A modern custom home is a one-of-a-kind creation designed and built to meet the specific needs and desires of the homeowner. With state-of-the-art technology and materials, these homes offer a variety of unique features that set them apart from traditional homes. If you want a fantastic home designed specifically to your tastes, then a modern custom home is the right home for you.

It is a perfect blend of form and function
All while offering homeowners a luxurious and comfortable living experience. A modern custom home is suitable for an exceptional living space with outstanding features. With the help of a skilled custom home builder, the possibilities are endless. But what are these features?

 In this article, we'll discuss why modern custom homes are so unique by covering the following points:

1. The importance of contemporary custom homes in today's housing market.
2. The special features of a modern custom home.
3. How modern custom homes differ from spec homes.

 
Let's get started with point #1.
 
Modern custom homes serve a purpose in today's housing market
In today's housing market, homeowners look for more than a place to live. They want a home that reflects their style, fits their lifestyle and incorporates the latest technologies and amenities. Custom homes provide the opportunity to create a home tailored to the homeowner's specific needs and desires. 
 
Homeowners are increasingly environmentally aware. With advances in building techniques and materials, custom home builders provide homes built to be energy-efficient and sustainable. So what are some of the unique features of a modern custom home? We're moving on to point #2.
 
Design. Technology. Amenities.
These are three features that are unique to modern custom homes. Beginning with design, custom homes today differ from those in the past. Some of the design elements include:

• Open floor plan: A modern custom home typically features an open floor plan that allows for easy flow between the different living spaces. This design allows for natural light to flood the interior and provides a sense of spaciousness.

 

• Large windows for natural light: Large windows are a key feature in a modern custom home, providing plenty of natural light and connecting the interior with the exterior. The house feels more open and airy, and there is a reduction in energy costs.

 

• Clean lines and minimalistic aesthetic: Modern custom homes often feature clean lines and a minimalistic aesthetic, creating a sleek and contemporary look. Simple forms, neutral colours, and a lack of ornamentation are characteristics.

 

• Use of sustainable materials: Sustainable materials go into building many modern custom homes, such as reclaimed wood, bamboo, and low-VOC paints and finishes. These materials are better for the environment and provide a unique and natural aesthetic that adds character to the home.

Modern custom homes are so much more than just timber and nails
No one can deny how technology has helped shape our world, and modern custom homes are an example. Some of the technological features in present-day custom homes include:

• Smart home automation systems: Smart home automation systems are becoming increasingly popular in modern custom homes. These systems allow homeowners to remotely control various aspects of their home, such as lighting, temperature, and security, using a smartphone or tablet.

 

• Energy-efficient appliances and systems: Modern custom homes incorporate energy-efficient appliances and systems, such as high-efficiency HVAC systems and LED lighting. These technologies help reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills.

 

• High-speed internet and wireless connectivity: With the growing reliance on technology in everyday life, high-speed internet and wireless connectivity are becoming essential features in modern custom homes. Homeowners can stay connected, work from home efficiently, and enjoy streaming and other online services.

 

• Advanced security systems: Modern custom homes often include advanced security systems, such as surveillance cameras and smart locks. These systems provide homeowners with an added level of security and peace of mind.

 
Not all custom homes are created equal
A modern custom home's amenities differ from other new homes. This difference helps achieve precisely what an individual desires for their new home. Features included are:

• Customized outdoor spaces: Many modern custom homes feature outdoor spaces designed to complement the indoor living areas. Included are outdoor kitchens, decks, patios, and even swimming pools. These spaces allow homeowners to enjoy the outdoors and entertain guests.

 

• Luxury finishes and fixtures: Modern custom homes often feature high-end finishes and fixtures, such as hardwood flooring, granite countertops, and custom cabinetry. These materials and features provide luxury and quality not found in a standard home.

 

• Custom cabinetry and millwork: Modern custom homes often include custom cabinetry and millwork, such as built-in bookshelves and storage solutions. Homeowners now personalize their homes and make use of every inch of space.

 

• Spacious bedrooms and bathrooms: Modern custom homes often include spacious bedrooms and bathrooms with ample storage, walk-in closets, and large soaking tubs. These spaces provide homeowners with a comfortable and relaxing retreat from the rest of the home.

 
We can now understand what makes a modern custom home unique. But how about in comparison to spec homes? How do they compare? Let's move on to our third and final point.
 
The two busiest rooms in a house showcase the difference
Modern custom homes would only be complete with a custom kitchen. This kitchen won't be run-of-the-mill in any form or fashion. Instead, special features include:

• Open concept layout: An open concept layout allows for a more spacious and airy feel to the kitchen, making it easier to entertain and interact with guests.

 

• High-end appliances: High-end appliances such as stainless steel ranges, refrigerators, and dishwashers can provide a more luxurious look and feel to the kitchen, as well as better functionality.

 

• Custom cabinetry: Custom cabinetry allows the homeowner to select the exact style, finish, and layout of the cabinetry, resulting in a more cohesive and personalized design.

 

• Large island with seating: A large island can provide additional counter space, storage, and extra seating—a great place to eat and entertain guests.

 

• Lighting and electrical features: Lighting and electrical features such as under-cabinet lighting, pendant lights, and built-in electrical outlets can provide a more functional and visually appealing kitchen.

 

• Smart technology integration: Smart technology integration, such as smart thermostats, lighting, and appliances, can provide a more convenient and energy-efficient kitchen.

Right behind the uniqueness of the kitchen comes the bathroom
Luxurious and inviting, the bathroom, for many of us, is a place of retreat.  Modern custom homes will have extraordinary bathrooms with features like:

• Large spa-like shower: A large spa shower can provide a more relaxing and opulent experience. They'll have features such as multiple showerheads, built-in seating, and steam options.

 

• Soaking tub: A soaking tub adds to the upscale and lavish experience. It enhances the overall aesthetic of the bathroom.

 

• Heated floors: There's nothing like stepping barefoot onto a heated floor. Heated floors elevate the comfort level of a luxury bathroom—a thermostat or smart technology will provide control.

 

• Custom cabinetry and countertops: Custom cabinetry and countertops can provide a more cohesive and personalized design. Materials such as marble, granite, and quartz will add to the effect.

 

• High-end fixtures and finishes: High-end fixtures and finishes such as chrome, nickel, or gold can provide a more luxurious and visually appealing bathroom.

 

• Smart technology integration: Smart technology integration, such as smart thermostats, lighting, and appliances, can provide a more convenient and energy-efficient bathroom.

 
Designing and building a modern custom home with the above unique features can be complex and challenging. Working with a professional home builder with the experience and expertise to guide you through the process is essential. They'll ensure that you're satisfied with your dream home. 

A professional home builder will also help you navigate the mandatory permits, regulations, and codes during your home construction. If you are looking for a custom home builder near you, don't hesitate to contact us at Villamar Construction (tel# 778 351 4088).  We'll do our best to make your dream home a reality.

Big shout-out again to Boulevard Magazine for another wonderful article.  This time, first time home builders Emilie and Greg share about their experience with Villamar.  You can read the complete article online.

Here are just a few highlights from the article.

"Building a home for the first time is often as exciting as it is stressful, not to mention fraught with a thousand and one decisions, but add in the challenge of doing it from an entirely different continent and time zone, and you have a whole new experience.

For homeowners Emilie and Greg, who spend half the year abroad in Sweden, choosing a builder for their North Saanich home was as much about trust as it was design and construction.  When then spoke to the team at Villamar, it was an instant "yes".

"Since it was our first time building, we had no idea what to expect," says Emilie.  "They made the process easy and enjoyable, and their team is so approachable and kind."

"I wanted clean lines, and I wanted to keep it European-Scandi, but have it fit in the neighbourhood," she adds.  "Duane was really helpful and after spending a lot of time planning during the design phase we finally settled on something."

Though it's preferable to have clients' eyes on the actual site, working long-distance isn't a new occurrence for the team at Villamar.  The company uses virtual tools like FaceTime, 3D imaging and screen-sharing software for face-to-face meetings and decisions.  But they also find some unexpected solutions, including using a drone to demonstrate the height of the bedrooms on the second floor.

And what was the experience like, building their first home while living an ocean away?

"We trusted them," Emilie says after a moment. "My husband can't say enough about Villamar."

Thanks for your kind words Emilie and Greg!  We're very happy you love your new home!

​Please read the complete article over at Boulevard Magazine.

"Why should I choose a custom home builder?"
This is a question we often get asked.  And while there are many great answers to why a future homeowner should choose a custom home builder, the answers aren't our first response.  We prefer to ask a question before giving an answer.  Most often, the first question we ask is “Tell us more about your project”.  This starts a very interesting conversation as everyone loves to talk about their dream home.  We like to follow up our first question by asking another.  The second question we ask is regarding the options being considered for building their new home? 
 
So why do we answer a question by asking a question? 
That's easy - the “tell us more” question helps us understand the real reason behind the project.  We learn how the home may be a starter or a forever home.  Perhaps the home needs to be designed for generational living.  Or even, the project may be an investment, a flip, or for revenue purposes.  This helps us to narrow the focus and the direction we would take for the home design and build process.  The second question we ask is equally important.  

Misunderstandings are never a good thing.
The reason we ask about the options being considered for building the new home is to learn about how the future homeowner envisions the project proceeding.  The air needs to be cleared long before a shovel hits the ground.  There are many ways to meet the dream of a new custom home.  We'll discuss three of them in this article.  They are: 
​

1. A spec home and why it may be the right solution.
2. Being an owner builder and the pitfalls involved.
3. Going with a custom home builder and how they simplify the build process.

Let's get started by discussing spec homes.

What exactly is a spec home?
The definition of a spec home is a pre-designed home that is mass-produced.  As a result, a spec home will often be less expensive than building a custom home.  A spec home also has much less flexibility in customization.  Due to its lower cost, a spec home will not contain many of the features or extras a client may be dreaming about.  Not to get negative but spec homes are sometimes referred to as “cookie-cutter” homes.

Why would anyone want a spec home?
As unglamorous as they sound, spec homes have an important place in the home building industry.  As mentioned, they are less expensive than a custom home.  For new homeowners, in today's market, this is a great option.  As well, if time is of the essence, a spec home is built much quicker than a custom home.  There are fewer decisions to be made and the home builder can work unimpeded.  Spec homes are the right choice for some homeowners.  What about a future homeowner being their builder? 
 
Becoming an owner-builder requires jumping through hoops.
Many of them.  If someone wants to an owner-builder, in British Columbia, there are two large requirements:

• They must meet the requirements set out by the BC Housing Authority.  This includes not hiring someone to manage the home build for them.
• They must have completed and passed an exam to verify their knowledge and capability.

 
Someone with the time may not necessarily have the knowledge to build a new home.  More importantly, even if they do have the knowledge and ability to build a new home, the issue of time trumps all.  They cannot have been a registered builder in the last 18 months.  Also, they may not be able to take a leave from work.  Finally, in a busy construction market, it can also be very challenging to find sub-trades willing to complete construction work on time for someone who is building only a single house.  This brings us to our final point - going with a custom home builder and how they simplify the build process.

Custom home builder clients have defined and refined tastes.
A typical Villamar Construction client is someone who is looking for a custom, high-quality home that meets and exceeds building and energy code requirements.  They want a custom home builder that ensures work is constantly moving forward and minimizes delays.  A home builder who competently manages each and every challenge that arises within the process, materials or trades is extremely important.  
 
Being proactive during the build process can't be overlooked.
Custom homeowners deserve guidance and solutions that are of high value.  This isn't just information - it's specific to the purpose for which the home is being built.  At Villamar Construction, we specialize in being involved through the entire home build process.  From the initial design consultation to handing over the keys to a beautiful new custom home. 
 
Our unique approach during the design phase has one big benefit.
It helps identify areas that can optimize the custom home build process.  We'll identify potential challenges with the build at the very beginning.  This approach saves our clients a lot of time and money in upfront costs and ensures that the desired goal will be achieved in the most efficient manner possible.  Yes, a custom home typically costs more than a spec or owner-built home, but there can be significant savings by avoiding unnecessary delays, mistakes, or rework.  Money saved can be put towards upgrades and additional features. 
 
At Villamar Construction, our goal is to make your dream home that much better. There are options when it comes to building a new home.  Not every option is suitable for every homeowner.  Hopefully, this article helped clarify the pros and cons of these three methods:

1. Spec homes
2. Owner built homes
3. Custom home builders

 
If you would like to know more about what Villamar can offer you and how we can help you achieve your vision, please get in touch with us. We love to answer questions and all of our initial consults are included free of charge. Until then, happy hunting and we look forward to hearing from you.  And remember, at Villamar, we strive to put the “enjoy” in Design. Build. Enjoy.

Boulevard Magazine features Villamar's Dan Schuetze "In the Driver's Seat' in their latest issue. 👊

Some highlights from the article.  You can read the full article online. 

Whether it's waiting for the steel to heat up when he's blacksmithing, waiting for the hay to dry on his Central Saanich farm or waiting for the right business opportunity, construction guru Dan Schuetze has learned to have patience.

“I can’t say I always have patience, but I’ve learned throughout my life that things always work out in the end,” the 43-year-old owner of Villamar says. “It can sometimes be short-sighted to think it has to happen now and we have to have the answer now. There are times you really have to work hard and you really have to make something happen. But there are other times you have to sit back and be at peace. You do just have to hurry up and wait sometimes.”

That inner calm, coupled with a strong work ethic, is definitely working for Dan. Since starting Villamar in 2006, he’s built a name for himself as one of the top high-end custom homebuilders in Greater Victoria in addition to running successful renovation, commercial construction, design and telecommunication technology arms of the business. 

For Dan, who got into blacksmithing about a year ago, there’s also something about forging metal with his own hands and creating something out of nothing. 

“It’s rewarding to make something you can actually use,” says Dan, who is planning to make a set of kitchen knives for his house. 

Dan’s other passion is cars — he’s owned hundreds over the years and he bought his first vehicle before he could even drive. 

As Dan continues to drive Villamar forward into bigger and better things, one piece of advice really sticks out. 

“The biggest shift for me has been from thinking what can I get from someone to what can I give?” he explains. “If you do something that only gives you something back, it’s a one-sided relationship and it won’t work. Being able to add value to others is the key.”

The complete article is available for reading over at Boulevard Magazine.

Thanks for the amazing testimony Andre and Barbara De Leebeeck!  We're happy that you're happy!

"In 6 weeks the design was finalized, the budget set and the renovation was completed - carpets, painting, lighting, bathrooms and kitchen.  The work was done very professionally by courteous and efficient contractors - on time and on budget."

Thanks to Boulevard Magazine for another fantastic article.  This one featured Villamar Construction CEO Dan Schuetze's Saanich Peninsula farmhouse.  The article is available for reading online at Boulevard Magazine.

Some highlights from the article.

The driveway up to Dan and Karalyn Schuetze’s house off Mount Newton X Road is long, curving and crunchy with gravel. At its top, framed with an expanse of rambling green fields and distant tree lines, is a white house that feels part country manor and part pioneering farmhouse, and I instantly love it.

Dan welcomes me in, and my first impression of their home is of clean, white finishes, spaciousness, and myriad small touches that add texture and personality to the interior.

It’s open concept with a twist. Two low partial walls meet at the corner of the living room, just enough to create a subtle separation between the main living space and the kitchen and dining room. Several square columns along the wall meet with strategically placed ceiling beams to further the delineation, all without breaking the line of sight across the main floor. And the clean white finish of everything ensures a seamless look that doesn’t distract from the other gorgeous features of the house. 

“We really wanted that farmhouse feel,” says Dan, who put aside his role as owner of Villamar Construction and approached the project with his wife simply as homeowners. 

“When you think about big, traditional farmhouses, you don’t think they’re necessarily well-performing in energy efficiency,” says Mike Edwardson, general manager of Villamar Construction who headed up the design and build. 

But, as Mike tells me, there are a number of features that make the house more efficient, including a 10kW south-facing solar array, a high-efficiency heat pump and appliances, and the roofline painstakingly designed to balance the solar gains. 

As we chat about the build, which took roughly 11 months, it’s revealed that the design process was one of the longest, with three entirely different sets of plans worked out before Dan and Karalyn decided on the final layout. 

“It’s better to take your time with it. Don’t shortchange the design time,” says Mike. “The more time you spend planning. the smoother it’ll go.” 

Please visit Boulevard Magazine to read the complete article.

Yes! Have a look at this article on one of our latest Custom Design Builds in Spruce Magazine! Thanks Lori and Andy for choosing Villamar to build your dream home!
"We wanted to create a house where, as soon as you come through the front door, the view catches you... " - principal designer

More highlights from the article...
“This was a challenging site to work with from the design side, because it was really a big hole surrounded by trees,” says principal designer Duane Ensing, with Villamar Construction. “Because it’s on the side of a mountain, we needed to work backwards and make sure everything was built from back to front.”

To make sure his vision was a success, Ensing used an open-concept plan with spacious floor-to-ceiling windows, and enough height on every level that even the “basement” suite offers a spectacular outlook...

“We added a lot of animation to this layout because the house is sitting in rock,” says Ensing. “So, there’s a kink in the building, where part of it sits off by 15 degrees, which gave us a wider panorama and helped us work with the geography.”

Three types of siding help blend the house into its location: standing seam metal, Pacific Ashlar ledge stone from K2 Stone and rock posts. Ensing wanted the look to stay modern, but seem like it belonged.

Though the view was paramount, the homeowners also wanted a home that offered a big, beautiful kitchen, expansive bedrooms, bathrooms and closets, with a signature style. Ensing’s team pulled it off, with an elegant floating staircase that becomes a focal point inside the home. 

You can read the complete article on the Spruce Magazine website.