Formwerks Architectural

We live in a Formwerks-​designed development. This was a big point the realtor was trying to sell us on when we bought our townhouse four years after it was built, and sure, the aesthetics looked better than the average Vancouver townhouse. But when it comes to the materials they choose, it doesn’t take long to see where they skimped, and it wasn’t in the right places. When we moved in, every plumbing fixture in the house was already coming apart. (And our neighbours say they have the same issue, so it’s not abuse by the previous owner or something.) The kitchen faucet has been barely holding on, and sorely needs to be replaced. It’s the shortcuts on the shower that really rankle — on a six-​year old house, we’re being told by contractors that we have to completely redo the shower — tear all the tile off and replace it – just so we can put in a working shower control with a handle that stays attached. I know that perhaps it was the contractors who chose the faucets, fixtures, and appliances (which also were quite cheap, and are failing), but it’s not the contractor’s brand that’s being sold with the development, even years later, it’s Formwerks’.
So I have to say that, having seen what six years can do to a Formwerks house, I can’t say their brand says much about quality. The place will look better than average when you buy it. It won’t be the absolute worst you can get in a new development here (It’s not obviously cheap at the outset, like some new townhouses we toured — it’s only cheap when you’re a year or two in). But their brand doesn’t guarantee that it’ll be top-​notch construction.

Formwerks provides outstanding architectural services at a reasonable price. Jim Bussey is a talented architect with a unique blend of appreciation for classical architecture, combined with creativity and practical solutions for the unique challenges of Vancouver real estate. A look at his projects will reveal the high level of quality he designs into every home.
Formwerks designed my home 12 years ago, and we enjoy waking up every morning and trying on our custom made suit. It fits like a glove!