Our Blog | Ottawa Builders

Oct

Enjoy Sleek City Living at Huntclub Towns

Are you looking for sleek city living in Ottawa and wondering what the best option is? Located at the corner of Downpatrick Road and Uplands Drive, Huntclub Towns is a new addition to the Ottawa market that fits the bill. These chic, boutique-style townhomes are attracting buyers from all over. Read on for information about how Huntclub Towns combines design, location, and price into the perfect package for sleek city living.

Innovative Design

Huntclub Towns combine chic exterior design with innovative floor plans and finishes that are quite impressive. There are 18 different floor plans to choose from, so you are sure to find one that fits your vision perfectly. You can choose between a terrace townhome and a freehold townhome plan. These plans range from 882 to 1562 square feet, with 2 and 3 bedroom designs available. The exterior design of these homes is breathtaking, featuring modern angled rooflines, wood and metal accents, and beautiful brick veneers. Most of these homes include a single car garage along with a balcony, yard, and an outdoor terrace.

Location, Location, Location

Huntclub Towns are located just minutes from downtown. This development is also located close to a large number of amenities like department stores, grocers, restaurants, and cafés. You get all the perks of urban living while living close to green space. There are quite a number of trails, bike paths and parks nearby whenever you need to relax with nature. Whether it’s heading out to catch a flight for a vacation or business trip, or to check out the hot new restaurant downtown, Huntclub Towns has a location that is second to none.

Unbelievable Affordability

This new development offers sleek city living along with the convenience of low-maintenance ownership without the high monthly condo fees that you would expect with upscale condominiums. All homes come with parking, six appliances, and a bonus $10,000 décor package. Huntclub Towns are being built by Theberge Homes. Theberge is renowned for meticulous attention to detail and their ability to give homes a contemporary finish. The prices start at an unbelievable $230,500, which is a small price to pay for a beautiful new home and an exciting new lifestyle.

Huntclub Towns offer urban living at its finest. Do not miss out on your opportunity for affordable, sleek city living that is only minutes from downtown and green space!

Sep

5 Signs You’re Ready to Build a Custom Home

Building a custom home in Ottawa can be the culmination of the Canadian Dream: not only are you buying a home, you are creating one. At Theberge Homes, we believe custom homes are the ultimate expression of creativity and lifestyle. If these five signs apply to you, talk to us today about making your custom home a reality:

You Have Approved Financing

Financing a custom home in Ottawa isn’t necessarily more expensive than purchasing a home, but it can be different than a normal mortgage. Finding a lender willing to do a construction loan can be challenging as they’re considered riskier than a traditional loan. There may also be two closings to deal with – one for the land, and one closing later for the finished home.

You’ve Vetted the Neighbourhood

Building a custom home requires a commitment of both time and money, and before you move forward you’ll want to thoroughly check out the neighbourhood and the schools as well as the potential resale value for the future. Keeping your home in the general size and price range of others in your area gives you the best shot at maintaining and even growing your resale value.

You’ve Interviewed Your Builder and Architect

It never hurts to ask for referrals when you’re embarking on a long-term adventure such as building a home. Ask to view other homes that your builder worked on and take the time to call any references provided. All these steps will help you be confident in your choice for this important life change. Be sure your builder and your architect are people you are comfortable with and who can see your dream and help you turn it into a reality.

Plan for emergency funds

No one wants to think about a large project such as a home going over budget, but it’s an expected eventuality when building a custom home. No matter how well costs are estimated, it is common for projects to go over budget. It’s best to plan for this amount upfront and avoid concerns later. Items such as custom blueprints can be quite expensive, whereas you could purchase stock blueprints and modify them much more cost-effectively.

Build or buy?

Before you embark on a major adventure such as building your own custom home, be sure to weigh the pros and cons versus buying an existing home. Custom building allows you to control the layout of your home, add personal styling touches and choose features that cater to your lifestyle.

Building a custom home can be an exciting and rewarding step in your future. By doing a bit of pre-planning, you’ll have a personalized home to enjoy for many years to come. Contact Theberge Homes today to book your no-obligation consultation.

Sep

Make Your Condo Party Central

If you live in a condo from Theberge Homes, rest assured you can host parties to be remembered. Guests will be wowed by your modern and contemporary condo, and you can impress them further with your hosting etiquette. You can host a great party in your Ottawa condo and we will help give you some tips on how to make it amazing.

Small Space, No Problem

Even if you think that you don’t have enough space in your condo to host a party, there are some simple things that you can do to have a great party. Here are a few great tips for turning your Ottawa condo into the place to be for your friends and family.

Do you feel like you just can’t seem to find enough space for all of the people that you invited? Move some things around. Start in the largest space in your condo, such as the living room, and do a little bit of temporary rearranging of your furniture. By clearing floor space you can optimize your condo for a gathering making it feel larger than it actually is.
Most people that have a condo find that trying to cook during the event becomes a problem. Instead of trying to pull items out of the fridge or the oven the entire night, cater in. While this may be a little bit more than you wanted to spend for your gathering you will more than likely find that it makes things easier and less stressful on you. This way you can enjoy the night without having to run to the kitchen every few minutes to check on things. If you do decide to cook, the open concept living style means you’re not left out of the conversation.
Do you have a balcony on your condo? If you do you can make this the central theme of your party. By adding simple touches such as elegant lighting and a small drink bar you can avoid having all of the people that you invited stuck inside. The balcony is also a great place for people to talk and connect without having to feel like they are stuck in one place with all the other guests.

Don’t Forget the Small Things

When you think of a party, you think of music. Don’t wait until the last minute to pull out your playlist. Plan ahead. If you have a central party theme, try to match the music to the theme. However, if you are just having a small gathering, try to keep the music neutral and most certainly don’t play anything that you feel may be offensive to some guests.

Having a party in your condo doesn’t have to be a hassle. While most people don’t think that they can pull off a gathering in a cozier space there are actually a variety of things that you can do to help make the night great. Stop worrying about what everyone is going to think about where you live and start enjoying yourself. Condo parties are a great and intimate way to keep in touch with your friends and family!

Must have kitchen appliances in your new home

Aug

The Must-Have Kitchen Tools & Accessories

Now that you’ve purchased a stunning Theberge townhome or condo in Ottawa equipped with the most modern kitchen finishings and state-of-the-art appliances, it’s time to get cooking. Are you just newly starting out on your own and have no idea what you should have in your kitchen? If you answered yes, we are here to help. While most people don’t give much thought to the kitchen it should be one of the most important places in your home. After all, you make all of your meals here and at times even entertain guests.

Skimping on kitchen tools and appliances should never be an option. However, if you are on your own for the first time in your life, we have put together a guide of some of the things that should be in every kitchen around! It’s the simple things that people take for granted and the simple things that most people tend to forget about.

Important Kitchen Tools and Appliances

Here is a list of some of the things we think are absolutely necessary to have in your kitchen at all time.

A professional chef’s knife. A sharp knife is the most important tool in any great chef’s arsenal, and it should also be a priority for the home cook. While you should invest in a durable knife set, a versatile eight-inch night does the duty for dicing, chopping, slicing, and more.
Nylon-Headed Tongs. Whether you’re frying up tasty delights, flipping food in the oven, or trying to grip hot items, a sturdy pair of tongs is definitely a must-have. We recommend nylon-headed tongs because they are heat-safe and won’t scratch up your non-stick cookware. Make sure the pair can lock and release for each storage.
Mandoline. This kitchen essential goes in and out of style, but it’s definitely a trendy item right now. Create matchstick and julienne cuts far easier than you ever could even with the best knife skills. A mandolin is essential for making winter comfort food like delicate ratatouille.
KitchenAid Mixer. This iconic mixer is incredibly durable and has been a staple for cooks and bakers in the know for almost one hundred years. With its stable base and economical design, no other mixer can compare.
A good set of measuring spoons and measuring cups is essential even if you aren’t an avid baker. You would be surprised all of the things that you will use these small tools for. Most recipes, whether homemade or from a box, require you to measure some sort of ingredients. Having the proper tools to do it will make it easier for you.

These are some of the most important things everyone should have in their kitchen in their townhome or condo. Most people take these things for granted until they no longer have them anymore. If you are just starting out make these items a priority. You won’t regret it!

Aug

A Guide to Getting Settled in Your New Townhome

Moving into an elite urban residence is an exciting milestone in life, but it can still be a big adjustment for you and your family. This guide should help you settle into your beautiful modern home as quickly as possible, so you can look forward to years of happiness and comfort:

From Vision to Reality

Throughout the home buying process, you probably had many very vivid dreams about living in your new home and envisioned many details, from the artwork in the living room to the precise layout of your bedroom. Now is the time to put your personal stamp on the home, because it’s all yours. The great thing about a new townhome from an Ottawa home builder like Theberge Homes is that you don’t have to update a stale old house, or replace tacky fixtures and wallpaper. It’s already a pinnacle of modern style, you can just add your own unique touches as you see fit.

Get to Know the Neighbours

One of the great advantages to buying a townhome in a project like Huntclub Towns, Alta Vista Ridge, or Pinecrest is that you instantly become a part of a community. It’s never been easier to connect with your neighbours, some of whom might become friends and trusted confidants for life. You may even find a housesitter or petsitter among them! Are you interested in wine tasting, hikes in Gatineau Park, or a friendly game of squash? You’re likely to find someone with shared interests like these. You could wait for your neighbours to come introduce themselves, or you could put the first step forward and say hi.

Get to Know the Neighbourhood

Beyond the people, it will also help you settle in if you know the neighbourhood. Take a walk and see where the nearest park, coffee shop, and grocery store are. Is there a cute little restaurant you’d like to visit soon? Check for nearby amenities like pharmacies and banks. Also make sure you find out where the nearest hospital, police station, and fire station are located.

Throw a Housewarming Party

After all the boxes are unpacked and you’ve got your townhome looking just right, it’s time to invite your family, friends, and new and former neighbours your new home. They are sure to be impressed with the contemporary and comfortable look of the space. Put your new kitchen to the test and enjoy your time entertaining guests.

Once the party it’s over it’s time to relax because you’ve successfully settled into your new townhome.

Jul

8 Steps for Planning Successful Dinner Party

Once you get settled into your new home, you know what comes next: hosting a dinner party for your favourite guests. You know you’ll want to show off your modern and contemporary townhome that embodies elite urban living. Follow these three easy steps, and you’re sure to impress everyone with a successful dinner party hosting gig.

Guest List

Start by choosing a guest list. If it’s your first party, keep things intimate with six guests or fewer. If you’re a pro, feel free to invite a long list of diners.

Invitations

Send elegant invitations in the mail, or keep things casual with a phone call or even Facebook event invite.

Allergies

Make sure you ask about allergies in advance. It’s no big deal if someone’s just picky about mushrooms, but you don’t want to put anyone’s health at risk!

Tried and True Recipes

Now is not the time to experiment. Go with meals that you know work and that aren’t too finicky. Practice them ahead of time, because even if you have a perfect lasagna recipe, it’s a whole different ballgame cooking for a dozen people instead of two.

Practice, Practice, Practice

If you insist on cooking a new meal, you absolutely must practice in advance! You don’t want to find out at show time that a) the recipe wasn’t up to snuff, or b) the complexity is way above your pay grade.

Keep it Simple

Don’t cook anything too complicated. You should give yourself some wiggle room and not cook anything that requires constant attention and will fall apart if you cook it one second too long.

Stock Up

Make sure you have every single ingredient and accessory well in advance. This means making sure you have enough plates, wine glasses, cutlery, and other kitchen utensils. Obviously you will want to have your main ingredients (meat, vegetables, starch), but also make sure you don’t run out of kitchen staples like eggs, salt, garlic powder, or butter.

Prepare Extra

What if someone drinks more than their fair share of wine, or heaps a second portion without asking? Give yourself a bit of wiggle room with food and drink volume so everyone leaves sated and satisfied.

Your townhome is the perfect backdrop for a successful dinner party, and these tips can help you plan the night down to a tee. With all the planning out of the way, all you need to do is cook up a storm and enjoy!

Jul

How to Choose a Location for Your Custom Home

Building your own custom home is an exciting endeavour. But before you decide the layout of your dream house, the most important decision needs to be made – the location of your new home. Location of the site you want to build on is a critical investment. By making the right choice, your house should increase in value over time and improve the quality of your life. Here are some points to consider when choosing the ideal spot:

Budget

Whether you want a large piece of land or a small sliver of prime real estate, buying the land to build your home on should fit into your budget. Decide on a price range you are willing to spend so that you make the appropriate choice that won’t be setting you back financially farther than you intended.

City or the Country

Decide if you want to live in or just outside a city/town to be closer to amenities and services or if you prefer to be surrounded by nature and a quieter environment.

Proximity to Work

If you are building a house, chances are you have a full-time job. Studies show that a shorter commute to work every day can improve your overall happiness and quality of life. Try finding a location close to work so that your commute isn’t giving you daily frustration but far enough away that you don’t have to pass by it every time you leave your home.

Children

If you are thinking about having children or you already have children, being in a good location becomes even more of a concern. If you are enrolling your kids in a public, French, Catholic school, check online for school districts in your potential home area. You want your children to have a good experience and make the most out of their time in school. For this reason, it’s important to make sure you spend a good portion of your time looking at schools and their reputation.

If you have young children, finding a location on a quiet street or near a park should be taken in to consideration. You want to keep your children safe from busy traffic and/or give them somewhere to play outside rather than on the street.

Zoning

Do some research into the zoning of the area you are looking to build. It would be a pretty sour scenario if you built your home and then suddenly a large factory was put up right beside you. Check into current zoning and recent attempts to change the zoning so that you end up in a location that stays the way you want it for many years to come.

Value of the Property

Research trends in the property value of nearby homes. Buying a home is also an investment. You want to make sure that your home increases in value over time rather than depreciates.

Convenience

How far are you willing to travel to get to the nearest the grocery store, shopping centre or hockey rink? If you tend to eat out frequently, look for locations closer to restaurants. If you want to enjoy the convenience of having a pharmacy or a coffee shop close to home, make sure you take that into consideration.

Ask your Builders

Why not seek advice from those with the most experience. Having been in the industry for a great deal of time, your builders are likely up-to-date on local zoning and can help you choose the ideal location for your dream home. Give us a call today for a no-obligation consultation.

Jul

2015’s Hottest Custom Home Trends

Luxury Shower

Gone are the days of big baths tubs and in is the era of the modern luxury shower. Complete with various nozzle heads, water features and a large walk-in area, extravagant showers provide the pensive, lush feeling you’ve always wanted in a shower. High-quality music speakers, mood lighting and thermostat-regulated water temperatures make showering more than just a way to get clean. Instead, you now get to indulge in a euphorically pleasurable and meditative experience.

Wine Tasting Areas

Bleak unused basement rooms are being turned into lavish wine tasting areas partnered with a wet bar and a portable wine cellar. Low lighting and a gorgeous naturally finished table give this space a marvelous ambiance for wine tastings and gatherings.

Poolside Fire Pit

What could be more comforting than cozying up to a warm, crackling fire on a calm summer evening after a nice swim? A circular cushioned seating area that follows the contours of your fire pit make it a welcoming and calming experience. Poolside fire pits allow you to have fun in the pool and then unwind with the tranquil beauty of a glowing fire. Add some built-in outdoor music speakers and your guests will be entertained for hours under the stars.

White Kitchen Cabinets

The shift from natural looking wood cabinets to elegantly refined white cabinets has begun. White cabinets accompanied by a complimentary countertop make your kitchen look polished and sophisticated. The unique trim design on white cupboards provides a crisp, exquisite appearance.

Quartz Countertops

Helping to compliment your white cabinets is a bright and vibrant quartz countertop. The light coloured quartz adjacent to white cabinets give your kitchen a sleek, modern feel. Many people are making the change from granite countertops to quartz for these reasons. Quartz in comparison to granite is also less porous and can endure a great deal of abuse over the years and still maintain its original lively, refined look.

Outdoor Kitchen

Let’s face it, there’s something about outdoor gatherings that is so much better than ones spent indoors. Bring the party outside with a natural looking, outdoor stone kitchen. This will also help keep the host engaged in the gathering rather than alone preparing in the kitchen inside. With your outdoor kitchen area, you can crack open a beer, throw some steaks and veggies on the grill, and enjoy a serene summer evening.

Natural Looking Outdoor Pool

Transform your eyesore of a swimming pool into a natural oasis. A swimming pool that blends into surrounding nature gives you a delightfully organic experience as you float away your stress (especially with a waterfall feature).

For more advice, book a no-obligation consultation with the style experts from Theberge Homes’ design centre.

Jun

A Guide to Decorating Your New Condo

If you have recently purchased a new condo like Alta Vista Ridge, you are already immersed in a world of elite urban style and contemporary design. Here are some tips on how to decorate your new condo to match the stunning design of the home:

Find Your Style

Before you start buying paint, loading your shopping cart with accessories, and ordering furniture, you need to find your style. Flip through magazines, browse websites, talk with design-savvy friends, or schedule a consultation with an interior designer for inspiration. Once you understand what style best reflects your mood and personality, it’s time to start planning and shopping.

Accentuate Features

Condos from top builders in Ottawa have plenty of character and unique elements. If your home has a notable accent feature, make sure your design layout accounts for this and shows it off. Assess your condo with a keen eye and look at unique features as an opportunity, not an obstacle. If your condo has floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room, take advantage of this feature with a layout that doesn’t obstruct the window. If you have a granite island with an overhang, buy stools to turn it into a functional and attractive breakfast bar.

Use Open Concept to Your Advantage

Open concept designs make the room feel airy and spacious, but you can still use furniture to differentiate the spaces. You’ll still to be able to have conversations across the room while entertaining guests, but when you want privacy, decorative screens can help delineate space.

Natural Light

Window treatments like blinds, shutters, and drapes are an important element of décor, but you don’t want to use them to the point that they crowd out natural light. As much as possible, take advantage of access to natural light and the way it connects you with the outside world. Use mirrors to reflect natural light and make any room appear larger and brighter.

Wise Use of Colour

When painting walls, remember than lighter colours and tones are usually more effective at making the space seem larger. If you have a penchant for dark tones, consider using accent pieces and art instead of wall paint to make this statement. Less is definitely more when it comes to paint intensity.

With these tips in mind, you can make decorating decisions that match the modern up-scale styling of your new condo. If you would like more guidance, you can book a free no-obligation consultation with the Theberge Design Centre.

Jun

Enjoy the Advantages of Townhome Living

If you’re looking to buy a new home, look no further than the townhomes at Huntclub Towns in Ottawa. Are you ready to indulge in elite urban living with sophisticated modern styling? Read on to find out more about the advantages of townhome living:

Low Maintenance

When you own a single-family home, you have to deal with maintaining the entirety of the interior and exterior of the property. From pulling pesky weeds on the lawn to repainting the siding and making sure the roof is in good condition, it’s all in your hands. When you own a townhome, you can say goodbye to the frustration of snow shoveling, and other downsides of single family homes. Do less yard work and enjoy low-maintenance living without the stress and pain of constant upkeep.

Community

When you live in a townhome, you instantly become part of a community of like-minded townhome owners. Townhomes are located in close proximity which naturally bonds you to the townhome owners around you. Say goodbye to feeling isolated with no friendly neighbourhood support. Enhance your social experience by buying a townhome. Even with this closer community feel, you still have your own distinct space with nobody trampling above you or living below you.

Security

An added benefit of the closer nature of townhome units is an increased sense of security. You can keep an eye out for suspicious people and activities and alert your neighbours, and vice versa. You won’t have to look far to find someone to pick up your mail and feed your goldfish when you’re on vacation, either. Sleep more soundly at night in the comfort of this piece of mind.

Cost

The advantages to buying a townhome continue when you factor in the cost. Townhomes are usually less expensive than single family homes, even ones located in the same neighbourhood. If you have found the perfect neighbourhood in which to live but balk at the inflated cost of single home ownership, then buying a townhome is the perfect solution. Huntclub Towns offers townhomes from $356,900. Detailed pricing information is available upon request.

Design

Huntclub Towns offer the latest in sophisticated contemporary style with high-end finishes and tasteful design. Bask in the aesthetic beauty of sleek hardwood flooring, elegant granite, abundant natural light, and refined wood and metal accents.

Make your next home a townhome and benefit from the many distinct advantages of townhome living. For more information, contact the Huntclub Towns sales centre.