Main Level Living in a Rancher

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Designing a home for main level living makes practical sense as we transition into the empty nest years.  A well designed rancher will accommodate many years of comfort and ensures a safe living environment in the event mobility needs change.

Why Build a Rancher?

We are frequently asked to build ranchers – homes in which every day living can take place all on the main level.  Our homes typically include generous kitchen spaces for entertaining guests, a master bedroom and spacious ensuite, and a well-equipped laundry room with lots of storage.  These rooms are often all on one level along with other spaces usually found on a main level.  All of your everyday living can be done without needing to use stairs.

My Story

Ranchers became uniquely special to me as I watched my father-in-law transition in his later years from a strong, vibrant individual, to someone who struggled to walk and care for himself adequately.  He desperately wished to live at home.  I am fortunate that he was able to spend his final year of life in his home that did have the space and design necessary to support his changing his mobility needs.  The experience of assisting my aging father reinforced in my mind the importance of designing homes to suit current and future needs.

If you are considering a rancher, a beautiful, well designed home that supports one level living and an active lifestyle at the same time, give us a call at (604) 626-4688 or contact us through our website.

Be sure to check out Our Portfolio page to see some of the ranchers we have designed and built.  And finally, visit our Aging in Place webpage!

Thanks for reading!

Building Science – What is It?

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Defining Building Science

In the past, designers and builders considered each aspect of a home – foundation, walls, windows, roof, plumbing, electrical, all the parts that make up the home – individually.  Today, we know all aspects of a home work together as a system to create a comfortable, durable, healthy living environment.  Balance all these components together and your home will be far more energy efficient than a home in which these aspects are not working together in harmony.

The study of homes as a system is called Building Science. 

Your home interacts with the surrounding environment and those who live in your home.  The following components have an effect on the overall system:

  • Outdoor temperature, wind, rain, air quality, and dust
  • Everyone living in the home, including pets
  • The materials that make up the envelope of the home like the foundation, exterior walls, windows, roof, and floors
  • Interior aspects that remain fixed in the home
  • Appliances, equipment, and furniture
  • The mechanical and electrical system, ventilation and heating, plumbing and electrical components

Each component will affect the overall performance of your home in terms of energy efficiency, durability, and longevity.   When the systems in your home are not working together, the overall health of your family could be compromised through poor indoor air quality, mold growth, and poor ventilation.

Think about your current home.  Do you see any concerns? 

  • Condensation on windows
  • Rotting windowsills
  • Damaged drywall
  • Bubbled or flaking paint
  • Musty smell
  • Mould on walls
  • Mouldy drapes, carpets or furniture
  • Mould in closets

Think About This

Building to the standard BC Building Code is not enough to ensure your home is a healthy place for you and your family.  It is the minimum standard, but by no means a healthy standard.

If you are considering building a new home, ensure your builder is well qualified to build a healthy home.  This is probably going to be the biggest investment of your life.  Make it a healthy one!

For more information on healthy living environments, download a copy of “Moisture and Air Guide”, by the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Council.

A Langley Home Teardown

Tear Down and Build New

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As housing prices continue to rise in the Fraser Valley and the cost of land increases, there is growing interest among homeowners to tear down the home they currently live in and build a new home on the same land.  A common question when thinking about tearing down the home you currently live in – is this a good idea or not?

Identifying a Teardown

Older homes with structural issues, homes with outdated kitchens or limited bathrooms, and homes that incur increasingly high energy bills are often identified as homes to demolition.  Structural concerns can be expensive to repair and frequently these repairs do not add extensively to the value of the home were you to consider selling.  Whole house renovations involving changing room sizes, updating finishes, and adding more rooms can be expensive.  There are times when demolishing the home and building new may not be that much more than a renovation.

How Do I Decide Between a Renovation and a Teardown?

Sometimes the cost to repair an older home is just not worth it.  An abundance of mold, a damaged foundation, extensive rot in the structure – problems can lead to surprisingly expensive repair costs.  Unhealthy indoor air, hazardous older materials, wet basements. These concerns need to be addressed to ensure the home is safe to live in.

Does the home need new windows, updated electrical wiring, and a new roof?  Does the existing layout make sense for your family or would a renovation include extensive floorplan changes?  Demolishing the home and building new may be the best option if the cost of a renovation is high.

What Is the Cost to Tear down a Home?

Tearing down a home can vary in cost.  Prices can depend on the size of the home, the location of the site, and what hazardous materials are found in the home.

What Permits Do I Need?

Your local municipality will be able to determine what permits are needed for your specific home.  Every home is different and each municipality has its own requirements before a demolition can be done.

What is a Hazmat Report?

Worksafe BC will require a “Hazardous Materials” report before a teardown can begin.  This report will identify what hazardous materials are in the home.  Some materials may need to be removed prior to demolition.

How Much Will a Hazmat Report Cost?

Depending on the size and age of the home, a hazmat report can start at around $500.

How Long Will a Demolition Take?

A home can be torn down in just a few days once reports and permits are in place.

If you like your neighbours and want to keep your kids in the same school but find that your home just isn’t suitable for your changing needs, consider tearing down your home and building a new one.  I’m sure you have many questions and we’d like to help answer them.  Contact us today.  We are happy to chat!

Building a Carriage House

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A carriage house, also known as a coach house, is a second house located on a residential property.  As housing prices go up in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, including the Fraser Valley, building a carriage home can be a practical solution for accommodating college aged family members or aging parents.  Carriage houses are also a great way to bring in some residual rental income.

One of our current design projects is a carriage home.  This eco-friendly house will have plenty of storage, boutique style living quarters, and a generous workshop.  Our client is going to be installing a residential rainwater harvesting system as well.  We are excited to be designing this coach home!

We are also in the finishing stages of building an energy efficient coach house in the Fraser Valley.  This home is using solar, geo exchange, rainwater collection, and other energy saving technologies.

Are you thinking of adding a coach house to your existing property?  We are experienced in both the design and construction of these homes.  Call us today!

Sonbuilt Tradeshow Booth

Langley Spring Home Expo this Weekend!

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We are going to be in the Langley Spring Home Expo this coming weekend.  Here are the details!

Dates/Times:

Friday                    April 8   5pm to 9pm

Saturday              April 9   9:30am – 5:30pm

Sunday                 April 10  10am – 4pm

Location:              George Preston Rec Centre @ 20699 – 42nd Avenue, Langley

Cost:                      Free

 

Come out to see us and be sure to say “Hello!”

Sonbuilt Designs Homes

Designing Your Home

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Designing Your Home

While breaking ground is always an exciting day for a soon-to-be new homeowner, the planning that goes into the details for that day starts months before.  We spend a lot of time on the design phase of a new home.

We design and build homes.  We take into consideration your budget and will design you a home that fits within your budget.  As builder, we are very familiar with up-to-date costs to build.  It’s important to us that we design you a home with the spaces you need and can afford.

When we start design, careful consideration is put into the placement of the home on the lot.  What part of the land has the most daylight?  Where are the views?  How can we maximize on outdoor living spaces?

Flow and functionality are also a big part of planning your home.  Each area of the home should be useful and functional.  And suitable for you and your family.  Drawing, re-thinking and designing to come up with the best layout for your lifestyle.

We also put a lot of time into the materials and mechanics of your home before we get started.  By doing this early in the process, we can minimize questions and smoothly pull the pieces together as we build.

Planning your home is a team effort!

Contact us today to find out how we can help you achieve your dream home!

Sonbuilt Home in Langley

A Happy Customer

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The best moments in the life of a custom home builder often take place when the keys are handed over to an excited, happy customer.  We had one of those moments this week.

We met our client over two years ago.  A fire had resulted in the loss of a home and a life.  Six weeks after this tragic event our client contacted us for the first time.  At our initial meeting we listened.  We listened a lot. It was difficult for us to comprehend the sadness our client was facing.   At times we really didn’t know what to say.  Sometimes saying “I’m really sorry” seems so inadequate.

Our client was determined to move forward.  Working through the insurance process wasn’t always easy and at times it was frustrating.  So many decisions to make.  Moving on can be a difficult road when a variety of emotions are tangled in the process.

Keeping busy, thinking about designing and building, and considering what a new home could look like proved to be a healer in this case.  And finally, almost a year and a half after starting the process, construction began!

It was a pleasure to build for this client!  The goal was to achieve an energy efficient rancher, complete with a finished walk out basement suite.   During the design phase we ensured many “aging-in-place” features were incorporated into the layout allowing our client to remain in this new home for many years to come.    This R-2000 custom home in Langley is ideally designed for anyone in the “empty nester” years who wish to remain busy entertaining friends, family, and active grandchildren.

To our client – you have been a joy to work for.  We admire your determination and perseverance.  Thank you for choosing Sonbuilt Custom Homes!  If you don’t mind, we’ll be stopping by sometimes to visit!

Welcome home!

Sonbuilt Tradeshow Booth

Home Shows

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It’s that time of year again!  Home Shows!

Home Show season is just around the corner.  We’ll be in three shows this year so mark these upcoming dates on your calendar and we hope to see you at the show!

Fraser Valley Home & Garden Show      February 12 – 14

Location:  Tradex in Abbotsford    Booth Numbers:  212, 213, 214
Hours:      Friday, Feb. 12         1pm – 9pm
Saturday, Feb. 13     10am – 6pm
Sunday, Feb. 14       10am – 4pm
Cost:        $7 (Cash only)   Parking:  $6

BC Home & Garden Show      February 17 – 21

Location:  BC Place Stadium
Booth Number:  217  *Holmes Approved Homes Booth
We are excited to be a Holmes Approved Homes Builder!
Visit www.bchomeandgardenshow.com for show times and tickets info

Sonbuilt will be at the booth:
Thursday, Feb. 18        5pm – 9pm
Friday, Feb. 19             12pm – 9pm
Saturday, Feb. 20         10am – 9pm
Sunday, Feb. 21           10am – 6pm

Langley Spring Home Expo      April 8 – 10

Location:  George Preston Rec Centre  –  20699 42 Ave. Langley
Booth Numbers:  79, 80

Hours:      Friday, Apr. 8         5pm – 9pm
Saturday, Apr. 9     9:30am – 5:30pm
Sunday, Apr. 10     10am – 4pm
Cost:        Free
We will have both the Sonbuilt booth and the Holmes Approved Homes booth at the show at Tradex.  We will be using the Holmes Approved Homes booth at the BC  Home and Garden Show.  Details are still being confirmed for the Langley show.

Visit our website blog and Facebook page for updates.  See you at the show!

Chilliwack Home & Leisure Expo 2016

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Some of the Sonbuilt team will be at the Chilliwack Home & Leisure Expo this coming Sunday representing the Canadian Home Builders’ Association of the Fraser Valley.

We’ll be there Sunday from 11am – 4pm in booth 148.

The Canadian Home Builders’ Association of the Fraser Valley is the representative voice of the residential construction industry in the Fraser Valley region of British Columbia. The mission of the Canadian Home Builders Association of the Fraser Valley is to encourage professionalism and integrity in all aspects of the home building industry and to have a voice in government and community affairs where it affects our industry.

The benefits to the homeowner are the availability of quality housing in the area plus a homeowner can find qualified people to do renovations, building projects, professional services, and supply companies.

~ www.chbafv.com

Sonbuilt Custom Homes has been a member of the CHBAFV for a number of years.  Jonathan Zerkee, president of Sonbuilt, served as President of the CHBAFV from 2012 to 2014.   We continue to be actively involved in volunteering our time to support the Association!

Stop by and say “hello”!  Hope to see you there!

 

Defining a “Custom Home”

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We are often asked “What is the difference between a custom home and a spec home?”.

When someone builds a custom home, the future home owner has full control over the design of the home and what goes in it.  A spec home is typically built by a builder before the future buyer is involved.  In a spec home, the builder chooses the style and finishes in the home.

As a custom home builder, our customers are involved in the process of creating their new home from start to finish.  We both design and build.  No two homes are the same.  Each home we build is unique for each customer we work with.

If you are dreaming of your own home and wish to build one day, contact us today!

Visit this page for more information on the Sonbuilt design process.

 

We’d love to chat!