Vancouver Island’s Fayzebuilt shares tips for building custom homes amid B.C.’s rising costs

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For generations, Vancouver Island has been cherished by Canadians as the perfect place to build a forever home. This sentiment has only grown stronger in recent years, as urban sprawl spreads across other regions of the country, even in the face of B.C.’s rising cost of living. 

However, building a dream home on Vancouver Island isn’t without its hurdles. From finding a perfect property navigating building regulations to sourcing local materials, the process can be daunting. That’s where local experts like Fayzebuilt step in, offering the expertise to turn challenges into opportunities for newcomers. 

Graeme Connelly, owner, director at Fayzebuilt, explains the best approach to take to build successfully and efficiently in this part of Canada. “First and foremost, I would involve a reputable builder along with a real estate agent early in the process,” he says.  

“That’s because regions such as Victoria contain 13 different municipalities, each with different bylaws, zoning, regulations and official community plans. Local builders are familiar with these municipalities and can advise as needed to ensure the property will support the customer’s vision.” 

Furthermore, builders such as Fayzebuilt possess the expertise to thoroughly assess lot conditions, survey trees, evaluate site services and perform zoning analyses, along with many other factors that can impact construction costs. Their knowledge ensures that newcomers can navigate the complexities of building on Vancouver Island effectively. 

Once a lot is purchased, Connelly emphasizes the importance of a collaborative approach between the builder, client and design team during the planning process. This partnership ensures that the desired design is economically feasible while identifying materials that may be difficult to source, streamlining timelines to avoid unnecessary delays.  

“It’s important to develop a communication plan with the customers that considers their lifestyle. Communication is everything when it comes to a successful construction experience, making it critical to determine a specific plan to keep your customers informed and ensure their vision is honoured,” says Connelly.  

“If the customer is living out of town during construction and unable to visit the project on a regular basis, regular scheduled video updates and visual updates of progress can help keep expectations on track.” 

Fayzebuilt is a Vancouver Island owned construction company specializing in residential construction and renovation. Abiding by its core mandate to operate with honestly and integrity, the Fayzebuilt team provides full-service construction and renovation, from zoning analysis and permit submission to developing a home based on a firm understanding of the client’s wants and needs. 

“If you’re living out east and intend to build a new home here on the West Coast, then communication and collaboration with the right people is vital,” says Connelly.  

“At least 60 per cent of our customers are from out of town, and thanks to the Island’s scenic beauty and moderate climate, we expect that percentage to increase. Our job is to turn their dreams into reality.”  

For more information, please visit fayzebuilt.ca/. 

This story was created by Content Works, Postmedia’s commercial content division, on behalf of Fayze Built.