Knowledge, Design & Reliability
Diego Vassallo: KDR Design Builders Inc.

By Judy Penz Sheluk

Diego Vassallo began his career in residential construction as journeyman carpenter. Through continuing education and experience, he developed the organizational and managerial skills necessary to start his own building and renovation company: KDR Design Builders Inc. Now in its tenth year of operation, Vassallo’s team builds and renovates homes primarily in Winnipeg and its surrounding areas. We met with Diego to find out what it takes to be successful in the Manitoba marketplace.

Home BUILDER Magazine: What does KDR stand for?
DIEGO VASSALLO: Knowledge: Will allow us to exceed our customer’s expectations and deliver more value for their money. We learn their needs; we build tight partnerships on every project; we proactively seek feedback.
Design: We approach the planning and coordination of a project by working closely with the designer/engineer to put the client’s ideas on paper.
Reliability: We are committed to a higher level of advance planning and produce schedules that are realistic. We will review manpower requirements, material and equipment deliveries, safety considerations and the time of requirement of each activity.

HBM: What sets KDR apart from the competition?
DV: Simply put, KDR does not budget to the design, we design to the budget. We sit with our client and ensure that our client knows exactly what they are getting before the project begins. Everything on their wish list is discussed and decided upon before the project leaves the ground. The result is that our clients know what the project is going to cost them at the time they sign their contract. There are no “unforseens” along the way.

HBM: What is KDR’s target market?
DV: Our target market is people who are looking to build a good quality new home and people who are looking to renovate their existing home. In that way, we’re just like every other builder and renovator!

HBM: How important are green initiatives and eco-friendly building materials and practices to KDR?
DV:  Building energy efficient homes is very important to us. We always keep a watchful eye on new products that are eco-friendly. We educate our clients on these products and give them the option to use them in their new home or renovation project. Installation of high efficiency heating and cooling systems, R50 attic insulation, use of spray foam insulation on all attic and joist cavities, and triple-pane windows are just a few examples. We have also provided Geothermal systems for some of our clients. 

HBM: If you were to pinpoint a trend in the design of a custom home, what would it be?
DV:  People are no longer interested in just buying a house—they are interested in buying the lifestyle. Clients are looking for finished basements, home gyms, in-home audio and stereo systems, walkout basements, home offices, screened-in sunrooms, catered lawns that include outdoor kitchens, hot tubs and outdoor pools.

HBM: What sort of interior finishes and features top the client wish list? Which features and/or finishes are clients most likely to make concessions on if their budget doesn’t match the dream? Which ones are non-negotiable and how do you manage those expectations?
DV: Topping the wish list we have: granite and concrete countertops, hardwood flooring, large kitchens with space for state-of-the-art appliances, maple kitchen cabinets, funky backsplashes, and high-end bathroom ensuites. We can often use different materials to get the same feel at a lower cost. White woodwork instead of wood stain, laminate instead of hardwood, and dura-ceramic instead of ceramic tile are some common suggestions to get the look within the budget.

HBM: What is the top renovation request and how old is the average home?
DV:  Our top renovation request is to make the existing space larger; sometimes the client wants to add a room to their home and at other times the client is looking to add a complete second story. Our average home is 25 to 30 years old.

HBM: What are the biggest challenges facing Manitoba custom builders and renovators today, and why?
DV: Keeping up with technology: instant communication at your fingertips. QR codes are something we are now using to market ourselves and our product.

HBM: How important is your membership with MHBA, and why? 
DV:  Having volunteered on the MHBA over the past three years, I recognize the importance of having one body represent Manitoba Home Builders; to ensure that we have one united voice. MHBA also provides a forum to educate its membership with respect to technology and business practices. It promotes affordability and choice in housing for all Manitobans. 

HBM: MHBA has mandated COR certification to its members. Is KDR COR certified, and do you see the benefit of this certification and/or policy?
DV:  KDR has always recognized the importance of maintaining safe worksites, not only for our employees and sub-trades, but for our clients and the public. We have been COR certified since January 2010. When it comes to workplace accidents our goal is zero tolerance.