Winnipeg Free Press Newspaper Archives Mar 14 2015, Page 128

Winnipeg Free Press (Newspaper) - March 14, 2015, Winnipeg, Manitoba C M Y K PAGE 7 winnipegfreepress. com HOMES WINNIPEG FREE PRESS, SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 2015 G7 I F you’re on a tight budget, purchasing a new home can be a financial stretch. That means several demographics – from growing families to young couples to empty nesters – can find it difficult to afford a brand new home. Bearing that in mind, Odessy Homes has come to the fore with a new design, a 1,000 sq. ft. bi- level design called The Crocus 2. “ With those three groups, affordability can be a real issue,” said Odessy Homes’ sales representative, Century 21 Carrie. com’s Lilita Klavins. “ That’s not the case with The Crocus 2. A couple with an income of $ 54,000 can afford this home, making it an ideal starter home, or great downsizing option.” That’s great news, indeed. That said, a burning question quickly arises: Exactly what do you get in a 1,000 sq. ft. home ( not including basement) that checks in with a price tag of just $ 272,000? You actually get more than you bargained for, said Klavins. “ We’ve taken the top- down approach with this home. If need be, to make the home even more affordable, we can knock the price down to under $ 264,000 by taking out a design feature here and there, and going with more basic finishes,” she said. “ This home is all about providing buyers with affordability.” For another $ 10,000 or so, the home’s finishing quality is impressive. Included in the price of $ 272,000 are some fine features: cappuccino maple cabinets in the kitchen, rich- looking ( and durable) laminate plank flooring that’s difficult to distinguish from hardwoods, maple baseboards and duraceramic tile flooring in both the foyer and main bath. “ You also get a white subway tile backsplash and taupe laminate countertops in the kitchen,” said Klavins, adding during the Spring Parade of Homes, buyers can purchase an appliance package for only $ 1,500. “ Even though it’s been designed to be affordable, this is a really nice home. It’s not a ‘ settle- for’ home; it actually come with a lot of things that are on people’s wish lists.” While The Crocus 2’ s finishing quality is impressive for a home priced less than $ 300,000, so too is its layout. The main living area — a. k. a. the great room – is a simple, yet efficient ( rectangular) design contains a 13- foot by 12- foot living room, 13- foot by nine- foot dining room, a functional U- shaped kitchen and separate mud room to the rear of the kitchen. Thanks to its ample width – and several well- place windows – it’s an area that possesses a high- function quotient. “ I think the design works because the layout is so well- proportioned,” she said. “ Whether you’re in the living room, dining room or kitchen, you never feel as if you lack space. Not only that, but there’s also plenty of light that comes in from a large picture window in the living room, an oversized transom window next to the dining area, a big window over the kitchen’s double sink and a back door with large window in its centre.” The kitchen, with its U- shaped design, is a real standout. There’s plenty of room for two to move to create meals or wash dishes, a handy pantry next to the fridge, and room to place a buffet cabinet on the wall opposite the dining room, which ( in the show home) is defined by a tray ceiling above. Then, there are the finishes, said Klavins. “ They ( cappuccino cabinets, laminate hardwoods, tile backsplash and taupe laminate countertops) make you feel like you’re in a home that’s far more expensive. The maple baseboards are a nice added touch.” Another nice touch is an efficiently- designed bedroom wing that’s centred between the dining room and kitchen. With two bedrooms ( master suite 13 feet by 12 feet, second bedroom 12 feet by nearly nine feet) plus four- piece main bath ( with soaker tub), it’s tucked neatly away from the great room, with the two bedrooms separated from each other by the main bath. “ It’s perfect for young couples or empty nesters,” she said. “ If you have a baby or young child, they’re right next to you; if you’re an empty nest couple, the second bedroom could be used as a den or guest bedroom.” Next comes The Crocus 2’ s lower level ( about 700 sq. ft. in size), which, thanks to a unique design, can serve one of two purposes. In standard form, it could be a normal basement with a rec room, bedroom, mechanical/ laundry room and storage. Or, it could be used for another purpose. “ With it’s own separate entrance, it could be used as a secondary suite if needed,” explained Klavins. “ It comes equipped with plumbing rough- ins for a future kitchen and bathroom, 200 amp service, egress- legal windows and two laundry connections. There’s still plenty of room for a rec room, which would be a bright space because of the large windows that let in loads of natural light. It’s a great area for in- laws, or teenagers with the private entrance.” The Crocus 2 also comes loaded with other desirable features: Tri- pane windows, a leaded glass entry doors, levered door handles rounded corners and one- piece tub/ shower combination, dual low- flush toilet, pot lights, fixtures with rubbed- bronze detailing and a high- efficiency Lennox furnace with HRV. “ This home has been designed to be livable, stylish and versatile. It’s a well- designed, beautifully- finished home that’s affordable, and that offers great value throughout,” she said. lewys@ mts. net More than you bargained for By Todd Lewys Crocus 2 makes new homes affordable Homes New Details BUILDER: Odessy Homes ADDRESS: 141 Prairie Crocus Drive, Crocus Meadows STYLE: Bi- level SIZE: 998 sq. ft. MODEL: The Crocus 2 LOT SIZE: 34’ x 126’ BEDROOMS: 2 BATHROOMS: 1 PRICE: $ 272,000 ( Includes central air conditioning, land & net GST) CONTACT: Lilita Klavins, Century 21 Carrie. com @ ( 204) 987- 2100 or Josh Nekrep, Century 21 Carrie. com @ ( 204) 963- 7355 141 Prairie Crocus Drive is a bi- level design in Transcona. A bathroom separates the two bedrooms in the home. One of two bathrooms is tucked neatly away from the rest of the house. There is ample width in the main living area and plenty of well- placed windows. The great room is a simple, yet efficient, design . Photos by BORIS MINKEVICH Winnpeg Free Press It’s your chance to win. Visit any A& S Show Home for your chance to win one of five prizes for your home including a 60" plasma TV, security system and more. 75 Northern Lights Drive in South Pointe 1 of 13 A& S Show Homes SHOW HOME . win. ashomes. ca G_ 07_ Mar- 14- 15_ FH_ 01. indd G7 3/ 12/ 15 6: 59: 09 PM