Renovation Information
New WSIB Insurance Requirements in Construction
Starting January 1, 2013, WSIB rules regarding the construction industry have changed. WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board) provides insurance coverage for workers who are injured on the job. Insurance coverage in the construction industry has always been mandatory, with the exception of executive officers (ie: company owners) who did not have to have insurance…
+ Read MoreWhy Homeowners Don’t Get Building Permits
Most of our projects involve building permits. We’ve always built with permits, and we encourage homeowners to get a permit if one is required. But every year, we meet homeowners who choose not to get a building permit for their project, for various reasons. Here are the common reasons why homeowners don’t get permits, and…
+ Read More5 Reasons For Change Orders
On home renovation and house addition projects we work on, we start the project with a clearly defined scope of work, and on larger projects, a set of architectural drawings. As the work on the project progresses, there may become a need or a desire to deviate from the original plans and scope of work. …
+ Read MoreBuilding a Legal Basement Apartment
Homes with basement apartments are popular with many homeowners due to the income potential. However, creating a legal basement apartment isn’t as simple as finishing a basement for personal use. And just because a home already has a basement apartment, it doesn’t mean it is a legal basement apartment. By definition, a legal basement apartment…
+ Read MoreKeeping Your Renovation Project On Budget
For every renovation or construction project that is completed on budget, there is another that goes over budget. Budgeting is not difficult, it is probably one of the easier aspects of a construction project. As we look at our past projects, there are key elements that determine whether a project will be completed on budget,…
+ Read MoreKeeping Your Renovation Project On Schedule
Keeping a construction project on track and on schedule is one of the most difficult aspects of the construction process. For every project that is completed on schedule, there is another that falls behind schedule. Currently, we have two major kitchen renovations projects in progress in Toronto, that have been running very smoothly. We’re happy,…
+ Read MorePlanning Your Home Renovation
We often get calls from homeowners that are looking to renovate but have no idea where to start. To assist homeowners, we’ve put together a guide to starting to plan for your home renovation, aimed specifically at larger home renovation projects such as kitchens renovations, basement finishing, and house additions. 1. Start Early Planning…
+ Read MoreKitchen Cabinets: Reface or Replace?
Homeowners looking to update their kitchen often consider whether it is better to reface their kitchen cabinets, or replace them. Refacing cabinets involves replacing cabinet doors and drawer fronts. Replacing cabinets involves the removal of the entire cabinet and installation of new kitchen cabinets and countertops. Reasons to Reface: 1. Improves the look of the…
+ Read MoreRenovating a Newly Purchased Home
Recently we have received many calls from people who are looking to renovate or add on to a home they have purchased, but not yet moved into. Most of the homeowners are looking to start the renovations as soon as they get ownership of the home, and complete the renovations before they move in. It’s…
+ Read MoreDesign Build vs Design Bid Build
Updated: February 19, 2020 We get three types of inquiries from homeowners in the Toronto area. The first is from homeowners who are looking to build, and want to have one company look after design and construction. The second is from homeowners who already have a set of plans, and are looking for a builder…
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