You own the land

Different from most condominiums, when you purchase a townhouse that is part of a vacant land condominium, you own the four walls & roof of your home as well as the land that your house is on.

You have more flexibility to do what you want with your property

Because you own your unit as well as the land, you have more freedom to do what you want with your home’s exterior and outdoor space, similar to a detached home, however with some controls to maintain continuity throughout the development, this can be discussed in more detail with a member of our team.

Townhouses are low maintenance

By living in a townhouse community, you will be able to take advantage of many of the benefits that come with condo living — including having your landscaping and snow removal looked after for you. You will still have the flexibility to do what you want with your outdoor space, but you can enjoy the reduced responsibility of having to mow your lawn or worry about other labour intensive duties.

The maintenance fees are fixed

Townhouses have much more affordable maintenance fees than your typical condo. Many condominium owners pay several thousand dollars a month without ever knowing how much those fees could fluctuate in the future. Sinclair Homes’ community Westwood Trails in Simcoe offers very affordable maintenance fees that do not exceed $140 a month.

Townhouses are more affordable

In today’s competitive real estate market, townhouses are becoming the most obvious choice for many people due to their affordability, especially for first-time buyers. They are also an attractive option for retirees and downsizers, to simplify their lives and realize some of the hard-earned equity built up in their larger, more expensive detached homes.

Townhouses are more energy efficient

A townhouse requires less heating than a detached house in general because of the shared walls. Sinclair Homes townhouses are built to go above and beyond most ENERGY STAR standards and are 20% more energy-efficient than a regular new-build home. For more information about Sinclair Homes ENERGY STAR details, read our blog post here.

Experience a sense of community

Condo communities tend to be tight-knit because they involve more interaction and sharing of amenities. The same can be said for townhouse communities. You’ll be able to enjoy the freedom and benefits of your private home and yard, but also enjoy living in a close-knit community.

Moreover, if you are a snowbird or someone who likes to travel, you have the freedom to lock up and take off! You can rest assured that your neighbours will be able to easily keep an eye on your place in your absence.

If you are interested in a townhouse in Ontario, visit the Sinclair Homes website to view our new-build communities and current vacancies. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us here.

The post What Are The Benefits of Living In a Townhouse? 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.

One of the most important aspects of designing your home is choosing a colour scheme, from the paint on the walls to the cabinets, and right down to your furniture. Sinclair Homes’ designer, Joanne, has helped us put together a list of things to keep in mind when choosing the colours for your new home:

1. Determine your style

Before you make any colour decisions, it’s important to figure out your decorating style. Do you prefer a traditional look or country feel for your home? Do you lean towards classic looks that never go out of style? Perhaps you like a contemporary or modern feel for your home. Being able to give your personal style preferences a name will help you focus your decision-making.

2. Decide on a colour scheme

Narrowing down the type of colour scheme you like will be helpful for making specific colour decisions. Decide whether you prefer a colour scheme with neutral browns and taupes, neutral and cool greys (this is one of our most popular choices!), or bright and bold colours. It’s also important to consider whether you prefer light or dark colours. Be sure to take your new home’s layout into account when considering colours. Joanne suggests sticking to lighter colours to help your home feel spacious in areas where there is a lack of natural light.

3. Start with the main living areas

Choose the colours for the walls, floors and accents in your living room and kitchen, then work your way to the bathrooms and bedrooms.

Expert Tip: Contrast your cabinets with the countertops or flooring. The darkest colours should be on the bottom to ground the room, working your way up to the lighter colours. You can also contrast warm with cool, such as warm wood floors with cool grey furniture.

4. Incorporate your furniture

If you’re buying new furniture for your home, choose all of the colours for the walls, cabinets and floors first, then shop for furniture that works within the space. If you’re working with existing furniture, bring in a couch cushion, or photos of your wood furniture and accent pieces like rugs or artworks. This will make it easier to work with a designer to come up with the perfect colour scheme to match your furnishings!

5. Add some black to the room

One of Joanne’s favourite design tips is to add a little bit of black to each room when possible. Black accents are timeless and trendy all at once, and add a ton of style to your space. Cabinet hardware, faucets, door handles and light fixtures are all great ways to add black to a room without disrupting the rest of the colour scheme.

6. Use the 60-30-10 rule

If you’re having trouble getting the right proportions for your colour scheme, the 60-30-10 rule will help. The dominant colour should take up about 60 percent of the space on the walls and floors. The secondary colour is for your furniture and cabinets, and should make up about 30 percent of the space. The last 10 percent is for your accent colour, which can include things like accessories or an accent wall.

At Sinclair Homes, our team of experts is here to help you design the house of your dreams. Check out our latest development, Westwood Trails in Simcoe — it could be your new home!

The post How To Choose Colours For Your New Home 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.

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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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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Buying a new home is an exciting time. To help ensure that your expectations are met, here are three important tips to consider when buying a new home:

1. Review the surrounding homes and neighbourhood

Naturally, many homebuyers focus on the exterior and interior of their new home. However, it is just as important to focus on where your home is located and what will surround it.

New and pre-construction homes allow you to select your lot — so make sure you try to imagine, or map out, where the other homes will be located.

Take into account the following questions:

• How close will your neighbours be?
• Will your bedroom window look onto your neighbours’ bathroom window?
• What will be just outside your subdivision?
• Are there schools or other amenities close by?

Your home is important but where it will be located is just as important, so make sure you love all of it.

2. Confirm what is included and what is considered an upgrade

One of the many benefits of buying a new home is that you can discuss the building details of your home directly with the builder. However, make sure you confirm what is included in your plan, and clarify what will be considered and charged as an upgrade.

When you are shown a model home or showroom version, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of what your new home will look like. Make sure to set aside time to discuss what details you want included in your home so the builder can let you know what is part of your build and what will have to be included as an upgrade.

• Do you want a finished basement?
• Is a walk-in shower considered standard in the build package you have decided on?
• What sort of kitchen countertop were you hoping for?
• If you change your mind about your choice of tile, are you able to switch without penalty?

You deserve the home of your dreams, but it’s important that your dreams are a viable reality. Make sure to have your questions prepared so your builder can deliver your new home to you with the inclusions you want.

3. Ask About the Completion Clause

When purchasing a new construction, you have to work with the builder’s timelines. Many builders will let you know ahead of time when the estimated date of completion is expected, but make sure this is confirmed in writing.

You have the right to discuss the completion date with your builder to ensure that it coincides with your needs. A completion clause should also include a cancellation or refund clause, in case the builder does not complete the new home by the specified promised date.

A new home is a large investment and one you must protect. Working with a reputable builder guarantees that your needs and expectations are at the top of the list throughout the process.

If you have any questions, or want to learn more about new build projects, contact Warren D. Sinclair today!

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