“To win one of these awards is a true testament to a company’s validity and integrity, and their commitment to the industry,” said Karen Kobussen with the SRHBA.
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Members of Saskatoon’s residential construction industry gathered to honour the best in the business at the 31st annual Housing Excellence Awards, presented on Feb. 11 by the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association (SRHBA).
“To win one of these awards is a true testament to a company’s validity and integrity and their commitment to the industry,” said Karen Kobussen, manager of major projects and business development with the SRHBA.
Approximately 350 people attended the event hosted for the first time at Prairieland Park. Guests enjoyed this year’s theme: a fun riff on a late-night talk show hosted by Rock 102 broadcaster Whitney Graves and musical sidekick Curtis Labelle, a singer-songwriter from Sylvan Lake, AB.
A total of 39 Housing Excellence Awards in nine categories were presented, highlighting the commitment to professionalism and innovation in Saskatoon’s housing industry. Kobussen said several categories in the awards program saw record submissions, including the production and design awards category.
The winners were selected by an independent panel of judges from across Canada and the United States. The judging takes place online via an awards management platform.
“The judges bring different perspectives to the review process. Some are in the housing industry. Some work for home builder associations across Canada. Some are on the warranty side; others are experts in energy efficiency. The judges don’t know or talk to each other. Their scoring is all electronic. When you see a submission receiving high scores from across the panel of judges, you know it’s something special,” said Kobussen.
The evening’s big winner was Edgewater Development Corporation, which won the coveted Certified Professional Home Builder of the Year award and a year of bragging rights.
“Edgewater excelled in all of those categories. The judges saw something in their submissions that really spoke to them. It was well deserved,” said Kobussen.
Edgewater principal Wayne Halabura was also honoured with the Ambassador of the Year award, presented by last year’s ambassador: Errol Fisher, vice-president of operations with North Ridge Development Corporation.
“The Ambassador of the Year award recognizes individuals who have shown outstanding leadership and commitment to the residential construction industry through dedication to the association, advancing professionalism within the home building industry, and through giving back to the community where we live, work and raise families. Wayne Halabura has given and continues to give back in many ways to our association and our community,” said Fisher.
Halabura was integral in establishing the Eligible Contractor Program, which requires home builders purchasing lots from the City of Saskatoon to complete mandatory training and certification, raising the level of quality and professionalism in the home building industry.
“It’s such an amazing award to be recognized for in our community and by the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association. It means a lot to myself and my family,” said Halabura.
Selkirk Developments, Spruce Homes, and first-time winner Longyu-BLZ Construction took home crystal statues in the best production home category.
Westridge Homes, Spruce Homes and first-time winner Zak’s Building Group received honours in the best custom home category.
Home renovation is an important segment of the housing industry, says Kobussen. Winners in the renovation and interior decorating category included North Ridge Renovations, named certified professional renovator of the year; first-time winner Mavrik Home Builders for whole home renovation and kitchen renovation ($50,000 and over); Centennial Kitchen and Bath for bathroom renovation; and Spruce Homes for kitchen renovation ($50,000 and over).
Tabitha Andrade with North Ridge Development Corporation was named New Home Salesperson of the Year.
jarmstrong@postmedia.com
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