How much does it cost to build a new house or do an extensive renovation?
When approaching a brand-new build or a major renovation, there are a number of factors that influence the overall cost, and they’re often broken down into “hard” costs and “soft” costs.
Hard costs relate to the actual construction of the future home—labour, materials and utilities—and can be affected by things like the ground quality (will we need to blast into rock?), site access (is it a flat lot, or down a steep hill?), the complexity of the structure (are there heavy cantilevered beams? Or intricate curving rooflines?) and materials used (are we ordering a bespoke marble countertop from Italy? Or triple-paned European windows?).
Soft costs, on the other hand, include planning and preparation, designer or architect fees, legal costs, and anything else not directly related to the physical construction. For major renovations, additional factors like the structural integrity of the existing home and necessary upgrades to meet current building standards often come into play as well.
At Haven Projects, we’ve found that our client’s homes often start around $400-500 per square foot for a high-performance, energy-efficient house on a relatively or readily accessible lot, but it’s important to note that number can and often does fluctuate for individual projects, influenced by client wish lists, material availability, whether significant design changes are made later in the building process, and more.
Q: Everyone says custom built homes always go over budget; how can you keep things on track financially?
Pre-construction planning is essential. A comprehensive plan that covers everything from the overall structure to interior design and right down to the smallest details will ensure the construction process is as smooth and streamlined as possible. Changing direction mid-build—whether that’s altering the overall layout to shift walls or rooms around or deciding on a different material for cabinetry or countertops, for example—can affect supply cost and timeline.
Building a home from scratch involves an often overwhelming number of decisions, and having as many of those as possible settled beforehand means we’re less likely to experience costly delays.
Having clear and open communication between everyone on the build team is a crucial part of our transparent building process, too. When we’re able to collaborate with the architect and designer from the early stages, we can ensure that what looks amazing on paper will work just as well in reality while also staying within budget parameters. By being involved at the concept stage, we can bring potentially more cost-effective solutions to a design and avoid many practical setbacks before they happen. And if any hiccups do arise during the process, having a united team means we can work swiftly and efficiently to find solutions.
At Haven Projects, we’re also dedicated to financial transparency so that you never get any nasty surprises at the end of a project. We invoice on a bi-weekly basis with overall budget updates to ensure that we’re staying on track with the overall plan. And we’re always available to talk or answer questions.
Q: Why should I consider building an energy-efficient and high-performing home?
Energy costs are going to keep rising, and one of the simplest ways to combat the drain on your bank account is to lessen your home’s need for heating or cooling in the first place. At Haven Projects, we use high-performance doors and windows, insulated concrete foundations (ICF), and continuous exterior insulation together with Passive House principles and air sealing practices to create an incredibly efficient interior living space, prioritizing your comfort and well-being. We also work with designers and architects to find the ideal placement on a property to maximize solar gain, taking advantage of things like shading trees and low-angled winter sunshine.
But apart from the financial savings, one of the biggest incentives for building a high-performing home is your health. We routinely install high-quality mechanical ventilation systems—which can include HEPA-grade filtration—to significantly reduce dust particles and airborne allergens while bringing in a constant supply of fresh air. We craft our homes with an airtight building envelope, eliminating spots where cold or moisture can leak in and create problematic mould growth. Some methods even improve the fundamental safety of the home, like additional rock wool exterior insulation, which has excellent fire resistance qualities that reduce both the spread of fire and structural damage.
Q: Is there an ideal time of year to build a custom home?
We’re lucky in Victoria, BC, to have a very temperate climate where houses are built all year round, and the materials we use—like the concrete for foundations and the wood for framing—are designed to withstand all kinds of weather and temperature fluctuations. Our attention to detail and dedication to high quality ensure that each project we work on is well constructed, and we factor in necessary drying times to ensure zero mould growth, so you can rest assured that your home will be solid and secure no matter when it’s built.
However, frozen ground or very inclement weather can sometimes cause delays, and there are definite advantages to starting foundation work in the spring months to get the structure up and sealed with a watertight roof before the winter season. If you have any questions or concerns, we’re always happy to talk it out!
Q: What types of homes do you specialize in building?
We specialize in custom-built homes, energy-efficient homes, and extensive renovations. Our focus is on creating beautiful, functional spaces that meet your unique needs and preferences.
Q: How do you ensure that my new home is energy efficient?
We incorporate Passive House principles and sustainable building practices into our designs. This includes using high-quality materials, proper insulation, and energy-efficient systems to minimize your home’s environmental impact.
Q: Can you help with renovations on my existing home?
Absolutely! We offer comprehensive renovation services, whether you’re looking to upgrade your energy efficiency, redesign your layout, or add new spaces. We work closely with you to bring your vision to life.
Q: How long does it typically take to build a custom home?
The timeline for a custom home project can vary based on the complexity of the design and other factors. On average, you can expect the process to take anywhere from several months to over a year, depending on the specifics of your project.
Q: Can I make changes to the design during the construction process?
While we encourage finalizing designs before construction begins, we understand that changes may be necessary. We will work with you to accommodate reasonable modifications while keeping the project on track.
Q: I’m ready to build my dream home, but where do I start?
Let’s chat! Haven Projects has an extensive network of amazing colleagues in architecture and design, so even if you’re at the very beginning stages of imagining your forever home, we can help you build a highly collaborative team to guide you through every step of the process. And if you’ve already got plans in hand, we’ll happily work with your team to bring your vision to life, on time and on budget. Either way, by working with Haven Projects, we’re committed to making the process as smooth and seamless as possible.
What sets Haven Projects apart from other builders?
As custom home builders, we pride ourselves on our commitment to craftsmanship of exceptional quality, sustainable practices, and personalized service. We work with one client at a time to ensure that you receive our full attention and expertise throughout the entire process.
Q: What is the process for starting a custom home build with Haven Projects?
The process begins with an initial consultation, where we discuss your vision, budget, and timeline. From there, we collaborate on the design and planning stages, ensuring that every detail aligns with your goals before construction begins.
Q: How does Haven Projects handle communication during the construction process?
We believe in maintaining open and transparent communication. You will receive regular updates on the progress of your project, and we are always available to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have. We’re always one phone call away.
Q: How can I get started with Haven Projects?
Getting started is easy! Simply reach out to us through our website or give us a call to schedule a consultation. We look forward to discussing your project and helping you create your dream home!
Connect With Us
Contact Us