Finished basements are a popular option
People are downsizing from larger lots and ... large homes into a neighbourhood that requires less maintenance.
Morningstar’s website shows four models with strong Craftsman design elements and generous use of stone and wood, shingles, and board and batten. The three-level homes with two-car garages provide the choice of either finished basements with ample recreation rooms, a bedroom and bathroom, or full suites complete with kitchens.
“We have been finishing basements recently more than not because that seems to be where the demand is at,” said Calahan. “It’s kind of nice to have a onestop shop and price all in so when you move into your home it’s all finished for you. You don’t have to have a renovation going on afterwards or have a crew finish the basement later. It takes all the fuss and muss out of it.
“People are so busy now with their lives that it’s hard to find time on the side to work in the garage on the car or fix up your home. With growing families, it’s always nice to have a little extra room in your home, too. We find that demand has been high for that.”
With Morningstar getting better overall volume pricing on materials and labour, buyers can save money having the company finish the basement.
“We try to make the home-buying experience stress free.”
Uphill plans feature a 10-foot ceiling on the main floor, while downhill models have nine-foot ceilings. All have large, open layouts with oversized windows throughout, a vaulted upper floor landing, ensuites and master bedrooms with the traditional favourite — a window seat — depending on the plan.
The demographics of those preregistering have been wide ranging, from young families to those 65 years old and beyond.
“Oftentimes, we find people are downsizing from larger lots and quite large homes into a neigh- bourhood that requires less maintenance,” she said.
Flooring varies, with wideplank engineered wood on main floors, plush carpeting on stairs, the flex room, upper floor hallway, basement recreation room and in the bedrooms. Bathrooms, foyers and laundry rooms are finished in ceramic tile.
All homes have natural-gas fireplaces with stone surround and wood mantle.
In the kitchen, buyers will find a high-end stainless steel appliance package, including fridge, range, dishwasher and microwave, while separate laundry rooms come with washer and dryer.
Countertops, including the one on the kitchen island, are done in quartz, while Shaker-style cabinet doors come with 42-inch upper cabinets and include undercabinet lighting. Depending on the model, backsplashes are full height with accent tiles tied into the particular colour scheme.
In the master bathroom ensuite is a dual vanity, undermount sinks, Grohe widespread faucets, quartz countertops, a frameless glass shower enclosure and stand-alone tub.
All homes come with a highefficiency forced-air gas furnace with HRV, a 30-year asphalt-laminate shingle roof and smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors.