Presale Pro Tip Series: Who's Building Your Future Home?
Why the Developer Matters
In a presale purchase, you’re buying the promise of a home — not the finished product. The quality, reliability, and track record of the developer are just as important as the floorplan you fall in love with.
Choosing the wrong builder can mean delays, cost surprises, or even project cancellations.
5 Ways to Vet a Presale Developer
1. Review Their Track Record
Look at completed projects — both in your city and elsewhere. Are past buildings holding up well? Have they delivered on time? How do their homes perform on resale value?
2. Talk to Past Buyers
If possible, connect with owners in previous developments. Ask about communication, build quality, and how warranty issues were handled.
3. Check for Complaints or Legal Issues
Search BC Housing, news articles, and local forums for any history of disputes, building deficiencies, or buyer complaints.
4. Understand Their Warranty Provider
In BC, all new homes require third-party home warranty coverage. A reputable developer will work with a well-known, established warranty provider — not an obscure one.
5. Evaluate Their Financial Stability
Well-capitalized developers are less likely to cut corners or stall projects. Look at their scale, funding sources, and whether they partner with credible construction and marketing teams.
Local Insight: North Shore Developers
The North Shore tends to attract larger, more established developers. High land costs, strict planning processes, and complex municipal relationships mean only well-capitalized builders often take on these projects.
That’s good news for buyers — it generally means stronger financial backing, proven track records, and more predictable delivery timelines.
However, smaller developers do occasionally step in, often on boutique infill or specialized projects. While these can offer unique designs and a personal touch, they sometimes face challenges with construction delays, cost overruns, or adapting to the North Shore’s demanding approval process.
Knowing which smaller builders can deliver, and which have struggled, can save you from a stressful and uncertain experience.
Pro Tip: Your Realtor’s Rolodex Is Your Research Shortcut
Vetting a developer can take hours of digging, OR you can tap into a realtor’s past client experiences, agent feedback, and industry connections.
An experienced local agent will know which developers consistently deliver on time, on budget, and to a high standard — and which you might want to avoid.
Thinking of Buying a Presale on the North Shore?
Let’s make sure you’re getting the right unit, in the right project, at the right time — with no surprises. Reach out for expert guidance on North Vancouver and West Vancouver presales, and let’s walk through your options together.
