Build Canada:  Your mantra “Build with Certainty” first grabbed our attention.  How did this powerful statement come to be the cornerstone at Kalamoir?

Shane Melanson:  It’s interesting – we were looking for a ‘slogan’ that would be both meaningful and relevant to our business.  I was driving into work and saw a billboard with something for a real estate company that caught my attention.  I thought about how we could apply the concept to construction and our company.

What was the one thing, I wanted as a developer?  Certainty.

For us, the key word was ‘certainty’. In construction, there’s always a lot of moving parts and unknowns, so what we really wanted to offer was a sense of reliability and assurance. After a chat with Mark, we both agreed that “Build with Certainty™” was spot on.

Now, this phrase is more than just our slogan; it’s our promise. It’s all about delivering quality projects that are completed on time and on budget. It sounds simple, but getting it right takes a lot of hard work and dedication. That’s what makes “Build with Certainty” so meaningful to us and to our clients.

BC:  The success of any project is usually determined long before the first brick is laid or the foundation is poured.  What are the benefits of Kalamoirs’ pre-construction guarantee?  

SH: At Kalamoir, we believe that laying a solid foundation goes beyond just concrete and steel—it starts with a strong pre-construction phase. That’s where our pre-construction guarantee comes into play, and it offers two key benefits that set us apart.

1. Budget Accuracy: We stand by a promise that the budget we provide at the end of the pre-construction phase will be within 5% of the final price. Of course, this is subject to certain variables like unexpected geotechnical issues or changes driven by the owner. This level of accuracy means our clients can plan with confidence, knowing that what they see at the start is what they’ll end up with. It’s all about eliminating surprises and providing peace of mind from the get-go

2. Value Assurance: Here’s where we stand behind what we tell our clients. If a client feels they haven’t received value that exceeds our pre-construction fee, they don’t pay us. If we don’t meet or surpass the value you expect, you’re not obligated to use our services or even pay for the pre-construction phase. We want to build trust and demonstrate our commitment to delivering value from day one, not trap anyone into a service they’re not satisfied with.

Our goal is simple: to kick off every project by showing our dedication to quality and transparency. We’re not here to pressure anyone; we want to start off on the right foot by proving our worth and making sure you get genuine value right from the start. This is how we help our clients Build with Certainty.

BC:  How does value engineering improve construction project value?

SH: Value Engineering term is overused in Construction.  Saying that, if done right, it is a tool for cutting costs from a project, without sacrificing the quality. From my own experience, especially working with Kalamoir as a Developer, VE has made the difference in go/no go projects in terms of both saving money and avoiding costly issues.

Here’s the lowdown on how we see VE in a project:

VE is all about finding ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality. Often, designs come from architects and consultants who might not fully consider how everything fits together. This is where the General Contractor (GC) steps in, as they know the ins and outs of making it all work smoothly. By diving into the details and spotting potential conflicts early, the GC can prevent issues that might otherwise lead to expensive fixes.

On one project, Mark and the Kalamoir team noticed problems in the structural and civil designs that others missed. Fixing those issues not only saved me around $150,000 but also shaved about two months off the project timeline. That’s a huge win in terms of both budget and schedule.

VE also helps in steering clear of expensive errors. When the GC reviews design early, they can catch mistakes or conflicts that might not be obvious to architects or consultants alone. By addressing these issues before construction starts, VE helps avoid costly delays and changes down the line.

Every project is unique, and VE helps tailor solutions to each one. Often, it reveals opportunities to enhance the project’s value in ways that weren’t initially obvious. This can lead to savings that run into the six- or even seven-figure range, depending on the project’s size and complexity.

In a nutshell, VE isn’t just about trimming costs—it’s about making sure the project is as efficient and effective as possible.

 

BC:  What are the guiding principles at Kalamoir that impact and drive performance of your projects? 

SH:  At Kalamoir, we operate on a set of core values that really drive how we approach and execute every project. Here’s a peek into what guides us:

1. Accountability: We believe in owning every aspect of our projects. That means we take full responsibility for the outcomes, from start to finish. This is why we prioritize working with clients who are ready to engage with us from the pre-con phase. By getting involved early, we ensure that we can address any issues before they become problems and keep everything on track. Our commitment to accountability means that when you work with us, you’re working with a team that’s fully invested in the success of your project.

2. Greatness: We’re all about continuous improvement. Our team is dedicated to getting better every day, whether through formal training or by staying curious and open to learning from others. We encourage a culture of humility and growth, where asking questions and seeking new knowledge is not just welcomed but expected. This commitment to greatness ensures that we’re always pushing the envelope and striving for excellence in everything we do.

3. Healthy Relationships: We understand that our business thrives on word-of-mouth and referrals. That’s why we’re careful about who we work with, aiming to build long-term, meaningful relationships. We select clients and partners who align with our values and vision, ensuring that our collaborations are not just projects but partnerships. By fostering these healthy relationships, we’re able to deliver better results and create a positive ripple effect in our industry.

These principles aren’t just buzzwords for us—they’re the foundation of how we operate and the reason behind our consistent performance. They help us stay focused on delivering exceptional results and building lasting partnerships with our clients.

BC:  An efficient team is crucial for delivering successful projects. How does the Kalamoir team cultivate and strengthen a company culture that embodies a high-performance environment?

SH: At Kalamoir, building a strong team culture is key to our success. Our hiring process is detailed, ensuring new team members know exactly what’s expected of them. We make sure everyone understands what it takes to succeed and what behaviors won’t be tolerated, so there are no surprises.

We focus on our core values and regularly reinforce them. Keeping these values top of mind helps maintain a positive and productive environment. We believe one negative influence can affect the whole team, so we’re committed to a supportive culture.

We keep our values and expectations front and center through regular check-ins and feedback. In a nutshell, we work hard to create a clear, supportive, and high-performing culture where our team can excel.

 

BC:  The best results come from trusted collaborations and cooperation among all parties.  How crucial is the collaboration between your building partners in your delivery process?

SH: Collaboration with our building partners is crucial—it’s often the make-or-break factor for a project. We carefully select our trades, suppliers, and consultants to ensure they align with our standards and goals. While we’re open to working with new partners, we use the pre-construction phase to evaluate how well they fit with our team. Spending significant time together during this phase helps us determine if they’re genuinely committed to the project or if their priorities might clash with ours.

In my experience, construction itself isn’t overly complex—it’s all about following through on commitments. The real challenge lies in managing a large group of people and ensuring they work together effectively. As the General Contractor, it’s our job to coordinate everyone involved and keep them aligned with the project’s goals. Too often, projects fail because a few individuals focus more on covering their own backs rather than contributing to the team effort.

By fostering strong, collaborative relationships and maintaining clear communication, we aim to prevent these issues and ensure that everyone is working toward a shared vision.

In my experience construction is not complicated – do what you say you’re going to do.  The hard part is managing all the people and getting them to work together.  This is the role of the GC.  To bring together 50 -100 people and get them all on the same page.  Where they are not trying to CYA.  Too many projects that fail are due to a few people who are out for themselves.