Frequently asked questions

How Does Porteus & Son identify buildable land?

At Porteus & Son Builders, we understand that finding buildable land is crucial in construction. Identifying the right piece of land ensures a project can be completed successfully and meets our client's specific requirements. Here are the key factors we consider when identifying buildable land:

1. Zoning and Land Use Regulations:

The first step in identifying buildable land is understanding the local government's zoning and land use regulations. Each area has specific zones allowing residential, commercial, or industrial development. We thoroughly research the zoning requirements and determine if the proposed project aligns with the designated zone.

2. Site Suitability:

We consider the site's physical characteristics to determine its suitability for construction. Factors such as topography, soil condition, drainage, and utility access play a significant role. We evaluate if the land can accommodate the proposed structure and assess potential challenges.

3. Environmental Considerations:

Preserving the environment is a top priority. We thoroughly assess the land for environmental concerns such as protected habitats, wetlands, or endangered species. Additionally, we evaluate potential risks like flooding, seismic activity, or soil contamination to ensure the site is safe for construction.

4. Infrastructure Availability:

Checking for the availability of essential infrastructure is vital. Access to utilities like water, electricity, sewerage, and telecommunication services is necessary for any construction project. We ensure that the proposed site has the necessary connections or evaluate the feasibility of obtaining them.

5. Legal considerations:

We conduct a thorough review of the legal aspects associated with the land. This review includes checking for existing property rights, easements, or restrictions that may impact the project. We ensure all necessary permits and approvals are obtainable for construction.

6. Market Demand and Future Growth:

We assess the market demand and future growth potential in the area. Understanding the local real estate market and trends helps us determine the viability and profitability of the project.

In conclusion, identifying buildable land is a meticulous process that requires a comprehensive analysis of zoning requirements, site suitability, environmental considerations, infrastructure availability, legal aspects, and market demand. At Porteus & Son Builders, we prioritize finding the best-suited land that aligns with our client's vision while adhering to the necessary regulations and ensuring a successful construction project.

Can Porteus & Son build on land I already own?

Yes! Submit your information for a complimentary review, and we will conduct an evaluation to determine which of our models your land can support and provide an estimated build price for those models.

Do our homes cost the same everywhere?

No. The price for us to build a home varies by property. 

The estimated construction price is calculated using input from our partner vendors and subcontractors. This estimate includes the unique requirements of the respective property (e.g., tree clearing, utility connections).

Land Selection

What parts of my home are customizable?

This is the best part (at least in our opinion). Once you’ve signed on to build your home with us, we will work with you one-on-one to design your perfect home down to the last detail. We have design options for all principal rooms of the house - like kitchens and bathrooms -as well as the exterior. We also include a sit-down with our architect to iron out all the design details.

Each design package pairs the best materials, color palettes, features, and fixtures to create a beautiful, cohesive aesthetic.

We also offer an assortment of lifestyle-based upgrades, from saunas to cinemas.

For any given Porteus & Son home, there are 200,000+ unique design combinations (but only one uniquely yours).

Can I choose any model?

For any given property, we will only show you models conducive to a build on that site. Multiple factors go into this decision, including the size of the lot, community fit, and more.

If you are interested in a specific model, we recommend contacting us to see if that model is available in the area you want to build in!

Are Porteus & Son homes pre-fabricated or “modular” homes?

No. Porteus & Son homes are traditional stick-built construction, entirely on-site.

Design

What happens during pre-construction?

This is a whole blog post. Seriously. Check it out here. To sum it up, we handle everything.

How involved do I need to be in permitting?

You don’t need to be involved at all! We handle everything and keep you updated in your project portal.

How long does permitting take?

Permitting typically takes 6-8 months, depending on the municipality and property requirements.

Pre-Construction

How involved do I need to be during construction?

That is entirely up to you! We have clients that have only wanted weekly updates (which we do by default), and some visit the site daily!

How long does construction take?

Construction typically takes between 8 to 12 months, and this time frame depends on your property conditions and model design. We work our hardest to make this as efficient as possible.

Construction