ABODE 2019 Spring - Broadsheet pull-out section (reprinted)

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The Chronicle Herald − Sponsored Content Saturday, April 20, 2019

Move it — and lose it A new home is the best reason to KonMari your stuff HEATHER LAURA CLARKE Moving into a new home means you’re already going to spend serious time packing, so local organizing experts suggest it’s also an ideal time to focus on purging items you no longer want.

“It’s easier to declutter during a move, and then you’re not bringing that excess heaviness with you into your new home,” says Nicole Henwood, an interior decorator who runs Touched By Design Inc. in Dartmouth with her business partner, Rachel Giles.

“Decluttering” is on many people’s minds lately thanks to Japanese organizing guru Marie Kondo. The KonMari Method™ encourages tidying by category, rather than location, and following a specific order: clothes, books, papers, komono (miscellaneous items, from electronics and board games to makeup and dishes) and then sentimental

Decluttering is on many people’s minds lately thanks to Japanese organizing guru Marie Kondo. items.

Henwood read both of Kondo’s books — The Life-Changing Magic Of Tidying Up and Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the

Art of Organizing and Tidying Up — and also enjoyed her new Netflix show.

“I remember coming to work and telling Rachel about how a lot of

[Kondo’s] advice was what we were already living by,” says Henwood. “It’s really all about getting rid of what you no longer need or want.”

Kondo’s advice is to “keep only those things that speak to the heart” and discard items that no CONTINUED ON G2

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The Chronicle Herald − Sponsored Content Saturday, April 20, 2019 of space.”

She says moving is the best time to do a thorough decluttering since you’re already going through your belongings. If you decide you don’t need something, it’s easier to toss it in a “Donate” box than to pack it and take it with you.

Plus, once you’re settled in your new home, Mitchell says it can be harder to work up the energy to declutter because you’ve already taken the effort to move everything with you.

“A lot of people decide to start fresh with their new home, and let go of things they no longer need or want,” says Mitchell. “It’s the perfect time.”

FROM PAGE G1: KONMARI longer “spark joy.” She also likes to thank discarded items for their service before letting them go.

While Henwood and Giles don’t agree with all of Kondo’s advice — like storing your purses inside other bags to “let them rest” in between uses — they both like Kondo’s method of decluttering in stages according to the type of item because they feel it’s “less overwhelming” and more effective.

When they’re helping a client renovate their home, they encourage them to take an inventory of their belongings so they can organize them and pare them down.

But it isn’t always easy, especially if someone has decades of “special” items.

“People tend to attach a memory and a value to things that makes it hard for them to let go,” says Henwood. “Sometimes they won’t even alter an item — like painting a piece of furniture — because they think it will somehow ruin it.”

Giles says they help a lot of clients with downsizing from a large family home into a smaller home or apartment, and it can be tough for people to pare down even seemingly un-sentimental items like casserole dishes and juice glasses.

“I can’t be the one to tell them they don’t need four serving platters, but I can have a gentle conversation with them about entertaining,” says Giles. “Once they start talking about how they entertain and how many people they usually have over, it becomes easier for them to realize they don’t need as much in their new place.”

If someone really can’t decide whether they’re ready to part with an item, Henwood and Giles suggest they store it for six months and see if they use it or think about it.

“We’re creatures of habit and we tend to go for the same things we always use,” says Henwood.

That’s also the method used by Jessesar Mitchell with Gerald Mitchell Contracting in Fall River.

She and her husband have fiveyear-old twins, and she says toys tend to be the biggest problem area for them.

“We try to go through the toys twice a year, together with the kids, and figure out what they’re no longer using,” says Mitchell.

She says they divide the remaining toys into two categories according to how much the kids play with them. The favourites are kept on the main floor, and the “second-tier toys” are stuck in the rec room to see if they really still want them. If they ignore the second-tier toys for a while, it’s a

HALIFAX REAL ESTATE LIVES HERE!

Moving is the best time to do a thorough decluttering since you’re already going through your belongings. sign they can pass them on to younger children.

Mitchell also watched Tidying Up with Marie Kondo on Netflix and says she got some great ideas for helping their homeowners. Kondo believes each item needs a designated “home,” and that’s where builders can help by customizing each nook and cranny.

“We deal with many young families so they’re trying to get it right the first time. They want proper

storage in their new home so there’s ‘a place for everything, and everything in its place,’” says Mitchell. “Moving is the best time to declutter because you can totally customize your new home to organize your stuff — there’s no need to go out and buy shelving units.”

Mitchell says the majority of Gerald Mitchell homes include mudrooms for neatly corralling outerwear, cubbies for filing mail

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and school papers and pantries for organizing food, dishes and even small appliances. They also like to put built-in shelving in bedroom closets — so much, in fact, that many people won’t even require a dresser.

“Our kids’ closets have shelves and rods and lots of storage space, so there isn’t any need for a dresser,” says Mitchell. “We also store their extra sheets and blankets in there. There’s plenty

WHAT IS THE KONMARI METHOD™?

The KonMari Method™ encourages tidying by category, rather than location, and following a specific order: clothes, books, papers, komono (miscellaneous items, from electronics and board games to makeup and dishes) and then sentimental items. You keep only the items that “spark joy,” and thank each item for its service before discarding it.

The six basic rules of tidying: 1. Commit yourself to yidying up.

2. Imagine your ideal lifestyle.

3. Finish discarding first.

4. Tidy by category, not by location.

5. Follow the right order.

6. Ask yourself if it sparks joy.

Source: Marie Kondo (KonMari.com)

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The Chronicle Herald − Sponsored Content Saturday, April 20, 2019

How much should I spend on outdoor renovations?

Advice for spending appropriately and getting the most for your money CARSON ARTHUR

IS YOUR BACK YARD FUNCTIONAL? Backyards tend to be more about function than a front yard renovation. Good design can offset the shortfalls from the inside of the home with outdoor elements that meet the same need.

For example, if a home has a small kitchen, adding an outdoor version with a barbecue or a smoker is a smart investment because it partially addresses buyers’ concern when they see the inside space.

Having a good deck or patio in your backyard that provides lots of living space can increase your home’s value by up to 12 per cent (Century21, Canada).

CONSIDER YOUR RETURNON-INVESTMENT According to several online reports — including Remodeling Magazine’s 2019 Cost vs. Value Report — a major kitchen renovation has an expected return of 62.1 per cent if you sell the home within five years of the completion of the work. After five years, that number steadily drops as styles change. A simple wood deck has an expected return of 79 per cent for the life of the deck, which averages eight to 10 years in Canada.

These numbers are important if you are planning to hire a contractor to do the work. By using these percentages of increased value, you now have a guideline for reasonable investments in your home. For example, if your home is worth $300,000, you can comfortably spend $15,000 on a front-yard renovation because your investment is secured by the increased value to your home.

KNOW YOUR “WHY” Even if you are planning to do some or all of the work yourself, there are several things you should consider before you run out to the box store to stock up

A deck requires a sub-structure which is at least 8-12” high, and that’s before you install the floorboards on it.

on supplies.

First, ask yourself “What is the real purpose of this space?” Do you a reason for investing in your outdoors? Some homeowners need extra living space, others

patio table, an area for conversation separate to the table for guests, a spot for a comfortable lounger and maybe a spot to read.

Each of these requests requires a footprint (occupied space). For

may need a spot for summer dining. Knowing the purpose will help you design and understand the square footage that you require.

For example, you may want a

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IS YOUR FRONT YARD A SHOWSTOPPER? Front yards have been getting more attention by realtors and housing experts because of firstimpression numbers. Several online sources place the value of curb appeal and a home’s first impression between five to eight per cent of the home’s worth.

Items like shade trees and front walkways contribute to higher returns, as do front porches and sitting areas. While plants and gardens are important to the overall appeal, too many flowers in the front yard intimidate buyers looking for low-maintenance homes.

For my general rule, I try to keep the front-yard landscaping at seven per cent of a homeowner’s renovation budget. That number does not include the driveway, even though it may be at the front of your home.

The average backyard renovation starts at around $20,000.

P

In speaking to several industry professionals, the average backyard renovation starts at around $20,000 — with some projects crossing the million-dollar mark.

With such a huge range, how do you know how much your outdoor renovations should cost and how much should you really be investing in your home?

One of the biggest mistakes that a client makes is to envision what they want in the yard before they really set the budget. When I meet with a client, I start by asking about the approximate value of the home. If you set your budgets based on percentages of your total home’s worth, you know that your plans will stay aligned with property values in your neighbourhood.

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The Chronicle Herald − Sponsored Content Saturday, April 20, 2019

HEATHER LAURA CLARKE When you step inside a home built by FH Development Group, you won’t notice — at least, not right away — what makes it one of the most energy-efficient homes in HRM. You’ll be too busy admiring its smart design, modern touches and airy feel. “We like our homes to have large windows. They make them feel wider and brighter,� says Alaaddin Al-Hammadi — best known as Alaa — general manager of FH Development Group.

They’ve created dream homes for thousands of homeowners, always following their commitment to build homes “with the utmost quality, comfort and creativity.�

Whether it’s a single-family home or a multi-unit dwelling, they’ve made a name for themselves through their superbly-crafted properties, progressive designs and innovative space-planning.

It all started back in 2001, when Faisal Al-Hammadi purchased a small parcel of land. He was passionate about building homes, and used careful planning and creative design to transform it into an innovative full-scale community: Cedarwood subdivision in Hammonds Plains.

Back then, Faisal was working under the name FH Construction.

The company later rebranded to become FH Development Group in order to better describe their work building up communities in HRM and beyond.

Today it’s Faisal’s sons, Alaa, Amr and Mohamed — along with a talented team that includes in-house engineers, construction experts and masterful designers — who are leading FH Development Group into the 2020s.

Business is certainly booming, especially since FH Development Group currently has the honour of being the top builder in Nova Scotia.

Alaa says it was nerve-wracking to attend the Kohltech Peak Awards back in November. FH Development Group had been nominated in two categories — Builder of the Year and Most Outstanding Multi-Unit Townhouse — and all nervously wondered whether they were going to win in their categories.

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FH Development Group currently has the honour of being the top builder in Nova Scotia.

Dream homes, made to order FH Development Group honoured with Builder of the Year award When FH Development Group was announced as Builder of the Year — their ďŹ rst time claiming the title — Alaa says it was an exhilarating moment for their team. “It was a really joyful and exciting moment,â€? says Alaa. “We were very honoured and humbled to win it, especially with so many excellent companies vying for it.

It meant a lot.�

Karen Slaunwhite, CEO of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association Nova Scotia, says FH Development Group was selected as Builder of the Year in part due to its commitment to the environment and sustainability. “They really do design and create comfortable spaces where energyefficiency is always at the forefront,� says Slaunwhite.

Alaa says they believe in combining state-of-the-art design and craftsmanship that encompasses value with the very best energyefficient features. “More of our buyers — especially

our ďŹ rst-time homeowners — are very aware of environmental issues and the cost of energy,â€? says Alaa. “They want a home with a smaller carbon footprint and lower energy consumption with reduced greenhouse gas emissions.â€?

All of FH Development Group’s home are ENERGY STARÂŽ certiďŹ ed, which means they’re well-

insulated and airtight, with highefficiency heating and cooling equipment to keep energy costs low and low-ow accessories to keep water consumption and water-heating costs down.

Alaa says many homeowners are interested in having an energyefficient home because they’re keeping in mind its potential resale value down the road,

whenever the time comes to sell.

An energy-efficient home with newer windows and doors and high-efficiency lighting and appliances — not to mention low energy and water bills — is more attractive to potential buyers.

When those homeowners do decide to sell, Slaunwhite says there’s an excellent chance they’ll be returning to FH Development Group to build them a new home. “They have a very high customer satisfaction rate,� says Slaunwhite. “Many of their customers coming back to them two and three times for new builds.�

Alaa credits their commitment to customer service, for which they’ve won numerous awards.

FH Development Group has its own service team that’s dedicated to working with clients who have already moved into their new homes. He believes this team is critical to their success, since many other builders “tend to forget aboutâ€? homeowners once construction is ďŹ nished. “We want to make sure every buyer is a happy buyer. If an issue comes up, our customers know they can reach out to us and get it taken care of quickly,â€? says Alaa. “At ďŹ rst, they’re surprised to get such a fast response — it wasn’t what they expected! We hear all the time that they love our customer service.â€?

But their stellar customer service doesn’t just come into play after construction. He says FH Development Group is dedicated to making the building process smooth and enjoyable for their CONTINUED ON G5

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The Chronicle Herald − Sponsored Content Saturday, April 20, 2019

FROM PAGE G3: RENOVATIONS

FROM PAGE G4: MADE TO ORDER

back of their chairs.

homeowners.

“A lot of our buyers are first-time homebuyers so it can be very intimidating for them to buy a house. They’re afraid to make a mistake,” says Alaa. “Picking out finishes can feel overwhelming, so we make it easier for them by having a dedicated designer — Danielle Klassen from A&E Home Staging — who will sit down with them and walk them through the process.”

FH Development Group’s sales agents are also focused on making the process comfortable for buyers, and a project manager is assigned to each buyer so they always know who to approach with questions.

They have had the opportunity to build homes within HRM, as well as in the outskirts of Halifax. FH Development Group is currently building in Brunello Estates in Timberlea, Governor’s Brook in Spryfield, Starboard Drive in Bedford and Long Lake Village on North West Arm Drive. The homes are contemporary and crisp, and many feature trendy black windows, low-pitched roofs and natural wood accents.

Their crews are also working on a large apartment complex on Herring Cove Road. Alaa says they plan to expand into even more land development opportunities later this year, and there’s another apartment complex in the works for 2020.

Designing and building apartments, he says, is almost a more intricate process than building a

IDENTIFY OBSTRUCTIONS What obstructions are you working around? Too often, homeowners want a deck without realizing that their doors are ground-level or that they have windows to the basement that would get blocked by a wooden structure.

A deck requires a sub-structure which is at least 8-12” high, and that’s before you install the floorboards on it. I think some people believe decking can be installed like a floating floor in the kitchen.

To get a deck to be flush to the ground, the entire substructure has to be dug out. It’s possible, but can be extremely labour intensive.

KNOW THE CODES Finally, you have to plan for stairs and railings. Too many DIYers build home decks without proper access. What might start as a low deck can quickly get taller in areas where the ground is not level.

While building codes differ by region, usually any deck above the height of 24” requires a railing.

This 24” measurement is from the longest point between the ground and the top of the deck surface.

The optimal height for a stair riser is 7”, so when you are measuring the distance from the ground to the top of the completed deck, try and plan for a number that is divisible by seven so that you will have stairs of equal height.

As you plan your spring projects this year, budget your dollars accordingly. Whether you want to do the work yourself, or are planning on hiring a reputable company, I always tell homeowners to set aside about 20 per cent of their renovation budget for the outdoors.

This may seem like a lot, but with all of the housing market numbers showing big returns in landscaping, you can renovate knowing that you money is being spent wisely.

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FH Development Group is currently building in Brunello Estates in Timberlea, Governor’s Brook in Spryfield, Starboard Drive in Bedford and Long Lake Village on North West Arm Drive. single-family home. Since many apartments are becoming smaller in order to make the rent more affordable, it’s important not to sacrifice function as the square footages decreases. Alaa says FH Development Group’s designs incorporate savvy space-saving decisions that allow apartment residents to maximize every bit

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Whether they’re working on an apartment, a townhouse or a sprawling fivebedroom home, Alaa says their focus is always on energy-efficiency, function, style and being able to provide their homeowners with “unmatched value.” They put

time and care into each space, and feel honoured that someone will make it their home.

“We are both thankful and proud to have fulfilled the dreams of many,” says Alaa. “We’re also grateful for the help and support of all of our vendors, suppliers and subtrades who helped us win this award.”

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The Chronicle Herald − Sponsored Content Saturday, April 20, 2019

From how much you spend and how long the process takes to how to select the right contractor and build a good relationship with them, there’s a lot to keep in mind when you’re building a new home or renovating an existing one.

Hold onto your Pinterest boards and double-check your square footage, because we’re sharing 10 tips to keep in mind if you’re planning a new build or renovation this spring …

1. DREAM ABOUT WHAT YOU WANT ...

Now’s the time to really let your imagination go wild and think about anything and everything you might want. Even if something’s not in the budget now, it might be down the road.

Write everything down and start honing in on what’s realistic.

Remember that what looks gorgeous in a magazine might not be realistic for your lifestyle.

If you’re planning to renovate an older home, think about the historical details you want to keep or highlight — and think carefully before you rip out original wood, hardware or stained glass.

2. ... NOW GET REALISTIC ABOUT YOUR BUDGET Dreaming was fun, but now it’s all about what you can afford. What do you feel comfortable spending? What’s your maximum budget? What will you do if things run over budget?

It’s a good idea to have a contingency fund for unexpected costs, whether you’re building or renovating. Your renovator may discover bad wiring or plumbing that needs to be replaced, and your builder will need to increase your bill if you decide to upgrade the shower in your master bedroom.

When it comes to renovating, be cautious you’re not “over-improving.” Not every home renovation will increase the value of your home by as much as you’re spend-

money in the end.

There’s a lot to keep in mind when building a new home or renovating an existing one.

Home sweet(er) home 10 tips for smoother builds and renovations ing, so it’s important to think about which improvements have the best return-on-investment (ROI).

can also contact us directly to inquire about local builders, renovators or other industry professionals.

3. SORT OUT HOW YOU’LL BE PAYING Once you’ve decided on a budget, you can make a plan on how you’ll pay for your new home or renovation. Make an appointment with your financial advisor to discuss your options, and resist the temptation to overextend yourself financially.

Remember, you may also qualify for rebates by choosing energyefficient materials and equipment.

5. MEET WITH SEVERAL OPTIONS We encourage you to meet with potential renovators or builders and get a feel for how you might work together. You’ll want to speak with several different ones to compare quotes and personanalities.

Ask them about their communication plans and strategies throughout the process for keeping you informed. Be sure they have safety training, liability insurance and Workers’ Compensation coverage for their employees. Ask if they offer a new home or renovation warranty, and wrap up by getting a quote — in writing.

4. DO YOUR HOMEWORK ON POTENTIAL RENOVATORS OR BUILDERS You want to be aligned with a professional you can trust, which is why we’ve put together a full list of builders, renovators, suppliers and retailers who are members of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association of Nova Scotia: nshomebuilders.ca/directory. You

6. SIGN A CONTRACT Once you’ve decided on a builder or renovator and feel confident with your decision, it’s time for

both parties to sign on the dotted line. Be sure the contract includes the start and completion dates, payment schedules and product selections that will be used in the construction process.

It should also address the implications of how changes will be handled once the contract is signed. This is an important step for both of you, as it’s the beginning of what should be a mutually enjoyable relationship as they work on your dream home.

7. MEET YOUR DEADLINES Not every milestone is up to your contractor. You’ll be responsible for certain tasks along the way, like choosing finishes, picking out paint colours or purchasing fixtures.

Be sure you understand what you need to do — and get everything finished by the dates you’re given.

If you goof up and miss a deadline, you could be holding up someone else on the job — which is only going to cost YOU more

8. BE PATIENT — GOOD THINGS TAKE TIME If you feel tempted to pester your contractor about the timing of the project, don’t. Refer back to the dates on your contract and remember that things don’t happen nearly as fast in real life as they do on HGTV. As long as your contractor is sticking to the schedule — and you have everything ready for them when you’re supposed to — just bite your tongue and wait. If there’s a delay on their end, a good contractor will discuss it with you. They understand you’re eager to get to the finished result.

9. RESIST THE URGE TO SECOND-GUESS YOURSELF Some people find it thrilling to choose tile and flooring, while others find it tedious — even nerve-wracking, because they’re afraid to make a mistake.

No matter how you feel about the process, it’s important not to second-guess your decisions.

After you’ve told your contractors which finishes you’ve chosen, it’s best not to change your mind. The materials may have already been purchased — or even installed — and it will cost time and money to swap them out.

10. DON’T RUSH TO “FINISH” THE JOB You may have been waiting months to get your hands on that bright, freshly-painted space, but don’t hurry to get it decorated and furnished just so you can pronounce it “finished.” You’ve likely just spent a good sum of money and might rush to purchase inexpensive items just to fill it up — and regret those choices later on.

Remember that the best rooms are ones that can evolve over time, with pieces that are beautiful, functional or meaningful.

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