Planned before the build
Work in Forest Hill is designed around how you live, and thoughtfully planned before construction begins.
Areas we serve · Forest Hill
Custom Home Builder in Forest Hill
Forest Hill custom builds, renovations and additions, planned around the property and its heritage requirements.
Georgian and Tudor homes, mature streets and heritage-sensitive design. Plan a Forest Hill custom build, renovation or addition around your property and the work it requires.
Discuss your projectFrom design to warranty
One team from your first plans to warranty support.
Fixed price, agreed upfront
Your agreed scope, allowances and exclusions clearly set out.
Custom design around your life
Designed for your family, your property and your lifestyle.
Follow your project from anywhere
See progress, schedules and updates in your client portal.
HCRA licensed and insured
View our HCRA record. Insurance details on request.
250+ completed projects
Renovations, additions and custom homes across Toronto.
What we build in Forest Hill
Services We Offer in Forest Hill
Custom home construction, renovations and additions in Forest Hill, thoughtfully planned before construction begins.
1
Design & Permits
From first sketch to your building permit, we handle every step.
2
Home Renovations
Whole house and full house renovations in Toronto, with layout, structure and finishes planned together, including the basement and the exterior when the plan calls for it.
3
Home Additions
Second storey, rear and side home additions in Toronto, with design, permits and construction planned around your home and the space you need.
4
Custom Homes
Tear down and rebuild in Toronto: design, permits and construction, thoughtfully planned around your life before work begins.
5
Laneway & Garden Suites
Garden suites and laneway houses behind your home in Toronto, a secondary dwelling designed around your life and thoughtfully planned before construction begins.
6
Project Management
Project management led with precision and transparency: one point of contact from the first idea to the final inspection.
The Housing Stock
What Building in Forest Hill Looks Like
Forest Hill homes were largely built between the 1910s and 1940s, with a smaller wave of postwar construction filling in remaining lots. The streets are tightly held, mature trees are protected under Toronto’s urban forestry bylaws, and development is subject to planning controls and, in some cases, heritage oversight by the City of Toronto.
Most projects here fall into three categories: heritage sensitive renovations of existing homes, full rebuilds where the original structure is no longer viable, or carefully designed additions that integrate into the existing roofline. In all cases, the design considers the established character of Forest Hill and its streetscape.
Good To Know
What a Forest Hill Project Involves
Check the property's current heritage status and the proposed work before design advances. Listed and designated properties have different requirements. Confirm any heritage submission with the City.
Forest Hill’s mature canopy is protected under City of Toronto bylaws. Trees measuring 30 cm or more in diameter require permits for injury or removal, with larger trees subject to increased scrutiny through Urban Forestry. We incorporate arborist assessments and recommendations into the design from the outset.
Forest Hill is primarily governed by Residential Detached zoning, which sets clear limits on height, setbacks, and lot coverage. Many custom homes require minor variances, and we handle the full Toronto Committee of Adjustment application and presentation process as part of our scope.
Forest Hill residents pay attention to what gets built. We design for the street, brief neighbours before demolition, and manage sites with consideration for the neighbourhood.
Why Forest Hill Clients Work With Us
One Team, One Contract
Project documents
Review current licensing and insurance documents for your project before signing. Confirm the scope, responsibilities and applicable coverage in writing.
Heritage experience
For a Forest Hill home with heritage attributes, identify the features and approvals relevant to the property before changing the exterior or structure. Coordinate the design and required specialist input around those findings.
One team, one contract
Architectural design, interior design, construction, and project management all under one roof, with one team accountable for the work.
The work
Our projects
Examples from our wider Toronto project portfolio.
Custom homeCustom home Narrow contemporary custom home with tall windows and a dark upper storey.
Home renovationHome renovation Bathroom with twin vanities and a tub beneath tall windows.
Home additionHome addition Rear addition with dark brick, large windows and a raised deck.
Laneway / Garden SuiteLaneway / Garden Suite Garden suite with an angled dark roof and garage below.
Home additionHome addition Modern home with white walls, black windows and a front lawn.
Homeowner reviews
What homeowners say
Grand Design Build did a rear addition, second storey, and all our bathrooms on a house in the Beaches. March to September 2025. We were told end of September and moved back in the second week, so a bit ahead of schedule. Fixed price contract, and the final cost was exactly the contract number. That mattered a lot to us. We decided to change few items for bathrooms and kitchen halfway and there were no issues with the change orders, and the pricing was really fair even though a fixed contract was signed. There were no pushback. The office project coordinators and the site supervisor were really helpful the entire way through. They also kept the site tidy for six months straight and our neighbours never once complained. Respectful crew. Recommend them.
Allen and his team were a dream to work with. Truly an amazing experience and an incredible condo full renovation. The work was top notch and Allen was excellent to work with, respecting our ideas and desires and making our renovation dream a reality.
I had a really good experience working with Grand Design Build on my home renovation and rear addition project. Their team was professional, knowledgeable, and easy to work with throughout the process. They took the time to understand our needs, offered helpful suggestions along the way, and also provided complimentary interior design support, which was a great added value. They were responsive and attentive to questions as they came up, and the project stayed on track from start to finish. I would recommend Grand Design Build to anyone looking for a reliable custom build and design company in Toronto.
Grand Design Build did a great job on our renovation. Their team was organized, kept us informed through each step, and also delivered quality work. They were reliable with timelines and very clear about costs and materials. Overall, we had a very smooth experience with them. Highly recommended!
Grand Design Build exceeded every expectation we had. From the very first consultation, they were professional, transparent, and truly passionate about their work. If you’re considering custom home building in Toronto, you won’t find a more reliable and talented team. Our new home is stunning, and the attention to detail is second to none. We are so grateful for their dedication and highly recommend them.
Grand design build are a master in custom home building in Toronto for sure. They designed and built our place just exactly how we wanted it. They are very reliable when it comes to communication and planning.
Areas we serve
We also build nearby.
- Forest Hill
- Bayview Village
- The Beaches
- Bloor West Village
- Cliffcrest
- Danforth
- Leaside
- Ledbury Park
- North York
- Rosedale
- Willowdale
We build throughout Toronto and the GTA. These are the neighbourhoods we work in most.
Can't find your neighbourhood?
We build across Toronto and the GTA. These are the ones we work in most, not the only ones we work in.
Frequently asked questions
Forest Hill questions, answered
If the answer you need is not here, ask us on the call.
Are heritage rules going to limit what I can build in Forest Hill?
Start with the current Heritage Register and district boundaries. Listed and designated status are different, and the required review depends on the property and proposed work. Confirm demolition or alteration requirements with the City's heritage team before proceeding.
Can I tear down and rebuild in Forest Hill?
A Forest Hill teardown and rebuild requires a property review. Check heritage status, zoning, trees, existing structures and the proposed replacement home before deciding. Any demolition permission, building permit or minor variance must be resolved through the relevant authority.
How does the City’s tree bylaw affect Forest Hill projects?
Protected trees can affect demolition, excavation and the proposed footprint. Identify relevant trees and confirm the arborist's recommendations and City permit requirements before construction. Tree protection and any approved replacement planting belong in the project scope.
How long will a Forest Hill project take from start to finish?
A Forest Hill custom home, renovation or addition needs a schedule based on the property and scope. Design, engineering, heritage review, any variance application and construction each affect timing. Confirm the proposed sequence and its assumptions before making moving arrangements.
Start here
Start with what your home needs
Tell us what you want to change and what you want to keep at your property in Forest Hill. We can discuss the proposed work and the next step towards a feasibility study.
- Discuss your goals and the existing property.
- Review the proposed scope and next steps.
- Confirm the study scope and any fees before proceeding.
Contact us (416) 920-6066