When planning to build your own custom home in Vancouver, it is a huge undertaking and most likely the most expensive purchase you will ever make.
Here are the Top Ten Things to Know When Planning A Custom Built Home:
Here are the Top Ten Things to Know When Planning A Custom Built Home:
Location:
We can always remodel, make additions, redecorate and anything else can be fixed, but location is the one thing that you can’t change. So be sure to choose wisely. The most sought after areas for custom homes in Vancouver are, Shaughnessy, Kitsilano, Point Grey, Anmore, Port Moody, Burke Mountain, North Vancouver, West Vancouver and Lions Bay.
Budget:
Think of land costs + building costs and be careful not to buy more house than you can afford. Consult with your banker, accountant and/or financial advisor to better understand the various loan options and interest implications. Keep in mind that it’s better to go a little conservative as there will always be changes and additions to the original plans as the project progresses.
Family Size:
How many people are going to live in your newly built house? Is it possible that that number could change? Will you have relatives or friends visit often enough to make a guest room, (or rooms), necessary?
Single Purpose Rooms:
Think about what other rooms your new house might need. Do you want a home office? A home gym? A home Theatre? Or how about an enormous walk-in closet? There are no rules when you want to build a Custom Home, so think about your lifestyle and long term goals.
House Design:
Your floor plan should be something that you can live with for many years to come. Life and circumstances will change, but excellent design prevails no matter the times we live in.
The View:
Just important as what your new home’s inside will look like, is what you will see when you look out. Make sure you’re not locating your windows where they’ll be overlooking an alley, or staring into your new neighbor’s bathroom window. Keep in mind that if there is a vacant lot next to yours (which in not uncommon if you’re building in a new development), your view may change.
Sustainability:
Older homes can be a huge endeavor to renovate. Since you’re building from scratch , you have the perfect opportunity to “build green” right from the start. Not only can you incorporate things that are good for the planet; you can also add features and details that can save you money later on. In particular, you should look to amazing new environmental and smart living systems that make your home more efficient and more comfortable to live in.
Outside Structures:
Remember to leave room in your budget and your plans for a gazebo, a swing-set, or anything else that you hope to have outdoors at your new house. While you might want to wait some time after the house’s completion to build these, it best to have them in mind from the start. Keep in mind that your neighborhood may have zoning rules about how close to the edge of the property you can build.
Builder’s Reputation:
Your new home is huge investment. You can’t afford to just pick the first building contracted you see in the phone book. Ask around. Try to visit some completed projects and talk to prior customers. Inquire at the Better Business Bureau and groups such as the Greater Vancouver Home Builders Association.
Landscaping:
Remember that part of your budget should be for landscaping. Do you want your children to have shade to play in? Do you like flowers, or do you want a vegetable garden? Talk to an expert at your local lawn and garden center about what kinds of plants will thrive in your area.
A lot of the same ideas and planning should go into any major home renovations you may be planning too – start at the end and work your way backwards!
Marcraft Homes is a luxury custom home builder, building and renovating quality residential homes in Metro Vancouver since 2003. Are you thinking of a major home renovation in Metro Vancouver? Call or email Erynn today and ask for the Marcraft Welcome Kit, our free information gathering tool you can use and share with the Marcraft team to help plan and organize your next home renovation project.
We can always remodel, make additions, redecorate and anything else can be fixed, but location is the one thing that you can’t change. So be sure to choose wisely. The most sought after areas for custom homes in Vancouver are, Shaughnessy, Kitsilano, Point Grey, Anmore, Port Moody, Burke Mountain, North Vancouver, West Vancouver and Lions Bay.
Budget:
Think of land costs + building costs and be careful not to buy more house than you can afford. Consult with your banker, accountant and/or financial advisor to better understand the various loan options and interest implications. Keep in mind that it’s better to go a little conservative as there will always be changes and additions to the original plans as the project progresses.
Family Size:
How many people are going to live in your newly built house? Is it possible that that number could change? Will you have relatives or friends visit often enough to make a guest room, (or rooms), necessary?
Single Purpose Rooms:
Think about what other rooms your new house might need. Do you want a home office? A home gym? A home Theatre? Or how about an enormous walk-in closet? There are no rules when you want to build a Custom Home, so think about your lifestyle and long term goals.
House Design:
Your floor plan should be something that you can live with for many years to come. Life and circumstances will change, but excellent design prevails no matter the times we live in.
The View:
Just important as what your new home’s inside will look like, is what you will see when you look out. Make sure you’re not locating your windows where they’ll be overlooking an alley, or staring into your new neighbor’s bathroom window. Keep in mind that if there is a vacant lot next to yours (which in not uncommon if you’re building in a new development), your view may change.
Sustainability:
Older homes can be a huge endeavor to renovate. Since you’re building from scratch , you have the perfect opportunity to “build green” right from the start. Not only can you incorporate things that are good for the planet; you can also add features and details that can save you money later on. In particular, you should look to amazing new environmental and smart living systems that make your home more efficient and more comfortable to live in.
Outside Structures:
Remember to leave room in your budget and your plans for a gazebo, a swing-set, or anything else that you hope to have outdoors at your new house. While you might want to wait some time after the house’s completion to build these, it best to have them in mind from the start. Keep in mind that your neighborhood may have zoning rules about how close to the edge of the property you can build.
Builder’s Reputation:
Your new home is huge investment. You can’t afford to just pick the first building contracted you see in the phone book. Ask around. Try to visit some completed projects and talk to prior customers. Inquire at the Better Business Bureau and groups such as the Greater Vancouver Home Builders Association.
Landscaping:
Remember that part of your budget should be for landscaping. Do you want your children to have shade to play in? Do you like flowers, or do you want a vegetable garden? Talk to an expert at your local lawn and garden center about what kinds of plants will thrive in your area.
A lot of the same ideas and planning should go into any major home renovations you may be planning too – start at the end and work your way backwards!
Marcraft Homes is a luxury custom home builder, building and renovating quality residential homes in Metro Vancouver since 2003. Are you thinking of a major home renovation in Metro Vancouver? Call or email Erynn today and ask for the Marcraft Welcome Kit, our free information gathering tool you can use and share with the Marcraft team to help plan and organize your next home renovation project.
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