The Foothills Builder Series: Sartori Custom Homes
In this series we are getting to know the custom home builders that creating the beautiful custom homes at The Foothills.
Sartori Custom Homes is well-known as a leader in the building community and when you see their black and gold signs in front of a new home, you instantly know why. Principal Dan Sartori's characteristic sense of design and attention to detail make him a voice of experience in home building.
We got to know Dan Sartori and his team a bit better and are excited to share with you in our first of our ongoing builder series:
Q: How did Sartori Custom Homes come to be?
Sartori: Well that is a story that goes well back in time. Back when an impressionable six-year-old was handed a trowel, a bucket of mortar and some bricks!
My father immigrated from Italy at 18 years old. He founded a masonry and a home building company the year I was born, so you literally could say I was exposed to this business since day one.
I quickly was my dad’s right-hand man and began building little walls for fun to keep myself occupied, and if you asked him, probably to keep me out of the way.
Over the years, I became a labourer, then an apprentice and eventually become a stone mason. He began building homes in addition to the masonry business and I would also frame houses with my father on occasion when the schedule allowed. I grew up on construction sites, and our family was always extended to the familiar faces of who was working on site that day. They were happy to teach me some tricks of their trades, and I was always keen to learn.
Although I also received formal education, and took over the company in 2005, my real start as a home builder began in my childhood.
Q: On your website it says Vancouver Island and Calgary. Are those the markets you currently build in?
Sartori: I was born and raised in Calgary and it is where I got my start as a builder and where my father founded the company. My wife has roots in Comox Valley so 5 years ago we made the decision to trade city life for island life and moved to Nanoose Bay. We haven’t looked back since.
The majority of our business is on Vancouver Island, however we do remain to have presence for select projects in the Calgary area.
Q: Sartori custom homes are all stunning, but if there was a style you would give to summarize your homes what would that be?
Sartori: Thank you! Our style is varied, as it is not a one size fits all in the custom home business. We work collaboratively with our clients to properly capture their style and aesthetic, creating something special and unique for every project.
Q: It’s an incredibly busy time for your industry. How is your team comprised?
Sartori: I’m lucky to have a great team with me, and you are right, it keeps growing. Currently we have an Office Manager, a Senior Estimator, a full-time accountant keeping track of the funds, two Construction Managers, a Site Supervisor and a Site Assistant. We have also recently hired a Business Manager who assists me with streamlining and evolving our process to be as efficient and productive as possible.
This talented team allows me to visit our sites daily, meet with our clients in person, and personally keep my finger on the pulse of each project. That is the key to how we keep our level of quality at where it needs to be.
Q: What attracts you as a builder to The Foothills?
Sartori: The Foothills is a unique development, boasting incredibly beautiful natural topography and world-class views. Since touring the property a few years ago before development was complete and was little more than old logging roads, we knew that we wanted to be a part of building homes here that would be worthy of such a location.
Q: what excites you about the build opportunities in the unique topography/landscape?
Sartori: As each lot is so unique, so too are our custom home designs. We enjoy the challenge of designing and building a home that blends in with the topography, as well as the natural elements of the area. It is a naturally stunning area, so we carefully disturb as little of the surrounding home site area as possible, with extra efforts made to preserve the natural beauty which cannot be duplicated.
Q: On the flip what challenges does the area present for builders?
Sartori: The topography is a challenge in some instances, however nothing that cannot be overcome with thoughtful, intelligent design and prudent engineering. Some of the steeper slopes call for creative, slope adaptive designs, which can create some wonderfully stylish, functional, and unique floor plans.
Q: What is your experience thus far building at the Foothills?
Sartori: So far, we’ve completed two homes in phase one at The Foothills. In addition to that, we currently have three projects in design, and another awaiting permit which will start soon.
Q: COVID and the resulting supply chain constraints have added many more complexities and challenges for builders. How has your team navigated these strange times?
Sartori: The short answer is that we are always on our toes, ready to adapt and respond. The challenges these days arise unpredictably, however we have become accustomed to adjusting as required, sometimes daily. We have team meetings twice weekly that keep us all on the same page. We are also grateful to be so fortunate to work with so many trusted local trades and suppliers that anticipate many of these challenges and keep our material orders and schedules flowing as we need them.
Q: Homeowners interested in building in The Foothills - how do they get in touch with you?
Sartori: Call me! I am the primary point of contact for our company. I am best reached directly at 250-984-7983, or dan@sartoricustomhomes.ca Our website has an easy to use “Inquire Today” feature that will also put you in touch with me directly.
Dan Sartori was also featured in Boulevard Magazines “Influencers” Issues in Spring 2020. You can read that feature here.
