Building your own home represents a major life project that combines the dream of homeownership with the freedom to design a space entirely adapted to your needs. Rather than buying an existing property with its compromises, building a house allows you to create a custom habitat, perfectly responding to your lifestyle and aspirations.
However, this major project requires rigorous planning and a clear understanding of administrative steps, expected timelines, and especially the cost to build a house. Meticulous preparation helps you avoid unpleasant surprises and ensures your project's success.
With over 50 years of experience in residential construction, the Construction J.G. Lessard & Fils team guides you through the essential aspects of building a new home in Quebec.
Advantages of building a new home
Choosing to build a new home rather than buying an existing property offers numerous advantages that justify the investment in time and money.
Complete customization according to your needs
New construction gives you total control over every aspect of your future home. You choose the room layout, space arrangement, materials, and finishes that match your tastes and lifestyle.
Fully customizable elements:
- Architectural plan adapted to your family and needs
- Number and size of bedrooms and living spaces
- Custom kitchen with equipment of your choice
- Bathrooms configured according to your preferences
- Optimized storage spaces
- Choice of floor, wall, and ceiling coverings
Modern energy and ecological standards
A new home automatically complies with the most recent construction standards, particularly regarding energy efficiency. This compliance translates into substantial savings on your energy bills and superior comfort.
Energy advantages of new construction:
- High-performance insulation meeting current standards (walls, roof, foundations)
- High-efficiency energy-efficient windows
- Modern and efficient heating and cooling systems
- Optimal air tightness reducing thermal losses
- Possibility of integrating green technologies (geothermal, solar)
- Reduced ecological footprint of your home
No renovation needed in the short term
Unlike buying an existing home that often requires immediate or medium-term renovations, your new construction requires no work for many years. All systems and equipment are new and warranted.
Peace of mind with a new home:
- Legal and manufacturer warranties on all systems
- No hidden defects or pre-existing construction problems
- New plumbing, electrical, and heating systems up to code
- Roof and exterior cladding in perfect condition
- Solid foundations without water infiltration
Preliminary steps before building
Before beginning actual construction, several essential preparatory steps determine your project's viability and success. These preliminary phases lay the foundation for smooth execution.
Define your needs and realistic budget
The first step involves establishing a precise picture of your housing needs and determining your actual financial capacity. This preliminary reflection avoids budget overruns and disappointments.
Essential questions to ask yourself:
- What total square footage do you want for your home?
- How many bedrooms and bathrooms are necessary?
- What particular spaces do you want (office, family room, garage)?
- What total budget can you dedicate to the project (land + construction)?
- What monthly mortgage payment can you comfortably afford?
- Do you have sufficient down payment (minimum 5 to 20%)?
Choose and acquire appropriate land
Land selection constitutes a crucial decision that directly influences construction costs and future quality of life. Location, topography, and available services are determining factors.
Land selection criteria:
- Location and proximity to services (schools, shops, transportation)
- Dimensions and shape of land suited to your project
- Topography and soil characteristics (slope, drainage, stability)
- Access to municipal services (water, sewers, electricity)
- Applicable zoning and municipal regulations
- Purchase price consistent with your overall budget
A geotechnical study is recommended to assess soil bearing capacity and identify any potential problems before purchase.
Plan design with architect or technologist
Plan design transforms your ideas into a concrete project. Calling on a qualified professional (architect or architectural technologist) guarantees plans compliant with standards and optimized for your land.
Advantages of a design professional:
- Detailed technical plans compliant with standards
- Optimization of layout and circulation
- Maximization of natural light
- Compliance with municipal regulations and building codes
- Advice on materials and systems
- Documents necessary for permit acquisition
Building permits: procedures and timelines
Obtaining a building permit represents an unavoidable administrative step before beginning work. This municipal authorization confirms your project's compliance with local urban planning regulations.
Documents required for application
The building permit application requires preparation of a complete file including several technical and administrative documents. A complete file accelerates processing of your application.
Generally required documents:
- Duly completed permit application form
- Complete architectural plans (elevations, sections, floor plans)
- Implantation plan indicating position on land
- Recent certificate of location
- Proof of land ownership
- Structural load calculations if required
- Mechanical and electrical system plans
- Payment of permit application fees
Construction J.G. Lessard & Fils can handle preparation and submission of your permit application, ensuring a complete and compliant file.
Timelines for obtaining permits by municipality
Building permit acquisition timelines vary considerably depending on municipalities and your project's complexity. In Montreal, these timelines have increased considerably in recent years.
Typical permit acquisition timelines:
- Montreal: between 120 and 369 days depending on borough (2025 target: maximum 120 days)
- Laval: approximately 60 to 90 days for standard residential project
- Longueuil: generally 45 to 75 days
- Distant suburbs: often between 30 and 60 days
These timelines can lengthen if your file is incomplete or if modifications are requested. Careful preparation of the initial file minimizes delays.
Permit costs and municipal fees
Building permit fees vary according to work value and municipal policies. These costs must be integrated into your overall construction budget.
Typical fees to anticipate:
- Permit application fees: $250 to $500 depending on municipality
- Calculation based on work value: generally 0.5% to 1% of construction cost
- Temporary security deposit: often $2,000 to $5,000 (refundable)
- Plan and design fees: $5,000 to $15,000 depending on complexity
- Certificate of location: $1,000 to $1,500
Cost to build a house in Quebec
The cost of building a house constitutes the main concern of every future homeowner. Several factors influence this cost, and a realistic estimate avoids problematic budget overruns.
Price per square foot by finish level
Construction cost is generally expressed in dollars per square foot, with significant variations depending on material quality and chosen finishes.
2025 price ranges in Quebec:
- Entry-level construction: $180 to $220/sq.ft. (standard materials, simple finishes)
- Mid-range construction: $220 to $280/sq.ft. (superior quality, careful finishes)
- High-end construction: $280 to $400/sq.ft. or more (premium materials, luxury finishes)
Concrete example: For a 2,000 sq.ft. (approximately 185 m²) mid-range home, anticipate a construction budget between $440,000 and $560,000, excluding land.
Detailed budget breakdown
Understanding cost distribution helps you establish a realistic budget and identify areas where you can optimize expenses.
Typical cost distribution:
- Foundations and infrastructure (12-15%): excavation, concrete, drainage
- Structure and framing (15-20%): lumber, beams, roof trusses
- Exterior cladding (8-12%): siding, masonry, roofing
- Doors and windows (5-8%): exterior carpentry
- Mechanical systems (15-18%): plumbing, electrical, heating, ventilation
- Insulation and waterproofing (5-7%): thermal insulation, air barrier, vapor barrier
- Interior partitions and finishes (20-25%): drywall, paint, floors, cabinets
- Kitchen and bathrooms (8-12%): countertops, ceramic, equipment
- Contingencies and unforeseen (5-10%): reserve for adjustments
Additional costs often forgotten
Beyond construction cost itself, several related expenses increase total budget. Failing to anticipate them can create financial problems during the project.
Additional fees to anticipate:
- Land purchase: 25% to 35% of total budget depending on location
- Municipal service connections: $5,000 to $25,000
- Landscaping and asphalt: $15,000 to $40,000
- Welcome tax (transfer duties): calculated on total value
- Insurance during construction: $1,500 to $3,000
- Construction loan interest: depending on your financing
- Furniture and appliances: variable budget
- Unforeseen and modifications: 10% reserve recommended
New home construction timelines
House construction duration varies according to several factors, but realistic planning allows better organization of your project and move.
Typical construction chronology
From permit acquisition to key handover, house construction generally extends over 8 to 14 months in Quebec, depending on project complexity and weather conditions.
Steps and approximate durations:
- Site preparation and excavation (1-2 weeks)
- Foundations and concrete slab (2-4 weeks)
- Framing and structure (3-6 weeks)
- Roofing and exterior cladding (3-4 weeks)
- Doors and windows (1-2 weeks)
- Insulation and waterproofing (2-3 weeks)
- Mechanical systems, plumbing, electrical (4-6 weeks)
- Interior partitions and drywall (3-4 weeks)
- Interior finishes (6-8 weeks)
- Cleaning and final inspections (1-2 weeks)
Estimated total: 6 to 10 months of actual work, plus permit acquisition timelines and waiting periods between certain stages.
Factors that can extend timelines
Several elements can lengthen the construction schedule. Anticipating them allows more realistic planning.
Common causes of delays:
- Unfavorable weather conditions (frost, heavy rains)
- Material delivery delays
- Modifications requested during construction
- Unforeseen soil or drainage problems
- Availability of specialized subcontractors
- Municipal inspections and requested corrections
Choosing the right general contractor
Choosing the general contractor constitutes the most important decision of your construction project. A competent and reliable professional makes all the difference between a successful project and a problematic experience.
Essential selection criteria
Several elements should guide your contractor choice to maximize your chances of success.
Points to verify obligatorily:
- Valid and compliant RBQ license (Régie du bâtiment du Québec)
- Liability insurance and required warranties
- Demonstrated experience in residential construction
- Verifiable references from satisfied clients
- Achievements similar to your project
- Company's financial solidity
- Clear and transparent communication
- Detailed and complete contract
Types of construction contracts
Different contractual formulas exist to frame your construction project. Each presents advantages depending on your situation.
Available contractual options:
- Turnkey contract: fixed global price, contractor manages everything A to Z
- Lump-sum contract: predetermined cost based on precise plans
- Cost-plus contract: actual costs + percentage markup
- Time and materials contract: billing according to hours worked and materials
Construction J.G. Lessard & Fils offers these different contractual formulas to adapt to your specific needs and desired level of participation.
Financing your construction project
Financing new construction differs from buying an existing home and requires a particular approach with financial institutions.
Construction loan vs traditional mortgage
The construction loan presents specific characteristics adapted to your home's progressive construction process.
Construction loan operation:
- Progressive release of funds according to work progress
- Site inspections before each release
- Interest-only payment during construction
- Conversion to traditional mortgage at work completion
- Interest rate sometimes slightly higher than mortgage
Required down payment
The down payment necessary for a construction project is generally higher than for buying an existing property.
Typical lender requirements:
- Minimum 10% for turnkey project with licensed contractor
- Minimum 20% for partial self-construction project
- Minimum 25% for certain complex custom projects
- Land must be paid or part of down payment
Legal warranties and protections
In Quebec, several legal warranties protect new home owners. Knowing your rights ensures peace of mind.
New home warranty
The Residential Construction Warranty (GCR) is mandatory for any new construction in Quebec performed by a licensed contractor.
Protections offered by mandatory warranty:
- Hidden defects: 3 years on entire house
- Construction defects: 5 years on major elements (structure, foundations, roofing)
- Building design or execution defects: up to 5 years
- Completion guarantee: ensures work completion if contractor defaults
- Deposit guarantee: protects your down payments in case of problem
Inspections and work acceptance
Several inspections mark the construction process to ensure compliance and work quality.
Important inspections:
- Municipal inspections at critical stages (foundations, structure, systems)
- Pre-acceptance visit to identify necessary corrections
- Final acceptance and key handover after corrections
- Warranty inspections (6 months, 1 year) to identify defects
Optimizing your construction budget
Several strategies allow reducing construction costs without compromising your home's quality or durability.
Tips for smart savings
Judicious choices in the planning phase can generate substantial savings.
Effective economy strategies:
- Favor simple architectural form (rectangle rather than complex shapes)
- Limit angles, setbacks, and costly architectural details
- Choose two-story plan rather than bungalow (favorable cost/area ratio)
- Group plumbing (kitchens, superimposed bathrooms)
- Opt for standard material dimensions (fewer cuts and waste)
- Select quality but affordable materials
- Postpone certain non-essential finishes (basement, outdoor amenities)
Where not to cut corners
Certain construction aspects deserve appropriate investment to avoid costly long-term problems.
Elements where quality matters:
- Foundations and drainage: basis of your home's durability
- Roofing and waterproofing: protection against weather
- Thermal insulation: direct impact on comfort and energy bills
- Mechanical systems: reliability and energy efficiency
- Structure and framing: long-term safety and solidity
J.G. Lessard expertise in new construction
For over 50 years, Construction J.G. Lessard & Fils has been accompanying Quebec families in realizing their residential construction project. Our diverse experience allows us to efficiently manage all types of projects, from simplest to most ambitious.
Complete turnkey project management
Our integrated approach covers all phases of your construction project, from initial design to handover of your completed home's keys.
Services included in our turnkey management:
- Initial consultation and needs analysis
- Coordination with architect or technologist for plans
- Obtaining necessary permits and authorizations
- Complete site management and trade coordination
- Rigorous quality control at each stage
- Regular communication on work progress
- Respect for agreed timelines and budget
- Post-construction service and warranties
Quality, compliance and peace of mind
All our construction projects rigorously comply with Régie du bâtiment du Québec standards and municipal codes in force. This compliance ensures durable and safe construction.
Our network of qualified and trusted subcontractors allows us to offer complete service including all necessary trades. From masonry to mechanical systems, every aspect of your home benefits from specialized expertise.
Discover our residential construction achievements that testify to our know-how and commitment to quality.
Building an ecological and sustainable home
Environmental concerns and the search for energy efficiency increasingly influence new construction projects. Building ecologically is no longer a luxury but a judicious economic and environmental decision.
Eco-responsible technologies and materials
Numerous options allow reducing your home's ecological footprint while improving its energy efficiency.
Available ecological solutions:
- Insulation superior to minimum standards (walls, roof, foundations)
- High-efficiency heating systems (heat pump, geothermal)
- Photovoltaic or thermal solar panels
- Rainwater recovery for outdoor use
- Recycled or low environmental impact materials
- Optimized fenestration for passive solar gains
- Ventilation with heat recovery (HRV)
Environmental certifications
Several certification programs recognize homes meeting high energy efficiency and sustainability standards.
Certifications available in Quebec:
- Novoclimat: Quebec energy efficiency program
- LEED for Homes: international sustainable construction standard
- Passive House: demanding energy efficiency standard
- ENERGY STAR: energy efficiency certification
These certifications can provide access to government subsidies and increase your property's resale value.
Bring your construction project to life
Building a house represents a major investment that deserves meticulous planning and experienced professional support. From budget establishment to land selection, from permit acquisition to site management, each step requires expertise and rigor.
Understanding real costs, realistic timelines, and administrative procedures allows you to approach your project serenely and avoid common pitfalls. Choosing a competent and reliable general contractor constitutes the key to your construction's success.
With over 50 years of experience in the Montreal region, Construction J.G. Lessard & Fils possesses the necessary expertise to transform your new home dream into concrete reality. Our personalized approach, rigorous management, and commitment to quality guarantee your satisfaction.
Don't wait any longer to bring your construction project to life and create the home perfectly adapted to your needs and lifestyle.