Frequently Asked Questions
Our Most Common Questions
1. How can I see the floor plans for your designs? 2. Do you sell stock drawings/plans? 3. What is your the price per square foot to build your new homes? 4. Can a price per square foot be determined for a renovation? 5. Should I demolish and rebuild new or renovate my existing home? 6. How long does it take to build your homes? 7. Are you able to find me a lot to purchase? 8. Do you build subdivisions? 9. What kind of permits will be required for me to build my home? 10. Do you design and build homes? 11. Can you do turnkey projects? 12. Can you build me a shell that I can finish off myself? 13. Do you do island projects? 14. Can I see your past projects? 15. What is the difference between a design/build firm and a custom design/build firm?
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Our Answers
1. How can I see the floor plans for your designs?
Some of our floor plans are available electronically and can be sent out upon request, with a limit of 5 electronic floor plans per potential client. All of our floor plans can be viewed by appointment at either of our offices in Mississauga or Gravenhurst. Any of our floor plans can be modified to suit your lifestyle or you can start from scratch with your own vision.
2. Do you sell stock drawings/plans?
No. As a custom design and build firm, all of our plans are created for individual clients. It is our experience that stock plans almost always have to be modified to suit local zoning, lot configurations, and client requirements. We have never sold or built the same design in all our years of operation.
3. What is your the price per square foot to build your new homes?
Each of our homes is custom designed and built for individual clients. The price per square foot depends on many factors including lot configuration, complexity of design, size, and choice of finishings and is different for each project. If you have a budget in mind or set by a financial institution, we can design your home and help you select finishings to keep costs down. If you would like a cost per square foot guesstimate for your project, send us the details and we will get back to you with a ballpark figure.
4. Can a price per square foot be determined for a renovation?
A renovation is quite different and less predictable than new construction. There are often surprises that pop up once the work has begun that impact price such as the discovery of poor framing, faulty wiring, leaks, mould, rot, dangerous materials (i.e. lead, asbestos), etc. The cost of a renovation also depends strongly on the quality and layout of the existing structure. There are also the same factors that impact price as with a new build such as size, quality of finishings, and design. The sum of all these factors makes a price per square foot estimate for renovations very difficult and often unrealistic. Sometimes, demolition and rebuilding can be cheaper than renovating.
5. Should I demolish and rebuild new or renovate my existing home?
The answer depends on many factors and often boils down to personal choice and your budget. There are pros and cons to each option. We suggest that you contact us to discuss the details of your particular situation.
6. How long does it take to build your homes?
Usually the timeframe is between 5 months to 1 year depending on the weather, location of the property, size of the project, and complexity of design.
7. Are you able to find me a lot to purchase?
We don’t offer in-house real estate services, but we have partnered with a successful local broker: Century 21 Muskoka - The Wray Group. The Wray Group has offices in the GTA and around Muskoka and will help you find the perfect lot for your dream home. Involving us as your designer and builder from the beginning will help ensure that the lot you choose is conducive to your vision.
8. Do you build subdivisions?
We are not a developer that creates and builds entire subdivisions. We do build on subdivision lots where the owner is permitted to choose his or her own builder. We can also act as the designer or builder for an entire subdivision if hired by the developer.
9. What kind of permits will be required for me to build my home?
Organized municipalities require at minimum a building permit for most construction activities. Other permits that you may require include a demolition permit, septic permit, entrance permit, and/or occupation permit. Most municipalities also have development fees and may have special planning requirements for your lot such as site plan approval. Depending on your zoning, you may have to apply for planning approvals such as a minor variance or rezoning to allow construction contrary to existing regulations.
10. Do you design and build homes?
We can do either or both. All of our services are completely client driven. Whether you want us to manage your entire project from design through to build or you want us to build an existing design or design for another builder of your choice, we can accommodate your needs. However, there are many benefits to choosing one company to take you through the entire process such as familiarity with our own designs, contacts with local tradespeople, familiarity with local municipal regulations, understanding your needs from the outset, and most importantly the creation of a relationship of communication and trust.
11. Can you do turnkey projects?
Yes. We offer full service packages from design through to planning to construction. If you choose this route, once your home is complete you will be able to move in right way.
12. Can you build me a shell that I can finish off myself?
Yes. Our services are completely client driven. If you’re the handyperson type, we can build you a shell structure that you can finish off yourself. How little or how much we do is up to you.
13. Do you do island projects?
Yes, we have done several island projects in the past. These projects required a higher level of organization and logistics than an inland project to get materials and labour across the water. Plus, tradespeople often charge a premium for increased risk and liability of an island job. If you are considering an island project, give us a call to discuss the pros and cons of building with water access only.
14. Can I see your past projects?
We value the privacy of our past clients, so we don’t give out their names or addresses. You can see a small sample of our past projects on our website or arrange for our staff to take you on a tour of previously built projects.
15. What is the difference between a design/build firm and a custom design/build firm?
Often standard design/build firms give you a limited range of designs (stock plans) and finishes to choose from. Those stock plans can be slightly modified to suit your needs, but only to a certain point. Stock plans are often sold “as is” at a relatively cheap price. Custom design/build firms (like us) do not sell stock plans and design each home to suit the lifestyle and needs of each client. The type of finishings, complexity of design, and degree of construction (i.e. turnkey vs. shell) are totally client driven. With a custom firm, your choices are almost limitless.