contents N o v ember 2 0 1 3
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v olume 5 issue 4 4
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COVER FEATURE
in Granville
8 Grand house
Cash & Cars home continues to raise funds, hopes and interest for cancer research
Condo Profile
Buyers flock to Abbey Lane’s latest condo address in the coveted southwest
10 The Quay at Terwillegar
Feature
18 Hot water, cold facts
Failing to maintain water tanks can land homeowners in hot water
Design & DÉCor
Revamp your holiday décor with textiles
Market view
what is the difference?
21 Cushy design
23 Old versus new:
Show home Profile
Modern features and custom design stylishly ooze from the Fusion show home
Feature
12 You can with Kanvi
Community Profile
15 Build your castle
Homeowners grab their chance to build a dream home in the northwest community of Tuscany Hills
S O U R C E ME D I A G R O U P : C E L E B R AT IN G I T S 10 T H Y E A R
12
30 Tales from
the condo zone
Passing inspection
items
6 Editor’s Message 25 Around Town 26 Maps 27 Ad Index
15 N o v ember 2 01 3 E D M O N T O N H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G • 5
editor’s message
Baby, it’s cold outside
PUBLISHER
Our cover displays a builder that is a partner in giving people the chance to win a $1.4-million prize — comprised of a custom home, car and cash. Since opening in August, the Cash & Cars and More Lottery show home has offered enough wow-factor to draw in a steady flow of visitors. The tickets purchased generate proceeds for the Alberta Cancer Foundation and Canadian Cancer Society Alberta/NWT division as well as hope for lottery ticket holders, each with crossed fingers hoping to be the lucky winner of the impressive bungalow in Edmonton’s west
Source Media Group
info@sourcemediagroup.ca A ssociate P U B L I S H E R
Jim Zang
jim.zang@sourcemediagroup.ca E ditor
Michelle Lindstrom michelle.lindstrom@sourcemediagroup.ca AR T DIRECTOR
Jean Faye Rodriguez
jean.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca
community of Granville. Check out page 8 for more
G R A P H I C D E S I G N er S
about this impressive home and its cause.
Lama Azhari
Market View columnist Wesley Gunderson poses the
lama.azhari@sourcemediagroup.ca
Dave Macaulay
question to Edmonton Home & Condo Living readers,
dave.maucaulay@sourcemediagroup.ca
why not buy a new house instead of an older one? On
Megan Sereda
megan.sereda@sourcemediagroup.ca
page 23, learn more about the pros newly built homes
production administrator
can offer a homebuyer.
Colleen Leier
Fellow columnist Rosalyn Lazaruk takes on the
colleen.leier@sourcemediagroup.ca
inevitable and approaching homeowners’ dilemma
E ditorial
— holiday décor. She does it with reserve, though, agreeing with many that the beginning of November may be a little too soon for full-out holiday decorating, but that doesn’t mean the cooler season and colours of fall should be ignored. See page 21 for more. If you’re already in north Edmonton, United Communities is seeing its community
Karen Durrie, Wesley Gunderson, Rosalyn Lazaruk, Michelle Lindstrom, Pamela Roth, Shelley Williamson, Jim Zang photography
Rosalyn Lazaruk, Michelle Lindstrom, Pamela Roth director of S A L E S
of Tuscany Hills drawing city dwellers a little farther north to something a little more
Norma Robertson
country … and custom. No specific builders required, meaning, BYOB (bring your own
norma.robertson@sourcemediagroup.ca
builder) to Tuscany. Now that’s exciting! Read more on page 15.
A d v ertising S A L E S
Sharing the same community — Granville — as our cover, Kanvi’s Fusion show home is definitely one to visit and see with your own eyes. Custom design, contemporary décor and leading edge technology are reasons to check it out. Page 12 will do some more show and tell. Go further south into Terwillegar, and you’re at The Quay condo development by Abbey Lane Homes. These high-end apartment-style condos have many floor plans ready to please those on the hunt for something just off of Rabbit Hill Road. Page 10 is where you can find out more. The chill in the November air is a great reason to grab a copy of Edmonton Home & Condo Living magazine, cosy up on your couch and flip through the pages to find a builder that can create your dream home or condo. They’re out there and our team keeps uncovering more gems each month, so stay tuned!
Michelle Lindstrom Editor michelle.lindstrom@sourcemediagroup.ca
@EdmHomeandCondo
EdmontonHomeandCondoLiving
6 • E D M O N T O N H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G N o v ember 2 01 3
Jennifer Mills
jennifer.mills@sourcemediagroup.ca ACCOUNTING
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Edmonton Home & Condo Living™ is published 12 times per annum and is available free through select distribution points in Edmonton and area. One-year subscriptions are available for $12 in Canada, $48 internationally. Edmonton Home & Condo Living™ accepts editorial submissions by electronic mail only. Please forward any submissions including all personal information to: enleditor@ sourcemediagroup.ca. Unsolicited submissions will not be returned. Advertising information available only by request.
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S O U R C E ME D I A G R O U P : C E L E B R AT IN G I T S 10 T H Y E A R
Grand House in Granville Cash & Cars home continues to raise funds, hopes and interest for cancer research
Story by Michelle Lindstrom | Photos courtesy Kimberley CustomBuilt
A
lberta’s two largest cancer charities — the Alberta Cancer Foundation and the Canadian Cancer Society Alberta/NWT division — have been the recipients of more than $22.9 million in funds raised since 2000 through the Cash & Cars and More Lottery. Part of this year’s first prize, a 3,727-square-foot, three-bedroom custom bungalow by Kimberley CustomBuilt, is creating a steady flow of lottery ticket sales and foot traffic in Edmonton’s west community of Granville since the show home opened on August 7. Ashton Paulitsch, Alberta Cancer Foundation’s communications and marketing associate, says, “Funds from the 2013 Cash & Cars and More Lottery will promise progress in leading-edge cancer research, prevention, screening, treatment and care for Albertans at 17 cancer centres across the province, including the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton.” This is the fourth time Kimberley’s custom division has built a Cash & Cars home, but this year is the first time designing a bungalow for the lottery. Visitors are not voicing any qualms about that decision. 8 • E D M O N T O N H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G N o v ember 2 01 3
S O U R C E ME D I A G R O U P : C E L E B R AT IN G I T S 10 T H Y E A R
Cover Feature
Fast Facts Builder: Kimberley CustomBuilt Model: 2013 Cash & Cars and More Lottery home Area: Granville Style: Bungalow Price: Due to each home being custom, the prices vary. Contact the builder for more details Address: 3949 Ginsburg Crescent N.W. Hours: Monday to Thursday 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. Web: www.buildwithkimberley.ca
Every square inch of the 1,971-square-foot main floor — including a custom kitchen, great room, dining room, master bedroom, spa-like ensuite, den, full main bath and mudroom/laundry room — is naturally lit by the massive and plentiful windows on all sides of the home. A creamy white theme and 10-foot ceilings throughout the main floor, 12-foot in the living room and dining room, add to the open feeling everyone comments on when stepping into the Cash & Cars home. The milk-chocolate hardwood floor provides a natural contrast to the walls, and that same brown is picked up in pieces of furniture and the stair’s handrail for continuity. A two-way gas fireplace separates the formal dining room from the living room with its coffered ceiling and pot lights, which the kitchen opens up to. The kitchen’s white cabinets of varied depths and heights complement the open floor plan’s colour concept. Even the oversized fridge has white-panel doors. One set of cabinets spans the wall’s full-length and includes a built-in bench enabling the eating nook’s table to be pulled up to it for a wealth of storage and seating options. Off of the living room, visitors travel down a hallway to an impressive ensuite complete with two sinks in long cabinets on either side of the deep, free-standing soaker tub. A large glass-enclosed shower with a bench helps complete the spa-feel of the room. Follow the contemporary take on traditional wall sconces to a walk-in closet that is the size of a child’s bedroom and then into the master bedroom complete with an electric fireplace for ambience. Tucked away at the back of the house is an impressive curved staircase of open-riser, carpeted treads that take you down to another exciting space, adding even more “wow” to the already impressive home. “The finished basement is perfect for entertaining as it comes completely finished with a wine room, theatre room and exercise room,” Paulitsch says. “The décor is very European-chic with lots of
natural light from the windows that look out to a stunning view of the pond.” The home’s site is something that cannot be passed over. A wide walkway sits to one side of the home, another show home on the other, and then to the back is an expansive greenspace and pond. Truly jaw dropping. Lisa Kercher, Kimberley’s sales and marketing administrator notes some specification upgrades include a hand painted wall mural in the theatre room, custom electric fireplace, custom shelves in the wine room, glass wall in the workout room, upgraded flooring and tile, extensive lighting and upgraded appliances. “We have had numerous comments from people saying they would keep the home and live in it if they were to win,” Kercher says. Both the cancer foundations and the builder understand that cancer, unfortunately, touches almost everyone somehow, making each side cherish the partnership they’ve built. Laura Miles, Kimberley’s vice-president of business development, says Kimberley CustomBuilt has enjoyed the years involved with the Cash & Cars and More Lottery program and is currently planning the 2014 home. October 16 was the cut-off date to purchase all lottery tickets — online and in the show home. The final draw is on November 13 and the show home will remain open for viewing until February 2014, when the winner takes possession. The first prize value totals approximately $1.4 million and includes the home (its furniture, accessories, window coverings, landscaping, electronics and special features), the car and cash. See www.cashandcarslottery.ca for more information. n
The final draw is on November 13 and the show home will remain open for viewing until February 2014, when the winner takes possession.
S O U R C E ME D I A G R O U P : C E L E B R AT IN G I T S 10 T H Y E A R
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condo profile
The Quay at Terwillegar Buyers flock to Abbey Lane’s latest condo address in the coveted southwest By Shelley Williamson
A
bbey Lane Homes may have just opened the sales centre for its latest condo offering in Terwillegar, but savvy home shoppers are already increasingly finding it to be The Quay (pronounced key) to their hearts. The 91-unit upscale condo development off of Rabbit Hill Road and South Terwillegar Drive is nestled in a suburban neighbourhood, just a stone’s throw from everything residents need. “It’s been very well received, primarily because of the location,” says Al MacKechnie, area manager for The Quay At Terwillegar, noting the pond that wraps all the way around the area and a greenspace you won’t find in another development. Not only will the suites, which boast nine different floor plan choices, offer views of the pond and park from three sides, but they will also leave nothing to be desired, MacKechnie notes. “There’s really nothing else you can do to the suites,” he says, adding laminate hardwood and tile floors, stainless appliances and granite countertops are all among the included features at The Quay.
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So far, empty nesters have flocked to the project, seeing the value for what it is. “At Abbey Lane Homes, we’re known for luxury, high-end condominiums and townhomes.” MacKechnie says. “We are always in good locations and have good floor plans.” Younger couples and singles who want sound value for their investment have also been motivated to purchase at The Quay, comprising about a quarter of interest so far, he adds. Suites range from one-bedroom-and-den to eight variations of two-bedrooms. Some include dens spanning up to a massive 1,120 square-feet, which MacKechnie says is what the market is asking for at the moment. “We’ve got what people are looking for,” he says. Suite prices start from the $220,000s to $350,000s, plus GST. One thing residents won’t find is row after row of other condominiums, as the bulk of residential space is made up of single-family abodes. “I really do think it’s one of the best neighbourhoods in southwest Edmonton.” MacKechnie says. “It’s an established area … and we are the only non-single family (construction) in the area.”
S O U R C E ME D I A G R O U P : C E L E B R AT IN G I T S 10 T H Y E A R
condo profile Fast Facts Builder: Abbey Lane Homes Project: The Quay at Terwillegar Style: One-bedroom-and-den, two-bedroom and two-bedroom-and-den apartment style condos Size: Up to 1,120 sq. ft. Price: From the $220,000s to $350,000s, plus GST Location: South Terwillegar Road, just off Rabbit Hill Road Hours: Monday to Thursday, 3 to 7 p.m. Weekends and holidays, 1 to 5 p.m. Web: www.TheQuayCondos.ca Being part of Terwillegar — and the overall Riverbend master plan — will only help buyers’ investments. “Your appreciation of your condo is going to happen here faster than in some other areas with runaway condo development,” MacKechnie says. Though a sales centre is open on site every day except Friday, those who don’t want to wait to visit can pick out suites from their phones or laptops. An interactive website lets visitors select their floor, floor plan and the direction they want to face, as well as realistic views from the future suites. “You can see views from the balcony and even how much of the pond you’ll see,” MacKechnie says. “It’s really helpful for people looking to get a feel for something that isn’t built yet.” When the project is complete in 2015, residents will also have access to a fitness centre and a car wash bay in the underground heated garage, but nothing extra they may not want to pay for. “We don’t have all the things that drive the condo fees up,” MacKechnie says, citing swimming pools as an example. “But we are always in great locations with spacious, very functional floor plans.” Meanwhile, creature comforts are close by this location that is just off Terwillegar Road, and four blocks from Anthony Henday Road. “I would say we are a five-minute drive to The Currents shopping, and of course, all the surrounding services,” MacKechnie says. n
S O U R C E ME D I A G R O U P : C E L E B R AT IN G I T S 10 T H Y E A R
Not only will the suites, which boast nine different floor plan choices, offer views of the pond and park from three sides, but they will also leave nothing to be desired.
Rendering and photos courtesy Abbey Lane Homes.
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show home profile
You can with Kanvi Modern features and custom design stylishly ooze from the Fusion show home Story and photos by Pamela Roth
T
he great outdoors never felt so close as when you’re standing inside the Fusion show home by Kanvi Homes. Nine-foot, 10-foot, and vaulted ceilings throughout the 3,167-square-foot home create a feeling of space and grandeur. A plethora of windows, of all shapes and sizes, provide an endless supply of sunlight that radiates off the home’s clean lines and white décor. It’s an urban Shangri-La, fit for a king. “When you walk in, this house feels massive because it’s so open,” says Luke Wolters, marketing and communications manager for Kanvi Homes. “You walk in the front door and you can see the dining room. It’s wide open.” Located in west Edmonton’s Granville community, the Fusion show home comes with a price tag of a cool $1.3 million. And it’s easy to see why. When designing the two-storey home, the builder focused on having its trademark modern feel. All the railings are glass — a Kanvi Homes signature —
with beautiful premium engineered hardwood floors throughout the main floor, which includes a giant kitchen, dining room, living room, mud room, bathroom and cozy office lined with those previously mentioned, oversized windows. The sleek kitchen is all white with the exception of the stainless steel oven, microwave and gas stove, as well as the grey countertop on the massive island. Both the freezer and fridge cleverly blend in with the wall of shiny white doors and drawers that include a pantry. The overhead cabinets are powered electronically to open and close with the push of a button. Half-way up the stairs is a large carpeted bonus room with a funky built-in shelving unit and giant flat screen TV — one of 12 within the home that can be controlled all at once through a built-in home automation system. Further upstairs, there are two spacious bedrooms, a bathroom, laundry room and a large master bedroom with gorgeous frosted French doors at its entranceway.
“When you walk in, this house feels massive because it’s so open.”
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S O U R C E ME D I A G R O U P : C E L E B R AT IN G I T S 10 T H Y E A R
show home profile
The master ensuite has vaulted ceilings to add elegance to the significant space, which could house a small village. His-and-her sinks are separated by a giant soaker tub while an open, two-person shower and generous walk-in closet with a small window are icing on the cake. “To come home and have this ensuite, it really does make you relax,” Wolters says. “It’s not just a bathroom attached to your own bedroom, it’s its own area.” The finished basement adds another 1,010 square-feet of space onto the monstrous home that Wolters says is attracting an assortment of buyers from young couples to families with two or three children. He says when people come into the show home, they like the modern aspects of it.
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S O U R C E ME D I A G R O U P : C E L E B R AT IN G I T S 10 T H Y E A R
The monstrous home ... is attracting an assortment of buyers from young couples to families with two or three children. Bottom photo courtesy Kanvi Homes.
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show home profile
“... it’s more about what they want from a home, not what they want in a home.”
Fast Facts Builder: Kanvi Homes Model: Fusion Area: Granville Style: Two-storey Size: 3,167 sq. ft., plus 1,010 sq. ft. in basement Price: Contact Kanvi Homes for the most up-to-date information Address: 3941 Ginsburg Crescent N.W. Hours: Monday to Thursday, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays, noon to 5 p.m. Web: www.kanvihomes.com
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“They want the new, leading edge technology like power cabinets, and the clean, new modern style.” Nestled on 305 acres on the western edge of the city, the Fusion show home resides in the community of Granville filled with trails and a green space, two ponds, a school site and retail shops. Its convenient location allows easy access to freeways like Whitemud Drive and Anthony Henday Drive. Home prices start at $750,000 to $850,000 depending on the lot. Since Kanvi is a custom builder, anything and everything in the home can be changed. “When someone purchases a home with us, we take them through almost every step so that what they want is done to their satisfaction,” Wolters says. “Determining what upgrades we think of as standard is a tough task because it’s more about what they want from a home, not what they want in a home.” Kanvi specializes in modern, contemporary spaces and has had great success building in the highly sought-after developments in Edmonton and area. The Fusion show home is located at 3941 Ginsburg Crescent and a similar, but entirely new, design is also being constructed by Kanvi in Jagare Ridge (southwest Edmonton) with eight floor plans to choose from. Kanvi also has a product line called true custom. The floor plans people review are rarely built as originally drawn because so many customers decide to customize their home, which really is the point anyway. n S O U R C E ME D I A G R O U P : C E L E B R AT IN G I T S 10 T H Y E A R
community profile
Build Your Castle
Homeowners grab their chance to build a dream home in the northwest community of Tuscany Hills
Story and photos by Michelle Lindstrom
T
here is a great opportunity in Sturgeon County and those on the home search are quickly finding out what that is: the community of Tuscany Hills and Upper Tuscany. Stage 1 has already sold out, explains Donna Bygrave, marketing manager for United Communities, which is the developer for the area. “We have a few lots left in Stage 2A — in and amongst those, there are a few highly sought-after walk-outs left,” she says. The views are picturesque in this developing community with plenty of space between neighbours and rolling hills in homeowners’ back yards. Some may wonder why they should head north, slightly outside of the city, to purchase a home. Existing Tuscany Hills’ homebuyers are telling Bygrave that they love it out there. “It gets you out of the city and gives you that extra space that you normally don’t have when you’re in a typical city subdivision. It’s an entirely different way of life,” she says, regarding the
S O U R C E ME D I A G R O U P : C E L E B R AT IN G I T S 10 T H Y E A R
almost half-acre lots (a minimum size available in the community). “As an example, one of the lots here has a building pocket of 86-feet wide. That’s going to allow you to build exactly your dream home in terms of size and how many stalls in a garage you want. You won’t have to scrimp.”
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COMMUNITY PROFILE
To add to the “dream home” possibilities, future homeowners can bring their own builder with them — another feature existing community members have tacked up in the pros column of purchasing in Tuscany Hills. There builders in the area to get some design ideas from — including Pompei Homes’ existing show home and White Eagle Homes’ future show home — but homebuyers are not limited to the builders that
“It gets you out of the city and gives you that extra space that you normally don’t have when you’re in a typical city subdivision. It’s an entirely different way of life.”
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have already broke ground in Tuscany Hills. If homebuyers and their builders stay within the architectural controls set for the community (including a minimum house size in addition to the usual requirements), the sky can really be the limit. Homes that have been built, so far, include a bit of everything: large bungalows, modest to grand two-stories and more. “We ensure all of the minimums are met or exceeded so the value of your property next door is maintained,” Bygrave says. “The last thing you want to happen is you build your castle and live next to someone who has something under what the minimum requirements are for the area.” In addition to housing expectations, United has set some landscaping requirements for builders and homeowners to abide by as well, all with the purpose of keeping the area looking as appealing as an acreage-style, estate community should. For the landscaping requirements, Bygrave says, “We take deposits to ensure that the landscaping is done and that deposit isn’t returned until such time as the landscaping is completed, and the inspections are done to make sure that it meets or exceeds the requirements in the guidelines.” Tuscany Hills is just five minutes north of Edmonton’s northwest subdivisions and is accessed by heading south of 127th Street or taking the Anthony Henday. The community is set equally between St. Albert and Edmonton, so in terms of accessing retail and recreational amenities, you have the best of both worlds, just minutes away. “The Anthony Henday has changed the city completely,” Bygrave says. “You don’t really have to live where you work anymore.”
S O U R C E ME D I A G R O U P : C E L E B R AT IN G I T S 10 T H Y E A R
COMMUNITY PROFILE
She says the area seems to be drawings families who already live in north Edmonton out just a bit farther. It’s a natural progression for them to move from a standard, city lot to a larger, more custom opportunity. At the time of the interview, United was servicing some new lots for Tuscany Hills’ Stage 2B that will be open for the public to purchase soon. Bygrave says to call United at 780-421-7272 for the latest pricing and lot availability status. Bygrave says for homebuyers to be ready for a new lifestyle in Tuscany Hills where you can breathe deeply out in the country. n
It’s a natural progression for [families] to move from a standard, city lot to a larger, more custom opportunity.
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Fast Facts Developer: United Communites Community: Tuscany Hills and Upper Tuscany Builders & Prices: Varies due to custom designs and homebuyer-supplied builders Hours: Call United (780-421-7272) or visit Tuscany Hills for list of all builders with show homes in area. Some builders include: Pompei Homes: Monday to Thursday, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., weekends and some holidays, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. (www.pompeihomes.com). Aacropolis Homes: Call Marilyn at 780-973-5195 or email tuscany@aacropolishomes.com (www.aacropolishomes.com). Web: www.tuscanyhills.ca
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feature
Hot water, cold facts Failing to maintain water tanks can land homeowners in hot water By Karen Durrie
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S O U R C E ME D I A G R O U P : C E L E B R AT IN G I T S 10 T H Y E A R
feature Tankless heaters
W
e rely on them for baths, showers, cooking, washing dishes and doing laundry. They’re those cylindrical things tucked in the basement into which cold water journeys through pipes to become hot water delivered through our faucets. We don’t think about our hot water tanks much, but when they malfunction and need repair or replacing, we sure realize how much we rely on them. Condo owners usually don’t have to deal with this, unless the mechanicals are in the unit — like in a townhome — in which case you would still be on the hook if the water tank breaks down. A hot water tank that has broken and caused damage to the home can be a costly situation. Repair or replacement of hot water tanks is not covered by homeowner’s insurance, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, but any water damage caused by such indoor plumbing emergencies is usually covered. Understanding hot water tanks — and what options are out there if you are looking for a new one — is useful information for any homeowner. We asked Stuart Rudolph, president of Calgary-based Rudolph Plumbing and Heating, for information and guidance on hot water tanks. What is the average size and cost for a hot water tank? Water heaters are typically 50-gallon gas-fired tank-style units, with either natural atmospheric chimneys, or in newer homes and homes updated with high-efficiency furnaces they might have fan-induced chimneys. Costs can start from around $800 and up. Tanks with conventional chimneys are the least expensive, followed by power vent heaters and then tankless units being fairly close for material costs — but requiring much more installation labour, especially on retrofits. How long does a hot water tank typically last? The average life span of a typical gas-fired water heater tends to be in the 10-14 year range, though we experience both ones that fail within the warranty period as well as ones that last far beyond that. The oldest I have ever personally replaced was 42 years old. It was made in 1958 and I replaced it around 2000.
S O U R C E ME D I A G R O U P : C E L E B R AT IN G I T S 10 T H Y E A R
What should people do maintenance-wise to keep their heaters working at maximum efficiency? Manufacturers have maintenance recommendations in the manuals they provide with the heaters, but they usually remain as unopened as Bart Simpson’s textbooks. Hard water creates mineral scale that accumulates in water heaters reducing the efficiency of heat transfer, so its helpful to throw a garden hose on the tank’s drain valve and flush the water for five minutes twice a year. This will remove some of the accumulated scale. You can avoid this by installing a water softener. They remove the water’s hardness prior to the water heater, so no scale build-up occurs.
What is the latest and greatest in water heaters? The tankless heaters are becoming more popular and have efficiency advantages, though there are trade-offs. One is that they are more sensitive to scale build up, and unless they’re fed with softened water they require periodic descaling about once a year. These tanks have sensitive flow switches that will cut off the gas to the burners if scale accumulation is reducing the flow rate excessively. Being that they’re more complex, they can be more expensive to repair. While these heaters offer efficiency improvements, sometimes human nature can offset those gains, because when they don’t run out of hot water, some people will shower or bathe longer, increasing their consumption. Call me a dinosaur, but my personal preference leans towards the good old tank-style heaters for simplicity and reliability paired with lower costs for both installation and maintenance. Add those figures up and you’ll likely more than negate your per-gallon energy savings of a tankless. What is the average warranty on a hot water tank? Most fall within the 5-10 year range, depending on manufacturer’s model ranges and features. What else should homeowners know? Calgary and southern Alberta’s recent devastating flood brings to mind service bulletins posted by heater manufacturers noting that any heater that has been submerged must be replaced. Some extremely frugal sorts might try to simply replace the gas control and clean the burner and air intake on conventional tanks, but this is not recommended at all for safety reasons. When seeking repairs or replacements, be sure to use a licensed and insured contractor — not all that you find advertising in various websites and classifieds are. Curiously low prices should be your first clue. If using a smaller contractor, it’s fair to ask if your installation tech will be a journeyman or registered apprentice. I’ve carried my journeyman tickets in my wallet for 19 years, but have only been asked for them by a client once. n N o v ember 2 01 3 E D M O N T O N H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G • 19
DESign & DÉcor
Cushy design
Revamp your holiday décor with textiles Story and photos by Rosalyn Lazaruk
I
always get a bit of an itch to start my holiday decorating in November. I know better than to actually start that early though, as I would be tired of it by mid-December and would have it all taken down by December 26! Instead, I start to implement some seasonal décor, warming up my space for the shorter days and longer nights spent at home. Textiles are my favourite way to transform a space simply and toss cushions are the perfect place to start. At this time of year, I want wool, plaid and layers. I also want craft projects to keep me busy on those evenings spent at home by the fire … another DIY project is born. I don’t claim to be the originator of this idea but the beauty of it, as with most décor, is to take inspiration from others to then create your own style and designs. I get most of my inspiration from décor blogs, my favourite stores and, of course, Pinterest. I love the look of a silhouette, and lately, I have seen some beautiful artwork, pillows and bedding created by layering pattern, graphics fabric and paper. I have my own pillows that I bring out from season to season and this year, I am going to update them simply by adding a silhouette for a festive edge. You could do this project at anytime of the year with different typography, animals, people and graphic images — whatever works with your décor. There are two ways to approach this project: create a custom pillow from the beginning or update an existing pillow from last season.
Create from scratch
A graphic designer friend, and fellow DIYer, created some beautiful pillows. With her graphic design knowledge, she
was able to create images and templates to fit the large scale of the pillow she created. She cut the silhouettes from contrasting fabrics and with a careful zigzag stitch, sewed them to her pillow front before stitching the two panels together. If you are going this route I suggest the down pillow forms from IKEA: they are inexpensive and will give your pillow a high-quality feel.
Use existing
I took the latter approach and found a silhouette, already created, online. There are many free sites as well as stock image sites where you can purchase all kinds of artwork. I then enlarged the image to the size that looked right with the pillow. (I printed the image on several sheets and taped them together to create my template.) Next, I chose a contrasting fabric, traced the template and cut out the image. I used Heat & Bond, an iron-on transfer paper, and applied it to the back of the silhouette and then to the pillow, as per the provided instructions. Voilà! A quick an easy update to a basic toss cushion adds some creative flare to your festive décor! n
Designer Rosalyn Lazaruk has been working in design and décor for seven years, and established her own business, Wicket Blue Interiors, in 2004. She has a broad repertoire in designing personal spaces within the home, as well as in implementing intriguing space and design concepts within the commercial setting. Rosalyn is devoted to developing and implementing unique design ideas that reflect the vision and individuality of her clients. To see more of Rosalyn’s design ideas visit www.wicketblue.com. S O U R C E ME D I A G R O U P : C E L E B R AT IN G I T S 10 T H Y E A R
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market view by Wesley Gunderson
Old versus new: What is the difference? For most of us, buying a home is the largest investment we ever make. It’s a decision not to be taken lightly as it should fit your family’s needs now, and for years to come. Why not consider a new home? Homes built today use the latest construction techniques and quality products. They are designed for today’s active lifestyles and offer a number of advantages over an older home.
big energy savings and costs over the life of your home. Better still, most new homes include all of these features in their standard specifications.
Money Saver
Homeowners that buy an older home know it might need some love and attention, and sometimes find significant unplanned-for repairs and maintenance that add up to huge expenses. With a new home you should be assured that extensive repairs will not be a concern especially if you pick a builder backed by a warranty program. This coverage means that you are protected when buying a new home if something does go wrong. With older homes, if something goes wrong, you have to pay the cost yourself.
The Number One reason to buy a new home is that it will have lower operating costs than if you bought a typical older home of the same size. New homes are considerably more energy efficient than those homes built 10, or more, years ago. New homes feature: Better insulation. A typical new home will have better insulation in the walls, ceiling, basement, attached garage and doors (front/garage) than a typical older home. All of this additional or improved insulation adds up to a more energy efficient home, and many of these features are recent additions to builder specifications. Better windows. Windows are the greatest source of heat loss in your home. New homes often include a number of technologies to improve window insulation, such as more panes of glass (double or triple), Low E coating, SunStop and/or argon gas. All of these technologies improve the energy performance of windows. Better systems. A typical new home will include a high-efficiency, direct-vent furnace connected to a programmable thermostat, power-vented hot water tank with electronic starter (no fuel wasting pilot light), fireplaces with electronic starter (no fuel wasting pilot light), and low-flush toilets. Better insulation, windows and systems all increase the efficiency and performance of your home and add up to
Fewer Repairs, Less Maintenance
Your Choice
When you choose a new home, you can include features that suit your family and lifestyle. A home theatre, a master bath ensuite, a second floor laundry, a bonus room … the options are only limited to your budget and imagination. You won’t have to knock down walls or make renovations from an older, and sometimes poorly designed, floor plan. If you are looking for a home consider the advantages of owning a new home: more comfort, lower heating costs, low maintenance and a plan that suits to your lifestyle. All good reasons to buy new. n
Wesley Gunderson is Vice President of Finance for Growth Marketing an Edmonton based real estate consultancy firm providing integrated marketing services to its valued clients. Mr. Gunderson has been with the firm since 1997 and actively involved in economic and market research, marketing and product strategy as well as advertising and sales promotion. S O U R C E ME D I A G R O U P : C E L E B R AT IN G I T S 10 T H Y E A R
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AROUND TOWN By Michelle Lindstrom and Jim Zang
Trending numbers
Homeownership in Canada
Edmonton’s Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) housing starts, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), were at 15,670 units in September compared to August’s 16,152 units. These numbers are based on a trend measure of total housing starts, meaning, a six-month moving average of the monthly, seasonally adjusted annual rates. CMHC uses the trend measure because there are considerable swings in monthly estimates. The trend method of measure complements those monthly numbers to offer a more comprehensive summary of the state of our housing market. Christina Butchart, CMHC’s Edmonton senior market analyst told the media, “The trend in total housing starts moderated in September, as both single-detached and multi-family construction declined.” She still expects housing starts in Edmonton to surpass 2012 levels even though the construction pace has slowed down in recent months. Stand-alone monthly seasonably adjusted annual rates for September were 12,028 units versus 9,676 units in August.
According to the 2011 National Household Survey conducted by Statistics Canada, the rate of homeownership in Alberta, 73.6 per cent, ranked third highest in the country. Nationally, the rate was 69 per cent. Newfoundland and Labrador had the highest rates (77.5 per cent), while Quebec had the lowest (61.2 per cent). Interestingly, the rate of homeownership for couple-family households was 82.4 per cent, compared to just 55.6 per cent for single-parent households. Not surprisingly, it was also found that, across all geographic areas and age groups, households with higher annual total income had higher homeownership rates. People age 30 to 34 were more than twice as likely to own a home than people under 25. A strong economy which lures workers — more than 27,000 people moved to Alberta during the first quarter of 2013 alone — with the promise of high wages and low unemployment rates factors heavily into the equation. If you’re a number lover like me, there’s lots more information where this came from at www.statcan.gc.ca/ daily-quotidien/130911/dq130911b-eng.htm.
Income star Early in October, the HGTV star of Income Property, Scott McGillivray, took in the charms of our city and shared his renovation and real estate knowledge with attendees of the fall Edmonton Home & Scott McGillivray Interior Design Show at the Edmonton Expo Centre. The Canadian TV personality has an honours degree in commerce and started his TV career out with another HGTV personality, Debbie Travis, where he was the helping hand and carpenter on the show From the Ground up with Debbie Travis. Today, McGillivray is a full-time real estate investor, contractor, writer and educator — all in addition to being a TV host and executive producer of Income Property. It is understandable, then, why Edmontonians would be excited to see McGillivray take centre stage for two presentations regarding his current and upcoming TV shows (including Canada’s Handyman Challenge) and for a chance to pick his brain about becoming a landlord. He doesn’t expect this fall show to be the end of his relationship with Edmonton. He’ll be back a few times within the next six months for investment property and private rental real estate training sessions that he is involved with. McGillivray was the only celebrity presenter at the fall home show on Friday, October 4 in the evening and then another show the following Saturday morning. S O U R C E ME D I A G R O U P : C E L E B R AT IN G I T S 10 T H Y E A R
Suburban nation A study by The School of Urban and Regional Planning at Queen’s University in Kingston has come right out and said it: Canada is a suburban nation. The results of a new national survey showed that fully two thirds of Canadians — more than 22 million people — actually live in what would be classified as suburban neighbourhoods. In major cities that number is even higher, about 88 per cent of people living in Canada’s 33 metropolitan areas live in the ‘burbs. Toronto, Montreal and Edmonton lead the way at a whopping 89 per cent, while Calgary checked in slightly slower at 87 per cent. Even Vancouver, with it’s sprawling downtown full of apartments and condos, measured in at a healthy 84 per cent. So, while some municipal urban planners and academic types may not like the suburbs, they are by far in the minority. The rest of us? We like owning that little patch of land where we can let our kids or dogs out the back door and know they’re safe; where we can set up a picnic table and have a barbeque; or maybe park the RV. n N o v ember 2 01 3 E D M O N T O N H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G • 25
CITY OF EDMONTON MAP
INNER CITY Legend Shopping Centre
Point of Interest
Hospital
College /Universitie
CONDO PROJECTS 1. Aurora 2. Serenity 3. Axio Parkland 4. Mosaic Meadows Parkland 5. Windermere Village 6. Macewan Gardens 7. Sandstone at Walkers Lake Station 8. Aspen Meadows 9. Meridian Plaza 10. The Corners 11. Griesbach Wood II 12. Griesbach Wood III 13. Carlton Villas on the Lake 14. Trails of Millcreek 15. The University Brownstones 16. Century Park 17. Hollick Kenyon Pointe 18. Evergreen Community 19. Maple/Oak Ridge Community 20. The Esates of Upper Windermere 21. The Ion 22. Grand Scala 23. Heritage Landing 24. 12th Street Station 25. Mosaic Town Square 26. Mosaic Summerside 27. Axio in Parkland 28. Stone Pointe 29. Aspen Meadows 30. Walker Lake Landing 31. Rutherford Landing 32. Fox One 33. Fuzion
Condo Project New Home Project
NEW HOME PROJECTS 1. Walker Lake Estates 2. Lewis Estates 3. Secord 4. Parkland 5 The Hamptons 6 Copperwood 7 South Hamptons 8. The Properties of Donsdale 9. Cameron Heights 10. Terwillegar Towne 11. South Terwillegar 12. Palisades 13. Upper Windermere 14. Windermere Ridge 15. Ambleside in Windermere 16 Rutherford 17. Callaghan 18. Walker Lakes Station 19. Lake Summerside 20. Ellerslie Heights 21. Tamarack 22. Griesbach 23. Fields of Summerside 24. Allard in Heritage Valley 25. Tuscany Hills 26. McConachie Landing 27. McConachie 28. Laurel 29. Ravines of Richford 30. Trumpeter at Big Lake 31. Axio Summerside 32. Touchmark 33. Hawks Ridge at Big Lake 34. Woodhaven – Edgemont
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ADVERTISERS INDEX ATCO Gas
Page 24
www.atcogas.com Carlisle Group
Page 31
Elements II / Creekwood Landing www.elementscondos.ca www.creekwoodlanding.ca Hunter Douglas
Page 20
www.hunterdouglas.ca Kimberley Homes
FC, pages 8-9
www.buildwithkimberley.ca Lincolnberg Master Builder
Page 2-3
www.lincolnberg.com Sabal
Page 4
www.sabalhomes.com Walton Development
Page 7
McConachie www.mcconachie.ca Walton Development
Page 32
VITA www.liveatvita.com
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EDMONTON AND AREA MAP NEW HOMES 1. The Banks of Sturgeon Valley 2. Erin Ridge 3. North Ridge 4. Tuscany Hills 5. The Crossing at River’s Edge 6. The Manors of Oakmont 7. Regency Heights Estates 8. Kingswood 9. Greystone Manor 10. Pinnacle Ridge Estates 11. Riverstone Pointe
CONDOS 1. Lakeview Estates 2. Sierras of Inglewood 3. Grande- Mission Hill 4. Tenor 5. Sage Gardens
NEW HOMES 1. Stony Village 2. Brookview 3. Graybriar 4. The Fairways 5. Willow Park 6. Lake Westerra 7. Stellar Homes
CONDOS 1. Laredo On The Park 2. Station 33 3. Stony Village 4. Graywood Terrace 5. Cedar Brae 6. Urbia Place
NEW HOMES 1. Jesperdale 2. Stoneshire 3. Harvest Ridge 4. Deer Park Estates 5. Hilldowns 6. Spruce Village 7. Spruce Ridge 8. Hawthorne at Heatherglen 9. Springate at Spruce Ridge 10. Legacy Park 11. Lakewood
CONDOS 1. Parkland Village 2. Fairway Eight 3. Harvest Ridge 4. Nova Ridge Villas 5. Spruce Ridge Manor 6. The Pointe 7. Kingstreet on Park
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EDMONTON AND AREA MAP NEW HOMES 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Village Champlain La Rose Grandin Park Close Notre Dame Estates The Lakes
NEW HOMES 1. Valley Pointe Estates 2. Forest Ridge in West Park 3. Westwood Trails 4. West Woodlands 5. Southfort 6. Southpointe 7. Sienna
CONDOS 1. Village Champlain 2. Maple Brooks Villas 3. La Rose
CONDOS 1. Riverview Estates 2. Fort Gardens 3. Walnut Grove
NEW HOMES 1. Strathcona Village 2. Aspen Trail 3. Summerwood 4. Lakeland Ridge 5. Clarkdale Park 6. Foxboro 7. Willow Ridge/The Ridge 8. Sherwood Hill Estates 9. Balmoral Heights 10. Fountain Creek Estates 11. Sherwood Golf & Country Club Estates
CONDOS 1. Pallisades on the Ravine 2. Strathcona Village 3. Crystal Estates 4. Axxess 5. Summerwood Greens 6. Maple Ridge & Oak Ridge
NEW HOMES 1. Deer Valley 2. West Haven 3. Bridgeport 4. Aspen Creek 5. Suntree 6. Windrose 7. Southfork 8. Tribute 9. Meadowiew Park
CONDOS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Brooklands at Bridgeport Ravine Villas Urbia Manor Urbia Green The Springs at Bridgeport
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NEW HOMES 1. Coloniale Estates 2. Montalet 3. Citadel Ridge 4. Eaglemont Heights 5. Montrose Estates 6. Westbrook 7. Four Seasons Estates 8. Goudreau Terrace 9. Triomphe Estates 10. Beaumont Lakes 11. Place Chaleureuse 12. Beau Val
CONDOS 1. Coventry Homes 2. The Village at Beaumont 3. Beausjour 4. Montrose View 5. Giselle Valley Manor
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Feature
Tales From The Condo Zone Passing inspection
A
By Jim Zang | Illustration by Lama Azhari
good thing about living in a condo, as compared to a single-family home, is you have some say about who your neighbours are. If you’re on the condo board, that is. For prospective owners, this can be a process that feels about as intrusive as getting a prostate exam from a porcupine. Being put on the spot is anxiety causing for many people, especially if there are bright lights and dental instruments involved, like with Dustin Hoffman’s character in the classic movie Marathon Man. Luckily it’s not quite that bad. More like passing inspection than an interrogation. For the condo board, approving potential owners can either be a boring afternoon of rubber-stamping paperwork, or provide several hours of free entertainment. You’ve got to follow the rules, both the provincial guidelines and the condominium corporation’s own bylaws, but there are some buyers who just make it too darn easy. Like the clearly expectant couple, eight-months if they were a day, putting a down payment on an age-restricted condo. Uh, no. Thank you. Next. A man with a monkey on his shoulder. Next. A man who looks suspiciously like Mike Tyson, and talks with a lisp. No pet tiger in tow, but
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he’s still wearing his prison jumpsuit and an ankle monitor bracelet … no thanks anyways. Convicted criminals and registered sex offenders are not who most people want for neighbours. Next. Seriously, it’s like being on the panel of American Idol during the opening few shows. You know, the ones where the really bad performers are still around. Still, you can’t blame them for trying, condo living being so appealing and all. A friend once had a couple of, um, motorcycle enthusiasts come before the board; nearly 500 pounds of beef, leather, hair and tattoos. And an odour that smelled a little like, well, not soap. Two words guys, anti-perspirant. Of course the condo bylaws didn’t say anything about not wearing WWII army helmets, having swastika tattoos, or using deodorant, but they did include a noise clause that prohibited residents from making ‘any noise louder than 90 decibels’. Which meant, unfortunately boys, sorry, we’d love to have you around, keep the place safe and everything, but you’d have to turn your Harley’s off down the street and push them in as they exceed our condo bylaw noise pollution standards. Next … n
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