Loving life in the laned homes

IMPACT HOMES

LOVING LIFE

IN THE LANED HOMES

by PEPPER RODRIGUEZ

The laned homes have often been referred to as the Goldilocks of homes. They’re not too small, they’re not too big – they are just right. No wonder it’s the home type that many first-time homebuyers, young families and even those with changing lifestyles choose.

Laned homes are detached single-family homes with rear detached parking behind it that back onto a laneway and they are suddenly red hot in Edmonton’s surging new home market.

Some homebuilders are facing a challenge in the low inventory of laned homes currently as demand soars. The love for it isn’t surprising though, as the traditional laned home is the fairy tale home for many homebuyers. And that’s not only because of its street-friendly façade, but because it is easily the most affordable detached, singlefamily home option that makes the homeowning dream come true.

Impact Homes and Rohit Communities are a couple of Edmonton’s most popular homebuilders and their line-up of laned homes has pushed the envelope for stylish innovation and affordability.

Impact Homes, a sister company of Edmonton’s Coventry Homes, in fact, offers laned homes in 10 of the most popular communities in and around the city, and has two new showhomes set to open this summer. Rohit Communities, meanwhile, has found success in the recent hot market with surging

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demand and is nearly sold out of their laned homes. Tara Van Horn, Marketing & Design Manager at Coventry Homes, says she isn’t surprised one bit by the popularity of the laned homes. “They’re more spacious and private than townhomes and duplexes, so you have no shared walls which greatly reduces noise transfer. Buyers also get tend to get a bigger backyard and a more beautiful exterior façade that isn’t covered by a garage door.”

Lina Nguyen, Marketing Manager at Rohit Communities, also points out that since the garage is in the rear, laned homes are able to have big front windows. “This lets natural light stretch all the way through the interior living spaces and really brightens these spaces up and makes them even more inviting.”

She adds that laned homes also allows builders to offer another price point and option for those looking for a single-family home. “And from a community perspective – they really add character to the street with bright front doors and cheery facades.”

Van Horn says pricing for laned homes falls between the more affordable multi-family home options like townhomes or even duplexes, and the more expensive front drive garage products. “Though laned homes are typically pricier than multi-family homes, buyers understand the value that the additional space and privacy adds and feel the cost is worth the investment.”

She adds that another advantage of the laned home is the opportunity to add an abovegarage or garden suite, which has recently become a popular option for homebuyers. “This option is only possible on laned homes. Not only does having the suite increases the value of your home, but it provides an attractive income generating opportunity and helps offset the cost of home ownership.”

A favourite among Rohit Communities buyers is the Hudson, a finalist in this year’s CHBA Edmonton Awards of Excellence. “When designing it, we thought of using the space efficiently to include key features such as a tray ceiling detail on the nine-foot-tall main floor to create visual appeal. It also has a massive peninsula kitchen with a ninefoot-long island.”

Over at Impact Homes, the 1,651-square-foot Trireme has been the best-seller. “Customers love the flexibility of this plan. It comes with over seven different pre-drawn optional layouts, with endless opportunity to customize even further,” Van Horn says.

“We have been working on a new model – the Carina –and are just getting ready to debut it as our newest showhome in the Village at Griesbach. It is our largest model at 2,145 square-feet and features an above-garage garden suite, double-sided fireplace, walk-in pantry and much more!”

Rohit Communities offers laned homes in the 1,400-1,570 square foot range with ninefoot ceilings. “Prices can vary depending on which community people are looking for,” Nguyen says. Find out more at www.RohitCommunities.com.

Impact Homes has laned homes from 1,361 to 2,145 square-feet. Prices vary, based on location and features, but typically start in the mid-$300,000s.

“One of the key qualities that sets Impact Homes apart from other homebuilders in the industry is the top-quality finishings that are standard in their homes. Homebuyers will find granite and quartz, 9-foot tall main floors, stainless steel appliances and now even home automation standard within Impact Homes,” Van Horn says. Check them out at www.impacthomes.ca.

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