The main stages of a Viabois project: from idea to delivered wood home
When you look at photos of a finished log, timber frame, hybrid or Scandinavian-style home, it is easy to forget everything that happened before: discussions, plans, permits, manufacturing, delivery, assembly…
For many people, the question is simple: “What does working with Viabois actually look like?”
Here is a step-by-step overview of a typical Viabois project—from the first conversation until your log, timber frame or hybrid home is delivered.
Phase 1: Clarify the project and budget
It all starts with a conversation.
First contact and needs assessment
During the first exchange (phone, email, virtual meeting or in person), we aim to understand:
- your project type: primary residence, four-season cottage, rental property, retreat, etc.;
- the region you are targeting (or have already chosen);
- the approximate size, number of bedrooms and floors, and big ideas (mezzanine, large deck, views, etc.);
- your overall budget (land + home + related work).
The goal is not to lock every detail immediately, but to confirm that:
- your project is realistic for your budget and context;
- we are the right partner to support you.
Choose a starting model or a more custom concept
Depending on your situation, we can:
- start from an existing Viabois model (mini-chalets, family homes, prestige cottages) and adapt it;
- or explore a more custom concept when the site, views or constraints call for it.
Starting from an existing model often helps you:
- save time on design;
- benefit from a balanced layout between area, volume and construction cost.
Phase 2: Plans, land and feasibility
Once the broad outlines are clear, we move into a more concrete phase.
Land review
If you already own land or are choosing a lot, this is a good time to discuss it. We can:
- review the strengths and constraints of the site (slope, access, soil type, services);
- assess impacts on:
This step helps avoid discovering later that major constraints will drive up cost or force design changes.
Preliminary plans and adjustments
From the base model (or concept), we work on preliminary plans:
- overall volumes;
- room layout;
- window and door placement;
- adaptation to topography (flat or sloped lot).
Iterations allow us to:
- adjust certain areas;
- clarify options (mezzanine, balcony, roof overhangs, etc.);
- optimize orientation for sun and views.
Phase 3: Detailed quote and payment schedule
When the project is defined enough, we prepare a detailed quote.
A structured quote
The Viabois quote clearly separates:
- what is included in the wood structure (log, timber frame or hybrid) (kit, manufacturing, delivery, assembly);
- foundations and civil engineering (often handled by a local contractor);
- interior and exterior finishes (depending on how tasks are split).
The objective is a clear view of costs under Viabois’s direct scope versus work done by your contractors (or yourself).
Typical payment schedule
Payments follow major project milestones, consistent with Viabois FAQ (Q23):
- Initial deposit (fixed amount) to reserve production capacity and begin plan work;
- Main instalment (percentage of the kit price) at production start in the plant;
- Balance at delivery of the structure to your site.
Each payment ties to concrete progress on your project.
Phase 4: Permits, foundations and site preparation
After the quote is accepted, we prepare the site—literally and figuratively.
Permit application and municipality coordination
Depending on the municipality, you will need to:
- file a permit application with plans;
- provide information on building type, placement, height and exterior appearance.
The client is usually the official applicant, but we can supply technical documents and answer municipality questions as needed.
Foundations and civil work
While permits progress, you can plan:
- foundations (slab, basement, piles, etc., as designed);
- civil work: access, grading, retaining walls, drainage, septic if required.
This work is usually done by a local contractor, coordinated with the plant production schedule and the Viabois structure delivery date.
Phase 5: Manufacturing in Saint-Isidore
This is where the home takes shape in the workshop.
Prefabrication and quality control
At our plant in Saint-Isidore-de-Beauce:
- logs are machined using modern Scandinavian techniques;
- each piece is fitted, numbered and pre-assembled to ensure a precise fit;
- the structure is assembled in the shop for verification, then disassembled and prepared for transport.
This step allows:
- quality control in a controlled environment;
- fewer surprises on site;
- more predictable timelines, less dependent on weather.
Benefits of plant manufacturing
Compared with 100% on-site building, prefabrication offers:
- tighter machining accuracy;
- repeatable quality;
- a shorter on-site timeline for the structure.
Phase 6: Delivery and on-site assembly
When the structure is ready, delivery and assembly begin.
Trucking and crane coordination
Viabois coordinates:
- transport of the structure (often multiple truckloads);
- the mobile crane needed to lift and place the logs.
Time on site depends on size and complexity, but structural assembly is generally much faster than conventional stick-built framing from scratch.
Weather tightness and final adjustments
During assembly:
- joints are installed carefully for air and water control;
- we respect principles for natural wood settlement (log, timber frame or hybrid);
- final adjustments prepare the shell for finishes.
At the end of this phase, your wood home has its shape: volumes, roof, openings. For many clients, this is a memorable milestone.
Phase 7: Finishes and occupancy
After the structure is assembled, second fix and finishing work follow.
Interior and exterior work
Depending on your package, you or your contractor continue with:
- additional insulation (as per envelope design);
- electrical, plumbing, ventilation;
- interior finishes (floors, walls, ceilings);
- kitchen, bathrooms, stairs, storage;
- decks, balconies, railings and landscaping.
This phase personalizes the home to your style and budget.
Commissioning and final review
Before move-in, we verify that:
- the structure and Viabois-installed elements match what was agreed;
- essential systems are operational;
- any follow-up items are documented.
After delivery: ongoing support
Once you are living in the home, the relationship continues.
- You receive maintenance guidance suited to your project (see also our maintenance article).
- You can contact us with questions about wood behaviour, settlement, upkeep, etc.
The idea is that you are never left alone with your wood home: Viabois remains a long-term partner.
Ready to talk about your project?
If you:
- have a region or lot in mind;
- are weighing budget and timeline;
- or are choosing between models or approaches,
it is probably a good time to speak with a Viabois advisor.