The Ultimate Guide: How Much Does It Cost To Build a Custom Home in Ontario 2024

The 3 Greatest Costs to Building a Custom Home in Ontario

When starting the journey to build your custom sanctuary, these are the 3 biggest costs that impact your budget and your dream home. Let's shine a light on these financial behemoths:

• Land Acquisition
• Design & Architecture Planning
• Construction Costs

Each of these elements plays a pivotal role in the story of your custom home. Land acquisition not only involves the cost of the land itself but also the soft costs and indirect costs that sneak up on you. Design and architectural planning turn your dreams into blueprints, affecting the cost to build a home with every line drawn. And construction costs? They're the meat of the project, where the cost of building brings your vision to life, brick by brick.

Land Acquisition and Costs in Ontario

Ontario's a big place. The cost of properties can swing dramatically, depending on where it's located. A serene spot in a rural area will have a vastly different price poin than a suburb like Oakville or a big city like Toronto. Add to this, you have the option to buy a blank canvas of land or demolish an existing home. Each of these considerations (and more) are going to have different impacts on your budget.

Design and Architectural Planning

Net Zero homes use renewable energy as their primary energy source. The most popular system is solar panels, but wind turbines can also be used. A qualified Net-Zero custom home builder will create a plan to efficiently use renewable energy. They'll focus on the placement of solar panels, turning natural sunlight into a powerful resource... So, your home becomes a self-sustaining ecosystem.

What Impacts Architect Costs?

There are 4 key factors that will impact your architect's costs:

• Size of your home: The size of your home plays a big role in the cost of your project. Larger homes demand more detailed planning and design efforts. This is because there’s more space to consider. And, there more elements to put in that space.
• Design complexity: The complexity of your design can impact costs. If you want curved walls, custom doors, fixtures shipped from Paris, you're going to pay a premium.
• Location: Your project’s location also influences cost. For example, if you're in an urban area with tight access or on sloped land or somewhere with stringent building regulations - these can add costs.
• Architect’s reputation and experience: If you've ever heard the saying, "you get what you pay for" you're familiar with this factor. The reputation and experience of your architect can also affect your pricing. Well-established architects or those who specialize in a style or type of design often charge.

Costs to Hire an Architect in Ontario 2024

According to HomeGuide, architect fees are $15,000 to $80,000+ for full house design and services. This works out to 8% to 15% of total construction costs.

Breaking Down Construction Costs

When the rubber meets the road, construction costs take center stage. This is where your dreams start to materialize, brick by brick, beam by beam. Soft costs like permits and design fees combine with the hard costs of materials and labour to create your final budget.

Housing Type and Location

Choosing between a cozy bungalow or a 6,000 sq ft estate home isn't just about preference. It's a financial decision. Materials and labour costs will swing widely based on your choice. But costs aren't all that they seem. At Kennedy + Kenel, we're leaders in Ontario Net Zero and Passive House custom home construction. Although the cost of eco materials may be higher at the onset, they can provide considerable savings over the long-run of owning your house.

Material Costs: The Foundation of Your Custom Home

The foundation of every custom-built home lies in its materials. From the sturdy beams that hold up your dream to the elegant finishes hand-selected by you... the cost of materials sets the stage for your project's financial landscape. Custom or hard-to-get materials, shortages and supply-chain challenges can dramatically impact pricing. In fact, during the Covid-19 pandemic, we saw building costs surge by as much as 51%. At Kennedy + Kenel, we aim to minimize pricing surprises with our Fixed Plus Pricing.

Labour Expenses: Tradespeople Costs and Timelines

Your home will be built by a dynamic team of carpenters, electricians and plumbers. Each tradesperson is indispensable, yet their costs can vary. Securing your custom home builder early can help lock in rates. Which means minimizing cost surprises down the line.

Infrastructure and Utility Setup

If your dream is to build on vacant land, you need to budget for additional costs. Infrastructure and utility setup can be an afterthought, but they ensure your new home is connected and comfortable.

Fees, Permits, and Legal Requirements

In Ontario, there's a buffet of fees, permits, and legal hoops to jump through when you're building a home. Every location has its unique set of rules and costs. A great architect and builder will help you understand exactly what to expect.

Financing Your Dream Home: Exploring Construction Loans and Mortgage Options

When it's time to finance your new home build, you'll become intimately familiar with construction loans and mortgage rates. Construction loans aren't your average loans. They're tailored to manage the cash flow needed to bring your project to life.

And then, there's the transition to a mortgage. Once your home is built, you'll be swapping your construction loan for a mortgage. Your focus will be on finding the best rates and terms, ensuring your dream home doesn't become a financial nightmare.

Techniques to Save Money When Building Your Custom Home

Who said building your dream home has to drain your wallet? With a dash of creativity and smart planning, there are ways to save your hard-earned cash. It's about being efficient. Every decision from design to materials can add up to sweet savings.

Grants That Help You Save Money

Here's a little secret: the Canadian Government can help you when building a home. You may be eligible for incentives, especially if you’re building with energy efficiency in mind. The best way to stay on top of the latest Government Grants is to view the Government of Canada Housing Benefits page.

Landscaping While Building

Imagine this: your home and garden, in harmony from the get-go. That's the genius behind Kennedy + Kenel's approach to building + landscaping. By doing both, at the same time, you saving on time and labor. And, you get to step into a home that's harmonious, inside and out.

Building a Net Zero or Passive Home

Building a Net Zero or Passive Home is great for your wallet in the long run. They result in your construction costs paying off with lower energy bills in the future. It's like planting a tree that grows money, ensuring your home is a haven of efficiency and comfort. Welcome to the future of smart, sustainable living.

FAQs About Building a Custom Home in Ontario

Starting the construction process of a custom home can be wrought with questions. How much will it cost? How long will it take? We've got the answers, ensuring you're armed with the knowledge to make your dream home a reality.

Average Cost to Build a Home in Ontario: What to Expect

Let's talk numbers. Building a custom home in Ontario? Prepare to invest between $500-750+ per square foot. As we've covered, custom homes come with a menu of choices, each adding its own line item to your budget.

How Long Does It Take to Build a New Home?

From the moment you acquire your property, you can expect home design & city approval within 4-8 months. Construction will take an additional 1 to 1.5 years. Bringing your total design & build journey to 1.5 to 2.5 years to cross the finish line.

Conclusion: Building Your Dream Home in Ontario

Building your dream home in Ontario will be one of your greatest accomplishments. You'll have the chance to design a home that's perfect for your family. A place where your family memories will be made. A place for laughter, gatherings and moments of solitude. With the right plan and a team of experienced professionals by your side, your journey will be full of excitement.

To get the most out of your build, you need to be aware of all of the components that'll go into your home's construction. Understanding the nuts and bolts of construction mortgages, choosing the right materials, and ensuring that your home reflects your needs are crucial steps.

Welcome to the beginning of a thrilling chapter in your life!