Frequently asked questions
Answers on custom home timelines and costs, legal basement requirements in Mississauga, permits, zoning, payments and renovations — from Maarc Builds.
Getting started & working with Maarc Builds
What services does Maarc Builds offer?
We build luxury custom homes (including teardown-and-rebuild), legal basement apartments and additional residential units, and major renovations and additions across Mississauga, Oakville and the GTA.
What's the difference between construction management and a lump-sum contract - and which do you recommend?
With construction management, we're involved from design onward, obtain multiple trade quotes, and send weekly reports covering progress, costs to date, next week's work and photos - you see every dollar. With a lump-sum GC contract, you get one fixed price and changes are handled through change orders. For custom homes we recommend construction management because it gives you transparency and control over cost.
How do I get started, and is the first consultation free?
Book a consultation and we'll walk your lot or home, discuss your goals, budget and timeline, and outline next steps.
Do you help with design and architectural drawings, or do I need my own architect?
We can coordinate design through our network of architects, designers and engineers, or work with a designer you've already hired. Being involved early helps keep the design buildable and on budget.
Can I buy a lot or a teardown and have you assess it before I close?
Yes - we recommend it. We review zoning, lot coverage, setbacks, trees, grading and services so you know what you can build before you commit. Give us a call, we can always help.
Who will be my main point of contact during the project?
You'll deal directly with a partner and an assigned project manager — not a rotating cast of salespeople.
How will I know what's happening on site?
You'll receive a weekly report with progress, costs, upcoming work and photos, plus scheduled site meetings at key milestones.
Which areas do you serve?
Mississauga, Oakville and the broader GTA.
Custom homes & teardown rebuilds
How long does it take to build a custom home?
Plan on design and approvals first (often several months, longer if a minor variance is needed), followed by construction of roughly 12 - 18 months depending on size and complexity. Rebuilds in the GTA can take up to two years end to end, so we give you a realistic schedule from the start.
How much does it cost to build a custom home in Mississauga or Oakville?
Cost depends on size, design complexity, site conditions and finishes. Published ranges for GTA custom construction run from roughly $295 to $450+ per sq. ft., and luxury builds go higher. We provide a detailed budget early so there are no surprises.
What's included in your price — and what isn't?
We spell out what's included (permits, design coordination, demolition, utilities, landscaping, appliances, etc.) and what's an allowance or excluded, so quotes are comparable.
Can I make changes during construction?
Yes. Changes are documented in writing with cost and schedule impact before work proceeds - through the weekly report under construction management, or a formal change order under a lump-sum contract.
Do you handle demolition of my existing house?
Yes - including the demolition permit, utility disconnections, and sequencing demolition with the new building permit.
Can I choose my own finishes, suppliers or trades?
Yes. You choose finishes; we help with selections and showroom visits. Owner-supplied items can be accommodated with clear rules on timing and warranty.
Do you build energy-efficient or smart homes?
Yes — high-performance envelopes, efficient HVAC, EV-ready garages, solar-ready roofs and home automation can all be designed in.
Can you build a home with a legal basement unit or a garden suite from day one?
Yes, and it's far cheaper to plan for it at the design stage — separate entrance, fire separation, egress windows and services are built in from the start.
Budget, payments & contracts
How does payment work?
Payments follow a written schedule tied to construction milestones, beginning with a deposit. Industry norm in Ontario is a 10–15% deposit, with progress payments as work is completed.
What is the 10% holdback?
Under Ontario's Construction Act, owners hold back 10% of each payment as protection against liens, released after the statutory period once the work is complete. We explain this in your contract.
Will I get a written contract?
Always - with scope, materials and specifications, schedule, price and payment schedule, insurance, warranty and how changes are handled.
Can you work with my lender or construction financing?
Yes. We provide the budgets, schedules and progress documentation lenders typically require for draws.
How do you keep the project on budget?
Detailed early budgeting, multiple trade quotes, allowances set realistically, and weekly cost tracking so variances are caught early.
Permits, zoning & approvals
Do you handle building permits and inspections?
Yes. We prepare and submit permit applications, coordinate drawings and engineering, and book every required municipal inspection.
How long does it take to get a building permit?
It varies by municipality and scope. A simple permit may take weeks; projects needing a minor variance at the Committee of Adjustment, arborist reports or other approvals can take months. We map this out before you commit.
What is a minor variance, and will I need one?
It's permission from the Committee of Adjustment to depart slightly from zoning rules (e.g., height, setbacks, lot coverage). We'll tell you early whether your design needs one.
What happens if there are trees on my lot?
Many municipalities require permits and arborist reports to remove or protect trees. We factor this into the design and schedule.
Is my property heritage-designated, and does that matter?
Heritage-listed or designated properties face extra review. We check before design begins.
Legal basements & additional residential units (ARUs)
What makes a basement apartment "legal" in Mississauga?
It must meet the Ontario Building Code, Ontario Fire Code and the Zoning By-law, and be registered with the City. A new second unit — or one built after July 14, 1994 — needs a building permit.
How much does a legal basement cost?
Cost depends on size, existing condition, ceiling height, whether you need a new side or walk-out entrance, egress windows, and HVAC/plumbing upgrades.
How long does a legal basement conversion take?
Typically 8-10 weeks for drawings and permit, then 6-8 weeks of construction. We give you a firm schedule after the site review.
What are the main requirements — ceiling height, entrance, windows?
Key items include minimum ceiling heights, a compliant separate entrance, egress windows in bedrooms, fire separation between units, smoke/CO alarms, and proper ventilation. We review your basement against all of them.
Do I need to register my second unit, and is there a fee?
Yes, Mississauga requires registration. There's no registration fee, though permits, fire inspections and design work have their own costs.
My basement is already finished. Can you make it legal?
Often, yes. We assess what's existing, identify what must be upgraded, and handle permits so the unit can be registered.
I'm buying a home with a basement apartment. How do I know if it's legal?
Check for a building permit with final inspections and whether it's on the City's Second Units Registry. We can review it with you before you buy.
Can I build a garden suite or more units on my lot?
Mississauga now allows up to two additional residential units alongside the main home (e.g., a basement unit plus a garden suite), or a fourplex, on many lots. We assess what your lot permits.
Does the City offer pre-approved garden suite plans?
Yes — Mississauga offers free pre-approved plans (a studio and a ~600 sq. ft. one-bedroom). We can build from those or design a custom suite.
Does a basement unit need its own parking?
Parking rules vary by municipality and zone. We confirm current requirements for your address.
Renovations & additions
Should I renovate, add on, or tear down and rebuild?
It depends on the condition of your house, what zoning allows, and the cost per added square foot. We'll compare options honestly so you can decide.
Can I live in my home during the renovation?
Sometimes, for phased projects. Major structural work, full gut renovations or work affecting heat, water or power usually means moving out for a period.
How do you handle older homes and surprises behind the walls?
We investigate early and carry contingencies. If something like old wiring, rot or structural issues appears, we document it with photos and pricing before proceeding.
Do you clean up and protect my home during the work?
Yes — dust protection, daily tidy-up, and a full clean at completion.
Do you do second-storey or rear additions?
Yes, including structural engineering, foundation work and tying new systems into the existing house.
Maarc Builds · +1 365 35 MAARC (62272) · info@maarcbuilds.com · Mississauga · Oakville · GTA