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        <title>Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>https://www.calgaryluxuryhomes.ca/blog/2018-07/</link>
        <description></description>
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    <guid>https://www.calgaryluxuryhomes.ca/blog/how-to-decide-if-a-condo-is-right-for-you.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.calgaryluxuryhomes.ca/blog/how-to-decide-if-a-condo-is-right-for-you.html</link>
        <author>justin@justinhavre.com (Justin Havre Real Estate Team)</author>
        <title>How to Decide If a Condo Is Right for You</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 





Most property owners are attracted to condos primarily because they're less expensive than a single-family home. However, there are far more reasons to choose (or not choose) a condo beside price. Whether or not a condo is right for a homeowner depends entirely on the circumstances and the priorities of the future owner, so learn more about what to consider before making the final decision to buy a condo.


Budgets and Locations


Purchasing a condo has the potential to be a very cost-effective solution for those keeping a sharp eye on their budget. Larger condos may offer the same square footage as a single-family home for less, and they give people downsizing from a larger home a chance to remain property owners without an exorbitant mortgage. In addition, condos are usually located inside city centers, which makes it easier for condo owners to run errands or enjoy an active social life.


One potential cost a home buyer may not have factored into their budget though is homeownership fees or maintenance costs that are put toward the greater overall property. These extra fees can be high enough to cancel out the obvious cost savings on the condo's mortgage.


Maintenance Concerns


A condo typically requires less upkeep than a single-family home. Condo owners won't have to replace their roof or tend to their lawn, which translates to less schedule coordination with handymen or gardeners and more free time to enjoy oneself. The key for condo owners is to choose a complex with board members who make it a priority to maintain the amenities (e.g., the parking lot, grilling areas, etc.) for all of their residents. While condo owners will still need to perform and pay for standard maintenance to their own property, they're likely to have more free time on their weekends to relax.


Regulations and Restrictions


Condo owners are often expected to compromise certain elements of their condo ownership for the benefit of their fellow owners. Not only will they be expected to contribute funds for repairs or additional construction, but they may be expected to follow certain rules by virtue of owning the property. For example, condo owners may be restricted as to where they can park their vehicles or the total number of pets they can have. Those who want more freedom may want to consider buying a single-family home that is not a part of a homeowners association.


Neighbors and Security


Many condo owners enjoy more security than their traditional homeowner counterparts. Apartment complexes will take additional precautions to protect their premises that most homeowners won't take, such as the installation of cameras or code-protected doors. Because condos are more condensed spaces, there are also more people to see and report on any suspicious behavior. This community-oriented environment also gives condo owners a better chance of making friends or building up a support system with the people who live closest to them. On the other hand, there's also the possibility that neighbors may not mesh well with you, which may be difficult to ignore in an enclosed complex.


A condo is a great choice for many people because it can save people money and time during the course of their property ownership. Not only are condos conveniently located (whether they are a North East Calgary condo or elsewhere), they can also encourage residents to be more social. However, there are a few downsides that may mean the buyer should purchase a single-family home instead.


 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 31 Jul 2018 09:03:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.calgaryluxuryhomes.ca/blog/best-tools-for-homeowners.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.calgaryluxuryhomes.ca/blog/best-tools-for-homeowners.html</link>
        <author>justin@justinhavre.com (Justin Havre Real Estate Team)</author>
        <title>Which Tools Are Useful for First-time Homeowners?</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 





Moving into a new home comes with new responsibilities, such as performing routine maintenance or doing home improvement projects. Homeowners now have to shoulder the burden that landlords or an HOA may have handled in the past. There are some small tools that can help new homeowners tackle routine maintenance tasks and save them money.


A Tape Measure


From furniture to lumber for a new project, it is important to buy the right size for a perfect fit. New Canadian homeowners may find a 25-foot tape measure with a one inch long blade the best choice as it is long enough to meet the majority of measuring needs and is made not to buckle.


A Flashlight


A flashlight can be used in the home, the car or the great outdoors. Some homeowners prefer an LED flashlight for investigating unusual noises or checking the electrical box during an outage. Every first-time homeowner should safely store away a flashlight, matches and candles for such situations.


A Hammer


One of the most basic tools is a hammer. Some new homeowners prefer the ones with a vibration-dampening coating to reduce potential aches with repetitive pounding. A hammer with a straight claw is best for small-scale demolition tasks. A hammer with a smooth head is better for preventing nail slippage.


Adjustable Crescent Wrench


Easier than having to stock a full set of wrenches, purchase an adjustable wrench made to snugly fit around different sized nuts and bolts. A larger 14-inch crescent wrench will provide good leverage while the smaller 6-inch adjustable crescent wrench performs better for smaller spaces. An adjustable crescent wrench will be just the thing for tightening bolts in kitchens and bathrooms.


A Battery-Powered Drill


A battery-powered drill is a convenient tool that can be used for a range of tasks. And when a homeowner buys a pack of drill bits, a wireless drill becomes quite the versatile tool. Buy a wireless drill as not every project that will need to be completed will be located close to an outlet or power source, such as when working on the roof.


Protect Your Investment


Start a tool kit of basic tools to keep a home in top shape. Taking care of repairs oneself can help new North West Calgary real estate and homeowners. Canadian homeowners save money. But always be aware when it is better to call a professional than to try and do it yourself.


 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 17 Jul 2018 10:25:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.calgaryluxuryhomes.ca/blog/news-and-trends-in-residential-building-technology.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.calgaryluxuryhomes.ca/blog/news-and-trends-in-residential-building-technology.html</link>
        <author>justin@justinhavre.com (Justin Havre Real Estate Team)</author>
        <title>News and Trends in Residential Building Technology</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 





The construction industry has moved along at its own pace when it comes to adapting different kinds of technology, even as breakthrough after breakthrough debuted on the market. However, residential builders are starting to recognize how new advancements can save them time and money in the home construction process. Whether an individual is planning to build or remodel their home in the future or they're just curious about the shifting methods of home construction, it's useful to know the trends to better predict the future of the residential building industry.


The Scouting Process


Scouting for the best locations to build has long been a time-consuming process for many builders. Not only are photos typically insufficient to get the full scope of the land, it also requires schedule coordination that can be difficult to arrange—especially if multiple people have to approve the site. Now builders can use drones for an overview of the land and 3D scanners to ascertain the details. Drones show aerial footage that can immediately rule out land for any number of reasons (e.g., a grove of trees or massive stockpile.) If there are any further doubts, 3D scanners give the measurements of any physical obstructions on the land to within 2 mm of accuracy. Homeowners have the chance to be more involved in the building process without having to compromise their own schedules.


Getting the Job Done


There's been a consistent shortage of skilled labor in the construction industry. The extra workload puts more pressure on available construction workers, which is just part of the reason why accidents have risen in the last few years in major cities. Virtual or augmented reality programs are now available to give workers a better understanding of how they should be tackling their job. They have the opportunity to have hands-on experience without risking their health or safety. More than this, it can give them a chance to learn the quirks and special features of the exact job site that they'll be working on. Employees learn how to solve problems in the virtual world so they don't endanger themselves when they finally take off the headset and step onto the job site.


A Change in Materials


Manufacturers of residential building materials are striving to drastically cut down on how much maintenance homeowners need to complete over their course of homeownership. For example, nanoparticle paint is designed to resist stains, scuffs, and water damage due to its infusion of titanium dioxide. There's also self-healing concrete that can be used for the foundation of the home. This special material has shape-memory polymers designed to revert to its original state in the case of mild to moderate damage. This kind of durability is great for homeowners while they live in the home, and it can also be an excellent selling point for future buyers.


The Benefits of Robotics


From packaging to car making, robots are now being used in practically every major industry. Brick-laying robots work at a speed that's five times faster than a human worker, making it possible to both push up construction deadlines and cut back on labor costs. The technology is somewhat primitive as of right now and cannot be operated without the help of human workers loading and unloading the materials. The robots also can't work with complicated designs and may be impeded by small anomalies in the land. However, the technology is getting better by the year, which could lead to more brick-laying robots in the future.


A New Way of Building


The above examples give people a good idea of how conventional building is being augmented by technology, but some people are reimagining how homes can be made without the help of any traditional techniques. There are now 3D printers that can make build entire homes from scratch in less than a day's time, and they cost as low as 4,000 to produce. While the homes are simple in terms of architectural design, they are purported to be entirely up to code and ready for human inhabitants. Right now, the technology seems best suited for cities demanding more low-cost housing for residents, but this may change as more people recognize the merits of 3D printed homes.


While all builders may take a different approach when it comes to completing their projects, it's worth noting which advancements have started to make headlines with investors, developers, and North Calgary home buyers or elsewhere. It may not take long before the exception becomes the norm, especially considering just how many benefits each of these breakthroughs has for future homeowners. Those who have the information may be able to make better choices when it comes to building or home improvement.


 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 10 Jul 2018 09:38:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.calgaryluxuryhomes.ca/blog/understanding-when-to-use-different-types-of-roofing-materials.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.calgaryluxuryhomes.ca/blog/understanding-when-to-use-different-types-of-roofing-materials.html</link>
        <author>justin@justinhavre.com (Justin Havre Real Estate Team)</author>
        <title>Understanding When to Use Different Types of Roofing Materials</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 





The roof of the home is often out of sight, out of mind for many homeowners, even though it's one of the most important protective components of the home. When it comes time to decide which roofing materials to choose, it's important to consider the decision from different angles. In other words, choosing materials solely based on cost, convenience, or aesthetics isn't always the best move. How do the basics of how different roofing materials stack up against each other?


Composite Shingles


Composite shingles can last anywhere from 15-50 years, depending on quality and upkeep.Composite or asphalt shingles remain a popular option because they're affordable and they don't require a lot of maintenance. Even though they're made from a variety of materials, the manufacturing process evens out the coloring and consistency so they still look great. Composite shingles can be made from tar paper, slate, or fiberglass, and they're vulnerable to certain natural forces (e.g., moss, etc.) At times, however, the quality of the actual shingles may be somewhat inconsistent. However, they can prove to be a durable choice for a budget-conscious homeowner. 


Wooden Shingles


Laminate or pure wood shingles are known for their durability and beauty. They're made from renewable sources too, which is important to many homeowners. Wood is evocative of an old-world style and it's a striking enough feature that the resale value will likely climb immediately after the roof is installed. Pure wood has the potential to warp in face of water damage (or even rot away) if shingles aren't replaced, so it may not be the best option for those in wet climates. However, lamination can make it possible to enjoy up to 25 years of protection under wooden shingles with minimal maintenance on the part of the homeowner regardless of the home's location. In addition, many communities may ban wooden shingles due to fire concerns.


Metal Shingles


Metal is a versatile material that has made a lot of strides in the last few years. Not only is it extremely resistant to moisture and general damage, but it's also an attractive choice for most home decors. Manufacturing has advanced so that metal can now be designed to look like other types of popular roofing materials. This way, the homeowner doesn't have to compromise their artistic vision of the home. Metal roofs are affordable and many even last up to 75 years. They're light enough that they don't need a complicated support structure, and they reflect the worst of the sun's rays which can cut down on how much homeowners spend on air conditioning.


Alternative Materials


Less common materials such as copper have been getting more attention in recent years because of their inherent benefits. For homeowners who want to make a truly stunning impression on passersby and guests alike, few things compare to the shimmer and glint of copper. This material is both unusual and modern, making it a good choice for owners who want their home to stand out and who want to increase the desirability of their home to future buyers.


Popular roofing materials give Strathmore homeowners the chance to pick their roof based on their lifestyle and priorities. Regardless of what you're looking for, keep in mind both the perks and disadvantages of each kind or ask your contractor for their professional opinion.


 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 03 Jul 2018 09:15:00 -0600</pubDate>
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