Frequently asked questions
What is REW's guide to building a multiplex about?
REW's guide advises British Columbia single-family homeowners on converting a lot into a multiplex, such as a duplex or triplex. It covers why the timing suits homeowners now that provincial legislation requires most lots to allow multiplexes, the choice between developing the project yourself or partnering with a professional developer, and how a completed multiplex is managed as a strata property with shared maintenance and monthly fees.
What does the guide say about partnering with a developer versus developing alone?
The guide describes two paths for a homeowner: developing the project directly, which it calls the riskier option, or partnering with a professional developer. It recommends a limited partnership for a homeowner who wants controlled involvement, and describes a general partnership as giving more control but carrying greater financial risk.
How long does a multiplex take to build after permits are approved?
REW's guide says that once the city has issued the permits and the household has moved to a temporary home, the new multiplex should be move-in ready in about a year to 18 months, and that the time may vary with the project. The guide adds that it is difficult to estimate how long a city will take to approve permits, so that wait comes before this one.
What did Louis Nguyen say in REW's multiplex guide?
Louis Nguyen, Costar's Director of Sales, told REW: “We continue to build up this network of people who truly believe that multiplexes for generational living are one of the important products.” He also advised homeowners to consult an architect early, visit active construction sites, and hire professional property management before the units are occupied.
Why does REW recommend visiting an active construction site before starting a multiplex project?
REW's guide credits Louis Nguyen with recommending that a homeowner visit an active construction site as part of preparing for their own multiplex project, alongside consulting an architect early and lining up professional property management before occupancy, so the homeowner understands what the build process looks like before committing to one.
What law made most BC single-family lots eligible for a multiplex?
REW's guide names provincial legislation, Bill 44, as the law that requires most single-family lots in British Columbia to allow multiplex development, which the guide gives as one reason the timing suits homeowners who are considering a conversion now. REW published the guide on December 15, 2025.
How is a completed multiplex managed after construction finishes?
REW's guide says a completed multiplex is managed like any strata property, with maintenance responsibilities shared across the units and monthly strata fees split among the owners, the same as a condo building. REW published this guide on December 15, 2025, and Costar summarized it in this post on January 16, 2026.
What is the difference between a limited partnership and a general partnership for a multiplex project?
REW's guide recommends a limited partnership for a homeowner who wants a controlled role while a professional developer carries the construction risk. It describes a general partnership as giving the homeowner more control over the project, but with greater financial risk than a limited partnership carries.
What else has REW published about Costar since January 2026?
REW has published two more pieces about Costar since its January 2026 guide. Zak Khan's article "Costar Construction: a family building family homes" ran on July 30, 2026. A 5 minute 40 second REW video with Louis Nguyen, "From One Lot to the Ultimate Multi-generational Multiplex with Costar Construction", was uploaded on September 25, 2026. Both sit on REW's own website and YouTube channel.
Sources
- Building your own multiplex: a guide for current single-family homeowners REW, December 15, 2025
- Costar Construction: a family building family homes. REW, July 30, 2026
- From One Lot to the Ultimate Multi-generational Multiplex with Costar Construction. REW (YouTube), September 25, 2026
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