FAQ
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SSMUH stands for Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing — provincial legislation (Bill 44) that requires BC municipalities to allow more homes on residential lots without rezoning. Most single-family lots between 280 m² and 4,050 m² can now have up to 4 units by right. Lots within 400 metres of a frequent transit stop may qualify for up to 6 units. This is a "missing middle" housing strategy — the legal pathway between single-family homes and large apartment buildings. The major hurdle of rezoning is gone. If your lot qualifies, multi-unit housing is already allowed as-of-right.
Not every lot qualifies, but most do. In Port Moody alone, 3,709 lots are eligible for 4 units, and 515 lots qualify for 6 units (near frequent transit). To qualify, your lot must be at least 280 m² in size and in a zone that permits residential use. Lots on Transit-Oriented Area (TOA) designations (like those near SkyTrain) fall under Bill 47 and may have different rules — check with your municipal planner. Some small communities or strata-titled lots may be exempt. A free feasibility review confirms whether your specific lot qualifies.
Secondary suite: An additional living unit added inside or attached to your existing home — typically a basement, second-floor, or side apartment. Legal, self-contained, with its own entrance, kitchen, and bathroom. Cost: $80K–$160K.
Laneway home: A small dwelling built in the backyard, typically accessed via a laneway or rear lot. A separate structure with independent title potential. Cost: $250K–$450K.
Fourplex: Four self-contained homes on one lot. Can be a single building with four units or a collection of separate structures. Each unit has a private entrance and address. Often offers the best financial return. Cost: $1.2M–$2.2M+.
Multiplex: Umbrella term for any multi-unit configuration (duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, etc.). SSMUH allows up to 4 or 6 units depending on lot size and location.
Laneway home: A small dwelling built in the backyard, typically accessed via a laneway or rear lot. A separate structure with independent title potential. Cost: $250K–$450K.
Fourplex: Four self-contained homes on one lot. Can be a single building with four units or a collection of separate structures. Each unit has a private entrance and address. Often offers the best financial return. Cost: $1.2M–$2.2M+.
Multiplex: Umbrella term for any multi-unit configuration (duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, etc.). SSMUH allows up to 4 or 6 units depending on lot size and location.
In most cases, no. SSMUH creates "as-of-right" permissions — if your lot qualifies under Bill 44, multi-unit housing is already allowed without rezoning. You still need:
• A building permit
• Design approval (setbacks, height, parking, etc.)
• Engineering sign-offs
But the political hurdle of rezoning is gone. This is a game-changer for timelines and certainty. Check with your local municipality to confirm your lot's specific rules and any local conditions.
• A building permit
• Design approval (setbacks, height, parking, etc.)
• Engineering sign-offs
But the political hurdle of rezoning is gone. This is a game-changer for timelines and certainty. Check with your local municipality to confirm your lot's specific rules and any local conditions.
In many cases, yes. Stratification allows you to create separate titles for each unit and sell them individually — often the most financially attractive exit strategy. For example, you could build a fourplex, strata it, sell three units, and keep one for rental income. This requires early planning with your architect and lawyer, as it affects design decisions (shared infrastructure, parking, etc.). Some municipalities have limits on strata splitting for multiplexes — confirm with your planner before design starts.
Lots near SkyTrain stations fall under Bill 47's Transit-Oriented Area (TOA) designation. TOA lots have different rules than standard Bill 44 SSMUH zones. Typically, TOA areas allow taller buildings — often 8–20 storeys — with higher density. This is different from the 4–6 unit limits on standard lots. The trade-off: you may need more complex engineering, higher construction costs, and different financing. If your property is near frequent transit, ask your planner whether it's designated as a TOA.
Feasibility is a preliminary assessment of whether a project makes sense for your specific lot. It answers: Does your lot qualify for multiplexes? What design would work? What's a realistic budget? Can you finance it? Is there rental demand?
It matters because it saves you from wasting time, money, or energy on projects that won't work. A feasibility study confirms if a multiplex is possible and profitable for you before you hire architects, engineers, or contractors.
It matters because it saves you from wasting time, money, or energy on projects that won't work. A feasibility study confirms if a multiplex is possible and profitable for you before you hire architects, engineers, or contractors.
Yes. Dawar reviews your lot, looks at zoning, size, location, and comparable projects — then gives you a real preliminary answer at no cost and with no obligation. The free feasibility study covers:
• Whether your lot qualifies under Bill 44 or Bill 47
• Likely building types (secondary suite, laneway, fourplex, etc.)
• Rough timeline expectations
• General cost ranges for Metro Vancouver
• Next steps if you want to move forward
If you want deeper consulting — detailed financial models, architect references, permitting strategy — that's a paid service. But the initial feasibility check is free.
• Whether your lot qualifies under Bill 44 or Bill 47
• Likely building types (secondary suite, laneway, fourplex, etc.)
• Rough timeline expectations
• General cost ranges for Metro Vancouver
• Next steps if you want to move forward
If you want deeper consulting — detailed financial models, architect references, permitting strategy — that's a paid service. But the initial feasibility check is free.
Maybe. Bill 44 allows 4 units on lots as small as 280 m² (about 3,000 sq ft). If your lot is under 280 m², you can still build 3 units. Smaller lots are tighter to design and may have parking or servicing constraints, but they're not automatic deal-breakers. Small lots often work better with:
• Secondary suites (added to existing home)
• Smaller laneway homes
• Duplexes or triplexes (not full fourplexes)
The cost per unit may be slightly higher on small lots, but the rental income is often strong in dense areas. A free feasibility review tells you exactly what's possible on your size.
• Secondary suites (added to existing home)
• Smaller laneway homes
• Duplexes or triplexes (not full fourplexes)
The cost per unit may be slightly higher on small lots, but the rental income is often strong in dense areas. A free feasibility review tells you exactly what's possible on your size.
Not much. To get started, Dawar just needs:
• Property address (so he can look up zoning and lot size)
• Lot size (in m² or square feet)
• Current home status (do you live there? want to keep it? demolish?)
• Your main goal (rental income, family housing, maximize equity, etc.)
• Timeline (next year, 5 years, exploring only?)
You don't need surveys, architectural drawings, or permits yet. That comes later if the project pencils out. Start with a conversation.
• Property address (so he can look up zoning and lot size)
• Lot size (in m² or square feet)
• Current home status (do you live there? want to keep it? demolish?)
• Your main goal (rental income, family housing, maximize equity, etc.)
• Timeline (next year, 5 years, exploring only?)
You don't need surveys, architectural drawings, or permits yet. That comes later if the project pencils out. Start with a conversation.
18–30 months from first conversation to move-in. Here's the breakdown:
Feasibility & Design (2–4 months): Meet with Dawar, engineer, architect. Confirm zoning, sketch designs, finalize budget.
Permit Submission & Approval (3–9 months): Architects and engineers prepare detailed plans. Submit to city. Review questions, revisions, approvals. This is often the longest phase depending on the city's workload and design complexity.
Construction (8–14 months): Actual building. Depends on scope (suite addition vs. fourplex redevelopment) and weather/supply chain issues.
Factors that speed it up: straightforward design, responsive city planning, good general contractor. Factors that slow it down: design changes, city feedback loops, complex site conditions, supply delays.
Feasibility & Design (2–4 months): Meet with Dawar, engineer, architect. Confirm zoning, sketch designs, finalize budget.
Permit Submission & Approval (3–9 months): Architects and engineers prepare detailed plans. Submit to city. Review questions, revisions, approvals. This is often the longest phase depending on the city's workload and design complexity.
Construction (8–14 months): Actual building. Depends on scope (suite addition vs. fourplex redevelopment) and weather/supply chain issues.
Factors that speed it up: straightforward design, responsive city planning, good general contractor. Factors that slow it down: design changes, city feedback loops, complex site conditions, supply delays.
Not necessarily. You have options:
Keep & Add: Renovate your home and add secondary suites inside or build a laneway home in the backyard. You stay in your original home, live through construction, and keep that emotional anchor. Simplest approach.
Demolish & Rebuild: Tear down the old house and build a new fourplex or multi-unit structure. This gives you maximum flexibility in design and density but displaces you during construction and has higher demolition/removal costs ($30K–$75K).
Phased Development: Demolish part of the lot, build one or two new units, then do phase two later. Spreads costs and timeline over years.
Most homeowners keep their home and add units on the side or back. It's emotionally easier, keeps you housed, and often more cost-effective.
Keep & Add: Renovate your home and add secondary suites inside or build a laneway home in the backyard. You stay in your original home, live through construction, and keep that emotional anchor. Simplest approach.
Demolish & Rebuild: Tear down the old house and build a new fourplex or multi-unit structure. This gives you maximum flexibility in design and density but displaces you during construction and has higher demolition/removal costs ($30K–$75K).
Phased Development: Demolish part of the lot, build one or two new units, then do phase two later. Spreads costs and timeline over years.
Most homeowners keep their home and add units on the side or back. It's emotionally easier, keeps you housed, and often more cost-effective.
It depends on your approach. If you're adding secondary suites to your existing home, you typically stay put — contractors work on one suite while you're in the main house. Sometimes temporarily inconvenient (noise, dust, restricted access), but you keep your home as a base.
If you're doing a full demolition and rebuild, you'll need to relocate for 8–14 months. Options:
• Rent a place nearby
• Stay with family
• Use rental income from partial completion to offset moving costs
• Some developers cover relocation costs
If co-developing with a neighbor, one person often stays in their existing home while the other relocates. Plan this early — it affects your cash flow and stress level.
If you're doing a full demolition and rebuild, you'll need to relocate for 8–14 months. Options:
• Rent a place nearby
• Stay with family
• Use rental income from partial completion to offset moving costs
• Some developers cover relocation costs
If co-developing with a neighbor, one person often stays in their existing home while the other relocates. Plan this early — it affects your cash flow and stress level.
For a multiplex project, you'll typically work with:
1. Architect: Designs the building, creates drawings, manages permit approval.
2. Structural/Civil Engineer: Ensures the building is safe, properly graded, drains well.
3. General Contractor (GC): Builds it. Get 2–3 bids, verify references.
4. Real Estate Lawyer: Handles stratification, title issues, contracts.
5. Accountant/Tax Advisor: Maximizes deductions, structures ownership for taxes.
6. Realtor (optional): Helps with unit sales or rentals if you strata. Dawar can advise on this or refer you to someone.
Don't hire everyone at once. Start with Dawar for feasibility, then architect, then the rest.
1. Architect: Designs the building, creates drawings, manages permit approval.
2. Structural/Civil Engineer: Ensures the building is safe, properly graded, drains well.
3. General Contractor (GC): Builds it. Get 2–3 bids, verify references.
4. Real Estate Lawyer: Handles stratification, title issues, contracts.
5. Accountant/Tax Advisor: Maximizes deductions, structures ownership for taxes.
6. Realtor (optional): Helps with unit sales or rentals if you strata. Dawar can advise on this or refer you to someone.
Don't hire everyone at once. Start with Dawar for feasibility, then architect, then the rest.
Yes, and it's becoming more common. Co-development means two neighbors (or a larger group) combine lots to create a larger multiplex project. Benefits:
• Bigger lot = more design flexibility & density options
• Shared costs (architect, engineer, permits)
• Each partner keeps some units for themselves or rental income
• Often more profitable per unit than going solo
Important: Get a co-development agreement drafted by a lawyer before you start. It should cover:
• How much land each person contributes
• Who gets which units or how profits are split
• What happens if someone wants out
• Decision-making authority
Dawar has worked with several co-development deals and can provide examples and referrals.
• Bigger lot = more design flexibility & density options
• Shared costs (architect, engineer, permits)
• Each partner keeps some units for themselves or rental income
• Often more profitable per unit than going solo
Important: Get a co-development agreement drafted by a lawyer before you start. It should cover:
• How much land each person contributes
• Who gets which units or how profits are split
• What happens if someone wants out
• Decision-making authority
Dawar has worked with several co-development deals and can provide examples and referrals.
Yes. If you own a multiplex-eligible lot and don't want to develop it yourself, you can sell it to a developer who will build the multiplex and sell or rent the units. Benefits:
• No construction hassle or risk on your part
• Immediate liquidity (cash from the sale)
• Developer assumes all design, permit, and construction risk
Downside: you don't benefit from the long-term rental income or appreciation. The developer typically captures most of the upside.
Market context: Smart developers are actively seeking multiplex-eligible lots in growing BC communities. Your lot is an asset. Dawar can advise on whether selling makes sense for your financial goals or if developing it yourself would yield more wealth long-term.
• No construction hassle or risk on your part
• Immediate liquidity (cash from the sale)
• Developer assumes all design, permit, and construction risk
Downside: you don't benefit from the long-term rental income or appreciation. The developer typically captures most of the upside.
Market context: Smart developers are actively seeking multiplex-eligible lots in growing BC communities. Your lot is an asset. Dawar can advise on whether selling makes sense for your financial goals or if developing it yourself would yield more wealth long-term.
Rough ranges for Metro Vancouver (2025/2026):
Secondary Suite Addition: $80K–$160K. Easiest entry point. Adding a basement or upstairs suite to your existing home. Cost is typically per unit; factors include foundation work, new bathroom, kitchen, separate entrance.
Laneway Home: $250K–$450K per unit. Small detached dwelling in the backyard. Tighter than suites but complete independence. Costs depend on lot depth, servicing requirements, soil conditions.
Fourplex Redevelopment: $1.2M–$2.2M+ total project cost (can be $300K–$600K per unit depending on design and location). Full demolition and rebuild or major renovation. Highest cost but highest ROI potential. High-end finishes or premium locations push the upper range.
Soft Costs (add 10–18%):
• Architect fees (typically 5–10% of construction)
• Engineering ($15K–$40K)
• Permits & municipal fees ($5K–$20K)
• Land survey ($2K–$5K)
• Contingency (always budget 10–15% for surprises)
Variables that change cost: Lot size and shape, soil/foundation conditions, local labor rates, design complexity, energy efficiency upgrades (EV chargers, heat pumps), parking requirements, site access.
Secondary Suite Addition: $80K–$160K. Easiest entry point. Adding a basement or upstairs suite to your existing home. Cost is typically per unit; factors include foundation work, new bathroom, kitchen, separate entrance.
Laneway Home: $250K–$450K per unit. Small detached dwelling in the backyard. Tighter than suites but complete independence. Costs depend on lot depth, servicing requirements, soil conditions.
Fourplex Redevelopment: $1.2M–$2.2M+ total project cost (can be $300K–$600K per unit depending on design and location). Full demolition and rebuild or major renovation. Highest cost but highest ROI potential. High-end finishes or premium locations push the upper range.
Soft Costs (add 10–18%):
• Architect fees (typically 5–10% of construction)
• Engineering ($15K–$40K)
• Permits & municipal fees ($5K–$20K)
• Land survey ($2K–$5K)
• Contingency (always budget 10–15% for surprises)
Variables that change cost: Lot size and shape, soil/foundation conditions, local labor rates, design complexity, energy efficiency upgrades (EV chargers, heat pumps), parking requirements, site access.
Most homeowners use a combination of strategies:
1. HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit): Borrow against your home's equity. Flexible, lower rates than personal loans. Risk: your home is collateral. Typical rate: prime + 0.5–1%.
2. Construction Financing: Short-term loan from a bank or private lender during build phase. When units are complete/rented, refinance into a long-term mortgage. Higher interest (7–10%), but it's temporary.
3. Co-Development/Joint Venture: Partner with an investor or developer. They fund part or all of the build; you share ownership/profits.
4. Sell Units Post-Completion: Build the multiplex, then strata and sell 2–3 units to investors or owner-occupants. Use proceeds to pay down debt on the units you keep for rental income.
5. Savings + Financing Combo: Use savings for down payment, finance the rest. Most common for secondary suites ($20K–$40K down, rest financed).
Key point: Lenders care less about the total project cost and more about rental income. If you'll generate $3,500/month in rent from a $1.5M fourplex, that's attractive. Dawar helps you stress-test the financials before committing.
1. HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit): Borrow against your home's equity. Flexible, lower rates than personal loans. Risk: your home is collateral. Typical rate: prime + 0.5–1%.
2. Construction Financing: Short-term loan from a bank or private lender during build phase. When units are complete/rented, refinance into a long-term mortgage. Higher interest (7–10%), but it's temporary.
3. Co-Development/Joint Venture: Partner with an investor or developer. They fund part or all of the build; you share ownership/profits.
4. Sell Units Post-Completion: Build the multiplex, then strata and sell 2–3 units to investors or owner-occupants. Use proceeds to pay down debt on the units you keep for rental income.
5. Savings + Financing Combo: Use savings for down payment, finance the rest. Most common for secondary suites ($20K–$40K down, rest financed).
Key point: Lenders care less about the total project cost and more about rental income. If you'll generate $3,500/month in rent from a $1.5M fourplex, that's attractive. Dawar helps you stress-test the financials before committing.
Rental rates vary by location, unit size, and quality. Tri-Cities ranges (2026):
1-Bedroom Suite/Laneway: $1,900–$2,400/month
2-Bedroom Suite: $2,400–$3,100/month
3-Bedroom Suite or Home: $3,100–$4,000+/month
Example: Fourplex with mix of unit sizes
• 1 x 3-bed (owner-occupied)
• 2 x 2-bed rental (~$2,700/mo each)
• 1 x 1-bed rental (~$2,100/mo)
• Total rental income: ~$7,500/month or $90,000/year
Expense offset: Property tax, insurance, maintenance, vacancies typically consume 25–35% of rental income. Net: ~$58K–$68K/year on the example above.
Your spreadsheet should include: Mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, maintenance reserves (1% of property value/year), vacancy allowance (5–10%), utilities if you cover them, strata fees if applicable.
Dawar will model this for you during consulting so you see exactly what cash flow to expect.
1-Bedroom Suite/Laneway: $1,900–$2,400/month
2-Bedroom Suite: $2,400–$3,100/month
3-Bedroom Suite or Home: $3,100–$4,000+/month
Example: Fourplex with mix of unit sizes
• 1 x 3-bed (owner-occupied)
• 2 x 2-bed rental (~$2,700/mo each)
• 1 x 1-bed rental (~$2,100/mo)
• Total rental income: ~$7,500/month or $90,000/year
Expense offset: Property tax, insurance, maintenance, vacancies typically consume 25–35% of rental income. Net: ~$58K–$68K/year on the example above.
Your spreadsheet should include: Mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, maintenance reserves (1% of property value/year), vacancy allowance (5–10%), utilities if you cover them, strata fees if applicable.
Dawar will model this for you during consulting so you see exactly what cash flow to expect.
Several programs can reduce costs or improve financial returns:
1. CMHC Mortgage Loan Insurance (MLI) Select: CMHC has a program to insure mortgages on multiplex properties (4 units). Can help you qualify for better financing terms. Check with your lender.
2. BC Hydro Energy Audit & Rebates: Free or low-cost energy audits. Rebates for heat pumps, insulation, heat recovery ventilation. Can save $5K–$15K on build costs. Often required by green building codes anyway.
3. FortisBC Energy Rebates: Incentives for high-efficiency heating, water heating, appliances. Can stack with Hydro rebates.
4. Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit (MHRTC): Federal tax credit of up to $7,000 (2026) for renovations that create a multigenerational home. You can use this if you're adding a secondary suite for an aging parent. Not a direct grant, but a tax deduction that reduces your tax burden.
5. Municipal Incentives: Some BC cities offer:
• Development cost charge (DCC) waivers for multiplexes
• Expedited permitting
• Property tax exemptions during construction
These vary by city. Ask Dawar what's available in your area.
1. CMHC Mortgage Loan Insurance (MLI) Select: CMHC has a program to insure mortgages on multiplex properties (4 units). Can help you qualify for better financing terms. Check with your lender.
2. BC Hydro Energy Audit & Rebates: Free or low-cost energy audits. Rebates for heat pumps, insulation, heat recovery ventilation. Can save $5K–$15K on build costs. Often required by green building codes anyway.
3. FortisBC Energy Rebates: Incentives for high-efficiency heating, water heating, appliances. Can stack with Hydro rebates.
4. Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit (MHRTC): Federal tax credit of up to $7,000 (2026) for renovations that create a multigenerational home. You can use this if you're adding a secondary suite for an aging parent. Not a direct grant, but a tax deduction that reduces your tax burden.
5. Municipal Incentives: Some BC cities offer:
• Development cost charge (DCC) waivers for multiplexes
• Expedited permitting
• Property tax exemptions during construction
These vary by city. Ask Dawar what's available in your area.
Free Feasibility Study:
• Initial property assessment
• Zoning & eligibility check (Bill 44 vs. Bill 47)
• High-level scenario options (suite vs. laneway vs. fourplex)
• Rough timeline & budget ranges
• No obligation or follow-up required
• Takes 30–60 minutes
Paid Consulting (hourly or project-based):
• Deep-dive financial modeling (pro formas, ROI scenarios)
• Strategy guidance on strata vs. hold, sell vs. rent
• Architect/engineer referrals & vetting
• Permitting roadmap & timeline buffer planning
• Financing strategy consultation
• Regular check-ins through design & construction
• Troubleshooting during the process
When to upgrade to paid consulting:
• You've decided a multiplex makes sense and want to move forward
• You want personalized financials and exit strategies
• You want Dawar to guide you through architect selection, permits, or construction
• You're uncertain about strategy (hold/rent or strata/sell)
Most people start free, then upgrade to a retainer if they're serious.
• Initial property assessment
• Zoning & eligibility check (Bill 44 vs. Bill 47)
• High-level scenario options (suite vs. laneway vs. fourplex)
• Rough timeline & budget ranges
• No obligation or follow-up required
• Takes 30–60 minutes
Paid Consulting (hourly or project-based):
• Deep-dive financial modeling (pro formas, ROI scenarios)
• Strategy guidance on strata vs. hold, sell vs. rent
• Architect/engineer referrals & vetting
• Permitting roadmap & timeline buffer planning
• Financing strategy consultation
• Regular check-ins through design & construction
• Troubleshooting during the process
When to upgrade to paid consulting:
• You've decided a multiplex makes sense and want to move forward
• You want personalized financials and exit strategies
• You want Dawar to guide you through architect selection, permits, or construction
• You're uncertain about strategy (hold/rent or strata/sell)
Most people start free, then upgrade to a retainer if they're serious.
Short answer: Not primarily, but he can help.
Dawar is a licensed REALTOR (PREC*) with Stonehaus Realty Corp., so he's legally qualified to sell real estate if a transaction makes sense. However, his focus is multiplex consulting and strategy — not traditional real estate sales.
How he uses his REALTOR license:
• If you decide to strata your fourplex and sell units, he can represent you or refer a trusted agent
• If you want to sell the entire lot to a developer, he can help navigate that
• Market knowledge — he knows what multiplexes have sold for in your area
• Comparative market analysis to justify your unit rental prices
What he does NOT do: List single-family homes, represent buyers in home purchases, or push you toward sales strategies just to earn a commission. His consulting advice is independent of whether there's a transaction.
Dawar is a licensed REALTOR (PREC*) with Stonehaus Realty Corp., so he's legally qualified to sell real estate if a transaction makes sense. However, his focus is multiplex consulting and strategy — not traditional real estate sales.
How he uses his REALTOR license:
• If you decide to strata your fourplex and sell units, he can represent you or refer a trusted agent
• If you want to sell the entire lot to a developer, he can help navigate that
• Market knowledge — he knows what multiplexes have sold for in your area
• Comparative market analysis to justify your unit rental prices
What he does NOT do: List single-family homes, represent buyers in home purchases, or push you toward sales strategies just to earn a commission. His consulting advice is independent of whether there's a transaction.
Three key differentiators:
1. First Multiplex Applicant in Port Moody: Dawar didn't just read about Bill 44 — he lived it. He was the first homeowner in Port Moody to move a multiplex application through the city planning process. He's sat with city staff, learned the pitfalls, and knows the timeline bottlenecks firsthand.
2. Met with City Planning Staff: Most realtors don't have relationships with municipal planners. Dawar has. He's had conversations with Port Moody, Coquitlam, and Port Coquitlam planning teams about SSMUH implementation, zoning nuances, and permitting strategy. That inside knowledge saves you months of trial-and-error.
3. Specialized Professional Training: SSMUH is new. Most realtors haven't studied it formally. Dawar has completed specialized professional training in small-scale multi-unit housing development — understanding density, gentle density, financing, and municipal relationships. He's invested in expertise, not just opened a new service line.
Plus: 20+ years in Metro Vancouver real estate, Master Medallion Club (top 1% of realtors), UBC Sauder trained. He's a neighbor, not an outsider pitching a scheme.
1. First Multiplex Applicant in Port Moody: Dawar didn't just read about Bill 44 — he lived it. He was the first homeowner in Port Moody to move a multiplex application through the city planning process. He's sat with city staff, learned the pitfalls, and knows the timeline bottlenecks firsthand.
2. Met with City Planning Staff: Most realtors don't have relationships with municipal planners. Dawar has. He's had conversations with Port Moody, Coquitlam, and Port Coquitlam planning teams about SSMUH implementation, zoning nuances, and permitting strategy. That inside knowledge saves you months of trial-and-error.
3. Specialized Professional Training: SSMUH is new. Most realtors haven't studied it formally. Dawar has completed specialized professional training in small-scale multi-unit housing development — understanding density, gentle density, financing, and municipal relationships. He's invested in expertise, not just opened a new service line.
Plus: 20+ years in Metro Vancouver real estate, Master Medallion Club (top 1% of realtors), UBC Sauder trained. He's a neighbor, not an outsider pitching a scheme.
No. Reach out at any stage:
"I'm just curious": Perfect. Free feasibility study tells you what's possible. No commitment.
"I'm 80% sure I want to do this": Great. Move to paid consulting, start vetting architects, get a pre-construction loan estimate.
"I'm 100% committed and ready to move": Excellent. Dawar becomes your guide through the whole process — architect selection, permitting, financing, construction coordination.
"I have a specific question about zoning or costs": Email or call. He reads every inquiry personally.
There is no "too early." Early conversations often save you the most money and time because you avoid dead ends. The worst time to call is after you've hired the wrong architect or designed something that won't permit.
"I'm just curious": Perfect. Free feasibility study tells you what's possible. No commitment.
"I'm 80% sure I want to do this": Great. Move to paid consulting, start vetting architects, get a pre-construction loan estimate.
"I'm 100% committed and ready to move": Excellent. Dawar becomes your guide through the whole process — architect selection, permitting, financing, construction coordination.
"I have a specific question about zoning or costs": Email or call. He reads every inquiry personally.
There is no "too early." Early conversations often save you the most money and time because you avoid dead ends. The worst time to call is after you've hired the wrong architect or designed something that won't permit.