How is the construction cost calculated?
TO BE CONSULTED BEFORE ACQUIRING A DESIGN PLAN
The proposed construction cost for our models is updated periodically to the best of available market price information. It is not possible for Plans Design to adjust to each and every region in a precise manner, as costs can vary by more than 30% depending on the region and the state of the market.
It is the client's responsibility to validate with a local contractor the actual cost to be considered versus the cost proposed on the Plans Design website before purchasing the plan. The plans sold are neither refundable nor exchangeable and Plans Design disclaims all responsibility for the costs proposed on its website.
Although Plans Design has been specializing in residential architecture for over 30 years, we do NOT build any houses or other buildings for which we provide plans.
The construction costs proposed by Plans Design are for information purposes only and are intended only to give an approximate idea of the value of each house. These prices are revised periodically by group of living floor area and reflect as best as possible market variances, such as rising material costs, supply and demand for housing starts and more. Please note that these prices are adjusted without notice.
WHAT IS INCLUDED AND NOT INCLUDED IN THE PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION COST
Here is how the proposed construction costs for each of the models posted on the Plans Design site are evaluated.
EXTERIOR FINISH :
- ROOF;
The type of roofing shown (gable, hip, flat or complex) is reflected in the calculation, however, regardless of the materials shown, the proposed costs only include the installation of regular asphalt shingles.
- FOUNDATION;
All the house models offered on the Plans Design site are supplied with a standard foundation with unfinished basement and this is the feature considered in the calculation of the construction cost.
- EXTERIOR CLADDING ;
Although there are several types of siding on the market, the construction costs proposed on the Plans Design site include only the purchase and installation of regular vinyl siding and/or typical clay brick.
The illustrated wooden beams and architectural elements are included in the proposed costing. However, the estimate considers these elements to be "capped" and not solid wood. The illustrated garage and entrance doors in wood are included in the calculation but of standard quality and appearance.
We strongly suggest that clients wishing to build a wood cladding model with masonry cladding make a request for a plan modification to Plans Design, since this adjustment could have several impacts on the proper planning of their projects.
- DOORS AND WINDOWS ;
All doors and windows, whether coloured or with a wood or other finish, are included in the proposed construction cost. However, all are calculated as standard white pvc.
- GALLERIES, BALCONIES AND TERRACES ;
The pictured galleries in the facade as well as the covered balconies are included in the proposed construction cost. However, uncovered balconies and any exterior landscaping are not included in this calculation.
- GARAGE ATTACHED TO THE HOUSE ;
The attached garage(s) shown in the Design Plans are included in the proposed construction cost.
Please note that not all parts indicated as (optional) are considered in the calculation, which is often the case for models that can be built without them while maintaining their style and architectural coherence.
If a room is provided above the garage, it is considered in the calculation, unless the garage is indicated as being in (optional). Therefore, the room above the garage will be considered as standard.
INTERIOR FINISHING :
- PLUMBING INSTALLATION;
The plans provided by Plans Design do not include any plumbing plans. However, the costs related to the standard plumbing installation and the layout of the kitchen and various bathrooms and powder rooms are included in the proposed construction cost.
Please note that any plumbing fixtures located in a room listed as (optional) are not considered in the calculation.
- ELECTRICAL AND HEATING INSTALLATION ;
A standard electrical plan is included in the plans provided by Plans Design. However, these plans are schematic and are only intended to help clients obtain an adequate and comparable quote from several master electricians.
A standard electric baseboard heating system is included in the calculation of the proposed construction cost. The installation of any other auxiliary heating system will have to be stipulated to the bidder and added to the actual construction cost.
No diagrams including capacity calculations or identifying standards for electrical installations are included.
- HEIGHT AND TYPE OF CEILING;
The ceiling height and/or type of ceiling indicated on the Design Plans or in the technical data sheets are considered in the calculation of the proposed construction costs.
However, all architectural elements such as wooden beams and/or decorative mouldings shown in the illustrations or photos are not included in the calculation.
- FLOORS AND STAIRS :
The floor coverings shown on the Design Plans are included in the proposed construction costs. However, the products considered are floating wood and standard entry-level ceramics.
The type and complexity of the stairs are considered in the calculation. However, their finish and style are based on standard products such as MDF and a standard structure with a gypsum covering.
- KITCHEN AND BATHROOMS;
Kitchen and bathroom layouts shown in the Design Plans are included in the proposed construction costs. However, the calculation takes into account standard finishing materials such as white melamine, entry-level laminate and standard entry-level ceramics.
Plumbing and entry-level fixed furnishings (toilets, sinks and showers) are also included in the calculation.
- ISOLATION ;
The insulation of floors, walls and ceilings specific to their location and use is included in the proposed construction costs. This is standard wool-type insulation of the volume prescribed by the National Building Code and in accordance with the energy efficiency guide.
- OTHERS;
All household appliances, furniture, decorative elements as well as all fixed and non-fixed light fixtures are not included in the proposed construction costs.
SEMI-DETACHED, TRIPLEX AND MULTI-DWELLING HOUSES :
The construction costs proposed for semi-detached, triplex and multi-dwelling unit plans include the layout illustrated in the same term as the single-family house models proposed on the Plans Design site.
DETACHED GARAGES :
The construction costs proposed for detached garages on the Plans Design site are calculated in the same way as for single-family homes. However, since it is not a prerequisite, the insulation of this type of building is not considered in the calculation. And although the plans are delivered with foundations of the client's choice, a slab-on-grade foundation is considered in the calculation.
WHICH IS INCLUDED IN A PLAN PROVIDED BY DESIGN PLANS.
The plans provided by Plans Design contain all the information required to carry out your construction or renovation project. However, since they are architectural plans, it is up to the manufacturers and various professionals to provide products that comply with the standards specific to their field of activity.
No engineer's calculations are provided in the plans purchased from Plans Design.
Included in all plans :
- 4 elevations;
- Foundation plan (basement);
- Ground floor plan;
- Floor plan(s);
- Roof plan (if necessary);
- Diagrams of the different roof trusses;
- Construction details;
- Typical wall cuts.
OBTAINING A BUILDING PERMIT.
The plans provided by Plans Design do not guarantee that a building permit will be obtained.
We strongly suggest that you validate with the help of a municipal urban planning department employee the various regulations applicable to your project, such as total height, setbacks to be respected, permitted finishes and their proportions, etc., before choosing your Plan Design plan.
The plans provided by Plans Design are designed to comply with the laws governing construction stipulated in the National Building Code. However, the municipality where the project is located may require certain special measures and imply modifications to the plans at the client's expense.
The municipality may also require the seal of an engineer to provide adequate engineering calculations. The cost of these plans is not included in the price of plans purchased from Plans Design, and it is the client's responsibility to hire a competent professional.
For more information or to speak to a technician you can fill out an application form. or call 1-844-994-7526