Your Inside Look at the Multiplex Building Process

Navigating the competitive and dynamic Vancouver real estate market can feel like a daunting task for both home buyers and investors. When starting on your real estate investing journey, you're likely to have many questions about the building process and the timing of your build.

Completing your construction process on time can mean the difference between owning a profitable property and missing your yearly budget entirely.But don't worry! This article is here to demystify the entire process of building a multiplex property in Vancouver. From the initial consultation to the final walkthrough, we'll provide you with clear, actionable insights to turn your vision into reality.

By reading below, you'll find that building a multiplex home doesn't have to be a stressful experience - it can be an exciting journey marked by transparency, collaboration, and innovation.

Understanding Multiplex Properties

First things first: What exactly is a multiplex property? A multiplex is a residential building divided into multiple units, offering an excellent opportunity to maximize land use and generate substantial returns on investment.

In the vibrant city of Vancouver, multiplex properties are particularly appealing due to the high demand for urban housing and the potential for creating tight-knit communities.

Benefits of Building Multiplex Properties in Vancouver

There are some key benefits when it comes to a multiplex property; both for the owner and the city. Things like an increased housing supply is a major benefit in a city like Vancouver, along with providing affordable housing options for renters. Other benefits include:

• Financial Returns: With multiple rental units under one roof, you can expect a steady income stream.
• Community Impact: Multiplex properties foster community living and neighbourly relationships.
• Efficient Land Use: In a city where space is at a premium, a multiplex makes the most out of available land.

Step 1: Initial Consultation and Planning

The homebuilding journey begins with an initial consultation aimed at understanding your goals, budget, and vision for the project.

At Alair Homes, we believe in transparency and collaboration.

During this phase, expect to engage in a detailed discussion about your ideas, preferences, and any specific requirements you might have. This collaborative approach ensures that your vision aligns perfectly with feasibility, setting the stage for a successful project.

There are two paths to your multiplex build. The first is a custom design. This approach is the right one when you want a specific outcome.

For instance, you want to live in one unit and sell or rent the others, and you want your unit to be a certain size, location, and to come with certain amenities. A custom design will take longer to design, engineer, and permit, which means it will cost more.

The second option is choosing from our pre-approved plans which is the fastest and most cost-effective approach.

In either case, using our Client Control™ platform, you'll have comprehensive insight and control over your project, allowing you to monitor every detail and make informed decisions throughout the building process. But no matter which option you choose it’s an easy process because you will have an expert project manager assigned to your multiplex project, doing it all with you.

Step 2: Site Selection and Acquisition (or Existing Property)

Whether you already own your property and are considering converting it to a multiplex, or you are looking for a new location, selecting the right site is crucial for any successful multiplex project. The criteria for site selection include zoning regulations, accessibility, and community considerations.

Vancouver’s zoning laws can be intricate, but our team at Alair Homes simplifies this by guiding you through the regulations and ensuring compliance.

There are some key things to remember when it comes to getting the land for your project:

1. Unless you're looking within 400 of the rapid transportation hubs, look for lots that have a back alley. This provides parking options for the units.
2. Understand that a 33-foot wide lot that is at least 120 feet deep can yield a fourplex, and with a 50-foot wide lot, you can go up to six units. Each unit will cost more and give you a larger return, but choose the lot option you can finance.
3. If you intend to live in one of the units, choose a neighbourhood that has the kind of amenities that are important to you.

Step 3: Design and Permitting

Once the site is secured, the design phase kicks off. This is where creativity meets practicality. Working with our talented architects and designers, we'll craft a visionary and functional design that meets your specifications while adhering to local regulations.

And of course, our library of pre-designed plans along with access to the province of BC and the City’s pre-approved plans is a great option for many people.

Obtaining Necessary Permits

Navigating Vancouver’s permitting process can be daunting, but we've got you covered. Our team will help with all of the paperwork, ensuring all permits are obtained in a timely manner to keep your project on track. This includes:

• Building Permits: Ensuring the design complies with local building codes
• Demolition Permits: For removal of the old building
• All Related Documents: These typically include all sub-trade permits like electrical, plumbing, and fire safety, and related documents like surveys, structural, and geo-engineering, arborist reports, utility upgrades, and more

Step 4: Pre-Construction Preparations

Before the shovel hits the ground, several key preparations need to be made. These include both on-site and off-site preparations and these preparations are critical to a good outcome.

At Alair Homes, we prioritize transparency and consistency, keeping you informed at every step.

Key Preparations

• On Site preparations include: A detailed survey, arborist reports, geotechnical analysis, logistics and access for construction, demolition readiness for old buildings, and utility upgrade preparations.
• Off Site preparations include:  Cash flow and financing readiness for the project, multiplex design plans and interior design plans chosen, method of construction confirmed (off site wall panels construction for instance), energy audits, project fully quoted and budgeted, scheduling in place, permits submitted, all details reviewed and approved by you as the client.

Step 5: Construction Phase

The construction phase is where your vision starts taking physical form. This process is typically broken down into several stages, each with its own timeline.

Stages of Construction

The four main stages of construction are as follows:

1. Foundation: Laying the groundwork, literally, to ensure a solid base.
2. Framing: Erecting the skeleton of the building and protecting the building from the elements.
3. Mechanical Systems: Energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, water and sewer, fire sprinklers, fire segregation, and more.
4. Interior Finishes: Adding the final touches that make the property feel like a home.

Throughout this phase, ongoing communication is key. Using our Client Control™ platform, you’ll receive regular updates, photos, and progress reports. Site visits are encouraged to keep you engaged and excited about the development.

Timeline Overview

Each project is unique and a detailed production schedule will be developed for your project, but a rough guideline for a timeline would be:

• Demo, utilities and ground pre: 1-2 months
• Foundation: 1 month
• Framing and Roofing: 2-3 months
• Mechanical: 1 month
• Drywall and insulation: 2 months
• Interior Finishes: 3-4 months

Step 6: Quality Assurance and Inspections

Quality assurance is paramount at Alair Homes. We conduct rigorous inspections at various stages to ensure everything meets our high standards. Any necessary adjustments or corrections are made promptly, reinforcing our commitment to credibility and trustworthiness.

Inspections: 5 Types of Inspections

Home inspections might feel like a hassle but they really do give you peace of mind and ensure your project stays on track.

• City inspections: The building inspector has a series of inspections throughout the build to confirm adherence to BC building codes and city bylaws.
• Engineer and Architect inspections: These inspections are very detailed. Inspectors use the plans and engineer drawing sets to confirm the building is being constructed in compliance.
• Energy inspections: Your multiplex will come with an energy efficiency plan and the energy auditor will oversee physical tests at key stages of construction to  confirm the building operates as designed.

• New Home Warranty inspections: All new home construction is required by law to have a New Home Warranty. The insurance provider performs inspections throughout the build and at completion to confirm it meets the requirements for coverage.

• Alair Homes comprehensive inspections: Right from design and engineering drawings to handing you the keys, Alair’s specially trained project managers have a formal weekly series of inspections to confirm quality. Alair also performs in-house monthly oversight inspections, bringing in additional experts to review the project. Your multiplex is more than the physical building, it's also the data, the contracts, insurances, inspection reports, budgets, vendor quotes/orders, and more. Our in-house financial and project support team provides this, all in the background.

Step 7: Final Walkthrough and Handover

The final walkthrough is a moment of celebration and satisfaction. We walk you through the finished property, addressing any last-minute details and ensuring everything meets your expectations. This is also the time to familiarize yourself with the features and functionalities of your new multiplex home.

Handover Process

We don’t just give you the keys and walk away! When doing a final inspection and handover, you can expect:

• Detailed Walkthrough: Inspecting every corner of the property.
• Final Adjustments: Making any necessary tweaks.
• Handover: Officially handing over the keys and documents, marking the start of a new chapter.

• Warranty: Alair Homes provides you with a two-year warranty coverage, complete with scheduled check-ins.

Why Build with Alair Homes

When you choose to build with Alair Homes, you’re not just investing in a property; you’re investing in efficiency, quality, and ​​a company that cares about the community and the impact of its project.

One of the standout features of working with us is our use of a specialized closed-wall panel system. This modern construction method can cut up to three months off the typical construction timeline, significantly impacting your return on investment (ROI) and annualized rate of return.

Our closed wall panels, roof, and floor systems are engineered to seal together seamlessly, resulting in a higher quality, airtight structure. This means your multiplex will be more energy-efficient, translating to lower utility costs and a reduced environmental footprint.

Additionally, this innovative construction technique has a lighter impact on the neighbourhood. Traditional site framing can be noisy and cause congestion, but our method minimizes these disruptions, making for a smoother, quieter building experience.

Ready to embark on your multiplex building journey? Contact Alair Homes today for a personalized consultation. Let’s transform your vision into reality, creating spaces that foster community and inspire innovation.