Living Spaces Fall 2017

SPACES

LIVING

THE OFFI C I A L M AG A Z I N E OF THE SA SK ATOO n & REG I O N HOME BU I LDE R S‘ A SSOC I AT I O N

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Plug into

THE SUN

The not-so-lazy Susan Kitchen storage options

different by design Discover life in The Meadows 1

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

Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association

...Always Majestic

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by GA Interior

Make your Space a Majestic one....

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Saskatchewan’s distributor of MURPHY WALL BEDS

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

SASKATOON’S FIRST

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For more information contact Boychuk Homes’ new home specialists: Joanne Stanton Hassler (306) 260-3122 | boychuk.joanne@sasktel.net Robert Hassler (306) 260-9145 | boychuk.robert@sasktel.net

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306.374.3939 | WWW.BOYCHUKHOMES.COM boychuk.info@sasktel.net

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

They deserve a home as unique and beautiful as they are.

an innovated leader in creating expert & timeless kitchen design Monday - Friday 9-5 5

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

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Fall/Winter 2017

features

8 COVER STORY: DIFFERENT BY DESIGN Discover life in The Meadows 14 Plug into the sun 20 EXPAND YOUR LIVING SPACE Your garage can be so much more!

22 Elevating the RTM experience 25 ALL IN THE FAMILY: A new era of growth for Executive Home Builders 33 Mandatory builder training benefits industry and consumers 34 GIVING BACK: Make-A-Wish Saskatchewan and Delonix Homes are making a difference in children’s lives

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design & renovation 24 SHOW HOME SPOTLIGHT: Kensington Flats offers innovative construction and design 28 From AUTOMATION to entertainment and more: The possibilities are endless 30 The not-so-lazy Susan 36 Pretty pendants

departments 11 ASK AN EXPERT: Maison Design+Build 6

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16 ASK AN EXPERT: Fresco Interiors Design Group 32 ASK AN EXPERT: New Home Warranty Program of Saskatchewan 38 ASK AN EXPERT: Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association

food & entertaining 39 IN THE KITCHEN: Angela Sipko of Saskatoon Fresh Prep

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

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Email: jarmstrong@postmedia.com

Jeannie Armstrong

ART DIRECTION Lesley Cockburn

SPACES T H E O FFI CIAL M AG A ZI N E O F T H E SA SK ATO O N & R EG I O N H O M E BU I LD ER S‘ A SSO CIAT I O N

LIVING

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EDITOR

F A L L / W I N T E R 2 017

Plug into

THE SUN

THE NOT-SO-LAZY SUSAN Kitchen storage options

DIFFERENT BY DESIGN Discover life in The Meadows 1

Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association

LIVING SPACES | THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE 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

MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR

W

elcome to the latest edition of Living Spaces Magazine, the official magazine of the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association. In this issue of Living Spaces, we talk to several builders about the design processes they use to create homes that are both lovable and livable, including an RTM builder! Solar power is generating increasing interest with homeowners. Come along as we explore a stylish show home that is “plugged into the sun.” Then join us In The Kitchen, for family-friendly recipes from Angela Sipko with Saskatoon Fresh Prep.

It’s all waiting, inside Living Spaces!

PHOTOGRAPHY Elaine Mark Jeff Lyons

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jeannie Armstrong Jennifer Jacoby-Smith Tom Eremondi Jesse Green Hilary Klassen Ashleigh Mattern

COVER PHOTO:

Our cover photo showcases “The James” show home by Arbutus Properties, located at 610 Meadows Boulevard.

Photo by Elaine Mark, D&M Images.

PROJECT COORDINATION Krystal Rudyk

PUBLISHER

The StarPhoenix Fall/winter 2017

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COVER STORY

DIFFERENT

by design

Discover life in The Meadows 8

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

The James show home features a variety of locally sourced design elements, including the live edge walnut dining room table and fireplace mantel.

Designer Jen Lapsiuk also personalizes every Arbutus home with unique light fixtures.

The board and batten feature wall in the spacious master bedroom echoes coastal style.

by Jeannie Armstrong PHOTOS BY ELAINE MARK, D & M IMAGES

L

ife in The Meadows starts with thoughtful design.

The Single Family Homes Collection created by Arbutus Properties for its masterplanned community, The Meadows, is comprised of eight different home plans. The homes range in size from 1,475 to 3,000 square feet, with varying styles and price points.

The home models reflect the diverse lifestyles of modern families, incorporating the must-have features and amenities that today’s buyers are seeking. “We’re listening to

what people tell us. Over the years, our home plans have evolved and really reflect what Saskatonians are looking for in a new home,” says Arbutus sales manager Jody Minakakis.

Among the newest entries in the Arbutus Collection is the "James" home model.

The James is a 2,010 square foot two-storey that embodies west coast contemporary style.

The show home located at 610 Meadows Boulevard made its debut in the recent Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Parade of Homes, attracting huge crowds and rave reviews.

With its huge main floor great room, open entry den, upstairs bonus room and three

bedrooms, the James is ideal for families who want to live large. Depending on the lot selection, the James can be built with either a two- or three-car attached garage.

Arbutus also personalizes every single family home, from spec homes to custom builds, with the assistance of designer Jen Lapsiuk. “Jen puts an individual design twist on each of our single family homes, even our spec homes. Arbutus is unique in that sense,” says Minakakis.

Lapsiuk brings extensive design knowledge and experience to her role with Arbutus. She earned a design certificate from the New York Institute of Art and Design, and before Fall/winter 2017

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joining Arbutus worked as a kitchen and bath designer. She’s also built and renovated several of her own homes.

When bringing design flair to a spec home, Lapsiuk imagines the home’s future owners, anticipating their dreams and expectations.

“Typically, I’m given the house plan and then I’ll pick the style for the home’s interior.

We’ve done west coast contemporary, Craftsman, industrial, traditional… I usually start with the kitchen, which is the heart of the home, and then work from there,” says Lapsiuk.

What inspires Lapsiuk’s designs? “I definitely draw inspiration from travelling, being outdoors. I also attend international design shows, where I can tap into the latest trends.”

The James show home reveals many of those new décor trends. The new “it” wood, walnut, is showcased to perfection throughout the home, including a live edge walnut fireplace mantel, accent shelves in the kitchen, walnut posts in the glass-panelled staircase and an upstairs vanity with a walnut ledge and furniture-style legs. “I feel that natural wood really adds warmth and character to the design,” says Lapsiuk.

Gold tone accents are trending on the west coast and can be seen in the kitchen of the James show home, in the champagne gold faucet, cabinet pulls and white-and-gold pendant lights. “I like to work with different tones and textures,” says Lapsiuk.

Local artisan touches further distinguish the James show home. “We shop locally as much as possible. The live edge walnut dining room table, fireplace mantel and upstairs coffee table were handcrafted by Beaver Creek Customs. We teamed up with Duo Plant Studio to provide the live greenery in the home,” says Lapsiuk.

Each area of the James show home offers a tableaux of modern family life. This is especially apparent in the home’s three bedrooms. The master bedroom has a boardand-batten feature wall that creates a ‘beach house’ feeling. Each of the two children’s bedrooms portrays a different adventure theme, including a functional climbing wall.

“We might have six or seven spec homes available at any given time. As you walk through each one, you’ll see different design

A large bonus space on the second floor makes for an ideal media room or kids’ play area.

Walnut accents add warmth to the master ensuite of the James show home.

elements in each house. Jen creates a different personality for each individual house,” says Minakakis.

Lapsiuk also works closely with home buyers who come to Arbutus for a custombuilt home. She begins by meeting customers in the Arbutus design studio located on Taylor Street, at the entrance to The Meadows.

“I start by asking a lot of questions: whether they have a style in mind; what their lifestyle is like; do they have kids or pets? Based on those needs, I will suggest a selection of material and colour samples, so they can look through everything and get a feel for what direction they want to go in. We’ll have multiple meetings to narrow down their selections.

Those choices are always being updated. I’m constantly going to shows and finding new products. If there’s something that they’d like that’s not there, I’m happy to go out shopping with them, or go out on my own and bring different samples back for them,” says Lapsiuk.

“Because our spec homes each have different flair and character, our customers can

also go through those homes for inspiration.

They don’t just have to imagine how things are going to look. They can see how we’ve used those ideas in one of our spec homes.”

Arbutus Properties is currently putting the finishing touches on several new movein-ready homes in The Meadows, including the new Clarke model, as well as the popular Brady and James models. Minakakis says the new spec homes will be open for viewing in early November.

In the next few months, watch for the announcement of new businesses who will be setting up shop in The Meadows’ commercial development, including a national clothing retailer, restaurant, financial institution and electronics store.

To learn more about Arbutus Properties’ inclusive design services, visit the James show home at 610 Meadows Boulevard or call the sales office. Show home hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. For more details, visit www.meadowsliving.ca.

THIS STORY WAS CREATED BY CONTENT WORKS, POSTMEDIA’S COMMERCIAL CONTENT DIVISION, ON BEHALF OF ARBUTUS PROPERTIES.

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

ANDREW & JILAIRE WAGNER MAISON DESIGN+BUILD

Home Builder

#30-214 Joseph Okemasis Drive • 306.242.3653 build@maisondesignbuild.ca | www.maisondesignbuild.ca

How can I future proof my home?

We spend a lot of time talking about longevity and design with our clients. No one wants to go through the experience of building or renovating to find out what they built isn’t able to meet their needs as their lives change. While the future is impossible to predict, we can look at current lifestyle trends as well as the way we live to help build a home that will adapt over time. Creating a home that is durable, sustainable and flexible is the way to future proof your home.

Here are five suggestions to consider: Save Energy Focusing on energy efficiency pays dividends for years to come.

When you look at our extreme climate and the fact that resources will only become scarcer, this is one way we can reduce our impact while also reducing our utility bills. Energy efficient practices can be as extensive as installing solar power or improving the building envelope and windows, or as simple as purchasing energy efficient appliances and LED light bulbs.

Invest in Materials Buying the best quality and toughest materials you can afford will help your home look pristine longer. While not every surface needs to be high end, investing in the areas that experience the most wear and tear will ensure your home looks better over time. Quality flooring and solid surface countertops in the kitchen and bathroom make a huge impact.

Wire for the Future Our increasing reliance on technology in our everyday lives is also being reflected in our homes. We have moved beyond planning for integrated audiovisual systems. Smart home technology allows us to control lighting, security, heating and cooling from our smart phones.

Ensure your home can meet the demand of more sophisticated and connected technology by installing conduit and wiring. Even with the move to wireless components, hard wiring is essential for the performance of high-definition and ultra-high-definition video and speakers.

Storage Matters Planning for storage is essential. The longer you live in a home, the more things you will accumulate. Whether it’s for seasonal items like holiday decorations or everyday clutter like paperwork, magazines and toys, planning for and building in storage options will keep your home working for you.

Make it Multi-Purpose Certain rooms should be able to perform multiple functions, so there is a contingency plan for whatever happens in our lives: out-of-town guests, teenagers hanging out or new work-from-home arrangements.

The addition of a flexible space – a a second living room, playroom, home office, guest room, home gym, or all of the above – helps ensure you won’t outgrow your home as your needs change.

WE BUILD BEAUTIFUL 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 |

Fall/winter 2017

11

The Year of

THE FIFTY

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

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710 51 t St E | 306.222.8466 306.500.7384 | centennial360.com st

Fall/winter 2017

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Plug into

the sun Vinland Homes’ show home in the 2017 Parade of Homes features a solar energy system that is tied to the grid, allowing unused energy to be channeled back to their meter for later use. PHOTOS courtesy of vinland homes

By Hilary Klassen

S

askatchewan has been called the sunshine capital of Canada. In fact, the “sun belt” extends across southern Alberta and Saskatchewan, from Calgary to Estevan. But proponents of solar energy say our province has, thus far, failed to capitalize on sunshine as an energy source.

That dynamic is changing, however. A featured home in the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association’s 2017 Parade of Homes this past summer offers an innovative solar energy system that is tied to the grid. Builder, Vinland Homes, is committed to energy efficiency and is a pioneer in solar construction.

“The really cool thing is, on a lot of days your home is most likely producing excess electricity, so what the home is not using is actually fed back to the grid. It winds back to your meter and actually creates a rebate on your electricity bill,” says Brandon Moore, sales manager for Vinland Homes.

Long days of solar energy production

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in the summer help offset the shorter days of winter when production is lower.

Depending on energy consumption, the result can be a “net zero” energy home.

Vinland’s 1,751 square foot “Ellesmere” show home in Rosewood has south-facing solar panels to get the maximum sunlight exposure. Moore says no matter the size of the home, Vinland can optimize it for maximum solar energy production.

A typical system costs anywhere from $15,000 to $20,000, making solar energy an increasingly viable way to heat your home.

“While traditional electricity costs are increasing steadily, solar energy technology is becoming more cost effective and efficient,” he says.

Vinland will do a solar energy assessment for any home that they build. With a robust system, the possibility of saying goodbye to the heating bill is there. “Some people are going to the extreme of creating electrically-heated homes. It’s happening in Saskatchewan with large solar energy systems and a battery bank.”

Solar panels on the Ellesmere model have a minimum life expectancy of 35 years and require zero maintenance. While it’s early to gauge the impact of solar energy homes on the housing market, as more of them reach the market, Moore believes it will add value to those properties.

“Solar powered homes are still very new to the market. But when this is more common, once there starts to be critical mass and consumers generally favor solar energy homes, I think it’s totally going to add value,” says Moore. At the moment however, there are almost no comparables in the market.

Vinland Homes owners Graham and Kalina Klassen just built a dream acreage outside of the city. “Solar energy was always something of interest to them. The more they looked at it the more they realized it was a growing and viable trend and something likely to increase as time marches on,” says Moore. “So, we want to get behind it. We believe in it from a money-saving standpoint. We believe it makes a better,

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

Vinland Homes is one of only a few builders looking to capitalize on solar energy in Saskatchewan, the sunshine capital of Canada. The company anticipates buy-in to solar energy will only increase in the coming years.

more modern home, but we also believe in the green component.”

It ties in with Vinland’s current values regarding energy efficiency. Moore says there’s a misconception in the market that the bigger the builder, the higher quality the build. When it comes to the superstructure of the home – the things the consumer doesn’t see behind the drywall – some are doing the bare minimum, which really affects the energy efficiency of the home.

“Just like with solar energy, we do a number of things behind the walls of the home that we really we don’t recoup or earn a profit on.

It’s part of our business philosophy. We’re not the biggest company, but we’re mighty,” he says.

The Vinland show home is part of the Arbutus community, “The Meadows”, located in Rosewood. The Craftsman style homes try to recapture the innocence of days gone by. Architectural controls are higher than in some other neighbourhoods.

Every home must have Hardie board siding, a front porch and other craftsman features.

“It creates a certain level of consistency and calibre. The arts and crafts traditional homes give the neighbourhood a quaint charm,” says Moore.

That theme continues inside. “We shoot for a timeless Craftsman style. The main living area has a large, beautifully crafted mantle around the fireplace. We tried to carry that style throughout the whole home.”

Vinland Homes chose timeless Craftsman style as the décor theme for its show home in The Meadows.

The modified bi-level floor plan, a popular choice in Saskatoon, includes a bonus room upstairs. Shaker style cabinets are complemented by quartz countertops. A spacious entryway with a mudroom offers wow-factor and has generated a lot of great feedback. Hardwood floors are a staple for Vinland. The home backs a park and is legal suite-ready, as are all of Vinland’s spec homes.

In September, Vinland launched a 23-unit townhouse project near their Rosewood show home. It is Saskatoon’s largest

residential solar community. All units come pre-packaged with a state-of-the-art solar energy system.

With the solar package, square-footage, triple-car garage, bonus room and suite potential, Moore says the price tag of $519,000 for the Ellesmere is blowing people’s minds.

For more information on this unique “plugged into the sun” home, visit the Vinland show home at 618 Meadows Boulevard.

Fall/winter 2017

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Style & Decor

Charlene Schumacher Fresco Interiors Design Group #40-710 Cynthia Street •306.933-3200 Charlene@frescointeriors.ca | www.frescointeriors.ca

Beautifully organized spaces can change your life We are frustrated and exhausted by the clutter in our home. What can we do to become better organized?

FRESCO INTERIORS DESIGN GROUP INC.

Sometimes the simplest things in life can have an incredible impact on our day-to-day lives. Well planned spaces boost our energy and prevent time being wasted endlessly searching for items! It’s as though organizing our homes clears fresh spaces in our minds, which in turn affects our thoughts and how we interrelate with family members.

A beautifully organized space can literally lift your mood, radiate calm happy feelings and thereby change your life.

START HERE • Define what’s important to you and your family and prioritize each component.

• Take an inventory of what will be stored, measure the size of the pieces and estimate which items will need to be used on a daily basis.

FUNCTIONAL SPACES • Master walk-in closet: Imagine walking into a well-planned master closet where there is ample room for each piece of clothing. Each of your favourite pieces can be curated into staggered colour collections.

Organize purses and jewelry on acrylic wall displays with backlit mirrored angled shoe racks. Add a luxurious tufted ottoman where you can sit back and enjoy… ahhhhh!

• Mud room: This multi-functional space needs to work double duty to accommodate everything an active family can throw at it. Doors and drawers designated for specific items can be your best weapon to keep the space from overflowing with clutter. Open lockers are fine if you have a “neat” family, but for most families a enclosed locker door system with bench seating works more effectively. Consider pull-out boot baskets to keep shoes in order, and mitt racks installed in drawers to dry wet gear. A enclosed door with hooks for Fido’s leash and dog food keeps the puppy paraphenalia tucked away and easy to find. Create a wardrobe check/key drop area by installing a full-length mirror with a central floating shelf and electrical plug-ins.

Pick up your keys, grab your charged phone and check the mirror as you’re running out the door!

INNOVATE • There are so many new and ingenious products for storage! A designer can help you explore all of the exciting options, and help you define what’s best for your needs. Options range from “Soft Down” cabinet systems with high shelves that softly pull down for easy access, to tall kitchen cabinets, to a Panasonic drying hanger system in the laundry room which recesses into the ceiling once the delicates are fully dry.

There’s nothing more rewarding than walking into a newly organized area and feeling so pleased with the end result!

Live Life Beautifully!

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

BP BANISTER

Specializing in wood stairs and railing 2941 Miners Ave. 306.955.6338 info@bpbanister.ca

www.bpbanister.ca

Where quality isn’t expensive. It’s priceless.

Fall/winter 2017

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SHOW HOME SPOTLIGHT

Kensington Flats

offers innovative construction and design

by Ashleigh Mattern

C

ondo living gives you freedom, says Garett Dmytrowich, project manager with Innovative Residential. “For the common areas, all the maintenance is taken care of. No cutting grass, no shovelling snow. The underground parkade is a nice change for people, especially as winter approaches.”

Security is one of the key features of condo living as well. Frequent travellers find they can lock up and walk away, knowing their home will be safe. Innovative Residential’s Kensington Flats apartment-style condominium even features a video entrance camera system so you can see everyone coming in and out.

Located at 545 Hassard Close, Kensington

Flats is at the heart of one of the newest neighbourhoods in the city, which is bustling with activity. South Kensington is now fully developed, and the neighbourhood developer is hosting free events like yoga in the park and footballs skills classes for kids.

“The location of the building is fantastic,” says Dmytrowich. “You are right in the heart of South Kensington and the amenities in that area are fantastic.”

Save-on-Foods is practically on your doorstep, and a short walk away is the Blairmore Shopping Mall, with a WalMart, Lowes and dozens of other stores and restaurants. The Shaw Centre is also close at hand. The developers have focused on installing the park systems from the beginning, so there’s already green space right in the neighbourhood, too.

“The neighbourhood has really filled out in the last year… Pretty much anything you need, it’s there.”

Off 22nd Street with easy access to Circle Each kitchen at Kensington Flats is beautifully appointed with maple cabinets, quartz countertops and undermount sinks.

Innovative Residential’s Kensington Flats apartment-style condominium development won the Best ApartmentStyle Project of the Year at the 25th Annual Bridges Awards. Innovative Residential also took the award for Innovation of the Year for the building’s smart design.

Drive and the Dalmeny Road highway, Kensington is a suburb with excellent connections to the rest of the city. “It is on the outskirts of the city, but there are a lot of major arteries leading you where you want to go,” Dmytrowich says.

Kensington Flats won the Best ApartmentStyle Project of the Year at the 25th Annual Bridges Awards presented last February by the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association. Innovative Residential also took the award for Innovation of the Year for the building’s smart design.

There’s truly no other apartment-style multi-unit project like it in Saskatoon. As with Innovative Residential’s other projects in the city, Kensington Flats was constructed using a modular building process – built indoors in a factory, section by section, then assembled on site. The award was for using this process in an apartment style building rather than the townhouse projects Innovative has done before. The clever roof design also played into the innovation award – they were able to construct the roof completely in the factory, further limiting the amount of site work that needed to be done.

Quality is one of the key concepts with modular building practices, Dmytrowich says. “Knowing everything was built and assembled indoors, out of the rain and other elements, you get that higher quality.

You’re not going to have moisture trapped behind walls during construction. There are

Shared amenities at Kensington Flats include a movie theatre room and a multi-purpose area.

efficiencies that can be gained that are easier to do on a factory floor than three stories up in the air.”

Some of those efficiencies bring cost savings, which Innovative Residential reinvested into the project by upgrading finishes, purchasing a higher efficiency boiler system, and installing higher levels of insulation and triple pane windows.

The apartments themselves are gorgeous, with quartz countertops, undermount sinks, and maple cabinetry. The open concept kitchen and main living area invites socializing and getting together, while the bedrooms and laundry are down a hallway, keeping your personal space private.

Walking in, the space is open, welcoming, and comfortable. You can see yourself visiting with friends in here. It feels like home. You can get the feeling yourself by visiting the show home at 302-545 Hassard Close in South Kensington.

Only two-bedroom suites are still available to purchase. The suites are 938 square feet

with 1.5 bathrooms and a 84 square foot, glass-front balcony. Shared amenities include a movie theatre room and a multipurpose space.

Plus, the project is first-time home buyer friendly: Applicants may qualify for Innovative Residential’s down payment assistance program. You can apply for a down payment grant – that never has to be repaid – for up to five percent of the purchase price.

For the Kensington Flats, the grant amount that is potentially available is up to $14,000.

“People don’t have to take years to save up that money,” says Alex Newman, marketing coordinator at Innovative Residential. “If they qualify for this down payment grant, they can start building their own equity in their own home sooner and get out of a rental… We really want to make it as easy as possible for people to go to that next stage in their life, whether that be owning their first home or downsizing their home.”

For more details, visit https:// innovativeresidential.ca/available-homes/

THIS STORY WAS CREATED BY CONTENT WORKS, POSTMEDIA’S COMMERCIAL CONTENT DIVISION, ON BEHALF OF INNOVATIVE RESIDENTIAL.

Fall/winter 2017

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Your garage can be so much more!

by Tom Eremondi

“W

ow, this is your garage?”

That’s the comment you may be hearing from family and friends if you choose a custom package from Saskatoon Custom Garage Interiors.

“The garage is often forgotten but it can actually be one of the nicest rooms in your house,” says Larry Westby, who owns Saskatoon Custom Garage Interiors with his wife, Elaine, and their business partner, Cliff Thiemann. “Couples or families wanting to expand their living areas and usable spaces should think of the garage because it’s often the largest room in the house. It’s actually cheaper per square foot to renovate than a kitchen or bathroom.

“Back the cars out and garages are now becoming multi-purpose rooms for the entire family,” he adds. “Men can invite their friends over to watch the game, women are finding it’s a great place for hobbies like gardening, and the kids have a safe and clean space to play or hang out with friends.”

Your custom garage starts at the bottom with the floor, Westby says. “It’s best to do this before you install cabinets. Saskatoon Custom Garage Interiors offers the Slide-Lok concrete floor coating system that penetrates an eighth of an inch into the concrete and becomes part of the concrete rather than just sticking to it. It’s non-slip, UV-stable, abrasion- and impact-resistant, and comes in great colours.

It’s a beautiful look that will last a long time.”

Once you have such a nice floor, you’ll want to show it off. You can do this with the storage solutions offered by Saskatoon Custom Garage Interiors. “We provide two high-end cabinet systems,” Westby says.

“Our own custom-built cabinets are made

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of three-quarter inch plywood on the sides, back and bottom – there’s no particle board or plastic anywhere. We also offer Cabinets

by Hayley which are made of powder coated 16-gauge steel, machine rolled, and with stainless steel piano hinges. It’s another great looking product made in Canada.”

All cabinets come in varying widths and heights so you can customize endlessly.

There are also options for vents and fans that are perfect for sports equipment.

He notes another storage solution is the HandiWall system. “HandiWall is made from PVC, the same material in plumbing pipes so it won’t break like plastic or particle board. Every square foot holds 100 pounds and the hooks snap in place. HandiWall is maintenance-free, can be washed because it’s waterproof, and you will never need to paint again.”

Saskatoon Custom Garage Interiors can transform your neglected garage into a multi-purpose room ideal for the entire family.

Other garage options include brushed or engraved stainless steel countertops, sinks, beverage and keg fridges, and ‘toy’ lifts, ideal for quads and snowmobiles. To show it all off or to make it a perfect outdoor space, consider Lifestyle Screens. These are fully retractable, spring-loaded screens that work in conjunction with your garage door. You can turn your garage into an airy, pest-free space in a heartbeat!

Westby says the experience starts in their showroom, located at 3122A Millar Avenue.

“We like people to come in because it’s simply

the best way for them to see everything we offer and do. Families can tell us what they want and how much they want to spend.

We’ll develop a computer-generated design that they can easily change until installation.

“We work hard to make sure that both the customers and our installers get it right.

That’s because everything we install is meant to last… you won’t have to change it again.”

He reports that the average customized garage will cost between $5,000 and $15,000, depending on what customers want. “Both flooring and cabinets add a ton of value to

your home and are a great re-sale feature.

From a sports entertainment room, to a games room, a playroom, a family gettogether area, or a workshop, we can turn your garage into a multi-purpose room for the whole family!”

For more information, Westby invites you to visit their Saskatoon Showroom at 3122A Millar Avenue. The store is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and evenings by appointment. You also can call 306-933-4320 or visit CustomGarages.ca.

THIS STORY WAS CREATED BY CONTENT WORKS, POSTMEDIA’S COMMERCIAL CONTENT DIVISION ON BEHALF OF SASKATOON CUSTOM GARAGE INTERIORS. Fall/winter 2017

21

Elevating the

PHOTOS courtesy of warman homes

RTM experience

by Ashleigh Mattern

O

ne of the biggest misconceptions about ready-to-move homes (RTMs), is that they’re like trailers, small and simple, says Courtenay Chudy, sales manager with Warman Homes. “That’s so not the case; our show home right now is 2,119 square feet. It’s a huge, massive, beautiful home. Walking in, you’d never think that it’s a trailer.”

Warman Homes constructs both RTMs and stick builds, and has been in the industry for 35 years. Chudy has been with the company for the past 13 years, starting as a draftsperson. She says RTMs have standard dimensions that they have to follow as a rule so that they can move the property to its site, but some of their homes push the length and width restrictions to their max.

“As long as we can move the property to the site, we will build it,” she says.

The price of an RTM is comparable to a stick build because the homeowner is still responsible for the foundation, hookups, and the cost of moving the house. But RTMs are actually built stronger than a house

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constructed on site because they have to be able to withstand the move. The most important concern is that the house is able to get where it needs to go.

“If we have to cross the number 2 highway in Alberta, we can’t go over a certain width because all crossings on that highway only allow a certain width,” Chudy explains. If

the house is meant for a rural area, they may need to look into solutions like driving through a neighbour’s field. Is the neighbour comfortable with that? Are there power lines in the way? Also, what is the earth like? It might be best to move during the winter when the ground is frozen so the movers don’t have to worry about mud or water.

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

Today’s ready-to-move homes offer all of the stylish amenities and features found in traditional stick-built homes. Warman Homes’ 2,119 square foot show home offers a spacious open concept design, with premium finishes and trims.

With a comparable price, the decision to purchase an RTM over a stick build comes down to other considerations. In rural Saskatchewan, Chudy says there aren’t a lot of builders who can deliver in a specific timeline, but Warman Homes guarantees a six-month build from the time you sign the contract to the day they deliver.

This style of build also allows Warman

Homes to respond with flexibility to the market. For example, the 2016 fire in Fort McMurray caused a spike in the cost of hiring contractors in that city, so for many residents it was far more affordable to purchase an RTM from Warman Homes.

The company puts their customers first in everything they do, a belief that is exemplified in winning the Avid Diamond Award for the

Best Production Home Building Experience in Canada. This customer choice award is based on a survey of applicants’ clients, and the diamond rating means those surveyed were incredibly happy – they have a 96 per cent approval rate.

“That customer choice award is governed by customers, and in our eyes at Warman Homes, that’s the most important award to win.”

Listening to requests from customers is also an important part of staying current in the design and decor in their homes, Chudy says.

“Our customers push us to constantly be doing something better. Because of the Internet and because the design world has taken off, customers come in with stuff we’ve never seen before, and we say, okay, how do we do it?”

The RTMs are 100 per cent customizable, Chudy says. “You can bring in your own plan that you drew on a piece of paper. We have four drafters on staff who can bring that plan to life.”

You choose your finishes, too. Or if designing a home from scratch isn’t

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something that interests you, Warman Homes has standard plans that you can modify to suit your needs. They even have their own showroom, featuring cabinets, flooring, and countertops, so you can go to them and pick everything in one place. Having all the finishes on hand also allows both the client and the staff to keep a handle on costs.

This customer-focused approach applies from the beginning to the end of the project

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– they service all of their homes after they move. Moving a big structure like a house comes with challenges. Drywall cracks are normal, and there’s the potential for damage to the exterior. But the Warman Homes service team comes to the site to hang the doors again, reinstall the lights, fix any exterior damage and drywall cracks, and paint the entire house with it’s final, third coat of paint. Chudy says the house is “pristine

and perfect” by the time it’s ready for you.

They also provide a 10-year warranty on all of their RTMs through the Saskatchewan New Home Warranty program.

RTMs are as sturdy and reliable as any other home on the market, but homeowners who hire Warman Homes get another benefit: A reputable builder with decades of experience.

“We know what we’re doing,” Chudy says. To learn more, visit www.warmanhomes.ca.

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

ALL IN THE FAMILY A second generation is leading Executive Home Builders into a new era of growth. Genelle and Paul Hamoline, pictured here with their two daughters, are carrying on the legacy established by Clem and Eileen Godbout (front row, seated).

A new era of growth for Executive Home Builders

by Jeannie Armstrong PHOTOS BY JEFF LYONS

A

mong Genelle Hamoline’s fondest childhood memories is visiting construction job sites in her father’s truck. Genelle’s parents, Clem and Eileen Godbout, founded Executive Home Builders in 1976. In business for 41 years, the company is among the most established home builders in the city.

Today, Genelle and her husband Paul Hamoline are leading the family business into a new era of growth.

Before assuming ownership of the Fall/winter 2017

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Among the home plans designed by Executive Home Builders is “The Ruby”, a 2,333 square foot two-storey with a triple attached garage. The main floor boasts an open concept floor plan, with nine-foot ceilings. The upscale kitchen features custom cabinets, quartz countertops and a large island.

Executive Home Builders has created an impressive portfolio of fresh, modern designs. Their homes are family-friendly, based on the Hamolines’ own experiences as parents.

company in 2015, both Genelle and Paul did their homework, expanding their skill sets over several years. “We got involved in 2007.

My dad’s requirement was that we had to learn

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the trades first,” says Genelle.

“I worked as a framer for two years, and then went and worked with a finishing carpenter. I eventually went out on my own

and worked as a finishing carpenter for other builders,” says Paul.

In preparation for her role with the company, Genelle completed a design course with the Sheffield School of Interior Design.

“Both of us knew that this is what we wanted to do with our lives. Paul’s dad was a carpenter.

His brothers are all in construction. It’s all we’ve ever been familiar with.”

Over the past four decades, Executive Home Builders has constructed single family homes, apartment buildings and condominium projects. Renovations became another focus of the company in latter years.

“New home construction was always first and foremost with my dad. To this day, he always drives past our job sites. We continue to benefit from his knowledge and experience,” says Genelle.

“There’s definitely pressure on us to live up to the name and the legacy that my parents created with Executive Home Builders.”

To further establish their credibility and professionalism in the industry, the Hamolines became members of the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association (SRHBA). “We joined the Association to ensure we were on top of the changing Building Codes and to stay connected with the building community,” says Paul, who is in the process of attaining status as an SRHBA Certified Professional Home Builder.

The Hamolines have developed a large portfolio of modern home designs, while upholding the company’s traditional values of quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.

“We’re fortunate to work with a lot of second-generation trades ‒ the adult children of the tradespeople my dad worked with. We really value those long-standing relationships,” says Genelle.

“Our focus is quite simple. It’s to build the best house we can and to back that with exemplary service. When it comes to quality control, I’m very hands-on. I still do most of the service work myself. If you call us, you’re talking to the owners,” says Paul.

In the past year, the Hamolines have seen a big increase in their custom-built homes. “We work very closely with our custom clients to ensure the home we build satisfies all of their expectations. I meet the clients frequently for design consultations, at the job site and at the supply show rooms to help them make their selections for finishes and fixtures. We

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

really get to know our customers and build relationships with them,” says Genelle.

Paul says, “We also use a construction management software program called Buildertrend that tracks the progress of each project. We can use it to schedule trades people and post change orders. Home buyers can log in and receive notifications, make product selections and see up-to-date photos from the build.”

Executive Home Builders has established its own niche in the housing market. “Most of the homes we build are 2,000-plus square foot two-storeys, backing onto green space.

We’re very picky about the lots we purchase – the size, the shape, the location, the exposure.

All of our current lots are in Rosewood,” says Genelle.

“I spend a lot of time planning and designing our homes. The design has to be functional and family friendly. For example, the main bath on the second floor always has double sinks, with a separate room for the tub and toilet, so more than one child can get ready at a time.

“I always ensure that the children’s bedrooms are generously sized, with big closets – walk-

ins if we can. A lot of builders put all of the space into the master bedroom and then the secondary bedrooms are too small.”

Common amenities include walk-through mudrooms, covered decks, semi-to-full basement development and large garages with natural gas rough-in for a garage heater.

To keep their designs fresh and innovative, Genelle goes online to research new trends in other cities. The Hamolines recently attended Vancouver’s Interior Design Show to check out the latest offerings.

“Something we’re considering is roughing in for solar panels. Not every homeowner is ready to invest in the cost of solar panels, but if the house is pre-wired for that system, it’s easier to accommodate solar down the road.

It’s something exciting for the future,” says Paul.

Executive Home Builders has several prime lots in Rosewood, backing green space, available for new custom builds. They’re also constructing a new show home at 226 Greyeyes-Steele Way in The Meadows which will be open for viewing in the spring of 2018.

Learn more at www.executivehomebuilders.ca.

Executive Home Builders works hard to maintain the company’s long-held reputation for quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.

styles that inspire Visit our showroom to explore the full collection from BainUltra.

649 51st Street East, Saskatoon SK, S7K 7J7 (306) 933-2237 WE NOW SELL LIGHTING.

kitchenandbathclassics.com

A

SHOWROOM

Fall/winter 2017

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from automation to entertainment and more:

The possibilities

are

by Jennifer Jacoby-Smith

G

etting ready to watch the big game?

Have a movie night planned with friends? You can get your state-ofthe-art theatre room ready for viewing with a touch of a button thanks to the experts at W. Hunter Electric. And that’s just one of the many cool things the team can create for your home.

Owners Wayne and Kim Hunter, along with partner Sheldon Janzen, have over 20 years experience as an electrical contractor in Saskatoon and surrounding area. They do everything you’d expect from a contractor – from upgrading a light fixture or electrical panel to wiring your brand new home. For any project requiring electrical work, they’ve got you covered.

“We’ll work with you to do what you

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endless!

need. But, I don’t think that a lot of people are aware that our range of services is as broad as it is or that we have individuals who specialize in designing your home theatre, automating your house or providing you with alternative energy sources,” explains Kim Hunter.

Kirby Routledge and Troy Yamniuk, both journeyman electricians, are the company’s specialists in home automation and can design and install almost anything you can dream up. For example, with a touch of a button, switch, or phone app, you can control the lighting in your home, your thermostat, your window blinds, or your audio system on the deck. The list is endless.

But, not every system involves an entire home upgrade. One W. Hunter Electric client added automation to his driveway lights – a specific project that involved just

a couple of switches.

“I think that’s something that most people misunderstand. They think you have to do your whole house. They don’t realize that you have the option to do as little or as much as you want,” adds Hunter. “I think in large part, people think that home automation needs these really big expensive systems and it doesn’t have to be. It can be and we’ve certainly done those big expensive systems, but it doesn’t have to be. If you only want to do a few lights, we can do a few lights. The possibilities are quite endless.” As Yamniuk noted, “No two systems are the same.”

Each system is carefully designed to suit the needs of each client. After an initial meeting with the client, the team will create a customized package based on the client’s needs and budget. W. Hunter Electric is Lutron HomeWorks certified.

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

Controlling home lighting is just one aspect of home automation. Window coverings can be automated or manual depending on your needs and budget. As a certified dealer for Lutron shades, there are many options for customers to explore that are easy to use and look amazing.

Other products W. Hunter Electric offers include fireplaces, video distribution, theatre seating, custom fixtures for boardrooms, distributed audio and stand-alone audio systems. Automated products can be controlled by remote control or by an app on your smart phone.

Their current location, at 2218 Speers Avenue, opened in 2012. The newly renovated kitchen and boardroom space serves as a demonstration of what W. Hunter Electric can do in your home. The building also features a home theatre room with automated blinds to darken the space, custom seating, and a cozy fireplace. Everything for the ultimate movie experience is controlled using a tablet. Seeing what their staff can accomplish will inspire visitors as they plan their own projects.

In addition, W. Hunter Electric has solutions for alternative energy sources – such

The team from W. Hunter Electric has you covered for all your electrical work – from upgrading a light fixture to whole home automation. From left to right Greg Rieger, Troy Yamniuk, Wayne Hunter, Sheldon Janzen, and Kirby Routledge.

as residential stand-by generators or solarpower options. W. Hunter Electric is the only dealer for Cummins Residential Stand-by Generators in Saskatoon and has two staff certified to install and service these generators.

Greg Rieger, journeyman electrician, is responsible for alternative energy sources and is available to meet with customers to determine their individual needs.

With technology advancing so quickly,

the team at W. Hunter Electric has solutions for all of your projects – from a tricked-out home theatre system or a stand-by generator at the cabin or a new electrical layout for your dream home. The company will travel almost anywhere in Saskatchewan.

Their mission is to guide you through your electrical construction experience.

To schedule a consultation, visit www. whunterelectric.ca or call 306.249.4537.

THIS STORY WAS CREATED BY CONTENT WORKS, POSTMEDIA’S COMMERCIAL CONTENT DIVISION, ON BEHALF OF W. HUNTER ELECTRIC. Fall/winter 2017

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The

not-so-lazy

Susan

by Ashleigh Mattern PHOTOS courtesy of superior cabinets

T

he lazy Susan may dredge up some visceral memories for you: Losing a can to the pit of death at the back of the cupboard, the creaking noise as it spins, the shadowy recesses filled with mysterious pantry items.

“The lazy Susan is a love-hate item,” says Shahan Fancy, Superior Cabinets corporate sales development manager. “You either have super fond memories of it or terrible memories; it all depends on the user and how intentional they are with storage.”

We may blame the lazy Susan for our storage woes, but the real problem is how to deal with tricky corner cabinets.

There are two main types of corner cabinets, says Fancy. The base corner is the most common, which generally has a bi-fold

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Ingenious storage solutions for your kitchen

door that flips open; and the blind corner, which has one or two doors, with a deeper space behind the cabinet.

Other than the galley style, all kitchens will have a confined corner cabinet. An adjustable height shelf is always an option for that space, though it can make some items awkward to reach. The typical lazy Susan is a solution to the reach problem – though there are many more solutions you may not have considered.

pans in a 36-by-36 inch cabinet with a square back, and it can be retrofitted into old cabinets in about 10 to 15 minutes.

A similar solution is a recycle centre that operates on a turntable similar to the lazy Susan, but with a stability bar in the middle that holds up the bins. This solution is practical and affordable, but surprisingly, not as popular, Fancy says.

The Not-So-Lazy-Susan

To eliminate the pit of death in a base corner, Fancy suggests the super Susan: It has independent, pie-cut shaped turntables that sit on shelves, so there is no space where items can get lost. It also has better weight capacity than your typical lazy Susan, giving you more options for the types of items you can store there.

For blind corners, a clever option is the

The Not-So-Lazy-Susan by Glideware is an option on the market for base corners that uses the turntable mechanism as a way to store pots and pans.

“This is the first time anyone’s attempted to fit pots and pans by hanging them in corners,” Fancy says. “It’s a clever design.”

The system allows you to hang pots and

Super Susan and the magic corner

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

How to make your lazy susan Not-so lazy: •P ut items into canisters or containers that won’t fall down when it spins.

• Avoid tall items.

•D o a regular inventory, and get rid of unnecessary items.

•U se grip shelf liner to keep items from slipping.

Superior Cabinets has rethought the lazy susan, offering new storage systems that make more efficient use of those tricky corner cabinets.

magic corner – when the door is opened, it reveals a set of shelves on the back of the door, and in the same motion, pulls out a second set of shelves from the recesses of the cabinets. This pull-out pantry looks impressive, but costs from $1,000 to $1,500, not including the cabinet, Fancy says.

Corner drawers Corner drawers may be the best use of a base corner space, as the unique, V-shaped drawers pull out from the corner like any other drawer in the kitchen. Unfortunately, they’re one of the most expensive solutions to the problem, so won’t work for every budget.

Or you could eliminate the corner altogether. A bank of drawers on either side of the corner may be the best option for small kitchens because it could facilitate the addition of a pots-and-pan drawer.

But some people simply can’t live with the fact that eliminating the corner means giving up that space: “People literally lose sleep at night if not every inch of their kitchen is used,” says Fancy.

Effective planning When one of Superior Cabinets’ designers plan kitchens, they try to avoid the corner problem altogether by planning in advance around the items that are going to be in your

kitchen.

“When you look at the design of the kitchen, you design for user experience – how you’re going to interact with and use a space,” Fancy says.

An inventory list helps, so they can make sure there’s enough clearance and area to store everything properly. And Fancy says even a traditional lazy Susan will be considered, if it’s the right tool for the homeowner.

“People who are really intentional with storage have had great successes with them; they are a useful innovation in terms of accessibility, and more ergonomic than standard shelf.”

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Denise Mildner, CEO New Home Warranty Program of Saskatchewan Inc.

about Third Party New Home Warranty

306.373.7833 | director@nhwp.org | www.nhwp.org

hat if I have water penetration issues W concerning the basement?

Your home is covered for water leaks following possession. Contact your builder for details and to arrange for an inspection. A basement isn’t necessarily constructed to be waterproof. The minimum requirement of the governing National Building Code is for the concrete foundation to be “damp-proof” only.

Water penetration doesn’t always mean there’s an issue involving structural failure, material quality or workmanship. Other contributing factors could include subsidence of the soil around the foundation (which effectively changes the grade), watering too close to the foundation or removing downspout extensions so rain water is released too close to foundation walls.

BUYING A NEW HOME? PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT

Choosing a builder who belongs to the New Home Warranty Program ensures your new home is protected from problems that can occur with new buildings.

Now up to 10 years!

You’ll be covered for*:

• Your initial deposit up to $50,000 if the builders defaults • Defects in workmanship or materials for the first year • Exterior water penetration for two years • Major structural defects for ten years

Located in Saskatoon to serve you better!

*For homes enrolled or condo projects approved after January 1, 2017 This is not a complete description of coverage. Contact the New Home Warranty Program of Saskatchewan for warranty details.

www.nhwp.org

#4 – 3012 Louise St. E, Saskatoon

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(306) 373-7833

hat if I have water coming in from W the windows after the first year?

Not all warranty providers cover water penetration for the aboveground portion of your home. Check with your builder to make sure you are covered in all cases.

If your builder is a member of the Saskatchewan New Home Warranty Program (SNHWP), then the Program is also available to assist in the discussion with information and advice. It can also help to identify where the water is coming from and why, in order to provide solutions.

hat if there are structural issues after the W first year?

Some warranty providers only cover structural defects if the house is rendered uninhabitable! Ask your builder if you are thoroughly covered. A structural defect is a failure of a loadbearing component, which if not properly addressed could lead to failure of your home to provide support. By that definition, a basement crack isn’t a structural defect, but it may be an indication that such a possibility exists.

If you still have concerns regarding a possible Structural Defect, after discussing it with your builder, who is a member of SNHWP, you may contact the Program. A Program Representative will take down the details and a Program Inspector may come out to investigate at no charge.

If there is a structural failure, the builder will respond with repairs to correct the cause or causes of the failure within the limits of the structural integrity coverage.

Which builders have full coverage?

A list of builders that are members of The Saskatchewan New Home Warranty Program can be found at www.nhwp.org.

SNHWP is solutions-oriented. It will provide solutions for both new home builders and buyers and is always available to offer helpful advice. They have offices in both Saskatoon and Regina.

What happens if it appears my builder is no longer in business?

You should contact your warranty program for confirmation and to obtain details specific to your warranty coverage.

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

Mandatory builder training benefits industry and consumers

By Jeannie Armstrong

T

he City of Saskatoon and the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association are working together to raise the bar when it comes to safety, education and professionalism in the residential construction industry.

In July of 2016, City Council approved changes to the criteria that contractors will have to meet to be eligible to purchase single family residential lots from Saskatoon Land, the City of Saskatoon’s land development branch.

The policy requires eligible contractors to complete educational requirements, which can be fulfilled by completing seven builder training courses, delivered by the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association (SRHBA).

One of two safety courses must also be completed: Leadership through Safety Excellence, provided by the Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association (SCSA) or Health and Safety for Supervisors and Managers, delivered online by OH&S Canada.

The safety component can also be satisfied by attaining the nationally recognized SCSA Certificate of Recognition (COR™).

Contractors have until the summer of 2018 to complete the mandatory training courses and obtain their safety certification.

Frank Long, director of Saskatoon Land, says, “A home is one of the biggest investments we make in our lifetime.

We want to make sure

that the companies who are building homes in our city have attained a certain level of professionalism and expertise. This mandatory training helps assure the quality of homes being constructed in our city, and that companies are building those homes in a safe manner.”

Safety is a major priority with the City of Saskatoon, says Long. “It’s one of our leadership commitments. It’s important to us to ensure that the contractors who build in our developments meet those commitments as well.”

Chris Guérette, CEO of the SRHBA, says, "As the voice of the home building industry in Saskatoon and Region, we advocate for increased education among the professionals we represent. These standards bring a higher level of consistency and efficiency to the home building industry that protect the investments of consumers and increase the quality and safety of housing in Saskatoon.”

The City of Saskatoon differs from most other jurisdictions in the country in acting as a land developer and selling residential lots to the public. "As a result, there are people building houses, perhaps part-time, and maybe not to the same professional standards as someone who does it full-time or is a builder member of our Association, " says Guérette.

“By increasing the minimum standards to buy land, we can make sure the housing product being built in our city is a great product and

something we’re proud to show off.’”

She estimates that 60 per cent of the current estimated 136 eligible contractors in Saskatoon will need to complete this mandatory education component to continue buying single family lots from Saskatoon Land.

The seven training modules were selected from the 11-course Certified Professional Home Builder Program offered by the SRHBA. The certification program is based on National Education Benchmarks for Builders and Renovators as recommended by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association.

The courses are delivered online. “It can take a few months, or if you really want to concentrate on it, it can take a few weeks. It all depends on the individual and the size of your company. The modules can be completed by more than one person within the company’s staff component," says Guérette.

“It’s mostly reading, with a test that you have to pass at the end of each module.”

Although courses are self-directed, the SRHBA is happy to provide support. “If they have questions, or are having issues with a particular module, we are there to help them through that. We track everybody who has purchased a module, see how long it’s taking them to complete it and touch base with them as they’re proceeding through the course.

We provide support as required. We see it as an opportunity to build a relationship with a company and also show them the benefits of membership in our Association," says Guérette.

Making builder training mandatory for lot purchase eligibility will “level the playing field for everyone,” says Long. “If you’re building homes in our communities, you have to meet all of these requirements ‒ whether you’re a builder constructing 60 homes a year or a builder constructing two or three homes a year.”

He adds, “All professions – engineers, planners, accountants – have to take continuous learning to maintain their professional designations. We didn’t think it was a huge stretch to have a similar type of requirement of our builders. We want to make sure contractors are committed to constructing quality homes and demonstrating that ongoing education is a priority for their businesses.”

To learn more about training modules offered by the SRHBA, visit saskatoonhomebuilders. com and click on “Education.”

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GIVING BACK

Make-A-Wish Saskatchewan and Delonix Homes are making a difference in children’s lives

by Hilary Klassen PHOTOS COURTESY OF DELONIX HOMES

T

Daryl Shannon of Delonix Homes (left) pictured with Allyson Toye, Saskatchewan director of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, at the Women for Wishes golf tournament.

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here’s a certain power in making a wish, in expressing a fervent desire to the universe. At birthday parties, we feel a bit of magic when a child squeezes their eyes shut, crosses their fingers and sends out their silent plea before blowing out the candles.

It’s impossible to calculate how much wish fulfillment means to a child. But it’s huge. At the Make-A-Wish (MAW) Foundation, a child’s wish takes on extra significance. The Foundation grants wishes to children aged three to 17 who are facing life-threatening medical conditions.

This year, Make-A-Wish Saskatchewan made a concerted effort to elevate awareness of the Foundation in the province. As part of those efforts, Saskatchewan director, Allison Toye, approached Delonix Homes early in the year about sponsorship. They loved the idea.

“Both my wife Vanessa and I have been looking for a couple years to give back,” says Daryl Shannon, owner of Delonix Homes. The company has been involved in residential construction in the city for nine years. It’s a relationship-based business that focuses on single family homes and more elite renos. Shannon says he and Vanessa are “submerged in doing what they love”.

“We’ve been successful in Saskatoon in what we do and we wanted to be part of something that we felt pretty passionate

Delonix Homes was delighted to be a title sponsor for several 2017 Make-A-Wish Foundation events in Saskatchewan. They welcomed the opportunity to help grant wishes for kids suffering life-threatening illnesses. PHOTOS courtesy of delonix homes

about, as an extension of what we do on a day to day basis.”

Part of their passion originates in a loss they experienced some years ago. Now they treasure their two-and-a-half-yearold son, Austin, as the most special part of their lives, and feel humbled to be involved, Shannon says.

“Everything lined up with what we felt was a great charity to be involved with,” says Shannon. Their sponsorship involved supporting several events over the year. “We signed up as title sponsor for all three of the events. It was a great opportunity for us to be impactful in something that we found a lot of value in.”

In spring, Delonix participated in “Shaker Full of Wishes,” a ritzy, fun event at the Bessborough Hotel, where martinis were shaken, funds were raised and wish stories were told. A second event in late August got the kids involved in “Lemonade for Wishes.”

Kids across the province set up lemonade stands to raise money. Every single dollar raised went directly to granting wishes. “Just over $13,000 was raised, so that’s really cool when you think about it from a lemonade stand point of view,” Shannon says.

The “Women for Wishes” golf tournament took place at the Dakota Dunes Golf Course in mid-September. The event drew a tremendous response. Women began the day with a buffet breakfast followed by a caddy auction involving local business men and people in the health care field who have

spent time with some of the Make-A-Wish children. After golf, the women enjoyed cocktails and a celebratory dinner.

The Foundation grants wishes in four possible ways. ‘To have’ wishes can provide a child with something like an amazing bedroom renovation, a hideout or a serenity garden. ‘To be’ wishes may be fulfilled by becoming part of a favourite sports team for a day. A 2016 wish sent a high school student who wants to be prime minister to meet Justin Trudeau. Always popular are ‘to go’ wishes, which send kids to their dream destination. Disneyland is a favourite choice. Some kids wish ‘to meet’ someone they idolize, like a sports star, pop star, cartoon character or other celebrity.

Shannon finds it amazing to see the positive impact Make-A-Wish is having in Saskatchewan. “After having the opportunity to be involved and go to these events that we’d sponsored and meet some of the kids, it’s very, very cool to see kids faces light up.

It can get pretty emotional but you know they can see a little bit of hope and it eases some of the stresses and physical exhaustion of the treatments they go through.” It’s also a bit of a reprieve for parents, siblings and health care professionals.

That emotion comes to the surface as Shannon talks about their experiences.

The cause is close to his heart. “It’s pretty awesome when you can make an impact like that.” Delonix would love to continue their sponsorship and down the road may look at

doing an elite sponsorship which allows an individual or company to sponsor a child through the entire Wish process.

Those who want to answer the silent plea of suffering children and help engineer some magic to make wishes come true, can make financial donations, inquire about sponsorships or volunteer. See makeawish. ca for more information.

Fall/winter 2017

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W

Pretty

PENDANTS

by Jesse Green PHOTOS COURTESY OF ARTCRAFT/ RICHARDSON LIGHTING

36

hile it’s a given that pendant lighting and kitchen islands go hand-in-hand, deciding on the right style, size, spacing and material can be tricky. We talked with Craig Roberts of Richardson Lighting about how to wade through the sea of choices to come up with the perfect accent lighting for your kitchen.

Start by determining what kind of illumination you need from the pendants.

Will they provide task lighting or are they simply to add some colour and sparkle to a room? If your room has plenty of supplemental lighting like pot lights or under-cabinet lighting, your pendants can be simply a fun, decorative piece.

“We’re seeing vintage bulbs totally on trend right now, those large Edison bulbs.

However, they’re not always the best light source,” said Roberts. These filament bulbs bring a great rustic accent to the room and would provide an ambient light source.

Drum style and upward-facing pendants also offer ambient lighting, and are popping up not only as island lighting but also as substitutes for chandeliers over eating areas.

On the other end of the scale are task lights which target the light downward.

The bottom of the fixture will be clear or open, illuminating the area for kitchen work. Think about the power of your bulb for these open-bottom fixtures; a dimmer switch or lower output bulb can help soften a too-bright spotlight effect.

Once you’ve determined what the pendant lighting’s function is, it’s time to think style. In an open concept home, look at the adjoining areas. If you’re working in mid-century modern, über modern or traditional, you should stay within that style era.

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

“We don’t have to get matchy-matchy, but you want the lighting pieces to have the same flavour so that they belong together,” Roberts said. “They don’t have to be from the same product line, but they should reference one another.”

As for size, spacing and height installation, the rule book is completely gone. “Ten years ago there was a definite set of rules, like ‘You must have a chandelier in your dining room and it must be 34 inches off the table and you must have three pendants over your island,” said Roberts. Today we see chandeliers in bedrooms, bathrooms and even barns; it’s clear that creativity and rule-breaking are the new norm.

The rule of odd numbers, specifically three lights over an island, still makes a lot of sense. However, if you are working with a shorter island and you love a chunky, largescale pendant, it may work to go with only two. “If two pendants look a lot better than cramming three pendants in, then breaking style is the way to go,” said Roberts.

Traditional guidelines for height is to hang a pendant six feet (1.8m) from the floor. However, if you are working with a taller ceiling then it makes sense to hang the lights higher, accenting the ceiling and the style of the pendant. Likewise, if your light is a large, heavy dome which points the light straight down, you may consider raising the fixture to get more ambient light.

Overall trends for lighting continue to be that warehouse-inspired factory look. “The industrial style is getting bigger and bigger every year. We’re seeing lots of different materials like rebar or concrete and different kinds of woods or wood grains. All of those kind of polish off the look really nicely,” said Roberts.

Vintage-style lighting is a great way to add a dash of industrial chic to your home décor.

While pendants and kitchen islands will always go together like cookies and milk, pendants are also finding their way into other corners of the home. They can take place of the traditional vanity light in a bathroom, either dropped over the sink or flanking each side of a mirror. Multipendants or clustered pendants work well in the dining room.

“Lighting is kind of like jewelry for the home and pendants can be that statement piece. You can use it to accent the rest of your home or use it as a bold pop of colour; it’s the fun part of lighting in a home,” said Roberts.

Richardson Lighting offers design and consultation, help with lighting layouts and insight into what’s happening with lighting trends and codes. They can be found online at richardsonlighting.com and have locations in both Saskatoon and Regina.

Fall/winter 2017

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Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association

Hiring a Safe Contractor

BY COLLIN PULLAR, SCSA PRESIDENT

2606 Koyl Ave. | 306.652.0907 www.scsaonline.ca

Y

our home is a big investment but unlike other investments you may have, such as stocks or bonds, your home has a personal attachment; it is something in which memories are made and loved ones can feel safe and secure. Your home is also something that needs constant care and attention. Periodically, it may also need some major repairs, renovation, or updating of style. When it comes to getting that kind of work done, there are a couple of things that you need to know: first, your home renovation, like a new build, is a worksite; and second, you need to find someone who can not only do the work you need but can also be trusted to ensure that you don’t put yourself, your home, or your loved ones at risk.

Companies serious about

HIGH PERFORMANCE are serious about

SAFETY

As the home or property owner, do I have any legal responsibilities under legislation for my renovation or new build?

Sometimes homeowners aren’t aware of their risk when undertaking a large-scale project like a renovation or new build. For instance, if a homeowner is handling the project management of their own home renovation, and therefore hiring and managing their tradespeople, they could find themselves responsible for ensuring that workers are adhering to legislative requirements. More importantly, they could find themselves having legal responsibilities if someone is hurt or there is damage to property. The best way to protect yourself and your investment is to ensure that you hire a qualified builder or contractor with a Certified Professional Home Builder designation and who has earned the nationally recognized Certificate of Recognition® from the Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association.

What are the ramifications if something goes wrong?

Despite doing everything to prevent problems, things can still go wrong. That is why it’s important to find out before you start any work if you have adequate protection. For example, if a contractor does not have adequate commercial liability insurance, proper permits or licenses and damage occurs to your home – even if it is a simple paint spill – you may have a challenge with your own insurance company. Something else to think about is if someone is injured on your property and they are not covered under the Workers’ Compensation program. You may not have the type of coverage you need to protect yourself from that kind of liability. It is critical to know what to ask contractors and to get verification in writing.

What do I need to ask contractors?

SCSAONLINE.CA 1.800.817.2079 38

The real experts care about how they handle your investment. They should welcome your questions about supervision, commercial liability coverage, their safety management practices and even how they keep you, your children, pets and neighbours out of harm's way while they work on your home.

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

In the kitchen with

Angela Sipko…

by Jennifer Jacoby-Smith PHOTOS BY JEFF LYONS

L

ife is busy. Parents work full-time.

Kids have music lessons, dance classes, and sports activities. Meals often get reduced to hitting a drive-through on the way home.

One local entrepreneur and cook, Angela Sipko has created Saskatoon Fresh Prep. She offers meal service, meal prep and catering. Sipko also has a booth at the Farmer’s Market each week where she sells homemade soups, dips and (coming soon) ready-to-bake cookie dough.

For Sipko, it’s about helping people find their way to the supper table where family can connect over good home cooking. It’s how she was brought up.

Sipko’s parents emigrated from Poland.

They brought with them a love of good food and entertaining.

“They were the most hospitable people around. No matter what they were doing, when you came over to the house, they would always drop everything and make sure that you had something to eat and something to drink,” says Sipko. “[It] was part of who we were.”

She describes her mother as a “machine” in the kitchen and watching her create memorable classics such as perogies was always a delight. Sipko later became captivated by cooking shows on TV. “As time went on and I moved out on my

own, I learned there’s more than just onion, garlic, salt and pepper to season food,” Sipko laughs. Experimenting with different flavours continues even now. She says she is often inspired by her clients who send her recipes they’ve always wanted to try.

In addition to families, Sipko also has many older clients who might find it difficult to cook for themselves.

“I’ve always had a heart for seniors,” says Sipko. She says she fields many phone calls each week from adult children worried about their aging parents and whether or not they’re eating. Sipko can provide meals that are tailored to any dietary restrictions or personal preferences. That customization can mean the world when faced with the

mammoth task of making interesting meals for one.

“I wanted to be able to help people. It’s not just about feeding people; I want to make a difference,” says Sipko. “When I was thinking about Fresh Prep, that’s really what it was all about is helping people, so that they can sit down at the table with their kids and have a meal without all the stress.”

Gathering around the supper table to bond and connect is what it’s all about. Here are several recipes from Sipko to share with your family. There’s a Fool-proof Yorkshire pudding recipe and instructions on how to make a perfect roast. And to top off this Sunday dinner menu are cute baked “apple pie apples”.

Fall/winter 2017

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Fool Proof Yorkshire Pudding 1 cup sifted flour 3/4 tsp. salt 1/2 cup milk (room temp.)

1/2 cup water 2 eggs, slightly beaten (room temp.)

1 tsp. oil Mix together till smooth. Let stand for 30 minutes or more. Grease muffin tins well. Pour batter so it’s almost to the top. Place in COLD oven. Turn heat to 400° F. Bake about 40 min.

I always just watch for them to get golden and crispy.

40

Perfect Roast Beef Pre-heat oven 500° F. Pat roast dry with paper towel. Rub oil all over the roast and place in baking pan, fat side up.

Sprinkle garlic powder and pepper all over the roast. Place in pre-heated oven for 20 min. Do not peek. After 20 minutes, lower heat to 300° F. Roast at this temperature for 18 minutes per pound. (For example: a 4-pound cut of meat

would roast for 72 min.) Use a thermometer to test internal temperature for desired doneness (see chart below). Let roast rest for 10 to 15 minutes, slice and serve with roasted potatoes and carrots.

Rare = 130° F Medium rare = 140° F Medium = 150° F Well done = 165° F

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

Jalapeno-Popper Stuffed Chicken Breast 6 oz. cream cheese 1 cup shredded cheddar 1/3 cup green onion, chopped 2 jalapenos, chopped fine 2 cloves garlic, minced black pepper 4 chicken breasts, boneless 12 slices bacon Mix all ingredients except chicken and bacon in a large bowl. Cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast (do not cut all the way through), stuff with mixture and wrap in bacon. Preheat a fry pan (I use cast iron) and cook the baconwrapped chicken until bacon is crispy and chicken is fully cooked. Use tongs when turning.

Cook time is approximately 10 minutes on each side.

Baked Apple Pie Apples 3 Granny Smith apples 3 Pink Lady apples 1 tbsp. warm water 2 tsp. corn starch 2 tbsp. butter Juice from 1/2 lemon 1 tsp. cinnamon (plus a little extra for sprinkling) 1/3 cup sugar (plus  little extra for sprinkling) 1 pie crust For egg wash: one egg and 1 tbsp. milk, beaten Preheat oven 375° F. Peel and dice two apples. Slice the tops off remaining apples and hollow out with a melon baller. Set aside. In a small bowl whisk water and corn starch. In a sauce pan melt butter. Then add diced apples, lemon juice, cinnamon, and sugar. Cook until apples are tender. Add corn starch mixture and cook 5 minutes more on medium heat.

Fill the hollowed out apples. Roll out pie crust and cut 4 circles. Place on filled apples, brush with egg wash and sprinkle with remaining cinnamon sugar. Bake 30 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Serve with ice cream and caramel sauce.

Fall/winter 2017

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Saskatchewan’s Premier Home Show

March 8-11 2018 Prairieland Park | Saskatoon SK

Book your booth today at homestylesonline.com

Booths are already 75% sold out!

42

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

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the HomeStyles Marketplace, 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.

Booths are 8’ x 8’, are curtained, and include a 110V electrical outlet. Flooring is required but must be supplied by the exhibitor.

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