Traditional or Modern?.. That is the question.
The answer to that is not as straight forward as you would think. Many variables come into play.
-Does the style align with the character of the community?
-Is the home intended to be your personal residence?
-Is the home being built with the intention of selling immediately after completion?
-How long do you plan to live in the home?
-What are the current design trends?
These are some of the questions to consider, and we are here to help guide you through the decision making process.
With decades of design experience and the technical BCIN certification with the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, we are well equipped to handle your future project.
Custom Residences
ANDERSON+ASSOCIATES INC.
Design Process
Initial Consultation
Let’s Talk About Your Vision. Meet with our team to discuss your vision for your custom home. We’ll review your location, timeline, zoning requirements, and budget, and outline the next steps to move forward into the exciting conceptual design phase
Conceptual Design
Incorporating your priorities, lifestyle and overall vision for your home, we bring innovative design options to the forefront. After a thorough site analysis, we break down the process into 4 stages.
1. Architectural design of Ground Floor, Second Floor and Loft/Third Floor if applicable.
2. Architectural design of the Front Elevation
3. Architectural design of the Basement Plan
4. Architectural design of the remaining Elevations (Rear and Sides)
It is important to take into account how the current design affects the next stage as well as the previous stages.
Construction Drawings
Often referred to as the Working Drawing phase, the project moves from conceptual designs to a fully realized set of working drawings and specifications that meet the appropriate municipality requirements for building permit submission. The Construction Drawings Phase is a critical point where the initial design ideas and concepts from earlier phases are fully developed into a complete and detailed set of plans. During this phase, the design team creates a set of construction-ready documents that will be used by builders, contractors, and third-party consultants to bring the project to life. These documents are comprehensive and provide all the necessary information for the construction team, including Building Section(s), Details and Construction Notes.
Site Plan
Preparation of a graded Site Plan showing the custom home on the lot including zoning statistics.
Key Elements of Site Plan
Zoning Information: Building setbacks, and various statistical data to ensure project meets the Zoning by-law.
Site Elevations: Elevation markers and spot elevations are used to show the height of the land at specific points around the site. These markers help to define the slope of the land and provide a visual representation of how the terrain will change after grading. These elevations are critical for ensuring that the building sits at the correct height in relation to surrounding infrastructure (roads, neighboring properties, etc.).
Drainage Patterns: One of the most important aspects of a grading plan is the design of drainage patterns. The plan will show how water should flow away from the structure, preventing water accumulation around the foundation and directing rainwater to appropriate drainage points (such as storm drains, swales, or retention basins). Proper drainage is essential for preventing water damage, erosion, and foundation settlement.
Soil Stabilization Measures: In some cases, the grading plan may include recommendations for soil stabilization measures to prevent erosion, particularly on sloped sites or in areas prone to heavy rainfall.
These measures could include retaining walls, terracing, or planting grass or other ground covers to stabilize the soil.
Grading plans are critical for ensuring that the site complies with local regulations and building codes regarding drainage, stormwater management, and site accessibility.
Coordination with 3rd Party Consultants
For some projects, additional expertise is required to finalize the design and obtain the necessary permits. These consultants may include:
Structural Engineers: They review and approve the structural elements, ensuring they meet safety standards.
Grading Engineer or O.L.S: They review and approve the grading elements on the site plan, ensuring they meet the municipal/regional standards.
Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) Engineers: They provide detailed plans for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems.
Pre-Engineered Trusses and Floor Layout Design: For homes with specialized framing needs, the builder may coordinate with companies that provide pre-engineered trusses or advanced floor framing systems.
Anderson + Associates Inc. coordinates with these third-party experts to integrate their recommendations into the final drawings. The builder then works closely with these consultants to review the plans, ensuring everything is in place for permit submission.
Permit Application
Submission to Authorities