Commercial Exterior Rebuild in Columbia Gardens, BC
Rebuilding the exterior envelope of an occupied BC Housing building under constant rain and strict safety controls.
Project Snapshot
Project Details
- Project: Columbia Gardens
- Client: Restruction Building Services
- Client Type: General Contractor
- Location: Revelstoke, British Columbia
- Result: Occupied building exterior rebuilt ahead of schedule with high safety compliance
Scope of Work
- Full exterior envelope replacement
- Demolition of existing siding
- New trims, soffits, and fascias
- James Hardie ColorPlus products throughout
The Situation
Columbia Gardens was a BC Housing project that required a full exterior renewal while residents continued living inside the building.
Safety and coordination were paramount from the start. Every phase of work needed to be carefully controlled, with walkways protected, work zones flagged, and constant communication maintained with on site management.
The Challenge
This project presented two major obstacles.
First, the south side of the building offered difficult access that required precise lift placement and staging.
Second, persistent rain created challenging working conditions day after day, requiring disciplined site setup and process control to maintain quality and safety.
The Strategy
Big Dog Exteriors approached Columbia Gardens with focus, teamwork, and a relentless commitment to safety and efficiency.
On site dedication
The team committed to staying in Revelstoke for the full duration of the project, working long days to maintain momentum and consistency.
Crew based efficiency
Four crew members worked elevation by elevation, each with their own lift, saw, and cut station to keep production flowing.
Daily organization
Work zones were reset every morning, materials were staged tightly, and cleanup was completed at the end of each day.
What We Did
Full demolition of existing siding
Complete envelope rebuild
Installation of James Hardie ColorPlus products
New trims, soffits, and fascias
Hardrailed pedestrian protection and flagged access routes
Daily cleanup and safety inspections
Attention to Detail That Made the Difference
Every elevation was treated as its own controlled project.
The team worked through each section from start to finish before moving on, ensuring quality, safety, and consistency.
Cut stations and work benches were set up close to active areas to reduce travel time, while materials were staged carefully to keep walkways clear and minimize disruption to residents.
The Result
The project was completed ahead of schedule, with the general contractor and strata fully satisfied.
Despite the noise inherent in exterior reconstruction, residents were pleased to see the transformation completed quickly and safely.
The finished building now features a durable, cohesive exterior designed for long term performance in mountain weather conditions.
Why This Project Matters
Columbia Gardens demonstrates Big Dog Exteriors' ability to deliver complex envelope rebuilds on occupied buildings under demanding conditions.
From safety management to logistics and weather planning, this project reflects discipline, teamwork, and execution at a commercial scale.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you keep residents safe during exterior work?
Through hardrailed walkways, flagged access routes, daily safety checks, and constant coordination with building management.
Can you work in poor weather conditions?
Yes. We adjust staging and sequencing to maintain safety and quality during rain and seasonal challenges.
How do you manage access on tight sites?
With careful lift placement, phased elevation work, and detailed site planning.
Do you coordinate with strata and housing authorities?
Yes. Occupied buildings require close coordination and strict compliance protocols.
