Description
Requirements
To be eligible for this category and for the People's Choice Awards (PCA), you must select only one (1) project from your submissions to be your official SAA - Custom Builder of the Year and PCA candidate.
This entry must feature exclusively that single project. All submitted photos and the written description must relate to the same project. Photos from multiple projects are not permitted, and combining images, descriptions, floor plans, or content from different projects into this entry will result in the submission being deemed ineligible.
When submitting, please clearly identify the project name and the category in which it was entered, and ensure that all photos and the description correspond only to that one project.
Judging & Entry Criteria:
Your total score for this category will be calculated as follows:
40% – Project Scores from Housing Design Awards Entries
Forty percent (40%) of your score will be based on your two (2) highest-scoring project entries in the Custom Home entries in the Housing Design Awards. This includes the Custom Kitchen and the Custom Bath categories.. To be eligible, you must enter into at least two (2) different award categories. Please ensure that you list the exact project titles of these entries in the appropriate field below.
40% – Written Submission Questions
Forty percent (40%) of your score will be based on your responses to these eight (8) written questions below.
Please provide clear and complete responses to each of the questions below. Your answers will be used by the judges to evaluate your craftsmanship, client experience, and overall contribution to the custom home building industry.
- What unique services, approach, or level of customization do you offer that set your company apart from other custom home builders?
- Describe a challenge your company faced in the past year and how you successfully resolved it.
- What steps do you take to incorporate energy efficiency, sustainability, and environmentally responsible practices into your custom homes and construction process?
- What do you enjoy most about being a custom home builder, and what motivates and inspires your work?
- Describe the steps you take to guide your clients through the custom home building process, from initial consultation and design through to completion and occupancy.
- What are your top three priorities when building a custom home, and how do you ensure these priorities are achieved on every project?
- How has your company demonstrated involvement and support within the community and the Greater Ottawa Home Builders' Association over the past three (3) years?
- Why do you believe your company deserves to be named Custom Home Builder of the Year?
20% – Client Testimonials
Twenty percent (20%) of your score will be based on three (3) client testimonials. These testimonials should reflect the client's experience working with you and the quality of your work. All testimonials must be uploaded as PDF documents as part of this submission.
Please make no reference to your company name, address, logo, etc. on any photos or documents uploaded, as judging is anonymous.
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Two Highest Scoring Entries | 40.0% |
| Eight Questions | 40.0% |
| Three Customer Testimonials | 20.0% |