modern, I'm more about that comfortable, homey feeling. So

before

Over the next couple of months it was a matter of bringing together everything else we had chosen and been “gifted.” We questioned how well our new furniture would fit with existing furniture and an antique dining set, but surprisingly everything looks perfect. I think it's because our furnishings and decorations really reflect our home - the people and past that we love, coming together in new beginnings.

While homes certainly have character, that character comes from the people who live there and who have shaped the home. A new home is the opportunity to add character – to bring life and personality to the walls. It’s the people who truly make a house a home - as we plan to for years to come. n

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growing regina: edgewater by miranda burski photos captured by adjile video production

H

arvard Communities’ Edgewater is one of Regina’s newest neighbourhoods, and its location makes it one of the most distinct.

landscaped boulevard that separates the homes from the street and provides an enhanced sense of entry into the community.” It will also feature signage to welcome visitors into the neighbourhood.

Located on the northwest edge of the city, Edgewater is situated right next to Wascana Creek and the Joanne Goulet Golf Course.

But community amenities aren’t the only features Edgewater has to offer. Harvard Communities has also taken steps to ensure the neighbourhood offers green initiatives to its residents.

“This community is a place where urban living meets rural tranquility,” said Chad Jedlic, residential land development manager at Harvard Communities. “Edgewater is a throwback to neo-traditional residential design, offering residents a safe neighbourhood and strong sense of community.”

“Wherever possible, lots have a north-south orientation to conserve energy use in the homes through passive solar gain,” said Jedlic.

He added that public transit has also been accommodated through a transit route that runs down Sherwood Drive and loops back up and around Hincks Lane.

Construction began on the Edgewater community in 2011, and the first phase was finished in fall of 2012. This first phase saw the completion of 200 lots. Construction on the second and final phase began in the summer of 2012 and provides another 100 lots for customers to choose from. It is expected to be finished this summer.

Homes with rear lanes were incorporated into the neighbourhood plan to help enhance community sustainability. These homes are considered to be a more neo-traditional design element. By having space on the back of the lot taken up by the rear lane, the living area of the home is situated closer to the street and sidewalk. “This helps promote ‘eyes on the street’ through strong orientation to the public realm,” Jedlic said.

The finished neighbourhood will be home to a community park and an on-street greenway along Sherwood Drive. The park is designed to appeal to kids of all ages and is easy for families on both the north and south sides of Sherwood Drive to access.

The on-street greenway, Jedlic explained, “will incorporate a

62 You’re home Summer 2013

The homes themselves have been designed to accommodate the needs of almost any potential resident. Some of the homes are smaller and full of character and inviting detail — these were

designed with first-time homebuyers in mind, Jedlic said.

The larger homes, however, come with extra options and extra space, perfect for homeowners that are looking to expand.

And there’s choice in the style of lot the home sits on, too. Jedlic said Edgewater features five different types of lots: walkout lots backing the Joanne Goulet Golf Course, traditional large lots with front garages, large lots with rear lanes, small lots with rear lanes and small lots with front garages. He explained that this selection makes the neighbourhood more accessible for potential residents.

“By providing a variety of housing types, a wider range of lifestyles and demographics is accommodated and allows the neighborhood to adapt to the changing needs of its residents.”

The lots that back onto the Joanne Goulet Golf Course are part of what makes Edgewater stand out in Regina. Select golf course-backing lots will accommodate high-end duplex homes, which is unique to that area of the city. In addition, golf course-backing lots for single-family homes, offering stunning views of prairie sunsets, are available.

Lots in the Edgewater neighbourhood are available through the community’s builders: Artisan Design Build Ltd., Crawford Homes (1991) Ltd., Daytona Homes Regina Ltd., Homes by Dundee and Pacesetter New Homes Ltd. Also available are move-in-ready homes. For more information about what Edgewater has to offer, be sure to visit the neighbourhood’s parade of homes or harvardcommunities.ca/edgewater. 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.

Learn more at www.harvardcommunities.ca/edgewater

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Offer valid from March 1, 2013 until July 31, 2013. cSubject to John Deere Financial approval and dealer participation. In the event you default on this or any John Deere Financial Multi-Use Account transaction, interest on all outstanding balances on your Multiuse accounts (including on this and all special Term transactions on your Multi-use Account) will begin to accrue immediately at 19.75% AIR from the date of default until paid in full, and you will be required to make monthly payments on your Multi-use Account equal to 2.5% (personal use); 3.0% (commercial use) of the original amounts financed plus interest. Taxes, set-up, delivery, freight, and preparation charges not included and may increase price or monthly payment(s).Minimum purchase and finance amount may be required. See your dealer for details. Program subject to change, without notice, at any time. 11For purchases on your Multi-use Account for personal, agricultural and commercial use. For eligible purchases of goods and services: 1) a minimum monthly payment of $318.43 is required; and 2) finance charges will begin to accrue immediately on amount financed at 17.9% per annum.

Offer valid from March 1, 2013 until July 31, 2013. cSubject to John Deere Financial approval and dealer participation. In the event you default on this or any John Deere Financial Multi-Use Account transaction, interest on all outstanding balances on your Multi-use accounts (including on this and all special Term transactions on your Multi-use Account) will begin to accrue immediately at 19.75% AIR from the date of default until paid in full, and you will be required to make monthly payments on your Multi-use Account equal to 2.5% (personal use); 3.0% (commercial use) of the original amounts financed plus interest. Taxes, set-up, delivery, freight, and preparation charges not included and may increase price or monthly payment(s).Minimum purchase and finance amount may be required. See your dealer for details. Program subject to change, without notice, at any time. 8For purchases on your Multi-use Account for personal, agricultural and commercial use. Offer is unconditionally interest free for the first 12 months. After the 12 month period, for eligible purchases of goods and services: 1) a minimum monthly payment of 2.5% of the original amount financed is required; and 2) finance charges will begin to accrue immediately on amount financed at 17.9% per annum.

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*Offer valid from May 1, 2013 until July 31, 2013. dDealers 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. 140% purchase financing for 60 months on new John Deere Compact Utility Tractors. Eligibility for $0 down payment offer is limited to highly qualified customers and scheduled monthly payments will be required. Taxes, set-up, delivery, freight, preparation charges and a $50 documentation fee will apply. Representative Amount Financed: $10,000, at 0% APR, monthly payment is $166.67 for 60 months, total obligation is $10,000, cost of borrowing is $0.

Monthly payments/cost of borrowing will vary depending on amount borrowed/down payment. MSRP cash price based on highest priced product in series: $18,189 (includes $50 documentation fee). Cost of borrowing based on Representative Amount Financed not MSRP cash price. Minimum finance amount may be required; representative amount does not guarantee offer applies. The charge for amounts past due is 24% per annum.

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Bathing Beauties: make an extraordinary tub the centrepiece of your bath

M

ake a splash in your main bath or ensuite with a signature bathtub!

by ashleigh mattern

Pair a traditionally curvy clawfoot bathtub with oil-rubbed bronze finishes and give your bathroom a gorgeous, old-fashioned look.

Or go ultra-modern and choose an angular freestanding tub with clean, crisp, square lines.

Either way, you'll be right on trend, because the current craze, no matter the style, is freestanding tubs, says Shelley Colleaux, show room manager at Kitchen & Bath Classics in Regina.

“That freestanding tub, whether in the centre of the room or under a window, becomes a really nice feature,” she said. “The freestanding bathtubs lend themselves very nicely to really contemporary designs.”

There's a tub for every style and finish that people are looking for, from standard acrylic to the more stone-like polymer to high-end volcanic limestone or even copper. “Copper will be a living finish, so it will change over time,” said Colleaux. “That's the beauty of copper.”

You’re home Summer 2013 65

Don't be afraid to try something daring; an extraordinary tub might be just what your main bath needs to give it that additional shot of personality.

An elegant and high end look creates a spa atmosphere, another design option that Colleaux says is popular right now.

Creating a spa-like space is as easy as getting the right tub: a therapeutic tub can include air, lights, a heated shell, and even aromatherapy. Colleaux's favourite is a freestanding tub by Bain Ultra that includes all of the spa bells and whistles.

“It's luxurious,” she said. “I like to have all of those features of a showpiece as well as the spa options. ... They combine everything; you've got the look, and all the features and comfort of a really nice tub.”

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66 You’re home Summer 2013

Willow Place is a newly released Mission Style inspired luxury adult condominium project located in popular Southeast Regina at the corner of Willow Road and East Haughton Road. Located within one block of the beautiful Prince of Wales Park, Willow Place is also close to various amenities along Quance Street as well as throughout the booming East end. Willow Place has 2 bedroom and den options.

Sizes range from 1063-1434 sq.ft. Suites feature modern open floor plans with 9’ A JOINT GILROY/VARSITY HOMES PROJECT

ceilings and lots of windows for natural light, granite counter and vanity tops with undermount sinks, maple or oak cabinets with clients choice of stain, stainless steel appliance package, ensuite bathrooms have 5’ glass enclosed showers. Features of the building include: amenities room, exercise room, heated ground level garage parking and storage, elevator service and wheelchair accessible. For complete information call 306-539-7628.

an extraordinary tub might be just what your main bath needs to give it that additional shot of personality.

Colleaux says for a lot of people, the bathtub is more for looks than for comfort, but for those people who love a luxurious soak, there are great options like air tubs. These tubs are similar to whirlpools, but air tubs send a steady stream of air into a tub to create bubbles, whereas whirlpools send a jet of water. The effect is less pressure from the jets and more tiny bubbles.

Air tubs might also be a better option if you're on a budget or dealing with a smaller space. They tend to be a tad cheaper than a whirlpool and they take up less space because the design allows for the pumps to be stored away from the tub itself. Air tubs also have the added benefit of being easier to clean: you just have to run the air jets for a few minutes after each bath.

If you're updating a smaller space that doesn't allow for a freestanding tub, Colleaux suggests tubs that taper at one end so they still fit into a traditional five-foot opening, but have a different character. Another way to deal with a tub that needs to fit into a three-wall space is to tile the front of or the space around the tub.

While the big trends are either ultra-modern or really oldfashioned, as always, style choices are extremely personal, and choosing the right tub for you is dependent on a lot of different factors. Keeping in mind how you're likely to use the tub will help you make the right decision.

“If somebody is a bather every night, we're definitely going to be looking at the comfort of a tub before we go to something with completely square lines,” Colleaux said. “We're not going to go with an air tub when somebody just wants a showpiece.” n You’re home Summer 2013 67

regina: ® energy Star of the prairies by tom eremondi photos by vienna di ruscio

I

f you want to buy an ENERGY STAR® qualified appliance, it’s easy: just look for the label.

It’s the same when buying an ENERGY STAR® for New Homes rated house. They sport the wellrecognized label on electrical panels.

If you’re really serious about an ENERGY STAR® qualified new house, here’s another tip: look in or around Regina.

“In Saskatchewan, 80 per cent of new homes being built to the ENERGY STAR® qualification are being built in Regina and region,” reports Francis Belle of FM Residential Designs & Consulting Inc. The company administers the program, supplying training to builders, testing of homes, and the qualification.

“We have 45 members who represent 85 per cent of new homes constructed here,” reported Stu Niebergall, President and CEO of the Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association. “About half of them are ENERGY STAR® qualified and this includes many of the larger builders, which is why we see such a large percentage of ENERGY STAR® homes.”

“We’ve had a couple of builders who have championed the qualification,” said Belle in explaining why Regina is so keen on the program.

“It actually goes back to the days of the R-2000 program, which started more than a decade ago, and home builders wanting to offer an energy efficient product.

It was the only program like it at the time and really caught on, Belle added, noting the program essentially has been replaced by the ENERGY STAR® for New Homes program, introduced about six years ago. “Builders more easily identified with the ENERGY STAR® symbol, which is one of the most highly recognized energy efficiency standards in the world.”

68 You’re home Summer 2013

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5 MINUTES EAST OF REGINA • 2.2 KM NORTH OF EMERALD PARK Dennis Slater 306-949-2006 Dennis@dshomes.ca

Office 306-949-7400 www.dshomes.ca

Pam Daly 306-570-3435 (Sales Consultant) Val Taylor 306-209-5352 (Sales Consultant)

"Builders more easily identified with the ENERGY STAR® symbol, which is one of the most highly recognized energy efficiency standards in the world."

“Energy efficiency is part of what we do,” said Al Bashutski of Crawford Homes (1991) Ltd.. “Our sub-trades were well trained in it, so it was easy to move from R-2000 to Energy Star®. It’s really just a matter of supplying a better product to the customer.”

Niebergall agrees. “Regina is a highly competitive marketplace and the builders are very responsive to consumer demands because of that. Builders wanting to offer more value in their product realize ENERGY STAR® is a great tool for doing that.”

The increasingly knowledgeable home buyer is another factor, Belle added. “Because it’s so well recognized and respected, they don’t even need the technical details. They’re convinced the moment they see the label.”

When originally established in Saskatchewan, the program mandated that, in order to qualify as ENERGY STAR® compliant, new homes would need to be at least one-third more efficient than other homes being introduced to the market.

“That’s changed,” said Belle. “Today an ENERGY STAR® for New Homes house now needs to be 20 per cent more efficient

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than what’s mandated in the building code. That includes the new building code, which will be introduced by the Saskatchewan government within six months to a year and which will, for the first time ever, have energy efficiency written into it.”

have a lovely granite countertop but, years from now, when you sell the home, it may not add much to its value. But, as energy prices continue to increase, the fact that your home is certified as part of an internationally recognized program will."

"If a home doesn't have the label, it's simply not qualified."

Essentially, if you’re buying an ENERGY STAR® qualified new house, you’re buying a leading edge product and a home that’s going to be worth something in the future, he says. While there are added costs to energy efficiencies, there are some advantages to installing these at the time a new home is built. The first is that any extra costs are built into the price and therefore amortized instead of being paid for later in one chunk.

“There are also ongoing savings,” noted Belle. “Whenever you invest in an energy efficient home, you’re getting an immediate payback because of the reduced energy costs.”

Again, Belle says to look for the label. “If a home doesn’t have the label, it’s simply not qualified.

A builder may tell you everything in the home is efficient but, without the label, there’s no proof now or in the future.”

In order to earn that label, the homes are inspected by an independent third-party after construction to ensure they’re compliant with the standards of the program, he adds.

Details and specifications about the program, its administration and rebates available, can be found at energystarsask.ca. n

While energy efficiency for homes has traditionally meant improved heating and ventilation systems, ENERGY STAR® for New Homes dictates further standards such as efficient lighting and reduced water usage. The qualification also sees sealed ductwork, better windows and doors, and added insulation, all increasing efficiency.

Niebergall says this leads to a superior product. “When you compare homes built in 1975 to homes being built today, today’s home is 66 per cent more energy efficient than the one built about 40 years ago. A 2013 home is over 30 per cent more efficient than a home built in 2005.”

This naturally is better for the environment, he adds. “During this time, even though the number of homes grew by six per cent in Saskatchewan, the more energy efficient homes saw greenhouse gas emission in the sector drop by 17 per cent. There are similar numbers reported across the country and there’s no other sector that can report the same kind of decrease.”

There’s one final benefit Belle identified.

“The ENERGY STAR® qualification will increase the home’s resale value. You can

Bring your plans in and see one of our qualified specialists…

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MOVING AHEAD BY GIVING BACK

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Has been given back in 2013 You’re home Summer 2013 71

a clever way to eekaboo P streamline your

appliaNceS space

A

practical trend from Europe is now making its way to Canada as a high-end option for stylish kitchens.

by ashleigh mattern

With hidden appliances, it just becomes part of the cabinetry…one continuous flow of cabinets.

In countries like Britain, where you'll find the smallest homes in Europe, hidden appliances help declutter and make tiny spaces look larger. In Canada, hidden or integrated appliances are a more expensive option and less of a practical choice, but Jeff Sastaunik, general manager at Coast Wholesale Appliances LP, says he loves the aesthetic.

“If I was building a home tomorrow, I would definitely do it because it's a great look,” he said. “You have these beautiful cabinets, and then bam! This stainless steel fridge sticks out like a sore thumb. With hidden appliances, it just becomes part of the cabinetry... one continuous flow of cabinets.”

The result is an arresting look quite different than what you expect to see in a kitchen. The continuous cabinets make a kitchen look more like a multi-use space, a particularly clever choice for today’s popular open concept floor plans.

Though more and more manufacturers are coming out with cabinet-ready appliances, there are currently only a select few higher-end manufacturers who will give an integrated appliance option, said Sastaunik. But the client doesn't need to do any of the work – Coast Wholesale will sit down with the cabinet makers to make the magic happen.

“They pick out the appliance they like and we do the rest,” said Sastaunik.

72 You’re home Summer 2013

Some manufacturers also offer refrigerated drawers.

Like a twist on the mini-fridge, these drawers can be installed pretty much anywhere: put extra freezer space in the pantry, tuck away cold drinks in the media room, or seamlessly create a place to store wine and spirits in a bar or living room.

Hiding big appliances is best done while installing cabinets so that they blend perfectly. Cabinets fade and change colour over time, so even if you use the exact same cabinets, they might not look the same if the integration is done at a later date, or with new appliances.

People are getting creative with the panels on their appliances, as well. Sastaunik says he's seen a few people putting chalk board panels on the fridge. This fun, family-friendly option also gives you the ability to leave notes, write inspirational quotes, or jot your grocery list right on the fridge.

If extending your cabinets to cover your big appliances is just too high of a cost to consider, you can get a similar sleeker look by building appliances into the cabinetry so they're flush with the rest of the cabinets.

The trend can also extend to smaller kitchen gadgets.

Who doesn't like the look of a clear, clean kitchen counter? One option is to put appliances away every

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time you use them, but hiding them is definitely more handy.

Imagine a coffee machine tucked into its own cupboard, or a toaster that rolls out from behind a microwave. You could park a suite of them in an “appliance garage.� This dedicated cabinet houses your appliances, plugged in and ready to use, yet out of sight.

You may be lucky enough to have all of your appliances from the same manufacturer, but many of us have a hodgepodge of mismatched appliances.

With this trend, you can hide all of that mess behind the cupboards.

Stepping outside of the kitchen, this trend is also finding its way into laundry rooms, with cabinets camouflaging the washer and dryer. In especially small houses, this might be a great way to turn a laundry room into a dual use space.

There's no doubt integrated appliances help make small spaces look larger, and in an already large home, they can make the kitchen look positively immense. Hop on this burgeoning Europeanimported trend early and impress your friends with your innate sense of style.

For more information visit: www.coastappliances.com.n

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Bringing your

Dream By you're home staff

E

veryone has their idea of the perfect home. Does yours include a great entertainment room for your family and friends to mingle or watch the big game on TV? May it include a spacious master ensuite to rest and relax in after a long day? Maybe a gourmet kitchen or home office?

Finding all or even some of these features in an existing home in today’s market is a real challenge.

You may want to consider all the advantages of teaming up with a reputable home builder who specializes in custom homes. You can get exactly what you are looking for, without the inconvenience of traipsing all over the city, from house to house, in search of your “dream home.”

“Clients who want a custom home generally have very particular requirements and ideas in mind. The prebuilt market cannot satisfy their criteria,” said Samuel Sthamann, vicepresident of Sthamann Homes Inc.. “Everyone is unique ... and at Sthamann Homes, we understand this and we can create the perfect plan for our clients, incorporating their ideas and preferences to build them the ‘perfect home’ in the location of their choosing.”

If you are choosing the custom home advantage, then it is best to have some particulars in mind before sitting down with a design team. For example, determine the specific rooms you’d like to include in the floor plan, the way you’d like to use these rooms or special details for specific members of the household. And, one of the most important factors for many people is, “What does my budget look like?”

“A custom-built home really allows the client to work within the investment level they can afford. There is a great deal of security and satisfaction knowing this house is being built ‘just for me, the way I want it and within my means,’ ” said Sthamann.

He added that the misconception that custom home building is more expensive than buying an existing home is misguided. Just the opposite can be true. Custom home building allows for the opportunity to consider and explore all the elements of the home, adding, subtracting and altering along the way to

76 You’re home Summer 2013

Home to suit the client’s wants and needs. Cost-saving measures, versatile layouts and cost-effective materials direct the building dollars to the client’s specific requirements to ensure value is added and unwanted items are eliminated.

Once the investment level is established, the design team starts working with the client on the home’s layouts and features. Some of the elements that a custom-designed home can highlight are the kitchen/great room concept, which encourages free-flowing interaction amongst family and guests, an indulgent wine room, or an inviting and therapeutic sun room to warm chilly winters and catch cooling breezes in summer.

Reality

Today more than ever, popular designs lean from transitional to contemporary with modern influences.

“The Regina market is tired of seeing the same old designs — there is a demand for new and fresh ideas; however, they must still be practical, both functionally and financially.

We at Sthamann Homes challenge ourselves to use common materials in new and exciting ways ... recently having accessed a large-scale, solid timber from a local reclaiming source for a rough-hewn mantel in a contemporarystyled home. The result created a one-of-a-kind centrepiece for the main floor.”

Determining the design style and layouts for Sthamann Homes' clients is accomplished by getting to know their clients, creating a relationship that fosters trust and creativity.

There are no substitutes for personal service.

Many clients share magazine clippings and images, as well as ideas from their favourite HGTV shows, to convey their preferences.

During conversations with the client, a concept is created, and often a 3-D rendering is provided so that the client has a virtual image of the space and form in which to relate.

Additionally, a rigorous review process finetunes the design, with the client having been involved as an active participant in the final product.

The key to achieving this is working with an experienced, professional builder with the knowledge and expertise to bring your dream home from a vision to reality. n

You’re home Summer 2013 77

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Harmony Builders can build homes in any of the following communities: Harbour Landing, The Greens on Gardiner, Greenside Terrace, Lakeridge, Skyview, Fairways West, White City, Rock Pointe Estates and Mission Pointe Estates.

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82 You’re home Summer 2013

Class

M

uch more than a source of light or the frame for a fabulous view, windows are their own source of interest and beauty. Inspired architectural details, unique shapes, and creative placement of windows allow them to make a statement all their own.

Leading the lineup of new trends in window design is colour. According to Dwight Bouchard, manager of All Weather Windows of Regina, “People not only want energy performance, but also choices in window exterior colour.” The company now offers an array of different colours on their cladded PVC and cladded wood products.

Bouchard says the use of colour is rapidly on the rise and interest is currently at least three times what it was five years ago.

“If you look at older homes, even some that are only five years old, a lot of them look similar, with white windows being the norm. Now, with choices in exterior colour, people can put their own flair on the trimming of their home, adding colour to the windows. There are lots of options for customers, and All Weather Windows has responded to this trend by giving our customers what they are looking for,” says Bouchard. People are looking to get away from the beige stucco house with white trim, and are going for black, brown or wood grain windows, more elaborate grille patterns and upgraded front doors.

Bouchard joined All Weather Windows nine months ago, but has been in the window industry for 15 years, and in the building industry in southern Saskatchewan for his entire career of 27 years. He says the reason he joined the company is because “All Weather Windows is the leader. They have invested heavily in technology, manufacturing improvements and new products.”

Visit our large showroom to see the latest designs in home lighting.

From traditonal to ultra-contemporary, our friendly and helpful staff will find the right lighting solution for your needs.

2101 - 7th Avenue, Regina Phone: 306-525-8301 Fax: 306-525-0753 www.richardsonlighting.com You’re home Summer 2013 83

Stacked windows are another hot new trend and have become an option to replace the traditional picture window. The stacked picture window may come with a casement on the side or awnings on the bottom.

these decorative curve top and off-angled windows like rake heads, and even trapezoids."

Much more than a source of light or the frame for a fabulous view, windows are their own source of interest and beauty.

Rake head windows have been available for a long time but are growing in popularity and are often incorporated into a big wall of windows with rake heads reaching up to a peak to maximize a vaulted ceiling. “With rake heads, you can follow the roof line, maximizing exposure to the exterior and creating a window wall,” says Bouchard.

Decorative curve top windows are definitely a popular choice as well. “They can be half-round, a segment of a circle, and elliptical shapes. In Saskatchewan we’re finding there are more and more of

The Apex window design is one of the most recent innovations at All Weather Windows, and is available in both PVC and exterior coloured metal cladded PVC. “The beauty of this window is in its unique construction. We use ‘v-weld technology’ which is different from the traditional box-to-box construction. This allows us to improve our performance and quality, and not compromise designs.”

All Weather Windows is currently responding to a market-driven innovation in front doors. “The front door system is another area where consumers are wanting more choice and options for their home. They want to have a focal point that is different from their neighbours,” observes Bouchard.

The front door appears to be where a lot of people are going to allocate more of their building budget to achieve this visual focal point, drawing attention to the front entryway. “There’s a lot of demand for new innovative choices from our customers in this direction. How are we reacting? We are looking at introducing new modern designs and different types of material for your front door.”

All Weather Windows is celebrating their 35th anniversary this year. Their vision statement continues to serve as their compass: “We relentlessly pursue customer satisfaction, one customer at a time.”

The company’s community involvement with Habitat for Humanity, Kids Help Phone, Salvation Army, and many other agencies, as well as the family atmosphere at the workplace, are likely just a few of the reasons why they are named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies.

All Weather Windows Regina branch is located at 645 Henderson Drive, Regina.

Their head office and manufacturing plant is located in Edmonton, Alberta. For more information visit: www.allweatherwindows.com. n

84 You’re home Summer 2013

Find your freedom.

For more information, visit www.thecreeks.ca

Grand Make a

Entrance

E

By Ashleigh mattern

legant, bright, or bold, everyone has their own outlook on style, and so every front entrance to a home has its own personal flavour.

“When you look at the front entrance of people's homes, they're looking to make a bold statement,” said Jamie Halbgewachs, general manager at Glacier Glass Service Ltd. “It's kind of like putting a cherry on top of the sundae. It's what you're going to look at first when you come to a home.”

86 You’re home Summer 2013

Making decisions about the front entrance depends heavily on personal taste. Would you prefer a clean and bright entrance, or a dark and elegant entrance? A lot of glass, or less glass for more privacy? How important is energy efficiency to you?

Despite these personal choices, Halbgewachs says there are a few trends he has noticed. For example, he says many people are choosing old-fashioned styles with a new technology twist – doors that look like oak or mahogany, but are actually stainable fiberglass doors.

“You get the old school look with the new school technology and energy efficiency, and they're maintenance-free,” he said.

Halbgewachs says that people often come to him with ideas of what they would like their entrance to look like, but haven't taken into consideration things like energy efficiency, privacy ratings or maintenance - decisions that are at least as important as appearance, in his opinion.

“You may pick out a beautiful looking designer insert in your door but find that it doesn't have enough privacy,” he said.

If the insert you like looks nice, but is completely transparent, and you don't want people staring into your front entrance, you might reconsider. Then again, there's a balance to be struck between natural lighting and privacy.

“You may choose a solid door and no glass in it, but you should be aware that will affect the lighting in your landing. Or if you have a landing that's currently dark, you might choose something with glass to brighten your landing.”

Gorgeous doors are all in the details, and the right combination can make a big impact. The door itself can come in a rainbow of colours and stains; glass can go from minimalistic and barely there to vibrantly coloured high-end designs. Even the door handle can have an effect on the final package!

“It's the biggest thing that can make the boldest statement on the front of your house,” said Halbgewachs. “Other than just the door, there are options to put decorative sidelights, or windows above the door, if you really want to make a statement.”

The exterior entrance also doesn't necessarily have to match the interior. Halbgewachs reminds us that there are “two sides to every door, and they don't necessarily need to be the same.”

“You can choose to have a coloured exterior on your door, like yellow or red, and then on the interior choose to match your wall colour or have a white door.... Or you might want to accent the door on the interior with nicer trim work.”

In addition to the selection of your front door, there's a lot you can do to make your entrance way welcoming. An article from the website Houzz suggests leading people to the front door with lighting and softening the entrance with greenery to make the house more inviting.

Inside, a clear space to put muddy shoes and hang jackets is always a great way to subtly help your guests feel more welcome.

To make the biggest impact, give your front entrance – both inside and out – the same attention to detail as you would any other room in your house. Your guests will appreciate the extra effort.

For more information visit: www.glacierglass.com. n

Gorgeous doors are all in the details, and the right combination can make a big impact.

You’re home Summer 2013 87

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Open the louvers slightly to increase ventilation, or a full 180 degrees allowing maximum sunlight into your home.”

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Wonder!

one day

by tom eremondi

after

T

he saying ‘it’s too good to be true’ applies to many things.

Bath Fitter Regina isn’t one of them.

The company, which is nearly 30 years old, has become a household name across North America for its bathroom remodelling projects that can be done in just one day.

“The advantage at Bath Fitter is we have about 650 different mould sizes, so we can line just about any steel tub in the world,” says Randy Shalovelo, co-owner of the Regina branch.

“This starts with our in-home estimate where we see the bathroom.

We let homeowners know the options that fit. They’re able to see and choose the product they want right in their own home. We can tell them right away what will work and how it will look.

“The other reason Bath Fitter is so well known is because of that one-day service,” he adds, noting the replacement liner is assembled in the Bath Fitter factory and then installed in the home.

“I’d say 95 per cent or more of our installs are finished in just one day. The majority of the installations take, on average, about six hours.”

before He notes the exceptions are likely cases where there is need to repair moisture damage, structural flaws or plumbing fixtures.

“These really need to be done before the liner is installed but the nice thing is Bath Fitter’s installers can do the repair work. There’s no need to hire another contractor.”

This will take the installation into two days, which is the longest a Bath Fitter install usually ever takes.

All installations are ready for normal use the following day.

Shalovelo says the result is a beautiful, one-piece acrylic wall system that fits seamlessly over existing fixtures for a brand new look. “We feel we’re unique in offering this one-piece liner. There are no seams, no need to re-caulk the corners, and the piece can wrap around wherever is desired, including from the floor to the ceiling for a full enclosure.”

You’re home Summer 2013 89

The saying 'it's too good to be true' applies to many things.

Bath Fitter Regina isn't one of them. after The durable, high-gloss acrylic material used by Bath Fitter means it is leakproof and scratch-resistant. “It’s easy to look after and clean with very little maintenance so it will continue to look beautiful and luxurious for years to come, which is why we’re able to offer a lifetime warranty.”

While white is always a popular choice, Shalovelo says a décor-conscious customer can also choose from solid and marble colours, as well as smooth or tile-patterned finishes.

Bath Fitter also offers a large number of accessories, including doors, corner seats, grab bars, shelves, soap dishes, ceilings, wainscoting, towel bars, faucets, window trims and mouldings, and shower rods.

“With the 650 moulds, the many colours and finishes, and the wide array of accessories, our customers have an unlimited number of options,” Shalovelo says.

before

While the company is known most for its liner replacements, he wants consumers to know it does more. “We can do complete tub replacements. If it needs to be pulled out and replaced because of wear or because homeowners want a different or bigger tub, we can do that.”

This includes custom-made showers and also tub-to-shower conversions.

“Again there is really no limitation to sizes. We can do just about anything.”

Shalovelo, who also co-owns the Saskatoon branch of Bath Fitter, says consumers can take comfort when employing Bath Fitter. “We’re fully certified, members of the Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association, and also part of Shell Busey’s HouseSmart referral network. He’s pretty thorough about who he selects, so that’s a pretty good endorsement.”

Experience is another favourable aspect, he adds. “We’ve been in the business a very long time and not just since the building boom. We’ve done over 16,000 bathrooms in Saskatchewan alone. Our references and testimonials will speak for themselves.”

The Bath Fitter lifetime warranty is also limitless. “We work very closely with our factory and our experience with any problems that do arise is that they will replace or repair it with no questions asked.”

For more information, visit www.bathfitter.com. n

90 You’re home Summer 2013

!

"

SPRuCE uP yOuR HOME FOR SuMMER

N

ow that winter is behind us, it’s time to get busy outdoors! Exterior building products manufacturer, Ply Gem Canada Inc. offers these suggestions for exterior home maintenance. In just a few steps, you can create a refreshed and magazineready home that’s sure to make a good impression.

1. Clean the gutters – During the winter season, we tend to forget about clutter such as twigs, leaves and other debris build up which can cause gutters to work overtime. Homeowners can easily clean gutters by climbing on a ladder and using gloves and a scoop utensil to remove the debris from gutters. For safety reasons, it’s best to have a partner to help hold the ladder and assist if necessary.

2. Window maintenance – A great way to instantly add brightness to your home is with clean and functioning windows. Homeowners can clean windows with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Homeowners should also check windows for damage such as air leaks and water collection.

3. Fix up the outdoor living area – Now that warmer weather is here, more time will be spent outside of the home and it is important that the outdoor living area is in good shape. Start off easy by removing dead branches from the yard or sweeping the deck. Make sure patio furniture is clean and ready to be used.

4. Spruce up your entry door – After months of snow and sleet, your entry door may be in need of some cleaning. Depending on material, cleaning methods may vary. The great thing about fiberglass doors is they are low maintenance and easy to clean. Simply use warm water and mild dish soap and clean with a soft cloth. Clean windows within the door using the same cleaning solution and wipe smooth to avoid streaks. n

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Kitchens

more entertaining than ever

T

he scene is set for life’s moments to unfold in today’s social kitchen with airy designs, ease of use and simple styles. As the Lifestyle Cabinetry website says, “Long live the kitchen party!”

by Jesse green photos by Shawn fulton

The main priority in 2013/2014 design style is around joining entertainment with function. Home owners who choose this style are looking for the all-inclusive space that is visually pleasing and still very useful. The choices for a welcoming and vibrant kitchen have never been better.

In cabinetry, the trend continues to move away from ornate detailing in favour of simple doors. “People are looking for that modern visual of flat doors, where wood is the focal point,” said Janine Kallis, interior designer with Lifestyle Cabinetry. “With a beautiful wood like walnut you get such a great visual of the grain.”

Ease of cleaning is a bonus, but the main motive is to capture the warmth and character of natural wood. White cabinetry also remains a popular choice with customers of the Regina-based custom cabinetry business.

People are opting to include more and more glass inserts, and letting the light shine is taking priority over the traditional upper cabinet. In recent years European designs have taken cabinets off the walls, and we are seeing this trend in our Canadian homes.

94 You’re home Summer 2013

The scene is set for life's moments to unfold in today's social kitchen with airy design, ease of use and simple styles.

So, where do the plates go when there are no upper cabinets? Open shelves and floating shelves offer solutions while still maintaining that spacious feeling. Large lower drawers have heavy-duty runner systems that are built to handle things like dishware and pots and pans. There are adjustable inserts and peg systems so that things don’t shift and these drawers do full extensions for easy access.

These oversized drawers are just one way to make your kitchen work harder than you do. The appliance garage is another convenient yet design-savvy item.

The space keeps toasters and coffee makers out of sight, yet handy. The doors on an appliance garage open vertically, making the most of the countertop’s linear footage.

“Whether it’s drawers or a pull-out tray, a pull-out corner cabinet - anything that can come to you is a must-have,” Kallis said. People don’t want to be carting a step-stool around the kitchen, or reaching to the deep recesses of a corner cupboard. A new take on the lazy Susan is the magic corner: a swivel pull-out that makes use of the entire corner space.

Nickel finish remains big in hardware, with some warmer metal tone making a comeback. Touchless taps are starting to show up more, with the pull-out faucets remaining popular. The stainless finish on appliances is still king, with luxury items like plumbed-in espresso machines, induction stovetops and infrared boilers emerging.

You’re home Summer 2013 95

European influenced under-counter refrigerators are beginning to gain popularity. “It’s all about the need to function in the space, and what you do with the linear feet has changed drastically,” Kallis said. A trained interior designer, Kallis works with both retail and home builders at Lifestyle Cabinetry.

Using only Canadian products, Lifestyle Cabinetry strives to set the standard of excellence in the renovation industry. Their personalized service includes an initial design meeting, custom manufacturing, professional installation and quality check. Price points range from modest, in-stock items to top of the line custom projects.

Lifestyle Cabinetry’s designers field requests ranging from a small piece of furniture to assistance with a full renovation including sourcing out construction, electrical, plumbing and flooring experts. “We try to be as much of a one-stop shop as we can, if that’s what the client needs. Or, if someone likes to do all their own work then we try to be as helpful as possible,” said Kallis.

Lifestyle Cabinetry can tackle any room in the house from a walk-in closet to laundry and entertainment units to recreation rooms. Whatever the project, the aim is to join entertainment with function and help make your house a home. For more details, visit www.lifestylecabinetryinc.ca. n

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like drill bits or cutting blades. • Use only electric power tools that have either a three-prong plug or double insulation with a heavy enough gauge -- or wire size -- to handle the electricity load. Use an outlet with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter to protect against electric shock. • Ensure products such as electric lawnmowers, barbecues, power tools, ladders, decorative lights, extension cords and safety apparel carry the mark of a recognized or accredited certification organization, such as CSA Group. eXteNSioN corDS • Check extension cords for wear and damage before each use. Discard any cords that are frayed or have damaged insulation. • Never connect more than one extension cord together. Instead, use a single cord that is long enough to reach from the outlet to an appliance or tool. • When working outside, only use cords clearly labeled for outdoor use. • Never run an electrical cord through a doorway or under a carpet. If a cord becomes hot when plugged in, discontinue use immediately and replace with a heavier gauge cord. (MNS) n

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Ask an expert Your home

in Design

By Brenda Gordon & Launa Koch

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

Q: HOW Can I BrIng DeSIgner STyLe TO My COTTage On a TIgHT BUDgeT? A: With summer in full swing, a lot of us have migrated to the cottage for the season. A lake cottage is a place to relax and enjoy nature so make decorating choices that bring that relaxing atmosphere indoors and reflect your personality. Those with stylish inclinations – and those without – may struggle with how to create a beautiful space in their cottage that is both fashionable and done on a budget.

Cottages aren’t usually the place to spend lots of money on decorating, so often it is all about the family handme-downs. Without a common colour scheme, the cottage can end up looking like an odd mix of clumped together old things. Another challenge most cottage owners have is making the most of low square footage and small spaces. By following a few key pointers and being creative, you can have a cottage that is both functional and magazine-worthy.

Q: IS IT OKay TO MIX anD MaTCH FavOUrITe PIeCeS? A: There is a lot of freedom in piecing together an eclectic room but it can be in danger of looking cluttered and unruly. One of the best ways to put this look together is to have a simple background and choose your accent colours based on the items you bring in to the room. Soft off-white or tan coloured walls are a great base, while throw cushions that match the colours in an area rug will help bring everything together.

It is always more charming to mix and match different periods and wood tones than to have everything look the same. You can include furniture from periods ranging from vintage to contemporary or modern. This gives the room some character and don’t worry if you find this to be too much; a can of spray paint and slip covers will do amazing things to furniture.

You’re home Summer 2013 101

Enjoy the pieces you have and the stories that are attached to them! Decorate with vintage accessories that have been passed down from mom or found in thrift shops. Cottage style has an old eclectic vibe and is allowed to be a little quirky. Keep proportion, scale, colour, and texture in mind when grouping objects or furnishings. A shelf of framed pictures and random objects may look cluttered until a balance is found.

Pleasing groupings tend to be in odd numbers and have a variety of shapes and sizes - such as small and round, tall and slim, and medium and slim. Remember the colours you picked out as accents in the living area? Bring that into other public spaces such as the kitchen to create flow throughout the cottage.

Q: WHaT’S a QUICK Way TO UPDaTe My eXISTIng FUrnITUre anD gIve IT a FreSH LOOK On a BUDgeT? A: Slip covers add instant appeal to cottage décor. Pre-made slip covers can be found in an assortment of solids, plaids, checks, and florals and are perfect for any style cottage. As they can be thrown in the wash, slip covers are easy to care for and are ideal for cottages with children or pets. If you have a piece of furniture you can’t find a pre-made slip cover for because of an odd size, throw a hand-made quilt over the piece for an instant lived-in comfortable look. Nothing

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102 You’re home Summer 2013

says cottage style more than a painted piece of furniture. Try to add at least one piece in every room. Whether it’s a small wooden stool to hold a potted plant or a large china cabinet, painted pieces are needed in a cottage!

Q: HOW Can We reDeFIne OUr eXISTIng COTTage TO KeeP UP WITH OUr CHangIng anD grOWIng FaMILy neeDS? A: With small cottages come big space constraints. More and more people enjoy entertaining large groups of people and many guests spend the night. Making the most of the living space in each room will make entertaining that much easier. Anytime you can make use of vertical space you really maximize your floor space so use bunk beds in the spare bedrooms and open or closed wall units for lots of storage space. Flexible seating in a living room goes a long way when a large group has come to visit. Opt for upholstered storage ottomans and small benches to complement sofa and loveseat arrangements. Storage ottomans are great for hiding extra blankets and pillows, putting your feet up, and acting as additional seating.

Cottage furniture can be used for more than one purpose, so when you’re looking at a specific piece, think outside the box.

Armoires can act as a computer desk, a craft closet, or extra storage space and dining room hutches can store books and board games for those rainy days. An empty or rarely used storage shed might need a little TLC before it’s ready to be used as another living space but it can be well worth it. Not only does it make better use of space, it also offers excellent privacy for a guest bedroom!

Another space to make ample use of is your outdoor space.

Pavers and plentiful greenery make a naturally beautiful backdrop for an outdoor space, such as a screened in porch or patio. To enjoy the view or read a book, create a restful area with comfortable seating and a variety of textures such as wicker.

A soft palette of faded colours and warm surfaces, relaxed and plentiful seating, and glorious views are what we crave in cottage living. A beautiful cottage is simple to do once you can recognize how it needs to function and how you can creatively make use of various furnishings. You really can’t make a mistake when decorating, so select items that appeal to your personal taste and you’ll have a stylish cottage that is deserving of a magazine spread.n

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ences allow us to create and beautify our own little slice of the world in the way that suits us best. City lot sizes aren’t what they used to be which means our neighbours are closer than ever, and we have a greater need to create a space that is truly our own. A fence can provide that needed privacy, that longed-for sense of a personal retreat, making the most of any sized yard.

got easier access.”

Olympic Paving Stone has listened to their customers and responded to the demand for maintenance free fences. “People don’t want to take holidays just to change the fence anymore. In the springtime they can just spray it off, it’s clean and they’re good

This is what motivates the visionaries at Olympic Paving Stone Inc., this opportunity to “give people an oasis in their own yard.” Owned by two Regina brothers, Olympic is on the cusp of a trend toward upgraded fencing options in the form of maintenance-free PVC systems.

“People are wanting to move away from the wood fence. So we worked at getting the price down to where it’s comparable to all the products that are out there. We were doing cedar and pressure-treated, and the demand pushed more toward maintenance-free systems,” said the owners.

While the company offers a diversity of products and services, PVC fencing has recently become a significant part of their focus. Part of the appeal is the clean look the system delivers. Once the install process is complete, the hardware is completely hidden inside the poles. “It’s not like some of the other PVC systems out there, where you see the brackets on the outside and the screws and all that. This is a nice clean system,” they said.

The installation process is also much more streamlined than that of traditional fencing. There’s no drilling into the ground with an auger and waiting for your pole to set in concrete.

Instead a 2 3/8” or 1 7/8” pole is pushed into the virgin soil, leaving the soil and neighbouring yards undisturbed.

The total installation time is reduced when working with a PVC fence system. “You can probably stand the fence up in seven to eight hours for the full yard, as opposed to taking two days,” they noted. “The other nice thing we have is a ‘girthier’ rail. And we go seven feet on center as opposed to six feet and it allows for easier travel for your bobcat, you’ve

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You’re home Summer 2013 105

to go, and then people can go on their holidays, never mind painting your fence or whatever you’ve got to do to maintain your property, come summertime.�

These fences come with a limited lifetime warranty. “Manufacturers have worked more vigorously on the impact modifiers, and the aluminum oxides for the UV protection. So it’s a really good product.�

If customers want to fancy up their fences, Olympic says, “We do it all.

We have semi privacy, lattice top, box top, gothic, and we have fluorescent lighted caps for the top of the poles.� They also offer a variety of colours including tan, brown, clay, wood grain, as well as many style variations.

Another focus for Olympic is constructing AB sound wall systems which constitute an industry answer to precast systems. These sound wall systems have become predominant in urban subdivisions recently and their appeal lies in their versatility. “It’s a mortarless system that is much more versatile because you’re not stuck to one predetermined size. We can make them as short as four feet and as long as twelve feet. We can build our sound wall systems on site and build them to fit,� they added. In addition to commercial use, Olympic has customers requesting these systems for their lakefront properties.

What is especially gratifying to the folks at Olympic is “the excitement we see in a customer’s face when the project is done. It comes down to working with the people and then how happy they are with the end result.� With happy customers to their credit, Olympic Paving Stone should enjoy ongoing opportunities to continue beautifying neighbourhoods in and around Regina.

Olympic Paving Stone is located at 1035 5th Avenue North in Regina. For more information, see www.olympicpavingstone.com. n

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ByBy Greg Greg Murphy Murphy

Q: I Have Been TOLD IT WOULD Be a gOOD IDea TO PUT THe TITLe TO My HOMe In jOInT naMeS? IS THaT a gOOD IDea? A: The most common form of joint ownership is “joint tenancy�.

While all joint tenants are alive, no individual owner may deal with the property without agreement of the other owner or owners. To sell or use the property as security by granting a mortgage, all joint owners must sign the relevant transfer or mortgage. However, when one owner dies, the surviving owner(s) may apply to the registrar of the Land Titles Registry to have a new title issued. Upon proof that one owner has died, the registrar will issue a new title to the property in the name of the surviving owner(s). Ultimately, the “last man standing� can take it all.

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108 You’re home Summer 2013

In the case of spouses and their family home, joint tenancy often makes good sense. Under The Family Property Act, spouses have an equal interest in the value of their home regardless of who is shown as the registered owner on title and (absent exceptional circumstances) regardless of contribution to the family home. Since both spouses share equal beneficial ownership in the property, it typically makes sense for them to own the property as joint tenants. Then, if one spouse dies, the surviving spouse may apply directly to become sole surviving owner. On a home worth half a million dollars, this can save $3500 in court fees and more than that in legal costs which would be incurred if the property was owned solely by the spouse who died and passed to his or her surviving spouse through probate.

Q: are THere negaTIveS TO SPOUSeS OWnIng PrOPerTy aS jOInT TenanTS? A: The most significant negative to both spouses being shown as tenants on the title is if one spouse has or develops significant debt issues. It used to be that a judgment creditor could not seize or force the sale of assets the debtor held jointly with a third party but under the newly enacted The Enforcement of Money Judgments Act, judgments may now be enforced against joint property by severing the joint interest with the third party and allowing the judgment creditor to seize and sell the judgment debtor’s portion of the property.

With property that is not the family home, including bank accounts and investments, joint ownership reduces estate-planning options. In particular, it may preclude the establishment and funding of testamentary trusts which under current law may result in significant tax benefits that may outweigh the cost of probate many times over. n

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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. I’ve HearD THaT MOrTgage gage LIFe InSUranCe THrOUgH My BanK IS eaSIer TO aPPLy FOr. IS THIS TrUe? A. The application process for life insurance through your bank is most likely an easier process. However, there is a catch! Applying at the bank is usually a series of three to five questions and you’re finished. Through a life insurance company, the questioning is extensive. You will be asked many questions pertaining to your health as well as your lifestyle. Depending on how you answer the questions, further investigation on your health history may be required through your own family doctor. In many cases, blood specimens and other tests may also be required. Here’s the reasoning behind all this. Life insurance companies determine your insurability BEFORE they insure you. Bank life insurance makes the determination AFTER you’re dead. This presents many problems as you can guess. In fact, mortgage life insurance may not even pay at all as a result of “pre-existing conditions.� Life insurance companies

e? m o h a g n i y Bu rotection Mortgage p important an insurance is a home. ing part of own t your options. bou Let ’s talk a u coverage yo r fo n la p a Get e the ou – just lik y h it w y r r ca . r new home keys to you

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110 You’re home Summer 2013

Q. Can I CHOOSe MOre THan One BeneFICIary FOr My POLICy’S DeaTH BeneFIT? A. With mortgage life insurance, the bank is the beneficiary of the death benefit. Great deal for them, not so much for your loved ones. With a life insurance policy through an insurance company, you choose the beneficiary. In fact, you can choose as many as you like, and they can be changed at any time! If your Auntie Grizelda holds a special place in your heart, you can choose to leave her as much or as little as you see fit! In either case, life insurance proceeds in Canada are tax-free, so your beneficiaries need not worry about saving some of the money for the taxman.

Q. DOeS THe PreMIUM I Pay COrreSPOnD TO WHaT I OWe On My MOrTgage?

*

jeff.wood@sunlife.com www.sunlife.ca/jeff.wood Avord Tower, Suite 1200 2002 Victoria Avenue, Regina Regina, SK S4P 0R7

already know what these conditions are (if they exist) and make the decision to insure you prior to issuing the policy. For most people, those differences represent a huge risk to the future financial security of their family – a risk they aren’t willing to take.

A. With the bank insurance, you will pay a level premium for a decreasing benefit. Typically, as you renew your mortgage you also need to reapply for the insurance coverage. Since you are older when this happens, the premiums go up. Through a life insurance company, you can choose a term where the premiums remain the same for up to 20 years with no increases. This certainly helps you with long term budgeting. If you have major health changes you risk being denied each time you renew.

Locking into a long term premium guarantees that there will be no increases, no matter what your health looks like. That gives most people peace of mind. n

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rrHba member directory 1 STOP vaCUUM CenTreS aaa Spray foam acceSS communicationS adjile advance door SyStemS ltd. aecom affinity credit union aLFOrD FLOOrS & InTerIOrS (1967) LTD. aLL WeaTHer WInDOWS allman HomeS & realty ltd. ameriSpec Home inSpection Service ardel Steel armada conStruction corporation arrow plumbing & Heating arTISan DeSIgn BUILD LTD. aSl paving ltd. aSpen granite aSpen HomeS ltd. aSSociated engineering ltd. aSSociation of regina realtorS inc. aUDIO WareHOUSe autHentic developmentS inc. bank of montreal Bar T COnSTrUCTIOn & Pre-STaIner LTD. BaTH FITTer regIna bayweSt projectS SaSk inc. beSt price railing ltd. better buSineSS bureau of SaSk. inc. biofoam Spray foam inSulation & coatingS brandt tractor ltd. brown communicationS group inc. budget blindS budget car & truck rental

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builderS’ plumbing and Heating calvert conStruction ltd. canada mortgage & HouSing corporation canadian Home builderS’ aSSociation canadian Home builderS’ aSSociation - SaSkatcHewan canadian weStern bank canridge roofing canyon creek eStateS cap maSonry capital ford lincoln caveman Stone productS inc. centum canada mortgage direct ltd.

CenTUry WeST HOMeS LTD. certapro painterS cHipperS contracting ltd.

CIBC MOrTgage & LenDIng cindercrete productS ltd. city of regina claSSic canadian HomeS ltd. cng Stone productS ltd. coaSt wHoleSale applianceS lp COBB & COMPany CaBIneTS InC. cold buSterS inSulation ServiceS condominium inStitute coneXuS credit union COnTInenTaL FaCTOry DIreCT convoy Supply ltd. cornerStone maSonS ltd. crawford HomeS (1991) ltd. creative door ServiceS ltd. creative kitcHenS ltd. crown appraiSalS - randy totH

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crown SHred & recycling inc. culligan water conditioning cypreSS HomeS ltd.

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DUnDee DeveLOPMenTS durabuilt windowS & doorS eaSy wall & ceiling edward joneS inveStmentS emco corporation eMeraLD ParK HOMeS LTD. enerCOn PrODUCTS LTD. a BeaCOn rOOFIng SUPPLy COMPany envirofoam inSulation regina evanS development group inc. everflow eaveS & eXteriorS inc. evOLUTIOn InSULaTIOn InC. eXecutive royal Hotel regina eXit realty fuSion eXterior finiSHerS direct inc.

F.y. COnSTrUCTIOn InC. fanny’S furniture & kitcHenS federated inSurance fenk conStruction ltd.

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HenderSon inSurance inc.

Home SolutionS HomeS by deverauX HOMeS By DUnDee Huntwood cuStom cabinetS ltd.

HyBrID COnSTrUCTIOn HyDeMan PrOPerTy ManageMenT LTD. information ServiceS corporation of SaSkatcHewan ingrid ruud decor8… ing conSultant inland concrete div of leHigH HanSon inland metal mfg. (1994) ltd. innovation renovation & roofing inc.

I-XL MaSOnry SUPPLIeS LTD. j & c cuStom cabinetS ltd. jay'S MOvIng anD STOrage LTD. jeld-wen windowS and doorS jgn kitcHenS & batH jIC STOrM-TITe WInDOWS & DOOrS k.m. burgeSS agencieS ltd. kanuka tHuringer llp KarIna DeveLOPMenTS LTD. kaycan ltd. kc renovation wareHouSe ltd. kelturn drywall ltd. kenroc building materialS co. ltd. kim SHaHeen financial inc.

KITCHen & BaTH CLaSSICS KITCHen CraFT CaBIneTry KLean KIng vaC LTD. kmp law kpmg llp kratz HomeS ltd. krauS canada inc. krazy kiley’S krn reSidential deSign ltd.

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306.543.5319 COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL WIRING 112 You’re home Summer 2013

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MILLer THOMSOn LLP mintz & wallace c.a.’S monarcH HomeS (1970) ltd. munro HomeS ltd. myraH appraiSalS n.i.S. contractorS ltd. national Home warranty group inc. neW HOMe WarranTy PrOgraM OF SaSKaTCHeWan neXuS conStruction ltd. nimbuS water SHop nOrTH PraIrIe DeveLOPMenTS LTD. nOrTH rIDge DeveLOPMenT COrPOraTIOn nOrTHern FIrePLaCe LTD. nortHern tar & tile ltd. nortHern tropic SolariumS nU-FaB BUILDIng PrODUCTS oak park living olive waller zinkHan & waller llp olympic paving Stone inc.

On av InC. operation dirt (2006) inc. optimum roofing inc. overHead door co. of regina (1973) ltd.

P.B. CUSTOM CaBIneTS renOvaTIOnS & MILLWOrKS PaCeSeTTer neW HOMeS LTD. palandri cabinetS paradiSe leiSureScapeS ParaMOUnT PLanTSCaPeS LTD. ParKLanD CarPeT One pebble tree developmentS pHantom ScreenS ply gem canada inc. poSH patio deck coverS inc.

POWer HOUSe eLeCTrIC LTD. primary engineering and conStruction prime faStenerS profeSSional plumbing & Heating inc. progreSSive Home warranty SolutionS inc.

Pv DISPOSaL quantum conStruction inc. queen city cuStom conStruction inc. queen city glaSS (1961) ltd. r.n.g. marketing inc. rbc royal bank reeSOn PreMIUM SIgnS LTD. regina & diStrict cHamber of commerce regina conStruction aSSociation regina regional opportunitieS commiSSion regina Soffit & eaveS ltd. regina window & eXteriorS reimer cuStom HomeS & commercial inc. renewed kitcHenS rICHarDSOn LIgHTIng rick’S cuStom cabinetS & renovationS ltd rIPPLInger HOMeS rOBInSOn reSIDenTIaL DeSIgn InC. rona Home & garden roofmart prairieS ltd. roSS projectS inc.

SaSkatcHewan cHamber of commerce SaSKaTCHeWan COnSTrUCTIOn SaFeTy aSSOCIaTIOn SaSkatcHewan HouSing corporation SaSKenergy SaSkpower SaSKTeL Scotia mcleod - prairieview wealtH management SCOTT nICHOLSOn FIne arTS SearS commercial Security building SupplieS Securtek SHaDeMaKer BLInDS SHatkowSki HomeS SHaver’S SaSH & door ltd.

SHerWOOD CO-OP HOMe CenTre SHield integration ltd.

SHoemaker drywall SupplieS Sierra conStruction ltd.

Sign a rama - regina

Sk environmental induStry & managerS aSSociation SlabmaSter ltd.

SOUTH COUnTry eQUIPMenT LTD. SoutHland roofing inc.

Spray guard air tigHt SolutionS inc.

Spray joneS SprayweSt inc.

Spring green HomeS ltd.

Stantec conSulting ltd.

STeeL CraFT DOOr SaLeS & ServICeS LTD. Sterling plg, Htg & a/c ltd.

StHamann HomeS inc.

Stucco by tom (2010) inc.

SUn LIFe FInanCIaL Sun weSt conStruction ltd.

Sundog developmentS ltd.

SunSet bay leiSure SuperblindS & draperieS of regina Superior cabinetS SUPerIOr FD COaTIngS LTD. td canada truSt Terra DeveLOPMenTS InC. tHe brick tHe lung aSSociation of SaSkatcHewan THe MOrTgage CenTre - DeSIgn MOrTgageS tHomaS Sand & gravel timberStone diStribution regina town & country plumbing & Heating (2004) trademark HomeS inc. travelodge Hotel & conference centre TrITHarT HOMeS truSS t. mfg. ltd.

ttH law firm ultimate inSulation foam & fire united drywall ltd. uSonia HomeS inc. utopia deSignS varSity HomeS ltd. w.f. botkin conStr. ltd. ready miX div. wappel conStruction ltd. weStcan mecHanical SaleS ltd. weStmount developmentS ltd.

WeSTrIDge HOMeS LTD. weStSource WHeaTLanD FIrePLaCe wHeatland roofing inc.

WILCO COnTraCTOrS SOUTHWeST InC. windfield conStruction ltd. wood country wood ridge flooring ltd. yagar DeveLOPMenTS InC. zarkor conStruction ltd.

BOLD LISTIngS InDICaTe MeMBerS aDverTISIng In THIS ISSUe

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You’re home Summer 2013 113

cLOsIng REMaRks by stu niebergall, president & ceo Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association

A

universal design for life

growing trend when consumers are purchasing a new home is incorporating universal design. Universal design is another way to look at how the features in your home add comfort and convenience not only for today, but into the future as well. Universal design is useful and marketable to people with diverse or changing abilities. This approach ensures reach, manipulation, and use regardless of the user’s body, size, or mobility.

This type of home is designed with products and environments to accommodate all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. The perfect way to incorporate these design features into your life is through the building of a new home.

When a home is designed in such a manner, it thoughtfully takes into consideration design ideas that benefit everyone in the home at different ages and stages of life, which is why it is considered to be universal design. Sometimes this can be misunderstood as design that accommodates disabilities. Though this is taken into consideration, it is really about achieving accessibility.

Wide entrances that accommodate a wheel chair also make it a lot easier to maneuver a child sleeping in a stroller through the front door.

Another example of universal design is levered handles on doors.

Whether you have some form of arthritis in your hands, are bringing in groceries, or are a young child with small hands, levered door handles are easier to open.

Inside the home, accessibility is enhanced when there is one level construction, with no sunken rooms or steps. Non-slip floors in the front entrance and bathrooms, combined with good lighting, and light switches and electrical outlets that are not too high or too low, are easy and inexpensive adaptations. An open plan design minimizes hallways and doorways and therefore maximizes mobility and sight lines. If you need a hallway make sure it is wider, and in the living/ dining/family room ensure there is enough turning space for a wheelchair.

114 You’re home Summer 2013

Outside the home, well-lit walkways and as few steps as possible to enter the home are potential ways to improve accessibility. In our weather conditions this is safer in wet or icy conditions, easier to clear snow, ice, and leaves, and repairs are simpler and less expensive.

In addition, covered entranceways and easy to operate door locks, like push pads or fingerprint identification rather than keys, should be considered. Low-maintenance vegetation and raised planters and flowerbeds can add outdoor style and make the yard easier to maintain years into the future.

Including the option to age in place into the initial design of your newly built home can have significant benefits and save costs down the road. This is in part why mature home buyers are finding these design principles so attractive when moving from an older home into a new home.

I am not suggesting an existing home cannot have many of the universal design principles incorporated into the home through renovations. This can be done, though it may be costly to make the changes that will accommodate your needs when you are older.

However if you are thinking of building a new home and want to “future proof” your home, we suggest you plan ahead and talk to your builder about getting the right features and products included right from the outset. This will allow you to build a home that is retirement-ready. Building a home that is retirement-ready, that can accommodate mobility challenges, if necessary, can save you a considerable amount of money later on. It also adds to the comfort, convenience and safety of your home today.

One thing we are anticipating is that as baby boomers continue to age, demand for more accessibility in home design will only rise.

Universal design is a practical leap forward in the evolution of residential home design and home building that can accommodate this demand. n

Ý 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.

Ý Ý

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

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