Design & Construction Costs
What costs are involved to design & build a custom home?
For custom homes the Building Construction Cost can vary widely, depending on the design, the site, and the features that are chosen. Our 'standard' and 'higher end' features are detailed below, but we can tailor a project to fit any budget.
If you'd like to discuss design fees or the costs associated with construction please give us a call at 604-999-1460. We'd be happy to meet with you on site, or at our E.10th Ave. office.
When seeking quotes for design and construction, it is important to know if you are being quoted just the 'Building Construction Cost' or the 'Project Cost' including all taxes, fees and site costs.
'Fees' Include:
- Site Survey
- Design, Structural Engineering, Landscape Design, Interior Design
- Arborist Reports, Energy Modelling
- City Permit Fees, Sewer Connections Fees & Development Levies
- Hydro, Gas and Telecom Startup Fees
- Homeowner Course-of-Construction Insurance
- HPO 2-5-10 Home Warranty (for projects in British Columbia)
Design Fees are broken up into the following stages:
- Concept Design
3D concept model, basic plans, and preliminary cost estimate
- Permit Drawings
Basic plans for permit, structural engineering and landscape design
- Construction Drawings
Interior design specs, electrical and lighting layout, and
cabinetry details
- Construction Admin
Construction oversight and coordination
- Want more details about the design process? click here
Getting quotes?
A few things to watch out for:
- Cost-per-square foot estimates.
Preliminary construction costs are often quoted based on a $-per-square-foot value, but it's important to understand what this includes. Does it include design and permits? Taxes? Landscape?
Also, the $/sf for small homes is always much higher than for large homes (where the costs are diluted by 'cheap' rooms like bedrooms and hallways). Many home owners and builders have gotten into trouble when they use 'typical' $/sf values to estimate the cost of a small home under 1000sf. - Modular, Pre-fab and Packaged Homes
Prefab or packaged homes can seem cheap, but there are many associated costs that have to be accounted for including: delivery and installation, building permits, foundations, sewer and water servicing, landscape and taxes.
There are also challenges when trying to fit a modular home into the different zoning requirements dictated by each individual municipality. In many cases a modular home needs to be under-sized relative to the maximum square footage allowed by the zoning.
What features are typically included at different price-points?
Typical:
- Custom design tailored to your site and style
- Energuide 86 Efficiency Rating
(a rating in the top 1% of homes in Vancouver) - R38 Lanefab Hybrid Wall and Triple Glazed Windows
- Aluminum clad fir doors with multi-point latches
- Heat pump hot water tank and in-floor radiant heating
- 24" Stainless Steel Appliances, Laundry, Hansgrohe Fixtures
- Custom millwork with plywood boxes and quartz countertops
- Whole House LED Lighting
- Cedar, Hardi or Rock-Stucco Siding
Higher End:
- Energuide 86 to 92 (Highest Energuide ratings in Vancouver)
- Certified Passive House
- 'Net-Zero' Solar Energy System
- High efficiency heat pump for heating, A/C and hot water
- Home automation system
- Multi-Fold Patio Doors
- Jacuzzi / Sauna / Steam Shower
- Custom steel and glass railings and balcony guards
- Rainwater capture system
- Green Roof
