Gibson Carpentry Inc: Your Full-Service New Home Builder and General Contractor Remodeler

At Gibson Carpentry Inc, we are your trusted full-service new home builder and general contractor remodeler. Our unwavering commitment to quality begins with our skilled team and tradespeople. While our primary focus revolves around comprehensive home renovations and crafting custom new homes, we're open to discussing smaller-scale projects.

Our process starts with a conversation initiated on our website through our convenient contact form. This not only kickstarts the discussion but also ensures alignment throughout the project's duration.

We commence with pre-construction by bringing together the client and design team to develop the design and fine-tune the budget. Once a pre-construction agreement is in place, we proceed to the Proposal Phase to create an accurate construction budget and schedule. Our objective is to efficiently assess whether your budget and timeline align with our capabilities for your project. Instead of simply choosing a start date, we reverse-engineer the process to prioritize the project's end date.

Throughout this phase, you work directly with our owner, Matt Gibson.

At the start of construction, the design should be finalized, and all selections must be made. This stage is crucial for us to be fully prepared, ensuring seamless project execution. For instance, having early knowledge of tile selections enables us to coordinate framing and mechanical roughs with the tile layout.

Any changes to the scope of work are documented through a formal change order process. While additional work beyond the original proposal may be discussed verbally or via email, it must be documented through a Change Order, which may impact both cost and schedule.

Quality control remains our top priority. We handle most of the carpentry and millwork in-house and closely oversee our qualified subcontractors to ensure adherence to our high standards and project timeline. Our longstanding relationships with many of our contractors make them an integral part of our team.

Respecting and maintaining a clean work site is paramount to us. We treat each project as if the homeowner will inspect it daily. Our commitment to craftsmanship and cleanliness shines throughout the entire process

Discovering My Passion for Woodworking and Construction

My journey into the world of woodworking and construction began in grade 7 when I first stepped into a shop class. It was there that I had the opportunity to create something tangible with wood using my own two hands. The idea that careful thought and effort could transform raw materials into a functional product fascinated me.

Progressing through High School

As the years went by, my school projects became increasingly complex and intricate. I started with a simple pepper crusher crafted on a lathe and gradually moved on to crafting intricate puzzles on a scroll saw, then creating finely detailed boxes. By the time I reached grade 11, I was introduced to the construction process, working on miniature scale mock-ups and small-scale projects. But it was in grade 11 that we were tasked with an ambitious project: building a playhouse.

In Grande Prairie, there's a charity that auctions these playhouses, with the proceeds going to a good cause. Determined not to settle for a run-of-the-mill playhouse, I aimed for something grand and exciting. With my teacher's guidance, I embarked on designing and constructing a castle playhouse complete with turrets, a spiral staircase, a fire pole, and a bridge connecting them. It was a challenging endeavor that taught me valuable lessons in building and geometry.

My Apprenticeship and Passion for Custom Homes

Upon reaching grade twelve, I began assisting my father with his home construction project during evenings and weekends. During this time, my dad hired a skilled carpenter for the framing work, introducing me to the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). This program supported young individuals interested in pursuing trades. I joined the RAP program and became an apprentice carpenter, working under the carpenter responsible for our home construction. I attended school in the mornings and spent afternoons framing houses, earning both experience and credits.

After graduation, I continued to work alongside my mentor, constructing hundreds of homes, including custom homes. Building custom homes ignited my passion for construction. Each project presented unique challenges, and upon completion, it was awe-inspiring to look at the massive structure and realize that just two individuals had built it.

Becoming a Red Seal Journeyman Carpenter

During those five years, I attended trade school, where I fell in love with woodworking. The abundance of wood and state-of-the-art machinery provided endless possibilities. I cherished mornings spent in the shop, using hand tools to transform raw wood into fine furniture. My woodworking teacher, a skilled craftsman, became my source of inspiration and knowledge.

At the end of each year, we were tasked with building a piece of furniture within a set time frame, often a cabinet or computer desk, complete with walnut inlays, flawless stile and rails, and meticulously hand-planed tops. I relished this challenge and consistently achieved the highest marks in my class, a source of immense pride. After four years of apprenticeship, I proudly earned the title of a Red Seal Journeyman Carpenter at the age of 21.

Establishing My Own Construction Business

Following this achievement, I pursued my dream of owning a construction business. While I enjoy all aspects of building, finish carpentry is my forte. Consequently, I established a business specializing in Renovations and Custom Home Building, allowing me to indulge in every facet of construction. This venture allows me to design, build, and promote superior building practices, fulfilling my passion for craftsmanship and excellence.