Q: What types of services do you offer?
A: We manage everything that relates to home construction and renovation on-site; from start to finish. Ideally, we are involved from the very beginning stages in what is called an Integrated Design Process (IDP). This is where we work with you, the designer/architect and the energy advisor in a collaborative process. Your project will have a dedicated Site Supervisor who will be supported by the entire Conscious Builder team. As part of that team, we also have in-house carpenters and apprentices to take care of the more intricate details which is extremely important when it comes to building healthy, comfortable and efficient homes.
A: We manage everything that relates to home construction and renovation on-site; from start to finish. Ideally, we are involved from the very beginning stages in what is called an Integrated Design Process (IDP). This is where we work with you, the designer/architect and the energy advisor in a collaborative process. Your project will have a dedicated Site Supervisor who will be supported by the entire Conscious Builder team. As part of that team, we also have in-house carpenters and apprentices to take care of the more intricate details which is extremely important when it comes to building healthy, comfortable and efficient homes.
Q: How much does it cost to build a custom house?
A: There are thousands of factors that will affect the price of a custom home. To help you better understand what’s involved, we have written a blog post which you can READ HERE.
A: There are thousands of factors that will affect the price of a custom home. To help you better understand what’s involved, we have written a blog post which you can READ HERE.
Q: How long do I need from initial planning to the start of construction?
A: It depends on the scale of the project and can range anywhere from 4 months to 12 months or more; from the point you begin working with us or another Architect to receiving your approved building permit. Many factors can affect the timing. For example, you will play a big part in the timing of the design. The more decisive you are, the faster the design will go. The complexity of your project will be a factor as well and the permitting process is always a wild card.
A: It depends on the scale of the project and can range anywhere from 4 months to 12 months or more; from the point you begin working with us or another Architect to receiving your approved building permit. Many factors can affect the timing. For example, you will play a big part in the timing of the design. The more decisive you are, the faster the design will go. The complexity of your project will be a factor as well and the permitting process is always a wild card.
Q: Who contacts the surveyor and engineering firm?
A: Typically the architect or designer will contact these people as they are required during the design process. We can provide contacts of people we have worked with in the past.
A: Typically the architect or designer will contact these people as they are required during the design process. We can provide contacts of people we have worked with in the past.
Q: Who takes care of the permits?
A: The architect or designer should take care of this as they will need their license number of BCIN (Building Code Identification Number). Alternatively you can apply but the architect/designer will give you everything you need and be the point of contact to answer any questions you may have.
Q: Can you put a quote together for us?
A: We can quote when you have a set of drawings. The more details on the plans, the more accurate the estimate can be. If you have renderings and basic floor plans only, we could provide a very rough estimate. This service is done for a fee which would be credited towards your build when you decide to move ahead with us. Alternatively we can provide more value to you if you bring us on board prior to commencing the design (or hire us for Design/Build), so we can be involved with the process and help ensure that you design within budget (or at least be aware when you are going beyond your budget).
A: We can quote when you have a set of drawings. The more details on the plans, the more accurate the estimate can be. If you have renderings and basic floor plans only, we could provide a very rough estimate. This service is done for a fee which would be credited towards your build when you decide to move ahead with us. Alternatively we can provide more value to you if you bring us on board prior to commencing the design (or hire us for Design/Build), so we can be involved with the process and help ensure that you design within budget (or at least be aware when you are going beyond your budget).
Q: What kind of contract do you use?
A: We work with a 'Cost Plus' contract where we charge hourly for internal labour and a markup on deliveries, materials and sub-trades. The markup is highly dependent on the scale of the project. Larger projects will have a smaller markup percentage. Everything is completely transparent which means that you will get receipts for every single screw that is purchased for your home. You pay what we pay so you don't pay $700 for a $400 toilet!
A: We work with a 'Cost Plus' contract where we charge hourly for internal labour and a markup on deliveries, materials and sub-trades. The markup is highly dependent on the scale of the project. Larger projects will have a smaller markup percentage. Everything is completely transparent which means that you will get receipts for every single screw that is purchased for your home. You pay what we pay so you don't pay $700 for a $400 toilet!
Q: What is your up front fee (or required deposit)?
A: At signing of the Contract, there is an initiation fee which is typically around 10% of the project budget. For smaller projects we will require more.
A: At signing of the Contract, there is an initiation fee which is typically around 10% of the project budget. For smaller projects we will require more.
Q: Do I have to do anything additional for/with the subcontractors?
A: When you hire us, we will manage everything, including the subcontractors.
A: When you hire us, we will manage everything, including the subcontractors.
Q: Why do smaller projects have a higher markup percentage?
A: The markup is mostly based on the length of the project. Less costly projects don't always mean less time.
A: The markup is mostly based on the length of the project. Less costly projects don't always mean less time.
Q: Are you Tarion and HCRA certified?
A: Yes, we are a registered builder with Tarion and HCRA. You can read more about the warranty coverage HERE. Note that any builder in Ontario who is building without Tarion and HCRA is considered an illegal builder.
A: Yes, we are a registered builder with Tarion and HCRA. You can read more about the warranty coverage HERE. Note that any builder in Ontario who is building without Tarion and HCRA is considered an illegal builder.
Q: Do I need to pay for the Tarion Warranty?
A: We provide this at no additional charge to you.
A: We provide this at no additional charge to you.
Q: How do you work your schedules?
A: Once we have an understanding of the scope of work required, our Head of Operations will create the schedule. Note that things often change throughout construction so this is managed on a weekly basis. Everything will be accessible through our online portal.
A: Once we have an understanding of the scope of work required, our Head of Operations will create the schedule. Note that things often change throughout construction so this is managed on a weekly basis. Everything will be accessible through our online portal.
Q: Are you insured?
A: We have up to $5 million in General Liability Insurance and we also acquire Builders Risk Insurance when we build a custom home. Our workers and subcontractors are covered under WSIB for which we make sure everything is up to date.
A: We have up to $5 million in General Liability Insurance and we also acquire Builders Risk Insurance when we build a custom home. Our workers and subcontractors are covered under WSIB for which we make sure everything is up to date.
Q: Do we require insurance?
A: For renovations, you will need to contact your insurance company to let them know that you are renovating. We also recommend that you get your own liability insurance if you’re building a custom home since you own the land.
A: For renovations, you will need to contact your insurance company to let them know that you are renovating. We also recommend that you get your own liability insurance if you’re building a custom home since you own the land.
Q: During the build who will I have contact with?
A: Our Head of Operations and dedicated Lead Builder for your project.
A: Our Head of Operations and dedicated Lead Builder for your project.
Q: Do you have references and job sites or projects we can visit?
A: Yes! We can provide you with a list of our past clients and highlight those that would be most relevant to your project. Job site visits are possible as well.
A: Yes! We can provide you with a list of our past clients and highlight those that would be most relevant to your project. Job site visits are possible as well.