If you’ve been searching “new construction homes near me” or “new build houses near me,” you’ve probably noticed most results are either big developer tract homes or vague contractor pages that don’t really explain what’s involved. We’re Tross Construction, and we build custom new construction homes across Montreal, so we figured it’s worth actually walking through what the process looks like rather than just telling you to call us.
This page covers what new home construction involves start to finish, roughly what to expect on timeline and cost, and what to look for if you’re comparing residential construction companies in Montreal.
What “New Construction” Actually Means
People use “new construction home,” “new build house,” and ” house under construction” almost interchangeably, but there’s a real distinction worth knowing before you start looking:
- New construction / new build usually means a home built from the ground up on a lot, either custom designed around your needs or built to a set plan
- Spec homes are new builds a developer constructs without a specific buyer in mind, then sells once finished or near finished
- Custom home construction is what we mainly do, where the design, layout and finishes are worked out with you from the start rather than picked off a template
- House under construction just refers to where a build currently sits in the process, could be anywhere from foundation to final finishing
Knowing which one you’re actually after saves a lot of wasted calls to contractors who build one but not the other.
About Tross Construction
We’re based out of Rue Bélanger in Montreal, and honestly we do most of it ourselves: excavation, foundation, framing, right through to the last coat of paint. Our RBQ licence is #5841923501, and we carry proper insurance too. Might sound like a formality, but it isn’t. Hire someone without a licence and something goes wrong with the structure a few years down the line, you’re the one left holding it, not them.
A few things worth knowing about how we work:
- We manage the full build ourselves rather than handing you off between separate contractors for each phase
- We help with permits, architectural drawings, engineering approvals and zoning compliance before ground even breaks
- We coordinate subcontractors, materials and scheduling so you’re not the one chasing trades
- Every phase goes through inspection before we move to the next one
What’s Involved in Building a New House
Home construction breaks down into a handful of major stages, and skipping detail on any of them tends to be where problems show up later.
Planning and permits: This is where architectural drawings, engineering approvals, and city permits get sorted. It’s not the exciting part, but rushing it is one of the more common ways a project gets delayed once construction is already underway.
Foundation construction: Excavation, formwork, concrete pouring, waterproofing, and drainage systems all happen here. A strong foundation is genuinely the difference between a house that holds up for decades and one with problems in year five.
Framing and structure: The roof structure, floor systems and exterior walls go up using the materials specified at the planning stage. This is when a lot on paper finally starts looking like an actual house.
Mechanical systems: Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and ductwork get installed before walls close up. Getting this sequencing right avoids expensive rework later.
Interior and exterior finishing: Drywall, flooring, cabinetry, painting, siding, roofing, and things like decks or porches round the build out into something livable.
Our Step-by-Step Build Process
| Stage | What Happens |
| 1. Initial consultation | We talk through your vision, budget, and timeline |
| 2. Design and approvals | Architectural designs get drafted and permits arranged |
| 3. Construction begins | Excavation, foundation, and structural framework |
| 4. Mechanical systems | Electrical, plumbing, heating, cooling, and ventilation installed |
| 5. Interior and exterior finishing | All aesthetic and functional elements completed |
| 6. Final inspection and handover | Home is cleaned, inspected, and handed over |
We keep clients updated at each stage rather than going quiet for weeks at a time, which is a complaint we hear a lot about other residential construction experiences.
Rough Timeline and Cost Breakdown
Timeline: Most new home construction projects take somewhere between 6 and 12 months, depending on the size of the house, complexity of the design, and how quickly permits move through the city. Custom builds with more detailed architectural work tend to sit toward the longer end of that range.
Cost: There’s no single number here, and any contractor who quotes you a fixed price without seeing your lot, plans, and material choices is guessing. Cost depends on:
- Size and layout of the home
- Materials chosen for structure, siding, roofing and finishes
- Site conditions, since excavation and foundation work varies by lot
- Level of custom design versus a more standard build
We provide detailed estimates once we understand what you’re actually building, rather than a ballpark figure that won’t hold up once the real numbers come in.
If you want a general sense of financing and what lenders expect for new construction in Canada, CMHC’s homebuying resources are a solid outside reference.
Interior and Exterior Work We Handle
Interior construction
- Electrical installation
- Plumbing systems
- HVAC and ductwork
- Insulation
- Drywall, flooring and cabinetry
- Painting
Exterior construction
- Siding and cladding
- Roofing
- Gutters and drainage
- Balconies, porches and decks
- Exterior painting
Montreal winters aren’t gentle on a building envelope, so we build exteriors with the local climate in mind rather than using specs that would work fine somewhere milder.
Areas We Serve
We build new construction homes across:
- Montreal
- Laval
- South Shore
- North Shore
- Surrounding regions, including Quebec City
If you’ve searched “new build houses near me” and you’re anywhere in these areas, we’re worth a call even if you don’t see your specific neighbourhood listed above.
Questions We Get Asked a Lot
How long does it take to build a new house?
Usually 6 to 12 months, depending on size and how complex the design is. Smaller, simpler builds move faster; larger custom homes take longer, mostly because of permitting and material lead times.
How much does new home construction cost in Montreal?
It varies too much to give a flat number here. Lot conditions, size, materials and finishing level all move the price. We put together a proper estimate once we’ve seen your plans rather than quoting blind.
Do you help with design, or do I need my own architect?
We work directly with architects and engineers and can guide you through material selection, so you don’t necessarily need to arrive with your own team already in place.
Is Tross Construction licensed?
Yes, we’re licensed under the RBQ, licence #5841923501, and insured. Worth checking this for any residential construction company you’re considering, not just us. You can look up a contractor’s licence status directly through the Régie du bâtiment du Québec.
What’s the difference between a custom home and a spec home?
A spec home is built by a developer without a specific buyer, then sold once finished. A custom home is designed around what you actually want from the start, which is mostly what we build.
Do you offer a warranty on new construction?
Yes, our new home construction comes with structural and workmanship warranties.
Can I start construction on my lot without permits?
No, not legally. Permits, zoning compliance, and engineering approvals need to be sorted first; we handle this as part of the planning phase before any ground gets broken.
Get a Quote
If you’re looking into new construction homes in Montreal, whether that’s a fully custom build or you already have a lot picked out and just need a residential construction company that manages the whole process, get in touch and we’ll walk you through it properly.