Phase 2 Construction: Building Your Custom Home in Toronto
Building a custom home or large-scale renovation in Toronto is an exciting step — but it’s during the construction phase that your vision truly takes shape. At Lighthaus Built, we approach every project with precision, communication, and craftsmanship.
We’ve already discussed the Pre-construction Phase — where scope, budget, and timelines are defined. Now, let’s explore how we bring those plans to life through a structured, transparent building process.
What to Expect
During the Building Phase
Many Toronto homeowners begin construction still wondering:
How does the process unfold?
What am I responsible for?
Will the crew be on-site every week?
How are my neighbours treated?
Will my budget and schedule stay on track?
These are all valid questions — and the answers come down to one thing: consistent communication. We believe that transparency is what turns a complex project into an enjoyable experience. When issues are addressed early and honestly, challenges become opportunities to refine the result.
The Lighthaus Built Approach to Home Construction in Toronto
Once pre-construction is complete and the estimate, schedule, and scope are approved, we’re ready to swing hammers. Every site is carefully prepared — not just for safety and efficiency, but also to protect your property, the public, and your neighbours.
Toronto’s established neighbourhoods often mean tight lots and shared boundaries, so we take extra care to maintain good relationships with those living nearby.
Our Dedicated Team and Site Supervision
Every Lighthaus Built project has a dedicated site supervisor, who is also an experienced carpenter. They lead a small crew of three to four — typically one or two carpenters and one or two labourers — ensuring efficiency and accountability.
Your project manager oversees scheduling, trade coordination, and client updates, acting as your main point of contact throughout construction.
Because we have in-house carpenters, all framing is completed by our team. This gives us control over quality, allows for on-the-fly adjustments, and ensures continuous progress without downtime.
The Six Phases of Residential Construction
Most custom builds and major renovations in Toronto follow six core stages. While details vary by project, these phases almost always occur in this order.
1. Demolition & Groundwork
This phase lays the literal foundation for everything that follows. For new builds or additions, it includes excavation, shoring, foundation footings, and waterproofing. For full-home renovations, underpinning may be required to gain ceiling height or strengthen older foundations — a common scenario in Toronto’s older homes.
Proper drainage and moisture protection at this stage are essential for long-term performance.
2. Framing & Superstructure
This is where your home takes shape — the floors, walls, roof, and structural supports are built to form the shell.
Our goal is to get the structure “dried-in” as quickly as possible so that interior work can proceed regardless of weather. Most Toronto homes use wood framing, often reinforced with steel beams or posts for open-concept layouts.
Window Tip: Ideally, windows are installed right after the roof goes on to fully close in the structure. When lead times delay delivery, we install temporary covers to keep the interior protected.
3. Mechanical Rough-Ins
The “guts” of your home — HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems — are installed during this phase.
It’s a critical period that requires precise coordination among your architect, designer, and our team. Because we’ve worked with the same trusted trades for over 15 years, our collaboration is seamless and reduces costly re-work later.
4. Pre-Finishing
Once rough-ins are inspected and approved, it’s time to insulate and drywall. We ensure the structure is completely dry before insulation to prevent trapped moisture.
If windows weren’t installed earlier, they’re fitted now. This stage transforms the interior from a construction site into a recognizable living space.
5. Finishing
This is where craftsmanship and detail shine. The finishing phase typically follows this sequence:
Permanent stairs installation
Tile work (done before flooring to minimize mess)
Hardwood flooring
Cabinetry, trim, and doors
Shower glass, countertops, and hardware
Professional cleaning
By controlling the order of operations, we protect finishes and maintain efficiency.
6. Exterior Cladding
Exterior finishes — such as brick, siding, stucco, or stone — are ideally completed once the home is watertight.
Because many systems (lighting, vents, outlets) penetrate the exterior, we time cladding to ensure coordination with trades and minimize rework.
Communication is the Constant
Throughout the build, your project manager provides ongoing updates so you always know what’s happening on-site. We coordinate with your architect, designer, and trades to ensure every detail aligns with your plans and expectations.
When you work with Lighthaus Built, you’re not just hiring a builder — you’re partnering with a team that values craftsmanship, respect, and communication at every step.
Key Takeaways
Every project includes a dedicated site supervisor and in-house carpentry team.
Communication is at the heart of our process — you’re informed every step of the way.
We work seamlessly with your architect and designer to bring your vision to life.
Our six-phase process keeps your Toronto home build on schedule and on budget.
Construction Phase Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a custom home build in Toronto take?
Most projects range from 10–18 months depending on size, complexity, and season. Your preconstruction plan defines the schedule before work begins.
Do you handle permitting or architectural design?
No — your architect manages permitting and drawings. However, we collaborate closely with your design and architectural team to ensure every detail is executed as intended.
Who is on-site during construction?
A dedicated site supervisor and small in-house crew are on-site daily, supported by our project manager overseeing scheduling and communication.
Can I visit the site during construction?
Yes — we encourage regular site visits with your project manager. Transparency and collaboration are key to a successful build.
Up Next
Phase 3 Post-Build: Loving Life in Your New Home
With construction complete and the finishing touches in place, you’re ready to move into your new Toronto home — built with the craftsmanship and care that defines Lighthaus Built.
Stay tuned for the final part of our series: Phase 3 Post-Build.
Thinking about renovating or building a custom home?
If you’re planning a renovation or a new home build in Toronto, take the time to do it right. Get in touch with Lighthaus Built today for a consultation. We’ll go over all the phases in our approach, starting with pre-construction to set your project up for success.
Meet the Author
Dave Cook is co-owner of Lighthaus Built and has spent 17 years working in single-family construction in Toronto. Through the years, he has worked as a carpenter, site supervisor, and project manager for more than 60+ major, high-end renovations and custom homes.
As an HCRA-licensed builder, he and his company (Lighthaus Built) are well-versed in constructing high-quality homes and take pride in what they do.
On a personal level, Dave is very active in several sports - most notably, distance running, road cycling, and tennis. He bakes bread (for personal consumption) and no, this was not a Covid thing. He grew up eating homemade bread and has made my own for the past 20 years. He has been married for 20 years and has two teenage children and a dog.
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