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HOWSON HOMES BLOG POSTS


How to Finance a New Home in BC & Construction Loans Vancouver Island
How to Finance a New Construction Project on Vancouver Island: A Homeowner's Guide to Construction Loans, HELOCs, B Lenders & Private Financing.

Nick Howson
Aug 2817 min read
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Home Builders on Vancouver Island: The Complete Guide to Building a Custom Home in Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Duncan, Nanoose Bay & Beyond
Looking for a home builder on Vancouver Island? Learn about building a custom home in Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Duncan, Lantzville and Nanoose Bay with Howson Homes.

Nick Howson
Aug 2710 min read
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House Fire Rebuilds on Vancouver Island: What to Do After a Fire
House Fire Recovery Checklist: What to Do After a House Fire in BC

Nick Howson
Aug 264 min read
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Softwood Lumber Tariffs in Canada 2026: What They Mean for Building a Home on Vancouver Island
Canadian softwood lumber tariffs are creating uncertainty for builders and homeowners. Learn what lumber prices, tariffs and market conditions mean for building a home on Vancouver Island in 2026.

Nick Howson
Aug 266 min read
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The Ultimate Guide to Buying Land and Building a Home on Vancouver Island
Planning to buy land and build a home on Vancouver Island? Explore our complete guide to zoning, ALR, wells, septic, building permits, BC Building Code, Step Code, property titles, site costs and Vancouver Island construction.

Nick Howson
Aug 1815 min read
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Moving From Alberta to Vancouver Island? What You Need to Know Before Buying Land and Building a Home
Moving from Alberta to Vancouver Island? Learn what Alberta buyers need to know before purchasing land and building a custom home, including zoning, ALR, wells, septic, permits, BC Building Code, Step Code and construction costs.

Nick Howson
Aug 1811 min read
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Radon Rules When Building a Home on Vancouver Island
Building on Vancouver Island? Learn why BC Building Code radon requirements can affect foundations, below-grade construction, and new-home planning.

Nick Howson
Jul 312 min read
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Wildfire Building Rules for Vancouver Island Homes
Building near forested land on Vancouver Island? Learn how wildfire considerations can affect home design, materials, landscaping, and site planning.

Nick Howson
Jul 312 min read
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Steep Slope Building Rules on Vancouver Island
Building on a Steep Lot on Vancouver Island? Check the Development Permit Area First.

Nick Howson
Jul 312 min read
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Why Geotechnical Analysis Matters When Building on Vancouver Island
Learn why a geotechnical report may be needed when building on Vancouver Island, including steep, rocky, waterfront, Mount Washington, or Gulf Island properties.

Nick Howson
Jul 312 min read
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RAPR Report Process: What Vancouver Island Property Owners Should Know
If you're planning to build a home on a Vancouver Island property near a stream, creek, wetland, or other watercourse, you may hear that a RAPR report is required before your project can move forward.

Nick Howson
Jul 313 min read
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Building a Custom Home in Nanaimo, BC: Summer 2026 Guide
Building a Custom Home in Nanaimo, BC: Summer 2026 Guide

Nick Howson
Jul 3110 min read
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Stormwater Management When Building on Vancouver Island
Learn why your Vancouver Island building lot may need stormwater planning and how drainage can affect your home, driveway, foundation, and site design.

Nick Howson
Jul 312 min read
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How to Choose a Custom Home Builder on Vancouver Island
How to Choose a Custom Home Builder on Vancouver Island

Nick Howson
Jul 319 min read
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🏗️ Navigating Building Permits in Ladysmith, Duncan and Nanaimo.
When you’re ready to build your dream home on Vancouver Island, one of the first major steps is obtaining a building permit. But depending on where you plan to build Ladysmith, Duncan, or Nanaimo the process can look a little different. In this post, we’ll walk you through the key similarities and differences between these three municipalities, and help you understand exactly what to expect before breaking ground. 📋 Understanding the Building Permit Process A building permit

Nick Howson
Jun 143 min read
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Building a Sustainable Future with Howson Homes; First Nations, Supportive Housing and Non-Profits on Vancouver Island
A brief article on Howson Homes sustainable building practices through work with First Nations, Supportive Housing and Non Profit organizations across Vancouver Island.

Nick Howson
Jun 143 min read
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Building on Gabriola and Saltspring Islands A Comprehensive Guide by Howson Homes
Building on Gabriola and Saltspring Islands A Comprehensive Guide by Howson Homes

Nick Howson
Jun 143 min read
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How Much Does It Cost to Build a Custom Home in Nanaimo in 2026?
2026 Guide To Building a Custom Home in Nanaimo and Central Vancouver Island

Nick Howson
Jun 126 min read
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Building in Lantzville, BC: A Roadmap to Single-Family and Multi-Family Success
Building in Lantzville, BC: A Roadmap to Single-Family and Multi-Family Success

Nick Howson
May 293 min read
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Building on Thetis Drive in Ladysmith, BC
A Technical Guide to Sloped Lot Construction, Level-Entry Homes & Panoramic View Design by Howson Homes LTD

Nick Howson
Mar 34 min read
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Lets Build.
HOWSON HOMES LTD
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