The initial costs for excavation and preparing the site are generally consistent among custom home builders. The size of the house plays a significant role in determining the expenses for this stage, with larger homes requiring more work and consequently increasing the cost of construction in Toronto
The framing stage shapes the basic structure of your dream home, encompassing the construction of walls, floors, and roof supports. Following the installation of the roof decking and the exterior walls, a house-wrap barrier is applied. This crucial layer serves to block moisture from penetrating the newly built sections. With the framing in place, it’s time to install the roof, all exterior siding, doors, and windows. This phase is vital to complete before starting on the interior, as it ensures the building is waterproofed and protected from the elements.
Establishing the foundation of your home includes the processes of excavation and grading, where the dimensions of your home significantly influence your financial planning. Moreover, the depth of excavation necessary for the basem*nt, along with the quantity of forms required for laying the foundation and constructing the footings, also plays a crucial role in determining the overall costs.
This phase involves the installation of all mechanical systems within the new home. Electrical wiring and plumbing pipes are laid out in accordance with the architectural plans. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is also put in place. The cost implications at this stage are influenced by the number and complexity of features being installed. This encompasses the sewer system, drainage, HVAC vent pipes and ductwork, connections for the incoming water line, and the piping network for hot and cold water delivery to all fixtures in the house, including sinks, baths, taps, showers, and toilets. Following the completion of this stage, the project must pass three additional inspections and receive approvals for the plumbing, framing, and electrical HVAC systems. Only after these approvals can the interior finishing work begin.
Given Canada’s extreme weather conditions, with its mix of intense heat in the summer and severe cold in the winter, insulation becomes a critical component in the construction process in Toronto. Effective insulation is key to energy conservation and maintaining optimal living conditions inside the home. The choice of insulation material and the R-value it provides are significant factors that will influence the overall cost of building a house. Options for insulating walls and attics include foam board panels, fiberglass, mineral wool, cellulose, spray foam applied to a specific thickness, and various types of insulated panels. Selecting the right insulation is essential for combatting Toronto’s harsh temperatures and ensuring a comfortable and energy-efficient home.
At this stage, your home’s framework is concealed, and the distinct spaces within it begin to emerge. This phase encompasses the installation of drywall, along with the application of tape and any textures that add character to doorways, ceilings, and walls, as well as elaborate finishes. Following the drywall setup, a primer coat of paint is applied, setting the stage for the final layers of paint in your chosen custom colors. Concurrently, the finishing touches on the exterior can get underway, including any remaining stucco, brickwork, or stone detailing. This part of the process transforms the construction site into a house, hinting at the personal touches that will make it a home.
The type of flooring you select plays a significant role in the overall budget for building a house. Different materials and their quality grades come with varying price tags. For instance, hand-scraped engineered hardwood is generally more expensive than luxury vinyl tiles (LVT). Each flooring option offers distinct advantages and aesthetics, but it’s important to consider how the cost of these materials aligns with your budget and design preferences.
The choice of countertops for various areas in your home can significantly influence the construction budget, depending on the quantity and type of material selected. Options range from ceramic, granite, stone tile, porcelain, to marble, including those used for kitchen counters. The cost of these materials is affected by their type, quality grade, and place of origin. For example, a level 3 granite sourced from Spain is likely to be pricier than a grade 1 level granite. When planning your home’s interior, it’s crucial to weigh the aesthetic appeal and durability of these materials against their cost to ensure they meet both your design vision and budget.
The choice of cabinetry design, including custom walk-in closets, built-in media units, and home offices, can significantly affect your custom home’s cost. The complexity and detail of the millwork increase the expense. Detailed designs and high-quality materials lead to higher costs, emphasizing the need for careful budgeting to balance customization with your overall project budget.
In this phase of the Toronto home building journey, the house transitions into its final, visible form with the addition of finishing touches. The interior comes to life as cabinets, baseboards, mouldings, stairs and banisters, door casings, windowsills, interior doors, and mantels over fireplaces are installed, along with any other decorative trim. This stage marks the transformation of the construction into your future home, showcasing its design and character.
At this point, the house nears readiness for occupancy. Essential fixtures including switches, heating and air conditioning units, outlets, light fixtures, and electrical panels are all fitted. In kitchens and bathrooms, installations of faucets, toilets, sinks, as well as shower doors and mirrors, finalize the spaces. This stage completes the house, making it ready for you to move in and start your new chapter.
Landscaping and the addition of final outdoor touches are typically carried out towards the end of the custom home construction process. This timing helps to avoid any potential damage from vehicles and construction equipment. The overall costs for these finishing touches are influenced by the project’s size, the labor involved, and the materials chosen. This careful planning ensures that the exterior of your home complements its interior, marking the completion of your custom-built home.
