Based in Edmonton, building across Western Canada · Calls and email answered 24/7/365 1 800 716 8955 · contact@hsmcm.ca

Multi-family residential

Student Residence Construction

Student residences have a hard deadline: move-in day. HSM builds and renovates them around the academic calendar with our own trades.

Student Residence Construction

The calendar drives everything

Residences are often empty for only a few summer months. That window includes demolition, mechanical and electrical work, finishes, inspections and cleaning. A late finish means students without rooms.

We plan backward from move-in, secure long-lead materials early and sequence trades so each follows the one before without waiting for outside subcontractors.

Built for heavy use

Student housing takes wear. Corridors, kitchens, lounges and bathrooms need durable finishes, solid doors and hardware, and furniture that can be repaired or replaced easily. Our interior systems, carpentry and millwork, painting, and doors and hardware teams all work in-house to deliver consistent results across many rooms.

Student Residence ConstructionPHASE 1Site and leasePHASE 2Design and engineeringPHASE 3BuildPHASE 4OperateBUILD: TRADES ON THE PROJECTElectricalMechanical / HVACPlumbingLow voltage / securityInterior systemsCarpentry / millworkPainting / finishesDoors / hardwareSELF-PERFORMED BY HSM CREWS ON THIS TYPE OF WORK
How HSM delivers this work. Highlighted trades are self-performed by our own crews.

Power, data and security

Students rely on Wi-Fi, charging and access control. Our electrical crew, led by a Master Electrician, provides power and lighting. Our Low Voltage Systems Manager, Adam Mason, leads installation of alarms, door access, surveillance and network cabling. We can also supply furniture and digital signage as part of a turn-key package.

Dormitory-style living puts many people close together, so fire alarm, sprinklers, emergency lighting and ventilation matter. Our mechanical crew installs HVAC and plumbing, and our in-house engineering team coordinates life safety work with the authorities having jurisdiction.

Plan for these items

Institutions and developers should consider:

  • Move-in date and what must be ready first
  • Single, double and suite-style room layouts
  • Common lounges, study rooms and laundry
  • Accessible rooms and washrooms
  • Summer-only work windows and early procurement

Getting started

Start planning at least a year ahead of the summer window. That gives time for design, permits and ordering long-lead items like windows, doors and mechanical equipment. Our project managers can also help you set a realistic fallback plan if some rooms need to open later than others.

Questions we hear

Can a residence renovation finish between terms?

Often, if scope matches the window. We assess the scope early and phase it across several summers if needed.

Start a project

Talk to us before you sign the lease.

One contract, our own electricians and mechanical crews, and a space that is ready on handover.