Parade of Homes

"Our job as builders is to provide consumers with the most affordable product possible, as well as the widest possible range of products to choose from," says Hilton Custom Homes' Spencer Curtis. "We're always looking for ways to innovate, and today's building technology is allowing us to do that." Cutting-edge technology – on both the design and materials front – is now allowing builders to put up spacious homes on more compact lots that might measure in at as little as 20 to 24 feet wide. "We now have semi-detached homes on 24-foot by 133-foot lots (including a show home at 240 Park West Dr.) in Bridgwater Lakes that are priced between $290,000 and $375,000 in three differ- ent models," Curtis says. "The idea behind these homes was to give average Winnipeggers homes they can comfortably afford. You still get your yard and own your home, just on a smaller lot – and you don't have to pay any condo fees." Ventura Custom Homes assistant general manager Arin Comack says the prec- edent for affordable homes on smaller lots was established in Alberta. "You can definitely see a growing trend toward narrower lots in several sub- divisions throughout the city," he says. "It's a trend that started out west in Ed- monton and Calgary several years ago. It's a trend that has moved east, and that has now reached us." He adds that the timing couldn't be better. "Unfortunately, the income of most people hasn't grown relative to the cost of homes. Consequently, as an industry, we have to respond to bridge that gap. Going to the narrower lots helps. Land cost is reduced, while builders have the capability to build a comfortable home on that lot," Comack says. "We can put a 1,750-square-foot home on one of those lots that can comfortably accom- modate a family of five while still being very affordable." Curtis says the key is that even though they're on smaller lots, the homes won't sacrifice function or style. "The houses are still going to be a good size, say 1,200-square-foot bungalows and two-storey designs that come in at 1,500 to 1,800 square feet. As builders, we've just had to take a look at the constraints (narrower lots), and then focus in on ways to design floor plans that will maximize space to the fullest extent." Cont'd on page 106 Left & Above: 240 Park West Drive PHOTOS COURTESY OF HILTON CUSTOM HOMES Parade of Homes Spring 2015 105

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