Being
involved in the construction industry for more than 35 years
has given Emilio Silvestri of Silvestri Homes of Texas a definite
idea about the type of construction he enjoys the most - single
family residential.
"I
have been involved in the construction of commercial properties,
including high rise buildings and strip centers. I have also
been involved in building single-family residential properties
including townhomes, condominiums and detached homes,"
Silvestri stated.
His
company has, in fact, come full circle. When it was founded,
the focus was single family residential, and that is now the
focus again. Houston provides a diverse market area including
many suburban areas, but Silvestri only builds inside Loop 610.
"I
concentrate my efforts on building inside the loop because there
has been a trend for the public to move back closer to their
places of employment. Also, in Houston, people are doing more
shopping, dinning and pursuing entertainment venues which are
within the loop, " Silvestri said. "Therefore, we
find that the upwardly mobile business segment is seeking living
accommodations that are more convenient to their overall lifestyles."
Silvestri
Homes looks for projects within the inner city that allow its
talents to shine. "We enjoy building spec properties. We
frequently look for old, abandoned apartment complexes or other
buildings that have good locations. Then, we demolish whatever
is currently on the property and will put in new homes starting
in the $270,000 range up to $1 million."
The
Super Slab Difference
Silvestri
is well known in the industry for his "super slab."
He stated, "The foundation is the very basis of the integrity
of the entire home. We spend more money on our slab has been
tagged "super slab" by our peers, and we are confident
of its stability."
The
slab is structurally engineered and can cost $4,000 to $5,000
more per foundation than a traditional foundation. The percent
of failure is virtually nonexistent, according to Silvestri.
"We
do a combination of post tension and steel in our slabs. Our
beams are deeper and closer than in a typical slab. In fact,
where most builders use 3.5" to 4" slabs, we consistently
use 5". Another difference is that industry standard is
2,500 psi," he said. Silvestri Homes was recently recognized
by the Houston Engineers Society for the structural stability
of its slabs.
"We
believe in our product and stand behind it with a personal guarantee,"
Silvestri said. "We offer a personal guarantee," Silvestri
said. "We offer a personal warranty rather than use a warranty
company. Once we explain the basic differences between our slab
and pier and beam construction, our customers feel comfortable
accepting that our product is unique in its ability to last
even with Houston's ever-changing soil conditions."
Growing
the Company
Silvestri
Homes builds approximately 25 homes annually. Silvestri would
like to see the company double production in the next five years.
"We are in a growing city. Houston has about 50,000 new
residents move in each year, so there is definitely room for
our company to grow."
Silvestri
began working in the construction industry in Canada with Silvestri
Investments. "I haven't ever really done any other work,"
he stated. "Construction is what I know how to do, and
I enjoy the process of creating a home and of improving the
look of a neighborhood." In fact, building spec homes in
one of his favorite projects.
His
experience with Silvestri Investments, which has been in business
since 1955, prepared him for opening Silvestri Homes of Texas
in 1986. Silvestri Home of Texas, Inc. is actually a partnership
of Dan Silvestri of Silvestri Investments, Inc. and Emilio Silvestri.
Silvestri Investments conducts business in Canada, Florida,
Texas and Italy.
Silvestri
Investments has acquired numerous residential properties in
Houston including condominiums and apartment buildings. The
company also owns substantial commercial holdings.
Association
Involvement
Emilio
has been actively involved in the Greater Houston Builders Association
as well as the state and national associations. He strongly
believes association involvement is the only way to maintain
the knowledge he needs to run his business efficiently.
"I'm
lucky," he stated. "I know exactly what is going on
at the local, state and national levels. I know what legislation
is being proposed that will help builders and what will hurt
our ability to operate our businesses." Silvestri is married
to Becky Oliver, the TAB Associate of the Year.
Silvestri
has a policy of only doing business with other members of the
association. When he meets with a members of the association.
When he meets with a member of the industry who has not joined
a local association, he says he takes them into his office and
shows them the letters papering the walls - letters to senators
and representatives, both at the state and national level, and
letters to local politicians, all expounding on reasons why
a proposed piece of legislation is beneficial or not.
"I
explain that these letters are how we keep in touch with our
politicians - how they know and we know what works and what
doesn't. Even if someone doesn't want to become active, the
TAB Associate of the Year.
Silvestri
has a policy of only doing business with other members of the
association. When he meets with a member of the industry who
has not joined a local association, he says he takes them into
his office and shows them the letters papering the walls - letters
to senators and representatives, both at the state and national
levels, and letters to local politicians, all expounding on
reasons why a proposed piece of legislation is beneficial or
not.
"I
explain that these letters are how we keep in touch with our
politicians - how they know and we know what works and what
doesn't. Even if someone doesn't want to become active, as long
as they become a member they contribute to our political position.
When we write a letter and say we represent 10,000 or more members,
it means so much more than if it is just one individual stepping
forward to voice an opinion. Unfortunately so many people don't
realize how critical that representation is to our being able
to conduct business."
He
currently serves on the board of directors for the Greater Houston
Builders Association and the Texas Association of Builders.
He is also a life director for the National Association of Home
Builders. This enables him to remain in touch with what is happening
on all levels.
Silvestri
Homes of Texas works hard to provide buyers in the upper end
markets with a unique choice inside the loop. He has learned
that going the extra mile to provide a quality product is worth
the effort.
