Building a New Home cont.
Planned builds, on the other hand, offer a selection of lots, layouts and finishes with less customization, which can expedite the experience. When designs and materials are predetermined, the process moves faster. Planned builds can also be purchased and finished with the homebuyer’s direction at various stages of the build process. For instance, you could buy a home with only the foundation poured and still be able to select exterior design elements in addition to floor plans and interior components. Or, if you buy a planned build home that is near completion, you may only need to choose the finishing touches, such as flooring. “There’s a range. The one side would be that you start from scratch — you pick a lot in a community, pick a home plan and then pick the options. The other side of it — and we have a lot of customers taking this route — is that we’ll have homes started at various stages of construction, and then they’ll step into the sales and building process,” Balaz explains. “When we meet with clients, their wants and needs lead to a selection of a home plan followed by features or options desired. Once we know what they’re looking for, then the sales representative can offer specific plans that will suit those needs.”
Both Maric and Kensington offer comprehensive design services. Kensington, as part of the Qualico family of companies, offers Design Q, which hosts an open house on Thursdays. During this event, clients can book an appointment to meet designers and explore all the available options, including siding, stone, shingles and fascia, as well as flooring, cabinetry and ceramic tile. Depending on where you enter the buying process with a planned build, you may have more or less input on the selections. With Maric’s design- build custom approach, selections are made through a collaborative process. Homeowners are closely involved in every step, from architectural planning to interior design, with the full support and expertise of their multi-disciplinary team. Planned builds offer shorter construction times since designs and materials are predetermined. Bulk purchasing and streamlined processes can help keep costs down. However, planned builds offer limited customization and are less unique than custom builds. A planned build could be beneficial for those who are overwhelmed by the numerous decisions involved
in building a home from the ground up. “We have access to building
lots in most of the new communities — both in
the city and within a short distance outside the city — along with many options for home styles from bungalows to two-storeys, lane access homes, front attached garage homes and side-by-side homes,” Balaz says. “We have a huge variety of product to suit your needs, whether you’re a first-time buyer, a move-up or move- down buyer. In addition, we have long-term relationships with many suppliers and sub-trades. We have access to top brands and installers, all the things that you would want to ensure the quality of the build.” Custom builds offer full range in project personalization with strengths in architectural offerings as well as geographical flexibility to the building process. “In the early stages of exploring the project’s scope and location, a creative vision begins to take shape — one not confined by limitations but inspired by possibilities. During the complete build process, our service will complement each aspect of the living experience in the home. This may include but is not limited to furniture
48 PARADE of HOMES FALL 2025
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