Perhaps it is the lights, the smell of fresh baked cookies, or just the sound of laughter and excitement but there is something very magical about this time of year.  And at such a wonderful time, it is no wonder that we reflect with gratitude on the year that has just passed.  This year was one of exciting new projects and an ever-growing client family. After all, we don’t just build houses, we build relationships and custom homes…our client’s homes –your home!  And because we have gotten to know our clients so well, it seems only natural to extend our very best wishes, from our family to yours… may you have a wonderful Christmas with family and friends in your new home or newly renovated home.   Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of your project and to get to know you!

In 2015, it should be no surprise that many Canadians work from home. Whether you run a household, a small business, or simply have flexibility with your employer for the location of your workday, one thing is certain, you need an organized, comfortable space to be effective. A home office needs to be more than just a stylish place that you enjoy being in; it needs to have the space to properly house all of the equipment you utilize, store supplies and have a workable desk surface.

A ‘Man Cave’ should certainly speak to the man that occupies and enjoys the space, but it doesn’t have to be a true cave. When creating a ‘Man Cave’, it is important to consider the following planning tips:

A spare room and not knowing what to do with it, now that is a problem some people would love to have. But for others, this is a real dilemma and for many something that does in fact happen at some point down the road. Children move out leaving unused bedrooms dining rooms are being abandoned for the family-friendly eat in kitchen, sunrooms just aren’t used for most of the year, and then there is the basement that is simply unused because it is a basement or undefined space.

High energy bills plague many home owners. The best way to reduce energy consumption and reduce costs is to reduce consumption habits—be conscientious about your own usage and spread the message to others.

In recent years, a common trend in custom home renovations has been to “open things up”.  Homeowners are transforming their existing conventional houses into their dream homes by knocking down walls and adding structural beams to combine their kitchen, dining room, and living areas. 

Men have their “man caves,” the space where they go to get away from it all, but what does that leave for women?

Kitchens are one of the most popular custom home renovations.  The reasoning behind it can vary from homeowner to homeowner, but if done right, can be one of the best returns on your investment for resale of your home.  The kitchen has become the heart of the home; it is the primary family gathering place, so these renovations are unique to each family dynamic.  They are greatly dependent on lifestyle, budget, personal tastes, and available space - and thus require careful planning. Consider the following: