Our Story.
Salty Dog Design Build Ltd. is a turnkey construction and design company specializing in new custom homes and renovation. The team has over 30 years of experience designing and building beautiful spaces. From the initial conceptual stages through the final phases of construction clients interact with Salty Dog directly. We are available to collaborate and answer questions and make any necessary changes throughout the design/build process. We work with owners, architects, sub-contractors and others to help build your dream home.
We believe that every project site and person is unique and deserving of our ultimate attention. Each step of the design build process is thoroughly analyzed and executed to celebrate the individuality of our clients. We integrate different elements into the build environment to create extraordinary spaces so you and your family can thrive in a full functioning space.
Our Core Values.
Commitment to Clients
Conscientious business practices, key project management and superior craftmanship are cornerstones of our commitment to exceptional client service.
Quality
Salty Dog Design Build delivers uncompromising excellence to every project and is committed to the highest standards in our client relations, construction knowledge and work environment.
Safety
Together our team identifies, controls and eliminates potential risks and hazards to ensure a safe and efficient workplace.
Teamwork
Respecting, collaborating and supporting each other while being accountable to the project details contributes to our success and positive worksites. Through clear communication we achieve what we set out to accomplish.
Accountability
Establishing expectations, taking ownership for one’s responsibilities, communicating openly, delivering outcomes with the defined timeframe and celebrating success and our foundational traits.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Choosing a general contractor wisely plays a crucial role in the successful completion of your project. Having good plans, contracts, and construction documents in order will not be enough to save you from the mishaps that may come with hiring a contractor who lacks the ability to coordinate a project with skill and integrity. A remodelling project is a process that takes up a significant amount of time, money, and energy that will change your life. Choosing a contractor who you trust and are comfortable working with will save you a headache in the long run and make the process far more enjoyable. You owe it to yourself to make a well thought out decision about which professional service you will trust with the responsibility of remodelling your home. If you are interested in building your dream home with a group of skilled professionals, view some frequently asked questions about the Salty Dog team:
Our team of experienced professionals can address almost anything that relates to your home’s remodelling. Our skills include: drafting architectural blueprints, helping you to obtain permits, budgeting for large-scale projects, aiding your finished project with a touch of Interior Design, as well as taking control of the planning and scheduling of your home renovation.
Yes, having an initial grasp of your budget allows us to design within a financially sound context. If we overestimate your budget, we may propose something you cannot afford, setting expectations too high. On the other end, underestimating your budget leads to a proposed project that may not live up to the potential of what could otherwise be created. Our designs and plans are customized in accordance with your budget. We have had a lot of success making a rough estimate of what projects may cost before construction has begun, and we need to have a realistic sense of your budget to schedule a site visit. In doing so, time isn’t wasted by considering possibilities that can’t be afforded instead of focusing on how to create the most value for you as we possibly can.
Research online, and ask your network of friends, family, and coworkers if they have any information on the subject. If you contact us, our personnel will determine what budget should be expected for the project you are thinking about. The most effective first step is to fill out our form so that we can form a ballpark estimation.
This is entirely dependent on the type of project and project size. A full-home renovation generally takes around 4-6 months. A full-home renovation complete with an addition takes 5-7 months. Building a custom home takes just under a year, beginning with a 1–2-month design process. Minor renovations obviously take less time. Bathroom remodelling usually takes 2-3 weeks, and full basements take about 4-6 weeks. If either of these renovations requires additions, we typically project that it will take around 2-4 months to build. Depending on the scope of the project, the design and planning phase can take anywhere from 4 weeks to 8 months.
Planning is the most important factor regarding the smooth and successful completion of the project. This step will get the project on the right trajectory with an effective plan. Challenges that occur while the construction takes place will be minimized and solved accordingly. This will reduce the stress that can come with renovating your home. Once all the commotion of construction has started, you will be thankful that a solid plan was in place to create a less chaotic atmosphere. It is worth stating that we never rush our clients. We won’t move forward with the project until you are fully on board with the design and plan.
We use trustworthy subcontractors that we oversee during the project’s development. Our quality standards are high for every stage of the project. We employ qualified carpenters and labourers and a team of specialty contractors (electricians, plumbers, painters, HVAC, drywallers, roofers, etc.).
Yes, a 12-month warranty covers the labour and the installation of the entirety of your renovation project. The warranty on our finishing materials may come with a manufacturer warranty of 5-10 years. New home builds are covered under the BC Homeowner Protection Act and Regulation. New home warranty insurance coverage includes:
- 2 years on labour and materials (some limits apply)
- 5 years on the building envelop, including water protection
- 10 years on the structure of the home
Yes, we are specialists in building and designing. Salty Dog’s clients will work directly with our internal team or in partnership with external designers/architects depending on the size of the project.
Permits are required for most structural changes on a home. A permit is not necessary if your renovations are decorative/aesthetic in nature and replacement parts and maintenance are of the following categories: like for like materials, cladding, roofing, and windows/doors mostly.
This means that we will handle the whole renovation process, beginning with the planning/design and continuing through with the completion of your project. The advantage of choosing a design/build company, such as Salty Dog Design Build, is that it simplifies the process, keeping the operations and communication within one team. This adds efficiency to all phases of your project.
It begins with an initial consultation where we discuss your project, budget and wish list. Once we have a rough idea of your plans, we can provide a quote to be reviewed and approved by the client. Once the contract is finalized, we will meet with you again to go over the details to ensure nothing has been missed and set an approximate start date. At this point, we schedule the Salty Dog team to start construction.
We will work and collaborate with your designer or architect. Everyone has a role in the communication and collaboration process of a project.
Our company is open to projects of all sizes and budgets. We believe that every client’s project has a unique set of requirements and needs. We strive to dedicate our utmost attention to detail and craftmanship to every project, regardless of size.
