New Homes
New Homes
Reno seminar aims to fulfill your dreams
Winter can't last forever, can it? Eventually, the snow has to melt, the ground has to thaw and the flowers and grass have to grow.
We've been locked inside our houses for far too long this year and, when we finally do get out, we're going out with a vengeance. There is so much to do in what seems like so little time. It's difficult to decide what to do first and how to do it.
We love to renovate. Winnipeggers indicate that they plan to do a renovation this year more than any other city in Canada. Manitobans spend over $2 billion per year on renovations.
Whether it's an exterior renovation demanding warmer weather and no snow or an interior renovation for which you would like to open the windows and let some air in, we're waiting for warmer weather. We don't need to wait any longer, because all of the information that we have been looking for is available this coming Wednesday.
The Manitoba Home Builders' Association is presenting a free renovation seminar on Wednesday, May 1 at 6:30 p.m. at the Norwood Hotel. Expert representatives of the RenoMark Renovators Council will be on hand to tell you all you need to know in order to plan that next renovation project.
All aspects of a renovation will be discussed. You'll learn about planning the project, creating a list of what needs to be done and establishing a realistic budget. You will learn how to select the best renovator for your project and what to demand in terms of professionalism.
Manitoba Hydro will share how you can save money and access rebates through utilization of energy-efficient strategies.
City of Winnipeg personnel will tell you what you need to know about when a zoning variance is needed and when permits are and aren't required. They will also share information on how to access city services in order to make the project go smoother.
Representatives from Steinbach Credit Union also will present innovative ideas on how to best finance and pay for your renovation within your budget.
There will be a number of professional RenoMark renovators on hand to answer your questions, so bring your drawings, concepts and dreams to the free Renovation Seminar. Register in advance at any Steinbach Credit Union.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders, Association.
New Homes
Living the dream
Artista Homes' Frank Cotroneo said the goal is the same for every home the 10-year-old custom builder builds.
"We always try to design homes that are innovative and unique," he said. "Our design team is always bursting with ideas. If they're doable, we'll do our best to bring those ideas to life in a fashionable, functional way."
Case in point is 62 Sage Creek Crescent, a.k.a., the recent St. Boniface Mega Millions Lottery 2013 showhome, a two-storey design with walk-out basement and over 3,700 sq. ft. of total living space.
"Because this was a lottery home, we went to extra lengths to create a liveable home with unique living spaces and a modern feel," explained Cotroneo. "The design is outside the box, yet functional. Feedback on the home has been phenomenal."
Little wonder; the moment you step into the great room area -- the family room, to be precise -- the imaginative design and use of materials notifies you that this is no run-of-the-mill residence.
"One of the first things we did was put a vaulted ceiling in the family room. It's not only 14 feet high, but it (along with the rear wall) is lined with whitewashed pine. It would have been easy just to put in drywall, but we wanted to do something different," he said.
The next obvious difference is the use of concrete throughout the great room. The family room's focal point (aside from the wetland view displayed through a huge three-piece window with transoms above), a ribbon-style fireplace, is framed by a concrete surround with weathered, bolt-on iron accents. Concrete beams and pillars also define both the dining room and kitchen areas.
"You know, the concrete beams and pillars were a lot of work to put in, but were worth the effort. They not only provide definition, but a different look. There's a lot of space for everyone to enjoy, and there's also good separation between spaces -- they're defined by the concrete beams and pillars, and actual space between the areas," Cotroneo said.
Placed between the family room and kitchen, the dining area is a highly functional space due its practical, yet fashionable design.
"The actual eating area is huge, and is next to a bar with its own island on one side that's great for entertaining. On the other side is a sunroom with five windows and four skylights above; it's a great spot to sip your morning coffee looking out over the wetlands, or to enjoy a beverage with company," he said. "We lined the skylights with whitewashed pine to give the area an extra bit of warmth."
Meanwhile, the adjacent kitchen is a modern space with its linear Euro-style pull up cabinets (with glass centres), pantries on either side of the oven and microwave, 10-foot (black) granite island and wealth of counter and cabinet space (cabinets are charcoal maple).
Cotroneo added that his design team managed to sneak a traditional feature in for good measure.
"They decided it would be kind of neat to put in double sink beneath a big, low-silled window on the back wall," he said. "It works really well, as it allows you to enjoy the amazing view while you wash the dishes. There's also a (14-foot by 14-foot) deck off the kitchen that overlooks the lake, and a wing behind the kitchen that contains a laundry room, powder room and entrance to the garage."
The home's upper level features a split-level design. The first level -- set eight steps up from a landing with two adjacent huge windows that flood the stairwell with light -- features a huge flex room. Three steps up from that level awaits two bedrooms, a four-piece main bath and master suite that is the home's piece de resistance.
"We're really pleased with how the flex room turned out -- with its nine windows, vaulted ceiling and door that leads to a balcony that has a tyndalstone front for privacy, it's a space that could be used as an office or workout room," he said.
Artista's design team went to town with the master suite, which is chock-a-bloc with Wow Factor, starting with a wall of windows that afford an elevated view of the wetlands below. To the right, a concrete wall with faux finish frames the bed, while a heated grey (24-inch by 48 inch) ceramic tile floor -- it also runs through the entire great room -- adds contrast and welcome warmth underfoot.
There's plenty more Wow Factor in the ensuite, said Cotroneo.
"It's open to the master suite, with a three-sided gas fireplace to subtly divide the two spaces," he said. "It's luxuriously appointed with a free-standing soaker tub, seven foot custom tile shower with two rain shower heads, body sprays and a bench. There's also dual floating vanities (charcoal maple/black granite), each with a TV built into the mirror, too."
The home's lower level is just as bright as its main level with a walk-out design that placed three windows in the media area (which contains a gas fireplace, whitewashed pine TV niche and wet bar with island) and five windows and door to a covered patio off the games area. A big fourth bedroom, three-piece bath and storage room finish off a basement that feels like an extension of the main level due to light and amazing water view.
"I think it's a home that's unique, modern and, above all, liveable," said Cotroneo. "It's a bit different with all its different design features, but it's functional, and the view is amazing."
lewys@mts.net
DETAILS
BUILDER: Artista Homes
ADDRESS: 62 Silver Sage Crescent, Sage Creek
STYLE: Two-storey
SIZE: 3,700-plus sq. ft. of living space including walk-out basement
BEDROOMS: 4
BATHROOMS: 3.5
LOT SIZE: 58' x 170'
LOT COST: $204,000 (including GST)
PRICE: $989,900 (Includes land & net GST)
Contact: Jennifer Gulay, Royal LePage Alliance @ (204) 794-9464
New Homes
New, resale markets expected to stay strong
Preliminary housing start numbers in the Winnipeg Census Metropolitan Area for the month of March were up significantly over last year. Single-family detached houses were up by 44 per cent, while multi-family units almost doubled last March's total.
Given that the start numbers for January and February were slightly behind last year's pace, the good news from this past month served to keep new housing numbers on par with what was the best year for new-home starts in more than 25 years. All indications are that 2013 and 2014 will be comparable to last year.
Although consumers have become generally more cautious across Canada, optimism remains strong in Manitoba. Given the high demand for resale houses in Winnipeg, the purchase of a new home remains a sound investment.
Alberta and Manitoba now have the strongest resale markets in Canada. Given the extremely low number of listings per capita in Winnipeg, demand will continue to be high.
The renovation market also remains solid. Given that Winnipeg has the third-oldest housing stock in Canada, and the penchant for living in the 'old neighbourhood' that Winnipeggers seem to have, we continue to lead the country in intentions to renovate. More than 58 per cent of us have indicated a project on the horizon this year.
Other factors having a positive influence on the residential construction industry are population growth and interest rates. Last year, Alberta (three per cent), Saskatchewan (two per cent) and Manitoba (1.2 per cent) were the provincial leaders in population growth, all ahead of the national average of 1.1 per cent.
Mortgage rates are projected to continue at current low rates. The U.S. is not likely to change its rates until unemployment gets under control, somewhere in 2015. Therefore, rates are not likely to move much in Canada either.
Where the government and lenders have impacted new-home purchases is in the area of tightened credit conditions. Hopeful buyers, especially first-time buyers, will have to satisfy increased lender standards.
Any softening of the market on a national scale is projected to occur in the high-rise market in a couple of Canada's larger urban centres. Given that our market presents a healthy balance between single-family detached and multi-family, and that our multi-family is not dependent upon high-rise, the Winnipeg and Manitoba new home markets are projected to remain strong throughout this year.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association.
New Homes
Cheapest reno deal not always the best
Home renovations continue to be a popular topic in Winnipeg and across the country.
The fact that our city has the third-oldest housing stock in Canada (behind Halifax and Montreal) generally translates into the need for renovations. In fact, more Manitobans have indicated their intent to renovate their homes this year than any other province.
Perhaps it's in our nature to see something absolutely fabulous at the Kitchen Bath and Renovation Show, Home Expressions or the Parade of Homes and want to introduce that concept into our owns homes.
If you take the necessary steps to avoid certain pitfalls a renovation can be both exciting and rewarding.
First, remember that the cheapest deal is not necessarily the best deal. This is a close-knit community, so everyone knows someone who knows someone who is handy with a hammer, and that someone may be willing to do the job on the side for cash, no questions asked.
Just think of the money you can save by not paying PST and GST. You'll save even more by not taking out permits, fiddling with cumbersome contracts or worrying about insurance.
Bad ideas all around.
A RenoMark renovator provides a detailed written contract for all jobs. Why is this important? If you don't have a contract, you don't have any control over the scope of work to be done. Furthermore, when the job is finished, you don't have any proof the job was ever done. If there's a problem with materials or labour, you're left holding the bag.
A RenoMark renovator takes out all necessary licences and permits and carries $2 million in liability insurance. Why is this important? If you don't take out the required permits, the job never legally happened. In the event of an accident, fire, flood or other problem, you may find you are not insured for damage.
Whoever takes out the permits is the prime contractor. If someone tries to talk you into putting the permits in your name to save money, you're on the hook for all liability insurance, worker's compensation and other expenses.
A RenoMark worksite is a safe and professional worksite. Anything less is not worth the risk. Consult the RenoMark (www.renomark.ca) and MHBA
(www.homebuilders.mb.ca) websites for more information.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association.
New Homes
Prairies seeing increase in first-time buyers
A recent Pulse survey was conducted by the Canadian Home Builders' Association with assistance from the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation and Natural Resources Canada. The survey was nationwide and involved new-home builders and renovators.
We will be looking at the combined results from Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
Combined new-home starts are projected to be almost identical in 2013 to what occurred in 2012, which was an extremely positive year. Given that numbers for the rest of Canada are expected to dip approximately eight per cent, this bodes even better for the Prairies.
Similarly, renovators in these two provinces are expecting an increase in activity for this year, with one-third expecting an increase and the other two-thirds anticipating business to be about the same.
Full-time employment in the residential construction industry is expected to be up over a year ago. As stated in earlier columns, the entire construction industry is experiencing a shortage in skilled labour.
One interesting occurrence already being experienced is an increase in traffic for first-time home buyers. This may be because of the extremely tight resale market in both provinces that has resulted in fewer listings, competitive bidding and a closer price margin.
Although new-home prices continue to increase in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, they have not typically done so at the same rate as resale homes.
Finally, the survey asked new-home builders about their greatest problems.
Over 50 per cent stated rising serviced lot prices, over 40 per cent stated rising development charges, and over 40 per cent stated shortages in serviced lots. Before the shovel even hits the ground, builders are being hit with expenses beyond their control. These charges, often applied by government-related agencies, are the greatest threat to housing affordability.
The next-highest item mentioned (25 per cent) was the shortage in available financing, resultant from changes in CMHC and Bank of Canada regulations. The feeling is that the knee-jerk reaction to problems in centres such as Toronto and Vancouver resulted in legislation that curtailed activity on the Prairies, where this problem did not exist.
Finally, issues such as code changes, rising building material costs, building code changes and zoning attitudes each garnered over 20 per cent.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association.
New Homes
Federal budget contains good news for a change
The recent federal budget announcement by Finance Minister Jim Flaherty has a number of good news commitments assuming all goes according to schedule. In relation to residential construction, there were items which will have a positive impact and a few areas that unfortunately went missing.
Infrastructure improvements are critically necessary right across the country and we see plenty of evidence of these needs in Winnipeg and throughout Manitoba. The long-term commitment by Ottawa for infrastructure funding is very important now and for future generations.
Some communities in Canada are financing community infrastructure by placing additional tax burdens upon new development and resale home buyers. This short-sightedness will result in a halt to economic growth and a decrease in housing affordability for future generations. Infrastructure improvement is everybody's business.
The New Canada Job Grant shows tremendous potential. An investment of $500 million to enhance employment opportunities for skilled labour may be a step in the right direction. Construction in Manitoba will need over 10,000 new entrants in the workforce over the next eight years.
The province of Manitoba recognizes that there is a need to create 75,000 jobs over a similar time period. If employers, provinces and the federal government can work together on this initiative, some of this shortfall may be alleviated.
Assistance offered to small business and the manufacturing industry will not only help produce domestic products that can be used in the construction of Canadian homes, but can also keep Canadians working in this sector, thereby enabling them to pursue home ownership.
One area where the federal budget fell short was in the domestic underground economy. The minister was quite diligent in targeting international tax cheating, but seemed to forget about what is happening at home.
The Home Renovation Tax Credit of a few years ago went a long way in combatting illegal contracting by identifying tax cheats. It was a small-c conservative budget that shows many honourable intentions, including a balanced budget and elimination of the deficit on the horizon. It will take a united effort to accomplish this, not increased rhetoric.
The well-being of our communities depends on more skilled labour, healthy infrastructure and housing choice and affordability.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association.
