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  1. start here

WHERE TO START

Contemplating a new home, cottage, or an addition?  Not sure what to do first?

Below is a list of the main things that you initially need to determine.

The first 2 steps you will need to do yourselves.  You could do the others as well, or you could get assistance.

 
1. Articulate your Goals

∙ determine all of your main objectives - and then write them down
∙ no need at this point to get overly specific / detailed
∙ determine your general expectations for quality

 

2. Establish a Rough Budget

∙ it is very important to do so
∙ knowing what you can / will spend will greatly help narrow down your choices to those that are realistic and fit your budget
∙ knowing your budget can also help to separate 'needs' from 'wants'

 

3. Talk to Your Local Authorities

∙ zoning bylaws dictate what & where you can build on your property (the number & type of buildings, min. & max. sizes, distances from property lines & water, max. heights, and so on)
∙ ask if there are any other authorities that regulate your property as well (ie Conservation Authority); if so, talk to them as well

 

4. Determine Roughly What You May Need

∙ in very general terms - such as rough overall size, number of stories, and type of rooms (ie a Kitchen is more expensive than a Bedroom)

 

5. Find Out Ballpark Costs to Build

∙ ask a few local builders what ballpark costs may be for what you generally have in mind
∙ for something small, builders may indicate an OVERALL cost range (ie between 'X' & 'Y')
∙ for anything else, they will likely indicate a cost range PER SQ. FT.
∙ ask what is NOT included (ie hst, septic, ...?)
∙ this should give you a very rough idea if your goals may be realistic within your budget

 

6. Next Steps

∙ if it appears that your budget may be realistic, you then need to delve deeper
∙ this involves determining all of your specific needs, and exploring design options
∙ realize that an architect may or may not be the right choice; it really depends on your priorities and your particular situation

 

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