New Builds and Custom Homes in Victoria, BC
Building a new home is one of the biggest projects you will ever take on, and the builder you choose shapes the whole experience. Cool Construction Ltd builds new homes and custom homes across Greater Victoria, including Victoria, Oak Bay, Saanich, Esquimalt, View Royal, Langford and Sidney, whether you are replacing an older house, building on an empty lot or adding a second home on your property.
Our team includes a Level 3 Red Seal carpenter, so the framing and finish carpentry are done by people who know how to get the details right. Because we also do demolition, excavation and perimeter drainage, we can take your project from an old house or bare lot to a finished home. You get one point of contact from the first meeting to the final walkthrough.
What we build
Every home is different, but our new build work includes:
• Custom single family homes designed around how you live
• Knock down and rebuild projects, replacing an older house on your lot
• Garden suites and detached secondary homes
• Additions that add a level, a wing or a larger living space to an existing home
• Site preparation, including demolition, excavation and perimeter drainage
• Framing and finish carpentry by our own carpenters
• Interior finishing, including kitchens, bathrooms, flooring and trim
If you already have plans from an architect or designer, we can build from them. If you are starting from an idea, we can help you put the right team together.
Our new build process
1. Free consultation. We meet you on the lot, talk through your goals, the type of home you want and your budget range. No pressure and no obligation.
2. Feasibility. We look at the lot, access, slope, existing structures and services, and what your zoning allows, and tell you honestly what is realistic.
3. Design and engineering. We work with your architect or designer, or help you find one, and coordinate the engineering the home needs.
4. Scope and estimate. Once the plans are far enough along, we put together a written scope and a clear estimate so you know what is included before anything starts.
5. Permits. We help prepare and coordinate the building permit application with your municipality.
6. Site work and foundation. Demolition, excavation, drainage and the foundation, followed by the required inspections.
7. Framing and rough in. Framing, roofing, windows, plumbing, electrical and mechanical rough in, followed by the required inspections.
8. Finishing. Insulation, drywall, flooring, cabinetry, fixtures and trim, with our carpenters handling the fit and finish.
9. Final inspection and handover. We arrange the final inspection, walk the home with you, deal with any touch ups and hand over the keys.
How long does it take to build a new home?
The time on site depends on the size and complexity of the home, the site conditions, the finishes you choose and the weather. Design, engineering and permit approval come before construction, and how long they take depends on the municipality and how complete the plans are, so it pays to start planning early. Your written estimate includes a project specific schedule.
How much does a custom home cost in Victoria?
Costs depend on the size and design of the home, the site and foundation work it needs, the finishes and systems you choose, and the costs of design, engineering, permits and servicing. Some of these, such as development and servicing fees, are set by your municipality. The best way to get a real number is to talk through your plans with us, followed by a written estimate for your project. We will walk you through where the money goes and where there is room to save.
Building in Greater Victoria
Zoning and lot rules. The City of Victoria, Saanich, Oak Bay, Esquimalt, View Royal, Langford and Sidney each have their own zoning, permit and inspection requirements. Provincial housing legislation passed in 2023 has broadened where additional units are allowed on many residential lots, but the details still depend on your lot and municipality. We check what applies to your address before you commit.
BC Building Code and energy requirements. New homes in BC must meet the BC Building Code, including its energy efficiency requirements under the BC Energy Step Code, and some municipalities require a higher step. Your design and the building process need to account for these from the start.
Rocky and sloped lots. Many lots across Greater Victoria have rock close to the surface or a steep slope. Site conditions have a big effect on foundations, drainage and cost, so we look at them early.
Knock down and rebuild. Replacing an older home means planning the demolition, a hazardous materials survey for older buildings, utility disconnections and new service connections, all before the new foundation goes in.
Drainage from day one. A properly installed perimeter drain and good grading help protect a new foundation over the long term, and we treat them as part of the build, not an afterthought.
Licensed, insured and backed by our own home warranty
We're fully equipped with a builder's licence, comprehensive insurance and our own home warranty, giving you peace of mind and a home built to last. Ask us about the details when you book your free consultation.
Why build with Cool Construction
• A Level 3 Red Seal carpenter on the team for framing and finish carpentry
• Builder's licence, comprehensive insurance and our own home warranty
• One team for demolition, excavation, drainage and construction
• One point of contact and a clear written scope and estimate
• Local to Greater Victoria
• Real project photos on our Projects page and Instagram @cool_construction_yyj
New build and custom home FAQs
Do you build from my own plans?
Yes. We can build from plans by your architect or designer, and we can review them with you before you finalize to flag anything that affects cost or buildability.
Can you help if I do not have plans yet?
Yes. We can talk through your ideas and your lot, and help you bring in the right designer and engineer for the project.
Can you demolish my old house and build a new one?
Yes. We handle knock down and rebuild projects, including demolition, excavation, drainage and construction of the new home.
Do you build garden suites?
Yes. We build detached garden suites. Book a free site visit and we will talk through what your lot allows.
How much does it cost to build a custom home in Victoria?
It depends on the size and design of the home, the site, and the finishes you choose. We provide a written estimate once we have seen your lot and your plans.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. We're fully equipped with a builder's licence, comprehensive insurance and our own home warranty, giving you peace of mind and a home built to last.
Which areas do you serve?
All of Greater Victoria, including Victoria, Oak Bay, Saanich, Esquimalt, View Royal, Langford, Sidney and nearby communities.
Ready to talk about your new home?
Tell us about your lot and your plans and we will book a free, no obligation consultation. Call 250-507-0825 or request your estimate online.
