Trusted Tips and Resources

Trusted Tips & Resources

Decora Homes a Trusted Saskatoon Custom Home Builder and Renovation Company For Over 10 Years

TRUSTED SASKATOON RECOGNIZES OUR 10 YEAR TRUSTED SASKATOON PARTNERS!

In this series of articles, we are shining a spotlight on the businesses that have been with us since we launched in 2011. We want to thank them for TRUSTING our team, and we are recognizing each of them individually for providing 10 years of OUTSTANDING service to the public of Saskatoon and surrounding areas! In this article, we celebrate and recognize Ricky and Rhonda Iula, and Dustin Grenier of Decora Homes, a Trusted Saskatoon Custom Home Builder and Renovation Specialist.


We are pleased to celebrate Decora Homes who have been a TRUSTED Saskatoon partner for over 10 years!

It was back in 2006 that Ricky and Rhonda Iula were at a point in their careers where they wanted a change, to start a business where they could be their own boss, something where they could help others, and make a positive difference in the building industry in Saskatoon. Since then, Rhonda and Ricky and their team at Decora Homes have specialized in building exceptional homes and top-quality renovations to meet clients' exact requirements. They had no idea that their vision and mission would have taken off and been so successful. So successful and busy in fact that about 5 years later they partnered with Dustin Grenier who was himself a successful homebuilder. What started as a team of two has now grown to a team of seven, each with their own roles and duties, that help this well-oiled machine build a quality product with customer satisfaction in mind. Rhonda runs the day-to-day and can usually be found meeting with clients and helping them envision their dream or buried in paperwork at home or the office. Ricky is most likely to be found on the job site taking care of the build or renovation project making sure nothing everything runs smoothly. Dustin as well keeps a close eye on every project and is a partner that is more comfortable behind the scenes and taking good care of their projects. At the office, they have dedicated designers and decorators to make sure all the finishing touches are taken care of from start to finish.

At Decora Homes, they believe in keeping their customers up to date during their build or renovation and that is why they have incorporated a 24/7 online program in which the client can log in and view the schedule, photos, list of products chosen, and approve/change orders at their convenience. Decora Homes sources products and fixtures from all over the world and provides their professional and dedicated team of full-time staff to assist you in planning your dream and picking out those finishing products during the construction, along with a full-time service representative for you to contact after you have taken possession of your new home. This is their post-build concierge service, making sure you receive exactly what you had dreamed of and envisioned. 

Over the last 14 years, Decora has completed many amazing projects around Saskatoon and the area. One custom home they are most proud of is in Greenbryre Estates where they have built many unique homes. This gorgeous home had a truly unique design, with its copper roof and unique custom floor plan. The clients brought their wish list and Decora was able to turn their wish and dream into reality, as It turned out to be a fantastic family home. Although the Decora Homes team is best known for building custom homes for clients, they have really seen an increase in the renovation side of the business, both residential and commercial. This also keeps them very busy all year long.

" Ricky, Rhonda and the Decora team are integrity-driven, and they are some of the kindest people I have ever met. Their commitment to quality and innovation is obvious to all that work with them and their projects are amongst the most impressive I have ever seen! Decora is an asset to our community and I am proud to promote them." - Sara Wheelwright- Trusted Founder   

In speaking with Rhonda, she and Ricky and their team are most proud of the amazing support they’ve had from the citizens of Saskatoon and everyone in the building community. The opportunity to design and build a few of the latest Hospital Home Lottery homes, which have had amazing reviews from the public, has been a blessing and a great way to give back. As well, they are so humbled that they’ve been fortunate to have partnered with Haven Kids’ House for many years, and have not only done extensive renovations for them along with an outdoor playground but continually support them every year as their charity of choice. Decora Homes have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for worthy causes over the years through charity golf tournaments, donations, or giving of their time and building expertise.

All the hard work and dedication by the team at Decora Homes has definitely not gone unnoticed. They are proud to be recognized by their peers, by the building community, and the citizens of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and beyond. Over the years they have won numerous awards, probably too many to count. From multiple SABEX Awards, Home Builder of the Year Awards, Interior Decorating Awards, Marketing Awards, and so on. But, in talking to Rhonda, the biggest award is the relationships and friendships they have gained over the years. Their clients have become lifelong friends, like family, and what better award is there than that!

Thank you for TRUSTING us, Ricky, Rhonda, Dustin, and your team, and thank you for providing 10 years of OUTSTANDING service to the citizens of Saskatoon! In the last 10 years, they continue to be one of the finest home builders and renovators in Saskatchewan and have always upheld our 5 TRUSTED GUARANTEES of service for their 10 YEARS as Trusted Saskatoon Partners.

Decora Homes Trusted Saskatoon Custom Home Builders and Renovation Professional For Over A Decade!


When the Trusted Saskatoon team gives a business the 'Thumbs Up' it really means something!! So continue to use and recommend TrustedSaskatoon.com to FIND GREAT LOCAL BUSINESSES YOU CAN TRUST like Decora Homes Ltd.


Trusted Saskatoon was founded on the principle that great local businesses deserve the promotion. We know they are out there, we have found many already, and we work hard to find more. Please help us by nominating your favourite Saskatoon businesses here.

Trusted Saskatoon Realtor Marla Janzen's Tips to Prepare Your Home for Fall and Winter Weather

As an award-winning SASKATOON REAL Estate agent, Marla Janzen knows the city and surrounding area extremely well. She strives to find her clients the perfect new place to live while negotiating the best terms and price possible. She has a keen eye for house layout and home staging, which really benefits her clients, most of whom are past client referrals! In her latest Saskatoon real estate tip, Marla shares tips on how to prepare your home for the colder months ahead. 

PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR FALL FEELS

Fall has a certain air to it, don’t you think? As the seasons change, it’s time to get your house ready for the coming rain, snow, and ice. The best way to avoid problems later in the season is to plan ahead and do some simple house maintenance as early as now. By doing this, you’ll be free to take advantage of everything the autumn season has to offer. To help you out, I’ve compiled a list of practical things to do on your own. However, hiring a professional to do it for you will be more cost-effective in the long run, saving you both time and money.

Here are some helpful tips to help you prepare your house for the colder months ahead.

1. Check the roof for leaks

From the ground, you should be able to get a good look at it. Consider using a pair of binoculars or scaling a nearby structure for a better vantage point if you’re up for the challenge. Look for shingles that are loose, broken, or missing. The removal of leaves and other debris can be necessary if your roof is flat.

2. Make sure your gutters are clear

It’s critical to maintain the smooth flow of your roof’s drainage system, which annually diverts tens of thousands of gallons of water from the exterior and foundation walls of your residence. Clogged gutters can result in water damage to your home’s exterior and a flooded basement. They rust and corrode more quickly. Remove all debris from your gutters and cover them with mesh gutter guards before the leaves start falling this season.

3. Remove leaves and check the trees in your area

Examine the trees in your area. Look for broken or too close to electrical wires or the roof, damaged limbs. Meanwhile, clear the yard of leaves by raking them and then removing them. If you have access to a compost pile, use it. If this is not an option, place in yard waste bags and place at the curb for collection by the neighborhood.

4. Replace window and door screens

Strengthen the windows and doors of your home. Having storm windows and doors would be best as replacements for your screens. All doors and windows should have caulk and seals checked.

5. Pool closeout

Schedule a pool closing service if you have a pool and live in a cold climate. If you are capable, you can buy the supplies and close your pool yourself if you know how to do this task.

6. Garage clean up

Organizing your garage or shed for fall and winter is a terrific time to search through your supplies. Don’t wait for snow trouble before you find that snow shovel of yours. If you live in an area with erratic weather, be sure your snowblower is serviced and ready to go.

7. Manage the shed

Most often than not, we have summer items filing up our storage. It’s an excellent time to organize and clean up your shed now by rearranging and putting all summer items at the back and winter products in the front to make it easier to get the things you’d need in the colder seasons. Be sure to get rid of everything that could freeze, as well. Restore and store outdoor furniture that has been left unused over the winter. Clean the cushions by removing them and washing them—store furniture in a dry spot throughout the winter after cleaning and drying it.

8. Make a bundle of firewood a priority

With fireplaces in mind, it’s time to start accumulating firewood. You’ll be happy you did it when the cold weather arrives. Use dried and ready-to-use firewood if you’ve collected it yourself. Covering and storing firewood away from the home is the safest option. Outside, construct a firewood rack and a carrier for moving the wood inside. Make sure you have enough wood on hand for the entire season.

9. Take care of the fireplace and the chimney

The colder months would surely make you and your family spend more time together, lounging in front of the fireplace. Ensure that the fireplace and chimney are both working properly before using the fireplace. It’s highly recommended that you have a professional chimney sweep and inspection if you frequently use your wood fireplace. To avoid chimney fires, schedule a chimney cleaning appointment right away.

10. Make sure that the furnace and boiler are working properly

You should check your furnace or boiler in the fall to make sure it’s ready for the cold weather. A furnace’s filters should be changed on a regular basis throughout the fall and winter. Have it inspected if necessary,  by doing so, you’ll be saving money on your utility bills and have extra for shopping, maybe?

11. Turn off all faucets and put hoses away in a dry place

Disconnect outside spigots and drain garden hoses. Turn off external faucets and, if your house is older, the valve inside. Shut everything down. Keep hoses out of the freezer by storing them in a dry location. Follow the manufacturer’s protocol for draining and safeguarding an in-ground irrigation system from winter damage to freezeproof it.

All faucets that leave your home should have an internal shut-off valve. If the interior shut-off valve has a drain stopper, open it while the outside faucet is still turned on. The drain plug on the shut-off valve should be closed and then turn the outdoor faucet back to the off position once all of the water has been completely drained from the line. If you don’t have shut-off valves or can’t find them, hire a certified plumber to install them.

Blowout sprinkler lines and irrigation system. At this time, your irrigation system may need to be drained and checked. Repairs should be performed by a professional, and sprinkler heads near snow removal zones should be marked. By doing this, you’ll have peace of mind during the freezing season.

12. Check the condition of your furnace

It would be best if you had a professional inspect your heating system once a year. Think about doing this task before winter sets in so you don’t have to rush. And while you are at it, include your furnace on the checklist too. Hire an HVAC professional to check for leaks, evaluate the heating efficiency, and change the filter. They can also check for carbon monoxide for air safety. Also, keep spare air filters on hand and swap them out regularly.

13. Clean humidifiers

During the months when it’s operating, maintaining your central humidifier will make you and your house more pleasant. To begin, look over the plates or pads and, if necessary, give them a good cleaning with a strong solution of laundry detergent. Use a wire brush or steel wool to remove mineral deposits after rinsing the area well and drying. Replace any worn-out filters and give the compartment a thorough cleaning. Vinegar is a low-cost and effective solution. Just a trivia, did you know that dry winter air makes fine wood more susceptible to cracking? So much so that dry winter air can also cause harm or irritation on our skin.

14. Make time for carpet care

Cleaning your carpets is best done in the fall. This season is the most fantastic time to open windows and let fresh air in to help with drying. If you don’t know how to operate a carpet cleaning machine, hire a pro to do it for you.

15. Comfy clean bedding

Get your down and cotton comforters, linens, and knits out of the closet and give them a good cleaning. After a thorough wash, place your blankets in a handy closet so that they’re ready to go when the frigid nights arrive.


There you have it—my practical guide to prepping your home for fall. Make sure your house is ready for the next autumn season by being smart and practical. Preventative maintenance now will save you money on costly emergency repairs and other expenditures in the long run. Maintaining your house well not only increases its worth and appeal but also saves you time and energy. 

Is there something you need help with around the house or are you planning to sell or buy a new home for the winter? Contact award-winning SASKATOON REAL Estate agent Marla Janzen today for a free consultation! 

Marla guarantees to provide you with a stress-free, hassle-free, wonderful experience and we are sure once you have met her that you will not contact anyone else!

Marla Janzen is a TRUSTED SASKATOON REALTOR®

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