When it comes to finding the perfect place to live in Toronto, building a custom home is a popular option. Going this route allows you to pick the exact location and home amenities you want, and it also gives you the freedom to budget for the things that are most important to you. While there is no disputing the many advantages that building a home has to offer, it is a significant investment. Getting organized and remaining informed ensures your construction process stays on track and grants you the end result that you are hoping for.
Before beginning construction on your Toronto home, take time to review the permitting process. Permits are the government’s way of ensuring that buildings are safe, and failing to carefully follow the rules and regulations surrounding them can land you in a lot of trouble including delays in the construction process, expensive fines, additional sub-contractor fees and even having to tear down any work on your home that has been completed.
Filing Your Custom Home Permits
Permits in Toronto are filed electronically either via email or by submitting a CD version of your application in-person at any Toronto building customer service counter. Your application for the permit must be accompanied by to-scale drawings of your home. You must also submit site plans, lot grading plans, floor plans, roof plans and other construction detail notes. It is helpful to hire a Toronto design specialist or general contractor to assist with creating these documents as accuracy is essential.
In addition to filing for a building permit, most custom homes in Toronto will require permits for the HVAC system and plumbing systems. Consult with a Toronto building customer service representative to see if these permits are applicable to your building, or discuss your project with a general contracting professional.
Inspecting Your Custom Home Build
Once your permit application has been filed, the next step in the process of building a custom home in Toronto is to request inspections. This can be done through the Toronto building inspector in your area. Information on how to contact the appropriate inspector can be found at this website. Expect at least a 48-hour wait period from the time you request your inspection until the time it is completed, and always make sure your project is ready for inspection before making a request. Requesting an inspection too early could cause your home to fail the inspection resulting in further delays and expenses.
Keep in mind that all inspections on custom homes in Toronto involve fees based on the size and scope of the project. These fees can be paid by phone or in person at any Toronto building customer service counter. Failure to pay them could result in delays in the application process and construction.
There are many steps involved with building a custom home in Toronto, and none are more important than the permit and inspection process. If the idea of working with government officials, filing forms and monitoring inspections has you feeling overwhelmed, call on the experts at Alair Homes Toronto. Our award-winning Toronto general contracting team takes care of all the details involved with building a custom home while keeping you informed every step of the way. The end result is a more satisfying, stress-free building experience. To learn more, contact us and schedule a free, no obligation consultation.