Feel confident in your decision to buy a new home with us by learning more about the new home buying and building process. We have put together frequently asked questions for new and current home buyers to improve your new home experience. Visit our show home or contact us to learn more about any of the topics below.
How Much Does Building a House Cost?
There are 3 elements that determine the cost of a new build home:
● The lot – this includes the cost of the land and any preparation required to service the land
● The design – this determines your square footage and overall layout
● The finishes – the exclusive upgrades included in your home
Our team is ready to support you through this process with your budget and expectations.
What is Your Cost Per Square Foot?
As a custom builder there is no one size fits all for our homes or our pricing. There are many factors that will influence the cost of your home including your lot size and location, your design footprint and your desired level of specifications. We work to provide transparency as we work with you throughout the building process.
If I Have My Own Floor Plan, Can You Build It?
Absolutely, we are happy to build the home you have created with care on a lot that you have in mind. We can also work with you to determine if we have a lot that will fit your future home.
Can You Help Me Design a Floor Plan?
Yes. We have an amazing design team that has built many custom floor plans of all sizes and lifestyles. You can preview our past plans for inspiration and we can share feedback we’ve received from our past customers to help you create your dream home.
What is your standard finishing level?
Depending on your home style we have two levels of finishings. The majority of our homes feature 9 foot ceilings on the main, quartz countertops throughout as standard, upgraded lighting packages, vinyl flooring, modern fixtures, tile backsplashes and so much more.
In our estate and custom homes, the sky is the limit.
To see our specifications sheet please reach out to us at info@fivestarhomes.ca
Can you build on private lots?
Yes. We are able to build your new home on a private lot of your choice or we are also able to access public pool lots by land developers (other communities). Please contact us to discuss your options.
Can you build outside of Edmonton?
We have had the privilege of building custom homes for many customers outside of the city including private lots, acreages and more. We can work closely with you to design your vision or we can provide some elements of inspiration from our most popular floor plans.
How Much is a Down Payment?
A down payment can be discussed with a sales associate as it will depend on how you choose to finance the build. A draw mortgage may have a lower down payment than a completion mortgage.
What is Your Warranty?
Five Star Homes is a proud member of the Alberta New Home Warranty Program and all the protections and peace of mind that it offers to new home buyers. As members coverage extends to material and labour, delivery and distribution, building envelope and structural coverage. Learn more by visiting www.anhwp.com
Do you build secondary suites?
Definitely! We specialize in building legal secondary suites in basements and above the garage. Our suites are approved by the City of Edmonton and have practical features like access to laundry, all appliances and a separate heating and hot water tank system. Ask a sales associate for more details.
Walk Through Process
Depending on the stage of construction your home is in, we have some scheduled visits planned for you to view your home. You will be invited by our team to walk through your home during the rough-in phase and the finishes phase. Prior to your move in you will also get another chance to see your home. We recommend that during your last walk through before possession that you test and try all the lights, taps, toilets, doors and cabinets to make sure everything is working smoothly. We’ll be right behind you doing the same thing. Any touch ups or last minute fixes will be addressed prior to your move in. We will also return after to do a walk through of any outstanding items after you have moved into your home. Please consider writing or emailing yourself the items so that we can review them with you when we contact you.
You may also schedule your own visits with advanced notice to our construction team so that we can ensure your safety on site.
Design Process
We trust our partners and their interior designers very closely in the personalization of your home. If you are building your home entirely, you may be required to attend additional appointments with suppliers and contractors to select your finishes. Your selections will be sent to our building team. Please note many of these appointments take place during the day and require your full attention, so bringing children is not recommended.
Can you develop a basement suite?
We love creating beautiful basement suites that match the finish level of your home for greater overall value.
All of our legal basement suites have been inspected and approved by the City of Edmonton. Basement suites may include all appliances, a second furnace, laundry and separate entrance. Basement suites can be rented for up to $1,000 a month* and can help pay down your mortgage. They are also great for multi-family generational families. Talk to a sales representative about adding a legal basement suite to your home.
*please check current rental listings for the most up to date rates
What is an Above Garage or Carriage Suite?
An above garage or carriage house is located above a detached garage. We have some home models that have this option as a secondary legal one bedroom suite that would be similar to an apartment layout. There is a living area, kitchen, private bedroom and bathroom with laundry and storage. The rental rates for an above garage suite can be higher than a basement suite. This is a great investment property option that has also been inspected and approved by the City of Edmonton.
How does a legal suite help me with my mortgage?
If you purchase a home with a legal income suite you can rent out your suite monthly for additional income.
For example, If your mortgage was $1,600 per month and you rented out your basement suite for $1,000 per month, you would only be paying $600 per month for your mortgage. An included legal rental suite can improve the affordability for your new home.
What should I look for in a legal suite?
There are a few value add features that make your rental suite more desirable for tenants. Be sure to ask us about: