Daily Informative Updates on
New Residential Real Estate & Construction News
for Vancouver Island Communities

Nov 17, 2023

Courtenay, BC | New Large Family Home + Carriage House that has a Legal Suite!

Lawmar Contracting, a distinguished builder with a four-decade legacy in the Comox Valley, proudly presents a new property at The Ridge in Courtenay, BC. This exquisite 1,719 sq. ft. rancher home is accompanied by a detached carriage house featuring an 806 sq. ft. legal one-bedroom suite on the upper floor.

Catering to the needs of large or extended families, this unique offering provides ample space with a total of 2,525 sq. ft., distributed in two separate structures on the same property, offering 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. You can use the carriage house for family or rent it out for additional income.

The main home boasts an open-concept design, seamlessly integrating the living room, kitchen, and dining areas, leading to a spacious covered patio—an ideal setting for outdoor gatherings. The primary bedroom is complemented by a luxurious 5-piece spa like ensuite and a walk-in closet.

This home includes a heat pump, a heat recovery system, and a pre-wired charging station for electric vehicles. The property features indoor parking for three vehicles and outdoor parking for up to three additional cars.

Situated in The Ridge, a desirable community in south Courtenay with no through traffic, this beautiful  home offers views of surrounding mountains and easy access to local forests, the ocean, and the Royston Seaside Trail. This home is ready for occupancy now,  marking the end of your quest for a beautiful new home on Vancouver Island!

Come to The Ridge in Courtenay, BC and enjoy the west coast lifestyle right from your doorstep.

Location: 4005 Buckstone Road, Courtenay, BC

MLS®# 939120 | Price: $1,350,000 + GST

For more information, contact the listing realtor: 
Tracy Fogtmann  RE/MAX Ocean Pacific Realty
Cell: 250.331.1544 Email: tracy@tracyfogtmann.ca

November,  2023 Pricing and availability is subject to change without notice.

 

Nov 05, 2023

Buy More, Save More with Budget Blinds on Vancouver Island

Take advantage of Budget Blinds' Buy More, Save More sale, all month long!

This November, you can save up to 45% with Budget Blinds' current offer. If you've been planning to replace your old home shades, now is the time.

Purchase 1-4 shades and receive 35% off your entire order. With 5-9 shades, the discount goes up to 40% and for 10 or more shades, you can save 45%! Some brand restrictions do apply, but the offer is available all month long, and with several brands to choose from, Budget Blinds of Vancouver Island is sure to have the right option for your home.

Control light and temperature throughout your home, add automation to make adjustments easy and select from the latest colours and styles to suit your decor.

While other brands are offering Black Friday deals for a few days only, Budget Blinds’ special is available all month long, so no need to wait!

Contact your local Budget Blinds of Vancouver Island today to take advantage of their free in-home consultation and their Buy More, Save More event.

Contact your local store today to learn more: 

Cowichan Valley

Call: 250.924.0249

Nanaimo-Oceanside

Call: 250.924.0249

North Island - Courtenay

778.771.5013

 

Oct 30, 2023

Work Smarter Not Harder with Home Automation From Budget Blinds

In the past few years, you’ve likely added some smart home technology to your home, whether for security or comfort. App-controlled lights, doorbells and speakers are common smart tech in many homes. But have you considered automating your window coverings?

Budget Blinds of Vancouver Island carries smart shades, lights, and thermostats from Lutron all of which integrate easily with your choice of smart home devices that that include Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Nest, Sonos, and more.

With Lutron, you can monitor and control your smart window treatments, lights, and home temperature from any mobile device by using the Lutron app. Use the app to create lighting schedules that change with the seasons.

Lutron allows your home or business shades and blinds to be programmed to automatically open and close for peace of mind and energy savings. Using the Lutron app, you can automatically tilt your wood blinds to preset angles throughout the day to diffuse sunlight and maximize the light in your space. Programmable features allow you to use heating or cooling only when you need it for maximum energy efficiency.

And best of all, they install quickly and easily, with no new wiring required.

Start your home automation with just a single window or room - Lutron automated shading systems are designed for modular expandability. 

And Bugget Blinds will measure, install and do it all for you. It’s smart and easy. Ask about Lutron smart home automation today! 

Contact your local store today to learn more: 

Cowichan Valley

Call: 250.924.0249

Nanaimo-Oceanside

Call 250.751.8564

North Island - Courtenay

250.338.8564

 

Sep 20, 2023

Plan Now for Practical and Beautiful Winter Updates to Your Home

It’s officially cozy season on Vancouver Island, and as you settle into sweater weather, make sure your home is also ready for the changing seasons. Budget Blinds of Vancouver Island can help you ensure you’re set up to get you through the winter months comfortably.

Budget Blinds can help you create a warm and inviting living room, home office or bedroom with the right window coverings. You can regulate light and temperature with the right selection of window coverings. In addition to being beautiful, these additions to your home can also be practical. The right window coverings can keep the drafts out and keep you warm while you work, snuggle down overnight or spend time with family and guests. Home automation can automatically adjust the mood and lighting throughout your whole home!

Is it time for a refresh to keep the inside of your home bright and cheery, and keep the winter rain and cold at bay? Budget Blinds expert designers are ready to help, with a complimentary in-person consultation. They can suggest the latest brands, products and styles to suit your needs and budget. Call your locally owned and operated Budget Blinds today to get started on creating your cozy space for this winter.

Cowichan Valley
Call: 250.924.0249

Nanaimo-Oceanside
Call 250.751.8564

North Island - Courtenay
Call: 
250.338.8564

 

Aug 28, 2023

Budget Blinds on Vancouver Island Introduces Two New Brands

Budget Blinds has always been renowned for their excellent selection of products to suit all tastes and styles. They are now working with two additional companies to expand the scope of their products even more.

Budget Blinds has recently introduced products from Inspired Drapes, from the United States. This company offers made-to-order blinds, ensuring the latest styles are always available. Their draperies coordinate with their roller blinds, providing a seamless look throughout your home. The draperies are dry cleanable and steam beautifully for easy touch-ups at home. Inspired Drapes are available as pleated, ring-ready or grommet/backtab styles.

Creative Threads is the other new brand now available at Budget Blinds. This family-run business features high-quality cotton/linen blend draperies. All of their designs are created in-house and the drapes feature special touches such as embroidered borders. Creative Threads curtains are available in 2 stock sizes: 50”x96” and 50”x108”. They also offer bedding and unique decorative pillow designs.

Contact your local Budget Blinds of Vancouver Island location and learn more about these and other great choices for your windows. Complimentary in-home consultations are available.

Cowichan Valley
Call: 250.924.0249

Nanaimo-Oceanside
Call 250.751.8564

North Island - Courtenay
250.338.8564

Jun 06, 2023

Meet the Custom Home Builders at The Ridge in Courtenay.

The ocean and mountain view development of the Ridge on the south side of Courtenay on Vancouver Island has a long history of working with their preferred builders through 3 phases of construction in this community.

These builders know the community and have been building quality homes since the inception of The Ridge. With reserved lots, customizable floor plans and the expertise to make your Vancouver Island dream home a reality, these builders are all waiting to work for you!

Lawmar Contracting

Lawmar Contracting is a family-owned company that has been building custom homes for the past four decades in the Comox Valley. Their custom-designed homes are built knowing that families will live at The Ridge for many years. Lots at The Ridge allow for options including secondary suites and carriage homes, and Lawmar has some great options for these floor plans.

Coastal Custom Homes

Coastal Custom Homes builds with an eye to the future, with a focus on green construction. Owner Dean Verchuur has been building homes for over a decade. They are also well known for their enhanced design services to ensure stunning custom finishes to suit your style.

Candor Developments

Candor Developments lives up to their names, with a focus on honesty and integrity in their work - building great relationships with their homeowners along the way. They focus on making the home-building process easy for their clients!

Brando Construction

A long-time builder with a strong reputation in the Comox Valley, Brando builds quality homes featuring excellent craftsmanship. They aim to always exceed their clients’ expectations with a well-organized and smooth construction experience - even for those living out of town through the construction process.

Grand Legacy Homes

The owner of Grand Legacy Homes has been building homes in BC and Alberta for more than 30 years. They offer clients peace of mind with an easy and approachable communication style. Grand Legacy builds homes with high-quality finishings, to leave a lasting legacy.

Smits Construction

Smits Construction has been a registered residential home builder in the Comox Valley since 2007. Owner, Nathan Smits, is a Red Seal carpenter and an engineering technologist, allowing him and his team to create the customer’s desires from an initial architectural design to a building structure and ultimately to a comfortable finished home. Let them create quality with you!

The Ridge is the Friendliest Neighbourhood!

Located only minutes from downtown Courtenay, The Ridge is a quiet, friendly and safe community featuring spectacular mountain and ocean views. If you are thinking of moving to Vancouver Island, The Ridge may be the perfect location for you. Newcomers are given a warm welcome when relocating here. People of all ages live in this Courtenay community. It is family-friendly, retiree-friendly, dog-friendly - everyone-friendly!
For more information go to:www.theridgebc.ca Contact Bruce Clapham, Developer at 250.650.8588.

 

May 19, 2023

Get Inspired by Budget Blinds' Inspired Drapes Collection

Are you looking to take the style up a notch in your home? Consider draperies from Budget Blinds of Vancouver Island’s Inspired Drapes Collection, which features fabrics from Europe, India and the United States.

Elevate the style of any room in your house! Whether you’re looking for a light and airy coastal vibe or something to offer added insulation and elegance to your home, Budget Blinds Inspired Drapes can offer customized solutions for your home.

Opt for ready-made draperies to easily change up the look of your home, or go for something custom with a huge variety of colours, textures and fabrics for any size window covering.

And for the full package Budget Blinds also offers a large selection of hardware to hang your new curtains, motorized options, liners for room-darkening options and even premium bedding options to pull the entire look together!

Request a free in-home or virtual consultation from your local Budget Blinds design experts to get started.

Cowichan Valley

Call: 250.924.0249

Nanaimo-Oceanside

Call 250.751.8564

North Island - Courtenay

250.338.8564

 

Apr 10, 2023

Why The Direction Your Windows Face Matters

Our Vancouver Island weather varies dramatically from season to season, and depending on the direction your rooms face, that variability can be even more impactful. Your home’s direction impacts how and when the sun hits each room and this can mean big changes in heat and light, depending on the season and direction each room faces.

South-facing windows

If your home faces South, it may have higher energy bills in the summer. Direct sunlight from the south causes heat to build up, forcing the AC to work harder. However, it may also be warmer in the winter for the same reason. 

Southern exposure makes a room cozy in the winter. The addition of shades to the window allows the option to raise the shades and enjoy the sun's warmth during those chilly winter months. However, it can also make summer too hot or bright without the right window treatments. That’s why it’s essential to work with a professional window treatment designer to determine which product will work best for a southern-facing window.

North-facing windows

Windows that face north receive natural light all day but don’t receive direct sunlight. Interior shutters are a great way to take advantage of the indirect sunlight from north-facing windows. Their louvers can let in as much or as little light as you like while the cordless design looks clean and uncluttered in kitchens, bathrooms, and home offices. 

Alternatively, sheer curtains add gentle textures and patterns to your interior decor without restricting sunlight. In daylight, pulling sheer drapes across the window allows the indirect sunlight to shine through and highlight the design. Adjust the blinds or shade behind the drapes to add privacy or control the light. 

East-facing windows

An east-facing window will catch the early sun, which can appear bright and glaring in the morning, and diffused and delicate later in the day. Dark colors will seem gloomy, but light colors and sheer materials bring out the softness of the sunlight.

Morning sunlight is welcome in a kitchen or living room, but it can be an annoyance in a bedroom. The best way to deal with morning light is to customize your window treatments to get exactly the amount of light you want.

West-facing windows

On summer afternoons, west-facing windows can cause heat to build up. To keep the room comfortable, make sure to keep them covered. Like with south-facing windows, you don't want to lose all the natural light you get from west-facing windows, but you also need to deal with glare and heat. Blinds are a great choice because you can change their angle as the sun moves, diffusing light without blocking it out.

Energy efficiency

Most energy-efficient window treatments use layers of fabric to improve insulation and control light in the room, keeping it cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Whether you like shades, drapes, blinds, or shutters, there are many energy-efficient window treatment choices.

To prevent UV rays from damaging your furniture and decor, consider solar shades or try UV-resistant window film if you prefer a clear view but don’t want to risk damage to your decor.

Motorization

Motorized window treatments will help you avoid continually moving the position of your blinds. With various sensors and timers available, they can be programmed to change on their own based on the sun’s position to give you the perfect lighting without lifting a finger.

Regardless of your home's direction, Budget Blinds can help you find window treatments that make sense for your home. 

Request a free in-home or virtual consultation from your local Budget Blinds design experts to get started.

Cowichan Valley
Call: 250.924.0249

Nanaimo-Oceanside
Call 250.751.8564

North Island - Courtenay
250.338.8564

 

Mar 26, 2023

Tour This New Home by Coastal Custom Homes at The Ridge in Courtenay

One of the premier builders at The Ridge in Courtenay - Coastal Custom Homes - has recently finished constrcution on a 2,862 sq. ft home. Set on on a large lot, the home features a freestanding, heated garage at the back of the home. This 336 sq. ft. building offers a variety of options, to use as a workshop, studio or space for recreational equipment. The lot also backs onto a community trail system and farmalnd, providing a wide-open feel and offering plenty of privacy.

The kitchen layout is contemporary, incorporating ceiling-height cabinets, an island with granite countertops, a custom backsplash and a walk-in pantry with built-in shelving. The open living room and dining room area lead to the covered outdoor patio. Engineered hardwood flooring is featured on the main floor.

The primary bedroom features a luxury four-piece ensuite, complete with a stand-alone soaker tub and a walk-in tiled shower. A large closet with built-in shelving is located adjacent to the ensuite. 

The upper floor features three additional bedrooms, a five-piece bath, and a bonus room over the garage. There is a peek-a-boo ocean view from this floor offering views of Comox Bay and the Comox Glacier.

This home includes energy-saving technology, offers an EV plugin in the garage and is wired to include solar panels at any point in the future. It has been built to Step Code 4 standards and includes a heat pump and a full HRV system, providing heat in the cooler months and air conditioning in the warmer months.

This home is fully landscaped and fenced and has a double garage and additional parking on the right-hand side of the home.

As an added bonus, this home has a large crawl space that is five feet high! Use it for additional storage space for recreational and seasonal items.

The Ridge, one of the Friendliest Communities in Courtenay, BC

This custom home is lcoated in The Ridge, one of the most sought-after and friendliest neighbourhoods in Courtenay offering a quiet, scenic and welcoming community where residents of all ages connect and make new friends. A large two-acre park is only a three-minute walk from this home and is available for family enjoyment every day of the year. Forest trails and a walkway to the ocean are just minutes away!

Location: 3386 Eagleview Crescent, Courtenay, BC – Price $1,275,000
Contact: Dean Thompson RE/MAX Ocean Pacific Realty
Phone: 250.898.4777

March, 2023 – Pricing and availability subject to change without notice.

Jan 12, 2023

New Year, New Look - Time to Dress Those Windows with Budget Blinds on Vancouver Island

The New Year is a great time to create a new look for your home! Freshen up your space with new window coverings this season and take advantage of the great prices and selection from Budget Blinds on Vancouver Island.

Not sure where to start? Arrange a complimentary in-home consultation with one of Budget Blinds’ designers. You’ll learn about the newest styles and features, as well as get some guidance on colour choices and design. Work with the designer colours of the year to stay on trend, or choose something classic like wooden shades. Find the right products to suit your family’s lifestyle and budget, all in the comfort of your own home.

New window coverings will update the look of your home as well as enhance privacy, energy efficiency, and safety. Improving your home’s energy efficiency with updated window coverings will provide savings for years to come.

On Vancouver Island, Budget Blinds serves the Comox Valley, Campbell River, Nanaimo, the Cowichan Valley and beyond.

Schedule a complimentary in-home consultation with your local Budget Blinds today to learn more.

Cowichan Valley

Nanaimo-Oceanside

North Island - Courtenay

Jan 11, 2023

The Ridge on Vancouver Island has New Move-In Ready Homes

One of The Ridge's preferred builders, Candor Developments is featuring a new home for sale  - it has just been completed and is ready for occupancy. This new Vancouver Island home is located just minutes from downtown Courtenay, in Phase 3B of The Ridge community. You'll enjoy stunning mountain views from inside the home, from the large backyard, or the covered deck at the rear of the home. 

This large 2,691 sq. ft. home features five bedrooms and three bathrooms over two levels. With so much room for the family, you can also gather in the great room, family room and kitchen on the main floor. Or retreat to to any of the three bedrooms on the main floor. Two bathrooms are also located on the main floor. A gas fireplace with built-in shelving on both sides is a focal point in the great room.

The primary bedroom is located at the back of the home, creating a quiet place to relax. There are double glass doors from this bedroom leading to the outdoor covered deck. The ensuite features a tiled rain shower with glass doors, a large stand alone tub, two sinks, under cabinet lighting and heated tiles for the cooler mornings.. 

Upstairs offers two more bedrooms, a full bathroom and a bonus room, perfect to create a chidrens’ play area or a home office. With plenty of natural light, the options for this space are endless. 

This home offers a double, attached garage and fully landscaped yard. If you are looking for a piece of Vancouver Island to be your forever home, this could be the perfect place!

Location: 3274 Eagleview Crescent in the Ridge, Courtenay, BC.
Price: $1,185,000

Please contact Realtor Richelle Newson for inquiries and showings.
Phone | 778-977-2029
Email | hello@realestatebyrichelle.com

 

Nov 18, 2022

Calm or Colourful? 2023 Colours of The Year Offer Options

Bold or Subtle? The choice is yours, with this year’s leading paint producers announcing their colours of the year. And as always, once you’ve made your choice, your local Vancouver Island Budget Blinds stores are ready to help you incorporate your colours into your home!

The colours and messaging behind the selections this year from Sherwin Willams and Benjamin Moore offer striking differences. Sherwin Williams selected Redend Point, a subtle neutral that will appeal to a minimalist design aesthetic. On the other hand, Benjamin More chose the bold, bright, “look at me” colour of Raspberry Blush, sure to appeal to those not afraid to use colour.

"Redend Point is a heartening hue that invites compassion and connection into any space," said Sue Wadden, Director of Color Marketing at Sherwin-Williams when annoucing the colour selection. "The colour is a natural choice for those looking for a warm and joyful neutral in both interiors and exteriors. Build on its earthiness by utilizing the hue alongside natural-looking textiles and wood accents—or create a desert oasis by layering shades of terra-cotta and clay materials.”

Budget Blinds Inspired Shades Collection features woven shades with refined textures and natural fibers that perfectly complement Resend Point. Add white or natural linen sheer drapery panels to complete the look.

Unlike the subtle choice by Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore's pick for the 2023’s Colour of the Year is the vibrant Raspberry Blush. The saturated shade energizes a room for a bright, charismatic look that's anything but subtle!

After years of neutrals and grays, “People are ready to bring colour back into the home, taking a step outside their colour comfort zones,” said Andrea Magno, Color Marketing and Development Director at Benjamin Moore. “Raspberry Blush empowers the use of statement colors that deliver delight and personality while transforming rooms for incredible results."

Are you ready for raspberry walls and ceilings? For the maximalist, envelope a room in Raspberry Blush from the walls to the trim and the ceiling to wrap a room in an optimistic boldness. If that’s too bold of an option for you, make a smaller impact statement on a kitchen island or add a pop of Raspberry Blush in pillows or accent decor. Soft shades of gray, white, and beige balance the bright hue.

Or mix it with colours from the rest of Benjamin Moore’s 2023 palette, which includes a range of saturated tones varying from a deep blue to a sultry green to more rich chocolate and cinnamon hues. For Magno, all of these share one unifying commonality: “They’re all happy. And we all need a bit of that right now.”

Your home is a place to express your personality and feature the colours and décor you love. It should be your happy place! That is why Budget Blinds offers a range of products. From soothing neutrals and minimalist modern roller shades to rich fabrics in bold colours for drapes. 

Plus, did you know they can create a one-of-a-kind custom fabric to match any colour? Budget Blinds’ exclusive DesignINK program allows your local Budget Blinds to create a fabric to match any paint colour you like. Schedule a complimentary in-home consultation with your local Budget Blinds today to learn more.

Cowichan Valley

Nanaimo-Oceanside

North Island - Courtenay

 

Oct 03, 2022

Budget Blinds Celebrates Anniversary with a Massive Giveaway

Budget Blinds on Vancouver Island is celebrating 30 years of serving Island communities with a  $30,000 giveaway!

Open to Vancouver Island homeowners, this 30th anniversary contest will award 3 prizes worth 15K, 10K and 5K in credit toward products and services from Budget Blinds.

Budget Blinds on Vancouver Island is a locally owned and operated business, with several locations to serve you! Known for their fabulous customer service and extensive products lines, Budget Blinds has been helping Vancouver Island families with beautiful and functional window coverings for 30 years.

They offer complimentary in-home consultations to ensure you get the right product for your needs, with expert guidance. Installation options are also available to guarantee the correct fit every time.

Enter their anniversary contest today, and you could be on your way to a whole new look for your home!

Be sure to read the full contest rules. Entry deadline is Nov. 13, 2022.

For more inspiration, visit your local store today:

Cowichan Valley

Nanaimo-Oceanside

North Island - Courtenay

 

Sep 25, 2022

This New Home at The Ridge Features a Carriage Home

One of the preferred builders at The Ridge in Courtenay - Smits Construction - is building a new home with a separate carriage house. Two separate homes on one residential lot provides a lot of unique options for the new owners. The suite above the garage may be used by independent family members or it can be rented out to generate additional income.

The Carriage House

The carriage house is located at the rear of the main home, accessible by a paved laneway. Featuring a modern, large one-bedroom suite (871 sq. ft.) it includes a 16’ by 13’ foot great room, a spacious kitchen, a bedroom with a walk-in closet and a bathroom with a shower and tub. 

The Main Home

This spacious family home offers 2,363 sq. ft. on two levels., with four bedrooms and three bathrooms. One of the bedrooms could easily be used as a home office or private den. The main floor offers a modern layout with 10-foot ceilings in the great room, which opens up to the dining room and kitchen. A covered patio just off the kitchen can be used as a casual family entry to the home and is easily accessible for year-round outdoor entertaining.

The primary bedroom is also on this level, and features a spacious walk-in closet and private ensuite.

The front of the home welcomes visitors through a covered entry and the spacious inside foyer opens up to the great room. From here, a beautiful staircase leads up to the upper floor. Two additional bedrooms, a third bathroom and a large loft are located on the upper level, giving you many options for family and guests. 

Residents love living at The Ridge in south Courtenay. Single-family homes in this community have been built in a variety of styles including two-storey homes, ranchers, and some include a secondary suite within the home.

This Smits Constrcution home will be completed and ready for occupancy in early October.

Contact the builder for more information:
Nathan Smits  Cell: 250-792-1560
Email: nathansmits@hotmail.com

Location: 4021 Buckstone Road, Courtenay, BC  V9N 0B4
Price: $1,399,000 + GST

Price and availability subject to change without notice.

Aug 31, 2022

Automate Your Home With Help from Budget Blinds on Vancouver Island

September brings with it new routines and schedules. Is your home ready to adjust?

Budget Blinds of Vancouver Island can help you with home automation to ensure that everything you need can be controlled with the push of a button. Turn your lights on automatically as you come home on those dark fall evenings. Adjust your motorized blinds to automatically maximize daylight in your home. Or use automation tools to enhance your home security while you’re away, with automatic lights and blinds.

While Budget Blinds of Vancouver Island is known for their extensive selection of window coverings, great prices and friendly service, they can provide so much more.

Budget Blinds has partnered with Lutron to offer whole home wireless automation. With Lutron’s® whole-home wireless automation, your Budget Blinds shades and blinds open and close at the touch of a button, or at a preselected time of day or night, giving you effortless control of your smart shades and blinds. With Lutron you can monitor and control lights from your smart device no matter where you are, or create personalized lighting schedules that change with the seasons.

Contact Budget Blinds today for a free virtual or in-home consultation and learn how their home automation solutions can make your home work better for you.

Contact your closest location today:

Cowichan Valley

Call: 250.924.0249

Nanaimo-Oceanside

Call 250.751.8564

North Island - Courtenay

250.338.8564

 

Jul 28, 2022

3 Signs It's Time to Replace Those Worn Out Window Coverings

Is it time to update your blinds? If it’s not just about aesthetics, consider these other signs it might be time for new window coverings: 

1. Warped, Bent or Broken Slats
Faux wood blinds will bend when exposed to high heat for long periods, while wooden blinds warp when exposed to moisture. Aluminum blinds also dent when you apply heavy pressure. The damage is not only unpleasant to look at, it can cause difficulty during operation. 

Solar/roller shades might be a great replacement choice for those windows that get a lot of sun. Choose from a range of opacities to filter light, heat, and harmful UV rays. 

And while aluminum blinds can be a cost efficient choice in offices or commercial settings, honeycomb or cellular cordless shades or roller shades are an excellent upgrade for your home. They're child-friendly, available in light-filtering to room-darkening, and are flexible, very durable, and easy to clean.

2. The Window Treatments Are Difficult to Open

Do you struggle to open your blinds and shades or draw your curtains? If so, it means that your opening mechanisms are damaged or are simply worn out and need to be replaced. For corded blinds, the damage may also be tangling or broken cords. For non-motorized curtains and drapes, opening and closing may be restricted due to jammed curtain tracks. The carriers in the track could be off or the cord control is simply worn out and frayed, making the curtains even harder to operate.

Frayed cords are also difficult to operate. A new set of blinds helps you eliminate operation issues and the frustration of not being able to raise or lower your blinds. You may also experience problems with old, motorized blinds, or shades. Automation has improved greatly, with new motorization options from rechargeable to smart home apps. Replace outdated technology and enjoy opening and closing your window treatments with the push of a button on your smartphone.

3. Discolored Slats and Fabrics

Over years of use and exposure to weather elements, the slats on your blinds and wood shutters lose their color and begin to yellow. UV rays from the sun discolor the material, making your blinds and shutters appear faded and outdated.

New window treatments are pleasing to the eye, especially if you're looking to upgrade your home for sale. Homebuyers are more willing to give your house a chance if the window treatments are as new as the freshly painted walls in the rest of the house.

Where Should You Start?

Do you need new window treatments but don't know where to start? Budget Blinds of Vancuver Island has the solution for you. Schedule a free consultation with us to receive expert guidance on window treatments for a fresh look or sale upgrade.

Contact your closest Budget Blinds location today:

Cowichan Valley
Call: 250.924.0249

Nanaimo-Oceanside
Call 250.751.8564

North Island - Courtenay
250.338.8564

 

Jul 16, 2022

This Move-In Ready Home in Courtenay Comes With a Secondary Suite

Lawmar Contracting, a 30-year custom builder in the Comox Valley is wrapping up construction on a new home that will be move-in ready in August. This home is located at The Ridge, a scenic and popular community in Courtenay, BC.

Two Level Home with Secondary Suite

This two-storey home is 2,638 sq. ft., plus a separate self-contained legal suite on the ground floor. The upper floor of the main residence offers three bedrooms and two bathrooms, including the spacious primary suite with a luxurious three-piece ensuite and walk-in closet. The open concept kitchen, dining area and great room, feature expansive views of the mainland Coastal Mountains, Comox Bay and the Beaufort Mountain Range, highlighted by oversized windows and doors. The large deck features glass railings, letting in additional light to the home and providing an extended outdoor space to take in the scenery.

Self-Contained Secondary Suite

The self-contained secondary suite is spacious and features nine-foot ceilings and large bright windows. This residence offers a full kitchen, one bedroom and one bathroom. Also featured is a deck leading to the backyard. You can choose to rent the suite as a mortgage helper or enjoy the additional space for a family member or for guests. A legal suite in your home provides long-term options and increases the value of the property.

3282 Eagleview Drive, Courtenay, BC | $1,285,000 + GST | MLS #905976

This new custom home includes a double car garage, with additional storage in the large crawl space. It comes with a 10-year New Home Warranty and is located very close to the amenities and recreational opportunities in the Comox Valley, on beautiful Vancouver Island. This home will be ready for occupancy in August of 2022.

Lawmar Contracting has two additional homes nearing completion – a rancher and a second two-storey home that includes a carriage house. These homes will be completed in the fall of 2022.

For more information please contact Lawmar Contracting’s realtor, Tracy Fogtmann at RE/MAX Ocean Pacific Realty. Cell: 1 (250) 331-1544 Email: tracy@tracyfogtmann.ca

Jun 30, 2022

Budget Blinds of Vancouver Island is Keeping Busy In Your Community

Running a specialized local business through a pandemic can be a challenge, but Budget Blinds of Vancouver Island owner Tara Anderson built on her community connections to thrive over the past few years. And of course, while people stayed home and focussed on making their homes more comfortable and functional, Budget Blinds stayed busy helping them.

Tara and her co-owner David Anderson have lived and worked on Vancouver Island since 2016. Their community-based, grass-roots marketing style helped them build long lasting business relationships. They work with home builders in a number of communities, who have also kept them busy as construction has boomed across the Island.

While Budget Blinds can of course provide a standard set of blinds, they offer customers so much more. From home automation to custom draperies, they can provide solutions for any home at any price point. And for those people who don’t know where to start, their free in home consultations are a great way to get the ball rolling with the help of their experts.

Contact your local Budget Blinds store today to get started on your window covering updates today:

Cowichan Valley

Call: 250.924.0249

Nanaimo-Oceanside

Call 250.751.8564

North Island - Courtenay

250.338.8564

 

May 28, 2022

Build Your Dream Home With the Preferred Builders at The Ridge in Courtenay

Spring is here and new home construction activity continues to be busy at The Ridge in Courtenay, BC. The six preferred builders in this community were selected because of their experience, high construction standards and ongoing customer service. More than 160 homes have already been built in this community and many new homes are under construction. When complete, this scenic development on Vancouver Island will include 230 single family homes. 

New Homes Now Available

Two preferred builders have new homes that will be ready for occupancy in Spring, 2022.

Coastal Custom Homes has a newly constructed home for sale at The Ridge Courtenay, BC

This custom-designed home includes 3,300 sq. ft. over two storeys. The main living area offers 2,600 sq. ft. of living space and includes five bedrooms, three baths and an additional flex room, perfect for an exercise area or a media room. The lower floor features a 700 sq. ft. one-bedroom, one-bath self-contained legal suite that can be used for family, guests or tenants. This property will be fully fenced and landscaped.

Location: 3291 Eagleview Crescent, Courtenay, BC
Price: $1,325,000 + GST
Contact: Coastal Custom Homes | coastalcustomhomes.ca
Dean Vershuur  Cell: 250.465.2205  Email: dean@coastalcustomhomes.ca

Candor Developments has a 1½ storey home located at The Ridge. This 2,000 sq. ft. home includes three bedrooms, a den and 2½ baths and is located on a large corner lot. will be ready for occupancy in April 2022. This property is fully fenced and landscaped.

Location: 4006 Southwalk Drive, Courtenay, BC
Contact: Candor Developments | Email: info@candordevelopments.ca
Realtor: Richelle Newson
Email: info@candordevelopments.ca Phone: 778- 977-2029

Find out more about the new homes at The Ridge by contacting the preferred builders directly:

Lawmar Contracting | Lawrie McIntyre  Phone: 250.338.7637  Email:lawrie@lawmar.ca

Brando Construction | brandoconstruction.com
Realtor: Bill Anglin  Cell: 250.703.6119  Email:info@courtneyanglin.com

Coastal Custom Homes | coastalcustomhomes.ca
Dean Vershuur  Cell: 250.465.2205  Email:dean@coastalcustomhomes.ca

Candor Developments Inc. | candordevelopments.ca
Isaac Bale  Cell: 778.995.2529  Email: info@candordevelopments.ca

Grand Legacy Homes
Wayne Schick  Cell: 250.702.2251  Email: wayne@grandlegacy.ca

Availability and conditions are subject to change without notice.

Jan 29, 2022

Consider Shutters From Budget Blinds to Update Your Window Decor

Budget Blinds of Vancouver Island offers a huge variety of window coverings, so when its time for you to update or add to your home’s window decor, you’ll find exactly what you need. 

Window Shutters are a popular choice for an upgraded, updated look in any home. Shutters can easily elevate the decor in any room, while also controlling light and privacy in your home. Depending on your home’s style you may wish to consider traditional wood or planation style shutters. For kitchen and bathrooms - and our humid west coast weather - composite shutters are a great durable choice.

Wood shutters are available in a number of stains and colurs, and can also be custom stained to to suit your decor.

If you want to bring in extra light while still maintaining privacy, consider cafe style shutters, which cover only the bottom half of the window

Shutters are a great option for homes with children and pets, as they are cord-free for safety. And while they are easy to operate, you can also have them motorized for added convenience.

Shutters also offer an added layer of insulation for your windows, to help you control indoor temperatures year-round.

If it’s time to update your window coverings, call you nearest Budget Blinds of Vancouver Island location and consider their extensive selection of window shutters.

Contact your local store today:

Cowichan Valley
Call: 250.924.0249

Nanaimo-Oceanside
Call 250.751.8564

North Island - Courtenay
Call 
250.338.8564

 

Vancouver Island real estate is just one click away, find your perfect property at 1stView.ca

Contact 1stView.ca

Office Phone: 250-338-5466
Email:clarice@1stview.ca

Courtenay, British Columbia
Canada