Award Descriptions

Category Index

Creative Awards
Product Awards
Renovation Awards
Achievement Awards
Marketing Award of the Year

Project of the Year: Mid-High Rise Development
Project of the Year: Low Rise Community
Green Builder of the Year
Consumer Choice Award

Creative Awards

Eligibility:  A WE HBA builder or a design house member (with the builder member’s permission), in good standing, is eligible to enter the creative award categories.

Judging Criteria: Entry will be judged on concept, copy, layout, colour, readability, continuity and overall design.

Provide in a pdf format (attached to online application):
• 1 digital image of signage

Judging Criteria: Entry will be judged on graphics, concept and overall design pertaining to a residential project.

Provide in a pdf format (attached to online application):
• 1 digital image of the project logo

Judging Criteria: Entry will be judged on concept, copy, layout and overall design.

Provide in a pdf format (attached to online application):
• 1 digital image of the newspaper ad

Judging Criteria: Entry will be judged on concept, copy, layout and overall design.

Provide in a pdf format (attached to online application):
• 1 digital image of the magazine ad

FOR ANY IN-HOUSE PUBLICATION SUBMITTED IN THIS CATEGORY, INCLUDE IN BEST ON-SITE SALES & MARKETING PACKAGE ONLY. 

Judging Criteria: Entry will be judged on concept, copy, layout and overall design.

Provide in a pdf format (attached to online application):
• 1 digital image of the newspaper/magazine/feature advertorial

Judging Criteria: Judged on originality and creativity, concept and execution, communication of marketing theme.

a) Builder
b) Supplier
c) Subtrade
d) Subcontractor
e) Service Professional

Provide in a pdf format (attached to online application):
• digital copy presentation, unless it is in excess of 10gb, then submit by We Transfer, clearly labelled, to Cindy McIntosh or by USB separately/physically

Judging Criteria: Judged on originality and creativity, concept and execution, communication of marketing theme.

Provide in a pdf format (attached to online application):
• 1 image of the project logo
• Digital copy presentation, unless it is in excess of 10gb, then submit by We Transfer, clearly labelled, to Cindy McIntosh or by USB separately/physically

Judging Criteria: Judged on originality and creativity, concept and execution, communication of marketing them.

Provide in a pdf format (attached to online application):
• Links to all platforms used as part of campaign (ie. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc.)
• Outline in 500 words or less how you have measured the success of your social media campaign

Judging Criteria: Entry will be judged on concept, layout, overall design, content and ease of navigation.

Provide in a pdf format (attached to online application):
• 1 digital image of the title/landing page of the website
• link to full website

Judging Criteria: Entry will be judged on effectiveness of conveying a product or project theme, relaying information, copy and overall graphic design.

Provide in a pdf format (attached to online application):
• 1 digital copy of a complete on-site sales and marketing package

Judging Criteria: Judged on originality and creativity, concept and execution, communication of marketing theme.

a) Actual Spaces
b) Conceptual Spaces

Provide in a pdf format (attached to online application):
• 1 digital copy of the virtual tour presentation, unless if in excess of 10gb, then submit by We Transfer, clearly labelled, to Cindy McIntosh or USB separately/physically

a) Builder | Renovator
b) Other

Judging Criteria: Entry will be judged on a company marketing in a different way (ie. either through some new experience, new media, or non-typical topic beyond an actual project).   As a result there are no true categories as we are looking for companies to be creative, non-standard, something outside the box, new or different or innovative and not in the market place.

Provide in a pdf format (attached to online application):
• 1 digital copy of the package

Product Awards

Eligibility:  

• A WE HBA builder member, in good standing, is eligible to enter in the product award categories.

• Product Design Definition – A production home, which is built and is one that is offered for sale.  A member must submit an unaltered floor plan as presented to the public for sale within the context of a production development.

• Ensure all entries are accompanied with a floor plan to help with the judging process.

A WE HBA AWARD WINNING SALES OFFICE CANNOT BE RE-SUBMITTED UNLESS IT IS BEING USED FOR A ‘NEW’ PROJECT.

Judging Criteria: Judged on ability to visually communicate the theme of the product line and the image of the company responsible for building the community.

Provide in a pdf format (attached to online application):
• A minimum of 1 exterior and 3 interior images of sales office
• An unaltered floor plan of the sales office

IF A WE HBA AWARD WINNING DECOR/DESIGN CENTRE HAS BEEN RE-DESIGNED, BEFORE AND AFTER IMAGES MUST BE SUBMITTED, AND 3 YEARS MUST HAVE PASSED SINCE RECEIVING THE AWARD. 

Eligibility:  A décor/design centre is a dedicated space used exclusively for presentation of design options

Judging Criteria: Entries will be judged on ability of visually communicating the design choices available along with ease of design, flow, organization and presentation of centre.

Provide in a pdf format (attached to online application):
• A minimum of 2 images of 2 different views throughout the décor/design centre

Eligibility:  A model home is a home used on-site, open to the public for viewing and represents the home being sold in that project.

Judging Criteria: Entries will be judged on use of finishes, furnishings, window treatments and accessories used to highlight features of the model home.

Provide in a pdf format (attached to online application):
•  A minimum of 3 images of 3 different views throughout the model home

a) Mid to High-Rise
b) Low-Rise

A MAXIMUM OF 3 ENTRIES PER PROJECT

Eligibility: A production unit being offered for sale within a mid-high rise development.

Judging Criteria: Entry will be judged on overall exterior and interior appeal, inclusion of careful and innovative detailing, as well as creative use of space and functionality of floor plan in a completely built home/unit.

Provide in a pdf format (attached to online application):
• A minimum of 1 exterior and 5 interior product design images
• An unaltered floor plan as presented to the public for sale within the context of a production development
• A maximum of 3 photos photos of 3d modelling of building and overall site

a) Best Condominium Unit Under 750 sq. ft.
b) Best Condominium Unit 750 sq. ft. to 1200 sq. ft.
c) Best Condominium Unit Over 1200 sq. ft.

A MAXIMUM OF 3 ENTRIES PER PROJECT

Eligibility:  A production home (low-rise: single detached dwelling, semi-detached, or townhouse) which is built or conceptual and offered for sale in:
a) Actual – Model Home
b) Concept – Pre Sale or Other

Judging Criteria: Entry will be judged on overall exterior and interior appeal, inclusion of careful and innovative detailing, as well as creative use of space and functionality of floor plan in a completely built home/unit.

Provide in pdf format (attached to online application):
• A minimum of 1 exterior and 5 interior product design images
• An unaltered floor plan as presented to the public for sale within the context of a production development

a) Townhome | Semi-Detached Home
b) Production Single Family Home
• Best Single Family Home Under 2000 sq. ft.
• Best Single Family Home 2000 sq ft to 3500 sq. ft.
• Best Single Family Home 3500 sq. ft. & Over

MAXIMUM OF 3 ENTRIES PER PROJECT | CUSTOM EXTERIORS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE

Provide in a pdf format (attached to the online application):

a) Mid to High-Rise Concept | Condominium
• A minimum of 1 image of each of the front and the back of the exterior
• A copy of site plan

b) Townhome | Semi-Detached | Single Production Family Home
• A minimum of 1 image of each the front and the back of the exterior
• Under 2000 sq. ft.
• 2000 sq. ft. to 3500 sq. ft.
• 3500 sq. ft. & Over

MAXIMUM OF 3 ENTRIES PER PROJECT | CUSTOM KITCHENS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE

Judging Criteria: Overall appeal, use of materials, creative use of space and function of the kitchen.

Provide in a pdf format (attached to the online application): 
• A minimum of 3 images of kitchen 

a) Mid to High-Rise Unit
b) Townhome | Semi-Detached | Single Production Family Home
 • Under 2000 sq. ft.
• 2000 sq. ft. to 3500 sq. ft.
• 3500 sq. ft. & Over

MAXIMUM OF 3 ENTRIES  PER PROJECT | CUSTOM BATHROOMS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE 

Judging Criteria: Overall appeal, use of materials, creative use of space and function of the bathroom.

Provide in a pdf format (attached to the online application):
• A minimum of 3 images of bathroom

a) Mid to High-Rise Unit
b) Townhome | Semi-Detached | Single Production Family Home
• Under 2000 sq. ft.
• 2000 sq. ft. to 3500 sq. ft.
• 3500 sq. ft. & Over

Eligibility:  A new home built from the ground up.  A custom home is a one of a kind design, not production built.  Total market value includes the land.

Judging Criteria: Overall exterior and interior appeal, creative use and functionality of interior space in a completely built home. NOTE: Interior decorating is not part of judging criteria.

Provide in a pdf format (attached to the online application):
• A minimum of 2 exterior (front and back) and 8 interior images of custom home

BEST CUSTOM HOME
• Under $1,500,000
• $1,500,000 to $3,000,000
• $3,000,000 & Over

STANDARD MARKET BASED COSTED PROJECTS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE

Eligibility:  This award recognizes a member who embraces leadership in improving housing affordability. This includes innovative approaches for any part of the housing continuum and may be targeted to any ages in household communities in Hamilton-Halton from private market housing, to first-time homebuyers, to purpose-built social housing and a diverse range of housing forms.

Judging Criteria:  Leadership in fostering innovative approaches to housing affordability; action plans or strategies within the project to improve overall housing affordability for the owners or renters; other affordability considerations that make the project unique, such as design considerations, research, zoning, timelines, sales plans, inclusion and access to the units etc.

Provide in a pdf format (attached to the online application):
• A minimum of 2 and up to 5 images of the project
• Detail in a document:
• Leadership in fostering innovative approaches to housing affordability in Hamilton-Halton
• Action plans or strategies within the project to improve overall housing affordability for the owners or renters
• Other affordability considerations that make the project unique, such as design considerations, research, zoning, timelines, sales plans, inclusion and access to the units etc.
• Community and/or overall impact from the housing solution
• May include a letter of support

Renovation Awards

Eligibility:  A WE HBA builder or a renovator member, in good standing, is eligible to enter the renovation award categories.

Eligibility:  For any model in a mid-high rise unit, townhome, semi-detached, or single family or renovation.  The intent of this award is to provide multiple accessibility features into a home or renovation to suit a) aging in place or b) disability.  Multiple elements must be provided, described and photographed.  Judging will be carried out by professionals who specialize in home modification,

Judging Criteria: Overall appeal, use of materials, creative use of space and function of the accessible elements.

Provide in pdf format (attached to online application):
• A minimum of 2 images of accessible elements

a) Mid-High Rise
b) Townhome | Semi-Detached Home
c) Production Single Family Home
d) Renovation

Eligibility:  Open to builder or renovator members of WE HBA.
• Any renovation (large or small) to an existing dwelling. Conversions from a previous neighbourhood commercial use to a single residential dwelling are also in this category. These categories are split on the basis of renovation cost.
• Renovation Cost: for the purposes of these awards, means the hard or total construction contract cost of the renovation to the consumer, excluding land, original pre-renovation structure, architects or designer’s fess, furniture, furnishing or artwork and landscaping.

Judging Criteria: Overall appeal, use of building materials, use of space, function of floor plan and compatibility of the renovations with existing elements.

Provide in pdf format (attached to online application):
• BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS TAKEN AT SAME VIEW POINT MUST BE SUBMITTED TO GUIDE THE JUDGES IN THEIR DECISION
• Site and floor plans clearly show what was renovated must be provided OR before and after floor plans
• Minimum of 5 before images and 5 after images from a similar angle of the renovation

a) Best Renovation Under $25,000
b) Best Renovation $25,000 to $75,000
c) Best Renovation $75,000 to $150,000
d) Best Renovation $150,000 to $400,000
e) Best Renovation $400,000 to $1,000,000
f) Best Renovation $1,000,000 & Over

Eligibility:  Pool house, stand alone in-law suite, decked out garage, coach house, etc. – a built project that doesn’t fit a traditional residential house or renovation.

Judging Criteria: Overall exterior and interior appeal, creative use and functionality of interior space in a completed Other Building.

Provide in pdf format (attached to online application):
• Provide a minimum of 1 exterior and 5 interior images of other building

Achievement Awards

Eligibility: A WE HBA supplier and/or trade and/or service or professional service provider, in good standing, are eligible to enter in the achievement awards categories.

ALL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FORMS MUST BE COMPLETED OR THE SUBMISSION WILL BE ELIMINATED.

Eligibility: A builder member who uses the most WE HBA members to build a house.  These professionals include trade contractors, suppliers, manufacturers or service professionals who must be in good standing at the time of submission.

Judging Criteria: The house must have been built by an WE HBA member. In the process of building this house the builder will have to ensure that as many trade contractors, suppliers, manufacturers or service professionals used in the creation of the house were members of the Association.

Provide in a pdf format (attached to online application):
• 1 image of company logo

Judging Criteria: Quality workmanship, innovation and excellence in service and how it assisted the home building industry between August 1, 2024 to February 2, 2026.

Provide a narrative on workmanship, innovation and excellence in service and how it assisted the home building industry, plus below, in a pdf format (attached to online application):
• 1 image of company logo
• A detailed company profile
• Goals and achievements for year
• How your company is contributing to environmental sustainability (this can be internal ie. recycling and/or jobsite related)
• 3 member references

Judging Criteria: Innovation and excellence in service and how it assisted the home building industry between August 1, 2024 to February 2, 2026.

Provide a narrative on innovation and excellence in service and how it assisted the home building industry, plus below, in a pdf format (attached to online application):
• 1 image of company logo
• A detailed company profile
• What differentiates you from your competition
• 3 member references

Judging Criteria: Innovation and excellence in service and how it assisted the home building industry between August 1, 2024 to February 2, 2026.

Provide a narrative on innovation and excellence in service and how it assisted the home building industry, plus below, in a pdf format (attached to online application):
• Provide 1 image of company logo
• Provide a detailed company profile
• Provide what differentiates you from your competition
• Provide 3 member references

Sadly, long time member Mario Borrelli of Multi-Area Developments passed away in June of 2021. Mario won the Salesperson of the Year award for an unprecedented six times during his time with the Association. WE HBA is proud to rename this award to ‘The Mario Borrelli Memorial Award for Best Salesperson of the Year’.

Eligibility: The candidate must be a full-time new home salesperson directly employed by a WE HBA member in good standing.  More than one salesperson per company is eligible.

Judging Criteria, New Homes Sales:
• Professional approach to sales, selling techniques used, personal contribution to marketing the new homes between August 1, 2024 to February 2, 2026.

Provide in a pdf format (attached to online application):
• The entry form must be submitted by the broker and/or builder. For a complete evaluation, please fill out the online form and attach a document of not more than 300 words on why this salesperson deserves Salesperson of the Year
• 1 image of each candidate

Eligibility: The team must consist of 2 or more full-time new salespeople directly employed by a WE HBA member in good standing. The sales team must work at the same site. 

Judging Criteria, New Homes Sales: Professional approach to sales, selling techniques used, contribution to marketing the new homes between August 1, 2024 to February 2, 2026. The team will be judged from your written submission only.

Provide in a pdf format (attached to online application):
• The entry form must be submitted by the broker and/or builder. For a complete evaluation, please fill out the online form and attach a document of not more than 300 words on why this sales team deserves Sales Team of the Year.
• 1 image of the sales team

Marketing Award of the Year

Judging Criteria: The new community or mid-highrise development must have been launched between August 1, 2024 and February 2, 2026.

Mandatory:
• The New Community must be marketed with a Sales Office

Provide in pdf format (attached to online application):
• 1 image of project logo

Choose:
• A minimum of 5 (no maximum) to be eligible for Marketing Award of the Year
• Note: The 3 highest marks from your categories chosen below will be used to calculate your score
Mark your previously entered categories
• Best Signage
• Best Project Logo
• Best Newspaper Advertisement
• Best Magazine Advertisement
• Best Newspaper | Magazine | Feature Advertorial
• Best On-Line Video Advertorial
• Best Radio Ad | Television Ad
• Best Social Media Campaign
• Best Website
• Best On-Site Sales and Marketing Package
• Best Virtual Tour
• Best Ingenuity in Marketing

Project of the Year | Mid to High-Rise Development

Judging Criteria: The project must be marketed between August 1, 2024 and February 2, 2026. The project will be judged on overall site presentation, curb appeal, innovation and technology.

Mandatory:
• The New Project must be marketed with an on-site sales centre

Provide in pdf format (attached to online application):
• Up to 3 images in a pdf format of 3d modelling of building and overall site
• 1 image of project logo in a pdf format
• Full marketing package in a pdf format
• Site plan or subdivision plan with street names
• 2 examples of ads, renderings and floor plans and any other marketing material

Choose:
• A minimum of 3 (no maximum) categories must be previously entered to be eligible for Project of the Year. The 3 highest marks will be averaged to calculate your score.
Mark your previously entered categories
• Best Kitchen
• Best Bathroom
• Best Exterior
• Best Interior Merchandising Model Home or Suite
• Best Sales Office

And a minimum 1 (no maximum) category must be previously entered to be eligible for Project of the Year. The highest mark will be used to calculate your score.
• Best Condominium Unit Under 750 sq. ft.
• Best Condominium Unit 750 sq. ft to 1,200 sq. ft.
• Best Condominium Unit Over 1,200 sq. ft.

Project of the Year | Low-Rise Community

Judging Criteria: The project must be marketed between August 1, 2024 and February 2, 2026. The project will be judged on overall site presentation, curb appeal, innovation and technology.

Mandatory:
• The applicant must be developing a complete community
• Building part of the lots in a development by someone else is not eligible for this award
• The New Project must be marketed with an on-site sales centre and/or model home and/or equivalent and marketed as a stand alone community

Provide in pdf format (attached to online application):
• Streetscape drawings if project is not fully developed
• 1 image of developed community
• 1 image of project logo
• Full marketing package
• Site plan or subdivision plan with street names
• 2 examples of ads, renderings and floor plans and any other marketing material
• Include what defines this project as a community (25% of your mark)

Choose:
• A minimum of 3 (no maximum) categories must be previously entered to be eligible for Project of the Year. The three highest marks will be averaged to calculate your score.
Mark your previously entered categories
• Best Kitchen
• Best Bathroom
• Best Exterior
• Best Interior Merchandising Model Home or Suite
• Best Sales Office
• Best Décor | Design Centre

And a minimum one (no maximum) category must be previously entered to be eligible for Project of the Year.  The highest mark will be averaged to calculate your score.
a) Townhome | Semi-Detached Home
• Best Townhome | Semi-Detached Home
b) Production Single Family Home
• Best Single Family Home Under 2000 sq. ft.
• Best Single Family Home 2000 sq. ft. to 3500 sq. ft.
• Best Single Family Home 3500 sq. ft. & Over

Green Builder

Eligibility:  A WE HBA builder member, in good standing, is eligible to enter in the green builder award categories.

Eligibility:  This award will be given to the WE HBA developer member in good standing (subdivision, site plan, etc.) who demonstrated innovation, leadership and technical excellence through energy efficient and high-performance practices, that go above and beyond the requirements of the City and/or Region, MOEE, etc. It is expected that the winner of this award will have demonstrated new or extraordinary measures into their project not normally seen in standard development.

Judging Criteria:

Provide in pdf format (attached to online application):

Consumer Education & Awareness:
• Examples of information you provide to purchasers and/or marketing information to attract people to you due to your green/environmentally friendly choices.
Green Philosophy in Action:
• Design
• Technologies
• Innovation
• Communication
• Accreditations
• Product
• Services

Leadership in Advancing Green Building Awareness with the Residential Construction Industry:
• A resume what communities, boards or agencies does your company participate on to improve green building awareness

Leading-Edge Waste Management Strategies:

• What your company does to reduce, reuse or recycles

Community Service:

• Written details | examples

Also provide in pdf format (attached to online application):
• A minimum of 1 exterior and 5 interior product design images
• 1 image of company logo
• Video (2 minute maximum)
• 1 to 6 images
• A written description of what the company has done (750 words or less). Tell us what the company approach is with respect to how you ensure the philosophy is carried through all levels and trades, and what support you provide to your purchasers and the community. Using the judging criteria listed above, tell us why you think your company deserves this coveted title.

Eligibility:  This award will be given to the WE HBA builder member in good standing (low rise, mid rise, or high rise) who demonstrated innovation, leadership and technical excellence through energy efficient and high-performance practices into the built form/actual building of their development.

Judging Criteria:

Provide in pdf format (attached to online application):

Consumer Education & Awareness:
• Examples of information you provide to purchasers and/or marketing information to attract people to you due to your green/environmentally friendly choices.

Green Philosophy in Action:
• Design
• Technologies
• Innovation
• Communication
• Accreditations
• Product
• Services

LEADERSHIP IN ADVANCING GREEN BUILDING AWARENESS WITH THE RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

• A resume what communities, boards or agencies does your company participate on to improve green building awareness.

LEADING-EDGE WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

• List what your company does to reduce, reuse or recycles.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

• Written details | examples.

Also provide in pdf format (attached to online application):

• 1 image of company logo
• Video (2 minute maximum)
• 1 to 6 images
• A written description of what the company has done (750 words or less) in a pdf format (attached to online application). Tell us what the company approach is with respect to how you ensure the philosophy is carried through all levels and trades, and what support you provide to your purchasers and the community. Using the judging criteria listed above, tell us why you think your company deserves this coveted title.

Consumer Choice

Eligibility:  A WE HBA builder member, in good standing, is eligible to enter in the consumer choice award categories. 

A member considering entering in this category must reach out directly to Cindy McIntosh by Monday, February 2, 2026 with your intention to get the process started.  

a) Low Volume Builder (under 100 units)
b) High Volume Builder (100 units plus)

Entry Deadline | UPDATE

AWARDS OF DISTINCTION DEADLINE IS MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2026 AT 4 PM

• All entries, including applicable fees, physical supporting documentation where appropriate, must be made online/received no later than 4 pm on Monday, February 2, 2026 WE HBA offices, 1112 Rymal Road East, Hamilton, ON.
• Extensions will not be given.

Questions

• For information regarding these submissions, please contact Cindy McIntosh at WE HBA at (905) 575-3344 x3 or email Cindy McIntosh

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