Building a Custom Home in Oakville | A Step By Step Guide
You just started your research for building a custom home in Oakville and probably starting to mentally prepare for this process, but feeling lost or unsure where to start?
Building a dream custom home is a complex process but we are here to help walk you through everything you need to know when building a custom home in Oakville.
If you're considering a custom home build and design, read on to discover the step-by-step process involved in bringing your vision to life. Check which scenario below applies to you and follow along for a comprehensive guide.
Scenario A: You have been dreaming about doing this for a while but still did not purchase a land or old home to demolish.
Scenario B: You are ready to embark on this journey and not sure where to start, you have a piece of land ready to go but need help with the process.
Scenario C: You have all of the above figured out and in the process of finding the right designer and builder to help you with all the technicalities.
1. Establish a Realistic Budget and Timeline:
Before starting the process of building your dream home, it's crucial to establish a realistic timeline and budget. To do this, start by putting together a breakdown of all your accumulated costs, including items and areas that fall outside of the build price, such as HST, property taxes, septic, hydro, appliances, furniture, fixtures, development charges, and any loan or line of credit interests and fees.
If you don't own the land you plan to build on, be sure to allocate that cost within your budget as well. Once you have a clear breakdown of your expenses and your final budget, make sure your financial institution approves you for that amount.
By setting a realistic timeline and budget, you'll have a better understanding of what's feasible and can avoid unexpected costs and delays down the line. So, before moving on to step 2 of the process, take the time to carefully consider your finances and create a solid plan for your custom home build.
2. Find the Ideal Oakville Land or Property for Your Custom Home Build:
It is essential to have the appropriate lot to build your custom home on. When buying or re-using your lot make sure you consider the following:
Check local land use bylaws and zoning regulations to ensure that you can build the type of house you desire on the lot.
Verify that there are no restrictive covenants or easements on the property that could limit your building plans.
Ensure that you have the necessary funds to build your desired home by checking with lenders to see if you can secure a mortgage or construction loan.
Take your time and do your due diligence.
By taking these steps before purchasing a lot, you can avoid potential legal and financial issues that could arise later in the custom home building process.
When searching for a property to build your custom home on, it's important to consider several factors, including:
The size of the lot (will it fit the square footage you want to build/ your cars)
The slope or flatness of the land
The architectural style of neighboring homes
Proximity to neighboring properties
Access to essential resources, such as water, sewage, and power hookups
The direction the plot faces (considering sun exposure)
The natural surroundings, such as forests, fields, or water features
The presence of trees, particularly mature trees that cannot be easily replanted
Additionally, consider whether you prioritize having a view or greater privacy. While it's not necessary to consult a professional, it can be beneficial to have an architect or contractor assess the property to ensure that your desired plans are feasible and in compliance with local regulations.
By keeping these factors in mind when selecting a property for your custom home build, you can ensure that you find the perfect piece of land that meets all of your needs and preferences.
When you find a lot in Oakville that catches your interest, it's essential to conduct thorough research before making any decisions. Begin by researching the zoning regulations, wetlands, septic connections, and energy code that may impact your building plans. These factors can affect setback distances, the height of your house, and the ability to build an in-law suite, among other things.
Additionally, check if the lot is located in a historic district (Old Oakville), which may have specific requirements and restrictions for home design and construction materials.
It's also important to look into the surrounding neighbourhood's home values to ensure that your investment aligns with the area's property values. Talking to neighbours can give you valuable insights into the community and determine whether it's a good fit for your family.
Finally, consider the school district, if applicable, to ensure that your children have access to quality education in the area.
3. Start Creating an Interior Design Program for Your Dream Custom Home:
The next step in building your custom home in Oakville is to create an architectural and interior design program, which outlines your goals and desires for the home. It is important to start this process before hiring an architecture and design team.
Here are some tips to help you create an effective Architectural and Interior Design program:
Dream big, and put forward all your design dreams - but be prepared to scale back. Use this opportunity to come up with unique ideas for your home, but keep in mind that adjustments may need to be made based on budget, zoning regulations, timeframe, and other factors.
Separate your "needs," "wants," "dreams," and "don't wants." This will help you prioritize what is most important to you and make difficult decisions later on.
Identify the rooms that are most important to you and rank your desired features in order of importance. This will help you stay focused on what is most important during the design process.
Play the "what if" game. Anticipate possible challenges that may arise and consider alternative options.
Utilize Pinterest to create boards and ideas of things you like and dislike to share with your interior designer.
Consider what does not work in your current home, and what you would like to improve in your new home.
Remember, it is essential to hire an experienced and registered interior designer who can incorporate your ideas into a functional design that meets local building codes and regulations and is also capable of handling the whole process for you.
During the design stage, it's difficult to estimate the exact cost of your custom home. However, your builder can provide valuable advice on your choices if you have a clear building budget in mind. It's important to allocate enough funds, separate from the building budget, to cover additional expenses such as permits, design, architecture and engineering fees, landscaping, and furnishing.
So, How big should your custom home be?
Size is determined by a number of factors that you should consider carefully:
First, check if there are any limitations on the height and square footage of your home based on zoning restrictions, neighbourhood ordinances, or lot size.
Then, think about the number of stories you want and if stairs will be an issue for you or any family members.
Next, consider the size of your rooms. Think about the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you need, and which rooms you want. Consider formal and informal living spaces, a home office, mudroom, eat-in kitchen, formal dining room, children’s playroom, media room, dedicated laundry room, home gym, garage, basement, attic, in-law suite, and workshop.
Remember, you can build your lifestyle into your home. If you're an avid cyclist, consider bike storage. If you're a musician, think about a soundproof studio. If you're an artist or woodworker, build a custom studio or workshop.
Building a home in Oakville can be both exciting and stressful. It's important to stay involved without becoming a nuisance to your interior designer and crew. Schedule regular meetings to stay up-to-date on progress and decision-making. Don't hesitate to ask questions or voice concerns, as misunderstandings can be avoided this way.
Consider the Layout of Your Custom Home in Oakville
Once you've decided on the rooms you need and the amount of space you have, it's time to think about the layout of your custom home. Your home's layout can affect traffic flow, privacy, and how your family and guests interact with each other.
Questions to Ask Yourself:
Do you want an open floor plan or clearly defined spaces?
Do you want formal and informal areas of the home to be separated?
For multi-story homes, what do you need on the first floor? What do you want on higher floors? Do you need your home to be fully accessible or accommodate special needs?
How many entrances do you want? Do you want a private entry? Are there specific rooms you want to have access to the outdoors?
How do you want the indoor and outdoor spaces to interact? Should they flow into each other or be separate?
Consider the arrangement of specific rooms. For example, do you want the children's playroom near the kitchen, or should the laundry room be close to the bedrooms?
Are there areas of the home that should be more private or separate? Should the master suite be separate from the other bedrooms or on a different floor?
If creating an in-law suite, do you want it to be separate or integrated with the rest of the home?
Do you want an indoor or outdoor pool, do you want a home gym or home office?
Consider how many cars and bikes you own and if you require a special garage system.
4. Seek and Hire a Registered Interior Designer to Design Your Dream Home:
Looking for an interior designer to design your dream home can be daunting, but there are several ways to find one that suits your needs. Start by asking your friends and neighbors for recommendations. You can also conduct a quick google search and see if anything aligns, plus visit ARIDO’s website which can help you find qualified professionals in your area.
At Sansa Interiors Inc., we are dedicated to helping homeowners design their dream homes. As registered interior designers, we have the expertise and experience to navigate the entire process of custom home design. We work closely with our clients to ensure that every detail is taken care of, from concept to completion. Trust us to bring your vision to life with our custom interior design services.
It's also important to know your designer’s style, as finding someone who has worked with your desired style can be a great advantage. During your first meeting with your interior designer, be sure to discuss your budget, timeframe, and interior/ architectural program. This way, you can better explain your vision and ensure that they are the right fit for the job.
5. Engage and Hire a Custom Home Builder:
When it comes to building your dream home, finding the right builder is a critical step in the process. While some people may start with plans and then find a builder, at Sansa Interiors, we believe in being involved in the design process from the very beginning and by working closely with the client and builder, to ensure that all our design elements are practical, functional, and cost-effective. It's essential to do your research and choose a builder that aligns with your vision and values.
Look for a builder with a proven track record of quality craftsmanship, attention to detail, and excellent customer service. Don't be afraid to ask for references and view their portfolio of completed projects to ensure they have experience with projects similar to yours.
If you are considering a custom home builder, it's crucial to understand the values and processes they employ.
So, whether you're building a new home or renovating an existing one, finding the right builder is crucial to the success of your project. Make sure to choose a builder with the skills, experience, and values that align with your needs and goals.
6. Permits, Technical Architectural and Interior Design Drawings:
Once you have your design team in place, your interior designer will begin creating technical drawings, floor plans, and other details necessary for permit submission. This is a crucial step in the custom home process, especially in the City of Oakville where a permit is required for most construction projects.
Your designer will work closely with you to ensure that all aspects of your design comply with the City's building codes and zoning regulations. They will also coordinate with other consultants like engineers or architects, as well as your builder (if you have one selected).
The permitting process in Oakville can be complex and time-consuming, but a reputable interior designer will have experience navigating it and can help ensure that your project stays on track. They will handle all the necessary paperwork and communicate with the City on your behalf, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your custom home project.
The length of time it takes to obtain a building permit and zoning approval for a custom home in the City of Oakville can vary depending on several factors. These may include the complexity of the project, the completeness of the submitted plans, and the workload of the relevant departments within the city.
Generally speaking, the City of Oakville website states that a complete building permit application will typically take around 15 to 20 business days to process. However, this timeline can be impacted by a range of factors and may be subject to change.
Zoning approval may also be required before a building permit can be issued, and the timeline for this process can vary depending on the specific requirements of the project and the zoning regulations in place in the area.
It is recommended to consult with the City of Oakville's planning and development department for more specific information on the timeline for obtaining building permits and zoning approval for a custom home project.
7. Interior Design Finishes for Your Custom Home:
While waiting for your permit to be processed and approved, the next step is to select your interior design and exterior finishes with your interior designer.
Selecting finishes is an exciting part of building your custom home as it brings the design to life. This process happens throughout the build and will require your attention and timely decision-making. Your builder should provide you with a timeline for each item that needs to be selected, so that layouts, templates, and plumbing locations can be established accordingly.
When selecting finishes, you will need to decide on bathtubs, sinks, plumbing and lighting fixtures, appliances, cabinetry, flooring, paint colors, railings, fireplaces, roofing colors, and siding. It may seem overwhelming at first, but by staying disciplined and keeping to the schedule provided by the builder, you can manage the process with ease.
Choosing the right finishes can also have an impact on the value of your home. By investing in high-quality finishes and materials, you can increase the value of your home while also making it more enjoyable to live in.
8. Start the Build of Your Custom Home and Monitor the Building Process:
As construction begins, your custom home design starts to take shape and become a reality. This is an exciting phase in the process where you can see your dream home come to life. Your builder will keep you informed of the construction timeline and any important updates as the build progresses.
During construction, there will be several key stages where you will have the opportunity to walk through your home with your builder to review the progress and ensure everything is on track. This is a great time to ask any questions or address any concerns you may have about the construction process.
A reputable builder will be happy to answer your questions. If possible, visit the construction site at the end of each stage, ideally with the builder, to address any questions or concerns. Walking through the rooms provides a different experience than looking at drawings and may highlight the need for small changes. Making changes during the drawing phase or during the framing stage is best, as it can become costly and problematic later on.
In Oakville, there are certain building codes and regulations that must be followed during construction to ensure the safety and integrity of the home. Your builder will be familiar with these requirements and will work closely with inspectors to ensure that all necessary permits and inspections are obtained and completed.
9. Final Touches:
After the construction is complete, the final touches on your custom home are necessary before moving in. This includes a final cleanup, touch-up paint, furniture delivery, hanging of paintings and mirrors, and making of beds. Additionally, landscaping can be done to beautify the exterior of your home.
10. Move In!
Finally, it's time to unpack your belongings and enjoy your new custom home! Show it off to your family and friends, host a housewarming party, and get to know your new neighbors. With your dream home complete, you can start making new memories and enjoying the life you've always wanted.
Article by Jude Kamal, Founder & Registered Interior Designer of Sansa Interiors.
Looking for an Interior Designer in Oakville?
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