The Planning Phase: 10 Steps to get you started.

Embarking on the journey of building a custom home in Ontario is both exciting and complex. The planning phase is pivotal—it’s where your dreams begin to take shape and the foundation for a successful project is laid. Here’s our BroLaws guide to navigating this critical stage with confidence.
1. Assembling Your Dream Team
Building a custom home is one of the biggest investments you’ll make, so having a trusted team is non-negotiable. The earlier you assemble your team, the better. Strong communication and collaboration between your architect, designer, and contractor are crucial from the start.

Architect: Your architect is the visionary who translates your ideas into tangible plans while ensuring compliance with local building codes. Look for someone with experience in Ontario’s unique climate and design styles that align with your vision.
Designer: A designer focuses on functionality and aesthetics, ensuring your home works for your lifestyle. They’ll help with everything from layout optimization to selecting materials and finishes.
Contractor: Your contractor manages the construction process, translating designs into reality. Choose someone with a proven track record of delivering on time and within budget. A great contractor fosters open communication and keeps you informed every step of the way.
Pro Tip: Regular meetings with your entire team ensure alignment and save time and money as the project progresses.
2. Understanding Local Fees and Regulations
Ontario’s building fees and regulations vary by municipality, and understanding these upfront can save you headaches later.
Land Transfer Tax: When purchasing land, you’ll need to pay this tax based on the property’s value. Note that cities like Toronto may have additional fees.
Development Fees: These fees cover infrastructure costs such as roads and parks. Costs can vary significantly by region.
Utility Hookups: Budget for connecting electricity, water, sewer, and gas. Rural builds may also require wells, septic systems, or propane installations.
Pro Tip: Partner with your local building and development planning department early to understand zoning, permits, and other requirements.
3. Designing for Curb Appeal and Functionality

Your custom home should be as beautiful as it is functional. Here’s how to strike the right balance:
Architectural Style: Whether you prefer modern minimalism or timeless farmhouse charm, your home’s style should reflect your personality while complementing the neighborhood.
Material Selection: Choose durable and visually appealing materials that suit Ontario’s climate. High-quality siding, roofing, and stonework not only enhance curb appeal but also improve longevity.
Landscaping and Driveway: Incorporate thoughtful landscaping and hardscaping that frame your home beautifully and improve functionality.
Pro Tip: Think long-term—design for timeless appeal and durability that will keep your home looking great for years.
4. Exploring Energy Options

Energy efficiency is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. Decide early whether you’ll use traditional utilities or opt for passive and renewable energy solutions.
Traditional Utilities: Reliable and familiar, these include standard connections for electricity, gas, and water.
Passive Energy Design: Features like solar orientation, enhanced insulation, and natural ventilation can dramatically reduce energy costs.
Renewable Systems: Geothermal heating, solar panels, and wind turbines may have higher upfront costs, but government rebates and long-term savings can offset them.
Pro Tip: Ontario offers green energy incentives—check out the programs available to support energy-efficient upgrades.
5. Defining Your Building Envelope

The building envelope—the barrier between the indoors and outdoors—plays a key role in energy efficiency and comfort. Advancements in building science give you options to optimize it:
Insulation: Options like spray foam, rigid foam panels, and blown-in insulation improve energy efficiency and thermal performance.
Windows and Doors: High-performance options like Low-E coatings, argon-filled glass, and triple-glazing reduce heat loss and boost comfort.
Air Sealing: Techniques like weatherstripping, caulking, and blower door testing ensure your home is airtight, minimizing drafts and energy waste.
Advanced Materials: Innovations like cross-laminated timber and breathable membranes enhance durability and sustainability.
Passive Design Strategies: Solar orientation, thermal mass, and natural ventilation reduce energy consumption while improving comfort.
Pro Tip: A high-performing building envelope not only cuts energy costs but also makes your home more comfortable and durable.
6. Balancing Priorities: Construction vs. Aesthetics
Before construction begins, establish clear priorities. Are you more focused on structural integrity, energy efficiency, or visual appeal? Aligning your goals with your budget will help your team deliver a home that meets your expectations.
Pro Tip: Identify your non-negotiables early, whether it’s a state-of-the-art kitchen or exceptional energy efficiency.
7. Budgeting: Beyond Square Foot Estimates
While Ontario custom home costs typically range from $350 to $950 per square foot, a square foot price is just a starting point. It’s an excellent way to set a rough budget for your project, but as you get closer to your start date, transitioning to a detailed budget is key.

Detailed Spreadsheet: An in-depth spreadsheet should break down every cost, including materials, labor, permits, and finishes. This ensures no surprises and allows for better financial planning.
Transparent Budgeting: At BroLaws, we use an open-book process, giving clients access to live tracking sheets for a clear view of project costs in real-time. This keeps expectations and reality aligned throughout the project.
Pro Tip: Always budget an additional 10-15% for contingencies. This buffer can handle unexpected expenses, like supply chain delays or material price changes.
8. Financing Your Build
Choosing between a construction loan and self-financing depends on your financial situation:
Construction Loan: Funds are disbursed in stages but come with interest and fees.
Self-Financing: Offers more control but requires significant upfront capital.
Pro Tip: Consult a financial advisor to evaluate the best option for your project.
9. Setting Realistic Timelines

Timelines can vary based on design complexity, permitting, and weather. A reliable contractor will provide an initial estimate and adjust as needed.
Pro Tip: Build a buffer into your timeline and communicate openly with your contractor for updates.
10. Understanding Subcontracting Practices
The contractors and subcontractors you hire can make or break your project. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Costing Triangle: With subcontractors, you can’t have price, timeline, and quality all at once. Typically, the best quality comes at a higher cost or longer timeline.
Balancing Priorities: The subcontractors chosen for each part of your project depend on
how high that portion ranks on your priority list and whether there are budget constraints. High-priority areas, like custom cabinetry or exterior finishes, often call for top-tier subcontractors. Other areas may benefit from mid-tier options to save costs.
The Ideal Scenario: In a perfect world, you’d have top-tier subcontractors for every stage of the project, but practicalities like budget and timing often dictate otherwise. A good contractor will help you decide where to allocate resources to balance quality and cost.

Pro Tip: Ask your contractor about subcontractor tiers and their involvement in your project. Transparency is key to understanding what you’re getting.
Ready to Start Building Your Custom Home in Ontario?
By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared for the planning phase of your custom home journey. With the right team, careful planning, and clear priorities, you can make your dream home a reality. To get more information on partnering with Brolaws for your own custom build head on over to our Custom Builds page!
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