Where Do I Start With My Custom Build or Renovation?
Summer is in full swing and it’s an exciting season for construction with many projects on the go and a few wrapping up. Stay tuned for the big reveal of our Luxury Show Home, scheduled for completion in just a few weeks on Ravine Drive, right in the heart of Glenora! This summer more than ever, a lot of Edmontonians are spending more time at home. As such, we’ve been getting a lot of enquiries and questions on how to get the ball rolling as people look to re-work their existing home or have the itch to build new.
A popular question we get from prospective clients is whether it’s best to do a reno or build new. At Urbis we have unmatched infill & design expertise and specialize in helping you assess your best value when it comes to creating your dream home. A common theme we have found with clients is that they love the opportunity to collaborate with a builder during the architecture and design phases but are overwhelmed when it comes to the due diligence side of things. Many people have no idea where to start, or what important factors should be considered when taking on an endeavor such as a renovation or new home build. If this resonates with you, please read on as we have some great advice for considerations to assist in taking the correct steps before you head too far down the path of no return.
Here’s our best advice on where to begin. Before you dream up the desired scope of work, before you peruse Pinterest, before you start looking for that perfect location, there is a very vital initial step. First, think a little bit bigger picture, have a solid discussion with your partner or family and take a serious look at your budget expectations. Yes, your budget is THE MOST important consideration. As designers and builders, we don’t have a magic wand to help meet your budget after the fact. It is a common error to engage a designer without ever talking about budget. Then you go to a builder for pricing on your house design and you can’t possibly afford the quotes you are getting to realize your dream home.
Photo Source: Pinterest
Our vertically integrated design build team could be an easy solution to mitigating this common issue. The design & expectations on fit and finish, as well as the scope, derives the budget. These are conversations we like to have very early on. It’s not as simple as dollars per square foot. There is an incredible range in the cost of custom home building and renovations, and it has everything to do with expectations on fit and finish. Do you want 5 appliances or do you want 12? Are you looking for a low maintenance vinyl exterior cladding or is it your dream to have masonry? Do you want a finished basement? A triple garage? There are some big ticket items and considerations that are going to have a huge impact on the cost of your project.
We also see questions from buyers pre-lot purchase. The cost of your lot or existing home is probably the most important factor when evaluating what can be done with your home build. You can engage a realtor to assist in providing comparables to help determine what the ceiling is as far as resale value. Or do your homework and utilize resources such as www.honestdoor.com, where you can see for yourself what recent sales look like in your neighbourhood. Don’t over build!! Be sensitive to the price point in your neighborhood. Protect your investment. Unless it’s your forever home, then of course do as you please! It’s about thinking through what the end goal is. Is this home a stepping stone and investment? Or a place where you plan to spend the next 30 years? Lot value and budget are key to where your initial focus should lie.
Photo Source: HonestDoor
Size and scope are also crucial considerations. This is where we are very well versed and can provide great insight. Let’s say you could never envision yourself without an attached garage or triple garage, or you have always had your sights set on some income opportunity with a lot subdivision or secondary suite. Not every lot or neighbourhood affords these opportunities. Evaluating the zoning, lot size and contextual constraints plays a huge role in what can be done on a given lot. Or perhaps there is a ravine adjacent to the lot you are interested in; which in this case would bring geotechnical and setback considerations. Maybe the neighbourhood you love has caveats that do not allow lot splitting. It is in your best interest to be very aware of these limitations before purchasing. Engaging a design consultant and investing in the costs associated with doing your research can save you large sums of money later. Getting the right team on your side in the planning phase is essential. *Ahem* We may know of someone who can help!
To provide an unparalleled home-building experience, we have found the perfect balance of guidance and collaboration between our architect, design & construction teams and our client, which is critical for a successful project. The items we mentioned to consider are just a few of many more and aligning yourself with the correct team can make a huge impact on how you come out the other side of your home building experience.
