What is the cost of building a custom home in Willowdale, Toronto 2021? PART 2

What is the cost of building a custom home in Willowdale, Toronto 2021? PART 2

​What is the new home building cost per square foot? It's a loaded question because we need to consider the location, square footage, and final finishing. However, it would be useful to have a range, an educated estimate to help manage the budget.

 A great approach would be to look at an existing home, using that as your benchmark and then sharing that with a prospective builder or general contractor and asking what it will cost to build a house like this in this area? They should be able to provide you with a price range in square footage. You can use that number, and if you decided on a bigger house, as long as it's within the same location, you'd be able to estimate the total cost of that house.

​To have a better understanding, let's look at an example. Say that the house will be three thousand square feet and a traditional home.  Some of the things you expect in a custom home are crown moulding, hardwood floors, and heated floors in some areas like the master suite and luxury appliance package.  A house like this is generally going to cost you somewhere between $200 to $300. If you are hoping somebody like a builder to build this for you completely turnkey and provide material and warranty, this is a fair number to use to estimate your budget. 

So now there's an understanding of the construction range. Some people spend quite a bit more, and some people spend less. Because there are so many other factors to consider, somebody might add automation to their home, everything from video to audio distribution, lighting, certain features like a fireplace. For example, the average budget for a fireplace is $2500; however, somebody can spend up to $10000 on a fireplace, and they may have three fireplaces. You can see how that would change the overall cost of that home. But having a square footage estimate will give you a basis to get a general understanding of what to expect so that if you're trying to figure out whether it's the right fit for you.

Now, let's look at the costs broken down and the total cost using an example. You are building in Willowdale, Toronto, and you're building a 3500 square foot home. The average land cost you would build a house of that size is generally anywhere from 1.2 to 2 Million dollars, depending on the location. Then you look at your cost of construction. If you're building 3500 square feet on a $300 cost per square foot, you're looking at about $1,050,000 in building costs. Based on your material selections, the cost can surely go much higher. Here we are looking at a total price tag of $2,250,000 to $3,050,000. 

Note.
Construction management. What is challenging to estimate or underestimate is the value of having a professional construction manager. I have seen many new construction projects that usually takes nine months to extend to eighteen months. You would be surprised to know the number of construction project comes to a full stop for weeks since items where not ordered in time. It is not just the time and money; a good manager makes sure the work is of top-notch quality. 

I understand this is a wide range; after all, when it comes to material and cosmetic selections for a new building sky is the limit. People tend to get carried away by the excitement of a new house; they want the best of everything. So set your budget based on the estimate, stick to it, and enjoy your brand new home. Real estate agents are also involved with new constructions for their clients or working directly with builders. Real estate agents can be a great source of referral and information; make sure to take the time to speak to your trusted real estate agent as well. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Building A Custom Home 

A pre-owned house or a new construction house, which one is cost-effective? 
Similar newly constructed houses usually cost more than pre-owned homes, up to 20 percent. However, initially, you may save money on maintenance and utilities by buying a new house.

What are the soft costs in the new home construction in Toronto?
In the industry, usually, the costs are split into soft costs and hard costs. The soft cost refers to the cost of many preliminary steps before the shovel hits the ground. In Willowdale, Toronto, you expect $27,000 to $32,000 for a building permit. The soft cost to build a single-family house in Willowdale ranges from $40 to $80 per square foot depends on the area and project. 

Here is a list of items referred to as soft costs.

• Survey for new construction
• Zoning Review
• Environmental Report
• Architectural design
• Interior Design
• Structural Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Arborist Report

What are the hard costs in the new home construction in Toronto?
In the home construction industry, any costs associated with the building's physical construction.
Here is a list of items referred to as hard costs.

• Land development
• Foundation
• Framing
• Exterior finish 
• Interior plumbing and electrical
• Interior finish (drywall, flooring and cabinets)
• Landscaping (driveway and deck)
• HVAC systems

What is the new home building hard costs per square foot in Toronto?
In Toronto, certain types of houses are more common than others. Here are the hard costs estimate 3000 square feet house in Toronto.
The dollar values are per square foot. 

• Low-end to modest houses: $220
• Classic houses: $250
• Modern houses: $275
• Luxury houses: $300

What is the ideal size house for a family of four?
The average living space required for a family of four to live comfortably is around 2400 square feet. It is suggested that each person in a home requires 200-400 square feet of living space. 

What are the benefits of living in a small house?
Living in a smaller space, you become more selective and wiser about the items you need or do not need in your house. I know many people living in 3000 square foot homes; they still have to park their car in the driveway since the garage is also filled with items. 

How do I get a total estimate for building a new house?
You have two different ways to get an estimate of what you'll spend to build your new home; (1) Custom Home Cost Calculator, (2) A custom quote from builders.
An online search for the custom home cost calculator will reveal several of the building cost calculators available to help you. While these estimators are useful for getting an idea, you need to be aware of the many assumptions made to provide you with the per-square-foot cost. 
To state the obvious, the custom quote from builders will draw a much clearer picture of your new build home's cost to build. To avoid unpleasant surprises, review the custom quote and compare it with your list to see what is included or not.

How long does it take to build a custom home?
A professional home builder will finish a modest-sized home (2200 square feet) within six to nine months; a larger home with more complex features may take one year to complete.

PART 1 >>>>

​What is the cost of building a custom home in Willowdale, Toronto 2021? PART 1

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Author

The above Real Estate article was provided by David Khosravi, a leader in his field in Willowdale, North York, Toronto. Reach out to David via email: drdavidkg@gmail.com or by phone: 416.990.2424
Are you thinking of selling your home? I will be glad to share my marketing strategies with you.