A Consumer's custom house journey in Vancovuer

We have lived in Vancouver for over 40 years.  We know the city well.  We are moving 6 blocks from our home of 19 years.  This is a nice and convenient neighbourhood.  When a corner lot came available for a manageable price, we were lucky to get it.  It is a tough task to buy a property in Vancouver (most cities for that matter).   It is significant project for us and it will be our home for a long time.   We hope our journey will help others to building their perfect home. 

It is a joy and gift to see our dream home come together.  There is much work to do, but it is enjoyable work.  As a hobby woodworker, I look forward to contributing to this house.   

I can say I have done all the millwork in the house minus the front entry door.  Due to delays, I have more opportunities and time to contribute.  In addition to cabinets and trims, I built 22 interior doors and 1 exterior door.  FUN!!!

We are fortunate to build a home the way we want it.  We do, and we will continue to,  give back to our community that supported and nurtured us.   

We interviewed 5 builders. 2 in most detail. All 5 builders used Cost Plus pricing. Average is about 10% (8% to 15%). Cost Plus may seem fair but the risks are one-sided against the consumer. Our selected builder appeared honest with detailed estimates. Details are important. Get as detailed as possible.    In Cost Plus pricing, builders will still charge a management and supervising fee for their time. You will likely be charged for account setup, accounting, software, etc.    You want your builders to supervise when needed but being onsite all the time is excessive and expensive. While it is impossible to precisely predict how much time is needed, an experienced builder should be capable of providing a reasonable estimate. Be explicit! Ask the builder how he/she estimates the management time. If the builder clearly explains the details, it is more accurate and more difficult for the builder to deviate from his/her initial estimate.    Cost Plus pricing leaves consumers vulnerable to all risks but the contractors safe and harmless. Incentive for builders to do good work?....their reputations and good will. Share your experiences with your builder and subtrades to help others.    On the positive for COST PLUS, builders and trades can charge without markup protection. If the project cost exceeds original estimate, there is a risk that builders will cut corners to compensate. 

Fix pricing can be challenging.  Today's lack of skill trade and increasing labour costs can make building difficult.  However, I think it is important to have firm costs.  Builders have to do their part and MANAGE to get project completed on time and on budget.  

Our project is vastly over budget.  While completion was set for January 2023,  we are still without occupancy permit in March 2024.  We  still have outstanding paperwork and we cannot get occupancy permit.  Our builder has drop the ball.   We cannot obtain regular mortgage because we do not have occupancy.