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News, Tips & Updates

What Is a Bonus Room? A Real Estate Prize (and Property Tax Loophole)

5/30/2017

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Unless you grew up in a cave (no judgments!), odds are you know what most rooms in a house are called. For instance, you know full well what a bedroom is, and a bathroom is also self-explanatory (but half-bath or quarter-bath, not so much). Yet homes do have a few rooms that could be head-scratchers, and one of those is what's called a "bonus room." So what is a bonus room?
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While it might sound like some game show feature where you pick the correct door to open to win an exciting prize, a bonus room is actually best defined by what it is not: It typically does not have a closet. It might not even have a door, windows, or all four walls. The ceiling might be lower than standard in places, so you have to watch your head.
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In other words, a bonus room might lack the comforts of a traditional room. It is typically found in attics, above garages, or in other forgotten spaces. Nonetheless, bonus rooms have their benefits. First and foremost, it's extra space, even it it doesn't count as a bedroom because it lacks those roomlike features. Plus, it doesn't count as a room on your property taxes , which are lower as a result. So, a bonus room can offer a "Bonus" in square footage without the financial costs.

​What can you do with a bonus room?

While a bonus room might not work well for roommates or guests who crave closets, privacy, and other comforts afforded by traditional rooms, there are plenty of other options for the space.

Depending on the size, shape, and location of a bonus room, it could be used as a crafts room, office, playroom, library, exercise room, teen/tween escape pod, or a combination of these.
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Another term for this versatile space is a "flex room." Add a TV, some shelves, and a sofa, and this narrow space with a sloped ceiling becomes a media room.
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Bonus room turned into a media room. With some custom built-ins, a similarly odd-shaped space becomes a reading nook that also works as a guest room and an office.
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Reading nook, guest room, and office.
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The ceiling in this attic room is too awkward for adults, but it works for a children's bedroom.

Bonus room questions and concerns;


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The Top 5 Renovations That Will Give You Return on Your Home in 2017

4/28/2017

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Whether you want to renovate your bedroom, add a half-bath, or kick back on a brand-new deck, it pays off big-time knowing just what kind of return on investment your dream renovation might bring. And you're in luck, because Remodeling magazine has just released its annual Cost vs. Value report, which evaluates what you'll pay for various upgrades—and how much you'll get back on that investment when you sell your home.

#1 - Minor Bathroom Remodel

Average return at resale: 102%
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It costs about $10,500 to replace the tub, tile surround, floor, toilet, sink, vanity and fixtures. You’ll get back an average of $10,700 at resale, a recoup rate of 102 percent. If you can pipe a child’s name on a birthday cake, you can re-caulk a tub. Use a softener like CAULK-BE-GONE to get rid of the old caulk. Fill the tub with water after you’re done to stretch caulk while it dries. If your old tub is too large to fit out the door, re-glaze it for a like-new finish. Cost: $300 to $400. Remove dated wall coverings and apply a fresh coat of paint. For damaged walls, spray-on texture provides quick coverage.Replace old shower doors or remove them to add the illusion of space.
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#2 - Landscaping

Average return at resale: 100%
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​The average homeowner spends about $3,502 for landscaping and $1,465 on a designer, according to the American Nursery Landscape Association. Not sure where to start? Local garden centers often offer free design services, or ask the neighbors what works for them.
Sod costs about 30 to 35 cents a square foot, so a 5,000 sq. ft. yard would cost about $1,500 to sod. Budget for delivery fee if you buy less than 1,000 sq. ft. of sod. A splash of color at the front of the house is an eye-catching plus. For maximum impact, use one color and vary the height of plants. If your doorway is overwhelmed by greenery, get out the shears. Replace overgrown shrubbery with flowering foundation plants, mixing heights and colors for dramatic effect. A charming focal point like a walkway and fountain adds major value to your property. Roll a sealant on flagstones for a permanent wet look that enhances the color.
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#3 - Minor Kitchen Remodel

Average return at resale: 98.5%
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A minor kitchen remodel averages $14,913 for $14,691 at resale, a recoup rate of 98.5 percent. Do a minor remodel when your kitchen needs a cosmetic update and not a drastically different floor plan. A $15,000 kitchen update covers 30 feet of re-facing for cabinets and drawers, a new wall oven, cooktop, sink and fixtures, laminate countertops and resilient flooring. Put recessed lights 3’ to 5’ apart on center and 18" from cabinets to light the countertops. Running the lights between two joists is easier than running through the joists. If your home is worth more than $500,000, go with stone or trendy glass countertops. Cover old vinyl with floor leveler so the pattern doesn’t bleed through. You can’t put a second layer of vinyl on if the subfloor is below-grade concrete. Brighten up the kitchen by sanding and painting existing cabinets. It's much less expensive than buying new ones. Add decorator detail without the cost by changing drapes and window molding.
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#4 - Exterior Improvements


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Top 10 Home Design Trends of 2017

2/15/2017

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​As the new year approaches, everyone is looking for ways to improve their lives — whether it’s shedding a few pounds, taking on a new hobby or completely revamping their living space for renewed inspiration.
So here are some of the top 10 home designs trends of 2017 we've researched for you to help you out below:
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1. Built-in Bars

Bring the party home with a sleek built-in bar. The trend, which is a twist on 2016’s bar cart trend, is the perfect addition for homeowners who love to entertain. The bars add instant pizzazz to an otherwise traditional kitchen, plus offer built-in shelving for cocktail fixings, drinks, glasses and everything you’ll need for a ritzy night in. 

2. Contrasting islands


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5 Benefits of Renovating Your Home!

1/12/2017

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Could your property do with a new look? ​

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Whether you are looking to transform your house to put it on the market, or simply want to enhance your living environment and the aesthetic of the space where you spend the majority of your time, a partial or complete home renovation boasts an array of short term and long term benefits for homeowners. At Marcraft Homes, our experience in providing affordable home renovation services across the Tri-Cities has allowed us to better understand the market and the main benefits of investing money into home improvement services, and here’s our top 5 reasons why:

Increases Property Value

From a fresh coat of paint to new fixtures and appliance upgrades, renovating for a profit is certainly doable with the help of industry professionals. From understanding colour palettes and timeless designs, there’s a number of simple home improvements that can drastically improve the value of one’s property by modernizing the interior, refreshing the exterior or simply opening up a previously small and lifeless space.  

If you don’t have the funds or time to complete a full home renovation, don’t underestimate the power of focusing on a few key rooms, such as the bathroom and kitchen. Whether your home is vintage and quirky or just slightly outdated and run down, simple retouches can drastically improve the perceived value for years to come. Having provided affordable home renovation services around the Tri-Cities for upwards of 10 years, here’s our top value-adding details you’d be crazy not to include in your home reno:
  • Fresh coat of paint
  • Air-conditioning
  • High quality branded kitchen appliances
  • Polished floorboards
  • Large bathroom tiles
  • New Bathroom Reno
  • Open plan living
  • LED lighting

Check out these stunning home renovation done by the team at Marcraft Homes:

Enhances Energy Efficiency & Reduces Utility Bills


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Happy Holidays from Marcraft Homes!

12/21/2016

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As the holiday season approaches, we’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued business.
It is business associates like you who make our jobs a pleasure and keep our business successful.

May your holiday season and the new year be filled with much joy, happiness and success.
​We look forward to working with you in the coming year and hope our business relationship continues for many years to come.
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All the best for 2017,
The Marcraft Homes Team!

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Sharing...What To Do & Where To Go This Holiday Season in the City!

12/14/2016

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Celebrate yule tide joy and everything lovely this Christmas season has to offer with our curated list to get you started...

Lights at Lafarge

What: More than 100,000 twinkling lights will illuminate Lafarge Lake this holiday season in a magical outdoor display that’s sure to delight visitors of all ages. Coquitlam’s Lights at Lafarge Winter Lights Display is one of the largest free outdoor light events in the Lower Mainland, and this season’s spectacle will be even bigger and brighter than ever before.
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When: The lights display can be viewed seven days a week from dusk until 11 p.m. until Jan. 22. FREE!
​New this year, the lights will remain on until ​1 a.m. on Jan. 1 for visitors to take a magical stroll through the park to ring in the New Year!​

Bright Nights at Stanley Park

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  • What: Over three million dazzling lights decorate acres of the dark forest, reaching as high as the forest canopy for Bright Nights in Stanley Park. The attraction is also accompanied by a train ride, musics, snacks, entertainment, and even visits with Santa and his elves.
  • Where: Miniature railway area at Stanley Park, Vancouver
  • When: Thursday, November 26 to January 2, 2016​

Meet Santa Clause

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  • What: Santa Claus will be arriving at Coquitlam Centre straight from the North Pole, moving into SantaLand on Friday, November 20th and staying until Christmas Eve. As always, children are encouraged to drop off their letters to Santa at Santa’s mailbox. Just make sure to include a return address and Santa might write back!New this year: Interact with our giant light curtain by choosing your favourite snowflake pattern!
  • Where:  – Coquitlam Centre Lougheed Hwy
  • When: Monday - Saturday 10am - 8Pm
  • Cost: Click on link here

Coquitlam Christmas Tree Lot

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  • What: For over 20 years Aunt Leah’s Tree Lots have been raising money to fund programs that help prevent children in foster care from becoming homeless, and young mothers from losing custody of their children. Last year they raised over $325,000 thanks to generous community members, sponsors, volunteers. This Christmas season join the tradition and help give kids a home.
  • Where: Eagle Ridge United Church at 2813 Glen Drive, Coquitlam
  • When: November 27 – December 22
  • Hours: Monday to Thursday from 1 p.m. – 8 p.m.; Friday, Saturday, Sunday from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Ice Skating at Robson Square

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  • What: The rink at Robson Square is operated seasonally by the provincial government when the temperatures begin to dip, running from morning into the late evening hours. Skaters can skate for free if they bring their own skates while those without skates can rent a pair on-site. There is also a concession stand serving snacks and warm drinks.
  • Where: 800 Robson Street, Vancouver (Robson & Howe)
  • When: December 1, 2015 until February 28, 2016; times vary

Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge

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  • What: The suspension bridge, Treetops Adventure, Cliffwalk, the rainforest and canyon are transformed into a world of festive lights and visual enchantment. See the world’s tallest living Christmas tree (153 feet tall), experience the voice-activated light show, go on a scavenger hunt throughout the park, sing along with the holiday band, take a family photo at the Winter Pavilion, and more.
  • Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge – 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver
  • When: Friday, November 27 – Sunday, January 3, 2016; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.


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Sharing...7 Ways to Decorate Your Home FOR SALE This Holiday Season!

11/10/2016

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Don't let the thought of selling your home during the winter months dampen your holiday spirit. Create a festive, buyer-friendly environment with these seven seasonal staging tips.
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Add Holiday Adornments


​The less-is-more mantra of home staging may tempt you to forgo holiday cheer this year.

But a few subtle touches like a pine cone centerpiece, an evergreen wreath or a pot of cider simmering on the stove can create a warm and festive feeling in your home.

"Avoid overtly religious flourishes, which may be off-putting to some buyers."

Complement Your Palette


Before you start untangling your tinsel, make sure your holiday collection matches your current decor.

If your living room has a clean, all-white color scheme, skip the clashing red garland and opt for a white tree, white candles and silver glass ornaments.

"If you've got an earthy color scheme, accent with rich tones like cranberries, forest greens and gold."

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Accentuate Positive Features

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Too many trimmings may distract buyers, but the right accessories can draw attention to your home's best features.

"Try hanging a few tasteful ornaments from your mantel to highlight an elegant fireplace, or dangling mistletoe in an arched doorway."

Go Light on Lights all the way!


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5 Best Luxury Appliance Brands

2/15/2015

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Now that you have determined the look and feel of your kitchen it is time to choose the appliances that best suit your desires. Here are our Top 5 picks of the Best Luxury Appliances.

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Top Kitchen Looks Expected to Be Big in 2015

1/17/2015

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Once you have a well thought out plan for your kitchen layout the next step is creating the look and feel for your new kitchen
“It is important to remember that you want to create a kitchen that flows the with rest of your house design,” said Matthew Jauck, Project Manager at Marcraft Homes.
Here are some examples illustrated on Houzz of popular kitchen trends for 2015: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/34296714/list/trend-watch-13-kitchen-looks-expected-to-be-big-in-2015

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New Year! New Kitchen!

1/8/2015

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The kitchen is the heart of any Vancouver home, and a custom kitchen remodel can make your whole house feel brand new. With the New Year, now’s the perfect time to call the luxury professionals at Marcraft Homes & Renovations and get started on the kitchen of your dreams!
The first step is choosing what style of kitchen you are looking for! Here are the Top 6 kitchen layouts, as seen on HGTV:

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    Authors

    Mark Jauck, Owner/Builder
    ​Andrea Jauck, Luxury Realtor, Pinnacle Group Real Estate Marketing

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    4 Important Custom Built Home Benefits VS Buying An Existing Home
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    7 Ways To Decorate Your Home For Sale This Holiday Season
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    Happy Holidays From Marcraft Homes!
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