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CCarla Hudecki and Joe Cherian had heard the rumours.
Building a new home is stressful. In their case, however, the rumours proved untrue when they set about constructing their dream abode more than eight years ago. They credit Gary Neven, the man they tapped to do their custom build in Hamilton.
“Any time we encountered any kind of hiccup, Gary was immediately attentive and resolved any issue before it became a problem,” Hudecki recalls. “He really took away the stress that is rumoured to come with building a custom home.” Continued on page 26
STORY TIFFANY MAYER | PHOTOGRAPHY JASON HARTOG INTERIOR FLOWERS FASCINATION FLOWERS | EXTERIOR PLANTERS LAPOINTE DESIGNS
TO LASTBUILT
Blending thoughtful design with performance-driven construction materials, Neven Custom Homes creates unique and timeless, detail-rich exteriors. Just savour the copper roofing (top) from Upper Canada Cedar Roof.
Gary Neven of Neven Custom Homes is very much involved in all aspects of the construction and renovation projects he takes on.
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Gary Neven is the namesake of Neven Custom Homes Ltd., a homebuilding and renovation business that has carved out an oak-solid reputation in the Hamilton area, this year celebrating their 65th anniversary.
The praise from his customers is high and sincere. “I’ve had people say at the end of a build, ‘Wow, that was fun. I
would enjoy doing it again,’ ” Gary says. Gary, a jack-of-all trades, and a master at many, credits his success to
the generations who helmed the company before him. Neven Custom Homes’ roots trace back to 1952, three years after
Gary’s grandparents, George and Elizabeth, arrived in Canada from post-war Holland. George, a trained carpenter, brought with him the “old European way, really hands-on” approach to carpentry and a tireless work ethic.
The reins were subsequently passed to Gary’s father, Andrew, and eventually to Gary and his siblings Deani, Drew and Jeff, who were all encouraged to pursue a less physically demanding career.
Gary studied accounting and earned his Bachelor of Commerce degree. He earned his carpenter papers after graduating university.
Drew became a highly skilled finish carpenter, and started Neven
Custom Trim, which does all the trim work on every Neven Custom Homes project.
Launching his own roofing company with his brother-in-law while in school provided Gary with business insight. These days, he relies on Vlietstra Roofing Ltd. or Upper Canada Cedar Roof for such jobs on the homes he builds.
The dabbling in house-flipping as a teenager, using money earned by working on a Copetown chicken and dairy farm, provided Gary with his first taste of major renovation projects.
He’s also a qualified designer, capable of designing homes as large as 5,000 square feet.
“When you run a small business, you have to wear many hats,” Gary explains.
Despite his talent and credentials, he has the wisdom to know when he should rely on the expertise of others. It’s not uncommon for him to have an architect assist with new projects. Once the home is drafted, he passes the AutoCad files over to his on-staff designers so they can cast their creative eye on the space, making sure it will function as the homeowners want.
FAR LEFT: An oval window adds charm to the laundry room. LEFT: The impressive 25-foot foyer is enhanced by striking millwork. Staircase by Trinity Rail & Trim. ABOVE: Under lighting showcases the beauty of the powder room glass sink.OPPOSITE: Much of the décor was sparked by original artworks, such as Maya Evantov’s painting in the great room. The modern coffered ceiling features ambient and task LED lighting.
Continued on page 28
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“I have to provide our clients with good value for their money,” Gary says. “People aren’t just going to write me a blank cheque.”
Every expense he hammers out is done with longevity in mind. That means quality first, which is why he’ll only do eight to 10 projects a year. “We refuse to compromise on quality.”
The real magic is in the detailed spreadsheets mapping out every aspect of a Neven build – who will do what jobs and when. It keeps Gary on track and helps clients make decisions to keep the build on schedule. Budgets show how choice of windows, tiles or countertops affects the bottom line.
These charts are the handiwork of Gary’s son, Mark, the fourth generation to enter the business.
That upfront, transparent and on-time way of operating is why clients choose Neven Custom Homes. Continued on page 30
Traditional beamed ceiling detail in the piano room is accented by black wall sconces that complement the baby grand piano. OPPOSITE, TOP LEFT: Throughout the home, uncommon light fixtures embellish crafted ceiling styles. TOP RIGHT: A neutral colour scheme developed from Benjamin Moore’s Collingwood. BOTTOM: Glam wallpaper in the master en suite pops against the floor and wall’s all natural stone. All tile supplied by Eden Tile-It.
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On average, a Neven home takes between nine and 12 months to build. Neven says most of his builds are smart-wired by Digital21 Smart Home Specialists Inc. to allow electronic, heating and security systems to be integrated and accessed with the touch of a tablet or smart phone.
The first joyous moment in any build comes when the house is framed. “What you have on paper comes to life,” he says. “You can see it through the customer’s eyes.”
Pete Vanes Construction gets the credit for providing that thrill on one of Neven Homes’ most recent builds.
The 9,000-square-foot home in Ancaster, which took 12 months to complete, had up to a dozen people working on it every day.
The result is the stuff of dreams with a golf simulator on the lower level, a sauna, steam room and six bathrooms that feature lighted sinks plumbed by Fortified Plumbing Inc. The glass showers and mirrors in many
LEFT: This all-weather Muskoka room was designed to fit with the style of the rest of the house. The fireplace stone is a veneer mimic of the Owen Sound Ledgerock used on the home exterior. BELOW: In the office, a 13-foot barrel ceiling and coordinating window make for a spacious and bright work environment. All glorious fireplaces sourced through Distinctivefires Heating And Cooling Inc.
Continued on page 32
T he possibilities are endless.
Established since 1907
For a touch of glass…
Visit one of the largest showrooms for custom glass and unique ideas.
www.campbellglass.ca 196 Ottawa St N, Hamilton
905-545-1222
J O E N A R D IM A S T E R C R A F T S M A N
venet iandes ign .ca
i n f o @ v e n e t i a n d e s i g n . c a( 9 0 5 ) 9 7 7 - 9 8 5 4
DRYWALL. STUCCO.
INTERIORS. EXTERIORS.
Congratulations to NEVEN CUSTOM HOMES on their 65th Anniversary!
474 Sawmill Rd, Ancaster 905.304.7245 [email protected]
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are from Campbell Glass & Mirror. Coffered ceilings soar to 13 feet with drywall and mouldings done by Venetian Interiors & Exteriors.
Neutrals rule in the kitchen. Arabesque tile and miniature subway tile for the backsplash, hardwood with a warm maple finish, and a dark-wood island capped with a dark grey granite to offset the lighter countertops, all provide contrast and visual appeal.
Altogether, no detail was overlooked. The homeowners say they wouldn’t change a thing. That level of satisfaction comes from impeccable craftsmanship but Gary would say it also comes from something else. Much inspiration and extensive options were found through the Designer Showcase Presented by Turkstra Lumber.
“My dad stressed honesty and integrity. I know those words are floated around a lot,” Neven says. “Basically, my dad said you don’t have to know everything and don’t act like you do. Don’t BS your way out of something. If you tell the truth the first time, you don’t have to remember the lie you told the second time. So honesty and integrity is what I try hard to instill in my children and employees.” OH
Little Kas, a Havanese, has her own built-in. BELOW: Year-round golf? Of course, in the downstairs golf simulator.
SOURCE GUIDEA.T. McLaren L imited • Act ive
O v e r h e a d D o o r s • B a r z o t t i
Woodworking Ltd. • Bill Welmers &
Sons Heating & Air Conditioning Inc.
• Budget Environmental Disposal
Inc. • Campbell Glass & Mirror
• Country Electric (St. George) Ltd.
• Creations Art Gallery & Framing
• Digital21 Smart Home Specialists
Inc. • Distinctivefires Heating And
Cooling Inc. • Eden Tile-It • Fortified
P l u m b i n g I n c . • H o m e s t e a d
Woodworks • Neven Custom Trim
• Pete Vanes Construction • Prolite
Electric • Quality View Fence &
Landscape • Redi-Wall Forming
& Concrete Inc. • Schut’s Brick,
Stone & Landscape • Take Us For
Granite • Trinity Rail & Trim • Turkstra
Lumber • Upper Canada Cedar
Roof • Venetian Interiors & Exteriors
• Vlietstra Roofing Ltd. • Williams
Residential Design
230 - 69 John St. South, Hamilton ON L8N 2B9P: 905-527-8559 E: [email protected]
Congratulations to Our Good Friends at Neven Custom Homes
On their 65th Anniversary!
Laurie Lotimer • 905.516.8933 [email protected]
Jill Genno • 905.520.2516 [email protected]
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Congratulations To
Neven Custom Homes
on the occasion of Your 65th Anniversary.
Well done!
We are proud of our Association
FENCE & LANDSCAPEResidential/Commercial/Agricultural
Jeremy StewartSt. George, Ontario
Quality Services:FENCING:- wood, chainlink, ironCONCRETE CONSTRUCTION:- repairs & installation- floors, patios, sidewalksLANDSCAPING:- sod, seeding - stone/flower bed installations- mulching, tree/shrub plantingSKID-STEER/Excavation ServiceSNOW REMOVAL
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