Building Here — Heritage Harbor Ottawa

The Home

Building Process

Like any major life event, building a home or a cottage is a journey. The excitement of starting is so much fun – making choices and signing contracts with high hopes for a great experience! For many people, the most difficult part of the whole process can be what comes shortly after; the feeling of “waiting around” for something to happen. Here’s what to expect over the next several months.

Introduction/Plan Review

Your Lifestyle Consultant will introduce you to the Heritage Harbor Homes Construction Team. We will review the blueprints and communicate any notes each party took during the sale process and answer any questions you might have about the plans, construction or the process. At this appointment you will set up your Design Center appointment.

Design Center Appointment(s)

Please allow at least 90 minutes for your first design center appointment where the construction team will outline the standard and upgraded options along with color selections. If there are any custom options requested, the Team will need time to price out the option and respond to your request. You will then have one follow-up Design Center appointment to make any final changes. After the Design Center appointment #2 any change orders that are made will incur a $250 change order fee.

Ready, Set, Wait?

At the start, you might not see much activity on your homesite. Don’t worry! A lot of behind-the-scenes work is happening. This is when we secure the various permits, finalize plans, distribute blueprints to the plumbers, electricians and framers and order materials. It might be several weeks before any major activity begins on your homesite, but rest assured that all the background work is being done to create a smooth process!

The stages

Stage 1 – Foundation Complete
This is when we prepare the homesite, set foundation forms, install in-slab plumbing and when the concrete is poured and cured. This is the point when many people wonder if their home will be large enough. Seeing the foundation without walls can be very deceiving.
Stage 2 – Frame Complete
You’ll be surprised how quickly this is done. One day, there’s nothing but slab. A few days later, there’s a home – well, at least the framework of one, with exterior and interior walls, as well as the roof. This is when you get your first true sense of your home’s breadth and shape.
Stage 3 – Shingles Complete
This is when the structure becomes “weatherproof.” We install decking, flashing and shingles. We also install the windows and wrap the exterior walls with sheathing. Time to walk the home!
Stage 4 – Pre-Drywall & Electrical Walk Through
You will meet the Construction Manager and Electrical Contractor to walk the home to review standard electrical plans and any additional wiring needs you may desire. Any other questions with the flow of the house can be discussed. The electrical change order will not incur a $250 change order fee.
Stage 5 – Installation and Drywall complete
All electrical wiring, outlets and breaker boxes are installed at this stage. Air conditioning and heating equipment is put in place, as well as plumbing. This is also when municipal inspections are completed. After electrical, plumbing, HVAC, inspections and insulation are complete and exterior and interior wall surfaces are covered and finished, your home begins to resemble its final form. Drywall is installed. Prime coat of paint is sprayed on all interior walls and ceiling.
Stage 6 – Flooring installed
After the paint dries, your plumbing and light fixtures are installed. This is also when carpeting, tile and luxury vinyl flooring is installed.
Stage 7 – Interior trim and doors complete
Once the drywall is complete and the texture has cured, the finish carpenters arrive to install all the interior doors and molding, as well as any staircase railings and balusters.
Stage 8 – Kitchen and Vanity tops installed
Next, we install kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Countertops are set in place and all the interior is primed and painted.
Stage 9 – Builder completes the home
During this stage, the Construction Team performs all finish work such as light fixture installation, appliances, mechanicals, etc. The home is then thoroughly cleaned and ready for your pre-closing walk thru.
Stage 10 – Buyer Orientation and Pre-closing Walk through
This stage is when you meet the builder to review the home features and note any work that may not be completed creating a ‘punch list’.
Stage 11 – Close on your home
Congratulations and welcome to the Heritage Harbor Family! You will officially take possession of your home. You will be provided a new home owner binder with warranty manuals and other important information. You will also be provided a homeowner username and password for the Homeowner Portal which is the on-line system to report any warranty claims or additional work that may be needed.