Building a new house

9 years ago

After talking to a few contractors and weighing the pros and cons, we've decided that tearing down our current house and rebuilding makes the most sense. I tried to figure out a way to keep the house, but realized it would end up looking hodge podgy cost nearly as much. We want to stay on this land because of its desirable location and landscaping already done. That being said, we cannot afford to rebuild for another 2 years. Is it way too early to begin planning?

I am really focused on sustainable building and would like to build a passive house. I don't know where to start or if I even should yet. We have a budget in mind for the house, but of course it's a rough estimates until we go to the bank. We are definitely going to need a landscape designer as well. Basically everything needs to be planned out for this to work properly, and I'm hesitant to do anything until we have plans. I want to plant fruit trees soon but I don't want to put money in if it will be ripped out. And fruit trees need time to mature. I live in a small rural community and doubt there's even an architect much less a green certified one.

Am I planning too soon? Any advice on where to start or on anything? Anyone in British Columbia build a passive house? Any and all advice appreciated.

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rose1718
Original Author

9 years ago

I live in the Kootenays, so pretty far away from any major city. What do you mean by universities? I just have no idea where to go for advice or what if will cost for plans. And if I need an architect and a landscape designer and get one that is familiar with passive houses.

I've looked into prefab a little, but I do like the way traditional houses look, I really don't like modern.

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Comments (8)

lefty47
9 years ago
HI -- Fellow Canadian ! BC is about the best place to find the people and information you need . Canada was one of the first countries to start with those ideas . It is never too early to plan for a home . Have you looked into Pre-fab homes ..not trailers ... but real houses . Do a search and or contact the nearest University . They might be the place to start for either info and or some classes or lectures on that topic . What is close to you or where are you located . I have a cousin that designs and builds beautiful houses in Nanaimo on the island .
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lefty47
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
HI -- You can get in touch with the Colleges / Universities in Nelson and Kelowna and maybe Vernon and also the energy providers and they can point you in the right direction . There happens to be passive solar homes in the Kootenay region and in Nelson . You just have to do some searching .

green-building.ca

dustayconstruction.com

Mandalahomes.com
jmm1837
9 years ago
OP - we used to live in a small town (pop 2000) 100 km from anywhere with apopulation over 10,000. Nonetheless, we found a local designer who designed a great house for us. So, do a bit of googling, talk to contactors who might give you some leads, and keep an eye out for the sort of house you want then find out who designed and/or built it. Good luck!
rose1718
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks everyone I'll keep searching. I remember coming across the mandala homes. Will I seem crazy if my timeline is 2 years into the future?
acm
9 years ago
It takes a long time to plan and build, so I don't think that two years ahead is too far -- just be sure that the people you talk to know your time frame. Anyway, you would probably need an architecht way before that, and permitting and all the rest can be incredibly slow and painstaking.

As for fruit trees, I don't know if I'd do it. Ask the nursery how they'd survive being dug up and relocated. Tearing down and building usually ruin a swath of land in all directions from the site, so you may lose a lot of your landscaping at least in the viscinity of the house (maybe20 yards in every direction? + wherever trucks need to go)...
Judy Mishkin
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
i know you have a compelling reason to shave and rebuild. still, is there another lot you might buy? is your current house salable as it is at the end of the project, if you built elsewhere? will you move into a trailer on the property during construction? do you have to move 2x and put things in storage? there are a cloud of expenses involved in building on your current lot that don't happen if you build while 'sheltering in place' in your current home. keep all your options open!
rose1718
Original Author
9 years ago
The lot is almost an acre so depending on where I plant everything it might be okay but that's a good point, demolition and building will be messy.

As for buying a different lot, I've definitely been trying to decide because we would save some money, but our location is unique. We live just outside of town surrounded by orchards and bare lots are 10 mins away from us, making town a 20 min drive which I'm not sure I want to do. There's also landscaping I've done that is valuable to me. We are also very close to the school my son will attend and just barely within the limits of the fire department which makes our insurance much cheaper.

We would likely live on the property in a trailer or at my parents property in a trailer so I'm not too concerned with that part.

Ugh so much to think about!