Frequently Asked Home Building Questions (FAQs)
How much do you charge per square foot?
It’s difficult to quote a price per square foot because Kensington builds only custom homes. The price is affected by a number of variables, including the type of construction, energy efficiency rating, construction type (framed, insulated concrete form), style, exterior finishes, interior finishes, fixtures, energy choices, geographical location, etc.
Where do you have lots available?
Kensington Master Builders has a small inventory of land, and we can help you locate available lots or parcels. We can arrange to purchase a specific lot for you if the land costs are to be included in the mortgage for the house we are going to build. We do currently have some lots available, and we will build to suit. View our Available Lots »
How long does it take to construct a house?
This is one of the most common questions about home building. When the final plans are available and the land has been purchased, it takes about 12 to 14 months to build your house, depending on the size and specifications.
How important are energy efficient and environmental issues to Kensington?
Building energy efficient houses is a top priority for Kensington. We endeavour to build the most energy efficient and environmentally friendly houses that are financially feasible to our clients. We are very conscious in choosing environmentally friendly materials and products for the construction of each house and in advising our clients of the “green choices” that are available in the finishing and decorating products that they choose for their home. Not only do we consider the energy to heat or cool your house, but we are also keenly aware of the impact that building a house has on the environment. Our homes have an average EnerGuide rating of 82 which is significantly higher than the average house built today. We have been building to the R-2000 energy standard for many years, long before it was the cool thing to do. Every house we build is registered with the R-2000 Program or the Alberta Built Green Program.
Which associations does Kensington belong to?
We are members of the Alberta New Home Warranty Program, the Greater Edmonton Home Builders’ Association, the Professional Home Builders Institute of Alberta, and the Canadian Home Builders Association.
What recognized designations are represented at Kensington Master Builders?
As our company name indicates, we are a Master Builder. We are also an R-2000-certified builder, and we have extensive training in Geothermal Heating and Cooling System installation techniques.
Where does Kensington build homes?
The majority of our business is in the Greater Edmonton area. We build on both urban and rural properties in Edmonton and surrounding counties, including Strathcona, Leduc, Sturgeon, Lamont, and Beaver.
Do I need to have architectural plans?
Another of the common custom-built home questions. In short, no, but if you do, that’s fine. Our Master Builder will review them with you prior to providing a cost to construct. Alternatively, we are happy to provide consultation, design, preliminary, and final plans for you.
What choices do I have in the design, finishing, and fixtures of my home?
Your choices are only restricted by your budget. Kensington will always exceed the requirements of the Alberta Building Code, and therefore we have a level of quality of products and building techniques that we will not compromise on. As long as those criteria are met, we will do everything we can to deliver exactly what you want within your budget.
In what developments does Kensington have show homes?
Because Kensington is a custom builder, we never build the same home twice. We usually have only one luxury show home at a time, and it is usually in the County of Strathcona and Sherwood Park area, as that is where our corporate office is.
Where is your current show home?
The Willowgreene, our current show home is located in Crimson Leaf Estates, an acreage community just 2 minutes south east of Sherwood Park.
View the Willowgreene »
Our newest show home is currently under construction in the Allard community of Edmonton. View the lots available in Allard »
How long has Kensington been in business?
Kensington Master Builders has been in business for 24 years. We operated as a proprietorship for 11 years (1986-1997), and incorporated in September 1997.
Do you have an “after-sales service plan?”
Our after-sales service plan includes inspections at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 18 months, and 2 years after the possession date. In 2000, Kensington received the Golden Hammer Award presented by the Alberta New Home Warranty Program commemorating 10 consecutive years of being a Service Award recipient.