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.

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.

Planning a move can be a stressful time and you want to make sure at the end of it all, it was worth it. Moving into a new build community provides benefits such as move-in ready homes, a sense of community, and optimal community planning.

Move-in Ready Homes

When you choose to buy a home in a new build community, you get to select from a variety of floorplans, exterior options, and features, in addition to choosing your lot.

Working directly with the builder allows you to be involved in the design of your home so you don’t need to face renovations like you would when buying a resale home. All of the details, such as flooring, countertops, and hardware will have been decided early, freeing up your time for the move.

Prior to the move-in, you would have selected a particular floor plan and been able to plan out the placement of your items. A new build home provides the benefit of a smoother move-in because your home is constructed to your preferences.

Sense of Community

Joining a new build community means that you will be a part of a community of new homeowners, which will provide you with a sense of comfort and safety. Having neighbours nearby presents the opportunity to form friendships. Creating these types of relationships with neighbours can provide a sense of security and safety, as you have someone close by to rely on if need be.

If you have young children, you have the added benefit of being a part of an instant neighbourhood which can be a great way for your kids to make new friends. If you are looking to retire but want to remain social, being part of a new build community will allow you to meet a variety of people.

When you live in a community, even if you aren’t particularly close with all your neighbours, you can rest assured that there are those close by should you ever require anything.

Optimal Community Planning

A builder will consider lot sizes, roads, and access to amenities during the planning stages. When you choose to live in a new build community you will be able to have a better understanding of what you can expect the community to look like once building phase is complete — and also what the community could grow to become in a few years.

You will benefit from being a part of a new, vibrant community and be close to established areas with shops, entertainment, and workplaces.

Future Resale Value

Buying in an up-and-coming new build community, that will grow to have amenities in the coming years, ensures you will benefit from a better resale value when the time comes because majority of buyers prefer areas that are established and having surrounding amenities. Many new build homes are built with enhanced safety systems and energy-efficient components which will also increase the value of your home.

As one of Ontario’s leading home builders, we are committed to creating homes and communities that provide benefits for all types of buyers. Contact us today to find the perfect new build home for you!

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The post Benefits To Living In A New Build Community 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!

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

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!

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