Your housing project, our construction costs

YOU WOULD LIKE A NEW HOME, BUT YOU ARE HAVING TROUBLE ESTIMATING THE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH YOUR CONSTRUCTION PROJECT? AT ÉCOHABITATIONS BORÉALES, WE HAVE THE EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE TO MAKE YOUR IDEA A REALITY. HERE’S OUR GUIDE TO HELP YOU ESTIMATE WHAT IT MIGHT COST TO BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME.

The usefulness of square footage calculations

In the absence of a precise construction plan, construction costs are estimated on a per square foot basis. We use this measure during the preliminary stages of a project. This makes it possible to establish an approximate target number of square feet to be incorporated, or to summarily evaluate the cost of a model or source of inspiration being considered

Estimating a customized house plan

The creation of your house plan by an architect or technologist is a gradual process.

In general, the professional will start with a rough sketch drawing, followed by a preliminary plan, and then the final construction plan. As soon as the preliminary versions of the plan have been completed, we are already in a position to provide a complete and detailed estimate of construction costs, using specialized software. Our close relationships with suppliers and subcontractors enable us to quickly and accurately determine material and labor costs. Estimating your plan in its preliminary phase will enable you to finalize and adjust it in line with your financial objectives.

Would you like to build in the Laval, Lanaudière or Laurentian regions? Send us your building plans, and we’ll be happy to evaluate them free of charge.

Square foot calculation method

First of all, please note that the figures presented are based on the company’s vision, and therefore do not necessarily represent construction costs in urban areas, in remote regions of the Laurentians, or those of other builders.

Next, construction costs are illustrated per square foot (sq. ft.), for a typical 2,500 sq. ft. home erected on a low-slope lot (15% or less).

It should also be noted that, in the case of a turnkey project, the estimate includes all built square feet, including floors, basement or garden level and garage. So, for a house with a 1000 sq. ft. footprint, one storey and garden level, the calculations are based on 3000 sq. ft. This way of calculating allows us to include the same quality of materials (floors, doors, mouldings and frames, etc.) in these spaces as in the common living area.

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Garden level

What is a garden level? It’s the name given to a basement when at least one of its walls is above ground, as is the case when a house is built on a sloping site. A good part of the walls are made of concrete and lie in the ground. Another part, however, is made of wood and is completely free of the ground. It also features large windows, wood-clad walls on the outside and high-quality finishing materials on the inside.

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What’s included in our construction costs

We offer turnkey home projects. Our construction costs include all related elements, such as :

  • Excavation and access road
  • Foundations
  • Well and sanitary installation
  • advanced secondary
  • Structure and insulation
  • Plumbing, heating and ventilation
  • Interior and exterior finish
  • LEED and Novoclimat certifications

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Construction costs by house type

Construction costs vary according to the type of home you choose.

Conventional architecture features a pitched roof with one or more gables, and standard-sized windows and doors. Costs range from $200 to $300 per square foot.

The modern architectural house has a flat roof and large windows that often cover the walls from floor to ceiling. At Écohabitations Boréales, we build them starting at $300 per sq. ft.

The slab house is unique in that it sits directly on the ground, on a slab. There is no garden level. At Écohabitations Boréales, we generally build them starting at $275 per sq. ft.

How costs vary

When drawing up a construction budget for a custom home, it’s a good idea to include a contingency. There are many factors that can cause construction costs to vary from estimates. Here are a few examples of budget items that can tip the balance.

1. Topography of the site: sites with little slope or unevenness cost less to excavate, and therefore less to lay a foundation. On the other hand, a steep slope (15% to 25%, for example) can increase costs by $10 to $15 per square foot.

2. House size: this is a determining factor in the construction price we calculate. Indeed, our prices include various inclusions, but a smaller house can cost much more per square foot than a larger one. But why? Because many costs, such as the access road, sanitary installation, artesian well or air exchanger, are equivalent for a small or large home. In the case of a small house, they are spread over fewer square feet than in the case of a larger house.

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3. Heating system: mechanical system options are numerous and can significantly vary project costs. As an illustration, here are the costs for a 2,500-square-foot house:

a. Forced-air system with air-to-air heat pump: $7 per sq. ft.

b. Radiant floor: $8 per sq. ft.

c. Geothermal system: $16 per sq. ft.

d. Alternative energy system: $3 to $10 per sq. ft.

e. Self-contained house: $15 to $25 per sq. ft.

4. House configuration: because every project is different, costs per square foot vary. Slab-built homes generally have a higher construction cost per square foot, but the overall cost is often lower, because the home is ultimately smaller. Similarly, the larger the home, the lower the cost per square foot (as a general rule!). On the other hand, the overall cost is higher, because they contain more living space. The most cost-efficient configuration is the convent house, with living spaces spread over two or three floors (including the garden level).

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5. Level of finish: the quality of the materials used to finish the building also affects the overall construction cost. It is indeed difficult to illustrate this precise aspect with figures, given the diversity of finish products that can be integrated. However, as a rough guide, it’s realistic to think that the price of interior and exterior finishing will vary from $5 to $20 per square foot.

In conclusion, when it comes to construction costs, plan design is an exercise we carry out regularly in collaboration with our customers. We take into account their needs, their land and their budget. This is a critical stage in the project, and it’s important to take the time necessary to strike the right balance between your aspirations and your budget. But more importantly, it’s essential to achieve a result you’ll enjoy for many years to come!