About Us

Quality & trust in every build.

SJT Contracting was founded on a belief that great construction requires two things working together: old-school craftsmanship and new-school systems. We have built our reputation in the Okanagan by showing up organized, communicating honestly, and delivering work that holds up over time.

Our Values

What We Stand For

1

Quality

We build to a standard we would want in our own homes.

2

Honesty

If there is a problem, we tell you. If your expectations are out of line with your budget, we have that conversation early.

3

Client First

Every decision on your project is made in your interest.

4

Local

We are Okanagan born and raised. We invest in this community because it is ours.

A Note from Shea

“The thing I am most proud of is not just the quality of any single build, it is the level of trust our clients place in us. When someone chooses SJT, they are handing us their biggest investment and trusting us to do right by them. We take that seriously every single day.”

Shea Thomson, Founder

Our Team

The People Behind the Work.

SJT Contracting is led by people who care deeply about what they build and who they build it for. Every member of the team is held to the same standards of craftsmanship, communication, and accountability that we promise our clients.

Shea Thomson

Founder & Lead Builder

Shea Thomson is a journeyman carpenter who grew up and built his career in the Okanagan. With over 20 years of hands-on experience in residential and commercial construction, Shea founded SJT Contracting on the principle that clients deserve a builder who combines traditional trades excellence with the efficiency and organization of modern project management.

Shea is a Gold Winner at the Okanagan Housing Awards of Excellence and a Preferred Builder at Lakestone, recognitions that reflect the consistent standard SJT holds across every project.

When he is not on site, Shea is actively involved in the local building community, attending mastermind events and building relationships that benefit his clients and his team. He is an active athlete and coaches his kids through local sports, qualities that carry over into how he leads his crew and builds long-term client relationships.

Awards & Credentials

Recognized for Quality.

The awards and credentials SJT has earned are not the point, the work is. But they do reflect a consistent standard that our clients and peers have recognized over time.

Okanagan Housing Awards of Excellence

Gold Winner

The Okanagan Housing Awards of Excellence (formerly the Tommy Awards) recognize the best in residential construction across the Okanagan valley. SJT Contracting is a Gold Winner, a distinction earned through demonstrated excellence in design, craftsmanship, and client experience.

Better Business Bureau

Accredited

SJT Contracting is fully accredited by the Better Business Bureau, reflecting our commitment to ethical business practices and responsive client service.

Pacific Home Warranty

Enrolled Builder

All SJT new home builds are enrolled in the Pacific Home Warranty program, providing clients with the strongest residential construction warranty protection available in British Columbia.

Central Okanagan Homebuilders Association

Proud Member

As a member of the Central Okanagan Homebuilders Association, SJT is connected to the highest standards of professionalism and practice in the regional building industry.

Preferred Builder at Lakestone

The awards and credentials SJT has earned are not the point, the work is. But they do reflect a consistent standard that our clients and peers have recognized over time.

Our Custom Home Process

What you take care of

1

Define Your Vision & Budget

Get clear on what you want to build, how you want to live in it, and your comfort range for the overall investment. We’ll help you pressure-test priorities so the budget supports the lifestyle.

2

Secure Your Land

Choose a lot that fits your goals, views, and timeline. We can flag potential site considerations early (slope, access, services) so there are fewer surprises later.

3

Hire Your Team

Select the right people to bring the project to life (builder, designer/architect, key consultants). If you need referrals, we’ll connect you with trusted local professionals.

4

Arrange Financing

Confirm your construction financing and understand how draws, holdbacks, and contingencies work. We’ll provide the documentation and clarity lenders need to keep things moving.

What we take care of

5

Get Permits & Approvals

We coordinate the permit process and required approvals, keeping timelines and requirements clear. You stay informed, but we handle the heavy lifting and follow-ups.

6

Design Your Home

We collaborate with you (and your designer/architect) to shape a plan that fits the lot, captures the views, and matches your budget. This is where function, flow, and finish direction come together.

7

Site Preparation

We organize the groundwork: excavation, services, access, and site logistics. The goal is a clean, well-prepped site so construction starts smoothly and safely.

8

Construction Begins

Your home takes shape with tight scheduling, quality control, and clear communication. We manage trades, milestones, and inspections while keeping you updated through the build.

9

Interior Finishes & Final Touches

We organize the groundwork: excavation, services, access, and site logistics. The goal is a clean, well-prepped site so construction starts smoothly and safely.

10

Final Inspection & Move-In

We complete final inspections, address punch-list items, and walk you through your home. You get a clean handover, clear documentation, and support as you settle in.

Testimonials

What Our Clients Say

Most of our work comes from referrals. That is the only metric that really matters to us. Here is what our clients have said:

Mike Hoogstins

“Becoming friends and remaining friends after the job is completed is a testament to having made the right choice.”

“Hiring the right contractor to build or renovate your home is undoubtably one of the most important decisions you can make. Becoming friends and remaining friends after the job is completed is a testament to having made the right choice.

My wife and I met with numerous contractors in the area before deciding to hire SJT Contracting to complete a major renovation of our home which required a complete gutting of the main floor along with the alteration and addition of numerous structural elements. Simply put, we could not have made a better decision. Shea and his team were absolutely incredible to work with. Everything from the initial planning process to obtaining the permits, the engineering, the quality and work ethic of the SJT staff and subtrades and Shea’s complete transparency with respect to project costs and budgeting was totally professional.

My husband has a 30 year background in commercial real estate and construction and my background was in systems and financial accounting so it is fair to say that every part of our renovation was meticulously monitored. Shea and his team not only met but exceeded all of our expectations.

I would highly recommend Shea and the entire SJT team for any new build or renovation project regardless of size or scope. Shea’s professionalism as well as his knowledge of current technical trends and relating building codes as well as his ability to calmly handle any unforeseen construction issues was critical to the success of our project.”

Jon Behnke

“If you want a job done properly, I would highly recommend them.”

“SJT Contracting was hired by my wife and I to redo a patio space on our home. They provided a clear scope of work and stuck to it. They were on time and extremely efficient. If you want a job done properly, I would highly recommend them.”

Britney Stewart

“You can absolutely trust them with your project.”

“In 2020 we worked with SJT Contracting to remodel our home. The upstairs was basically stripped down to the studs, and Shea and his team helped create an absolutely stunning, open concept living space. Shea’s professionalism along with his attention to detail made the experience far less overwhelming than I expected it to be. You can absolutely trust them with your project.”

Mike Hoogstins

“We would confidently recommend SJT to anyone looking for a reliable, capable builder.”

“We had a great experience working with SJT in Kelowna. From start to finish, their team was professional, responsive, and extremely knowledgeable. They have a strong staff who know how to navigate challenges as they come up, problem-solve effectively, and keep projects moving forward.

What really stood out was their solution-oriented approach; any obstacles were handled thoughtfully and efficiently, giving us confidence that the project would be taken all the way to the finish line. Communication was clear and consistent, and the quality of workmanship and attention to detail were evident throughout. We would confidently recommend SJT to anyone looking for a reliable, capable builder. Thanks!”

Start Here

Let’s Start with a Conversation.

We’re selective about who we build with, because that’s how we do our best work. Book a consultation to find out if SJT is the right fit for your design build.

Start Here

Let’s Start with a Conversation.

We’re selective about who we build with, because that’s how we do our best work. Book a consultation to find out if SJT is the right fit for your design build.