Knowledge Zone
Resources & Information for Your Construction Project
Working With MacQueen Systems
0Everything you need to know about how we operate, what to expect when you hire us, and how we keep projects on track from start to finish.
- Articles coming soon
Client Portal & BuilderTrend
0How to access your project portal, navigate BuilderTrend, approve selections, review photos, and stay connected with your build team.
- Articles coming soon
Project Process & Costs
0How projects are priced, how draw schedules work, what change orders mean, and what to expect financially from start to closeout.
- Articles coming soon
Construction Standards
0Industry standards, building codes, materials, and methods that shape how residential and commercial projects get built in BC.
- Articles coming soon
Permits & Regulations
1What permits are required, how the approval process works, typical timelines, and what to expect from municipalities in the Fraser Valley.
Fraser Valley Resources
1Local contacts, utility providers, municipal offices, and regional information useful for property owners and builders in the Fraser Valley.
Good To Know
4Helpful information that doesn't fit neatly into one box - industry insights, tips for homeowners, and things worth knowing before you build.
Featured Articles
- Wood Deck vs. Composite Decking: An Honest Comparison
- Fixed Price vs. Cost-Plus: Which Construction Contract Is Right for You?
- The BC Building Code Explained: What It Is and Why It Matters
- How to Get a Building Permit in Chilliwack, BC
- Asbestos in Your Home: What It Is, Where It Hides, and What to Do About It
- How to Choose a General Contractor (Without Getting Burned)
- Asbestos in Your Home: What It Is, Where It Hides, and What to Do About It
- How to Get a Building Permit in Chilliwack, BC
- The BC Building Code Explained: What It Is and Why It Matters
- Fixed Price vs. Cost-Plus: Which Construction Contract Is Right for You?
- How to Choose a General Contractor (Without Getting Burned)
- The BC Building Code Explained: What It Is and Why It Matters
- Asbestos in Your Home: What It Is, Where It Hides, and What to Do About It
- How to Get a Building Permit in Chilliwack, BC
- Fixed Price vs. Cost-Plus: Which Construction Contract Is Right for You?
Frequently Asked Questions
The easiest way is to fill out our Get a Quote form on the website.
From there, we'll reach out to set up a quick call or site visit depending on the scope. For smaller jobs, we can often give you a ballpark over the phone. For larger projects, we'll want to see the space before putting numbers together.
For most residential projects, you'll hear back within 2 to 3 business days. Larger commercial or new build projects may take a bit longer depending on how much detail is involved. We'll always let you know upfront what to expect.
Yes. Most projects require a deposit before we schedule your start date and begin ordering materials. The deposit amount depends on the project size and is outlined clearly in your contract. We don't ask for large upfront payments. Your draw schedule is tied to project milestones so you're only paying for work that's been completed.
We work throughout the Fraser Valley, from Surrey east to Boston Bar. Our primary focus areas are Chilliwack and Abbotsford, but we take on projects across the region. If you're unsure whether we service your area, just reach out and we'll let you know.
Yes. MacQueen Systems is a fully licensed general contractor in BC and carries full general liability insurance and WorkSafeBC coverage. We're happy to provide proof of insurance on request before any work begins.
It depends on the scope of work. Most structural renovations, additions, new builds, and mechanical work require permits. Cosmetic updates like painting, flooring, or cabinet replacements typically don't. We'll let you know what's required during the quoting process and can handle the permit applications on your behalf.
That depends on the size and complexity of the work. A bathroom renovation might take 2 to 3 weeks. A full home renovation or new build can take several months. We'll give you a realistic timeline during the quoting process and keep you updated throughout the project through our client portal.
We use Buildertrend as our client portal. Once your project is underway, you'll get login access to view your project schedule, daily logs, photos, documents, and approved selections. It's where you'll also see invoices and approve any change orders. We'll walk you through how to use it at the start of your project.
A change order is a formal document that records any changes to the original scope of work. Whether that's adding something, removing something, or modifying the plan. Change orders include the updated cost and timeline impact. Nothing outside the original scope gets started without your written approval first.
We use a milestone-based draw schedule rather than asking for large lump sums upfront. Payments are tied to project phases ; for example, a draw at framing completion, one at rough-ins, one at drywall, and so on. The exact schedule is outlined in your contract before we start.
We stand behind our work. If an issue comes up during construction, we deal with it directly and keep you informed. After project completion, we offer a warranty period on our workmanship. If something related to our work fails within that period, we'll come back and make it right. no runaround.
In some cases, yes. If you have specific materials or fixtures you'd like to use, let us know during the quoting process. We'll factor that into the scope and let you know if there are any compatibility or installation considerations. Keep in mind that materials you supply fall outside our warranty coverage.
We work closely with trusted design partners and can connect you with the right people depending on your project. For straightforward renovations, we can often work from your existing plans or sketches. For larger or more complex projects, we'll let you know if a designer would be beneficial and point you in the right direction.
A general contractor (GC) manages the overall project, coordinating trades, scheduling, permits, and quality control. Subcontractors are the specialized trades (electricians, plumbers, framers, etc.) who carry out specific portions of the work under the GC's direction. When you hire MacQueen Systems, we act as your GC and take responsibility for the full project, including managing all subs.
Yes. MacQueen Systems has an earthworks division that handles excavation, site prep, and septic system installation. Having both under one roof means better coordination, fewer scheduling headaches, and a single point of contact for your whole project.
Talk to us directly. Remember, we work for you!
Your project manager is your main point of contact and the fastest way to get anything resolved. You can message through the client portal, call the office, or send an email. We'd rather hear about a concern early than have something small turn into a bigger issue.
Everything lives in your Buildertrend client portal. Once you're set up with login access, you can view and download invoices, signed contracts, selection sheets, photos, and daily logs anytime. If you need help accessing something, reach out to us directly and we'll get it sorted.
You will also always be emailed a copy of your invoices as well.
Yes. We provide a workmanship warranty on completed projects. The specific terms depend on the type of work, we'll outline the warranty coverage in your contract. New home builds in BC are also subject to the BC New Home Warranty program, which provides additional coverage on structural components, building envelope, and mechanical systems.