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Custom Design
Build Process

Getting started

When we are approached to build a new home there is a lot of information that must be assembled prior to the custom design build process with Wrighthaven Homes. The following walks you through our custom build process.

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Step 1
Step 1

Initial Information

This section applies to those approaching Wrighthaven Homes to build on a lot they already own. If you are building on a Wrighthaven lot skip to step 2.

  1. Do you have legal title to the property? Eventually proof will be required. There will be no prior mortgages, second mortgages or impediments on the title of the property. 
  2. Legal survey is always a good provision for any new build and if it is not available then expect that there will be charges to create one throughout the process.
  3. Preliminary check with the Municipality where the lot is situated for any zoning restrictions setbacks, size restrictions, entrance permit requirements, protected woodlot or wetland areas.
  4. Will there be a demolition of any sort on the property and would this building to be demolished fall under any Heritage designations.
  5. Entrance permits to the property are existing or will they be needed in order to begin building.
  6. Grading of the property are there impediments to where the building will be constructed. Considerations such as; trees to be removed, services available at the street such as hydro, gas, utilities (telecommunications) driveway lengths, soil conditions should be considered.
  7. All the above can be provided by the builder but this represents professional administration time and would require a fee to assemble the information. This fee can cost upwards of  $1-$5  per sq. ft. excluding the survey cost.
Step 2
Step 2

Design Process

Once the above information is provided and discussed as to whether there is viability to build a custom home then the exciting design process can begin.

  1. Preliminary meeting will entail initial design criteria; such as the desired size, inspirational photos, discussions on must haves and wants. Prepare to discuss lifestyle family dynamics preferences for rooms and preliminary ideas for design.
  2. Be prepared to enter into a design agreement with the builder at this point as the builder based on the size and complexity of the build will provide a budget for the design process. An average cost depending on the size of the home can range anywhere from $5 per sq.ft. to as much as $15 per sq.ft. with the average being $10. It is recommended to budget accordingly.
  3. After the initial visit the design professional will prepare a schematic layout. Further discussions regarding interior and exterior visions will occur and specific wants and desires will be ascertained.
  4. Floorplans will then be created and input once again will be required to discuss pros and cons of the plans preliminary exteriors will at that time be available and much discussion will occur during this stage to nail down exact details potential finishes both interior and exterior to help bring the project closer to fruition. Most importantly the interior design solutions process will be employed to discuss kitchen layouts designs and finishes. Bathrooms will also deserve luxurious practical built design with uniqueness in mind.
  5. Finalize the design floor plans and exterior designs. There may be items to edit or small revisions at this stage culminating into one final design approval meeting allowing the designer to complete the final design for final review and approval. Builders will estimate the cost to build for budgetary purposes and financing requirements if financial institutions will be involved.
Step 3
Step 3

Working drawings

  1. The working drawings are an exciting stage as the home design begins to become a reality. Challenges for how all the wonderful design criteria gets thought out as to how it will be constructed. Details abound at this stage and some edits to the design are likely to occur and changes necessary to accommodate the must haves and wants all the while keeping the budgets established in mind.
  2. The home plan will undergo structural engineering review, mechanical engineering review, site plan review including survey and sketch for permit complete with site grading plan review all to develop the permit plans ready for building permit application.
  3. As part of this process the builder will discuss final landscaping for the site and how much detail is desired. It's always advisable to budget for completion of the land as no one wants to live in mud, dirt and gravel. Generally our experience shows if the homeowner takes care of this part of the work it never gets completed, at least properly.  Builders will prepare various levels of finishing packages and budget for exterior landscaping. Remember this part of the work as it is really important for final completion of the home and your personal enjoyment.
  4. The building permit process may require some if not all of the following; septic permit, demolition permit, grading or Site Alteration permit, plumbing permits, minor variance permits, heritage permit approvals and associated fees. This will be ascertained and prepared for final contract amounts.
  5. Completion of all working drawings and reports necessary to submit for building permit approval.
Step 4
Step 4

Contract to build agreement

  1. At this time the builder will prepare the final estimate and present the builder agreement representing the cost to build and details of the construction process in the form of a design build agreement. Deposit structure will be spelled out.  Financing, if required, can be addressed at this time with your financial institution. Proof of financing will be required prior to entering into an agreement to build.
  2. Commencement of construction quite often this entails the site preparation process and preparing the land for the construction of the home. Get your camera ready as it's always fun to see how the home begins to take shape.
  3. Be prepared to discuss many items during the construction process for  clarification to ensure all details are being completed accordingly. Regular site visits will be available but must be with attendance of WrightHaven Home personnel. Please understand the dangers and risks of a construction site.
  4. Small changes and edits to the plan can occur but are addressed with change orders and consequent costs. As the home develops it's always different in the mind's eye and changes on site are often necessary, but avoided if possible, as costs are always at the forefront of the builder trying to keep you on budget. Clients often over spend at this stage due to excitement of the project coming to fruition. Financing of the project is often the last consideration. Don’t blame the builder at this stage! Further deposits will be necessary for on site changes.
Step 5
Step 5

Project Completion Stage

As the project nears completion the builder will begin addressing final steps towards completing the home. 

  1. Quite often based on the complexity the home's closing date will be established as it is not always easy to establish the exact closing date on a custom design build. 
  2. Minimum 60 days notice will be given to clients to consider an actual closing date. This date quite often coincides with when the builder can realistically achieve occupancy status for the home through the building department.
  3. Once confirmed the closing is established and plans for moving in can be made.
  4. Keep in mind external items such as landscaping completion are often left for completion to after closing mostly due to weather and time of year circumstances. Possession can occur prior to the exterior landscaping being completed.
  5. Final occupancy inspections will occur ensuring the home is fit for habitation and its safe operation. 
  6. PDI (Pre-delivery inspection) will occur shortly after occupancy  inspections and issuance by authorities approving the home suitable for living in. 
  7. Outstanding items will be determined and documented in accordance with the warranty program for the home during the PDI.
  8. Final payment will be transacted and quite often is handled through a solicitor as it might entail registering of a mortgage on the property.
  9. Congratulations you will be able to move into your new home.
  10. Outstanding work items in particular landscaping will be completed after the move in date of your home and seasonality of the build process. Landscaping operations generally occur between the months of June through October and will be completed accordingly.

Custom Build FAQ

No generally initial sales communication is performed through Wrighthaven professional sales team. Book an appointment with the sales professional and begin discussions on the property. The sales professional will forward all information gathered for the design process to begin.

This is very difficult to project without full details, especially interior and exterior finishes. Size and complexity of the home. Most Wrighthaven Homes customer design build projects can run upwards of $300-$500 per square foot. This does not include lot improvement costs such as wells, septics, lot clearing and utilities installation.

Generally not. Wrighthaven homes reserves the right to use their own trades for cost efficiency and control of construction quality and production efficiencies. Best laid plans often backfire when using customer friends or trades. If the trade is well known to the builder and has performed work with them in the past they will consider the use of this alternative trade.

During the build process progress draws are required. Initial deposits can be around 10%. 20% upon foundation completion, 20% at close-in stage, 20% upon drywall completion, 20% upon exterior and occupancy completion. The balance will be paid net 30 days. Every build is different and can oftentimes coincide with financial institution release of funds.

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Be inspired by our past custom builds and meet with us to discuss your individual needs in a home to design a custom masterpiece created for you and your lifestyle.

Do you have more questions about Custom Building?

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Building the 'WRIGHT' Home for you

WrightHaven Homes is a premier custom home builder in Fergus, Elora and surrounding areas with a reputation built on exceptional craftsmanship and innovative, functional home designs. We take pride in creating homes that satisfy homeowners now and for generations to come.

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