Building a custom home can be a rewarding endeavour. However, it requires careful planning and a solid understanding of the various stages involved. If you’re in the Georgian Bay area including Midland, Penetanguishene, Collingwood, Blue Mountain and Wasaga Beach or across most of Ontario and have been considering the prospect of building a custom home, this guide is for you. We will provide you with a comprehensive checklist featuring everything from land purchasing to landscaping.
Purchase Land
The first step in building a custom home in Ontario is securing a piece of land. The location should fit your lifestyle and preference. Additionally, consider the lot’s size, orientation, zoning, availability of utilities, and proximity to essential services.
Creating Architectural House Plans
Once you have secured land, you need to create architectural house plans. This involves designing a floor plan that aligns with your needs and lifestyle. You’ll want to consider things like room layout, natural light, storage, and space utilization. Architectural plans also need to comply with local regulations and codes in Ontario. Georgian Bay Custom Built homes has an experienced design build team to help build the home you want.
Obtain Permits
The next step is to obtain the necessary permits. This typically includes construction permits, zoning permits, and possibly others, depending on your specific locality in Ontario. This step is crucial as it ensures your building project is lawful and meets the required safety and construction standards. Ask us about our Permit Packages that can jump start you new custom home build.
Utilities and Services
Before construction can begin, it’s important to plan for utilities and services. This includes arranging connections for water, electricity, gas, sewage, and telecommunications. It’s also a good idea to consider sustainable energy options like solar panels.
Demolition and Excavation
If your land previously had a structure, demolition will be necessary. Following this, the land will need to be excavated to prepare for the house foundation. Proper site preparation is essential to avoid any structural problems down the line. Georgian Bay homes will guide you through this process and arrange all the necessary demolition and excavation.
Footing and Foundations
This stage involves laying the foundation of your home. Whether it’s a slab, crawl space, or full basement, it needs to be properly prepared and poured. The footings, which support the foundation, also need to be installed correctly.
Framing
Once the foundation is in place, the framing begins. This involves building the basic structure of your home, including walls, floors, and roof trusses. Proper framing is critical as it shapes your home and supports the entire structure.
Roofing and Siding
Once the frame is ready, your home will need a roof and siding. These elements protect your home from weather and external elements. There are a variety of materials to choose from, such as asphalt shingles, metal roofing, wood, vinyl, or fibre cement siding.
Plumber and Electrician
With the exterior complete, you can move on to installing the plumbing and electrical systems. Licensed plumbers and electricians will run pipes and wires throughout the frame of your home. This step needs to adhere to Ontario’s building code regulations to ensure safety and efficiency. At Georgian Bay Homes we have full time plumbers and electricians on staff that are integrated as part of our Custom home building team.
Drywall and Insulation
Insulation is then installed to keep your home energy-efficient, followed by drywall. Drywall forms your interior walls and ceilings. Once the drywall is installed, it is then sanded smooth and prepared for painting.
Interior: Painting, Cabinets, Countertops and Trim
Interior work can now begin. This includes painting walls and ceilings, installing cabinets and countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms, and adding trim around windows and doors. This is also a good time to consider some “Must Haves” when building your new home.
Finishings: Lighting, Plumbing Fixtures
Finishings include installing lighting fixtures, plumbing fixtures like faucets and shower-heads, and outlets and switches. Other finishing touches include flooring, door handles, and other hardware.
Landscaping and Driveway
Finally, the exterior of your home is finished off with landscaping and a driveway. This includes grass, plants, a patio, and other elements to enhance the outdoor space. The driveway should also be properly graded for drainage and paved.
What does it cost to build a home in Ontario?
According to the Canadian Home Builders Association, as of 2023, the average cost to build a custom home in Ontario ranges from $200 to $350 per square foot. This cost can vary widely, depending on the size of your home, the materials you choose, and other factors. See our full breakdown on what it costs to build a home in Ontario including a full estimation example.
Throughout this process, it is advisable to partner with a trusted home builder such as Georgian Bay Homes. Based in Midland, Ontario, they have extensive experience in handling every stage of the custom home building process, making your dream home a reality.
Building a custom home in Ontario requires careful planning and execution. This checklist, along with a trusted partner like Georgian Bay Homes, can guide you through this process, ensuring that your new home is everything you envisioned it to be.
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