Building a new home involves some major choices — namely, choosing the right lot for your home’s location, selecting a Home Style that suits your family, and partnering with a trusted Home Builder for construction. Here is an overview of each one to assist with your decision-making process.

CHOOSING YOUR LOT

Each of our communities in Edmonton and the surrounding area has its own website, including a section with a satellite image and schematic plan of the entire community. To access it, follow these steps:

Visit our Qualico Communities Edmonton website
Scroll down and click on your desired community
From the community’s homepage, click on the “Explore Our Community” tab
Select “Community Lot Map” from the drop-down menu

With this bird’s-eye view, you can identify available lots that have the features you’re looking for. Here are some factors to consider:

Lot size. If you zoom in on the Community Lot Map, you’ll see a variety of measurements indicating the lot’s size. There is also a number within the shape that represents the house itself — this is the maximum width (in feet) of the home that can be built on that particular lot.

Lot shape. Pie-shaped lots are premium commodities, as they provide a more spacious backyard and can potentially accommodate a wider home. Corner lots are attractive because they only have neighbours on one side.

Nature. Lots backing on to an untouched natural area are also very desirable. Instead of having a neighbour’s home directly behind yours, your backyard will border an environmentally protected area such as a storm pond, tree stand or ravine.

Walkouts. A lot with a walkout or partial walkout means that your home will have an above-ground exterior exit from the basement. This can provide access to shared outdoor spaces, such as a park or walking trail, directly from your backyard.

Home type. Each lot is designated for a certain kind of home, so if you have your eye on a specific lot, you’ll need to confirm that it is zoned for the Home Style you have in mind.

Location. Consider how close (or far) you’d like to be from nearby amenities such a playground, school, or commercial area.

Traffic. To reduce noise and safety hazards from passing vehicles, seek out a lot on a quieter internal street, away from busy main roads.

CHOOSING YOUR HOME STYLE

There are many factors in choosing a home style, including your budget, the size of your family, your workspace requirements, and your storage needs. To ensure that you find a home that matches your priorities, we offer a variety of home styles:

Single Family
Townhome
Duplex
Executive

Some homes within these categories will have a front attached garage, while others will have rear lane access with a detached garage in the back.

Each community’s website lists the Home Styles that are currently available. You can also click the Showhomes tab to access images and further details about a specific home’s square footage, number of bedrooms, and number of bathrooms.

CHOOSING YOUR HOME BUILDER

A new home build is a major project, so you want a reputable Home Builder who is experienced and collaborative. Our Home Builder partners are trusted industry professionals who construct homes based on the customers’ needs and Qualico’s high-quality architectural standards. Here are some tips to prepare for a positive relationship:

Think ahead. You should already have a vision of what you want (and don’t want) in a home. By having your priorities set in advance, you’ll be able to give the Home Builder clear direction and stay within your budget.

Look around. If you’re considering a specific builder, visit their Showhomes to experience their different floor plans and designs. Pay attention to the materials used and the overall quality of the house.

Do your homework. Ask friends and family for builder recommendations and search online for independent reviews. You can confirm that a builder is a member of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (Edmonton Region) by visiting the CHBA website.

Ask questions. You can formulate your own list based on your personal needs, but here are a few basic builder questions:

What is the time frame for the home’s completion?
What features come standard and what is considered an upgrade?
Are there any promotions or offers right now?
What are the after-sale policies for any repairs or issues?
What is the warranty coverage?

In conclusion, look for an excellent lot in a desirable location, a Home Style to suit your stage in life, and a trusted Home Builder to construct it from the ground up. With these three things in place, you’re well on your way to having your dream home become a reality.

For more information about Qualico communities in Edmonton and the surrounding area, please visit our website.