Working With Authentic Homes Inc.

Our Custom Home Building Process

What You Can Expect from working with us?

Working and collaborating with you as your advisor, our goal is to bring to life your ideal living experience using the best processes and construction philosophy

  • Understanding your project goals.
  • Aligning with the vison for your home.
  • Actionable unbiased advice.
  • End-to-end project management.
  • Use of quality materials and processes.

Common Questions - Authentic Homes Inc.

what's the difference between a custom home and a standard track home?

Durability, quality and flexibility of design.  In other words, your home will last longer, feel more comfortable and will be built with higher quality materials.  Most standard homes meet the minimum municipal code requirements as a baseline.  This is why many people have to do renovations to an existing regular standard home.  You will have more options for your materials and design such as architecture, stucco, siding, brick and flooring types

why is insulated concrete forms (icf) a better building material for custom home construction?

We do still use traditional stick frames for building some of our clients homes. 
Insulated concrete forms
(ICFs) are cast-in-place concrete walls that are sandwiched between two layers of insulation material, usually expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam insulation forms. The foam blocks are stacked as interlocking blocks, connected with steel reinforcing rods. They offer well-insulated, airtight, energy-efficient building enclosures. Also, ICFs are a great fit for regions prone to severe weather because of their system strength.  See image below:

Fire Protection ICF

what are some key differences between wood frames and icf frames?

The building perimeter walls made from ICF are not framed, therefore overall framing costs are reduced. Total home energy consumption is reduced, thereby not only reducing your energy bills, 60-70 percent, but also reducing the negative impact on the environment. One of the biggest benefits of using ICF is the continuous insulation on both sides of the wall that virtually eliminates thermal bridging and energy loss.

ICF building technology offers resilient buildings that withstand severe weather events like hurricanes, tornados and floods better than stick-built construction. Many new ICF homes include a safe room designed for emergency situations.

do insulated concrete forms cost more than standard materials?

It depends on the local market in terms of costs of material and labor, and experience of the contractors involved.  But that’s also the case with a wood-framed custom home as well.

Using ICF wall construction generally adds about 2% to 4% of the house construction cost. This is a rule of thumb only, actual prices are influenced by many factors, such as particular architectural features, site issues and are subject to local market demands as well. 

do you offer end-to-end project management?

Yes.  We believe this to be very important because we do not believe you can build a custom home in a vacuum.  We handle all aspects on your behalf as well as working together with your other professionals like architects and designers.  Anyone working on your project as a sub-contractor is pre-vetted by us and has worked with us over several years.  Here are some of the areas we manage the process for you:

  • Design
  • Permit application process
  • Financing
  • Construction and Post-Construction

is it better to buy on a new lot or build on an existing lot?

Simply put, it depends on your goals and budget.  In terms of cost, most people don't think about all the other soft costs like development cost, having to setup a new water and electrical source if none is available.  The benefit of building on an existing lot include having an existing sewer and water system, familiarity with the area and amenities and less soft costs. Regardless, your dream home should be in the location you choose and we can help you figure what's best.

how large of a home can i build on my proposed lot?

In general, local by-laws determine the dimensions of your home and can vary from municipality to municipality.  This information can usually be found by contacting the local urban planning and building department in that locale which is something we would do on your behalf.  In terms of rough numbers, bylaws in general suggest or require that the maximum square footage of property that your new build can occupy is on average 31% of your total property area.  

Let's assume your lot is 250 feet deep and 75 feet wide.  This means the total property area is 18,750 square feet.  Using our 31% suggested average, you are allowed to build a home that is 5,812 square feet (double that if you have a second storey), not including the lower level basement.  Are you curious if we are the best choice custom builder for your Niagara Region home?  Interested in knowing what size bedrooms, garages, home office you can build? Consult with us today:

how long does it typically take to build my custom home?

On average you can expect the whole process to last 12-18 months.  By process we mean permits, designs and adjustments and the execution of construction and building.  The planning phase (2 months) usually dictates the construction and building phase (8-12 months).  We generally don't think of the time to build in terms of size of the house because there are other factors that go into completing the home such as mechanical systems and time intensive finishes to kitchens or bathrooms.

Time may also be increased due to other extenuating circumstances or preferences such as building near a conservation area or height restrictions that you may be seeking exemptions for . Our advantage is that we use insulated concrete forms to build your custom home which allows us to build better and with less intermediate steps even during typical "slow winter months".

why build an icf concrete swimming pool (hot tubs, jacuzzi)

Pool walls built of Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) have better insulation on the interior and exterior sides of the formed shell. This dramatically reduces heat loss/transfer, gives you more flexibility in design and construction and most importantly,  savings on long-term operating costs.  An ICF concrete pool is essentially "forever" because of it's lifespan.

what is hardscaping?

Essentially the solid and 'hard' materials that make up your yard such as stone and interlocking.  We customize the hard landscape materials in the built environment structures that are incorporated into your property.  This includes features such as paved roads, walkways, retaining walls and water features.  This complements the exterior of your custom home adding to the long term value.

Outdoor jacuzzi

what sets authentic homes apart from other niagara custom home builders?

Our teams vision and passion for quality to deliver dreams. Beyond that, the most important thing to you is our experience, the quality of your build and consistency of your finished product as we use an in-house team for all projects.

what are typical projects you specialize in?

We specialize in new home build custom home, custom home renovations in part or as a whole, and home additions. We offer full design and end-to-end aspects of your custom home building projects having the manpower and expertise to bring your dream vision to life.

Our Services

Custom Home Builder

We build all year round. While most builders typically use wood frames, Authentic Homes Inc. uses insulated concrete forms which allow for an uncompromised home building process which is mostly unaffected with our winter climate.  The key advantage to you is a durable and energy efficient home.

 
Authentic Homes Inc. Custom Home Builder Niagara

Construction Project Management

While this may sound as though we are generalists, this really means that we offer you a centralized way to manage your custom home build or renovation project.  

Authentic Homes Inc.  does not have a monopoly on skill, so we work together with other professionals and trades to ensure we bring to reality your project objectives. This includes design, planning, financing and of course, post construction service

 
Project Management for Custom Homes in Niagara

Home Remodel or Renovation

You can still build your custom home without starting afresh. This is where remodels and renovations come in. We have always believed that although some older dwellings may not seem attractive, they still do have what we call "good bones" allowing untapped potential.

Our expertise gives you the quality and refreshed home you may be looking for.   With our end-to-end project management we will help you determine the true value of your current home, the needs and conditions structurally then determine with you the likely real estate value. As we do this, it'll give us a good idea to advise you on the best steps forward whether your goal is to use it as an investment or reestablish it as your home

 
Authentic Homes Remodel Home

Home Additions + Extensions

Many people who come to us love the neighborhood they live in when they find that their current home no longer suits their lifestyle, or family. They do come to us to explore building a custom home on a new lot, however, in many situations a home addition or extension may suit their compromise.

Mixing an addition with a remodel comes close enough to a new home build while keeping you in your neighborhood.

 

Home addition Niagara Falls

Concrete Swimming Pools

Not just any type of swimming pool but we build custom swimming pools as part of the custom lifestyle you seek. Our experience with custom landscaping and integrating your swimming pool into your backyard oasis is part of our experience and skill.

Our pool design and construction utilizes insulated concrete forms rather than fiberglass, liner or the popular container pools, because it gives you endless possibilities, flexibility and durability of your finished product.

 
Concrete Form Swimming Pool Design Niagara

Hardscaping (Custom Landscaping)

We provide you affordable and creative hard rock, brick and stone landscaping including walkways, retaining walls and water features to match your goals and custom home. This design and construction is custom and meant to last and augment your project needs.

Our focus is on creating and maintaining "green spaces" as well as implementing an environmentally friendly construction philosophy.

 
Authentic Homes Niagara Region Hardscaping Design

Gain confidence by working with an established custom home builder!

Our secret sauce is our use of insulated concrete forms which is a better building material for energy efficiency and durability of your home.

Beautiful custom homes, remodels and additions begin with deliberate planning and working with the right builder.

10 Step Process for Your Project

Step 1 - Introductory Call

We gather your information and discuss the project scope in general.

Step 2 - Introductory Meeting

Timelines and initial cost and budget discussions.  We also discuss must haves and like to haves.

Step  3 - Visit Proposed Project Site

Timeline discussion and walkthrough to get a sense of what's required and what can be accomplished.  We then advise on what we believe conceptually to be a good place in general.  We also take some video or pictures for our use in drawing up proposals.

Step 4 - Review & Sign Agreements

At this stage we go over our contract of engagement that details the schedules, timelines and scope of work.  Some of the details would include allowances for finishes, point of contact, compensation schedule, when we'll be on site for demolition, materials information etc.

Step 5 - Design Review & Consultation

Computer and CAD rendering, concepts, excavation and building plans, elevations, and the site plan.  We will still be available on an ongoing basis.

Step 6 - Finalize Design & Site Plan

This is a review stage.   We revise architectural drawings to ensure they're accurate and within your budget specifications.  We also look at mechanical and structural considerations.

Step 7 - Execution Plan & Budget Goals

Upon approval of the drawing and design package and final budget sign-off, we will submit building permits.  We also discuss any issue related to things like shoring, dewatering and access.

Step 8 - Construction Commencement

At this stage we setup the project site. This includes putting in place garbage disposal, delineation from other areas of the property, initial materials to start construction, safety protocols and fencing.

Step 9 - Mid-Construction Review

Ongoing site visits and communication from our engineering staff, the architect and inspectors.  This is to ensure and establish structural elements that lead to seamless finished product.  We will also have some office and site meetings to discuss key milestones.

Step 10 - Post Construction

We hand over the complete “client package” that includes important documents from the drawings and plans to cost receipts and other checklists.  We also conduct a thorough cleanup of the property to put it back as we left it and enhance your finished product.  We will continue to communicate with you intermittently and do any last touch work that may be required.  We will discuss an agreed upon visitation schedule in the event of maintenance of mechanical systems we’ve installed.

Ready to get started on your custom home project with authentic homes Inc.? Lets get started below!

Project Request Contact Form

Tell us about your custom home project!

Let's get started with your custom new home build, renovation or addition. Complete the form so we can get back to you to understand your needs and if we can help bring your vision to life!

Type of Project
Please Select One
  • New Home Build (Custom Home)
  • Custom Renovation or Remodel
  • Custom Addition
  • Custom Landscaping
  • Concrete Swimming Pool
  • Hybrid Custom Home Project
Require Design & Construction?
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No
Not Sure
Type of Lot
Please Select One
  • Existing Home
  • I Own Land
  • Purchase Land
Do You Have Permits?
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