Building your own house requires both time and dedication. The key is finding a reputable custom home builder in Calgary. Moreover, finding a quality custom home builder can be challenging; you need a qualified company. But the question then becomes: what qualifies a company to construct your dream home in the first place?
There are many boxes your prospective modern home builder must check. The typical qualifications include experience, quality work, positive reviews, etc. However, one essential component you may have yet to consider is a development permit.
But now, you may be wondering…
What is a Development Permit?
A development permit is a construction licence. It approves the use of a site and any building or structure that might be built on it. New projects or changes to existing structures require development permits. This licence verifies that all the regulations and planning procedures have been assessed and evaluated.
Moreover, it offers a way for neighbours, community organizations, and other impacted people to supply feedback.
Who Needs a Development Permit?
According to the City of Calgary’s official website, no development permit is required for someone conducting interior changes or simple exterior constructions. Such renovations may include:
Adding fences
Installing walls
Setting up gates to the property, etc
But the rules change for larger projects. For example, development permits are required for contractors, construction companies, and home builders to erect new structures or alter old ones.
Riverview Custom Homes Does the Hard Work for You
Don’t stress if this sounds confusing. By relying on Riverview Custom Homes, you don’t have to concern yourself with a development permit. If you decide to leave it in the hands of professionals, it will be our responsibility to acquire the permit on your behalf. All the fine details will be taken care of as well.
You’ve come a long way. Your years of vision, persistence and hard work have paid off. And now, you’re ready for the next chapter in your life. A beautiful home that truly speaks to you, your personality, and your lifestyle. But before you break any ground, you must first select the proper lot. This part of the process can be confusing for many soon-to-be homeowners.
At Riverview Custom Homes, we are your modern home builders in Calgary. And we want to help make this difficult process easy. So we’ve compiled a few things to keep in mind when selecting the lot location for your dream home.
4 Things to Consider When Looking for the Perfect Lot
As your custom home builder, Riverview Custom Homes has the experience and expertise to help you with lot acquisition. However, we understand it’s entirely natural for you to want to explore this by yourself. After all, a dream home is a very personal ambition. But before doing so, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
Size: The size of the lot will affect many things in the future, such as new additions. For example, what if you decide to add a garden or a pool? You’ll need extra space to add these accessories. So ensure your lot is the appropriate size by considering any possible future additions.
Location: If you want or currently have children, location should be one of your considerations. Do you want your house close to schools? How about close to shops and restaurants? Consider how busy the street is and how safe it looks. How much traffic and noise can you expect? All these factors will contribute to your quality of life once your dream home is constructed.
Neighbourhood: Do you like the area? Is it nice, clean, and family-friendly? You want a calm neighbourhood that’s warm and welcoming. This quality communicates that the area is safe and that people look out for one another.
Price: Ensure that the cost of the lot does not go over your budget. Shop around but don’t settle for the first cheap one that you come across. Remember, you are making a decision that will influence your life and your children’s lives for a lifetime.
What’s Next? Contact Your Custom Home Builder in Calgary
Constructing your dream home is a remarkable experience; few things can compare to the satisfaction of seeing your vision come to life. And at Riverview Custom Homes, we know how important this is to you. That’s why our team of expert designers, craftsmen, and architects approaches each project with the utmost care and respect. So if you’re ready, contact us today to make your dream a reality.
At Riverview Custom Homes, we don’t just aim for excellence; we strive for wow. Every cut, corner, and layout contributes to a dream home that helps you build, refine, and leave a legacy. For this reason, we take pride in every aspect of our work. And this mindset (more than anything else) has led to Riverview Custom Homes being recognized within our industry.
The BILDCR Awards celebrate the highest tiers of accomplishment in residential construction and development. As such, various awards are granted. Builders, suppliers, and land developers compete for these distinctions, as each honour recognizes the recipient’s excellence as the industry’s finest. BILDCR partners are some of the province’s most notable and accomplished designers, architects, renovators, and builders.
Additionally, the BILDCRs community is based on supporting and advocating for Calgary’s construction industry. BILDCR’s membership authorizes institutions to participate in a growing community, with over 600 partners employing more than 55,000 Calgarians.
Riverview Custom Homes’ Rewards and Recognition
Riverview Custom Homes is pleased to announce our success in winning numerous BILD Awards over the past few years. These awards include:
2021 Single Family Builder of the Year:
Winner | $765,000 – $909,999 – Skyward
Winner | $1,560,000 – $2,299,999 – Arches
Winner | $2,300,000 and over – The Geddes Residence
2020 Single Family Builder of the Year
Winner | Best Townhome
Finalist | Akira
Finalist | Sophie
2018 Single Family Builder of the Year
Winner | Charleston
Winner | White House
Winner | Chateau West
Each success is indicative of our commitment to quality craftsmanship. For this reason, these achievements represent more than just a moment of recognition; they convey our adherence to producing beautiful architecture that will last a lifetime.
In Closing
Awards, acclaim, and accolades are amazing. However, that’s not the driving force behind our success at Riverview Custom Homes. Instead, we are driven to serve you. Our joy stems from helping you create the home of your dreams—one tailored to your unique needs, preference, and lifestyle. So if you’re ready, contact us today to make your dream a reality.
Calgary is a great place to call home. And if you’re considering settling down in this beautiful city, there are a few things you should take into consideration. For example, are you planning on building a house or purchasing one? Do you want a custom home, or would you prefer a production house to save money? Similarly, what kind of house do you want to buy or construct? Modern? Traditional? Luxurious?
At Riverview Custom Homes, we are your modern home builders in Calgary. And we want to help you simplify this process. At this point, your main question may be: Should you hire a custom home builder, or should they purchase a house instead? Keep reading to learn which option is best for you.
3 Considerations for Buying a House or Land
Whether you’re purchasing land or a home, this investment is a big decision. As a result, you want to ensure you have thought things through. Here are 3 considerations you’ll want to keep in mind for the decision-making process.
The needs of you and your family: The first thing to remember is that there’s no one-size-fits-all template for you to follow. Instead, the solution will be based on variables such as your family’s needs. What type of lifestyle do you lead? You need a home that can accommodate and support your family in this regard.
Knowing your budget: The second thing to consider is whether or not you can afford to hire a custom home builder in Calgary, such as Riverview Custom Homes. Your finances will determine how much or how little you can reasonably afford.
Determining what you want for your dream home: The third thing to consider is what you want in a home. If you’re looking for a property that is 100% your own, we encourage you to build a custom house, as it will be a true reflection of who you are.
Next Step: Talk to the Professionals
Many routes can lead to your dream home. But one of the best ways is through the assistance of a custom home builder. This approach puts you in the driver’s seat. You determine the final product, from the materials all the to the layout, are all within your control.
At Riverview Custom Homes, we are Calgary’s award-winning custom builder. Contact us today to see how we can help bring your dream home to life.
If you are planning on building a custom home in Calgary, we cannot stress enough the importance of selecting the proper custom home builders. As you already know, building a house is a process that takes time. What you will find, however, is that the most important aspects of this process occur before the actual construction of the house.
It doesn’t matter if you have the most beautiful house in mind — if someone can’t build it the way you envisioned, what’s the point of building a house to begin with? Riverview Custom Homes is your modern home builder in Calgary, and we want this experience to be one you can look back on with fond memories.
For this reason, selecting the right custom home build is essential. Keep reading to learn how to choose the right company for your dream home construction project.
Why the Right Custom Home Builder Matters
As a homeowner, you owe it to yourself and your family to go out there and spend some time searching for the best Calgary custom home builders. But, of course, every home builder differs in approach, methodology, etc. As a result, you will find that many companies have different styles and visions. Sure, they can adapt. However, some of them, like Riverview Custom Homes, do it exceptionally well.
But despite their best efforts, some companies simply won’t be capable of capturing your vision. Therefore, before hiring a custom home builder, you must familiarize yourself with said company. You have to know their style, history, and qualifications. You have to make sure that you and they are on the same page and that they understand what you expect from them.
When you are confident they are the ones who can bring your dream home to life, you can focus on the next part of the process—namely, the planning of your future house.
How to Choose a Custom Home Builder
Your custom home is, more than likely, the most significant investment you’ll ever make. That’s why selecting the right home builder is paramount. The right builder will take time to learn about your needs and unique vision, bring you in on the design and construction process, and build a beautiful home based on your budget.
A project of this scope and significance warrants the right builder. Here are 3 tips for selecting the proper custom home builder in Calgary:
1. Ask Questions
Write a checklist of questions and bring them to your kickoff meetings. If you have any concerns, worries, or curious thoughts, write them all down. If you know a friend or relative who has constructed their own home, question them about the process. Home builders will be happy to provide answers to your questions.
And don’t be afraid of or think that you’re asking “stupid” questions. When it comes to a project of this size and scope, there’s no such thing as “stupid” questions.
2. References
Ask potential home builders for references, and here’s the next step: actually follow up with them! Respectable and experienced custom home builders will have a verified track record of excellent work and satisfied clients that they’ll be happy to provide you with. If they can’t or refuse to provide this information to you, that is a red flag.
You should write them off and continue your search for a custom home builder who can provide you with such references and reviews.
3. Visit Home Shows
Visit many builders’ home projects to see the innovative designs and grades of work first-hand. See the neighbourhoods each builder is presently working in. Stop and ask the occupants if they are inclined to share their home-building experience with the company that constructed their home. And what’s more, ask if they’d recommend the company or not.
This process will quickly reveal where the company stands regarding its integrity and quality of work. Online reviews are great, but what’s even better is speaking to someone in person who has (or has had) a working relationship with the company in question.
The Right Custom Home Builder for the Job
There are many things to consider when searching for the right home builder. And with this being such a significant investment and life transition, you want the best home builder to make the shift as smooth as possible. That’s where Riverview Custom Homes can help. Our team is comprised of numerous expert designers, builders and architects.
Custom homes are a prestigious symbol. They represent hard work, diligence, and often a sense of luxury. Personalization is a significant aspect that separates these opulent establishments from their conventional home counterparts, and the custom homes in Calgary are true testaments to this notion.
This tailored approach to modern custom homes is what adds to their appeal. But aside from customization, there are many other feature considerations for custom homes. Here are 8 ideas you may want to consider for yours.
1. Entertainment-Friendly Kitchen
Picture your custom home kitchen design. Spacious area and open layout, counters stretching across the whole of the backsplash, a generous, elongated island accompanied by bar stools, etc. So what does this kitchen design offer? An easy way to entertain while preparing food for visitors.
Most kitchens are closed off, making interacting with and entertaining guests more difficult while preparing dinner. Every modern custom home should have a similar open kitchen concept to make for better hosting and food preparation.
2. Classic Design
A classic custom home design encompasses refinement. It beckons to the finer details, such as definitive colours, materials, and designs. Moreover, many modern homes in Calgary incorporate these foundational elements into their blueprint, attracting prospective homebuyers preparing to settle down.
Drafting custom homes with these classic components is a reliable way to strengthen the resale value and bypass additional renovation expenses in the future.
3. Plentiful Natural Light
The inundation of natural sunlight does wonders. A well-lit home is more inviting as the bright decor welcomes all who make their way through your abode. This trait is another benefit custom homes have over their traditional home equivalents.
Unfortunately, many conventional homes are not designed to take advantage of this endless natural resource. For this reason, plentiful natural light is another feature that would serve your custom home well.
4. Generous Storage Space
Have you noticed most modern homes are clutter free? Fewer items are left out; hardly any miscellaneous possessions are in the open; by and large, there’s just less disorganization. Credit goes to cleverly designed, subtly positioned storage space.
These kinds of concealed repositories make cleanliness and organization a breeze. And the best part? You can integrate them into your custom home in Calgary.
5. Energy-Efficient Appliances & Fixtures
Energy-efficient appliances and fixtures are a part of modern homes’ comforting appeal. With low-emissivity windows and securely sealed building envelopes, warm or cool air remains within the house, reducing energy costs.
In addition, water-conserving and energy-saving appliances such as ovens, laundry machines, smart refrigerators, etc., are very beneficial for homeowners, resulting in a smaller carbon footprint and energy bill reduction.
6. Wine Cellar
If you’re a connoisseur of the finer things, why not consider a wine seller for your custom home? Enjoy collecting various wines to sample and share with friends and loved ones. Choose a large walk-in closet-style wine cellar or a small pantry-derived variant. Whatever your preference, your builder can help bring it to life in your modern custom home.
7. Home Office
More people than ever are now working from home. For many, this concept was once a pipedream that has become the new normal; a baseline standard. With everything digitized, our professional lives have shifted to the virtual space. This fact illustrates the necessity of a home office – you can only be so productive working in the kitchen or on the couch.
Real focus occurs when your environment is set up to support that kind of productivity. And that’s why a home office in your custom home in Calgary is a great design idea.
8. Floor-to-Ceiling Fireplace
Few things are more welcoming than a warm fireplace. Fortunately, you have total creative input for your fireplace design in your custom home. And with that much freedom, why not make something exceptional? A floor-to-ceiling fireplace can become a scenic centrepiece for the whole family to enjoy.
Envision Your Modern Custom Home in Calgary
There are endless options for how your custom home can take shape. And with a bit of creativity and assistance from the right designers and architects, nothing is impossible. At Riverview Custom Homes, we’ll create your luxurious residence just for you.
We are an award-winning group of trusted and professional architects and designers specializing in design concepts that vary from modern to classic. Contact us today to learn how we can help you build your custom dream home.