What You Need to Know About Building a New Home in Ottawa
Are you dreaming of building your own home, but aren’t sure where to begin? Building a custom home can be very rewarding but it’s also a huge undertaking. There’s a lot to learn and a lot that can go wrong. But when all the work is done and you get to come home to your dream home every day, it’ll all be worth it. Before you jump into the process there are a few things you should consider. Here’s are five things you need to know about building a new home in Ottawa to help you get started.
1. Building a New Home Takes a LOT of Planning
When you’re building a new home, the planning process starts long before construction begins. Once the project really gets going, things can move at a rapid pace, and a LOT of decisions will need to be made quickly. The more you have planned out ahead of time, the less stress and decision fatigue you’ll be faced with as the project progresses.
Building a new home in Ottawa involves a lot more than finding the right location and designing your dream home. You also have to purchase a lot, obtain permits, arrange for utilities and services, schedule tradespeople, handle waste removal, and hire landscapers. It can take as much as 6 months to a year of planning before you’ll be ready to start construction. Consult the City of Ottawa’s webpage on Planning Your Project to help you get started.
2. Budgeting for Building a New Home
When buying a pre-existing home, most of the purchase costs are clear before you buy. But when you build a new home, the budget becomes a lot more complicated. There are many different steps to account for including purchasing a lot, surveying, installing utilities, and designing the home. And this is all before you can start building. Then there’s construction (which involves a wide variety of trades), interior design, and landscaping. All of these things can add up quickly.
Costs for each stage will vary depending on the location, size, and finishes and features of the new home. Be sure to get accurate quotes rather than rough estimates to avoid missing important details. And be prepared for surprises! Have a contingency fund to cover the unexpected changes and obstacles that will inevitably occur along the way.
3. Hire the Right People
Unless you have experience with the building process, you’ll want to hire people not only to complete the work, but also to keep things running smoothly. A project manager or general contractor can help apply for permits, coordinate trades, and organize orders and supplies. Be sure to discuss the scope of the project and what they will and will not handle to ensure you have the right person for your needs.
You’ll be working closely with your builder/architect and designer throughout the building process. Your relationship with them will play a big role in the success (and your enjoyment) of the project. Do your homework and interview several builders in person to see how you communicate and get along. Do research online to read past reviews and ask for (and follow-up on) referrals before committing to anyone.
4. Building a New Home Takes Time!
If you’re looking to move quickly, building a new home may not the best option. From planning, design, permits, construction and finishing it can take anywhere from 8 months – 2 years to build a new home.
Building a custom home will also take up a lot of your personal time. Even if you hire help, there will likely be daily demands on your time while construction is underway. And the more you take on yourself, the more of your time the project will consume. Keep this in mind if you already have a demanding job and a busy family life.
5. Purchasing a Building Lot in Ottawa
Once you’ve done the planning, set a budget, and selected your team, it’s time to find the perfect property. Before you fall in love with a lot because of a great location or beautiful views, it’s important to make sure it will accommodate your needs. Your real estate agent can help you find a lot in the right neighbourhood that is the correct size and zoning for the home you want to build.
There are very few vacant lots left in the heart of the city, so if you plan to build in Ottawa, you may have to purchase a tear-down property. Depending on the neighbourhood, the property alone can cost almost as much (if not more) than a pre-built home in another area. As you move further out of the city, lots become more plentiful, and prices are a bit lower.
Our team of experienced Ottawa Realtors® can help you find the right property to meet your needs. If your dream isn’t just to buy a home, but to build your own custom home in the Ottawa area, contact us today to get started.