The 2023 Price of a Custom Home in Toronto

If you've spent the past year daydreaming about constructing a personalized residence, it's now time to devise a meticulous strategy to bring your long-term home-building aspirations to fruition. A crucial initial step in formulating a practical game plan involves conducting thorough research regarding pricing. While buyers who purchase pre-owned homes benefit from the advantage of readily available listing prices, prospective homeowners looking to build their own custom dwellings must comprehend various intricacies that impact project costs.

Thankfully, comprehending these nuances doesn't have to be perplexing. With our experience in constructing and renovating 172 homes in Toronto, we possess an extensive understanding of the factors that exert influence over project costs. We have prepared this comprehensive guide to demystify these factors for you and have also included specific cost estimates for your new custom home based on square footage.

Factors Influencing the Cost of Your Personalized Residence

Size:

Undoubtedly, the most apparent aspect impacting the overall cost of your new abode is its size. Naturally, houses with a larger square footage tend to carry a higher price tag compared to those with a smaller square footage. However, it is crucial to consider the often overlooked element of vertical space. As you explore architectural designs for your future home, take note that ceiling height and interior volume also bear an impact on cost due to the additional materials required and the necessity for meticulous planning when incorporating vaulted spaces.

Architecture:

Similarly, it is vital to acknowledge that the uniqueness and complexity of your chosen architectural design will contribute to the overall cost of your home. Opting for a more traditional style will yield a less costly result. Conversely, if you aspire to push the boundaries and embrace a distinctive or rarely seen architectural design, additional resources and investment will be necessary.

The Quality of Materials

The cost of your home is significantly influenced by the materials used. For instance, a slab of Calacatta marble costs around $180 per square foot, while a granite countertop may cost $50-$100 per square foot. When considering the entire kitchen countertop, the individual material costs play a substantial role in the overall price of your custom home.

Luxury Finishes

The incorporation of luxury finishes in your home affects its cost as well. By opting for luxury finishes on the exterior and main areas, while choosing simpler options for the basement and bedrooms, you can lower the overall cost. Prioritize the areas that are most important to you during the planning phase to manage costs effectively.

The Size and Location of the Lot

The size and location of your lot also impact the cost of your home. Easily accessible homes are less expensive, whereas remote homes that require difficult transportation of materials tend to be more costly.

The Depth of the Excavation

The depth of excavation for your basement or foundation contributes to the expense of your home. This factor affects both the building process and the materials required for construction.

Toronto Custom Home Cost Estimates Per Square Foot

Let's examine cost estimates per square foot to account for the aforementioned factors. In the Toronto area, the average cost for custom homes falls between $400 and $550 per square foot. Considering a 3,300 square feet home, the cost would range from $1,320,000 to $1,815,000, depending on architectural uniqueness, ceiling heights, interior volume, material quality, luxury finishes, lot size and location, and excavation depth. For a larger 6,600 square feet home, the cost may range from $2,640,000 to $3,630,000. Finally, a 10,000 square feet home can have a cost range of $4,000,000 to $5,500,000, depending on the aforementioned factors.

Toronto Cost Trends Going Forward

These average custom home costs for 2023 serve as a general guide and reflect current market trends. Due to the volatility of Toronto's real estate industry and fluctuations in the construction supply chain, building prices in Ontario have increased by 10%-15% over the past year. To stay informed, it is crucial to work with an experienced builder who has up-to-date information and established relationships with suppliers and laborers. Keep these factors in mind while budgeting for building in 2022 or beyond.