Frequently Asked Questions

It’s best to contact our team before purchasing property. Often a client has specific wants and needs that work better with particular types of land. Sometimes, clients think flat, featureless land is best for building, but slopes and features add interest and make certain types of construction easier. If you already have land, you can contact us anyway and see what options best suit your property.

The time frame for building a new home varies depending on property features, type of home, and whether plans are already created and up to code. Some homes can be done in as little as six months, but others may take longer. We discuss all scheduling constraints and allowances ahead of time and work with you to create a workable schedule.

In BC, builders are required to provide home buyers with a third-party warranty. Your home warranty usually includes deposit insurance and protects you against defects in work, materials, and structure. Some warranties cover additional items, such as a home mechanical system. We warranty all our work and are happy to discuss the details with you during your consultation.

We offer Travelers Canada new home warranty as part of our new home construction. Travelers Canada is a well-regarded, established provider of home warranties in BC and Western Canada. We would be happy to discuss the warranty details during your initial consultation.

Keith Construction uses a project management software called JobTread. If changes are requested during construction, we discuss the details with the client and then issue change orders through JobTread. This keeps all information and requests in one convenient place for you.

We proudly construct custom homes made exactly to the client’s specifications. You can provide any professional set of architectural drawings for construction, or you can work with our design team to create an in-house plan.

At Keith Construction, we have over 35 years experience in Vernon and the Okanagan. We understand the most efficient way to apply and gain the appropriate permits for your project. Part of our commitment to you is ensuring all the proper permits are obtained.

Put simply, design comes before drafting. Design involves talking to the client, creating sketches and 3D models, refining the concept, and creating a layout. Drafting comes once the design is set, and it’s a technical process that creates a detailed technical drawing that shows how the builder should proceed.

Yes. We have been a custom home design and build company for over 35 years. Our design team has expert knowledge to create the perfect custom home to suit your needs. Our Design Build homes are unique and reflect the client’s lifestyle as well as their personality.

Our Design Build homes have four steps through construction. Concept: our design team sits down with you to discuss your ideas, needs, and budget. Design: based on the initial layouts and your feedback, we refine your design until you’re happy. Compliance: during design and construction, we ensure our plans comply with all building codes and regulations. Finalization: we create a set of professional architectural drawings for your project.

Depending on the scope and type of your renovation, you may need building permits. We have over 35 years of experience in building and renovating in the Okanagan, and can guide you through the permit process. We ensure that all needed permits are obtained for your custom renovation.

Renovations made to improve mobility and safety for seniors and people with disabilities can often qualify for a tax credit. A meeting with a tax professional is the best way to establish if your renovation will qualify you for a tax break.

In terms of resale value, our clients usually see the most benefit from kitchen upgrades, flooring updates, new roofing, and new siding. However, the exact return on any project is subject to the market conditions and buyer priorities. As a general rule, though, investing in your kitchen is a sound idea.

We offer renovation warranties on all contractor supplied work and materials (in conjunction with the manufacturer’s warranties) for a period of one year.

The timeline depends on the scope of your project, as well as issues such as plumbing that may need to be replaced or structural changes. On average, a simple complete bathroom renovation can take 4-6 weeks. We work with you to detail a timeline that works with your budget and schedule.

The timeline depends on the scope of your project, but kitchen renovations can take longer than other rooms. This is because of the complexities of wiring, plumbing, appliances, and cabinets. On average, a complete kitchen renovation can take up to 4 months. We work with you to detail a timeline that works with your budget and schedule.

Vernon is nestled in the heart of the North Okanagan, set between the city of Armstrong to the North, and Kelowna to the Southwest.

Approximately 40,572 people call Vernon, BC home.

Vernon experiences the beauty of all four Canadian seasons and residents describe Vernon’s weather as temperate and warm in the summer months, and sunny and humid in the winter months. The perfect conditions for year-round adventures!

Vernon gets on average about 301 days of sunshine a year – that’s 2027 hours of picture-perfect weather!

The city of Vernon was first incorporated on December 30, 1892, after being well-known for assisting in establishing the Clearwater Ranch in Clearwater, BC. Long before the settler days, the Syilx people were the original occupants of the land and resided in communities built around Okanagan Lake and Swan Lake due to an abundance of naturally occurring food supplies.

Vernon is home to a wide selection of ecosystems and is extremely biologically diverse. You can find multiple different unique landscapes such as forests, four local lakes surrounding the entire area, numerous waterfalls, rivers, streams, mountains, rolling hills and vineyards. Due to its unique scenery, Vernon attracts and is beloved by many different kinds of people, making it a truly unique place to visit.

Vernon is only a short 40 minute drive to Kelowna, BC, a 1.5 hour drive to Kamloops, BC and a decent 440km trip Northwest to Vancouver, BC.

Vernon is home to endless adventures and activities. Depending on the time of year, Vernon offers multiple different seasonally appropriate enjoyable activities. In the summer months, Vernon offers scenic hikes, luscious winery landscapes, the ever popular Enderby float and multiple unique parks and lake spots. In the winter months, Vernon’s Silver Star Ski Resort is bustling with enthusiastic skiers and snowboarders. There are several local skating rinks, snowshoeing trails and cross-country skiing trips for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy. In Vernon, the possibilities are endless but the good times are plentiful!

Vernon is sure to delight with its delicious treats that tantalize your taste buds. It’s no wonder that Vernon has become well known and popular as a, “foodie haven.” Vernon offers a variety of culinary experiences that will delight any palette and taste. Vernon currently has over 20 well-known and liked local restaurants, bistros, and pubs offering multiple different dining options, cultures and styles.

Vernon’s natural beauty and pristine backdrop is partly due to the natural beauty created by its surrounding lakes.  There are four main lakes surrounding Vernon, namely Okanagan Lake, Kalamalka Lake, Swan Lake, and Wood Lake further south.

Each of the 3 lakes offers a unique setting, story and atmosphere yet all have their natural beauty in common. Okanagan Lake, with its, “lake monsters,” incredible depth and wide array of beaches, offers beach visitors an opportunity to simply relax or swim in one of the deepest freshwater lakes in Canada. Kalamalka Lake, with its seasonally changing hues, surrene picnic and camping spots and array of popular fishing areas, offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy a well-rounded day or weekend out. Swan Lake offers a quieter, shallower option and is surrounded by wetlands, offering some of the best bird watching in BC. Last, but certainly not least, Wood Lake is one of the warmest and calmest lakes in the Okanagan. It is surrounded by two marinas, making this lake a popular trout fishing, camping and beach spot. 

Vernon offers many unique landscapes, activities and attractions making this beloved quaint town a popular attraction among visitors and locals alike. Whether you’re in the mood to explore a nearby hiking trail, hit some gold balls, visit a world-class winery or simply enjoy a bike ride through the town, Vernon is eager to please. The city center offers an array of different shops and local businesses and for those visitors looking for a romantic date or weekend away, Sparkling Hills Resort is just a short drive away. Unique experiences are plentiful in Vernon and those looking for a slightly different activity will be pleased to discover places like Planet Bee, a local honey farm, The Okanagan Science Center, Alpacas Haven and even a waterslide park at Splashdown. No matter your preference, Vernon offers fun-filled activities for the entire family to enjoy.

Vernon is proud to support both local small businesses and larger chains, delivering its visitors the most diverse shopping experience possible. Our local shopping attractions include multiple art galleries, speciality and gift shops, markets, garment and clothing stores, beauty bars as well as arts and craft shops. For those visitors looking to try something truly unique, we recommend trying the “Olive Us” Oil and Vinegar Tasting Room or browse the stalls at the Davison Orchards Country Village.

Vernon is home to many delights and the varied selection of local cuisine is no different. We asked the Vernon locals to select their favourite restaurants and this is what they have chosen. Rest assured, you’ll be pleased with the choice to visit any of the below suggested restaurants.

• Eatology
• Friesen’s Countrytyme Gardens 
• Midtown Bistro
• The Fig Bistro
• Ratio Coffee & Pastry
• Wings 
• Pane Vino Pizzeria
• Station BBQ Smokehouse
• 1913 Restaurant

Vernon offers a wide variety of fine dining options for those visitors celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to celebrate the finer things in life. If an international wine list, steak dishes and fine dining speak to you, be sure to visit these dining treasures mentioned below:
For fine dining in Vernon, explore the following options:

• Intermezzo Restaurant & Wine Cellar
• PeakFine Restaurant at Sparkling Hill Resort
• Fairways Restaurant at Vernon Golf & Country Club

Vernon is well known for its impeccable weather and growing conditions and is proud to offer residents and visitors high quality, locally grown, sustainable produce and animal products. Vernon offers a wide variety of artisanal grocers, offering only the highest quality products.

Our list of artisanal grocers include: 

• Swan Lake Nurseryland
• Davison Orchards 
• Grillers Meats 
• Planet Bee
• Vernon Farmers Market
• Olive Us Olive Oil & Vinegar Tasting Room
• Hot Bread Shoppe

It’s no secret that Vernon is popular among wine, beer and spirit enthusiasts and with its list of unique venues to try, we can’t say we’re surprised. During your next visit, be sure to visit some of the local’s top suggestions below:

• O’Rourke’s Peak Cellars Winery
• 50th Parallel Estate
• Arrowleaf Cellars
• Intrigue Winery
• Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery
• BX Press Cidery
• Farmstrong Cider Company

Vernon is commonly called the gem of the Northern Okanagan because of its thriving and diverse communities. Within the region of Vernon, you can find seven main communities and neighbourhoods, all offering their own attractions and features. These include:

• Downtown Vernon
• Okanagan Landing
• Silver Star
• Predator Ridge
• The Rise
• BX
• Coldstream

Adventure Bay is a thriving and friendly year-round community on the north  shoreline of Lake Okanagan.

Adventure Bay homes are mainly south-facing and take in endless panoramic lake, vineyard, & mountain views.

The BC Energy Step Code is a performance-based standard built into the BC Building Code. Rather than prescribing specific materials, it sets measurable energy performance targets that your home must meet. Your builder and energy advisor work together to choose the best combination of insulation, windows, mechanical systems and design strategies to hit those targets. The Step Code uses five levels of increasing efficiency, with the ultimate goal that all new homes in British Columbia will be net-zero energy ready by 2032.

New homes in the Regional District of North Okanagan, including Coldstream and the Vernon area, currently need to meet Step 3 of the BC Energy Step Code. The province has planned increases to Step 4 in 2027 and Step 5 by 2032. Keith Construction stays ahead of these requirements and can design your home to meet higher performance levels if you want to future-proof your investment or access additional rebates.

Built Green Canada was a voluntary certification program with a checklist-based approach covering sustainability practices, materials and energy efficiency. The BC Energy Step Code is a mandatory, performance-based requirement within the BC Building Code. Instead of checking boxes, it measures how your home actually performs through energy modelling and on-site airtightness testing. Keith Construction built many Built Green certified homes, including Platinum-level builds, and those values of quality and sustainability still guide our work as we build to Step Code standards.

A certified energy advisor is a professional registered with Natural Resources Canada who models your home’s energy performance, ensures it meets Step Code compliance and coordinates testing and rebate applications. Keith Construction subcontracts a trusted energy advisor on every new build and major renovation. They handle the technical requirements so you do not have to, including pre-construction energy modelling, mid-construction and final blower door testing, and all the paperwork needed for grants and rebates.

A blower door test measures how airtight your home is. A calibrated fan is temporarily mounted in an exterior doorway and either pressurizes or depressurizes the home to identify where air is leaking through the building envelope. Keith Construction typically schedules a mid-construction test before drywall goes up, when any gaps or weak points can still be easily corrected. A final test is completed before occupancy to confirm that your home meets Step Code airtightness targets. This process ensures your home performs better, stays comfortable and costs less to heat and cool.

Meeting the current Step Code requirements adds a modest premium, typically in the range of one to three per cent for the lower steps. That premium is offset over time by lower energy bills, reduced maintenance costs and a more comfortable home. Building to higher steps may involve additional investment in insulation, windows and mechanical systems, but rebate programs from CleanBC, FortisBC and other sources can help offset those costs. Keith Construction works with your energy advisor to find the most cost-effective path to meet your goals.

Yes. Several programs offer financial incentives for new homes that meet or exceed Step Code requirements. The CleanBC Better Homes New Construction Program provides rebates for high-performance, all-electric homes. FortisBC’s New Home Program offers rebates for builders and homeowners who achieve Step 4 or Step 5, including support for integrated design and energy advisor services. Additional municipal and federal incentives may also apply depending on your project. Keith Construction’s energy advisor handles rebate coordination and paperwork so you can take full advantage of available programs.

The BC Energy Step Code applies primarily to new construction. However, major renovations that are classified as substantial reconstruction may trigger Step Code compliance. Even when it is not required, Keith Construction encourages energy-efficient upgrades during renovations. We coordinate an EnerGuide evaluation of your existing home to identify where improvements will have the greatest impact. This gives you a clear picture of your home’s current energy performance along with a practical path to better comfort, lower utility costs and access to renovation rebate programs.