How we got here
Homes With Love started in 2012 as a tiny home construction service by Maïkan (Forest) Bordeleau. At the same time we were doing other small building, house renovation, deck, fence, etc jobs to meet the community's needs. We developed somewhat of a specialty in on-grid / off-grid solutions to tough situations (rocky land, low water, deteriorating building, polygon dome platform, etc).
We then saw we could also help people by teaching them in-person & on-line: how to do it yourself or make sure who you hire doesn't overcharge you or leave you with something fragile, hazardous, etc. Then, given the housing crisis in Canada and other countries, we added advising governments and builders on tiny home legalization.
Then, given the housing crisis in Canada and other countries, we added advising governments and builders on tiny home legalization, currently serving the National Research Council Canada.
Additional inspiration is drawn from living among and studying the land / building / lifestyle / community traditions of cultures in various climates, as they evolve with the challenges and opportunities today.
Core principles
01
For Nature
Ecological development means we work together with the capacity and spirit of the land. Buildings are moderate sized. Existing resources – rainwater, light, heat/shade, filtration, etc – are mobilized. Natural materials, little heavy machinery, low noise, low waste, greater precision, faster completion.
02
For People and Communities
The inspiration is, what is going to serve and feel good to you & yours now and for a long time, into the next generations. We want to know your needs, concerns, and dreams.
What clients say:
I can't say enough good things about Maïkan as a builder, a contractor and a human being. He has done a variety of work on our property, ranging from a dozen or so minor maintenance and handyman tasks involving carpentry, plumbing, electrical installations to large scale projects. Among the latter have been the rebuild of our extensive and elevated deck, the redo of our metal roof (poorly installed by another contractor) and the renovation of our sauna outbuilding. His workmanship has been excellent and he has looked out for our financial interests. As a person he is considerate and someone with 100% integrity and I would trust him completely with any task. Where a job has been outside of his domain, he has been invaluable in finding the right contractor for the job.
Maïkan is great to work with as he keeps it simple and lets us learn from mistakes without pressure. He uses smart building methods that end up saving time, are safer and give a nicer finish to the project than conventional techniques. He also realises that there are many ways of getting to the same goal and is open to letting our creativity wander. He is available for questions and makes us feel valued. Maïkan is a great asset on any project and a dedicated teacher that lets you learn autodidactically. He also recognises human limits and values safety and being at ease above deadlines.
Maïkan is a pleasure to work with, and his care with finishing and details is much appreciated! So far he has installed my kitchen counters and backsplash, corrected some drainage problems outside my foundation, and put in shower glass that required bracing to be installed through the outside wall of the house — all done well, in good time, and with a helpful, resourceful attitude. Will definitely call Maïkan for future work.
We are very grateful that Maïkan has made himself available to us for various home repair and maintenance projects over the years. Always well done, in good time, with care. We are confident in his abilities and opinions and do not hesitate to recommend him.
This is to attest to my experience with Maïkan as a carpenter/contractor, who has done work for me on a few occasions, including rebuilding and reinforcing a large interior wall, installing flooring, modifying a kitchen, and restoring interior window trim. Communication: Maïkan listened well to my needs and ideas, involved me in all decision-making as the projects progressed, and offered ideas and options for improved safety, efficiency and style/design. Invoicing: He provided a detailed invoice including materials and labour — his fees are reasonable, excellent value for service. Skill: Maïkan came prepared with all the tools and supplies needed. He worked efficiently, no dawdling! Overall Integrity: Maïkan was always respectful of my needs and space while working. I felt valued and cared for throughout. I would not hesitate to hire him again for future projects!
Maïkan's skill set spans a wide spectrum of areas from plumbing to electrical to carpentry and beyond. He helped me troubleshoot and repair multiple components of my recently purchased trailer and did so at an incredibly generous price. But what really impacted me about working with Maïkan is how committed he is to teaching and educating his clients, not merely doing the job for them. It is truly rare to find someone who holds a vision of community empowerment that far outweighs the economic incentive to be 'needed'. I found in him not only a profound ally with regards to womyn's empowerment and equal opportunities, but a true champion for people's basic human right to safe and affordable shelter. Thank you Maïkan for the work, the advocacy, the education and the vision that you bring to this community.
Maïkan is a rare gem. He communicates, arrives on time, does good work, skilled in most construction areas, has good ideas and suggestions and has a reasonable hourly rate. Who could ask for more?
In the spring of 2023 Maïkan was recommended to me when I was looking to build a 15-sided platform for a geodesic dome kit I had purchased. I am so grateful to have been introduced to him. I appreciate the fact that Maïkan is supportive and instructive to clients who want to roll up their sleeves and be involved. That platform was the first of several successful and satisfying projects we have worked on together. My family now has a beautiful tiny bunkie, another platform for our seasonal glamping tent, and have transformed our 80-year-old cabin that had been dear to my siblings and I since we were kids. Maïkan has comprehensive knowledge beyond excellent carpentry, including off-grid power systems, and an understanding and focus on sustainability and development with minimal impact on the environment. On behalf of my family, we would highly recommend Homes With Love. Thank you Maïkan!
Maïkan is a lovely soul and I really appreciated his workshop. I work a lot in sustainability projects but have some big gaps in my knowledge and Maïkan explained the basics of water systems and building principles to me beautifully. Didn't patronise me when I asked (what I felt like were) stupid questions. And makes the field feel really accessible to people approaching it from unconventional backgrounds.
I had the pleasure of working with Maïkan during the construction of the demo model for multiple future geodomes. Though our communication was done primarily virtually, Maïkan provided concise and thoughtful advice during the construction of this 700 sqft platform saving us many future headaches. His vast knowledge of building and not only that, but skills at teaching allowed us to produce an incredible product. Thank you Maïkan.
I used Maïkan's consulting help for my first self-build. The building industry isn't always easy to navigate so it was very reassuring to be able to consult a builder who I feel looks out for my best interest. Homes With Love stands out because of their practical experience, good listening/interaction, and fair pricing.
Fantastic service from Maïkan despite being about five and a half thousand kilometres away. I am working on the biggest project that I have ever undertook. Maïkan spent time on the phone with me discussing and learning about my project and many photos and videos were shared so that he was able to advise me accurately and answer all of my questions. This saved me time, stress and probably money. Maïkan did not rush me during our numerous phone calls and never made me feel that he had something more important to do. He genuinely cared. I recommend Maïkan and Homes with Love.
Maïkan brought innovation and simplicity to our garage to suite project. He suggested a vaulted ceiling which opened up the space. Thanks to him we threw out the gyp rock idea in favour of pine sheathing. It was cheaper and environmentally friendly and the subtle smell of wood lingers on giving the space a clean homey feeling. His knowledge of plumbing and electrical were definite assets. Maïkan is a great guy, a man of principle, kindness, and a strong work ethic. He continues to make himself available for other queries and follow up projects. I would hire him again in a heartbeat.
We met Maïkan at a community fundraising event so we knew we had a values match even before getting to know one another. We are grateful to have crossed paths and to now know well what makes him unique. Maïkan is a skilled builder, makes decisions that match his values, and offers excellent advice and guidance throughout the projects he manages. We have since hired Maïkan four times as a building contractor and have been thrilled with the results each time. His friendly and approachable manner, stewardship of the environment and determination that what is built well will stand the test of time are just some of the reasons why we highly recommend Maïkan.
I am grateful to have employed Maïkan for repairs for 2 years. He's showed good character in his work performance in various skilled trades. For example he repaired plumbing and electrical needs of the property; recent reno on main house (floors, cabinetry, etc) was impressive and improved property value. High professional standard, very reliable including under emergency and with complex problem solving.
To serve you well
and inspire your life
for
years to come.
