Your home is more than a place to lay your head at night. When guests step through the door, they get a sense of your style and personality. While some prefer more contemporary homes with modern amenities, others enjoy a more conventional style with quaint, simple attributes.
When it comes time to build your luxury custom home in Calgary, one of the first and most important choices you’ll make is deciding between a modern vs. traditional house style. Both styles offer distinct advantages, but which is right for you and your family? As an award-winning custom home builder in Calgary, we’re here to help you navigate this decision and build wow into your new custom home.
What Defines a Modern Home?
Modern homes are the top choice for progressive homebuyers who appreciate clean lines, minimalist designs, and innovative features. They’re defined by a philosophy that prioritizes simplicity, functionality, and innovation. Key characteristics often include:
Clean lines and bold forms: The use of simple, geometric shapes creates a sleek and uncluttered aesthetic.
Minimal ornamentation: A “less is more” philosophy, avoiding decorative elements for a clean and sophisticated look.
Expansive windows: Large windows are a hallmark feature, maximizing natural light and creating a seamless connection with the outdoors.
A focus on natural and industrial materials: You’ll often find a blend of materials in modern homes, including concrete, steel, and glass.
What Defines a Traditional Home?
A traditional home is ideal for those who love a timeless aesthetic and a sense of history. Inspired by classical architecture styles like Colonial and Victorian, these homes are family-oriented and possess plenty of character. Key attributes often include:
Symmetrical facades: A balanced, structured exterior creates a look that’s classic and welcoming.
Pitched roofs and covered porches: These elements add a classic charm and a sense of coziness..
Decorative trim and mouldings: Intricate details and embellishments are used to highlight architectural features.
Warm, classic materials: The use of natural materials like wood, brick, and stone is common, creating a timeless feel.
Layout and Flow
The interior layout and flow are where the differences in modern vs. traditional house styles are most apparent.
A modern home embraces an open-concept layout. Walls are minimized to create large, multi-functional spaces that connect the living, dining, and kitchen areas. This design promotes a seamless flow and makes the home feel more spacious and airy, perfect for entertaining and family gatherings.
In contrast, a traditional home typically features a more segmented layout. Rooms are separate and distinct, each with a specific purpose. This design provides a greater sense of privacy and structure, which many homeowners find comforting and practical for family living.
Technology and Sustainability
One of the most significant differences in modern vs. traditional home design is the integration of technology and sustainability features.
In general, modern homes are designed to incorporate the latest smart-home technologies and energy-efficient features. From automated climate control and smart lighting to solar panels and green roofs, these homes are often built to be sustainable and future-proof.
While it’s possible to retrofit older traditional homes with new technology, their construction isn’t always optimized for cutting-edge sustainability features. However, with a custom home builder, you can renovate or start fresh, creating a home you’ll love for years to come that blends the classic charm of traditional design with modern, energy-efficient solutions and smart technology.
Build Your Legacy with Riverview Custom Homes
Ultimately, the choice is yours. As Calgary’s premier custom luxury home builder, Riverview Custom Homes will help you create your dream home regardless of your preferred style. With a custom build, it’s easy to combine the traditional look with a modern feel to give you the best of both worlds.
Building a custom home is an exciting journey—it’s a chance to create a space that perfectly reflects your vision, lifestyle, and taste. At Riverview Custom Homes, we believe this process should be a collaborative, transparent experience. We guide our clients through every step, ensuring that the final result isn’t just a house, but a legacy. As a luxury home builder in Calgary, our goal is to exceed your expectations and show you at every step exactly how we build wow.
This guide outlines the process of building a custom home so you can start your project with confidence.
Key Considerations Before Starting
Before the first shovel hits the ground, a great deal of planning is required. The initial stage is all about defining your vision and laying the groundwork for a successful build.
Define your vision
What does your dream home look like? Think beyond the number of bedrooms; consider the lifestyle you want to live. Do you envision a sprawling outdoor living area for entertaining? A tranquil master suite that feels like a private retreat? A home automation system that puts everything at your fingertips? As a luxury builder, we specialize in making these grand visions a reality, with a commitment to high-end finishes and unique features that set your home apart.
Secure your land
Whether you already own a lot or need to find one, location is a huge decision that you’ll need to make. The lot size, orientation, and local zoning bylaws will influence the design and feasibility of your home, so keep that in mind when searching for the perfect place to call home.
Assemble your team
A successful build relies on a strong partnership. You’ll need to select a builder, architect, and interior designer who understand your vision and have a proven track record of bringing luxurious, complex projects to life.
Timeline Expectations
The timeline for a custom luxury home can vary, but generally, you can expect the process to take anywhere from 12 to 24 months (or longer for more complex projects). This timeline can be broken down into several stages:
Design and Planning (3-6 months): This phase includes architectural design, blueprint development, and securing permits. This is where your dream begins to take shape on paper.
Construction (9-18 months): Once permits are in hand, physical construction can begin. This includes site preparation, foundation work, framing, roofing, and the installation of all interior and exterior systems. This timeline is highly dependent on the complexity of the design, the materials chose, and, of course, the weather.
Finishing (2-4 months): The final stage involves all the details that make a house a home—installing fixtures, cabinetry, flooring, and completing the interior design. This is where your personal style truly shines through.
Understanding Builder Contracts
A clear, detailed contract is the foundation of a good builder-client relationship. A transparent contract with your builder should outline:
Schedule: A breakdown of how and when payments will be made, often tied to key construction milestones.
WarrantDetailed Scope of Work: A clear description of all services and materials included in the project, from the foundation to final landscaping.
Payment and Guarantees: Information on the warranties provided for the structure, materials, and workmanship, ensuring your investment is protected long-term.
Change Order Process: A clear process for handling any changes or additions to the project after the contract is signed. This ensures transparency and avoids unexpected costs.
Budget Planning and Financial Considerations
Building a custom home is a significant financial investment, and a solid budget is essential for a stress-free experience. Beyond the base construction cost, you should factor in:
Land Costs: The price of the lot itself.
Soft Costs: These include fees for architecture, engineering, permits, and surveys.
Lender and Legal Fees: Costs associated with financing your project.
Contingency Fund: We recommend setting aside 10-15% of your total budget for unexpected expenses or desired upgrades during construction.
The process of building a custom home is a testament to your vision. By understanding what to expect on this journey, you can make your dreams a reality with clarity and confidence. At Riverview Custom Homes, we’re committed to making your experience seamless and rewarding, creating a place that’s not just a house, but a true reflection of your legacy.
Ready to start building your legacy? Connect with us today to schedule a consultation.
Happy Canada Day! As we celebrate the true North strong and free, we at Riverview Custom Homes are reminded of the extraordinary landscapes, the vibrant cities, and the boundless spirit that make this country so unique. And just like Canada itself, your dream home should be a celebration of grandeur, a testament to your personal taste, and an embodiment of the luxury lifestyle you deserve.
Crafting Your Canadian Dream
At Riverview Custom Homes, we don’t just build houses – we build wow. Whether it’s a modern masterpiece overlooking the Calgary skyline, a sprawling ranch estate in the foothills of the Rockies, or a sophisticated urban retreat nestled in a coveted community, we bring your vision to life. Our team of award-winning architects, designers, and craftsmen is passionate about creating spaces that not only reflect your unique style but also embody the spirit of Calgary luxury.
More Than Just a House
We believe that building a custom home should be an exhilarating experience, not a stressful one. From the initial consultation to the final walk-through, we guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that every detail is meticulously planned and executed to perfection.
And because we understand that your time is precious, we take care of everything – from securing permits and managing subcontractors to sourcing the finest materials and finishes according to your unique preferences. All you have to do is sit back, relax, and watch your dream home take shape.
Canadian Luxury Redefined
What does Canadian luxury mean to us? It’s not just about opulent finishes and high-end appliances – although we certainly have those in spades. It’s about creating spaces that are both functional and beautiful, that inspire and delight, that make you feel truly at home.
Picture the most lavish living spaces bathed in natural light, gourmet kitchens designed for culinary masterpieces, luxurious master suites that rival the finest hotels, and outdoor living areas that seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living.
Celebrating Canada Day in Style
This Canada Day, we raise a glass to our beautiful country and the incredible homes that grace its landscapes. If you’re ready to create your own Canadian dream home, we invite you to connect with us today.
Embarking on the journey to build a custom luxury home is a significant and exciting venture. At Riverview Custom Homes, we understand that it’s about more than just construction; it’s about crafting a legacy, a unique space that perfectly reflects your vision and lifestyle. We build wow in every detail, ensuring your experience is as seamless and enjoyable as the masterpiece we create.
Before you take your first steps in the custom home building process, read through this comprehensive guide to gain a full understanding of what to expect from start to finish.
Considerations Before the Construction Process
Before breaking ground on your dream home, thoughtful preparation lays the foundation for success, moving beyond simple ideas to concrete plans that will define your future living space.
Envisioning Your Lifestyle: Start by envisioning how you want to live in your new home. Consider the flow of daily life, entertaining needs, desired amenities like home offices, fitness studios, or expansive outdoor living areas, and the overall ambiance you wish to cultivate. This deep understanding of your lifestyle will guide every design decision.
Site Selection: Where you choose to build your home is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in this process. We help you evaluate potential sites for their aesthetic appeal and unique characteristics, such as sun exposure, views, privacy, and how they might influence the architectural design and construction logistics, ensuring optimal integration of your home with its environment.
Initial Budgeting and Scope: While your focus is on the quality of your new home, a preliminary understanding of the scope and potential investment is critical. This initial discussion helps align expectations regarding the project’s scale, desired finishes, and unique features, ensuring a shared vision from the outset.
Finding the Right Custom Home Builder
Selecting the ideal partner for your custom home journey is the best way to ensure your vision is realized. By working with a professional custom home builder in Calgary like Riverview Custom Homes, you’ll have the advantage of our expertise and experience.
In your search for a custom home builder, ensure to consider the following:
Philosophy & Expertise: Look for a builder with a philosophy that aligns with your own values and a commitment to quality, innovation, and client satisfaction in the luxury market.
Client-Centric Approach: A true custom builder prioritizes your needs and desires above everything else. This means fostering open communication, active listening, and a collaborative spirit throughout the entire process.
Reputation for Excellence: In the luxury home segment, a builder’s reputation speaks volumes. Seek out testimonials, industry awards, and a track record that demonstrates superior craftsmanship, ethical practices, and a capacity to deliver exceptional results without compromise.
Verify Builder Credentials and References
Thorough due diligence can provide you with objective evidence of a builder’s capabilities and the quality of their past work. Before signing a contract with your chosen custom home builder, be sure to verify any professional affiliations, licences, and industry awards, and confirm that the builder carries comprehensive liability insurance and bonding to protect your investment from unforeseen circumstances.
Designing Your Dream Home
The design phase is where your aspirations take shape, transforming abstract concepts into meticulously detailed blueprints. This phase is a true partnership between you, our architects, and interior designers, working together to translate your lifestyle and vision into a functional design that absolutely wows.
At Riverview Custom Homes, we create bespoke architectural solutions where the only limit is your imagination. If you can dream it, we can build it – from multi-storey great rooms to indoor sports courts, elaborate home spas, or even a hidden speakeasy. Your vision, no matter how grand or unique, becomes our blueprint for your extraordinary reality.
Understanding the New Home Construction Contract
A comprehensive and clear construction contract is the bedrock of a successful custom home build. It serves as a roadmap for both the client and the builder, defining the scope of work, outlining payment schedules, and laying out any provisions for potential changes.
Unlike a standard home purchase agreement, a custom home contract is highly specialized, accounting for design changes, material selections, and the collaborative nature of the building process.
Key Components of Your Construction Contract:
A detailed scope of work encompassing everything from site prep to final landscaping
Specific material quality and types
Clear guidelines on handling overages or underages
A clear payment schedule that’s tied to specific construction milestones
A defined process for managing change orders
Payment Schedules and Financing
While quality is the priority when you’re in the custom home building process, understanding financing options and the payment schedule is an important step for any home buyer. Here’s what you need to know:
Custom home construction usually involves milestone-based progress payments, disbursed as specific stages are completed and verified.
Specialized construction mortgages are common, with funds released in stages as work progresses. We can assist you in gathering the necessary documentation for your lender.
Riverview Custom Homes maintains transparency in all financial dealings. For a deeper dive into the investment involved in building a custom home, explore our guide on the Cost of Building a Custom Home in Calgary.
Warranties and Protection for New Homeowners
Any reputable luxury builder should stand behind their work with warranties that provide buyers with long-term peace of mind and ensure the lasting quality of their investment.
New custom homes generally come with multi-tiered warranty coverage. At Riverview Custom Homes, we provide buyers with the following warranty through Progressive Home Warranty:
1-year materials and labour warranty
2-year mechanical systems warranty
5-year envelope protection
10-year, $60,000 structural defects warranty
$25,000 deposit security warranty
$6,000 additional living expenses coverage
Understanding Permits and Inspections
The permit and inspection process is a necessary administrative step that ensures your home meets local building codes and safety standards. At Riverview Custom Homes, we expertly manage this process, preparing and submitting all architectural plans and documentation to the City of Calgary for approval.
We prioritize timely approvals, utilizing our established relationships with municipal departments to streamline the process and minimize potential delays. We also seamlessly coordinate scheduled inspections by city officials at every step of the custom home-building process, ensuring your home passes all compliance checks.
Stages of New Home Construction
From initial groundbreaking to the final touches, the construction of your custom home unfolds through a series of carefully managed stages, each bringing your vision closer to reality.
Site Preparation and Foundation: This initial phase involves preparing the land, including grading and excavation, followed by the pouring of the foundation, which forms the base of your home.
Framing and Exterior Shell: Once the foundation is solid, the framing goes up, outlining the structure of your home. This is followed by the installation of the roof, windows, and exterior doors.
Rough-Ins: In this stage, mechanical systems are installed, including all plumbing lines, HVAC ductwork, electrical wiring, and integrated smart home technology infrastructure.
Insulation and Drywall: Insulation is installed to ensure energy efficiency and comfort, followed by the hanging and finishing of drywall, which creates the interior walls and ceilings.
Interior Finishing: This is where luxury comes to life. High-end cabinetry, flooring, interior doors, trim, custom millwork, paint, and fixtures are all meticulously installed at this stage, reflecting your chosen aesthetic.
Exterior Finishing and Landscaping: The exterior siding, stone, and other cladding are applied, along with the construction of decks, patios, and initial landscaping to enhance curb appeal and outdoor living spaces.
Final Inspections and Walk-Through: After all construction is complete, a series of final inspections is conducted, followed by a comprehensive walk-through with you to review every detail and ensure your absolute satisfaction before handing over the keys.
Build Your Legacy with Riverview Custom Homes
At Riverview Custom Homes, our commitment to unparalleled quality, bespoke design, and client satisfaction ensures that your custom home-building journey will be an extraordinary experience, culminating in a residence that truly embodies your legacy.
To learn more about our process or to take the first step in building your legacy, connect with us today.
Embarking on the journey of building a luxury custom home in Calgary is a profound expression of your vision and a testament to your aspirations. It’s more than just construction; it’s about crafting an enduring legacy, a residence where every detail reflects your unique lifestyle and taste.
The cornerstone of this extraordinary endeavor lies in selecting a builder who doesn’t just construct houses, but truly understands how to transform your dreams into reality. At Riverview Custom Homes, we do exactly that. We build wow on every project, meticulously shaping spaces that go beyond our clients’ expectations and stand as masterpieces for generations to come.
Why Your Builder Choice is Critical
The selection of your custom home builder is the single most important decision in this grand undertaking. A true luxury custom home builder like Riverview Custom Homes possesses the unparalleled ability to capture the essence of your vision, translating your highest expectations into architectural brilliance. We don’t just follow blueprints; we anticipate your needs, offer innovative solutions, and uphold an unwavering commitment to meticulous craftsmanship.
Our expertise ensures that your custom home isn’t just built, but thoughtfully designed and executed with the highest quality, reflecting a dedication to excellence in every beam and finish. We’re your partner in building your legacy.
Your Guide to Choosing a Custom Home Builder
Choosing the right luxury custom home builder in Calgary demands a thoughtful approach. Recognizing that the most important elements of your home’s creation unfold long before you even break ground, start your process by conducting thorough research and taking the necessary steps to ensure you’re selecting an honest, skilled, and reputable builder.
Find custom home builders that suit your needs: Curate a selection of potential builders whose portfolios align with your preferences and who demonstrate a consistent track record of delivering quality high-end homes.
Conduct due diligence: Read through testimonials and reviews, request and verify their credentials, and look for awards and certifications that can help you get a better idea of their skills and reputation.
Check the warranty: Ensure the builder you choose provides a comprehensive warranty that indicates their confidence in their workmanship.
Throughout the process, your chosen builder should show that they’re willing to listen and communicate with you, taking time to answer your questions and demonstrating transparency as the project evolves.
Bring Your Vision to Life with Riverview Custom Homes
The possibilities for your custom home in Calgary are truly limitless. With a blend of innovative design ideas and careful consideration of luxury building principles, and with the guidance of our experienced, award-wining team, your dream home can become a reality.
At Riverview Custom Homes, we specialize in creating design concepts that range from contemporary to classic (and everything in between). We’re here to help you build your legacy with a home you can be proud of for years to come.
Custom homes in Calgary stand as prestigious symbols, representing hard work, diligence, and often a distinct sense of luxury. What truly sets these opulent homes apart from conventional ones is the element of personalization. The tailored approach that Riverview Custom Homes takes in modern custom home design becomes a significant part of each custom home’s appeal.
Beyond customization and unique design elements, several factors come into play when building a truly luxurious residence. Consider these eight unique design ideas for custom homes and discover the many ways we build wow at Riverview Custom Homes.
8 Unique Design Ideas for Your Custom Home
Let’s explore some of the most inspiring design features that can elevate your custom home in Calgary and help you build a legacy you can be proud of.
1. Entertainment-Friendly Kitchen
Imagine a spacious, open-concept kitchen where the counters seamlessly flow into the backsplash and a generous island with bar seating that becomes the heart of every gathering. This design fosters interaction and makes entertaining effortless while you prepare food. Unlike closed-off traditional kitchens, this modern approach ensures you remain connected with your guests no matter where they’re seated in your home.
2. Classic Design
Embrace timeless elegance with a classic custom home design. This style emphasizes refined details in colours, materials, and layouts. Many modern homes in Calgary incorporate these enduring elements, appealing to those seeking lasting value and a sophisticated aesthetic. Choosing classic components can also enhance resale value and minimize future renovation needs.
3. Plentiful Natural LIght
The abundance of natural sunlight significantly enhances the luxurious feel and ambiance of your home, creating a space that’s bright and welcoming. Custom homes have the advantage of being designed to maximize natural light, a feature that’s often lacking in conventional builds. Discuss features like strategic window placement, skylights, and oversized windows with our design team to maximize on natural lighting in your custom home.
4. Generous Storage Space
Modern luxury living often prioritizes an environment that’s free from clutter. Cleverly designed and subtly integrated storage solutions can contribute vastly to this sense of order and cleanliness in your new home. Incorporating features such as an oversized butler’s pantry or an appliance garage in your kitchen are great ways to maintain a sleek aesthetic without sacrificing the gadgets that make day-to-day life more convenient.
5. Integrated Smart Home Automation & Advanced Security
Envision a home where every aspect is intelligently connected and intuitively controlled, from automated lighting and climate to integrated audio-visual systems and advanced biometric security. This seamless technological integration offers unparalleled convenience, energy optimization, and peace of mind, allowing your home to anticipate and respond to your needs with sophisticated precision.
6. Wine Cellar
For those who appreciate the finer things in life, a custom wine cellar adds a touch of sophistication and provides a dedicated space to curate and enjoy your wine collection. Whether you envision a spacious walk-in closet conversion or a smaller pantry-style cellar, Riverview Custom Homes can bring your dream to life in your custom Calgary home.
7. Home Cinema & Performance Space
Go beyond a simple media room and create an immersive home cinema experience. Our experts can design an acoustically engineered space with plush, tiered seating, a state-of-the-art projection system, and theatre-quality surround sound. This dedicated area can also double as an intimate performance space, perfect for private concerts, screenings, or presentations, offering an unparalleled entertainment experience within your own walls.
8. Architectural Statement FIreplace
Instead of the standard floor-to-ceiling fireplace that’s become common in so many conventional builds, envision your new custom home with a grand architectural statement piece crafted from rare, exquisite materials sourced globally. This could include book-matched marble slabs extending from the floor to soaring ceilings, perhaps incorporating intricate inlays of semi-precious stones or hand-forged metal detailing surrounding a custom-designed linear gas or traditional wood-buring fireplace.
Key Considerations for Your Custom Home
Building a luxury home requires a foundational commitment to premium materials and impeccable craftsmanship. Every surface and fixture should reflect superior quality, creating a lasting impression of elegance. Modern luxury also means seamlessly integrating cutting-edge smart home technology for ultimate convenience, enhanced security, and optimized energy use. Achieving this caliber of home requires a team of highly skilled and experienced professionals, including architects, designers, and specialized tradespeople whose collaborative expertise can bring your vision to life.
At Riverview Custom Homes, we’re committed to building teams of experts who can do just that. From our award-winning architects and designers to our transparent and communicative service team, we’ll provide you with a home-building experience that you can enjoy from start to finish.
Build Your Legacy with Riverview Custom Homes
Are you ready to build a home that truly wows? Consider the unique design ideas for custom homes listed above and work with a builder you can trust, like Riverview Custom Homes.
