When building a custom home, we at Vanderzalm Construction Inc. understand the need to incorporate lots of storage space. After all, is there really ever enough…there can be, if you plan properly.

It’s that time of year again… when the changing of leaves means fall is upon us and that means there are a few more chores to do. 

When consulting with a client about their future aspirations for a house there is often a large focus on the interior and exterior look and design. But when they are asked about landscaping plans for their back and front yard it can yield a puzzling look. The truth is your front and back yards are just as big of an important part to their living area as the interior of their home. Here are some ways to maximize the look of your outdoor space:

With the baby boomers aging there is a new demand in keeping homes easily accessible for the elderly and those with special needs. This can often be something that is overlooked in the initial development plans for a home or renovation. There are numerous ways you can make simple changes to your home during a renovation to make it more accessible, but here are a few key areas to keep in mind:

After the winter we have had with its sub-zero temperatures and fierce snowstorms, it is understandable that homeowners would be looking forward to warmer weather and extending their living spaces to the much missed outdoors.  Outdoor rooms have become very popular in the last few years; they are no longer limited to the areas where weather is moderate.  Space is a valuable commodity and you can reclaim your under-utilized yard for an extension of your own living space. Your backyard can be your new retreat or vacation spot!

With today’s hectic family schedules, gone are the days when the master bedroom was just that, a bedroom. Now, it has become a retreat—a sanctuary that one goes to find tranquility and pampering; to find that so elusive private time. Therefore, it stands to reason that while the average master bedroom may still be the biggest bedroom in the house, it does not necessarily meet the needs of today’s homeowners.

Perhaps it is the lights, the smell of fresh baked cookies, or just the sound of laughter and excitement but there is something very magical about this time of year.  And at such a wonderful time, it is no wonder that we reflect with gratitude on the year that has just passed.  This year was one of exciting new projects and an ever-growing client family. After all, we don’t just build houses, we build relationships and custom homes…our client’s homes –your home!  And because we have gotten to know our clients so well, it seems only natural to extend our very best wishes, from our family to yours… may you have a wonderful Christmas with family and friends in your new home or newly renovated home.   Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of your project and to get to know you!

In 2015, it should be no surprise that many Canadians work from home. Whether you run a household, a small business, or simply have flexibility with your employer for the location of your workday, one thing is certain, you need an organized, comfortable space to be effective. A home office needs to be more than just a stylish place that you enjoy being in; it needs to have the space to properly house all of the equipment you utilize, store supplies and have a workable desk surface.

A ‘Man Cave’ should certainly speak to the man that occupies and enjoys the space, but it doesn’t have to be a true cave. When creating a ‘Man Cave’, it is important to consider the following planning tips: