New Homes
New Homes
Mike Holmes coming to Home Expressions
SO you've just spent the past three weeks touring show homes during the Spring Parade of Homes. You now have a wide variety of ideas for your new dream home or an even wider variety of ideas regarding how to turn your existing home into a dreamier one.
However, you don't know where to go or who to see to make your dreams reality. Look no further than the Home Expressions Home and Garden Show.
Home Expressions is taking place March 31 through April 3 on all three floors of the Winnipeg Convention Centre. The show is packed with over 360 exhibitors, --the largest and most comprehensive such show in the province.
The list is too long for this column, but let's just say that anything you need for inside your home, your yard, garden or cottage will be on display at Home Expressions.
The Garden Court on the third floor will feature flowers, trees and shrubs, all placed in a beautiful and natural environment complete with water features, landscaping and paving designs. Don't miss the always popular Designer's Row on the first floor.
The second-floor Lifestyle Stage will present a wide variety of speakers on the hour, giving you expert advice on many interesting topics.
Speaking of interesting speakers talking about your home, does it get any bigger or better than Mike Holmes? The star of HGTV's Holmes on Homes will be in Winnipeg as part of Home Expressions, doing two presentations open to the public.
The first is Friday, April 1 at 7 p.m. and the second is Saturday, April 2 at 1 p.m. Both are in the second-floor ballroom of the Delta Hotel, conveniently attached by indoor walkway to the convention centre. What is even more special is that your $20 admission ticket to see Mike Holmes also gets you into Home Expressions.
If the timing of Mike's presentations doesn't fit your schedule, you can come to Home Expressions for the low admission of $12. Tickets are available in advance at Rona stores or through TicketMaster at the door.
All the home and garden products and services you will need are on display at Home Expressions March 31-April 3 at the convention centre. Why drive all over town when everything is under one roof?
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association.
New Homes
Latest and greatest home designs on display
THE Spring Parade of Homes has started with a bang with tremendous interest being shown. If the first week was any indication, crowds will continue to grow as the Parade progresses.
Each year, we print a primer for Parade attendees; just a couple of tips to maximize your enjoyment of the Parade of Homes. For the benefit of Parade veteran and rookie attendees, the Manitoba Home Builders' Association offers the following tips for a successful Parade:
Wear comfortable slip-on shoes
There are 95 fantastic new homes available to visit. Although you likely won't get to all of them, you will find yourself trying to get to as many as possible. Many of the subdivisions have multiple homes being shown, so you will probably park in one location and walk to all of the homes in that neighbourhood. Given that some subdivisions have over 10 homes open for viewing and you don't want to miss a thing, that's a lot of bending and lacing. Therefore, be sure to wear a comfortable walking shoe that easily slips on and off. It will make your visit that much more enjoyable.
Map a strategy
If you have a particular destination site, make sure you look for additional homes along the way to visit. Many of the subdivisions are in close proximity to each other and it's easy to get to a number of them in one tour.
Don't forget the one-offs
Although there is tremendous variety in those subdivisions that have multiple homes, make sure you visit those areas with a single listing. That hidden gem might just be your next new home.
Talk to the agents
The sales agents know their show homes. Ask them about --unique features, energy savings, specific materials and what makes this particular home special. These individuals are a wealth of knowledge and, in the event they don't have the answer, they will find out and get back to you in short order.
Have fun
The Parade of Homes is an enjoyable three weeks where you can see the latest and greatest in new homes. You can go as fast or slow as you want, taking in the big picture or concentrating on a small detail. Enjoy the 2011 Spring Parade of Homes.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association.
New Homes
Everyone loves a (new homes) Parade
THE 2011 Spring Parade of Homes officially opens at noon today and runs through Sunday, March 27.
Due to popular demand, the Spring Parade has expanded from its customary two weeks to three. There simply wasn't enough time to see all of the terrific new styles and designs in only two weeks. The Manitoba Home Builders' Association is proud to present 95 new homes on display for everyone to enjoy.
Show home hours are Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m.-8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from noon-6 p.m. Show homes are closed on Fridays except by prior appointment.
Sales staff are in each home, ready to explain its unique and special features. Ask about the various builders and suppliers. MHBA new home builders pride themselves on building the best new homes in Canada.
This year, 37 builders are featuring the finest new homes in 26 subdivisions. Both single-family detached homes and condominiums are on display. In addition to Winnipeg, there will be show homes in seven other cities and towns. Quality, choice and affordability are all key components for each new home.
The Spring Parade of Homes has something for everyone. If you're looking for that first new home, this is your opportunity to see the widest variety at one time. If you're considering selling your existing home for more space, less space, more yard, less yard, newer amenities and a different design, everything that you could possibly be looking for is featured at the Spring Parade.
If you missed the Parade magazine in your Winnipeg Free Press home delivery, it is available online at www.homebuilders.mb.ca or www.winnipegfreepress.com. You can also pick up a copy at any Steinbach Credit Union.
A special feature of the 2011 Spring Parade of Homes will be the interactive discussion occurring on Facebook. Reviewers will be commenting about each home on the Parade of Homes site and we invite other Parade attendees to submit their comments and questions. You will also be able to follow live visits on Twitter.
Another new feature this year is the introduction of QR codes on homes that will allow you to see additional pictures or videos of the homes before or after you visit.
Come early and come often to the Spring Parade of Homes.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association.