Builds & Procurement

Saskhousinghub

Examining the opportunities and challenges in housing construction, renovation, funding and procurement to support quality, sustainable homes.

Project Workbook

From an Idea to a Finished Home

Builds & Procurement brings together funding, cost planning, drawings, building standards, contractor selection, contracts, inspections and project close-out.

The strongest projects connect these steps instead of treating them as separate tasks. Planning early makes it easier to control costs, document decisions and keep the work aligned with community priorities.

The Project Path

Plan → Fund → Design → Tender → Build → Inspect → Close Out

Each stage creates information the next stage depends on. Keeping records, approvals and budgets connected helps reduce confusion later.

Plan

Define the housing need, priorities, scope and intended outcomes.

Fund

Identify grants, partnerships and available budgets before committing to a build.

Design

Prepare drawings, specifications and design parameters that fit the budget and applicable standards.

Tender

Use estimates, bids and procurement processes to select qualified contractors and suppliers.

Build

Manage construction, schedules, materials, trades and documented project changes.

Inspect

Verify work through inspections, reports and applicable code or local requirements.

Close Out

Complete sign-off, final documentation, reporting, warranties and project records.

Cost Planning

Know What the Budget Is Carrying

Development costs can be separated into hard and soft costs. Keeping them visible helps project managers understand where money is going before, during and after construction.

Hard Costs

Direct building materials, labour and construction activity

Soft Costs

Financing, legal, accounting, surveys, environmental work, professional services, inspections, insurance and other project support costs

Funding Tracker

Before the Deadline

Identify funding sources

Review eligibility, deadlines and documentation

Explain housing need, budget and expected outcomes

Use data to support the request

Track deadlines, amounts and application status

Detailed Reference

Builds & Procurement Toolkit

The accordion below keeps the technical detail available without turning the whole page into one long wall of construction text.

Key Considerations When Applying for Grants

Identify funding sources such as Indigenous Services Canada, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, provincial programs and non-governmental organizations. Review eligibility requirements and required documents early. Develop proposals that clearly describe the housing need, financial plan and expected outcomes, and use reliable housing data to support requests.

Tracking Funding Opportunities

Maintain a spreadsheet or database for grant deadlines, renewal dates, funding amounts and application status. Grant Connect and common note-taking or spreadsheet tools are examples that can help organize funding information.

Local Skills and Trades

Invest in skilled trades and certification so local workers can participate in housing construction, renovation and future maintenance. Apprenticeship and skills development can also support longer-term community capacity.

Insurance and Cost Requirements

Soft costs may include financing fees, project audits, legal and accounting fees, surveys, environmental assessments, architectural and engineering services, inspections, construction insurance and counselling. These costs should be tracked separately so they remain tied to the construction project.

Methods and Materials

Housing construction decisions are based on available funds and annual budgets. Major projects may involve outside construction consultants. Project planning can consider cost, timely completion and opportunities to hire community members where possible.

Drawings and Specifications

Projects may require engineered, stamp-approved blueprints and review by the appropriate housing, inspection or leadership authority. House size and design should fit the available project budget and applicable local requirements.

Design Parameters and Building Standards

Project teams should review the National Building Code of Canada, 2020, together with applicable First Nation laws and locally approved plans. Building inspectors can conduct code compliance inspections, prepare reports at project stages and review housing plans as applicable.

Construction Hiring

Construction and renovation work can use contractor bidding to compare rates, experience, timelines and capacity. Procurement should support fair, documented decisions and clear expectations before work starts.

Procurement, Estimation and Tendering

Procurement includes developing estimates, preparing tender documents, evaluating bids and selecting contractors or suppliers. A clear process helps compare price, scope and qualifications while maintaining records of the decision.

Contracts and Administration

Legal agreements and contract administration should identify scope, price, schedules, responsibilities, changes, reporting and payment requirements. Project records should make it clear what was approved and what changed during construction.

Project Close-Out, Auditing and Reporting

Project close-out can include final inspections, sign-off, outstanding deficiencies, warranties, final financial reporting and storage of project records. Closing the project properly supports future maintenance and accountability.

Build for the Long Term

A completed house is only one part of the outcome. Good procurement and construction records also create the information future housing staff need for warranties, maintenance, inspections, renovations and long-term asset planning.