07/10/2026
A client came to us a few years back after their previous contractor finished a multi-family build "on budget." Sounds like a win, right?
Except the contract had no contingency clause, no phased scheduling, and no defined closeout process. The project was technically done. The headaches were just beginning.
After 40 years building across the Okanagan, we've learned that the difference between a smooth project and a stressful one almost always comes down to what gets agreed on before the first shovel hits the ground.
Four things worth knowing before you choose a commercial contractor:
1. Contract type shapes your risk. CCDC 14, 5A, 5B, GMP, Stipulated Sum. Each one affects cost certainty, risk allocation, and how much control you keep. Most first-time commercial clients don't know these options exist, let alone which one fits their project.
2. Pre-construction saves money. The decisions made before drawings are finalized are where budgets are actually won or lost.
3. Schedule clarity prevents surprises. A real schedule names the phases, the milestones, and what happens if something shifts.
4. COR certification matters. Safety isn't a line item. It's how a job site runs every single day.
If you're planning a commercial or multi-family build in Kelowna or anywhere in the Okanagan, we're always happy to walk through these conversations early. That's usually where the best projects start. 🏗
