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Built with intention. Planned with care.

Your energy-efficient home journey starts here.

Custom Homes and Renovations in Victoria and the surrounding Gulf Islands.

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Testimonials

 

We’ve had the opportunity to work with Stillwater Design Build on several custom home projects in Victoria. Their team consistently brings a high level of professionalism, clear communication, and an impressive ability to anticipate and solve problems before they become costly. Excellent collaborators who care about quality every step of the way.

Ben Schmidt

Tom Labelle, Director of Stillwater, immediately impressed us with his open and creative approach to our project that invited a "new and fresh" build for a home on a small Gulf Island.

Lewis Joubarne

Client

Stillwater is consistently professional, organized, and great to collaborate with. They prioritize clear communication and thoughtful planning, which makes working together smooth and efficient. I’d gladly recommend them to anyone looking for a high-quality, reliable builder.

B. Lange

P.Eng / Principal / Senior Structural Engineer, Westshore Structural Engineering Ltd.

Tom and his team transformed the basement of my home into a beautiful one-bedroom suite. From start to finish, they kept me involved in the design process and offered creative solutions to maximize every inch of space. They also managed the hazardous materials testing and abatement process with professionalism and care, which gave me peace of mind throughout the project. Despite the challenges of working within a tight footprint and budget, they delivered exactly what I was hoping for—and more.

Elizabeth Buxbaum

Client

Exceptional craftsmanship and service from start to finish!
We hired Stillwater Construction to rebuild our wharf, and they handled it with absolute professionalism and care at every step. From the first consultation, they listened attentively to our needs, explained the process in clear terms, and provided a transparent, fair quote. They even provided options for the rebuilding.
The crew’s workmanship is top notch. The wharf is sturdy and built to last. Communication was excellent throughout, and any questions we had were answered promptly.
We wholeheartedly recommend them.

Bonnie Burton

Client

Stillwater built a suite for us off our main house. They were professional, on budget and on schedule - even during COVID. Communication was excellent. The foreman and crew were skilled and hardworking, polite, and genuinely nice people. They kept a tidy site and built the suite to a very high standard and offered excellent suggestions along the way. If we had to use one word to describe our experience with Stillwater, it would be Trust.

Wendy Birch

Client

We commissioned Stillwater to build a high end Custom designed Barn-office for us. They took care of the design, permits , building and commissioning of the project. Tom the Owner of Stillwater and his team were as good as you can ask for. From breaking ground to handover, the project was on time, on budget and exactly as promised. A thoroughly professional company. Can't ask for more than that.

Greg Marshall

Client

Maverick Design has had the pleasure of working with Stillwater Custom Homes & Renovations on several projects, and we can’t recommend them highly enough. Their attention to detail, integrity, and commitment to doing things the right way set them apart. The team communicates clearly, values good design, and delivers exceptional quality — every time. If you’re planning a renovation or custom home in Victoria, you’ll be in great hands with Stillwater.

Danielle Keogan

Principal, Maverick Design

Tom and his crew are FANTASTIC. Work is brilliant, on time and budget. We are thrilled with both the basement reno and the two sets of docks crafted by Stillwater. We would not hesitate to use this company again!!

Debbie Dykes

Client
Energy Step Code British Columbia
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Red Seal Carpenter Victoria BC
British Columbia Housing Member
2-5-10 Warranty - Stillwater Custom Homes and Renovations
Work Safe Certified - Stillwater Custom Homes and Renovations
Stillwater Custom Homes and Renovations is Licensed

The Stillwater Custom Homes Experience

Building or renovating a home is a big commitment. Our role is to make that process calmer, clearer, and more predictable.

Clarity before construction
You’ll start with Planning First: a structured pre‑construction phase where we align your vision with budget, site conditions, and performance goals before any work begins.

A managed, steady process
During construction, you’ll have a clear point of contact, regular updates, and a team that pays attention to the details. By limiting the number of projects we take on, we can stay closely involved and responsive throughout your build.

Homes designed for the long term
At the end of the process, you move into a home designed for comfort, efficiency, and performance, supported by warranty coverage and a builder who remains available after you’ve settled in.

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Which project are you planning?

Whether you are building new, expanding your space, or creating an accessory dwelling, we guide each project with clarity, structure, and steady communication from planning through completion.

 

Victoria Custom Home Builder

Custom Homes in Victoria

Thoughtfully planned, energy‑efficient new builds tailored to your site.
Home Renovation Contractor Victoria BC

Home Renovations in Victoria

Major renovations and re‑plans for homes you’d like to keep living in.
Garden Suites and ADUs Victoria BC

Garden Suites and ADUs in Victoria

Secondary homes and accessory suites designed to fit your property, support family or rental needs, and meet local zoning with a thoughtful, well‑built approach.
Victoria home addition builder

Home Additions in Victoria

Thoughtful additions that respect your existing home while adding the space you need—whether for family, work, or aging in place.
Gulf Islands custom builder

Remote and Island Builds on Vancouver Island

Custom homes on Gulf Island and remote Vancouver Island sites, with logistics, site access, and coastal conditions carefully planned from the outset.
Victoria BC Passive House Construction

Passive House Construction in Victoria

High‑performance homes that emphasize airtight envelopes, careful detailing, and efficient mechanical systems for long‑term comfort and lower energy use.

How Your Project Takes Shape

A clear, three‑step path from early ideas to a finished, high‑performance home.

1. Start a conversation

Share your goals, timeline, and property details so we can understand what you’re trying to achieve.

Start a conversation

2. Plan First

You'll enter a structured pre‑construction phase where we align your design vision with budget, site conditions, and energy‑performance or aging‑in‑place goals. You’ll see a clear path forward before any construction work begins.

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3. Build with confidence

With a plan in place, our project team manages the build with steady communication, careful coordination, and attention to detail. You stay informed at each stage and move into a home that feels comfortable, efficient, and ready for the long term.

Investment Guide

What does a custom home or renovation actually cost in Greater Victoria?

The Investment Guide gives you a clear picture — so the decisions ahead are yours to make.

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Our Projects

Behind each project is a client planning for the long term—whether a high‑performance custom home, a major renovation, or a secondary dwelling. These homes reflect careful planning, collaborative work with designers and trades, and a steady build process from concept to completion.

 

Beyond Builders

A partner to help you plan, build, and live comfortably in your home for the long term.

What this means for you:

A clear advocate throughout the process
We represent your interests, guide key decisions, and help navigate complexity at every stage.

Structured project management
Your project is guided by a defined process that emphasizes planning, coordination, and risk reduction.

Consistent, transparent communication
You are kept informed with regular updates and clear explanations, so there are no surprises.

Fully licensed and insured in British Columbia
All new homes are protected by BC’s 2-5-10 Year Home Warranty Insurance.

Quality without shortcuts
Our work is delivered with care, accountability, and a commitment to making things right.

Our Work, Our Community

We're proud to build in the communities where we live, work, and raise our families. From Greater Victoria to the surrounding Gulf Islands, Stillwater is trusted to deliver homes that reflect both quality and place.

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North Saanich

Sidney

Central Saanich

Saanich

Oak Bay

Vic West

Highlands

Langford

Metchosin

Sooke

East Sooke

Malahat

Shawnigan Lake

Uplands

Esquimalt

View Royal

Colwood

Jordan River

Port Renfrew

Southern Gulf Islands

What Our Clients Say

The measure of our work is found in the words of our clients.

In the years since we met Tom, we have done many different projects from small to large. Most recently we built a new design office, just completed as I write this. The project was meticulously planned and executed by Tom. As it nears completion we are On Budget, On Time and better than promised.

Greg & Nancy Marshall

Tom Labelle, Director of Stillwater, Design Build, immediately impressed us with his open and creative approach to our project that invited a 'new and fresh' build design for our retirement home on a small Gulf Island.

Wynn and Monique

Stillwater Design Build renovated an open carport attached to my house, giving me a beautiful home office / living space.  Tom and his crew were a pleasure to work with, from beginning to end.

Alexandra

Tom Labelle and the crew from Stillwater Design Build are brilliant craftsmen. He and his team have completed two major projects for us and we highly recommend his expertise and services. Our projects were completed on time and within budget by friendly, qualified tradespeople.

Debbie & Steve

Stillwater Design Build delivered an exceptional product and service. Tom and Tyler are skilled master carpenters who don’t cut corners and the results show. They were upfront and provided budget transparency throughout the build process, which was very refreshing.

Ryan B.

Tom and the team at Stillwater made the process of building our new commercial space a breeze.  We truly felt like he was part of our team, and we know we wouldn’t have got it done without him.

Brad and Derek

Tom did what everyone else told us was impossible - he reclaimed our century old floors, providing advice and the skills to deliver top-quality results that met our tight timelines.

Tina P and Derelique H

FAQ

What areas do you serve?

Stillwater Custom Homes is based in Victoria, BC. We focus on custom homes and major renovations throughout Greater Victoria, including the Saanich Peninsula and South Vancouver Island. We also have experience with remote and island projects on the Gulf Islands, where we manage logistics such as barge access, delivery coordination, and building on rugged coastal sites.

What is your "planning-first" approach?

We believe clarity before construction is essential to a successful build. Our process begins with a structured pre-construction phase where we align your vision with budget expectations, site conditions, and regulatory requirements. This reduces the need for redesigns during construction, minimizes surprises, and supports a calmer, more predictable experience.

When should we involve Stillwater in our project?

Earlier is better. Many of the best cost, layout, and performance decisions are made before drawings are finalized. We’re happy to speak with you at the idea stage, alongside your architect or designer, or as you begin exploring feasibility.

 

Do we need an architect or designer before contacting you?

Not necessarily. Some clients come to us with an architect or designer already in place; others ask for guidance on assembling a suitable team. We can work within an architect-led model or help you connect with our trusted network of design professionals who fit your project.

Does Stillwater build energy-efficient or high-performance homes?

As registered licensed builders in BC and members of Passive House Canada, we are certified to build homes to the highest energy efficiency standards. A Passive House focuses on superior insulation, airtightness, and high-performance windows to create a home that is exceptionally comfortable and requires very little energy for heating and cooling.

How does your pricing model work?

We typically use a transparent cost-plus approach. You see the actual project costs, along with a clearly defined builder’s fee. This structure supports flexibility, honest conversations about priorities, and informed decisions as the project develops.

What kind of warranty do you provide?

We are fully licensed and insured in British Columbia. All new homes we build are covered by the 2-5-10 Year Home Warranty Insurance, which includes coverage for materials and labour, the building envelope, and structural components. At completion, we carry out a detailed walkthrough and provide clear documentation so you know how your home is intended to perform and how to look after it.

How do we know if our project is a good fit for Stillwater?

A brief initial conversation is often enough to get a sense of alignment. If you have a custom home or substantial renovation in mind, value quality and clarity, and are comfortable with a collaborative process, there’s a good chance we’ll be a match.

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