New house construction in Canada: everything you need to know
- coraliefortin076
- Jun 12
- 4 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
The construction of a new house in Canada is much more than a real estate project: it's a lifelong adventure. From dream to reality, each step requires careful thought, planning, and support. At Plan Maison Québec, we know how complex this process can seem. That's why we've written this detailed guide to help you better understand the essential steps, avoid costly mistakes, and maximize your investment.
The first step: choosing the right land
It all starts with choosing the right land. This step may seem simple, but it largely determines the success of your project. It's not just about finding available land, but also choosing a strategic location that meets your long-term needs.
Location influences not only your quality of life but also your home's resale value. Check your home's access to essential services such as drinking water, electricity, the sewer system, schools, and businesses. At Plan Maison Québec, we always recommend having a soil study conducted to ensure the land is stable, uncontaminated, and buildable according to municipal standards.
Development of the construction plan: the basis of any project
The plan is the heart of your home project. It defines not only the aesthetics of your future home, but also its efficiency, functionality, and compliance with the Quebec Building Code. This step is essential and should be entrusted to experts.
Plan Maison Québec offers custom plan drawing services, whether for a house, a cottage, or a garage. Our professional designers work with you to create a solution perfectly suited to your lifestyle, tastes, budget, and the constraints of your land.
Building permits: a necessary step
Once the plans are finalized, you'll need to obtain the necessary building permits from your municipality. This generally includes a main building permit, but may also require specific authorizations for electrical, plumbing, or earthworks.
Deadlines may vary by city, but it's crucial to never begin work before receiving all official approvals. Plan Maison Québec can assist you with these administrative procedures, saving you a lot of hassle.
Choosing your general contractor: between trust and verifications
Choosing a contractor is one of the most critical aspects of your project. They must be competent, reliable, well-established, and hold all the necessary licenses in Quebec, including a license from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ).
Also check if they are a member of the Garantie de construction résidentiel (GCR), a program that protects buyers against poor workmanship, delays, and other construction defects. Plan Maison Québec can direct you to trusted contractors with whom we work regularly.
Establish a realistic budget: plan for the unexpected
A new home is a major investment. It's therefore essential to establish a clear, comprehensive, and realistic budget. The average construction cost in Quebec ranges from $175 to $325 per square foot, depending on the materials, region, level of finish, and architectural choices.
But don't forget additional costs: welcome taxes, notary fees, utility connections, landscaping, appliances, etc. At Plan Maison Québec, we recommend always including a 10% to 15% safety margin in your overall budget to cover unforeseen expenses.
The eco-responsible home: a choice for the future
Energy performance is a top priority today. Building a new home is a unique opportunity to integrate sustainable solutions: reinforced insulation, triple-glazed windows, air exchangers with heat recovery, solar panels, and more.
Plan Maison Québec can design plans that meet or exceed Novoclimat or LEED standards, helping to reduce your energy bills while increasing the value of your home.
Construction stages: from foundation to finishing
Once the permits have been obtained and the contractor selected, work can begin. The process generally involves several major steps:
Site preparation: excavation, grading, drain installation.
Foundations: pouring the slab or building the basement.
Structure: walls, roof, insulation, vapor barrier.
Building mechanicals: electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation.
Interior and exterior finishing: drywall, painting, siding, floors, cabinets.
At Plan Maison Québec, we know that a good plan allows everyone involved to know precisely what to do, when, and how. Effective coordination significantly reduces delays and additional costs.
Managing the unexpected: staying on course
Even with exemplary planning, unforeseen events can occur: adverse weather, supply chain problems, or human error. The important thing is to remain calm, communicate effectively with stakeholders, and adhere to a flexible timeline.
Plan Maison Québec also offers regular follow-ups and advice to adjust your project if necessary, while respecting your objectives and budget.
Reception of the house: the final checks
Before moving in, a final inspection is carried out to ensure everything is in order. This is the time to identify any defects, test the equipment, and ask the contractor any questions you may have.
Make sure you have all the important documents: certificate of location, certificates of compliance, invoices, warranties, etc. Plan Maison Québec can provide you with a comprehensive checklist so you don't forget anything.
Conclusion: new house construction in Canada
Building a new home is a major project that requires expertise, time, and careful planning. With Plan Maison Québec, you're in good hands. Our experts will guide you from start to finish, providing personalized plans, administrative support, and proven technical advice.
Do you dream of building the perfect home for your family?
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