• Design Build

Design Build Construction

Do you need help designing and building your Toronto home addition or total home renovation?

Novacon Construction offers a design-build contractors service for all of our custom homes, large scale renovations and Toronto home additions. During this sort of contract, our team takes responsibility for ensuring that the owner’s concepts/ideas are possible within their budget. Clients who already have drawings prepared by their own architect or designer, tend to have misinformation regarding construction costs. This means that the client has spent thousands of dollars on something that they may not be able to afford.

What makes the Design-Build process better

Unfortunately, the traditional Design-Bid-Build approach for a Toronto home addition, custom home, or large scale construction project is the one that most people resort to. This means that homeowners are responsible for finding an architect/designer to develop their plans costing anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000. In some cases the architect or designer may not know or take into consideration the actual cost to build, as we often find clients that bring us their own drawings are completely shocked that the cost to build is much higher than they had budgeted for or had been advised by the others. The Design-Build delivery method solves this problem by bringing the design, architectural and construction aspects all under one roof, resulting in a more efficient and less costly project.

Design-Build with Novacon: At a Glance

  • Who we are: a licensed, bonded and insured Toronto design-build company based in Scarborough, delivering custom homes, major additions and ADUs since 2004. Best of Houzz 2025 award recipient.
  • Projects we take on: large-scale, permit-driven residential work: custom homes and tear-down rebuilds, major structural home additions including second storeys, laneway suites and garden suites, and whole-home renovations with significant structural scope.
  • One team, one contract: feasibility and zoning review, architectural design, structural engineering coordination, interior design, City of Toronto permits and inspections, and construction management, with a dedicated project manager.
  • Planning first: a detailed pre-construction phase covering scope definition, preliminary budgeting, engineering requirements, zoning compliance, permit documentation, scheduling and risk identification, so construction starts with clarity.
  • Design fees: typically $10,000 to $20,000 for a full renovation and addition, roughly 2 to 5 percent of the project budget.
  • Transparency: 24/7 client portal with schedules, drawings, site photos and detailed monthly cost reports.
  • Protection: $5 million liability insurance, WSIB coverage and a 2-year warranty.

Our design-build process, step by step

  1. Inquiry and discovery call
  2. Complimentary in-office consultation
  3. On-site meeting and preliminary construction estimate
  4. Conceptual design agreement
  5. Pre-construction agreement: design, engineering, zoning review and permit applications
  6. Final budget and construction contract
  7. Construction, managed by your dedicated project manager
  8. Project completion and handover

More detail on each stage: our process. Budgeting a project? See our home addition cost guide and custom home cost guide.

Last updated October 2026.

Schedule Consultation
New Bathroom-Design Build Toronto

Design Build Contractors in Toronto - New Kitchen Design

Advantages of Design Build

The main advantages of a design-build contractors service are:

  • Our team operates with the design team to develop a feasible design that fits your budget.
  • We will advise on inventive ways to cut back construction prices while not affecting the outcome and quality of the finished product.
  • Another advantage involves the schedule. Most projects are planned with tight timelines. Under a conventional (NON-DESIGN-BUILD) contract, construction cannot begin until finished drawings are complete and the project has been awarded to a bidder. With a design-build contract, the contractor is established at the beginning, and construction activities can be expedited, so if any modifications are involved the contractor knows in advance.
  • A mutually beneficial major advantage is that the design-build contractor has an incentive to maintain the design and construction costs within the owner’s budget. This is one of the critical keys to our success!
View Our Project Gallery

Excellent company! Amazing people! Great communication! Exceptionally conscientious and high-quality work! Would absolutely recommend them for big or small reno’s!

Pavel and his team are excellent people to work with. Attention is paid to every detail and suggestions and preferences listened to and acted upon. Their word is their seal. A quality build in a timely and very professional manner.

Novacon was not only very competent construction team who did great work but they were a pleasure to have in my home.

What is the Design Build Approach?

The traditional project delivery method used by general contractors and architects is the design-bid-build. This approach to a major home construction means finding an architect and a designer and first paying them to develop plans and designs. This is all while having no idea how much it all might actually cost to build. After the plans are completed, as the home owner you are now responsible for finding qualified contractors to bid on the plans produced, hoping they will take time to quote competitively to offer you a reasonable price.

In this case, design and construction services are split into separate entities, separate contracts, and inevitably separate jobs entirely. The owner must manage two separate contracts and liaison between designer and contractor. You will be responsible for settling disputes between designer and contractor, designer and subtrades, subtrade and contractor, etc. This also leaves opportunity for each party to blame each other, leaving you, the client to deal with it.

New Kitchen-Design Build Toronto

We recently finished an extension on our house (2 floors and basement) and we are very pleased with the results. Pavel and William, and all of the other staff and associates of Novacon were very professional, knowledgeable, and hard-working

They work, dedication and professionalism in detail, is very easy to note in they clients eyes and satisfaction. Novacon clients that we met during the final process of construction is really please with the quality and professionalism.

Excellent company! Amazing people! Great communication! Exceptionally conscientious and high-quality work! Would absolutely recommend them for big or small reno’s!

DEsign Build Construction Toronto

Our Design-Build Process

How does the design-build process work?

Our design build process means one entity, one contract, one unified flow of work from initial concept through completion. During the construction phase, you will be dealing with the same Design Build team who were there at the beginning of the design and planning process. This design build construction management approach results in the whole team working together in the same company so there is no risk of misunderstandings or conflicts as the project moves from concept to completion. This is compared to the adversarial atmosphere that can occur with design-bid-build when all parties have different agendas.

A great set of plans and design are only valuable if they are feasible, so we develop the project scope and design with the cost as a defining factor. We know our team and understand construction. From the outset of the project, both design and construction expertise is brought to bear upon all components of the project. We budget allowances and offer help to source beautiful and affordable equipment, fixtures, and finishes. Our industry contacts allow us to provide you products at lower pricing as well. Often we can source valuable budget friendly selections from our trusted suppliers. Another thing you wouldn’t be getting with a traditional approach.

Throughout the process, we keep you informed of progress and any changes that may arise, ensuring that you are fully satisfied with the final result. Our design build process has been honed over years of experience, and we are confident in our ability to deliver exceptional results that exceed your expectations.

The Cost of Design-Build vs Design-Bid-Build

How does the cost of a design-build contractor compare to traditional design-bid-build?

One of the primary advantages of the design-build approach is that it can often be more cost-effective than the traditional design-bid-build method. With design-build, the design and construction phases are integrated, allowing for greater collaboration and communication between all parties involved. This can help to identify potential issues early on, reducing the likelihood of costly change orders or delays down the line. Additionally, the design-build approach allows for greater flexibility throughout the project, as changes can be made quickly and easily without the need for extensive redesign or costly change orders.

Ultimately, this can lead to a more efficient and cost-effective project overall. At Novacon Construction, we specialize in Design Build construction services in Toronto and the GTA and are committed to providing our clients with the highest level of service and quality craftsmanship at a competitive price point.

Design Build Project in Toronto
Custom Home Builders in Toronto

Design Build Custom Home Builders

If you’re considering building a custom home, choosing a design build contractor can be an excellent choice. With a design build contractor like Novacon Construction, you’ll be able to work closely with a team of experts who can help bring your vision to life. From the initial design phase to the final touches of construction, we’ll work with you every step of the way to ensure your new home meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.

Our team has extensive experience building custom homes in Toronto and the surrounding areas, and we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional quality and craftsmanship at every stage of the process. If you’re ready to start building your dream home, please contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Custom Built Homes

To Learn More About Design Build, Contact NovaCon Construction Today

Our long-standing reputation has been built and grown over the years by making sure each and every client is satisfied with their design and/or home construction. If you’re interested in designing and/or building your own custom home please feel free to contact us at NovaCon Construction for a free consultation and learn more about our Design Build contracting services in Toronto.

Call us today at 416-750-7555 or contact us below to schedule your consultation

Schedule Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

The timeline for a design-build project can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the scope of work, complexity of the design, and size of the project. However, one of the key advantages of the design-build approach is that it can often lead to a shorter overall timeline compared to the traditional design-bid-build method. By integrating the design and construction phases, potential issues can be identified and resolved more quickly and efficiently, reducing the likelihood of costly delays. At Novacon Construction, we work closely with our clients to establish a realistic timeline for their project based on their unique needs and preferences, and we are committed to delivering high-quality results on time and within budget.

Definitely! Obtaining a permit makes sure your project is in compliance with Ontario Building Code. Inspections of the project insure your safety!

One of the key advantages of working with a design-build contractor is that they can handle all aspects of your project, including permits and inspections. This means that you won’t have to worry about navigating the complex web of regulations and requirements in Toronto on your own. We will work closely with you to ensure that all necessary permits and inspections are obtained and completed on time, minimizing the risk of delays or other issues. At Novacon Construction, we have extensive experience working with local permitting agencies in Toronto and the GTA, and we understand the importance of following all applicable rules and regulations. We’ll work closely with you to ensure that all necessary permits and inspections are obtained and completed on time, so that your project can move forward smoothly and efficiently.

Typical ranges: construction for most home additions takes 4 to 6 months, after design and a City of Toronto permit review that commonly takes 4 to 12 weeks. A second-storey addition usually takes about 8 to 14 months from the start of design to completion. If the design needs a minor variance from the Committee of Adjustment, allow another 3 to 4 months. We confirm a realistic schedule for your project during pre-construction, before you sign a construction contract.

Large-scale, permit-driven residential projects in Toronto: custom homes, tear-down and rebuild projects, major structural additions, laneway and garden suites, and whole-home renovations with significant structural scope. We are not typically the right fit for small cosmetic renovations or standalone kitchen remodels.

For a full renovation and addition, design and architectural fees typically run $10,000 to $20,000, roughly 2 to 5 percent of the total project budget. The percentage falls as the project grows. Because design and construction pricing sit with one team, the design is developed against a real construction budget from the start.

No. Novacon Construction Inc. will get all relevant permits required on your behalf.

Yes we are a full service DESIGN – BUILD company. We can provide full interior designs and architectural/engineer drawings to suit every type of project.

Yes, we carry $5,000,000 liability insurance and have WSIB. We will provide all clients with copies of our certificates.

Yes. All standard renovation or remodeling projects come with a 2-year warranty.

Novacon Construction has been in business since 2004, more than 20 years of design-build work on Toronto homes.

Yes. Please see our reviews. We will also provide a list of previous clients when requested. You can also view our project gallery here.

Phone:
416-750-7555

121 Lebovic Ave, Suite C01
Scarborough, ON M1L 4T7

E-mail:
info@novacon.ca