The short answer.
For a typical GTA custom home that fits the zoning, plan on about 14 to 20 months from your first meeting to keys: 3 to 5 months of design, 1 to 3 months for the building permit, and under 12 months of construction. A minor variance adds about 3 to 6 months. A rezoning adds a year or more.
Stage by stage.
| Stage | Typical time | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Lot Check and feasibility | 1 to 4 weeks | Zoning, what fits, a budget range and a timeline |
| Survey and reports | 2 to 6 weeks | Topographic survey; arborist or geotechnical reports where needed |
| Design and pricing | 2 to 4 months | Concept, 3D views, line-by-line proposal, permit drawings |
| Committee of Adjustment | 3 to 6 months, only if needed | Notice, hearing, decision and the 20-day appeal period |
| Building permit | 1 to 3 months | Plans review, revisions and the permit |
| Construction | Under 12 months | Permit to keys |
The 12-month build, month by month.
- Month 0. Building permit issued.
- Month 2. Foundation complete.
- Month 5. Roof on, windows in.
- Month 7. Drywall complete.
- Month 10. Kitchen and finishes in.
- Before month 12. Keys in hand.
That’s the schedule every Oaksmith home runs on. It holds because design, pricing and selections are settled before the clock starts.
Why permits take as long as they do.
Ontario’s Building Code gives municipalities 10 business days to decide on a complete permit application for a house. In practice the clock restarts when an application is incomplete or the zoning review finds a problem, which is why permits often take one to three months.
Recent provincial changes help. Most residential projects of 10 units or fewer no longer need site plan approval, and since 2025 setbacks can be up to 10% smaller than the zoning by-law requires without a minor variance on most urban lots.
What slows custom homes down.
- Late decisions and changes. The most common cause of delay on any custom home.
- Long-lead materials. Windows, custom millwork and some finishes take weeks or months to arrive.
- Utilities. Disconnections before demolition and new connections can take weeks.
- Variances. A Committee of Adjustment hearing adds months. Since 2022, neighbours can no longer appeal minor variances to the Ontario Land Tribunal, so appeals are rarer.
- Winter. Foundations can be poured in winter with heating and protection, at extra cost.
How we keep it under 12 months.
- Design and selections are settled before construction starts.
- Long-lead items are ordered early.
- Trades are booked ahead and inspections requested in advance.
- Sami walks the site every week and sends you photo updates.
General information, current to November 4, 2026. Rules and programs change; check the details for your property before you rely on them.