Chad LaPointe

Company Founder

Building Excellence Since 1999: From Saskatchewan Lake Cabins to Award-Winning Vancouver Homes

My construction journey started with a leap of faith in 1999, when I took on managing a massive luxury lake cabin project in Saskatchewan at just 21 years old. Most people thought I was crazy—here I was, barely out of my teens, overseeing this complex, high-end build. But something about that project just clicked for me. The attention to detail, the craftsmanship, the challenge of bringing someone's dream to life—I was hooked.

That Saskatchewan project taught me lessons that still guide every build today: luxury isn't just about expensive materials; it's about doing things right the first time and never cutting corners. Those lessons followed me to Vancouver, where I earned my Red Seal Carpentry certification in 2010 while working my way up through the ranks at Teragon Developments. Over 10 years, I progressed from carpenter to project manager, and finally to operations manager in 2013—where I oversaw simultaneous builds, managed site supervisors, and handled everything from budgets and client approvals to liaising with engineers, architects, and municipal inspectors.

During my time as operations manager, I revolutionized their payment systems, reducing invoice processing from over 40 days to just 20 days—literally doubling their cash flow efficiency while improving subcontractor relationships and project timelines.

Why I Started Nikari Homes

In 2019, I launched Nikari Homes Ltd. with a simple philosophy: treat every project like it's my own home. Having managed operations at a major construction company for over a decade, overseeing both new home construction and renovations, I'd seen the industry from every angle. I wanted to build differently—with complete transparency, honest communication, and the kind of craftsmanship that stands the test of time.

My Approach

I'm hands-on with every project. You'll see me on-site regularly, not just at the beginning and end. I believe in open-book invoicing—you get copies of every subcontractor invoice and timesheet. No surprises, no hidden markups. Just honest work at fair prices.

Over nearly three decades in construction, I've built relationships with incredible subtrades, many I've worked with for over a decade. These aren't just contractors to me—they're partners who share my commitment to quality. When you hire Nikari Homes, you're getting this entire network of trusted professionals.

Always Learning

The construction industry never stops evolving, and neither do I. I've earned my BCIT micro-credential in Net Zero and Passive House Construction, and I'm qualified through the CHBA to build Net Zero and Net Zero Ready homes. I believe luxury homes should also be sustainable homes—it's not just about today's comfort, but creating efficient, environmentally responsible spaces for the future.

As a Red Seal Carpenter, licensed residential builder with BC Housing, and CHBA qualified Adaptiv Home Specialist, I maintain all my continuing education requirements—not because I have to, but because I want to bring the latest knowledge and sustainable building practices to every project.

What Drives Me

There's nothing quite like the moment when clients walk through their completed project for the first time. Whether it's an award-winning full home renovation or managing the complexities of heritage home restoration, seeing that look of pure joy makes every challenge worth it. From new home construction to complex renovations, I'm not just building houses—I'm creating the backdrop for families' most important moments.