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Our Process

A clear, structured path from pre-construction planning to completed home

At Stillwater Custom Homes, we approach custom home building as a sequence of deliberate, well-defined steps. Each phase builds on the clarity established before it, allowing decisions to be made thoughtfully rather than reactively.

Our process is designed to support homeowners who value transparency, organization, and a steady, well-guided experience — from early planning through to completion.

While every project is unique, the framework below outlines how we guide clients through a custom home build.

The Roadmap

2220 Woodhouse

 

1

Pre-Construction

Our approach brings clarity, accurate budgeting, and realistic outcomes to light. It's our key ingredient to a successful project.
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2

The Build

From the moment we step foot on site to the official handover to our clients, our build process is based on complete clarity, transparency, and open communication.
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3

Completion

Our handover process is thorough and detailed. We want to make sure you have everything you need to care for your investment and enjoy your space for many years to come.
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We Begin with Understanding

 

Your home begins with your priorities — how you want to live, what matters most to you, and how the investment fits into your long-term plans.

We take the time to understand your goals, constraints, and decision drivers before making recommendations. This early understanding allows us to guide you into a structured pre-construction planning phase that connects your vision to real-world feasibility.

Throughout the process, we explain what’s happening and why. You’ll always know what stage your project is in, what decisions are coming next, and how those decisions affect the overall outcome. Clear communication at this stage creates alignment and sets the tone for a calm, well-managed project.

Learn more about our pre-construction planning approach.

We Translate Vision into a Buildable Plan

 

Pre-construction is where ideas are tested, refined, and aligned before construction begins. During this phase, design intent, budget expectations, site conditions, and regulatory requirements are brought together into a coordinated plan.

We help assemble and coordinate the appropriate project team — designers, consultants, and professional partners — so decisions are informed by both creativity and constructability. This collaborative planning allows potential challenges to be identified early, when options are still flexible.

By engaging trusted trade partners and working toward defined scopes, we reduce reliance on assumptions and minimize the need for redesign during construction. The result is a clearer path forward and a project that enters the build phase with fewer unknowns and stronger alignment between expectations and reality.

We Manage the Details So You Don’t Have To

 

Once construction begins, our role shifts to focused execution. Our site managers coordinate scheduling, procurement, and on-site activity to keep the project moving smoothly and efficiently.

By forecasting material and equipment needs in advance, we reduce delays and maintain momentum. Quality control is a daily responsibility — we oversee all trade partners, verify work at each stage, and ensure standards are met consistently.

Communication remains structured and predictable. We meet regularly on site to review progress and upcoming decisions, and we provide clear budget updates alongside invoicing. Any changes are discussed and approved before work proceeds, so there are no surprises.

From project start-up through completion, our team maintains a consistent presence on site — ensuring continuity, accountability, and professional oversight throughout the build.

We Remain Accountable After Completion

 

Our responsibility doesn’t end when construction is complete. We guide homeowners through a detailed warranty walkthrough and continue to check in over time to ensure the home performs as intended.

If questions or concerns arise, our team responds promptly and clearly. We view post-completion conversations as an extension of the relationship, not an obligation. Feedback is welcomed through structured “lessons learned” discussions, allowing us to refine our process and maintain high standards.

As registered builders in British Columbia, we provide 2-5-10 Home Warranty insurance, offering long-term protection for your home. Combined with our commitment to exceeding the Residential Construction Performance Guide, this provides peace of mind well beyond move-in day.

What Our Clients Say

The measure of our work is found in the words of our clients.

In the years since we met Tom, we have done many different projects from small to large. Most recently we built a new design office, just completed as I write this. The project was meticulously planned and executed by Tom. As it nears completion we are On Budget, On Time and better than promised.

Greg & Nancy Marshall

Tom Labelle, Director of Stillwater, Design Build, immediately impressed us with his open and creative approach to our project that invited a 'new and fresh' build design for our retirement home on a small Gulf Island.

Wynn and Monique

Stillwater Design Build renovated an open carport attached to my house, giving me a beautiful home office / living space.  Tom and his crew were a pleasure to work with, from beginning to end.

Alexandra

Tom Labelle and the crew from Stillwater Design Build are brilliant craftsmen. He and his team have completed two major projects for us and we highly recommend his expertise and services. Our projects were completed on time and within budget by friendly, qualified tradespeople.

Debbie & Steve

Stillwater Design Build delivered an exceptional product and service. Tom and Tyler are skilled master carpenters who don’t cut corners and the results show. They were upfront and provided budget transparency throughout the build process, which was very refreshing.

Ryan B.

Tom and the team at Stillwater made the process of building our new commercial space a breeze.  We truly felt like he was part of our team, and we know we wouldn’t have got it done without him.

Brad and Derek

Tom did what everyone else told us was impossible - he reclaimed our century old floors, providing advice and the skills to deliver top-quality results that met our tight timelines.

Tina P and Derelique H

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