Interviewing Mr. and Mrs. Galpin about the construction of their beachfront home in Comox.
Audio interview with Mr. and Mrs. Galpin about the construction of their ICF beachfront home, providing insights about the process.
Audio Transcript
Tamanna 00:00
Hello everyone, this is Tamanna and today we’re joined by Mr. Steve Galpin and Mrs. Sylvia Galpin who turned their dream of a coastal home into a stunning reality.
What’s your favourite feature or space in this house and why?
Steve Galpin 00:14
I guess the space, you know, with having the house very good forward you have like almost 180 degree view of the ocean. It’s pretty panoramic and then the back part of the property is, you know, quite quite large and as it’s almost like it’s starting to turn into a large garden back there. It’s starting to look like a little sanctuary.
Sylvia Galpin 00:46
It’s not the fishbowl that it was in the beginning butā¦
Steve Galpin 00:49
yes. So yeah and of course the kitchen and the living, the downstairs living area is large and it’s a nice area to be in, you know, it’s welcoming I think
Tamanna 01:06
How important was it to have a clear vision and a plan before starting the construction?
Sylvia Galpin 01:12
Well, I think we can all hope that we have all the details nailed but it’s not a realistic. It never happens but it would be a good idea to have as much organized and planned out as possible to reduce your stress loads.
Steve Galpin 01:32
Yeah, it’s very stressful to build a house and I think to build a house like this, we have similar tastes which has really helped because what she likes I like and it’s easy. If your tastes are different then it’s going to be really difficult. You have to be fairly fluid because some things are not available. You like them, but you can’t get them, you like them, but they’re too expensive. So you’ve got to be fluid and be able to take a step back and compromise somewhat becauseā¦
Sylvia Galpin 02:16
ā¦youāre not going to have everything you want and also when it comes to like when you don’t have an architect design it and have every detail figured out, you have to understand that the engineers will come to the table and just say no, not quite, got to change a few things and dimensions mostly.
Steve Galpin 02:43
I’d say also costs always go up, you know, the minute you think that you’ve any project, I haven’t done a lot of building and houses and stuff, but any project I’ve ever done double it, what do you think it’s going to cost double it, it’ll go a good rule of thumb.
Sylvia Galpin 03:01
Nowadays, itās actually triple it!
Mr. and Mrs. Galpin were in the process of painting their house so I used photoshop to make it look like it usually does.
Building a Coastal Dream Home: Mr. and Mrs. Galpin’s Journey
Nestled in the serene coastal town of Comox Valley, Mr. Steve Galpin, a Red Seal mechanic, and his wife, Mrs. Sylvia Galpin, a former tugboat captain, embarked on an ambitious journey to create a sanctuary that reflected their love for the ocean and commitment to sustainable living. This is the story of how they turned their long-held dream into a stunning reality.
A Dream Takes Shape
In 2014, with the ocean breeze humming in the distance, the Galpins broke ground on their dream home. They aimed to create a residence that embraced the natural beauty of its coastal surroundings while being eco-conscious through innovative building practices. Utilizing Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) and sustainable materials, they set out to turn their vision into an environmentally friendly safe haven that would stand the test of time.
The Galpins chose Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) for their homeās foundation due to its superior insulation properties and durability. ICF uses Styrofoam forms instead of traditional wood framing, providing better energy efficiency and resilience against harsh coastal weather. Mrs. Galpin worked closely with their designer, Mr. Glen Mitchell, to create a unique and spacious plan for their house, ensuring it was both practical and in harmony with its natural surroundings.
Challenges Along the Way
Every dream worth pursuing encounters its share of obstacles, and the Galpins’ journey was no exception. Early on, their enthusiasm turned to frustration as they discovered their hired contractor lacked the expertise needed for such a specialized project. Delays and subpar workmanship threatened to derail their vision.
āHire a competent and reputable contractor,ā they emphasize, underscoring the importance of starting with a reliable foundation.
Faced with mounting challenges and an incompetent contractor, the Galpins decided to take matters into their own hands. They immersed themselves in learning everything they could about construction, sustainable building practices, and project management. With no prior construction experience, they had to learn new skills to manage and complete the build. Coastal weather presented additional challenges, from heavy rains to high winds, further complicating the construction process.
Overcoming Adversity
When things got hard, the couple found their strength in each other and their abilities. Mrs. Galpin became actively involved in every aspect of the project, from laying the floors to the finishing touches. Mr. Galpinās craftsmanship and mechanical expertise helped with the technical aspect of the project. Drawing strength from a supportive network of friends, family, and local professionals, the Galpins found invaluable guidance and encouragement throughout their journey.
A Dream Come True
After years of hard work and determination, the Galpins’ dream home was finally coming together. It is a beautiful, sustainable house surrounded by nature that provides a comfortable and efficient living space. Large windows offer breathtaking ocean views, while open spaces and natural materials create a serene, airy atmosphere. Solar panels and energy-efficient appliances ensure the home is kind to the environment. Every corner of the home reflects the Galpinsā dedication and love for the project, making it uniquely theirs.
Conclusion
Building a dream home is a monumental task, but with the right mindset and resources, itās a dream that can become a reality.
āEducate yourself thoroughly and be proactive in overseeing your project,ā advises Mrs. Galpin, highlighting the importance of being well-informed and involved in every step of the process. āAlways do your homework in all areas: trades, materials, finishing details, etc.,ā adds Mr. Galpin, stressing the significance of thorough research and attention to detail.
If youāre inspired by the Galpinsā story, start planning, seek out knowledgeable professionals, and embrace the journey toward your own dream home.