Building more homes in Toronto requires an understanding of what makes a project possible, from the cost of land to the details of construction.
Amir Ismailzadeh, Partner and Project Delivery Lead at BLVD Build, recently spoke with CTV News reporter Kamil Karamali about these challenges. The October 18 report explored why some Toronto developers are shifting planned condominium projects toward rental housing.
During the interview, Amir discussed how land, construction, labour, and permitting costs add up. Together, these pressures can prevent developers from moving forward.
For BLVD Build, this conversation connects directly to our work in Toronto multiplex construction. Each project requires careful planning, a clear scope, and coordination between the people designing and building the homes.
Understanding the costs behind a housing project
A proposed housing project brings together several moving parts. The property, design, approvals, budget, and construction schedule all need to work together.
For an owner considering a multiplex, the first question is often how many homes can fit on the site. Equally important is understanding what those homes will require to build and which decisions need to be made before construction begins.
Amir’s comments highlight why costs need to be considered together. Land is one part of the picture. Construction, labour, and permitting also influence whether a project can proceed.
At BLVD Build, pre-construction work focuses on understanding the scope, reviewing buildability, organizing budgets and schedules, and coordinating with the project team. This preparation gives owners a clearer understanding of the work ahead.
Inside BLVD Build’s North York 1 project
North York 1 is a BLVD Build project consisting of a four-unit multiplex with a garden suite. It is an example of low-rise, multi-unit housing within Toronto’s existing neighbourhoods.
These interior photographs offer a closer look at the spaces within the project. They bring a practical perspective to the broader housing conversation by showing the homes behind the plans and construction work.
For property owners choosing a builder, photographs are a useful starting point. They should also lead to a conversation about the builder’s responsibilities, the scope of work, and how the team coordinates construction.
BLVD Build specializes in low-rise, multi-unit residential construction across Toronto. Our work includes pre-construction, construction management, consultant and trade coordination, and project delivery.
Explore BLVD Build’s residential projects.
What property owners should consider before building a multiplex
If you are considering a multiplex or rental housing project in Toronto, start by establishing what you know and what still needs to be resolved.
Gather the information available about your property, including drawings, surveys, planning work, approvals, and your intended timeline. These materials help make an initial discussion with a builder more useful.
Three areas deserve particular attention:
The scope of work
Understand what is included in the proposed build, which design decisions remain open, and whether any parts of the project need further investigation.
The construction budget
Ask which assumptions support the estimate, what is included, and where more information is needed. A budget is easier to assess when its scope and assumptions are clearly explained.
The delivery process
Clarify who will coordinate consultants, trades, scheduling, and construction decisions. Knowing who is responsible for each part of the work helps owners understand how the project will be managed.
These conversations help connect the owner’s plans with the practical requirements of construction.
Watch Amir’s interview on CTV News
CTV News’ report includes Amir’s perspective alongside other voices discussing Toronto’s housing market and the challenges facing new development.
Watch the interview and read the full report on CTV News.
Reporting by Kamil Karamali. Published by CTV News on October 18, 2026.