We chatted with Steve Stipsits about everything Branthaven Homes is up to!

One builder that has been very busy over the last few years, and plans to be for many years to come, is Branthaven Homes. Newinhomes.com had the opportunity to chat with the president of Branthaven, Steve Stipsits, about current and upcoming communities, as well as Branthaven’s approach to homebuilding in and around the GTA.

Steve Stipsits, President of Branthaven Homes

Newinhomes (NIH): Branthaven is a family business. Can you give us a quick history lesson?

Steve Stipsits (SS): My father, Al, came to Canada from Austria when he was 18 years old with nothing. He worked night and day, two full time jobs, to save enough money to start his own business. My father started Branthaven Homes in 1971. He wanted to build houses that stood up to the level of quality he learned as a craftsman painter in Austria. He taught me that nothing comes easy -- you have to work hard for it.

NIH: With roots in Burlington, what kind of advantage do you think that's given Branthaven when developing projects like Jazz (boutique condo in Burlington)?

SS: I think it gives us a large advantage. We build communities and we have many customers who are on their second, third, fourth and even fifth home with Branthaven. Repeat buyers are a large part of our success. We offer a wide range of product that caters to our customers’ needs.

NIH: Does your knowledge of Burlington's market transfer to other cities and towns like Oakville?

SS: Absolutely.We are so close to Oakville and the surrounding cities. There is a large difference between the clientele in North and South Oakville, as there is with North and South Burlington.  We understand the difference between the two cities and the differences within these cities.

Oakvillage Kitchen

NIH: Branthaven currently has Oakvillage in the works. What is so attractive about the town of Oakville?

SS: From recreation to diverse urban amenities, everything your family needs is close to home. The North Park development, centred on the Sixteen Mile Sports Complex nearby, has three NHL-sized ice pads, an Olympic-sized ice rink and other facilities. Oakville Place mall, just a short drive away, will undergo a renovation scheduled to start this year and surely become a shopping destination. The new Oakville Hospital, a state-of-the-art health sciences facility, is scheduled to open later this year. Families will appreciate a great selection of reputed public and private schools, libraries and community centres close by. With plans for the expansion of the transit system right outside your front door, getting anywhere is quick and worry-free.

NIH: Grimsby seems like another popular area for Branthaven, with the commercial project, Wave, under way, and Lake House launching with great success. With Branthaven's involvement, what will Grimsby's waterfront be like 10 years from now?

SS: Well, it’s hard to predict what the next 10 years will bring, but if the last five are any indication, Grimsby will continue to take off and be a popular choice with new homebuyers seeking a better quality of life.

We are big promoters of Grimsby because it is a unique community with a lot going for it. With our recent local projects, Beach House, Bravo-by-the-Lake, Wave and now Lake House registrants, we continue to see the trend of first-time buyers and empty nesters looking to move west of the GTA for affordable living, more choice of home type, less density and the hustle and bustle that goes with that. Grimsby has just what they are looking for.

The location can’t be beat. Grimsby has an exceptional amount of public lake frontage that is accessible and affordable, so there’s lots to enjoy in this rare waterfront playground.

NIH: Branthaven has a signature Fresh Thinking™ approach when it comes to interior design. Can you explain why Branthaven is considered a leader in interior design selections?

SS: Branthaven constantly rethinks, retools and reimagines every facet of our homes, from exteriors to streetscapes to the personal spaces inside. Branthaven specializes in open-concept design and we continue to innovate by building Fresh Thinking™ into every space that we create.  Fresh Thinking™ features are upgraded features and finishes at no extra cost. We have a 3,000 square foot Design Centre and consulting service that offers unsurpassed selection, quality and the latest trend-setting materials and styles.

Oakvillage Bathroom

NIH: Branthaven Quickstarts™ are homes that are currently in construction or completed. Can you explain how this program works?

SS: While constructing sold homes in a community, we make advanced selections and begin construction on homes that are not yet sold. We do this to provide potential customers with a beautiful new home that’s either move-in ready, or at a stage of readiness that will get you in quick – some are even ready for possession in as early as 30 days.

NIH: You recently embarked on a $400,000 rejuvenation project that has breathed new life into YWCA Hamilton’s 40-year-old residence. Tell us about this initiative.

SS: Last spring, I was introduced to the “walk a mile in her shoes” event to benefit the YWCA’s transitions for living program. At the same time, my wife Elizabeth saw a news item on CHCH evening news in which some of the women taking part in the program shared their experiences and all of the good that was coming from it. We agreed immediately that we should get behind it. While taking part in the walk, I was asked if I could come and see the facility and make any recommendations or give advice on how to go forward.

In September, we became familiar with the proposed renovation and rejuvenation project, which had many aspects, such as a meal program and transportation for the women. I figured that the obvious fit for us was in the construction side of things where we would hope to leverage our “know how” and our contacts in the industry.

We made a commitment to the Y that we would complete the job entirely without them having to raise any funds. Enlisting the help of our labourers and suppliers. Together, we donated time and money, embarking on a $400,000 rejuvenation project that has breathed new life into YWCA Hamilton’s 40-year-old residence. Each room received a fresh coat of paint, new flooring, blinds, a bar fridge, an accent chair, and a new bed with fresh linens and pillows. Improvements were also made to the building’s wooden wardrobes, two kitchens and common spaces - all at no cost to the YWCA.

A big thanks goes out to Steve Stipsits for taking the time to chat with us about Branthaven Homes’ current communities, programs, and initiatives.