About Despard Contracting

Contracting services in Duncan, the Cowichan Valley, and Vancouver Island

Despard Contracting brings over 35 years of expertise in civil construction services across Vancouver Island, with a commitment to building infrastructure that enhances communities.

From roadworks and underground utilities to subdivision development and surface preparation, we specialize in creating solutions that stand the test of time. Our passion lies in turning visions into reality, delivering projects with precision and care that make a lasting impact.

Serving the Cowichan Valley and beyond, Despard Contracting prides itself on high-quality workmanship and fostering strong, lasting partnerships with our clients.

Whatever you need, we’ve got you covered!

All jobs are welcome, but our three main areas of expertise are:

Civil Construction

  • Surface preparation and grading
  • Road construction and resurfacing
  • Subdivision infrastructure development
  • Underground utility installation
  • Paving and asphalt services
  • Stormwater management systems
  • Drainage and sewer installation
  • Site grading and clearing
  • Electrical and telecom trenching
  • Concrete works and finishing
  • Highway and road safety improvements

Custom Home Building

  • National home warranty
  • Over 35+ years of experience as a contractor
  • From spec building to custom homes
  • Complete set of trades within the entire construction industry
  • Specializing in customer-focused custom builds you can have
  • confidence that your dream will become a reality

Renovations

  • No job is too big, or small
  • Residential rip-downs
  • Commercial rebuilds
  • You name it, we can do it

Excavation

  • Land clearing
  • Landscaping
  • Rock walls
  • Retaining walls
  • Driveways
  • Back fills
  • Footings
  • Asphalt & Concrete sub grade
  • Construction site assisting
  • Trucking

Interesting Fact: Despard is named after his great, great, great grandfather, Joseph Despard Pemberton. Joseph was a surveyor for Vancouver Island, and the family has lots of history here.

Here is the wikipedia page for Joseph Despard Pemberton if you would like to hear more!

What Clients Say

A very professional experience from the very first phone call all the way to completion of the job. Pride was evident in the quality of their work and customer care. I would hire Despard Contracting for future excavation work. Thank you.

I was stuck in a pinch and needed a large leveling job done as soon as possible, they had the perfect excavator for the job and could even haul all the extra dirt away for me and they made it work with my schedule and budget and even had it done faster than expected, would definitely recommend.

Get Smart Ventures has used Despard Contracting on many job sites New Construction, and many home renovations including all excavation and trucking. Company is professional and attention to detail in all aspects of work. Would highly recommend this company for all levels of construction.

Approached Despard contracting for some excavation help for a septic issue which led to them being able to handle all trucking and sub trades, this further led to some home renovations. Very professional and stood true to quotes. Great company to work with – would definitely use them again if ever needed!
We have worked on joint efforts for customers on job sites with great success. Des is organized and keeps a timely schedule. And looks out for the best interests of the customer.
Despard contracting did a great job with some excavating in our yard! I highly recommend!
Great company with great guys and a great all-around contractor. Did some excavating for me at my house and I was very happy with the results.
Desi and his team at Despard Contracting are always a pleasure to work with. From general consultations and guidance with our home projects, too, timeliness and attention to detail in all of their work. If you’re not sure where to start with your project, contact them and you will be underway before you know it!

Des and his crew did a great job on building our new addition. Would definitely recommend them.