Making the decision to build your dream home is exciting, perhaps a bit scary and likely overwhelming. Once you are ready to begin this journey, there are some vital points to consider that will make the process feel less stressful, and yes, even enjoyable! You will be embarking on a journey that requires research, planning, extensive decisions and the guidance of a team of experienced professionals. Let’s outline the steps necessary to create the home you envision.
Define the Dream
It all begins with exploration and investigation, including location, budget/financing, requirements regarding space and layout, and style preferences. Identifying where and how to start is essential in beginning the planning process of building your custom dream home.
Consider not only what your needs and desires are right now, but how they will evolve over time. When planning and building your dream home it is important to outline what your “must-haves” are as well as your wants and desires. Creating a portfolio of ideas and photos of both interior and exterior designs you are drawn to will help define the overall style of your home and direct the design process as you plan the vision for your new home. It is important to have the groundwork laid as these details will direct the planning of the actual building of your dream home. All of these details will assist in starting you on the right path to creating the home you truly desire and will enjoy for years to come.
The Groundwork
Of course one of the first steps in planning is the financial component. It is important to have in-depth discussions with your financial advisor to explore your financing options, and determine your budget prior to beginning the process of purchasing property and designing your new home. It is also imperative to include a contingency fund within the budget to account for additional expenses incurred prior to construction and any unexpected costs and/or changes during the build. Creating a realistic budget and thoroughly preparing financially will create peace of mind throughout the process.
Take the time to educate yourself on the details that may be important to you, such as energy efficiency, environmental considerations, sustainable building materials and carbon footprint. Your builder and construction engineers can advise and make recommendations to work with you on meeting goals to reduce your environmental footprint, and advise on the associated costs involved.
Now, where to build your dream home? Choosing a parcel of land to build your dream home is the first important decision you will make on this journey, and will determine several other factors when building. Deciding on a location that aligns with your needs and provides access to your life outside of your home is key, as well as a lot that will accommodate the size and style of build you desire. For example, if you are wanting a 2-storey, a walk-out or inground basement, and perhaps a pool, it is critical to evaluate the suitability of the property beforehand.. Also research any restrictions a lot may have, particularly with architecturally controlled neighbourhoods, and legal restrictions such as zoning and easements, etc.. The property you choose is literally the foundation for your dream home!
Choosing the Right Team
It is so important to do your research, and to find the best fit for your architectural designer, builder, interior designer, suppliers and trades. Partnering with the right team to assist you in navigating through the designing and building process is essential to ensure that your vision truly does come to life.
Your team should compose of professionals that will listen and understand your needs, wants and desires and together create a plan for building your new dream home. Word of mouth is always a good resource when researching who to work with, and viewing previous project portfolios. Also check credentials to ensure you are considering professionals that are qualified licensed experts to advise you on all aspects of your build. The most efficient and seamless approach is to source a team that offers the expertise to assist you from start to finish, from inception of the planning process to the final completion.
Your team should compose of various skillsets, including an architectural designer, geotechnical engineer, structural engineer, builder, energy modeler and interior designer. When working with a custom home builder they will provide project and sub-trade management, and be a liaison between the professionals and you as their client. Having a team that collaborates and communicates through the entire journey will create an experience for you that is much less stressful and definitely more enjoyable for you. You are not just building a house, you are crafting a future and a lifestyle.
The Building Process
Once you have made the financial arrangements, purchased your building site and assembled your team, the fun begins!
Designing your dream home – time to create your vision. Your architectural designer will work with you to begin the exciting process of drafting the floor plans, exterior design, site plan and schedules.. The entire process should be a collaborative process where the designer incorporates your wishes and desires and creates a design that checks all of your boxes, while aligning with building codes, city building bylaws and any land restrictions.
Once you have given your final approval on the drawings they will be submitted to the engineers and energy modeler for their drawings and schedules, then the process of submitting for a building permit will begin. A BC Housing licensed builder is required on the permit application, and you will require the full construction and engineering plans package, property title documents, and BC Energy Code compliance document from the energy modeler. The city will review your submissions and communicate with you and your team regarding any adjustments to the plans that may be required prior to permit issue.
Once approved you are ready to start digging! The property will be cleared and excavated as required, the builder will facilitate this to orientate the build as per the site plan and specified height elevation, as well as trenches for utilities and sewer. Then the foundation footings will laid out and concrete will be poured.
Once the foundation is complete framing your dream home will begin. This is an exciting step as you will see your vision start to take shape. Next the electrical, plumbing and HVAC initial installations will be completed, then insulation, vapour barrier, exterior house wrap, windows, doors and drywall.
Next is the finishing – both exterior and interior. This includes everything from siding, driveway and landscaping to paint, flooring, cabinets, lighting and plumbing fixtures. The finishing details truly complete the entire vision, creating the home you have literally been dreaming of. Working with a talented and supportive team from the start will ensure that every aspect of your dream is realized. Once everything is installed and finished and the final inspections are complete your builder will orientate you with your new home prior to the moment you have been waiting for – moving in and creating lifelong memories.
The Level 2 Design Build Team
As a custom design build firm we offer our clients a complete and extensive portfolio of services, including initial design development, complete architectural drawings, full construction services, management of the entire project and interior design. From initial sketches to final installations our team manages every detail, and we ensure that everything that goes into your home aligns with your vision and our high standards. We manage everything, including orchestrating the required engineers and energy modeler, the building permit application process, obtaining product and trade quotations, and supervising every aspect of the creation of your dream home. We are fully equipped to oversee the complexities so you can enjoy the process.
Where To Start
Once you have decided to begin planning and building your own custom home, reach out to Level 2 Design Build to explore what the full potential of your future home can be. We will schedule a complimentary consultation with our team to discuss the process of creating a home that aligns with your vision and needs.
All aspects of a custom design build will be covered, including your design goals, permitting, construction timeline and budget. We believe that communication is at the foundation of a successful project, which is why we always start by gathering information from our clients about what they are looking to achieve. From the moment we meet with clients through completion of each project our team will work diligently to provide not just a plan, but a full service that will support you through your journey of building your dream home.
We are dedicated to working closely with our clients each step of the way, guiding them through the big decisions while ensuring they also enjoy the smaller moments in between.
Level 2 Design Build is located in Penticton, B.C., and services the Okanagan Valley. Contact us today to begin your custom dream home journey!
