BC RenoNation, 2017
Full Page Media Article
"As more seniors wish to stay at home or “age in place,” it is often more feasible to accommodate those requests by modifying a home to improve safety opposed to undertaking the process relocating to a residential care facility, explains Mark Senner, owner of CareAge Home and Health Inc and President of SAFERHome Standard society. The single greatest risk for living at home, however, is injuries that result from slips or falls. By adding safety features now, you can create a stable environment so yourself or another senior can live at home for years to come, says Ralph Belisle, president of TQ Construction." [segment]
West Coast Homes and Design, 2016
Recognition in Feature Advertorial
“I lived with tape on the floors for quite a while,” she adds, while recalling that the statement cabinets did have the tradesmen wondering whether she would be happy with the end result. “I knew it would be just what I wanted, not too traditional and with a modern flair,” says Dusevic, who designed the kitchen herself in collaboration with TQ Construction and its sub-contractors to create her vision." [segment]
Space Home Design and Style, 2016
Cover and Full Page Advertorial
"When Ralph Belisle and his wife Hélène returned to Burnaby in the mid-80s after three years abroad – traveling 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." [segment]
Home Design and Renovations, 2016
Double Page Advertorial Feature
"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 fi nal 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. Th e 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. Th ere are fewer surprises along the way." [segment]
North Shore News, 2016
Sponsored Cover and Editorial
"It is important to hire professionals to transform your largest financial investment into the home you will enjoy for many years to come. Just as you would reach out to professionals to manage your other investments, I recommend working with professional renovators to protect your home investment. Speaking with multi award-winning GVHBA renovator-member Ralph Belisle of TQ Construction, Ralph shared a recent project with me which exemplifies the leading edge work our members offer homeowners. As the story goes, the family had lived in their home for 20 years. They decided to move into a new home with more space, but it was never quite right – so they turned back and renovated the home they loved." "Neo-Georgian style with a 20 year-old design, TQ Construction blended features the owners sought out in a new home with the desired upgrades. One of the major features of the renovation included a redesign of the attic into usable space. The open attic concept required a new roof support designed to be capable of holding a typical roof load weight without using vertical beams. The process involved development and methodology to improve the structural integrity of the Neo-Georgian style home without affecting the existing structure, while making the space livable and meeting current building code standards." [segment] — Bob de Witt, CEO of the GVHBA | Contributing Writer
West Coast Homes Kitchen Issue, 2016
Regonition in Kitchen Issue
“I knew it would be just what I wanted, not too traditional and with a modern flair,” says Dusevic, who designed the kitchen herself in collaboration with TQ Construction and its sub-contractors to create her vision." [segment]
Modern Builder and Design, 2016
6 Page Advertorial Feature
"As family ownership transitions from Ralph Belisle to his son, Henri, the dedication to unmatched service remains intact as a new generation introduces a more client-collaborative way to deliver top-notch construction. “Our physical product is always just right because we don’t tolerate anything less than what the client asks for in quality or service,” Ralph says. “We overcame any problems of delivering quality decades ago to rise above our competition. We’ve been doing that for a while now, too.” TQ Construction has developed streamlined, well-organized systems for cost-plus and fixed-price methods of construction budgeting; allowing clients different model options for their specific needs. The company has received industry recognition on multiple occasions for design and construction excellence on local, provincial and national levels from the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association (GVHBA) and CHBA of British Columbia (CHBA-BC), including multiple Renovator of the Year honors." [segment]
Dream and Build, Dream Homes 2016
Ovations Awards Editorial
Ovation Awards Project Feature: Attic of Heritage Home "Hardwood encased steel cranked box-beam creates dramatic visual feature that draws eye forward to focal point of room while carrying the load and creating extra living space." [segment]
The Dream Home Guide, 2015
Double Page Advertorial Feature
"Forgoing quality construction while providing amenities and fluff that sell homes has unfortunately become more common, says Ralph Belisle, a 40- year veteran to the home-building industry, a past president of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association of BC, and owner of TQ Construction. “During building booms, we have seen less-expensive materials brought in under the heading ‘engineered materials,’ meaning manufactured and not natural materials,” explains Belisle. “The question becomes how these products will behave in this climate. Over the years, I’ve seen the quality of materials and builders go up and go down.” [segment]
Home Décor and Renovations, 2015
Cover and 3 Page Advertorial
“During the total renovation of our original Vancouver Special, TQ Construction was able to bring the house into the modern day and beyond,” says the enthusiastic homeowner. “They listened to all our needs and wants and have made our vision come true!”Vancouver Specials materialized during the building boom between 1965 and 1985 as an inexpensive and easy-to acquire design plan that maximized the standard Vancouver lot and was easy to build. Families then liked them for the same reason modern families like them today, explains Belisle. The large interior space (about 1300 square feet on each floor) and at-grade basement level is ideal for multi-generational living." "TQ Construction recognizes a niche in the renovation of Vancouver Specials, and for Belisle who grew up in a similar home and has been in the construction business for over 30 years, this style provides the opportunity for original homeowners with modest budgets to not only stay in the neighborhood they love, but to create a stunning, contemporary living space." [segment]
Home Décor and Renovations, 2015
Cover and 3 Page Advertorial
"For a family who loves to cook, TQ explored the functionality of the space and gave the kitchen a whole new pulse. Its U-shape allows two chefs to work their magic while family and friends gather at the L-shaped center island or take a seat at the eating bar. The contrasting dark and white cabinets look fabulous with their high-tech gloss finish and an abundance of roll-out drawers which makes it easy to access everything. Rather than typical raised window sills, modern sill less windows frame the stove, and ingenious electrical plugs integrated into the island’s countertop. An innovative barn-door conceals the stacking laundry station which is pre-wired for TV, and incorporates a work station. Astride TQ’s in-house designer, the homeowners realized their vision for a chic grey-on grey color palette in the living area which takes its cues from the home’s original handsome stone hearth fireplace." "Removing the typical Special hallway resulted in an extra 70 square feet. The revitalized design combines two bedrooms into a stunning master retreat with walk-in closet and spa-like ensuite featuring an integrated rain shower with polished concrete and linear floor drain. The main floor bath features playful graffiti-inspired tile and a sumptuous soaker tub. Completing this Vancouver Special reno is the new two-bedroom rental suite with modern finishes and comfortable open floor plan. By allowing their clients’ unique and sometimes challenging ideas to stretch their creative direction, TQ Construction focuses on what’s at the heart of all their home renovations. It’s about listening and renovating interiors into spaces which speak to their owners." [segment]
BC RenoNation, 2015
Full Page Media Article
Modernizing the BC Box Home - RenoNation - TQ - Construction - 2015
Custom Homes Magazine, 2014
Cover and 3 Page Advertorial
"Clean, simple and masculine. The house had good bones, along with a great lot and location: tucked into an established neighborhood surrounded by forest, near Burnaby Lake and a mere 20 minutes from Downtown Vancouver. Initially he toyed with moving to avoid renovating, yet the pristine location of his 4,800 square-foot home was enough to resolve this retired bachelor to stay. “It was the worn carpets, boxy rooms, and massive onyx fireplace that had to go, not me,” said Guy. “I wanted a clean, simple and masculine look.” So Guy started talking to contractors to figure out how they could update his home for modern living." “I had this huge house but really only used three rooms – I’d go from the bedroom, to the kitchen to the den. I wanted to bring my home up to 2014, make better use of the house and open it up so that all rooms in the back of the house could utilize this great view.” For TQ Construction President, Ralph Belisle, a renovation professional since 1985 and past President of both the Canadian Home Builders Association of British Columbia and Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association, being selected by Guy to be the design-build company of choice to reinstate the “wow-factor,” was a definite compliment. “We’ve won numerous Georgie Awards over the years but to have a new client tell us he had taken seven years to compare contractors, visit renovated homes, track industry accolades and speak with customers on their experiences was especially rewarding. Guy definitely did his research,” said Ralph." [segment]
Custom Homes, 2014
Cover and 3 Page Advertorial
"Raise the wow factor. Those were the simple instructions spoken by homeowner Guy Linden when he first met with TQ (Top Quality) Construction, the professional design-build renovation company responsible for his total home transformation. From commercials to new recipes, the “wow-factor” is that unscripted reaction that causes surprise, awe and excitement. For Guy, his once ahead-of-its-time Burnaby home was no longer delivering the impact which had initially drawn him to buy it almost 25 years ago. “I’d say about seven years ago, I walked inside the front door, and it had a different type of wow-factor. It was more like, wow; this place really needs some updating!” said Guy." "Clean, simple, masculine. The house had good bones, along with a great lot and location: tucked into an established neighbourhood surrounded by forest, near Burnaby Lake and a mere 20 minutes from Downtown Vancouver. Initially he toyed with moving to avoid renovating, yet the pristine location of his 4,800 square-foot home was enough to resolve this retired bachelor to stay. “It was the worn carpets, boxy rooms, and massive onyx fireplace that had to go, not me,” said Guy. “I wanted a clean, simple and masculine look.” [segment]
West Coast Homes and Design, 2014
2 1/2 Page Editorial Feature Spread
TQ Construction projects include a whole home makeover, outdoor living and a Vancouver Special.
West Coast Homes, 2014
Cover and 4 Page Advertorial
“Where’s SAM?” “He’s in Whistler this year.” Indeed. The Canadian Home Builders’ Association SAM Awards will be presented at the association’s 71st national conference on April 4 in Whistler. Since 1943, the Canadian Home Builders’ Association has been “the voice of Canada’s residential construction industry” – one of the most vital and enterprising industries in Canada. CHBA National SAM Awards are presented for projects of varying sizes in the following categories: New Home Awards (eight in total), Home Renovation Awards (five in total), and Marketing Awards (six in total). In addition, single National SAM Awards are presented for: Green Home, Community Development, Marketing Excellence, and the Grand SAM, which recognizes the new home builder who demonstrates the highest level of excellence in both building and marketing." "Commenting on the CHBA National SAM Award finalists, CHBA President Deep Shergill noted, “Our theme for this year’s SAM Awards is ‘Outstanding’ and that certainly speaks to the character and commitment of the new home builders, renovators, and developers who make up our award finalists. These companies set a high bar in terms of building and renovating homes and developing the new communities that make Canada such a great place to live, work and raise a family.” [segment]
Modern Home Builder, 2014
4 Page Advertorial
Modern Home Builder Magazine - 2014 - "In With The Old" - TQ Construction
RenoMark, Renovation Budgets, 2014
Question and Answer Editorial
"In the renovation business since 1985, TQ Construction is known for the two costing models that they offer to clients – Fixed Price and Cost Plus. With the Fixed Price model, you are buying something with a set price attached to it. Cost Allowances are contingency allowances for specific items of the scope of work within a fixed price contract. With Cost Plus you work with your contractor to develop a price throughout the planning phase of your project. With Cost Plus, the Fixed Elements are elements within the cost plus model that have a set price attached to them (can total as much as 50%-70% fixed with proper planning). With this in mind, we came to TQ with a few questions." [segment]
Home Builder Magazine, 2013
Full Page Profile Editorial
"It is possible to visually “enlarge” a space without altering the footprint. In the case of this bathroom it started by removing a cramped dual-sink counter, creating space for a double-sized shower with a frameless glass door, built-in bench (heated for comfort), rain shower-head, hand wand, and a trio of blind hung, glass corner shelves. The no-barrier threshold enhances the room’s open ambiance and helps future-proof for clients who want the ability to age-in-place. A new bathtub includes a hand-held shower wand for a bathing alternative. His-and-hers sinks feature matched, individual vanities with farm-style square sinks, floating cabinets, and mirrored medicine cabinets framed by double-sconce lighting. Minimalist faucets/fixtures remove visually distracting clutter and reinforce the theme of elegant simplicity. The toilet was relocated and a privacy wall added. A dated glass-block faux window above the tub was covered with translucent, sandblasted glass and framed with low-profile moulding." [segment]
Home Décor and Renovations, 2013
Cover and 2 Feature Advertorials
"Change is in the air at TQ. With a long history of award winning renovations and custom construction already in their portfolio, the Burnaby-based company is rolling out a brand new division. Introducing Q-Design/Build. “Q-Design/Build streamlines a renovation into five easy steps with a fixed price,” says TQ president Ralph Belisle. “While most consumers enjoy the collaborative teamwork of a conventional renovation, some just want to see it done quickly, with minimal inconvenience, and for a pre-established price. Q is ideal for this type of client because they don’t have to deal with the day-to-day minutia of their reno.” [segment]
HDR Magazine, 2013
Tips and Tricks Series
Home Decor Renovations TQ Construction - 2013 - Magazine Feature
Home Décor and Renovations, 2013
Cover, Full Page Editorial, 3 Page Advertorial
"Change is in the air at TQ. With a long history of award winning renovations and custom construction already in their portfolio, the Burnaby-based company is rolling out a brand new division. Introducing Q-Design/Build. “Q-Design/Build streamlines a renovation into five easy steps with a fixed price,” says TQ president Ralph Belisle. “While most consumers enjoy the collaborative teamwork of a conventional renovation, some just want to see it done quickly, with minimal inconvenience, and for a pre-established price. Q is ideal for this type of client because they don’t have to deal with the day-to-day minutia of their reno.” "The process, Ralph explains, is an easy to understand one. “First, we meet the client in their home and, using a comprehensive series of checklists, we gather information very quickly and efficiently about what the client considers the priorities for their reno — things they often don’t even realize are important like how many meals the family cooks at home during a typical week, does the dishwasher need to be closer to the bake station or the storage, and even how many hand towels are kept in the linen drawer. If the client decides to proceed, they pay a $1,000 deposit and the Q Team gets to work creating a proposed plan and fixed-cost budget. Another meeting follows for fine tuning, and then once the final plan is approved and signed off, construction gets underway." [segment]
Home Improvement and Design, 2013
Cover and Full Page Advertorial
"Extend Your Living Space! Outdoor living in a part of today's lifestyle. More homeowners than ever are turning their outdoor areas into attractive and relaxing expressions of their homes during the warmer months of the year. This can be as simple as a sitting area for the family, or include a combination of decks, patios, walkways, gazebos, gardens, ponds and fountains." [segment]
HDR Magazine, 2012
Tips and Tricks Series
HDR Magazine, 2012 - Tips and Tricks Column - TQ Construction
Home Improvement and Design, 2010
Cover and Double Page Advertorial
Magazine features TQ Construction for their cover story as well as a double page advertorial on a renovation featuring a top, side and rear addition.
Vancouver Green Capital, 2010
Information Guide Excerpt
"TQ Construction's renovation project (shown at right) features a variety of elements you might expect to see in a green renovation project." [segment]
BC RenoNation, 2010
3 Page Media Article
"Aging in place is the ability to live in one’s own home – wherever that might be – for as long as confidently and comfortably possible. A prestigious laboratory known for its comprehensive research into aging, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s AgeLab has conducted extensive studies on the subject of aging in place. The home is more than shelter, the MIT website notes. It is a personal statement of safety, well being and a platform for living. AgeLab researchers are exploring both older adult decision-making about whether to age in place or move, what technologies might be integrated into everyday living to enable well-being and safety without sacrificing dignity, and what services might be desired by both older users, families and providers." “The twin bookends of old age have been financial retirement planning and healthcare. These are not incorrect, they are just woefully incomplete,” the MIT site says. Living longer demands that societies and families take the long view. Financial and health security are critical elements of quality aging; however, planning for all the things that make up longer life are equally important. Questions to ask include: Where will you live? What will you do in old age? How will you travel from the grocery store, part-time work or just enjoy a cup of coffee with a friend? What plans will you make for frailty and end-of-life, impacting both our life and the lives of loved ones?, the AgeLab says." [segment]
Home Makeover Magazine, 2009
3 Page Advertorial
Georgies Winner, TQ Construction project featured in Home Makeover Magazine
Home Décor and Renovations, 2007
Double Page Advertorial
"Function meets fabulous as the boomer generation grows into a greying population, changing lifestyle and health needs will lead seniors to consider home modifications. If you’re a boomer, however, this doesn’t mean your environment needs to transform into a seniors’ nursing home. While function may preclude fashion in some cases, a good renovation won’t give up one for the other, it can be unified and dignified; aesthetics can easily be factored into your space constraints and budget. With advances in designs, applications, and technology, more than ever, home renovation companies are making this step a viable option. “Thankfully the modern look has drawn from a lot of the traditional looks,” says Ralph Belisle, president of TQ Construction." “For example, different cabinet heights can be aesthetically pleasing; particularly in the last 10 years there’s been a growing trend to go back to the old look where each cabinet has a different height and depth, adding a lot of design interest to the kitchen.” If you choose to remain in your residence as your needs evolve, it’s a good time to call (sooner rather than later and perhaps before you begin humming melodic bars of “the old grey mare, she ain’t what she used to be”), on experts like TQ Construction’s Jim Wigglesworth, pre-construction coordinator and certified Aging-in-Place Specialist. The Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation was developed by the National Association of Home Builders to provide professionals training and knowledge necessary to modify homes." [segment]
Homeswest, Greenhouse, 2005
3 Page Advertorial
"Walking into this newly renovated house in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, one is struck by how spacious the small home feels. Only 300 square feet (28 m2) were added in the renovation, but the open-concept great room that serves as the main living space with its 12 1/2-foot- (4-m-) high ceiling gives the home a grandness you might not expect in a 1,621-square-foot (151-m2) space. And that is the point—bigger is not always better. This renovation is all about staying small but growing in quality." [segment]
Homes West, Reno Inspiration, 2005
Cover and 8 Page Advertorial
Renovation Inspiration - Homes West - 2005 - Green Homes by TQ Construction
Homes West Magazine, 2005
Cover and 8 Page Advertorial
Homes West, Renovation Inspiration, 2005 featuring a green certified home by TQ Construction.
Vancity Business Banking, 1999
Interivew, Quarterly Advertorial
"Ralph describes the company as one that is constantly renewing — both inside and out. “We’re always looking at new ideas. So that means improving ourselves technically, as well as how we communicate with our customers, and how we treat our staff. Having a motivated team lets you offer a level of service that customers appreciate.” Today, TQ Construction has 26 people working full time for the company. And Ralph admits to many important lessons along the way. “The first lesson is how to say ‘no’ to projects that we don’t have time for, or that don’t suit our skills. The second was how to ‘let go’ by letting others step up and learn the skills they need to lead.” [segment]
Magazine and Newspaper Articles Featuring TQ Construction
We’ve been featured in over 62 magazines and have garnered over 33 years of consistent media coverage. Our winning client testimonials, 64 awards, and 33 case studies validate our worth as a credible, high-caliber design/build company. An award Winner of 11 Gold, Finalist of 33 Silver, 21 Bronze, and Best BC Renovator twice!