Overview
Jordan and Rhiannon break down the house plan options you can start with, what each one includes, and how to pick the right path for your lot, budget, and lifestyle on Vancouver Island.
What We Cover In This Episode
- Stock plans found online
- Stock plans created in house
- Fully custom plans with a design build team
- Site fit, elevations, and why land shape matters
- Carriage house ideas and use cases
- Where blogs and future resources fit in
House Plans, Three Common Paths
Stock Plans From The Internet
What it is
Pre drawn plans you find on plan marketplaces or image searches.
Pros
- Fast way to explore layout ideas
- Low upfront cost to get concepts on paper
Cons
- May not comply with local zoning bylaw or the BC Building Code
- Often missing elevations and key details
- May not fit a sloped or rocky lot that is common on Vancouver Island
- Layout may not match the exterior style you want
Best for
Early brainstorming only, before you commit time and money.
Stock Plans Designed In House
What it is
Pre developed plans created and refined by the Buck Robertson team.
Pros
- Tuned to local bylaw and current BC Building Code updates
- Field tested details with fewer surprises during construction
- More economical than a full custom plan
- Quicker path to permit, since core elements are complete
Constraints
- Limited changes, once you move structural walls or roof lines, engineering and seismic updates can add cost and time
Best for
Starter homes, resale minded builds, and projects that do not require deep customization.
Fully Custom Plans With A Design Build Team
What it is
A plan created around your lot, lifestyle, and budget, with designer and builder working together from day one.
Pros
- Deep attention to how you live and move through the home
- Early input from builder and key trades for structure, ducts, plumbing, and electrical
- More complete deliverables, often including lighting plans and interior details
- Fewer late changes, better outcomes on site
Trade off
Takes more time and upfront effort, which pays off during construction.
Best for
Forever homes, complex sites, premium finishes, or when function and comfort are top priorities.
Why Land Fit And Elevations Matter
Vancouver Island lots often include rock and slope. A plan that looks perfect on paper can fail when it meets real grades and setbacks.
Site Realities To Check Early
- Will the footprint fit within setbacks and height limits
- How the house sits on the slope, including driveway and access
- Foundation complexity and excavation paths
- Elevations that match the layout and desired exterior style
Design Build Advantages For Plans
An integrated team reduces miscommunication and rework.
Fewer Hand offs, Better Decisions
When the designer and builder sit at the same table, revisions are faster, details are coordinated, and the budget stays aligned with priorities.
Practical Example, Beams And Ducts
A large beam can force duct routes and bulkheads. With design build, structure and mechanical paths are planned during design, so bulkheads are avoided or turned into intentional features.
Plan For The Way You Live
Before you add square footage, map daily routines.
Questions To Define Your North Star
- Which rooms matter most for your family
- Morning light preferences for bedrooms and living areas
- Where coats, keys, strollers, and groceries actually go
- Cleaning load and storage that keeps spaces calm and usable
Carriage House Ideas We Are Developing
Buck Robertson Contracting is building out in house carriage house plans with indicative pricing guidance.
Use Cases We Are Designing For
- Parents aging in place near family
- Young adults or students who need a compact home
- Income suite near a university or business hub
- Shop on the main level with living space above for hands on owners
Blogs And Resources
Each podcast is paired with a related blog on the Buck Robertson Contracting website. The blogs add definitions, checklists, and diagrams to help you move from concept to permit.
How To Choose Your Path
If You Need Ideas Fast
Browse online plans to collect features you like, then bring the top three to a designer for synthesis.
If You Want Speed And Local Fit
Start with an in house stock plan and make light adjustments that stay within structure.
If You Want Long Term Comfort And Fewer Surprises
Go custom with a design build team, align the plan to your lot and life, and bring trades into key decisions early.
Closing And Contact
Episode two gives you a clear picture of stock, in house, and custom plan options. If you want help matching a plan to your lot in Nanaimo or anywhere on Vancouver Island, Buck Robertson Contracting is ready to guide you from first sketch to keys in hand.
