ACCE Construction

We hired ACCE Construction to build our 1,400 sq ft home on Salt Spring Island, and after completing 98% of the project and terminating our agreement with them, we unfortunately cannot recommend them. Key Highlights: A complete disregard for budgets and poor cost estimating. Poor communication and avoidant behaviour. Always thinking about the next project instead of finishing this one. Our experience began positively in 2023. Alan seemed engaged, knowledgeable, and provided us with a clear estimate of ~$400,000. However, once construction began in 2024, costs started exceeding estimates with no proactive communication or warning. Nearly every update had to be requested, despite us being off-island and fully dependent on the contractor for transparency. As the project continued, the overruns became extreme. Over just four months, we received the following variances (actual cost minus originally estimated cost): Variance #16: $52,480.15 Variance #17: $52,202.98 Variance #18: $118,462.46 Variance #19: $133,115.30 Total: $356,260.89 over budget in only four months. At no point were we given advance notice or realistic updated projections. When these variances were sent, the only written information accompanying them was: “Change in scope: budget amount was an allowance.” Another major issue was supervision. From Aug 2024 to Apr 2025, Alan billed an average of ~40 hours per month of site supervision. But during May–Sep 2025, when multiple subtrades were active and finishing work was underway, his supervision dropped to an average of ~19 hours per month (~4 hours per week). This lack of oversight led to delays, miscommunication between trades, rework, and unnecessary costs. A clear example was electrical. Our original electrical estimate was under $20,000. The final billed amount was over $60,000, and even then, the work was not completed—several switches, fixtures, and exterior receptacles were left unfinished. Poor supervision and lack of coordination directly contributed to this ballooning cost. By September 2025, it was clear the project was no longer a priority. Communication declined, scheduling became inconsistent, and we were the ones catching deficiencies. We ultimately terminated our contract on September 16th, effective October 16th, and our only regret is not doing it sooner. After providing Alan with 30 days to complete the project, as there was maybe 2 weeks of work left, Alan's response was to pack his tools and clear out the site. Since providing Alan with the termination, I have yet to see or speak to him over the phone despite my repeated requests. On to the positives. The house is beautiful, and of good quality, with only minor deficiencies that need some work. If Alan was more communicative, transparent, and aware of budgets and the realistic costs of things, I think this experience would have been completely different.

I have worked with Allan on a number of occasions. He always works hard and is easy to get along with. He has great rapport with clients and jobs always look great when they are done. Allan has managed some amazing homes and I would recommend ACCE construction for jobs large and small.

Alan was wonderful to work with. From the start of the project, which required an application for a variance from the Resort, right through to conclusion when Alan kindly went out of his way to replace a cracked tile for us, he was always there. He had very helpful advice on plans and dealt with all the trades and subcontractors so I didn't have to even try. Things take time in Whistler, as it is a busy building market, but he kept the project moving forward and dealt with my "add ons" in stride.

Alan Maten and ACCE Construction certainly are one of the best General Contractors in Whistler. Allens attention to detail and quality is second to none. I have worked with ACCE for many years, and have always been impressed with his performance scheduling, and top notch framing and sub trades he hires.

Alan Maten built my chalet in Kadenwood phase 3. We found him very knowledgable in the nuances of building in Whistler where it can be very cold and have extreme snow loads. Alan was even on the board of variance adding confidence that if we needed a variance it would happen. We ended up with our dream house and Alan has been very helpful in the after service insuring everything continues to work smoothly! We would Use Alan an ACCE if we decide to build again. Thanks for a job well done! Sincerely M Townsend