Maple’s Opti-Bild system takes computer
aided drafting to the next level.  Design
experts can review a design from multiple
external angles to make sure it is
architecturally appealing from all sides. 
Then we optimize the floor plan to in-
corporate the features, components and
construction methods that will give you
the best building result and maximize the
return on your new home investment.

All our plans have been developed on the basis of giving you exciting designs and superior floor plans at an exceptional price.  The reason we can do this is because we have optimized the purchasing power of your dollar in terms of the materials used in the construction of each home. 

We want to make sure you get the best possible value if you want to make changes to a given design. For example even small changes to the width of the great room or pitch of the roof can disproportionately add to the cost of the home.  In other words the additional space added can cost substantially more per square foot than that contained in the initial design.

Some simple guidelines for you to follow if you wish to change the exterior and interior dimensions of your home are:

• Great Room
  You may extend the length of your Great Room in almost all cases.
  However, changing the width is more problematic due to the structural
  loading requirements of the vaulted areas. Increasing the span length
  from the center beam to the walls can add major costs for very little increase
  in square footage if substantially stronger rafters are required.
  
• Side Wings
  The length of all side wings can be extended fairly simply as long as the width and roof pitch remains the same.  It is also more cost efficient if the length is extended in increments of 4 feet as this conforms best to the standard panel sizes used in all construction.
  
• Roof Pitch
  All designs are engineered with existing roof pitch in mind.  Changes to the pitch is not recommended as this will often involve major structural issues
  as well as potentially altering the size of windows required.
  
• Interior Walls
  We use a post and beam system in all vaulted areas.  As a result moving interior walls is both easy and inexpensive.  Changing load bearing interior walls is more complicated and usually adds additional cost.
  
• Windows
  Adding windows is generally a straightforward process provided no structural concerns are raised.  Non-standard shapes of windows can be expensive and should be avoided if there is a desire to keep costs down.
  
• Skylights
  We recommend standard sized skylights of a nominal 2 feet x 4 feet size.  They will provide additional light when required due to local site conditions and can easily fit between the rafters.  Additional skylights can be fitted in most designs.

Building Your Maple Home

Site Preparation

The construction process begins with site
preparation. This includes the installation
of the driveway and bringing services such
as water and power to the immediate
vicinity of the actual site of the building.
In many cases this will also include the
layout and placement of the septic field
and preparing drainage lines which meet local planning regulations.

Foundations

The next step is to excavate for the foundations of the home. These may be simple concrete footings or a foundation wall. Quite often there will be a walk-out or regular basement involved and concrete floors will also be poured at this time. Daylight basements are also another popular alternative to inexpensively maximize the usable floor space. Summit Custom Homes can help you with determining the best kind of foundation for your project.

Delivery of Material

Once the foundation is completed, the Maple Home package will arrive on site. This consists of all the building materials needed to construct the shell of the home to the lock-up stage. Not only does the package consist of high quality materials but there is a major cost saving in assembly time. It also eliminates the need for expensive time wasted traveling to different building product suppliers that would be more productively spent in construction activity.

Customers Outside Summit Custom Home’s Immediate Building Area

“We build our own homes locally, and are equipped to guide you
through the process no matter where you are.”

For those customers outside our region, we offer the
same great custom design support. No matter where
you are, Summit will come to you to provide a thorough
site inspection and to conduct a design concept meeting.
This is yet another area where we separate ourselves
from other companies offering home material packages.
We build our own homes locally, and are equipped to
guide you through the process no matter where you are.
From post & beam, to timber frame, to log construction,
Summit Custom Homes will exceed your expectations.

Support from the beginning…

Even before your final building plans are drafted, Summit Custom Homes can provide you with assistance in selecting contractors, receiving and evaluating quotes, obtaining planning permits, and monitoring on-site job performance by the selected sub-trades. Our clients also have access to a toll-free hotline (1-877-VACUSTOMS) to answer construction questions, plus construction experts who can provide detailed instruction on the fastest and most efficient method of assembling one of our homes.

Complete Package

Your Maple Home package includes all the
materials required to build your home to the
lock-up stage. This means the walls and
interior framing is complete, windows and
exterior doors are in place and the roof is on.
The home is now secure and weatherproof.
The interior can then be finished at your convenience.

The package includes:

• Pre-designed house design
• Detailed Construction blueprints
• Construction manual
• All structural materials required to build the house to lock-up stage
• Roofing materials
• Exterior siding in a choice of cedar or Hardiplank siding
• Low maintenance windows and skylights
• Insulated exterior doors
• House wrap and nails, etc.

We also supply necessary nails, thru-bolts, glues and caulking, together with a detailed Construction Manual.

Construction of Shell

The selected contractor commences erecting
the outer walls. This method is straight forward
but a little different than conventional
construction. The package comes with a
detailed construction manual and access to
the Maple Homes factory for advice.

Usually, a Summit Custom Homes design
consultant will also make site visits to make
sure everything is coming together properly. When this stage is finished the roof will be on, windows will be in place, and exterior doors are installed. The interior can then be finished in a weatherproof environment at your own pace. 

Interior Completion

This will involve a variety of specialized sub-
trades. Even if you are out of our immediate
building area and not using Summit Custom
Homes as your general contractor, each
individual contractor should be clear about
your expectations and use of materials before
commencing work. Needless to say, you
should already have obtained a firm contract
price at this stage. It is easy for this area to go
over budget if expensive upgrades are made at the last minute.

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