Episode 49: The Truth About Building a Home in BC | Andrew Huang on Permits, Costs & Market Shifts

In this episode of The Canadian Mortgage Show, hosts Alex Pang and Alex Shanks welcome Andrew Huang, Licensed Builder at Fairlands Custom Homes Ltd., for an in-depth look at the realities of building in Greater Vancouver and across BC. With over 20 years in the construction industry, Andrew shares his journey from working in commercial projects to specializing in custom homes, townhouses, and condo developments.

They cover:

The impact of BC’s stringent builder licensing and home warranty requirements.
Why self-build financing has become harder and how banks assess projects.
Long municipal permit delays and which areas are more “builder-friendly.”
The rise of small-scale multi-unit housing (SSMUH) and its limitations.
How rising labor, material, and development costs are shaping the market.
Why smaller developers are struggling — and how bigger players are snapping up stalled projects.
Lessons for homeowners on choosing the right builder and navigating the process from design to completion.
From policy changes and market trends to personal stories from the job site, this episode offers valuable insight for homeowners, investors, real estate professionals, and anyone curious about BC’s housing market.


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