Ask for an Estimate After you’ve drafted a budget and narrowed it down to your top potential builders, you should ask them to provide an estimate. You’ll need a detailed design for a proper estimate, and many homeowners will seek a full-service builder that provides both design and construction services. Many builders provide rough estimates at first, more detailed estimates when the builder has the building plans, and a final estimate once the building permit has been issued. While builders structure their estimates differently, estimates can be broken down into costs associated with the main project phases outlined below: Pre-construction • Home design • Site preparation • Land surveying • Excavation • Trucking and dumping • Fill and gravel • Permit acquisition • Connection to electrical grid, water and sewer Construction • Foundation • Framing • Insulation • Drywall • Sprinklers • Doors • Building systems (ex: plumbing, electrical and HVAC) • Exterior finishes (ex: siding, roofing and windows)
Interior • Cabinets • Countertops • Flooring • Paint • Lighting • Appliances • Interior doors
Estimates should account for the materials, labour, equipment and taxes associated with the project phases outlined above. Estimates should also account for the cost of professional services, such as engineering services, and should include an amount for contingencies. It’s important to be as specific as possible when you’re sharing your ideas with a potential builder, especially when you have specific brands and standards in mind. These have a huge impact on the cost. Many other factors can influence project costs including fluctuations in the price of labour and raw materials. Supply chain issues can also have a large impact, and prices can vary based on location. One-page quotes do not provide enough information to make an informed decision. Of course, the lowest price isn’t always the best option, and making an informed, thoughtful choice will help you avoid potential disagreements later.
Hiring a Builder in BC: A Consumer Protection Guide
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