
Custom Home Builder Toronto is your premier choice for crafting homes that are as unique as they are beautiful. Recognizing that a home is not just a living space, but a personal statement, we are dedicated to transforming your dreams into reality. Our seasoned team of professionals ensures each detail is perfectly aligned with your vision, from the initial design phase right through to the final touches. By seamlessly integrating timeless craftsmanship with cutting-edge technologies, we create residences that are aesthetically pleasing, efficient, and built to last. As a leading provider in Toronto’s custom home industry, we commit to delivering an unparalleled experience and a product that surpasses your expectations.
Building a custom home seems to be more accessible and fancier. But:
- How small can a custom home be?
- How much does it cost to build a custom home in Toronto?
- Why build a custom home?
- How to live in a small house?
Odima construction team will answer these questions about small custom homes in Toronto through this article.
1. How small can a custom home be?
According to the national statistical office of Statistics Canada, the median above-grade living area of recently built single-detached houses in Ontario is about 2400 square feet (223 m2). Although recently built single-detached houses are almost two times larger than those constructed earlier, for many families, affordability concerns have led to building smaller custom homes.
Each city has its own different urban design and official plan policies. Permitted density and neighborhood form, besides other factors, determine the minimum lot size to build a dwelling in each city and each zone. But in general, you may be able to even build a 500 square feet custom home which may need to be built in a 700 square feet lot in Toronto.
More precisely, based on Tiny house movement, houses of less than 1000 square feet (93 m2) are considered as small. Frequently, the distinction is made between small (between 400 square feet (37 m2) and 1000 square feet (93 m2)), and tiny houses which are less than 400 square feet (37 m2).
However, you don’t have to go that much tiny, but a smaller than the current average custom home is still considered a small house and might fit your budget best.

2. How much does it cost to build a custom home in Toronto?
The Larger the home, the lower its price per square foot, and the smaller the house, the higher its price per square foot. This is due to multiple factors. When building a home, there are a lot of costs that do not really get affected by a few hundred square feet because, generally speaking, half of what you’ll pay is the cost of labor and labour is not cheap! The reality is most contractors use the same crew for 2000 square feet as they would use for 4000 square feet. Furthermore, around 20% to 30% of your expenditures will be on soft costs. Therefore, your price per square foot will be higher, but your total spending will end up being less for a small home, so in short, it is cheaper!
Using our Simple Home Building Cost Estimator, a 2400 (223 m2) square feet custom built detached home in Toronto/GTA, will cost $620,000 on average. For a 1000 (93 m2) square feet custom built detached home in Toronto/GTA it will be $255,000 on average. If you want to try our Simple Home Building Cost Estimator for another home square footage, you can read our 2020 Cost of Building a House in Toronto/GTA.
3. Why build a custom home in Toronto?
Building a custom home in Toronto comes with numerous advantages. Here are a few key reasons:
- Personalized Design: A custom home builder in Toronto allows you to design every aspect of your home to reflect your personal style and needs. You have the freedom to choose everything, from the floor plan to the finishes.
- Modern Amenities: When you build a custom home, you can integrate the latest technologies and amenities. You’ll have the chance to include energy-efficient appliances, smart home features, or a home theatre, depending on your preferences.
- Location and Lot: Toronto is a vibrant city with diverse neighborhoods. A custom home gives you the opportunity to choose your ideal location and maximize the potential of your lot.
- Quality: With a custom home, you’re not just another project. Reputable custom home builders in Toronto ensure superior quality and craftsmanship, resulting in a well-built, durable home.
- Future-Proof: Building a custom home allows you to anticipate your future needs. Whether it’s extra rooms for a growing family or accessibility features, your home can evolve with you.
In conclusion, building a custom home in Toronto with an experienced builder provides a personalized, high-quality living space that can adapt to your lifestyle and stand the test of time.
You can also read:
Buying Land and Building a House Costs in Toronto
4. How to live in a small house?
An efficient house plan can really work to help small areas feel larger. Most likely, your initial must-have list is longer than what you know fits in your house. Be ready to sacrifice, compromise, and adjust. This is challenging, but if you establish effective communication with your designer and contractor and clarify your needs and wants, the result will be satisfying. For instance, most homeowners consider the basement as the dark, uninhabitable space of their house to store off-season stuff. But in a small house that is customized for you, the basement can be finished with a TV room, extra bedroom, laundry, and yes, storage area.

Organizing is another key to living a big life in a small space. If you want to know 7 Tips to achieve a minimalist look click here. Although you don’t have to go minimalist in a small house, but you can benefit from minimalist organizing tips:
- Decluttering
- Consider hidden or stylish storage solutions that work for you
- Making sure everything has a dedicated space
- Putting things away when you’re finished with them
- And downsizing as needed in each purchase
If you are looking to build a custom home on a smaller scale, contact us as a pioneer Custom Home Builder in Toronto with years of experience in house building and home renovation in Toronto/GTA. Our professional team can present you with lots of creative designs that make small dwellings seem larger.
May your home always be too small to hold
All of your friends.
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