About
Building Excellence Through Experience
For more than 25 years, Andy Stratas has worked at the intersection of construction, design, development and real estate.
His career has been defined by a commitment to building exceptional spaces while understanding the larger opportunity behind every property. As a master builder, developer and strategic advisor, Andy brings a unique perspective to residential projects, one that combines practical construction knowledge with long-term development thinking.
Meet Andy Stratas
Founder, Builder & Developer
With more than 25 years of experience in luxury residential construction, design-build and real estate development, Andy Stratas has built a career around creating exceptional spaces and unlocking the potential of properties.
As the Founder and President of Stratas Design Build, established in 2012, Andy has led the creation of luxury custom homes and complex residential projects, working collaboratively with homeowners, architects, designers, trades and trusted industry partners. His approach is rooted in thoughtful design, exceptional craftsmanship and a clear understanding of how people live.
Andy’s expertise extends beyond construction through his role as Founder and CEO of The Plex Group, where he brings a builder’s perspective to real estate development. He works with property owners and investors to explore opportunities within Toronto’s evolving residential landscape, including underutilized properties, multiplex development and residential intensification.
For Andy, successful development begins long before construction. It starts with understanding what a property can support, evaluating its highest and best use, assessing development potential, understanding approvals and costs, and identifying opportunities to create long-term value.
By combining decades of hands-on construction experience with a strategic approach to development, Andy helps clients make informed decisions and navigate complex projects with confidence.
FAQs
Starting a construction or development project comes with a lot of questions. What can you build? What will it cost? How long will it take? And where do you even begin?
After years of working on custom homes, renovations and development projects, Andy Stratas understands that the most successful projects start with clarity. The goal is to understand the opportunity, identify the challenges and create a thoughtful plan before construction begins.
Here are some of the questions homeowners most often ask.
How do I know if my property has development potential?
The first step is understanding what your property can realistically support.
Factors such as zoning, lot size, frontage, setbacks, existing structures, parking, servicing and municipal requirements can all influence what is possible. A property that looks straightforward on paper may have opportunities or limitations that aren't immediately obvious.
Andy takes a practical, early-stage approach to evaluating a property, helping homeowners understand its potential before they commit significant time and money to design and construction.
Can I build a multiplex on my existing property?
Possibly. Many homeowners are surprised by the development potential of properties they already own.
Whether a multiplex is feasible depends on the property's zoning, lot characteristics, municipal requirements and the proposed design. There may also be opportunities to add additional units within an existing home, create an addition or redevelop the property entirely.
The right approach starts with understanding the property and the homeowner's goals, then determining what is both permitted and practical.
What is the difference between a renovation, addition and redevelopment?
While these terms are often used interchangeably, they can represent very different projects.
A renovation typically focuses on improving or reconfiguring an existing home.
An addition expands the existing structure, whether that's adding another storey, extending the footprint or creating additional living space.
A redevelopment is a much more significant transformation, potentially involving the removal of an existing structure and replacing it with a new custom home, multiplex or other development.
Knowing which approach makes the most sense for your property can have a major impact on the design, approvals, budget and timeline.
How much does it cost to build a multiplex or custom home?
There isn't a single number that applies to every project.
Construction costs can vary based on the size of the project, site conditions, architectural design, structural requirements, finishes, servicing, approvals and the complexity of the build.
Rather than starting with an arbitrary number, Andy believes in understanding the project first and building a realistic budget around its specific requirements. The goal is to know where you're investing your money and make informed decisions throughout the process.
What financing options are available?
Financing will depend on the type of project, the property, your financial circumstances and how the finished property will be used.
Depending on the project, options may include traditional mortgage financing, refinancing, home equity or construction financing. Development projects may also require a different financing approach than a conventional renovation or custom home.
Andy can help homeowners understand the financial considerations involved and work alongside trusted financing professionals where specialized lending is required.
Still have a question?
Andy can help you understand the opportunity, identify the next steps and determine whether your project is worth pursuing.
