Canada - British Expat Forum

does anyone have any info on the process of building your own home on vancouver island. cost per sq metre etc etc.

First you need to buy the land.

Once you have the land, think of $150 per square foot for a basic house, up to $225 per square foot for something nicely finished.

With all the shortage of skilled trades, and rising prices for building materials, it is not going to get any cheaper anytime soon.

You will need to check if the lot you are buying is zoned for residential housing. This is something your realtor should do for you. If it is, you will need to submit plans to the city for a permit to start construction. The city will want to inspect the house as it is built, and once more when it is completed to issue a permit for occupation.

If the lot is not zoned for residential use, you will first need to apply for rezoning.

Lots around us, the Saanich Peninsula, are anything from 300k up. So to build an average 2000 sq ft house you can add another 300 - 400k. Or more depending on what sort of finish you want. If you want to e-mail me I can give you a lot more info as I'm in the trade.(jerang42@shaw.ca)

Why not share the info here? I'm sure it would be useful - as long as there's no adverts.

Kay wrote:Why not share the info here? I'm sure it would be useful - as long as there's no adverts.

Ok, will do. I didn't know if it was "allowed". I'll do it as soon as I get a chance.