Pentar Homes
Kara Vista Development nears completion Local builder prepares to celebrate 17 years of investment and hard work.
S
eventeen years ago, Pentar Homes broke ground on what would eventually become one of West Kelowna’s most sought-after planned communities.
Now, with the project coming to an end, co-owner Nadean Ostrom reflects on the company’s two decades of project work – and hints at future plans. “We’re probably about two years ahead of schedule on Kara Vista,” Ostrom says. “We’re very happy with it. We’re about 90 percent complete in Rose Valley altogether. We’ll be done in under 20 years.” Ostrom says that Pentar Homes owes the relatively quick development of the local neighbourhood to the builder’s focus on multi-family homes. Townhouses and other multi-family developments are less intensive than single-family and custom builds, she says, which has allowed Pentar to expedite the build process without sacrificing quality. “The single family homes are unique – different features, different layouts, different topography. From a builder’s perspective, it’s faster and easier to build the multi-family developments because you’re repeating floorplans and features.” Some of the features that are on offer at Kara Vista include large kitchens, extra large windows, and gas fireplaces – proving that a luxurious build can also be an efficient build. Pentar’s focus on Kara Vista has meant that the company has put off custom builds, but with the community nearing completion, Ostrom says that more custom builds are most definitely in the company’s future. “Every custom build is memorable,” she says. “Every client has brought something different to the table, which is part of the fun. We’re starting some more single-family homes this month, and they’ll be available later this fall.” Ostrom says that fast, high-quality builds are only possible with an experienced team in place, and that the Pentar Homes team’s seamless work is evidence of a great mix of varying skill sets.
Ostrom says that the family-owned company strives to create an accommodating work environment that effectively balances the staff’s professional obligations and personal needs. Pentar Homes is flexible with days off, Ostrom says, so staff can prioritize taking care of ill family members or handling personal issues when the need arises. “We’re very laid back here, and we like to say that there’s always a solution to any problem.” Architecturally, the Kara Vista development has adopted the craftsman aesthetic and incorporated it into townhome design. As a mixed community, Ostrom says it was important that the local townhomes blend in with the single-family homes to create one cohesive feel. Shared design features like stucco exteriors and stained beams blend the townhomes into the community, creating a diverse but aesthetically pleasing neighbourhood. Ostrom notes that the development’s Rose Valley location is just one of the factors that will make it a great place to live. “It’s close to downtown Westbank and downtown Kelowna, but it’s set in a rural area and it has that small-town feel. The neighbours are friendly, and it feels safe.” The Kara Vista development was built with aesthetics in mind, and when finished, will blend in with West Kelowna’s hillside topography while still offering access to modern amenities like a daycare center, a hair salon, and public transit. Ostrom says that Pentar Homes is focused on providing affordable homes for mid-range buyers, and to that end, the strata fees will be kept relatively low. For Ostrom, the single biggest factor leading to Pentar Homes’ success has been the company’s drive to provide a superior product. “The market has definitely helped, but it all goes back to everyone who works for us. We all take pride in our work, and the clients see it.”
Pentar Homes
“Our office staff, Lee Parent and Kristin Battey, take care of all our bookkeeping. We also have Steve Ellson, our sales manager, who looks after the clients from start to finish, Michael Richards, our on site safety advisor, as well as our site foreman, Kelly Stapleton. There’s one more: James Grassmick, our heavy equipment operator. He’s been with us for over 30 years.”
#6-1718 Byland Road West Kelowna Phone: 778-755-6167 www.pentarhomes.com
Spring 2017
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