FAQ
Providing Everything You Need To Know
What sets White Wolf Homes apart from other custom home builders in Victoria BC
At WWH, we prioritize open communication and transparency. We believe that clear, consistent communication is the key to a successful project. That’s why we share access to our project management software, which includes real-time quotes, budget tracking, and bi-weekly updates. Additionally, your project manager will send weekly emails outlining progress, upcoming tasks, and any relevant updates. Our goal is to set a new standard in the industry by removing the stigma surrounding contractors and ensuring our clients are always in the loop.
How do you help clients manage costs and stay within budget?
Every client’s needs and priorities are unique, which is why we tailor our approach to each project. For clients who are particularly budget-conscious, we recommend involving us as early as possible in the design process. This allows us to provide feedback and ensure that the project’s design aligns with the budget from the outset. The earlier we are engaged, the better we can help control costs.
Throughout the build, we track the budget regularly and provide bi-weekly updates via our software so clients can monitor the project’s financial status. We actively seek ways to reduce costs—whether by exploring alternative vendor pricing, suggesting material options, or holding subcontractors accountable to their estimates. Any changes or upgrades to the project are logged and shared with clients, so they are always aware of how decisions impact the budget.
How will you provide updates on the progress of the construction?
We use SmartSheet software to map out the entire construction process, from the delivery of site equipment to the final finishing touches. Our clients have access to this platform, which provides a comprehensive overview of the project. In addition, your dedicated project manager will send weekly email updates detailing the work completed, the status of the build, and what’s coming up next.
How do you handle delays and unexpected challenges during the build?
Construction is rarely a linear process, and unforeseen challenges can arise at any time. We address delays by maintaining a flexible schedule that allows for unexpected developments. While we strive to provide an estimated timeframe for the completion of your home, we always emphasize the variability inherent in the process.
As soon as we become aware of an issue or potential delay, we communicate it to you, along with a proposed solution. If the issue is not immediately resolvable, we keep you informed and work collaboratively to find a solution. Our communication style is tailored to your preferences—whether you prefer frequent updates or only want to hear from us once we have a solution in place.
What measures do you take to ensure quality and longevity in homes designed for the West Coast climate?
We approach each project with a deep understanding of the unique challenges posed by the West Coast climate. Currently, we build to Energy Step Code Level 3, and soon, most municipalities in the Victoria area will require us to build to Level 4. We ensure that homes are built to high standards of energy efficiency, durability, and comfort.
Quality is a key focus throughout the project. We closely oversee our subcontractors, ensuring that both the design vision and the high-quality standards we set for the project are met. If we’re involved early in the design process, we can make recommendations on materials best suited for the environment. For example, a waterfront home may require minimal wood components for the exterior, while a heavily wooded site might benefit from a metal roof.
How do you manage project timelines and milestones?
We believe in setting realistic, achievable schedules from the start. Our project managers provide a high/low estimate for the project timeline, which becomes more precise as the build progresses. We prefer to underpromise and over-deliver rather than risk overcommitting. Our goal is always to manage expectations and ensure the project stays on track, without unnecessary delays.
What three pieces of advice would you give to clients before starting a home build?
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Interview multiple builders: It’s essential to understand what each builder offers and how they approach their projects. This helps you make an informed decision about who is the right fit for your needs.
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Check references: It’s important to go beyond the builder’s portfolio. Talk to current or past clients, visit completed projects, and verify their reputation in the community.
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Understand the process: Building a home is a long and complex process. Make sure you’re clear on how the builder manages communication, timelines, and their overall approach. Are they responsive? Do they actively manage the project, or are they spread too thin?
What sets White Wolf apart from other builders?
The strength of our team lies in our business expertise and our extensive experience in both construction and management. Both owners come from strong business backgrounds and have collectively managed over 70 projects under the White Wolf brand. We view homebuilding as both an art and a business, and this dual perspective allows us to deliver exceptional results.
We pride ourselves on not being a high-volume builder, but rather taking on a limited number of projects each year. This approach ensures that we can dedicate the necessary resources and attention to every project. We understand the trust our clients place in us and treat each project with the care and attention it deserves.
Who will be the primary point of contact during the build, and will I have a dedicated project manager?
Most clients meet Kyle, one of our owners, at the outset of the project. If the project moves forward, we assign a dedicated project manager to oversee the build. Our project managers are highly experienced and passionate about delivering successful results. We consider our team an extension of Kyle, and they work closely together to ensure everything runs smoothly.
How do you structure your pricing, and what’s included in the estimate?
We operate on a cost-plus basis, with markup determined by the complexity and value of the construction. Our proposals provide a detailed breakdown of the scope of work, including a line-item budget for each category. Once the project moves to contract, our clients have access to our software to track real-time costs and ensure full transparency.
