Housing across the GTA has become pretty sparse in recent years. Not only does this make it more difficult to buy a home, but actually finding a home that meets all of your needs can feel next to impossible.
Building a custom home is an easy way to land every item on your wishlist. And with larger lots and lower property costs, South Etobicoke is the perfect place to do it.
While there’s a lot that goes into building a custom home, it’s absolutely worth it if you’ve got the time and budget.
If that sounds like you, here’s everything you need to know about custom building in South Etobicoke.
Why South Etobicoke?
Among the Greater Toronto Area’s many neighbourhoods and regions, South Etobicoke is a hidden gem. Tucked along the shore of Lake Ontario, the area has both natural beauty and big city convenience. With endless local amenities and unmatched accessibility, residents of South Etobicoke enjoy a fun and easygoing lifestyle.
Not to mention, South Etobicoke is famous for its large lot sizes and relative affordability, making it a great place to find the perfect blank canvas for your dream home.
Interested in exploring South Etobicoke’s unique neighbourhoods? Check out these community guides.
Why Build Custom?
Simply put, custom builds are the best way to get everything you want out of your new home. With every detail up to you, you can work with the builder to truly create your dream space. You’ll decide the layout, number of rooms, size and anything else you want.
Another great advantage of custom homes is quality. Since your home is brand new you won’t need to worry about age-related wear, or harmful toxins like lead, mould or asbestos.
Plus, starting from the ground up on your dream home allows you to build on your investment during the construction process. This means greater flexibility in how you can increase your ROI down the line while avoiding disruptive renovations after you’ve moved in.
Garden suites are a great investment that can not only boost your property value but also help you earn some serious passive income. Check out my blog post on the topic here to learn more.
Tear Downs
While some of South Etobicoke’s housing lots are vacant, many custom builds actually take place after a smaller home is bought and then torn down. This is partly due to Etobicoke’s high number of bungalows. Uniquely, bungalows typically have larger lots compared to multi-storey homes. As a result, homeowners who build custom have more area to work with after the tear-down process.
Want to learn more about bungalows in Etobicoke? Explore my blog post on the topic here.
Permits and Red Tape
As you may expect, building a custom home will come with a fair bit of red tape and regulations. While this can feel like a pain, it’s worth the effort to ensure you don’t face any legal or logistical setbacks. What permits you’ll need will depend on your unique vision and location. So, the best place to start when understanding laws and regulations is to ask an expert.
Work With a South Etobicoke Real Estate Agent
One common misconception among homeowners who choose to build custom is that there’s no need to work with a real estate agent. While it’s true that you can work directly with builders or developers, working with an agent is the best way to keep your bases covered. As your advocate, an agent can help you navigate the red tape. They’ll also help you stay clear of potential pitfalls and walk you through the important contracts and paperwork.
Real estate in Etobicoke is picking up steam. Here are some helpful blog posts to get familiar with the local housing landscape.
- Selling Trends in South Etobicoke
- Why You Should Buy in Etobicoke
- Why You Should Hire a Local Real Estate Agent
Beware of Hidden Costs
One common mistake that many custom home buyers can make is not fully understanding what’s included in the builder’s quote. While some builders work directly with contractors and architects, others may outsource to third parties – which can lead to confusion or unpleasant surprises during the billing process. Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you’ve read the fine print. Of course, expecting the unexpected is always a smart strategy, and you should factor surprise costs into your budget before you build.
If you’re unsure about what costs are typically included in a custom home quote, ask your agent. They can help prevent or reduce any surprise costs from negatively impacting your build.
Setbacks Happen
There’s a lot that goes into building a custom home. Although your builder will do their best to keep things on schedule, delays can happen. Supply chain challenges, labour shortages, and even the weather can all interrupt the builder’s progress. Ensure you have a backup plan in place in case of potential setbacks. If necessary, coordinate temporary housing for you and your family should your move-in date be delayed significantly.
Ready to build your dream home? As a proudly-local South Etobicoke agent, I can help! Call or text me at 647-239-7587 or send me an email at melissa@southetobicoke.com to get started.
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