4 Mistakes to Avoid When Building a Home

When envisioning your dream home, your imagination runs as you picture the luxurious chandelier, the cobblestone fireplace, and the brilliant architecture. Feelings of enthusiasm rush through you in waves, and you might even start looking for modern home builders in Calgary.

Your dream home is a significant milestone and life accomplishment!

However, despite the excitement, it’s important to remain levelheaded.
The rush of emotions can cloud your judgment, and there are a lot of pros and cons to consider. Here are four mistakes to avoid when building your custom home.

1. Unused Spaces

Sure, having an in-house bar sounds appealing. But realistically, how often are you going to use it? Think well before adding non-traditional rooms to your home. To avoid future headaches, you should also ensure those rooms can easily be changed into “regular” rooms. In this way, you retain some in-house flexibility.

2. Poorly Placed Rooms

You’ve probably never considered room placement unless you’re an architect or designer. But any custom home builder in Calgary will tell you it’s worth considering.
We recommend you spend time thinking about each room and its function. For example: Do you want a garage? If so, how will it impact the day-to-day operations of the rest of your home? Poorly placed rooms can be very inconvenient. No one wants their master bedroom next to the garage!

3. Failure to Plan for the Future

You may not have any kids now or planning to soon, but what if things change? When making this type of large-scale investment, as home builders in Calgary, we can tell you that it’s prudent to plan. You must plan for the future and consider every option because you never know.
How you envision your dream home and how it fits your current lifestyle might differ from what you need five years from now. While you can’t plan for everything, you can undoubtedly use your discernment to consider the future.

Building Your Legacy

With proper planning and due diligence, mistakes can be significantly minimized!

A great way to reduce unnecessary mistakes in home building is to hire a qualified custom home builder in Calgary. At Riverview Custom Homes, our experienced team of craftsmen, designers, and architects can help bring your dream home to life.

So contact us today to create your luxury custom home.

4. Failing to Consider Forecast Delays

As modern home builders in Calgary, we know the importance of time and schedule and how they vary from home to home. Each custom home has its unique design and challenges when building them.

Going with a company that can easily accommodate your wishes without giving you unrealistic expectations and without anticipating delays is essential. This can be from weather conditions, especially in Calgary’s unpredictable weather and long winters. Go with a builder that can be organized when anticipating delays.

A Development Permit: What is it and Who Needs it?

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.

So if you’re ready, contact us today to take the first step toward your dream home.

Lot Acquisition: 4 Simple Things to Consider When Searching for the Ideal Lot

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.

Multiple National BILD Award Winner

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.

As a result, we are humbled to have received numerous SAM awards, now rebranded as the BILD (Building Industry Land Developers) Calgary Region Awards.

The BILDCR Awards

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.

Should You Buy Land or a House in Calgary?

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.

Calgary Lot Selection: Things to Consider Before Buying a Lot

You may have heard of a small town in Alberta that sold lots for only $10. This small town made the news not long ago. While purchasing a lot for $10 might sound like a dream come true for many people, the truth is that most lots in Alberta are costly. So if you are planning on building a Calgary custom home, finding and purchasing the perfect lot is your first step. And the best part? It’s much simpler than it sounds.

To make the process easier for you, Riverview Custom Homes has compiled a short list of things to consider before purchasing a lot. Regardless of whether you wish to build your house the DIY way or hire a custom home builder in Calgary, lot acquisition is something that you will have to go through.

And it should begin by asking yourself a few questions:

Do I have kids? Or plan to have kids?

If you answered yes to either of these questions, then purchasing land in a neighbourhood that is both safe for kids and relatively close to a school is something you should consider. In addition, if you have kids (or plan to have kids), then a properly located home will make everyone’s lives much easier and more convenient.

What is the terrain like?

Ideally, you would purchase relatively flat land, but terrains come in all shapes and sizes. If the land you are interested in is located in an area especially prone to flooding in Calgary, consider where you would build your house and how its location could worsen (or help) the situation in the event of a flood.

How are the roads? How can I access the land?

This question is essential if the land that interests you is located outside the city. Is it near public transportation and/or a public road? Are you willing to commute every day to work? If yes, how long is too much? Of course, you might want to ask yourself dozens of other questions before purchasing land, but beginning with these will surely put you on the right path!

Lot Selection: Putting it all together

The proper lot selection will be based on your needs, wants, and lifestyle preferences. When you know what you want in a neighbourhood, and more notably, why it’s important to you, it becomes easier to make the right decision. At Riverview Custom Homes, we are an award-winning group of experienced architects and designers specializing in design concepts.

Our team’s custom-home knowledge base spans from contemporary to traditional. So, connect us today to see how we can help build your dream home.