Commercial Envelope Renewal for Maple Ridge Gardens in Vernon, BC
Phase one of a building envelope renewal on an occupied strata property, delivered ahead of schedule through smart access planning, close coordination, and clear communication.
Project Snapshot
Project Details
- Project: Maple Ridge Gardens
- Client: Associated Property Management
- Client Type: Property Management
- Location: Vernon, British Columbia
- Result: Phase one of the envelope renewal completed ahead of schedule and on budget, with significant client savings
Scope of Work
- Removal of old wood siding on the mansard and top floor soffits
- New sheeting across the mansard
- Building envelope renewal, phase one
- New gutters and downspouts
The Situation
Maple Ridge Gardens was an occupied strata building in Vernon beginning a full building envelope renewal. This project was phase one, focused on the mansard and top floor soffits, gutters, and downspouts.
With residents living in the building throughout, every step had to be coordinated carefully with tenants and the strata council to keep disruption to a minimum.
Big Dog Exteriors was chosen for a fresh perspective, renovation expertise, and an endless willingness to talk options through with the strata council and owners to plan the project in the most cost effective way.
The Challenge
The main challenge was reaching the mansard and top floor heights without scaffolding, which was too costly and would have roughly doubled the length of the project.
On top of that, this was an occupied building with very tight sections to work around, plus a wasp infestation living in the old soffits that had to be dealt with before work could proceed.
Every stage also required ongoing coordination with tenants and the strata council so that access could be gained without disrupting residents or the grounds below.
The Strategy
Big Dog Exteriors approached this project with careful access planning, open communication, and close coordination with everyone involved on the property.
Smart Access Planning
Rather than default to scaffolding, the team worked out how to use lifts around the property, bringing both cost and completion time down significantly.
Full Coordination
Big Dog Exteriors coordinated with landscapers, the strata council, and Orkin pest control to reach the areas needed while causing minimal damage to the grounds below.
Communication & Planning
Constant communication and detailed job planning turned what could have been a months long project into a smooth four week job.
What We Did
Removal of old wood siding on the mansard and top floor soffits
Pest control coordination to clear a wasp infestation in the old soffits
New sheeting installed across the entire mansard
Building envelope preparation for phase one
Installation of new gutters and downspouts
Lift based access planning to avoid costly scaffolding
Coordination with tenants, strata council, landscapers, and pest control
Attention to Detail That Made the Difference
One unexpected discovery shaped the project. Once the old lap siding came off, the team found there was no sheeting underneath the mansard.
Rather than push ahead, Big Dog Exteriors discussed the issue with Natasha from the strata council and sheeted the entire mansard before any envelope and cladding work continued, protecting the long term performance of the building.
That kind of communication and follow through is the reason a project with real surprises still finished ahead of schedule and on budget.
The Result
Everyone in the building, owners and strata alike, was ecstatic that the project finished ahead of schedule and on budget, which included significant savings for the client.
The finished work looks great and sets a strong foundation for the next phases of the envelope renewal.
The team is looking forward to continuing with cladding and windows in the spring, building on a relationship that started with a smooth, well run first phase.
Why This Project Matters
Maple Ridge Gardens shows what Big Dog Exteriors brings to occupied buildings and phased envelope work.
Through smart access planning, close coordination with strata and trades, and honest communication when surprises came up, the team delivered real cost savings without sacrificing quality.
This project reflects reliability, clear communication, and the kind of trust that leads a client to bring you back for the next phase.
What The Client Said
"Mac and his crew did phenomenal work on our building's mansard. He worked with us to discuss cost-saving options while still providing a quality product installed by a professional crew. He saved us over $150,000 compared to other quotes we received. His crew was also done a week ahead of schedule, which was not expected for such a large construction project with so many moving parts. I attached a before and after so people can see the difference it makes to our building. We are thrilled with the results!"
Natasha Richards
Associated Property Management
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you work on occupied strata buildings?
Yes. We coordinate closely with tenants and strata councils so work can proceed safely with minimal disruption to residents.
How do you reach height without scaffolding?
Where possible we plan lift based access, which can lower costs and shorten timelines compared to full scaffolding.
Can you handle phased envelope renewals?
Yes. We regularly complete envelope work in phases, coordinating each stage around budget, access, and building needs.
What happens if you find hidden issues during the work?
We stop, discuss the situation with the client, and address it properly. On this project that meant sheeting the mansard before continuing.
