Full-service design-build company finds key to success – and repeat business – is keeping clients in the driver's seat
As seen in... Profiles of Excellence 2017
When Ralph Belisle and his wife Hélène returned to Burnaby in the mid-80s after three years abroad – travelling and working as a carpenter – jobs in his field were few and far between.
During the time away, he had honed his residential carpentry skills in countries like England, New Zealand and Australia; eager to put them to the test at home, he dropped flyers door-to-door that advertised his services.
Belisle eventually landed a two-week gig. Thinking he was onto something, he took an ad in the Vancouver Courier.
“I put my phone number and name and the word ‘carpentry,’" he recalls. “There was still some white space, so I said, ‘Let’s go with Top Quality.’”
And so Burnaby-based TQ Construction was born in 1985. “We never looked back,” Belisle says with a smile.
TQ Construction has rejuvenated hundreds of homes in the Greater Vancouver area through custom renovation and new custom home builds. The company is nationally acclaimed and a winner and finalist of over 65 industry awards. Today, the couple’s son, Henri, leads the company as general manager, while Ralph continues to oversee daily operations.
The Belisles and their team of experts have developed well-organized systems for cost-plus and fixed-price methods of construction budgeting, giving clients different options for their specific needs, whether it’s for a kitchen renovation or a whole home face lift.
Belisle noted when deciding whether to renovate or build new, each project has a “tipping point.” “You make that decision by analyzing the numbers of cost of construction and return on investment. Our company does that for you, making sure you’re on the right track,” he says.
TQ Construction prides itself on its full service design build model, according Belisle. He says the company’s “integrated and sequenced” planning process – from initial concept to final completion – gives home owners peace of mind.
“The key is to keep the client in the driver’s seat, where they have a great deal of input,” he says of the process. “That’s the real value of working with us. The decisions to be made – on cost, on schedule, on beauty or on quality – are continuously communicated amongst the key players and decision makers in their project. There are fewer surprises along the way. This level of commitment to service is what keeps happy clients coming back for our top quality design and construction.”
Contact
- 604.430.9900
- info@tqconstruction.ca
- tqconstruction.ca
How many employees? A core team of 15 design-and-build experts with additional staff during busier construction months.
How long in business? Since July 1985.
Owned by: Ralph Belisle, president of TQ, who founded the company with his wife Helene Belisle. Today ownership is transferring to their son Henri Belisle, general manager of TQ.
Major accolades: TQ Construction is a nationally acclaimed winner and finalist of more than 65 industry awards, including:
- 11 Gold Georgies – CHBA-BC
- 7 Ovation Awards – GVHBA
- 3 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence
- 2015 Guildmaster Award for exceptional customer service
Most proud of? TQ Construction has developed streamlined, well-organized systems for cost-plus and fixed-price methods of construction budgeting. One of few builders who can effectively offer both budgeting methods to best serve our clients’ preferences.
