Vince DiPietro and Angelica Homes One Dream at a Time by John Reynolds Vince DiPietro enjoys talking about custom homes almost as much as he enjoys building them. Or, if you prefer, you could always review the global economic situation with him; in addition to more than a decade of experience building some of the most stunning homes in Southern Ontario, Vince holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics. He changed his career plans after spending a summer vacation from university studies working in home construction. That s when Vince discovered he would rather deal with building materials and tradespeople than with import/export statistics and bureaucrats. From the beginning, he acquired valuable insight into all aspects of the business, a wide view that prepared him for the multi-dimensional aspect of building custom homes. I started with a company building government housing and townhouses, he explains. We were exposed to every aspect of the business, from land development and site servicing to the final landscape finishes, it was an invaluable experience. In fact, it was Vince s work ethic and quick study that earned him the position of Site Supervisor while still in university. After graduation, Vince turned his back on a career in economics in favour of pursing his passion of building custom 6 Forum Magazine
homes. By 2000, he had acquired enough experience to launch his own firm, Angelica Homes. One of Vince s strongest skill sets is his ability to empathize and communicate with people on both sides of his profession: customers, as custodian of their dream homes; and as maestro to his trade associates whose specialized skills are vital to his success. I have used the same trades for many years because they know their work, and they know my expectations, Vince says, so I m comfortable in delegating some of the decision-making to them and this is important in vesting their interest in the project and thereby ensuring my customer is getting their best. Ultimately, it is the effort of my exceptional and forward-looking team that deliver the product that brings me the positive recognition and accolades. His relationship with clients is based on fully understanding and appreciating their goals and expectations. During the initial customer meeting, we discuss their feelings, desires and the concept of their dream home. Following that meeting, my architect and I begin to transfer their dreams to sketches on a blank piece of paper concluding with the key to the finished product. Being responsible for every stage in Forum Magazine 7
Visualizing the final custom home is often difficult for customers, so Vince makes use of technology by producing a DVD to present a full view of the exterior design and details. This technology provides the customer the opportunity to view and discuss the design, the various materials and confirm desired modifications. This process was invaluable to a recent custom home construction is demanding, but according to Vince it delivers an extra measure of satisfaction. This is a man who basically likes people, and his customers in turn like him as much for his warm response to their needs as for his high standards of quality. The result is an exceptional degree of trust that develops between Vince and his customers during this very intimate process. I provide a great deal of input into the finished product, he explains. I take a vested interest approach in directing my customers to where I believe their expectations and dreams will be best realized. 8 Forum Magazine
photos by michel boucher mbphoto.ca project that made extensive use of Ledgerock and stucco construction materials to the exterior of a home. Interior features of the 11,000+ squarefoot house carried a similar period mood throughout the building, with extensive custom millwork in a Tuscan style and a 22-foot high ceiling extending from the foyer through to the rear of the home. Adding to the drama are large picture windows overlooking the Niagara Escarpment, providing a view as dramatic as the home itself. Custom homes of this size and magnitude demand a great deal of the builder s dedication to solve the very challenging design and construction details as well as to source and select the specialized suppliers. The millwork within the featured home, for example, demanded techniques well beyond the capabilities of most custom cabinetry firms. As the result of Vince s experience and knowledge, he was able to identify the company that could match the detailing and Forum Magazine 9
finishing standards while also ensuring their ability to meet the all-important delivery schedule. While the custom homes created by Angelica Homes often reflect deeply rooted traditions, many aspects of the construction demand materials and techniques that meet today s standards. He often incorporates engineered wood beams and joists for their superior weight-load capability and resistance to warping in many projects, and supervises the selection and installation of
in-floor heating units and zoned heating and air-conditioning systems. Many customers choose theatre installations in their new homes, requiring special attention to soundproofing and technology concerns. Forum Magazine 11
When it comes to exteriors, he is a fan of precast stone materials and copper for detailing at upper levels. Blending these elements of tradition and technology has generated an enviable reputation for Vince and Angelica Homes, with clients ranging as far afield as Stouffville, Ontario choosing Angelica to create the home of their dreams. While Vince enjoys the challenge of building large custom homes, he remains equally interested in smaller-scale residences and renovations. My team of professionals has the experience to handle any residential project, he says. Building custom homes presents certain challenges, but so does building homes on a smaller scale within a tight budget. The secret in this latter case is to deliver as much quality as possible within a fixed cost, working toward a tight deadline. Renovations, of course, present their own challenges. With a new house, you know what you re encountering at every stage, but with an extensive renovation you re never sure what you might uncover, Vince says. Still he approaches them with the same dedication and enthusiasm. Focusing all his attention on every project mandates that Vince is on-site for at least part of every day, consulting with both customers and his invaluable team of trades on the many questions or concerns that inevitably develop. Each day brings a new decision to be made, sometimes by himself alone, 12 Forum Magazine
sometimes through discussions with his team and or with the customer. Some people find this constant activity daunting, but Vince finds it exhilarating. I look forward to going to work every day, he smiles. I enjoy what I do that much. It s not a job to me. Dealing with good clients to build a home that everybody will be proud of, including the customers, the trades and myself, that s what I enjoy the most! These elements carry over to customers as well. Many of them express warm appreciation for Vince s friendly attitude and exceptional competence. Custom home builders take pride in their workmanship, pointing to projects they helped create as proof of their skill and energy. Vince DiPietro is no different in many ways, but he takes equal pride in his relationship with clients who entrust their aspirations to him and discover that he has enhanced their dreams with his own special attention to their total satisfaction. I can honestly say I have enjoyed working with every client I ve had, he recalls. Then, with a shrug he adds: Maybe I just bring out the best in people. Or maybe, one observer noted about Vince and Angelica Homes, when you make every detail of a new homeowner s dream come true, it s easy for them to be happy. Tel 905.961.4385 Fax 905.573.7527 Email vinced@angelicahomes.com www.angelicahomes.com Forum Magazine 13