Who hasn’t dreamt of owning a house? Deciding to build or to supervise the building of your dream home requires some knowledge but mostly a tested approach. For a realistic schedule, take into consideration the different steps and different people that will play a role in the project. A good plan should ensure work will be carried out harmoniously, and spare you unpleasant surprises and useless expenses.

Identifying your needs is an essential step but also keep construction standards in mind.
Clearly identify the needs of everyone that will live in the house and be sure your project respects municipal and provincial standards. Plan the building sequence, who will do what, and the purchasing of the material.

Planning a house is planning for the unexpected. This column goes through house construction step by step, and in detail. It gives a good idea of different factors to consider before starting but doesn’t absolutely protect you against the unexpected. It answers questions you should ask before beginning your project.
Being informed also means asking ourselves the right questions and finding answers!

Can you afford building your own house? Start with a budget. Meet a financial advisor from your loaning institution, who will evaluate the maximum you can invest in the construction of a house. Your financial capacity will be calculated based on your commitments and responsibilities. Total pay back should not exceed 40 to 42 % of your gross revenue (total revenue before taxes and deductions).
Build some flexibility into your budget for related expenses such as a notary fees, municipal taxes, school and welcome taxes (transfer taxes), life, disability and home insurance, etc. When you get the overall and detailed plans and location certificate you may have to face other expenses.

Any serious building contractor will require a detailed plan you will have prepared with a technologist or an architect. This plan will guarantee construction that complies with your requests and requirements. The municipality can also require a plan before providing you with the permits and authorizations you need.
Technologists and architects are professionals trained in various fields related to architecture who design plans and prepare estimates that are consistent with standards and regulations. They are your assurance of total peace of mind.

You’ve settled on a house. Now you need to settle on a location.

It isn’t easy to decide where to build a house. It’s an irreversible decision that must take into consideration yours and your family’s needs. Among different options, you’ll have to consider: a rural or urban environment; proximity to schools, work, shopping, emergency services, parks and amusements, roads, public transportation, municipal services, etc. You’ll have to look at the size of the lot, neighbours, nearby street traffic, noise, trees and soil quality, sunlight and the potential resale value in case you need to move unexpectedly.

The construction permit is an inescapable reality. Before starting construction work, you must make sure your project complies with the standards, laws and regulations in effect. Plans and quotations that haven’t been validated by a building inspector from the municipality could cost you. The building inspector is a resource that will help you to ensure your plan complies with the municipality’s requirements - in the particular area in which you’re building - in matters of electric power, water supply and sewage. He’ll also validate your plan in light of the municipality’s urban development plan which generally takes into consideration the quality of life of its citizens and the need for harmonious development.
Look at the municipality as an ally that will guide you through the different steps of your project.

You’ve chosen the plan.
You’ve chosen the land. Financing has been approved.
What if the roof falls on your head? Yes, even if you are not yet living in your house, you need to have an insurance during the whole duration of the construction.