u/Additional-You-4553

https://reddit.com/link/1t6rwar/video/7lc13fgbzszg1/player

We recently topped up the attic insulation in this Pickering hope as part of a large interior remodel. We opted to remove the existing insulation in the back half of the house as were completely changing the layout on the 2nd floor and there was extensive electrical work to be done inside the attic.

After all the work in the attic was complete I had my insulation contractor come and blow in cellulose insulation to achieve an R60 rating throughout the whole attic. (approx 1500 sq ft) He also sealed the truss pockets with batt insulation and installed baffles for proper airflow.

The insulation bill came to $3300 which works out to about $2.20 per square foot. Hopefully this helps someone planning a renovation, or who might be thinking about topping up their attic!

Custom home pricing in Ontario has changed a lot over the last 5 years.

I see people trying to budget their build using a simple “price per square foot” and it usually leads to unrealistic expectations.

That number can be useful at a early stage, but it doesn't work in all scenarios, especially smaller homes, or homes with complex features.

Here are a few things that can swing pricing massively, even between two homes with the same square footage:

• Site conditions (grading, access, soil quality)
• Servicing (septic vs sewer, well vs municipal)
• Window package (this can change the cost by tens of thousands)
• Roof complexity (simple vs multiple pitches/valleys)
• Structural requirements and engineering
• Foundation type and depth
• Permit and development fees
• Exterior materials and detailing
• Mechanical systems (HVAC, radiant, etc.)
• Interior finish level and millwork detail

It’s not uncommon for two 3,000 sq ft homes to be $300k+ apart depending on those factors.

The biggest issue with “price per foot” is it assumes every home is built the same — and they’re not.

If you’re planning a custom build, a more realistic approach is to:

• Determine your max budget (what you can afford)
• Align your design with your budget early - ensure your architect doesn't design something you can't afford.
• Understand your lot constraints before finalizing plans
• Expect adjustments as details get refined

I'm curious what others are seeing for custom home pricing right now across Ontario. Let me know your experiences!

Custom home pricing in the GTA has changed a lot over the last 5 years.

I still see people trying to budget their build using a simple “price per square foot” — and it usually leads to unrealistic expectations.

That number can be useful early on, but it breaks down fast once real decisions and site conditions come into play.

A few things that heavily impact pricing in the GTA:

• Lot conditions (tight access, demolition, infill constraints)
• Municipal requirements and permit timelines
• Development charges and fees
• Servicing (upgrades to water, sewer, hydro)
• Tree protection and conservation regulations
• Excavation complexity (especially in older neighborhoods)
• Window packages and exterior detailing
• Roof complexity
• Mechanical systems (HVAC, radiant, etc.)
• Interior finish level and millwork detail

It’s not uncommon for two 3,000 sq ft homes in the GTA to be $300k+ apart depending on those factors.

The biggest issue with “price per foot” is it assumes every home is built the same — and they’re not. Especially in this area where every lot comes with its own set of constraints.

If you’re planning a custom build in the GTA, a more realistic approach is to:

• Start with a rough range, not a fixed number
• Align your design with your budget early
• Understand your lot constraints before finalizing plans
• Expect pricing to evolve as details get refined

Curious what others are seeing right now for custom build costs in the GTA.

https://preview.redd.it/hgszzi39emzg1.jpg?width=4246&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=812b9b07a7469d254d0ea7a0570b6f451065be28