Frequently Asked Questions

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DBD Westcoast Construction is a full-service design-build company, which means we manage both the design and construction of your project under one roof. Unlike traditional general contractors who focus primarily on construction and rely on outside designers, our integrated approach offers several key advantages:

• Single Point of Contact: From concept to completion, one dedicated team manages your entire project—eliminating the need to coordinate between architects, designers, and contractors.
• Faster Project Timelines: Because design and construction teams work together from the start, phases can overlap, helping your project move forward more efficiently.
• Improved Cost Control: Early budgeting, accurate estimates, and ongoing cost tracking reduce surprises and help minimize change orders.
• Seamless Team Collaboration: Our designers, estimators, project managers, and accounting team collaborate from day one to ensure plans are practical, functional, and optimized for construction.
• Consistent Quality: With full oversight at every stage, we ensure your project aligns with your vision and maintains high standards from start to finish.

In short, DBD Westcoast Construction’s design-build approach simplifies the process, saves time and money, and delivers a smoother, more predictable project experience than working with a traditional general contractor.

Residential Projects:

We specialize in a wide range of residential construction projects, including full new-home construction, complete/partial home renovations (also restorations), third-storey additions, basement additions/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/space 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, renovation & tenant improvements (TI), ensuring high-quality, functional spaces tailored to each client’s needs.

Yes. We specialize in delivering custom and highly complex residential projects. Our team can manage every aspect of your project, from design through construction, ensuring even the most intricate visions are brought to life, even with use of 3D visuals!

For projects that require advanced structural solutions or unique design elements, we collaborate with trusted, subcontracted licensed architects when needed. This allows us to handle complex architectural requirements while maintaining a seamless design-build process.

Whether you already have design plans or need a full-service solution, our team of experienced designers, drafters, project managers, and construction specialists ensures your home is designed, permitted, and built to the highest standards.

We also manage all permits, zoning requirements, and city/municipal approvals, so you can be confident your custom home meets every regulatory requirement while reflecting your unique vision.

It depends on your project type and local permit requirements.

Commercial projects:
Yes—most commercial projects in BC require a licensed architect for design and permit submissions.

Residential projects (including new homes, renovations, coach & laneway houses, and basement suites):
A licensed architect is not mandatory in most cases. These projects can typically be designed by a qualified architectural designer or drafter, as long as all zoning, building code, and municipal requirements are met. We have a team of experienced residential designers who handle this entire process for you.

Custom or highly complex homes:
A licensed architect may be recommended or required depending on the scope, structural complexity, or municipal guidelines. If your project needs an architect, we can fully manage this by bringing in a trusted, subcontracted licensed architect as part of our team.

Most residential projects can be designed by our in-house team of qualified designers, while commercial projects and highly complex custom homes may require a licensed architect—which we can provide through our trusted subcontracted architectural partners.

Yes. We provide comprehensive design services from the very start of your project. Our team of experienced drafters and interior designers works closely with you to create custom designs tailored to your unique needs, vision, and project requirements.

We stay by your side through every stage of construction, ensuring your design is implemented exactly as planned and helping address any questions or adjustments along the way.

Yes. We manage the entire permit process for both residential and commercial projects, ensuring your project meets all zoning, building code, and municipal requirements.

Whether it’s a new home, renovation, coach house, laneway home, or a commercial space, our team coordinates all necessary documentation with local authorities. We have in-house drafters and interior designers to handle most projects, and for those that require it, we bring in trusted subcontracted architects.

This approach allows you to focus on your project while we take care of paperwork, approvals, and compliance checks. With our full-service design-build process, you can be confident that every permit is properly secured and your project stays on schedule and fully compliant.

Yes. We can take over projects that already have completed design plans and help bring them to life. Our Partial Design Package is perfect for clients in this situation, providing support with:

• Sourcing materials and finishes
• Coordinating with contractors and trades
• Overseeing construction and installation to ensure the project is executed smoothly
• Managing permits and compliance with local building codes

Our team of experienced project managers, estimators, and construction specialists ensures your existing design is implemented accurately, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards—so you can enjoy a seamless building experience from start to finish.

We offer two main drafting and interior design packages to suit your project needs:

• Complete Design Package: A full-service solution covering every stage, from concept to final finishes. This includes detailed drawings, interior design of furniture, fixtures, décor, and full coordination with our construction team to ensure your vision is fully realized.
  
• Partial Design Package: Ideal for clients who already have completed design plans and need support bringing them to life. This can include sourcing materials, coordinating with contractors, and overseeing installation to ensure the project is executed smoothly.

Both packages are flexible and customized to match your style, needs, 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.

We perform a full feasibility and zoning review from our in-house team before design work begins. Our team:

• Reviews your zoning and municipal bylaws
• Confirms eligibility for additions, laneway homes, suites, or new builds
• Provides a clear breakdown of size limits, setbacks, and building envelope
• Identifies any restrictions that may affect design or budget
• Coordinates with architects, designers, and the municipality on your behalf
  

We handle the entire process—design, permits, and construction—so you always have clarity on what’s possible before you invest in your project.

Safety is fundamental to every project we undertake. We maintain strict safety standards to protect our team, clients, trades, and the surrounding community. Our approach includes:

• Full compliance with all WorkSafeBC regulations and guidelines, ensuring every aspect of our work meets provincial safety requirements.
  
• Clear safety procedures and protocols implemented on all construction sites.
  
• Proper use of certified equipment, tools, and PPE to minimize risks and maintain a safe working environment.
  
• Consistent monitoring of job sites to ensure safety rules are followed and potential hazards are identified early.
  
• Thorough documentation and reporting practices that align with WorkSafeBC standards.
  

We are committed to maintaining a safe, well-organized, and compliant work environment across all our residential and commercial projects.