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Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked during initial contact with us. If your questions are not addressed below, please call, or email us and we will be happy to assist. For email, please allow a few business days for a response.

You may be eligible to claim a GST/HST new housing rebate for an owner-built house for use as your (or your relation’s) primary place of residence if you are an individual and one of the following applies:
• You built, or hired someone else to build for you, a house on land that you already owned or leased.
If you buy a shell package from Evergreen Concepts or hire us to manage the build for you -you should qualify.
• You substantially renovated, or hired someone else to substantially renovate for you, your existing house (at least 90% of the interior of the existing house must be removed or replaced to be a substantial renovation).
If you demolish your existing home or cottage and hire Evergreen to deliver a shell package or manage the demolition/ rebuild - you should qualify.
• You renovated, or hired someone else to renovate for you, your existing house and built, or hired someone else to build for you, a major addition to your house (for example, an addition that at least doubles the living space of your house, such as of a full second story to an existing bungalow. Adding a sun porch, sun room, family room, or bedroom by itself is not a major addition).
• You converted a commercial building that you own, or have an interest in, into your house.
A bit about the rebate:
• The rebate is for all new homes valued up to $1 million, for a maximum rebate of $130,000.
• This maximum rebate of $130,000 would be maintained for new homes valued up to $1.5 million, and would decrease proportionally from $130,000 at $1.5 million to a maximum of $24,000 for homes valued at $1.85 million and above, building on the province and federal government’s previous move to rebate the HST for all first-time buyers of new homes up to $1 million.
Resources:
Ontario Newsroom (https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1007212/ontario-expanding-hst-rebate-to-lower-the-cost-of-new-homes-in-partnership-with-the-federal-government#quickfacts) Government of Canada(https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses/gst-hst-rebates/new-housing-rebate.html?utm_campaign=cra-arc-benefits-credits-apr-may-jun-26-27&utm_source=ggl&utm_medium=sem&utm_content=ad-text_en&adv=2627-845201&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23570464527&gbraid=0AAAAACd1gHDjsS_ZZtJGIiTELNCK4vpuF&gclid=CjwKCAjwvqjOBhAGEiwAngeQncRvew0-RtCHNK5UH8uUvzHGxlKmfFfgjHsLG_n9p4pn9CtGAWeSxxoCn8oQAvD_BwE#eligibility)
Evergreen Concepts provides a comprehensive final package to both shell package and construction management clients. This package includes organized paperwork and documents you need to successfully submit for your rebate. We also include the contact information for a qualified professional with years of experience to submit your HST rebate for you.
A shell package or kit includes BCIN stamped drawings and detailed instructions for construction. It provides all necessary materials for the shell including exterior and interior walls, floor and roof systems, windows, doors, and exterior finishing. The comprehensive material list supports seasoned contractors and self-builders alike.
Every home has a different 'feature density' and a single average number doesn't accurately reflect the investment in a custom build. Costs fluctuate based on a 'U-Shaped' curve where smaller, precision-built homes concentrate essential systems into a tighter footprint, while larger designs benefit from volume efficiencies. We prefer to focus on how smart design can drive your specific budget rather than relying on a square-foot myth. You can see a full visual breakdown of how these investment zones work in our downloadable guide:
We offer a variety of options for rustic or low-maintenance exterior finishes. Our standard kits include pre-finished wood siding (CanExel)(https://maibec.com/en/products/canexel/), with upgrade options such as Hardie-planking, pre-finished pine, natural pine, or log finishes available upon request.
Yes, building it yourself is a cost-effective option for those who enjoy hands-on projects. Our custom designs are straightforward and user-friendly and our professional support staff are available to assist self-builders. For additional on-site consultation, an experienced construction manager can be arranged at a reasonable rate.
If your project is outside our service area, , our managers may be available depending on distance and timing. We can also help you find local trades or contractors, as we have established relationships with professionals in key regions of Ontario.
Please contact us (https://www.evergreenconcepts.ca/contact)to ask about our project manager consulting options.
Yes, you can both select your own design or modify an existing one. For a nominal fee, we can adjust or enlarge designs to meet your specific needs. Our pricing remains competitive due to purchasing power and construction methods. Design fees are credited towards your package price.
Occasionally, we may sell individual plans. For more information, please email or call us. Should you decide to purchase a shell package later, the cost of the plans will be credited towards the package.
Decking surfaces and railing are available in many varieties (ie. pressure treated, cedar, composite, etc.) and can be priced separately upon request.
All designed porches include post and beam cladding (if chosen), screens and weather wall systems, and doors can be priced separately upon request.
We constructed the model homes with engineered steel piers for their cost-effectiveness and minimal disruption to the site. This method is suitable for challenging terrain and is efficient to install. However, if your budget and property permit, we can modify the plans to include a basement or crawlspace. Please contact us (https://www.evergreenconcepts.ca/contact)for further details.
Shipping is included within a 2-hour radius of Ottawa, Ontario. For locations beyond this area, quotes can be provided upon request.
We follow a step by step process, moving through the steps as quickly or slowly as you like.
1. Site Visit, Budget Feasibility, and Preliminary Designs.
At this stage a deposit of $3,500 is required that will later be applied toward the cost of your shell package.
2. Finalized set of construction drawings and the collection of all required paperwork to apply for a building permit.
At this stage an additional deposit of $4,500 is required that will later be applied toward the cost of your shell package.
3. Shell Signatures - Where the client accepts the Shell Package Contract.
By this stage 15% of the total cost is paid. Any fees applied prior to this stage are credited back.
4. Production Deposit and Ordering of Materials.
At this stage an additional 35% deposit of the total cost is required bringing the paid amount up to 50% of the total shell package.
5. 2 days prior to the Scheduled Delivery Date:
At this stage the final 50% is due by cleared funds.
For construction management fees:
• A base percentage of the overall budget will be approved by the client during in our step by step process.
• Fees are paid bi-weekly by post-dated cheques throughout the duration of the build.
We do not offer modular homes. Unlike modular homes, which are often of lower quality and may face challenges with transportation and local building codes, our homes are custom designed to fit your site, budget, and lifestyle.
We use locally purchased materials and trades, which support an environmentally conscious approach and benefit the local economy.
We undertake additions and renovations, depending on distance, timing, and the availability of our managers and crews.
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