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Builder Launch
Public • 571 • Free
5 contributions to Builder Launch
Jan 16 in
Garden suite build design questions
Hello! I'm a carpenter and my dad and I are looking to build a garden suite in our backyard in Oakville. I haven't been able to find answers for a few different things but I think I'm in the right place to get some lol. 1. Can I realistically design the entire thing myself or get freelancer Architects to save some money I'm getting quotes from Architects at about $7-$10,000 2. Are we legally allowed to contract and build it ourselves without a Tarion license? My dad is the homeowner. Are we allowed to do the plumbing and electrical as long as we pass Inspections? 3. If we can is it realistic to build it for $125 per sqft, I'm a good carpenter and have been working full-time for 4.5 years.
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New comment Feb 2
0 likes • Jan 17
Hey @Niko Liberatore, In regards to question 2. You’re allowed to wire and plumb as the home owner with a few conditions. The hydro service to the secondary unit must come from your homes main panel (most likely to a sub panel for the secondary unit). If you run a new underground or overhead service direct to the new structure you will need a few things: an electrician to sign off on the new panel, hydro company to install additional meter and you will have to pay the hydro company for the new connection from the grid.
0 likes • Jan 26
@Niko Liberatore not 100% sure on the legal requirements, but taking a guess I wouldn’t think you’d have to have a separate meter. Many people have separate dwelling units in their basements and utilize the same meter as the rest of the home but you’d have to check with your local municipality. Good luck!
Jan 26 in
Take off help in BC
Hi everyone, my boyfriend and I just purchased a lot in West Kelowna BC with panoramic lake views, we have been working with an architect for our house design and paid him $1.50/sq ft = $7,500 eek! I need to know what percentage of our budget we should spend on excavation, foundation, framing, utilities (electricians, plumbers), exterior finishes, roof, interior, appliances, landscape.... We would like to build our 4400 sq ft walk out rancher for $315/sq ft. How does one do a take off? Any help would be appreciated.
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New comment Feb 2
1 like • Jan 26
Hey Robin, Congrats on the purchase. Sounds incredible. Personally, I would start by asking your architect for copies of the architectural and structural drawings they completed for your home. You can then share these drawings with all trades mentioned (and many more) to start compiling a budget (take off). It’s important to keep in mind “soft costs” for your budget as these are typically the areas you end up spending more than anticipated. You can use the attached excel as a starting point and develop a more comprehensive list from there. Just my two cents!
Jan 18 in
Materials package pricing
As I’m sure most of you have experienced and as Mitch has spoken on in his content, most companies aren’t as transparent even in giving rough or average cost numbers as we’d all like them to be. Im just wondering what kind of recent research/quotes/price per sq members have gotten for materials packages from different builders to get to fully enclosed. Open to prefab, hybrid or just material.
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New comment Mar 12
0 likes • Jan 25
@Myles Clarke after re-reading your comment I think I misunderstood what you were looking for. Id start by reaching out to a local lumber yard. Most of them will provide you with a quote based off the drawings you provide them. Unfortunately the rest of the material costs associated with a build will have to be estimated individually.
0 likes • Jan 25
@Myles Clarke @Kim Ford finding this info can be tough and time consuming for sure. If you’re able to find a good GC, they SHOULD be open and honest and let you see the quotes/final invoices from the excavation company, carpenter, foundation guys, etc. Most GCs will just charge you a “project management fee” for procuring, scheduling and supervising each sub trade on site. However not all builders/ GC’s work the same. You can absolutely do all those things yourself. I feel most people hire a builder for the connivence factor and to help fill any knowledge gaps they may have surrounding home building.
Jan 9 in
Lot Development Fees
Hi everyone, Similar to many others in this group, I am looking to do a take off (rough estimate) of the cost to build a custom home around the 2000-2500 sq ft mark in Southern/eastern Ontario. First question I would pose to the group, what are the various development charges you have seen across Ontario? I got estimates to develop a vacant lot in northern Oshawa recently and development fees between Durham region and City of Oshawa combined to $130,000-$150,000 for a 2500 sq foot, single family dwelling. Anyone else seeing development fees this high?
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New comment Feb 2
0 likes • Jan 10
@Mitch Cleary So I need to buy a lot with a structure and burn it down! Perfect lol In all seriousness though, Thanks for the input 👍
0 likes • Jan 19
@Jonathon Jack this one was on Somerville St. Zoning bylaws for the area weren’t great for a build either.
Jan 9 in
Crazy Goals
my goal is to build a 6000sqft house for 200-250$ per sqft. how: past 10 years I have been developing connections and relations ships with all trades. I have not gotten a big picture yet. but its just a goal. I will be doing 20-40% of the work. you think its realistic?
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New comment Feb 2
1 like • Jan 9
I would say the $300-$350 is more realistic in southern Ontario. However this will vary drastically depending on regional and municipal developmental fees.
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@dave-coll-3042
Construction Equipment Specialist- Hoping to utilize industry connections to build a custom home
Active 168d ago
Joined Jan 9, 2024
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