Made to Last Custom Homes Ltd.

Made to Last built our custom home in Chemainus in 2018-19. We were thrilled to have the project completed on time and under budget. Made to Last is a rare builder that offers best-estimate budgeting (as opposed to many builders who will estimate low, with the expectation that the project will ultimately run over budget), excellent customer service (including many helpful tips and suggestions throughout the project), and first-rate quality. All of the MTL team and subcontractors were professional and supportive, and delivered excellent work. The result for us is a beautiful home that works perfectly for our family and that will stand the test of time. We highly recommend Made to Last and are excited to work with them again in the future.

Made to Last exceeded my expectations in building our home. I was able to trust the quality of their work and management, despite building from afar. I definitely recommend Made to Last and hope to use them in the future!

As an interior designer, I have been party to several new builds for clients, but to be honest, have never had the courage to build a home of my own. I had heard horror stories about the stress involved in a new build, not to mention witnessing it as a designer. The market being what it was, however, a new build was the only option we had.

My husband and I are all about doing our “due diligence.” We didn’t pick the first builder to whom we spoke. We interviewed several after seeking referrals from locals, and we called references. In the end, we chose Made to Last Custom Homes. I could say it was because of their glowing references, but I’m a realist—no one puts a bad reference on their resume. Rather we chose Made to Last because we followed our (my) gut instinct. I just had a feeling about them. I believed they wouldn’t let me down—and that was/is really important in a world where we find ourselves often disappointed.

I’m not going to say that the build was without challenges. The key is how those challenges were managed. We could always count on Steven Fitzpatrick to discuss any issues that arose, and he always made it right, even when it affected his bottom line. Steven and Matt Buckle (our project manager) were never ones to point the finger at anyone else, but rather took accountability—another rare trait these days.

One of the most challenging aspects of any new build relates to financing and restrictive draw schedules from banks. In order to manage any potential conflict, I provided Steven with our draw schedule at the outset, and always kept the lines of communication open. If there was going to be delay in payment, I called Steven and explained it. He was always understanding and reasonable, and I appreciated the fact that we were able to discuss matters with civility and mutual respect.

The list of how Steven Fitzpatrick, Matt Buckle and the Made to Last team went above and beyond is long. Suffice it to say, my gut was right—we weren’t disappointed. The Made to Last team delivered our forever home, and we are absolutely in love with it. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Made to Last Custom Homes to anyone, and in fact, am very much looking forward to working with them on future projects with my clients.

Thank you Steven, Matt, and everyone else at Made to Last for giving us our dream home!

Experienced considerable problems largely related to communication. When we complained, MTL indicated everything was our fault.

Initially we asked for a record pump. When we moved in; no record pump. We signed a contract for full occupancy May 31, 2017 and got initial occupancy (drywall on May 26, 2017). MTL told us repeatedly they were unhappy with the delay in framing and couldn't understand it given MTL were from Alberta where there were cold and longer winters. (1 month delay which meant the sub trades all left to go somewhere else) but when we complained they said it was a bad winter. Our lease expired on May 31 and we (2 elderly parents and us would have no where to stay. Duncan has 0% occupancy).

At no time did MTL's billing ever coincide with Bank construction draws. We had 8 draws just to keep up with MTL's demands for 7 day payments. We and our lawyer interpreted the 7 day payment clause (which is short regardless of which construction company you deal with) as meaning 7 days from the work done up to the Bank's construction draw schedule. Nope. I have e-mails that indicate notices of 4 days from giving us an invoice and expecting payment. In addition por to no communcation about expensive costs (around $20k), with excuses for costs that do not bear out. i.e.. drywall was set at height to allow for dry-core, therefore driver must be used, and need a generator to dry drywall. Yes, but does the generator have to cost us $10k in RENTAL? We could have bought one and resold or used it for that price. MTL gave absolutely NO indication that these cost would be remotely that high. However, a long conversation was need for our apron al of a $200 post at he bottom of the stairs. Could go one. And MTL will probably do that anyway. It's all our fault; they never make any and MTL response are essentially further marketing for their company. Major headache and negative life changing experience for us.

We personally cleaned up after most trades inside and arranged to clean up exterior after we got occupancy. Prior to initial occupancy we received curt directive from MTL that our exterior was a mess and we needed to clean it up or they would and charge us, begging the question "who works for whom|?".

Overly polite which, after the mistakes, became rather grating. Would have preferred better service.

Made to Last Building and Renovations gutted our 80s style master bath and turned it into a spa-like oasis. We are extremely pleased to have found a contractor (Steve) who is so trustworthy and has very high standards for his workers. The whole team was a pleasure to have in the house - they really seem to enjoy what they do and take pride in their workmanship. The quote given was accurate and any changes were communicated promptly. We'd definitely hire them again.