top of page

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the advantages of new construction versus resale real estate?
    No need to renovate.  Have you ever stepped into a home and thought, “wow, I wouldn’t change a thing”? When you’re house-hunting, finding exactly what you’re looking for is rare. When you buy a Rooftight home, you’re able to select finishes like flooring, cabinets and siding, so that you end up with a home that is uniquely you.  ​ Resale market limitations. Over the past few years, we have seen historic lows in HRM housing inventory. This means that in many neighbourhoods, there are fewer desirable homes available with the potential to suit the unique needs of you and your family.  New construction offers the opportunity to bypass the resale market, building exactly what you’re looking for in an ideal location. If you’re a first-time home buyer, this means avoiding the competition that often come along with entry and mid-level home prices. If you’re already a homeowner, it means there is no need to time the sale of your current home with the purchase of a new one.  New Home Warranty  Breathe easy, knowing your family’s biggest investment is protected. Rooftight homes are covered by an extended two-year performance-based warranty, as well as the 10-year Atlantic Home Warranty, which covers any structural defects. 
  • How does the Two-Year Whole Home Warranty work?
    Our Two-Year Whole Home Warranty program is the only one of its kind in HRM and safeguards the performance of your home through routine service visits. Upon closing, you will be provided with a schedule of future service visit dates, to tackle any issues that arise in your new home. A Rooftight representative will reach out when it's time to schedule your semi-annual service visits.
  • How much does it cost to build a custom home?
    Building a custom home can range greatly in price, and depends on a number of different variables. Ultimately, the price of your new home is determined by the market value of the lot we build on, cost of materials, permit/inspection/legal fees, and administrative & construction management costs. As a client, you’ll receive full transparency on costs throughout the process. Contact us for an estimate. 
  • How long does it take to build a home?
    Good things take time. New home construction typically takes several months, and varies based on the size of the home, complexity of the plans and finishes, and Nova Scotia weather, of course. You can expect our team to work diligently to meet all deadlines, communicate how your home is progressing, and provide full transparency throughout the process.
  • Can I do site visits?
    Yes! We’d love to show you. Our only request is that you contact us in advance so that we can have your project manager guide you. Please keep in mind that your home is an active construction site, and will not always be available for tour, as your safety is our number one priority. 
  • Does a custom home cost more than a pre-built home?
    When you decide to build a custom home, you’re able to determine the scale and selections, so price can vary widely. On average, the upfront cost of a custom home is greater than that of a resale home of the same size. However, when you build a custom home, you are getting exactly what you want, saving you renovation costs and potential future moves. You also have the option to install energy efficient finishings and appliances, providing significant future savings. 
  • What's included?
    Rooftight exceeds code in all aspect of our builds. Our standard finishes are equivalent to most builders’ upgrades. Features such as silent floor systems, heat pumps, double-wide driveways, custom closet shelving and solid-surface countertops are standard inclusions. Rooftight homes include a number of LED pot lights specified in your contract and is dependent on your final plan with a generous allowance for all remaining fixtures. You are provided the services of Rooftight’s award-winning designer for your selections.
  • What are selections?
    When building, you will be able to choose your finishes from Rooftight’s variety of options as per your contract. Rooftight has pared down selections to the finishes that are most current, to help facilitate easier decisions for you. That said, while we include the most popular finishes and choices in the purchase price, upgrades and complete customization are available depending on your needs, tastes, and budget, with the guidance of our in-house designer. You will have six weeks for your selections once they begin – this facilitates the ordering of items with longer lead times and provides all necessary specifications for the build.
  • How do upgrades work?
    During the selections process, you may wish to upgrade from standard contract inclusions. Rooftight will obtain quotes for you, and if you choose to go ahead with the upgrade, a change order is added to your file, which credits you for the standard selection and charges you for the upgrade. You only pay the difference.
  • What is a heat pump and how does it work?
    Air-source heat pumps like we use in Nova Scotia transfer existing heat energy to where it is needed or away from where it’s not, using a refrigerant and a cycle of evaporation and condensation that draws or expels heat by creating or releasing pressure. While it seems counter-intuitive, heat energy is present even in cold air – for example, air at –18°C contains about 85% of the heat it contained at 21°C. In the cold seasons, the pump captures outdoor heat and transfers it inside. In the warm months, the reverse happens – the pump expels heat energy and humidity from your home. Refrigerators and air conditioners are one-way examples of this fully reversible technology. Because heat pumps use existing heat rather than creating it, they are much more efficient that traditional heating systems.
  • Who do we call if we need service?
    Our Two-Year Warranty provides you with peace of mind knowing that your home is receiving the personal attention it (and you) deserve. We value our Rooftight family of clients and we know that being proactive with home maintenance is a safer and more efficient solution. Rooftight’s Two-Year Whole Home Warranty is based upon semi-annual visits to your home to address any performance based issues you may have experienced.
  • What happens to the warranty if we sell our home?
    ​The Rooftight Warranty is completely transferrable to the new homeowners. If you need assistance with the changeover we’ll be glad to help.
bottom of page