Building a custom home raises a lot of questions. We have gathered the ones we are asked most often and answered them as honestly and clearly as we can. If you do not find what you are looking for here, we are always happy to speak with you directly.
Getting Started
How do I know if Bartek Construction is the right builder for my project?
The best way to find out is to have a conversation with us. We work primarily with professionals, business owners, and families building premium custom homes across British Columbia. If you value transparency, clear communication, and a builder who will tell you the truth from the first meeting, we are likely a good fit. We are happy to meet with you at no obligation to discuss your project and give you an honest assessment of what it will involve.
What areas of BC do you build in?
Our roots are in the Lower Mainland, where we have been building custom homes since 2010. We work throughout Langley, Abbotsford, Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, and Coquitlam. We are also actively expanding into Kelowna and the broader Okanagan, which is a market we are genuinely invested in. If you are planning a project elsewhere in British Columbia, we welcome the conversation.
Do I need to have a lot before I contact you?
No. Many of our clients come to us before they have secured land. We offer a residential acquisitions service that helps homeowners identify and assess suitable lots across BC. If you have a lot already, we can assess its build suitability as part of our planning and budgeting process.
What is the first step in working with Bartek Construction?
The first step is a consultation where we learn about your vision, your lot, your budget, and your timeline. There is no obligation attached to that first conversation. We use it to understand your project and give you an honest picture of what building with us would look like.
Cost andContracts
How much does it cost to build a custom home in BC?
Every custom home is different, and costs vary significantly based on size, location, finish level, and site conditions. What we commit to is giving you a detailed and honest budget assessment early in the process. If your vision exceeds your available budget, we will tell you directly and work through value engineering options with you to find the best path forward. We do not provide ballpark estimates that quietly grow once construction begins.
Do you publish pricing on your website?
No. Custom home pricing depends on too many project-specific variables to be meaningful in a general format. What we do offer is a thorough and transparent budget assessment as part of our early engagement process, so you have a realistic picture of your total investment before any commitments are made.
What contract types do you offer?
We offer three contract structures. A lump sum or fixed price contract provides a single agreed price for the full scope of work. A cost plus contract covers all project costs plus an agreed management fee. A fee simple arrangement involves a fixed management fee with all construction costs paid directly by the client. We will walk you through the differences and recommend the structure that best suits your project and your preferences.
Are there any costs I should be aware of beyond the construction contract?
Yes. In addition to construction costs, a custom home project typically involves costs for design and engineering, permits and development levies, land acquisition if applicable, and landscaping and external works. We factor all of these into our budget assessments so you have a complete picture of your total project investment from the outset.
TheBuildProcess
How long does it take to build a custom home in BC?
Most of our custom home builds are completed within 10 to 16 months from the initial consultation to occupancy. The timeline depends on the size and complexity of the project, the permit approval timeline in your municipality, and the efficiency of the design phase. We provide a realistic schedule at the outset and keep you informed of any changes throughout the build.
How will I know what is happening on my project each day?
Every Bartek Construction client receives daily site reports and real-time photographs through Sitemax, our project management platform. You have complete visibility into the progress of your build at all times without needing to visit the site or contact your project manager for updates.
How are change orders handled?
Change orders are a normal part of any custom home build. When scope changes arise, we issue them formally through Sitemax and present you with multiple clearly costed options, including value-engineered alternatives where applicable. No change proceeds without your documented approval. You are never presented with costs you did not understand or agree to in advance.
Who manages permits and council approvals?
We coordinate the permit process as a standard part of every project we manage. We liaise directly with the relevant municipality and any required engineers or consultants so you do not need to manage that process independently.
Do you handle Step Code compliance and energy modelling?
Yes. BC Step Code compliance and energy modelling are managed by our specialist engineering partners as part of every build. This is integrated into our standard project process and does not require separate coordination from you.
Services
What is the difference between design-build and custom home building?
Custom home building refers to the construction of a home from an existing approved design. Design-build is an integrated service where Bartek Construction manages both the design process and the construction under a single contract. Design-build is best suited to clients who are starting from scratch without an existing design team. If you already have a design you are happy with, custom home building or project management is likely the more appropriate service.
What is the difference between project management and construction management?
Both services involve Bartek Construction managing your build on your behalf, but the emphasis differs. Project management focuses on the full execution of an approved design, with a dedicated project manager coordinating all trades and managing the schedule and budget end to end. Construction management places greater emphasis on owner representation and on-site advocacy, with our team acting as your direct representative at every level of the project. Both operate with the same standard of transparency and daily communication.
Can you help me find land to build on?
Yes. Our acquisitions service assists clients in identifying and assessing residential lots across BC. We evaluate potential sites from a builder's perspective, assessing construction suitability, site constraints, and the development costs associated with each property before you commit to a purchase.
Do you work on home renovations or additions?
Our residential services are focused on new custom home construction, design-build, and construction and project management. We do not currently offer home renovation or addition services through our residential division.
After Your Home Is Built
What warranty coverage do you provide?
Every home we build is covered by BC's mandatory 2-5-10 home warranty program. This provides two years of coverage on labour and materials, five years on the building envelope, and ten years on structural defects. Coverage begins on the date of possession.
Do you do a deficiency walkthrough before handover?
Yes. Prior to possession, we conduct a thorough deficiency walkthrough of the completed home with you. Every item identified is documented, assigned to the responsible party, and resolved before keys are transferred. You move in knowing everything has been addressed.
Do you follow up after the project is complete?
Yes. At the twelve-month mark after you move in, we conduct a personal post-occupancy check-in to confirm your home is performing as it should and to address any items that have emerged since possession. This is included as a standard part of every project we complete.
What happens if something goes wrong after I move in?
Warranty claims are handled through BC's new home warranty program. Outside of warranty coverage, we maintain relationships with our clients after handover and are available to assist with any questions or concerns that arise. Our goal is a long-term relationship, not a transaction.
Communication andProcess
How often will I hear from my project manager during construction?
You will receive a daily update through Sitemax every day your project is active on site. In addition to that, your project manager is directly accessible to you throughout the build. You will never need to chase us for information about your own project.
What communication platform do you use?
We use Sitemax as our primary project communication platform. It provides daily reports, real-time site photographs, change order documentation, RFI tracking, and site instruction management, all accessible to you throughout construction.
What if I have a concern during construction?
You contact your project manager directly. Every concern is taken seriously and addressed promptly. Our open book approach means nothing is hidden and no issue is managed around you. If something is not right, we want to know about it as quickly as you do.
Still have questions?
We Are Happy to Answer Them Directly
If you have a question that is not covered here, the most straightforward thing to do is speak with us. We are always willing to have an honest conversation about your project and what building with Bartek Construction would look like in practice.
Ready to Start a Conversation About Your Custom Home?
We welcome enquiries from homeowners across British Columbia who are considering a custom home project. Contact us to arrange a consultation at your convenience.
