The Ultimate Guide to Building A Custom Home in Ontario
If you are looking to buy a house in Ontario, it can take some time to find a home that matches your criteria. Even after visiting numerous houses, doing your due diligence, and putting in an offer, you may not get the home of your dreams. However, there is an alternative option that can be both challenging and rewarding- and that is building a custom home in Ontario. If you are new to the Canadian construction industry, it can be a daunting task to take up such a big project.
In this article, we delve into everything you need to know about building a home in Ontario, and what you can expect from the process.
Knowing your Why
If you are considering building your custom home in Ontario, you have to make sure that you are committed to the project; after all, once you are in it, there is no going back. Think carefully about the pros and cons of why a custom home is better suited for you, and make sure it is not just a whim that will soon pass.
Choosing the Location
Whether you are buying a resale house or building a new home, location is one of the most important factors when making a real estate investment. For example, ask yourself: what kind of area do you prefer – in the city or somewhere more suburban? What amenities do you require nearby? Also, do you see yourself living in the area for many years down the road? The answers to these questions will help you decide on your ideal location.
Finding the Land for your New Home
The next step is finding land that is suitable for you. You will need to think of lot size, the amount of land required for the footprint of your home, backyard size, and so on. You also need to consider your budget. Typically, land located within a city will cost more than land outside a city due to the location being more developed and of higher value. You will also need to factor in how much it will cost to prepare the site prior to construction, which could include demolishing an existing building or clearing the plot of trees, rocks, and soil.
Having a Vision for your Home
After you have found the land for your home, you need to determine how your custom home will be designed. At this stage, you will need to decide on the layout of your home. This includes the number of storeys, bedrooms, bathrooms, and other space your family will require. You will also need to decide whether you prefer an open layout versus one that is more closed off, as well as the features your home must have and those that are simply nice to have.
Designing your Custom Home
After you have a vision for your home, you will need to work with designers or architects who can help you design the home you want. While the architects will carefully plan the details and layout of your home with their skill and knowledge, you will also be able to share your feedback and input on the design. With a custom home, you can also choose what finishes and materials you want according to your budget.
Finding the Right Contractor
One of the most important steps in new home construction is finding the right contractor to build your custom home, as this decision will have the greatest impact on the overall building process and the end product.
You should carefully vet and choose the right home builder in Ontario to ensure that construction is completed professionally, on time, and within your budget. You should review their years of experience in the construction industry, their portfolio of work, and past client satisfaction to make sure you are choosing the right people. You should also ask builders for a quote on how much the project will cost, the timeframe of project completion, and any other relevant details.
Building your Custom Home in Ontario
The home building process, from planning to moving in, can take up to a year… or more. Your timeline will depend on various factors such as the size of your home and the demands of the project. Typically, the planning stage comprises designing, acquiring building permits, and preparing the build – all of which can take anywhere from three to four months if the contractor has other ongoing projects. Laying down most of the structure can take another three to four months. In Ontario and elsewhere in Canada, this part of the construction phase needs to be done on time between spring and fall, as in the winter weather conditions can delay the process.
After the exterior foundation has been laid, it can take a couple of more months to finish the interior and perform all the necessary checks before you can move into your home.
You should also remember that these numbers are only rough estimates, as various factors can speed up or delay the construction process. In general, the complete design and construction process can take about seven months for a simpler build, or two years for a larger, more complex project.
To conclude, having a custom-built home in Ontario can be an exciting and rewarding experience, as you will be the proud owner of a home that is all yours, provided you have the right resources and guidance. If you want to build a custom home in Ontario, contact us at North Shore Management. We have more than 20 years of experience in the construction industry and are passionate about building homes you will love to live in for years to come.
Phil McKee
President
NSM Group of Companies
