Frequently Asked Questions

We proudly source premium materials from local suppliers, ensuring they not only meet but often exceed Provincial and National building standards. Our expertise spans an extensive and diverse range of materials, tailored to suit virtually any project need.

Steel framing offers multiple advantages over wood—particularly in British Columbia’s environment and for modern housing needs:

• Steel doesn’t warp, twist, rot, or shrink over time.

• It is termite-resistant, mold-resistant, and noncombustible, which enhances durability and potentially reduces fire risk.

• Greater precision: factory production ensures dimensional accuracy, minimizing on-site errors and fitting issues.

• Strength-to-weight ratio is superior: steel can carry loads while using less material mass.

• Longevity, lower maintenance, and recyclability: steel is one of the most recycled materials and can be reused at end of life.

That said, steel framing also has trade-offs (e.g. potential for thermal bridging, higher initial cost) — see below in “Pros & Cons”.

Manufactured home

Built in a factory under a national standard (in Canada, e.g. CSA Z240/Z241/A277) on a permanent steel chassis or frame; transported to site.

ADUs, laneway homes, standalone homes

Modular home

Built in modules (sections) in a factory, then transported and assembled on a foundation on-site

Full-sized houses, multi-unit dwellings

Prefab / Prefabricated

Broad umbrella term: portions (walls, roof, modules) are prefabricated off-site

Panelized systems, volumetric modules, hybrid builds

Tiny home

Homes with a small footprint, often 100–400 sq ft (though definitions vary); can be built on wheels or fixed foundations

Guest homes, studios, minimalist dwellings