Frequently Asked Questions

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Residential Projects:

We specialize in a wide range of residential construction projects, including full new-home construction, complete home renovations, third-storey additions, basement expansions, condominium renovations, and the design and build of coach houses and laneway homes, as well as rental suite and secondary suite preparation. Our team delivers custom, high-quality solutions tailored to each homeowner’s vision, property needs, and investment goals.

Commercial Projects:

We also specialize in a broad range of commercial construction projects, including office building renovations, hospitality spaces such as hotels, restaurants, and cafés, retail environments, physiotherapy clinics, fitness facilities, and medical and healthcare centres. Our team’s expertise covers both new construction and tenant improvements, ensuring high-quality, functional spaces tailored to each client’s needs.

It depends on your project type and local permit requirements.

• Commercial projects: Yes—most commercial projects require a licensed architect for design and permit submissions.
  
  
• Residential projects (including new homes, renovations, coach houses, and basement suites): A licensed architect is not mandatory in most cases. These projects are typically designed by a qualified architectural drafter or designer, as long as all zoning, building code, and municipal requirements are met.
  
  
• Custom or highly complex homes: A licensed architect may be recommended or required depending on scope, structure, and municipality.
  
  

DBD Westcoast Construction works with experienced drafters, designers, and architects as needed and manages the entire permit process for you.

Yes, we provide comprehensive design services when you begin your project. Our team of experienced designers and drafters works closely with clients to create custom designs tailored to their unique needs, vision, and project requirements.

We approach new construction and renovations differently, based on project type and scope.

Residential Projects:

New Construction:
We typically provide ballpark estimates based on cost per square foot, with prices generally starting around CA$400 per sq ft. Rates vary depending on the city, property value, and project specifics. For coach and laneway houses, pricing usually sits near CA$400 per sq ft, often lower than primary homes.

Renovations, Apartments, and Condos:
Pricing is based on the specific services required, rather than square footage. A typical project management fee ranges from 10–20%, decreasing as the project scope increases. This approach applies to all residential projects, whether new construction or renovations, ensuring flexible and tailored solutions for every home type.

Commercial Projects:

We use a design-build approach, where the owner hires us to handle both design and construction. Pricing is usually:

1. Lump-Sum Contracts (~90% of projects):

• What it is: The client and contractor agree on a fixed total price for the entire project upfront, covering all agreed-upon design, materials, labour, and services.
• Advantages for clients: Provides cost certainty and easier budgeting, as the total amount is set before construction begins.
• Advantages for us: Encourages careful planning and efficient execution since the price is predetermined.
• Best for: Projects with clearly defined scopes and fewer unknowns, such as standard commercial build-outs or renovations.

2. Cost-Plus Contracts (~10% of projects):

• What it is: The client pays the actual cost of materials, labour, and services, plus a pre-agreed fee for project management or contractor profit. Fees can be a fixed amount or a percentage of the project cost.
• Advantages for clients: Flexible for projects where the scope may change or when high customization is required.
• Advantages for us: Allows collaboration during construction with transparency on costs, reducing the need for change orders.
• Best for: Complex or highly customized projects, where scope or materials may evolve during construction.

Unlike traditional contractors, we handle both design and construction under one roof. That means:

• One point of contact: We manage the project from concept to completion, so you don’t have to coordinate between separate designers and builders.

• Faster, more efficient timelines: Design and construction phases overlap, helping your project move quicker.

• Better cost predictability: We provide accurate early estimates and manage budgets to reduce surprises or change orders.
  
• Integrated design and build: Collaboration from day one ensures the design is practical, functional, and optimized for construction.
  
• Consistent quality: With our team overseeing every stage, the final result matches the original vision and maintains high standards throughout.

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DBD Westcoast Construction takes safety very seriously and implements strict safety protocols on all of our construction sites. We conduct regular safety meetings, provide safety training to our employees, and ensure that all safety regulations are followed at all times.