There are several important factors to consider when planning and building your infill home; Each of which play a role in the determining the final cost. It is necessary to have a budget, and you’ll likely want to consider some cost saving tips like the ones found here and here. Even then, it is good to have a realistic expectation of costs and an understanding of what goes into your custom home before you decide to build. Let’s look at seven:
1) SITE PLANNING, DRAWINGS AND PERMITS
This typically includes architecturally designed and engineered plans. The infill house and floor plans do not need a licensed architect, but the structural aspects do need engineered stamped drawings. And do not forget, infills require landscaped drawings that include grading and drainage (however, these do not need to be stamped).
2) ROOF DESIGN AND TRUSS
For various reasons, post-Covid, lumber prices have increased. Simpler roof truss and floor plan designs will assist to control costs.
3) FLOORPLANS AND INTERIOR FINISHES AND FIXTURES:
This can be broken down into (2) categories; both of which typically account for the bulk of your infill home costs based on design preference and needs.
1) The floorplan: straight, uninterrupted wall lines, with shared walls for electrical, plumbing and HVAC have a bigger influence in cost control than you might think.
2) Finishes and Fixtures: This includes your fixtures and finishes and include everything from flooring types, to lighting, energy efficient details, integrated technology and more! Simpler trim features, cabinets, counter-tops, and cost-effective fixtures all play significant roles.
4) WINDOWS AND DOORS
Edmonton has good local manufacturers of windows and doors, which feature good designs and competitive pricing. However, your choice of window components will influence price. Items such as exterior cladding, insulating glass, interior casing, hinged panels, size of window, type of window operation, locking mechanism, non-white exterior cladding and interior casing have noticeable upcharges. In addition, don’t forget your basement window wells.
5) LANDSCAPE
Infill homes require an approved landscape plan at the time of submitting your permit application. One option is to use a landscape architect to design the plan. In working with an experienced landscaper, they can provide the plan and complete this work. Grading, drainage, compaction, sod/mulch/rock, trees, shrubs, flowers and more. Other considerations include ongoing maintenance and winter snow clearing.
6) DRIVEWAYS AND WALKWAYS
Concrete is another cost that is typically under-estimated in the preliminary conceptual budget planning phase. Make sure your estimate includes native soil excavation and import soil supply and compaction (if needed), along with the preparation of all concrete forms, type of surface finish, etc. The construction of these must tie into your grading and landscaping plans.
THE BOTTOM LINE – PHASE YOUR PLANNING
It is easy to see how your conceptual, preliminary and final designs impacts the total cost of your infill home. It is helpful to phase your planning and have price estimates provided at the conceptual and preliminary phases (with precision variance noted). Only at the final design stage, can an accurate quoted price be provided. In addition, make sure you add a contingency reserve for things like material cost increases (like lumber), unknowns (who knows what might be uncovered when you excavate for your new foundation) and possible add-ons (for that bathroom tile in-floor heating or the larger fireplace).
WHY CHOOSE URBAN SKY
At Urban Sky our talented team specializes in custom infill homes. In doing so, we work with you to create thoughtful designs that are efficient, work well for how you want to live. And, that provide outstanding value. Contact us today for a free consultation and see how we’re able to bring the vision of your next home to life, within your budget!