Sinclair Homes is proud to introduce the Nestings Community! Simcoe’s newest home community is synonymous with luxury bungalow living, embracing nature and healthy living inside and out. Whether you are looking put down roots to start your family, or you are looking to scale down and are gearing up for a safe, happy and quieter days in your life, you will find the Nestings Community is a perfect fit for you. Here are 5 reasons you will love “nesting” into your new Sinclair home.

Simcoe Is The Best Of Both Worlds

You get the best of both worlds living in this friendly neighbourhood town. Residents are drawn to its small-town charm and its large selection of amenities for all ages. Relax on some of Ontario’s most beautiful beaches as Lake Erie is just a 15-minute drive. Take a trip into nearby big cities such as Hamilton, only 40 minutes from your new home or Toronto and Niagara Falls, just 1.5 hours away. A major attraction is Simcoe’s low cost of living providing more opportunities for a balanced lifestyle.

Norfolk County was named on Maclean’s list of Canada’s safest places to live in 2019! Which is why Simcoe is the perfect town for your growing family and aging in place.

Feel Good In Your Home

Sinclair Homes’ energy-efficient homes program is a testament of quality built homes. In addition to the functional home designs, maximizing living space and homes with curb appeal,  Sinclair Homes are built for a healthier living inside and out, affordable luxury, lower carbon footprint on the environment, lower operating cost of living and much more.

Plenty of Room for Family

The new luxury townhomes at the Nestings Community offer 1, 2 and 3 bedroom bungalofts, perfectly fitting your active lifestyle, with beautiful guest rooms for your grandbabies when they visit. Or impress your friends or family with the grand living space, tall ceilings and the loft overseeing the living room below.

New Builds Are an Ideal Option

Moving into a new build fitting to your family and lifestyle needs takes a lot of stress out of the moving process. You deserve to enjoy yourself, your family and your new home. Living in the Nestings community means more time to relax and enjoy your new home, location, and community. Renovations and maintaining the home for resale are no longer a concern when you’ve moved into your new home at the Nestings. Nesting’s sense of community will make your transition into a new neighborhood feel that much more comfortable and safe.

Sinclair Homes is on Your Side

Whether you are looking for room to grow, or a place to retire, Sinclair Homes has the expertise and experience to offer you new-build options that fit your lifestyle. Learn more about the Sinclair Homes family-friendly business here.

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Use LED Lights

If you’ve been digging out the same old decorative lights every year, maybe it’s time for a more efficient upgrade. When purchasing lights for your home, opt for LED bulbs rather than the standard incandescent bulbs of the past. LEDs consume much less energy, are cooler to the touch, and are longer-lasting. You can even buy LED string lights that operate on a timer to ensure they shut off automatically when you’re not home.

Break Bread

Get in the spirit of the holidays by organizing communal dinners with friends and family to reduce the amount of energy consumed by cooking. Ovens use a lot of energy, and being mindful of this can make a difference — and it’s a lot of fun to celebrate the holidays together. Where possible, avoid preheating your oven for longer than is necessary and repeatedly checking on your food, which lets heat out.

Combine Errands

The lead up to the holidays can be chaotic. We recommend creating a plan of attack in advance of your commitments and making a list of what you need to buy. That way, you can make fewer trips to pick up what you need and you’ll also conserve gas.

Unplug

If you’re going to be away for a few days, unplug any devices or appliances that don’t need to be plugged in. Things like cell phone chargers, computers, modems, coffee makers, and cable tv boxes are some examples. The energy that is consumed by these devices, even while they are not in use, is referred to as “phantom power” and can cost approximately $150 a year in wasted electricity.

Reduce Waste

During the gift-giving season, if you’re committed to easing your environmental impact, you may also want to reconsider your purchases. Each Christmas, Canadians throw away 540,000 tonnes of wrapping paper and gift bags. Where possible, wrap gifts in recycled fabric or newspapers and flyers to reduce waste.

Check HVAC Efficiency

Ensuring that your home’s HVAC equipment is in excellent running condition will keep your home comfortable and prevent wasted energy. We recommend that you routinely check your home’s exterior vents to ensure that they are clean and free from debris and obstructions. Be diligent in replacing your furnace filter every 3-6 months to prevent your furnace from working overtime.

At Sinclair Homes, we are passionate about energy conservation. That’s why all our homes surpass standards of energy efficiency. As an owner of a Sinclair home, your furnace will be equipped with an energy-efficient ECM motor, which means you get to enjoy the benefits of reduced energy usage and a smaller carbon footprint. 

If you’d like more information about Sinclair Homes communities, get in touch with us here.

The post How Can I Save Energy During The Holidays? appeared first on Sinclair Homes.

Maximized Kitchen Storage

The kitchen is the heart of every home. The kitchen is also where most people struggle with organization and complain of not having enough space. When designing your kitchen, consider lower cabinets with slide out drawers for pots and pans. We also recommend installing taller and deeper cabinets with accessible corner cabinets for extra storage, and built-in recycling and composting waste bins.

Inspired Lighting

Incorporate task lighting, like pot lights, in functional areas of your home. Consider installing task lighting above a kitchen island, in a rec. room, or where ceilings are vaulted. Installing lighting underneath overhanging cabinets is both a functional and high-end touch that everyone appreciates. Consider taking it a step further by installing occupancy or motion sensors. These motion activated lights are convenient and provide additional safety in the evenings. Last, but certainly not least, add dimmers for ambiance. This will ensure that you’re able to control the mood of your home’s lighting.

Upgraded Bath

For many, the bathroom is synonymous with relaxation. Investing in your bathroom is the ultimate in self care. For you, this could be the addition of luxurious stone counter tops, and upgraded bathtub or shower in your en suite. Consider heated tile flooring and a beautiful his-and-her vanity with upgraded faucets. Splurging on at least one room in your home where you spend a lot of quality time is money well spent.

Add-ons to Covet

In addition to the elements above, the Sinclair Design Team has a few extra items that you’ll want to add to your wish list.

• Solid oak staircases are one of our must-haves because they’re beautiful, they stand the test of time, and can be sanded and stained to exactly your preference.
• High-quality engineered wood floors are another must-have because they’re more durable and offer many chic options to choose from.
• If you prefer tile, we recommend considering large format tile flooring. This style is offers a more modern style that all your house guests will surely admire.

Stone counter tops are the ultimate in luxury and are a standard install in all Sinclair Homes’ kitchens. We highly recommend investing in a quality counter top like granite or quartz in your bathroom as well and opting for an under mount sink. Just as it sounds, under mounted sinks are installed from below your cabinets, creating a smooth and streamlined look.

If you’re in the market for a new home, contact us to set up a viewing of the townhomes in our Westwood Trails community. We’ll work with you to make all your custom must-haves for your new home come true!

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If you’re looking for a quick weekend trip or a fun way to spend your Saturday this fall, here are some of our favourite things to do in the Simcoe area:

1. Visit a local winery or brewery

Prince Edward County and the Niagara region aren’t the only places to find award-winning wineries, cideries and breweries. Some of our favourites include Blue Elephant Craft Brew House, where you can sample local beers and food that focuses on seasonal and local produce. Or, head to Bonnieheath Estate Lavender and Winery, where you can explore the lavender fields and vineyard.

2. Norfolk County Fair

If you’re looking for some old-fashioned family fun, visit the Norfolk County Fair from October 8-14 in the heart of Simcoe. Featuring rides, a horse show, live entertainment, delicious food from local vendors and more. Stop by for a day or get your week-long pass so you can enjoy every day of this popular, family-friendly event!

3. Norfolk Arts Centre

Norfolk’s public art gallery showcases some of the best in local, regional and national art, with special exhibitions in addition to their permanent collection of over 1000 pieces. The Norfolk Arts Centre’s mission is to preserve art and educate the community, and its location in a stunning century building makes it an ideal stop on your weekend getaway. Take a stroll through their gift shop and take home a piece of local art with you!

4. Friday the 13th

If you’re a motorcycle enthusiast, mark your calendar for Friday, September 13th! Every Friday the 13th, Port Dover attracts motorcyclists from all across North America for a large gathering hosted by the Port Dover Kinsmen. Friday the 13th is also a great excuse to visit Port Dover, go camping and eat some delicious local food.

5. Apple picking

Nothing says “fall” quite like apple picking! There are several orchards throughout the county that offer apple picking, but the fun doesn’t stop there. The Norfolk Fruit Growers’ Association’s Apple Place is one of the best places to stock up on apple gadgets, candies and their famous apple cider donuts. There’s no better way to spend a fall afternoon!

6. Spa day

Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway with your partner or a day trip with your friends, the Elements Day Spa is the perfect place for some much needed rest and relaxation! Their day spa packages offer services including manicures, pedicures, massages, and meal and appetizer options. They even have an indoor salt water pool with views of Lake Erie.

Throughout the year and in every season, Simcoe and Norfolk County is a wonderful place to visit — and an even better place to call home! Learn more about Sinclair Homes’ new development in Simcoe, Westwood Trails.

The post The Best Fall Getaways Near Simcoe appeared first on Sinclair Homes.

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.

Here’s how to get the kitchen of your dreams in your new home:

1. Upgrade appliances

When you purchase a new build home, the standard appliances may not be the top of the line, but your builder should be able to give you options for upgrading. This is an area that’s worth the extra money. Opt for stainless steel appliances or modern matte black finishes with features like built-in ice dispensers so your kitchen has all of the modern features you need.

2. Choose sleek, modern hardware

One of the best ways to personalize your kitchen and give it an upgrade is to choose sleek, modern hardware for your cabinets and drawers. Your builder will likely have a range of options for you to choose from so that you can put your stamp on your new kitchen, even down to the smallest details.

3. Built-in, personalized touches

Do you have a collection of beautiful dinnerware or serveware that you want to showcase? Consider upgrading to glass-fronted cabinets. Maybe you’re a wine enthusiast and you’d like to show off your collection with a built-in cabinet or rack. Perhaps you would benefit from extra shelving on an island or peninsula to store and display your collection of cookbooks. Whatever your hobbies or personal tastes, you can design your kitchen to reflect your style.

4. Upgrade to a kitchen island

Depending on your builder and the layout of the home you choose, your kitchen may not come with a kitchen island, but it should be an option to upgrade. Kitchen islands never go out of style, and they are useful in so many ways, from providing extra storage and seating, to giving you more counter space for food preparation and entertaining.

5. Upgrade the lighting

Good lighting is essential in any room of your house, but it’s most important in your kitchen. Your new build home likely has all of the lighting essentials included — a ceiling light and pot lights, for example — but you may want to consider upgrading. Under-cabinet lighting is a great way to add extra light and create atmosphere in your kitchen. You may also want to upgrade the builder-grade ceiling light to a light that fits your personality and becomes a feature of the kitchen.

6. Upgrade sinks and faucets

Upgrading your sinks and faucets isn’t just a great way to add beauty and personality to your kitchen — you can also increase functionality. Choose a faucet finish that you like, whether it’s on-trend matte black or brushed metallics, and consider whether you’d like a pull-down faucet or any other added features. If you’ve been dreaming of a ceramic farmhouse sink, now is the time to add it to your plan  to ensure your kitchen is designed to accommodate the upgrade.

Sinclair Construction has been building homes in Ontario since 1979. Check out our current project, Westwood Trails in Simcoe, and find out if it could be your next home.

The post How To Get The Kitchen Of Your Dreams In Your New Home appeared first on Sinclair Homes.

However, building a new home involves many aspects that tend to go overlooked. Make sure to avoid these common home building mistakes so you can be sure you’re getting the house you’re dreaming of:

1. Not paying attention to the details

Many details and decisions go into building your new home, even if you’re purchasing your home from a selection of pre-designed layouts. Choosing the layout is just the first step. You may need to consider larger details, all the way down to the smallest items like the hardware on your kitchen cupboards. No detail should be overlooked, otherwise you risk regretting some of your decisions when it comes to move-in day.

2. Being passive about your decisions

While some decisions may come more easily to you than others (like the colour of the kitchen cabinets or the type of flooring in your bathroom), others may require a little more thought. You may not have previously considered what type of handles you want on your home’s interior doors, but it’s important that you don’t just choose the first thing you see — take some time to think about what you really like and what will function well for you and your family.

3. Cutting corners to save money

Your home could be the biggest investment you make in your lifetime, so you want it to last and maintain its value. Cutting corners during the initial build process could mean that certain features and areas of your home begin to break down prematurely. Be sure to do your research when it comes to your building company and choose a reputable home builder with a proven record of high-quality homes, not the cheapest option you can find.

4. Not establishing a budget with a buffer

In any construction project, it’s important to be prepared for unforeseen issues and circumstances that may require extra expenses from the homeowner. Some contractors don’t include this buffer in the total cost of your home, which means you will have to ensure that you have some money left over in your budget to cover these potential issues.

5. Not choosing the right builder

Choosing the right builder is more than just how much your home will cost. Reliable and reputable builders will be able to provide you with important information, whether on their website or in-person, that will help you decide if they’re the right builder for you.

Consider asking your builder:

• How long have they been in business?
• Do they have referrals?
• What are your options when it comes to adding to existing floor plans?
• Does your home come with a warranty?
• Can some of the rooms in your home be left unfinished (like the basement)?
• Is there any landscaping included in the cost?
• Are they insured and licensed?

You may also want to consider driving through their previously-built subdivisions and communities to see what their work looks like.

Could Sinclair Construction’s Westwood Trails community be your new home? Learn more about this exciting new development of luxury bungaloft townhomes in Simcoe.

The post Mistakes To Avoid When Building A Home appeared first on Sinclair Homes.

Planning ahead and taking extra steps for precaution will help you keep your new home safe from damage during the move-in process!

1. Prepare your items

It’s important to prepare your items for a smooth move-in process. If you’re moving large appliances, like stoves or fridges, make sure they are wiped clean and dried before you go to move them. Dirty or wet appliances can be slippery, and if dropped, large appliances could do irreparable damage to your brand new floors.

Small, fragile items should be packed away in boxes. Consider putting foot pads on couches, tables and other similar pieces of furniture, and cover sharp corners with blankets or pieces of foam.

2. Protect your walls and floors

Preparing your items is the first step in protecting your walls and floors from damage, but you should always ensure that your walls and floors themselves are protected as well, so you can avoid costly repairs. Consider protecting carpets with a self-adhesive plastic to protect from tearing, footprints and other damage. Protective covers for hardwood floors are also available to help protect from dents and scratches during the move. Consider hanging drop cloths on your walls in narrow rooms and hallways to prevent dents or scuffs.

3. Take care when moving large items

Give yourself plenty of time to move large appliances and furniture, especially when carrying them through doorways and hallways.

Make sure you have enough people on hand to help for the really large items, so there’s no need to drag furniture or appliances across your new floors. Dismantle as much of your furniture as you can before you move in so items are easier to carry and manoeuvre. Make use of trolleys and dollies wherever possible. And to make things really simple, measure doorways and hallways in advance (or get the measurements from your builder) so you know they’re wide enough for furniture and appliances.

4. Keep children and pets out of the way

Moving day can be chaotic, and the chaos can lead to accidents that may cause damage to your floors and walls. One of the best ways to ensure that things go smoothly is to keep children and pets out of the way to avoid tripping and other accidents. If you have really small children, consider asking someone to babysit on the day you move in, and think about keeping your pets in pet carriers until all of your items have been moved into your new home.

Sinclair Construction’s Westwood Trails community in Simcoe could be your new home! Learn more about this exciting luxury bungaloft development.

The post How To Protect Your New House When Moving In appeared first on Sinclair Homes.

1. Take a walk in the woods

Simcoe and Norfolk County is surrounded by nature, making it the perfect destination for winter walks. Hay Creek and Backus Woods are beautiful options to explore during family or dog-friendly hikes, and there are walking groups that run through the winter as well.

2. Do the polar bear dip

While not exactly an event for everyone, people who enjoy testing their limits will love the thrill of the annual polar bear dip in Port Dover! This event happens every January 1st and is a great way to kick off the new year — if you dare.

3. Visit the Simcoe Christmas Panorama

Celebrate the holiday season by soaking up the 60th year of the Simcoe Christmas Panorama! Downtown Simcoe’s parks are turned into a winter wonderland with thousands of sparkling lights and themed displays, and are accessible by foot or by horse-drawn carriage! Don’t miss this beautiful event, on display from December 1st through January 6th.

4. Go sledding and skating

Whether you prefer indoor or outdoor winter activities, you can experience both in Simcoe and Norfolk County. There are plenty of hills for sledding throughout the county, and recreational complexes where you can enjoy some indoor skating.

5. Visit the breweries & wineries

Many people don’t realize how many breweries and wineries there are in Norfolk County! If you missed the Spirit of the Season Passport weekends, plan your own visit to one of the many breweries and wineries in the area, including Blue Elephant Craft Brew House, Burning Kiln Winery, New Limburg Brewery and Wooden Bear L Winery.

6. See a show

You don’t need to travel to the big city to see a theatre production! The Simcoe Little Theatre is one of the region’s longest-running community theatres. Every season they put on a wide range of shows, from Broadway favourites to modern gems. Their season runs from September to June, so there’s plenty to see over the winter.

7. Take a trip to the market

If you’re looking for the best in local, seasonal products like produce, baked goods, meat and more, the Simcoe Farmers Market is the place to go this winter. This year-round market has been running for over 30 years and boasts a great selection of vendors, so you can taste all of the best that the region has to offer. With so much to do year-round in Simcoe and Norfolk County, Sinclair Construction’s Westwood Trails community is the perfect place to call home. Learn more about this exciting development! [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

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1. Dispose of items while packing

Before you move into your new house, you can begin the process of getting rid of clutter. While you’re packing up your old home, dispose of items you don’t want or won’t need in your new house. Take this opportunity to get rid of items you haven’t used in years and things you’re still holding onto that don’t serve a purpose anymore. Hold onto items that have sentimental value, but try to be realistic with what you do and don’t need.

2. Consider whether your items will have a place in your new home

Think about the layout of your new home. How much storage space is there for items that don’t get used regularly? Will you have space for all of the furniture you currently own? Do you have a basement or storage closet in your new house where you can keep some of your things? This is especially important to consider if you’re downsizing. If you don’t think you’ll have room for an item, get rid of it before you move.

3. Declutter while unpacking

The same decluttering process can take place when you’re unpacking in your new house. Go through each box and consider whether you really need each item, and dispose of any that you don’t think you’ll need. Packing up your belongings can often take months, so it’s a good idea to give your stuff a fresh set of eyes and see if anything has changed in your life since you packed up your belongings.

4. Store special, sentimental items

Any items that hold special, sentimental items but don’t necessarily have a space in your new home can be stored. Whether you have a basement, closet or other storage area in your new home, or you need a storage unit, don’t get rid of items that mean something to you just because you don’t have room for them.

5. Sort items you won’t be keeping

One of the best ways to make the decluttering process easier is to create designated piles or boxed for items that you’re not keeping. Generally, it’s a good idea to have four categories: items you’re donating, items you’re selling, items you’re keeping and items you’re throwing out. You can make this even easier by breaking your home up room by room, otherwise you may be overwhelmed by all of the knick knacks and treasures. Staying organized is the key to a clutter-free home!

Sinclair Construction’s newest luxury bungaloft townhome development, Westwood Trails in Simcoe, is the perfect place to find your new home. Learn more about this exciting project.

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