About Kayan Custom Homes
Kayan Custom Homes has over 50 years of combined construction and management experience. Created by joined forces and a partnership between John Doak and Jay McCarthy, they provide services to build and develop your property and dream home. From the first shovel of dirt to the last finishing nail, we work together with you to ensure that all scopes of your project are completed to your specifications.
Our Process
Building a home is a big journey — and we believe it should feel clear, collaborative, and stress-free from start to finish. At Kayan Custom Homes, our process keeps you informed and involved every step of the way. With access to our JobTread client portal, you can track progress, budgets, and schedules in real time, while our local team and trusted trades handle the details with care. From the first site visit to the final walkthrough, we’re committed to quality craftsmanship, open communication, and a smooth experience that turns your vision into reality.
1. Consultation & Site Visit
2. Design & Planning
3. Transparent Budgeting & Scheduling
4. Permits & Preparation
5. Construction & Communication
6. Finishing Touches & Handover
7. Ongoing Support
Every project begins with a conversation. We meet with you on-site to understand your goals, your property, and how you envision your finished home.
We collaborate closely with trusted designers, engineers, and energy advisors to create a tailored plan that aligns with your needs, budget, and timeline. By incorporating drone footage into our planning process, we gain unique perspectives that enhance every design, ensuring a perfect balance of form, function, and sustainability.
Using the JobTread client portal, you’ll have clear access to quotes, schedules, and updates so you always know what’s happening and when.
We take care of the details — permits, site preparation, and coordination with local trades — ensuring everything is ready before the build begins.
Our experienced team and local trades bring the plan to life with quality craftsmanship and daily progress tracking. With the use of JobTread you’ll see daily/weekly updates and photos as your project moves forward.
Once construction is complete, we walk through every detail with you to ensure everything meets your expectations — and ours.
Our work doesn’t end at move-in. We’re proud to live and work on Gabriola, and we’re always just a call away if you have questions or future projects.
Values Driven
Kayan Custom Homes provides a service of newly built homes and renovations with the best project management and customer service experience possible. We endeavour to always work with integrity - doing what is right and doing what we say we will do.
Certifications & Memberships
We are proud members of the Canadian Home Builders' Association of Vancouver Island, Gabriola Chamber of Commerce, Pacific Home Warranty, and BC Housing. Our team also provides support for local community organizations, such as the Gabriola Golf Club, Gabriola Lions and Concert on the Green.
100% Gabriolian
100% Gabriola owned and operated, with over 90% of our trades and suppliers based right here on the island. We take pride in supporting local talent and keeping every project rooted in our community. By focusing exclusively on Gabriola builds, we ensure hands-on service, trusted relationships, and homes that truly reflect the spirit of island living.
"Great Employers"
Kayan Custom Homes is proud to have been featured by the Gabriola Island Chamber of Commerce as a Great Employer— a reflection of our commitment to integrity, collaboration, and community values. We believe in supporting local trades, creating meaningful work, and building homes that strengthen our island community.
Logo Story
The Kayan Custom Homes logo was designed by Hayden Spindler (04/30/03-07/28/22), a talented young artist and designer whose creativity continues to leave a mark on our company. The name Kayan and its logo were inspired by the beloved dog of one of our partners — “Nayak,” whose name spelled backward became our company’s namesake. Hayden captured that story, creating a logo that reflects both our roots and the spirit of home that guides everything we build.
Hayden Spindler (04/30/03-07/28/22)
Meet The Team
John Doak
Licensed Builder
John graduated from the Residential Construction Program at the Malaspina University in 1991 and pursued many building opportunities throughout British Columbia, from conventional residential buildings to luxury custom homes. Once a certified Wooden Boat Builder and instructor, John's passion and creativity for wood as an artistic medium in every form is carried through to his work that he does today.
For the last 20 years, John has worked with Owner Builders on Gabriola with a focus on West Coast Custom Home styles, designed to tailor suit the homeowner’s individual concepts and preferences. John’s attention to detail and finesse with finishing carpentry has helped to turn the client’s vision into reality. With his vast experience in the industry, he is well versed and will help to guide the process to ensure that quality products are used to provide longevity for your dream home.
John’s pleasant nature, optimism, exemplary communication skills and great sense of humour makes process of building a dream home a little less challenging. In his spare time, John lives a fulfilling island life with his family, taking time to go fishing, camping, boating and playing guitar round the evening fire.
Jay McCarthy
Project Manager
Jay graduated from the Carpenters Training Institute in St John’s, Newfoundland in 1998 and also completed the Project Management Professional Certification at UBC in 2016. He worked in the construction industry in multiple facets; starting as an assistant for a Master Carpenter as a young man, owning businesses in framing and roofing, then moving through the ranks in the mining industry where he became a Team Leader of the Production Concrete Plant. Over the years, he obtained certifications in all scopes of construction practices with a focus on safety and harm prevention, and later managed some of the largest development and remediation projects at a northern diamond mine as a Project Engineer, dealing with all scopes of electrical, mechanical, civil and production.
Born and raised an islander, moving to Gabriola in 2019 with his family was a dream come true. Jay’s enthusiasm and dedication to providing the best construction services to the community is evident with every interaction. His many years of experience in construction ensures that the best options are made available to our clients for helping to develop their land and building or renovating their home. His focus on leadership and communication with his team provides a positive work environment that promotes a pride with workmanship for all our team members.
In his free time, Jay enjoys adventures with his wife and four adult children: sailing, camping, fishing and travelling internationally. His love of laughter can be heard wherever he goes.
