Cost Per Square Foot to Build a House in Toronto
Last updated: February 2026
Building costs in Toronto can vary widely based on design complexity, approvals, and finish level. This guide breaks down realistic cost-per-square-foot ranges and the biggest factors that move your budget—so you can plan with clear assumptions before requesting a detailed estimate.
The Cost to Build a New Home in Toronto
Homeowners should expect to pay an average of $1,000,000 to $1,200,000 to build a decent-standard 3,000-square-foot custom home in Toronto. This estimate typically covers labor and core materials, and may include permits and standard city fees depending on scope and site conditions. As finishes, structural complexity, and upgrades increase, the total cost rises accordingly.
When we consult with clients, we provide a line-by-line cost breakdown—from excavation and foundation through framing, mechanicals, insulation, drywall, finishes, and final hardware. As a general rule of thumb, many custom home builds fall in the $300–$400 per square foot range depending on design complexity, approvals, and finish level. We help clients control costs by defining scope early, documenting selections, and using transparent change orders to prevent budget drift during construction.
For full scope details, see our custom home building services in Toronto page.
Cost Breakdown: Building a Custom Home in Toronto
We provide a comprehensive cost breakdown customized for constructing a 3,000-square-foot custom home in Toronto. Our analysis incorporates a price range of $300 to $400 per square foot, with an average of $350 per square foot. This range spans mid-range to premium builds, depending on scope and finishes. Please note that all data is derived from regular cost calculations, and customization may impact the breakdown. Feel free to reach out for a personalized estimate for your Toronto home build, with no obligation attached.
| Components | Average Budget % | Starting Cost |
|---|---|---|
|
Demolition/Excavation |
4% |
$42,000.00 |
|
Footings/foundation |
6.5% |
$68,250.00 |
|
Framing |
17% |
$178,500.00 |
|
Roofing Cover |
6% |
$63,000.00 |
|
Doors / Windows |
6.5% |
$68,250.00 |
|
Soffit / Fascia / Eaves |
3% |
$31,500.00 |
|
Rough in Electrical |
3% |
$31,500.00 |
|
Rough in Plumbing |
3% |
$31,500.00 |
|
Rough in Heating |
4% |
$42,000.00 |
|
Basement Floor |
2% |
$21,000.00 |
|
Insulation / vapor barrier |
5% |
$52,500.00 |
|
Heating Equipment |
2% |
$21,000.00 |
|
Drywall |
5% |
$52,500.00 |
|
Paint/prime |
4% |
$42,000.00 |
|
Interior doors / casing |
3% |
$31,500.00 |
|
Flooring |
7% |
$73,500.00 |
|
Cabinets/counters |
4% |
$42,000.00 |
|
Finish Electrical |
2% |
$21,000.00 |
|
Finish Plumbing |
2% |
$21,000.00 |
|
Siding |
7% |
$73,500.00 |
|
Decks and railings |
4% |
$42,000.00 |
|
Totals |
100% |
$1,050,000.00 |
Hard Costs
The cost of building a house encompasses a wide array of components and variables, dependent on factors such as site location and condition, project size, design style, and construction materials used. Hard costs, which include expenses associated with the physical construction of the building such as framing, roofing, and finishing, as well as fixed equipment like HVAC systems, are a vital consideration.
The technical hard cost of constructing a house, from the initial site work on a vacant lot to the final product, includes:
- Land development
- Foundation
- Framing
- Exterior finishing (such as siding and roofing)
- Interior rough-ins (like plumbing and electrical)
- Interior finishing (such as drywall, flooring, and cabinetry)
- Landscaping (including driveway and deck)
The mentioned costs encompass all labor, machinery, and materials required to complete the project. Given that the most common dwelling type in Toronto GTA is the Single-Detached Wood Framed House, this article focuses primarily on this type of dwelling.
Soft Costs
The costs detailed above pertain solely to construction expenses. However, it’s crucial to incorporate other ancillary costs into the project budget. Soft costs encompass indirect construction fees and charges, including:
- Legal Fees
- Building Permit and Development Charges
- Architectural Design
- Engineering
- Site Survey
- Taxes
- Project Management Fees
- Insurance
These soft costs are essential to consider for a comprehensive project budget and should not be overlooked when planning a construction project.
Development charges (where applicable) are often in the $10,000–$20,000 range for a single-family detached home. Permit fees vary by scope and are calculated separately — see the City of Toronto new house building permit guide.
Other Expenses
Appliances
Appliances can be very subjective according to taste. You want an appliance that suits your home. You wouldn’t want to buy a $100,000 La Cornue Range for a basic starter home. Expect to spend, on average, around $20,000 on appliances in a newly constructed modern home in Toronto in a solid middle-class neighborhood. For a luxury home in an upscale neighborhood, expect to pay over $50,000.
Exterior Hardscape and Landscaping
Again, price ranges can run the gamut, from simple lawns to expansive stone and wood masterpieces with water features and elaborate lighting. The more machinery, workers, and materials needed, the more expensive the job. Prices can run the gamut from a few thousand to several hundred thousand.
Disconnections
Many homeowners don’t consider these types of costs when considering the cost of building a new home. However, these tertiary fees are undertaken before building, which is why new construction in the city can be expensive.
The house originally on the lot where your new home is being built was connected to public utilities: hydro lines, main water lines, drain services, and gas. Disconnecting these services from the older home costs money. Additionally, installing temporary hydro lines on a protected panel during the construction of your home comes with a cost. Expect to pay around $20,000 for these services.
Common Add-On Expenses
During construction, it’s common for clients to ask for modifications to their original plans. These are impossible to predict and vary from client to client. However, when new permits need to be pulled, the expense can amount to many thousands of dollars. Common extras we see are:
- Relocating hydro poles and removing trees (where required)
- Adding extra water lines to the basement for a bar
- Adding security gates
- Running a sound system throughout the home
- Extending the exterior pool
- Adding an indoor pool
- Adding a ‘safe’ room
- Adding an interior elevator
- Adding/expanding an in-home office… and many more.
How to Keep Your Build Budget on Track
Budget control for custom home builds in Toronto comes down to planning decisions made before construction starts. The biggest cost overruns typically come from scope changes, late finish selections, and surprises during excavation or approvals.
To keep your budget on track:
- Lock the scope early and confirm what’s included vs. excluded in writing
- Choose finishes and fixtures before ordering windows/cabinetry to avoid delays
- Use transparent change orders (price + schedule impact) for every adjustment
- Build a contingency for site conditions (soil, tree removal, servicing, access)
- Review hard costs vs. soft costs so fees and approvals don’t surprise you
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