Adrian seated looking at plans
[faqs]

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will the project take?

This depends on the scope and complexity of the project. Often the design and preconstruction phase can be as long as the construction phase. You want to get the design right and have an accurate project budget before making the decision to proceed with construction.

What are the different phases of the project?

Design Phase: We work with you and the designer throughout the design phase to ensure that the final product reflects your vision and meets your needs.

Preconstruction Phase:
We develop the project budget based on actual trade and supplier quotes to ensure an accurate project budget. Only when we have reviewed with you all the quotes and you have signed off on the project budget does construction proceed. We take care of the building permit application process to ensure minimal time delays.

Construction Phase:
We provide a detailed project schedule to you in advance of construction that includes quality control inspections up to and including final walkthrough with you the customer.

For more details on project phases, see here.

How will the project be managed?

In a project management approach, you have input into all phases of the project. Through clear communication protocols, (including written meeting minutes and follow-up on action items) decisions that you make are clearly documented to ensure that your wishes are carried out.

When can we visit the site?

Customers are welcome to visit the site during construction while wearing a hard-hat and safety footwear. Site visits will generally be arranged when trades are not working on the site to ensure low risk to safety of customers.

How will the budget be managed?

Building is expensive so it is important to have a realistic expectation of costs. For example, construction of a new additional detached residential unit with water service upgrade and services to the new building can cost $475 to $675 per square foot depending on the materials selected, foundation design and finishes selected. There may be some grants available to help reduce the total project cost of creating additional residential units in your municipality (with conditions).

Project costs are tracked on a budget spreadsheet, and actual costs are shown in a separate column with a detailed record of each expenditure in that row.  After reviewing invoices from trades or suppliers, customers are asked to complete payment in an expedient manner by the Project Manager.

Monthly budget updates are provided to the customer with monthly invoices.

What are the payment terms?

Project management fees and disbursements (i.e. materials purchased on behalf of the owner) are billed monthly.

Trade and supplier invoices are reviewed and requests for customer payment will occur throughout the project phases so customers will need to be prepared to make these payments when requested.

Are there allowances for fixtures, finishes, etc.?

In some cases, customers would like to supply their own light fixtures, et cetera. This is no problem if the product spec sheets are provided in advance of pre-construction phase and on-site for installation when indicated by Project Manager.

What happens if costs exceed the budget?

Contingency line is included in each project to handle minor project costs not included in other sections and to handle some unanticipated/unexpected occurrences. In general, all projects should be finished within the total budget. However, if homeowners wish to make additions during the construction process these items are generally in addition to the original project budget and approach adjustments are made to the applicable line item to reflect these changes.

In the extreme case where a cost overrun exceeds the proposed total project budget the Project Manager will work with the customer to find cost-saving opportunities to bring the budget back into line.

What design options are available?

We will work with the customer and designer to come up with the best design that meets the wishes and needs of the customer. In many cases the designer will have software that will enable the customer to do a “walk through” of the design to enable them to visualize it. You will be presented with many design options. It helps if you have some images of design features/styles you like. You will also be provided with pre-design questions to help you begin the process of thinking about design options.

How will the design reflect my vision?

Ensuring that the design aligns with the homeowner's preferences is crucial. That is one of the big advantages of a Project Management approach. You have input throughout all phases of the project. In the end it should feel, function, and look like what you envisioned.

What materials will be used?

There is a wide range of materials available in the market today like never before. There are many considerations that may be important to customers such as but are not limited to:

  • ease of use
  • environmental impact
  • low VOC’s
  • durability
  • cost

We will help you to understand the quality, durability, costs and installation specifications for the materials available so you can choose the right materials for your building.

Can we make changes to the design during construction?

Understanding the process for design changes and their potential impact is important. Changes can be made during construction, but it is generally less expensive to make changes during the design process before developing bid work packages and tendering the project.

Who is our point of contact for questions?

Communication is always direct from you, the customer, to the project manager. The project manager is responsible for addressing your concerns in an expedient manner in all phases of the project with the designer in design phase and with trades in construction phase.

How often will we receive updates?

In the design phase meetings are generally held weekly or biweekly until the final design is approved by the customer. Meeting minutes with action items and decisions made are shared with participants to ensure your wishes and concerns in the design phase are implemented.  The Project Manager will review trades and suppliers list, bid work packages and quotes that form part of the project budget with the customers. Final project budget must be approved by the customer prior to proceeding with construction phase. Monthly project schedule and project budget updates are provided to the customers to ensure they stay informed about progress of the work and cost expenditures to date.

How will decisions be made, especially regarding changes?

Customers should understand the decision-making process for any modifications or changes. If the customer requests a change to the design this process is documented so that it is clear what changes are required. The Project Manager is responsible for implementing the change requests. There will be no Project Manager markup on trade or supply costs for changes requested by customers. However, hourly charges would apply to administer the changes.

How are disputes resolved?

Having a clear process for resolving any disagreements is important. Please refer to your contract for details on dispute resolution.

What are the quality standards for work?

Work quality is critical. We will go through what your expectations are for material quality and will align our trades and suppliers to ensure the best possible durable product for the resources you must commit (value for dollar).

By selecting the best and cost effective trades and suppliers (based on our years of experience working with them) we help to deliver a building to you of high quality.

To ensure a high level of quality control, specific QC inspections are included in the project schedule for the Project Manager to check work at each stage of construction by trades. If you, the customer, have any questions are concerns at any stage of the work let the Project Manager know so he can address them.

When are inspections scheduled?

Required Building Inspections are shown on the project schedule. The Project Manager will generally meet the Building Inspector onsite during the inspections. A copy of inspection reports will be provided to the customer at each stage of the work.

Will there be a final walk-through?

A final walk-through is done with the customer to identify any outstanding issues before final sign-off.  At the end of the pre-delivery inspection, warranties and manuals are provided to the customer for all equipment.

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