Design-Build Construction in Halifax
One contract. One team. One timeline. Helio's design-build model eliminates coordination risk so you get a cash-flowing apartment building without managing six different contractors.
What Is Design-Build?
Design-build is a construction delivery method where a single company handles both architectural design and construction under one contract. Instead of hiring an architect, then bidding the project to builders, then managing the gap between them, you hire one team that does everything. Helio's design-build model for apartments and multi-unit projects in Halifax means you sign once and get keys to a finished, rent-ready building.
| Factor | Design-Build (Helio) | Design-Bid-Build | Construction Management |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contracts | 1 | 2+ | 3+ |
| Timeline | 6 months | 18+ months | 12+ months |
| Price Risk | Fixed | Variable | Variable |
| Coordination | One team | You manage | CM manages |
| Change Orders | None | Common | Common |
Design-Build vs. General Contractor
Hiring a general contractor means you first pay an architect, then bid the project, then manage the gap between design and construction. With Helio, there is no gap. Here is a direct comparison for a typical fourplex project in Halifax.
| Factor | Traditional (GC + Architect) | Helio Design-Build |
|---|---|---|
| Contracts | 3-5 separate contracts | Single fixed-price contract |
| Timeline | 12-18 months typical | 6 months guaranteed |
| Cost Certainty | Estimates only, change orders common | Fixed price, $1K/day late penalty |
| Coordination | You manage architect, engineer, GC | One team handles everything |
| Risk | On you - delays, cost overruns | On us - guaranteed outcomes |
| Financing | Complex, multiple draws | Simplified, CMHC-ready packages |
The True Cost of Traditional Construction
A general contractor quote only covers construction. By the time you add the architect, engineer, permits, contingencies, change orders, and delay costs, a fourplex that looks like $640K on paper ends up costing $812K to $1.1M+. Here is what most builders do not tell you.
Timeline: 18 Months vs. 6 Months
Every extra month your building sits under construction is a month you are not collecting rent. At $8,000/month in potential rental income for a fourplex, a 12-month delay costs you $96,000 in lost revenue alone.
Start collecting rent 6-12 months sooner. That is $48,000 - $96,000 in revenue you keep instead of losing to construction delays.
Why Design-Build Wins
Single Point of Accountability
No finger-pointing between architect and builder. One company owns the design, the engineering, and the construction. If something goes wrong, there is exactly one phone call to make.
Faster Timeline
Design-build in Halifax with Helio takes 6 months from permit to keys. The industry average for design-bid-build is 18+ months. Overlapping design and construction phases eliminates dead time.
Fixed Price Guarantee
The price we quote is the price you pay. No change orders, no cost overruns. Material price increases and labor changes are our problem. If we deliver late, we pay you $1,000/day.
Quality Control
Licensed P.Eng inspections at every construction phase. Because the same team designs and builds, there are no interpretation gaps between drawings and execution. 2-year warranty on all work.
CMHC-Ready Packages
Our designs are pre-approved for CMHC MLI Select financing, which can provide up to 95% loan-to-value and amortization up to 50 years. We deliver the complete package your lender needs. Browse designs
Rent-Ready Delivery
We do not hand you a building that needs finishing. You get a completed, inspected, occupancy-permitted property with premium finishes throughout. Optional Rental Ready and Site Development packages make it fully move-in ready with appliances and landscaping.
How Our Design-Build Process Works
From your first consultation to keys in hand, Helio's design-build process keeps everything under one roof. Every person who works on your project -- architect, engineer, framer, electrician -- works for Helio. Same room, same deadline, same accountability.
Design-Build FAQ
Common questions about design-build construction in Halifax and how Helio's model works.
Design-build is a construction delivery method where a single entity handles both architectural design and construction under one contract. Instead of hiring an architect separately from a general contractor, you work with one team from concept through completion. This eliminates coordination gaps, reduces change orders, and shortens the overall project timeline. Helio's design-build model for Halifax apartments means one contract, one team, and one guaranteed fixed price.
Every cost is guaranteed upfront in a single fixed-price contract. The price we quote is the price you pay -- no change orders, no cost escalations, no surprise invoices. Material price increases, labor changes, and supply chain disruptions are absorbed by Helio. If we deliver late, we pay you $1,000 per day. Base construction starts from $160,000 per unit for a standard 2BR/1BA (ranging from $140Kâ$210K by configuration) and includes architectural design, structural engineering, permits, full construction, premium finishes, and in-unit laundry hookups. Appliances and landscaping are available as optional add-on packages (+$15K/unit each). Explore pricing configurations to see how the numbers work.
Helio's design-build base price includes architectural design and drawings, structural engineering, permit application and management, site preparation, full construction (foundation through finish), electrical and plumbing, HVAC systems (ductless heat pumps), premium finishes, in-unit laundry hookups, final inspections, and occupancy permits. Appliances and landscaping are available as optional add-on packages (+$15K/unit each). Land is not included -- that is your investment. See how our 7-step process works for the complete breakdown.
Design-build saves money in multiple ways. It eliminates the separate costs of hiring an architect ($15K-$30K), structural engineer ($8K-$15K), and permit expeditor ($5K-$10K). It removes the typical 15% construction contingency because the price is fixed. It eliminates change orders, which average $40K-$80K on traditional projects. And the faster 6-month timeline versus 12-18 months reduces carrying costs by $48K-$96K. A traditional fourplex can cost $812K-$1.1M+ while Helio delivers the same building for $640K fixed.
Helio offers pre-engineered designs optimized for cost efficiency and Nova Scotia zoning compliance, including CMHC-eligible floor plans. These designs have been refined through multiple builds to eliminate waste and maximize rental income. While the structural layouts are standardized to maintain our fixed-price guarantee, finishes, fixtures, and unit configurations can be adjusted within our design catalog. Browse our CMHC-eligible designs to see what is available.
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