Living Spaces Winter 2016

SPACES

LIVING

T H E O FFI C I A L M AG A ZI N E O F T H E S A S K ATO O n & REG I O N H O M E BU I L DER S‘ A SS O C I AT I O N

W INTER 2016

MARVELS

OF ENGINEERING

Explore the connected community of

Brighton

REAL LIFE RENOS Mid-century homes go modern

Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association

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LIVING SPACES | THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE SASKATOON & REGION HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION

2016 | WINTER

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welcome!

“S

hould I stay or should I go?”

This is a question homeowners ask themselves on a regular basis, as they consider whether to renovate their existing residence or start shopping for a new home.

In this edition of Living Spaces, we take our readers on a tour of two whole home renovations, each with amazing results.

There are many factors to consider when deciding between renovating and buying new.

Here are some questions to ask. How important to you is staying in your existing neighbourhood?

Do you have the budget to achieve the desired renovation? Is the home structurally sound and

worth investing in? Will the renovation meet your family’s current and future needs? What potential challenges will a renovation uncover that could cause the project and budget to snowball?

You’ll find answers to these and other renovation questions in this edition of Living Spaces.

If a brand new home is at the top of your wish list, Living Spaces is sure to inspire. In this edition, we explore the new neighbourhood of Brighton, the first community to be developed within Saskatoon’s new Holmwood sector. A visit to the 13 different show homes featured in the

Brighton Parade of Homes is a great way to check out the latest floor plans, features and amenities being offered by local home builders.

Enjoy!

Editor

jarmstrong@postmedia.com 2016 | WINTER

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table of contents the Official Magazine of the SASKATOON & REGION HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

11 A T HOME: No place like home

12 A SK AN EXPERT: Fresco Interiors Design Group

16 REAL LIFE RENO: Midcentury home gets a modern makeover

20 ASK AN EXPERT: Maison Design+Build

32 H ealthier living starts from the floor up 37 Marvels of engineering 44 Discover the ICF difference 46 Helping home ownership dreams come true

DESIGN & RENOVATION 24 SHOW HOME SPOTLIGHT: Westridge joins the Brighton Parade of Homes

21 COMMUNITY: Explore the connected community of Brighton 26 NEW MEMBER PROFILE: Aspect Home Builders 28 A SK AN EXPERT: Heather Kehoe Century 21 Fusion 36 A SK AN EXPERT: New Home Warranty Program of Saskatchewan

FOOD & ENTERTAINING

29 3 D MODELLING: from virtual space to reality 34 Renovation has a happy ending 40 A place for everything and everything in its place 42 Room to win!

29 8

32 26 40

47 IN THE KITCHEN: Pink Cadillacs

LIVING SPACES | THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE SASKATOON & REGION HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION

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EDITOR Jeannie Armstrong ART DIRECTION Lesley Cockburn PHOTOGRAPHY Elaine Mark Hilary Klassen Matt Ramage CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jeannie Armstrong Jennifer Jacoby-Smith Tom Eremondi Jesse Green Hilary Klassen Ashleigh Mattern Paul Sinkewicz COVER PHOTO: Our cover photo showcases the home of Jeremy and Sheena Sinclair, owners of Bella Vista Custom Kitchens & Renovations.

Photo by Elaine Mark, D&M Images.

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PROJECT COORDINATION Krystal Rudyk PUBLISHER The StarPhoenix

SPACES T H E O FFI C I A L M AG A ZI N E O F T H E S A S K ATO O N & REG I O N H O M E BU I L DER S‘ A SS O C I AT I O N

LIVING

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16 47

W INTER 2016

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MARVELS

OF ENGINEERING

Explore the connected community of

BRIGHTON

REAL LIFE RENOS Mid-century homes go modern

Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association

Living Spaces is published by The StarPhoenix on behalf of the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association To reserve your advertising space in the upcoming edition of Living Spaces, contact (306) 657-6357 or email: tkittelson@ postmedia.com

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PHOTOS BY ELAINE MARK, D&M IMAGES

No place like

home

by Jeannie Armstrong

F

or Terri and David Leatherdale, there are no truer words than: “There’s no place like home.”

Although the couple has a long history of working as marketing consultants for one of the province’s largest new home builders, North Ridge Development Corporation, deciding to renovate their beloved bungalow in the Nutana Park neighbourhood instead of building new was easy.

“I’ve been in this home for 30 years. It was actually my grandmother’s house before that. We have a really long history with the home and the

neighbourhood. This is the house I brought my kids home from the hospital to. It’s always been home,” says Terri.

The couple is also justifiably proud of their back yard, which features an outdoor living room, with a 1920s-era repurposed fireplace, decorative pergolas and a hot tub. “The trees in our back yard are over 50 years old. In the summer, they form a beautiful canopy.”

Originally constructed in 1963, the 1,050 square foot bungalow had served the family’s needs well over the years. The couple had completed several minor renovations to the home during that time, mostly cosmetic.

Supplied photo

2016 | WINTER

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Cutline To achieve the desired open concept layout, several interior walls were removed.

Three years ago however, Terri and David embarked on a transformative whole home renovation. “The project initially started out with the desire for a more functional kitchen,” says Terri. “I love to cook and just never really had the workspace for it. From there, the whole project snowballed.”

Terri did extensive research to establish the vision for their renovation. “I spent hours on sites like Houzz accumulating inspiration pictures. From there, we put the pieces of the puzzle together.”

The Leatherdales desired a modified open concept floor plan, which would be more conducive for entertaining. The kitchen needed to be larger, which meant pushing into the space occupied by the main bathroom. As a result, the bathroom was relocated across the hall, into a bedroom.

The couple worked closely with Brian Bachewich, senior designer at North Ridge on the drawings for the floor plan. “There was a lot of back-and-forth to get the drawings to where this house is now. It’s a process you have to go through until you get a plan that’s a perfect fit,” says David.

To open up space on the main floor, several load-bearing walls had to be removed. This meant consulting with an engineer, recommended to them

by North Ridge.

“We got started just before Christmas three years ago. We took the house down to the bare studs,” says David.

“We moved out for a year during the renovation,” says Terri.

North Ridge reframed the interior of the house

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A wet/dry zone combines a walk-in shower with an oversized jet-tub.

and installed new energy-efficient windows in every room. The home’s building envelope was replaced, starting with rigid foam insulation followed by attractive Hardieboard siding.

An addition to the home’s rear entrance, including a large landing finished in luxury vinyl tile, created ample room to welcome visitors. A large closet and a built-in pantry were added.

The expanded kitchen is Terri’s pride and joy. The solid wood cabinets were custom-made, finished with hand-rubbed glazes and stains. Elegant crystal

LIVING SPACES | THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE SASKATOON & REGION HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION

drawer pulls were selected with a vintage-inspired shell pattern that is repeated in gorgeous pendant lights and a chandelier sourced from B.A. Robinson.

The countertops and island are topped in sparkling granite. “Now, I have an amazing work surface. We can easily have three or four people working in this kitchen,” says Terri.

The kitchen renovation also provided an opportunity to go appliance shopping. “The builtin steam oven is my pride and joy,” says Terri.

“Everything is so much moister and flavourful. Now

Soft ivory tones enhance the serenity of the master bedroom

The home's attractive new exterior harmonizes beautifully with the 50 year-old neighbourhood.

I rarely use my conventional oven.”

The couple’s new fridge has four compartments, one that can be converted to work as either a fridge, a freezer or a beverage cooler. “We’re very pleased with our choices and the product knowledge we received from the experts at Trail Appliances,” says Terri.

The kitchen’s eye-catching backsplash features a textured glass tile in a soft aubergine shade. “We had selected the tile about two years in advance, but then when we went to order it, they had it in every colour except the shade we wanted. Western Carpet contacted the manufacturer on our behalf to see if the tile could be reproduced in that colour. It came and it was perfect!” says Terri.

While the kitchen’s style is quite traditional, Terri also wanted to infuse a bit of fun into the décor.

Kitchen stools with purple faux alligator upholstery provide seating at the island and emphasize the aubergine backsplash.

The kitchen reconfiguration posed a flooring dilemma. While many homeowners would have simply opted for new flooring, the Leatherdales weren’t ready to part with the original hardwood.

A local refinisher sourced wood strips from the southern U.S. that matched the original floor, and allowed the hardwood to be extended seamlessly throughout the home’s main level.

The home’s new main bathroom is immersed in opulence and luxury. The gorgeous furniture-style

vanity was created by repurposing the Leatherdales’ former china cabinet. The space allowed for the creation of a wet/dry zone, accommodating a supersized walk-in shower with Kohler body sprays as well as a luxurious 66-inch tub with air jets.

The kitchen expansion ended up taking away space from the master bedroom. To compensate, the couple opted for a wall-to-wall closet with custom shelving that eliminated the need for a large dresser.

The soft ivory colour palette creates a truly serene environment. “This room was designed so we can decompress. We don’t even have a TV in here,” says Terri.

The home’s second bedroom was transformed into a cozy home office. “David and I love to travel.

The den is decorated with photos of the different places we’ve travelled to. The drapery features train stations from around the world. David and I have been in a number of them. The decorative clocks on the wall are set to the birth times of our children.

Everything in this house has an emotional tie,” says Terri.

The couple says the expertise of the North Ridge team, their long-time tradespeople and suppliers greatly contributed to the success of their renovation project. “We were able to draw on those relationships. We have a real respect for the quality of the work they do,” says David.

With their renovations complete, the Leaderdales are now truly content in their “forever” home. “The renovation fits us, just like the neighbourhood fits us,” says Terri. LS 2016 | WINTER

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ask an expert

about style and decor Charlene Schumacher Fresco Interiors Design Group #40-710 Cynthia Street • 306.933.3200 Email: Charlene@frescointeriors.ca • www.frescointeriors.ca presently updating my home.

A I’m What are the latest and greatest design trends?

Q

FRESCO INTERIORS DESIGN GROUP INC.

306-933-3200 40-710 Cynthia Street

Interior Design - Renovation - Custom Drapery & Furniture

Here are five top trends for 2017 designed to spark your imagination!

1. Dreamy lush fabrics – Think sweet softness, with luxurious details. A trend toward more luxurious finishes is influencing modern interiors. Tufting in furnishings – such as sofas, headboards and ottomans – add gentle curves when intermingled with clean modern lines. Combine accent tables with strong walnut grain, and architectural vintage metal and wood pieces to add a sense of personality to your space.

2. Tantalizing rustic texture – Think natural elements, combining rustic simplicity with modern design. Options include live edge kitchen islands, dining tables or floating shelves; barnboard feature walls; and driftwood natural sculptures on walnut pillars. Just remember a little bit of rustic goes a long way. Don’t overdo it! One or two rustic pieces will sweep warmth into a contemporary setting.

3. Fresh intriguing flooring – Think about a serene space where you can escape and relax. Make use of organic materials, complemented by warm gray tones, white wash effects and rich, natural grains. For example, walnut, bamboo and cork, banded with interesting design combinations, will create a dynamic design in your entry.

4. Streamlined Elegant Automation – Think beauty meets the technology beast. Innovative window treatments mix gorgeous streamlined fabrics with advanced automation to allow you to soak luxuriously in your bathtub and simply press a button to allow the morning sunlight to peek through your drapery sheers.

5. Sumptuous Colour Palette for 2017 – Think rich jewels! Deep emerald, sapphire and lush wine-inspired garnet are some of the favourites for walls and furnishings. Mix this luscious palette with tobacco or tan leather, burnished gold accents and linen drapery panels for a sumptuous look. Combine with vanilla ice and willow gray for crisp contrasts in cabinetry. Add deep smokey greys and burnished gold lighting for a sophisticated fresh and surprising vignette.

Love where you live! LS

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LIVING SPACES | THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE SASKATOON & REGION HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION

REAL LIFE RENO

PHOTOS BY ELAINE MARK, D&M IMAGES Originally constructed in 1956, Jeremy and Sheena Sinclair's Grosvenor Park home is now fashion-forward, yet family-friendly.

Mid-century home gets a

modern makeover 16

LIVING SPACES | THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE SASKATOON & REGION HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION

by Hilary Klassen

W

hen renovation specialists, Jeremy and Sheena Sinclair, decided to renovate their unique masonry home, they did it with their eyes open. As owners of Bella Vista Custom Kitchens & Renovations, they had been transforming clients’ homes for close to eight years. Now it was time to renovate their own home.

They found a property in Sheena’s desired neighbourhood of Grosvenor Park and purchased the home, knowing they intended to gut it completely and start fresh. The beautiful transformation visible today began four years ago.

Custom shelving in the master walk-in closet eliminated the need for a dresser.

“We approached this project very similar to how we approach clients’ projects, which is trying to do all the design, planning and product selection at the front end before construction begins,” says Sheena. “This helps the construction process go smoothly.”

They started out with a blend of excitement and the knowledge there would be challenges. One of the first challenges was discovering limits on how far they could push out a new wall on the front of the house toward the street.

“We originally designed it for six feet and we had to cut it back to three,” says Jeremy. They would have had to appeal City of Saskatoon bylaws on setbacks to do more. The result still added necessary square footage to the open concept living area and allowed them to add a small designated front foyer. To create the large living area, a weight-bearing wall was removed.

“What you can’t see is a giant steel supporting beam that allowed us to get the layout we wanted,” says Jeremy.

It’s not surprising that as custom kitchen designers, the Sinclairs created a fabulous showstopper for their own home. The kitchen features high gloss walnut cabinetry from their own line, an island with a unique design accommodation for a tight corner, quartz countertops, an appliance garage, high-end appliances and a bonus drawer freezer.

Previously, the kitchen area was a single garage.

“In 1956, the year the house was built, it was an attached garage but there was no direct entry,” Sheena observed. The Sinclairs took the adjoining wall down and used the brick to fill the hole left by the garage on the exterior. “We painted the brick.

We still wanted to maintain some of the integrity of the original house,” says Sheena.

A number of window locations changed as well, and the brick was used to fill some of those openings. The exterior includes a blend of brick, limestone for a university modern look, and siding. “From the outside it’s seamless. You can’t see those original openings,” says Sheena. They’ve had many people ask if it’s a new house.

The Sinclairs' kitchen is dressed in gorgeous high gloss walnut cabinetry.

The generous master bedroom boasts a large ensuite.

Another challenge was updating the existing fireplace. “We needed to put a gas insert into that existing hole,” says Sheena. The TV is mounted on a black tiled wall adjacent to the fireplace, and blends in with the background.

The couple wanted the main living area to be child-friendly. “We wanted this to be an area for our son George as well, but at the same time everything has to be put away.” A low built-in toy

storage unit adjacent to the fireplace and a seating area gives George a play area visible from the kitchen, with quick clean-up available.

The dining area off the kitchen has a charcoal chalkboard feature wall and provides access to the back yard. The room was extended in length and features a wall of German-engineered Vivace windows and doors, with a showy black finish.

During the renovation, the Sinclairs found the 2016 | WINTER

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The Sinclairs hung the house's original blueprints in their home office.

A powder room with panache

original blueprints for the house and had them framed and hung in the office. “It was a rare and exciting find. You don’t see actual blueprints anymore,” says Sheena.

Flooring in the main area is porcelain tile that resembles Carrera marble but is more durable.

All tile surfaces on the main floor have in-floor heating. Additional textured white hardwood flooring has a UV matte finish. The home is wired with technology to operate lighting, audio and temperature.

All bedrooms are equipped with walk-in closets, removing the need for dressers. A generous master bedroom boasts a large ensuite.

The shower has linear storage, and modern green subway tile adds a hit of colour. A combination laundry and mudroom at the back of the house provides access to a triple detached garage.

The basement was also gutted and finished out with space for entertainment, a play area, crafting area and a couple of spare bedrooms, one of which has its own bath.

The completed renovation presents a subtle yet dynamic interplay of design elements. The Sinclairs are extremely happy with it. “We pretty much nailed it,” says Jeremy. “We’re really pleased with the outcome,” says Sheena.

When serving clients, Bella Vista assists with layout and product selection, providing reassurance from a professional standpoint to those who have trouble visualizing what their renovation will look like.

“Every reno typically comes with a challenge.

There’s something that is limiting that you have

to find a solution for and that’s the fun part – how to incorporate it and make it work,” says Sheena.

Sheena enjoys helping clients personalize their homes. “I’ve noticed a shift in Saskatoon even in the last two years. Five years ago everything was very safe and neutral and everybody was very concerned with resale and what would appeal to the masses. Now, a lot of people are wanting to put their own personal stamp on their home.”

Jeremy finds that doing a reno can help people retain sentimental value in an original construction. “We just finished a reno on an original farmhouse. We put a 2,000 square foot addition on and it’s gorgeous. It’s nothing like the original house but the sentimental value of the original homestead is still there.”

Bella Vista helps clients calculate the equity that will be built into their home with a reno, and clients make decisions accordingly.

To learn more about Bella Vista, visit www.buildbellavista.com. LS

Jeremy and Sheena Sinclair

PARKRIDGE Extension South of the Blairmore Shopping Centre and west of the existing Parkridge neighbourhood.

Single family lots have opened up amidst a network of walking trails and parks. Paths lead to shopping, restaurants, schools and the Shaw Centre. All the amenities your family needs in a quiet, established area.

New, limited time offer on 2016 Inventory

saskatoon.ca/parkridge

For details on lot availability in Parkridge or other land developments including Kensington, Evergreen, Aspen Ridge or Rosewood, contact Saskatoon Land at 306-975-3278, visit saskatoonland.ca or contact your homebuilder.

ask an expert

home Builder ANDREW & JILAIRE WAGNER MAISON DESIGN+BUILD #30-214 Joseph Okemasis Drive • 306.242.3653 build@maisonfinehomes.ca •www.maisondesignbuild.ca

are planning on building our dream home A We within the next few years. What are the things we should be thinking about sooner rather than later?

Q

Building your dream home is probably the most exciting and overwhelming project you can take on for your family. By giving yourself the luxury of time for planning and designing you can ensure that you will love your completed home as much as you had hoped you would.

We recommend starting with a few simple questions to start the planning process:

Luxury + Living = Dream Home Maison Design+Build is a boutique builder specializing in design-driven homes. We are passionate about timeless design and dedicated to precision quality construction.

maisondesignbuild.ca | 306.242.3653 | build@maisondesignbuild.ca

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LIVING SPACES | THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE SASKATOON & REGION HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION

1.

What location do you want to build? On a park, in an established neighbourhood, on an acreage, on a good street close to schools and shopping?

2. How large is the property in square feet? What is the maximum size house that is allowed on this site? Are there any restrictions on what can be built on the site (i.e. city zoning, infill guidelines) 3. Are there site features that will affect the house placement? Trees, topography, water features, views?

4. Which architectural style and types of material do you prefer?

5.

Do you want a bungalow, two-storey or split level? Do you want a walk-out basement? What size garage do you require? Is an attached garage important?

6. How many people will live in this home when it is built? Do you need to plan for frequent overnight guests, aging parents, or a live-in nanny?

7. What are the priorities for the house? Energy efficiency, grand entry, curved staircase, chef ’s kitchen, storage, ensuites for every bedroom, home automation and audio visual, architectural details including coffered ceilings, crown and trim, fitness space, swimming pool?

8. Are there special concerns that need to be accommodated in the new design such as accessibility for a wheelchair or a walker?

9. W hat is your budget and have you arranged financing?

10. I s resale an immediate concern or is this your forever home? LS

community

Brighton Explore the connected community of

brighton

by Ashleigh Mattern

B

righton’s time has finally arrived: The new neighbourhood being built at College Drive and McOrmond Drive has been years in the making, and this fall saw the grand opening at long last.

While the burgeoning community is at the edge of the city, its location next to the well-established neighbourhoods of Arbor Creek and Willowgrove make it feel like a natural extension. Plus, there’s already paved access from Brighton all the way to 8th Street.

“Brighton is very much connected to the existing parts of Saskatoon; it’s not some faraway suburb,” says Brad Zurevinski, general manager of land development with Dream Development.

The new neighbourhood is the first of seven that will eventually be developed in the larger suburban development area of Holmwood, and Dream Development is well aware that this is only the beginning.

“What you’re also getting when you move here is all the great things that are going to be happening around Brighton in the future,” Zurevinski says.

So far, Brighton looks like little more than a cluster of houses on the prairie, but at the Information Centre, you can see Dream’s vision for what the neighbourhood will become.

DREAM’S VISION FOR BRIGHTON

PHOTOS BY VIRED PRODUCTIONS

When the Information Centre officially launched in September, several parks were already in place, despite the construction going on around them.

They’ve already built the pocket parks and green spaces in the Phase One area of the neighbourhood, where the first lots are now available to buy.

Being ahead of the curve with amenities is a key feature of Brighton, says Zurevinski: “We want to make every resident feel like Brighton is an

Homes in Brighton must be built in one of five architectural styles: Craftsman, Colonial, Tudor, Prairie and Arts and Crafts.

established community right when they move in.”

Dream is picking up the bill for front yard landscaping on behalf of the builders for every single home built in the neighbourhood. Within the first year of moving in, residents will have a landscaped front yard at no extra cost to them.

It doesn’t end with parks and manicured lawns.

Dream has already begun to confirm retailers who will set up shop within the next year, like Save-On Foods, the Keg Steakhouse and Motion Fitness.

Wilson’s Greenhouse, a long-time retailer in the area, also has plans to relocate to a new space nearby, and expand operations.

Brighton is designed to be distinct from other new neighbourhoods in Saskatoon. The neighbourhood will have more ponds and parks than any other community per capita. The planned Public Plaza features an impressive concert space with a staircase that can be used as stadium seating. During the winter, the concert space can be converted into a skating rink.

Completely new to Saskatoon is a street of single family houses that front onto a park. Homes will be accessed in the back lane behind the house, and

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LIVING SPACES | THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE SASKATOON & REGION HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION

Completely new to Saskatoon is a street of single family houses that front onto a park. Homes will be accessed in the back lane behind the house, and a sidewalk along the park’s edge will lead to the house’s front door.

Look into the neighbourhood's future at the Brighton Information Centre (Supplied photo)

a sidewalk along the park’s edge will lead to the house’s front door.

“You’re right onto the park and play structures.

The idea is that you can sit out there on your front porch and watch the kids play on the play structure; it fosters a better sense of community.”

EXPERIENCING THE NEIGHBOURHOOD Many newer neighbourhoods have introduced architectural controls to ensure an area matches the developer’s vision. Dream has taken this same tactic in Brighton, but with a bit of a twist: Houses will be available in five specific architectural styles (Arts and Crafts, Prairie, Tudor, Colonial, and Craftsman) with 13 premium builders approved to

build in the neighbourhood.

There are no specific architectural guidelines other than these styles, so the builders will have room to design the houses as they and their clients see fit. Zurevinski says these guidelines will ensure that all of the houses look unique, and the particular styles they’ve chosen reflect those seen in older neighbourhoods, which will immediately give Brighton a comfortable hominess.

You don’t have to wait to see how well this approach works: You can go to Secord Way in Brighton right now to see their parade of homes, featuring 13 show homes, right outside the Information Centre.

Once you’re done exploring the gorgeous houses, you can step inside the centre, which features virtual

reality stations that give you a 360-degree view of renderings of the completed neighbourhoods.

Experiencing virtual reality for the first time is an event in itself; you really feel like you’re in the new neighbourhood; you truly understand the scale of the buildings, and their plans for the streets. Dream has envisioned stunning spaces for Brighton, and they’re able to share their exact vision with you.

The Information Centre itself is a sight to behold: At 4,800 square feet, with incredibly detailed maps and renderings, and the aforementioned VR stations, there’s nothing else like it in Saskatchewan. It feels more like a museum than a new neighbourhood information centre.

The centre also includes a multipurpose room with a kitchen, where they expect to host homebuyer seminars, cooking classes, and more ‒ the space is intended to be a place the community can gather before the usual gathering places found in communities are built.

Open from 5 to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 12 to 5 p.m. on weekends, it’s worth checking out even if you’re not planning on buying a new home at this time. Though after your visit, you may just end up changing your mind.

You can learn more about this innovative new neighbourhood at www.dream.ca/homessaskatoon/communities/brighton. LS

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Photos by Hilary Klassen

Westridge joins the Brighton Parade of Homes

by Hilary Klassen

W

estridge Homes’ new show home in Brighton packs a lot of style into 1,750 square feet. A pleasing symmetry of design elements blends to create the wish to linger, to settle in, maybe take up residence.

Located at 228 Secord Way, the two-storey home is part of the Brighton Parade of Homes that opened in September. The new neighbourhood

24

by Dream Development offers homeowners some perks not previously seen in Saskatoon. Green spaces, ponds, walking trails and playgrounds are already in place, creating the feel of a more established community, right from the get-go.

“It starts to feel like a neighbourhood a lot sooner,” says Regan Tameling, managing partner at Westridge Homes. With Dream, front yard landscaping is included in the lot price and all driveways must be completed at the time of build..

LIVING SPACES | THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE SASKATOON & REGION HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION

A custom kitchen anchors the home and serves as a centrepiece for the main floor. From there, the open concept flows to the back of the home where a dramatic 11-foot ceiling and a wall of windows lend an expansive feel to the living and dining areas, opening up views of the green space beyond.

“We went a little mid-century modern, but we didn’t get too carried away,” says Tameling. The design represents the cleaner lines people are

seeking these days, allowing the homeowners to add personal design touches to make it their own.

The kitchen pantry is tucked behind rolling barn doors. Its location between the kitchen and the mudroom allows for easy off-loading of groceries. Accessible from the garage, the mudroom is outfitted with lockers, while laundry facilities are located upstairs. A window fills the space with light that filters through to the kitchen.

White tongue and groove ceiling boards in the living area are accented with beams, adding a lot of character. “There’s tile on the fireplace, but no TV over the fireplace. It can make a statement on its own,” says Tameling. An audio system with smart phone technology that is connected to the internet and smart TVs, is synced throughout the house.

Off the front hall, an open stairway leads to three upper bedrooms. A spacious master bedroom is flanked by a custom walk-in closet with dark wood storage units. Dual sinks, a soaker tub and a tiled walk-in shower define the master bath.

Vinyl plank flooring unifies the main floor, an enduring choice when kids and dogs are part of the equation. The entry foyer, bathrooms and laundry area feature porcelain tile flooring.

The kitchen has granite countertops, while the baths have quartz. A double 24x24-foot garage is included and the basement is open for development.

The show home feels luxurious and delivers

significant wow factor. “We’ve had a tremendous response to this home. I’ve been in a lot of 1,700 square foot or even 2,000 square foot homes that don’t feel like this.” Most of Westridge’s ‘standard’ finishes are upgrades, seen in the plumbing fixtures, light fixtures, garage doors and Hunter Douglas Silhouette Blinds that operate with the touch of a button.

As a custom home builder, Westridge works with the customer to put their branding on a house. “We’re a design-build firm. We like every home to be unique. We don’t have standard models. We love to make the house fit the customer; that’s our goal.” Tameling says a custom home doesn’t have to be expensive. It does involve tailoring a budget to target where the homeowners prefer to spend their money.

Clients are still prioritizing kitchens and bathrooms in their budgets, he says. Houses may be getting a little bit smaller in square footage, but people are allocating more funds to the finishes.

“People want a little less in their life. That can mean less home as long as there’s lots of storage.

Everybody wants storage, usually bigger garages, basement storage, bigger closets, bigger or more functional pantries. That’s a big focus now,” says Tameling.

The Brighton Parade of Homes will be open for up to a year. It is open Monday through Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. and from 12 to 5 p.m. on weekends and holidays. To learn more about award-winning builder, Westridge Homes, visit www.westridgehomes.ca. LS

+

new member profile | ASPECT HOME BUILDERS

Aspect Home Builders applies commercial experience to residential construction

by Tom Eremondi

A

spect Home Builders may be a new name in Saskatoon’s residential construction market, but the company is founded on years of commercial construction experience.

“Aspect is the brand name of the residential building branch of Con-Tech General Contractors,” says Brady Plett, project manager and designer.

Con-Tech was established in Saskatoon in 1994.

Some of its more recent projects include Lakeview Church and the West Wind Aviation passenger terminal as the builder only; and Kavia Autobody and Security Building Supplies as both the designer and builder.

“For the past 15 years or so, Con-Tech would

26

build about one new home a year,” Plett explains.

“The majority of homes were for a satisfied commercial customer who liked the work we did on a building and enjoyed working with Con-Tech and its staff so much that they’d ask us to do a home for them. We just built a home for the owner of Kavia Autobody.

“There were some commercial customers who didn’t know we did homes. They’d approach us and say, ‘if we’d known you did homes, we would have gone with you.’ We realized then we needed to make that a little more obvious.”

The recent housing boom in Saskatoon was another compelling reason to establish Aspect Home Builders, says Plett. “As the commercial company has grown – from about 20 to 80

LIVING SPACES | THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE SASKATOON & REGION HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION

employees in the last few years – we realized we’d be able to handle more residential projects.

The decision was made to create an individual brand and identity under the name Aspect Home Builders.”

The dual-nature of the two brands is an advantage, Plett feels. “We don’t have to rush out and start building lots of homes right away to get our name out there. We can keep building one or two homes a year and still be able to retain the manpower and resources of having an 80-person company behind that.”

There are other benefits, too, he says. “Our designs tend to be more architectural than drafts or AutoCAD renderings. There tends to be more details in our commercial plans and that really

Aspect Home Builders incorporates unique features into its customers' homes.

works for the trades who build the homes. Because of this, Aspect Home Builders excels on those projects where there are no standard details and everything is customized. We feel we’re standing out architecturally in the housing market.”

The builder can even incorporate unique interior features, common to commercial builds, in its new homes. “Because of our resources and knowledge, we can do that,” says Plett.

A long-standing member of the Saskatoon Construction Association (SCA), Plett says ConTech knew there would be similar advantages to being a member of the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association (SRHBA). “We’ve always found great value in the SCA where they’re pointing out new directions in the market or code and bylaw changes. We realized we’d find the same thing from being a member of the Home Builders’ Association.”

Plett adds that membership in the SRHBA also helps build their brand – always important but especially so for a fledgling company like Aspect Home Builders. “We know that homeowners value a company’s Association membership. They realize the builder has taken the time to become qualified; knowing whether or not a company is a member is a way of being able to vet builders.”

Staff also has benefitted through ongoing education, especially for adapting from Con-Tech to Aspect. “For example, in early October, the Association had a seminar on combustible versus non-combustible materials. That’s something we deal with on the commercial side all the time. We knew this would be very valuable for homes and

Photos courtesy of Aspect Home Builders/Matt Ramage Photography

our whole drafting team took the course.

“We wouldn’t have known about that if we weren’t members of the Association.”

Aspect is also a qualified builder of Bone

Structure homes and has served as both a supplier and builder of the new technique in the city. For more information, visit www.AspectHomeBuilders.com.

LS

2016 | WINTER

27

ask an expert

REALTY • HOME OWNERSHIP

HEATHER KEHOE Top Producing REALTOR® •CENTURY 21 FUSION

(306) 260-1711

heather@saskatoonproperties.com • www.century21.ca/heather.kehoe Facebook “f ” Logo

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HEATHER KEHOE REALTOR ®

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Q A

Should I talk with a bank/and or mortgage broker before looking at homes?

Q A

How many homes should I look at before putting in an offer to purchase?

Q A

The answer to the question is YES! There are many reasons why you should talk with a bank/broker and get pre-approved. First and foremost, talking with a bank before looking at homes can help you understand exactly how much you can afford.

If you’re a first-time home buyer, there are tax credits and other programs your lender can make you aware of.

Another important reason to talk with a bank before looking at homes is so you understand exactly what the associated costs are when purchasing a home and to have a solid understanding of what mortgages are available to you.

Mortgages are similar to homes; the variety is large and it’s important that you know all of your financing options. Keep in mind that a pre-approval is not a mortgage guarantee but it is an essential starting point in the buying process.

The answer to this common question is quite simple. There is no specific number of homes you should look at before buying a home. Never feel that if you purchase the first home you look at, that you’re making a mistake. The same can be said if you end up looking at 15 homes before finding the right one.

If you are unsure of what floor plan, neighborhood and price range will be the right fit, it is best practice to meet with your REALTOR® prior to looking at any properties and go through a buyer’s Q & A. This is a great opportunity to get to know your REALTOR® and vice versa. Your REALTOR® should explain the step-by-step buying process and get a good understanding of what is important to you and your family when looking for a home. Communication is key and there is no such thing as a silly question.

Do I really need a REALTOR® when buying a home?

When buying a home, it’s strongly recommended you have a REALTOR®. There are many reasons why you should have a REALTOR® represent your best interests when buying a home. Keep in mind, not all REALTORS® are the same! Investing time to find the right REALTOR® is a wise investment.

Interview REALTORS® to determine their industry knowledge, ethics and business practices, experience, fees for service and references. Make sure you feel confident with the REALTOR® you choose and that you can work together!

Purchasing a home will probably be the single biggest purchase of your life and it’s important to work with a REALTOR® who understands your wants, needs, personality and can effectively guide you through the home buying/selling. transaction. LS

Photos courtesy of studio 2.0 interior design & photography Concept: This is the ‘spec’ design that Studio 2.0 created for a client’s main floor renovation.

3D modelling: From virtual space to reality

by Ashleigh Mattern

A

drienne Fedorowich has a natural ability to envision spaces based on blueprints: She can see with her mind’s eye what the completed home or renovation will look like.

“Most people don’t have that ability,” says Fedorowich, director of design and co-owner of Studio 2.0 Interior Design and Photography, a registered interior design firm in Saskatoon. “How do I know that our client’s vision and my vision matches?”

Reality: Here is the actual main floor of the client’s home, upon completion of the renovation project.

2016 | WINTER

29

Adrienne and Josh Fedorowich

Every renovation project begins with a vision. Through interactive 3D modelling, Studio 2.0 ensures the transformation will meet the homeowners’ expectations.

She tried sketching out 3D perspectives for her clients, but the drawings left them wondering, what does it look like if you go around the corner?

With her clients in mind, she trained herself in a specialized 3D interactive modelling program that would allow her to fully map out projects as part of

30

the initial planning.

The renderings can get as detailed as you want them to be: Railings, light fixtures, light switches, finishes, door styles, door knobs ‒ anything you can think of can be included, and anything you can think of can be changed. When doing a 3D

LIVING SPACES | THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE SASKATOON & REGION HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION

walkthrough with clients, Fedorowich can live edit the scene during the consultation.

“What if we moved the fridge across the room?

We can make all those changes, and they can see them instantaneously, rather than, I’ll go back to the office and send them to you.”

Not only does the program allow her to change the 3D view in real time, it also automatically makes the same change to all of the other plans for the project. The program creates layers for each type of view she and other home building professionals will use, including the 3D layer.

“Basically it line edits itself,” she says. “If you envision a window lower than what’s shown, you can grab the window, lower it, and then the edit I’ve made shows up automatically in the elevation drawings and model drawings.”

Three dimensional renderings like these can be created in more typical software like AutoCAD, but for any changes, the designer would have to go back and manually redraw the change in each type of plan. This program simplifies the process.

Clients can also explore the 3D renderings at home, using a free downloadable program for tablets or computers. The program works almost like a game, with a virtual joystick that you tip and turn to move forward and back, look around, and stop and slow down.

“It’s like you’re walking through a virtual space, except it’s your house.” Studio 2.0 is looking into how they can use the software with hardware like virtual reality goggles, which would bring a whole new level of immersion to the experience.

Having the 3D renderings changes the conversation about projects, Fedorowich says. Her clients might know the square footage of a room, but when they see it in the 3D model, they might realize the nine-foot ceilings make it feel bigger than they imagined.

“They’re seeing things in a different realm,”

she says. “It literally gives them a different perspective… It’s a more realistic perspective than looking at a floor plan and elevation and section cut.”

The new perspective also helps every other person who will be working on the project down the line, from the contractors to the tradespeople to the suppliers, which can stop mistakes from happening and potentially save her clients a lot of money. For example, taking a 3D rendering to the cabinet makers will give them a much better idea of what you need and are looking for.

For Fedorowich, though, the most important aspect of this new technology is Studio 2.0’s ability to serve their clients, as they have been doing for the past 10 years that they’ve been in business.

“I hold people’s most treasured items in my hands: Their family, their money, and their homes,” she says. “I can design you a space, but I have to design you a space that works for you and your family because you live there...

I’m making sure we’re designing to our clients’ needs, and this is giving us that tool to ensure what I’m putting down is what their needs are.”

For more details, visit www.studio2point0.ca.

LS

Adrienne Fedorowich says that interactive 3D modelling helps ensure that her design vision matches up perfectly with what her clients envision for their home.

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Visit us at our NEW location - 2835A Cleveland Ave (North of Boston Pizza on 51st Street).

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Healthier living starts from the floor up PHOTOS COURTESY OF LAUZON FLOORING

by Paul Sinkewicz

W

e are all behemoths, lumbering around oblivious to unseen dangers that have the potential to cause us to suffer or to make us sick.

The dangers come from a microscopic world of bacteria, viruses, mold and toxic particles.

It is a world right beneath our feet ‒ all within our own homes.

Asthma and severe allergies can be triggered by these pollutants, and children are particularly susceptible.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that evaporate into the air from liquids and solids. They occur both naturally and come from man-made items, and can be dangerous to human health. VOCs are a huge factor in air quality and are regulated by law.

But nano-science has provided a weapon in the fight for a better home environment in the form of

32

titanium oxide.

David Roden, co-owner of Western Carpet One Floor & Home, says a new type of hardwood flooring made in Canada uses the properties of titanium oxide to break down and render inert the tiny terrors in our air.

The manufacturer, Lauzon, uses the naturally occurring compound in the finish for its Pure Genius Smart Floor system. The smart technology is activated by natural or artificial light, and its strength lasts the life of the finish. It has been found to substantially reduce concentrations of airborne pollutants, breaking them down naturally into harmless water and carbon molecules and improving air quality by up to 85 per cent.

“If somebody is looking for hardwood, and they also have a concern about allergies, or a concern about indoor air quality, then this would be right for them.”

Roden says education about indoor air quality

LIVING SPACES | THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE SASKATOON & REGION HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION

and health conditions, and access to online information, have increased. He notes there also seems to be a higher sensitivity to different things these days with younger people.

“Over the years we’ve heard more about asthma and allergies in general. It’s been more prevalent. I remember 20 years ago when people were talking about buying flooring, the conversation about allergies didn’t come up. And for those who did have issues, the flooring choices were not even close to what they are today. Hardwoods, cork flooring and ceramic tile were not widely available.

Carpet and sheet vinyl were the most common options.”

He says usually his staff will be asked about the flooring by someone who has come across it in their research into indoor air quality.

“To some people this doesn’t mean much, but there are people for whom this is a genuine concern, and air quality is an issue because new

homes these days are built to be air-tight.”

With Pure Genius flooring now an option, families can protect their health a little easier, without paying significantly more.

As for choice, Roden says the Pure Genius air-purifying finish is not available on the entire Lauzon line, but there is still a lot of choice on the species of wood and stains.

“If, for example, you are looking for a stained maple product, there are a number of choices available.”

Adding to the flooring line’s appeal is the fact that Lauzon is a Canadian company based in Quebec, using Canadian-grown wood. The 30-year-old company is considered a leader in the North American flooring industry and has won numerous innovation awards for its Pure Genius technology.

The team at Western Carpet One are experts in helping customers select flooring products that best suit their budget and their lifestyle, from plush carpeting to the latest innovations in hardwoods, laminates, ceramic tiles and luxury vinyl products.

“Our salespeople assist customers in their selection by asking what their expectation out of a flooring is, taking into account circumstances like the area and traffic and the size of family, and their lifestyle,” says Roden. Once those flooring choices have been made, customers can rely on Western Carpet One for expert installation.

For more details, visit Western Carpet One Floor & Home at 610 Cynthia Street, or check out their website at www.westerncarpetonesaskatoon. com. LS

Pure Genius hardwood flooring uses smart technology to improve air quality in a home by up to 85 per cent.

2016 | WINTER

33

ENsure your home renovation has a

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HAVEN BUILDERS

happy ending

by Jesse Green

R

enovations do not need to be the stuff of nightmares, no matter what those one-hour reality TV shows say. Saskatoon’s Haven Builders share their secrets to a successful major home renovation or addition.

Homeowners looking to expand should begin by doing their homework. With so many renovators claiming to be experts, who should you trust?

A great starting point is the membership directory of the Saskatoon & Region Home

Builders’ Association. Here you’ll find a list of accredited professionals, specializing in every aspect of home construction and renovation.

“Too often people hire just anyone, but it’s important to understand who is going to be working in your home ‒ likely your biggest personal investment,” said Nathan Stobbe, who founded Haven Builders with his wife Kim in 2010. “The Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association (SRHBA) has a great certification program in place. I think it’s a good idea for people to ensure their builder or renovator has gone through these

courses.”

A successful renovation project starts with a clear purpose and vision. Haven Builders meets with potential renovation clients and together they determine three initial things. First, what will the space be for and is there a clear vision for the new area? Second, how long do they plan to live in the home? And, third, what are the needs of the family?

“These questions take us down this interesting journey of figuring out what provides the best value and best meets the needs of the family,” said Stobbe. “I like to be straight with people, and if it

BEFORE

BEFORE

This 1980s-style home was totally transformed by Haven Builders.

feels like good value I will tell them. Or, if it feels like it isn’t something I would do in my own home, I’ll tell them that too. Our goal is to make sure our clients love the results and they feel really good about it.”

Large renovations and additions can be more complicated than a new build from a number of standpoints. The first step is to plan a design that will flow with the neighbourhood and the existing home without looking like “an addition.” Haven Builders’ 3-D renderings simplify the planning process for their clients, making it easy to visualize the end result.

Once that design has been nailed down, it must work with the structural and architectural side of things and the likelihood of surprises that come with renovations.

“Often when you get into a renovation, things aren’t quite what they should be. We’ve done so many that we have a pretty good feel of what we’re going to find and we have much fewer surprises than when we first started,” said Stobbe.

Once the hammers start swinging, the key to a happy client is to stay informed. Haven Builders works hard to provide transparency on the project for both client and contractor. “Nobody

wants to have the conversation about unexpected billing or missed timelines,” said Stobbe. Haven Builders’ online project management system is as transparent as it gets, with changes approved by the client and prices recalculated instantly. At any time, both clients and contractor can view a breakdown of schedules, materials, prices and more.

Haven Builders’ designers work with clients to select finishes, light fixtures, paint colours and flooring that will gel with the neighbourhood and the existing home. “Early on we saw how stressful it was for people to make all these choices, so we brought a designer on. We wanted to make it a fun experience instead of a hair-raising one,” said Stobbe.

Haven has also recently opened an inviting new 10,000 square foot design studio, located downtown at 440 First Avenue North. Here, clients can explore an endless array of product choices, including custom styles from Haven’s in-house cabinet shop.

Some of Haven’s renovation clients move out during the project, but about half of the clients do live in the home. In those cases, Haven will set out a living plan which is also included on the online project management system.

BEFORE

Although Haven started as a new home builder and didn’t have intentions of getting into the renovation market six years ago, this side of the business has continued to grow. Starting off with a couple reno-favours for friends, their reputation spread and the requests kept coming.

Finding a happy renovation story isn’t as tough as you’d think. The key to a smooth (dare we say, fun) project is doing your homework, choosing a contractor that you trust and keeping informed.

Haven Builders can be found online at www. havenbuilders.ca or visit the builder’s new design centre at 440 First Ave N in Saskatoon. LS

AFTER

AFTER

2016 | WINTER

35

ask an expert

about Third Party New Home Warranty Denise Mildner, CEO

New Home Warranty Program of Saskatchewan Inc. 306.373-7833 director@nhwp.org • www.nhwp.org

Q A

Not all warranty programs offer deposit coverage, and for some it’s an added option. Make sure your warranty program includes protection of your deposit.

Cash deposits are payments that bind your agreement with a builder.

Deposits are paid prior to the start of construction.

With deposit protection you should be covered in the event the Builder does not complete the sale and the Customer does not receive anything of value because of bankruptcy, default, insolvency or fraud by the Builder.

It does not cover reimbursement because of a contract dispute between the parties.

The Saskatchewan New Home Warranty Program includes up to $50,000 Deposit Protection when your builder is a Registered Builder Member of the Program. For a full list of Builder Members, visit: www.nhwp.org.

Q

When signing a purchase agreement with a home builder, what should a homeowner keep in mind?

A

The purchase agreement or building contract is an agreement, which sets out the mutual obligations between the purchaser and the builder.

To be valid, any verbal understandings or agreements that lead up to the contract signing should be documented in the contract. Unless they appear in writing, verbal agreements are not part of the contract. As the Purchaser, you’re obligated to pay for and take possession of the home you have contracted for upon its completion. The Builder is obligated to construct the home according to your contractual specifications and to complete the transfer of title. The Purchase Price is the agreed upon price of your new home (and lot if applicable) plus GST less the GST Rebate granted by the federal government to new home buyers plus any adjustments. The Purchase Price also includes any agreed to changes in the plans and specifications at the time of the contract signing.

Additional tips to remember: • Read any pre-printed standard clauses • Know and stipulate what the builder is to supply and install • Determine exactly what the purchase price includes • Do not sign in haste • Ensure you fully understand all aspects of the contract • Ensure the contract accurately reflects your wishes • Have your lawyer review the wording and your obligations. LS

SASKATCHEWAN

NEW HOME WARRANTY

ANNI

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LIVING SPACES | THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE SASKATOON & REGION HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION

I’ve given my new home builder a deposit towards the purchase of my new home. How can I be sure my deposit is protected?

Marvels ofengineering

by Ashleigh Mattern

I

f you’ve driven through Greenbryre Estates lately, you may have noticed a massive structure being built in the neighbourhood: One of the biggest homes in the Saskatoon area, an amazing 14,000 square feet.

The structural engineers at Rempel Engineering have taken on this challenging project. Their goal, as with all of their projects, is to ensure public safety in all buildings. They design the bones of buildings — the parts that are essential to any structure, but that you may not even know are there.

“We design beams and columns and foundations and roof structures,” says Cliff Rempel, managing partner. “What holds the building up? How come you can stand on a floor and it doesn’t cave in?

Why doesn’t the roof cave in on you when there’s snow on it? Those are the kinds of things we do.”

At the Greenbryre house, being constructed

by Decora Homes, the sheer size of the massive home was a structural challenge in itself, but there are several more challenging details, including a large number of windows, an indoor pool with a waterslide that projects from the home, and a three-storey staircase that seems to float in the air.

“This residential house is as complicated, if not more complicated, than many commercial buildings we design,” says Corey Kasner, Rempel Engineering managing partner.

The owners are also in the process of getting a solar panel system set up, which for a house of this size will likely make it one of the largest residential systems in Saskatoon.

INTELLIGENT ELEGANCE

PHOTOS COURTESY OF REMPEL ENGINEERING

A project doesn’t have to look complicated to be complicated, though; sometimes even the most seemingly simple designs can have a large amount of structural engineering behind them, as is the case with the cantilevered stairs in architect Darrel Epp’s house.

The cantilevered staircase engineered for architect Darrel Epp's home appears to float on air.

“The architect had an idea,” Rempel says. “He wanted his stairs to project out of the wall in such a way that he could walk on them without any columns or supporting structure ‒ or it would appear as though they were just extending out of the wall. The word we would use is cantilevered.”

These are more than just planks sticking out of a wall ‒ their shape is specifically designed to create a sturdy structure. The stairs actually thicken closer to the walls to help properly anchor

38

them. These are the issues a structural engineer is concerned about.

The architect sees the project entirely differently, though: With reflective stainless steel pans on the bottom of each stair, during the summer and winter solstice, the sun shines into the house at just the right angle to shower the room with fractals of light.

“Only an architect would think of those kinds of things,” Rempel says.

LIVING SPACES | THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE SASKATOON & REGION HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION

Professional engineer Tyler Krause worked on the project, and his concerns were more practical.

He had to make sure the stairs didn’t bounce when you walked on them, and that the sound wouldn’t reverberate to the unit next door. Both Krause and Rempel say there was a lot of back and forth between the engineer and the architect, to make sure the stairs worked properly while still matching the original vision.

“Sometimes it’s just a collaboration between the

Rempel Engineering is working with Decora Homes on this 14,000 square foot home in Greenbryre Estates.

architect and engineer to make it work, which is what happened in this case,” Rempel says.

GIVE AND TAKE Essentially, architects draw up ideas, and engineers make sure they’re feasible from a structural perspective. Sometimes there are competing visions for how a project should turn out; the architect may have a specific result in mind, but the engineer might discover the idea

doesn’t physically work. Economics can also be a limiting factor. You can do almost anything if you have unlimited resources, but very few people do.

Occasionally making an idea a reality is simply too cost prohibitive.

“The architect is the one who defines the way a building looks, but we work with them,” Rempel says. “A lot of work engineers do, isn’t beautiful per se, it’s more mundane, but there’s good reason for it.”

While engineering firms like Rempel bring beautiful buildings to life, beauty itself is not their number one concern. Most of the time, their hard work is obfuscated.

“Sometimes it’s frustrating being a structural engineer because you know of the structural beauty behind things, but lots of times it gets covered up,” Krause says. “But you still appreciate the beauty of what people were able to do with your structure.” LS

Reinvent Your Home

WITH THE REMODELING EXPERTS

306-230-1999 RIDGECREST@SHAW.CA

RIDGECRESTDEVELOPMENTS.CA

2016 | WINTER

39

A place for everything and everything in its place:

Monkey Bars

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MONKEY BARS STORAGE

by Tom Eremondi

“L

et’s just put it in the garage.”

With winter upon us and the need to have a warm place for our vehicles, you might be one of the many people who regret saying – and doing – this. The moment you want to bring your car out of the snow or store it overnight so you don’t have to scrape windows, you remember that the garage is where all the camping gear got set down in August.

Mike Wyshinski, owner of Monkey Bars Storage,

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says his company has the solution to not only get your vehicles in the garage but also to make all of your stuff more accessible.

“Monkey Bars is a basic shelf, which can be 16, 24 or 32 inches long, with support arms coming down,” he says of the innovative system. Attached to those support arms are bars, hooks and shelves that simply snap on – it’s from and on these that all your gear can be hung or stored. “The concept lets people layer their items, making them all easily accessible. It also means you can get everything off the floor so your car can fit in the garage.

LIVING SPACES | THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE SASKATOON & REGION HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION

He adds that beauty of the system is that it can be done as a do-it-yourself project or professionally installed by Monkey Bars employees. “A basic package is easy enough to do but it can get tricky when you’re working in corners, so we recommend a professional install. We find most customers, for time and convenience, prefer the professional install.”

Another advantage of the Monkey Bars system is that it can easily be adapted and re-adapted. The bars, hooks and shelves pop off with the push of two buttons and snap back into place just as easy

and quickly.

“I think this is one of the biggest wow factors we see with Monkey Bars,” Wyshinski reports. “After we finish an install and meet with customers, we’ll show them the system. They just can’t believe how easy it is to change things around.”

This means Monkey Bars can change as families change or even as the seasons change. “Families can move their bike racks to the back of the system in the fall and bring out their hockey equipment.

They can put the baseball equipment in a tote, put it on the shelf and have the Christmas lights ready to go.”

Monkey Bars adapts to every different need.

“We begin by meeting with the homeowners and discussing their storage needs and budget while assessing their garage space,” Wyshinski says.

“Some of the options that we provide will depend on the shape and size of the garage.”

While shelving is the mainstay, Wyshinski notes that customers can opt for a complete garage make-over with flooring and cabinet options. The Monkey Bars floor is a polyaspartic coating that works over concrete, wood and metal. Far stronger than epoxy, it’s chemically resistant to oil, gas and other harsh substances. Monkey Bars also offers modular flooring, flooring tiles and parking mats.

As with the shelving, he says there are numerous choices for garage cabinets. Customers can choose from options such as wall-mounted or standalone units.

“I was looking a solution for my own garage,” Wyshinski says of how he came to own the local distributorship. “I was messing around with trying to do different things myself but then I started looking online for solutions. I found the Monkey Bars system and liked it so much that I became a distributor. At first I was still working another job but Monkey Bars got so busy that I quit and started doing it full-time.”

He adds that an install usually takes a day and that Monkey Bars works throughout the winter.

Monkey Bars Storage in Saskatoon is one of almost 150 distributors across Canada and in the United States. For more information, visit www.monkeybarsstorage.ca. You can call the Saskatoon office at 306-241-4062.

2016 | WINTER

41

AFTER

Room to

Win!

By Jennifer Jacoby-Smith

C

harlene Schumacher and her design team at Fresco Interiors Design Group Inc. love to give clients that gasp-inducing surprise when they finish stylizing their space.

Just like staging a home for resale, the Fresco team stylizes homes not intended for resale – “staging to stay”.

This new design concept is popular with

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“BEFORE” AND “AFTER” PHOTOS COURTESY OF FRESCO INTERIORS DESIGN GROUP

people moving into their new home and wanting a completely fresh look, yet needing to incorporate some of their existing pieces. Each stylization is customized to create an expression of their unique style, with custom artwork, select furniture pieces and textural wall applications that transform a room into a defining statement.

With Fresco Interiors’ staging process, every piece, from the custom tufted ottoman to the last vase, is

LIVING SPACES | THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE SASKATOON & REGION HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION

individually selected to flow together perfectly.

Achieving a tantalizing completed space is not an easy feat.

“We hear customers explain that they tried to pull the room together themselves, and just became frustrated,” says Schumacher. “They don’t want to make the same mistake in their new home. They want their new space to feel wonderfully comfortable yet beautifully designed... and just don’t know where to begin.”

She notes the best place to start is a detailed design plan. It’s so much easier to envision your completed space when you see an illustration outlining the design concept.

“Your plan also includes a CAD drawing defining the exact measurements for furniture, area rug and artwork, and a colour palette featuring the existing and preferred new undertones. Once you’re armed with a design plan, your exciting selection process begins,” she explains.

With the design concept confirmed, day stagers, artwork and drapery installers and delivery people arrive to begin the transformation.

BEFORE

The client leaves an empty home in the morning and returns home at the end of the day to a completely staged space. It’s an exhilarating experience for both the homeowner and the designers.

“Literally it’s like on TV, we’re right down to the last minute. Hauling furniture, area rugs, testing accessories and polishing, polishing, polishing,” says Schumacher.

When the home staging is complete, the team

The design team at Fresco Interiors Design Group has launched a $10,000 Room to Win contest.

One lucky entry will receive a fully stylized living room with customized and unique pieces tailored to the winner. Here are ‘before’ and ‘after’ photos of a living room recently transformed by Fresco Interiors.

calls the customer to walk through each room for the first time. “The expression of joy, tears and hugs just makes your heart swell. It’s so much fun!” says Schumacher.

Fresco Interiors launched the Room to Win Contest at the beginning of November, which gives members of the public a chance to win a $10,000 completely stylized living room.

The room could include furniture, custom

artwork, drapery, lighting, area rug, textural wall treatment, paint, custom throw cushions and more.

“Each home is very personal, and we want the design to completely embody the homeowners’ personality,” says Schumacher. “Each element selected for the winners’ design plan will be based on an in-home design consultation defining their style, colour preferences and lifestyle.”

During the re-design day, the winner will leave their house (or agree not to peek at the flurry of activity in their living room), while the design team has eight hours to completely stylize their living room.

Each month, two finalists will be chosen and will receive a free two-hour design consultation valued at $290 which includes a portfolio outlining sketches of ideas for design concepts of the home.

In April 2017, at a design event for the 10 finalists and their friends and family, Fresco Interiors will announce the winner of the $10,000 Room to Win promotion.

Full contest details are available at www. frescointeriors.ca. Participants are invited to submit photos from all four corners of their living room, and provide a short paragraph of 50 words or less on why they would love to win the $10,000 Room to Win design contest. LS

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43

Discover the ICF difference

Comfortable and oh, so quiet!

by Paul Sinkewicz

G

reen building technologies continue to be increasingly embraced by new home builders in Saskatchewan. These advancements include ICF (insulated concrete form) construction, in place of traditional wood framing.

Tyler Dagenais, sales manager for Prairie ICF in Martensville, says ICF construction has been around long enough now to have proven itself, and word of that is definitely getting around.

“The feedback is resoundingly positive. We’ve been in business for over a decade, and we’ve yet to have a customer who gets a properly built ICF house that really has any complaints,” says Dagenais. “They’re incredibly happy with the energy efficiency, as well as the sound rating. One of the biggest comments we actually get is that it essentially is a sound-proof house.”

The shell of an ICF home is made of concrete and expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam insulation.

The exterior walls are built using two layers of foam separated by plastic spacers.

“Basically they stack together like LEGO blocks,” says Dagenais. “Reinforcing rebar goes in as you stack the blocks, and then you fill with concrete.

And that becomes your completely finished building envelope. That’s your structure, your insulation, your vapour barrier, your air barrier – so essentially after the concrete is poured you have a completely finished wall system.”

Drywall can be fastened directly to the inside surface of the foam, and siding or stucco can go directly on the outside of the foam. No additional wraps, insulation or framing is required.

“It’s a much more airtight building envelope. It gives you a continuous insulation. You don’t have the thermal breaks that you normally get with stick-frame construction, and it’s a high-quality expanded polystyrene insulation so it gives you something that is even resistant to mould and moisture damage, as well providing a high level of insulation.”

There are huge dividends to be reaped from the design, Dagenais says, both for health and for energy efficiency.

“It can make a huge difference. By having a solid concrete wall, not only for your basement but also for your above-grade wall, you’re providing

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photos courtesy of prairie ICF

something that’s inherently air tight, so assuming the doors and windows are detailed properly, you get a very air tight structure.”

He notes that leads to the need for mechanical ventilation in the form of a heat recovery ventilator (HRV), which allows you to accurately control the air coming into and escaping the building, rather than relying on the passive movement of air like you would in an older wood frame structure.

“You ensure the home gets fresh air. All the air coming in is filtered, and by going through an HRV, you’re essentially taking the warm air, and using it to pre-heat the incoming air, so it makes it a much more efficient structure, versus passively losing warm air, and having to heat from scratch cold air from the outside,” says Dagenais.

There are simple new skills for builders to learn with ICF homes.

LIVING SPACES | THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE SASKATOON & REGION HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PRAIRIE ICF

Instead of traditional exposed wood or metal studs, to which you would fasten drywall, you have unseen plastic strips.

There are markings on the surface of the foam that show where the fastening strips are. In the Nudura product used by Prairie ICF, it’s a 1 ½-inch wide plastic strip buried about half an inch below

the surface every eight inches on centre.

“We’re still doing ongoing training to educate any builders that aren’t familiar with the product, but at this point the technology has been around long enough that most builders are familiar with it.”

The energy savings in an ICF home are significant, says Dagenais.

“Typically homeowners find around a 30 per cent savings on cooling, and around 45 per cent on heating costs. That’s versus a minimum code, standard built construction. But even beyond the energy savings, which is the main reason that homeowners are requesting ICF construction for their houses, the number one comment we get back is still the sound rating.”

Six inches of concrete, sandwiched between

the foam insulation creates a home with a sound transmission class (STC) rating of 50, says Dagenais.

“Having all the exterior walls of your house built like that means you don’t hear traffic noise, wind noise, things like that, other than some transmission through your windows and doors.”

A better environment for your health is also a benefit of ICF homes because EPS foam is totally inert. There are no Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) off-gassing out of the foam.

“And also with an EPS foam and concrete, there’s nothing of nutritional value to support mould or mildew growth,” says Dagenais. “This is what you would find in high humidity with wood frame building. So you’re eliminating a lot of those issues.”

To learn more, visit www.prairieicf.ca. LS

jeff stewart

saskatoon

2016 | WINTER

45

W

HELPING HOME OWNERSHIP DREAMS COME TRUE Graduate retention program helps firsttime homeowners

by Tom Eremondi Seventeen minutes.

That’s how long it took for the Saskatchewan government to receive an application for its Graduate Retention Program – First Home Plan after it was officially announced on May 26.

“The First Home Plan was a promise made during the election and it’s a promise kept,” says Tina Beaudry-Mellor, Minister of Social Services and the minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation.

“The First Home Plan is another in a number of initiatives we’ve introduced to encourage young people to stay in our province after completing post-secondary education,” she adds. “One of those was the Graduate Retention Program.”

Under the Graduate Retention Program (GRP), graduates are eligible for tuition fee rebates of up to $20,000 if they live in Saskatchewan for seven years after they finish post-secondary education.

Amounts vary according to the length and type of educational program. The rebates are given in the form of tax credits.

“First Home Plan takes it a step further,” Minister Beaudry-Mellor says, “because, once you own a home, you’re more liable to stay and set down roots in the province. Under the First Home Plan, graduates can borrow up to $10,000 of their future tax credit as an interest-free loan, which will be used as a future down-payment on their first home.”

The tax credits grads receive under the GRP essentially become payments toward the loan. The

46

getty images

First Home program is open to graduates who have either never owned a home before or haven’t owned a home in the past five years. The exact amount of loan also depends on the type and length of the educational program.

However, applicants can optimize the loans – the program allows two or more individuals to combine their First Home Loan funds and apply them to a down payment on one home.

Grads have 10 years after they first apply for the loan to pay it back or to access the program. Those who have already used some of their GRP credits could still apply, too – the amount of their loan then would depend on the amount of amount of GRP tax credits remaining.

“The Graduate Retention Program – First Home Plan is a solid investment in recent graduates who are trying to make their homeownership dreams come true,” Beaudry-Mellor says, noting that, shortly after being introduced, First Home Plan was proving to be popular. “In the first few weeks more than 340 applications were received and 290 of those were approved with average approved amount being just a little more than $9,200.”

New homeowners and the housing industry both have praise for the program.

“The First Home Program has made it possible for my spouse and me to purchase our own home, freeing us from renting yet again,” says Kaleigh Maguire, a successful program applicant from Regina. “Without this program, buying our own home this quickly after convocating from

LIVING SPACES | THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE SASKATOON & REGION HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION

university would not have been possible. The online application process was quick and pain-free, and the staff was knowledgeable and helpful with any questions that I had. I would highly recommend this program to all graduates who are able to access it. It’s a wonderful way to start your future.”

“First time buyers are very important to the real estate market as their purchases often result in several subsequent transactions,” comments Association of Saskatchewan REALTORS® CEO Bill Madder. “Recent studies show that each home sale in Canada will result in an average of over $50,000 in spin-off spending, creating one job for every three transactions. We are pleased to see the government’s commitment to recent graduates and the Saskatchewan economy through the First Home Plan.”

“Programs like this that help make purchasing a home more affordable are a benefit to everyone,” adds Chris Guérette, CEO of the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association. “Last year the residential construction industry accounted for nearly 3,000 jobs and $175 million in wages in Saskatoon alone, so not only does it help young people invest in their first home, it also contributes to the overall prosperity of our community.”

The government website suggests grads applying for the program do so prior to arranging mortgage financing.

For more information about the First Home Plan, call Saskatchewan Housing Corporation at 306-787-4177 or toll-free at 1-800-667-7567. LS

in the kitchen

with Chef DAN

TOCHOR of Pink

Cadillacs

BY JENNIFER JACOBY-SMITH

P

PHOTOS BY ELAINE MARK, D & M IMAGES

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LIVING SPACES | THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE SASKATOON & REGION HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION

oodle skirts, juke boxes and pink Cadillacs are everywhere!

Pink Cadillacs Malt Shop and Diner in Willowgrove looks like it’s lifted straight out of an episode of Happy Days. You feel like the Fonz will come swaggering in at any time.

Owner Jon Tyson and Chef Dan Tochor say that was their intention – to capture the fun, vibrant spirit of a bygone decade.

According to Tyson, his goal was to create a stopping place for families – where time can slow down a little bit and they can enjoy a playful break from the hectic pace of life. “[The 1950s] were a different time. There were no wars going on. Everybody now is go-go-go. Husband, wives, everybody works. It’s just crazy. If they can just come in here and relax maybe for a little bit and have fun watching old cartoons and then eat some amazing food, then why not? That’s why I did it… just to get people to relax,” says Tyson.

With Chef Dan Tochor at the controls, the diner has become a city-wide favourite with delicious food that would make Elvis swoon.

Tochor says he got into cooking later in life. “I found myself doing it at home all the time, so I thought I might as well get paid for it.” After attending the cooking program at Sask Polytech, he landed at TCU Place working banquets. Eventually, he went to work at the German Club where he met Tyson. When Pink Cadillacs opened two and a half years ago, Tochor jumped at the chance to continue to work with him. “It’s the creativity I like. Food in general interests me,” notes Tochor.

At home, Tochor loves to cook Mexican food for his girlfriend and daughter. He also loves to experiment with Eastern European cuisine in tribute to his mother who comes from the Czech Republic.

At Pink Cadillacs, everything starts with fresh ingredients.

Tyson and Tochor pride themselves on simple food packed with fresh flavours such as their Aloha Elvis Burger or their Earth Angel Chicken Sandwich. Even their buns are made inhouse.

Tochor shares some simple recipes here so you can create your own special spin on their signature dishes at home.

BRUSCHETTA 6 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced small 1 small red onion 2 tsp. garlic, minced Lemon zest from half a lemon 1 Tbsp. olive oil 1 Tbsp. balsamic reduction 1 Tbsp. honey 4 leaves of fresh basil, chiffonade Salt and pepper to taste Add all ingredients and mix to combine.

EARTH ANGEL CHICKEN BREAST SANDWICH To assemble: Start with fresh buns and cooked chicken breast. Layer on sautéed portabella mushrooms, melted Swiss cheese and balsamic reduction. Top with bruschetta.

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LIVING SPACES | THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE SASKATOON & REGION HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION

PINEAPPLE SALSA

MILE HIGH APPLE PIE

1 pineapple, cored, small dice 1 red onion, small dice 1 red pepper, small dice 1 Tbsp. garlic, minced 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded, finely diced zest of 1 lime 1 Tbsp. honey 2 Tbsp. cilantro 1/2 tsp. chilli flakes salt and pepper to taste

To make the pastry: 5 cups flour 1 1/2 tsp. salt 1 egg 1 lb. Crisco, room temperature 1/2 cup cold water 1 Tbsp. white vinegar

To assemble:

In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.

Cut Crisco into small chunks and add to flour. Using pastry cutter, cut in Crisco until it resembles coarse meal with some roughly pea-sized lumps. In a measuring cup, add 1/2 cup cold water, 1 egg, and 1 Tbsp. white vinegar. Add to flour mixture.

Mix with hands to form a dough.

Start with fresh buns and a homemade beef burger. Add melted Swiss Cheese and barbecue sauce. Top with shaved ham and generous scoop of pineapple salsa.

To make the pie: 16 apples, peeled, cored and sliced 1 1/2 cups cornstarch 4 cups white sugar 3 tsp. cinnamon

Add all ingredients and mix to combine.

ALOHA ELVIS BURGER

To make the crumble: 2 cups flour 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup butter, softened 1 cup oats 1 tsp. cinnamon Place sliced apples in a large bowl, add cornstarch. With your hands, stir the apples and cornstarch to coat apples.

Add sugar and cinnamon. Stir to coat apples. Let mixture stand for 20 minutes to allow juices to develop.

Grease 3-inch ramekins. Cover bottom with your crumble.

(There will be leftover crumble to use for another recipe.) Fill with coated apples until somewhat overflowing. Dab with 2 small pats of butter. Cover with rolled out pastry dough. Egg wash pastry, and slit the top of pastry so steam can escape while cooking. Bake at 375° for 55 minutes or until apples are soft. Serve with ice cream.

Note: This recipe makes 10 pies. This recipe can be cut in half if needed. LS

2016 | WINTER

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Saskatchewan’s Premier Home Show

March 9-12 2017 Book your booth today at homestylesonline.com

Booths are already 75% sold out!

Prairieland Park Saskatoon, SK

This year’s HomeStyles Marketplace is set to be bigger than ever, with 60 booths available to make up a boutique retail experience for HomeStyles’ more than 15,000 attendees!

At only $500 per booth, and with a layout designed to cater to those who have shopping in mind, the Marketplace is perfect for: Lifestyles Product Consultants Small Furniture & Décor Retailers Independent Fashion Retailers Home-based Party Consultants Small Business Entrepreneurs

Limited space is available!

Book your booth today at homestylesonline.com HomeStyles Marketplace booths are $500 each. are 8’OFFICIAL x 8’,MAGAZINE are curtained, and include a 110VASSOCIATION electrical outlet. Flooring is required but must be supplied by the exhibitor.

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