What's Happening: Three Edmonton companies recognized at 2017 CHBA National Awards

Article content

The Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) recently announced recipients of the 2017 National Awards for Housing Excellence at its 74th National Conference, and three Edmonton builders were among the winners. In total, 39 awards were handed out, recognizing Canada’s top residential builders in design, development, renovation, energy-efficiency and marketing categories.

“Our award winners represent the best of the best in new homes, home renovations, community development and marketing across Canada, and the housing industry takes great pride in their accomplishments,” said CHBA President Eric DenOuden, who noted that CHBA members responded enthusiastically to the new awards program with a record number of entries in 2017.

Streetside Developments took home top prize for Mid-to High-rise Condominium or Apartment Units under 1,000 square feet with its 819-square-foot Aurora model in northwest Edmonton’s ALOFT Skyview condominiums. Recognized for renovation, Alair Homes captured the Whole House $250,001-$500,000 award for its ‘Weatherby Place’ project. Vicky’s Homes continues to garner national acclaim, with its Venzo model winning the One-storey Bungalow award in the Detached Home category.

 “This is an annual CHBA event that we really look forward to,” said Vicky Kujundzic, CEO of Vicky’s Homes. “It is a time when we can get together and celebrate achievements with fellow industry professionals from across the country.”

The company also claimed the Direct Promotion – Print award for its “Stress Free and Move in Ready” advertising campaign, marking the second year in a row that Vicky’s Homes took home two national housing awards, adding to an impressive award tally.

In January, Vicky’s Homes received the 2017 Best of Houzz award in the design category for a third consecutive year, as well as the 2017 Service Award. The company also captured hardware at the CHBA-Edmonton Region awards gala in March, winning the Small Volume Builder of the Year award, while its Venzo model was named Best Estate Home Over $1 Million.

“We’ve really had an amazing run so far,” says Kujundzic. “Not only are we earning praise within our local communities, but others around the country are also acknowledging our hard work, commitment to quality and ongoing dedication to the industry. We are so lucky to be able to do what we love. These awards are just proof that we are doing it well and that people appreciate our efforts.”

***

Edmonton housing starts expected to increase

According to the Altus Group Housing Report, improving economic conditions should increase housing demand in Edmonton during the next 18 months. However, unsold new home inventory is higher than usual, which contributed to diminished prices — down 0.5 per cent from the first quarter of 2016 — and should limit housing starts until more robust recovery in 2018. While there were approximately 10,000 total starts in the Edmonton area in 2016, Altus Group expects that number to rise marginally in 2017 before increasing to 10,900 in 2018.

Altus Group also found that resale home transactions increased year-over-year in Edmonton during the first quarter. Roughly 3,400 homes were sold through MLS between January and March 2017, representing a 12 per cent boost over the first quarter of 2016, when approximately 3,000 resale homes switched hands. As a result of elevated sales, resale prices were slightly higher in the first quarter, increasing 1 per cent year-over-year.

Edmonton condominium apartment starts increased on a year-over-year basis in the first quarter after declining each quarter year-over-year during 2016. However, new condominium sales dipped in 2016 and newly completed and unsold apartment inventory has increased, indicating that starts will be level through the end of the year. Condominium apartment resales rose slightly year-over-year during the first quarter, but prices did not show any increase.