Build Your Custom Home In the Vancouver Area

Searching for a home you don't have to compromise on is harder than it looks, and most listings come close without quite getting there.

The layout almost works, the kitchen is a little too narrow, or the primary suite would need to be gutted in the first year.

Building a custom home lets you start with your lot and a blank page rather than working around decisions someone else made, and for many of our clients, that begins with the house standing on their property today. By Design Construction has been building custom homes across Vancouver, Burnaby, and North Vancouver for more than 15 years, and Bobby Purba runs every build personally. He'll tell you what your lot can realistically support before you spend a dollar on drawings, so the home you design is the one you can actually build.

Book a free consultation, and we'll talk through what's possible on your property.

Should You Buy a Home or Build Your Own?

There's a good amount of new spec housing going up across East Vancouver and Burnaby, and it's a fair option to weigh seriously. The difference tends to come down to how much of the finished home reflects your decisions rather than someone else's.

Buying a newly built home makes sense when:

You need to move by a fixed date and can't wait out design and permitting.

You've found a floor plan that genuinely suits how your family lives.

You'd rather trade some personalization for a shorter, more predictable process.

Building custom makes sense when:

You already own your property, or a lot in the neighbourhood you want to stay in.

You have specific requirements, such as multigenerational living, a mortgage helper suite, or accessibility for aging parents.

You care about what sits behind the drywall: the envelope, the insulation, and the mechanical systems that determine what the home costs to run over the next thirty years.

You want a home shaped around your life rather er than one designed to appeal to the broadest possible range of future buyers.

Know What Your Project Could Really Cost Before You Start

A construction number on its own doesn’t tell you much. Our Cost & Feasibility Guide helps Greater Vancouver homeowners understand realistic planning ranges, what belongs in an honest project budget, and the factors that can move costs before construction begins.

Inside, you’ll find:

Planning ranges for renovations, custom homes, duplexes, and laneway homes

The difference between construction cost and an all-in project budget

The six questions to ask before comparing builder quotes

An interactive tool to help identify which project may fit your property and goals

Why Work With By Design Construction for Your Custom Home?

Building a custom home is an opportunity to create a space that reflects your lifestyle, personal preferences, and long-term needs. Getting there requires thoughtful planning, a realistic budget, and the right balance between design, functionality, and construction costs.

At By Design Construction, we bring together custom home building expertise and a developer’s perspective to guide you from concept to completion. We help you prioritize what matters, understand the cost implications of your choices, and make informed decisions that deliver lasting comfort, quality, and value.

Nina Djuric

I would confidently recommend Bobby Purba and the By Design Construction Team to homeowners looking to explore renovation, custom home, duplex, or laneway house projects.

Bobby is incredibly knowledgeable when it comes to construction, development, zoning, permits, timelines, and project planning. He does a great job of helping homeowners understand what may be possible with their property while providing realistic expectations from the start.

What stands out most is Bobby's ability to simplify what can often feel like a complicated process. He takes the time to educate homeowners, answer questions, and help them make informed decisions with confidence. Professional, responsive, and easy to talk to, Bobby is a great resource for anyone considering a future building or renovation project.

Phil Moore

I have proudly sold several of their projects, and the feedback has always been the same — exceptional after-service care, strong attention to detail, and a builder who genuinely cares about their homeowners long after possession. Highly recommend By Design Construction Inc to anyone looking for quality craftsmanship, professionalism, and customer service that truly stands behind their work.

Eric Rasmussen

Bobby Purba is a trusted resource for clients exploring Custom Home, Duplex, and Multiplex opportunities.

He offers clear, practical guidance on zoning, timelines, budgeting, and project feasibility, helping clients make informed decisions and move forward with confidence. His structured and straightforward approach creates a seamless path from initial feasibility and planning through to construction..
I truly enjoyed working with him and will highly recommend him going forward!

Dawar Zada

Bobby’s experience helps clients reduce risk, avoid costly mistakes, and move through planning and construction much more efficiently.

Chera-Noelle Rasmussen

Bobby Purba is an excellent resource for clients considering Custom Homes, Duplexes or Multiplex developments. He brings a strong understanding of zoning, permitting, budgeting and project feasibility, helping clients navigate the process with clarity and confidence. Bobby is knowledgeable, responsive and solutions-oriented, with a practical approach that helps streamline the path from initial concept through to construction. His ability to simplify complex development opportunities makes him a valuable asset for anyone looking to build or invest.

Sharmani Pillay

We recently had our home renovated by Bobby and his team at By Design Construction and we couldn't be happier with the results. The cabinets are gorgeous, and the tiling and flooring were expertly done.

Baltej Singh Dhillon

The company was a pleasure to work with.Work was completed in a timely fashion and we couldn't be more happier with the outcome. It increased not only the value of our home but made it more usable and added curb appeal. Bobby is very knowledgeable and there are no hidden surprises. He consulted with us on cost and ideas throughout the entire process, that worked within our budget.

Bobby managed the project with great insight and care, overseeing all aspects of the project making it stress free for us. We were appreciative of the care Bobby took, and how he paid attention to the details and areas that we had no expertise in , always providing guidance by citing other projects, allowing us to better understand the details of the project.

We would definitely recommend this company for any project, and have leaned on Bobby on advice and support on a number of projects.

Nancy Ghuman

Looking for knowledgeable and proficient builder?? Look no further than Bobby from BDC.

S Huang

Although we had to cancel our new build plans last minute, Bobby was always very professional and responsive throughout the design and application process.

Gurdeep P007

BDC had been amazing, always keeping the customers budget and interests in mind.

Akaash Bali

Bobby is extremely knowledgeable about development and construction processes. He makes himself available to answer questions and his professionalism and customer service is unmatched. Give Bobby a call and you won't be disappointed!

Michael Herdman

We had a very positive experience with Bobby. We decided to postpone our build for personal reasons but he was very helpful and professional when we were working with him in the design phase.

Custom Homes in Vancouver, Burnaby, & North Vancouver

By Design Construction

Build Your Custom Home In the Vancouver Area

Should You Buy a Home or Build Your Own?

Know What Your Project Could Really Cost Before You Start

Explore Our Custom Home Projects

Why Work With By Design Construction for Your Custom Home?

Our Custom Home Design-Build Process

Understand the Project

Plan It Properly

Build With a Clear Precision

Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Homes

How much does it cost to build a custom home in Vancouver?

Can I build a custom home on the lot my current house sits on?

What warranty comes with a new custom home in British Columbia?

Customer Reviews

Ready to Take the Next Step on Your Custom Home?

Every custom home starts with a clear understanding of your vision, priorities, and budget. Connect with By Design Construction to explore your ideas, assess your property's potential, and understand what it takes to bring your plans to life.