Journal
The Journal.
Plain-language guides to custom home building and renovation, plus multiplex development, zoning, and what BC's new housing rules mean for Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley homeowners and investors.
Contracts & Costs
Cost Plus vs Fixed Price Contracts in Vancouver
Custom home contract Vancouver guide comparing Cost Plus, Fixed Price, and CCDC 5B for custom homes and major renovations.
Mark Van Ek · July 28, 2026 · 7 min read
Contracts & Costs
How to Handle Building Permits in Vancouver
Save time and know your project is on track with a team you trust. Managing residential, commercial and institutional construction projects.
Mark Van Ek · July 26, 2026 · 7 min
Contracts & Costs
What Soft Costs Should You Expect Before Building a Custom Home?
Soft costs, the design, engineering, survey, permit, and consultant work that happens before construction begins, can have a major impact on a custom home budget. Here is what to expect and how to plan for them from day one.
Mark Van Ek · July 24, 2026 · 7 min
Contracts & Costs
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Custom Home in Vancouver?
A recent video circulating on social media confidently claimed, “Cost-plus is always over.” If that’s been your experience, it likely means something critical was missing from the process. When managed properly, cost-plus contracts shouldn’t feel unpredictable or out of control.
Mark Van Ek · July 14, 2026 · 6 min
Contracts & Costs
The Truth About Cost-Plus Contracts
A recent video circulating on social media confidently claimed, “Cost-plus is always over.” If that’s been your experience, it likely means something critical was missing from the process. When managed properly, cost-plus contracts shouldn’t feel unpredictable or out of control.
Mark Van Ek · July 12, 2026 · 5 min
Contracts & Costs
The Power of Certainty: Fixed Price Contracts in Residential Construction
A fixed price contract construction approach can offer cost certainty, clearer scope, and simpler financing for custom homes and major renovations.
Mark Van Ek · July 6, 2026 · 6 min
Contracts & Costs
The Building Permit Process to City of Vancouver
Building permit process Vancouver: required documents, pre-approvals, timelines, and key steps for new home construction explained.
Mark Van Ek · June 30, 2026 · 4 min
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