Answers to some of the most frequently asked questions clients ask us…
How much does it cost to build a new home in Vancouver?
This is by far the most common question asked and also the hardest to give an accurate answer without having a complete picture of a new home build. Many people have adopted the “Price Per Square Foot” as the universal measurement of cost, however the approach used to determine this number whether asking builders, architects, or a lender is anything but universal… is square feet of living space or the permitted Floor Space Ratio being considered? Does the cost include PST? GST? What about soft costs such as architects/engineers, permit fees, and insurance? There are also site and finished product characteristics that can affect construction costs including site access, property grade, shape, and size, tree considerations, full basement or at grade, secondary suites or lock-offs, rooftop decks and many more. These variables can really sway a price per square foot number.
When should I contact a home builder if I’m considering building a new home?
The earlier the better.
Often clients reach out after they’ve created and completed their beautiful home drawings with their home designer or architect. Many decisions have been finalized regardless of budget.
If you bring us on before your plans are finalized, we can add value to achieve your goals while being conscious of realistic current day costs and considerations.
What should I expect from my first appointment with the Averra team?
An initial client meeting is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and for the Averra team to understand the requirements of your project. We will discuss your specific needs, ideas, project scope, budget and timeline. We will explain our process and answer any questions and concerns you may have. Both parties get the opportunity to see if we are a good fit to work with one another.
Do you offer a home warranty?
Yes, as a member of the National Home Warranty Program, Averra offers a 2-5-10 home warranty insurance. It includes 2-years of coverage on labour and materials; 5-years of coverage on the building envelope, and 10-years coverage on major structural items.
Do all new home builders provide warranties?
No, only builders approved by the Home Protection Office (HPO) and deemed Licensed Residential builder can apply for warranty coverage.
Once a builder is deemed a Licensed Residential builder they must apply for third party insurance coverage. Not all builders are approved for coverage and both HPO and insurance companies conduct extensive screening for approval. Screening includes: business history, technical expertise, financial capacity, and after sales customer service. Each year the Licensed Residential Builder must reapply with both HPO and their insurer.
Is Averra trained and licensed to build an energy-efficient new home?
Yes, the Averra team has successfully completed, applies their knowledge to new home builds and holds a valid EnerGuide Rating System (ERS) license. For more information visit: https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/efficiency/homes/20556
What areas do you build in?
Averra has proudly built homes around the Greater Vancouver Area including West Vancouver, North Vancouver, West Side and East Side Vancouver.
At this time, we have a strong focus and several exciting projects underway in East Vancouver and the West Side.
In addition, we have experience building in the City of Burnaby with projects in the Burnaby Heights neighbourhood.
What do you build?
Our focus and the majority of our experience is building residential single-family homes, duplexes, infills and laneways. We build homes for clients to live in, rent or sell. Each year we also develop a few select projects which we will build and sell.
In addition, we have experience and can help clients with major home renovations to raise their homes and build second or third floor additions.
We are experienced building high performance homes with ICF foundations and are Qualified NetZero builder. See below for more information about this standard of residential construction in Vancouver.
Can we speak to past clients (homeowners) of homes Averra Developments built?
Absolutely! Averra will proudly refer 2-3 past clients of homes we recently built and completed. We want to be considerate to our past clients’ time and schedules thus, we generally provide these referrals once we have answered all of your questions and you are reasonably confident you would like to work with us as your builder.
Can I visit my home during the construction process?
Yes, as part of the build process there will be several scheduled “site visits” although we are very safety conscious and require all site visits outside of these be scheduled through the site supervisor.
What is the difference between the NearZero Program and NetZero Labeled Home?
NearZero is a program sponsored by the City of Vancouver and CleanBC. Together they are working to collect data and encourage the construction of more high-performance homes in our city. It is a program to support Vancouver’s goal to transition to zero emission buildings (ZEBs) in all new construction by 2030. The NearZero Program has been developed and is administered by the Zero Emissions Building Exchange (ZebX) to accelerate the knowledge, capacity and passion for zero emission buildings.
NetZero is a standard of construction that results in a home or building with a zero net energy consumption for heating and hot water needs. In Canada, the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) oversees the training and certification of home construction that meets this standard. Homes that earn the net zero home label produce as much energy as they consume.
Does Averra Developments build homes that are part of the NearZero Program and are NetZero Labeled?
Yes and Yes!
Our team is proud to have projects in the NearZero Program, supporting the growth of innovative greener custom home building in Vancouver.
We are trained and experienced builders of both single-family homes and duplexes. Our passionate construction team is trained and actively engaged in the construction of NetZero certified homes in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Are Pinterest and Houzz good tools to use when planning a new custom home?
Absolutely! Both are excellent and help us see what our clients are envisioning. Often people cannot articulate what is in their mind, so using these platforms can be very helpful.
Does Averra have experience building homes in Vancouver’s peat bogs?
Yes, we have built several homes in Vancouver’s former peat bog neighbourhoods. These are areas that use to be former marshes or creek beds that the city drained in the 1900s. Peat is a sponge full of water and will rise and sink depending on the water table.
You have likely walked, biked or driven through these areas where roads, sidewalk and homes are unleveled or have cracked masonry or concrete. Vancouver has several of these areas throughout the city.
We have established relationships with engineers that have worked in these areas, experience with the cost and schedule impacts of using helical piles to build home foundations that meet seismic requirements and ensure new homes will stand strong for many years to come.
What types of things should a homeowner do to prepare their home for the fall and winter in Vancouver?
Check out our recommendations on our Homeowner Fall Maintenance Reminders post.
Is Averra hiring?
Yes, we are always looking for great people to join our team. Feel free to check out our JOIN OUR TEAM pages for positions we are actively looking to fill.
Does Averra offer design-build services?
Yes!
We can offer one-stop integrated design-build services. It is a seamless way to work with our team from the very beginning to envision, develop and construct the home or duplex that meets your needs. Simply complete this form to let us know what you’ve been thinking about and we can help you get started.