1. They’re Only for the Rich

It’s entirely possible to have a modern home that lives up to all your expectations of style and quality without blowing your budget. High-end finishes and vaulted ceilings are nice, but there are many options that look and feel just as beautiful without breaking the bank. New build homes are the choice of many middle-class families because of the freedom and flexibility to customize the interior to suit your lifestyle.

2. There Are Hidden Costs

We’ve all heard the rumours about hidden costs when working with a builder. Sinclair Homes is a family-owned and operated company that prides itself on transparency. You will never receive an unexpected bill. In fact, the closing costs, which are usually paid to a private lender or big bank, are included in our cost — so there are no surprises.

3. All the Houses Look the Same

Designs are inspired by current trends and tend to change through the decades. Take a drive through any older neighbourhood and you’ll notice this. It’s important to us and our residents that Sinclair homes have a cohesive look and feel that is unique to each community.

4. You Don’t Know What You’re Getting

At Sinclair, we will work with you every step of the way to ensure that we turn your ideas into reality. This begins with detailed floor plans, digital simulations, and customizable updates. If you’d like to check the progress of your home, schedule a walk through with us. We’re happy to accommodate you and give you peace of mind with your new build home.

If you’re interested in more information about Sinclair Homes, take a look at our portfolio and get in touch.

The post Myths About New Build Homes appeared first on Sinclair Homes.

1. Amp up your curb appeal

The first thing potential homebuyers see is the front of your house, and there’s nothing more important than that first impression. You don’t have to completely renovate the front of your house or re-landscape, but freshening it up can have a big impact. Make sure to mow your front lawn, trim bushes and trees, put some pretty planters on your porch and rid your garden beds of weeds. Consider giving your front door a fresh coat of paint.

2. Clean your home’s exterior

In addition to making the landscaping look fresh, you should clean the front of your home as well. This means making sure your windows and doors are clean, and don’t forget about the siding and gutters. If your home doesn’t look well-maintained, potential homebuyers may begin to question whether important interior maintenance has been neglected.

3. Declutter your personal items

Personal items are what makes your house a home, but when it comes to selling, they can be a distraction. Try to remove some of the personal items from your home, like framed family photos or anything that could be seen as clutter. It’s okay to have a few personal touches here and there, but it’s important that potential homebuyers can picture themselves living in your house.

4. Clean every surface

Putting your home on the market is a great opportunity to give it that deep-clean you’ve been avoiding. Make sure to clean every surface in your home, from ceiling fans and light fixtures to baseboards and countertops. Every surface in your home should be dust- and grime-free before you welcome potential homebuyers.

5. Organize storage spaces

While it’s not typically one of the first things people look at when they visit your home, storage spaces are one of the most important features. Go through all of your closets, cupboards and anywhere else you store items and make sure they look organized. Even if you have ample storage space, if these spaces are disorganized they’ll look small and may put people off from making an offer.

6. Neutralize colours

As with the personal items in your home, brightly coloured rooms may not be attractive to potential homebuyers. Whether it’s a lime green bedroom or a bright pink bathroom, try to neutralize the colours in your home wherever you can. Making your home appear as much like a blank canvas as possible will allow visitors to picture themselves in your home.

7. Get rid of odours

One of the first things people notice when they walk into your home is the way it smells — or doesn’t smell. You may be used to the way your home smells, but it could be off-putting to visitors. Try to neutralize odours from your pets, and freshen your home up with scented candles, fabric sprays, fresh flowers, freshly baked cookies or an essential oil diffuser.

If you’re thinking about moving, Westwood Trails at Simcoe could be your new home! Learn more about this exciting new development from Sinclair Homes.

The post How To Prepare Your Home For Sale appeared first on Sinclair Homes.

Touch-Ups

Within the first 30 days after you move in, if anything needs a touch-up, we’ll cover it. This doesn’t just include paint. We make sure we leave behind ample materials to cover all touch-ups including paint, tile, flooring and more. So if you notice any imperfect tiles, paint that needs to be touched up or any other imperfections within the first 30 days, we’ll come and fix it for you at no extra charge.

House Settling

With newly built homes, sometimes the house needs a while to settle and get used to its place. This is a completely normal part of new home building and shouldn’t be a cause for concern. If you notice any signs of settling within the first year, give us a call and we will come address it.

Mechanical Warranty

Each piece of equipment in your new home comes with its own manufacturers’ warranty, but we take it one step further. If any problems arise with your furnace, water heater, or other equipment in your home within the first two years, we’ll cover it.

At Sinclair Construction in Ingersoll, we’re committed to our customers. Read more about what makes us different from other homebuilders.

The post Sinclair Construction’s After Sale Service appeared first on Sinclair Homes.

Great Value and Quality

Houses in Ingersoll give homebuyers much better value for their money. Competing communities like Kitchener and Waterloo have much higher house prices. In Ingersoll, you get lower house prices but the same great quality, especially in newer home builds.

Distance to Bigger Cities

You don’t have to live in a big city to get all of the benefits and amenities of one. Ingersoll’s prime location between London and Toronto make it a great choice for people looking for something a little quieter, but within driving distance. And moving just 20-25 minutes west of Kitchener-Waterloo still puts you within an hour and a half drive from the big city lights of Ontario’s capital, and only 20 minutes to London.

Access to the Outdoors

Whether you enjoy sports, hiking, fishing or spending the day on the lake, Ingersoll has it all. The town is surrounded by walking and hiking trails, and is a short drive to hundreds of other trails, conservation areas and camping spots. (Click here for a full list.) The Thames River is a big fishing destination, with access points stretching from Chatham to Delaware and beyond. Ingersoll is also a short drive to a number of ski and snowboard hills, resorts and more. Whatever your outdoor activity of choice, you’ll find it in or near Ingersoll.

Ingersoll is also home to a number of festivals, which take place throughout the year. To read about some of Sinclair Construction’s favourites, check out our blog!

The post The Value of Purchasing a Home in Ingersoll appeared first on Sinclair Homes.

Double Sinks

Gone are the days when you and your partner needed to battle over the sink! If you often find yourselves battling over who gets to brush their teeth first or one person taking too long to get ready, double sinks are a great way to make sure you both have the space you need. Some couples are even choosing to customize their vanities with differing wood colours to really customize the space.

Radiant Heat

No one likes the feeling of a cold tile floor in the winter. And in-floor radiant heating options mean you don’t have to suffer anymore. They’re perfect for bathrooms because the type of flooring used for bathrooms is often cold and hard, like ceramic tile, porcelain tile or other natural stone. You can use them all year round, but they make a huge difference in the winter especially.

Separate Shower & Tub

All-in-one shower and bathtub units come standard in almost any new home build. But if you want one bathroom upgrade that will make a huge impact, consider a stand-alone shower and a separate tub. It not only changes the look and feel of your bathroom, it also gives you a ton of options for things like style and placement. Consider a classic claw-foot soaker tub if you love to relax at the end of the long day, or a huge shower with benches and a rainfall shower head. The options are endless!

At Sinclair Homes, we offer a wide range of upgrades for your new home to fit your needs and budget. Contact us today to find out more!

The post How to Customize Your Bathroom for Your Lifestyle appeared first on Sinclair Homes.

1) Can I have higher insulation levels?

All new homes built in Ontario have to adhere to certain laws and building codes, including those surrounding insulation levels. But there is room for upgrading to a higher insulation level. Ask your builder if you can have this upgrade – they likely won’t present it to you as an option, so make sure to be proactive.

2) Is all of the equipment Energy Star certified?

It’s not just the house itself that should be energy efficient – all of the equipment that is installed in your new home should be Energy Star certified. This certification guarantees that your equipment meets the highest energy efficiency standards. Products that should be Energy Star certified include your furnace, water heater, air exchanger, windows and doors.

3) What type of insulation is being used above the garage?

If you have living quarters above the garage in your new home, like bedrooms or a loft living space, ask your builder what type of insulation they’re using for the garage: foam or regular insulation. The regular insulation used for garages is not enough. Because most garages don’t have heating or cooling vents in them, it’s important to keep the temperatures of the living spaces regulated by installing extra insulation in the garage ceiling.

4) How airtight is the home?

Newly built homes often use advanced air sealing techniques to ensure that the home is airtight. This involves sealing any seams, joints and openings in the building during construction. Make sure your builder is using these techniques. Waiting until after construction is complete to seal gaps with caulking isn’t as effective at improving your home’s energy efficiency.

5) What are my options for energy efficient appliances?

When you’re buying a new build home, it’s not unusual for the appliances to come standard with the purchase. But if you do choose to buy appliances straight from the builder, make sure you’re getting the most energy efficient option. Energy Star appliances are widely available and can make a huge impact on your utility costs and carbon footprint, so ask your builder if these are an option for you.

At Sinclair Construction in Ingersoll, we pride ourselves on our highly energy efficient new homes. Contact us for more information about our commitment to the environment!

The post Questions to Ask Your Builder About Your New Home’s Energy Efficiency appeared first on Sinclair Homes.

You Don’t Need to Find a Contractor

When searching for your new home, finding a resale home that has everything you’re looking for is rare. Whether it’s replacing the floors or installing a brand new kitchen, you’re bound to need a contractor for something. If you’re buying a new build home, the contractor is there with you every step of the way – you don’t need to seek one out.

There’s Room for Customization

Why buy a home that isn’t quite what you want, when you can have the home of your dreams built for you? Sinclair Construction’s very own Joanne Buder helps all of our clients with every detail of their new home to ensure your new home is exactly how you envision it. You’ll receive a complimentary design consultation where you will personalize your home from start to finish. We will expertly guide you through the design and selection process to make your dream home become reality. Joanne is well-known for providing great design services and extensive advice to new homeowners. While some companies may expect you to make all of your decisions within an hour, Joanne sometimes spends hours at a time with a single customer to choose every design element and amenity.

You Get a Warranty

Resale homes don’t come with a warranty, and if you hire a contractor to help renovate your older home, they’re not guaranteed to give you a warranty either. With new builds, you always receive a warranty on your home. In Ontario, all home builders are required by the government to offer warranties and meet coverage requirements set forth by the provincial government.

We Can Make Your Home Accessible

Do you or someone in your family have accessibility requirements? Adapting your resale home to make it more accessible can be a pain – and sometimes it’s not even possible. If you have mobility issues or accessibility requirements, we can work with you to create a custom design layout to fit you and your family’s needs.

Contact Sinclair Construction in Ingersoll today to find out how else we can help you build the house of your dreams.

The post Top Benefits of Customizing Your Home with the Builder appeared first on Sinclair Homes.

Adding A Loft

Transforming the attic of your home into a loft is an excellent use of space. Consider it like your basement, but with more light! Lofts are the perfect space for a master bedroom or guest room, and are unique and cozy. Making use of this traditionally unused space adds extra, useable square footage to your home and is a great way to expand on homes like bungalows. By updating your attic into a loft, you can better maximize space.

Customizing Your Kitchen

It’s no secret that beautiful, customized kitchens are a huge pull for home buyers. But they’re also one of the first things people think about when they think of their dream home. Whether you’re an avid cook who loves the idea of a chef’s kitchen, or simply want something clean and functional, upgrading your kitchen is a smart way to spend your money. Invest in newer, energy-efficient appliances that will save you energy and money.

Customizing Your Bathrooms

We spend a lot of time in our bathrooms, so it makes sense that your dream home would have an updated bathroom. Like kitchens, any investment in customizing your bathroom will see a big return when you come to sell. Custom additions like new light fixtures, water-efficient toilets and large tiled and glass showers are all excellent investments that won’t just make your bathroom feel luxurious, but will also greatly increase the value of your home.

We’re one of the leading home builders when it comes to energy efficiency and beautiful craftsmanship. Check out some of our past projects in our gallery!

The post 3 Things to Consider When Designing Your Dream Home appeared first on Sinclair Homes.

Ingersoll Ribfest

Every June, the Downtown Ingersoll BIA holds its annual Ribfest in downtown Ingersoll. With tribute bands, food and activities for the whole family, it’s a great way to try some delicious ribs and support local charities.

Canterbury Folk Festival

This free, three-day music festival and craft show in July can’t be missed! Featuring some of the best Canadian bands, children’s stage and activities, crafters, food vendors, a beer tent and more, there’s plenty to do for the whole family. Plus, the Friday night pig roast and Breakfast in the Park on Saturday and Sunday are one-of-a-kind!

Harvest Festival

The Harvest Festival, held in August, is five whole days of family fun! This festival celebrates Ingersoll’s agricultural past with activities, wine and food, and sidewalk sales. Plus, head to Centennial Park to check out threshing demonstrations, lawn tractor races and children’s activities!

Passport to the Arts

Ingersoll is known for its cheese, but it also has a vibrant arts and cultural community! And the best way to experience it is with the Passport to the Arts. Every October, take a tour of our community’s artists and cultural groups including theatre, music, photography, painting and more! Get a stamp at each place you visit and you could win a prize.

Santa’s Village

Nothing ushers in the festive season like Ingersoll’s Santa’s Village! Outdoor winter activities and seasonal crafts abound at this family event, and is the entrance to another popular Ingersoll event: the Festival of Lights. Visit with Santa, ride the Red Nosed Wagon Express, and check out all of the award-winning light displays!

For more festivals, visit the town of Ingersoll’s calendar of events.

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1) Reduced utility costs

Implementing energy-saving tactics throughout your home can save you lots of money on your utility bills. Energy efficient appliances, light bulbs and other seemingly small parts of your home can have a big impact. Plus, energy efficient homes are better sealed, meaning you’ll lose less warm air in the winter and cold air in the summer.

2) Increased comfort levels

One of the reasons that energy efficient homes save you money also makes your home more comfortable. Energy efficient homes are sealed better and have a greater degree of air tightness. You won’t have to struggle with adjusting and re-adjusting the thermostat to keep your home comfortable: it will maintain a certain temperature for longer.

3) Better indoor air quality

Do you suffer from allergies or respiratory concerns? Then you’ll know the importance of good indoor air quality. But even if you don’t have any sensitivities to dust or pollutants, good air quality in your home is important for your health. Each home we build has air exchangers built-in which bring fresh air inside and help you breathe a little better.

4) Reduced environmental impact

A home that’s built with energy-saving standards uses less fuel and electricity, which makes it better for the environment. More energy efficient homes means less greenhouse gas emissions and a reduction in your carbon footprint. They also help us to rely less on oil, natural gas and coal, which will make our natural resources last longer.

5) Access to better rebates & mortgage rates

While it’s not guaranteed, as the Ontario government starts to implement more laws and regulations regarding environmental friendliness, there will be the potential for more incentives for homeowners to be more energy efficient. Some homeowners may have access to better mortgage rates, rebates from CMHC for Energy Star homes, and even rebates from gas and other utility companies.

In 2019, the Ontario government will be implementing a law as part of its Climate Change Action Plan, requiring all new homes to be rated based on their efficiency – something that Sinclair Construction has already begun. Each home has a sticker with a rating between one and 100. By 2022, homeowners will need to meet a minimum energy efficiency rating to be able to sell a home.

Find out more about our belief in energy efficiency, community and more!

The post 5 Reasons to Buy an Energy Efficient Home appeared first on Sinclair Homes.