Custom Home Builder in West Vancouver
Major Homes builds custom homes in West Vancouver, from hillside modern residences with ocean views to family homes in established neighbourhoods like British Properties, Ambleside, and Dundarave.
Major Homes has worked across West Vancouver for more than 30 years. We understand the District's permit process, character guidelines, and the realities of building on steep, treed, ocean facing lots. West Vancouver's terrain is dramatic. Hillside lots, ocean facing exposures, and mature canopies require a builder who understands geotechnical engineering, retaining wall construction, and view corridor preservation. Each home we complete in West Vancouver is designed to maximize the natural setting while meeting District of West Vancouver development permit requirements.
Three ways to build in West Vancouver
Custom home
A new house designed around your lot and how you live, usually with a legal suite. 10 to 14 months of construction after permits.
How a custom build runsCoach or laneway home
A detached home in the backyard while you keep living in the main house. Most builds run $350K to $550K all-in.
Coach home costs and rentsDuplex or multiplex
Two to six homes on one lot where the municipality allows it. Seven questions and we check your zoning.
See what your lot can holdHow many homes a West Vancouver lot can hold
Verified September 15, 2026- Typical lot
- Bylaw not yet adopted
- Near frequent transit
- Proposed, not adopted.
- Coach house
- Coach houses and suites remain the established route while the bylaw is settled.
West Vancouver missed the June 30, 2026 provincial deadline. Council scheduled readings of its amendment bylaw for September 2026. We check the current status before any lot review. If you own in West Vancouver, the answer can change month to month. Ask us and we confirm what applies on the day you ask.
Rules change after council votes. See every Metro Vancouver municipality side by side, or send us the address and we check it.
Neighbourhoods We Build In
British Properties
West Vancouver's most prestigious hillside neighbourhood, with sweeping city and ocean views. Large lots, established trees, and architectural character guidelines define the area.
Ambleside
A waterfront community with ocean access, walkable streets, and a mix of contemporary and traditional homes. Popular for families who want village style living with urban amenities.
Dundarave
A seaside neighbourhood known for its village feel, heritage character, and proximity to Dundarave Beach. Homes here blend classic West Coast architecture with modern luxury.
Caulfeild
Quiet, wooded lots with ocean access points and a strong sense of privacy. Caulfeild offers larger properties ideal for custom builds that integrate with the landscape.
Eagle Harbour
A waterfront community with direct ocean access and a mix of heritage cottages and modern custom homes. Building here requires sensitivity to the coastal environment and community character.
Sentinel Hill
Elevated lots with some of West Vancouver's best city views. A mix of mid century homes and new custom builds defines the neighbourhood.
Building Considerations
- +Geotechnical assessments required for most hillside lots
- +Retaining wall engineering for steep grade construction
- +View corridor preservation requirements
- +Tree protection bylaws and arborist reports
- +District of West Vancouver development permit process
- +Coastal setback requirements for waterfront properties
Frequently Asked Questions
Not yet, as of September 2026. West Vancouver missed the provincial June 30, 2026 deadline and scheduled readings of its amendment bylaw for September 2026. Suites and coach houses remain the established route in the meantime. Ask us and we confirm what applies on the day you ask.
The District of West Vancouver typically processes development permits in 8 to 16 weeks for straightforward projects. Complex projects involving variances, tree removal, or environmental reviews can take 4 to 8 months. Major Homes manages the full permit process on your behalf.
Hillside construction in West Vancouver requires geotechnical engineering for foundation design, retaining wall systems to manage grade changes, crane access for material delivery, and careful attention to drainage and erosion control. These factors add complexity and cost compared to flat lot construction. The views and privacy they afford are why owners build on them.
Yes. British Properties is one of our most active areas. We have completed multiple custom homes in the neighbourhood, working within the architectural character guidelines while delivering the modern finish quality our clients expect.
Begin With a Consultation
A 60 to 90 minute consultation. We review your goals, the lot, and your budget range, and you leave with a written summary and the next steps.
Send Us Your Request