In this page:
Specifications | Design Options | Model Plans | Blueprints | Plot Plan | Purchase Agreement | Lawyers
What are "Specs"?
Written ‘spec’ifications expand on the working drawings in detail. Builders normally provide a ‘General Specification’ list which outlines construction and finish details. General Specifications also include details regarding the builder’s warranty and policies for handling legal arrangements and title transfer.
If the builder provides Construction Allowances enabling you to make your own selections of such items as lighting fixtures, floor coverings, plumbing fixtures or appliances, then these allowances should identify exactly what is covered by each allowance and the dollar value allocated. Obviously, a less expensive selection than the dollar amount allocated will save you money while a more expensive choice will cost you more. These variances will be noted in your Statement of Adjustments.
If you vary from the General Specifications, then the details of what you want: brand names, colours, sizes, model and style numbers for example- should be noted in the Finish Schedules or on a Change Order before construction starts. Specifications are an important part of the Agreement between you and your builder. Check to ensure the blueprints and specifications do not contradict each other.
Design Options
We take great pride in the many projects we have accomplished working with our clients in a design build process. We have developed and currently maintain solid relationships with a number of local home designers and architectural firms and would be pleased to set up interviews with them to determine which one best suits your project’s needs. Working in a closely coordinated effort, we work with the selected home designer or architect sharing each of our resources of knowledge and expertise. As the plans are developed we will discuss construction details with actual trade’s people who will perform the work. These discussions help to create details which add great design aspects, but are practical and cost efficient to construct.
Model Plans
From our wealth of knowledge and experience we have created an exciting portfolio of new home designs. Our architectural and construction team started with some of our best custom home design ideas. Then we carefully researched and refined each plan in order to ensure the best combination of design, efficiency and attention to detail to create reproducible model plans. The end result is a collection of new home designs that offer the homebuyer an exceptional overall value.
Constructing a home based on our model homes is based on the following procedures:
- Initial Meeting with Sale Associate
- Review of Model with Sale Associate
- Finalize Build Site
- Confirm Desired Specifications
- Summary of Building Costs
- Compiling all the information of plans and specification
- Contract
- Schedule Construction
- Complete
- Warranty
What do I need to know about my blueprints?​
The Significance of Working Drawings
At the time the Agreement is signed, final working drawings and a plot plan may not be available for reference. These working drawings are the normal planning tools a builder needs to construct any new home.
Before construction starts, it is important that the actual working drawings and material specifications be prepared, reviewed and approved by you. Your builder representative will need to discuss all the working drawings with you in detail.
Working Drawings, a plot plan and written Specifications are essential parts of the Agreement. The documents should accurately describe your new home’s design, construction and materials. It’s important that you clearly understand them so that you fully know what you are buying. Review the documents and address any concerns with your builder representative.
Working Drawings are the road maps for building your new home. They’re the actual building plans. These scaled-down two-dimensional working drawings serve a number of purposes. For example, your builder will submit a set to receive municipal building permit approval. Other sets will help guide suppliers in providing the necessary materials while sub-trades will use theirs as directions for completing their work according to plan. A set of working drawings consists of the following elements: Exterior Elevations are detailed, scaled and dimensional drawings of the roof and exterior walls of your home. They show your home’s profiles’ front, sides and rear-and indicate the location and types of exterior finishing materials to be used.
Why is the plot plan important?
The orientation and location of your new home on its lot are indicated on a scaled-down drawing of the lot. This plot plan shows the distance to the home from the front, back and side property lines and positions the home in accordance with municipal bylaws for ‘set-backs’ from property lines and easements as well as a standard or reverse house plan. The locations of any easements are indicated along with details of “Grades”.
Your home must comply with municipal bylaws including the percentage of lot coverage and setbacks. Otherwise, a variance relaxation must be obtained before construction can begin. This could involve extra costs and some time delays. Your builder will obtain a real property report from the surveyor to confirm the home is in compliance with municipal bylaws before mortgage advances are made.
What do I need to know about my Purchase Agreement before I sign it?
Purchase Agreements (or contracts) are a normal part of buying a new home. Your builder representative should be used to dealing with them every day and should be able to answer your questions and clarify any issues regarding contract details.
Essentially, the Agreement establishes the mutual obligations and a formal set of rules to govern the relationship between you and your builder. You should have a thorough understanding of the contract, and the contract documents including the Working Drawings, Plot plan and Specifications.
What role do lawyers play in my home purchase?
The legal areas to be dealt with on the road to new home ownership consist of:
- Agreements or contracts: preparation
- Mortgages: registration and disbursement of funds
- Transfer of title
- Possession & closing
In most cases, contracts are straightforward agreements between buyer and builder using the builder’s standard contract which includes mandatory clauses about warranty coverage or the contract prepared by The Progressive New Home Warranty Program. These contracts are more than adequate to fairly represent the legal agreements between you and your builder regarding the terms and conditions of building what you need in a new home, where, when, how and at what price. On the closing of the sale, the legal firm fulfills its responsibility to transfer title to the purchaser.