THE HOUSE OF YOUR DREAMS?!
Many people are changing their ideas about their home. Some people are on the lookout for a new location—because now they can work from anywhere! Some people are transitioning to multi-generations in the same home. And some people are in love with finding a great location, then creating (aka building) the home of their dreams.
But what if there’s a wrinkle? Like incredibly low supply of housing all over Canada these days! What’s a home dreamer to do?
We’re seeing people create a legal suite, to allow adult “kids” or in-laws to move in downstairs. Each generation can have their own space, but share expenses. We’re seeing people buy in Cochrane, AB, but work in Ontario. And we’re hearing some people who are finding dream properties (with or without a house), then designing and planning to build their “foreverhome.”
The bottom line? When a homeowner finds the LOCATION of their dreams, but not the house, that’s where we come in.
We understand the process. Some people don’t even have basic measures and drawings of their existing or new-to-you house. No problem, we have contacts that can get us started. Next we’ll need a basic overall vision; bring your own architect or architectural technologist, or begin with one of our recommended professionals. A structural engineer may need to provide his/her official approval of the drawings, before they are sent for development and building permits.
And then, the part most people love: designing the pretty stuff! There are a lot of choices to make here: flooring, cabinets, tile, plumbing fixtures, lighting, paint colours, …. And we haven’t even considered any new furniture yet! Some people prefer to do all of this on their own, and some prefer using a designer. One small word of caution here: we do encourage our clients to design for both function and aesthetics.
We’re not a typical builder or renovator. Literally every project we do is different and custom. We don’t have cookie-cutter floorplans. We literally talk to each homeowner to find out what they want and why. And we actually buy materials from multiple providers all over the city, from high end to Home Depot (sorry Home Depot!).
Creating the Home of your dreams is not an easy process for most people. Homeowners get deeply emotionally invested in their projects, and we recognize this can be stressful. With respect, we work through any issues that arise and problem solve for alternatives when necessary. Is it worth it? Honestly, not for everyone. It’s a big commitment of time, energy and finances.
So now you know it’s possible. Is it the right choice for you?