Thinking about breaking ground on your dream home next Spring? Here's some important things you need to know for a successful new build journey.
Many people are planning new builds for Spring 2025, and while that might seem far away, it’s closer than you think. Building a home is an exciting journey, but one that shouldn't be rushed. If you want a home that’s all you've ever dreamed of, it’s time to start planning now.
In this guide, we’ll take you through our key considerations to keep your build on track and (hopefully) on budget. From finding the right contractor to understanding your long-term goals, here are the essentials you’ll need to cover before the first brick is laid.
1. Picking the Right Contractor: Your New Best Friend
The right contractor is the cornerstone of your new build project. This person will be overseeing every aspect of your build, so choose wisely! Take time to review portfolios, ask for references, and chat with previous clients. Your contractor should be someone you can communicate with easily and trust completely. After all, they’re the ones turning your dream into reality (and dealing with any surprise hiccups along the way).
And remember, when you've found the right one, make sure you secure your spot with them. If you haven't learned already, contractor schedules can fill up at the snap of your fingers. It's important to officially hire the right person—one who is registered as a contractor and insured—and make sure all the planned work is agreed upon and a contract is signed up front.
2. Budget: Every Detail is Important
Before you get carried away with Pinterest boards full of luxury finishes, let’s talk numbers. A well-thought-out budget isn’t just helpful; it’s essential. It's important to consider every part of the building journey from materials to labour to not-so-fun details like permits and utility hookups. And don’t forget to include a contingency for surprise expenses or last minute design changes. Be realistic about what you can afford and prioritize your must-haves versus your nice-to-haves.
Have no idea where to start with budget? Research local real estate listings to get an idea of what houses are listing for these days. A good rule of thumb is to estimate anywhere from $300-$500 per square foot of the build for your total estimated cost including labour, materials, foundation and more. And remember to set a contingency fund. Keeping an extra 15-20% set aside (on top of your estimated budget) is a smart way to plan. Having this in your back pocket can help with surprises that are usually inevitable along the way.
3. Where Should I Build? Location, Location, Location
Location plays a huge role in how you’ll experience your home. Are you envisioning a spot close to good schools or a little more secluded for peace and quiet? Consider proximity to work, amenities, and even future development plans in the area. Research local building codes, zoning laws, and environmental factors—like drainage and sun exposure—before you fall in love with a lot.
We're seeing areas in and around Moncton continue to expand (like Irishtown and Fox Creek). These are perfect spots for those who want to stay close to the city while still having the luxury of building a custom home.
Alternatively, if you're looking to get out to the "Great Wide Open" a little more, smaller towns like Cap-Pelé and Bouctouche are becoming more and more popular choices for a dream home location. Just remember that whether you choose to be closer to the city, or further away, costs are rising. So finding the sweet spot between location, size of lot and price will involve a fair amount of research.
4. Priorities for Your Home: Vision, Lifestyle, and Future Growth
Take some time to think about how you want your home to function:
Is this your “forever home”?
You may want to consider future-proofing or planning enough space for a growing family. Design multi-functional spaces that can change with your needs. For example: an extra bedroom could be a nursery today, a home office tomorrow, and a guest room in the future.
Does your lifestyle call for a gourmet kitchen?
If you love to cook or entertain, then you'll probably want to incorporate a large kitchen space with tons of storage and appliances that function well. A walk-in pantry can also make hosting large gatherings easier.
Are you focused on having a spacious backyard for the kids (or dogs)?
If you plan on having a big family, you might want to look for a larger piece of land with a big backyard. Lot's of outdoor space for the kids to play in, or a fenced in property for the dogs are important things to consider. Think about landscaping early on so you can maximize your lot's potential.
These are just a few of many questions that you might want to ask yourself when planning such a big investment and moment in your life. Understanding your priorities will help you make design decisions that will serve you well both now—and in the future!
5. Energy Efficiency: A Double Win
The push for sustainability does more than just help the environment; it’s a wise investment. Energy-efficient homes are designed to reduce your environmental footprint while also saving you money on utilities. Consider options like solar panels, high-performance insulation, and energy-efficient windows. These upgrades might cost more upfront, but they’ll pay off over time and make your home more appealing to future buyers.
Fun fact: many Canadian provinces have special energy efficient grant and loan options available. Research your Local Energy Efficiency programs for more information—going green and saving on energy bills may just be easier than you think!
6. Prepare for the Inevitable: Delays, Shortages, and Contractor Scheduling
Let’s be real—no build goes exactly as planned. Supplies can get delayed, weather can be unpredictable, and schedules can change. Mentally prepare yourself for these inevitable bumps in the road. Have a backup plan, keep your timeline flexible, and remember that patience is key. The journey might not be a straight line, but you'll get to the finish line eventually!
If you can't stand the thought of things getting off track, start planning EARLY! Like, right now. Getting a grip on all the important things can help reduce your chance of delays. Make big picture decisions early and have everything like designs, contractors and materials (if possible) secured as soon as you can. Things still might not go perfectly (because that's life) but at least you'll have peace of mind knowing you did everything you could to avoid any hiccups.
7. Stay Involved: Communication is Key
While your contractor is handling the day-to-day, staying actively involved in the process is a must. Regular site visits and check-ins help ensure that your vision is being followed, and they also give you a chance to address any issues before they become bigger problems. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, request updates, and provide feedback—your home should reflect your expectations.
But remember this is a two-way street. Just like you should be asking for updates frequently, your designer or contractor should be keeping you in the know just as often. If they seem to be falling off the radar frequently, it might be a hint that your relationship isn't a match made in heaven. That's why it's important to put their communication skills to the test early on. Ask questions about their process and set expectations during the interview phase to avoid communication issues down the line.
8. Start Planning Now: Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
This might sound like a no-brainer, but it’s surprising how many people underestimate the planning phase. Like we've said a half-dozen times already, get all your ducks in a row early on. Consider everything we've outlined in this article to keep your timeline in check. If you want to start building this Spring, you should be locking down your plans now. From permits to finalizing designs, each stage takes time. By starting now, you’ll be able to hit the ground running instead of scrambling to catch up.
Building with Confidence: Consult the Pros
Building a home is a big commitment, but with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be a stressful one. Keep your priorities straight, your budget realistic, and your involvement active. Take the time now to plan and assemble a team you trust, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a home that’s both beautiful and built to last.
And the most important thing to remember: we’re here to help every step of the way! Consult with the pros (that's us!) especially if this is your first time building. After all, we're called professionals for a reason.
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Need help getting started? Reach out to our design team for advice and support tailored to your building journey.
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