Eringate Homes draws on decades worth of experience and is built on a foundation of high-quality construction while offering excellent value and creating a superior standard for clients and investors alike. Build Canada Magazine got the opportunity to speak with Project Manager Jack Lewis about the company’s innovative solutions, detailed building process, and their capacity to identify properties and locations that are prime for development.
Q: What kind of housing is Eringate Homes focused on building?
We are quite a diverse builder, and we specialize in everything from custom homes, townhomes, to mid-rise communities and low-rise subdivisions. Our years of experience allows us to not only be flexible and meet the demands of the market, but it allows us to meet each client’s specific needs. We have certainly elevated our capability, and our ability to take on larger projects. We’re currently in the process now of expanding our product offering into the high-rise market and we have a few projects in the works.
Q: What is your project delivery approach, and how do you work together to ensure a positive and seamless experience in creating a quality development?
Our projects typically go through 2 phases of the construction management process: the preliminary phase and the construction phases, and both are equally important in the overall scope of the project. It is during the preliminary phase where plans and schematics are finalized, construction materials are selected, and the proper permits are filed with the city. We have a team of professionals that include an in-house design team, architects, and engineers that iron out any details or need to make any adjustments before any build moves to the construction phase of the project. The construction team then takes over. This team consists of project managers, coordinators, site staff, and a senior project manager that oversees operations on the ground. We are always in constant communication with one another, all working together to attain the end goal. – a superior final product that is perfect for each client.
Q: And this collaboration must also extend to your key partners and various trades and subcontractors, how important are those partnerships?
We have a detailed vetting process with our subcontractors, so we are always working with professional, well-managed companies in all our projects. To continue to drive our success, we develop long-lasting relationships with our trade partners, vendors, and subcontractors. Through their expertise, we receive the highest-quality information about new products and developments in the industry, so we value the relationships we have built with them and it leads to continued success.
Q: As a project manager, does Eringate’s project delivery model change when you are working on a 6,000 square foot home or a 6 storey, 150-unit mid-rise subdivision?
The delivery process is generally the same, however, larger scale subdivisions clearly have more moving parts. More schedules and timelines to keep, bigger contracts, an increased amount of trades and subcontractors to hire, more spec selections and finishings to select from, and an entire sales team that markets the project. That’s where managing schedules and timelines are important, it keeps everyone on the same page to deliver the final project on time. Building homes in a subdivision is budget oriented, while a custom home is more client focused.
Q: Can you tell us about your in-house design team and how they work with a new client?
Our in-house design team works closely with each client to provide as much information as possible so we can work through the initial concepts and develop a custom floor plan and feature sheet that meets their wants and needs. We believe in having an open communication so the client can present any ideas, photos, or house plans that can give our design team a starting point. It’s during these meetings that we establish what home style you are interested in, budget, what you like and don’t like, and learn about the client’s design styles. In the design process, this step can take the longest, depending on the amount of revisions the clients wants to see. Once again, it’s important to iron out as many details in the preliminary phase of the project. Some clients may know exactly what they want, and only require a few days of revisions, and others may take months to refine what they would like. After the design review, we will go over costs and finalize the construction budget.
Q: After a client has finalized design plans, what is the next step?
We work closely with the clients to select their finishings and work with them on where they want to spend their money. This is where our design team offers value engineering (VE) that provides a clear plan on where to maximizes the home’s function while minimizing cost. We want to try to get everything that the client needs and wants into a simpler package. It’s a balancing act of everything happening at once, so it’s important to get selections made early in the process to allow for any manufacturing time or supply delays.
Q: And when you break ground, what can the client expect during the construction process?
When all decisions are out into place the house starts to take shape as the foundation is installed and frame erected. Site inspections and quality control reviews are scheduled on a regular basis, and we keep the client up to date with the process with emails and phone calls from myself or our design team throughout the project to ensure all details are relayed and any issues are properly addressed.
Q: Tell us about some of your current and upcoming projects?
We have a lot of projects on-the-go across Ontario right now, with new phases coming soon released and site preparations being released. We’re excited to delivery Parkville Greens, a new townhouse and single-family development on Bridge Street & Haig Road in Belleville. Parkville will have 122 units ranging from 1460 to 2355 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 9 ft ceilings, and open concept living spaces. They feature the latest and best finishes and include a wide range of colour palettes that address both contemporary and tradition styles. Travel is quite easy with access to Highway 401 and you will be close to the Bay of Quinte to enjoy the outdoors with several amenities nearby.
Georgian Bay Terrace is another great mid-rise 5-storey condo development currently in construction at Owen Street & Legion Road in Meaford. It’s a very well-designed community close to cottage country and will offer 150 units, 1-2.5 bedrooms, ranging from 566 to 1262 square feet. Owners can enjoy a host of amenities with the 8.5 acre Beautiful Joe Park across the street and is situated right on the banks of Big Head River.