Small Town Charm

There’s nothing like the charm of a small town like Simcoe. If your dream is to live in an idyllic place where neighbourhoods are close-knit and everyone watches out for one another, look no further.

Take a stroll down Norfolk Street and you will quickly fall in love. Simcoe’s residents take pride in rural living and appreciate the sense of community and well-being that their tranquil town has to offer.

Great Amenities

Simcoe has many great restaurants and craft breweries to enjoy.

If you enjoy spending time on the links, then you’ll enjoy the Norfolk Golf & Country Club where members go to enjoy a round and socialize with other golf enthusiasts.

Norfolk County is also home to many events and festivals including the Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show, Friday the 13th Motorcycle Rally, Simcoe Christmas Panorama, and the Port Dover Summer Festival, to name just a few.

Location, Location, Location

A top benefit of living in Simcoe is the quiet, easygoing lifestyle where traffic jams and road rage are a rarity. Conveniently located, it’s easy to get away and enjoy a weekend trip of shopping or sightseeing as Toronto and Niagara Falls are only 1.5 hours away.

If you’re a beach bum and love to spend your summers by water, Simcoe is only 15 minutes from Lake Erie and some of Ontario’s most beautiful beaches!

It’s Safe

If you need any further convincing that Simcoe is a great city to put down roots, Norfolk county made Maclean’s list of Canada’s safest places to live in 2019.

If you’re looking to make the move into a luxury townhome in Simcoe, register here to view our newest community at Westwood Trails.

The post Top Benefits of Living In Simcoe  appeared first on Sinclair Homes.

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!

The post Must-Haves For Your New Home 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.

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. 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.

The post How To Avoid Clutter In Your New Home appeared first on Sinclair Homes.

1. Research Your New Neighbourhood And City

Wherever you’re moving, it’s a good idea to research your new neighbourhood. Find out where the coffee shops, grocery stores, restaurants, parks and other amenities are located. If you have children, you’ll also want to find out where the nearest schools, libraries and playgrounds are situated.

2. Get Acquainted With Local Bylaws

If you’re moving to a new city, chances are that the local bylaws and municipal laws will differ from your previous city or town. As a homeowner, it’s essential that you research the laws in your area and become familiar with them as they could impact you. This can include things like overnight street parking near your home, noise laws, laws regulating animals or renovation and construction bylaws.

3. Get Involved In Local Groups Or Community Events

One of the most difficult aspects of moving to a new town or city is getting to know new people where you live. While you may make friends at your new job, if you’re a stay-at-home parent or newly retired, you may want to consider joining local groups or participating in community events to meet people with similar interests. Check out your new city’s website for local event listings and see if there are any local groups on Facebook that you can join.

4. Be Prepared & Organized

It’s important to start any move on the right foot, and ensuring that the move itself goes smoothly can have a big impact on starting your new life in a new location. Before the move, give yourself plenty of time to pack your personal belongings. Organize essentials into boxes that you’ll be able to easily identify when it comes to unpacking in your new home. If you’re moving long-distance, consider hiring a reputable, qualified company to take the stress out of the logistics of your move.

5. Discover Your New City’s Unique Qualities

Every city or town has its own qualities that make it unique. Whether it’s a thriving arts scene, local theatre, a musical community or a strong historical significance, find out what makes your city unique and take advantage of all that it has to offer.

6. Give Yourself Time To Explore

On weekends or during the evening, give yourself some time to explore your new city or town to really get a feel for it. Take a walk along local nature trails, check out the downtown shopping core or head to the weekend farmers market. Set out without a planned route and get a little lost! You never know what you might find — just make sure to take a charged phone with you to find your way back again.

Westwood Trails in beautiful Simcoe, Ontario could be the perfect spot for your new home! This thriving community presents an exciting opportunity to start fresh. Learn more about Westwood Trails from Sinclair Construction.

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