Frequently Asked Questions About Building a Custom Home with Blake Farrow Project Management
About Our Experience & Expertise
How many years have you been building high-end custom homes in the Collingwood and Blue Mountain region?
Over twenty years, our team has earned a reputation as one of Collingwood’s most trusted custom home builders– recognized for our quality, innovation, and long-term relationships with our clients and project partners.
Do you specialize in building certain architectural styles?
We specialize in building modern custom homes and chalets and transforming existing chalets while preserving their original character. We also have experience building custom homes in a wide variety of architectural styles to suit our clients’ needs– contemporary, waterfront, craftsman, cottages, rustic chalets, and log homes.
Can you share examples of homes that you’ve recently completed?
Some examples of recently completed homes can be found on our Residential Project page:
What regions do you build in?
We build custom homes and chalets throughout Collingwood, The Blue Mountains, Thornbury, Mulmur, Creemore, the Greater Toronto Area, Muskoka, and Parry Sound.
Have your projects been featured in magazines or industry publications?
Our projects have been featured in regional and national publications including; Canadian House & Home Magazine, Style at Home, Our Homes Southern Georgian Bay, Escarpment Magazine, and Modern Farmhouse Style. You can find links to our featured articles on our PRESS page.
I see you work on multi-million dollar projects. Do you work on projects with budgets under $1M?
We have worked on lots of smaller projects with budgets under $1M. We have worked on smaller renovations, outdoor living and pool houses, and our favourite– custom garages. If it’s a cool project, we want to talk to you about it.
What makes Blake Farrow Project Management different from other builders?
What sets us apart from other builders is the depth of our team—decades of combined experience, broad in-house expertise, and the bench strength to deliver exceptional quality at every stage of the build.
Blake Farrow Project Management stands out for our blend of expert craftsmanship, creativity, transparent project management, and strong relationships with expert local trades. Known for delivering contemporary homes and chalets defined by quality, creative innovation, and attention to detail, we are widely recognized as one of Collingwood and The Blue Mountains’ leading custom home builders.
Licensing & Construction Quality
Are you fully licensed with the HCRA (Home Construction Regulatory Authority) and Tarion registered?
We are fully licensed with the HCRA, and Tarion registered– providing clients with added confidence and peace of mind during the homebuilding process. We commonly complete building assemblies beyond what is required from the Ontario building code.
Are trades difficult to get?
Great trades are always in high demand, which is why our long-standing relationships with the region’s top tradespeople and suppliers matter. Our clients benefit from trusted partnerships and preferred vendor pricing, ensuring reliable scheduling, contractor performance and quality workmanship.
Our Design-Build Process & Communication
Are you a full-service builder?
Yes, we are a full-service custom home builder. From concept planning through to final touches, our established build management process, along with dedicated care, has earned the trust and friendship of past and present clients.
How often will I receive updates, and through what format (site meetings, project management app, reports)?
Our transparent project tracking, weekly zoom meetings, email communication, and real-time budgeting keeps you in the loop throughout the entire build. All the information you need is available through a client portal that can be accessed at any time, with our team just a phone call away.
Will I have one main point of contact throughout the project?
You will have a designated Project Manager as your main contact, a dedicated Supervisor on your site, and the benefit of our full team’s expertise. Our personalized care has helped set us apart from other builders in the region.
Who is in charge of getting permits?
As a full-service custom home builder, we can assist and coordinate with the architect to obtain all required permits.
Do you have experience working with the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) , NEC, or Grey Sauble Conservation Authority?
We have experience working with the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA), NEC, and Grey Sauble Conservation Authority. When building in Georgian Bay and along the Escarpment, it is essential to choose a builder familiar with NVCA and GSCA regulations and processes– to help understand and navigate the requirements and how they may impact project timelines.
Working with Architects, Designers and Custom Features
Can you work with my chosen architect/designer?
Yes, we can work with your architect or designer. We love to be involved early in the design development process so we can provide critical feedback
Which Architects and Designers have you worked with?
We have worked with some of North America’s top architects and designers to build sophisticated custom homes and chalets in Collingwood and the surrounding area. Some of the Architects and Designers we have worked with include; ERA Architects, AKB Architects, Superkul, VFA / Vanessa Fong, Abbott Design, Luis Mendez, SMPL, The Ventin Group +VG Architects, SPAN Architects, Alexander Pestrak, Young & Wright / IBI Group Architects, Steve Hamelin Design, Lloyd Hunt.
We have worked with some of the region’s top interior designers and landscape designers including; Jennifer Worts Design, VFA, Kate Zeidler Interior Design, Sarah Richardson Design, Meghan Carter, Kimberley Johnston Design Consultants, Peaks and Rafters, Farrow Arcaro Design, Zeng Landscaping, Eden Tree Design, Landmark Design, Joel Loblaw.
At what point should we engage a custom home builder?
The best time to engage a custom home builder is at the very beginning of the project, so we can offer meaningful feedback during the design development. Establishing the team at the beginning allows for more collaboration, timely information, and reduces revisions down the line
What’s the advantage of bringing in a builder early to work with the architect?
Bringing your builder in early to collaborate with your architect or designer can save time, minimize revisions and prevent costly changes down the line. As an experienced custom home builder, we offer practical insight and construction expertise that can help inform design decisions and create a smoother design process.
Have you managed projects with unique requirements (elevators, gear rooms, car lifts, indoor sauna spa rooms, smart-home systems)?
We have earned a reputation as the custom home builder in Collingwood and the region who builds really cool, highly customized spaces. As a trusted luxury home builder, we have managed builds that involve unique requirements– elevators, indoor golf simulators, elaborate smart-home systems, hidden rooms, and bespoke craftsmanship details.
Project Budgeting & Timeline
How long does it take to design and build a custom home in Collingwood
The timeline for building a thoughtfully managed custom home can vary widely depending on the home’s size, complexity and site conditions. During the initial design stage, we will develop a realistic timeline of how long it will take to build your specific home, based on our 20 years’ experience building in Collingwood and the region.
What does it cost per square foot to build a custom home?
The cost per square foot to build a custom home depends on the complexity of design, materials, schedule, and finish level you choose. During the design phase, we establish a detailed budget based on your project specifications. Throughout construction, our transparent tracking and real-time budgeting keep you informed of how any changes or additions affect your overall cost.
Long-Term Client Relationships
Can you connect me with past clients for references?
Absolutely– Many of our past and present clients are happy to provide references and talk to others about their experience working with us.
Who do you build custom homes for?
Most of our clients come to us as referrals from past clients or are repeat customers. Our commitment to lasting craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and a smooth, transparent building process has earned us a reputation as the leading custom home builder in Collingwood and The Blue Mountains.