Answered by Ali

Toronto Real Estate and Home Building FAQs

Here are answers to the questions buyers, sellers, and investors ask most.
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Straight Buying, Selling, Building, ADUs, and Income Property Answers

Buying, selling, or building in Toronto raises a lot of questions, especially when renovations, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), or development are involved. Ali is an award-winning Toronto realtor who has built homes and ADUs himself. The answers below draw on that experience. Don't see your question? Book a consultation and Ali will walk through your situation.

About Homes by Ali

Ali Tcheshmejoui - Salesperson, Team Leader HomesbyAli
Who is Ali?

Ali is an award-winning Toronto realtor known for his work ethic, market knowledge, and distinctive negotiation skills. He also has a background in residential construction, remodeling, renovations, property management, and ADUs, which lets him guide clients on both the real estate and building sides of a purchase.

Ali has built what many realtors only sell. His hands-on experience with construction, permits, and ADUs helps him assess a property's condition, potential, and risks. Combined with strong negotiation skills, this helps clients make confident decisions and avoid costly surprises.

Ali works with clients across Toronto.

Homes by Ali is Ali's Toronto real estate and residential building practice. It helps buyers, sellers, and investors with home sales and purchases, new residences, ADUs, multiplex and income properties, vacant land, renovations, and short-term rentals.

Ali Tcheshmejoui - Salesperson, Team Leader HomesbyAli

Buying and Selling in Toronto

Does Ali work with both buyers and sellers?

Yes. Ali represents buyers, sellers, and investors in Toronto. His approach starts with a consultation to understand your goals, whether that is a family home, a rental investment, or a lot to develop, and then he guides you through each step.

It helps him look past the staging. Ali understands home components and construction techniques, so he can flag what a property may need and what changes could cost, and he can use that knowledge to negotiate. This helps buyers avoid costly surprises.

Ali understands what buyers value in a property's construction, layout, and potential. That helps him position a home's strengths, such as renovation upside or income potential, and negotiate from an informed position.

Ali is known for a distinctive, focused approach to negotiation. It is backed by market knowledge and construction expertise, so his negotiating points are grounded in how a property was built and what it could become.

New Construction and Custom Homes

New Construction and Custom Home - Homesbyali
Does Ali help clients build new homes in Toronto?

Yes. Ali specializes in new residences in Toronto and works with trusted contacts known for superior craftsmanship in construction. He is passionate about custom and unique designs and helps clients connect with the right builders for their vision.

Ali is a licensed Toronto realtor with extensive hands-on construction experience. His building background includes new residences, remodeling, renovations, and ADUs. [Confirm and state exactly how Homes by Ali structures its building services, e.g. direct builds or referrals to partner builders.]

Ali understands permit procedures and how they relate to architectural drawing requirements. He can explain what a project typically involves so you know what to expect before you commit. For project-specific approvals, you should also confirm requirements with the City of Toronto and your design professionals.

New Construction and Custom Home - Homesbyali
Adus, Multiplexes, and Income Properties

ADUs, Multiplexes, and Income Properties

Adus, Multiplexes, and Income Properties

To qualify to build a legal basement apartment in Ontario, you must meet the following key requirements: Ceiling Height: Minimum 1.95 m (6 ft 5 in) over the main living areas. Egress: A second, separate means of escape (window or door) that meets size and accessibility requirements. Fire Separation: 30-minute fire-rated separation between units; interconnected smoke alarms in both units. Ventilation: Independent or code-compliant shared HVAC, with proper exhaust for kitchens and bathrooms. Windows: Minimum window area for natural light (5% of floor area for living/dining rooms, 2.5% for bedrooms). Soundproofing: Required sound transmission class (STC) rating between units (usually STC 50 or more). Electrical Safety Authority (ESA)

Must obtain an electrical permit before beginning any electrical work. Inspection: All electrical work must be inspected and approved by the ESA. Separate Panels (Optional): If creating separate metering or panels, additional compliance is needed.

The cost of construction varies based on the grading and layout of your lot and space, contact Ali today for your free consultation!

Typically, construction takes 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the scope of work, inspections, permit approvals, and contractor availability. Delays may occur if structural changes or major electrical/plumbing upgrades are needed.

Yes! Ali can connect you with trusted trades professionals and architects who specialize in legal basement apartments. They can help with everything from design plans to securing the necessary permits to meet Ontario Building Code and ESA requirements.

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