R.VIAU DRAFTING & DESIGN LTD.

CUSTOM HOMES

Custom Homes Plans

Designing and building your own home can be a daunting task... but it doesn't have to be.
R. Viau Drafting is your one stop shop:
we handle the drafting & designing, the permits and ultimately construction.

We have built residential buildings in Ottawa and surrounding areas.

Custom Home Guide

People choose to build custom homes for a variety of reasons. Designing and building your own offers you level of personalization and flexibility that is not typically available with standard pre-built homes.

Zoning review

Aesthetic Goal

Design Purpose

Costs

Custom Traditional Architectural home in Ottawa

Open concept kitchen with ceramic floors and butcher block counte

New modern custom triplex design and built in Ottawa

Modern custom bathroom with black accents

Modern storey addition with white siding

Modern elegant bathroom design in Ottawa

Traditional luxurious staircase in Ottawa

Zoning Review

The size of your build depends entirely on your lot size and your zoning. With a zoning review, we can get a clear cut idea of what obstacles we might have to face.

Property Setbacks

Setbacks refer to the required minimum distance between a building or structure and the property line or other boundaries, as dictated by local zoning laws or municipal building codes.

Height Restrictions

Zoning height regulations can vary based on several factors, including the zoning district, the type of property, and the specific characteristics of the location.

Use of the Property

Permitted Uses are the activities or developments that are allowed by right within a particular zoning district. These uses do not require a special permit or approval beyond basic compliance with the zoning code.

If met with obstacles, we can request a variance (a special exception) from the zoning requirements.

Aesthetic Goals

Let us know what type of architectural style you wish to pursue.

Traditional

Types: Colonial, Cape Cod, Farmhouse

Typically these architectural styles offer:

symmetrical facades,
steeply pitched roofs,
dormer windows,
brick or wood siding,
gable or hipped roofs.
these homes typically feature a rectangular shape, often with a central front door and evenly spaced windows.

Modern

Styles: Mid-century Modern, International Style, Contemporary

Typically these homes have:

Clean lines,
flat roofs or low-pitched gables,
large windows,
open floor plans,
integration with nature.
emphasis on sustainability,
open spaces, and
natural light.

This style is characterized by an emphasis on simplicity, function, and integration with the landscape.

Revival

Styles: Victoria, Tudor Revival, Neo classical
Typically, these styles offer:

Decorative trim,
asymmetrical design,
steeply pitched roofs,
bay windows,
elaborate cornices, and
intricate detailing.

Design Purpose

The first and most crucial step in designing any house is to understand the purpose of the design. What are the primary goals and needs of the household?

Family Size and Lifestyle

Are you designing for a small family, a large family, or an individual? Do you have pets? Is there a need for guest rooms, home offices, or multi-generational spaces?

Type of House

Will the house be a family home, a vacation home, a retirement home, a rental property, or a home office? Each type will have different requirements.

Future flexibility

While designing for today, it’s wise to think about future flexibility and growth. If you anticipate future changes, such as growing your family or working from home more, plan for:

Room for Expansion
Flexible Spaces
Technology Infrastructure:

Custom Home Costs

Lastly and ultimately it all comes down to the budget.
A custom home can vary widely depending on factors like location, size, design complexity, quality of materials, and additional features. However, a general breakdown can help provide a clearer understanding of what to expect when planning a budget for a custom-built home.

Location

One of the most significant variables is the cost of land. In more expensive urban areas, land can be the largest single expense, while in rural areas, it may be significantly less.

Size of Home

The size of your home, measured in square footage (sq ft), is a major factor in determining the overall cost. The larger the home, the more expensive it will be to build due to increased materials, labor, and systems (e.g., HVAC, plumbing, electrical).

Design and Complexity

The more personalized the design (e.g., non-standard layouts, unusual features), the higher the cost. Complex designs with architectural details such as vaulted ceilings, custom windows, and advanced framing can add up significantly.

Materials

High-end finishes, such as custom cabinetry, premium flooring (e.g., hardwood, marble), and luxury bathroom fixtures, can increase the budget substantially.