Two builds. A lot of lessons. One brand new series. Welcome to How to Build a House 101: Part 1.
Perhaps you’ve followed along through two builds now. Montigny Manor, and now the neighbour, our second custom home. The late nights, the kitchen island debates, the design inspiration (you should see my Pinterest board – I’m obsessed). And somewhere along the way, your questions started pouring in.
How did you start? How long did it take? How much does it cost? And, how do you build a house with your spouse and live to survive it?
So, a little light bulb went off. The people need a series. Consider this your answer.
Welcome to How to Build a House 101 – a new blog series where I’m laying it all on the table. The steps, the timeline, the biggest mistakes, the best decisions, and everything in between. From choosing your lot to choosing your paint colours – we’re covering it all.
After two builds, I’ve gained a new perspective on projects of any kind: you can’t hang the curtains before you pour the foundation. So, let’s start at the very beginning.
Building a House With Your Spouse: The Real Talk
I’m not going to sugarcoat it – building a home with your partner is not for the faint of heart. It is one of the most rewarding things Charles and I have ever done together, and also one of the most challenging. The good news? There is a strategy, a rhythm, a method to the madness.
Divide and conquer. Full stop. You cannot both own every decision – that is a recipe for a very long build and some very tense dinners. Charles and I carved out our lanes early: anything structural and technical was his, anything aesthetic was mine. The kitchen, the finishes, the tile, the hardware – all me. The bones of the house – all him. And we trusted each other completely within those lanes.
A gentle suggestion: if you’re building with your spouse, consider budgeting for a few couples therapy sessions alongside the build. Kidding. Kind of…
How Long Does It Take to Build a House?
The honest answer: it depends. But here’s a general rule of thumb – a typical home build takes anywhere from 10 to 14 months from breaking ground to getting your keys to the front door.
That timeline can shift depending on:
- The size and complexity of the home
- Permit timelines in your municipality
- The availability of trades and materials
- Weather and site conditions
- How custom or complex the design is
Our builds have run on the longer side – because when you care deeply about every single detail, you don’t rush it. You can’t build Rome (or a home) in a day, folks.
The Steps to Building a House: A Simplified Guide
Here is your simplified roadmap – the steps it takes to go from an empty lot to the home of your dreams.
Step 1: Secure Your Budget and Financing
Before anything else, understand your budget, then add a bit extra. Custom homes have many moving parts, and costs can add up quickly if you don’t start with a clear financial plan.
At this stage you’ll typically:
- Meet with a lender or mortgage specialist
- Understand your borrowing capacity
- Factor in land costs, construction costs, landscaping, permits, and contingency funds
A good rule of thumb: build in a buffer. Surprises are part of the process.
Step 2: Find Your Location
Everything starts here. The lot, the neighbourhood, the view – this decision shapes everything that comes after it. Take your time. Do your research. Drive around at different times of day. Fall in love with the street before you fall in love with the plans.
Step 3: Check Zoning and Feasibility
Before designing anything, make sure your dream home can actually be built on the lot. Things to confirm are zoning restrictions, setbacks and height limits, utility access, environmental regulations. Your builder or architect will usually help navigate this step, but it’s important to understand early.
Step 4: Hire Your Team
This is one of the most important steps and one of the most overlooked. You’ll need an architect, a builder or contractor, and a designer – and picking the right people truly sets the tone for your entire experience. Luckily for me, my contractor happens to be my husband (Hi, Charles.) If you’re curious about his work, you can find him at CW Persona. I’m a big fan 😉
Picking who you work with is huge. It truly sets the tone for your entire experience. With a project this big (and expensive) it’s the root of all joy or stress. Do your research and make this decision with care.
Step 5: Design the Home and Draft Blueprints
This is where the vision starts to take shape – literally. Work closely with your architect to translate your inspiration into a real floor plan. This is your chance to think through flow, light, and how you actually live in a space. Dream big here. Changes on paper are free. Changes mid-build are not.
Have fun with this step (it’s my personal favourite). Get creative, get inspired, and fall down the wonderful rabbit hole that is Pinterest. Consider yourself the artist and your build the blank canvas. Now go make something beautiful.
Step 6: Get Your Permits
Not the most glamorous step – but a non-negotiable one. Your contractor will typically manage this process, but understanding the timeline is important. Permits can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months depending on your municipality, so factor this into your overall timeline early. Patience is key during any build.
Step 7: Break Ground and Build
This is where the magic happens (and where the juggling act begins). While your contractor is building the structure, you’ll simultaneously be working with your designer to choose all of the finishes. Flooring, cabinetry, tile, fixtures, hardware, lighting, appliances – these decisions happen in real time and need to be made on schedule so materials are ready when installation day comes.
Do we need a full blog on all the brands we love to use? I think we do – stay tuned.
Pro tip: make your decisions early and order everything with buffer time. Delays in materials are one of the biggest causes of a build running over schedule.
Step 8: Landscaping, Final Touches, and Move In
The finish line. Landscaping, final inspections, touch-ups, and then – finally – the keys in your hand. This stage always feels like it takes longer than it should. It does. Be patient. It’s worth it! It’s one of the most rewarding feelings.
What’s Next in the ‘How to Build a House 101 Series‘
This is just the beginning. Here’s a sneak peak of what’s to come in the How to Build a House 101 series:
- How to choose the right builder – and the questions you should always ask
- Designing the right layout to fit your family
- Where to save and where to absolutely splurge
- My design inspirations: a round-up
- How to choose a paint colour (without losing your mind): my favourite colours I use on repeat
- Solar panels: worth it?
- The brands and suppliers I love and trust (and why you should too)
Any other questions? Comment below! And don’t forget to subscribe to the blog so you don’t miss a single chapter. The best is yet to come.
With love,
Tori
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