Custom Home Build vs Buying Resale: Which Is Right for You?

Should You Build a Custom Home or Buy an Existing One?

It’s one of the biggest decisions Ontario homeowners face:

Do you build a brand-new custom home—or buy an existing resale property?

At Lush Builds, we help clients every day who are debating between these two paths. Here’s a detailed look at both options so you can make an informed decision based on your lifestyle, goals, and budget.

1. Cost Breakdown: Build vs. Buy

Building a Custom Home

• Land acquisition: Varies widely by location

• Build cost: Typically $250–$400/sq ft

• Design + permits: Architectural, engineering, mechanical drawings included

• Customization: Every feature and finish is your choice

Buying Resale

• Upfront price: Market-driven and may include bidding wars

• Immediate move-in, but often includes renovation costs

• Hidden repair costs: Plumbing, electrical, foundation, HVAC, etc.

🔍 Pro tip: Building may seem more expensive upfront, but you’re not paying for outdated materials or someone else’s design decisions.

2. Timeline and Availability

Custom Build

• Timeline: 8–14 months depending on complexity

• You’ll wait—but get exactly what you want

Resale Home

• Timeline: Move-in can happen within weeks

• But: Finding “the one” may take months of searching

🏗 Lush Builds offers accelerated permitting and trade scheduling to reduce build time wherever possible.

3. Design Control and Personalization

Custom Build

• 100% tailored to your lifestyle, family, and taste

• Energy efficiency, flow, finishes—all personalized

• Future-proofed for aging-in-place, accessibility, or resale

Resale Home

• May involve compromising on layout or finishes

• Renovations often required to make it feel like “yours”

🎯 If you value design and function tailored to you, a custom build is the clear winner.

4. Maintenance and Warranty

Custom Home

• Everything is brand new = fewer repairs

• Home warranty protection available

• Built to latest Ontario Building Code and energy standards

Resale Home

• Older systems may need repair or replacement

• Limited or no warranty

• Less energy-efficient construction

🛠 You may pay less upfront with resale, but long-term maintenance can be costly.

5. Emotional Value & Lifestyle Fit

A home is more than a financial investment—it’s where life happens.

• Building a home creates a sense of ownership and pride

• You control the neighborhood, views, sunlight orientation, and layout

• You choose every detail that supports your lifestyle—from mudrooms to home offices to in-law suites

💡 A resale home may be faster, but a custom home is uniquely yours.

Custom or Resale? Our Take.

Build custom if:

• You’re in it for the long haul

• You want personalized living

• You’re okay with a longer timeline to get everything just right

Buy resale if:

• You need to move quickly

• You’re comfortable with renovations

• You found a location that’s hard to match elsewhere

Let’s Talk About Your Options

Whether you’re on the fence or ready to break ground, Lush Builds can help you:

• Analyze your lot or resale renovation potential

• Offer accurate cost breakdowns for both paths

• Design and build your dream home—stress-free

📞 Book Your Free Consultation Today

Let’s explore what’s right for you. Whether it’s building or upgrading, we’ll help you make the best move.