Working in BC Construction
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Canadian Construction Site Terminology Complete Guide — Expressions Different from Korea
If you’re new to Canadian construction sites, you’ll encounter unfamiliar terminology even if your English is fairly solid. Some terms are conceptually similar to what you’d use in Korea but expressed differently; others don’t exist in the Korean context at all; and conversely, Canada has its own systems and regulations you’ve never seen before. This…
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What Is a General Contractor (GC)? Cost Structure, How to Hire, and Contract Tips in BC
What Does a General Contractor Actually Do? If you’re planning to build or renovate in Canada, a General Contractor (GC) is the person who runs the show. More than just a tradesperson with a hammer, a GC manages the entire project — planning, scheduling, hiring subcontractors, sourcing materials, pulling permits, and taking overall responsibility for…
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BC Sprinkler Permit 2026 — Vancouver vs Surrey Cost Per Head and Inspection Fees
Sprinkler permits are priced per head. Simple enough — except the first head runs anywhere from $161 to $1,004 depending on the city and the building type. Figures below come from the 2026 City of Vancouver and City of Surrey fee schedules. What Is a BC Sprinkler Permit? A Sprinkler Permit is required for the…
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BC Electrical Permit 2026 — TSBC vs City of Vancouver Fees and the 180-Day Expiry Rule
The first thing to establish on a BC electrical permit is which city you are in. Most of the province is Technical Safety BC (TSBC) — but Vancouver is not, and the two bodies calculate fees on completely different logic. Miss that and your estimate is wrong from the start. What Is a BC Electrical…
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BC Plumbing Permit 2026 — Vancouver vs Surrey Fees, Inspection Costs and What Skipping It Costs
Plumbing permit costs are usually waved away with “fees vary by municipality.” But the bylaws state exact figures, and the same job can cost nearly twice as much depending on which city you are in. This guide uses the 2026 official fee schedules from the City of Vancouver and the City of Surrey. What a…
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BC Mechanical Permit 2026 — TSBC vs Municipal Jurisdiction, Vancouver and Surrey Fees
The hardest part of a mechanical permit is knowing where to file it. Mechanical work is split across two authorities — gas goes to Technical Safety BC, building systems go to the municipality. Get it wrong and you lose time at the wrong counter. What Is a Mechanical Permit in BC? A Mechanical Permit is…
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BC Building Permit 2026 — Vancouver vs Surrey Fee Calculation and the Double-Fee Penalty
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 The BC Builders Lien Act (BLA) is the provincial legislation in British Columbia that protects everyone involved in a…
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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…