Experience & Values
Working with
nature.
Not against it.
Safe, Well-functioning, Personalized, Durable, Beautiful, Dignified, Low-impact, Good-neighbourly
Who Forest
is, and why.
it matters.
Homes With Love owner/founder Forest studied environmental toxicology to understand and reduce the impacts of materials and practices. He has worked with indigenous communities for many years to understand their methods, philosophies, and wishes, and serves on the affordable housing taskforce (HAPTF) of the local Islands Trust government.
By taking nothing for granted, we often improve efficiency, savings, and health/safety compared to common building practices.
We've found no need for paint, drywall or sprayfoam, for example, all with potential hazards for workers and occupants. We try to work how nature works and looks, because opposing nature often means materials that pollute and don't last.
When someone living in a home feels good and safe, they can relax, heal, be inspired, and inspire others, including welcoming them to their inspiring space.
A real example
For example, bitumen-based flashing tapes around skylights, windows and doors often fail, especially when used at low temperature, even with primer, leading to leaks. Water damage is a top-two cause of insurance claim in our area, connected with structural, electrical, and respiratory hazards. Bitumen causes major diseases in people and wildlife. We use an alternative product that costs more up-front but saves on labour and water damage risk, keeps adhesion in all weather, and handles all geometries well.
Our Values
Eight words that guide
everything we build.
Safe
Well-functioning
Personalized
Durable
Safe
Dignified
Low-impact
Good-neighbourly
For anyone who
wants to build well
and build smart.
You don't need construction experience. These courses are designed for owner-builders, do-it-yourselfers, first-time builders, and anyone who wants to understand the process well enough to do it themselves — or to make sure whoever they hire doesn't overcharge them or leave them with something fragile or dangerous.
We're experienced teachers who like to help people grow their skills. For those who wish, we share the why's behind how it works. Understanding the logic makes you better at maintenance, faster at solving problems, and more confident in every part of homesteading life. Knowing how to think and having the confidence and tools to try is transferrable to other areas of homesteading type life, for example vehicle maintenance.
Our Work in Photos
What ecological building
actually looks like.
Sheep wool insulation (a thousands year-old practice with reduced respiratory hazard and approved fire safety), stable buildings without excavating indigenous sites or putting tons of concrete, an emphasis on organic shapes and colours, the joy at seeing your home take shape, and two photos of the waste: one, from a half-week's work; one, from an entire waterproof shell, the big black bag being wood scraps usable for heating, the middle piles recycling, and furthest away 1 cubic foot (30 L) of landfill.
What clients say.
"Forest is a lovely soul and I really appreciated his workshop. He explained the basics of water systems and building principles to me beautifully. Makes the field feel really accessible to people approaching it from unconventional backgrounds."
"Forest provided concise and thoughtful advice during the construction of a 700 sqft platform, saving us many future headaches. His vast knowledge of building and skills at teaching allowed us to produce an incredible product."
"I used Forest's consulting help for my first self-build. It was very reassuring to consult a builder who looks out for my best interest. Homes With Love stands out because of their practical experience, good listening, and fair pricing."
"Fantastic service from Forest despite being five and a half thousand kilometres away. He spent time discussing and learning about my project so he could advise accurately. This saved me time, stress and money. He genuinely cared."
"Forest brought innovation and simplicity to our garage-to-suite project. His knowledge of plumbing and electrical were definite assets. Forest is a great guy — a man of principle, kindness, and strong work ethic. I would hire him again in a heartbeat."
"We have hired Forest four times as a building contractor and have been thrilled with the results each time. His stewardship of the environment and determination that what is built well will stand the test of time are just some reasons why we highly recommend him."
"I am grateful to have employed Forest for repairs for 2 years. His recent reno on the main house was impressive and improved property value. High professional standard, very reliable including under emergency and complex problem solving."
"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. A great asset on any project and a dedicated teacher."
"We met Forest at a community fundraising event so we knew we had a values match. Forest is a skilled builder, makes decisions that match his values, and offers excellent advice. We are grateful to have crossed paths and to know what makes him unique."
Work Well. Look Good. Last Long.