Dharma Developments

10/03/2026

A great build starts months before the first hammer swings. 🏗️📐

Too often, project challenges—budget overruns, long-lead delays, and design conflicts—happen because pre-construction was rushed.13

At Dharma Developments, we treat Pre-Construction Management as the foundation of every successful build. By engaging early, we help owners and developers:

🔹 Value Engineer & Optimize Budgets – Identify cost savings and alternative materials while keeping your architectural vision intact.

🔹 Mitigate Risks & Avoid Surprises – Perform constructability reviews and site audits to address potential issues before mobilization.

🔹 Secure Trades & Materials Early – Establish a competitive tendering process and map out long-lead procurement to keep the critical path on track.

🔹 Establish Complete Transparency – Maintain an open-book framework so you have full visibility over costs, timelines, and scope.

If you are interested in how we can help you in the planning stages, we invite you to have view the podcast where Debbie Balfour talk to Akash Sinha about the pre-construction process

Most construction projects don’t get into trouble when the excavato...

09/11/2026

Lovely evening KIN Vineyards and Ottawa Construction Association hosting a Women in Construction mental health event. Top priorities remain the same: sleep, nutrition, movement. Followed by: find your tribe, establish your boundaries, seek mentorship. Great to be among women in construction, with KIN sunset to end the evening.

03/27/2026

Huge congratulations to BuildShare founder, Russell Coltess on such a successful inaugural Urban Infill Bus Tour 2025. We were one of the participants among many talented infill developer/builders. Russell threw a celebratory evening complete with awards for the builders. We are truly grateful to be a part of your vision Russell. Please read OBJ article available in the comments section.

02/24/2026

Very useful article for our realtor friends by https://www.instagram.com/russell.coltess/ of BuildShare.Co
Property owners may also find this useful to understand how the new zoning by-laws can unlock equity in land they already own. This can help with possible income generating development to pass down to future generations

https://realestatemagazine.ca/opinion-zoning-is-becoming-a-real-estate-skill-whether-agents-plan-for-it-or-not/

Zoning is reshaping residential real estate. In this op-ed, Russell Coltess explores how missing-middle rules are changing buyer expectations and the agent’s role.

02/10/2026

The most common mistake we see on first projects?
Starting construction before the scope is fully defined.

This shows up as:
• “We’ll figure it out on site”
• Rushing demolition/excavation timeline (as shown)
• Incomplete drawings
• Assumptions about what’s included
• Lease requirements not coordinated with design

That’s how costs climb quietly. Whether it’s a 6-plex investment build or a leased commercial unit — Clarity first, construction second.
Otherwise, scope gap will swallow the project profits.

Comment “SCOPE” if this feels familiar.

02/03/2026

Strong projects start with realistic budgets.

A project that “works on paper” can still fail in construction.
For both multi-unit residential and commercial fit-ups, first time developers often miss:
* Soft costs (design, consultants, permits and review time),
* Servicing, site safety and weather / temporary equipment
* Utility and code compliance costs, just to name a few...

Zoning allows for density, but it doesn't eliminate constrution risk if your budget hasn't planned for all the costs.

Strong returns start wtih realistic budgets and project management that helps you navigate your first build.

If this sounds like an area you'd like help with your project, comment "budgethelp"

01/27/2026

In 2026 if you're new to:
• Building your first multi-unit residential project
• Taking advantage of Ottawa’s residential zoning changes for better property yield
• Or fitting up a commercial space for a long-term lease

…and realizing construction feels bigger than expected — you’re not alone!
Novice developers and business owners are not short on vision, yet most projects get stuck before they start due to the lack of process and procedure clarity.

We can help you solve early obstacles such as:
• Interpreting zoning allowances
• Coordinating design and engineering information for favourable lease negotiations
• And help you build a sound budget that will give lenders confidence
...to get you started on your buildable, risk-mitigated project.

If this is your first build — this page is for you.
Comment "my2026build"

01/16/2026

Thankful for the chance to share our journey with . Reach out anytime if you’d like to talk construction or development—we’d love to chat.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRGY3hTCedg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

01/08/2026

2026! Eager to get our commercial fit-up client going for his new medical clinic!

11/18/2025

This is the very best time of year to start pre-construction planning for your Spring 2026 build. We look forward to helping you reach your investment and new construction property goals.