Concord-based builder Arista Homes fell short of capturing a coveted industry prize last month, losing out to a rival builder from Mississauga.

Arista Homes was runner-up for the second year in the Tarion Awards of Excellence. It was a finalist in the Large Volume Builder category, along with Hayhoe Homes of St. Thomas, Tribute Communities of Toronto, Mountainview Homes of Thorold and Mattamy Homes of Mississauga.

Winners were selected based on an extensive survey of new Ontario home buyers in 2006, and on the customer service they received from builders. Tarion Warranty Corporation handed out the awards on Sept. 20 at a gala at the Royal Ontario Museum’s new Michael-Lee Chin Crystal.

Mattamy took the top prize, nosing out Arista and other builders.

“We didn’t have to submit for this award and in fact were selected by the voice of the client,” Arista’s Domenic Bauco said. “There is no regret whatsoever.

“That said, we wanted the win.”

Being a finalist has its benefits, despite losing, said Bauco, the builder’s sales and marketing manager.

The recognition acts as an assurance to people, who are making one of the largest purchases of their lives, that they’ll be treated well, which is good for business, he added.

“As the consumer becomes increasingly astute in purchasing methodology, an award of this nature is a great means of satisfaction in a sea of builders,” he said. “We have always enjoyed a very healthy referral base of business, particularly in Vaughan — our home base — where the following of clients is very significant.”

Still, he said, Arista isn’t content with just a pat on the back.

“We are a young, aggressive company,” he remarked. “We don’t have (Mattamy’s) infrastructure, yet we are right on their heels.

“Mattamy should be worried.”

Vaughan Today
Friday, October 12, 2007
Page: 6
Section: Vaughan Business
Byline: Philip Alves