Q: What types of services do you offer?
A: We manage everything that relates to new home construction and renovations 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, the energy advisor and all required trades in a collaborative process. We can offer a Design/Build option or work with an architect or designer of your choice. Our team of Project Managers, Site Supervisors and Carpenters will make sure your home is healthy, comfortable and efficient.
A: We manage everything that relates to new home construction and renovations 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, the energy advisor and all required trades in a collaborative process. We can offer a Design/Build option or work with an architect or designer of your choice. Our team of Project Managers, Site Supervisors and Carpenters will make sure your home is healthy, comfortable and efficient.
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. If you contract us to do the design, we will take care of this for you.
A: Typically the architect or designer will contact these people as they are required during the design process. If you contract us to do the design, we will take care of this for you.
Q: Who takes care of the permits?
A: The architect or designer can take care of this as they will need their license number or 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 the city or township may have.
A: The architect or designer can take care of this as they will need their license number or 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 the city or township 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 very rough numbers. 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 very rough numbers. 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. We have a fee for both Project Management and Site Supervision. We charge hourly for construction labour and there is a markup on deliveries, materials and sub-trades. 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. We have a fee for both Project Management and Site Supervision. We charge hourly for construction labour and there is a markup on deliveries, materials and sub-trades. 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: Can we contract you to do the envelope of the home only?
A: Yes! We often do this. We are happy to take the project from foundation to closed in or any set finish point that you choose.
A: Yes! We often do this. We are happy to take the project from foundation to closed in or any set finish point that you choose.
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: There is an Enrolment fee based on the total cost of your home. It is minimal compared to the total cost. You can see the fee calculator HERE.
A: There is an Enrolment fee based on the total cost of your home. It is minimal compared to the total cost. You can see the fee calculator HERE.
Q: How do you work your schedules?
A: Once we have an understanding of the scope of work required, the Project Manager will create the schedule. Note that things often change throughout construction so this is managed throughout the project. Everything will be accessible through our online portal.
A: Once we have an understanding of the scope of work required, the Project Manager will create the schedule. Note that things often change throughout construction so this is managed throughout the project. 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 Project Manager and Site Supervisor will be your main points of contact.
A: Our Project Manager and Site Supervisor will be your main points of contact.
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 often 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 often possible as well.