Building Your Dream Home: Choosing a Whistler Builder

Whistler offers a unique lifestyle that combines the convenience of urban living with the tranquillity and beauty of nature. With a population of over 10,000 residents, Whistler is an idyllic location to raise a family and build your dream home, with its mountains, forests and creeks, and an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities.

Nestled in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, Whistler Blackcomb is a renowned resort town that attracts visitors from around the world for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. Whistler has established itself as a year-round destination and vibrant residential community with excellent schools, health care, and amenities.

A few of the reasons to build your dream home in Whistler

1. 1. Natural beauty: Whistler is situated in a picturesque valley surrounded by mountains, forests, and lakes. Whistler’s neighbourhoods, such as Whistler Village, Creekside, and Nordic, are nestled in the heart of this natural beauty, with picturesque views of the mountains and forests from every angle.

1. 1. World-renowned ski resort: Whistler is home to one of the most famous ski resorts in the world, Whistler Blackcomb. Host to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, and consistently ranked as one of the top ski resorts in North America, Whistler Blackcomb offers world-class skiing and snowboarding for all levels, with 200 marked trails and 8,171 acres of skiable terrain, and five snowboard parks.

1. 1. Year-round outdoor activities: Whistler is a four-season destination and an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, offering world-class skiing and snowboarding in the winter and a vast range of activities in the summer, including hiking, mountain biking, golfing, and fishing.

1. 1. Vibrant community: Whistler is a thriving community with a diverse population that attracts visitors from all over the world. The area has a flourishing cultural scene, with a range of events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Whistler Film Festival, the Whistler Village Beer Festival, and the Whistler Children’s Festival. The community is also home to a range of artists and creatives, and several art galleries are showcasing their work. In addition to its cultural offerings, Whistler has a bustling nightlife, with a range of bars, pubs, and nightclubs catering to all tastes. The community is also highly active, with numerous sports and recreation clubs, including soccer, rugby, hockey, and ultimate frisbee, among others.

1. 1. High-end amenities: Despite its remote location, Whistler offers a range of high-end amenities. Its dining scene is particularly noteworthy, with restaurants such as Araxi, Bearfoot Bistro, and Il Caminetto serving up gourmet cuisine using the finest local ingredients. The area is also home to a range of luxury retailers, including Prada, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton. For those seeking relaxation and pampering, Whistler has no shortage of luxury spas, such as the Scandinave Spa and the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler.

1. 1. High-quality schools and healthcare facilities: The area is served by School District 48, which operates four schools in Whistler, including Myrtle Philip Community School, Spring Creek Community School, and Whistler Secondary School. These schools offer a range of educational programs, including French immersion and outdoor education. In terms of healthcare, Whistler is home to the Whistler Health Care Centre, which provides a range of medical services, including emergency care, diagnostic imaging, and laboratory services. The centre is staffed by highly trained healthcare professionals, and patients have access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.

1. 1. A safe and secure environment: Whistler has a low crime rate, with the majority of offences being non-violent. The community is also proactive when it comes to safety, with regular community policing programs and initiatives aimed at preventing crime and educating residents about safety best practices. Whistler is served by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), which provides law enforcement services to the Village and surrounding neighbourhoods

1. 1. Investment potential: Whistler is a popular destination for tourists and second-home buyers, which means that investing in property in the area can be a smart financial decision. If you build your dream home in Whistler, you could potentially earn rental income during peak tourist seasons.

1. 1. Proximity to Vancouver: Whistler is located just a two-hour drive from Vancouver, which means that you can easily access the amenities of a major city while still enjoying the peace and tranquillity of the mountains.
      
      

Whistler’s neighbourhoods

Whistler can be divided into twenty neighbourhoods, each with its unique character and charm. Building lots and land do come up for sale on the MLS in Whistler, but they’re limited, so Whistler builders tend to work closely with Realtors® who have their eyes on potential tear-down properties and pocket listings.

1. 1. Alpine Meadows: Located on the north end of Whistler, this family-friendly neighbourhood offers a range of amenities, including parks, playgrounds, and tennis courts. Alpine Meadows is also within walking distance of the Meadow Park Sports Centre, which offers a range of fitness facilities and programs.

1. 1. Alta Vista: This neighbourhood is known for its peaceful and family-friendly atmosphere, and it’s only a short walk from the village centre. Alta Vista also offers easy access to hiking and biking trails, as well as a nearby lake for swimming and water sports. The community is conveniently located near some of Whistler’s best schools, making it an excellent choice for families with children.

1. 1. Bayshores: This community offers a serene atmosphere with picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and forested areas. Residents of Bayshores have access to a private beach on Alta Lake, which is perfect for swimming, kayaking, and other water activities during the summer months. The neighbourhood has easy access to the Valley Trail, a scenic pathway that winds through Whistler’s natural landscapes and connects to the village centre.

1. 1. Blueberry:  This upscale neighbourhood is located on the west side of Whistler and offers breathtaking views of the mountains and Whistler Golf Course. Blueberry Hill is known for its luxury homes, as well as its easy access to the Valley Trail, which provides a scenic route for walking, jogging, and cycling.

1. 1. Brio: Located just north of Whistler Village, this neighbourhood offers a mix of full-time residents and vacation homes. Brio is known for its tree-lined streets and easy access to the Whistler Golf Course and the Valley Trail, as well as the hiking and biking trails in the nearby Lost Lake Park. Brio is also close to Alta Lake, which is a popular destination for swimming, fishing, and boating during the summer months.

1. 1. Cheakamus Crossing: Originally built as the Athletes’ Village for the 2010 Winter Olympics, Cheakamus Crossing has since been transformed into a community known for its sustainable design and commitment to environmentally-friendly practices. This neighbourhood is also home to the Whistler Interpretive Forest, a stunning natural area that offers hiking and biking trails, as well as a lake for swimming and fishing.

1. 1. Creekside: This quieter neighbourhood is located just south of Whistler Village and offers a more laid-back vibe. Creekside is the original Whistler base and offers easy access to the Creekside Gondola, making it a popular choice for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts.

1. 1. Emerald Estates: A quiet and peaceful community that offers stunning views of Whistler Mountain and the surrounding forests. Emerald Estates is known for its access to outdoor recreational activities, including hiking trails, biking routes, and nearby lakes for swimming and fishing. It is also conveniently located near the Whistler Golf Club, making it a great location for golf enthusiasts.

1. 1. Nesters: Nesters is known for its eclectic vibe, with a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes that reflect the diverse community. The neighbourhood is also home to a grocery store and a gas station. Nesters is adjacent to the Valley Trail, which provides easy access to the rest of Whistler and its many recreational opportunities. It is also home to the Meadow Park Sports Centre, which features a pool, ice rink, fitness centre and a range of community programs.

1. 1. Nicklaus North/Green Lake Estates: Nicklaus North/Green Lake Estates is a prestigious neighbourhood situated on the north end of Green Lake, offering panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. The neighbourhood is home to the Nicklaus North Golf Course, which is known for its challenging layout and beautiful scenery. It’s conveniently located near the Valley Trail, providing easy access to Whistler Village and other recreational opportunities. Additionally, it is close to the Green Lake Boat Launch, which is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and other water activities.

1. 1. Nordic Estates: This neighbourhood is located south of Whistler Village and is home to a mix of full-time residents and vacation homes. Nordic is known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains, as well as its easy access to the Lost Lake Park, which offers hiking and biking trails, as well as swimming and boating opportunities.

1. 1. Rainbow: Rainbow is a newer neighbourhood situated on the south end of Whistler. It is known for its commitment to sustainable living, with features such as community gardens and a rainwater harvesting system. Rainbow is adjacent to the Valley Trail, providing easy access to other areas of Whistler and its many recreational opportunities. Rainbow is also home to a community park, playground, and basketball court, as well as a local cafe and grocery store.

1. 1. Spring Creek: Situated on the south end of Whistler, this neighbourhood is conveniently located near the Valley Trail, providing easy access to other areas of Whistler and its many recreational opportunities. It is also home to a community park, playground, and basketball court. Spring Creek is located near several hiking trails, including the Rainbow Lake Trail and the Flank Trail. Spring Creek is a popular location for those seeking a peaceful mountain lifestyle while still being close to the amenities of Whistler Village.

1. 1. Spruce Grove: The community is located on the south end of Whistler and is known for its tranquil atmosphere and beautiful forested surroundings. It is conveniently located near the Valley Trail, providing easy access to other areas of Whistler and its many recreational opportunities. Spruce Grove is home to a community park, playground, and sports fields and is situated near several hiking trails, including the Lost Lake Trail and the Rainbow Lake Trail.

1. 1. Upper Village / Benchlands: This neighbourhood is situated on the north end of Whistler and is known for its stunning views of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. It is conveniently located near the ski lifts and other recreational opportunities. It is also home to several world-class restaurants, spas, and boutiques. Additionally, the neighbourhood is located near the Chateau Whistler Golf Course, which is known for its scenic views and challenging layout.

1. 1. Whistler Village: As the heart and soul of Whistler, this pedestrian-only village features a bustling atmosphere with a wide range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. Residents enjoy easy access to the ski lifts, as well as a vibrant nightlife scene. The Village is home to the Whistler Olympic Plaza, which hosts a variety of outdoor events and concerts throughout the year.

1. 1. Whistler Cay Estates: Also situated in the heart of Whistler, this neighbourhood is known for its proximity to the village and its spectacular mountain views. It is conveniently located near the Valley Trail, providing easy access to other areas of Whistler and its many recreational opportunities. It is also home to a community park, playground, and tennis courts. The neighbourhood is also located near the Whistler Golf Club, which is known for its scenic views and challenging layout.

1. 1. Whistler Cay Heights: This neighbourhood is situated on the east side of Whistler and is known for its breathtaking mountain views and peaceful surroundings. It is conveniently located near the village, providing easy access to Whistler’s many restaurants, shops, and recreational opportunities. Whistler Cay Heights is home to a community park, playground, and tennis courts. It is also located near the Whistler Golf Club and the Lost Lake Trail, both of which are popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts.

1. 1. Whistler Creekside: Creekside is situated at the base of Whistler Mountain and is known for its historic and laid-back atmosphere and ski-in/ski-out properties. The neighbourhood is home to a range of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and grocery stores, making it a very convenient location. Whistler Creekside is also home to the Creekside Gondola, providing easy access to Whistler’s renowned skiing and snowboarding terrain. In the summer months, the neighbourhood is popular for its access to hiking and biking trails, as well as nearby lakes and parks.

1. 1. White Gold: Situated in the centre of Whistler, just a short walk from the village, White Gold is a prestigious neighbourhood known for its panoramic mountain views and luxurious properties. It is located adjacent to Fitzsimmons Creek, providing residents with easy access to Whistler’s many recreational opportunities, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and biking. The neighbourhood is also home to a community park, playground, and tennis courts, as well as the popular White Gold Restaurant.
      
      

Whistler custom home builder

Coast Essential can help you build a high-performance, sustainable Net Zero Ready house or a Passive House certified home in Whistler. We can also assist with adopting best practices for your new construction project.

Our in-house designer can take your home from sketches to floor plans and elevations. We handle the permit process and work with engineers and the planning department to ensure compliance with local bylaws and BC Building Code specifications. Let us take your dream project from design to move-in.

Whistler renovations and remodels

A home renovation is an exciting way to enhance the aesthetic appeal and modernize your living space. We can design and build a more functional, comfortable, and stylish living environment for you. Aesthetic home renovations include cosmetic updates such as painting, updating the floor coverings, adding new light fixtures, installing new countertops, and replacing outdated appliances.

If the rooms in your home need changes to layouts, flow and functionality, a remodel is probably needed. Remodels typically involve structural changes such as reworking floor plans, moving walls to enlarge rooms, removing walls to create open floor plans, or adding rooms, While these projects can involve a greater investment and longer timeframe, they can have a dramatic impact on the functionality, enjoyment and value of your home.

At Coast Essential we will work with you to design and construct significant alterations and additions to your home to help meet changing needs while adding value to your property.

Net Zero home design and construction in Whistler

Net Zero homes, whether they are newly constructed or existing buildings, generate clean energy equal to their consumption. They are considerably more energy-efficient, up to 80% less than homes built according to traditional standards.

The design of a Net Zero house is a combination of energy-saving building techniques and materials, such as high levels of insulation, air-tight construction, and energy-efficient appliances and lighting. Renewable energy sources like solar panels and geothermal heating and cooling systems meet your home’s needs.

Whistler homeowners who opt for a Net Zero home can benefit significantly from reduced energy consumption and lower energy bills. Energy-efficiency features such as triple-paned windows, super-insulation, and air-tight construction prevent heat loss and drafts, making it less expensive to heat or cool the home, with less energy.

Net Zero homes improve indoor air quality and comfort by reducing infiltration of outdoor air pollutants through the air-tight building envelope and super-insulation. The built-in filtered fresh air system also helps to reduce allergens and asthma triggers, keeping dust, pollen and air pollution outside where they belong.

Net Zero homes are an environmentally sustainable option that can significantly reduce your carbon footprint, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, while helping to mitigate the effects of climate change.

The Government of Canada has prioritized sustainable building design and renewable energy, with transitioning Canada’s existing building stock to net zero being one of nine core sections in their 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan. The Resort Municipality of Whistler regularly updates its district requirements, resulting in increased desirability of net zero homes as a way of future-proofing not only new construction but retrofitting existing homes as well.

The BC Energy Step Code, and being Net Zero Ready by 2032

In 2008, British Columbia’s province made energy efficiency a BC Building Code objective. Builders and designers can meet the requirements of the BC Energy Step Code through either a “prescriptive” or “performance” approach.

Builders must use energy software modelling software and on-site testing to meet the requirements of the BC Energy Step Code. They can use any material or construction method to achieve this. The high-performance staircase has five-step requirements for Part 9 residential buildings, from current BC Building Code requirements to “net-zero energy ready” by 2032.

A home that is compliant with the BC Step Code 5 and “net zero ready” is built to the same standard as a net zero home but without a solar or wind power renewable energy source installed yet.

Coast Essential strives for the highest construction standards in terms of thermal efficiency and air tightness and incorporates renewable energy through the use of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, air-source and ductless heat pumps, biomass fuel sources, and energy recovery technology.

Upgrading your Whistler home to net zero with a deep energy retrofit

The EPA reports that existing buildings are responsible for approximately one-third of greenhouse gasemissions. Simply constructing new net-zero homes does not adequately address climate change and the inefficiency of millions of older homes. Deep energy retrofits are the solution to upgrading existing homes to net zero.

Featured high-performance renovation project

Award-Winning Sea to Sky Deep Energy Retrofit

Coast Essential conducted all architectural design work, construction management and services of the High-Performance renovation of this early 1980s home, transforming it into a modern Near Zero Energy building.

The project aimed to achieve Green Built Canada platinum certification and included a complete remodel and restructure to enhance the views and entertaining capabilities while meeting very demanding energy efficiency targets.