FAQs
Financing & Costs
How does financing work when building a new home?
Financing a new home build in Saskatoon can depend on who owns the lot and how the construction is structured. In many cases, homeowners either secure a construction mortgage or work with a builder who manages financing during the build.
At Lexis Homes, the process works in two ways. If we own the lot, we finance the construction after receiving initial deposits from you. If you already own the lot, we require progress payments at key stages of construction, which can be paid directly from you or your bank as construction proceeds.
How much does it cost to build a home in Saskatoon?
The cost to build a home in Saskatoon can vary significantly depending on factors like design complexity, size, material selections, and site conditions. The cost of a new home can fall within a wide range, especially when comparing entry-level builds to fully custom projects.
At Lexis Homes, we focus on fully custom homes with a high level of detail and planning, which generally places our projects toward the higher end of the market. Rather than relying on rough averages, we work with clients early to define scope and provide accurate, project-specific pricing.
For a more detailed breakdown of costs and what influences pricing, visit our Pricing Page.
Does it cost more to build a home than to buy an existing home?
Buying an existing home in Saskatoon is usually less expensive upfront, while building a new home often costs more due to higher building standards, energy efficiency and newer technology. At Lexis Homes, we work with clients who want fully custom homes designed to their exact needs, which typically places new construction at a higher initial investment—but with fewer surprises and modern performance. This results in a higher future resale value.
For a detailed comparison of building vs buying, see our article outlining the pros and cons of buying an existing home vs building a new home.
Why do home builder prices vary in Saskatoon?
Home builder prices in Saskatoon vary based the service level provided during design, economies of scale for the builder, construction materials utilized, quality level of trades, and finishing levels. Every builder uses a different mix of these components and that leads to different price points. Choosing a builder solely on price can be risky. You want the right balance of quality, service, and value for your priorities.
For a deeper dive into what affects pricing and tips for selecting the right builder, see our detailed article outlining the specific factors that influence builder pricing.
How do I stay on budget when building a new home?
One of the most effective ways to stay on budget is to finalize your design and material selections early in the process. Making decisions upfront helps avoid costly changes later and keeps the build moving smoothly. At Lexis Homes, we make all key design and material decisions prior to construction and use fixed-price contracts to provide clarity and help protect against unexpected cost increases. Careful budgeting, clear allowances, and good communication throughout the design phase all play a key role in keeping your home on track financially.
For more tips, see our article outlining 10 ways to avoid going over budget during a custom home build.
What is a fixed-price contract when building a new home?
A fixed-price contract guarantees that the total cost of your new home is set upfront, based on the agreed-upon design and specifications. At Lexis Homes, this means once we finalize your plans and selections, the contract price won’t change – even if construction costs rise – providing clients with predictability and peace of mind.
What is a change order in home construction and how does the process work?
A change order is any modification to the original scope of work after construction has started, such as altering layouts, materials, or finishes. These changes can affect both the cost and timeline.
At Lexis Homes, all change orders are documented in writing, priced clearly, and approved by you before any work proceeds. We will also communicate any impact on schedule so that you can make fully informed decision.
Are landscaping and driveway costs included in the price of a new home?
Landscaping and driveway costs are not always included in the base price of a new home and can vary depending on the builder and project. Some clients choose to include these items in their contract so everything is completed upfront, while others prefer to handle them separately after moving in.
Design
Should I build a custom home if I’m not good at visualizing how it will look?
Many people find it difficult to visualize how a home will look from plans alone, and it’s a common concern when building a custom home. We use advanced design tools like 3D renderings and visualizations to help you clearly understand your home before construction begins. We guide clients through this process so you can make confident decisions, even if you’re not naturally visual.
For more tips, see our article outlining 5 tips to make it easier to visualize your custom home before it’s built.
How does the custom home design process work?
Our custom home design process starts with understanding your lifestyle, budget, and vision, then creating a floor plan tailored to your needs. We provide detailed 3D renderings so you can clearly visualize your home and make confident decisions before construction begins. Throughout the process, you can be as involved as you’d like, with our team guiding every step from concept to completion.
For more information visit Our Process Page.
Do I need a designer when building a custom home?
Having a designer involved in a custom home project is extremely important, as they help translate ideas into a cohesive and functional design while guiding material and finish selections. Without that support, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or end up with inconsistent results.
At Lexis Homes, all of our past clients we’ve surveyed said they would not recommend building a custom home without an in-house designer, as it plays a key role in both the process and final outcome.
For more insight, see our article on the importance of having a designer involved in your custom home build.
How long does it take to design and build a custom home in Saskatoon?
A custom home build typically takes about 10 to 12 months from initial concept to move-in, depending on the size, complexity, and level of customization. Timelines can vary from builder to builder and project to project.
At Lexis Homes, the design phase usually takes around four months, during which our in-house designers work closely with you to develop and refine your floor plan, exterior design, and interior selections. This stage also includes trade pricing, engineering, permits, and other pre-construction preparations. Construction then typically takes an additional 6 to 8 months to complete.
Client involvement can vary—some homeowners prefer to be highly involved in decisions, while others choose a more guided, streamlined approach. Either way, we tailor the process to suit your preferences and keep everything aligned from start to finish.
What if your floor plans don’t have what I’m looking for?
If you don’t see a floor plan that fits your needs, that’s completely okay as most of our homes are created as customized plans. If you prefer to start with a pre-designed floor plan, we can modify layouts and details to better suit your lifestyle, preferences, and the specific requirements of your lot.
Our goal is to ensure your home is fully customized, highly functional, and thoughtfully designed to suit both your property and your lifestyle from the very beginning.
Construction
What quality control and inspection processes are used during home construction?
At Lexis Homes, our trades are required to provide inspection checklists, and our team conducts in-house inspections at key stages. As a Mike Holmes Approved Homebuilder, each home also receives three additional inspections to ensure quality beyond standard local requirements. This ensures your home is built right the first time, with attention to detail and craftsmanship you can trust.
Can homeowners visit or access the home during construction?
Yes. You can see your home progress during pre-scheduled tours at key stages of construction. Lexis Homes also allows clients to visit the site outside these tours under certain conditions to ensure safety for everyone. These opportunities let you enjoy seeing your home take shape while maintaining a secure environment for everyone on the construction site.
What happens if there is a delay in my home construction project?
At Lexis Homes, we provide regular schedule updates throughout the build so you’re always informed about your home’s expected completion timeline. While some delays such as weather conditions or permitting are beyond our control, we manage each situation carefully to minimize the overall impact. Our team proactively adjusts schedules and communicates changes clearly, so you always know what to expect and can plan accordingly.
Can I supply my own materials or subcontractors when building a home?
To maintain our high standards of quality and keep your project on schedule, Lexis Homes does not allow clients to provide their own trades or materials. We work with a carefully selected team of trusted trades and suppliers to ensure consistent craftsmanship, reliable timelines, and a seamless construction process from start to finish.
What does it mean to be a Holmes Approved Home Builder?
Mike Holmes is a trusted authority in the construction industry, known for his “Make It Right” approach to building. Through the Holmes Approved Homes Program, Lexis Homes partners to uphold these standards, with every home undergoing three additional inspections that go beyond typical building code requirements.
This partnership is not a celebrity endorsement, but a commitment to higher construction standards—ensuring your home is built with quality, care, and attention to detail from the ground up.
Builder Selection
How do I choose the right home builder?
Choosing the right home builder comes down to finding a team whose process, communication style, and quality standards align with your goals. It’s important to review past projects, understand how the builder manages both design and construction, and ask how they handle timelines, pricing, changes, and warranty coverage.
At Lexis Homes, we take a process-driven approach with a strong emphasis on transparency and upfront planning. This helps create a smoother building experience and ensures your home meets expectations in both design and budget.
For more guidance, we’ve put together six key tips here to help you choose the right builder and feel confident in your decision.
Is Lexis Homes the right builder for me?
Lexis Homes is a great fit for homeowners who value quality craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and a well-planned building process. We focus on delivering custom homes with a high level of detail, transparency, and care from start to finish.
If you’re looking for a builder who prioritizes long-term value, exceptional design, clear communication, and a more structured experience, we may be the right fit. For those primarily focused on the lowest cost, there may be other builders better suited to that approach.
Whoe is the best home builder in Saskatoon?
The “best” home builder depends on your priorities, budget, and the type of home you’re looking to build. In Saskatoon, there are a variety of builders, each with different strengths, processes, and areas of focus.
At Lexis Homes, we specialize in custom homes with an emphasis on thoughtful design, highly structured processes, fixed pricing, and quality construction. Our process is built around transparency, upfront decision-making, and delivering a consistent, high standard of finish.
The best builder for you is one whose approach aligns with your goals. If you value quality, strong communication, and transparent pricing, Lexis Homes could be the right home builder for you.
What makes Lexis Homes different from other builders?
Lexis Homes is a Holmes Approved Builder, meaning our homes go through additional inspections beyond standard requirements for added peace of mind. We’re also known for our transparent pricing approach, with detailed planning upfront to help reduce costly surprises during the process. Our reputation is backed by strong Google reviews from happy homeowners, and we use a 3D design process so clients can see and refine their home before construction even begins. Altogether, these steps are designed to create a smooth, well-supported experience—and a home you truly love coming home to.
Are there any limitations to Lexis Homes’ building process?
Our process prioritizes finalizing the build price before construction begins. This can mean a longer pre-construction phase compared to builders who finalize designs and selections during the build. However, this approach reduces surprises and creates a more streamlined construction experience overall.
What kind of warranty does Lexis Homes offer?
Homes built by Lexis are protected by Saskatchewan Home Warranty, which provides standard third-party coverage for new home construction in Saskatchewan. This includes industry-standard warranty protection for structural components and workmanship as outlined by the program.
In addition, Lexis Homes provides an in-house builder warranty to ensure any concerns are addressed quickly and efficiently after possession.
Most warranty items are handled directly through Lexis Homes rather than through Saskatchewan Home Warranty, as we take a proactive approach to resolving issues internally and standing behind the quality of our homes.
Do you have references or past projects I can view?
Absolutely. We encourage prospective homeowners to explore our Google Reviews and read our Testimonials to hear directly from our clients about their experiences. You can also view completed projects on our website to see the quality, design, and craftsmanship of our homes.
Lexis Homes has also been recognized multiple times with the Customer Choice Award from the Saskatoon and Region Home Builders’ Association, reflecting the satisfaction and trust of our homeowners.
Miscellaneous
What are the most common fears when building a new home?
Many prospective homeowners worry about construction costs, time commitments, number of decisions, and visualizing the finished home. Understanding these concerns early helps you plan effectively and make informed choices throughout the home building process. We’ve also written a detailed article on managing these fears here.
Which personality traits make building a custom home more challenging?
Homeowners who struggle with making decisions or have difficulty with timely communication may find the custom home process more difficult. If you are concerned about this, we can discuss if and how to handle these challenges in the design process.
Is building a new home stressful?
The stress of building a new home tends to increase for those who struggle with decisions or timelines. Lexis Homes guides clients throughout the process, providing support and clarity at every stage to keep the experience manageable and enjoyable.
Can we build with you if we are using a realtor to help us in our search for a new home?
Absolutely! We enjoy working with realtors. We just ask that you mention this up front so we can include them on the details.
Should I build a home or buy an existing home?
Buying an existing home may save time, but it limits your ability to customize floor plans, finishes, and location. Building a custom or semi-custom home lets you create a space tailored to your lifestyle. Many homeowners explore completed homes first before deciding to build. Read our detailed comparison it here.
What should I know before building an infill home in Saskatoon?
Building an infill home in an established Saskatoon neighbourhood requires careful consideration of lot size, zoning, integration with surrounding properties and city regulations. Zoning rules, including setbacks, site coverage, and building height, affect where and how a home can be built. Lexis Homes has extensive experience navigating these requirements and can help you find the right lot and design a home that fits both your vision and city regulations. For more detailed information, you can view our comprehensive Infill Homes Guide.
What should I know before building an acreage home?
Building a home on an acreage comes with unique considerations compared to city lots, including road access, water, wastewater, electrical, and natural gas services. Soil conditions, site grading, and foundation design are important factors. Architectural controls from the land developer can affect home size, materials, and placement. For a detailed overview of everything you need to know before building an acreage home, you can view our full Acreage Home Guide.
I’ve never built a new home before. Where do I start?
Start by reviewing the “Our Process” page, which outlines the custom home building process from design and approvals to construction. You can also contact Lexis Homes directly for personalized guidance on planning, lot selection, and building your new home.
Where can I find the best lot for my new home?
Our Available Lots page lists current lots for building homes in Saskatoon and area. If you don’t see a lot that meets your needs, our team can help you identify and secure the right location to suit your home design, lifestyle, and preferences.
Can I tour a finished home before building?
Yes! Visiting a show home (when available) allows you to experience the quality, design, and craftsmanship of custom and homes firsthand. Check our Show Homes page for current locations and hours.