Planning your renovation or home build

 The biggest issue I have will customers is understanding the proper budget for their project and were to spend the money.
 An example, I had a customer that wanted a elevator, three car garage, finished basement, swimming pool etc.
He wanted a cheap 15 year roof shingle with no underlayment instead of a 40 year shingle with an underlayment.
His choice for windows were the cheapest on the market with seal failure within 5 to 7 years instead of industry standards of 10 to 15 years on good quality windows.
 My point being build a quality structure first then add the upgrades as your budget allows.
You should budget in the GTA for $200.00 to $300.00 a square foot. Do not be fooled by a builder who tells you they can do it for $150.00 per square foot or less.
They are giving you a small allowance for your kitchen cabinets and bathroom cabinets, and minimal building code requirements.
Build a quality home with plywood sheathing, quality windows , doors, shingles, brick, siding, drywall, tiles, hardwood. 
You will save your self a lot of money over time a new roof after 15 year's will cost you $15,000 to $50,000 to replace instead of paying an extra few thousand dollars on a 40 year shingle on your build.