OPUS Homes is celebrating a major milestone in 2021 – 10 years of building homes for families and enhancing communities across the GTA and beyond. The company recently received some news that has provided even more reason to celebrate.

OPUS Homes has been crowned Home Builder of the Year – Lowrise, in the GTA. This coveted award, selected from a shortlist of finalists and presented by the Building Industry and Land Development Association, is based on a combination of judging and customer satisfaction survey results. The award was announced in October.

“We could not think of a better way to celebrate our first decade of building communities,” says Principal Andrea DeGasperis-Ronco. “To be recognized for the hard work our team brings forward each day, as we build beautiful homes with an enhanced client experience, is a phenomenal feeling. It is also an honour to be a finalist alongside fellow builders who have been building communities for many decades.”

Founded on family

In 2011, OPUS Homes was founded by Andrea DeGasperis-Ronco and her father Carlo DeGasperis. The name OPUS was inspired by the craft of winemaking. Just like a fine vintage, excellence is achieved over time by paying careful attention to the details. OPUS is the Latin word for “work,” highlighting the company’s belief that its life’s work is to build homes that will make clients proud.

In just 10 years, the company has grown to 50 employees. Led by principals Andrea DeGasperis-Ronco and husband Michael Ronco, OPUS has built more than 750 homes in 13 communities across the GTA, with the help of an incredible team, which includes their trade partners.

Ten years ago, the company set out to do things differently, and today, OPUS is recognized for standing out with architectural design, providing style and comfort with signature finishes, giving back through programs that help the environment and the broader community, and providing an exceptional level of customer service to every client who purchases an OPUS home.

OPUS Living Refined Promise

Known for hard work and the unparalleled attention to detail that goes into every home OPUS builds, the entire team is passionate about carrying out the OPUS Living Refined Promise.

“From our family to yours, when you choose OPUS Homes to build your home, your faith in us is never taken for granted. You can expect to receive superb, personalized service and prompt responses from someone who cares deeply about your satisfaction, both before and after you purchase your new home.”

Today, OPUS is synonymous with fine architectural features and the OPUS Signature Finishes, which stand out across all of its communities.

Every OPUS community is also built with care for the environment. Through the company’s Go Green program, OPUS homes are built using environmentally sustainable practices to create healthier, more energy efficient homes that improve indoor air quality, conserve water and reduce waste. Each home reflects quality, practicality and the refinement that families deserve.

Four pillars create foundation

Elevated design is the first of the four pillars created when the company began to form its foundation. Driving through any OPUS community, one can see the difference with innovative, quality home designs and construction that easily stand out from other builders.

The second pillar is client care. The extension of the “Living Refined” philosophy offers clients an educated, handheld and respectful approach to the new-home buying experience.

“We want every homebuyer to feel comfortable and to have a memorable experience buying an OPUS home,” says Michael Ronco. “When our clients purchase an OPUS home, we introduce them to the team and educate them about all of the touch points along the journey that we will embark on together.”

Homebuyers are invited to workshops to meet the team. During the pandemic, the workshops went virtual and client attendance increased from 50 to 93 per cent. Decor appointments are done in two sessions, giving clients access to the OPUS team to first make structural changes to their homes, and then to meet in person in their new 3,800-sq.-ft. Decor Studio, to select their finishes and personalize their new home. Before clients arrive, they are given access to a Decor Wish List Portal, where they view and shop samples prior to their meeting.

While their home is under construction, OPUS takes clients on a “Frame Walk” through their future home. When they move in, clients find strategically placed stickers with QR codes which link them to 17 videos with tips on new home maintenance. Clients are then invited to a live seminar with the OPUS client care team to get to know their home better. And, of course, a thank-you gift is hand-delivered once the community is complete.

The third pillar is ensuring the OPUS team is the best it can be, and offering professional development opportunities, across the board. Each team member takes ownership and is accountable for their role, representing the best the industry has to offer. OPUS team members are passionate about every aspect of the business and are trained to understand the OPUS business model. Throughout the year, they are encouraged to participate in training sessions and courses.

OPUS represents the Cornerstone of Community Service. Giving back to the communities in which OPUS builds and operates is the fourth pillar and completes the company’s strong foundation.

In 2010, OPUS developed a unique opportunity for clients to take part in giving back to communities. The Families Helping Families program allows each client to select one of OPUS’ charity partners and, upon closing, OPUS makes a donation to the client’s charity of choice. With more than 750 homeowners and counting, OPUS has supported charities such as 360º Kids, the Aurora Food Pantry, Earth Rangers, Salvation Army and the Ride to Conquer Cancer. With a commitment to helping others every year during the holiday season, the OPUS team delivers and serves a holiday feast and provides a toiletry bag of essentials to the children who live at the 360º Kids Shelter.

In 2020, OPUS was proud to make its first transformational gift in support of the Vaughan YMCA’s Capital Campaign, an initiative Andrea DeGasperis-Ronco was asked to chair by Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua.

Future looks bright

As OPUS celebrates a successful first 10 years of building communities, it is also looking ahead to the next decade. To the entire team, the Home Builder of the Year accolade means upholding OPUS’ commitment to making its mark in the industry while continuing to raise the bar in quality construction, innovation and exceptional client care.

When homeowners purchase an OPUS home, they feel like part of the OPUS family and when they move in, they feel right at home.

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