FAQ

NEW BUILDS

What does Design Build mean?

For a custom home builder like Maric, design build means your home is created specifically for you, with one team guiding you from the first sketch to the final walkthrough.

You work with a single team under one contract, rather than hiring a designer and a builder separately. Design, budgeting, and construction planning happen together from the beginning, so decisions are made with real costs and buildability in mind.

This approach allows for stronger cost control, fewer surprises, streamlined communication, and a fully customized home designed around your lifestyle, priorities, and budget.

How much does it cost to build a custom home per square foot?

This is one of the most common questions we receive, and the honest answer is that it depends.

As a starting point, fully custom homes with Maric typically begin around $450 per square foot. However, the final cost is influenced by many factors, including:

Lot and Site Conditions

Level, lookout, or walkout lots
Soil quality and grading requirements
Site access for construction equipment

Home Design and Layout

Simple shapes versus complex layouts
Number of stories
Vaulted ceilings or large open spaces

Foundation and Structure

Basement type
Slab or crawl space construction
Structural reinforcements or retaining walls

Exterior Materials

Brick, stone, stucco, siding, or wood
Roof pitch and roofing materials
Covered outdoor spaces, decks, or patios

Interior Finishes

Flooring selections
Cabinetry and millwork
Countertops, lighting, plumbing fixtures, and hardware

Mechanical Systems

HVAC systems
In floor heating
Smart home integration

Garage and Utility Spaces

Number of bays
Finished versus unfinished garage interiors
Mudrooms or additional storage spaces

Custom Features

Built ins
Specialty rooms such as gyms or home theatres
Architectural details and custom staircases

Because every home is unique, any per square foot number without detailed information is only a guideline. We recommend starting with a consultation so we can provide meaningful pricing aligned with your vision and budget.

Do you have stock floor plans we can choose from?

No. Maric is a fully custom home builder.

Every home we design and build is tailored to the family who will live in it. We focus on how you live day to day, how spaces connect, and how your home will support your future. Rather than offering preset plans, we create a layout that reflects your lifestyle, preferences, and goals.

What developments do you build in?

Maric builds in a number of communities throughout Winnipeg and surrounding areas, including:

Sage Creek
Bonavista
Bridgwater
Gateway Point
The Trails of West St. Paul
River Springs Grove
Taylor Farm
Forest Grove Estates
South Pointe

If you are considering building in one of these communities, we would be happy to discuss lot availability and options with you.

What is your available land inventory?

We maintain land inventory in select developments as well as infill locations. Because availability can change, we invite you to view our current opportunities on our Land Inventory page.

If you have questions about a specific lot or community, our team is happy to connect with you directly.

Do you build in cottage country?

Yes. Maric builds in Winnipeg, surrounding communities, and select cottage and recreational areas throughout Manitoba.

Cottage builds often require additional considerations such as site access, servicing, and municipal requirements. Our team has experience managing these factors and can guide you through what building in your specific location would involve.

If you have a property in mind, we would be happy to review it with you.

Who do you use for suppliers and trades?

We work with a carefully curated network of trusted suppliers and trades, many of whom we have partnered with for decades.

These long standing relationships allow us to maintain consistent quality and reliability across every home we build. Once you become a Maric client, you will receive a detailed client package outlining our approved suppliers and where you will make your selections.

What is the building process?

Building a custom home with Maric is a guided, step by step process designed to be clear and organized.

Initial Consultation

We learn about your lifestyle, goals, and vision.

Design, Planning, and Budgeting

We develop your custom plan while aligning design decisions with real time pricing.

Permits and Approvals

We manage the permit process to keep your project moving forward.

Construction and Coordination

Our team schedules and coordinates all trades, overseeing each stage from foundation to finishing.

Interior Selections

You select finishes and materials with our guidance.

Final Walkthrough and Handover

We review your completed home together and prepare for possession.

Throughout the process, communication remains clear and consistent so you always know what to expect.

Is building the right path for us?

If you want a home designed specifically around your lifestyle, family, and long term plans, building may be the right choice.

A custom home gives you control over layout, finishes, and function from the start. Our role is to guide you through each step so the experience feels structured, transparent, and manageable.

How does your payment schedule work?

We work with construction draw mortgages.

A construction draw mortgage releases funds in stages tied to specific milestones in your home’s progress. Instead of receiving the full mortgage upfront, your lender releases funds as construction advances, such as after foundation completion or framing.

Your payment schedule with Maric aligns with these milestone draws. This ensures transparency and keeps payments connected to real construction progress.

RENOVATIONS

Do I need to have my house plans drawn somewhere else?

No. Maric offers a full service, in-house design and drafting division.

While we are happy to work with outside plans, we can manage your renovation from start to finish. Our team provides conceptual design, drafting, 3D modeling, and full interior design support. This allows for a seamless process, strong collaboration, and clear communication from day one.

Why should I choose a RenoMark renovator?

As a RenoMark member, Maric is held to some of the highest standards in the renovation industry.

Homeowners can expect open communication, professionalism, reliability, and accountability throughout the entire project. RenoMark renovators follow a strict code of conduct, so you can move forward with confidence knowing your renovation is in trusted hands.

Do I have to pay a deposit?

We begin with a Conceptual Design Agreement, which is based on the size and scope of your project.

No deposit is required before we enter into a formal agreement to work together. Once we understand your project goals, timeline, and expectations, we will outline the services that best fit your needs. When we move forward together, we clearly define any deposits and payment schedules so there are no surprises.

How do I start a renovation with Maric?

The first step is simple: reach out.

Send us a message outlining your potential project, and we will arrange an initial conversation. This may be a phone call or a visit to your home or site. The goal is to understand your vision, explore possibilities, and determine if we are the right fit for each other.

What is your price per square foot?

As a custom renovator, there is no fixed price per square foot.

Costs vary significantly depending on scope, materials, finishes, structural requirements, and overall complexity. After a site visit and an initial discussion, we can provide high level pricing guidance to ensure your goals align with your budget.

Can we stay in the house during the renovation?

It depends on the scope and complexity of your project.

For larger scale renovations, our preference is often that homeowners arrange temporary accommodations, as this can improve efficiency and safety. However, it is not always necessary. Our construction managers will review the details of your project and walk you through the pros and cons, so together we can determine the best path forward.

How long will the renovation take from start to finish?

Timelines vary depending on the size and complexity of the renovation.

Some projects may take a few weeks, while larger renovations can take several months or longer. Once we have a complete understanding of your scope, we will provide a clear and realistic timeline.

Will I receive daily updates?

To ensure projects run efficiently, we typically provide scheduled updates on a weekly basis.

Your construction manager will remain in regular contact and communicate any important information as it arises. If you prefer more frequent updates, let us know during the design and pricing phase so we can align expectations and communicate accordingly.

Do you use your own trades, or subcontract everything out?

We have a dedicated internal renovation team, along with a trusted group of trade partners.

Many of our suppliers and trades have worked with Maric for years. We consistently work with the same trusted professionals across our projects to maintain quality, consistency, and accountability. Every trade that works on your renovation is a vetted and reliable partner.

INTERIOR DESIGN

Do you provide interior design for custom builds?

Yes. Our in-house design team guides you through the entire custom build process.

We begin with exterior selections and continue through all interior finishes and fixtures. This can include cabinetry, countertops, flooring, lighting, plumbing fixtures, tile, paint, and hardware. We can also assist with window coverings, furniture, styling, and final details to ensure your home feels cohesive and complete.

Our role is to bring clarity to the decision making process, helping you balance aesthetics, functionality, and budget from start to finish.

When do we need to choose appliances?

Appliance selections need to be confirmed early in the build process.

We work with a curated list of preferred suppliers, including three trusted appliance vendors. Once selected, appliance specifications must be provided to our mechanical, electrical, and plumbing teams during the rough-in stage. Our custom millworker also requires appliance specifications to properly design and build the kitchen cabinetry.

Although the appliances may not be installed until much later, confirming them early is essential to ensure everything is planned and built correctly.

What flooring options do you recommend?

There are many flooring products available today, and the right choice depends on your lifestyle, aesthetic goals, and budget.

We are seeing more homeowners explore laminate or luxury vinyl plank in place of engineered hardwood. Similarly, luxury vinyl tile is sometimes selected instead of traditional tile. These options are often more budget conscious, and recent advances in manufacturing have significantly improved their appearance and texture.

Luxury vinyl plank is typically the most accessible price point. However, we begin by exploring the look and style you are drawn to. Once we narrow the aesthetic direction, we review pricing across materials so you can make a well informed final decision.

What countertop materials should we consider?

Countertops range widely in both price and performance. Below is a simplified overview of the most common options.

Quartz

Quartz countertops are engineered surfaces made from crushed natural quartz combined with resins and pigments. They are dense, durable, and non porous.

Because quartz contains resin, it is important to avoid placing hot items directly on the surface, as excessive heat can cause damage. Quartz is a reliable and low maintenance option that offers consistent patterning and color control.

Porcelain

Porcelain slabs are made from refined clay and natural minerals fired at extremely high temperatures. The result is a dense and durable surface suitable for countertops, walls, fireplaces, and even exterior applications.

Porcelain slabs are often thinner and may not have veining that runs through the full thickness of the slab. This creates a specific aesthetic. While popular in European design, it may not suit every preference locally. Edges can be built up to create the appearance of a thicker slab where desired.

Quartzite

Quartzite is a natural stone formed when sandstone transforms under intense heat and pressure. It is extremely hard and durable.

Unlike quartz, quartzite is completely natural and quarried in slab form. Each slab is unique and often features dramatic movement and patterning. It is an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a striking, natural material.

Marble

Marble is a natural stone formed from limestone exposed to heat and pressure. It is known for its soft veining and timeless appearance.

Marble is more porous and softer than many other stones, making it more susceptible to staining and scratching. For this reason, we typically do not recommend marble for heavy use kitchen applications unless the homeowner understands and accepts the maintenance requirements.

What is make up air, and why does it matter?

Make up air, also called replacement air, refers to fresh air brought into the home to replace air that has been exhausted by ventilation systems.

Modern homes are built to be highly airtight for energy efficiency. When air is removed by systems such as range hoods, bathroom fans, clothes dryers, fireplaces, or HVAC systems, negative pressure can occur. Without proper make up air planning, this can lead to:

Difficulty opening exterior doors
Backdrafting from fireplaces or gas appliances
Reduced performance of exhaust systems
Poor indoor air quality

In many jurisdictions, high powered kitchen range hoods require a dedicated make up air system under building code.

A make up air system typically brings in fresh outdoor air through ducting, may temper the air before it enters the home, and is often interlocked with the range hood. Some homes also use HRV or ERV systems to continuously manage air exchange.

From a design perspective, make up air impacts kitchen planning, ceiling space, and mechanical coordination. Early collaboration between the design and mechanical teams ensures proper performance without compromising the overall design of the space.

Winnipeg’s premier design build firm for over 50 years. Full-scope design studio, renovation services, and custom builds. 3-time CHBA National Award winner.