Building your dream home is a significant milestone in life, one filled with excitement and anticipation. However, the journey from envisioning your ideal space to walking through its doors can be daunting without the right guidance. At Avvio Fine Homes, we understand the intricacies involved in creating a custom home that exceeds your expectations. Our obsessive commitment to detail and client satisfaction ensures a seamless experience from start to finish.
One of the most common questions that we are asked is “how long does it take to design and build a new custom home?” Below are the phases of any new custom home project, once you own a property. The variables within each phase are extensive, so we dig into them a little deeper as we assume a design and build for a 3000 sq ft new home in the Greater Toronto Area.
| Stage | Duration |
| Research and Hiring | 1-3 months |
| Design & Permit Approvals | 3-10 months |
| Construction | 12 months |
How Long Does It Take to Build a Custom Home in Toronto?
The average time to build a house in Toronto ranges from 16 to 30 months.
At the lower end for simpler homes, it can take around 16 months to build and for larger, high end and complex homes, it can take about 30 months to build.
Ultimately, how long it will take will depend on a number of factors, like the permit approval process. Construction cannot begin until the necessary permits are acquired. In Toronto, the permit approval process is typically between 2-4 months, but can take longer if the design of your custom home is complex, special permits are required i.e. for removing trees, or if the Committee of Adjustments is needed.
The Committee of Adjustments is an appointed body that makes decisions on design proposals that need specific consideration because they contain minor variances from existing zoning bylaws. A hearing will need to be scheduled for the committee to review your application and decide if they will approve the application. This can add 2-3 months to your timeline.
Project Phases
Research and Hiring
Timing: allow 1-3 months to make this key life decision
Discovery Call
Our process begins with a complimentary Discovery Call, where we delve into your vision, budget, and preferences. This informal introduction serves as a foundation for understanding your needs and providing expert guidance based on our 10+ years of experience. We address your immediate questions, offer tailored suggestions, and share valuable insights to help you navigate the building process with confidence.
Project Assessment & Solutions Presentation
With your permission, we conduct a comprehensive site assessment to optimize your design for natural elements and energy efficiency. Our experienced team identifies potential obstacles and recommends strategies to enhance your home’s suitability for solar power, views, and privacy. We highlight the benefits of our high-performance homes and outline the next steps in your journey, including due diligence services, architectural designs, and energy modeling for High Performance Homes.
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Design and Approvals
Timing: as quick as 3 months but up to 10 months if committee of adjustment hearing is required
Building upon our connection, we collaborate to refine your architectural ideas and prioritize your preferences. Whether you’re finalizing floor plans or discussing finishes, our goal is to provide clarity and guidance every step of the way. Our team assists you in articulating your vision, ensuring that your dream home reflects your unique style and lifestyle requirements.
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Concept Design Completion
At this stage, your vision begins to take shape with a formal design and exterior rendering. Our Designer translates your ideas into tangible plans, optimizing for energy efficiency and engaging relevant professionals for due diligence steps such as surveying of the property. We provide you with a comprehensive overview of the design, including the general flow and sizing of each room, as well as preliminary solar design for Net Zero New Homes.
High-Performance Optimization and Design Finalization
Through government-approved third-party building science experts, modeling is performed to optimize your design for maximum energy efficiency. Our team combines art and building science to create a design that is elegantly functional, supremely comfortable, and measurably energy efficient. We finalize architectural plans with structural and engineering specifications, ensuring compliance with all regulations. With your confirmation, we obtain all necessary permits, laying the groundwork for a successful build. Permitting requirements will vary by site – such as site plan, forestry, by-law variances, environmental or conservation approvals.
Interior Design Development
Our interior designer assists you in selecting finishes and furnishings, making the process intuitive and enjoyable with our Selection System. From flooring to fixtures, we guide you through the selection process, ensuring that every detail reflects your taste and preferences.
Site Preparation And Building Agreement
Timing: this usually occurs within the Design and Approval Phase
We prepare the site by disconnecting utilities, completing a site survey, and addressing any designated substances or tree removal requirements. We present and agree on a fixed-price quotation and contract, ensuring transparency and accuracy in your investment. With scheduled trades and meticulous planning, we lay the groundwork for a smooth building experience, minimizing delays and surprises.
Construction
Timing: 12 months
With safety plans in place, we commence construction, following a structured process from site preparation to finishing touches. Our experienced team oversees every aspect of the build, from demolition to framing, roofing, and interior finishing. We conduct regular quality checks and blower door tests to ensure a high standard of craftsmanship and energy efficiency throughout the build.
Timelines for the build will be affected by many variables such as the size of the home, construction and finish details, systems and automation, site access and servicing, landscaping and other site work. Seasonality will also play a factor, since working on the structure and exterior during the winter is less efficient.
Move-In
Upon completion, we conduct a thorough inspection, addressing any imperfections and ensuring that every detail meets our rigorous standards. We provide you with a comprehensive Handbook, including all warranties and tips for caring for your home, as well as Energy Certification Letters and labels. Our team remains dedicated to supporting you as you settle into your new home, answering any questions and ensuring your satisfaction for years to come.
Learn More about our Completion Date Guarantee and Design Build Process
What Causes Delays When Building a Custom Home?
- Permit process – If there is missing information or plans that need to be approved by the Committee of Adjustments, the process may be delayed.
- Unpredictable weather – This is a bigger factor during the winter months, as inclement weather can cause delays in material delivery and construction.
- Design changes – Changes made to design plans after construction begins will slow down progress.
- Shortage of materials or labour – If there are any material shortages or delays in delivering materials, it will impact the project’s timeline. Any gaps in contractor schedules may also cause delays.
- Poor project management – Building a house in Ontario requires effective project management to coordinate each phase of the project well, making sure timelines are met.
- Specialized features – Building a custom home with highly customized features and finishes generally takes more time to complete.
How We Manage Timelines
Our role in managing the schedule and meeting our shared goal for project completion is achieved by:
- Limiting our volume: as a boutique builder, we limit our volume so that we can meticulously manage your project and provide you with the attention necessary to meet our shared high standards for quality and service
- Experience: we can foresee challenges and therefore build realistic buffers into the schedule. We quickly adapt to site conditions and offer solutions to yourselves and to the project team of professionals and trades, and coordinate and execute timely solutions.
- Technology: we use construction management software to assist in sorting the vast amount of details and sequences into a working schedule that coordinates ourselves, trades and suppliers
- Relationships: our strong relationships with professionals, trades and supplier partners allows for responsiveness in times of urgency and flexibility when changes come about.
- Clean, Safe Sites: messy sites are not only unsafe and reflect poorly on us and you, but they are an obstacle to getting work done efficiently.
So, What Is Average Time to Build a House?
On average, it can take anywhere from 16 months to 30 months to build a house in Toronto if the Design and Permit Approvals Phase are required. Once the preliminary steps are complete, the actual construction typically takes about 10 to 16 months.
Overall, your timeline will depend on the type and size of your home, availability of materials, labour, shortages, weather conditions, permit approval, project management, and the complexity of your custom design.
What Our Clients Say
Over the past 10+ years we’ve had the privilege of helping discerning Greater Toronto families get the luxurious, functional, energy-efficient home they’ve always wanted. Here’s what some of them say about their experience with our team:
To Conclude
At Avvio Fine Homes, we’re dedicated to turning your dream home into a reality, without the headaches and hassles often associated with custom builds. Our obsessive design-build process prioritizes your vision, ensuring a seamless experience that culminates in the home of your dreams – on time, on budget, and without compromise. From initial consultation to final walkthrough, we’re with you every step of the way, providing expert guidance and unwavering support. Let us transform your dream into a stunning reality – book a Discovery Session today to begin your journey in building your dream home.
Keep an eye out for our Next Blog – How to Keep your Project On-Track
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