The latest data released by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. showed that new home construction is on the upswing in Toronto due to the tightening rules on residential mortgage. Consumers are adjusting and new home sales are on the rise.
Who doesn’t want to live in a well-constructed home? Those fancy looking features, however, are not a guarantee of a well-built home.
Daryl Shannon, a certified professional home builder and owner of Delonix Homes, advises that homeowners look beyond designer fixtures, gleaming quartz countertops, and smart gadgets.
According to him, checking out behind the walls matters more. Window quality and insulation values are just two important aspects of construction that homeowners must consider.
Partnership with Mike Holmes
Shannon partnered with Canadian builder and television host Mike Holmes and is now a member of the Mike Holmes Approved Homes programs.
Under this program, each home that Delonix constructs are inspected by Holmes’ own inspectors. It goes through a minimal 3-tier home inspection from top to bottom.
A vapour barrier inspection, for example, will include a blower door test and thermal imaging, which is why it would take almost 3 hours to conclude. According to Shannon, this level inspection reveals problems that are not visible to the eye, such as a broken seal that would have caused problems for homeowners.
The “discerning buyer who is conscientious about what’s behind the walls and what they are actually buying,” greatly appreciates this level of scrutiny, Shannon said. This is something Delonix Homes is mighty proud of.
Delonix Homes: Best example of a well-constructed home
A spacious foyer with a 20-foot ceiling is all that’s needed to create a great first impression. Off of it is an attractive home office, which more and more people look for in a home.
There’s a spacious living room with windows that let natural light in and an oversized natural gas fireplace that is trimmed with marble tiles in herringbone style.
According to Shannon, “We’ve incorporated a lot of finer and traditional finishing throughout the home,” and the use of mixed metals with natural wood touches.
The kitchen features countertops in contrasting materials—quartz and black walnut butcher block. The navy blue island is combined with white Shaker-style cabinets.
The kitchen design is finished off with a counter-to-ceiling backsplash built with marble tiles. A walk-through butler’s pantry, on the other hand, adds to the kitchen’s functionality. Built with additional counter, it not only increases storage space but also makes for an ideal prep area.
From the butler’s pantry, you can go to a large mud room that is accessible from the oversized fully insulated garage, making it a handy drop zone.
The home also features a powder room, utility closet, and 3 bedrooms on the second floor. Next to the bedrooms are a laundry room and a four-piece bathroom.
Key Takeaway
Look beyond aesthetics when choosing new constructions. The quality you see on the surface should be the same within the walls and beyond. Start with wall insulation and work your way from there.