To tell the truth, this question is asked frequently!  It is obviously not easy to give a precise cost due to the imponderables that are connected to it.

First, it depends on the type of ground on which the garage will be built.  You can choose among various foundation types such as monolithic floating slabs or monolithic floating slabs that reinforce the periphery in order to properly receive exterior walls and any other attachments. Already, a variant in the amount of  1000$ to 2000$ may be applied. In most case, a monolithic slab would prove to be less expensive.

Will you hire a builder to build the entire garage, or only the structural part and you will do the rest to save money?  Your choice here will result in a cost variation of between 3000$ to 5000$ that you must consider if you hire specialized manpower.

Will your detached garage be insulated to enable you to do odd jobs all year round?  Will it be erected with 2 x 4’s or 2 x 6’s? Technical-wise, will you have electricity, heating and plumbing in your garage?  There are other important elements that have considerable influence on building costs. We can easily say there is a variance of 2000$ to 3000$ if not more. Of course, this is according to the size of the garage.

Finally, many garage plans suggest bonus spaces at the ceiling for additional storage. Will this space be built as planned or will it be eliminated and built with trusses and a window? If you opt to keep this extra space, will it be insulated or only done in plywood?

You will now understand that with all these possibilities, it becomes very difficult to set firm construction costs for a detached garage, but since you have taken the time to read this article, here is an example that could serve as a reference guide.

www.DrummondHousePlans.com Plan no.2975

Let’s say that you are interested in the detached garage no. 2975-16, which is 16’ wide by 24’ deep. You are planning to erect it with 4 vinyl sides on a monolithic foundation with 2 x 4’s, as well as with the bonus space planned on the upper floor but not insulated. A minimum of electrical facilities is included but there is no plumbing or heating. The cement footing, the structure and the roofing (finishing of these steps included), would be done by the contractor whereas you would be responsible for both the interior and exterior finishing. Well, this garage should cost approximately 14500$

You can review Drummond House Plans’ detached garage plans, and order the one that fits your housestyle!

Read the rest of this entry (No Comments »)

For most people, discussions on energy efficiency are academic.  They only seriously think about it when paying their heating bills, when it is too late.

It’s during winter that energy inefficiency is most obvious.  In fact, the enormous icicles and ice barrages that accumulate on roofs are flagrant proof of heat loss and an inefficient use of energy.  I am always surprised to hear intelligent people say that this is typically normal for our Quebec winters – just like apple pie is American.  What nonsense!

At the beginning of winter, heat loss through the eaves or the attic keeps the roof surface warm.  As snow starts to accumulate, it stays, even on slanted roofs.  After awhile, snow becomes the insulation and traps the air. The colder it gets, the more we heat the house and the more heat we lose, the more the eaves and roof surface warm up.

Monster Icicles

One day, the roof surface temperature reaches 0 degrees Celsius and the snow next to it softens and melts.  This melting snow transforms into water which slides down towards the edges.  As water accumulates at the roof edges and rain gutters, the water freezes as it contacts outside air which is colder than the roof surface.  Over time, the result is the formation of spectacular icicles – some reach one storey and more!  The greater the heat loss is, the greater the thickness of the ice barrages behind the icicles and the greater the length of the icicles.

When there’s a major thaw and rain with temperatures reaching at least +6 degrees Celsius, even in the Laurentians, infiltrations begin.  Frequently though, these do not come from the roof as such, they occur horizontally, from the edges.

In fact, the weight of the accumulated ice in the gutters opens up a joint on the edge of the roof, on the ledge or in the soffit, and the water leaking under the accumulated snow and ice in the roof penetrates to the ceilings.  To the greatest surprise of homeowners, even when ceilings have a slight slope, infiltrations can manifest themselves a good distance from the exterior wall.

It’s Raining in my Bed

To my greatest disappointment, this is what my family lived through at the summer cottage of my in-laws in the Laurentians, following a successful surprise party given for André Fauteux, editor of La maison du 21ième siècle.  Water started dripping from the ceiling onto our beds in the middle of the night.

Unfortunately in such cases many homeowners mistakenly blame their roof while the origin of the problem is the house’s heat loss.

Roofers are called in by panicking homeowners, and repairs are scheduled, even if no one has determined what the real cause of the problem is.  Redoing a roof when it is not necessary is a very costly additional energy loss.

Certain customers have told me that they have had their roof completely redone two or three times in 10 years but the problem has not disappeared.  This is outright robbery by the roofers!

In fact, as unbelievable as it may seem, many Montreal eaves contain only from 0 to 4 inches of insulation.  (Note:  It is generally more advantageous to install from 12 to 14 inches for a thermal resistance of R-42 to R-49, if cellulose is used, it being the most economical insulation for attics.)
Read the rest of this entry »

Read the rest of this entry (5 Comments »)

You’ve thought about it and now you’re doing it, you’re building your own home.  It is an exciting decision to make.  Being able to choose, plan and live in a dream for many, but now you are making that vision come true.

Are you stepping down this path for the first time? Like anything, the process can be tricky and there are many important details to consider as you get started.

Style of your new home

Have you decided on a style of home yet?  If you need inspiration, go to open houses or remember what you like about the design of you friends’ and neighbours’ homes. Make notes.  If there is an interesting detail or feature, write it down so that it doesn’t get forgotten during the excitement of building.

Where you will build is very important too.  If you already own the land you plan to build on, your opinions may be more open than if you are building in an established subdivision.  Many subdivision developers have restrictions called “covenants” which may force you to build a house of a certain size or style.  They may limit where you can choose to build your home, even what colour it is when finished.  These covenants are in place to assure that all the homes in the area are worth about the same and this will protect the value of your investment in later years.  Remember that this is an investment and even if this is your dream home, there may come a day that you will have to sell it.  Protecting help ensure its value in later years.

What to consider

There are a lot of other things to consider about the location of your new home.  Distance to shopping, schools and work have to be thought about.

Finding the right contractor is your next step.  A new home is likely your biggest investment.  Make sure you don’t rush into it.  It’s always a good idea to get at least three bids and remember the old adage, “If it is too good to be true, it probably is”.

To ensure that both you and your builder are satisfied with the work, make sure the details are spelled out in a written contract.  The time you spend at this stage will avoid any confusion later on.

With the internet and groups like your provincial Homebuilders Associations, reams of information is available to help your home. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation also offers useful information including valuable question and answer sheets.  Their website address is http://www.cmhc.ca.

Finding a good contractor

To find a good contractor, ask around.  Ask family, friends and associates about who has a reputation for doing good work.  Ask your contractor to supply the names of satisfied clients.  If he can’t, look to another contractor.

Not offering a warranty on their services,  poor workmanship and extra costs are all pitfalls on the path to feeling good about building you new home.  Remember not every contractor plays by the rules.  It is best, of course, to avoid these people.

The contractor will also be handling the scheduling of other trades such as electricians, insulation and drywall installers and any other specialists that may be required to complete the construction of your home.

Beyond choosing a good contractor, you will also need lawyer and a banker to handle legal matters and financing.  Finally, remember that many home builders are more concerned about structural integrity and the attractiveness of your home from the outside.  Remember that the interior should also be designed for practical concerns like – will all that furniture you already have fit? So if it’s not already clear, researching and planning before the first nail goes in is the key to making your new home a great castle to be enjoyed for years to come.

Read the rest of this entry (No Comments »)