Building in the Cowichan Valley
Frequently asked questions
Find answers to common questions about planning and building a custom home in the Cowichan Valley with K2 Developments.
You’re based in Lake Cowichan. Do you build custom homes in Duncan and the surrounding communities?
Yes. We build custom homes throughout the Cowichan Valley, including Duncan and the surrounding communities, from Shawnigan Lake and Mill Bay in the south to Ladysmith in the north.
Do we need finished architectural plans before contacting you, or can you help guide the design process?
You don’t need finished plans. We prefer to work with you and your chosen home designer from the beginning. Bringing your builder and their structural engineer into the design process early can save time and money during construction. We’re also happy to work with existing plans.
Can you assess a property in the Cowichan Valley before we commit to buying it?
Yes. We offer complimentary land development consultations to prospective buyers of vacant land throughout the Cowichan Valley. We can help you understand the property before you commit to your investment.
Can you manage the entire project, including land clearing, site servicing, and construction?
Yes. As a full-service builder, we are almost always involved from the beginning of a project through to completion, including land clearing, site servicing and construction.
Do you handle building permits and approvals with the City of Duncan, North Cowichan, and the CVRD?
Yes. We have experience obtaining building and development permits from municipalities throughout the Cowichan Valley, including the City of Duncan, North Cowichan and the Cowichan Valley Regional District. You can rely on us to smoothly guide projects through the challenging permitting process on your behalf.
How are your construction contracts priced, and which costs are included or excluded?
We build on a cost-plus basis with a clearly defined scope of work. Our project management software makes it clear what is included in K2’s scope so you can understand the budget and avoid misunderstandings.
How are design changes and unexpected costs documented and approved during construction?
We discuss proposed design changes with you. If the change is agreed to be made, K2 will prepare a revised budget for approval. The project budget also includes a contingency allowance for unexpected costs; in our experience, it is almost always sufficient to keep the overall project on budget.
Who will oversee our build, and how will we receive progress updates and budget reports?
You’ll work directly with co-owner Peter Greenway throughout the project, from selections to construction details. Peter provides regular updates through our project management software, including progress and drone photos. The budget is updated twice a month and available to you online at any time. Co-owner Jared Morton oversees on-site construction, bringing more than two decades of hands-on experience. With one owner focused on the office and the other on site, your project has consistent oversight.
What warranty coverage and follow-up support do you provide after we move in?
We provide a maintenance guide tailored to your home and check in one month and one year after completion to address any concerns. Homes also receive the standard 2-5-10 warranty and third-party warranty coverage. We stand behind our work and take care of issues, including, when appropriate, after the mandated coverage period has passed.
What makes you different from other Builders?
Our focus is on the experience of building your home: clear communication, responsiveness and direct access to an owner. Peter is your point of contact throughout the project, and he answers questions thoroughly and promptly. We believe good communication prevents many of the frustrations that can arise during a custom build, and we’re happy to provide references from past clients who can attest to our track record in this regard.