Toronto Sun - New Homes and Condominiums
Own a GreenHouse

First-time homebuyers now have the opportunity to live in a GreenHouse — a home that exceeds Energy Star for New Homes standards and reduces energy costs by up to 40%.

Award-winning Durham Custom Homes has completed Canada’s first GreenHouse at Kingsway Forest in Oshawa and offers innovative home designs that incorporate the superior materials and construction techniques of a GreenHouse.

“First-time homebuyers need to consider the cost of a home’s principal, taxes and utilities,” says Victor Fiume, general manager for Durham Custom Homes. “Utility costs are always increasing. For us, the important thing about a GreenHouse is that is gives our purchasers certainty about costs throughout the life of the home.”

With a GreenHouse, move-up buyers can double the size of their homes and still end up paying less in utilities. What’s more, people are buying a home that is healthier and much more comfortable. Even basements, which are typically cooler and more damp in a traditionally constructed home, are as comfortable as all levels in a GreenHouse.

“All of our basements come fully studded and insulated and have large windows and a rough-in bathroom,” Fiume says. “This way, the basement is fully prepped when homeowners are ready to renovate and finish the lower level.”

Durham Custom Homes is also constructing Canada’s first accessible GreenHouse, with a grand opening planned on April 2. This option provides improved access in the home for people with physical disabilities, so that they enjoy greater mobility, comfort and independence. Wide parking areas and pathways, lift devices and open-concept kitchens with work areas that have wheel-under access are a sampling of the features that accommodate greater access, both inside and outside the home.

At Kingsway Forest, purchasers can choose from a great selection of GreenHouse bungalow and two-storey homes that are available on 30-, 35- and 40- and 45-foot lots. Homes range in size from 1,164 to 2,960 square feet, with prices starting at $264,900. A four-foot clearance between homes at Kingsway Forest homes exceeds code. The greater space between houses means that designs can incorporate windows on the sides of homes.

“To accommodate the first-time buyer, we recently released larger models that are available on smaller 30-foot lots,” Fiume says. “More house on a smaller lot means that you’re paying for the house rather than the land. People can save as much as $25,000 by choosing this option.”

Exteriors of clay brick with vinyl siding display exquisite architectural detailing, including decorative brickwork, vaulted ceilings, covered front porches and second-floor balconies. Interiors are equally impressive and include ceramic tile flooring in wet rooms; oak pickets and railings for stairs; upgraded trim, light fixtures and kitchen cabinetry; door levers and multi-point locking casement windows throughout.

The gently curved enclaves and beautiful streetscapes of Kingsway Forest make this Durham Custom Homes community the ideal place for raising families. Residents are close to Highway 401, public transit, schools and great shopping. Explore the outdoors at one of several walking trails and bicycle paths that meander throughout the community or enjoy recreational activities at neighbourhood parks and playgrounds.