Top Questions Homeowners Ask About Custom Home Building in the GTA (And the Honest Answers from Hawk PD)

Top Questions Homeowners Ask About Custom Home Building in the GTA (And the Honest Answers from Hawk PD)

Building a custom home in the Greater Toronto Area isn’t just about bricks, blueprints, and budgets—it’s a journey filled with big decisions, small details, and a whole lot of questions.

At Hawk Property Developments (aka Hawk PD), we’ve helped countless families across Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, and Burlington bring their dream homes to life. And along the way, we’ve noticed some questions come up every single time—whether it’s someone building for the first time or an experienced property owner upgrading their lifestyle.

In this article, we’re breaking down the most frequently asked questions about custom home building in the GTA—with the honest answers you deserve.

‍

1. How much does it cost to build a custom home in the GTA?

Short answer: It depends—but here's the range.

The average cost to build a custom home in the GTA starts around $300 to $400 per square foot, but premium builds can easily go above $500/sq. ft., especially when you factor in:

1. High-end finishes
   
   
2. Architectural complexity
   
   
3. Site conditions
   
   
4. Permit fees
   
   
5. Demolition or prep work (if it’s a teardown)
   
   

🔍 Tip from Hawk PD: We walk clients through a transparent budgeting process from day one, so you understand where your money is going and why.

‍

2. How long does it take to build a custom home?

Typical timeline: Anywhere from 12 to 18 months from start to finish.

But that doesn’t mean just the construction phase. It includes:

1. Architectural design and planning
   
   
2. Permit approvals (which can take months in some municipalities)
   
   
3. Site prep and demolition (if needed)
   
   
4. Foundation, framing, MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing)
   
   
5. Finishing and inspections
   
   

🚧 Hawk PD Insight: We don’t rush quality—but we do maintain strict scheduling and hold our trades accountable to deadlines.

‍

3. Do I need to find my own architect before contacting a builder?

Nope. At Hawk PD, we work closely with some of the top architects in the GTA and can coordinate your entire design-build process from day one.

🛠️ Whether you already have plans or are starting with a napkin sketch, we’ll guide the process with professionals who align with your vision and budget.

‍

4. What’s the difference between a custom home and a production home?

A production home is built from a standard plan, usually in a subdivision, by a volume builder.

A custom home is:

1. Fully tailored to your needs and lot
   
   
2. Designed from scratch or semi-custom plans
   
   
3. Often built on an infill lot or teardown property
   
   
4. More hands-on, but more rewarding
   
   

🏡 Hawk PD’s specialty is custom—every home we build is unique and designed with you in mind.

‍

5. Where can I build a custom home in the GTA?

Custom homes are typically built in areas where:

1. Zoning allows it (and Hawk PD helps you navigate this)
   
   
2. The lot is large enough and accessible
   
   
3. There’s teardown potential or vacant land
   
   
4. The municipality permits infill construction
   
   

Popular custom home zones we’ve worked in include:

1. Lorne Park & Mineola (Mississauga)
   
   
2. The Kingsway & Baby Point (Toronto)
   
   
3. Old Oakville & Morrison
   
   
4. Roseland (Burlington)
   
   

🌍 Reminder: Each municipality has its own process. That’s why having a local builder who understands GTA regulations is key.

‍

6. Can I live on the property while it’s being built?

In most cases—no. Especially if you’re doing a full teardown or ground-up build.

However, if you’re doing a major renovation or addition, it may be possible to stay on-site during certain phases. Hawk PD will always advise on the most practical and safe solution.

‍

7. How do permits and inspections work? Will Hawk PD handle all that?

Absolutely. Permits are one of the most complex parts of building in the GTA, and each city has its own process.

We coordinate:

1. Zoning checks
   
   
2. Architectural drawings
   
   
3. Permit submissions
   
   
4. Inspections and sign-offs
   
   

📄 You won’t have to step foot in city hall. That’s our job.

‍

8. What makes Hawk PD different from other builders?

We’re glad you asked.

Here’s what clients tell us sets us apart:

1. ✅ Clear communication from day one
   
   
2. ✅ A proven network of top-tier trades and consultants
   
   
3. ✅ Luxury-level finishes without inflated markups
   
   
4. ✅ A true partnership—you’re not just another project
   
   
5. ✅ Clean, organized, and safe job sites
   
   
6. ✅ On-schedule delivery with no budget "mystery"
   
   

🛠️ We don’t just build houses. We build client trust—and we maintain it through every stage of your project.

‍

9. What’s the process to get started?

Here’s what working with Hawk PD looks like:

1. Intro call or consultation
   We discuss your goals, timeline, and scope.
   
   
2. Feasibility review
   We assess your lot or help you find the right one.
   
   
3. Design phase
   We bring in our architect partner (or yours) and begin drawings.
   
   
4. Permits & Pre-construction
   We handle everything from paperwork to pre-build prep.
   
   
5. Build phase
   With a detailed schedule, consistent updates, and full site management.
   
   
6. Move-in & walk-through
   We don’t just hand you the keys—we walk you through every part of your new home.
   
   

‍

Still Have Questions? We’re Ready to Answer Them.

Custom home building doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Hawk PD, we believe that the more informed you are, the more empowered you’ll feel.

We’re not here to give you vague answers—we’re here to give you clarity, confidence, and a custom home you’ll love for decades to come.

‍

📍 Serving Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington & the GTA

📩 info@hawkpd.com
📞 416 795 4559
🌐 www.hawkpd.com

‍