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Article was originally written and published by Build Canada Magazine – Summer 2019 edition
Surface Developments’ philosophy is to build homes that people love and are proud to live in and is evident across all its projects. A top-down mandate for professionalism and integrity in all activities is championed by President Jakub Ulak, and it remains a driving force moving forward as the company establishes a reputation not only for superior quality, distinction and craftsmanship of the homes and condos but for the overall quality and integrity of the company itself.
Since 2009, Surface Developments has evolved from building custom homes and townhomes, to becoming a provider of much sought after mid-rise and high-rise condominiums. They have become an acclaimed and progressive group that excels at designing value-focused residential projects in Ottawa and surrounding areas.
When speaking with Ulak, he is quick to point out the importance of Surface’s core values and he attributes their success to the customer journey and to the strength and dedication of their team. “Buying a home is such a pivotal moment in someone’s life and it is the single largest investment that someone is going to make. The journey we take with our clients from the beginning to the end is integral to our values and our mission,” he says. “This will be the home they are going to live in with their families and loved ones and will entertain their friends there. It’s so essential to their lives, and that’s a huge responsibility to the person that delivers someone their home. As a collective group, we all have the same aligned values that contribute to our end result and have a mandate of serving our clients the best we can.”
Surface Developments’ philosophy is to build homes that people love and are proud to live in and is evident across all its project
The energy, passion and enthusiasm the team at Surface Developments possess for building homes translate into high-quality customer service for their clients. One key component Ulak and his team focuses on is taking the time to really listen to their clients. Clients want a home builder who understands their needs and wants, who asks the right questions, who understand a buyer’s style; and most importantly, who is responsive and considerate throughout the entire experience. “Our team will walk you through each step of the process and offer a generous range of selections to choose from such as flooring, kitchen cabinetry and interior finishes. It’s a very customized process. We want to make sure we build a home that is unique and compliments our client’s style and décor choices,” says Ulak. With keeping these important factors in mind, Ulak creates a strong rapport with their clients and has maintained lasting relationships with families throughout the city.
Ulak wants their customers to love their home and strives to ensure that the home is a reflection of each buyer’s lifestyle – ultimately providing the homeowner with an outstanding product they can be proud of. He also understands that the first home a client buys may not be their last. “I become very close with my clients and I’m very sensitive to the fact that buying a home is not like buying a pair of jeans. I want to make sure that everyone has an opportunity to access greater choices with regards to housing, affordability, and high-end design,” he says. “We offer the opportunity that homebuyers wouldn’t get anywhere else buying a condo. I want to make sure they are happy with their home and hopefully, they become repeat buyers or recommend their family and friends and they can become clients as well.”
By offering multiple price points and an array of architectural designs, Surface homebuyers can grow within the company’s many product lines. There is truly a feeling of comfort living in a Surface Developments home. With the focus of each project being the customer, homebuyers are sure to find options that fit their style. Ulak takes great pride in their customer service and comprehensive full-service warranty program; including scheduled walkthroughs at several stages of the construction process, offering them the assurance and peace of mind regarding their home.
Ulak wants their customers to love their home and strives to ensure that the home is a reflection of each buyer’s lifestyle – ultimately providing the homeowner with an outstanding product they can be proud of
There is no shortage of choice with Surface Development’s selection of communities. Whether you’re looking for a starter home in a vibrant urban community setting that put you right in the centre of the action; or if you want to be in neighbourhoods that offer more recreational amenities among natural settings, you’ve come to the perfect home builder. With several communities in development, you’ll be sure to find a home at different price points that cater to a variety of lifestyles.
“We want to build exciting buildings in desirable neighbourhoods so there is always that synergy there,” Ulak says. “We develop primarily in the greenbelt so we are environmentally conscious and want to develop in communities that are walkable and close to transit. We have an upcoming project on Scott street in Ottawa which is located near the downtown core and only a 3-minute walk from the LRT station. The development will have a total of 48 units, with sizes range from 469 square feet to 1,423 square feet. The units will feature hardwood flooring throughout, LED lighting, 9′ ceilings and oversized windows.”
"We develop primarily in the green belt so we are environmentally conscious and want to develop in communities that are walkable and close to transit"
“We are also excited to introduce a new upscale condo project called Wellington West Lofts overlooking Parkdale Park in the heart of Hintonburg. It’s an incredible opportunity to further the rejuvenation of this neighbourhood,” Ulak says. This 8-storey condominium building with 75 suites will surround you with comfort and convenience in a style that is both contemporary and timeless. Characterized by rich cultured stone exteriors, attractive interiors, spacious floor plans, and an expansive private terrace overlooking Parkdale Park, Wellington West Lofts delivers a graceful sophistication to a neighbourhood rich with history.
As Surface Developments continues to expand, it is committed to constantly growing and improving in every area of the company. The constant desire to be better drives the company to not only build a home clients love but to create a reputation that will keep home buyers returning for years to come. “Our ambition is to continue to grow as long as we can deliver the kind of product we’re passionate about. We want to grow so we can have more leverage and be innovative and engage in exciting projects,” Ulak says.
The Ottawa market has been one of the most progressive in Ontario in recent years, and Surface Developments has been both a contributor and benefactor of this trend. Moving forward, Ulak says the company will continue to pursue developments aligned to their key values as he predicts this will lead to further positive outcomes and strengthen the position of Surface as the company of choice.
“Right now, we are building condos that are 70 units, next year we’re getting into condos with 200 units, and we’re growing rapidly, and we want to diversify into new markets such as rental, commercial, and retirement communities. There’s a lot of growth for us to happen yet we are only really getting started.”
