You're Home Spring 2016

The

Dragonfly takes flight Secrets to a successful

Shade Garden

Wake up your

the officiaL magazine of the

bedroom www.reginahomebuilders.com

BETTER

OUT

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Imagine a durable, versatile and attractive patio cover. One that delivers shade on hot days, protects your family from harmful UV rays and keeps your deck and outdoor furniture dry during a rainstorm. We custom build your LOUVERED ROOF as an addition to your home/business or as its own free-standing patio cover.

Our built-in guttering system effectively channels away rain runoff to prevent flooding and structural damage.

The louvers are operated by a hand-held remote which is charged by an efficient solar panel. Open the louvers slightly to increase ventilation, or a full 180 degrees allowing maximum sunlight into your home.

DOOR

LIVING TRANSFORM YOUR PATIO

SUNCOAST ENCLOSURES offers a screened-in, outdoor area, that allows you to enjoy your deck, pool, spa or patio without the sense of being enclosed in an indoor space. These esthetically pleasing and durable sunrooms protect you from the wind, hot sun, rain and the nuisance of annoying and dangerous insects.

Each of our SCREEN ENCLOSURES is custom built on-site and offer year round use even in the winter to keep your deck area free of snow for the enjoyment of your spa and barbeque all year long. In addition, there are several features that we can add, such as: custom colours, 3 season windows, a powered louvered roof and of course a doggy door.

One of the greatest things about a deck enclosure is the ability to leave doors and windows wide open into the enclosed area (you can even permanently remove the screens from the windows). This truly adds an outdoor room to your existing home and creates an outdoor feel in any adjacent room to the enclosure. Every THREE SEASON SUNROOM is custom designed and built to fit and match the architecture of each unique home. We can frame around changes in roof heights, bay windows, fireplaces - everything about our building process is custom to meet the specific needs of our customers and their homes or businesses.

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LETTER from the EDITOR

W

elcome to You’re Home!

There is so much to celebrate when it comes to new home building and renovation in Regina: from innovative design and quality workmanship to environmental leadership and green building technologies!

That fact was made very apparent on January 30, at the 24th Annual Master Awards Gala hosted by the Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association (RRHBA).

The Master Awards recognize the professionalism and outstanding achievements of the RRHBA membership in a variety of categories including Builder, Industry, Renovator and Sales Volume Awards. Look inside this edition of You’re Home for a complete listing of this year’s Master Award winners, including the coveted Builder of the Year Award, which was presented to Harmony Builders Ltd. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners!

As winter fades away, it’s time to start planning all of your spring indoor and outdoor projects. A visit to this year’s Regina Spring Home Show is sure to inspire, whether you’re thinking of renovating, decorating, landscaping – or building your next dream home.

In this edition of You’re Home, we chat with HGTV Canada star Damon Bennett about his upcoming appearances at the Regina Spring Home Show. We also offer a sneak peek at the fascinating ‘tiny home’ that will be on display at the show. As this is the 40th Anniversary of the Regina Spring Home Show, you can be sure that the event organizers have pulled out all the stops to make this show bigger and better than ever. Catch all of the excitement March 17 to 20 at the Canada Centre Building, Evraz Place.

Another great outing for the whole family is the new Building Connections exhibit at the Saskatchewan Science Centre. You’re Home shares details about this unique, interactive exhibit where you can learn about neighbourhood planning, home construction and energy usage. Look inside for more details!

Come on in!

jarmstrong@postmedia.com You’re Home spring 2016 | 7

contents 46 22

33

features 13

RRHBA MASTER AWARD WINNERS

60

RECONNECTING Customer focus drives success of Nu-Fab Building Products

66

Brighten the night with an outdoor fireplace

70

ELCOMING W Luxury Granite, Quartz and Marble

17 MY SPACE Tried and true is the style of choice 22 HGTV STAR DAMON BENNETT returns to Regina Spring Home Show 28 BUILDING CONNECTIONS New exhibit showcases science of building a home 33 GROWING REGINA There’s a lot of luxury in Greenside Terrace 40

OUTDOOR LIVING, INDOOR COMFORT

42

Secrets to a successful shade garden

49 SLEEP EASY Discover the secrets to a restful night 52 The Greens on Gardiner parade homes are fully dressed

8 | You’re Home spring 2016

building & design 25 SIZE SMALL The Dragonfly takes flight 36 SHOWHOME SPOTLIGHT A place for everything, and everything in its place 72

New options for creative deck design

74 SUSTAINABLE LIVING The eco-friendly kitchen

66

74 Spring 2016

25

Contributors EDITOR JEANNIE ARMSTRONG

ART DIRECTOR CHRISTINE PEARCE

renovation 46

WAKE UP YOUR BEDROOM

56 DISAPPEARING ACT Retractable screens let you enjoy the view 62 THE GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER… 64 DREAM MACHINES Attachments make light work of landscaping

ask an expert 20 ask an expert…

About Home Design 30 ASK AN EXPERT… About Custom Organization 58 ASK AN EXPERT… About Third Party New Home Warranty

78

RRHBA MEMBER DIRECTORY

80

CLOSING REMARKS

62

PHOTOGRAPHY SHAWN FULTON www.shawnfultonphotography.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS JEANNIE ARMSTRONG TOM EREMONDI JESSE GREEN TOBIE HAINSTOCK JONATHAN HAMELIN JENNIFER JACOBY-SMITH HILARY KLASSEN ANDREW LIVINGSTONE WENDY LIVINGSTONE ASHLEIGH MATTERN STU NIEBERGALL PAT REDIGER CAROL TODD MICHELE TYNDALL

PUBLISHER LEADER-POST

You’re Home spring 2016 | 9

REGINA

ONE OF A KIND CUSTOM DESIGN WITH EMERALD PARK HOMES

Emerald Park Homes is Regina’s Trusted Holmes Approved Home Builder. Showhomes available.

Chris and Kaitlin got excited about building a new home after visiting show homes built by Emerald Park Homes in White City. They were able to visualize themselves in a new home with some of the same features and finishes but they wanted their walk-out bungalow to be built in Regina. One of their priorities was to have a large deck with entry level access to the basement for parties with family and friends.

“We love it,” Chris says of the four-bedroom, plus office, home with three-car garage and all the extra features that they wanted. “There’s so many things,” he says, listing the large covered deck, the spacious kitchen, the vaulted ceilings, a free standing tub in the ensuite, the family room fireplace and, of course, the super man-cave with a wet bar in the basement.

“Everything is just wonderful,” he says.

You can have it all, with a home built by Emerald Park Homes!

Emerald Park Homes has been building quality custom homes for over 25 years. If you’re replacing that tired, old house or planning a new build, we will ensure a worry-free process and guarantee your satisfaction. Emerald Park Homes uses products that are low maintenance, so sit back, relax and enjoy what you like doing most. You will love the walking paths in our safe friendly communities.

For a free consultation, call 306-781-3383 or email us today at emeraldparkhomes@sasktel.net

Given the Thumbs up by

7 6 G R E AT P L A I N S R O A D , E M E R A L D PA R K , S K

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IIff y you ou are are tthinking hinking ld h k off bbuilding, think, Emerald Park Homes Call us today at

306-781-3383 Photos by Keith Hershmiller

W W W. E M E R A L D PA R K H O M E S . C A

Custom Builder, Our Quality Shows Cu FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TAKE THE FIRST STEP

Talk to a member of the Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association

Whether you’re building new or renovating your existing home, look for this symbol of quality & professionalism

www.reginahomebuilders.com

2015

Winners

The Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association recognizes the quality of work performed by its members. Every year the Master Awards recognize the achievements of RRHBA members in new home construction, home renovation, sales, innovation, environmental leadership, safety and community development. The 2015 winners all showcased the terrific style, design, and builds taking place in Regina. We’ve provided a snapshot of our city’s best.

To see more photos, visit www.reginahomebuilders.com/ award_categories

You’re Home spring 2016 | 13

home builder of the year

BEST PRODUCTION HOME Under 1299 sq. ft.

BEST PRODUCTION HOME 1500 - 1799 sq. ft.

14 | You’re Home spring 2016

BEST PRODUCTION HOME 1300 - 1499 sq. ft.

BEST PRODUCTION HOME 1800 - 2099 sq. ft.

BEST PRODUCTION HOME

BEST custom HOME

2100 - 3000 sq. ft.

BEST custom HOME

Under 1599 sq. ft.

BEST custom HOME

1600 - 2499 sq. ft.

BEST town house

Over 2500 sq. ft.

BEST town house

1-2 Stories

BEST home kitchen

3-4 Stories

BEST kitchen renovation before

BEST exterior renovation

before

after

BEST landscape project

after

You’re Home spring 2016 | 15

community service award

innovation award

best marketing program

best showroom

safety award

environmental leadership in housing 1-19 Homes

environmental leadership in housing 20+ Homes

green build of the year

sales volume award

sales volume award

Single Family Homes

Matthew Danyluk 16 | You’re Home spring 2016

Multi Family Homes

Natasha Sukarukoff

My space

Tried

and true is the style of choice

by Wendy Livingstone photos courtesy of munro homes ltd.

As the owners of Munro Homes Ltd., Colin and Ashley Chor-

neyko have seen many décor trends come and go in the new home marketplace. They’ve seen fads, such as a particular cabinet or trim colour, be all the rage one year and then, as a new must-have tone arrives on the scene, quickly look dated. And they’ve witnessed the same fate for design elements. While some new twists on floor plans or cabinet layouts prove to be very successful, some just do not work when they are tested in real-life homes and quickly fade into obscurity. So, when Colin and Ashley were planning their own home, they chose a traditional style and design. u

Colin and Ashley Chorneyko, owners of Munro Homes Ltd., with their two children.

You’re Home spring 2016 | 17

We wanted a house that looked amazing before furniture. That’s why we added all the extra millwork, details, paneling and mirrors – so that it looked amazing before anybody even moved into it.” colin chorneyko, owner, munro homes ltd.

18 | You’re Home spring 2016

“What we wanted was something that wasn’t based on fads and styles or current trends – that’s one thing we learned from our last home,” said Colin. “Everything [about this home] has been in style forever and will be in style forever. It’s traditional, it’s timeless and it's very easy to just change some décor to make it look new." The neutral backdrop of the home, which is located in Lakeridge Addition, includes white millwork, stained oak and light-coloured countertops. The kitchen cabinets are white with a tough lacquer finish.

The Chorneykos chose materials that are easy to clean and care for, such as floors that won’t show footprints and dirt. But it’s not

just the visible parts of the home that have received extra attention for increased functionality. The concrete patio and the basement floor have construction features that prevent cracking or heaving. Built on piles, the concrete slabs are poured on void forms, which are designed to deteriorate and leave an air space that will accommodate any ground swelling or shifting. The slabs are strong enough to span the space between the piles because they are reinforced with extra rebar, similar to the concrete slabs in a parkade.

The emphasis on functionality doesn’t mean that the couple has ignored esthetics in their home – ­­ not by any means! Colin and Ashley spent more than a year perfecting minute details before construction began.

Custom finishing – such as paneling, crown moulding and archways with custom casings – is evident throughout.

Those special details include the placement of light fixtures. Rather than merely mount light fixtures beside mirrors, the fixtures are mounted right on the face of the mirrors in the bathrooms, dining room and grand entry, multiplying the effect of the light throughout the rooms. Mirrors are also used in a clever way around the vanity in the master ensuite.

The vanity is cantilevered on the wall, with large mirrors above and below it, so that it

A little hiding room under the stairs with a custom mini-door allows the children to watch movies, play or just hang out under there.

appears to be floating in space.

In the kitchen, Colin’s favourite room of the house, the extra touches are abundant. Appliances are covered with panels that match the cabinets so that they blend in with their surroundings. Cabinets are plentiful, and many of the upper cupboards have been placed at a height that allows a three-foot space – rather than the standard 18-inch space – between them and the lower cabinets. This provides a clearer, less-obstructed space for food prep.

To find the design features that would best complement their lifestyle and suit their tastes, the Chorneykos pored over photos in magazines, chose the design features that appealed to them and then worked with their designer to incorporate them into their plans.

For example, the mudroom serves as a type of four-person locker room, helping everyone stay organized. Coats and backpacks are hung on individual hooks above a bench; mitts and toques go in drawers below. And you won’t see laundry lying around this mudroom. In keeping with their desire to keep

their surroundings tidy, the Chorneykos have located the laundry facilities downstairs in a large room that features a granite countertop that’s also used for crafts.

Just off the kitchen, a six-foot by ten-foot area serves as a butler’s pantry that houses small appliances like the toaster and mixer along with a second microwave, sink and dishwasher, thus reducing clutter and congestion in the kitchen. “Our kitchen countertops can be clean and everything goes in that room; if you make a mess with your toaster or whatever else, it stays in there,” said Colin.

“When you’re hosting, you can take all the dishes, throw them in the butler’s pantry and close the door, and then the guests aren’t worried about cleaning.”

The Chorneykos have also helped their children – Vonn, a six-year-old boy, and Bay, a three-year-old girl – keep their toys from creating a mess in the living area by having a toy room downstairs and using the space under the stairs as a playhouse and storage space.

Mirrors are used in a clever way around the vanity in the master ensuite. The vanity is cantilevered on the wall, with large mirrors above and below it, so that it appears to be floating in space.

“We made a little hiding room under the stairs with a custom mini-door. They can watch movies, play or just hang out under there. And, when we have people over, we can put everything in there and close the doors and nobody has to see it,” said Colin.

Other unique features of the home are floor-to-ceiling cabinets, which reduce the need for dressers in all the bedrooms. “I think it just looks cleaner and more spacious. It’s built into the wall and matches everything in the house. You are not having to move everything around to clean, plus you get more storage out of cabinetry that goes all the way to the ceiling.”

Colin believes that it’s much easier to plan the perfect home the second time around.

“The best thing you could ever do is build a house and then realize what you want.

I find it’s very hard for somebody building their first house to get it right, because there are so many things that you think you want, and you get it in there and you realize differently. For us, we had already built one house [for ourselves], and we knew what we wanted. We took our time going through everything and made sure that it was functional — that it worked.

“It takes a lot longer to do all that little detail stuff, but it’s all worth it in the end.

That’s what makes the house different. We wanted a house that looked amazing before furniture. That’s why we added all the extra millwork, details, paneling and mirrors – so that it looked amazing before anybody even moved into it,” he said.

Visualize your dream home at www. munrohomes.com.

You’re Home spring 2016 | 19

about

ask an expert

Home Design

Robinson Residential Design Inc. 2232 – 2nd Avenue 306.352.6617 john@robinsonplans.com www.robinsonplans.com

by John Robinson

Q: What are the benefits to the homeowner of building an ADU? A: These new homes will provide rental revenue for the homeowner, or provide living space and practical support for an adult family member(s).

Q: How large can an ADU be?

A: The maximum size is dependent on the size of the lot, size of the principal dwelling and height of the ADU to a maximum of 80 square meters. It is also crucial to allow space for private outdoor spaces for both homes and required landscaped area.

Q: There have been news stories recently regarding changes in the City of Regina’s stance towards building secondary detached homes in the back yard of existing and new residential lots. The options and terminology are confusing. What does it all mean?

A: This housing type is becoming more popular across Canada as city planners address the requirements for increased density in established areas. Typically, residential growth has happened along the suburban perimeter of Regina, requiring costly infrastructure, public transportation routes, and in the end, a high cost to the homeowner. The City of Regina is committed to building a high percentage of new ‘infill’ homes in existing areas. These already have streets, sewer and water lines and are close to existing public transportation and amenities.

Let’s start with some definitions you will need to know.

• ADU (ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS): A legal living unit in addition to the principal dwelling unit on a residential property. This unit is legally part of the same title. Each municipality has strict bylaws in place for their design and construction and they must conform to the National Building Code.

• SECONDARY SUITES: This refers to an additional dwelling unit to the principal dwelling unit, that is part of or attached to the principal dwelling. This includes legal basement suites that have their own bylaw requirements.

• LANEWAY HOMES: A laneway home is a detached ADU that can be accessed via a rear lane but also has pedestrian access to the main street. This home can be above a garage or a stand-alone structure.

• GARDEN SUITES: A garden suite is a detached ADU that does not have rear lane access and is accessed only from the street.

• GRANNY FLATS: An ADU planned for living accommodation of a family member in a detached structure.

• TINY HOUSE: This building is usually constructed on wheels and does not have a foundation. Tiny homes are not included in the new ADU bylaws.

20 | You’re Home spring 2016

Q: Can we start planning it now?

A: The City of Regina is working on another pilot project for a spring start-up. Robinson Residential Design is pleased to have been part of preparing the new bylaw and has designed several prototype homes, testing the new bylaws for 11 different lot sizes and configurations. For more information, visit www.robinsonplans.com.

Introducing the Dragonfly

Come visit the tiny house at the

Regina Spring Home Show

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HGTV star

Damon Bennett returns to Regina Spring Home Show

by Jennifer Jacoby-Smith

HGTV’s Damon Bennett is always up for new challenges and his latest project is no exception.

Bennett and his team are currently in the middle of building a passive house. The term passive house describes a house that adheres to extremely strict guidelines on energyefficiency – leaving a small ecological footprint and utilizing very little energy for heating and cooling.

“The one we’re building now, the furnace room is the size of a closet,” explained Bennett. “You don’t need a corner of the basement anymore.

That’s how energy efficient these homes are.” u

22 | You’re Home spring 2016

It’s become something he’s very passionate about. He views it as the future of the building industry and he’s happy to lend his 30 years of construction expertise to figuring out a way to make these types of builds more affordable.

“The one I’m building right now is $1.3 million and that’s an expensive build. It’s over 4,000 square feet, but still, who can afford $1.3 million in their life? There are very few in the population who can afford that.”

He’s now on a mission to take what he’s learned over his career to devise ways of lowering the costs of building energy-efficient homes.

Bennett built LEED Platinum homes and all kinds of energy-efficient houses during the 10 years he spent as Mike Holmes’ right hand man on HGTV Canada shows such as Holmes on Homes.

Bennett says the future of the residential construction industry is building energyefficient homes – like passive or LEED construction. He says he sees the effects of climate change already in the types of questions he fields from contractors contacting him for advice. One builder recently emailed him to ask about increased snow loads and whether 24-inch spans on centre are enough to handle the weight.

“Twenty-four-inch on centre is probably not enough,” replied Bennett, adding that he gets a lot of questions like that.

That’s what makes every passive house or energy-efficient build he does so important – there’s something to be learned and improved upon for next time. He says it’s all about always striving to build a better home for the homeowner.

“That’s what the whole goal is: making these homes attainable for the average person buying a home,” he said. “How do we build an energy efficient home without killing the homeowner with costs?”

Building a passive home isn’t the only thing on Bennett’s plate.

In March he will be launching a webisode on a special project near to his heart – the Canadian military. He’s well-known for championing the hiring of military vets for construction trades, but he’s working on a new project with Canadian Forces Base Trenton.

He’s pretty hush-hush on the details, but he says the project will bring together enlisted soldiers, their commanding officers and veterans.

That’s what the whole goal is: making these homes attainable for the average person buying a home.

How do we build an energy efficient home without killing the homeowner with costs?” damon bennett

He says fans can keep their eyes peeled for more details sometime this month. And where should they go to keep up with Bennett’s latest news?

That’s another iron in the fire – his website just recently launched.

“I want the site to be really interactive. We will be doing videos. There’s going to be lots of content on it, including possibly doing webisodes on my Youtube channel,” explained Bennett.

As always, he’s working with network producers to create a TV show that would see him return to the airwaves. While he waits for a decision, he’s not slowing down. In addition to building new homes, he’s going back to renovations.

The return to renovations is all about his affection for new challenges. Building a new home isn’t as challenging for the 42 year-old general contractor as trying to fit new materials into a century-old house and still meet construction codes.

Meanwhile, Bennett loves to travel to home shows across the country to see what viewers and fans are up to. He still relishes talking to the crowds about Reno 101 and how to hire a contractor, but he’d like to change things up a bit this year.

Damon Bennett – Mike Holmes’ former right hand man – continues to seek out new challenges in construction and renovation projects. His latest endeavour involves building a passive house in Etobicoke, Ontario. He brings his wit and wisdom to the Regina Spring Home Show, March 17 to 20 at Evraz Place. photos supplied

Coming to this year’s Spring Home Show in Regina, taking place March 17 to 20, Bennett says he’ll be very broadly focused in his remarks. “I’ll feel the audience out and see what they’re dealing with and talk about everything.”

Topics he’s touched on before may also still be in the mix, such as women in trades, recruiting for trades, the state of the construction industry and, naturally, energy efficient building methods in Canada. Whatever the topic, the audience is sure to laugh and learn.

To plan your visit to the Regina Spring Home Show, March 17 to 20 at the Canada Centre Building at Evraz Place, go to www. reginaspringhomeshow.com.

You’re Home spring 2016 | 23

you

where

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size small

The Dragonfly takes

flight

By HILARY KLASSEN

photos by liquid light

Tiny homes generate a special kind of fascination. Perhaps it’s because they present intriguing dilemmas, not just for designers but for their inhabitants.

People are attracted to them for different reasons. “Every time I go somewhere the conversation always ends up there!” said John Robinson of Robinson Residential Design Inc. Tiny homes are a new focus for Robinson Residential. Over the past 20 years they’ve built a reputation for their design expertise and creative plans.

That focus expanded when Robinson Residential was asked to create a tiny home plan last year. Suddenly they found a new pursuit.

“We then took it further and did some more design development work on it, and then decided we could sell plans for these. And then we decided we could sell kits of these, and then we thought we could maybe even sell the actual units,” said Robinson.

When they built their first tiny home over five days last December, they had people lining up to watch, including curious locals, as well as interested people from Saskatoon, Edmonton – even Oregon.

The Dragonfly is 160 square feet. Tiny Home Alliance Canada makes a distinction between micro homes, which are under 100 square feet, and tiny homes which can range from 100 to 400 square feet.

The designs present an implicit challenge to both designer – how to create a functional design – and inhabitant – how to imagine a

Built over five days last December by Robinson Residential Design Inc., the Dragonfly offers some wonderfully innovative solutions to the design challenge inherent in the construction of a tiny home.

scaled back lifestyle to match.

Robinson wanted an expansive feel in a tiny home, not like some designs he saw with too many walls, tiny windows and built-in seating that looked uncomfortable.

“I wanted to be able to walk in one door and have a patio door on the opposite side, and a skylight over top of that, so you feel like you’re walking into a place that’s as bright as outside,” he said. “And I wanted to be able to put in regular furniture, like a couch for example.” The Dragonfly delivers.

Robinson says there were several “a-ha” moments in the design process that were really rewarding. One was a movable stairway to a sleeping loft that doubles as storage and slides out of the way during the day. Another was the ingenious inclusion of a retractable five-foot dining table. “You can sit and look out the window while you’re having supper.” u You’re Home spring 2016 | 25

Minimalism is emerging as an attractive lifestyle choice for many people who have grown weary of the time-consuming distractions of living in a digital age and having many possessions.

Tiny homes offer benefits hard to find anywhere else in the market. It’s a very purist kind of simplistic lifestyle.”

Their affordability makes them an accessible and attractive alternative Living in a tiny home in a major centre in Saskatchewan poses a to traditional homes. “We’ve got hundreds of emails from people who few hurdles however. Robinson says some municipalities haven’t got a say they’ll never be able to afford a house but they could afford a tiny ruling on it. Many resorts don’t have a problem if you have an acceshouse,” said Robinson. sory dwelling. “But in the major cities, their bylaws would definitely Another advantage is they’re portable and don’t need a foundation. prohibit that because you can’t live in an RV.” He says they’re looking The Dragonfly will rest on a double axle 20-foot trailer. “If your situa- at a couple of sites where there might be potential to get some land and tion changes and you want to move to another province you just check start a planned community. It’s a long battle but it’s a conversation they the air in the tires and pull it down the road,” he said. want to start.

The great fascination with tiny homes may not translate into an Meanwhile, Robinson enjoys the design challenge posed by tiny equivalent purchase ratio, however. “What I’m finding is they fit a very homes. “I like it because it sounds like an impossibility to live in 160 specialized niche client because they’re very small,” said Robinson. square feet. And then you break down all the activities that happen and Tiny houses are most popular in warm climes like Texas and Cali- you design a way for them to happen. It’s pretty exciting!” fornia. Robinson says the market in Canada for them, other than mayFor further details, visit www.robinsonplans.com. The Dragonfly be a few localized places on Vancouver Island, is going to be as a guest tiny home will be on display at the Regina Spring Home Show, March house or a small cottage.

17 to 20 at the Canada Centre Building, Evraz Place.

“That’s what we’re gearing ours towards. If someone wants a small cottage and they don’t want to have to take out a permit, buy a big lot and build it, they can basically have this as an accessory building on someone’s lake lot,” he said.

The Dragonfly was built using structural insulated panels (SIPs). These are prefab walls that are insulated and vapour-barriered, making the construction process fairly streamlined. The tiny home is energy Sherwood Co-op efficient, with SIP flooring as well, and is heated by a propane fireplace.

Home Centre can Another emerging reason people are attracted help you from to tiny homes is the opportunity for community.

Robinson referred to places in the U.S. where these Start to Finish!! communities function like a housing co-op. “They’re amazing. It’s all about community more than it is about living in a tiny house; that’s why a lot of people are attracted to them.”

We Offer • Cash-Back Equity with your Robinson Residential visited a tiny house show in Co-op Membership • Certified Building Oregon last year and found the community there in• Special Contractor Pricing Consultants volved a very social lifestyle. “It’s a bit of a communal • Quality Building Material • Free Estimates life. You need each other to help out and do things together,” said Robinson, adding that if you can get the right neighbourhood it works really well.

Minimalism is emerging as an attractive lifestyle choice for many people who have grown weary of 615 Winnipeg St. North the time-consuming distractions of living in a digiLIFETIME (306) 791-9364 tal age and having many possessions. “In Oregon, MEMBERSHIP www.sherwoodco-op.com BENEFITS they have this lifestyle down to almost like a religion.

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building

Connections New exhibit showcases science of building a home

When it comes to the building

of a new home, or planning a new neighbourhood, there is a lot of science involved. And at the new Saskatchewan Science Centre exhibit, Building Connections, you can learn all about it.

“We’ve had a small house in the centre that kids could build up in the past. It was a very popular exhibit.

However, it was a small piece of our exhibit floor and it was the right time for a refresher,” said Saskatchewan Science Centre Director of Business Development and Visitor Services Ryan Holota.

“Saskatchewan has been in such a building boom over the past decade that we thought it would be an interesting topic to cover.”

In planning the exhibit, the Science Centre struck a partnership with the Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association (RRHBA), a group Holota said has always been a “fantastic partner.” RRHBA President and CEO Stu Niebergall, who frequents the Science Centre with his family, said the Association was eager to offer its advice.

28 | You’re Home spring 2016

“We were approached about helping to redo the small exhibit. I thought this was a terrific opportunity to think much larger and asked the question, ‘What would something much more significant look like?’” said Niebergall.

“From there, the planning and pieces really began to come together. We were thrilled that Dream Development and SaskPower also came on board to invest in this great exhibit.”

During the planning phase, it was decided that Building Connections would focus on three areas related to home building − construction, neighbourhood planning and powering your home/community − and how they interact with one another.

One of the key pieces of the exhibit is a 200-square foot house that can be built from the ground up. u

By jonathan hamelin supplied photos

In the Mapping Mayhem section of the exhibit, people can design their own community on a giant floor grid with miniature buildings.

“You can apply shingles to the roof, stack bricks on the columns in the front of the house and apply siding. There’s a child-powered conveyor belt on the side to take the shingles to the second floor and a chute to take them back down – so lots of interactive elements,” said Holota. “The entire house is built in such a way that it’s a cutaway view. You get to look at how something is run in a house: how electricity goes through a house, how a home is insulated, how siding and stucco are put on.”

However, building that home won’t do you much good if you don’t have electricity. Another popular feature of Building Connections is a large hamster wheel that visitors can run on and see what it takes to generate electricity.

“At various points in the centre’s history, we’ve had an exercise bike you can peddle to see how much electricity you can generate.

We wanted to do something different. Visitors can get in the hamster wheel and see if they can generate enough power to run a gaming console or charge their phone or run a microwave,” said Holota. “It’s extremely difficult. The key takeaway is that we use a lot of power in the home for a lot of different things. If you had to power those things manually, you’d find the process almost impossible.”

Of course, building and powering a single home is very small scale compared to bringing a whole community to life. In the Mapping Mayhem section of the exhibit, people can design their own community on a giant floor grid with miniature buildings. There are residential and office buildings, a hockey rink, a garbage dump, lake and trees to represent parks.

“One of the things we find when people start with this activity is that all of these questions start to arise: Do you want to put your house beside the lake? Where does the garbage dump go? How do we fit everything into this place that we need and still make it a place that we want to and are able to live in?” said Holota. “It goes to show that there’s a lot to consider when you are building a community and it’s not as easy as a lot of people think it is.”

There are many other elements to Building

Connections, including video footage of a house and apartment being built and a station where you can make a soundtrack for your new community. As Holota explains, the Science Centre hopes that one of the big takeaways from the exhibit will be that homes aren’t built the way they used to be.

“We absolutely do not build them the way we used to; we build them much better,” Holota said. “We build them with much better materials and much more efficiently.”

For more details about the Building Connections exhibit, visit www.sasksciencecentre.com.

One Home at aTime.

441QuebecSt.•www.pbcustomcabinetsregina.ca•306-543-6112 You’re Home spring 2016 | 29

about

ask an expert

Custom Organization

Tailored Living Featuring Premier Garage serving Southern Sask.

Boyd & Sharlene Kane 306.761.1522 bkane@tailoredliving.com www.tailoredliving.com/SouthernSask www.Facebook.com/TailoredLiving306

global leader in industrial grade structural coatings and we are proud to be their exclusive partners in Saskatchewan.

Q: We are overwhelmed by the task of organizing our garage. How can we get started and keep our garage organized from season to season?

A: In Saskatchewan, home life definitely revolves around our everchanging and extreme seasons. Storing seasonal things together as much as possible makes it easy to switch from season to season and prevents things from getting lost. Without garage cabinets, shelving, overhead storage and a storage wall, it’s almost impossible to organize your garage space. (No more Christmas ornaments mixed in with the summer toys.) Storing related items together increases efficiency and saves time because everything you need is right at hand. Using clear plastic bins enables you to see what’s inside. Unlike cardboard boxes, which can deteriorate, plastic bins resist moisture and will better protect your valuables. Place those bins in cabinets and shut the door on those items until the next time you are ready to use them. Overhead storage racks also multiply the storage space of any garage… big or small. Being proud of your garage isn’t out of reach. Tailored Living featuring Premier Garage offers custom storage solutions that will not only organize your life but will increase the value of your home. A garage should be a valuable part of your home, providing usable living space, including storage and preservation of cherished assets.

When comparing garage floor products, ask for details about the product that is being used, how extensive the warranty is, the preparations that are involved and the application process. Preparation of your floor is one of the most important steps when applying garage floor coatings. It should not be done quickly or without a proven process. Commercial grade diamond grinders are crucial to the process as are moisture testing and concrete damage repairs. You also want to ensure that the coating will be sufficiently thick, ensuring durability.

Your garage floor coating should be easy to clean, repel spills and be slip-resistant, but at the same time beautiful. No garage design is truly complete without new garage flooring. A new floor can coordinate with your garage storage cabinets and create a space that is stylish, as well as clean and safe for your family.

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Growing regina There’s a lot of

luxury Greenside Terrace in

Greenside Terrace is part of the final phase of development

in Fairways West, a beautifully landscaped golf course community located in northwest Regina. Homes in the development are situated on a terraced slope, overlooking both the Joanne Goulet Golf Course and Wascana Creek.

“Fairways West is unique because it is Regina’s only golf coursebacking residential development. In fact, there’s even a golf cart path that runs through the peninsula,” said Chad Jedlic, General Manager, Residential Land for Harvard Developments Inc. “Greenside Terrace is one of the nicest and most luxurious single family developments in Regina, specifically in the northwest. Absolutely no detail has been overlooked in this community.”

With its location, Greenside Terrace is home to spectacular views and provides homeowners with plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature. Jedlic said people living in the neighborhood enjoy a lifestyle complemented by convenient access to amenities such as modern play areas, parks and a community walkway/bike path that connects to the Devonian Pathway network leading to Wascana Park.

The goal in designing Greenside Terrace was to create “a perfect balance between nature and luxury in an urban environment.” The entry to the neighbourhood is highlighted by brick and wrought iron fencing and there are many well-situated landscaped features.

Along with the spectacular views and chances to embrace nature, Jedlic noted that freedom of choice is one of the biggest benefits for homeowners. u

For home buyers who are looking for a development that delivers well beyond par for the course, Harvard Communities’ boutique development of Greenside Terrace could be just the hole-in-one you’re looking for.

By jonathan hamelin supplied photos

You’re Home spring 2016 | 33

“We provide all the amenities of condo living with the added privacy and independence of detached housing. This allows people to build their own individual houses that are right for them,” he said.

“At the same time, they’re part of a condominium association that takes care of yard maintenance year-round, clearing off snow from their driveways in the winter and providing front-lawn maintenance in the summer. It’s ideal for people who don’t want to look after those things, or maybe they travel a lot and need someone to handle upkeep while they’re away.”

And when it comes to building that perfect home, there are plenty of home builders to choose from when purchasing a home in Greenside Terrace. Participating builders include Century West Homes Ltd., Crawford Homes (1991) Ltd., Dakine Home Builders Inc., Distinct Homes Inc., Gilroy Homes Inc., Harmony Builders Ltd., Homes by Dream, Munro Homes Ltd., Pacesetter New Homes Ltd., Ripplinger Homes, Shatkowski Homes, Trademark Homes Inc. and Varsity Homes Ltd. Each builder offers something unique for home buyers.

“Greenside Terrace and its builders adhere to the highest level of architectural controls as well as the highest level of diligence and technical components that go into awardwinning Saskatchewan-built homes,” said chad jedlic, general manager, residential land for harvard developments inc.

Century West Homes Sales Manager Logan Fraser. “Greenside Terrace offers our clients a neighbourhood that provides a level of quality and style that our clients are accustomed to. This community offers our clients a private lifestyle surrounded by similar architectural construction and like-minded builders.

“Our clients that build in Greenside Terrace tend to be attracted to the beautiful views of the creek, and love the appeal of having a golf course in their own back yard. It invites the outdoor activist who enjoys doing the simple things such as taking a stroll along the paved paths or playing at a nearby playground with the family.”

There are 31 lots in Greenside Terrace and half of them are sold. For more information on available show homes at Greenside Terrace, along with viewing hours, visit www.harvardcommunities.ca/greensideterrace.

We provide all the amenities of condo living with the added privacy and independence of detached housing.”

34 | You’re Home spring 2016

Showhome spotlight

A place

for everything, and everything in its

place

by Tobie Hainstock PHOTOS COURTESY OF RIPPLINGER HOMES

36 | You’re Home spring 2016

Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”

William Morris, 19th century English textile designer, writer and artist

Ripplinger Homes has struck the perfect balance between form

and function in the design of its new show home, located at 4358 Sage Drive in The Creeks.

The 2,370 square foot two-storey dwelling is as liveable as it is luxurious, loaded with functional features, smart built-ins and savvy storage solutions.

Chic and contemporary, this dwelling is a trademark example of the pride and detail that Ripplinger Homes devotes to all of its houses. The show home comes complete with a large three-car attached garage, three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, an attractive covered deck, luxurious hardwood floors throughout the living areas and more.

Upon entering the grand front foyer, the first thing you notice is the striking walnut staircase that winds its way up to the second floor. Bright and airy with stunning 20-foot ceilings and a spacious front closet, the foyer welcomes guests as they arrive.

The open concept living, dining and kitchen area is ideal for entertaining or enjoying a quiet evening at home with the family. The walnut kitchen is as functional as it is beautiful with a wide range of clever and stylish features such as a quartz-topped waterfall island and walk-through pantry that takes you through to the mudroom.

The kitchen is clearly one of the prime attractions of the home with quality stainless steel appliances and custom-built cabinetry. By opting for adjustable shelving, it is possible to tailor the cabinets to best suit the future owners’ needs. “In the kitchen, we included pull-out cabinets in addition to the lower pull-out drawers,” said Leanne Ripplinger, co-owner of Ripplinger Homes. “They are nice because you don’t have to move items in order to reach way to the back of the cupboard for those things that you don’t use as often as others.”

Adjacent to the kitchen is an informal eating area. Garden doors leading to the covered deck feature built-in custom blinds and offer a view of the back yard from the dining area. u

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The living room area features large windows that bring in plenty of natural light. A contemporary gas fireplace is the focal point of this part of the home. The fireplace’s asymmetrical design gives the room a modern edge. Pleasing to the eye, the design complements the look of the kitchen and dining areas. “We included similar design elements to create a feeling of belonging and consistency throughout the home,” Ripplinger said.

The large mudroom offers plenty of space when accessing the house from the garage. With a custom-built bench, closet and cabinets, the resident family can enter after a busy outing and store their coats, boots and other items quickly and easily. “You’ll find lots of drawers and cabinets and even a charging station for phones, tablets and other devices,” said Ripplinger. She also points out the mudroom’s piano

windows which invite extra natural light into the space.

Adjacent to the mudroom and yet still easily accessible on the main floor is a powder room for the convenience of family and guests.

On the second floor you’ll find the same high quality and attention to detail as on the main floor. A large bonus room includes a wet bar, display space and a wall-mounted TV. This multi-functional area is ideal for a family space, reading area, home office or any other purpose.

The design remains consistent and yet stays fresh as you go from room to room. The upstairs laundry is bright, functional and convenient.

The master suite includes an amazing custom walk-in closet that many only dream of. Well lit, the closet comes with adjustable shelves, custom drawers and plenty of space for hanging and storing your entire wardrobe.

The ensuite bath is another work of fine craftsmanship with dual sinks, a super-sized glass-enclosed shower, relaxing jetted tub, heated tile floors and more. Once you enter the master suite, you may never want to leave!

The two additional second floor bedrooms are very comfortable with thick carpet and large closets with adjustable shelving for excellent storage. The main bathroom features a large tub and shower, with a stylish vanity that is parallel to the cabinetry in the rest of the home.

Ripplinger Homes’ show home, located at 4358 Sage Creek in The Creeks, is open for viewing Monday to Thursday from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. For more details, visit www.ripplingerhomes.com.

before

after

BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION TODAY!

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Bill Nagel (306)737-1592 | simplystowed@gmail.com

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38 | You’re Home spring 2016

Find us on

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Outdoor living,

indoor

comfort The screens can span great lengths – 15, 20 or even 30 feet – and still offer wide-open views.

Homeowners can enjoy a great view with no bugs, no wind and no heat from the sun.”

Don Larwood, Suncoast Screen Enclosures

40 | You’re Home spring 2016

Summers may be short in Saskatche-

By Tom Eremondi PHOTOS COURTESY OF SUNCOAST SCREEN ENCLOSURES

wan but it’s easy for homeowners to maximize their outdoor living experience, says Don Larwood of Regina’s Suncoast Screen Enclosures.

“Suncoast is a Canadian company that’s 25 years old this year,” Larwood said. “We build and sell screen enclosures, threeseason rooms, louvered roofs and outdoor patio covers.”

Noting the company’s motto of ‘Better Outdoor Living,’ he says the company’s products have met with great success and led to Suncoast, which originated in Edmonton, growing across the northern part of North America.

There’s a reason for this, Larwood says.

“What we’ve basically done is taken our products and engineered them so that our screens now pass building codes as barrier walls. This means we don’t need railings on balconies and patios. All that’s needed is our screen and frame system.”

He adds that Suncoast’s splining technique, which gives the screens their strength, is innovative, unique and even copyrighted. “The splining is what gives us the tensile strength to pass building codes.

Although people rarely install a screen as a roof anymore, Suncoast’s screens are so strong that you can walk on them the way you would walk on a roof. They’re actually rated stronger than a conventional, woodtruss roof.

“The result is a wide-open, outdoor look.

The screens can span great lengths – 15, 20 or even 30 feet – and still offer wide-open views.

Homeowners can enjoy a great view with no bugs, no wind and no heat from the sun.”

This means homeowners could sit on the deck or patio throughout the summer and beyond.“We’ve used ours in the spring and fall. Even if it’s just three or four degrees outside, if you’ve stopped the wind and contained the heat to a certain degree, you can enjoy the room. It’s also ideal for cooler evenings and hot days in the summer,” said Larwood.

To add more comfort, Larwood says customers can opt for a three-season room.

“These are essentially screen rooms with vertical, four-track windows installed. They slide up and down vertically and provide a completely enclosed space for keeping heat in. It’s usable to minus 10 so it can be appreciated in the colder seasons.

“In the summer time, you slide the window down and it exposes 75 per cent of the screen so you draw in fresh air and have a nice, open view while still being protected from bugs and wind.”

The windows only take a second to slide down or up so homeowners can easily adjust screens as the weather and day changes. “If it suddenly starts to rain, you don’t need to run your cushions inside,” Larwood said.

The room provides enough protection, he adds, that homeowners can leave their furniture out year round. “It’s all UV protected and protected from the elements like sun, rain or snow and cold.”

He says customers who are interested in adding a screen or three-season room just need a deck or patio that meets building codes. “We can fit the rooms on top of the deck or patio without any reinforcing. The nice part about our process is that everything is built on site instead of from a package or in the shop. That means we can build to any shape and fit to any kind of roof line.”

Larwood says that depending on the size of the room desired, it takes an average of three to four days to build a screen room.

It may be early spring but he adds that it’s still a good time to start thinking about a screen room. “Ten or 15 years ago, people would never think about screen rooms in the winter. Now we’re selling them all year round and even in the winter. Spring and summer are always busier but we sell the rooms every month of the year.”

For more information about the company and its products, visit www. suncoastenclosures.com.

Sometimes the best place for mortgage advice is in your own living room.

Get personalized advice from a CIBC Mobile Mortgage Advisor at a time and place that’s most convenient for you.

To arrange a meeting that works for you, contact: Laura Wittig 306-531-3346 1-866-293-3616 laura.wittig@cibc.com Language(s) spoken: English cibc.com/mortgages

FOR WHAT MATTERS. “CIBC For what matters.” is a TM of CIBC.

You’re Home spring 2016 | 41

The shady areas of the yard can of-

to a successful

shade garden

42 | You’re Home spring 2016

by Carol Todd

ten pose a challenge to homeowners. But, these oft-neglected spaces don’t have to be dull or boring.

All plants require enough sunlight to not only survive, but thrive. And, that amount varies by species. The information tags on plants, including trees and shrubs, for sale in greenhouses and garden centres, indicate in writing or icon form the amount of sun that particular plant needs to ensure its long and healthy growth.

While many of the bright flowers that gardeners love, like dahlias, require full sun, there are still numerous planting options for the shadier areas of the garden, says Brent Waliduda, owner of Paramount Plantscapes Ltd. He describes ‘full sun’ as at least six hours of direct sun a day, and ‘full shade’ as less than four hours sunlight, usually present in the morning and filtered by tree canopy or structures like a building and fence. Partial shade and partial sun are similar categories with four to six hours of sunlight. Partial shade is four to six hours of sunlight in the morning and partial sunlight is four to six hours of sunlight in the afternoon. Gardeners have the greatest number of planting choices under partial to full sun, while full shade can, indeed, pose some challenges.

“The key to success lies in selecting a great plant for the ideal location. The most common error is placing a sun-loving plant in shade or a shade-loving plant in full sun,” said Waliduda, who is a horticulturalist as well as a professional landscape designer and landscaper.

Shady areas are often found against fences and under trees, with the latter adding to the challenge of the shade garden. In addition to overshadowing the plants at their base, large existing plants like trees and shrubs will draw water and nutrients from the soil, leaving the smaller plants sometimes wanting more. Planting right under fir trees, in particular, can pose challenges, as their needles increase the acidity of the soil beyond the tolerance of a number of garden plants.

Many shade-loving plants like hostas, astilbes and ferns that will tolerate mild acidity also need to be kept evenly moist.

While peat moss will help retain moisture, using it under fir trees will increase the

acidity even more. Adding compost will help offset the acidity and will add nutrients to the soil to encourage good plant growth, regardless of existing soil conditions.

Waliduda suggests gardeners ask themselves the following questions when deciding which plants to choose for shady areas: “Is the soil sandy and well-drained or humus-rich and moist? Do large trees absorb all available moisture? Is the garden located in a low spot where water collects and is slow to drain? These are just a few of the simple questions you should answer before deciding which plants to purchase for your garden,” he said.

One of the secrets of enjoying a successful shade garden is to take advantage of the early spring season. “There is no need to wait for summer to add colour to a shade garden; many early blooming spring bulbs and woodland perennials will provide a colourful show before the canopy of leaves returns,” he said.

Among the early bloomers that can take advantage of the available spring sunshine are the various cultivars of primrose, as well as elephant ears and daffodils. “The trick is to plant the bulbs among later-sprouting herbaceous perennials. The emerging perennials will disguise the fading foliage of the bulbs,” he said. Let the leaves die out naturally and fertilize the bulbs to encourage next year’s growth.

A balanced water-soluble fertilizer will work, but will also feed the leaves, so a fertilizer high in phosphorous (the “P” in fertilizer blends), such as bone meal will feed the bulb and roots alone.

Waliduda adds that daylilies, perennial grasses and Siberian iris, with their similar, strap-like foliage, make great companions for daf-

There is no need to wait for summer to add colour to a shade garden; many early blooming spring bulbs and woodland perennials will provide a colourful show before the canopy of leaves returns.” brent waliduda, owner, paramount plantscapes ltd.

fodils. “Place the daffodils eight to 10 inches from the crowns of the companion perennials, weaving them through the planting to create an informal grouping. None of the bulbs should be planted toward the front of the perennials, rather between and behind them so that the emerging foliage will completely hide that of the bulbs,” he said.

There are numerous shade-tolerant plants that will thrive in a woodland-type setting with dappled sunlight and rich, moist soil, giving gardeners a wealth of options for these oft-overlooked areas of the garden. Full shade is a bit trickier, but Waliduda says there are still many ways to brighten up those dark corners.

Exploring the options and finding ways to meet challenges can be fun in itself and gardeners may be delighted to find something new.

All in all, it is easier than you might think to have a beautifully landscaped yard that’s made in the shade. For more details, visit www. paramountplantscapes.com.

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Wake up your bedroom

by Jesse Green PHOTOS COURTESY OF utopia designs

Bedrooms can be a relaxing sanctuary with the right arrangement and décor.

Utopia Designs gives us a step-by-step guide on how to achieve the dream master retreat with welcoming, stylish and personalized design.

Where to start? Don’t panic! You don’t have to be the subject of a home and gardens TV special to achieve design excellence. Utopia’s principal designer Kristy Ehman suggests starting by choosing a space for the bed. Often, the bed rests along the room’s feature wall and can be accented by a stunning headboard or a captivating piece of artwork. In addition to positioning the bed, decisions on window treatments should come early. Stationary drapery panels are an option, but also consider blinds with a blackout feature. “There are many health benefits to a better night’s sleep with complete darkness and white noise added in,” Ehman said.

Colour me bold!

Master bedrooms are the ideal place to personalize your home with colour. Many homeowners choose a different colour for their suite than the main shade used in the rest of the home. Using fresh and welcoming hues helps create the feeling of a retreat – a place to unwind at the end of the day. Soft accents in teal, cream, white or smooth greys will help you unwind and prepare to sleep. u 46 | You’re Home spring 2016

Dimension dilemma

The best way to tackle a very large master suite is to invest in a king-sized bed and consider adding a bench at the foot of the bed or under a window. “You won’t regret it!” Ehman said. “Please don’t place a double or twin bed in your large master bedroom and try to use other pieces to keep it from looking empty.” Installing draperies can also soften a room. No need to install a large rod across the length of the window, she added. Two stationary panels will do the trick.

If you’re on the other end of the scale and faced with tight quarters, do keep it simple. Make the most of your closet space and consider investing in a professional closet organizational system. If you are able to eliminate dressers and storage units, you will leave room for night tables and a properly-placed bed.

Artwork hung at the right height can have a positive impact on the space.

Let the light shine...

...and don’t forget the dimmer switch. “The largest mistake homeowners make is just to use the basic light switch. Invest in dimmers for both your overhead lights and night table lamps,” she said. Using

a mixture of lighting sources and intensity will add atmosphere to the room. Wall sconces are an ideal way to highlight artwork. They can also be angled to use as a reading light.

Have a seat!

If the room lends enough space for an accent chair or chaise, it is lovely to add some extra seating. Draping a soft throw blanket over one corner can really add to the relaxed feel you’re hoping to achieve in your suite.

Customize, customize, customize. A beautifully-framed family or vacation photo can really personalize a space. Add splashes of your favourite colour in the bedding, a throw or accent cushions. Including a piece of furniture that was handed down from a relative can be very meaningful. These pieces can feel more modern by placing a newer lamp or other piece on top. A mounted electrical fireplace is a great way to add warmth and create an intimate environment; many have the option to have the flame going with or without providing heat.

At Utopia Designs, a trio of designers offer a variety of services including consultations on home staging, real estate services and assisting clients in selecting décor for new builds and renovations. Complete bios and a full list of services offered by Kristy Ehman, Laura Englund and Jericho Eliese can be found on their website. “We each have unique styles and approaches with our clients – it’s what sets us apart! And we love what we do,” Ehman said.

For more information visit the team at www.utopiadesign.ca.

Building Regina for over 40 years!

For more information visit us at

www.fiorantehomes.ca 3205 E. Quance Street 306-569-3456 You’re Home spring 2016 | 47

Westerra is excited to announce our exceptional builder group. These talented builders offer a wide variety of single family and multifamily homes to fit any budget or lifestyle. Westerra is a complete community featuring neighbourhood parks and pathways, a retail shopping district, boutique shops on West Market Street and a business park with convenient access to employment opportunities.

For more information on our builder group, visit WesterraRegina.ca

SLEEPEasy Discover the secrets to a restful night

We all know the feeling of a sleepless night, tossing and turning,

by Ashleigh Mattern

and feeling exhausted in the morning. But does getting a good night’s sleep sound as likely as catching a unicorn? Your mattress might be to blame, says Don Karpan, furniture manager at Alford Floors & Interiors (1967) Ltd. “Getting a good night’s sleep depends on a lot of different factors – comfort, stress level, room temperature – but to get it right, you’ve got to start with the basics. Your mattress is the first building block.” u

Does getting a good night’s sleep sound as likely as catching a unicorn?

Your mattress might be to blame.” don karpan, furniture manager, alford floors & Interiors (1967) Ltd.

You’re Home spring 2016 | 49

Take your time getting comfortable on the in-store mattresses. It can take up to 15 minutes to relax enough to feel the true support of the mattress.

While Alford’s is best known for their interior design assistance, high-quality furniture, floor coverings and window treatments, they’re also a Simmons Beautyrest dealer with models ranging from entry level beds to Simmons’ highest end mattresses.

If you’ve bought a new bed recently, you’ll likely report that you slept better afterward. In this case, your anecdotal evidence is backed up by research. The Better Sleep Council says people sleep better, suffer less back pain and experience fewer symptoms of stress when sleeping on newer beds.

“We now know that mattresses really do matter when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep,” said Karpan.

Choosing the “right” bed is a subjective process, based on needs, tastes and budgets.

Before you set out on a mattress hunt, determine your budget, and think about what you need and hope to find. Research your options, including mattress types. There are quite a few available, including innerspring, hybrid, foam, pillowtop, gel, air beds and more.

When you talk to salespeople, don’t hesitate to ask questions. Alford’s carries a mattress option for every need, but the salespeople won’t be able to help you find the right one if you don’t tell them what you’re looking for.

One place to start is with comfort and support, Karpan said. “If you have the right balance of comfort and support to match your body type and how you sleep, a great night’s sleep isn’t far behind.”

The Better Sleep Council recommends following the SLEEP test when shopping for a mattress: Select a mattress Lie down in your typical sleep position Evaluate the level of comfort and support Educate yourself about each selection Partners should test beds together “If you sleep with a partner, both of you should shop together if you can,” Karpan said.

“Wear comfortable clothing. It’s all about lying down in your normal sleeping position.

Roll over, stretch out and relax. Do this with several mattresses and you’ll quickly discover the models that feel the most comfortable.”

Alford’s has pillows for you to borrow, but 50 | You’re Home spring 2016

Karpan recommends you bring your favourite pillow from home when you try mattresses.

“You’ll want to simulate your average night’s sleep in-store so it helps to have familiar sleep stuff.”

Take your time getting comfortable on the in-store mattresses, too. The Better Sleep Council says it can take up to 15 minutes to relax enough to feel the true support of the mattress: “Spend extra time in the position you usually sleep in. The more time you take in a store, the less likely you’ll have buyer’s remorse later on.”

Once you have your new bed back at home, Karpan says the best way to keep it in great shape is to rotate it 180 degrees every three months, or every month for the first six months for new mattresses. He also recommends protecting it with a mattress pad, and vacuuming the surface regularly to keep it clean.

Welcome to a good night’s sleep!

You might need a new mattress if you are: n Not comfortable sleeping in your current bed n Not sleeping well n Consistently feeling tired in the morning n Waking up stiff and sore n Waking up with “pins and needles” in your arms or legs n Waking up when your partner rolls over or gets up at night

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Greens The

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by Wendy Livingstone

are fully

Six of Regina’s new home builders are showcasing their latest designs in The Greens on Gardiner with seven fully landscaped, fenced, furnished and decorated show homes. The Parade of Homes, located on East Green Apple Drive, displays the homes at their best – all ready for joyful owners to move in.

“They are very nice houses. The builders have been very conscious of the market and are offering very good value, and every builder has a different market they are trying to cater to,” says Lorne Yagelniski, President of Yagar Developments Inc., the developer of the neighbourhood. “The parade has been very successful so far, and it’s in a good location – it’s very easy to find.

“We are going more into products that are totally landscaped and totally finished because, to us in the development business, that’s when the development really looks good. Some of the builders in the parade are including landscaping and fencing in their home designs so that, when the homeowners move in, they don’t have to worry about that kind of thing.”

Visitors to the parade of homes will have an opportunity to also check out an innovative offering in Regina’s new home market. At 4541 E. Green Apple Drive, Deveraux Homes is showcasing its new carriage suite home, an alternative way to reduce the burden of mortgage payments.

“You’ve got the front house and the carriage home with a full revenue suite above the garage in back. It’s a unique kind of product that we wanted to help promote to show there are different ways to do things to make home ownership a little more affordable,” said Yagelniski. “It’s a fantastic product, and I think, in the future, you are going to see more and more of them being built.

“The whole challenge in housing today is to cater to as many people as possible and to try to make it as affordable as possible.

[By using a carriage suite for revenue], someone can buy a house, and they have a mortgage helper in the back yard. The suite is very easy to rent out, and they are set up with separate access and separate utilities,” he added.

Another novel product being built by Deveraux in The Greens on Gardiner is Regina’s first BONE Structure house. “It’s a very unique build; it’s a totally steel structure – there’s no wood in the 52 | You’re Home spring 2016

dressed

framing,” said Yagelniski. “It’s very efficient, very sturdy construction, and it’s going to be a gorgeous house with lots of windows.”

Yagelniski said that, in order to remain competitive in today’s changing marketplace, a variety of housing options must be provided for every age group and income level.

“The biggest mistake you could make nowadays is to have just one type of product in your developments. We have to make sure we’re offering a variety of products to cater to different people’s needs,” he explained.

“We are also looking at different styles of townhomes. We’re working on some duplex lots that are going to have double garages. We have some rental and now we’re going to have a little bit of neighbourhood commercial,” said Yagelniski. To meet the needs of the elderly residents, plans for the future include a seniors’ development at the corner of Arcola Avenue and Prince of Wales Drive, which will provide several different unit types for seniors. “That’s what we like to achieve ­– what we call a complete community,” he said.

The Greens on Gardiner has gained a reputation for its focus on greener living. The developer has taken strides towards the goal of reduced water and energy consumption with measures such as rainwater collection in the parks to add an amenity feature and help clean the water. The developer is also encouraging participating builders to adhere to high energy standards.

Designated bicycle lanes on each side of Chuka Boulevard (one of the main streets in the area), on-street green spaces and lit walkways encourage residents to leave their vehicles at home. The planned addition of a commercial development, including a supermarket, will mean that even grocery shopping can be done without burning fossil fuels.

The Greens on Gardiner is now more than half complete, with total build-out expected by the end of 2018. Further development will include a new public/elementary school with a day care centre, which is slated to open in September 2017. An 11-acre park with a toboggan hill, play structures for small children and attractive walking paths is planned for an area south of the school. An outdoor skating rink near the commercial area and additional small parks – including a pocket park south of the parade of homes – are also planned.

crawford homes 4742 East Green Apple Drive

This attractive bi-level measures 1,265 square feet on the main level, as well as a fully developed basement. With five bedrooms and three full bathrooms, this is a home in which a family can grow into and live in for life. The natural limestone exterior is both impressive and inviting.

The entrance to the main living area offers a view of the open concept space with stunning lighting, vaulted ceilings and beautiful feature wall with a gas fireplace clad in stone and detailed with a custom maple mantle and shelving. A glass and maple railing separates the sunken living room from the kitchen/dining area. The home has an open concept design but doesn’t feel like just one big room. The kitchen and dining area, which is up four stairs, has a bright and airy feel. The modern, neutral paint colours and gorgeous slabs of quartz are warmed by the natural wood cabinetry, maple built-ins and hand-scraped wood flooring. There are three bedrooms on the main level, including a master retreat that features a huge walk-in closet and an ensuite with a 60-inch shower. The basement, with its nine-foot ceilings and large windows, could be a family’s favourite space in this home. Beautiful wall-to-wall built-ins surround another gas fireplace. There are also two additional bedrooms, another full bathroom, and a large laundry room.

A home designed with family in mind, this outstanding 2,207-square-foot, twostorey home has an acrylic stucco and stone exterior and a three-car garage.

Entering the home, you are greeted by an impressive foyer, square architectural pillars, and a beautiful glass and maple staircase overlooking the open concept main living space. Decorated in a palette of warm greys, it is modern and stately yet very welcoming. Warmth emanates from the living room fireplace, which is surrounded by a stone, floor-to-ceiling feature wall and a built-in maple shelving unit. The gourmet island kitchen is truly the heart of the home. It has been outfitted with high-end built-in appliances. An abundance of storage is built into the textured melamine cabinetry, which is accented with a row of acrylic doors. A quartz countertop completes CRAWFORD HOMES the look. An additional perk is an at4802 East Green Apple Drive tached acrylic cocktail bar with a wine fridge. On the second level, there are three spacious bedrooms, a den and a bonus living space.

The master retreat opens to a decadent five-piece ensuite, featuring spectacular lighting, a beautiful walk-in tile-and-glass rain shower, double sinks and an oversized whirlpool tub. Like all of Crawford’s homes, these show homes are built to ENERGY STAR™ and R2000 specifications.

SAVE $250 On the purchase of any regular priced garage door (excluding labour & parts) OFFER VALID UNTIL OCT. 31, 2016 AT REGINA LOCATION *Discount must be presented at time of invoicing/quote REG-16-FEB-AD_P-RRHBA-R

CreativeDoor.com You’re Home spring 2016 | 53

daytona HOMES 4706 East Green Apple Drive

glenrose master builder ltd.

4730 East Green Apple Drive

Daytona Homes’ Benz IV is a twostorey show home offering 2,180 square feet of gorgeous living space.

Showcasing Daytona Homes’ quality craftsmanship and expert design, the home’s main floor includes a fabulous formal dining area with a striking white stone wall that’s sure to impress guests as they enter through the spacious foyer. An open concept kitchen, dining nook and living area offer homeowners plenty of space for entertaining family and friends. The large kitchen has an abundance of cabinet space, a roomy pantry and an oversized island that anchors the room. Dark cabinets complement the home’s beautiful granite countertops. In the living area, a gas fireplace surrounded with floorto-ceiling white stone and framed by elegant built-in shelving on either side provides a stylish focal point. The airy feeling of the home continues throughout the second floor of the Benz IV. A media room is featured at the top of the stairs, offering an excellent retreat area.

Three spacious bedrooms are also located on this floor, each with a large closet and built-in shelving. The fourth bedroom of the home is the gorgeous master suite, which features a vaulted ceiling, walk-in closet and exquisite ensuite. Completing the second floor is a main bath with double vanity and a conveniently located laundry area.

54 | You’re Home spring 2016

deveraux HOMES

4541 East Green Apple Drive

Deveraux Homes enters the Parade of Homes with one of its innovative carriage home designs. The layout features three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms on two levels, encompassing 1,558 square feet of developed space. Nine-foot high ceilings on the main floor add to the home’s spacious feel. It opens to a large deck in the back yard. This unique home offers a separate 529 square foot one-bedroom legal suite – complete with laundry and a private balcony – located above a detached two-car garage. The suite incorporates separate utility meters, heating/ cooling and HVAC systems and can serve as an income suite, multi-generational family space or as a detached office or studio for the owners. The home has been designed with functionality and style in mind. The Tudor-style exterior design has an abundance of stone, with high roof pitches, architectural trims and shakes that add to its overall curb appeal. The exterior transitions nicely as you enter into a more modern-styled interior that has a functional flow. The use of warm, neutral colour tones, the fireplace, open style concept and spacious kitchen enhance the home’s ambiance. An energy-efficient furnace, water heater and appliances, increased ceiling insulation, and triple glazed windows will reduce energy consumption. The staff at Deveraux pride themselves not only in the quality of their work, but also the service they provide their clients as they walk them through the entire home-building process.

Glenrose Master Builder presents The Crystal, a gorgeous 1,935 square-foot twostorey home, with three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a fully developed basement providing an additional 690 square feet. The crown jewel of this home is a spastyled ensuite, luxuriously appointed with a free-standing soaker tub, an enclosed toilet area, custom glass shower, make-up table, separate sink area and two walk-in closets.

A large bonus room with a dry bar, a laundry room and two more bedrooms with built-in display shelving complete the second floor living spaces. The open concept main floor features a living area highlighted by a beautiful glass tile fireplace with maple shelving and a hand-scraped black walnut hardwood accent wall. The kitchen centres around a granite-topped island; the cooking area’s gas range is sure to delight your inner chef. Other standouts of this home include nine-foot ceilings on the main and basement levels, an expansive garage and an exterior with a generous amount of architectural stone and HardiPlank cladding. At Glenrose Master Builder, the team is all about providing that personal touch. Whether designing a custom home from your hand-drawn sketch, or making a few modifications to one of their production plans, their priority is ensuring that your dream home becomes reality.

Explore Homes by Dream’s beautiful parade entry: a two-storey show home boasting a spacious, 1,838 square foot open concept design. From the finished basement to the inviting second floor, this home offers many upgrades. Some features, like the laminate flooring and a superior lighting package, contribute to the attractiveness of the dwelling, while others, like the air conditioning and audio system throughout, provide comfort and convenience. All contribute to making this home an excellent value. Upon entry, one is impressed by the airiness of the home, augmented by the open stairway to the lower level. The home features a rear-facing living room, four bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. The large master bedroom is enhanced by a four-piece ensuite with a tile shower, walk-in closet and second-floor laundry. Quartz countertops accent the island-style kitchen, which has upgraded cabinets. The walk-through pantry provides convenient storage close at hand. In the bonus room, the fireplace offers a HOMES by dream 4710 East Green Apple Drive warm, inviting atmosphere.

The modern exterior design – with its covered front step, rear composite deck with aluminum railing and double attached oversize garage – demonstrates why Homes

by Dream has been an industry award-winning builder in Regina since 1952. The company remains dedicated to designing and building quality homes for everyone, from singles and couples to growing families and retirees.

The Palomino – a 2,036-square-foot two-storey three-bedroom home – is pacesetter Pacesetter Homes’ entry in the new HOMES ltd. parade of homes. Its architec4726 East Green Apple Drive turally pleasing modern front design is accentuated with rich chocolate-coloured, maintenance-free stucco, accented by textured stonework and trim.

The attached double garage has plenty of storage space. From the front entrance, the open design of the Palomino draws you into its gourmet kitchen, dining room and spacious great room. The kitchen is designed for function and ease, with ample counter space, a pantry and a sit-up breakfast bar. All Pacesetter Homes come with a stainless steel over-the-range microwave and a stainless steel dishwasher. The great room has large, triple-pane glass windows, providing lots of natural light. The wide-open loft area near the second floor landing is great for cherished family time. Adjacent to the loft area are two comfortably-sized bedrooms and a four-piece bathroom fitted with Kohler fixtures – including a rain showerhead – and a handy second-floor laundry room. The Palomino’s master suite offers a private retreat. The deluxe ensuite with his-and-her vanities provides functionality, while blissful pleasure comes with the jetted corner tub and stand-up shower with a rain showerhead. The spacious walk-in closet allows you to nicely tuck everything away.

Put some style in your life

1155 Halifax St. (5th Ave. & Halifax St.)

|

306.565.0741 | 1.888.545.5565 5565

| www www.continentalfurniture.ca continentalfurniture ca

You’re Home spring 2016 | 55

Disappearing act Retractable screens let you

enjoy the view

Though you don’t often find window and door screens on a wish list, they are a hard-working part of the home. They enrich Saskatchewan’s precious warm months by allowing fresh air in and keeping mosquitos out. They are oh-so practical, but the truth is this: screens are not much to look at.

Phantom Screens tackles the aesthetic problem with clever retractable technology. The screens are rolled away into a hidden pocket when not in use, leaving behind nothing but a clear view. They are made of a tough fibreglass material, superior to the standard polyester screens found with most commercial windows and doors.

Between the durable material and rollaway technology, Phantom Screens boast a serious lifespan and meet a great demand.

“Without our Phantom Screens, we couldn’t eat outside because of wasps and insects. We hear all sorts of stories of ruined outdoor meals,” said Randy Aramenko who owns Custom Screen Installations together with his wife Maureen and son Jeryd. They have been Saskatchewan’s only authorized Phantom Screens distributor since 1995.

56 | You’re Home spring 2016

by Jesse Green

Based out of Abbotsford, B.C., the Canadian manufacturer’s retractable screen product line was originally made with hot climates in mind. However, Canada’s hearty summer bugs have made Phantom Screens a favourite north of the border as well.

“You’re only using screens for half the year here, and people don’t want to have to look through them and maintain them for the other half of the year,” said Aramenko.

In addition to retractable window and door screens, Phantom makes a motorized, large-opening screen that, as if by magic, increases the square footage of a home for those summer barbecues and garage gatherings. These executive motorized retractable screens have really been catching on in the past few years, particularly with the rise of covered decks. u

The Phantom Screen systems are extremely versatile and chances are, if you have an opening on your home, Custom Screen Installations can screen it!

The motorized retractable screens are custom made and, like all Phantom Screen products, are professionally installed. They are designed to blend in with a home’s exterior cladding whether wood, brick, stone, stucco or concrete. Phantom Screens complement existing homes or new builds.

All of their products come in a range of signature colours, wood grain or custommatched shades. Mesh options include a range of openness for insect protection, solar heat control, natural ventilation or increased privacy control. Controls for the large opening, executive motorized screens include wall-mounted switches or hand-held remotes.

These screens can also come with automated controls like sun and wind sensors and can even integrate with a home automation system.

The power screens also pack quite a punch

Continuing Our Winning Tradition

for energy efficiency. With the trend of tall, lofty ceilings and full-length windows to match, keeping the home cool can be a challenge. Power screens installed over a large picture window can provide great solar protection without blocking the view. When mounted on the exterior of a window, the screens stop the heat before it enters the home, unlike blinds or shades which trap the heat inside.

Screens can fit casement, awning, single and double-hung, sliding and tilt-and-turn window styles. They can be placed on the interior, the exterior or in a recessed installation.

Doors fit in-swing, out-swing, single, double and slider doors. For double French doors, two screens are mounted to each side of the door frame and meet in the centre when used.

The Phantom Screen systems are extremely versatile and chances are, if you have an open-

ing on your home, Custom Screen Installations can screen it! After two decades, they gain much of their business from customer recommendations. “One of our very first customers bought a door screen for her condo.

Over the years she’s recommended our products to friends and family and I bet she’s made 20 sales for us,” said Aramenko.

The Phantom Screens company has been in Canada since 1992 and continues to be a leader in retractable screens by working on new innovations and improvements. Look for their new fused technology mesh coming soon; this welded technology will offer additional strength to the traditional sewn mesh and may open the door for new products.

For more information visit the Aramenko’s distributor site at www.saskscreens.ca or Phantom Screens’ corporate website at www. phantomscreens.com.

Best Custom Built Home 1600-2499 Square Feet - Located in The Creeks

www.munrohomes.com 3045 Saskatchewan Drive Visit our Showhome in The Creeks 4302 Chuka Drive, 306-596-2727 You’re Home spring 2016 | 57

about

ask an expert

Denise Mildner, CEO New Home Warranty Program of Saskatchewan Inc. 306.546.5220 reginarep@nhwp.org www.nhwp.org

Third Party New Home Warranty

Q: I am considering the purchase of a new home from a local builder. The company offers its own warranty, in addition to third party warranty coverage. Are all third party new home warranties the same?

A: New home warranty companies offer third party warranty, independent of the home builder – but the coverage they offer is not all the same.

In Saskatchewan, the government has not regulated warranty and what each company offers may vary. Brokerage type companies are backed by insurance companies whose mandate is to make a profit. It is recommended that you always read the fine print to know what is covered.

The New Home Warranty Program of Saskatchewan (NHWP) is the only non-profit third party warranty company in the province.

NHWP was established in 1976 by a group of local home builders to increase consumer confidence in the industry and protect the investment made by both the homeowners and the home builders. With offices in both Saskatoon and Regina, the New Home Warranty Program is also the only company that is headquartered in Saskatchewan, increasing its service and availability.

The Saskatchewan New Home Warranty Program offers one of the most extensive coverage plans of all warranty providers. Furthermore, Saskatchewan New Home Warranty Program provides warranty for a specific unit which automatically transfers from owner to owner. The program takes pride in the fact that their mandate is to provide solutions for both the homeowner and the home builder.

Q: Who chooses the third party warranty?

A: The home builder enters into an agreement with a specific warranty company and can provide you with all the information about what that includes.

Quality home builders want to ensure that they offer the best protection for the home buyer. They are in the industry for the long haul and realize that customer service is key to their success. A reputable home builder understands that home buyers want to proceed with confidence, knowing their interests are going to be protected. When choosing a home builder, look for those traits and ensure that they are covered by the most comprehensive and effective third party warranty.

The only website to list its registered home builders is www.nhwp.org.

The website is kept up to date and has further information helpful to the consumer.

SASKATCHEWAN

NEW HOME WARRANTY

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NEW SHOW HOMES NOW OPEN!

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xplore Kensington Kensington Greens, Greens,aacommunity communityofofhomes homeswith with classicarchitectural architectural charm enduring craftsmanship. classic charm andand enduring craftsmanship.

Choose from a selection spacious Choose from a selection of of af affordable affordable andand spacious floorfloor plans expertly designed by Regina’s most established home plans expertly designed by Regina’s most established home builders.

Many homes feature front street verandahs, attached builders. Many homes feature front street verandahs, attached garages, larger garages, largerback backyards, yards,rear rearlane laneaccess accessand andwide widelots, lots, making for an inviting streetscape and friendlier neighbourhood. making for an in inviting viting streetscape and friendlier neighbourhood.

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

Choice park facing sites for executive styled homes. are available for executive styled homes.

Participating Builders:

Reconnecting

Customer focus drives success of

Nu-Fab

Building Products

by Michele Tyndall PHOTOS BY SHAWN FULTON

60 | You’re Home spring 2016

For almost 50 years, the staff and management of Nu-Fab Building Products has been providing Regina builders, designers and homeowners with quality building products at great prices and offering top of the line advice on everything from stairs to shingles.

“Regina is a great fit for Nu-Fab because we are customer-focused and offer great service. The Regina community expects and deserves great service,” said Jason Moldenhauer, General Manager of Nu-Fab Building Products.

Nu-Fab Building Products has operations in Regina and Saskatoon and is a division of All-Fab Building Components, one of the largest manufacturers of building in Canada. Combining the dependability of a large company with decades of experience in construction and building design in Regina, Nu-Fab has developed an excellent reputation with clients, home builders and other product companies as well.

Nu-Fab provides a diverse range of products that includes small wood items such as stairs, pallets and crates.

They can also supply lumber for whole floors and roofs.

Nu-Fab even offers the whole package – pre-fabricated

Nu-Fab has extended its reach to almost every aspect of building products, and always has an eye on the latest trends, design changes and quality markers in the industry. buildings. Cottage, shed and garage kits that include everything from doors to insulation, shingles to siding are available through Nu-Fab. Moldenhauer points out that Nu-Fab only uses the best materials – one of the keys to their continued success. “Nu-Fab Building Products’ growth can be attributed to our high energy staff from Sales and Production. We have a state-of-the-art facility with all the latest equipment to deliver manufactured products in compliance with any builder’s schedule. We offer hands-on service from our design team to help with any idea that a customer may have to help build a better home.”

Backing up Nu-Fab’s commitment to quality service is its membership in the Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association (RRHBA).

Nu-Fab has been a member of the RRHBA since 1965, all the while holding the Association’s principles in high regard. They follow professional standards when choosing products to offer their customers and back their work with extensive warranties.

The Nu-Fab team also appreciates the benefits their company has realized through their membership in the RRHBA. “The RRHBA helps us stay connected to Regina and area home builders. The events that they host give us the opportunity to connect with the residential construction community,” said Moldenhauer.

With such a lengthy tenure, it’s no surprise that Nu-Fab has been instrumental in supporting RRHBA ventures such as golf tournaments, the Master Awards Gala recognizing excellence in the homebuilding profession, and other events. Nu-Fab has also supplied building materials to Habitat for Humanity and raised funds for Camp Monahan.

The staff and management at Nu-Fab understand the needs of Regina residents and have been catering to those needs so well that as the city has grown, so has the company. Nu-Fab has extended its reach to almost every aspect of building products, and always has an eye on the latest trends, design changes and quality markers in the industry. “For example, we are the leaders in wall panel construction in Saskatchewan. Wall panels allow the build times of homes to be cut down because of the speed of installation and the costs of

material are controlled, because there is no waste of material on site,” said Moldenhauer.

Nu-Fab’s design and sales team follows trends in the design industry to assist customers who want to keep their homes up to date and fresh. “The big trend in interior homes right now is custom stairs and staircases. At Nu-Fab, we offer engineered wood, which provides less squeaks, less drywall pop and greater durability,” said Moldenhauer High quality windows and doors are always in demand in light of the province’s unpredictable weather and Nu-Fab offers a wide selection. As well, they have started carrying a great new product: insulation with built-in soundproofing. Moldenhauer says this product helps keep the heat bill down and the noise out.

Working alongside Regina home builders and homeowners for almost 50 years, Nu-Fab’s commitment to their customers, whether through their membership in the RRHBA or their community work, will see them as leaders in the industry for many years to come.

“Give us a call or stop in and see us so you can find out what makes us different,” said Moldenhauer.

For more information, visit www.nufab.com/regina.

You’re Home spring 2016 | 61

The grass is always

GREENER...

One of the growing trends in landscaping doesn’t grow at all.

Synthetic turf is, in fact, being increasingly used both outdoors and inside for aesthetic appeal and ease of maintenance.

62 | You’re Home spring 2016

But, if you’re thinking of that green stuff that looked and felt like wayward Christmas decorations, you’re wrong, said Joey Deck of Urban Oasis General Contracting and Landscaping. “People are quickly learning that today’s premium artificial turfs are a far cry from the AstroTurf of the past. Today’s synthetic grasses are thick, super lush, super durable and yet still soft to the touch.”

Artificial turf first gained attention in the 1960s when it was used in the newlyconstructed Houston Astrodome. It was developed by Monsanto and called AstroTurf™; the trademarked product became almost synonymous with artificial turf. That short-pile fibre has now been replaced by the new synthetic turf systems with longer fibres and more infill, helping make the ersatz lawns look and feel more real.

by Carol Todd PHOTOS supplied

The synthetic turf Urban Oasis General Contracting & Landscape uses consists of knitted polyester monofilaments formed into both upright and twisted grass that looks real and feels soft to the touch, just like the real deal. Unlike real grass, it can also survive both ends of the Saskatchewan climate, as it is rated from -100ºC to +40.

And, it’s pet-friendly, which is good news for pet owners wondering where Fido can “go” with an artificial lawn.

While still largely used for sports arenas, driving ranges and similar facilities, artificial turf is becoming increasingly popular for homes and businesses. “Most turfs are extremely versatile and can be installed almost anywhere. Residential or commercial, indoors or out, play ground or back yard, dog run or putting green, synthetic turf fits almost any application,” said Deck. u

Urban Oasis General Contracting & Landscape was founded in 2007 by Deck and partner Ryan Fenwick. Since then, the company has grown from a two-person operation to a full staff of professionals with decades of experience in garden design and planting techniques.

The company offers a full range of residential and commercial landscape services, including lawn care, brickwork and irrigation, for both ongoing maintenance and new construction. “We are dedicated to building long-term relationships with our clients by providing the highest standard of quality on each and every project we do,” Deck said.

He added that with today’s busy lifestyles, many customers are opting for synthetic turf.

“We find that a lot of people are too busy to spend the time required to keep their landscape looking new − they want to spend that time enjoying their yards with the kids or entertaining.”

Customers are buying more than a product − they are buying time, said Deck. “Instead of weekly watering, trimming, weeding, edging, fertilizing and mowing, they’re simply enjoying their new lawn.”

The new and improved synthetic lawns need only an annual clean-up and sweeping to stay looking good, leaving lots of time for more pleasant activities with family and friends. With many people and businesses wanting yards and frontages requiring only minimal maintenance, artificial turf fits the bill. Think of a back yard with a brick patio, water feature, lighting and a patch of synthetic turf for the kids and critters to play on.

There is one other major advantage to artificial turf in addition to its ease of maintenance: it doesn’t need watering. This can be a real bonus here in the semi-arid southern prairies, where water use is metered and can be restricted during the dry summer months.

It’s estimated that it can save up to 50 per cent of yearly water costs. And, with no need for lawn mowers, homeowners and businesses don’t have to buy and maintain the equipment. As an added bonus, the elimination of gas emissions from mowers helps reduce the carbon footprint of a building or home.

Keeping your yard looking its best can be an ongoing and time-consuming task, said Deck. Artificial turf takes the work out of “yard work,” leaving just the yard to enjoy

Instead of weekly watering, trimming, weeding, edging, fertilizing and mowing, [customers are] simply enjoying their new lawn.” joey deck, urban oasis general contracting

almost year-round. And, here in Saskatchewan, artificial or the real thing, green is the colour!

For more information, visit www.urbanoasissk.ca.

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For information contact Merna Evans at 306-584-5378 You’re Home spring 2016 | 63 www.evansdevelopmentgroup.com | Email: evansdev@accesscomm.ca

Dream machines Attachments make light work of landscaping

by Andrew Livingstone PHOTOS COURTESY OF JOHN DEERE

64 | You’re Home spring 2016

Living large is easy when you’ve got the right garden tractor – and attachments – for the job. The right equipment will cut yard work down to size, even if your yard can be measured in acres.

Today’s garden tractors are more versatile than ever, performing multiple functions – from tilling the garden and mowing the lawn, to grading driveways and blowing snow.

South Country Equipment Ltd. retails over 50 attachments for their extensive line of John Deere garden tractors. Peter Desiatnyk, sales consultant at South Country, said that the most common attachment that he sees leaving the store with new tractors is the rototiller, a mainstay of summer landscaping. “On average, we would sell 80 tractors a year out of Regina, and I would say 65 go with rototillers,” he said. “That is probably, especially in the summertime, the most used implement.”

At 48 to 55 inches wide, these rototillers are meant for acreages rather than small gardens.

“They’re primarily used in this application by the large property owner – living on two and a half to five acres,” said Desiatnyk.

The rototiller attachment is especially helpful for homeowners who have built new houses on virgin property where no landscaping is in place, he adds. “They have to go in and rototill essentially the whole acreage to be able to plant trees, grass and gardens,” said Desiatnyk.

The rototiller attachment sold at South Country is designed to be attached to a John Deere tractor with a minimum of time and hassle. “The rototillers that attach to our small tractors are three-point hitch,” Desiatnyk said, making them more convenient than competing technology. “It takes about 20 minutes to install a belt-driven rototiller, versus three minutes to install a three-point hitch rototiller.”

The highlight of John Deere and their attachments is their ease of attachability: you can do it in minutes by yourself.” peter desiatnyk, sales consultant, south country equipment ltd.

On properties where landscaping is in place, the lawn must still be maintained.

John Deere has a convenient attachment for that too. “The mower decks on the smaller garden tractors are drive-over mower decks, so you can drive over them and they hook up all by themselves with no tools — nothing,” said Desiatnyk. “You drive over it, and the bottom two lift-links underneath the tractor attach to the mower.

The PTO shaft hooks up automatically. You lift it up and you’re mowing. It takes two minutes in real time to hook up.”

These drive-over mower decks have a safety advantage over models that are towed behind the tractor. “It’s safer than a pull-behind mower because, when you’re pulling something, you’re constantly having to pay attention to what’s behind you,” said Desiatnyk. “With human error, that doesn’t always happen, and you can run over stuff, whereas a belly mower allows you to look side-to-side rather than behind.”

John Deere designed the mowers for durability in addition to their convenience and safety, with tough seven gauge steel construction to maintain their integrity when they do make contact with hard obstacles. “Mower decks seem to typically get the most abuse in the sense of hitting curbs and trees,” Desiatnyk said.

“With seven gauge steel, they’re more prone to stand up to those impacts and last longer.” Competing models that use lighter gauge steel don’t stand up as well, he adds. “When you hit something, the mower deck can actually dent, break or rust.”

Mowers can be completed with specialized bagger attachments that make for a well-groomed lawn that is also free from debris. “They offer a power flow system,” said Desiatnyk. “It’s a vacuum attachment that actually sucks all of the grass out of the mower deck. With wet, heavy grass, which we have had in the past when it never quits raining, that’s a great feature to have because you don’t leave clumps on the lawn behind you and you don’t have to go over it twice.”

Unlike mowers or rototillers, baggers require tools and some effort to install. “The highlight of John Deere and their attachments is their ease of attachability: short of the bagger, everything else is tool-less, and you can do it in minutes by yourself,” said Desiatnyk.

For more information, visit www.southcountryequipment.ca.

You’re Home spring 2016 | 65

Brighten the night with an

outdoor

by Andrew Livingstone PHOTOS COURTESY OF NORTHERN FIREPLACE

When choosing an outdoor fireplace to grace your private space with a warm, dancing glow, the first question to answer is whether you would prefer the traditional appeal of a wood fireplace or the modern dazzle of a gas fireplace. Each has different advantages and criteria, said Steve Flett, owner of Northern Fireplace Ltd. If your goal is to evoke a more rural atmosphere of campfires and cookouts, then wood is the only option that will create the requisite smoky atmosphere, because gas is relatively odorless. However, people living in close proximity in an urban environment must be conscious of the concerns of those around them. u

66 | You’re Home spring 2016

fireplace

Some of the gas fireplaces have LED lighting, so they give you more ambiance. You can also change the colours of the ember bed of the fireplace.” steve flett, owner, northern fireplace ltd.

Creating the mood of a rural lifestyle will also require some manual labour. “Do you want to be hauling wood or not?” Flett said.

“A lot of people, especially in the city, are going to stick with gas because you don’t have to worry about smoke bothering your neighbours or those types of things.”

Like campfires, wood fireplaces will usually generate more heat than gas-burning varieties, but neither will burn hot enough to counter the chill of a cold, prairie night.

“You will not get as much radiant heat as a patio heater,” said Flett. “You will get some warmth, but you have to be in that area right in front of the fireplace.”

If a light show is the desired effect, both wood and gas create flickering flames to fascinate the viewer, but gas fireplaces have gained a new twist. “Some of the gas fireplaces have LED lighting, so they give you 68 | You’re Home spring 2016

more ambiance. You can also change the colours of the ember bed of the fireplace,” Flett said. The coloured light glints off the bed of crushed glass at the base of the fire. “That really changes the mood and adds more light to the fire.”

Regardless of the character of the fire itself, the space around the fireplace may determine whether a wood or gas fireplace is right for you. “With wood, you need to have clearances to the buildings,” said Flett. “The termination of the chimney has to be two feet higher than any point within 10 feet, so that’s something you have to consider. If you go to gas, there’s a lot less worry regarding exhaust: you need 12 to 24 inches clearance, depending on the unit.”

A gas fireplace will, however, require connection to your home’s natural gas line. “If you have it going away from the house and you have a deck or a patio, you have to consider burying the gas line and having the necessary permits and a licensed gas fitter to do the installation of the gas line,” Flett said.

“If you’re on a deck, you can run the gas line

between the joints of the decking, but you still need a licensed gas fitter to do that.”

Not only does the type of space make demands on the fireplace, a fireplace can help to define a space. Whether gas- or woodburning, an outdoor fireplace can be set up to protect an area from wind, and the air movement from behind the fireplace can carry the heat towards you.

Thanks to the advent of contemporary linear gas fireplaces, there are even more sophisticated ways to use flames to enhance your home, inside and outside. “In the last few years, they’ve come out with two-sided versions of linear fireplaces that are seethrough,” said Flett. With a see-through fireplace installed in an exterior wall, you can enjoy the fireplace while entertaining in your living room, or outside on the deck with friends. Said Flett, “You can do just about whatever you want inside or outside and create two focal points, an indoor focal and an outdoor focal, with one fireplace.”

For more information, visit www.northernfireplace.com.

Welcoming Luxury Granite, Quartz and Marble

BY MICHELE TYNDALL PHOTOS supplied

offers cutting edge customer service

Since November of 2007, Luxury Granite, Quartz and Marble – a locally owned and operated company – has captured the attention of Regina homeowners with their wide array of high quality, longlasting signature countertops, faucets and fixtures. Complementing that outstanding product selection is the company’s attention to detail and commitment to providing great customer service.

“We are proud of what we do and our number one goal is offering a customer experience that is the best in the city. We are always working on improving the way we do things. We are able to offer something for every type of client,” said Robb St. Onge, owner and

70 | You’re Home spring 2016

General Manager.

Luxury Granite, Quartz and Marble was a finalist for Best Showroom at the 2015 Master Awards presented by the Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association (RRHBA). “Eighteen months ago, we moved to a 45,000 square foot facility and upgraded to a 3,000 square foot showroom,” said St. Onge.

First-time visitors to the showroom are treated to a variety of offerings in marble, granite and quartz and can view samples or whole slabs. Luxury Granite works with homeowners looking to upgrade, designers who are creating just the right pieces for their clients and

contractors with large-scale projects.

“We have really tried to diversify our business. We are able to work with everything from large commercial projects such as the new Mosaic Football Stadium right down to a single bathroom project. We are currently doing four large condominium projects and we work with several of Regina’s top builders and designers on a regular basis,” said St. Onge.

Luxury Granite has experienced steady growth since first opening its doors in 2007. As they have expanded, so has their range of products, as well as the way they produce, customize and present them.

The experts at Luxury Granite can help homeowners select the products that are just right for their lifestyle and budget. St. Onge points out that countertops made of granite are extremely durable, and with proper care, will last a lifetime. Manufactured quartz is lighter and more stable than granite, requiring no extra maintenance at all.

And marble is natural with an elegant beauty that will always make a room one of a kind. Each product has its own advantages and appeal.

“About five years ago we made the switch to a fully digital fabrication center. We began templating with a laser measuring device and fabricating using a state-of-the-art CNC Stone Router,” said St. Onge.

The computer controlled cut and polish equipment ensures that the quality of stone at Luxury Granite and the pieces they offer are top grade. It’s this attention to detail that has taken Luxury Granite to the next level of products.

“We also display backsplashes, a full line of plumbing fixtures and flooring products – making us more of a one-stop shop. We recently began selling a full line of plumbing fixtures from Rubi. These products are high quality, competitively priced and are a European-based design that is a perfect fit for our market. Through Rubi we are also able to offer a line of floating vanities that are a perfect fit for this emerging trend,” said St. Onge.

Keeping ahead of the pack when it comes to design and build trends is integral to the success of Luxury Granite. That desire to be an industry leader made the decision to join the Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association an easy one.

“We joined for the networking opportunity and the ability to stay in touch with the current market. We also joined to be able to use the information that the RRHBA provides. Their monthly meetings are a good way to meet face to face with clients we normally contact through phone or email. It has put us in touch with a lot of potential new customers and also helped us stay in touch and solidify our relationships with some of our current clients,” said St. Onge.

Whether they are designing a kitchen, visiting a trade show to get new ideas or bringing in the latest home building materials, the team at Luxury Granite is dedicated to taking care of their Regina customers.

“We all grew up in Regina and have been in the construction industry for many years. We understand that this market requires and deserves a level of customer service that is higher than most regions.

We are all proud to call Regina home and look forward to bringing the most innovative products to the market,” said St. Onge.

For more information on how Luxury Granite, Quartz and Marble can transform your home, visit their outstanding showroom at 500E 10th Avenue. Look for more details on their website at www. luxurygranite.ca.

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Solid Legal Advice real.estate@mckercher.ca mckercher.ca SASKATOON: (306) 653-2000 REGINA: (306) 565-6500

You’re Home spring 2016 | 71

creative New options for

deck design

by Andrew Livingstone

Outdoor decks have come a long way from the era of simple platforms constructed by amateur carpenters.

Today, a professional builder can create a rich, relaxing and unrivaled environment that its owners will enjoy for years to come.

Kurt Jacklin, owner/operator of Chipper’s Contracting Ltd., said that deck designers have more options than ever before.

“Years ago, decks weren’t used as they are now,” said Jacklin. “It was just a square deck with some railing, and that’s it — there wasn’t a whole lot of imagination put into it.” Materials were equally restrictive, as cedar and pressure-treated wood required straightforward design sensibilities.

Over the past ten years or so, technological changes have brought new materials to southern Saskatchewan, and these have multiplied design options. “Nowadays, with the composite processes they have out now, you get a lot 72 | You’re Home spring 2016

more range of colours and textures. The products themselves are maintenance-free and a lot more homeowner-friendly,” Jacklin said.

“You can bend composite to a degree and create some nice, curved accents as well. With just the different colours, you can really put your imagination to it and design something that’s one-of-a-kind for a customer so that they don’t look down the street and see that someone has exactly the same deck.”

For budget builds, lumber does, however, remain the best option. “The only downside to composite is the cost,” said Jacklin. “It’s quite a bit more than your average pressure-treated deck. When there’s a tight budget in mind, usually they’ll choose to build pressure-treated wood decks.”

The ever-changing world of social media has also provided designers and builders with new sources of ideas. “TV in general has really popularized home renovations as a whole,” said Jacklin. “Online, you’ve got things like Pinterest. I always have customers coming up to me with pictures that they’ve found on Pinterest − different ideas that are making people think more about what they can do.”

Many new homes in Regina have been built

on smaller properties, making spatial efficiency important. “Particularly with new housing, you have small yards, so you want to try to give them as much as possible without filling the whole back yard with a deck,” Jacklin said. “So, a lot of times, you might incorporate a paving stone patio area with the deck just to give yourself different levels, different patterns, different textures and different materials.”

The proximity of other homes has also made privacy a greater concern, and Jacklin said that there are many ways to address the issue. Most privacy screening has the additional benefit of protecting the deck enclosure from other irritants, such as insects and the elements. A heavy bug screen, for instance, reduces insect incursions, wind and sun, while also sheltering inhabitants from outside observers.

Some modern walls allow for sliding walls and vents to control the degree of exposure on the deck, but more classic solutions remain attractive alternatives. “You could have some creeping vines that crawl up the side of a deck or a pergola and go over top,” said Jacklin.

“It could take a couple of years, but, once it’s

With the introduction of new maintenance-free decking materials, deck designers have more options than ever before.

Photos: Fotolia

A lot of times, you might incorporate a paving stone area with the deck just to give yourself different levels, different patterns, different textures and different materials.” kurt jacklin, owner/operator, chipper’s contracting ltd.

established, it’s really, really nice and unique that way. You can’t just make everything all wood and concrete; you have to have some vegetation out there as well.”

Jacklin cautions against building structures, such as benches, into a deck that reduce future options. “You can − there’re all kinds of ways to do that − but I personally don’t care for that a whole lot, because it’s something permanent that you can’t move,” he said. “I like something where you can buy whatever kind of outdoor furniture you like, and then that way you can change it up and move things around.”

When Jacklin designs a deck, he aims to create a singular environment within that space. “I really like adding a lot of features and playing with all of your senses: your hearing, your sight, your smells,” he said.

Fire pits and water features can transform a deck into an oasis of warmth and peace from the wider world. “It’s nice sitting out there in the summertime, with the sounds of birds and a little bit of water trickling in the background,” said Jacklin.

For more information, visit www.chippersrenos.com.

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You’re Home spring 2016 | 73

Sustainable living

The

eco-friendly

by Ashleigh Mattern PHOTOS COURTESY OF CUPBOARD BROTHERS CABINET FACTORY

kitchen

Everyone has a different vision for their dream kitchen, but that imaginary space likely includes gleaming countertops and beautiful cupboards, shiny appliances and gorgeous flooring.

A growing number of homeowners also see another feature in their ultimate kitchen, an attribute that goes deeper than the finishes: environmental sustainability.

74 | You’re Home spring 2016

The best way to make an eco-friendly kitchen is to take your time planning and to choose high-quality items and finishes that will stand the test of time.

Aim for an ageless style with an enduring design, and do things right the first time.

“While not everyone is concerned with being eco-friendly, we do have customers where this is a very important feature in what they are looking for,” says Ken Kowalchuk, co-owner of Cupboard Brothers Cabinet Factory.

Brothers Ken and Kim Kowalchuk have run Cupboard Brothers since 1993. Trends have come and gone during that time, but Ken says they have always remained committed to having the least amount of environmental impact they possibly can.

One way they do that is through careful planning when designing cabinetry. Many discussions about eco-friendly choices revolve around products, and while the products you choose certainly are important, planning and research may be even more so.

You can build a kitchen using all of the greenest products on the market, but if you rip that kitchen out in a few years because it’s passé, your hard work trying to be sustainable will have been for nothing. At its core, sustainability is about long-term thinking, and when it comes to home design, that means making choices that are long-lasting.

The best way to make an eco-friendly kitchen is to take your time planning and to choose high-quality items and finishes that will stand the test of time, advises Kowalchuk. Aim for an ageless style with an enduring design, and do things right the first time.

When planning your space, consider how your cupboards could be designed to make the kitchen more efficient. Make sure to build in space for recycling and composting; if you’re planning to avoid wasteful practices like using paper towels, plan for a place to store clean and used kitchen towels.

Once you’ve finished the planning and research phase of designing your eco-friendly kitchen, then you can move on to making sure you’re choosing the right materials. Being touted as “green” may be a marketing ploy called “green-washing.” Some products may try to pass themselves off as more environmentally friendly than they really are, so be sure to do your homework. u

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You’re Home spring 2016 | 75

Certain finishes have gained a reputation for their eco-friendly natures, like bamboo, cork and recycled glass, but the ultimate winner in sustainability are reclaimed materials. When outfitting your kitchen with salvage and antiques, look for kitchen fittings and other items that have already proven themselves to be long-lasting. Consider bringing in a re-purposed butcher’s block or worktable as a kitchen island instead of building one in.

There are also real concerns about the make-up of home products to consider, including the types of resins and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in cabinetry, countertops, flooring and paint.

VOCs are organic chemicals that have a high vapour pressure at ordinary room temperature, which causes more of the chemicals to enter the surrounding air. At Cupboard Brothers, their eco-friendly products have lower VOC emissions.

CANTERBURY GARDEN

“Volatile organic compounds are dangerous to human health,” Kowalchuk says. “They can cause long term health effects and they are harmful to the environment. Eco-friendly cabinets are cabinets that have reduced toxins, improve indoor air quality and have the least amount of environmental impact. At Cupboard Brothers, we strive to make sure the products we use are environmentally responsible.”

They’ve also designed their production system to eliminate waste and minimize labour. Kowalchuk says their systems allow their engineers to design components and even entire products faster and with fewer mistakes than they could working with traditional drafting systems.

“Our team can also analyze computer-aided design output as well as maximize specifications with very little waste. With a computerintegrated production floor, our employees are reducing labour hours and yet have increased productivity.”

Another easy way to be green when building your dream kitchen is to buy local. Not only are you supporting your neighbour’s business with your purchase, you also can rest assured in the knowledge that you’re reducing your carbon footprint.

“As a local manufacturer, our clients are not having to worry about a manufacturing impact as well as a transportation impact,” Kowalchuk says.

Learn more at www.cupboardbrothers.com.

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76 | You’re Home spring 2016

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galon insurance brokers

Larry’s Sheet Metal

cgw contracting ltd.

Gang Nail Trusses & Building Components

Leader Post - Div of Postmedia Network INC.

Chippers Contracting Ltd.

geiger homes & developments ltd.

Lennox Ind. (Canada) Ltd.

CIBC Mortgage & Lending

Gentek building products ltd.

Lifestyle Cabinetry/Cabinet Outlet Inc.

Cindercrete Products Ltd.

GES Global Experience Specialists

Loraas Disposal Services Ltd.

City of Regina

Gilroy Homes Inc.

Lowe’s Canada

clark's custom creations

Glacier Glass Service Ltd.

luxury granite, quartz & marble

clear view windows and doors

glenrose master builder

MacPherson Leslie & Tyerman LLP

clutter x organizing systems

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

made in the shade blinds & more of south saskatchewan

grasshopper construction

McKercher LLP

CNG Stone Products Ltd. Coast Wholesale Appliances inc.

Cold Busters Insulation Services

gypsum drywall interiors saskatchewan ltd.

colliers custom carpentry ltd.

Habitat for Humanity Regina

78 | You’re Home spring 2016

Kaycan Ltd.

KMP Law

merit contractors association michael lasko photography

Member

RRHBA Member Directory microage regina

Renewed Kitchens

the bevelled edge countertops

Midwest Surveys Inc.

Richardson Lighting

Mikron Homes & Construction Ltd.

Rick’s Custom Cabinets & Renovations Ltd.

the ensuite – a division of emco corporation

mirolin industries corporation

Ripplinger Homes

Munro Homes Ltd.

Robinson Residential Design Inc.

mwc chartered professional accountants ltd.

rohit communities

N.I.S. Contractors Ltd.

roofmart prairies ltd.

National Home Warranty Group Inc. New Home Warranty Program of Saskatchewan nexus construction ltd.

Nimbus Water Shop

Rona Home & Garden RSE (Regina Soffit & Eaves) Ltd.

the floor show (regina) ltd. the shake shop cedar warehouse Thomas Sand & Gravel Timberstone Distribution Regina tnc electric Town & Country Plumbing & Heating (2004)

Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce

Trademark Homes Inc.

Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association

Trithart Homes ltd.

Travelodge Hotel & Conference Centre

Saskatchewan Housing Corporation

Truss T. Mfg. Ltd.

North Ridge Development Corporation

saskatchewan ready mixed concrete Association

tth law firm

Northern Fireplace Ltd.

saskatchewan science centre

urban oasis

Northern Tar & contracting ltd.

SaskEnergy

Usonia Homes Inc.

Nu-Fab Building Products

SaskPower

utopia designs

Olive Waller Zinkhan & Waller LLP

SaskTel

on av inc.

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

Operation Dirt (2006) Inc.

Scotia McLeod – Prairieview Wealth Management

optimum roofing inc.

Security Building Supplies

Overhead Door Co. of regina (1973) ltd.

Shatkowski Homes

P.B. Custom Cabinets Renovations & Millworks

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

Pacesetter New Homes Ltd.

Sierra Construction Ltd.

Palandri Cabinets

simply stowed custom closets

Paramount Plantscapes Ltd.

SlabMaster Ltd.

Parkland Carpet One

South Country Equipment Ltd.

pekarbilt construction

southland roofing inc.

Phantom Screens

Spray Guard Air Tight Solutions Inc.

phillips blinds & shades

Spraywest Inc.

Ply Gem Canada Inc.

spring green homes ltd.

porchlight

Stantec Consulting Ltd.

posh patio deck covers inc.

Steel Craft Door Sales & Services Ltd.

primary engineering and construction

Sterling Plg, Htg & A/C Ltd.

Prime Fasteners

Sthamann Homes Inc.

North Prairie Developments Ltd.

Professional Plumbing & Heating Inc.

Sun Life Financial

Progressive Home Warranty Solutions Inc.

sun west construction ltd.

PV waste solutions

suncoast enclosures

quantum construction inc.

sundog developments ltd.

queen city custom construction inc.

Sunset Bay Leisure

Queen City Glass (1961) Ltd.

superblinds & draperies of regina

queen city overhead door inc.

Superior Cabinets

rainsoft (regina) ltd.

superior garage

RBC Royal Bank Regina & District Chamber of Commerce

tailored living featuring premieR garage – southern sask.

Regina Construction Association

TCU financial group

Regina Regional Opportunities Commission

TD Canada Trust

Regina Window & Exteriors

Terra Developments Inc.

Reimer Custom Homes & commercial Inc.

that guy contracting

urban fringe developments ltd.

Wappel Construction Ltd. WestSource Wheatland Fireplace Wheatland Roofing Inc. Wilco Contractors Southwest Inc. windfield construction ltd.

Wood Country wsp canada inc.

Yagar Developments Inc. young's insulation services inc. zarkor construction ltd.

Bold listings indicate members advertising in this issue

You’re Home spring 2016 | 79

CLOSING REMARKS

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

Open the door to your new home

The vast majority of Reginans enjoy the benefits of home ownership. For those who are looking to buy a home for the first time, home ownership is something they have dreamed about, planned for and are proud to be achieving.

When people begin to think about buying a home, they often start in the resale market, checking out what is available for used homes in Regina’s existing neighbourhoods.

They see a lot of homes that were built to another family’s specifications. More than likely that home has been renovated over the years, perhaps professionally or maybe someone’s “DIY” project. If there are not a lot of renovations done already, you’ll likely want to do some updating.

Another option is to start fresh and build new. Nothing beats the value of today’s new homes. The quality of construction has never been better, and professional new home builders offer more choice, more features and more service than ever before, all at competitive prices. If you are considering a home purchase, you owe it to yourself to explore the benefits of buying new.

Everything is new! It is hard to describe the feeling of “new.” Simply enjoy it – along with the knowledge that everything is chosen by you to fit your lifestyle and your preferences.

Totally up-to-date construction. A brand new home is built to the latest codes and standards, using modern building practices, products and technologies. For you, that means solid, lasting quality throughout – both what you can see and what you cannot. Energy efficiency to keep your cost down. A comfortable living environment. A home that’s easy to take care of.

Financial predictability. Buying new makes it easier to manage your household budget. You know what your fixed housing costs are and you do not have to worry about sudden expensive housing repairs or replacements for many years.

After-sales service. Once you are in your new home, you still have back-up – your builder is only a call away if you have any concerns or questions. Professional builders have a customer service program and established follow-up process, and will tell you clearly what to expect after move-in.

80 | You’re Home spring 2016

Warranty. Professional new home builders provide third party warranty on their homes – a great reassurance for new home buyers. In addition, many of the products used in the home are warranted by the manufacturers beyond the lifespan of the builder’s warranty.

I am confident if you take the opportunity to look at a newly built home, you will have no problem finding the right home for your family. New homes are designed for today’s lifestyle, with bright open spaces and lots of windows, well-appointed kitchens, great rooms for family togetherness and cozy areas for quiet relaxation. Many standard plans can also be adapted to your specific needs.

New homes are rich in design details – from the drama of columns and wall niches for artwork to simple, understated elegance.

The choice is yours.

No home is complete without your personal touch. While builders’ practices vary, they all leave room for you to create the final look of your home. You choose the cabinets, flooring, tiles, lighting and other finishing components. With a new home, you get what you want, from the very beginning.

And that’s just part of the picture. Just as important is what you cannot see, but will experience every day – lower energy costs, better indoor air and a very comfortable living environment, thanks to state-of-the-art construction and systems.

Go to www.startfreshbuildnew.ca to learn more about the great advantages building or buying a brand new home today. Go to www. reginahombuilders.com to see what builders are offering in Regina’s new and existing neighbourhoods. There you will find the resources to guide you through the new home buying/building process, plus Regina’s most extensive list of professional builders that have completed the Professional Certified Builder Program and carry third party new home warranty recognized by the Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association.

Then visit model homes, talk with professional new home builders and let them show you how to attain your housing goals and what a new home can offer you. Their door is always open!

Open the door to your new home. Get the facts and consider. Enjoy the long-lasting benefits of a brand new home, today, and for a long time to come.

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