How Long Does It Take to Build a Commercial Building in Ontario?
One of the most common questions clients ask us at FCC Builders Canada is, “How long will it take to build my commercial building?” It is a fair and important question, especially when clients are planning a business opening, lining up tenants, or budgeting for operational timelines. While every project is unique, there are general benchmarks and clear phases that most commercial builds follow in Ontario.
The total timeline for a commercial construction project can vary based on several factors. These include the size of the building, the complexity of the design, the location, the permitting process, and even the time of year construction begins. For a typical low- to mid-rise commercial building, such as a retail plaza, office space, or restaurant, the project may take between 10 and 18 months from pre-construction planning to occupancy. For larger or more complex structures like hotels, healthcare facilities, or multi-use developments, timelines can extend from 18 to 30 months or more.
The process always begins with pre-construction planning, which generally takes three to six months. During this phase, the land is assessed, surveys and soil reports are completed, and the architectural and engineering teams begin working on the design. This phase also includes applying for site plan approvals, zoning compliance checks, and obtaining building permits. These steps are critical to laying the groundwork for a successful build, but they can be time-consuming, especially when approvals are delayed by municipal or regulatory processes.
Once approvals are in place, the next phase is site preparation and servicing. This includes clearing the land, excavating for foundations, and setting up the required infrastructure such as water, sewer, storm drains, and hydro service. Depending on the complexity of the site and access to utilities, this phase can take one to two months.
Following site preparation, the project moves into the foundation and structural framing phase, where the physical structure of the building begins to take shape. This includes pouring concrete foundations, erecting steel or wood framing, and constructing load-bearing elements. The timeline for this phase typically ranges from two to four months, although it can vary based on building materials, weather conditions, and whether any delays occur due to supply chain or labour shortages.
After the structure is in place, the project moves into building enclosure and systems installation. This phase includes adding the exterior shell of the building — walls, windows, doors, roofing, and insulation — and installing key systems such as plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and fire protection. This phase can take between two and five months, depending on the complexity of the systems and how well trades are coordinated on site.
Once the building is enclosed and the systems are in place, the team begins interior finishes and final touches. This includes drywall, flooring, tiling, painting, cabinetry, lighting, and any customized finishes or furnishings. For commercial buildings like restaurants, hotels, or offices, this stage may also include the installation of equipment, furniture, signage, and technology infrastructure. The interior finishing phase usually takes an additional two to four months.
The final stage is occupancy and turnover, which includes final inspections, fire safety checks, completion of deficiency lists, and the issuance of an occupancy permit. Depending on the municipality and how quickly inspections are scheduled, this phase can take one to two months. During this period, any last-minute adjustments or minor fixes are addressed to ensure the building meets all regulatory and operational standards.
It is also important to understand that while these phases offer a general framework, a number of variables can affect your construction timeline. Permitting delays, unexpected site conditions, design changes, long lead times for materials, and severe weather are just a few of the factors that can shift a schedule. Ontario’s climate, in particular, plays a major role in construction timing — with snow, rain, and freezing temperatures often slowing or halting work on certain tasks like excavation and concrete pouring.
At FCC Builders Canada, we help clients navigate these complexities with proactive planning, clear scheduling, and strong communication. We believe that realistic timelines start with thorough pre-construction planning and honest conversations about risks and opportunities. Our experienced project managers build detailed schedules, coordinate closely with consultants and trades, and adjust quickly when circumstances change. We also work with municipalities and utility providers to anticipate potential delays and move the process forward efficiently.
If you are in the early stages of planning a commercial building in Ontario, the best way to get an accurate timeline is to speak with a construction team early. The earlier we are involved, the more we can help you plan smart, anticipate bottlenecks, and keep your project on track.
At FCC Builders Canada, we are here to guide your project from day one — helping you build with confidence, clarity, and a clear understanding of what lies ahead.
Contact us today to discuss your project, and let’s start building something great — on schedule and on solid ground.
