How to Prepare Your Lot for Construction: Step-by-Step Guide from VigoHouse
Planning to build a garden suite or an additional home on your property? Proper preparation for construction begins well before pouring the foundation. One of the key steps in this journey is ordering a survey, and it’s essential to understand why it should be done as early as possible. In this article, we’ll discuss the process and how it increases your property value.
1. Why You Need a Survey and What It Includes
A survey (topographic plan) is a detailed assessment of your lot, conducted by licensed surveyors. It shows:
- the terrain and features of your property,
- accurate boundaries and angles,
- important natural and man-made features.
Why it’s important: The topographic plan eliminates planning-stage errors, helps avoid unexpected expenses, and provides confidence that construction will proceed smoothly. On average, a survey costs about $2500, but it pays off by creating a solid foundation for the next stages.
2. Survey Plan Site: The Next Step
Based on the data obtained from the surveyors, a Survey Plan Site is created. This document shows the exact location of the structure, taking into account all codes and restrictions. The Survey Plan Site is submitted to the municipality for zoning approval.
Cost: starting from $3000. However, if you sign a construction contract with VigoHouse, we cover the Survey Plan Site expenses, allowing you to save $3000.
Benefits: Having the Survey Plan Site helps secure the exact construction location and ensures the project passes further approvals.
3. Zoning: Official Approval for the Construction Site
After completing the Survey Plan Site, the document is submitted to the municipality for zoning approval. This is the stage at which it’s officially confirmed that your project meets all requirements and that your lot is suitable for the planned structure.
The cost of zoning is similar to that of a survey – $2500. The process takes between 1 to 3 months, and its completion practically guarantees building permit approval.
4. Building Permit: The Final Step Before Construction
After zoning approval, you’re ready to apply for a building permit – the official construction authorization. This document is issued by the municipality and confirms that you can start construction based on all approved plans.
The cost of a building permit usually includes the survey and zoning expenses, plus a markup of about 20%. However, it’s important to remember that building permits are issued for a limited period (6-12 months). So, if you don’t plan to start construction immediately, you may consider pausing before applying.
Benefits of Completing All Preparation Stages
1. Increased Market Value:
When your lot has a construction permit, its market value automatically increases, even if construction hasn’t begun. This makes your asset more valuable and liquid.
2. Reduced Financial and Time Risks:
Completing the survey, plan site, and zoning stages reduces risks associated with unexpected delays and project adjustment expenses. Each stage takes time, and the earlier the process begins, the sooner you can start construction.
3. Preparation Cost Savings:
When signing a construction contract with VigoHouse, we cover the Survey Plan Site expenses, saving you $3000 and simplifying the zoning stage.
Case Study
Let’s look at a real example from Ontario. A property owner without permits and plans valued their lot at $400,000. After completing the survey, Survey Plan Site preparation, and zoning approval, the property’s value increased to $500,000. By investing approximately $8,000 in preparation stages, the owner increased their property’s value by $100,000.
How to Start?
If you’re ready to take the first steps, contact us to get an accurate survey cost for your address. Let’s begin the process together to complete your project within optimal timelines and maximize your benefits.
This article helps you understand all the stages of lot preparation and demonstrates how each step adds value to your future construction.
