Harneet and Vikram Dhaliwal, founders of Cranston Master Builder, see homebuilding as more than wood, nails, electrical and siding. They see every home they build as a piece of a thriving community, a foundation for growing families and a way to empower a team of like-minded individuals. Cranston Master Builder also operates a standalone investment division for clients who want exposure to Alberta’s real estate growth through its mutual fund trust, which offers a streamlined way to invest in the market without direct home ownership.
The corporate culture and immersive team approach, says Harneet, is what empowers Cranston Master Builder to create beautiful and functional spaces for the families they serve.
“We take our roles very seriously,” she says. “We build many homes each year, but we know that each one may be the only home a family will own during their lifetime. From day one, and even now as we celebrate 15 years, we remain focused on making an impact for homeowners.”
Vikram didn’t initially set out to become a builder. However, when he and Harneet began searching for their first home, they quickly noticed a gap between what they needed and what the market had to offer. Rather than settling, they chose to take action.
Motivated by this experience, Vikram spent the next few years gaining hands-on experience. During this time, he came to understand that a home is a complex system – where each component affects the others – and he discovered a genuine passion for the problem-solving aspects of both building and business. This realization led him to enroll in a Master Builder program, where he earned his Master Builder designation.
Harneet explains, “Cranston was started from our personal need to build homes that were well built, beautifully designed and properly serviced. As a young couple looking for our first home, we could see the gap in the industry where production builders didn’t provide what we were looking for and custom builders were outside of our affordability. We had family members who were already in homebuilding; this inspired us to step up and take on this challenge.”
With this in mind, Cranston Master Builder opened in 2011. In addition to a focus on young families, the founders were passionate about building and supporting a cohesive team. The result? Steady growth.
“We started out with just Vikram and I,” Harneet says. “We hired our first employee three years later. Now, we enjoy working alongside a full team, plus contractors.”
“Our culture is collaborative, design driven and deeply committed to quality,” she continues. “We believe in working as a team, thinking creatively and building strong relationships with our clients and partners. As a family-oriented company, we take pride in craftsmanship, innovation and creating homes that are both functional and thoughtfully designed.”
This value continues outwards and is the basis of the exceptional relationships Cranston Master Builder has with its partners, investors and customers.
Cranston Master Builder is currently building in Edmonton and area, with a focus on underserved smaller communities – with Blackstone and Ruisseau among the top choices.
“We have been building in the Blackstone community for the past 10 years,” shares Harneet. “This community features amenities such as a skating rink, ponds and several walking trails. Meanwhile, Ruisseau in Beaumont is a modern, master-planned residential location by Qualico Communities, built to offer a blend of small town living with quick access to the city and airport. It is one of Beaumont’s newest and most in-demand neighbourhood developments.”
Their model homes showcase the mission of Harneet and Vikram to provide young families with highly functional spaces.
For example, the Topaz is designed with intention in every detail. Featuring an open-to-above concept, the home is filled with large windows that bring in natural light, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. The main floor offers a seamless flow, highlighted by a walk-through pantry that adds both convenience and functionality. Upstairs, the layout is thoughtfully designed with no wasted space – every square foot serves a purpose. The primary suite is elevated with an ensuite that flows directly into a walk-in closet. The laundry room connects to the primary bedroom, adding an extra layer of ease to daily routines.
Another example is the Genoa. This plan offers a unique floor plan designed to suit a wide range of lifestyles, all within a footprint under 1,700 square feet. What helps makes this model stand out is its full bedroom/den and full bathroom on the main floor—an ideal setup for multi-generational living. The Genoa has strong investment potential. With options for a legal basement suite and separate entry, homeowners have the opportunity to offset their mortgage or generate rental income from day one. The Genoa proves that you don’t need excess to create value – just smart design, flexibility and a layout that adapts to real life while building long-term equity.
The Dhaliwals have set their company apart in the competitive building industry thanks to the balance among innovation, design, sustainability and quality, all backed by a great corporate culture based on teamwork.
Harneet says, “We take a conservative approach to business with team members who treat the company as if it were their own. Our team, Realtors and clients are true partners who believe in what we do. Our success is built on trust, strong relationships and word of mouth. At the heart of it all, we operate like one big family. Together, we get things done and don’t shy away from challenges.”
The challenges are ones that affect builders across the province.
“One of our greatest challenges is operating in an environment where housing costs are becoming increasingly unsustainable. External factors and government policies have a significant impact on the industry, and constantly evolving rules in the lending and mortgage world require us to continuously adapt while still delivering value to our clients,” says Harneet.
She adds that consultation with those most affected by the policies and rates would be an efficient way to move forward with greater effectiveness.
The challenges never prevent Cranston Master Builder from achieving its goal.
“We are committed to building quality homes and take time and care to ensure every home is built to high standards.”
Harneet adds, upon reflecting on doing business in the Capital region, “I love how supported we feel in our business community. Even in a big city, it still feels like everyone knows everyone. You can walk into any space and meet familiar faces.”
She finds that being an active member of the Women Presidents Organization further connects her with a variety of inspirational business leaders.
Cranston Master Builder’s focus on building positive relationships extends far into the community. Harneet is proud to be part of the Lois Hole Women’s Society, where fundraising efforts directly support critical medical equipment, maternal health programs and women’s healthcare initiatives at the Lois Hole Hospital for Women.
“We are also on our second year of an active campaign for the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation’s Bridge Healing Housing program, which supports healthcare and housing for one of the most vulnerable patient groups in the system – people experiencing homelessness who are discharged from emergency care.”
Harneet sits on the Bridge Healing Committee and is active in its multi-year campaign to raise $10 million dollars.
From noticing an important market gap to providing the homes young families need, the team at Cranston Master Builder continues to make an incredible impact. In 2022, Harneet and Vikram were honoured to accept a Business in Edmonton Leaders award in recognition of their company’s corporate culture and ongoing success.
Harneet concludes, “We are grateful for our key development partners: Qualico, MacLab, Avilla and Landrex. This is true partnership with developers we work with on a regular consistent basis. Most of all, we’re thankful for our incredible team, children, friends and network who continue to support and motivate us every step of the way. We are supported by a team that stands with us personally and professionally, helping us navigate obstacles and achieve our mutual goals.
“The future sees us remaining highly optimistic about Alberta and the opportunities it continues to offer. Our focus is on sustainable growth, delivering competitive, high-quality products and expanding our investment division for those who may not be looking to purchase a home directly, but still want to participate in Alberta’s growth and long-term upside.”
(780) 851-2077
sales@mycranston.ca