How to Choose a Custom Home Builder
in Toronto
Direct Answer
The right builder gives real references from similar-scope projects, carries proper insurance and WSIB coverage, offers a detailed fixed-price contract, and has a portfolio that matches your project's caliber. Avoid any builder requiring large upfront deposits or discouraging legal review of contracts.
Choosing the right builder is the single most important decision you'll make in a custom home or major renovation project. A great builder makes the process smooth, predictable, and even enjoyable. The wrong builder makes it one of the worst experiences of your life.
This guide gives you the tools to make a confident decision: the green flags that indicate a trustworthy builder, the red flags that signal risk, and the exact questions to ask before you sign anything.
"We encourage every client to interview other builders before hiring us. A client who chooses Wexler after doing their homework is the best kind of client."
— Mark Wexler, Principal
6 Green Flags in a Luxury Home Builder
They give you real references — not just testimonials
A confident builder will give you phone numbers for past clients — not just curated quotes on a website. Call those clients. Ask how disputes were handled, not just whether the kitchen looks beautiful.
They're financially stable and properly insured
Ask for proof of WSIB coverage, general liability insurance ($5M+), and confirmation they're bonded. A builder who hesitates here is a builder to avoid.
They have a genuine fixed-price contract
A good builder provides a detailed contract with clear scope, allowances, schedule of values, and a change order process. Vague contracts lead to disputes. Demand specificity.
They manage their own trades
Builders who subcontract everything and don't have a core team of trades they work with consistently have less quality control and less leverage when problems arise.
They're honest about what they don't know
Every project has unknowns. A trustworthy builder tells you what the uncertainties are and how they'll be managed — not just what you want to hear.
They have a portfolio that matches your project
Don't hire a builder whose best projects are $800K renovations for a $4M custom build. Experience at your scope matters enormously.
8 Red Flags to Watch For
8 Questions to Ask Every Builder
How many projects at this scope have you completed in the last 5 years?
Can I speak directly with 3 past clients whose projects were similar to mine?
Who are the core trades on your team, and how long have you worked with them?
How do you handle scope changes and cost overruns?
Will you personally be on-site and available, or will I be working with a project manager?
What is your payment schedule, and what does each draw correspond to?
What happens if you go over budget — and how common has that been on similar projects?
How do you handle disputes if something goes wrong mid-project?
Ask Us These Questions
We welcome the scrutiny. Robby and Mark are happy to answer every question on this list — in person, directly.
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