Our Process
At Sunter Homes, we make building a custom home feel clear, calm, and exciting. Below is the step-by-step path you can expect, updated to align with the way our team has operated for years, from first contact through to a scheduled build.
Consistently refined, keeping pace with our fast, ever changing city.
PHASE 1
Contact & Discovery
Contact Us
Everything begins with a quick hello. Share a bit about your vision and the best way to reach you.
Optional smart start: Use our Cost Estimating Tool before we speak. It gives us helpful context (budget range, wish list, inspirations/plans) so our first conversation is already focused.
Discovery Call (15–30 minutes)
Tell us about your goals, design requirements, timing, and budget comfort zone. We’ll answer questions about our team and process, then book an in-person meeting.
Introductory Meeting (1–2 hours)
Join us in our presentation room to meet the team, align on priorities, and review inspirations or plans. It’s important that all homeowners attend so everyone leaves with the same understanding of scope, budget, and next steps.
PHASE 2
On-Site Consultation & Estimating
On-Site Consultation
For new homes: we review your lot (or candidate lots), take site photos, and confirm zoning, services, and access.
For renovations/additions: if professionally drawn “as-is/proposed” plans aren’t provided, we can measure the existing home. This measuring and planning service requires a $500 + HST retainer per floor, credited toward your project. We’ll also book your estimate presentation.
Estimating
Our team prepares a detailed, line-by-line estimate:
- New homes: typically ~3 weeks
- Large Renovations: typically ~2 weeks
During this time, keep the questions coming—scope clarifications help ensure your proposal is accurate and attainable.
Estimate Presentation (about 2 hours)
Back in our presentation room (sometimes with a trusted designer present), we walk through the full proposal: scope, allowances, and options. This is an educational, collaborative session, the starting point for shaping the final scope and budget.
PHASE 3
Scope Alignment & Agreement
Scope Adjustment (1–4 revisions common)
You’ll receive an electronic copy of your estimate so you can easily compare revisions as we fine-tune scope, selections, and allowances.
Confirmation Meeting (30–60 minutes)
We review final adjustments and sign the construction agreement, which formally secures your project in our schedule.
Pre-Start Updates
As we approach day one, you’ll receive regular schedule updates so you’re fully prepared for the start of construction.
PHASE 4
Construction & Handover
While the original “What to Expect” focused on pre-construction, here’s what you can anticipate once we break ground:
- Permits & Pre-Construction: We coordinate engineering, permits, energy requirements, and site logistics.
- Build Milestones: Framing walk-through, mechanical/rough-in review, pre-drywall QA, and interior finishes.
- Blue-Tape Walk-Through & Orientation: Near completion, we mark touch-ups and provide a full homeowner orientation.
Possession & After-Care: You receive your handover package and warranty details; our team remains available for questions and scheduled check-ins.
Warranty and Service
The process of custom house construction does not end when Sunter Homes delivers you the keys. While warranties vary by builder, here’s what you can anticipate from a reputable design-build business like Sunter Homes.
SUNTERS WARRANTY
We feel that no one understands your house better than we do – after all, we created it. That is why we have a section entirely dedicated to our warranty clients. We’re also available to give service and assistance after the warranty term has expired, if necessary.
The custom home construction process is lengthy and complicated, but when you working with an experienced design-build business that listens to your goals and prioritizes your requirements, it can be a gratifying and joyful experience. Sunter Homes is the right fit for you if you’re thinking about building a custom home in Ottawa. We’d love to learn more about your project; get in touch with us to get started!