If you’re thinking about custom building a home for your family in BC, there are a few things you should know before you begin. We’ll talk about what exactly a single-family home is, how much they cost, and why they’re an awesome choice over an apartment or other living arrangement.

What is a Single-Family Home?

The definition of a single-family home is quite simple; it is a home that is used as a single dwelling unit. There are a number of characteristics that define a single-family home, so these should all be kept in mind during your single-family home construction in BC.

• No Common Walls. A single-family home is a detached stand-alone property it is entirely dependent from any surrounding homes and does not share any walls, roofs, or even a fence with another structure.
• Land. Single-family homes are not on a shared property. There is often a good distance between it and another property, and can be on any sized plot of land, from a small square in the city to a hundred acres out in the countryside. The back and front yards are owned by the homeowner and do not overlap with any other properties. There is never any shared space with another property.
• Entrance and Exit. The entrances and exits of a single-family home leads directly into the outdoor space of the property, and onto the street. Unlike apartments and duplexes that may require you to travel down hallways or through lobbies to reach the street, a single-family home provides the occupants with direct access.
• Utilities. All utilities servicing the property are the sole responsibility of the homeowner. When we talk about single-family home construction, that means you are responsible for connecting your home to the city’s sewer lines or installing a septic tank, as well as arranging your garbage pickup, energy and power, and other essential services.
• One Owner. A single-family property is owned by a single owner with undivided interest in the home. It is owned by the resident and there is only one family occupying the property at one time.
• Single Kitchen. While it may seem random, it is important that your single-family home only has one kitchen. If you add another kitchen in the basement for a rental space or elderly relative, your home’s zoning classification will change.

Why Choose Single-Family Home Construction BC

There are many positives for choosing to build a single-family home rather than buy a condo, townhome, or something else.

1. Privacy. When you build a single-family home, you’re virtually guaranteed to have a yard and a fence for privacy. Plus, since they are built on independent plots of land, you won’t have close neighbors or other properties next to yours.
2. Extra Storage. Many townhomes and apartments severely lack in available storage space since they often don’t have multiple floors or a backyard, garage, or another storage unit. A single-family home can have all of these and more, and you won’t have to share any communal spaces.
3. Architectural Styles. When building a single-family home in BC, the choices are virtually endless. You can choose Victorian, modern, contemporary, colonial, ranch, Georgian, and so many more. Why settle for a boring cookie-cutter townhome or a frankly ugly apartment building when you could build your own independent home that reflects your lifestyle and personality?
4. Worthwhile Investment. Single-family homes are extremely sought-after properties in the housing market. They’re worth much more than other home types since they are independent properties on independent land. If you choose to sell down the line, you’ll have a solid return on your investment.
5. Room for Expansion. When living in an apartment or townhome, your choices are severely limited by the proximity of other homes.  A single-family house, on the other hand, can be added to and changed whenever you want. You could add a shed or a guest house on your property, add a story or extend your living space, and so much more.

The Cost of Single-Family Home Construction in BC

When calculating the cost of your single-family home construction in BC, there are a number of factors to account for. Things like utility hookups, property taxes, insurance, land, and construction costs all add up. Some of these costs might be higher than you’re used to if you’ve previously lived in an apartment or townhome with shared costs and spaces.

The average cost per square foot to build a single-family home in BC is roughly $300-$400 per square foot. If you choose to go the luxury route, the cost could increase to $700+ per square foot depending on the materials and fixtures you choose to build your home with.

You’ll also need to account for the cost of the land before construction begins. A small lot might seem like the obvious choice to save money, but the topography of the land makes a big difference. A larger plot of land could end being much cheaper than a smaller one if the land quality is different. Depending on how you go about choosing your land, you may also have to pay some fees for land surveying, environmental studies, clearing of obstacles such as trees or rocks, and grading the land to prepare for construction.

The average cost of a single-family home, all in, is roughly $800,000, but your custom build will be unique to you, so don’t let that number scare you off too easily. There are many ways to make single-family home construction in BC affordable, so ask your builder how they can help you with your budget.