• We carry 5 million dollar liability policy 
• We are always up to date with WCB and monitor our sub trades to make sure they are as well. 

We have partnered up with Pacific Home Warranty and they offer the following for a single family home:

• 1 year - Materials and Labour Coverage
• 2 year - Mechanical Systems Coverage
• 5 year - Building envelope Coverage
• 10 Year - Structural Defect Coverage 

The short answer: No, you don't need a designer to work with us.

The honest answer: You'll get better results and save money if you do.

Here's why: While we can absolutely work without a designer, clients who try to figure out design decisions during construction typically end up spending more money and time on changes and revisions. A designer helps you:

• Make decisions upfront rather than during construction when changes are costly
• Create a cohesive vision that maximizes your space and investment
• Avoid expensive mistakes like ordering the wrong materials or changing your mind mid-project
• Get a more accurate budget from the start, since we know exactly what we're building

Think of it this way: You wouldn't build a house without architectural plans. Interior design serves the same purpose for finishes, fixtures, and functionality.

Already have a designer? Great! We love collaborating with your existing team.

Need designer recommendations? We work with trusted professionals who understand our process and can help bring your vision to life within your budget.

Still prefer to go without? No problem. We'll guide you through decisions as they come up, but expect some additional time and potential budget adjustments as we refine your vision together.

We believe a successful construction process relies on excellent communication. Keeping homeowners informed and being available during the process is crucial for everyone involved.

Here's how we make this happen: We ensure our project manager is on-site regularly so our subtrades always have someone to discuss details with - this saves time, prevents frustration, and catches issues before they become problems. We maintain constant communication with architects and designers throughout the build because we all share the same goal: making your project a success.

Why this matters: Building a home requires a large team of people, and when communication breaks down, mistakes happen - often causing additional expense and delays. We've developed a clear system to prevent this, including real-time budget updates through our client portal and regular progress updates throughout your project.

Our job is simple: Make the entire process as stress-free as possible for you while delivering the remarkable finish you're dreaming of." 

During the initial stages of pricing your renovation, we do our best to plan for all the items that need to be done for your renovation. But there are times where you don't know what you're dealing with until you open up walls or floors - there's no way to determine if previous work was done correctly.

We recommend having a 10-15% contingency in place for these situations.

Here's how we handle contingencies: When we encounter unexpected issues, we stop work, document the problem with photos, and present you with options and costs before proceeding. Nothing gets done without your approval first. Our transparent approach means you'll see exactly where contingency funds are used, and any unused contingency stays in your pocket.

Common contingency items include: outdated electrical that needs upgrading, plumbing that doesn't meet current code, structural issues hidden behind walls, or discovering previous DIY work that needs correction.

Bottom line: A contingency isn't us expecting problems - it's smart planning that keeps your project moving smoothly when the unexpected happens.

A homeowner is required to carry course of construction insurance throughout the building process until completion. Once the home is completed, you can transition to regular home insurance.

Why course of construction insurance matters: This specialized coverage protects your investment during the vulnerable construction phase when standard home insurance doesn't apply. It typically covers the structure being built, materials on-site, and potential liability issues during construction.

What you need to know:

• Coverage should match the total project value as construction progresses
• Most lenders require this insurance before releasing construction funds
• We carry $5 million liability coverage for our work, but this doesn't replace your need for property coverage
• The policy usually converts to regular homeowner's insurance once we receive final occupancy permits

We're here to help: We can connect you with insurance companies experienced in construction coverage who understand the process and can guide you through the requirements. They'll ensure you have proper protection without paying for unnecessary coverage.

Timeline tip: Start the insurance process early - most companies need a few days to process construction policies, and you'll need coverage in place before we can begin work.

This is a great question, and we wish there was a simple yes or no answer. The decision truly depends on your specific situation and several key factors:

Key considerations:

• Current home's build quality - Is the foundation, framing, and structure sound?
• City requirements - Some areas have heritage restrictions or setback requirements that limit renovation options
• Budget - Renovations aren't always cheaper, especially when major systems need updating
  Timeline - New builds typically take longer but avoid the surprises that come with opening up existing walls
• Your lifestyle - Can you live through a major renovation, or do you need to move out?

When renovation makes sense:

• Solid structure and good bones
• You love the location and neighborhood
• Manageable scope that doesn't require moving major systems
• Heritage or character features worth preserving

When building new might be better:

• Extensive structural, electrical, or plumbing issues
• Your needs significantly exceed the current footprint
• Major code compliance issues that would be costly to address
• You want modern energy efficiency (Net Zero, Passive House standards)

Our process: Whether building or renovating, all projects require proper drawings. We can help you choose the right architects and engineers who will assess your situation and provide honest recommendations about which path makes the most sense for your goals and budget.

Want to explore your options? We're happy to visit your property and discuss the possibilities - no obligation, just honest advice to help you make the best decision.

No. It's actually illegal in BC to operate as a residential builder without a valid license.

Here's what you need to know:

Legal Requirements:

• All new homes in BC must be built by a licensed builder
• Operating without a license is against the law
• Licensed builders are required to enroll new homes in home warranty insurance to protect you against construction defects

What licensing means for your protection:

• Proven Qualifications - Licensed builders must demonstrate relevant experience, pass exams, and complete training in construction management, BC Building Code, and customer service
• Ongoing Education - We're required to complete continuing professional development to keep our licenses current
• Warranty Protection - Your home is automatically enrolled in warranty insurance that covers construction defects
• Quality Assurance - Licensed builders must meet BC Building Code standards and undergo regular inspections

Nikari Homes Credentials:

• WCB Compliant
• Microcredential in Net Zero & Passive House Construction through BCIT
• Licensed residential builder with BC Housing
• Member of RenoMark program
• $5 million liability coverage
• CHBA qualified Adaptiv Home Specialist
• Continuing education current and up-to-date

Bottom line: The licensing requirement protects you with proven qualifications, warranty coverage, and quality assurance. When you work with Nikari Homes, you're working with a fully licensed, qualified professional who meets all BC requirements.