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.
For more detailed information on this topic, we invite you to read our related blog post on The Cost of Building a Custom Home in Calgary.
Turn Your Dream Into a Riverview Custom Home
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.