SLV Homes

Carving Out a Custom Build Niche in Northern Ontario’s Growing Housing Market

SLV Homes Builds Custom Residences Across Northern Ontario by Combining Transparency, Craftsmanship, and a Family-Led Approach Designed for Long-Term Stability in a Fluctuating Market.

In Northern Ontario’s competitive construction environment, SLV Homes has established a distinctive presence over the past decade. Headquartered in Sudbury, the company operates from a dedicated standalone office on a main thoroughfare, complete with a storefront, reception area, project managers, coordinators, and a full-time financial controller—an intentional departure from the informal setups common among smaller builders.

“We wanted a place where clients could walk in, sit down, and feel confident in who they’re dealing with,” says Louie Zagordo, President of SLV Homes and the 54th President of the Ontario Home Builders’ Association. “It’s about professionalism, accountability, and trust.”

SLV Homes employs approximately four office staff members, along with Zagordo and his son, Mark, the Vice President, and a field team of seven to ten skilled employees. This structure enables the company to focus on custom homes and renovations, emphasizing tailored solutions over replicated designs.

“Custom isn’t about doing everything in-house,” Zagordo explains. “It’s about assembling experienced trades, foremen, and leaders who understand how to deliver a project properly.”

Mark Zagordo, a Red Seal carpenter, has been with the company since its founding ten years ago and now oversees daily operations, including estimating, scheduling, and project management. The company’s name—SLV—stands for Style, Luxury, and Value, principles that guide every project. SLV Homes earned national recognition with the 2019 Canadian Home Builders’ Association Award for Best Home Renovation.

With more than 38 years in the industry, Louie Zagordo also served on Tarion’s Construction Performance Guideline Committee, contributing technical expertise that informs Home Builders’ operational standards.

Transparency in Pricing

A cornerstone of SLV Homes’ approach is its in-house builder showroom, created to address a long-standing issue in residential construction: unclear and unrealistic pricing expectations.

“Too often, clients aren’t given a true picture of what their home will actually cost,” Zagordo says.

Traditional building models frequently rely on allowances—preset budgets for finishes, fixtures, and materials. These allowances are often kept artificially low to remain competitive, resulting in cost increases and frustration once selections are made.

SLV Homes’ showroom removes that uncertainty by allowing clients to select real products upfront. From kitchen fixtures and countertops to flooring, cabinetry, and paint, clients make informed decisions before construction begins.

The showroom offers a curated range of proven, durable options rather than overwhelming clients with endless choices. While the company has never built the same home twice, many clients begin with an existing design and customize it to suit their needs.

“That’s where the custom work truly comes in,” Zagordo says.

Relationships Before Transactions

Strong relationships—with clients, trades, and suppliers—are central to SLV Homes’ success. According to Mark Zagordo, communication begins on day one and continues throughout the build.

“Our clients are involved in conversations from the ground up,” he says. “From design and structure to interior selections, there’s constant dialogue.”

Operating across Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie requires maintaining trusted subcontractor networks in each region. SLV Homes emphasizes mutual loyalty and long-term collaboration with electricians, plumbers, HVAC contractors, and suppliers.

The business is referral-driven mainly, making reputation and relationship management critical. Internally, the company fosters a family-oriented culture, hosting shared meals and maintaining close connections with employees.

Finding the Right Scale in Northern Ontario

Unlike high-volume builders in Southern Ontario, SLV Homes operates at a deliberately sustainable scale. In a strong year, the company builds 10 to 15 homes; in slower periods, as few as five, and the company also performs 3-4 major custom home renovations throughout the year and levels that remain financially viable due to controlled overhead and focused operations.

Large developers often require hundreds of annual starts to remain viable. SLV Homes’ smaller footprint allows it to weather market fluctuations that can destabilize larger firms.

Sudbury’s housing market has remained resilient, ranking among Canada’s top areas for housing start growth. Strong demand, limited inventory, and rising home prices continue to support steady activity.

“We could sell more homes,” Zagordo says, “but this pace allows us to manage properly and deliver quality.”

The Skilled Trades Challenge

Post-pandemic conditions reshaped the construction cost structure. While material pricing has stabilized, labour costs have risen sharply due to a shortage of skilled tradespeople.

The loss of experienced craftspeople—particularly in carpentry, masonry, and concrete—concerns Zagordo, who has witnessed the decline of traditional hands-on skills as construction becomes increasingly pre-fabricated.

Younger workers have not entered these trades at the same rate, creating gaps that many builders struggle to fill. For SLV Homes, however, the shortage presents an opportunity.

“When clients are looking for skilled, custom work, we’re available,” Zagordo says.

A Ground-Up Path to Leadership

Mark Zagordo’s progression within SLV Homes reflects a traditional apprenticeship model. After junior A hockey and time with the OHL Sudbury Wolves, he entered carpentry, completing an apprenticeship while handling hands-on site work.

Over time, he advanced through framing and job management roles before assuming full operational responsibility. Earning his Red Seal certification validated both his technical expertise and leadership capability.

Louie Zagordo emphasizes the importance of this path, noting the erosion of similar training models across the industry.

Sports have also played a role in Mark’s professional network, with many long-standing business relationships stemming from hockey connections. While family businesses bring challenges, both Zagordos agree that the shared sense of purpose is unmatched.

Expansion, Succession, and the Future

Looking ahead, Louie Zagordo’s focus is on succession planning and supporting Mark’s transition to whole leadership. While stepping back from daily operations, he plans to remain involved in relationship-building and strategic guidance.

The company’s expansion into Sault Ste. Marie—Louie’s hometown—and future expansion plans for Manitoulin Island reflect both opportunity and personal connection. These regions have exceeded provincial housing targets, supporting SLV Homes’ measured growth strategy.

Despite expansion, the company remains committed to its founding values: Style, Luxury, and Value. Work-life balance has also become a priority, particularly as Mark raises a young family.

SLV Homes continues to balance growth with sustainability, building custom homes while establishing a multi-generational legacy rooted in craftsmanship, trust, and long-term relationships.

AT A GLANCE

Who: SLV Homes

What: Award-winning custom home builder and renovation specialist serving Northern Ontario with a transparent, showroom-driven pricing model

Where: Sudbury, Ontario

Website: www.slvhomes.ca