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:
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Planning ranges for renovations, custom homes, duplexes, and laneway homes
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The difference between construction cost and an all-in project budget
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The six questions to ask before comparing builder quotes
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An interactive tool to help identify which project may fit your property and goals
Explore Our Laneway Home Projects
Why Build Your Laneway Home With By Design?
By Design Construction has spent more than 15 years building across Vancouver, Burnaby, and North Vancouver: larger renovations, custom homes, duplexes, laneway homes, and small multiplex projects. That range is the point. It means we can tell you honestly which one your property is actually suited for, rather than selling you the only thing we know how to build. Bobby Purba handles the zoning review, the feasibility numbers, and the permit applications himself, then runs the build from excavation through your final walkthrough. One person accountable, start to finish.
Our Design-Build Process
Every By Design Construction project starts with understanding what you want to accomplish, what the property can support, and what makes sense for your budget. From there, we move through planning and construction with the major decisions made in the right order.
Understand the Project
We start with your goals, the property, your priorities, and your budget. Before jumping into design, we want to understand what you are trying to solve and what needs to be evaluated first.
Plan It Properly
This is where we work through feasibility, design, consultants, engineering, selections, permitting, and pre-construction decisions. The goal is to resolve as much as possible before construction starts.
Build With a Clear Precision
Once the project is ready to move forward, By Design manages construction and coordinates the work required to bring the plan to life. You stay informed throughout the build, with decisions grounded in the scope and priorities established up front.
What Our Clients Are Saying
Nina D.
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.
Nancy G.
I highly recommend Bobby Purba and the By Design Construction Team. Bobby does an excellent job helping homeowners understand their options when it comes to custom homes, renovations, duplexes, and laneway homes. He clearly explains what can realistically be built, what the costs may look like, how long approvals could take, and how to reduce risk before construction begins. His knowledge of zoning and permitting, combined with his organized approach to construction, makes the entire process much easier and more predictable for homeowners and Realtors alike.
Eric R.
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!
Jewan B.
I’ve had the opportunity to work with Bobby Purba and the By Design Construction Team and would confidently recommend them to homeowners and Realtors. Bobby is very knowledgeable when it comes to custom homes, renovations, duplexes, and laneway projects. He helps homeowners understand what’s possible on their property while outlining realistic costs, timelines, zoning considerations, and permit expectations from the beginning. What stands out most is Bobby’s ability to simplify the process and help clients make informed decisions with less risk. His structured approach helps move projects through permits and construction efficiently while maintaining strong communication throughout the process.
Brian V.
I highly recommend Bobby Purba and the By Design Construction Team. Bobby does an excellent job helping homeowners understand their options when it comes to custom homes, renovations, duplexes, and laneway homes. He clearly explains what can realistically be built, what the costs may look like, how long approvals could take, and how to reduce risk before construction begins. His knowledge of zoning and permitting, combined with his organized approach to construction, makes the entire process much easier and more predictable for homeowners and Realtors alike.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laneway Homes in Vancouver
Can I build a laneway home on my Vancouver property?
Possibly, but you need to investigate more than zoning. We also look at access, servicing, trees, grade, existing structures, and other site conditions before deciding what is practical to build.
Can a laneway home be rented out?
In Vancouver, you can use a laneway home as a long-term rental, subject to current City licensing requirements. Short-term rentals have different rules and generally require the laneway itself to be your principal residence.
Can a laneway home be designed for aging-in-place?
Yes, if future downsizing or mobility is part of the plan, we can account for things like circulation, stairs, bathroom layout, storage, and ease of access early in the design.
Do I need architectural plans before contacting By Design?
No. In fact, it is often better to start before you have invested heavily in plans. We can first help you understand the property, the likely constraints, and what is worth exploring.
