Frequently Asked Questions
What is the approximate square foot price to build a project?
The following prices would include design, engineering, building permits and construction costs
Quality finished Custom home: $200.00 to $275.00 per square foot.
Very high end Custom Homes: (exculsive features such as pools, elevators etc). $225.00 to $400.00 per square foot.
Residential renovation/addition: $200.00 – $300.00 per square foot.
Low rise Condominium (wood framed): $200.00 and over per square foot.
Low rise Condominium (concrete): $300.00 and over per square foot.
Warehouses (tilt-up): $200.00 per square foot plus tenant improvements.
Warehouses (wood framed): $175.00 per square foot plus tenant improvements.
Retail (tenant improvements): $75.00 and over per square foot.
If I'm building a home approximately 4,000 square feet, how long should I allow from design to permit to completion?
Approximately 12 months.
Can I use any of my own trades?
Yes, Depending on how the contract is structured and if trades are licensed, reputable professionals.
Will there be a site supervisor on site?
There is always a project manager, site supervisor and administrative support provided for each project. Depending on the size and complexity of the project a supervisor may be assigned on a part-time or full time basis.
Is there a deposit or down payment required?
Yes. Deposits or down payments are generally as follows:
Design Build: 5% of the construction costs at contract signing.
Fixed price: 10% of the construction costs at signing.
Cost plus: 10% of the construction costs at signing.
Renovations/retail: 15-25% of the construction costs at signing.
How are payments or draws made?
Payments are made in two different ways:
1. On construction progress after the completion of each phase such as foundation, framing, mechanical and others.
2. On a monthly basis based on the percentage of construction completed.
How do I legally hold back funds?
We follow the BC Builders Lien Act and therefore accept a 10% holdback on each draw, which is deposited into a mutually held lien holdback account at a given financial institution. Further holdbacks for deficiencies are calculated near the end of the project.