Building a custom home can seem intimidating, but with the main steps of site assessment, design development, permit applications, construction, inspections, and delivery and cleanup, the process becomes easy. Typically, the cost to build a house in Toronto ranges from $350 to $950 per square foot, with an average of around $1,000,000 for a 2500 sq ft classic home.

* Disclaimer: Please note that this blog is meant for informational/educational purposes. The costs listed are based on research at the time this was written and prices are subject to change. Each custom home is based on different designs and proposals which can affect the price. Don’t hesitate to contact Artycon for an estimate for your custom home.

Home Construction Cost Per Square Foot in Toronto

In regards to the cost per square foot to build a house, this varies depending on the type of house you want, whether classic, modern, or luxury.

Below is a breakdown of the costs associated with building a custom home:

Classic HomeModern HomeLuxury Home
Soft Costs & Permits$15/sq ft$15/sq ft$20/sq ft
Construction Costs$360/sq ft$400/sq ft$450/sq ft
Appliances$25,000$30,000$50,000
City Disconnects$25,000$25,000$25,000
Basic Landscape$15/sq ft$15/sq ft$20/sq ft
Total Cost for 2500 sq ft$1,025,000$1,130,000$1,300,000

Hard Cost of Building a House in Toronto

Hard costs refer to the physical construction of the house itself with the construction cost per square foot in Toronto falling within the range of $350 to $450, depending on the site location, project size, and materials used.

The hard costs of a house include:

  • Land development
  • Foundation
  • Framing
  • Exterior finish (like siding and roofing)
  • Interior rough-ins (like plumbing and electrical)
  • Interior finish (like drywall, flooring and cabinets)
  • Landscaping (like driveway and deck)

Soft Cost of Building a House in Toronto

Soft costs refer to indirect construction fees with the related cost to build a house being around $15 to $20 per square foot. Keep in mind that if you want a house that is bigger or higher than your zoning allows, you will need to go to Toronto’s Committee of Adjustment.

Soft costs include:

  • Legal Fees
  • Agent Fees
  • Building Permit and development charges
  • Architectural Design
  • Engineering
  • Site Survey
  • Taxes
  • Management Fees
  • Insurance

Additional Expenses and Costs to Build a House

The cost of building a house in Ontario also comes with additional expenses not included in the hard or soft costs. These are the landscaping, appliance, and disconnection fees, which are still necessary for the building of a custom home:

Landscaping Fees

As a result of the constant construction work being done and the heavy machinery used at the site, the front and back yards of your new home will need to be redone. From grass or turf lawns to pools designed with stone fixtures, standard landscaping work starts at around $40,000 with an average of $15 to $20 per square foot.

Purchasing Appliances

Appliances for the kitchen and laundry are, of course, a key part of any new home. Different homeowners have different needs when it comes to ovens and stoves, dishwashers, refrigerators, washers and dryers, and more. The price is dependent on the brand and quality of appliances purchased. Due to this, appliances can cost anywhere from $25,000 to $50,000.

Disconnections

Your existing property is connected to hydro lines, gas, and main water and drain services. These will all need to be disconnected and new connections made when your custom house is completed and ready to be lived in. Temporary hydro lines on protected panels are also needed while the house is being constructed. These services cost $25,000 on average.

Major Steps in Home Building

Now let’s explore in more detail the major steps related to the cost of building a house. These ten steps will help you plan out your new home build, ensuring that you are prepared for every part of the process:

How much are you willing to spend on building a custom home? Is there any wiggle room for unexpected expenses? Figuring out your budget will help you decide every other aspect of your future build.

If you already have land of your own, that’s great because you are one step ahead. If not, you will have to buy the land on which your new house will sit.

How will your house be built? What construction company will you decide to work with? Hint: Artycon has over 20 years of construction experience, making us a top choice for custom home builds.

What exactly do you want your house to look like? Where will each room be and how will they be set up? A good design is the basis of a great home.

Before any kind of construction can begin, building permits need to be acquired so that the new build is registered with the city and approved to go ahead.

Builder’s risk insurance is also needed before construction. This protects you in case of any unforeseen circumstances such as damage while the house is being constructed or liability on the premises.

At this point, construction can begin to take place. The foundation is laid, walls built, rooms created to your exact specifications, and finishes installed. Your dream home comes to life.

After your home is finished being built, inspections must take place to examine the condition of the house and ensure that it is an acceptable property to live in.

Once inspections are done, landscaping can take place where your front and back yards are created. This completes the house, turning your vision of a new home into a fully-fledged reality.

Finally, an occupancy permit must be secured, confirming that the house is suitable and safe for occupation. Your building permit will then be closed, indicating that the construction is complete.

Let Us Help You Determine the Cost of Building a House

We hope that this blog has helped you answer the question, “How much does it cost to build a house in Toronto?” At Artycon, we are committed to getting you the house of your dreams, making sure that you are prepared for what the process entails.

If you have further questions about the cost of building a custom home, contact us now to book a free consultation.

FAQs

Is it cheaper to buy or build a house?

The most common question we get asked is this: is it cheaper to build a house or buy one? The answer is it’s cheaper to build. When buying a house, you have to account for the seller’s profit and any additional renovations, which you do not need to worry about when building.

What causes fluctuations in the cost of building a new home in Toronto?

Fluctuations in cost can be due to a number of reasons. The cost is dependent on the type and size of the house being built, the number of floors, any speciality rooms, the materials used, custom cabinetry or millwork made, labour and design fees, along with other interior and exterior features.