New Homes
New Homes
Maximum space, maximum light
In some new designs, sales brochures might say a home has a "wall of windows" in the great room.
Then, when you actually view the home, you find that claim to be only partially true. While the great room is thoroughly open-concept (though perhaps maybe not as open-concept as you'd like, seeing as you like to entertain and be able to keep tabs on your kids from the kitchen when they're playing), the windows are really only a half wall of windows.
Well, that's not the case with the ultra-open-concept great room in one of Gino's Homes' newest show homes, a two-storey, 2,196-sq.-ft. design found at 48 Dennis Lindsay Rd. in Bridgewood Estates.
"Let's just say this is a very open-concept home, with nine-foot ceilings throughout the main floor, plus a 25-foot vaulted ceiling above the living room/dining room area," said Gino's sales representative for the home, Re/Max Executives' Goy Sengmany. "This is a very bright, airy home."
That statement isn't just a bunch of pumped-up realtorspeak. Walk into the great room, and it doesn't take long to come to the conclusion it's perhaps one of the brightest, most voluminous great rooms any builder offers.
"There actually is a wall of windows on the rear wall," said Sengmany, gesturing toward a wall that's filled with a series of huge windows down low, and then another series of mid-sized windows up high. "I like the fact that the Gino's design team put as many windows in key spots to maximize the inflow of natural light. Right now, the lower window shades are drawn, but it's still incredibly bright. All the (tri-pane) windows really open up the great room."
It turns out the great room is only the start of the glass-ification. Head upstairs and there are three angled windows on the wall to the left of the staircase allowing daylight to flow in in unabated fashion.
Venture into a walk-in closet, the laundry room -- even the main-floor powder room -- and each room is outfitted with a large window to let the light shine in. Heck, there's even a window between the powder room and laundry room to let in even more light.
While all the light makes for a cheerful interior, the home's intuitive layout makes for a home that flows and functions exceptionally well. Case in point is the great room, which features three well-proportioned spaces: an island kitchen, a massive dining area and an equally large living room.
"People who've come through the home so far have said they not only like the open design and all the light, but the fact it's not only a great family home, but that it's also ideal for entertaining -- the great room's design lends itself to both," he said. "Visitors have said they're also impressed with the finishing quality. That's not surprising, because that's what Gino's is known for."
The finishes are at once modern and traditional: whitewashed oak hardwoods, white quartz countertops and a grey glass tile backsplash that mesh well with the stainless appliances and stainless hood vent that's suspended stylishly over a built-in cooktop.
For contrast, the Gino's design team then opted to install a plethora of espresso maple cabinets, including a pantry to the right of the refrigerator and an espresso maple door that fronts the adjacent (and big) walk-in pantry.
It's not only bigger than normal, but contains another novel feature, said Sengmany.
"It also has a window; you don't see many pantries with windows, or windows that huge. Overall, this is such a well-designed area. There's seating for four at the (nine-foot) island, the dining area easily holds a table for four, and the living room is a great area to visit in with the hardwoods, high ceiling and a gorgeous (grey/terra cotta) cultured stone fireplace."
Meanwhile, the home's upper level is very nearly as bright as the main level due to large windows in every room, plus the light radiating into it from the windows on the great room's rear wall. Sengmany said the master suite encapsulates the home's design.
"It's massive with a huge picture window that takes up three-quarters of its rear wall, so it's an incredibly bright space. It's big, too, with plenty of room for a chaise lounge, queen-size bed, TV entertainment unit and a dresser."
Then, there's its crowning touch, an expansive, beautifully finished ensuite.
"Again, it's a nice, big space -- there's lots of room to move. For those who enjoy baths, there's a nice, deep six-foot air-jet soaker tub (set in white tile) with a big window above it," he said. "You also get a five-foot shower with rain-shower head, and a large walk-in closet with tons of built-in storage including a four-tiered shoe rack, a nice touch that women love."
Not surprisingly, the two secondary bedrooms are a good size, with (what else) huge windows. The view from the catwalk next to the landing (and that leads to the first kids' bedroom) looking down on the great room is also spectacular.
Downstairs, another 1,200 sq. ft. of liveable space awaits, bringing the home's total living space to almost 3,400 sq. ft.
"You can put in a rec room, bathroom and even two more bedrooms if you want to," added Sengmany. "This is a big, beautifully finished and well-designed home that offers exceptional value in a great neighbourhood."
lewys@mts.net
New Homes
Get the most out of the Fall Parade of Homes
The 2013 Fall Parade of Homes began with a bang. Crowds for the first week have been terrific. The weather has been a pleasant mix of warm and cool, so you could take your pick of prime new home visiting weather. 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 131 fantastic new homes 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 neighbourhoods have multiple homes being shown and so you will probably park in one location and walk to all of the homes in that area. Upon entering each new home, you must take off your street shoes in order to tour. Given that some subdivisions have over ten 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 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. Bring along your Parade magazine or follow the listings on your smart phone.
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. There are entire new neighbourhoods to discover and builders with unique designs. That hidden gem might just be your next new home.
Talk to the Agents
The sales agents know their show homes. Ask them about anything -- unique features, energy savings, specific materials and what makes this particular home special. These individuals are a wealth of knowledge and will make your visit interesting and informative.
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 detail. You can visit each home as often as you want, so as not to miss a thing. It's all about what interests you. Enjoy the 2013 Fall Parade of Homes.
Mike Moore is the president of the Manitoba Homebuilders' Association
New Homes
Allow the housing market to maintain itself
Finance Minister Jim Flaherty recently announced that he's satisfied with the Canadian housing market and he has no plans to intervene further.
As you may recall, the federal government shortened the length of mortgages from 35 to 30 years, and then to 25 years, in response to concerns about the condo markets in Toronto and Vancouver. However, the minister has said the markets in those two centres have calmed.
It now appears that the initial shock of a shortened mortgage period has faded and Canada's strong economy will support the current market.
Although Canada's economic situation is in good shape, there are still concerns about the American and European economies. In particular, there's the question of whether the U.S. Federal Reserve will eliminate the monthly stimulus or fiscal easing practice. The fear, of course, is the potential for inflation.
While job growth is always strongest in the summer, moderate long-term economic growth is still projected for Canada over the next two years. Canadians are saving more and their debt-servicing ratio continues to gradually fall.
It's interesting to note a survey of home-buying intentions over the next year peaked on the west coast and gradually declined moving east. B.C. had the highest percentage, followed by a dead heat among Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Considerably lower was Ontario, then Quebec and finally the Atlantic provinces. But the east coast is expected to bounce back due to some pending long-term mega-projects.
On a civic level, Edmonton appears to be showing the largest increase in housing starts this year. Other large markets are expected to bounce back in 2014, although Regina and Winnipeg probably won't reach the lofty heights they experienced in the record year of 2012.
A trend that has been a staple in Winnipeg for years has started to take hold throughout the rest of Canada. We have always had rather low new home inventories because there is not a lot of speculative building here. New-home builds are based on new-home sales. That has not held true in other parts of the country, where a "build-it-and-they-will-come" attitude has been more prevalent.
Perhaps a little Prairie sensibility when it comes to spending is exactly what Canada needs.
Mike Moore is the president of the Manitoba Homebuilders' Association
