Condos are classified as either leasehold or freehold.

Leasehold: The tenant has a contract with a landlord and does not own their unit.

Freehold: You own the unit outright, or have a mortgage. Freehold condos fall into three sub-categories:

Below, we are going to break down the three subcategories of freehold condos and what the differences are between each of them.

Standard Condominium Corporations

This type of condo is the most common. It is defined as being a separate unit, or row-house. When you purchase a standard condo, you own the unit and in some cases, a parking spot. If your condo building has other amenities like a pool or a gym, you’d have access to those spaces but you wouldn’t own them. In most cases, you will be subject to relatively high and fluctuating maintenance fees that are used to pay for and maintain common areas and landscaping.

Common Elements Condominium Corporations

This type of condo corporation doesn’t have any units, but does have shared spaces or amenities. The owners of the land are responsible for the maintenance of these shared common elements and most often, require community members to pay maintenance fees.

Vacant Land Condominiums

Vacant land condos are defined as bare land that is sold and used to construct condominiums. Corporations register and sell their land as a condominium before any building begins. Vacant land condo owners not only own their home, but they also own the land that it sits on. Usually the maintenance fees for this type of condo are much lower because of this.

Benefits of Vacant Land Condos

Vacant land condos are attractive for several reasons.

As mentioned above, If you choose to go this route, you would own your unit and the land. This means that you are free to customize the inside of your home in any way you’d like and have the flexibility to make changes to your exterior space.

Vacant land condos generally have much lower condo fees because you would be responsible for your own maintenance.

The nominal fees that you’d pay are used for things like street maintenance and ensuring that the neighbourhood is always well-groomed.

At Sinclair Homes, we specialize in building vacant land condos. Our communities provide the privacy and space of a single-family home with the community feel of a condo.

If you are interested in a vacant land condo home, contact Sinclair Homes today!

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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.

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.

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.

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.

Fly Fishing

The fact that London has its own fly fishing club should give you an idea of the quality of fly fishing along the Thames River. While some people go all the way to Fergus for fly fishing, not many anglers know that the Thames is a great local spot to try instead. Fly fishers love it for the diverse range of fish including carp, largemouth bass, northern pike and steelhead.

Walking Trails

One of the best walking trails along the Thames is the Thames Valley Trail. This 110-km trail winds its way through farmland before connecting with the Thames River. On the other side of London, the trail includes the Fanshawe Conservation Area, then cuts through a deep valley. The many elevated locations along the trail give walkers and hikers amazing views of the valley and the surrounding area.

Canoeing & Kayaking

The route from St. Mary’s to Delaware along the Thames River is a popular canoeing and kayaking route. It’s broken up into sections with multiple access routes, so no matter what length of trip you’re interested in, there’s a route for you! Check out this detailed map, instructions and safety tips for the specific routes.

St Mary’s Quarry

When the weather warms up a little more, pack up the whole family and head out to St. Mary’s Quarry. This is a popular destination for swimming, and even has a water trampoline! Paddle board rentals are also available and there’s a sand beach complete with a volleyball area. The quarry is often referred to as “Canada’s largest outdoor freshwater swimming pool!”

For more tips and activity recommendations around Woodstock, London, Ingersoll and Toronto, check out our blog.

The post 4 Things to Do Along the Thames River this Spring appeared first on Sinclair Homes.

Elm Hurst Inn

The Elm Hurst Inn is one of the jewels of Ingersoll. This over 140-year-old hotel is a landmark in the area, often hosting weddings, meetings and special events. The Elm Hurst Inn is conveniently located near the Highway 401 but feels miles away from city life. Its spa offers the perfect place for a romantic getaway or a girls’ weekend. The hotel restaurant is famous for its Sunday brunch buffet, and also serves up a delicious, locally-inspired lunch and dinner menu.

Ingersoll Cheese & Agricultural Museum

The Ingersoll area is steeped in history, from its founding in 1795 by Thomas Ingersoll (Laura Secord’s father), to its place on the Underground Railway and beyond. Learn about the town’s history in the cheese industry as well as many other historical events and moments. It’s a great destination for the whole family!

Festival of Lights

Celebrate the holiday season by visiting Ingersoll’s downtown core for the Festival of Lights! From November through January each year, businesses, parks and more will come alive with glittering light displays. Admission is free and the lights are on every day from 5pm to 11pm. Get into the holiday spirit!

Ingersoll Curling Club

The Ingersoll Curling Club offers a great place for getting some exercise and becoming part of a community. Membership to the Ingersoll Curling Club includes access to free clinics, instructions and curling equipment. So whether you’ve been curling for years or want to try something new, why not join the club?

Skiing & Snowboarding

Ingersoll’s proximity to London and the Kitchener-Waterloo area makes it a great place to get out and hit the slopes! Head to London’s Boler Mountain or Kitchener’s Chicopee Ski Resort for runs for every skill level, as well as tubing and winter camps!

Walking Trails

Ingersoll’s scenic rural setting makes it an ideal location for hiking and walking. The Thomas Ingersoll Scenic Trail is a two kilometre walk starting at the Cheese Museum and winding its way past the Creative Arts Centre, Victoria Park and Smith’s Pond. There are also a number of other walks, trails and scenic areas to soak up the outdoors! Find them here.

Head to the City

The town of Ingersoll is perfectly situated between two major cities in southern Ontario: London and Toronto. With quick and easy access to the Highway 401, it makes it the perfect location to take a day trip or spend the weekend in the city.

In addition to all of the great things to do in Ingersoll, the Towns at Harrisview homes are located 1 minute from the 401, making it easy to get on your way. Make your home in Ingersoll at the Towns at Harrisview by Sinclair Construction.

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