How Much Does It Cost to Build a Custom Home in Nanaimo in 2025

Thinking about building your dream home on Vancouver Island? Here's what you need to know about current custom home pricing in 2025.

1. Average Cost Per Square Foot

In 2025, building a custom home in Nanaimo typically ranges from $300–$700 per square foot, depending on factors like:

- Level of finish (basic vs. high-end)

- Site access, foundation type, and topography

- Step Code energy requirements

- Design complexity

At Southpaw Homes, most of our builds fall in the $300–$600/sq ft range for fully custom homes with mid-to-high-end finishes.

2. Major Cost Drivers

A few key factors that can drive up the cost of your custom home include:

- Permits and site prep (often $30,000–$60,000)

- Foundation type (crawl vs. basement)

- Interior finishes (cabinetry, flooring, fixtures)

- Energy efficiency requirements (Step Code 3–5)

- Custom vs. stock plans

3. Budgeting Beyond the Build

Don’t forget to budget for non-construction items like:

- Architectural plans

- Site surveys

- Landscaping

- Driveways, decks, fencing

- Well, septic, and water treatment (if applicable)

4. Timeline & Process

From first consultation to move-in, the full process typically takes 12–18 months. Starting early and planning well helps avoid costly delays and surprises.

5. How Southpaw Homes Helps

At Southpaw Homes, we provide:

- Transparent estimates

- Fixed-fee project management

- Step-by-step design-build guidance

- Connections with local designers and consultants

- “Building better living” on Vancouver Island

Thinking about building? Contact Southpaw Homes today to book a consultation.
📧 info@southpawhomes.ca
📞 250-327-1317