Working in BC Construction
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What is a General Contractor (GC)? Cost Structure & Hiring Tips
If you’re planning to build a home or undertake a major renovation in Canada, you’ll inevitably encounter a General Contractor (GC). Today, we’ll break down exactly what a GC does and honestly explain their cost structure — one of the most frequently asked questions in residential construction. 1. Who is a General Contractor (GC)? In…
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BC Sprinkler Permit
A Sprinkler Permit is required for the design, installation, or alteration of fire suppression systems. This includes new construction as well as Tenant Improvement (TI) projects where sprinkler head locations are moved or piping is modified. The permit must be applied for by a licensed Sprinkler Contractor and is cross-referenced with the main Building Permit.…
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BC Electrical Permit
An Electrical Permit is required for all electrical work within a building — including power supply, lighting, outlets, electrical panels, and emergency power systems. It applies to new commercial construction as well as Tenant Improvement (TI) projects. The Electrical Permit is applied for by the electrical contractor and tied to the Building Permit. Note: In…
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BC Plumbing Permit
A Plumbing Permit is required for all plumbing work within a building — including water supply (Supply), drainage (Drain), sanitary piping (Sanitary), and gas piping (Gas). It applies to new commercial construction as well as Tenant Improvement (TI) projects. The Plumbing Permit is typically applied for by the mechanical/plumbing contractor and tied to the issued…
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BC Mechanical Permit — for Commercial Construction
A Mechanical Permit is required for all mechanical work related to HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems within a building. You will encounter this permit frequently not only in commercial new construction, but also in Tenant Improvement (TI) projects. The mechanical permit is typically applied for by the mechanical contractor and linked to the…
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BC Building Permit
The Building Permit is the foundation of every construction project. It is required for new construction, structural modifications to existing buildings, and major renovations. No construction work can legally begin until the Building Permit has been issued. It is critical to confirm the expected permit issuance timeline before finalizing your construction schedule. For renovation projects…
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BC Builders Lien Act: Holdback & Substantial Completion
Everything a General Contractor needs to know about BC’s mandatory 10% holdback, the Substantial Completion 3-2-1 formula, the 55-day release timeline, and what it all means for your project’s cash flow. Table of Contents Section 01 What is the BC Builders Lien Act? The BC Builders Lien Act (BLA) is the provincial legislation in British…
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Types of Construction Contracts in Canada (BC)
Whether you’re just getting your contractor’s licence in British Columbia or you’ve been running crews for years, knowing your contract types isn’t optional — it’s the difference between a profitable project and a financial nightmare. In Canada, construction contracts are heavily influenced by the Canadian Construction Documents Committee (CCDC) standards, but the contract type you…