Question 1

Are your homes eligible for the newly announced HST rebate to lower the cost of new homes?

Accepted Answer

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				Government of Canada

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.

Question 2

What is a shell package or kit?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Would I be eligible for a Green Mortgage or Energy Efficient Mortgage Rebates if I build with you?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can coordinate your home's design and construction to meet the requirements of the Green Mortgage program you intend to apply for. 
Eligible homes may qualify for benefits such as extended amortization periods and mortgage insurance premium rebates. 
Program requirements vary be lender and mortgage insurer. We recommend confirming eligibility directly with your professional before we begin the design process.

Resources:
CMHC Eco-Plus
RBC Green Mortgage Program

Question 4

What is your standard price-per-foot?

Accepted Answer

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:

Question 5

What are the options for exterior finishing?

Accepted Answer

We offer a variety of options for rustic or low-maintenance exterior finishes. Our standard kits include pre-finished wood siding (CanExel), with upgrade options such as Hardie-planking, pre-finished pine, natural pine, or log finishes available upon request.

Question 6

Can I build this myself?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

What if we are out of your service area?

Accepted Answer

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 to ask about our project manager consulting options.

Question 8

Can we choose our own design or can we modify yours?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

Can we purchase construction plans only?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

Are decks and porches included?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

Why are pier foundations used for all the model homes? Can we opt for a basement instead?

Accepted Answer

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 for further details.

Question 12

What about shipping costs?

Accepted Answer

Shipping is included within a 2-hour radius of Ottawa, Ontario. For locations beyond this area, quotes can be provided upon request.

Question 13

What is the expected payment schedule?

Accepted Answer

We follow a step by step process, moving through the steps as quickly or slowly as you like.
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.
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.
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.
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. 
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.

Question 14

Are your homes modular?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

Do you manage additions or renovations?

Accepted Answer

We undertake additions and renovations, depending on distance, timing, and the availability of our managers and crews.

Question 16

Do you offer panelized or prefabricated homes?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we are newly affiliated with Tooketree; a Net-Zero Qualified Builder, manufacturing prefab building enclosures to rigorous Passive House standards. 
Read more about our affiliation here: Green Building Standards
Tooketree has generously agreed to work with Evergreen Concepts to panelize our custom designs. Their panels are locally manufactured in Ontario and are crafted with intentional materials that promote occupant well-being and environmental sustainability. 
We are proud to collaborate with a company invested in innovation and that are leaders in producing high-perfomance building enclosures. 
Please consider visiting Tooketree's website, where you'll find resources detailing their panelized system, high-performance and Passive House design, low embodied carbon materials and a wide range of related topics: https://www.tooketree.com/

Question 17

I'm in a rush to begin building. How long does it take to get permits and approvals?

Accepted Answer

The timeline for permits and approvals can vary significantly. Developing full construction plans may take anywhere from a few weeks to months, depending on factors such as project complexity, client design decisions, firm workload, and whether additional consultants (such as engineers) are required.

Once complete construction drawings are ready and assuming there are no planning restrictions affecting your property, municipalities are generally expected to review permit applications within 10 business days. However, during peak construction season many municipalities experience delays beyond this timeframe.

For clients seeking a faster approval process, CMHC pre-approved housing plans may be an option. These plans are complete construction drawings ready for submission and according to local government representatives, may help reduce municipal review times. 
To qualify for potential expedited processing, the plans must be submitted without modifications.
https://www.housingcatalogue.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/designs
 
While CHMC plans can offer a quicker path to approvals, they require sacrificing a fully custom floorplan. We are happy to discuss the best approach to help align your project with your desired timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions