Quantus Homes
Sandy Gill and his business partner founded Quantus Homes in 2012, leveraging their youthful optimism and residential construction experience to build their first home in Burnaby. After a temporary pause to finish school and gain experience in the industry, they relaunched in 2015 and have been going strong ever since.
How they connected with Trail
The pair discovered Trail Appliances at BUILDEX, a home show in Vancouver, where they learned that their youthful appearance was working against them. Nobody would take them seriously until they met Dhiraj, who was also new to the Vancouver construction world.
Little did the three of them know that the relationship started that day would be beneficial to their careers and the many customers they’d eventually serve.
“Dhiraj gave us the time of day when others wouldn’t. That's one thing we remember from when we started off, and it worked both ways. We bought appliances from Trail because of the way he treated us, and we referred new business to him because we knew he’d treat them well.” – Sandy Gill, Quantus Homes
What sets Quantus Home apart
What sets Quantus Homes apart in Vancouver’s new home construction market? Sandy believes it's their commitment to quality and attention to detail.
"When you enter a Quantus home, everything works together,” shared Sandy. “The floor plan flows, and the finishes tie in nicely together. Your tile matches your paint; your paint matches your counters; your faucets match the hinges. It's the small things — the little details — that make all the difference."
Kitchen Konsiderations
It may be cliché, but the heart of every home is undoubtedly the kitchen. Here, appliance selection must go beyond functionality; it needs to add cohesion to enhance the space's overall design.
Many Quantus homes feature a main kitchen, a spice kitchen, and often a kitchen for the suite. Each of these spaces has unique requirements:
The Show Kitchen: Where Form Meets Function
Planning a luxury home kitchen is an opportunity to incorporate appliances that match the aesthetic the design team proposes for a new build.
The importance of appliance selection
Vancouver home builders understand the role that appliance selection plays in setting up a home for sale. For Sandy, this often includes choosing luxury brands to meet the buyers’ expectations.
“For homes we’ve built that cross the $2 million mark, we have used Fisher & Paykel products: with their panel-ready finishes, people love them. We've also used Jennair in homes where we’ve had a bit more space to play with. When we’re working on a price-sensitive home, we’ll typically go with KitchenAid.
Built-In Appliances Offer a Luxury Look Without the High-End Price Tag
For kitchens with limited space, Sandy recommends exploring panel-ready appliances.
“Sometimes the kitchen can’t accommodate cabinetry all around. If you don’t have the space and start putting in 48-inch stainless steel appliances, it might look a bit unbalanced: more appliances than kitchen," he explained. "We've explored panel-ready options from Trail on several builds. You still get the functionality of that 48-inch fridge you need, but now it's essentially hidden."
The Spice Kitchen: Where Flavours Come to Life
"In the Lower Mainland,” explained Dhiraj, “the main kitchens are primarily for display: it’s a space that looks very nice but isn’t used as much. The spice kitchen is where people actually cook, regardless of ethnic background.”
For the spice kitchen, Sandy prioritizes functionality: “We usually go with gas options for the spice kitchen, with a high CFM fan, and darker themes on the cabinets and backsplash because we know cooking can get messy."
The Suite Kitchen: Where Practicality Meets Affordability
For suite appliances, the focus shifts to durability and ease of maintenance. Sandy explains, "In many rental suites, the appliances tend to be used a bit harder and more often, so we typically install economical choices that can be easily repaired or replaced."
The available footprint is another consideration in many suite scenarios, and Trail Appliances is your local expert on space-saving compact appliances. And for extreme affordability, check out our Outlet Centers.
Trail Appliances: Helping Local Home Builders Choose the Right Appliances
Dhiraj explains that Trail Appliances’ zero-pressure approach works best to help Vancouver home builders find the right appliances for their new kitchens, no matter the size of the project or budget.
“Based on the input we get from the builder, combined with our professional experience, we'll propose options to help them set up the home so it sells quickly.”
In scenarios where multiple builders are creating spec homes for a subdivision, having professional guidance to choose the right appliance package is a smart part of every marketing strategy.
“Sandy knows what he’s doing, and we have a good idea about what will work best in the homes he’s building,” explained Dhiraj. “The fridge in his main kitchen is usually 48 inches, but to differentiate his project in a busy market, it might be best to go integrated: a panelled design that adds value. It’s choices like this that help the home stand out from the competition.”
“Another benefit for busy builders is our highly personalized service,” continued Dhiraj. “When the house is at the framing stage, we take the appliance portion off the builder’s plate. It’s my job to communicate with all the trades: the HVAC team, electrician, plumber, and cabinet maker, so they all have the details they need in advance. This helps us all avoid mistakes. Before delivery, I will double-check everything so we can get any issues addressed before the appliances arrive, ensuring the installation goes smoothly.”
For Best Results, Choose the Professionals
Selecting the right appliances for a custom-built home is a crucial decision that impacts both functionality and aesthetics. As Sandy and Dhiraj have shared, each kitchen space — whether it's a show kitchen, spice kitchen, or suite kitchen — requires careful consideration.
Whether you're building a luxury home or renovating an existing space, remember that attention to detail in appliance selection can make all the difference. Take the time to consider your specific needs, consult with experts, and choose appliances from a team that will serve you well for years to come.