Where Quality and Ingenuity Collide.

I have put together a small list of questions to ask when you decide to you want to build a new home. Whether you are in Calgary, or are building abroad, you will want to make sure you know what to ask your architect or your home builder when it comes to starting your new home.

General Questions

1. What is the expected time frame for my new construction?
2. What is your price range?
3. What are the floor plans offered, if I want want something changed from your floor plans is that possible?
4. What type of amenities do you offer? How are you different from other home builders? Why are your prices higher/lower?
5. What is your warranty policy and what are the critical factors in evaluating a warranty?
6. How many years have you been in the home construction business?
7. How often can I have access to the home during the construction process?
8. What are the costs of the taxes and what are the (HOA) fees if applicable.
9. Ask your builder for a list of referrals.

Construction Questions?

1. Do the subcontractors provide a good building quality and materials? Are the reliable, have you worked with them previously?
2. Does the community have an architectural control committee?
3. How individual can my home be? Can it have a style that would reflect me?
4. What products do you use when you are building a home?
5. What green home building products do you use?

And there are a number of other questions we can go on for days…but this is a great place to start, the more you know the better you will be ready to start your new construction.  Vaughan Custom Homes and Designs can and will help you with all of these questions and many more feel free to call us anytime to get started your new home.

We will be the best first step you ever make!

Another Great Read!  Enjoy

Effectively See To Planning A Renovation Project
by Adriana Noton

When redesigning an interior space or home, the proper tools are often essential to see that the job is done effectively and within your budget. You may want to pay for the services of an expert builder who will be able to confirm that the plans for your dwelling are adequate and easily obtainable. As such, when you face planning a renovation project, there are a number of elements to take into consideration.

Pricing is often the most critical part to influence the extent of the overhaul. An unlimited budget may present greater options for the renovation but even smaller finances can be used accordingly, if the planning is done well.

Many times, an architect may help you in the redesign of the space as you have it in mind. This qualified person could help you draw up the necessary plans and have them approved in your district. Depending on what you want overhauled, the plans may state all that will need to be done, including breaking down existing walls, adding new doors and window frames or even redirecting the entire purpose of a room.

The foundation of an existing area is important in the renovations as this is often the hardest part to redesign. Often times, builders use the existing ground level to rebuild a different area or may build on to the current foundation to offer extensions to a current dwelling. If the space around your plot permits it, you could even be able to branch outwards and extend the flow of your space.

In many instances for those undertaking to build upwards, the consent of neighbors is regularly required. For new double storey structures, the surrounding homes should be alerted to the fact that this may affect the amount of sunlight they will get into their homes. Once nearby resident approve of your plans you could begin to develop the designs of constructing a staircase leading upwards. In this case, the entire roof will also have to be raised to make for greater living spaces on a new floor.

Sometimes it is possible to remain in the house while renovations are taking place. However, depending on the amount of work that needs to be done and the safety issues that could surface, the home owners may be obliged to move out of the present home for a period in order to complete the basic restoration. This will need to be considered early enough when the initial plans are being put up. If reflected on at the start of your project, you might be able to make other living arrangements way in advance of the building schedule.

Building on to your home may initially be an overwhelming thought. It could also take much effort, time and finances, but often times, the rewards of living in a renovated space can outweigh all the negative aspects. You may want to make a list of pro and con alternatives to help you decide what will be best in your situation.

In conclusion, the general design of a space can be the determining factor in planning a renovation project. You may want to consider the advice of a professional before you commence with any unique floor plans to suit your requirements.

Written By:

Architectural drawings Toronto offers Toronto drafting and management services for your home improvement. Services Permit Drawings Toronto, and BCIN. We are here to help with any of your home improvement needs.

As the construction season begins to get under way full force, Vaughan Custom Builders & Design Inc. is pleased to let our friends and potential clients know that we continue to grow in our presence of being one of Calgary’s finest and most sought after builder/renovators.  We have some amazing projects lined up for 2010 and are focusing on working only with clients who demand our technical expertise and building excellence.  Stay tuned folks…2010 is going to be exciting!!!

In a city with so many buiders, so many contractors, so many renovators, so many choices, how do you make up your mind?  How do you decide who it is you will do business with?  How do you decide who you will trust your home and your money with?  Is it the first one you call?  I hope not (even if it’s us).  Is it the cheapest on a quote?  Again, I hope not because you will soon find you get what you pay for.  Is it the biggest company out there?  Maybe, and there’s nothing wrong with that if they are a fit for you.  The point is, only you can make that decision….but we are here to help you in that process. 

Now I am going to tell you a few truths about home builders and renovators that may not make me too popular, and there are those who will deny these truths and try to discredit me (because their very livelihoods depend on it), but I will share them none the less.  When you are working with a professional home builder or renovator….and I truely mean a professional, not a tailgater, not a fly by nighter…..there are very few technical differences in the product they provide.  Meaning that there are generally standardized methods of construction that are used by most every major builder/renovator in the business (heck, we often use the same tradespeople).  Now don’t get me wrong….there are always options, always upgrades, better products, but these generally mean additional cost.  And that is fair….I don’t dispute that.  There is a cost for technology.  Often there is an upfront cost to save more dollars down the road.  There is a cost for the latest and greatest (just think how much a 50 inch TV cost 10 years ago!!).  And why are things generally standardized?  Because if they weren’t you would be inundated with so many technical choices that you don’t understand that you would never be able to make a decision….and if the builder automatically made all the choices for you based on the best products out there he would price himself right out of the market because they would not be comparing apples to apples with the competition, and the comsumer….you….who does not understand all the technical mumbo jumbo would really only understand one basic thing….PRICE.

Which brings me to my next point.  Why Vaughan Custom Builders?   Why not Bob’s Builders?  Or Rick’s Reno’s?  It’s simple.  It’s you.  It’s not about the product that we give to you, but how we give that product to you.  It’s the time we take to explain your options to you…the good, better, and best….the costs associated with them, the pro’s and the cons of them, the benefit (or lack thereof) of budgeting and spending your money appropriately and in the best area’s to maximize getting as much out of your money as you can.  It’s about educating you as much as you would care to be, on what makes your house a home…the sytems that comprise the whole.  It’s about giving you, the client, the best possible experience with your build or renovation.  A positive and enlightening experience that allows you to understand and appreciate your home to whatever degree you choose.  To give you the most control in the decision making process by giving you the information you need.  And this is what we offer to you.  If you walked into the showhome of any major builder and asked the saleperson what systems comprised their homes and how they worked together and which were better or worse than which, could they tell you?  Or are they just what their name implies….salepeople?  People who may, or may not understand the home, put in place for their skills and abilities to sell a product or service….but not to necessarily understand that product or service.  And that is what we beleive makes us different from the rest…because our focus, and our promise, is to you….and providing you with not only the best product we can, but the best experience as well.

Renovations.  What comes to YOUR mind when you hear that word?  Is it a feeling of trust and security?  Or is it a vision of a guy breezing straight into town with a truck full of tools saying he can do it all?  Unfortunately for the renovation industry it is often the latter of the two, and with good reason.  Yes there are those out there that are less than reputable and will take advantage of those they can.  Yes there are those who do business outside the legislation placed to protect you, the homeowner.  And yes there are those out there that don’t posess the required knowledge or skills to successfully manage your project.  But do not fear for it is not all bad news!  There are those among us that strive to attain a level of professionalism that this industry deserves.  We operate within the law and carry the necessary insurance, bonding, licensing and WCB coverage that protects not only us, but you too!  Do you know as a homeowner if a worker is injured, disabled or worse, even dies, in a workplace accident on your property YOU may be personally responsible if the proper WCB coverage is not in place?  Do you know if your property is damaged and your renovator does not have the necessary insurance YOU may be responsible for the costs?  Does this sound like a ‘good deal’ to you?  Is this worth saving a few dollars because someone can do it ‘for cash’?  What happens when your plumbing leaks from improper installation by the guy who’s ‘not licensed but just as good and half the price’ and your house floods?  These are things you as a home owner, and a smart consumer, need to think about.   And that’s where we at Vaughan Custom Builders come in…..providing Calgarians with the best option for their home renovations.  We are professionals in handling your home renovation needs.  We specialize in mid to high end renovations, additions and custom homes ranging from thousands to millions of dollars.  We provide our services to discerning clientelle who are concerned with quality and workmanship, who have a vision in mind or a plan prepared, have the financing in place and are serious about getting their project done and DONE RIGHT!  We are experts in highly technical and custom work.  If these are the services you require then dont trust your home to a tailgater or fly by nighter…..call Vaughan Custom Builders & Design.

Dreaming of the renovations that you want to do to your home?  Trying to envision what your new home, whether it’s on an acreage or a city infill?  Why try to look at construction plans and elevations while trying to piece together in your minds eye what your home will look like when the construction is complete?  At Vaughan Custom Builders one of the services we offer our customers is 3D renderings of thier home, so you can have a computer generated 3D visual of your home…..even take a walk through!!  It’s the little things at Vaughan that make the difference….our eye for detail, our committment to quality, our promise to our customers that we will do it right, the first time.  Our companies road to success has been based on the fact that even as the owners are still actively involved on site to ensure quality control and that our team is providing the quality that we promise.  There are a lot of companies out there that cannot promise the same.  For free estimates or to answer any questions please call 403.690.7972 or email info@vaughancustombuilders.com.

The Renomark is the Renovators Mark of Excellence. We have all heard Mike Holmes say it a thousand times….’Make It Right!!’ Members of the Canadian Home Builders Association believe in just that….we strive to do it right everytime!! At Vaughan Custom Builders we are always available for our clients questions because we believe a knowledgable home owner is an empowered home owner. There are those contractors that feel the opposite and the home owner having more knowledge means more corners they won’t be able to cut….and you don’t want to be dealing with that guy!! Here are the Canadian Home Builders Association – Calgary Regions 10 Reasons to Hire a RenoMark Approved Renovator….which Vaughan Custom Builders is proud to be endorsed by and a member of.

1.RenoMarkTM members believe in professionalism. They are committed to their industry and to their businesses and are willing to pay annual dues to keep informed and to help educate consumers as well.

2.RenoMarkTM members have legitimate business licences. They do not support the underground economy of renovators who avoid paying taxes and operate “fly-by-night” and “cash only” businesses.

3.RenoMarkTM members are informed. Information and education are important benefits of membership. Our members are the first to know about changes in building codes, municipal requirements, health and safety regulations and more through our courses, information sessions, and communications program. Our Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Calgary Region Renovators Council meets monthly for industry updates and information exchange sessions.

4.RenoMarkTM members are “in-the-loop”. It makes sense to hire a renovator that is part of an extensive home building and renovating industry network. Our members are in touch with manufacturers, suppliers, and experienced sub-contractors. They know what’s new and where to get it.

5.RenoMarkTM members offer peace-of-mind. Joining our program is your sign that a renovator is concerned about fair and honest quotes and reliable start and finish dates. They understand that keeping the lines of communication wide open is the key to a successful job.

6.RenoMarkTM members comply with the association’s general code of ethics applicable to all members plus a renovation-specific code of conduct. It’s all about integrity. Our members believe in treating not only their clients appropriately, but also deal fairly with sub-contractors and employees.

7.RenoMarkTM members offer a wealth of advice. Put them to work for you in the planning stages of your renovation. Our members can offer design and technical advice to achieve designs you may not have thought possible. They are one call away.

8.RenoMarkTM members take care of the details. Hiring a professional means that the details like ensuring all sub-contractors have Workers Compensation Board coverage, necessary approvals and permits are in place, and obtaining the appropriate insurance are not only taken care of, they are readily available to you for your assurance.

9.RenoMarkTM members offer a warranty. A contractor committed to professionalism will offer you the coverage you need. Under the table deals leave you no recourse – so make sure your renovator spells it out on paper. Our members can also provide you with a written list of referrals so you can check on their performance and expertise.

10.RenoMarkTM members are part of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Calgary Region – a crucial first step in knowing that you’ve hired a professional.

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In this day and age of information and the internet we want to keep you in the loop!! VCB is on Facebook ( Vaughan Custom Builders), Twitter (VaughanBuilders) and Now we have our very own blog!

We welcome any questions you may have!!