The current global situation has changed the way we live and work, and forced us to delay or cancel plans we might have been looking forward to for the year, or possibly beyond. That high school homecoming celebration, a much-awaited family reunion, or the vacation we were saving up for months for—all of these things will have to wait. The good news is that one of the things you don’t need to postpone is building your dream house. 

Planning your home requires a lot of time and research, no matter the circumstances. Luckily, technology enables us to do everything remotely—even building a house! You can browse inspiration boards, tour properties, and use software that can help you collaborate with a firm that is experienced in project management, all without stepping outside your door. 

Here are four helpful ways you can plan your construction from the safety of your home: 

• Virtual Realtors 

If you don’t already have a land to build on, finding and selecting one is a good place to start. With social distancing guidelines in place, real estate agents have made it easier for you to get a good look at a property without having to step foot in it. 

You can browse listings in your area and check lot dimensions and photos. Some even provide aerial video and photography. You can also cross-check addresses and neighbourhoods yourself by using Google Earth.

• Online Mortgage Applications

Once you’ve found a piece of real estate that you’re happy with, financing it is the next step. Establish a budget that you are comfortable with. You can use an online loan calculator to estimate mortgage prices, or call up your local bank’s loan officer and set up a virtual appointment. They may be able to conduct your interview via video call. Some banks offer loan approval online in a matter of days. 

• 3D House Tours

When you’re ready to plan, the internet can provide you with loads of inspiration. You can explore potential designs by downloading floor plans. Get a feel of your future house by taking a 360-degree virtual tour of an existing one. 

Some tours are so sophisticated that you will be able to see for yourself the difference between a 1,000-square-foot house or a 2,000-square-foot one. There are many videos showing house renovations and remodels that may also give you ideas. 

• Online design consultation

Most professional designers and architects will publish their profiles online. You can browse through their portfolios and check out their previous projects before selecting one to work with. 

Check if they offer online consultation and how they can make it easy for you to collaborate with them virtually. Ask if they can provide 3D renderings that you can preview. You can also look for testimonials and reviews of satisfied construction and renovation clients so that you can be assured that they can get the job done.

• Buy materials online

Most project managers will be able to source construction materials for you. If there’s a certain type of wood or stone that you are partial to, there are many vendors online who might have what you are looking for. You can compare prices and potentially save expenses by sourcing materials directly from suppliers.

When you have acquired the lot, secured your financing, and decided on your plan, a capable project manager should be able to take care of the rest. That minimizes the need for you to deal with other suppliers, which is why it is best to choose someone who is experienced in all disciplines of planning, procuring, and managing construction. 

We have all the resources you need for project management for your home in Ontario from start to finish. We are the top choice for planning, designing, and constructing houses – get in touch now!