DISTINCTIVE, CONTEMPORARY...DECORA HOMES. They build to reflect your personality, they design to meet your needs...They build relationships, DECORA HOMES...it's ALL in the details. 

Decora Homes are your Trusted SASKATOON HOME BUILDERS on the Saskatoon Directory. 

TrustedSaskatoon.com Talk to the Experts – Trusted Real Estate show Questions for Rhonda- Decora Homes: 

Rachael Seemann: My Fiance and I are looking to buy our first home, however, we are also looking at the option of building a home. From what we've seen from different building companies, they have 5 or 6 layouts, and then they build multiples of those layouts. I am personally a fan of the classic home with a big, grandeur entrance and a gorgeous staircase that greets you when you walk in the door, and that have the "private" part of the house separate from where you would entertain guests (i.e. bedrooms upstairs and kitchen, dining, and living room downstairs). But there doesn't seem to be any builders who have these layouts anymore, lots of houses seem to be small, cluttered and don't leave much of an option for a functional basement. What, in your opinion, is the best and most affordable way to work with a building company to build your unique dream home without having to go with one of their already used layouts? 

A: At Decora we believe that when you are building your dream home whether its your first home or your retirement home that you should be building a home which best suites your lifestyle and personality. We do have many plans that we have built for our wonderful clients which a person could choose from or make minor changes to or design a custom plan with your own ideas. We work directly side by side with our clients and the draftsman while designing the dream home. At Decora designing your own home from scratch does not incur any more costs then if we were to use an existing plan. 

Annalee Bruce McSharkbite: With the trends always changing is there a way to keep your new house in style and trendy without going broke trying to keep up with the Jones family?

A: When it comes to custom building and designing your own personal home we at Decora believe the choice of finishing products chosen should reflect on the clients lifestyle and personality not what they believe is trendy. You have to remember that this is your home which you can come home to everyday and should feel proud and get that welcome home feeling every time you walk through the door. 

Nikki MacDonald: Since moving back to Saskatchewan, I've noticed some new houses having their roof built on the ground and then lifted onto the building. Why?

A: Every home has its own truss layout and some can be extremely challenging. When a framer decides to build the roof on the ground and then lift it onto the building it would be for the reason of the challenges on that particular roof would be safer and easier to assemble on a flat surface. 

Rachelle Nieman: If you have a huge lot, with an older house, would you recommend tearing down and rebuilding, or, renovating on existing lot? Area is Nutana and house was built in 1940s. My sis wants to keep her huge backyard. 

A: Decora Homes also does Renovations and we do believe in renovating a character home if the client is happy with the current layout and the renovations that would be involved are feasible to stay within the client’s budget. You can make some changes to a character homes layout if needed but you have to remember that there will be structural walls which cannot be moved. 

Lisa Leavitt-McLeod: What is the number one seller...bathrooms or kitchens? And if you had to choose one to put most money into, which would it be? 

A: The #1 seller of a home we believe is the kitchen. Bathrooms are important but you have to remember that you spend allot more time in the kitchen and that everyone that comes into your home will most likely see the kitchen. It comes down to first impression! 

Find Decora Homes online HERE , or check out their listing under SASKATOON HOME BUILDERS on the Saskatoon directory of Excellence they are a TRUSTED SASKATOON HOMEBUILDER.

Trusted Saskatoon.com is THE Saskatoon Directory   and is thrilled to be hosting a Talk to the Experts show " The Trusted Show' Monthly on Newstalk 650 ..the first show aired June 9th.  Find them all here in our tips library or on our Trusted Channel on You Tube which is a fabulous resource of Tips , Interviews, Demos and Tours.

Listen to all the shows ON DEMAND, you can share them with friends who may be interested in the shows subjects and this makes sure you never have to miss a Trusted Show - www.Trustedsaskatoon.com  is the Ony Local Directory that works for you...and the only  place to offer this kind of service in Saskatoon !  

This latest show we are featuring is the TRUSTED SASKATOON Directory Real Estate Show

All of the questions on the show have been submitted by our wonderful Trusted Saskatoon Facebook Fans  and one lucky fans question was chosen by Brent to win the Prize package submitted by the 3 Trusted Businesses worth  $450!

This months Trusted Saskatoon Partners are :

* Kari Calder -Trusted Saskatoon Realtor -donated a $100 Gift Cert to a Spa

* Brett from Rays Moving- Trusted Saskatoon Movers donated a $250 Gift Certificate

* Rhonda and Ricky from Decora Homes - Trusted Saskatoon Home builder -donated $100 in Gift certificates ( Bridges , SLGA & Tim Hortons)

Enjoy the show!!

At Campbell Custom Homes their customers are number one. Their objective is your satisfaction and they guarantee that from the first conversation, throughout the building process, and even after you have moved into your new home that your needs are their priority…from starter homes to Million dollar homes...they are a wonderful choice! They realized early on that a solid reputation is earned. They continually strive to exceed their customer's expectations one home at a time by providing each of their clients with the individual attention required to transform their dreams into reality. Their attention to detail & construction quality, combined with their personalized customer service have formed the cornerstones of their success..they are a TRUSTED SASKATOON HOMEBUILDER.

TRUSTEDSASKATOON is pleased to announce this excited news:

Campbell Custom Homes Becomes First Holmes Approved Homebuilder in Saskatchewan!!

Campbell Custom Homes is pleased to announce that it is officially an Approved Builder of the new Holmes Approved Homes program, introduced by Mike Holmes – Canada’s Most Trusted Contractor. Through this program Campbell Custom Homes is implementing a new standard in home construction, which represents an opportunity for homebuyers to purchase a custom home that meets Mike’s standards. 

Over the last 15 years Campbell Custom Homes Ltd. has become a leader in custom home design and development, paying attention to details that truly matter when building a home from the ground up. As the first Holmes Approved homebuilder in Saskatchewan, their priority is to build safe, durable and sustainable homes that incorporate innovative products and materials. “Campbell Custom Homes share my same building principles,” stated Mike Holmes, President of The Holmes Group. “They don’t cut corners. They look at structure and think about hidden health and safety issues. That made them a really good fit for the program.”

The Holmes Approved Homes standard provides additional waterproofing protection, increased air filtration and domestic hot water heat recovery. Every home’s structure includes durable walls built above minimum code standards, insulation that provides fire and sound protection and moisture-resistant BluWood™ lumber. In addition to these features, Holmes Approved Campbell Custom Homes will be constructed using Pinkwood building products. Pinkwood products are coated with PinkShield™ – a non-toxic, environmentally friendly fire retardant coating that is also resistant to mould and rot fungus.

“My own inspectors will be reviewing each home both during and after construction,” added Holmes. “They make sure every Holmes Approved Home meets what will be tomorrow’s new standard of home building.”

CAMPBELL CUSTOM HOMES LTD.

LETTER OF SUPPORT FROM CANADA’S MOST TRUSTED CONTRACTOR – MIKE HOLMES:

I first partnered with Campbell Custom Homes through the Holmes Approved Homes certification program to build homes that were more durable, more energy efficient, more sustainable, and that increase the overall health benefits for the families living inside them. Together and leading by example, we are building better homes. Why are we building better? So the homeowner spends less money in the future.

Through this partnership, Campbell Custom Homes has stepped forward with me and has made a commitment to building quality homes, using improved methods, better materials, and working with reputable international companies like PinkWood to integrate innovative and renewable technologies to reduce energy consumption. From an industry standpoint, it’s encouraging to see builders like Campbell Custom Homes take what I feel are necessary steps that increase the overall standard and quality of the homes we build. I’m proud of our partnership and the dedication of Campbell Custom Homes to building some of the most energy efficient homes in Canada.

Do you really get what you give? I believe it. And Campbell Custom Homes’ construction methods, integrity, and commitment to better building are an example of this belief. I am confident Campbell Custom Homes’ proposal for Saskatoon and area will set a new standard of excellence that will take residential construction to the next level – it’s been long overdue.

As the first home builder in Saskatchewan to partner with the Holmes Approved Homes program, I know Campbell Custom Homes will help Saskatoon and area build homes and create the quality of living Saskatchewan residents want for their families.

Mike Holmes, President 

The Holmes Group

Find Campbell Homes online at www.campbellhomes.ca  or check out their listing in Saskatoon Home Builders category, they are A TRUSTED SASKATOON HOME BUILDER Experts right here on the Saskatoon Directory of excellence!

Lindal Cedar Homes are your Lindal Suppliers in Saskatchewan and as  TRUSTED SASKATOON HOMEBUILDERS they provide the necessary expertise to design, supply and build the home of your dreams...literally. They offer a complete variety of home plan selections ready to be assembled, that will be delivered to your pre-determined site. Doug Poucha, the President who is based in Saskatoon, strives to provide quality customer service that will meet your highest expectations...

Here they announce some exciting new options for people to build with Lindal!

The Lindal Architects Collaborative: A Modern Day Solution to an Every Day Challenge.

Some clients value the guidance of a design professional who uses the Lindal system as the framework for a truly personalized residence. The articulation of the Lindal building system by architects and other design professionals is evident in some of the most striking and highly admired classic Lindals. For other clients, how to invest their most precious resource—time—is of critical importance. Still others value the opportunity to take a stronger hand in shaping the design or the predictability of personalizing a pre-planned home design. Making world-class modern design a key ingredient in every Lindal Elements home When we asked ourselves how can we offer a portfolio of great Elements designs—houses that are as cool as they are efficient—the answer was simple: collaborate with renowned regional architects.

The Lindal Architects Collaborative is a growing collection of highly regarded US and Canadian architects, selected for their skillfully beautiful use of wood. Working closely with Lindal design and production staff, each has developed on-system Lindal designs with the Elements efficiency built in from the get-go. This key ingredient, shared by all of these modern designs, enables you to choose the design you prefer, then work with your Lindal dealer and Lindal's design experts to personalize the design to celebrate your site and lifestyle while respecting your time and budget.

Here is an example of just one of the Stunning designs- Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture. Taliesin 2400 by Matthew Trzebiatowski, AIA, Professor of Architecture, and Christopher Carr, Graduate Student. Contact Lindal Cedar Homes for more information and floor plans for this and all other Lindal Architects Collaborative homes

Find Lindal Cedar Homes online here , their ' cabin' showhome is situated on Circle Drive North Saskatoon or check out their listing here , they are YOUR SASKATOON Home Building Experts right here in Saskatchewan..on THE Saskatoon  DIRECTORY of excellence!

At Campbell Custom Homes their customers are number one. Their objective is your satisfaction and they guarantee that from the first conversation, throughout the building process, and even after you have moved into your new home that your needs are their priority…from starter homes to Million dollar homes...they are a wonderful choice! They realized early on that a solid reputation is earned. They continually strive to exceed their customer's expectations one home at a time by providing each of their clients with the individual attention required to transform their dreams into reality. Their attention to detail & construction quality, combined with their personalized customer service have formed the cornerstones of their success..they are a TRUSTED SASKATOON HOMEBUILDER.

What You Must Know – Buying a New Home.

 There is nothing more exciting than buying a new home other than starting a family. Here we discuss what things you should look for to ensure you get value for your dollar and a high quality build!

What should you know and look for in buying a new home?

You undoubtedly have seen the horror stories on television with programs like Holmes Inspection and the like. But if you think that buying NEW is going to keep you safe from some of these uncertainties, think again. Buying a new home does not necessarily guarantee quality in workmanship and products. Too often we are caught up in the aesthetics of the build, trying to decide which colour will create the best impact and what interior finish will make the house pop in the neighbourhood. Many of the key decisions have nothing to do with colour and interior finishing. In order to build a quality house, you have to spend money on the things you can’t see. Thousands of dollars will be spent on construction materials that you will never see but they are fundamental to creating a high quality, energy-efficient and problem free home. If the wrong decisions are made during construction you can’t go back and change them without ripping out walls and ceilings. And then, my friend, you have a problem.

How do you know what to look for?

New homes must be constructed in accordance with local building codes. These codes will vary between jurisdictions. BC will be different than Saskatchewan; Manitoba is different from Saskatchewan, and so forth. But all have minimum building standards. So if there are minimum building standards what’s the big deal?

The key word is “minimum”.

These standards ensure that the house will stand up and have some insulation but do nothing to really ensure that a quality home will be built. Often for a few thousand dollars more you can have an energy-efficient, well built home that will provide greater peace of mind, fewer problems, lower energy costs and greater potential re-sale value. Builders will typically provide a list of specifications. To mortal man it may be a huge fog to the point where one does not feel comfortable asking questions for the fear of looking a bit ill informed. It is in your best interest to compare specifications and know what to look for and to ASK QUESTIONS!

To help new homebuyers, Campbell Custom Homes in Saskatoon is providing buyers with a comparison sheet. Campbell Homes stands behind their homes of quality and for a comparable house price they are providing a higher standard of build materials AND their builds exceed the minimum requirements. Campbell Homes’ minimum standard is a custom series home with some other builders. In addition, with the volume we do, most of our trades work full-time for Campbell Homes. We only employ the best. So if you want to get a higher quality home for less, Campbell Homes can help you!

Campbell Homes may be striking a new standard for home building.

So what are some of the major elements to look for?

• SuperSeal Dimpled Membrane provides foundation waterproofing and drainage.
• Spray foam – spray foam provides more insulation per inch, seals the house, eliminates air flow, reduces energy costs and builds a stronger wall. We spray foam our rooms over the garage on most plans.
• PinkWood. All floor joists are PinkWood to make your home safer and healthier with fire retardants and mold and moisture issue prevention.
• Pink plywood or floor timbers – these elements not only prevent mold and mildew but also have a fire-retardant to reduce the impact of fire.
• Vinyl dipple shield on exterior basement walls – this dipple shield provides drainage around the exterior basement walls of the house directing water to the weeping tile and prevents water from entering the basement.
• Rainboard Dimplex Membrane for waterproofing exterior foundation wall allows us to turn basements into dry, comfortable living spaces.
• Shingles – Shingles normally last about 20-25 years. Our shingles are lifetime.
• Stucco – There is cement stucco and then there is acrylic stucco. Acrylic stucco has a permanent colour and has a product in it to provide for some flexibility as the house responds to changing in exterior temperatures. This means lower maintenance and fewer cracks in stucco finish.

On the interior there are things you can easily check.

• Taps and toilets; are they brand name like Kohler, American Standard and Toto or is there no name on the fixtures? If there is no name then it may be a cheaper product.
• Is the water heater and furnace energy efficient? Are the appliance energy star rated?
• Moisture resistant aqua board in bathrooms?
• Triple pane windows?
• 9” basements in majority of plans with larger garages.

All the above elements help build a high quality, worry-free home. So if you are buying a new home or thinking of building please stop to consider what you cannot see and ask the right questions to determine the true quality of your home! It is the bones of the house that will determine whether or not it is built to last and is energy efficient. Time spent on comparing specifications may save you money, fewer headaches, greater long-term satisfaction and peace of mind. If you have any questions about our standards, please contact us directly to ask us! We welcome your questions and we will value your business!

Find Campbell Homes online at www.campbellhomes.ca  or check out their listing in Saskatoon Home Builders category, they are A TRUSTED SASKATOON HOME BUILDER Experts right here on the Saskatoon Directory of excellence!

At Campbell Custom Homes their customers are number one. Their objective is your satisfaction and they guarantee that from the first conversation, throughout the building process, and even after you have moved into your new home that your needs are their priority…from starter homes to Million dollar homes...they are a wonderful choice! They realized early on that a solid reputation is earned. They continually strive to exceed their customer's expectations one home at a time by providing each of their clients with the individual attention required to transform their dreams into reality. Their attention to detail & construction quality, combined with their personalized customer service have formed the cornerstones of their success..they are a TRUSTED SASKATOON HOMEBUILDER.

Here they share their latest news!

Very Desirable! Walkouts Available in Saskatoon Don’t miss this!

Campbell Homes has 8 lots available for the construction of WALKOUTS in The Meadows at Rosewood in Saskatoon! They won’t last long so don’t miss this chance to build your own WALKOUT in Saskatoon!

Please see the land available at OUR WEBSITE and contact us directly for any specific questions. We have some plans for you to view as well!

Advantages to Homeowners

Let’s face it our winters can be l.o.n.g. and light becomes a hot commodity when the sun only graces us with its presence for a limited number of hours on those long winter days. Walkout basements allow you to incorporate design considerations that will make the most of that access to natural light and it will feel as though your entire home is above ground. With large windows and lots of natural light you can also use the basements for additional purposes. Because walkout basements lend themselves to a separate entrance into the home, the space can be used as an office or side business, that welcomes visitors into an uplifting, professional space without having clients into the main space of the home should you wish to keep the two spaces separate. Furthermore, should you wish to rent out the lower level of your home you can do so with ease because of the separate and secure entrances. Finally, you can often rent the space for more because it isn’t a typical dark and dreary basement suite, which means you now have more revenue from your initial home investment.

Campbell Custom Homes has experience and expertise in seeing building designs meet the respective by-laws and codes for meeting the standards of a legalized basement suite. For more information about the benefits of incorporating a suite into your custom build, please visit our website.

Find Campbell Homes online at www.campbellhomes.ca  or check out their listing in Saskatoon Home Builders category, they are A TRUSTED SASKATOON HOME BUILDER Experts right here on the Saskatoon Directory of excellence!

original blog by Campbell Homes

At Campbell Custom Homes their customers are number one. Their objective is your satisfaction and they guarantee that from the first conversation, throughout the building process, and even after you have moved into your new home that your needs are their priority…from starter homes to Million dollar homes...they are a wonderful choice! They realized early on that a solid reputation is earned. They continually strive to exceed their customer's expectations one home at a time by providing each of their clients with the individual attention required to transform their dreams into reality. Their attention to detail & construction quality, combined with their personalized customer service have formed the cornerstones of their success..they are a TRUSTED SASKATOON HOMEBUILDER.

Here they share their latest news!

Campbell Homes Reveals Fundraising Total Announcements, Pink House Campaign

What a day it was! On Friday April 20th, people gathered in the garage of Saskatoon’s FIRST Pink House at 744 Rempel Cove to learn how successful the Pink House Campaign for Breast Health had been!

There was energy, excitement, pride and anticipation. This endeavor proved to not only be incredibly successful but also very rewarding to all involved! Saskatoon’s first PINK HOUSE, built by local home builder Jason Campbell of Custom Campbell Homes, with lumber supplied by PinkWood Ltd, and contributions to the home from a number of local suppliers, all celebrated a huge success with a pancake breakfast compliments of Maple Leaf Foods. This celebration set the stage for the unveiling of the funds raised to support Breast Health right here at home. All funds raised are being donated to the Breast Health Centre at Saskatoon City Hospital. Please visit their website to see a list of all who have made this project successful!  

When the idea of the Pink House Campaign first took hold, no one really imagined that the success of this endeavor could be this outstanding! How outstanding you ask? With an initial fundraising goal of $50,000 it was clear that to reach that number would take great effort and support from the community, but everyone pulled together. When numerous suppliers in the industry came together and made a significant contributions it was clear that the initial fundraising goal was going to be SMASHED! Not only did the fundraising total surpass $50,000, it surpassed $100,000, and it surpassed $150,000! Yep!

The GRAND TOTAL RAISED was just a hair over $200,000!

Congratulations to all involved in this great project! Your generosity will be appreciate by those in need who can get the care they require right here at home!  

The house is now ready for sale and can be viewed online at www.campbellhomes.ca . 

Again, Congratulations to all involved! A job very well done! If you are not familar with the Pink House Campaign, click here to see the Media Launch Video!

Please visit us on Facebook for more pictures of the Pink House Campaign!

www.trustedsaskatoon.com is a proud sponsor and supporter of Campbell Homes Pink House campaign.

Original blog by Campbell Homes- link

http://www.campbellhomes.ca/blog/2012/04/20/campbell-homes-reveals-fundraising-total/

This weekend in Saskatoon the annual 2012 Homestyles show had 1000's of people through it's doors..people planning renovations, home improvemnets big and small..as well as some planning on building their own home, and doing all the research possible before they decide which home builder to TRUST with their DREAM HOME Plans! ... www.trustedsaskatoon.com  the SASKATOON DIRECTORY of expert's  FaceBook fan Kris asked Trusted a great question that is very fitting at this time ..and we share this answer we received back from Heather at DECORA HOMES!

DISTINCTIVE, CONTEMPORARY...DECORA HOMES They build to reflect your personality, they design to meet your needs...They build relationships DECORA HOMES...it's ALL in the details.

SASKATOON HOME BUILDER QUESTION
Kris wrote: "I'd like to ask the homebuilders what their biggest challenge is in earning a clients trust, and what strategies do they use in order to help their clients make the choice to work with them instead of the numerous other homebuilders in this city?"

Hi Kris. Great question! My name is Heather Kehoe and I am a Sales Representative/Interior Coordinator with Decora Homes Ltd. DECORA HOMES is a custom home builder and we pride ourselves on customer service, quality product and workmanship with unique and custom home design. In the home building market it can be confusing and overwhelming trying to find someone who is reputable,reliable and trustworthy,especially when you have so many options. I have included some important points to look at when you are choosing a home builder and what I believe makes DECORA HOMES stand out from other builders and how we build trust and rapport with clients,subtrades,suppliers and other builders.

1. How did you feel when you first met the homebuilder or sales representative?

What was your first impression or gut feeling. Did you feel comfortable and were your questions answered to your satisfactory. I am a true believer of "go with your gut feeling". Clients have often told me that they knew after our first meeting if we were the right fit for them and that we were very honest and straightforward on what they could expect if they built with DECORA HOMES.

2. Ask for references and referrals and contact them.

A reputable builder should offer to take you to the homes/and or renovations that have been done by the builder/contracter. Check the quality and speak to the clients who purchased the home or had the renos done. Find out what they have to say about the builder and how their experience was. References and referrals are how a business grows. At DECORA HOMES we give all our clients references and take them into clients homes to show them different plans, if required.

3. What associations are they a part of and what is their warranty?

DECORA HOMES-Saskatoon and Region Home Builders Association,Canadian Home Builders Association, Energy Star Particpant, Exclusive 10 year Home Warranty and has been Given the Thumbs up by Trusted Saskatoon.com  

4. Has the builder had any complaints or lawsuits,etc filed against them?

There has never been any lawsuits/complaints filed against DECORA HOMES.

5. Does the builder/contractor have a service manager and project manager?

These are key components to a successful build or renovation. This assures that the project timelines and possession dates are followed, product arrives, is inspected and is accounted for, the tradespeople are arriving to their jobsites on their scheduled dates, trades and suppliers are following quality and safety standards and install of product is completed as per blueprints and plans. The service manager also communicates with the clients to provide service during and after the build to followup on any warranty or touch ups that need to be looked after. Service and followup are key!

6. How long has the builder/contractor been in business?

Is it their fulltime job, or is it part-time or a hobby? DECORA HOMES is a fulltime custom homebuilding company and has been in the constuction and masonry business for many years.

7. Who are the sub-trades and suppliers that they use and how long have they been working with them?

This is very important. Having established a committed working relationship with your trades and suppliers shows trust, loyality,consistency and reputablity.At DECORA HOMES we have excellent working relationships with our trades and suppliers and have worked together for several years. We understand how each other works and have a great deal of respect for each other. This is very evident when we take our clients into see our supplies or when they come onsite to meet the trades.

8. What locations do they build in and how many homes do they build a year?

DECORA HOMES currently has lots available in EVERGREEN,ROSEWOOD,GREENBRYRE ESTATES AND THE CITY OF MARTENSVILLE. We are also currently building acreage and estate properties, as well we have previously built in the Town of Warman,Willowgrove and Hampton Village. We purchase numerous lots throughout the city of Saskatoon on a yearly basis.

9. Awards and recognition.- Has the builder/contractor had special recognition for quality, customer service, uniqueness,etc?

Decora Homes Ltd was recently awarded a 2012 Bridges Award and is nominated in 3 categories for the 2012 SABEX Awards in May, and we were nominated several times when contacted by the team at www.trustedsaskatoon.com . At DECORA HOMES we make it a priority to know and understand the clients budget and expectations. We communicate constantly with our clients. We are honest with each other and if there is a question that I cannot answer on the spot, I will find out the correct information for the customer and get back to them ASAP! At DECORA HOMES the customer is involved throughout the whole process. From blueprint design, to picking product and colors, electrical walkthrough to final inspection.

10. Does the business owner come on site? What is his/her involvement in the company?

At Decora Homes, Rick and Rhonda Iula make it a priority to meet and build a relationship with each and every client, and are in the office and on the job site on a daily basis We ask clients about past experiences they have had with builders/contractors. What did they like/dislike? We ask them what their main concerns are, and focus on creating a truly enjoyable homebuilding experience.

11. Does the builder/contractor use any online tools? At DECORA HOMES we use an online marketing tool targeted towards builders, trades, suppliers and clients. Clients can log into their buildertrend account and have access to their account 24/7. Each client can view a calendar of what is scheduled to be done at their home daily, which trades are at their home that day and changes to schedule. They can also send messages to us, or suppliers, view what products they have picked, access and approve change orders, view and add pictures, and see documents such as plans, quotes,etc. It is also a easy and reliable way for trades,suppliers,project and service managers to communicate.

12. Does the builder have an dedicated Sales Representative/Interior Coordinator to assist clients from beginning to end through their build or renovation?

At DECORA HOMES my job is to assist clients in creating and designing the home of their dreams. For most people this is the largest investment that they will make in their life, and it is extremely important that there is constant communication between myself and the client and that they are informed and involved in all decisions regarding their home. Every client is different therefore everyone's ideas and home will be unique. I work directly with the client to establish rapport and a relationship built on trust and honesty. I take the time to get to know my client, what is important to them in a home, what type of floorplan would idealliy fit their lifestyle/household , what are their likes/dislikes. Together we design or make alterations to a floorplan. We work together to create the home or renovation they have envisioned within their budget. One of the benefits of my job is I get to spend time with the clients and suppliers, assisting the client in picking out all their product, getting quotes, coordinating samples,etc. For some clients this can be the most daunting part of a build /renovation. I schedule adequate time with the clients and suppliers to go over the plans in detail, and make sure timelines are followed. I confirm all product from shingles to flooring, stucco to plumbing fixtures. I love this part!! Assisting a client with kitchen cabinets, granite, flooring,plumbing,etc and watching everything come together is amazing!

Thank you again for your question! Feel free to contact me with any other questions or concerns! Sincerely, Heather Kehoe , Decora Homes.

Find Decora Homes online HERE , or check out their listing under SASKATOON HOME BUILDERS on the Saskatoon directory of Excellence they are a TRUSTED SASKATOON HOMEBUILDER

Enjoy this Decora Homes Video where you can meet the team and clients in their Decora Home!

Lindal Cedar Homes are your Lindal Suppliers in Saskatchewan and TRUSTED SASKATOON HOME BUILDERS they provide the necessary expertise to design, supply and build the home of your dreams...literally. They offer a complete variety of home plan selections ready to be assembled, that will be delivered to your pre-determined site. Doug Poucha, the President, strives to provide quality customer service that will meet your highest expectations... He is thrilled and excited that Lindal Homes and Turkel have formed a collaboration….and the results are truly stunning! 

Doug shares his SECOND Trusted SASKATOON Home Builders Tip by Sharing an article about 1 mans Lindal-Turkel journey to build his dream home in BC

A Retreat Where Living Life Upside Down is Easy

For years, Gary set sail on Friday for the one-hour trip to Gambier Island and a weekend of camping in an environment free of cars, crowds, and stress. A Vancouver resident who works long days evaluating businesses embroiled in conflict, the island has been his long-time weekend refuge.

When a small number of building sites became available on the island, Gary saw it as a rare opportunity to enjoy the solitude of the island in the comfort of a modern home with a free-flowing open interior, uninterrupted walls of glass that captured views of the water and dappled sunlight through the dense foliage. “I was inspired by the houses in Dwell, but concerned about the logistics of building on an island with no bridge or ferry connection to the mainland and no resident builders,” recalls Gary. “Then I discovered the Dwell Homes Collection. My partner and I explored how the Turkel Design collaboration with Lindal simplified the design process, the process of producing and delivering a precise package of extraordinary materials to a remote site, and the fact that the local Lindal dealer, My House Design/Build Team in Vancouver, was experienced in building on island sites. We felt comfortable proceeding.”

Gary had a number of other practical priorities, including minimizing disturbance to the rocky shoreline site, presenting itself inconspicuously to other island residents, and being energy efficient and self-sufficient during prolonged power outages caused by winter storms.

The house certainly presents itself humbly to passing joggers and cyclists and is woven into the hillside and hidden by the tress it delicately avoids. “Joel Turkel so carefully sited the house, utilizing computer-aided mapping. And changes made on-site, suggested by our incredible construction foreman along with my partner Johnny’s selection of exterior colors made ours so much more subtle than any of the other homes on the island,” marvels Gary. “The house is really upside down and backwards. Since access to the site is primarily by water, the ‘front’ entry is on the waterside of the lowest level. You work your way up three levels to the primary living spaces on the top level where the filtered sun moves from east to west through the day, continually changing the warm ambience of the interior.”

Make no mistake, however: while the house is inconspicuously sited, this Lindal is stunning in every way. “I was pleasantly surprised at every turn”, muses Gary. “ The interior volumes are wonderful relief from the tightly packed exterior foliage. The Lindal materials add such warmth without being cabin-like and the quality is remarkable. Windows strategically placed to capture small but important exterior features. Light passing over the wonderfully textured tilework and fireplace mass… smart and modern but rugged and edgy, like the jagged stone hillside site. River stones spread above the flat roof surface- my forman’s brainstorm- so in keeping with the aura of the site. And the filtered sunlight from dawn to dusk adds a natural rhythmic serenity. It’s just wonderful!”

Building a house on an island is a challenge, but the way the Lindal materials were packaged and delivered made the process surprisingly efficient. Some crewmembers and subs arrived each Monday and stayed on the island for the full workweek. “But in an environment as wonderful as this, it’s hard to leave,” says Gary. “I am going to try and work from the house a few days a week so I can spend more time here. My once concern is that even though we built this house to entertain weekend guests, they may never leave!”

Find Lindal Cedar Homes online here , their ' cabin' showhome is situated at 400-A 41 Street Saskatoon or check out their listing here , they are YOUR SASKATOON Home Building Experts right here in Saskatchewan..on THE SASKATOON DIRECTORY of excellence!

For more pictures of this amazing home...click on the link below! 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindal-cedar-homes/6772668283/in/set-72157629059105783/

To see the original Lindal blog click on this link - http://blog.lindal.com/lindal-homeowner-profiles/a-retreat-where-living-life-upside-down-is-easy/

www.trustedsaskatoon.com  the SASKATOON DIRECTORY of expert's  FaceBook fan Cathie Calarco-Watson asked a great question..

“ What is the checklist to follow when seeking a new home builder or renovation company? (credentials, references, association memberships etc). As it is the largest investment one typically makes, it is critical to know you can trust your contractor, particularly in a time of economic growth where "everyone" is a builder/contractor. A friend of mine just lost over $20,000 to a contractor who never completed the job and is nowhere to be found. Do your "homework"”

We have already heard from one of our Trusted SASKATOON CONTRACTOR and RENOVATION experts J.A.B.A. Construction in a previous tip ..now here is a response from Heather Kehoe from Decora Homes, a Trusted SASKATOON HOME BUILDER expert!

"Hi Cathie, Thanks so much for your question, and I am sorry to hear about your friend's unpleasant experience. I agree with all of the points and the checklist that Dave from J.A.B.A Construction has given you. In the home building and renovation market it can be confusing and overwhelming trying to find someone who is reputable,reliable and trustworthy,especially when you have so many options. My advice would be to follow Dave's checklist, whether you are building a new home or getting renovations done.

A few other key points:

• Go and see the homes/and or renovations that have been done by the builder/contracter, check the quality and speak to the clients who purchased the home or had the renos done. Find out what they have to say about the builder and how their experience was. References and referrals are how a business grows.
• What associations are they a part of and what is their warranty?
• Does the builder/contractor have a service manager and project manager? These are key components to a successful build or renovation. This assures that the project timelines and possession dates are followed, product arrives, is inspected and is accounted for, the tradespeople are arriving to their jobsites on their scheduled dates, trades and suppliers are following quality and safety standards and install of product is completed as per blueprints and plans. The service manager also communicates with the clients to provide service during and after the build to followup on any warranty or touch ups that need to be looked after. Service and followup are key!
• How long has the builder/contractor been in business? Is it their fulltime job, or is it part-time or a hobby?
• Who are the sub-trades and suppliers that they use and how long have they been working with them? This is very important. Having established a committed working relationship with your trades and suppliers shows trust, loyality,consistency and reputablity.
• What locations do they build in and how many homes do they build a year?
• Awards and recognition.- Has the builder/contractor had special recognition for quality, customer service, uniqueness,etc? DECORA HOMES Ltd was recently awarded a 2011 Bridges Award and is nominated in 3 categories for the 2012 SABEX Awards in May.

From a reputable home builders percpective they key is to know and understand the clients budget and expectations. Communicate constantly, be honest and have the customer be involved. Does the business owner come on site? What is his/her involvement in the company? At DECORA HOMES, Ricky and Rhonda Iula make it a priority to meet each and every client, and are in the office and on the job site on a daily basis . They ask clients about past experiences they have had with builders/contractors. What did they like/dislike? Contractors and Home builders should ask cliemts what their main concerns are, do not assume that you know the answer to this question! Does the builder/contractor use any online tools? At DECORA HOMES we use an online tool marketed towards builders, trades, suppliers and clients. Clients can log into their buildertrend account and have access to their account 24/7. Each client can view a calendar of what is scheduled to be done at their home daily, which trades are at their home that day and changes to schedule. They can also send messages to us, or suppliers, view what products they have picked, access and approve change orders, view and add pictures, and see documents such as plans, quotes,etc. It is also a easy and reliable way for trades,suppliers,project and service managers to communicate. It is a fantastic tool!

Does the builder have an dedicated Sales Representative/Interior Coordinator to assist clients from beginning to end through their build or renovation? At DECORA HOMES my job is to assist clients in creating and designing the home of their dreams. For most people this is the largest investment that they will make in their life, and it is extremely important that there is constant communication between myself and the client and that they are informed and involved in all decisions regarding their home. Every client is different therefore everyone's ideas and home will be unique. I work directly with the client to establish rapport and a relationship built on trust and honesty. I take the time to get to know my client, what is important to them in a home, what type of floorplan would idealliy fit their lifestyle/household , what are their likes/dislikes. Together we design or make alterations to a floorplan. We work together to create the home or renovation they have envisioned within their budget. One of the benefits of my job is I get to spend time with the clients and suppliers, assisting the client in picking out all their product, getting quotes, coordinating samples,etc. For some clients this can be the most daunting part of a build /renovation. I schedule adequate time with the clients and suppliers to go over the plans in detail, and make sure timelines are followed. I confirm all product from shingles to flooring, stucco to plumbing fixtures. I love this part!! Assisting a client with kitchen cabinets, granite, flooring,plumbing,etc and watching everything come together is amazing! Thank you again for your question! Feel free to contact me with any other questions or concerns!"

Sincerely, Heather Kehoe Sales Representative

Decora Homes and Renovations

tel:306-260-1711

email: heather.kehoe@decora-homes.com

What GREAT advice from Heather at Decora Homes for anyone building a home or thinking about major Renovations!  

www.trustedsaskatoon.com  is the SASKATOON DIRECTORY of Trusted experts...yet we are MORE than just a Saskatoon Directory, we are a growing library of resources across many many categories.

Stay Trusted my Friends SAFE and TRUSTED Of course...always PURELY POSITIVE!