Don't just live, LiveWise!

We’re all familiar with the old adage about the three most important things to consider when buying real estate – location, location, location. But what about the environment? Or land use? Or the future? In all the excitement of purchasing a new home, not many buyers stop to think about these things.

Fortunately, though, Reid’s Heritage Homes does. And has for more than three generations, since the company’s founding in 1978.

By taking a big-picture, holistic view of the communities it develops, the homes it builds and the people it works with, Reid’s Heritage Homes has become one of Southwestern Ontario’s leading home builders, with communities in Cambridge, Meaford, Owen Sound, Thornbury, Guelph, Fergus, Kitchener, Collingwood and Port Elgin. Over the years, the company has gained thousands of satisfied customers, and a trophy case filled with more than 100 prestigious awards for quality, design and innovation. Last year alone, it was named New Homes Participant of the Year by Energy Star (the first home builder ever so recognized in Canada) and was a finalist for OHBA’s prestigious Homebuilder of the Year award.

Now, Reid’s Heritage Homes is codifying the unique business practices that have made it so successful into a program called LiveWise. “LiveWise captures our core values. It’s an advancement of our team phi-losophies and a promise of excellence to our homeowners, our suppliers and the communities we work with,” say Tim Blevin, president and CEO of Reid’s Heritage Homes. “The values are already in place and have been practiced over the past 35 years. And they will con- tinue to be the cornerstone of our company going forward. LiveWise is our pledge to the people we do business with.”

LiveWise spells out Reid’s Heritage Homes’ commitment and dedication to seven different principles: quality, the future, the environment, their people, service, design and neighbourhoods. For example, Reid’s Heritage Homes and LiveWise emphasize “zero tolerance for error and Total Quality Management by taking personal ownership and responsibility,” says Darryl McMillan, director of construction and operations.

When it comes to the environment and our future, Reid’s Heritage Homes will continue to take a leadership role. LiveWise ensures the continued development of susttainable buildings and practices by stressing design, health, energy and savings. As Scott Reid, vice-president of Residential Construc- tion says, “we’re investing in the right systems, products and processes today for a better tomorrow.” That may include providing geothermal heating and solar-ready piping, as seen in some most recent communities.

And speaking of communities, LiveWise promises a unique approach to overall land use. Green design and smart growth principles result in vibrant, sustainable neighbourhoods that flow into harmonious streetscapes, making the most of the surrounding natural features and public amenities. Visit a Reid’s Heritage Homes community and you’ll see the pride of ownership and sense of belonging that this unique, forward-looking approach creates.

LiveWise even dictates the superior level of service you can expect when purchasing a Reid’s Heritage Home. Customer Care Supervisor Tanya Dupuis put it best when she said, “we follow one basic philosophy: treat every home we build like it’s our own.” Homebuyers can count on rigourous quality inspections, reliable delivery schedules and prompt, timely issue resolution.

In the end, LiveWise represents the singular corporate culture of Reid’s Heritage Homes. A culture that puts quality and a job done right above expediency. A culture that creates homes instead of houses. A culture that understands the dreams you bring to your new home purchase, and knows that to make them come true there’s a lot more to consider than just location.

To accompany the launch of LiveWise, Reid’s Heritage Homes has also introduced a new owl mascot. Wise, responsible and resourceful, this new mascot is the perfect representation of the LiveWise approach.

To learn more about Reid’s Heritage Homes and the LiveWise program, please visit reidsheritagehomes.com today.