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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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.

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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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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