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If you're planning to build a new home in Nanaimo, there is an important distinction that isn't always obvious from the finished photos: Was the home built to be repeated, or was it built specifically for you? That's one of the fundamental differences between a production builder and a custom home builder. Production builders are very good at creating efficiencies. They repeat plans, standardize materials and streamline construction so homes can be completed quickly and at sc

For a long time, a “luxury home” was largely defined by size, expensive finishes and a long list of upgrades. Today, we're seeing something different. Homeowners building in Nanaimo, Gabriola Island and across Vancouver Island are increasingly focused on homes that feel considered rather than simply expensive. Natural materials. Incredible indoor-outdoor spaces. Better energy performance. Cleaner architectural details. Thoughtful lighting. And homes designed specifically arou

Gabriola Island offers something that's becoming increasingly difficult to find: the opportunity to build a beautiful custom home surrounded by nature, with ocean views, forested properties and a relaxed island lifestyle, all within easy reach of Nanaimo. But building on an island presents challenges you won't necessarily encounter on the mainland. Transportation, material deliveries, trades availability and construction scheduling all play an important role in determining yo

If you own a home in Nanaimo, renovating can be about much more than updating finishes. The right renovation can improve how your home functions, make it more comfortable and energy efficient, create additional living space, and help protect its long-term value. With many buyers looking closely at Nanaimo real estate, homeowners are also asking an important question: where does it make the most sense to invest in an existing home? At Velsen Homes, we approach renovations the

If you’ve been thinking about upgrading the energy efficiency of your Nanaimo home, there’s a local financing program worth knowing about. The City of Nanaimo Home Energy Retrofit Financing Program offers eligible homeowners access to up to $15,000 in zero-interest financing to help pay for qualifying energy-efficiency improvements. Rather than taking out a traditional renovation loan, the financing is repaid over 10 years through the property tax bill. For a homeowner using

Eye-level view of a modern house under construction in Nanaimo Why Consider Building a Home in Nanaimo? You’ve looked at what feels like every house for sale in Nanaimo. One has the perfect location but needs a $150,000 renovation. Another has the kitchen you want but no yard. The next one checks almost every box—until you realize the bedrooms are tiny, the garage doesn’t work, or you’d be replacing the roof, windows and heating system within the next few years. Eventually, a

With housing costs continuing to rise and more families looking for flexible ways to use their property, carriage houses and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are becoming an increasingly popular option for Nanaimo homeowners. Whether you're considering a detached home for aging parents, additional space for family, a long-term rental, or simply want to make better use of your property, an ADU can add significant functionality and long-term value to an existing lot. But before

Building a custom home should be exciting. But between finding the right property, developing a design, establishing a realistic budget, navigating permits, making hundreds of selections, and eventually bringing everything together on site, there is a lot that happens before you ever receive the keys. At Velsen Homes, our role is to make that process clear, organized, and collaborative. We have been building homes and managing construction projects in Nanaimo, Gabriola Island

If you're planning to build a custom home in Nanaimo or anywhere on Central Vancouver Island, one of the first questions you'll ask is, "How much will it cost?" The honest answer is that every project is different. Factors such as the size of the home, the complexity of the design, the site conditions, and the level of finishes all play a role. However, understanding what influences construction costs can help you set a realistic budget and make informed decisions before cons

If you've started researching custom homes, chances are you've come across terms like Passive House, Step Code 5, Net Zero, and high-performance construction. It doesn't take long before everything starts sounding the same. So let's simplify it. Think of building a home like buying a vehicle. A standard home gets you where you need to go. A Step Code 5 home is like buying a luxury hybrid—it's incredibly efficient, comfortable, and engineered to perform well for years. A Passi

Wildfires have become a growing concern in British Columbia. Each year, the risk of fire damage to homes increases, especially in areas surrounded by forests and dry landscapes. Building homes that can resist wildfires is no longer optional—it’s essential. I want to share how Velsen Homes approaches this challenge by using smart, fire-resistant building techniques and materials. These methods not only protect homes but also bring peace of mind to homeowners. Eye-level view

Building a home today means more than just creating a beautiful space. It means thinking about the future, the environment, and your comfort. Energy-efficient custom homes are becoming the standard for smart living. I want to share why these homes matter and how Velsen is leading the way in Nanaimo with their innovative approach. Why Choose Energy-Efficient Custom Homes? Energy efficiency is not just a buzzword. It’s a practical way to save money and reduce your environmental

Our crews have been making excellent progress on our commercial office and warehouse project, and we’re excited to share that we’ve reached a major milestone. The entire building is now fully closed in, protecting the structure from the elements and allowing us to move full speed ahead on the interior work. Drywall has now been installed throughout the building, and the interior spaces are really beginning to take shape. With the structure complete and the layout clearly visi

There’s something special about the stage of a build when the vision truly begins to take shape. On this stunning waterfront custom home build, the structure is now rising from the landscape as framing progresses and the walls begin to define the home’s future spaces. Inside, concrete flooring is currently being poured, forming the solid foundation for the main living areas and setting the stage for the next phases of construction. This step is a major milestone in the buildi

Waterfront homes offer a unique lifestyle, blending natural beauty with thoughtful design. Velsen Homes latest project on Gabriola Island is a perfect example of this harmony. This upcoming home is crafted to maximize ocean views and create seamless indoor-outdoor living spaces. For anyone dreaming of a home where every window frames the sea, this design-build project sets a new standard. Thoughtfully designed by Adam Velsen this build is definitely one to follow along in the

The Aqua Terra commercial site is moving forward at an impressive pace. With framing nearly complete and finished walls soon to follow, this project is shaping up to be a standout example of quality commercial construction on Vancouver Island. Framing progress at Aqua Terra commercial site Framing Nears Completion The framing stage is a critical phase in any commercial building project. At Aqua Terra, the Velsen Homes team has worked efficiently to erect the skeleton of the b

Take a look at some of our latest designs, builds, and renovations. highlighting some unique features about each home. Introducing Our Quadra Island Project ​ Velsen Homes is proud to be part of the development of the new Recycling Depot that will support the entire Quadra Island community. This project is currently underway and represents an important step toward improving local waste management and environmental sustainability. ​ Our work began with excavating the existing