How are construction costs calculated?
TO CONSULT BEFORE PURCHASING A DESIGN PLAN
The construction costs proposed for our models are updated periodically to the best of available market price information. It is not possible for Plans Design to adjust precisely to each and every region, as costs can vary by more than 30% depending on the region and market conditions.
The customer is responsible for validating with a contractor in his region the actual cost to be considered versus the cost proposed on the Plans Design website before purchasing his plan. Plans sold are non-refundable and non-exchangeable, and Plans Design disclaims all responsibility for costs quoted on its website.
Although Plans Design has specialized in residential architecture for over 30 years, we do NOT build any homes or other buildings for which we provide plans.
The construction costs proposed by Plans Design are indicative only and are intended to give an approximate idea of the value of each home. These prices are revised periodically by floor-area group and reflect market variances as best as possible, such as rising material costs, supply and demand of housing starts and more. Please note that prices are subject to change without notice.
WHAT IS AND IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION COST
Here’s how the proposed construction costs are evaluated for each of the models displayed on the Plans Design website.
EXTERIOR FINISH :
- ROOF;
The type of roof illustrated (gable, hip, flat or complex) is reflected in the calculation, however, regardless of the materials illustrated, the proposed costs only take into account the installation of regular asphalt shingles.
- FOUNDATION ;
All the house models offered on the Plans Design site come with a standard foundation with unfinished basement, and this is the feature considered in calculating the construction cost.
- EXTERIOR SIDING ;
Although there are several types of siding on the market, the construction costs proposed on the Plans Design site only include the purchase and installation of regular vinyl siding and or typical clay brick.
The beams and architectural elements shown in wood are included in the calculation of the proposed costs. However, the estimate considers these elements to be “capped” and not solid wood. Garage and entrance doors shown in wood are included in the calculation, but are of standard quality and appearance.
We strongly suggest that customers wishing to build a model with masonry cladding and illustrated with wood cladding request a plan modification from Plans Design, since this adjustment could have several impacts on the proper planning of their projects.
- DOORS AND WINDOWS ;
All doors and windows, whether colored or with a wood or other finish, are included in the proposed construction cost. However, all are calculated as standard pvc and white.
- GALLERIES, BALCONIES AND TERRACES ;
The galleries shown on the façade and 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 all parts indicated as (optional) are not included in the calculation, as is often the case with models that can be built without them while retaining their architectural style and coherence.
If a room is planned above the garage, it will be included in the calculation, unless the garage is indicated as (optional). As a result, the room above will automatically be included.
INTERIOR FINISH :
- PLUMBING INSTALLATION;
The plans provided by Plans Design do not include any plumbing plans. However, costs related to standard plumbing installation and 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 (option) are not included in the calculation.
- ELECTRICAL AND HEATING INSTALLATION ;
A standard electrical drawing is included in the plans supplied by Plans Design. However, these are schematic and are intended only to help customers 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 must be stipulated to the bidder and added to the actual construction cost.
No diagrams including capacity calculations or identifying electrical installation standards are included.
- CEILING HEIGHT AND TYPE;
The ceiling heights and/or types shown on the Design Plans or in the technical data sheets are taken into account when calculating the proposed construction costs.
However, any architectural elements such as wooden beams and/or decorative mouldings shown in illustrations or photos are not included in the calculation.
- FLOORS AND STAIRS :
The floor coverings shown on the Plans Design plans are included in the proposed construction costs. However, the products considered are floating wood and standard entry-level ceramic.
Staircase type and complexity are taken into account in the calculation. However, their finish and style are based on standard products such as MDF and a standard gypsum-covered structure.
- KITCHEN AND BATHROOMS;
The kitchen and bathroom layouts illustrated in the Plans Design plans are included in the proposed construction costs. However, the calculation considers standard finishing materials such as white melamine, entry-level laminate and entry-level standard ceramic.
Plumbing and entry-level fixed furnishings (toilets, sinks and showers) are also included in the calculation.
- INSULATION ;
Insulation of floors, walls and ceilings specific to their location and use is included in the proposed construction costs. Insulation is standard wool type and at the volume prescribed by the national building code and in compliance with the energy efficiency guide.
- OTHER;
All appliances, furniture, decorative elements and fixed and non-fixed lighting fixtures are not included in the proposed construction costs.
SEMI-DETACHED, TRIPLEX AND MULTI-UNIT HOUSING :
The construction costs proposed for semi-detached, triplex and multi-unit plans include the layout illustrated in the same terms as the single-family home models proposed on the Plans Design site.
DETACHED GARAGES :
The construction costs proposed for detached garages on the Plans Design website are calculated in the same way as for single-family homes. However, as insulation is not a prerequisite for this type of building, it is not included in the calculation. And although the plans are delivered with foundations of the customer’s choice, a slab-on-grade foundation is considered in the calculation.
WHICH IS INCLUDED IN A PLAN PROVIDED BY DESIGN PLANS.
The plans supplied by Plans Design contain all the information required to carry out your construction or renovation project. However, when it comes to architectural plans, it’s up to manufacturers and other professionals to provide products that comply with the standards specific to their field of activity.
No engineering calculations are included in the plans purchased from Plans Design.
Included in all plans:
- 4 elevations;
- Foundation plan (basement);
- First floor plan;
- Floor plan(s);
- Roof plan (if required);
- Diagrams of the various roof trusses;
- Construction details;
- Cross-section of typical walls.
OBTAINING A BUILDING PERMIT.
Plans Design’s plans do not guarantee a building permit.
We strongly suggest that, with the help of a member of your municipality’s urban planning department, you validate the various regulations applicable to your project, such as overall height, setbacks to be respected, permitted finishes and their proportions, etc., before choosing your Plans Design plan.
The plans supplied by Plans Design are designed to comply with the construction laws stipulated in the National Building Code. However, the municipality where the project is located may require special measures and modifications to the plans, at the customer’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 customer’s responsibility to hire a competent professional.
For more information or to speak to a technician, please fill in a request form or call 1-844-994-7526