Building a house can be time-consuming, costly and challenging; yet one of the most satisfying achievements.
This guide to building a house for novice builders covers every aspect of homebuilding for first-timers, from choosing an ideal lot and securing permits, through construction planning - such as when to hire trades and order materials.
Choosing the Right Plot of Land
Building your own home from the ground up can be a daunting and overwhelming experience, from selecting an appropriate plot of land to hiring licensed professionals - there are so many details of this project that must be considered and this guide will assist in making smart choices to create something tailored specifically to your needs and wants.
Selecting an ideal plot of land is the first step of this journey, setting the scene for your endeavor. Considerations should include factors like whether the plot of land is subject to conservation authorities' regulations that could restrict building height or width or even affect other zoning restrictions that might apply.
Furthermore, it's essential to consider where your land lies in relation to essential utilities like hydroelectric services, water connections and telecommunication towers if building in rural areas. Furthermore, local taxes, school districts and amenities must also be factored into consideration.
Designing the Floor Plan
Floor plans are scaled drawings оf an individual level оf a building оr structure that illustrate the arrangement and layout оf rooms, walls, doors, windows, and other features as well as its overall shape and structure. It іs often used by architects and builders as an aid tо communicating home designs tо non-professionals.
Floor plans typically feature walls drawn tо scale and may feature either solid walls оr patterns that fill them in, with breaks for doorways, windows, and openings between rooms.
A floor plan should be created with traffic flow іn mind tо make moving around easier for residents and ensure there are adequate storage spaces for coats, shoes, and handbags as well as other household items. Furthermore, natural lighting should be utilized whenever possible tо create a more inviting and pleasant ambiance.
The incorporation оf high-quality architectural window installation can significantly enhance a floor plan's functionality and aesthetic appeal. Well-placed windows not only provide natural light but also offer views оf the surrounding environment, improving the overall quality оf life for homeowners.
Obtaining Building Permits
Permitting is a key step in the construction process, as it ensures compliance with local bylaws and regulations and protects the integrity of a building. Permits may be needed for various activities during construction - including excavation, foundations or demolition work.
Building permits are usually issued by municipal authorities and their application processes vary across Canada. Some may require specific documents, drawings and plans while others have set fees; it's wise to contact your municipality prior to applying for one.
Homeowners can save thousands by learning to design and apply for building permits themselves. DIY Architects' step-by-step instruction books feature detailed diagrams and illustrations to make the process easier to follow, and each book is written by experienced house designers in your location. Furthermore, there are instructions included about booking inspections and submitting complete applications; typically this process takes 4-8 weeks before permits can be issued.
Choosing the Right Builder
Building your dream home requires finding the right builder. Therefore, it is vitally important that you conduct thorough research prior to hiring anyone. Ask friends and family for referrals before reading reviews online and considering client testimonials with greater weight being placed upon positive than negative comments.
Once you've narrowed down your list of potential builders, reach out and request their references before interviewing each candidate in order to gauge how knowledgeable they are about your vision and whether or not they can bring it to fruition.
Your list should also contain builders that specialize in the type of home you intend to construct, as well as those belonging to the Canadian Home Builders Association (CHBA) so you can have confidence that they'll meet all your building requirements as well as have experience working on new construction projects in your region.
