Living Spaces - Winter 2012

WINTER 2012

T V ’ S M c G i l l i V R Ay H E A D l i N E S H O M E S T y l E S 2 0 1 3

i N T H E K i T c H E N cooking with Saskatoon club’s Executive chef Anthony Mccarthy

D R E S S i N G U P F O R T H E S H O W Decking out Saskatoon Showhomes

18 22 64

T H E O F F i c i A l M A G A Z i N E O F T H E S A S K AT O O N & R E G i O N H O M E B U i l D E R S ‘ A S S O c i AT i O N

MOST OF ALL, WE LOVE BUILDING HOMES.

■ In business since 1983, Ehrenburg Homeshas built some of the most distinguishedand energy-saving new homes in Saskatoonand area. Every home we build is a castle,designed to complement each family’s tastesand needs!

Building a home is likely the single largestpurchase your family will make. By selectingEhrenburg Homes, you can be assured yourhome is being built by the best professionalsin the industry.

We go above and beyond our customers’expectations to build homes that areattractive, innovative and liveable ...Let us help design your custom castle from theground up!

GOING GREENA proud ENERGY STAR® certified builder,Ehrenburg Homes incorporates numerousenvironmental and energy-saving productsinto these new homes. The homes we buildtoday are designed to have a positive impacttomorrow!

REMARKABLE SERVICEOver the past 28 years, Ehrenburg Homeshas earned a reputation for award-winningcustomer service, including the PlatinumService Award from the New Home WarrantyProgram of Saskatchewan. Our after-salewarranty is second to none, ensuring yoursatisfaction.

CHOICE LOTSEhrenburg Homes offers one of the best lotselections in Saskatoon for clients wishing tobuild custom homes, including walkouts, large

pie-shaped lots and lots backing green spaces.Currently, Ehrenburg Homes has residentiallots available in Stonebridge, The Willows,Rosewood, Hampton Village, Evergreen,Blackstrap Lake, Martensville and the newParkview Cove development in Osler.

CALL THE CASTLE COMPANYYour new castle begins with Ehrenburg Homes!Whether you choose from our ‘Family of Castles’or have us custom design the castle of yourdreams, our team of qualified and dedicatedprofessionals is at the ready!

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MOST OF ALL, WE LOVE BUILDING HOMES.

■ In business since 1983, Ehrenburg Homeshas built some of the most distinguishedand energy-saving new homes in Saskatoonand area. Every home we build is a castle,designed to complement each family’s tastesand needs!

Building a home is likely the single largestpurchase your family will make. By selectingEhrenburg Homes, you can be assured yourhome is being built by the best professionalsin the industry.

We go above and beyond our customers’expectations to build homes that areattractive, innovative and liveable ...Let us help design your custom castle from theground up!

GOING GREENA proud ENERGY STAR® certified builder,Ehrenburg Homes incorporates numerousenvironmental and energy-saving productsinto these new homes. The homes we buildtoday are designed to have a positive impacttomorrow!

REMARKABLE SERVICEOver the past 28 years, Ehrenburg Homeshas earned a reputation for award-winningcustomer service, including the PlatinumService Award from the New Home WarrantyProgram of Saskatchewan. Our after-salewarranty is second to none, ensuring yoursatisfaction.

CHOICE LOTSEhrenburg Homes offers one of the best lotselections in Saskatoon for clients wishing tobuild custom homes, including walkouts, large

pie-shaped lots and lots backing green spaces.Currently, Ehrenburg Homes has residentiallots available in Stonebridge, The Willows,Rosewood, Hampton Village, Evergreen,Blackstrap Lake, Martensville and the newParkview Cove development in Osler.

CALL THE CASTLE COMPANYYour new castle begins with Ehrenburg Homes!Whether you choose from our ‘Family of Castles’or have us custom design the castle of yourdreams, our team of qualified and dedicatedprofessionals is at the ready!

EHRENBURG HOMES LTDwww.ehrenburg.com

Contact:Joanne & Jody Crosswith Remax Saskatoon

934-0909

Contact:Bonnie CrozonEhrenburg HomesNew HomeSales Rep.

230-2510

Contact:Gerry BezaireEhrenburg HomesNew HomeSales Rep.

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LIVING SPACES WINTER 2012 7

By AlAN THOMARAT PRESiDENT & cEO

SASKATOON & REGiON HOME BUilDERS’

ASSOciATiON

Saskatchewan continues to grow, and that growth continues to create the need for housing; as a result, the residential construction industry must continue to rise to meet this challenge. The industry has kept pace, and adapted to new innovations and advancements in technology, energy efficiency and home design. Those looking to buy a new home or renovate their existing home have more choices than ever before. Each home can be customized, from the floor plan to the drapery and everything in between, with unique design concepts that are not only eye-catching, but also functional.

Whether you’re building a new home or making upgrades to your existing home, there are extensive new design options for flooring, kitchen cabinets, windows and doors, and even remarkable technological advances to add throughout the home. These days, you can control everything from your security system, thermostat, lights and appliances to your curtains and blinds right from your Smartphone. You can also update your home with new and exciting home décor. Whatever your needs, you can be assured that there are unlimited choices in home building, renovating and design.

To learn more about building or renovating your home we encourage you to attend the HomeStyles Home Show, Saskatchewan’s premier building, renovating and decorating showcase, March 7-10, 2013 at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon. Many of our Association members will be in attendance and the show will host over 250 exhibitors, showcasing the latest products, trends and innovations in home building, renovating and design. HomeStyles is a great opportunity to get ideas and information about new homes, renovations or decorating concepts.

HomeStyles 2013 will present guest speakers, Scott McGillivray, host of HGTV hit series Income Properties, and Steven Sabados & Chris Hyndman, hosts of Steven and Chris. Their programs have garnered international attention, airing in over eighty countries. In addition, HomeStyles 2013 will incorporate a brand new component, TechStyles - which will showcase the most innovative and technological advances currently available in the home building industry, including products that will take your home well into the future and beyond.

We hope you enjoy this edition of our Living Spaces magazine and that you find answers to some of your buying, renovating or decorating questions. This issue is full of helpful new ideas and innovations to help you renovate, decorate, innovate or build the new home of your dreams. Please don’t hesitate to contact our professional team at the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association if your need help finding a member. For further information, contact us at: (888) 955-5188 or email to: [email protected]

A Messagefrom the President & CEO

8 LIVING SPACES WINTER 2012

THE OFFiciAl MAGAZiNE OF THE SASKATOON & REGiON HOME BUilDERS’ ASSOciATiON

contents 137 Message from the

President & CEO

10 From the Editor

13 At Home

18 Star Power: HGTV’s Scott McGillivray

21 HomeStyles welcomes Steven and Chris

22 Anatomy of a Showhome

28 Make Your Family Room More Fun

30 Mirror, Mirror: The Magic of Reflection

36 Knock! Knock! Make a Stylish Entrance

39 Smart Consumer

40 Affordable Housing

42 Start With Art

44 Re-energize Your Home

45 Exploring Your Options

46 Ask an Expert

48 Community: Warman

50 Design Elements

52 Innovations: Reed Security

54 Building Communities:

58 Green Scene

60 Create a Cozy Corner

62 Amazing Renovations

64 In the Kitchen: Chef Anthony McCarthy



editor Jeannie Armstrong

art direction James Grummett

photography Jeff LyonsElaine Mark

contributing writersTom EremondiJennifer Jacoby-Smith

Jackie Blakely

Kira Olfert

Paul Sinkowicz

Charlene SchumacherSaskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association

project coordinationBev Campbell

publisherThe StarPhoenix

Living Spaces is published by The StarPhoenix on behalf of the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association

To reserve your advertising space in the upcoming edition of Living Spaces, contact Bev Campbell at The StarPhoenix, at 657-6286 or email: [email protected]

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from the editorWelcome!


J E A N N i E A R M S T R O N G

E D i T O R

How quickly a year flies by!

It’s hard to believe that this is the first anniversary edition of LIVING SPACES, the official magazine of the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association, published quarterly by The StarPhoenix.

During the past year, our talented LIVING SPACES team has taken our readers on a whirlwind tour of unique and innovative homes, designed and constructed by the Association’s member builders. We’ve also assisted our readers in decorating and renovating their current homes by turning the spotlight on a diverse array of home-related products and services.

This edition of LIVING SPACES is equally engaging! Style guru Charlene Schumacher of Fresco Interiors Design Group shares clever ways to decorate with mirrors while interior decorator Cecile McCarty offers ideas for creating cozy corners and inviting alcoves throughout your residence.

The long winter ahead is ideal for tackling indoor renovation projects. LIVING SPACES will get you started, with expert tips on developing your basement, renovating your bathroom and making your family room more fun.

Anthony McCarthy, executive chef with the Saskatoon Club, joins us “In The Kitchen” to demonstrate the culinary skills that earned him top honours at last year’s Gold Medal Plates competition.

Wondering who the celebrity headliners will be at HomeStyles 2013? Look inside for a sneak peek of the HGTV and CBC stars who will be on stage when HomeStyles returns March 7 to 10.

Enjoy!


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athome

With a second baby on the way, Todd and Deanna McLay were in need of more space. The family had outgrown their existing home in Lakeridge, which Todd describes as “pretty modern, but small.”

“We really needed an extra bedroom,” says Deanna, whose due date was just a couple of weeks away at the time of this interview.

Time was of the essence, as the couple wanted to complete their move and settle into their new home with 19-month-old daughter Blake before their new baby arrived.

The McLays explored different options, from looking at existing homes on the market to considering a new build.

“There was nothing out there on the used market that got us excited. We thought about doing a custom build on an infill lot, but the cost of buying a lot was too much and too time consuming,” says Todd.

Turning their attention to Saskatoon’s new neighbourhoods, the couple found the subdivision of Evergreen appealing. One new home under construction caught their eye: a contemporary two-

E V E R G R E E N H O M E

i S D i F F E R E N T B y D E S i G N

B y J E A N N i E A R M S T R O N G

P H O T O G R A P H y B y E l A i N E M A R K ,

D & M i M A G E S

Continued on following page

storey residence by Lexis Homes.

“We really liked the lot that Lexis Homes had on Atton Crescent. The house backs onto a grove of mature spruce trees, so it offers an enhanced sense of privacy,” says Deanna. “We were also impressed by the unique designs created by Lexis Homes. They will not build the same home twice. That was very attractive to us,” she adds.

“It’s a very different feel from all of the other homes we looked at. This home definitely has a more contemporary feel, sort of California modern. It really appealed to us,” says Todd.

The home’s total footprint measures 2,420 square feet, including 350 square feet of open loft space created by a soaring 20-foot ceiling in the living room. The open concept floor plan is further enhanced by the wall of large windows that frames the views of Evergreen’s signature towering spruce trees.

The McLays’ new home evokes an inviting “beach house” feel, accented by touches of light-coloured natural wood.

The white oak engineered hardwood floors are as practical as they are beautiful, says Todd. “Blake can run around and play with her toys on this floor. The engineered wood is very durable and hides the scratches.”

The mantle above the sophisticated linear natural gas fireplace in the living room is fashioned from quarter cut champagne oak wood veneer. The champagne oak is repeated on the massive quartz-topped island in the kitchen.

The contemporary kitchen stands out with its stunning backsplash of white and grey marble, sleek white cabinets and built-in premium stainless steel appliances. A huge walk-in pantry is located adjacent to the kitchen.

at home continued from previous page

The couple loved the interior colour palette selected for the home by interior designer Adrienne Zvacek of Studio 2.0 Interior Design Consultants, who is the lead designer on many of the builder’s homes. The primary wall colour is an intriguing neutral shade from Benjamin Moore’s Classic Colour Collection called “Balboa Mist.”

Cam Skoropat, who co-founded Lexis Homes with Duane Hill, says the Evergreen home was at the drywall stage when the McLays purchased the property.

“We were still able to accommodate the changes they wanted, such as changing the backsplash in the kitchen, the flooring and the lighting fixtures. They also got to do what they wanted with the basement. It kind of became a semi-custom built home,” says Skoropat.

The McLays definitely had a plan for the home’s spacious basement. In addition to two extra bedrooms and a full bathroom, the basement now features a fully equipped home theatre room with a wet bar as well as a custom-designed, glass-enclosed wine cellar.

“The key functions of a wine cellar are to control temperature and humidity,” explains Todd. Special gyprock had to be installed to control the humidity. A cooling unit mounted in the wall keeps the temperature inside the wine cellar at a consistent 55 degrees. “I never had the space to store wine properly. Now I’m excited to start building my collection,” says Todd.

From the day of purchase to their final move-in date, the McLays were impressed by the service they received from Lexis Homes. “They have a fantastic website software system, called Co-Construct, which documents the construction process. It’s a great way to monitor the progress of the build,” says Todd.

Skoropat says, “Co-Construct simplifies the custom home building process for both the builder and the client. It documents everything – all of the selections, the pricing, scheduling – in one space. It can be accessed from your mobile phone, so you can always see what’s going on. We don’t proceed with any product selection or installation in the home until the home owner has signed off on it in Co-Construct. That includes the exact price, model numbers and all the details.”

Lexis Homes was founded by Skoropat and Hill in 2008. Bringing extensive experience in mechanical engineering and real estate development to their new business venture, the


at home continued from previous page

duo set out to fill a niche in the Saskatoon market by building original and unique homes.

“We didn’t want to do the cookie cutters and pound out the same home a dozen times a year. That’s the easier way to go, but we decided to put in the extra effort and keep changing our designs continually,” says Skoropat.

“All of our designs are team-based. We get together and brainstorm. We’ve got a good group.”

As professional financial advisors and the founding partners of Precedence Private Wealth, Todd and Deanna didn’t make their home purchase lightly. They did their homework, including talking to individuals who had already purchased homes constructed by Lexis.

“They all had favourable experiences, so we felt very confident in our decision,” says Todd. “With their innovative designs, their Co-Construct website and their quality workmanship, Lexis Homes remains true to its brand. They really stand up for their product.” LS

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Scott McGillivray believes a home should do more than build equity. It should also generate revenue for you.

McGillivray started building a portfolio of revenue properties at the age of 21. He then began sharing his hands-on, wealth-building strategies with friends and family.

Now McGillivray is helping home owners across Canada generate income from their own residences as the host of the hit HGTV series, Income Property.

The Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association is pleased to announce that Scott McGillivray will be one of the guest presenters taking the stage at HomeStyles 2013, March 7 through 10 at Saskatoon Prairieland Park.

This will be McGillivray’s first appearance at HomeStyles, which has evolved over the past 32 years into the largest home show in Western Canada.

The seventh season of Income Property is now airing on HGTV. “We’ve begun filming seasons eight and nine. We’re going to be one of the longest-running renovation series on TV,” says McGillivray.

“Season seven has been a huge game changer. This year, we’ve doubled the length of the show. It’s now an hour long. The main feedback we were getting from the fans is that they want more information. They want to know how we find the houses, how to get tenants and what

Using a different style or colour of cabinets for your kitchen island can create a focal point. it can also

mean your room won’t date as fast. (Photo supplied by Tait Kitchen Centre)

STARPOWER

By JEANNiE ARMSTRONG

H G T V S TA R S c O T T M c G i l l i V R Ay T O TA K E S TA G E AT H O M E S T y l E S 2 0 1 3

happens after the renovation is complete. We’re pulling back the curtain and showing everybody everything,” says McGillivray.

While on stage at HomeStyles, McGillivray will share his strategies for investing in and renovating rental properties.

“I will not only talk to the crowd about investment properties and rental properties, but how to increase the value of their own homes. I’ll discuss which renovations will give them the biggest bang for the buck, and how to work with the proper contractors to make that happen,” says McGillivray. ”And of course, I’ll make fun of all the other people on HGTV!”

After each of his presentations, McGillivray will be available to answer questions from audience members. “I like to hang out after and talk to the crowd. It’s an opportunity to answer people’s specific questions.”

On each episode of Income Property, McGillivray rescues cash-strapped home owners and teaches them how to generate income from their

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existing residence. Often, he helps the property owners transform unused basement space into attractive regulation suites that will produce rental income.

“We’ve shown that there are high end clients for income suites. It is a viable option for a lot of home owners who are willing to make a bit of a sacrifice now to make gains for their future,” says McGillivray.

Becoming a landlord does have its challenges, he acknowledges. “It’s not easy, but it’s good money. You have to be a bit thick-skinned to do this. It isn’t for somebody who thinks they’re going to get rich quick or that it’s easy-peasy. It’s a good passive income. It takes hard work but it’s work now that pays off later. Once you get the machine running, it becomes more self-sustaining. The hardest part is getting started.”

When McGillivray started building his real estate empire, he was a young Commerce grad from the University of Guelph. “I got started with a friend, which made it easier. We didn’t have any money, so we had to do everything ourselves: renovate, find tenants, sign leases, collect cheques, do all the maintenance - absolutely everything. The toughest part was those first few years, because we were starting with little or no resources,” he says.

“We were also quite aggressive. Within five years, we had 25 properties.

We maxxed out everything we could to do it.”

Most people McGillivray talks to aren’t looking to make a career out of property investment. “They’re interested in generating some rental income either to sustain their own property or as a nice little cash flow situation on the side. You don’t have to quit your job or give up your own lifestyle to own a couple of rental properties. That’s the beauty of it. You might have to work on some weekends or put in some late hours, but once you get into the groove, it becomes very self-sustaining,” says McGillivray.

“The property is constantly building wealth for you and generating some positive cash flow. It’s being paid down by the tenants, and is hopefully appreciating in value over time.”

McGillivray is looking forward to visiting Saskatoon for the first time when he appears at HomeStyles. “Saskatoon has an incredible housing market. Saskatoon, Toronto and Halifax are three of the only appreciating markets in the country right now. They’re holding the numbers up,” says McGillivray. “Saskatoon is a great success story! I think Saskatoon will continue to grow because of the industry that surrounds the area.”

For more details about HomeStyles 2013, visit homestylesonline.com. LS

“Saskatoon is a great success story! i think Saskatoon will continue to grow because of the industry that surrounds the area.” – ScOTT McGilliVRAy

STEVEN

w w w . m a j e s t i c c a b i n e t s . c a5 1 1 4 5 t h S t r e e t E • 9 3 4 - 0 6 6 0

PROUD CABINETRY SUPPLIER OF THE HOSPITAL HOME LOTTERY


You’ve seen them on TV and in your favourite home décor magazines.

Now you can see Steven and Chris in person, at HomeStyles 2013!

The Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association is pleased to welcome Steven Sabados and Chris Hyndman, the stars of CBC’s popular weekday talk show, Steven and Chris, to the main stage of HomeStyles 2013, Saskatchewan’s Premier Home Show.

Reserve March 7 to 10, 2013 on your calendar and plan to attend the incredibly entertaining and truly informative presentations by Canada’s leading designer guys, Steven and Chris.

What’s the most important design element in any home? For interior decorators and style experts Chris and Steven, it’s the people who live there.

Since 1992, the year they founded their design company The Sabados Group, the guys have helped thousands of clients and millions of viewers discover new ways to make their homes and lives more comfortable, stylish and positive.

Steven and Chris have hosted a string of successful shows, including Designer Guys, Designer Rivals and So Chic with Steven and Chris, before launching Steven and Chris on CBC in 2008. Their programs have garnered international attention, airing in over 80 countries.

Not only does this dynamic duo have their own home décor line, Steven and Chris, they’ve also written the design and renovation guide Designer Guys: Finding Your Personal Style, and further expanded into the lifestyle market with their Trend Wine Collection.

And they’ve done it all with a simple philosophy: uncover your personal style and fantastic things will happen.

Whether the subject is home décor, health, beauty, cooking, relationships, finance or entertaining, Steven and Chris want to help you add some fabulous to your life!

Make plans to attend their special presentations at HomeStyles 2013, March 7 to 10 at Saskatoon Prairieland Park. For more details, visit www.homestylesonline.com. LS

STEVENH O M E S T y l E S

2 0 1 3 W E l c O M E S

D y N A M i c D U O

AND CHRIS


After seeing the latest showhomes in the city, you may be eyeing up your space with a fresh perspective. So how do local builders make their showhomes looks so spectacular?

Ricky Iula, owner of Decora Homes with his wife Rhonda, says a warm welcome starts before a guest arrives at your door.

“Street appeal is important. People sometimes forget about the outside, so they spend all their money on the inside,” says Ricky. As a result, the Iulas spend a great deal of time when designing a house focused on the outside. “We actually try to make it kind of grand.”

Rhonda suggests adding a little drama to your entrance by “doing double doors or something grand like an 8-foot front door.”

Another way to add drama is to look up. Your ceiling often gets little attention and there are ways to give it more oomph. Ricky suggests installing a coffered ceiling and using paint or wallpaper to add some bold colour. “We’re not scared to add shape and colour to a house. Everybody is into something different. So we accent the ceiling – give it something different.”

Another great addition is rope lighting. In the latest Decora showhome, soft blue rope lighting highlights a curved coffered ceiling – a feature that will certainly wow your guests.

Daryl Quesnel, general manager of Ehrenburg, says don’t be afraid of using a spectacular piece to get that wow factor. A little bit of grandeur such as an oversized vase in the corner, a large piece of wall art, or a unique light fixture can be a simple way to add a sense of luxury.

IN CONVERSATION

A dramatic piece of wall art or framed photograph adds interest to walls. (Photo by Jeff Lyons)

Anatomy of aSHOWHOmE

By JENNiFER JAcOBy-SMiTH

Rope lighting in a coffered ceiling can create a dramatic look for a basement and add colour at the same time. (Photo supplied by Decora

Homes)


“The reason you love luxury hotel

suites is there’s no clutter. Everything is clean, simple, shiny

and smells good.”

– cHARlENE ScHUMAcHER, FREScO iNTERiORS

Creating interest on the walls may be another way to reflect a showhome look. While Ricky cringed at the word ‘wallpaper’, Rhonda notes the latest wallpaper styles are far different than the traditional image people grew up. “It doesn’t even look like wallpaper,” says Rhonda. Wallpaper can add texture, colour and warmth to any room.

Decorating your walls with a large piece of art or special photograph can create interest and make the space seem more personal.

While following colour trends can make your house stand out, warm hues can make the home feel welcoming, according to Rhonda. “In the last showhome we built (383 Gillies Crescent), we went with the whites and greys and those tones, but we also brought in a lot of rich browns to give it a warm feeling throughout.”

Rhonda adds most of their clients are looking to entertain, so fireplaces and wet bars are becoming more common.

Ricky also works hard to bring as much natural light into their homes as possible. “Natural light is huge to us,” he says. “We use oversized windows and lots of windows to bring in natural light from all sorts of directions into a room.”

In the designing stages of a home, they also try to find ways to set the great room apart from other parts of the house. Even with an open concept, Ricky says finding a way to make that room special will elevate the entire space. “The great room is part of the house that makes you go ‘wow’. We do it by making it a focal point.”

The great room in a recent Ehrenburg showhome used pillars to create some separation for the great room – making the room seem special and important.

Quesnel says Ehrenburg supplies their clients with a professional interior designer during construction to help them capture the showhome look and feel.

“This allows another professional opinion and offers some great ideas, functionality and design,” says Quesnel. “The most significant tip I could pass along to a potential new home buyer is to work with professionals. This is one of, if not the largest purchase you will ever make, so be sure to do it right.”

Calling on the services of a professional decorator can be well worth the investment, whether building new or looking to refresh


A warm fireplace creates separation for a great room in an open-concept house – making the space more special. (Photo supplied by

Decora Homes)

your living space, and it may not cost as much as you think. They may have suggestions to solve problems unique to your home and have access to all the latest trends.

While many showhomes feature upgrades like granite countertops or hardwood flooring that may blow the budget, homeowners can start with something small. Ricky suggests using little touches that may not even get noticed, such as decorative furnace vents or light switch plates. Small touches can make everything flow.

Ricky adds, in all of their Decora homes, they plan for a lot of built-ins. Having custom shelves built into closets and storage areas can help you keep everything in its place. A neat home will conjure up the tidy showhome feel for both you and your guests. Above all, organization can make a comfortable, functional space for you and your family to call home. LS

showhome continued from previous page

Pillars and a gentle archway make the family room even more special in this Ehrenburg showhome. (Photo by Jeff Lyons)

Built-in shelving makes it easy to organize books

and other treasured knick-knacks. (Photo by Jeff Lyons)

aroomthat inspires

W E S T E R N C A R P E T O N E F L O O R & H O M E

6 1 0 C Y N T H I A S T R E E T • 6 6 5 - 6 6 4 0

Western Carpet One has a large selection of unique gift decor for that particular luxury in your home. Come and view our selection today!

The ONE store for your perfect f loor.

ould’s has made a name for themselves carryingthe world’s TOP TWO bestselling billiard lines:Brunswick and Olhausen. But that is just the startof a long list of quality games room suppliers withproducts including Pool Tables, Foosball, Air Hockey,Shuffleboard, Ping Pong, Darts, Games Room Tablesand Furniture, Rec. Room Bars, as well as lights andfamily room décor. We even carry an elite line ofoutdoor patio furniture and Oriflamme fire pits.

Brent Casey, owner of Gould Home Recreation, takesgreat pride in supplying the quality products andtop-line service that helps bring families together in awholesome atmosphere.

Gould Home Recreation has always strived to offerthe customer what he/she wants. Our 5000 sq. ft.showroom is packed with options or we offer a fullycustomizable special order program. Visit our web sitewww.gouldhomerec.com and use our easy interactivetool to help customize your own One-of-a-Kind Pooltable or come into our showroom and let our familyhelp you get what you want.

Quality Family time is something we all want more ofso why not spend it in your own basement on thoselong cold winter nights. Gould Recreation strives forexcellence in customer satisfaction, so please do nothesitate to call on us for any of your Home Recreationneeds. We look forward to serving you.

116 Ave B North (between 22nd & 23rd Street) • www.gouldhomerec.com • 244-5041

G

Gould’soffers onlythe bestin HomeRecreation

ould Home Recreation has been supplying Saskatchewan residents with the best in Home Leisureand Recreation for over 50 years. As Saskatchewan’s Largest Home Recreation Dealer, we have been bringingfamilies together with the biggest names in Pool, Ping Pong, Foosball, Air Hockey and just about any indoor gameimaginable. We also carry an extensive selection of Rec Room Furniture and Décor as well as an elite line of outdoorpatio furniture.

G

ould’s has made a name for themselves carryingthe world’s TOP TWO bestselling billiard lines:Brunswick and Olhausen. But that is just the startof a long list of quality games room suppliers withproducts including Pool Tables, Foosball, Air Hockey,Shuffleboard, Ping Pong, Darts, Games Room Tablesand Furniture, Rec. Room Bars, as well as lights andfamily room décor. We even carry an elite line ofoutdoor patio furniture and Oriflamme fire pits.

Brent Casey, owner of Gould Home Recreation, takesgreat pride in supplying the quality products andtop-line service that helps bring families together in awholesome atmosphere.

Gould Home Recreation has always strived to offerthe customer what he/she wants. Our 5000 sq. ft.showroom is packed with options or we offer a fullycustomizable special order program. Visit our web sitewww.gouldhomerec.com and use our easy interactivetool to help customize your own One-of-a-Kind Pooltable or come into our showroom and let our familyhelp you get what you want.

Quality Family time is something we all want more ofso why not spend it in your own basement on thoselong cold winter nights. Gould Recreation strives forexcellence in customer satisfaction, so please do nothesitate to call on us for any of your Home Recreationneeds. We look forward to serving you.

116 Ave B North (between 22nd & 23rd Street) • www.gouldhomerec.com • 244-5041

G

Gould’soffers onlythe bestin HomeRecreation

ould Home Recreation has been supplying Saskatchewan residents with the best in Home Leisureand Recreation for over 50 years. As Saskatchewan’s Largest Home Recreation Dealer, we have been bringingfamilies together with the biggest names in Pool, Ping Pong, Foosball, Air Hockey and just about any indoor gameimaginable. We also carry an extensive selection of Rec Room Furniture and Décor as well as an elite line of outdoorpatio furniture.

G


The family room is meant to be a sanctuary – a rejuvenating place to unwind and connect with friends and loved ones.

Brent Casey is ready to help his customers create the perfect oasis tailored to their individual needs.

The choices he can offer as owner of Goulds Home Recreation are nearly limitless.

He has been working at Goulds for 15 years and became owner eight years ago. He’s proud of the service the 54-year-old business offers Saskatoon families.

Casey lists a string of games available to outfit a family room – pool, air hockey, foosball – but the hottest items might come as a surprise, and remind older customers of the 60s and 70s.

“Probably the biggest games are ping pong and shuffleboard,” Casey said. “They’ve always been around, but those seem to be the most popular items out in the industry right now – probably due to space constraints. You can get as small as a nine-foot shuffleboard that goes against the wall and doesn’t take up much room, and of course a ping pong table can be folded up, stored and brought out when needed.”

Part of Casey’s job is finding the right options for each family and staying on top of current trends.

The poker craze of a few years ago has tempered a bit, but game table and chair sets are still very popular, as are deluxe chip sets.

“But, of course, your main game room fun still comes from pool tables, which are still a very big seller for us. They’re at least half of our business.”

The most common size is 4x8 foot, although larger sizes are available, and there are a variety of pool games and ball sets to choose from.

Casey is enthusiastic about the adaptability of pool tables. Inserts and add-ons can be bought that offer a wide range of diversions.

“There are components that you set up and dismantle whenever you want, so when billiards isn’t being played, there are games for all different ages.”

The right atmosphere is key to a successful family room. Goulds offers many options for those looking to create a space where everybody really does know your name.

Casey says portable bar systems are probably his hottest items right now.

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mORE fuNmake your family room

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Compact enough for a powder room andwith the addition of drawer bridges andmultiple units, able to accommodate anymaster suite. The rich Cinnamon or DarkCherry finished wood carries throughout theinterior. The sleek and sophisticated designof the Rebecca vanity pairs beautifully withthe dovetail construction of the soft-close,full-extensiondrawers, providing a little orderto your daily chaos.

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The pre-fabricated bars are commonly 60- or 72-inch long units.

“They don’t take up that much space, but they give that atmosphere and finish off the room,” Casey says. “The nice thing about our bar systems is you don’t have to go to a custom design, which are a lot more money. Something like this you can get into for about $1,500, so it’s a lot more economical.”

The portable units have no electric service or plumbing features, but can be used with a fixed section for a full service bar.

What Casey is seeing a lot of now are families looking to completely outfit their family rooms and create that perfect sanctuary in their own home.

“We have a lot of people that will walk in and get the bar, the shuffleboard, foosball and the pool table - all in a matching stain - and do a complete recreation room.”

With the lighting, shelving and wall art touches also on offer, each family room truly is tailor-made and unique.

“There are a great number of options. The sky’s the limit.” LS


Mirrors have been a decorating tool almost as long as cave drawings. Just as primitive artwork has developed into masterpieces over time, mirrors evolved into incredible works of art.

Today mirrors capture our hearts because they have the magical power of taking a tiny room and doubling its size on a minimal budget.

One word of caution before you start your magic trick: be sure you want to double the “vision” of what you see. Consider the positioning of your mirrored wall and the subject of duplication. If your mirror wall faces the kids’ “drop and go zone” it will only duplicate your clutter frustration.

Instead, add horizontal linear mirrors banded between drywalled sections or floating shelves, to visually widen a narrow basement wall and draw your eye into the space.

Like magic, the mirrors will instantly pull light and warmth into the room!

Mirrors offer a reflective “wow” factor.

They come in a multitude of varied shapes, sizes and dimensions. Some of the newest concepts feature sculptural and three-dimensional options. Fresco Interiors Design Center has some showstopper mirrors which will make your room ”pop.” Try one of these newest mirror trends to brighten your space!

The magic of reflection

mIRRORmIRRORBy cHARlENE ScHUMAcHER FREScO iNTERiORS DESiGN GROUP iNc.P H O T O G R A P H y B y T O N yA W A N N E R P H O T O G R A P H y


By cHARlENE ScHUMAcHER FREScO iNTERiORS DESiGN GROUP iNc.P H O T O G R A P H y B y T O N yA W A N N E R P H O T O G R A P H y

10 TOP TRENDS IN mIRRORS1. Floor mirrors in geometric 3D2. Mirrored wallpaper and textured walls3. Stacking multiple round and square mirrors to create a

“textured wall application”4. Convex mirrors in relief artwork5. Free floating mirror vanities 6. Sculptural mirrors – combining sculpted metal accents with

small beveled mirrors7. Mirrored console tables and Nightstands8. Mirrored frames for family photos 9. Mirrored floating shelves10. Mirrored handles

CREATE A fOCAL POINT

When creating focal points in your home, always ask “Where do you want your eye to go?”

Some customers will hang artwork and mirrors in layers on three to four walls in a room and wonder why their living room somehow feels a bit unsettled.

We all want to showcase our beautiful artwork, but artwork needs breathing space. The most beautiful pieces of mirrors or pictures can lose their lustre when they don’t have the white space to allow them to shine! Give them room, allowing space and not hanging repetitive elements.

If one wall contains an oil painting with strong visual colour, then the adjacent piece could be a sculptural relief piece in a tone-on-tone, and the third wall a series of stacked mirrors.

The artwork with the strong colour will demand the attention and the other two walls will complement it.

If you analyze your favorite magazine pictures you will see this design application used consistently.

The front cover will showcase one prime focal point and the elements surrounding it will simply complement it.

Your prime focal point may possibly be your fireplace wall. Consider featuring the wall above the fireplace in an ebony leather tiled wallpaper, then hanging a brushed nickel sculptural mirror above it. The reflective mirror will sparkle on the textured wall.

This application works because the wallpaper is solid coloured and textural. If the wallpaper contained bold prints in multiple colours then a solid simple mirror would work best. One element needs to be the one to shine!

The Fresco Interiors Design Center has exclusive mirrors and artwork to make your room come alive! Consider updating your foyer or great room by creating an exciting mirror vignette.

Don’t worry about carrying heavy mirrors and artwork back and forth to your home. The design team will deliver, stylize and hang the new pieces. “A stylization staging” allows the design team to bring in numerous pieces to test, to ensure the selected mirror is absolutely perfect! You choose what you want to keep.

Creating a wow factor has now been simplified. No more second

guessing! You can see what the newest pieces look like on your wall. The design team at Fresco Interiors will review the best scale and style for your room, ensuring the new vignette flows beautifully with the rest of your home.

Let the magical essence of mirrors add light to your home! LS

Fresco Interiors Design Center 40-710 Cynthia St (one block north of the Travelodge) 933-3200

GREAT AREAS fOR mIRRORS

Upper Kitchen cabinets – Consider using mirror instead of glass to highlight your upper cabinetry

entry or foyer – A mirror here is a great place to ``check and go”!

basements – To add light, a mirror can be hung horizontally to create a long angular line to draw you into the room. Consider using them in conjunction with a floating shelf system for an entertainment area.

WalK-in closet – Do you have a wall just outside your walk-in closet to add a full length mirror? Consider adding a mirror to the door!

FINANCIAL SENSEFor many families, building and renting a basement suite is very helpful in the numbers game when financing a new home. Yes, there is extra cost involved, but if the cost is included in the mortgage application, banks and lenders will also allow a portion of the expected rental income to be included in the family income. The higher income may be important in the mortgage approval process.

And for income tax purposes, interest and other expenses can be used as a tax deduction. Bonus!

BUILDING WITH SELKIRK Building a new house can be a long process, filled with unknowns and uncertainties. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With 10 years of experience in the Saskatoon housing market, SELKIRK DEVELOPMENTS is more than capable of answering your questions and filling in the blanks of your project whether on the design and construction end or on the financial end.

With a good selection of building lots on both the east and west sides of Saskatoon, the company is well-positioned to give you the house you love to come home to, be it a starter home, a family home with or without a basement suite, or a larger two-storey.

SELKIRK DEVELOPMENTS – A SASKATOON HOMEBUILDER SINCE 2002Building in and around Saskatoon, SELKIRK DEVELOPMENTS specializes in family home designs, ranging from smaller bungalows to larger bi-levels and two-storey models with high-end appointments.

The company ensures their clients get a house they love to come home to. The philosophy is simple: build it right and build it with quality.

BASEMENT SUITES: AN OPTION WORTH CONSIDERINGSELKIRK understands the budget crunch that many families face when buying their first home. Increasingly over the past few years, the company has been asked to create designs

with suite potential that offer the option of renting out part of the house (usually the basement) to help with the mortgage payments.

As a result, SELKIRK has become expert in building family homes with side entrances leading to basement living areas. These homes are full of upgrades and no corners are cut when it comes to the suites either. SELKIRK knows the suite is still part of the home and quality shouldn’t be sacrificed.

Suite design has come a long way in the past few years. SELKIRK’s suites are legal – meaning the suites follow national building codes and city requirements, including sound-proofing and fire-guarding. In bi-level designs, with larger basement windows, the suites are very comfortable and easy to rent out.

SELKIRK DEVELOPMENTSHOMES BUILT RIGHT. HOMES BUILT WITH QUALITY.

THE SELKIRK TEAM

Contact: Jeremy Cardinal-Schultz 880-1418 Home Sales Joel Cardinal-Schultz 880-6680 Home Sales Duane Sander 880-1595 Home Sales

FINANCIAL SENSEFor many families, building and renting a basement suite is very helpful in the numbers game when financing a new home. Yes, there is extra cost involved, but if the cost is included in the mortgage application, banks and lenders will also allow a portion of the expected rental income to be included in the family income. The higher income may be important in the mortgage approval process.

And for income tax purposes, interest and other expenses can be used as a tax deduction. Bonus!

BUILDING WITH SELKIRK Building a new house can be a long process, filled with unknowns and uncertainties. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With 10 years of experience in the Saskatoon housing market, SELKIRK DEVELOPMENTS is more than capable of answering your questions and filling in the blanks of your project whether on the design and construction end or on the financial end.

With a good selection of building lots on both the east and west sides of Saskatoon, the company is well-positioned to give you the house you love to come home to, be it a starter home, a family home with or without a basement suite, or a larger two-storey.

SELKIRK DEVELOPMENTS – A SASKATOON HOMEBUILDER SINCE 2002Building in and around Saskatoon, SELKIRK DEVELOPMENTS specializes in family home designs, ranging from smaller bungalows to larger bi-levels and two-storey models with high-end appointments.

The company ensures their clients get a house they love to come home to. The philosophy is simple: build it right and build it with quality.

BASEMENT SUITES: AN OPTION WORTH CONSIDERINGSELKIRK understands the budget crunch that many families face when buying their first home. Increasingly over the past few years, the company has been asked to create designs

with suite potential that offer the option of renting out part of the house (usually the basement) to help with the mortgage payments.

As a result, SELKIRK has become expert in building family homes with side entrances leading to basement living areas. These homes are full of upgrades and no corners are cut when it comes to the suites either. SELKIRK knows the suite is still part of the home and quality shouldn’t be sacrificed.

Suite design has come a long way in the past few years. SELKIRK’s suites are legal – meaning the suites follow national building codes and city requirements, including sound-proofing and fire-guarding. In bi-level designs, with larger basement windows, the suites are very comfortable and easy to rent out.

SELKIRK DEVELOPMENTSHOMES BUILT RIGHT. HOMES BUILT WITH QUALITY.

THE SELKIRK TEAM

Contact: Jeremy Cardinal-Schultz 880-1418 Home Sales Joel Cardinal-Schultz 880-6680 Home Sales Duane Sander 880-1595 Home Sales

Canadians love their homes. So much so that homeowners spend more than $40 billion each year repairing,improving, upgrading and expanding them. That’s slightly more than is spent annually on building new homes acrossthe country.

When it comes to major renovations or additions, the stakes are particularly high - costs are substantial, projects cantake months to complete, disruption to your daily routine is unavoidable, and the consequences of mistakes can belong-lasting.

To give homeowners confidence, to reduce risk, to minimize inconvenience, and to maximize the pleasure andadded value that a well-conceived and executed project can add to your home, the Saskatoon & Region HomeBuilders’ Association offers this guide to a successful renovation.

We are the voice of the residential construction industry in Saskatchewan. Our members include not just newhome builders, but renovation contractors, suppliers, lenders, subcontractors and others involved in all aspects ofresidential construction.

Our RenoMark symbol identifies those renovation contractors who have agreed to the Saskatoon & Region HomeBuilders’ Association code of ethics as well as a renovation specific code of conduct, who provide warranties, whounderstand the value of customer service during and following projects, and who are regularly exposed to informationon current trends, the latest materials and new regulations.

We are confident in saying that the first place to start your renovation project is by hiring a RenoMark renovator. TheSaskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association wants you to live happily ever after with your renovation project.

Improve, upgrade, expand with confidence

RenoMark Renovators undertake to...Be a member in good standing of the Saskatoon &Region Home Builders’ Association and abide bytheir Code of Ethics.Provide a detailed, written contract/scope of work forall jobs.Offer a minimum two-year warranty on all work(excludes minor home repair).Carry a minimum of $2 million liability insurance.Have coverage for workplace safety and employers’liability and/or work only with subcontractors whocarry such coverage.Carry applicable licenses and permits.Maintain a professional level of knowledge of currentbuilding codes, permit procedures, and technicalskills through continuing education.Maintain a safe and organized worksite.Return phone calls within two business days.

Renovation by Centennial

Renovation by J.A.B.A Construction

www.renomark.ca www.renoguide.ca

Renovation by North Ridge Renovations

www.saskatoonhomebuilders.com

For more information on renovations and hiring a professional contractor, please visit:

Canadians love their homes. So much so that homeowners spend more than $40 billion each year repairing,improving, upgrading and expanding them. That’s slightly more than is spent annually on building new homes acrossthe country.

When it comes to major renovations or additions, the stakes are particularly high - costs are substantial, projects cantake months to complete, disruption to your daily routine is unavoidable, and the consequences of mistakes can belong-lasting.

To give homeowners confidence, to reduce risk, to minimize inconvenience, and to maximize the pleasure andadded value that a well-conceived and executed project can add to your home, the Saskatoon & Region HomeBuilders’ Association offers this guide to a successful renovation.

We are the voice of the residential construction industry in Saskatchewan. Our members include not just newhome builders, but renovation contractors, suppliers, lenders, subcontractors and others involved in all aspects ofresidential construction.

Our RenoMark symbol identifies those renovation contractors who have agreed to the Saskatoon & Region HomeBuilders’ Association code of ethics as well as a renovation specific code of conduct, who provide warranties, whounderstand the value of customer service during and following projects, and who are regularly exposed to informationon current trends, the latest materials and new regulations.

We are confident in saying that the first place to start your renovation project is by hiring a RenoMark renovator. TheSaskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association wants you to live happily ever after with your renovation project.

Improve, upgrade, expand with confidence

RenoMark Renovators undertake to...Be a member in good standing of the Saskatoon &Region Home Builders’ Association and abide bytheir Code of Ethics.Provide a detailed, written contract/scope of work forall jobs.Offer a minimum two-year warranty on all work(excludes minor home repair).Carry a minimum of $2 million liability insurance.Have coverage for workplace safety and employers’liability and/or work only with subcontractors whocarry such coverage.Carry applicable licenses and permits.Maintain a professional level of knowledge of currentbuilding codes, permit procedures, and technicalskills through continuing education.Maintain a safe and organized worksite.Return phone calls within two business days.

Renovation by Centennial

Renovation by J.A.B.A Construction

www.renomark.ca www.renoguide.ca

Renovation by North Ridge Renovations

www.saskatoonhomebuilders.com

For more information on renovations and hiring a professional contractor, please visit:


Make a stylish entranceYour front door is one of the most-used yet under-appreciated elements of your home.

Tom Knudtson, territorial manager for Durabuilt Windows and Doors, says that the importance of a home’s front door cannot be overstated.

“This slab of material is the only thing standing between you and -40 degree weather in Saskatchewan,” says Knudtson.

The average front door gets a workout 50 or 60 times a day, notes Knudtson, “when you add in grabbing the paper, leaving and coming home from work, having the kids go in and out to play, and things like taking out the garbage.”

Your front door is also one of the first things people notice about your house. As that initial point of contact, it’s important for your front door to make a good impression.

There have been significant changes in the design and functionality of doors in the last few years, says Knudtson. “The industry has been, is, and will be continuing to change constantly.”

For a long time, doors were made out of wood and required a lot of maintenance. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, manufacturers started making doors out of fibreglass and insulating them, and the number of style options for door designs increased.

“You can stain fibreglass doors whatever colour you want. You can even strip them and stain them again. You can get them to look like oak, mahogany or fir wood grains, and you can have all kinds of door lights, insets, clear glass or designed glass put in them. They’re very low maintenance.”

As your door also performs an important security function, Knudtson says that locking features and door frames have also increased in durability. There is also a wider range of finishes on door hardware available now.

Knudtson says that the current trend in doors is something “that

By KiRA OlFERT

KNOCK!

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Jim Kramerwww.jimkramer.ca

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TURNS TO SOLD”

Jim Kramer280-7979

[email protected]

Caroline Bickle880-9712

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Independently Owned and Operated. ®™, trademarks of Century 21 Real Estate LLC, used under license.®™ Trademarks of AIR MILES international Trading B.V. Used under license by LoyaltyOne, Inc. and Century 21 Canada Limited Partnership.

makes a dramatic impact and adds to your house’s curb appeal.”

One of the ways people are achieving this look is by using big doors. In fact, Durabuilt just designed a front door that is 3.6 feet wide and 8 feet tall, as opposed to a standard door that is around 3.6 feet wide by 6 feet tall.

Some people are even installing doors with rounded tops, although Knudtson points out that this idea is not yet common in Saskatoon. “There are a few of them here,” he says, “but it’s more of a Vancouver

thing. Still, with fibreglass, that is something we can do.”

Another popular look is the more square Shaker style of door.

Whatever style you choose, today’s doors are built to last, with little maintenance required. “All in all, a good fibreglass door with good hinges can last you at least 15 to 20 years,” says Knudtson.

To see the latest style and performance innovations, visit the Durabuilt Saskatoon Design Gallery at 3247A Millar Avenue. LS

“This slab of material is the only thing standing between you and -40 degree weather in Saskatchewan.” – TOM KNUDTSON, DURABUilT WiNDOWS AND DOORS

OFFICE: 477-2267campbellhomes.ca

If you are interested in a newbuild and you have questions

please call me directly

Saskatoon

JEFF STEWART1.306.222.3233www.stewartrealty.ca

Proud to be arepresentative of

BUYING A NEW HOME?PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT

Choosing a builder who belongs to the New Home Warranty Programensures your new home is protected from problems that can occur withnew buildings.You’ll be covered for*:

• Your initial deposit up to $25,000 if the builder defaults• Defects in workmanship or materials for the first year• Exterior water penetration for two years• Major structural defects for five years

Plus, you can get even more comprehensive coverage with the optionalextended coverage for single family homes.To find out more, visit our website, or contact us today.*This is not a complete description of coverage. Contact the New Home Warranty Program of Saskatchewanfor warranty details.

#4 - 3012 Louise St. E, Saskatoon (306) 373-7833

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smartconsumerSpring is a great time to inspect air conditioners to prepare for the hot weather.

You want to work with a reputable contractor – one that treats you fairly and honestly, puts their promises in writing, and backs up their work. You should not deal with anyone who offers a special price if you pay cash and nothing gets written down. A cash deal means a lot more risk for you, and far less control over how your project turns out. And that’s no deal at all.

STEP 1: GET iNFORMED

Home renovation and construction is a complex process. As a consumer, you need to know where you stand, and that your interests are protected. Some things you need to be aware of, and that should be addressed in a written contract, include:

BuILDIng CoDeS anD permITS. Most projects, even minor ones, require a building permit and must adhere to code requirements. As the homeowner, you are responsible for ensuring this happens. Your contractor can usually look after this on your behalf.

InSuranCe. Does your homeowners’ insurance cover construction-related risks? Call your agent to confirm. Also, your contractor needs to have business liability insurance to protect you from their mistakes.

LIenS. Each province has requirements for holding back a portion of all payments to your contractor for a set period of time. Doing this protects you from claims if the contractor fails to pay suppliers and subcontractors.

SaSkaTChewan workerS’CompenSaTIon BoarD. Those employed to work on your property may require coverage under provincial Workers’ Compensation programs. Without it, you could be liable in the event of a workplace injury.

warranTIeS. Professional renovators provide a clear written warranty on their work. Our home builder members are required to provide a third-party new home warranty.

STEP 2: HiRE A PROFESSiONAl

How can you find a good professional contractor? Ask around, some of the best recommendations come from friends, family, co-workers and neighbours. Other sources of information include home builders’ or trade associations; building materials stores; and the Better Business Bureaus.

STEP 3: GET cONTROl, GET iT iN WRiTiNG

Professional contractors always work with a proper, written contract. A contract spells out a clear project

plan and what you and your contractor have agreed to. It is the best way to protect yourself and ensure things go as planned. A written contract should include the following:

A full description of the work, including the materials and products- Dates when the work will start and be completed- A clear payment schedule that lays out when and how much you will be charged, and what lien holdbacks

are required- The contractor’s warranty detailing what is covered and for how long- Confirmation that the contractor has business liability coverage for your project, and that required Workers’ Compensation coverage is in place.

For more information contact the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association at 955-5188, or email [email protected]


Maxim Development Corporation’s new condominium project, Blairmore Landing, is mixing concept and funding together to offer potential buyers maximum savings and affordability.

Mark Bucsis, president of Maxim, says that “in order to make them more affordable, units at Blairmore Landing are smaller, ranging between 527 square feet and 834 square feet for one- or two-bedroom apartment condominiums. This allows us to offer entry level prices starting as low as $138,500 but not higher than $217,900.”

The development also was the first to qualify under the provincial government’s new Head Start Program.

“Head Start is a $200 million provincial government initiative aimed at creating affordable housing in Saskatchewan,” Bucsis says. “This program provides developers with construction financing but it also allows purchasers of units in the program to receive 100 per cent financing.”

Under the program, people who are interested in buying a Head Start qualified home, but who don’t have the usual five per cent down payment, can apply to participating credit unions for a loan of five per cent of the value. The loan is issued at prime and repayable over five years.

At the same time, mortgage insurers Glenworth Financial or Canada Mortgage and Housing, will waive the normal five per cent down payment required and insure 100 per cent of a mortgage at a slightly higher cost.

Using an example of a two-bedroom unit priced at $179,900, Bucsis says owners would need to acquire a down payment loan of $8,995 and a mortgage of $170,905, adjusted to $175,861 after adding the high insurance ratio fee of 2.9 per cent [subject to change depending on income].

Based on this, the monthly mortgage would be $836. Maxim provides a builder’s grant, which at this price range is $3,700, meaning a down payment loan of $5,295 is required, with estimated repayment costs being $95 monthly. Adding in condo fees, which include heat, of $233 and property taxes of $110, the monthly payments for a Blairmore Landing unit in this case would be $1,274 or $1,179 if purchasers self-finance their down payments.

ENTRy lEVEl

PROJEcT iN BlAiRMORE

FiRST FOR NEW HEAD

START PROGRAM

B y T O M E R E M O N D i

affordablehousing

Maxim Development’s condominium project, Blairmore landing, was the first to qualify for the provincial government’s new Head Start program. The development sees affordable units starting at $138,500 with assistance for people who don’t have down payments. (Photo supplied)


249-40002225 Avenue C North

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C U T T I N G E D G E

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A similar scenario for a one-bedroon unit at $151,500 sees monthly payments of either $1,049 or $965.

“This amount is very competitive with rental rates for apartments in Saskatoon,” Bucsis says. “Instead of renting, though, owners are building equity and living in new units with outstanding features.”

These include granite counters, laminate flooring, nine-foot ceilings on the first three levels but vaulted on the fourth, six appliances and a window covering package. The exterior is finished in acrylic stucco and siding, each unit has its own private balcony, and each unit is protected by new home warranty.

Owners can choose from one of four tasteful décor schemes at the time of purchase. There are also upgrades available – some owners may add an extended island, while all units could upgrade to stainless steel appliances.

In a market where bigger-is-better seems to be the prevailing trend, Bucsis at first worried whether or not the concept would be welcomed. A test program at The Hampton – Maxim’s condominium project in Hampton Village – convinced him that there actually was strong demand.

“I had three units in that building that were about 1,200 square feet,” he says. “At the last minute I had the architect convert each of those into smaller units of about 550 square feet. I was curious to see what was going to happen and was surprised that they all sold immediately.”

Proceeding with Blairmore Landing, on Hart Road in the new subdivision, he reports that demand is just as strong. “As of late September, more than 60 per cent of the 75 units in the first two buildings were sold and we were only at the framing stage of the first building.”

Based on this Maxim will continue the project, adding two more buildings. Construction of a planned 78 units in two buildings will begin next spring.

Bucsis says the nature of the project is creating a diversified micro-community. “We’re seeing a wide appeal with single people, retired couples, small families and even new Canadians getting into the project.

“These are people who wouldn’t have been able to own their home. Head Start is taking off all over Saskatchewan but Maxim is very happy to have been the first builder to take part. The nice thing about it is that, under the program, we didn’t have to wait for a certain percentage of sales before we started. We were able to hit the ground running and get these homes on the market faster.”

For more information about the project, visit blairmorelanding.com . LS

affordable

The concept for Blairmore landing’s smaller apartment-style condominiums came after Maxim president Mark Bucsis re-sized condos in the company’s The Hampton project. He cut three units into six smaller ones, such as seen here. All six sold immediately. (Photo by Jeff Lyons)


Hanging a piece of art on your wall adds instant style and elegance to your space. Following some simple guidelines will help you express your own personal style with art, but with so many options it can be hard to know where to start.

Visiting the gallery at J & S Picture Frame Warehouse will surely spark an idea. Sherry Morris, owner of J & S Picture Frame Warehouse has assembled a creative team to take your precious memories and create a last-ing keepsake. A simple snapshot from an exotic holi-day or just in the backyard with the grandchildren can be transformed into a beautiful work of art.

START WITHArt

ExPRESSiNG yOUR PERSONAl

STylE THROUGH

ARTB y J E N N i F E R

J A c O B y- S M i T H

Be creative with the items you choose to frame. it adds your own personality to your space.

The photo can be printed on canvas, elevating the look to a piece of artwork. The photos can be manipulated to exclude certain items or cropped to create focus on the main subject. Colour can be added or the piece can be reproduced in black and white, all through the magic of photo editing.

“Rather than going and buying a picture to hang on your wall, they’ve printed it on canvas and they’ve got their own piece that’s meaningful to them,” says Morris. Around her gallery Morris points out several examples of beautiful artwork created from simple shots of her various trips abroad.

Preserving heirlooms from loved ones within a frame is also very popular. These decorative boxes feature fa-vourite items of a loved one, along with a photograph. Displaying these memories on your wall will create a

There are many creative ways to feature personal treasures with professional framing that protects and preserves. (Photo by Jeff Lyons)


beautiful focal point and conversation piece for years to come.

Morris also showcases several boxes featuring sports jerseys and keep-sakes such as game tickets and programs to meaningful games. Preserv-ing these treasures for the sports fan in your house may be the perfect touch to a den with a big screen television for game-viewing.

Whatever you’re framing, Morris says it’s important for the frame not to overpower the subject.

“You want your framing to be such that your eye goes into the art,” she says. The professionals at J & S can advise you on what would look best and complement the subject.

She adds one common problem is choosing the wrong colour. “When you’re framing a piece of art, use the colours that are in the art, rather than introducing another colour.”

Preservation is so important and should be a consumer’s foremost con-sideration when it comes to framing their pictures, artwork, keepsakes, or crafts. The last thing you want is to watch your beloved personal item deteriorate, discolour or crack over time.

Morris notes framing can get costly when done right using glass with

UV protection, acid-free mats and backing and high quality framing materials that won’t warp or crack. She admits you may be better off keeping the art under wraps until you can afford to frame it and display it properly. An expensive piece of art can be ruined with lesser quality framing materials.

“If you have anything of value – doesn’t matter if it’s monetary value or just valuable to you – you want it to last,” says Morris.

Another common mistake people make with their art is hanging it too high on the wall. For maximum enjoyment, she suggest keeping the art low enough for shorter people to see, but not so low tall people have to stoop. In an area where visitors will usually be seated, such as a dining room or sitting room, she suggest keeping the art very low so it can be viewed without craning your neck.

Decorating your walls with art is a powerful way to make your space more beautiful and more personal. It’s important to choose pieces that hold meaning for you, rather than something trendy.

“If it’s framed properly, it’ll look good wherever it goes,” says Morris. “When your’re framing a valuable piece of art, frame it to suit the piece of art and what it is, instead of trying to follow trends. And then you’ll be happy with it 25 years down the road.” LS

www.northernfireplace.com244-2774Showroom at2206 Speers AvenueSaskatoon, SK

www.northernfireplace.com244-2774Showroom at2206 Speers AvenueSaskatoon, SK

No one sets the moodbetter than NORTHERN FIREPLACE

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“if it’s framed properly, it’ll look good wherever it goes.” – SHERRy MORRiS, J&S PicTURE FRAME WAREHOUSE

Larry Cole gets a lot of satisfaction when he hears back from his customers who have upgraded their old home heating systems and start to see their utility bills shrink.

He hears about it all the time as manager of Gregg’s Plumbing & Heating.

“It’s really quite amazing what some of this new equipment can do for homeowners,” Cole said.

“The number one item that makes a difference would be furnaces. They are now 95 to 96 per cent efficient and can come with DC, variable speed motors. That translates into savings on natural gas, as well as huge savings on the electricity to run the motor.”

Vintage is great when describing a car, but is not so great when describing furnaces.

That classic furnace built in the 50s, 60s or 70s wastes too much natural gas. Older furnaces are inefficient in the combustion process and send dollars right up the chimney.

High efficiency furnaces make use of almost all the heating potential of the fuel, making a big difference at the bottom line and for the environment.

“It’s not uncommon for us to replace furnaces that are 20 or 30 years old, and the change that it makes is phenomenal,” says Cole.

When evaluating what level of furnace to purchase, Gregg’s helps the customer by having its technicians come through the house and evaluate its energy efficiency. They look at the windows, the size of the rooms and the overall size of the home before recommending the proper heating choice.

“They will determine what kinds of savings the homeowner could see in their energy bills and they will explain that to the customer. Every home is going to be different,” he explains.

Upgrading systems not only saves money on natural gas and electricity, it makes the home more comfortable as modern furnaces are much more accurate in keeping the warm air moving with their variable speed motors, rather than operating in blasts.

Another area to consider is the quality of the air flow in the home. Proper ventilation helps keep fresh air coming into the home for air quality and distributes the heat more evenly. Without proper ventilation, parts of a room can feel colder than they should.

The heating and ventilation experts use air flow measuring devices to determine if the proper amount of air is being exchanged while the furnace is running.

Another option to consider is in-floor heating systems. They can be electric, but are most often run using a boiler system as warm water is pumped through a grid in the floor.

Cole said that type of system can be more comfortable and save money because the heat generated tends to stay right where you want it, at the optimum level a few feet off the floor. Forced air heat can accumulate near the ceiling, requiring the furnace to stay on longer to heat the entire room.

Being more accurate in how and when the heating system runs is another area to explore for controlling costs.

Modern thermostats are inexpensive to buy and install, but go a long way to saving homeowners money, Cole said.

Families who are out of the house during the day can program the thermostat to keep the temperature lower while the house is vacant and begin heating it up again just before the family returns.

“You don’t notice, because you’re not there, but it saves a lot of money in natural gas usage and it all happens automatically.” LS

B y PA U l S i N K O W i c Z

RE-ENERGiZE yOUR HOME

WiTH AN EFFiciENT HEATiNG SySTEM


The builder or salesperson should be ready and pleased to answer each of your questions. Sales centres will often have a complete information package on the homes, the development and the community, including schools and other facilities. Keep in mind that a builder’s model home is usually just one of several designs offered by the company - a starting point.

The CommuniTy/developmenT• Does the community meet your needs as determined in your planning?• Does the development have a good “feel”? Can you see yourself living here? Ask about landscaping plans and common facilities, if any. Visit a builder’s finished development for a better impression.• What are the long-term plans for the community - e.g. growth, roads, facilities, commercial/industrial expansion?• Are there any community or development covenants and bylaws that restrict how you can live in your home (e.g. no pets, no outdoor clotheslines)?

model homes and plans

• Take a close look at the quality of each model home - is the construction solid, the finishing well done with attention to details?

• Compare layouts and size. More square feet do not always mean more living space.

• Find out if the features in each model home are standard or upgrades (i.e. extra cost) and ask to see samples of the builder’s standard finishing products.

• Note the features of each home that appeal to you (worth considering when you have made a final decision on a model and have some leeway for details).

• Imagine your family’s daily routine throughout the seasons.

• Note if the builder is using brand-name products you know and trust.

• Ask about each builder’s design flexibility (e.g. moving walls, enlarging windows).

• Ask about optional or upgrade “packages” (e.g. lighting and plumbing fixtures).

• Look at the company’s other designs and plans.

• Visit model homes outside your price range for ideas for layout and features but stay focused on the price range that’s most comfortable for you.

• Ask about lot availability for the home model you are interested in - there may be restrictions.

The builder

You should shop around for your builder as carefully as you do for your home.

• Is the company a member of the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association?

• Does the company belong to a provincial new home warranty program?

• How long has the company been in business, and on average, how many homes do they build annually?

• Where else have they built and/or are they building now? It’s worth a quick tour to see if you like the finished results.

• Will they give you the names of past customers for references? Do check with a few to find out if they are satisfied and would recommend the builder.

• Call the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any complaints against the company.

• Ask about after-sales service - most builders have an established follow-up system.

• Find out, in detail, what the warranty on your home covers.

E x P l O R i N G y O U R

O P T i O N SThe key to successful

home hunting is to take your time. Don’t rush. Take a thorough

look at everything and ask questions -

lots of them.


ask anexpertWHy DO i NEED A BUilDiNG PERMiT?

Your home renovation must meet basic requirements for health, safety and structural soundness as set out by building codes for your area. Beyond this, the permit process makes sure that your plans are in line with other municipal requirements, such as zoning regulations and heritage building designations.

WHEN DO i NEED A PERMiT?

Generally, a building permit is required for renovations that involve changes to the structure or systems of your home. This includes new additions, reconfiguration of space by moving or removing walls, new window and door openings and installation of fireplaces. Electrical and plumbing permits may also have to be obtained separately.

Some repairs and renovations may not require a permit if changes are not made to structures or systems. These include re-roofing, painting, re-siding, flooring and cabinet installation, and replacement of windows and doors (provided the opening is not enlarged). Talk with your renovator, or check with your municipal building permit office to be sure. Also, find out if you need a permit to demolish old structures such as a garage, shed or porch, or to cut down a tree on your property.

WHAT DO i NEED?

The specific requirements depend on your municipality and the type of work you are planning. For simple interior projects, a scale floor plan will often be adequate. For larger projects involving additions, decks or major structural renovations, a full set of working drawings and a site survey may be needed. If your plan requires a minor variance or zoning bylaw amendment, you may be asked to supply additional information. Your municipality can tell you exactly what is needed.

WHO SHOUlD GET THE PERMiT - ME OR My RENOVATOR?

As the homeowner, you are legally responsible for obtaining any building permits required. However, your renovator can look after this on your behalf. Your contract should specify which permits are required and who will get them. You will need to provide a letter of authorization before your renovator can apply for a permit for your renovation.

Before a permit is issued, your plans and drawings are reviewed by the municipality. In general, municipalities try to approve simple projects quickly while larger projects may require several weeks.

After the work begins, an inspector may visit your home to make sure it is done in compliance with municipal requirements. There may also be a separate electrical and plumbing inspection.

WHAT HAPPENS iF i DON’T GET A PERMiT?

If you carry out a renovation project that requires a building permit without having one, your municipality can issue a “stop work” order, which remains in effect until you obtain a permit. If the work does not meet the requirements of building codes in your area, you may well have to redo it at your own cost. In worst case scenarios, you could be forced to “un-renovate” your home, such as removing an addition. This could happen if you violate setback regulations for instance.

Working without a required permit may also affect an insurance claim arising from the renovation. Before any work begins on your home, check with your insurance representative, who can explain exactly what is needed to ensure continuous and adequate coverage, both during and after the renovation.

DO i NEED A BUilDiNG

PERMiT?if you are like most homeowners,

you may not be familiar with

building permits or even aware

that you might need one for

your renovation project. Here

are some of the ins and outs of

building permits.


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Saskatchewan’s newest city, Warman, is doing more than just embracing its new status. Town officials are busy laying ground work for the city’s future.

For the community of almost 7,500, this includes a huge jump in population, says munici-pal planner Brad Toth.

“Much of what we’ll do won’t change from what we’ve done in the past,” Toth reports, “but, based on past growth, we have begun the process of updating our future growth maps and development plans. Our estimate is that the population will grow to about 30,000 in 30 years.”

Identifying broad land uses and required infrastructure is crucial to the plan, which goes to Warman’s new city council for approval before the new year, he adds. “If approved, that document will become our guiding plan for the next 20 to 25 years.”

All this is needed for the rapidly growing community, which just 50 years ago was a village of about 600.

While Warman has been expanding to its north in recent years, Toth says future growth will be to the south and west as well.

Another major change will be the city’s retail sector. “What we’ve heard from residents is that they’d like to see more local services,” Toth says. “We’re planning on building the commercial base but retaining the character of the community. So the big box development will happen to the north – Centennial Boulevard will be the commercial corridor.”

That big box area is currently being planned with a developer on a 30-acre commercial site at the intersection of Centennial Boulevard and the soon to be realigned Highway 305. The development will see upwards of 30 stores with two major anchors – a grocery store and a large retail store. Others will be a mix of banks, restaurants, and smaller shops. Construc-tion is expected to start in 2014 with stores opening in 2015.

A hotel or hotels are also part of future plans.

Warman isn’t forgetting its past character, Toth adds. “To retain that small town feel, we’re going to put new focus on Central Street. The vision is to build a niche look with some pleasant aesthetics including lighting, benches and decorative planting. The zoning will see more specialty shops and the street will have its own character.”

Changes to Warman will be dramatic but the community is supportive, Toth notes, adding that residents have confidence because the town’s past plans were so successful – a reason why so many new residents are attracted to the community.

This success stems from individual communities that have their own flair, he says, noting subdivisions such as Rockwood, The Legends, Deer Meadows and Southlands. “They’re distinctive but also connected by green space and this is giving Warman its great appeal. There will be much more park development, including a new district park after we re-develop the town’s existing park.”

Infrastructure also will be a focus with improvements to the storm ponds as well as efforts to improve highways, including efforts for a new interchange at Highway 11.

Carman Dodman of DDD+ Construction, normally a builder of acreage properties, says Warman was ideal for its building concepts. “We wanted to create a community within a community and did that with Deer Meadows. It’s a 75-home subdivision with its own lake

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Sterling Gate

and parks but connected to the rest of Warman through green space. The town was extremely helpful when it came to realizing our goals.”

Dylan Sather of Rockwood Developments, developer of 1,500 homes on 300 acres in Warman, agrees with Dodman. “Rockwood’s attrac-tion is that the park is in the centre of the community and links to all the areas around it. People obviously like this – we’ve sold out the first two phases and are close to doing the same with a third.”

Warman Homes’ Keith Heinrichs says the company’s The Legends community is seeing similar success. “The project started in 2008 and

was scheduled for completion in 20 years but it could be done in seven years.

“That’s because all homes are less than five minutes away from War-man’s new golf course,” he adds, noting that The Legends course is its own attraction.

Toth says more communities such as these will easily develop in the future. “Capacity has never been an issue and it won’t be in the future. The major developers all have a fair bit of land in their land banks.” LS


The days of the basement rumpus room are over!

Those dark and uninviting relics of the 70s, with their faux-wood wall panels and orange shag rugs, are now as irrelevant as turntables and eight-track tape machines.

“Today, home owners want their basement developments finished to the same quality level as their main floor,” says Gerald Audit, the president of Impact Construction.

“We develop the home’s basement to make it exactly like the main floor. We’ll match the style, trims and finishes and carry it all the way down the stairs. Often, the same colour palette the home owner chose for the main floor is used in the basement development.”

Impact Construction is a full-service general contracting and construction project man-agement firm, specializing in residential renovation services. “We started nine years ago with bathroom and basement renovations. Now we’ve progressed into larger projects: additions and whole home remodelling. We still do bathrooms and basements, with staff who specialize in those projects,” says Audit.

The locally-owned company received three Bridges Awards this year from the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association: Whole House Renovation of the Year, Home Im-provement Award and Customer Service Award.

An inviting basement development begins with a plan. Impact Construction partners with Saskatoon’s leading suppliers, trades and designers to visualize your project before the work begins.

T i P S F O R D E V E l O P i N G

y O U R H O M E ’S

B A S E M E N TB y J E A N N i E A R M S T R O N G

designelements


Audit says it’s important to determine the home owner’s budget and wish list before heading to the drawing board. “We want to get a price point to make sure that what the home owner wants will be feasible. Once we have discussed their wish list and their budget, we will do an estimate and price the project out for them. Once the home owner re-ceives the estimate, we normally schedule a second meeting to go over the costs and talk about what they’re getting for their dollar. Then we do a drawing. Once the plan is approved, both parties sign a contract and away we go.”

Working with a renovator who has attained RenoMark™ status with the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association offers a home owner peace of mind that the job will be done properly, says Audit.

“Hiring someone with those qualifications is an assurance of quality.”

For example, a RenoMark renovator will ensure that your basement development is being built to the standards established by the Nation-al Building Code and will pass all the inspections required by The City of Saskatoon.

“If you hire someone who doesn’t know the building code, that’s when it all starts falling apart.”

With a contract signed, Audit then obtains the necessary construction permits from the City of Saskatoon. “We do that on behalf of the home owner. We’re the ones who have to meet with the inspector, so we put our name on the permit,” says Audit.

The City of Saskatoon requires three different inspections during a basement development. “An inspection takes place after the framing is finished. A second inspection is scheduled after the insulation and vapour barrier are in place. A final inspection takes place after all of the work has been completed. During this final inspection, safety is the primary focus. The inspector wants to make sure the proper railings have been installed, that the walls are far enough away from the fur-nace, that all of the required smoke detectors are installed and work-ing. Those are really the major issues.”

When demolishing existing basement developments, Audit says that improperly installed vapour barriers are a telltale sign the work was done by a do-it-yourselfer or an inexperienced renovator.

“An improperly installed vapour barrier is the biggest giveaway that the job wasn’t done right. If the vapour barrier isn’t sealed 100 per cent, condensation forms, which brings mould in - even into a new basement,” says Audit.

“Believe it or not, the vapour barrier is much more important than in-sulation. That’s why the City of Saskatoon demands a vapour barrier inspection and not an insulation inspection.”

Do-it-yourselfers will also often neglect to ensure that sufficient heat runs and cold air returns are added. “In older basement develop-ments, people always wonder why they have cold feet. Usually it’s because there is no vapour barrier and not enough cold air returns,” says Audit.

“A cold air return literally draws the heat down from the ceiling to the floor and pulls the air out. It keeps the heated air circulating. It’s very important to have sufficient heat runs and cold air returns.”

Separate permits are required for electrical and plumbing work. Elec-trical permits are issued by SaskPower, while plumbing permits are only issued to licensed plumbing contractors.

Plumbing is another aspect of basement development that should def-initely be handled by a licensed professional, says Audit. “Because of the floods we’ve been having in Saskatchewan, the City of Saskatoon requires a backflow preventer. It’s a three-inch pipe that comes from the city’s main sewer line into your house. If sewage starts backing up toward your house, the trap closes and it can’t move. That’s required on all homes that we do plumbing work on. It’s a big job. We have to jackhammer the floor out and crack the pipe open to put it on. But if you’ve ever been through a sewer backup, you know how important it is.”

It is possible for a home owner to act as his or her own contractor, hir-ing and scheduling individual tradespeople. However, be prepared for delays and higher stress levels, warns Audit.

“If you use a contractor, their trades are readily available to you. We schedule the trades and we supervise their work,” says Audit.

“We do extensive background checks on our trades. Just imagine if you hire an unscrupulous tradesperson or contractor. You’re giving

them access to your house. You’re handing over the key and letting them walk into your life. It’s really important to hire someone you feel comfortable having in your home.”

Impact Construction has a project manager always on site to super-vise workers in the customer’s home. “The project manager also meets with the home owner daily to go over all the details with them. They can go to work knowing exactly what’s going to go on that day,” says Audit.

“We also install a lock box at the home so the key never leaves the premises. A lot of keys get lost by handing them out to different trades.”

Interest in basement developments is at an all time higher, says Audit, from home owners looking to expand their living space with the de-velopment of a family room, bathroom and additional bedrooms in their basement, to property owners who are considering the addition of a revenue-generating basement suite.

“Because of the increased equity Saskatoon home owners are enjoying, they can quite easily finance a renovation. Many people don’t want to leave their existing homes. They want to stay in their familiar neigh-bourhood, but they also want to expand their living space and increase their level of comfort,” says Audit.

For more information, visit www.impactconstruction.ca LS


innovationsVirgil Reed, owner of Reed Security Group explains, that besides the basic home security package, “there are two technologies that are really successful with home security. One is ReedAlarm.com, a home automation service.” These systems interact with your smart phone, tablet or your PC.

“You could arm and disarm the system remotely,” says Reed. “You could also view live and recorded videocams, as well as get notifications when your child arrives or has not arrived home, even if your child opens the door of a restricted cabinet, such as a liquor cabinet or gun cabinet.”

Reed opened his business in 2000 and since then business has been booming. “I had a background in security,” says Reed, explaining that he’d worked for a larger, corporate company for three years prior to opening up shop. “I decided that my values and the values of a large corporation did not mesh.” Reed jumped on the opportunity to offer increased service levels through his new company.

Reed Security offers a range of services, from burglar alarm systems with 24/7 monitoring, to enhanced services that include fire protection, environmental protection, and medical alarms. These enhanced packages are add-ons to the standard security system.

With Reed’s services, the homeowner can control the lights, the thermostat, and the locks remotely – all through alarm system. “The most popular feature is an image sensor - it detects movement within house and takes pictures of what’s in front to the sensor. These are transmitted to the 24/7 monitoring station and to your phone,” explains Reed. “This is pretty cool. Most alarm systems don’t work this way. Most alarm systems don’t include the camera.”

The second technology Reed offers is ReedHD, a high definition video surveillance pack-age offering BluRay quality video that records faces and license plates and can be accessed through a smart phone. “People want to watch over their vehicles, their yards and they want to see who is coming to their front door. Basic home security packages have been around for 15 years, but the high definition cameras and reedalarm.com have been ex-tremely popular in the last three years.”

Reed also offers environmental and medical security enhancements to the standard bur-glar protection system. The environmental package can detect moisture or freezing, de-pending on what enhancements are added. “By adding a water sensor in the basement at the low point – it will detect moisture.” A freeze sensor placed on the main floor or in the basement will detect a drop in temperature. “So when it reaches 7 degrees C, we can advise the homeowner that they should go to the house and get things looked after.”

The medical enhancement is a product tailored to senior citizens. With the security device embedded in a pendant on a necklace or in a panic watch that is worn on the wrist, seniors in distress can notify the 24/7 monitoring station, who in turn will notify ambulance ser-vices, as well as loved ones, that help is required. “Response times within the city range between two to 15 minutes, depending on time of day and type of signal,” says Reed, who further explains that an alarm from a motion detector has a lower priority than a medical signal. “At a lake or rural properties response time will vary.”

Reed Security services all of Saskatchewan. “Over the past 12 years,” says Reed, “we started with no accounts and we now service over 3,000 clients across Saskatchewan.”

Reed Security has been recognized locally for business excellence, receiving the 2012 SA-BEX Award handed out by the Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce, as well as an award for Small Business of the year. For more information on products or services, visit www.reedsecurity.com. LS

R E E D S E c U R i T y

O N T H E A l E R T

B y J A c K i E B l A K E ly

Home security is about more than

keeping the bad guys out of your

house these days. Trends in home

security now show that many

homeowners opt to purchase

specialized security to alert them to

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communitiesbuildingThe construction industry is one of the province’s biggest employment generators. How-ever, the industry continues to face a serious shortage of skilled workers, according to Alan Thomarat, President and CEO of the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association.

The International Labour Centre (ILC) is helping to address that shortage by bringing skilled workers to Canada from Ukraine, Ireland and Eastern Europe. “We have been bringing skilled tradespeople to Canada for over eight years. Our focus has been mainly on Saskatchewan, because the majority of our clients are here. Saskatchewan has one of the most user-friendly immigration programs in the country. However, we also work with clients in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and to a lesser extent, British Columbia,” says Iryna Matsiuk, general manager of ILC Canada.

Since establishing its recruitment offices in Kyiv, Ukraine, ILC has placed over 5,000 work-ers in various international locations, including the United Kingdom, Italy, Sweden and Canada.

In May 2011, ILC Canada opened an office in Saskatoon, located at 908A Central Avenue. From its Saskatoon office, ILC Canada provides local businesses with strategic foreign re-cruitment services.

“It’s not about taking advantage of cheap foreign labour or bringing in unskilled labour,” says Matsiuk. “We bring in skilled people to meet the demand that local labour cannot meet. With the economy booming in Saskatchewan, employers cannot attract enough skilled workers. They are also finding it difficult to attract skilled workers here from other provinces, because those areas are also experiencing shortages of skilled workers.”

Through ILC Canada’s membership in the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Associa-tion, Matsiuk says the agency is better positioned to provide builders with staffing solu-tions.

“Our process is employer-driven. We work to define the employer’s needs first. Then we try to match the right workers with the right employers,” says Matsiuk.

All workers who apply to ILC are required to complete extensive screening procedures, including testing their language and technical skills. “We examine whether the candidate meets what the employer wants in terms of skills and their knowledge of the English lan-guage,” says Matsiuk.

ILC also closely examines the individual’s immigration eligibility, including a health as-sessment and criminal record checks.

To ensure that a worker’s skills meet Canadian industry standards, ILC has partnered with the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technologies (SIAST) to establish the Skills Passport Program. Job candidates complete not one, but two sets of tests to deter-mine their skill level.

The first assessment is based on an interview conducted by ILC-identified assessors. The second testing session takes place at the Trade School of Construction and Design in Kyiv. The institute has a unique model house where employment candidates are asked to dem-onstrate their particular construction skills, while being closely observed by the SIAST-approved assessment officer. The program tests the following skills: Finishing Carpentry, Painting, Plastering, Drywall Installation, Floor Installation and Bricklaying. Applicants with skills in more than one construction trade can be tested in several areas. Following the testing, the assessment officer generates a report that sums up the candidate’s skills.

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While a small group of employers have travelled overseas to conduct in-person interviews with foreign workers, Matsiuk says that most are now conducting initial interviews via Skype. “This also gives the em-ployers a first-hand assessment of their English language skills.”

Builder members of the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Associa-tion are showing strong interest in ILC Canada’s services, says Matsi-uk.

“We want to help employers understand how the process works and how they need to plan ahead for recruitment. For many companies, this is the end of the season and a good time to plan their work force for the year ahead,” says Matsiuk.

“We want to help employers chose the best solution for them, in terms of timelines. If employers want to bring people here quickly, then we would suggest the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. To do this, the employer first has to submit a Labour Market Opinion (LMO) applica-tion to prove they are unable to find local workers. After they have been approved, we can bring in temporary foreign workers from Eastern Eu-ropean countries in about a month’s time.”

Employers who are interested in long-term hires or retaining currently employed temporary foreign workers can support a worker’s applica-tion through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program. “This

continued on following page


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program can take from eight to 10 months. That’s why it’s important for companies to think about their labour needs ahead of time.”

ILC Canada also provides support services to international workers upon their arrival in Canada, including meeting them at the airport.

“We have a person on staff that helps with settlement and post-arrival support. This includes, but is not limited to, helping them to apply for a social insurance number, to open a bank account, to apply for a provincial health card, to buy a cell phone and to find suitable accom-modations,” says Matsiuk.

“We also link them with local support organizations that can assist them with settlement, including the Ukranian Canadian Congress (UCC), the Open Door Society, the Global Gathering Place and other local agencies.”

Matsiuk says the team at ILC Canada feels rewarded by being able to help both workers and employers achieve their expectations. “We want to make people happier and businesses more successful. That’s why our slogan is: providing companies with labour market solutions and providing people with life opportunities.”

For further information, visit www.canada.labour-centre.com or call the ILC Canada’s Saskatoon office at (306) 242-4024. LS

ILC continued from previous page

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A partnership between two members of the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Associa-tion is turning the spotlight on ‘smart green’ residential building technologies.

Evermore Homes Inc. has partnered with VerEco Homes to design and build several “Net Zero Ready” homes for the Saskatoon market. Their first joint project resulted in the con-struction of an inviting, two-storey 1,600 foot show home located at 122 Roy Crescent in Evergreen.

VerEco Homes won national acclaim for building Canada’s first Net Zero demonstration home in 2010. The home was on display for a full year at the Western Development Mu-seum.

Evermore Homes was incorporated in 2006 by Tamara and Roger Bell. The specialty home builder has expanded steadily over the past six years, with plans to construct over a dozen homes in the year to come. “We’re very focused on green building. We actually distinguish our wood so less goes into the landfill. We recycle as much as possible, even though it takes more time. We put so much care into our houses. I want to be able to sleep at night know-ing that I’ve built a house that people can be in forever,” says Evermore Homes president Tamara Bell.

The Evermore Homes was one of 21 properties featured in the 2012 Parade of Homes, pre-sented this summer by the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association. “The Parade of Homes gave us great exposure! It was an opportunity to educate people about better building practices,” says Bell.

Although the Parade of Homes has drawn to a close, the Evermore-VerEco show home is still open for viewing, by appointment.

The showhome is a model of energy efficiency, incorporating a variety of ‘smart green’ technologies.

A super insulated building envelope is key to achieving energy savings, says Ronn Lep-age, founder of VerEco Homes. Double wall construction means the Evermore showhome boasts an insulation value close to R40 in the walls and R80 in the attic. Standard construc-tion techniques use R40 insulation in the attic.

The home’s passive solar design taps into the energy radiated by the sun, with large south-facing windows. The ENERGY STAR® rated triple glazed windows have two special

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coatings to maximize solar gain. “These All Weather Windows are de-signed for the coldest climates on the planet and are one step higher than LEED standard,” says Lepage. “This home would easily be able to achieve LEED Silver standard.”

Solar thermal collectors mounted flush on the south-facing deck cap-ture energy in the form of hot water, augmenting the high efficiency hot water heater in the basement. Lepage says the system will capture over 8000 KWH of energy each year.

Bell describes the show home’s interior as “retro modern”, featuring an appealing open concept floor plan. The stylish kitchen is sleek and contemporary, with fashionable dark wenge wood veneer cabinets and granite countertops. Cork flooring adds warmth, comfort and beauty to the main floor living area. Trendy LED light fixtures provide energy-saving illumination. “We chose our products to be as environmentally friendly as possible, including low-VOC paints,” says Bell.

Three bedrooms, including a master suite with a large walk-in closet and luxurious ensuite, await on the second floor.

The home’s exterior is environmentally friendly as well, featuring re-cyclable HardiePlank® siding and attractive timber stone trim. The distinctive shingles on the roof are locally manufactured from recycled tires by EnDur, a new Saskatoon business. “The shingles on this roof alone represent 784 recycled tires,” says Lepage. Bell adds, “Instead of the 25-year warranty of traditional asphalt shingles, the EnDur shin-gles will have a 50-year life span.”

The showhome was designed with the potential for a secondary suite in the basement. A separate entrance provides direct access to the base-ment through the attached garage. The suite will have its own sepa-rate heating and ventilation system, including an individual electrical panel.

For an opportunity to tour the Evermore-VerEco showhome, contact Tamara Bell at Evermore Homes, at 249-4933. For additional details, visit www.evermorehomes.ca . LS


If your corner is in a bedroom, McCarty suggests making the space into a reading area. “You can get yourself a small desk, so that there is storage space for books or maps. Get a comfortable chair, and make sure you have proper lighting.”

For a very long living room, McCarty would divide it into two smaller spaces to avoid empty corners. Again, she suggests a reading area, or perhaps getting a small writing desk. “A dressy kind of roll-top desk would be ideal for this. You can close it up when you are finished with what you were doing, and this way, it provides function while still looking classy.”

An alternative suggestion is to get “a really interesting antique table, with a few chairs, or some kind of piece that has character. That way, this area of your living space becomes a place to play cards or games or do work while still looking unique and interesting, while the rest of the room has your main grouping of furniture.”

Kitchen spaces are easily turned into a telephone or electronics area with the addition of a desk. Keeping a phone, laptop, radio or even a recipe box there frees up clutter on countertops.

McCarty also suggests, if the area is big enough, making it into a children’s craft area. “You can get the kids their own little chairs and tables and something for storage. That way, they can spend time with you but out of your way while you are preparing meals.”

IN CONVERSATION

CREATE

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P H O T O G R A P H y B y F : 1 1 P H O T O G R A P H i c D E S i G N lT D .

interior decorator cecile Mccarty created inviting vignettes and cozy corners throughout this new showhome from Homes by Dundee, located in Stonebridge at 403 Teal lane.

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McCarty has even put armchairs into empty kitchen spaces, so that a spouse or friend can sit comfortably and visit with whoever is puttering in the kitchen. The walls in this space are well suited for pictures, calendars or corkboards.

McCarty notes that many of the newer houses being built today often have an open area on a second floor, overlooking the entrance. “These areas are often useless, and it’s nice to have them made functional.” She says this is an ideal space for a quiet, relaxing, reading nook. Some people have even turned that spot into a sewing or craft space.

Long hallways are idea for photo galleries, as long as the “frames are compatible. It’s also a good idea to use a lot of matting of the same colour, so that the picture pops at the centre without making everything look too busy. You can add personal artwork to these walls as well, but again, keeping in mind the frame compatibility.”

McCarty adds that a unique hall table or chairs, as long as they’re not too bulky, could also work in this space. “You need to watch that you don’t encroach on walking space.” She also maintains that track or spotlights are best for hallway galleries.

If you have an actual alcove, McCarty says you can paint it an accent colour, if you wish. But for the most part, the spaces should be the same colour as the rest of the room, especially as “colour trends change.”

She also cautions “keeping the proper scale for the space.” Small spaces should have small pieces and large spaces should have larger

ones. Overall, she says, the goal with the small spaces is to, keeping within the flow of the larger room, “give them a warmer or cozier feel. It’s not necessarily about being a certain colour, it’s about making it feel inviting.” LS


amazingrenovationsFROM BlAH

TO SPA!2012 Bridges Award Renovation of the Year:BathroomCENTENNIALIf there is anyone who deserves a spa retreat it is Lori Meadows. Lori and Mike Meadows are the owners of a quaint home on Paul Crescent in Saskatoon and are also the parents of three young boys. From the outside it looks like a typical family life, but there is much more than meets the eye. Two of their children have autism, creating a very busy and sometimes stressful household. For years Lori dreamt of having a beautiful spa-like bath-room where she could relax for just a few minutes. With only one full bathroom in the home that had an avocado tub from the 1960s, escaping to her existing bathroom was not quite the retreat she desired. After years of discussion, Lori and Mike finally decided to create their dream spa bathroom in a dark corner of their basement.

Lori and Mike chose Centennial for their dream renovation because they had used the company previously for all their service work and felt confident Centennial had all the people to complete their project from designers to plumbers, electricians, and carpenters. Centennial designer, Corinne Kaye, first met with the Meadows to get a feel for what they wanted out of their bathroom. After touring the Centennial showroom with them she put together 3D renderings so they could better visualize their future spa.

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The renovation featured a large freestanding tub which is one of the most comfortable tubs available due to its size. Its acrylic walls and base are also easy to clean. An alcove was also built above the tub for candles and scented soaps to create a spa-like atmo-sphere. A heated towel warmer was installed not only for luxurious comfort, but also to provide ad-ditional heat to the previously cold basement space.

A custom vanity complete with two tall linen towers was designed and installed by Centennial to provide a large amount of storage for the homeowners. The vanity was topped with a double acrylic sink and a white tiled backsplash was installed to match. An acrylic shower was also installed for an alternative option to bathing.

The final touch was the electrical rough-in for a fu-ture wall mounted LED TV across from the tub to give Lori and Mike the ultimate in-home retreat. LS


with...kitchenin

the

B y J E N N i F E R J A c O B y- S M i T H

When it comes to making delicious, award-winning food, chef Anthony McCarthy’s philosophy is simple. “Use quality ingredients, local when possible, treat them simply and with love. The food will do the rest all by itself.”

Well, almost all by itself.

McCarthy hails from “in and around Oxford”, England, where he attended cooking school at the age of 16. McCarthy worked at a classic French restaurant in Oxford, before emigrating to Canada with his parents 20 years ago.

After marrying opera singer Anastasia Winterhalt, the couple returned to her hometown – Saskatoon – to be close to her family. McCarthy took over as executive chef at The Saskatoon Club in 2007.

The couple has two boys – Jacob, 7, and Thomas, 2. Adding to the couple’s busy schedule, Winterhalt recently started LOOP – Little Opera on the Prairie – which took her on a two week tour in September.

McCarthy also won gold in the Gold Medal Plates event in Saskatoon last year. This year he’s happy to serve as judge at the competition. “I have to (cater) the VIP reception, so there’s still food to be cooked, which... your reputation is a bit on the line.”

McCarthy also travels across Canada and the world to compete and expand his cooking skills. He recently spent time in Germany as part of the support group for the Canadian Culinary Olympic team. “We were invited to go and that was beautiful,” he comments. “I was very excited.”

McCarthy prepared meals for the competitors – a very important and gruelling task during the five-day event. Eighteen hour days meant one of the breakfasts started at one in the morning.

With his wife’s career and McCarthy’s busy catering and cooking competitions, they prize menus that are healthy and simple.

“I just like to find good ingredients. It’s fun to go to the Farmer’s Market and see who’s got what and make something out of it,” says McCarthy.

McCarthy creates a fall feast highlighting simple, comforting flavours. Along with the butternut squash soup, fish and risotto, McCarthy suggests a simple quinoa salad. Cooked and cooled

ANTHONy MccARTHy


quinoa is tossed with seasonal vegetables of your choice, or cherry tomatoes seared with garlic and onion in hot oil. Drizzle with good quality olive oil and vinegar.

Fish graces the McCarthy table a couple of times a week and he shares a fast recipe with a rich butter sauce.

“I try to purvey a lot of fresh fish, so whatever day that comes in I buy fresh and bring it home for supper,” McCarthy says.

The boys share their dad’s love of quality ingredients. Thomas is perched on the edge of the counter throughout the process ready to “help” his dad with his gourmet creations. He assists his dad in plucking fresh herbs from their garden. Both are eager to try their dad’s cooking, though Jacob suggests they start with dessert.

Roasted butternut squash and apple soup1 large butternut squash6 Patience apples (Petrofka Bridge Orchard), or Macintosh 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped1 carrot, peeled and chopped2 celery sticks, chopped1 garlic clove, chopped1 sprig fresh thyme1 litre chicken or vegetable stockKosher salt and fresh ground pepper

Preheat oven to 400° F. Cut squash and apples in half, remove seeds, rub with oil, salt and pepper. Place squash flesh side down on a baking sheet with apples. Bake for 30-45 minutes, until squash is tender.

While squash is cooking, pour 2 tbsp of oil into a medium sized pot. Sweat off the onion, carrot, celery and garlic, until tender. Add stock, pinch of salt and pepper and thyme. Bring to a simmer. Once squash is cooked, scoop out flesh and add to the stock pot with the cooked apples. Pour into blender to puree or use immersion blender. Check seasoning. Serve with a dollop of crème fraiche and a little ginger (op-tional).

Pan-fried pickerel fillets with lemon, sage and white wine butter sauce2lbs pickerel fillets (Fonos Fish in the farmers market are wonderful)Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper8 leaves of sage (or other herb of your liking)1 finely diced shallot1 finely dice clove garlic1 lemon, juice and zest½ cup white wine½ cup butter

Pre-heat sauté pan. Dry the pickerel fillets on paper towel, cut into portion size if necessary. Season with salt and pepper.

Add tablespoon of butter to pan, melt until it starts to bubble. Add fish and brown on both sides.

Remove from pan, place on a serving dish. Add shallots, garlic and sage to the pan, cook for one minute. Add lemon juice, zest and white wine, reduce volume by half (2-3 minutes). Whisk in remaining butter. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, pour over fish and serve.


kitchen continued from previous page

Lentil risotto½ cup red lentils ½ cup beluga lentils ½ yellow onion, finely diced1 medium carrot, finely diced2 garlic cloves, chopped2 celery sticks, finely chopped2 cups chicken stock, or waterSalt and pepper½ cup heavy cream2 oz grated parmesan1 tbsp canola oil

Sweat the onions, carrot, celery and garlic until tender. Add the lentils, stir well for 2 minutes. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Add stock and put on a low simmer for 15-20 minutes until the lentils are tender. Finish with heavy cream, simmer a little longer, add parmesan and check the season-ing, adjust if necessary.

Brown butter hazelnut cakeMAKES 1 x 10-iNcH SPRiNG FORM PAN

175 g butter1 tbsp vanilla1 ¼ cups hazelnuts (lightly toasted)1 ¼ cups sugar2/3 cup plain flour Zest from 1 orange6 egg whites, plus ¼ cup sugar

Line bottom of 1 X 10-inch parchment, spray and flour sides. Preheat oven to 350 F.

Melt butter with vanilla, cook until lightly browned. In a food processor grind hazelnuts with flour and sugar until fine and powdery. Add the orange zest to nut mixture. Whisk egg whites with ¼ cup sugar until stiff and glossy. Add half of the nut mixture to egg whites; fold in. Add half of cooled butter. Repeat with remaining nut mixture and butter.

Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake until a wooded skewer comes out clean from the centre (35-40 minutes). LS

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Living Spaces - Winter 2012