East York's dense stock of 1940s–1960s bungalows and Wartime homes has created a thriving market for teardowns, second-storey additions, and ground-up custom builds on compact lots. Kopman Build has been delivering custom homes across Toronto and the GTA since 1999 — owner-direct, on budget, and built to outlast the homes they replace.
East York's bungalow market is unlike any other pocket of Toronto. Lots are narrow, neighbours are close, and the homes that stood here for 70-plus years were built with post-war economy — not longevity. Knowing what those structures actually contain, and how to work around or through them, takes real site experience.
Kopman Build brings that experience to every project. Whether you are building up, building new, or converting a Wartime bungalow into a legal two-unit property, we assess the site honestly, price it accurately, and manage it with full-time supervision from permit to handover.
Dustin Kopman is directly involved in every project. That means decisions get made quickly and the person you met at consultation is the person accountable for the outcome.
Feasibility assessment, lot evaluation, architect and consultant coordination before a single dollar is committed.
Itemised estimates with allowances and contingencies — cost certainty before breaking ground.
Full permit management with the City of Toronto, including Committee of Adjustment applications where required.
Full-time site supervision, weekly reporting, and live cost-to-complete visibility throughout the build.
A trusted network of skilled tradespeople — the same crews, project after project.
Structured handover with all drawings, warranties, and manuals. 12-month attendance window post-completion.
We listen first. A site walk and discovery session to define the project in writing — goals, constraints, budget, and timeline.
Working with your architect or ours, we develop a scope of work, construction schedule, and complete permits strategy.
A line-by-line estimate with allowances, contingencies, and a clear path to a fixed-price contract.
Full-time supervision, weekly client updates, and open-book cost tracking throughout the build.
Structured handover and a 12-month attendance window. The relationship doesn't end at move-in.
Yes. Many East York lots support a full teardown and new build, or a second-storey addition that effectively doubles the home's footprint. The typical 25- to 35-foot-wide bungalow lots in the area require careful design to maximise usable space while satisfying Toronto's zoning setbacks and lot coverage rules — both of which we navigate regularly.
It depends on the condition of the existing structure, the scope of what you want to achieve, and your budget. Many 1940s and 1950s Wartime homes in East York have foundations and framing that make a full teardown the more cost-effective path when extensive reconfiguration is planned. We assess both options honestly before any commitment is made.
A new build in East York requires a building permit from the City of Toronto. Depending on the site and design, a Committee of Adjustment application may also be needed for minor variances to zoning by-laws. Toronto building permit timelines typically run 3–6 months; we manage the full submission and follow-up process on your behalf.
Construction costs for a custom home in the Toronto east end generally range from $400 to $700+ per square foot, depending on finishes, structural complexity, and site conditions. A 2,000–2,500 sq ft home on a rebuilt bungalow lot commonly falls in the $900K–$1.6M range for construction alone, not including land. We provide detailed pre-construction budgets before any commitment is made.
Tell us about your project. Initial consultations are confidential and no-obligation. We serve East York, Toronto, and the broader GTA.
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