FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Discover key insights on hiring an in-house Red Seal multi-trade plumber, HVAC, Painter, flooring, Carpenter, interior designer, general contractor, home builder, and more for your dream home renovation.
Laneway Homes Building Process
Contact our team for initial consultation to see if garden suite construction is possible on your lot in Lower Mainland. Our team can do a quick zoning search and analyze lot size to suggest the size of the garden suite to be built. We have several options to choose from and designs can be adjusted as per client’s preference. Distant and onsite consultations are available by EverDream Pro.
We have created several footprint options that allow homeowners with different lot sizes to find a garden home design that fits their needs and is within allowable zoning. Once that is established, you can choose between height options if more than one story can be approved. Furthermore, we provide different styles of homes that homeowners can adjust for their preferences.
In order to proceed with construction, we need to obtain a building permit from the city. In other words, a package of documents explaining all the details of the home to be built is sent to the city for review and approval. It contains architectural drawings, structural details, a mechanical plan, and other necessary documents. A new build survey is one of the requirements for such construction.
When everything is agreed upon and the design for the project is selected, we move to finalizing the contract. It will have a detailed scope of work, responsibilities, and payment structures. We typically require a small down payment for planning and initial purchases that allow us to start the process. Depending on season and availability, an approximate schedule is provided for application and construction start.
While applying for a permit, the position of the Laneway Home is established, and we can proceed with service connections such as electrical, plumbing/drain, and even gas. The first stages of the building include excavation and pouring of the base slab with footings. After being cured and inspected, EverDream proceeds with making the Laneway House a separate dwelling just like any other new home construction.
During construction, several inspections need to take place. Our project managers and licensed professionals (plumbers/HVAC professionals/electricians) schedule meetings with city representatives to discuss completed work. At the very end of building a garden home, a final inspection is necessary, with a grading certificate that closes the city permit and allows move-in.
It is finally done, and homeowners can use Laneway homes as rental units for the short/long term or storage and expansion of personal livable square footage. Our team ensures it is clean and appropriate for you to start moving furniture with other fixtures that will make the rental unit in the Laneway home look complete. We can suggest several moving and furniture companies.
Things To Know Before Starting Your Bathroom Remodel in Vancouver
Whether you prefer a walk-in shower or a stunning freestanding tub, it's essential to optimize your space.
We can review your current layout to suggest improvements or integrate new design features.
Bathrooms can take a week to complete, depending on the required work.
This is entirely dependent on the amount of work required. We will provide tips and advice on achieving the desired look within your budget.
Custom Homes Building Process
Knowing your budget is essential. Prices for new custom homes can range from
$180 – $350+ per square foot. Without knowing how much you can spend, deciding how large of a home you can build and where, or
what design features can be included is nearly impossible.
Things to be included in your budget :
The cost of the land
local fees and Taxes
Design and engineering fees
Home construction
Landscaping costs
Interior decorating and furnishing
+ A contingency budget
"Most people want their home to be finished as soon as possible. You likely have a specific date in mind for when you want your project to be completed. In the Lower Mainland, building a custom home will typically take 8-10 months from the day of building permit approval, depending on the size of the home and its design."
- The size of the lot
- The proximity of neighbours.
- Slope/ Flatness of the land
- Direction of the plot face( where will the sun be?)
- Nature surrounding ( Forest, water, etc.)
- Tree ( Tall, old tree can not be planted)
- The style of your neighbourhood house
- Access to resources ( Will you need a septic tank? New power, phone or cable hook-up)
- Having a view versus privacy
- Material must built with
- School district for your children.
- Separate the needs, wants, dreams, and things you don't want.
- Note which rooms are most important to you. In other words, what would you prioritize if it came down to it?
- Rank the features in order of importance to help with later decisions on custom home prices, which can vary greatly.
- Play the "what if" game. Prepare for the possibility that some things may not go your way. Ask yourself: "What if XYZ happens?" What is your next step?
- Choice /option?
- Collect images of your preferences (and non-preferences) from sites like Pinterest and Houzz
- Clippings from magazines such as Home & Gardens and Architectural Digest
- Do you have any specific issues with your current home that do not work for you?
First, determine any height and square footage restrictions on the lot. Consider the number of stories and if a basement is desired. Lastly, plan the size of rooms to influence the overall layout of the home.
To get started, consider the following:
- How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you require?
- Which of the following spaces do you need or want?
- Formal and/or informal living space
- Home Office
- Mudroom
- Eat- in kitchen
- Formal dining room
- Children's playroom
- Media room
- Laundry room
- Gym room
- Garage( How many cars?)
- Basement or attic
- In-law suite
- Workshop
When designing your custom home, consider your hobbies and interests. For example, if you enjoy biking, plan for bike storage. If you're a musician, consider a soundproof studio space. If you're an artist, create a custom studio, or for woodworkers, design the perfect workshop. Your home can be tailored to accommodate your passions, whether you're a surfer, skier, or artist.
Decide on the rooms you want, the space you have, and how you want everything arranged. Consider the impact on traffic flow, privacy, and interaction. Browse floor plans for ideas to help you decide what you like and don't like.
Questions to ask yourself:
- Do you want an open space? or separate space?
- Do you want separate formal and informal areas of your home( public and private)?
- What do you need on the first floor? what do you want on the higher floor?
- How many entrances do you want? Are there any rooms in which you wish to have a doorway to the outside?
- Which room/ space do you want to be near each other?
- Any studio be in a quiet corner?
- If you're creating an in-law suite, Do you want it to be separate or integrated with the rest of the home?
Many rooms in a house have optional features that you need to decide whether or not you want during the design process. These aspects can affect the layout of your home. To get started, go through the following to determine what you do or do not want in different rooms of your custom home.
Here are some important considerations to keep in mind when planning your kitchen layout:
How much preparation counter space do you require?
Do you prefer an eat-in kitchen, or do you want a separate dining area?
Do you need a social space for watching TV or hanging out?
Is a designated space for work/homework necessary?
Would you prefer an island or peninsula for food preparation or serving as a buffet?
Would you like a separate or walk-in pantry?
Do you need a prep and main sink, or just one of these?
Would you like to have a wet bar in your kitchen?
Are you interested in a gas or electric stove/oven? This decision will impact the type of hookups you'll need.
Bedrooms:
Do you have numerous closets, such as walk-in closets?
Is the bathroom connected, and is it shared or private?
Bathroom:
Shower, tub, or combination?
One or two sinks?
Separate or connected vanities?
Linen closet?
Jack & Jill's bathroom?
Laundry room:
Should it be its own separate dedicated space, or combined with another room, such as a bathroom or mudroom?
Space for additional features? (folding counters, sinks, and drying racks).
Outdoor Spaces:
Patio?
Deck?
Screened in porch?
Convertible indoor/outdoor space?
Balconies?
Courtyard?
Consider the architectural style early in the process. You may want to hire an architect who specializes in that specific style. Do you have a particular theme or architectural style in mind? If so, what elements of that style do you like? Also, consider if the styles fit your climate, location, and neighbourhood.
Thinking about the general architectural style for your custom home:
- What type of accents would you like in the home?
- Do you have any specific materials you would like to include?
- What colour palette would you like to use?
- Please consider details for the kitchen, such as cabinets, flooring, appliances, countertops, and finishings.
Here are the questions you should consider when planning your home design:
Please take note of the following details:
Ceilings: Are you interested in taller ceilings? Would you prefer them throughout the entire space or only in certain areas?
Hallways: What width are you aiming for? Would you like to have as few hallways as possible or prefer many?
Stairways: Do you envision a single flight of stairs or more? Would you like a private staircase at the back of the house?
Windows: What type of windows are you looking for? Do you prefer numerous or just a few? Are you interested in skylights, bay windows, or wide windowsills?
Wall space: Would you like ample open wall space, possibly for displaying art?
Lighting (indoor and outdoor): Are you considering recessed lights, sconces, or chandeliers? You can browse lighting options at Home Depot for inspiration.
Roof: Are you leaning towards a flat, pitched, asymmetric, multiple gable, or curved roof? You can explore various styles on websites such as The Roofing Calculator.
Exterior: What kind of siding do you prefer? Better Homes & Gardens offers different options.
Do you require accessibility for limited mobility?
Safety considerations: Do you reside in an area prone to earthquakes, tornadoes, or hurricanes? If so, you'll need to consult with your builder to incorporate these considerations into the design and materials.
Please keep in mind the following information:
Special Features:
Are there any specific additional features you would like in your custom home? For example:
1. Fireplaces (Would you prefer gas or wood? How many do you want, and in which rooms?)
2. Media room
3. Central sound system
4. Heated floors
5. Central vacuum system
6. Pool and/or jacuzzi (Would you like them indoors or outdoors?)
Plumbing And Gas
A plumbing or gas permit is required when adding, installing or altering plumbing fixtures and/or gas equipment. You do not need a permit to replace a plumbing fixture or maintain an existing system (which remains in the same location). Only licensed and bonded plumbers can pull permits.
Any service work to existing plumbing is guaranteed for 30 days, and renovations are guaranteed for one year. Materials supplied are covered under various manufacturer warranties.
PEX piping, short for cross-linked polyethylene, is a flexible piping type that has been increasingly popular lately. Chosen as a favourite among new construction projects, PEX synthetic piping serves as an alternative to traditional copper and galvanized piping
First, let’s start with the age of your water heater. Check the serial number on the water heater, usually found on the manufacturer’s sticker towards the top of the water heater. The sticker should show the date that the water heater was made. The first letter represents the month… e.g. A for January, F for June, L for December, etc. The two-digit number next to that is the year of manufacture for the water heater. Is your water heater approaching its 10th anniversary? If so, it’s time to consider a new water heater. If it’s older than ten years, it’s probably time to replace your water heater. There are also other signs to look out for. Does your water heater rumble or make a lot of noise? Is there rust-coloured water coming from your water heater? Is there water around your water heater? These are all signs that water heater replacement is called for.
The answer to the age-old “gas water heater versus electric water heater” question is not a cut-and-dry, black-and-white one. Gas water heaters cost a bit more upfront but could save you money over time depending on your hydro use rates versus the gas cost at home. Also, a lot of this depends on what type of power source your home is already equipped with. Suppose you only have electricity in your home, for example. In that case, you’re probably better off sticking with an electric water heater rather than paying for adding gas lines and ancillary equipment to support a gas water heater. If you already have a gas hookup, spending more upfront on the water and using gas to run your hot water rather than going with an electric water heater could be worthwhile.
A sump pump is a submersible pump found at the lowest point in a property. It helps to protect a house from water damage caused by intense rainfalls, storms, and rising waters. The pump is inside a sump pit and can detect when water begins to rise. When the water starts to build, the sump pump will pump the water out of the building and away from your property.
If any portion of your home is located underground, you must purchase a sump pump. This will free your home from water damage to the basement and core structure of the building. Sump pumps provide peace of mind so you don’t need to worry about unexpected water damage to your family’s home.
A standard sump pump basin is between 18 and 25 gallons. We always say the bigger, the better when it comes to your sump pump basin; this will allow the pump to run less frequently, thus increasing its lifespan.
When you turn on the hot water tap, a tankless water heater springs into action, utilizing a gas burner or electric element to heat the water as it flows through the unit immediately. The speed at which the hot water reaches your faucet depends on the distance it needs to travel. Once you turn off the hot water tap, the burners or electrical elements power down, ensuring you only consume energy when hot water is required. Unlike traditional tank-style water heaters that constantly use energy to maintain a preheated reservoir, tankless water heaters operate more eco-friendly by heating water on demand or “as needed.”
Although tankless water heaters provide endless hot water, they don’t instantly deliver hot water on their own. Here’s why: as the cold water from the city flows through the tankless water heater, it quickly heats up and continues to do so until you’re done using it. When you turn off the tap, the flame shuts off, and the hot water stops flowing, causing your pipes to cool down. So, even though the tankless water heater heats the water on demand, you’ll still have to wait for the hot water to push out all the cool water from your pipes the next time you take a shower.
Tankless water heaters solve one of the most prominent problems tank-style heaters have: durability. Even when well-kept, a tank heater will only last around eight years. However, a tankless water heater can last 15 to 20 years or more. Tankless water heaters are also almost entirely repairable, meaning nearly every part can be replaced. With proper care and repairs when necessary, a tankless water heater may be the last new one you ever have to buy. That adds up to significant savings as the years go by.
Both! Tankless water heaters come in electric and gas-powered models, but most run on gas. Gas produces heat more efficiently than electricity does, and it takes far less time to warm up. However, all water heaters still require electricity to operate. Most gas-powered heaters use an electric ignition system, and many others have electronic control panels to allow you to set temperatures and change other settings. Some models even have Wi-Fi connectivity, so you can control them from a smartphone app!
There are three factors you need to consider when sizing a tankless water heater: the number of people living in the house, what demands may affect your hot water usage and the size of your home. Every home and family is unique, so while you may get an idea of the size you need, it’s always a good idea to consult an expert to ensure you get a tankless water heater that is appropriately sized for your home and your needs.
Heating and Air Conditioning
Heat pumps have a high upfront cost. However, their operating costs translate into long-term savings on energy bills, leading to reduced carbon emissions.
Yes, heat pumps can work well for residents in British Columbia (BC), and they are a popular choice due to several reasons:
Mild Climate: Much of BC, especially coastal areas like Vancouver, has a relatively mild climate. The temperatures rarely dip extremely low, which is optimal for heat pump efficiency. Air-source heat pumps, in particular, are very effective in these conditions because they can efficiently transfer heat at moderate temperatures.
Energy Efficiency: Heat pumps are known for their efficiency compared to traditional heating methods like furnaces and baseboard heaters. This efficiency can lead to significant savings on energy bills, which is particularly attractive in areas with higher electricity costs but cheaper and cleaner hydroelectric power, like BC. By choosing a heat pump, you're not only making an environmentally friendly choice but also a financially smart one.
Environmental Stewardship: BC is strongly committed to reducing carbon emissions. By choosing a heat pump, you're not just heating or cooling your home; you're contributing to a cleaner future. Heat pumps are considered a cleaner technology because they use electricity rather than fossil fuels, aligning with the provincial goals for sustainability and green energy use. Your choice matters.
Government Incentives: The BC government and various municipal governments offer incentives and rebates for installing energy-efficient heat pumps. These programs make it more financially accessible for residents to install heat pumps, encouraging them to use less environmentally friendly heating options.
Year-Round Use: Heat pumps offer heating in the winter and cooling in the summer, making them an excellent all-in-one solution for the diverse climates throughout BC, from hotter summers in the interior to damp, cooler weather on the coast.
While heat pumps are generally a good option for BC residents, their effectiveness can vary based on specific local climates and the type of heat pump. For instance, areas that experience colder winters benefit from newer models designed to work efficiently in lower temperatures or consider dual systems that combine heat pumps with more traditional heating systems for optimal performance year-round.
In BC, most homes require a forced-air furnace to brave the frigid winters. However, not every living space requires a forced-air heating system.
If natural gas lines aren’t accessible in your area, you may need to consider other options. However, due to our sub-zero temperatures, a forced-air natural gas furnace is the right choice for most Canadians.
Several factors determine what size of furnace is best suited for your home. These include:
The square footage is being heated.
The quality of your ductwork.
The efficiency of the furnace you’re buying.
A furnace that is too big for your space will waste energy. A furnace that is too small will struggle to keep up and cause headaches on your energy bill, too.
Energy efficiency is an increasing concern for homeowners and governments. Compared to traditional units, high-efficiency furnaces burn fuel without wasting much energy. The difference in AFUE could be between 30% and 40%!
In the face of global warming and eco-conscious mandates, many governments offer rebates, refunds, and tax breaks to homeowners who choose a high-efficiency furnace.
As of 2022, a high-efficiency furnace in Canada must have an AFUE of at least 90%.
It's important to be aware that certain HVAC companies might employ deceptive tactics when it comes to purchasing a furnace. Confirm in writing with your HVAC specialist that the agreed-upon price for your new furnace is established before the installation. A reliable company will assess your home and heating space to provide a total installation cost before the equipment is delivered.
A boiler uses a fuel source (natural gas or electricity) to ignite a combustion chamber, electric ignition system, or pilot and heat water inside the boiler chamber. The hot water then travels through pipes to the home’s heat distribution system, commonly iron radiators, copper fin baseboard radiators, air handlers, or in-floor radiant heating. Afterward, the hot air rises and circulates or radiates through the house.
Combination boilers — also referred to as combi-boilers — can perform both space heating and provide domestic hot water within one appliance. Combi-boilers contain all operating components within one unit and are ideal for saving floor space or moving away from storage-type water heaters. Combination boilers are perfect for small to medium-sized homes.
Boiler installation is a specialized process and must legally be done by a licensed professional. Although you may find yourself in a hurry to repair a faulty or broken system, selecting the right service provider is just as important as choosing the right type of boiler. A certified and qualified company will complete a comprehensive assessment of the entire system to avoid complications down the line. It is essential to request that all individuals assisting with the installation are qualified in all aspects of the job, including gas, electrical, Hydronics, and plumbing, and have installation experience. Aside from technical aspects, your desired installer should be easy to contact and have customer service skills to assist with repairs or questions after the installation.
An air conditioning transfers heat from the inside of a house or building, where it is not wanted, to the outside. The refrigerant in the system absorbs the excess heat and is pumped through a closed system of piping to an outside coil. A fan blows outside air over the hot coil, transferring heat from the refrigerant to the outdoor air. The indoor area is cooled because the heat is removed from the indoor air.
Overwhelmingly, yes. Matching a new condensing unit with a new coil is the only reliable way to be certain you will get the new equipment's rated efficiency. Matching a new, high SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) condensing unit with an old indoor coil probably would not result in optimum efficiency.
Designing a cooling system for an older home is often relatively straightforward. A central system may be added if existing ductwork is connected to your furnace. A ductless split system may be the answer for homes with hot water heating or electric heating. An important consideration is how well the older home is sealed and insulated.
All cooling systems are rated by the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER). Many older systems now in use have SEERs of 6 or below. By 1994, the average SEER for all units shipped in North America had improved to 13 SEER. The higher the rating, the more efficient the system.
SIDING
Vinyl is cost-effective and versatile; Hardie siding offers exceptional durability and resistance to elements.
The lifespan varies by material, but vinyl generally lasts up to 30 years, and Hardie siding over 50 years.
Yes, our siding materials are selected for their ability to withstand the diverse weather conditions of the Frazer Valley and Greater Vancouver Area. It is the right choice for most Canadians.
We provide warranties for our siding products and installation services, ensuring your peace of mind and satisfaction.