Home building and renovation managers

Years of experience in the home building and renovation industry, including working as a general supervisor, is usually required for self-employment. Company and project management training may also be beneficial. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification may be an asset in bidding on and obtaining building and renovation projects.

Providing customer references and examples of successful projects helps with finding new clients.

The Canadian Home Builders’ Association of British Columbia (CHBABC) offers professional certification for these careers. Designations include Certified Renovation Professional, Certified Renovation Company and Master Residential Builder. For more information, please visit www.chbabc.org.

Training for this occupation may include completion of an apprenticeship program in a construction trade. This could be as a carpenter, plasterer, drywaller, glazier, plumber, bricklayer, cabinetmaker, roofer and shingler, painter and decorator, insulator and floor-covering installer.

Certification is not required to work as a home building and renovation manager in B.C. For those who wish to be certified in a construction trade, they must complete an apprenticeship program that could be up to four years in length.

Apprenticeship programs

Work experience and in-class instruction are part of apprenticeship programs. Some part-time and online programs may be available. To apprentice, workers must be sponsored by an employer. A person who successfully completes an apprenticeship program and the final certification exam earns a Certificate of Qualification. Workers with significant experience in the trade may be able to challenge the certification exam to earn the Certificate of Qualification without completing a formal apprenticeship. For more information on earning a Certificate of Qualification, visit SkilledTradesBC.

To work in other provinces

Workers may need Red Seal certification to work in other provinces. This can be earned by passing an exam and proving significant work experience.

Workers coming to B.C.

Workers who are certified by a regulator elsewhere in Canada can apply for the same certification from the regulator in B.C. Under the terms of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), most applicants who are transferring their credentials from elsewhere in Canada will not be required to complete additional training or testing. However, the B.C. regulator may ask applicants to provide further information, such as a letter of good standing, references or a criminal record check.

Workers who trained outside of Canada

Workers who trained outside of Canada and have never received certification from a Canadian jurisdiction will likely need a full assessment. Most occupational regulators have a process for assessment and recognize internationally trained applicants. Contact SkilledTradesBC for details on how to apply for certification in B.C.

For information about labour mobility in Canada, visit www.workersmobility.ca.

View a list of Professional Regulatory Authorities in B.C.

Discover data, facts and information that have been gathered and analyzed. Learn about the characteristics of the economy and labour market in B.C.

Find out about employment types and trends by region and industry.

The B.C. Labour Market Outlook is a 10-year forecast of the expected supply and demand for labour in the province. It’s usually updated every year. The purpose is to provide British Columbians with the knowledge to make informed decisions on careers, skills training, education and hiring.

Learn about the opportunities in B.C.'s major industries, including employment trends, earning potential, locations of work and more.

According to industry sources, a good home building and renovation manager must have critical thinking skills and be able to make informed decisions quickly. This is because the day-to-day work is always changing. For example, supply chain challenges create opportunities for home building and renovation managers to solve problems.

Home building and renovation managers may have to speak publicly at community meetings or deal with angry neighbours or community members.

Ongoing education and training are important to a successful career. Companies look for home building and renovation managers with up-to-date technology and software skills. A degree from a post-secondary school in construction or project management and ongoing training/education may earn workers a higher salary.

It’s important to stay up to date with residential building and renovation requirements, particularly the development of energy-efficient and environmentally friendly technologies. Also, those who stay informed with advancements in technology, construction and renovation equipment and techniques will have more employment opportunities.

The number of women in this career is slowly increasing and some companies are focused on building a foundation of equity, diversity and inclusion in this industry.