Phase I – Discovery: The Foundation of Success
Phase I – Discovery: The Foundation of Success
At the heart of our home renovation journey lies the Discovery Phase, where we establish the cornerstone of a successful project: exceptional communication. Our commitment to understanding your vision begins with an in-depth consultation, where we explore every facet of your aspirations for your home.
- Location Analysis: We serve a select area to ensure meticulous project management and superior customer service.
- Project Scope: Identifying the nature of your project allows us to tailor our services to your unique requirements.
- Personal Motivation: Understanding the profound reasons behind your investment enables us to create a home that resonates with your life’s cherished moments.
- Timeline Coordination: Whether you’re marking a special occasion or anticipating a new addition to your family, we align our schedule with your significant milestones.
- Budget Planning: A well-defined budget is crucial as it forms the foundation of any project. We work closely with you to develop strategies that maximize the value of your investment. Understanding your budget allows us to collaborate effectively, ensuring that the solutions we devise offer optimal value for your investment.
- Do you have existing design plans or permits: Assessing your progress in design and permitting helps forecast a precise project timeline.
- In-Person Discovery Meeting: A Personal Touch, at this point we ask to schedule an on site visit.
Our face-to-face meeting serves as an opportunity to establish a strong connection and gain a deep understanding of your preferences. As we navigate through your space, we offer valuable insights and recommendations aimed at improving the functionality and coziness of your home, while also ensuring that our proposal aligns with your financial considerations. Throughout our initial discovery session, our main goal is to cultivate a relationship with you and grasp your vision for the project. This involves exploring your home together, where you’ll share what aspects you cherish, any areas of concern, and the changes you aspire to see. Leveraging our expertise, we provide tailored feedback and suggestions that resonate with your goals, with the aim of elevating the functionality and comfort of your home post-renovation. We also delve into the feasibility of your budget range, understanding that while the exact project cost may not yet be determined, starting this dialogue and examining practical figures are crucial for guiding us forward. Naturally, you’ll have questions, and we set aside ample time to address them thoroughly. Additionally, we outline our process and lay out the subsequent steps to ensure transparency and clarity as we progress.
After our initial discovery meeting, we compile the necessary information to provide you with a complimentary preliminary estimate for your renovation project. This estimate is crafted based on our discussions with you, the insights gathered during our meeting, and a preliminary evaluation conducted by our architects to assess the feasibility of your project within your home’s zoning constraints.
While the estimate we present at this stage does not offer a detailed breakdown of individual expenses, it covers all essential elements needed to provide a reliable approximation of your project’s cost, typically within a range of +/-10%. This estimate serves as a valuable tool for both parties to evaluate the feasibility of the project and determine whether to proceed to the next phase of our process.
We take the time to review this estimate with you, addressing any questions or concerns you may have, ensuring clarity and transparency as we move forward together.
Should our estimate align with your budget, we extend an invitation to experience our craftsmanship firsthand through referrals or visits to our completed projects, empowering you to make an informed decision about proceeding with us.
- Location Analysis: We serve a select area to ensure meticulous project management and superior customer service.
- Project Scope: Identifying the nature of your project allows us to tailor our services to your unique requirements.
- Personal Motivation: Understanding the profound reasons behind your investment enables us to create a home that resonates with your life’s cherished moments.
- Timeline Coordination: Whether you’re marking a special occasion or anticipating a new addition to your family, we align our schedule with your significant milestones.
- Budget Planning: A well-defined budget is crucial as it forms the foundation of any project. We work closely with you to develop strategies that maximize the value of your investment. Understanding your budget allows us to collaborate effectively, ensuring that the solutions we devise offer optimal value for your investment.
- Do you have existing design plans or permits: Assessing your progress in design and permitting helps forecast a precise project timeline.
- In-Person Discovery Meeting: A Personal Touch, at this point we ask to schedule an on site visit.
Our face-to-face meeting serves as an opportunity to establish a strong connection and gain a deep understanding of your preferences. As we navigate through your space, we offer valuable insights and recommendations aimed at improving the functionality and coziness of your home, while also ensuring that our proposal aligns with your financial considerations. Throughout our initial discovery session, our main goal is to cultivate a relationship with you and grasp your vision for the project. This involves exploring your home together, where you’ll share what aspects you cherish, any areas of concern, and the changes you aspire to see. Leveraging our expertise, we provide tailored feedback and suggestions that resonate with your goals, with the aim of elevating the functionality and comfort of your home post-renovation. We also delve into the feasibility of your budget range, understanding that while the exact project cost may not yet be determined, starting this dialogue and examining practical figures are crucial for guiding us forward. Naturally, you’ll have questions, and we set aside ample time to address them thoroughly. Additionally, we outline our process and lay out the subsequent steps to ensure transparency and clarity as we progress.
After our initial discovery meeting, we compile the necessary information to provide you with a complimentary preliminary estimate for your renovation project. This estimate is crafted based on our discussions with you, the insights gathered during our meeting, and a preliminary evaluation conducted by our architects to assess the feasibility of your project within your home’s zoning constraints.
While the estimate we present at this stage does not offer a detailed breakdown of individual expenses, it covers all essential elements needed to provide a reliable approximation of your project’s cost, typically within a range of +/-10%. This estimate serves as a valuable tool for both parties to evaluate the feasibility of the project and determine whether to proceed to the next phase of our process.
We take the time to review this estimate with you, addressing any questions or concerns you may have, ensuring clarity and transparency as we move forward together.
Should our estimate align with your budget, we extend an invitation to experience our craftsmanship firsthand through referrals or visits to our completed projects, empowering you to make an informed decision about proceeding with us.
Phase II – Design and Development: Shaping Your Vision into Reality
Phase II – Design and Development: Shaping Your Vision into Reality
When Phase II commences, we request your signature on a Letter of Intent (LOI) along with a deposit, typically amounting to 5% of the estimated project cost provided. (For clients presenting existing drawings or a building permit, the LOI deposit is adjusted to 1-2% of the estimate, with these elements excluded from the following terms.) The LOI does not bind you to engage us for the entire project. By signing, you simply commit to covering the costs associated with producing permit drawings, detailed quotations, and obtaining permits. Furthermore, if the final detailed quotation falls within or below the +/- 10% range of the Phase I estimate, you agree not to engage another contractor for at least one year from the date of receiving the building permit. It’s important to clarify that the permit and drawings remain your property as you funded them. However, if the final detailed quotation exceeds the +/- 10% range, the one-year restriction is lifted, and you are free to engage another contractor at any time. In such a case, any unused portion of your deposit will be refunded. Should you decide to proceed with us, the LOI deposit will be credited towards your initial project payment.
- Flexibility: The LOI is not a binding agreement to complete the project but a commitment to the design phase.
- Security: Should the detailed quotation remain within the +/- 10% range of the initial estimate, we ask you to honor a one-year exclusivity period.
- Transparency: All permits and drawings, financed by you, remain your property.
- Assurance: In the event the detailed quotation exceeds the agreed range, the exclusivity is waived, and any unused deposit is refunded.
Design and Development Steps:
- Architectural Documentation: We arrange a meeting with our architects to conduct a photographic and measurement session of your residence. Subsequently, we create drawings depicting the current state of your house, referred to as “As Built Drawings”.
Our inspection process entails a comprehensive evaluation of your property, which may involve penetrations in walls and ceilings to examine framing, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems. Depending on the project’s scope, we might also drill into your basement floor to inspect footings, foundation, and ascertain the floor drains’ height as they exit your property.
- Structural Inspection: We conduct a comprehensive inspection, which may involve exploratory measures, to assess the integrity of framing, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems.
- Environmental Assessment: Our Environmental Technician conducts a thorough Designated Substance Survey of your home, focusing particularly on areas slated for demolition. This survey involves examining materials such as tile, textured ceilings, insulation, plaster, and paint for designated substances like asbestos, arsenic, and lead. Additionally, we assess for mold, a potentially harmful contaminant, although not classified as a designated substance. The technician collects samples of materials suspected to contain designated substances, which are then analyzed to generate a Designated Substance Survey Report (DSSR). The DSSR belongs to you and must be kept on-site throughout the project, enabling anyone entering the site to review its findings. Notably, City of Toronto and ESA inspectors may decline to enter your site if no DSSR is present.
- Collaborative Design: Subsequently, our architects engage in a comprehensive discussion with you to understand your project requirements and aspirations. Collaboratively, we explore design possibilities and offer suggestions tailored to your needs. Based on this interaction, our architects develop 2 to 3 distinct design drawings for your space, known as Plan Drawings. You have the opportunity to review these drawings, providing feedback on what resonates and what doesn’t. After selecting your preferred design, you communicate any desired adjustments to the architects for refinement. Typically, we finalize the design within a few iterations. Additionally, we request a property survey from you to include with the permit application. If you don’t possess a survey, we arrange for one on your behalf.
- Permit Application: Utilizing the finalized design, we prepare and submit the necessary drawings for permit approval. Upon receiving city markup permit drawings we are now able to give you a final detailed quotation. If your renovation plans necessitate zoning variances, and if feasible alternatives aren’t viable, we guide your permit application through the Committee of Adjustment process. This involves conducting background research on projects in your neighborhood, offering guidance on interactions with your neighbors, and representing you at the Committee of Adjustment hearing.
Following the permit acquisition, we revise the detailed Quotation to incorporate any modifications mandated by the city or resulting from the Committee of Adjustment process, if required.
We provide you with a comprehensive description of the work we will undertake, including details about our 5-year warranty, our $5,000,000 liability coverage, our $100/day non-excusable delay policy, and the terms and conditions of our agreement. During this phase, we meticulously review the Construction Agreement with you, addressing any inquiries you may have and making any necessary adjustments. Once both parties are satisfied, we proceed to sign off on the agreement. Typically, a deposit is required upon signing the agreement, which we utilize to secure the initial subcontractors with firm start dates for your project.
When Phase II commences, we request your signature on a Letter of Intent (LOI) along with a deposit, typically amounting to 5% of the estimated project cost provided. (For clients presenting existing drawings or a building permit, the LOI deposit is adjusted to 1-2% of the estimate, with these elements excluded from the following terms.) The LOI does not bind you to engage us for the entire project. By signing, you simply commit to covering the costs associated with producing permit drawings, detailed quotations, and obtaining permits. Furthermore, if the final detailed quotation falls within or below the +/- 10% range of the Phase I estimate, you agree not to engage another contractor for at least one year from the date of receiving the building permit. It’s important to clarify that the permit and drawings remain your property as you funded them. However, if the final detailed quotation exceeds the +/- 10% range, the one-year restriction is lifted, and you are free to engage another contractor at any time. In such a case, any unused portion of your deposit will be refunded. Should you decide to proceed with us, the LOI deposit will be credited towards your initial project payment.
- Flexibility: The LOI is not a binding agreement to complete the project but a commitment to the design phase.
- Security: Should the detailed quotation remain within the +/- 10% range of the initial estimate, we ask you to honor a one-year exclusivity period.
- Transparency: All permits and drawings, financed by you, remain your property.
- Assurance: In the event the detailed quotation exceeds the agreed range, the exclusivity is waived, and any unused deposit is refunded.
Design and Development Steps:
- Architectural Documentation: We arrange a meeting with our architects to conduct a photographic and measurement session of your residence. Subsequently, we create drawings depicting the current state of your house, referred to as “As Built Drawings”.
Our inspection process entails a comprehensive evaluation of your property, which may involve penetrations in walls and ceilings to examine framing, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems. Depending on the project’s scope, we might also drill into your basement floor to inspect footings, foundation, and ascertain the floor drains’ height as they exit your property.
- Structural Inspection: We conduct a comprehensive inspection, which may involve exploratory measures, to assess the integrity of framing, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems.
- Environmental Assessment: Our Environmental Technician conducts a thorough Designated Substance Survey of your home, focusing particularly on areas slated for demolition. This survey involves examining materials such as tile, textured ceilings, insulation, plaster, and paint for designated substances like asbestos, arsenic, and lead. Additionally, we assess for mold, a potentially harmful contaminant, although not classified as a designated substance. The technician collects samples of materials suspected to contain designated substances, which are then analyzed to generate a Designated Substance Survey Report (DSSR). The DSSR belongs to you and must be kept on-site throughout the project, enabling anyone entering the site to review its findings. Notably, City of Toronto and ESA inspectors may decline to enter your site if no DSSR is present.
- Collaborative Design: Subsequently, our architects engage in a comprehensive discussion with you to understand your project requirements and aspirations. Collaboratively, we explore design possibilities and offer suggestions tailored to your needs. Based on this interaction, our architects develop 2 to 3 distinct design drawings for your space, known as Plan Drawings. You have the opportunity to review these drawings, providing feedback on what resonates and what doesn’t. After selecting your preferred design, you communicate any desired adjustments to the architects for refinement. Typically, we finalize the design within a few iterations. Additionally, we request a property survey from you to include with the permit application. If you don’t possess a survey, we arrange for one on your behalf.
- Permit Application: Utilizing the finalized design, we prepare and submit the necessary drawings for permit approval. Upon receiving city markup permit drawings we are now able to give you a final detailed quotation. If your renovation plans necessitate zoning variances, and if feasible alternatives aren’t viable, we guide your permit application through the Committee of Adjustment process. This involves conducting background research on projects in your neighborhood, offering guidance on interactions with your neighbors, and representing you at the Committee of Adjustment hearing.
Following the permit acquisition, we revise the detailed Quotation to incorporate any modifications mandated by the city or resulting from the Committee of Adjustment process, if required.
We provide you with a comprehensive description of the work we will undertake, including details about our 5-year warranty, our $5,000,000 liability coverage, our $100/day non-excusable delay policy, and the terms and conditions of our agreement. During this phase, we meticulously review the Construction Agreement with you, addressing any inquiries you may have and making any necessary adjustments. Once both parties are satisfied, we proceed to sign off on the agreement. Typically, a deposit is required upon signing the agreement, which we utilize to secure the initial subcontractors with firm start dates for your project.
Phase III – Pre-Construction: Setting the Stage for Success
Phase III – Pre-Construction: Setting the Stage for Success
A dedicated Project Manager (PM) is assigned to oversee your project, serving as your primary point of contact. They are responsible for the execution, scheduling, and communication of all project-related activities. Your PM will be on-site daily and available to address any inquiries or concerns.
Before construction begins, a Pre-Construction Meeting is arranged with you and your PM to reaffirm every detail of the project. This crucial meeting ensures confidence in your PM’s understanding of the job and provides an opportunity to address any lingering questions.
We equip you with access to our cloud-based project management software, a central hub for pricing, tracking, scheduling, and sharing essential project materials. This platform serves as our primary communication channel, keeping you informed every step of the way.
A detailed project schedule is crafted, outlining the timeline for construction steps, city inspections, payment milestones, and selection deadlines for materials and fixtures. This schedule is accessible through the project management portal and is regularly updated to keep you apprised of progress and upcoming decisions.
Our team completes thorough site preparation, including the installation of fencing, electrical safeguards, waste management solutions, and visible permit displays. With these preparations in place, we are ready to commence the transformative work on your property.
A dedicated Project Manager (PM) is assigned to oversee your project, serving as your primary point of contact. They are responsible for the execution, scheduling, and communication of all project-related activities. Your PM will be on-site daily and available to address any inquiries or concerns.
Before construction begins, a Pre-Construction Meeting is arranged with you and your PM to reaffirm every detail of the project. This crucial meeting ensures confidence in your PM’s understanding of the job and provides an opportunity to address any lingering questions.
We equip you with access to our cloud-based project management software, a central hub for pricing, tracking, scheduling, and sharing essential project materials. This platform serves as our primary communication channel, keeping you informed every step of the way.
A detailed project schedule is crafted, outlining the timeline for construction steps, city inspections, payment milestones, and selection deadlines for materials and fixtures. This schedule is accessible through the project management portal and is regularly updated to keep you apprised of progress and upcoming decisions.
Our team completes thorough site preparation, including the installation of fencing, electrical safeguards, waste management solutions, and visible permit displays. With these preparations in place, we are ready to commence the transformative work on your property.
Phase IV – Construction: Realizing Your Dream Home
Phase IV – Construction: Realizing Your Dream Home
Our construction phase is characterized by transparency, responsiveness, and interaction. We maintain open lines of communication, keeping you informed of progress and any necessary adjustments. Should you wish to modify any aspect of the work, we provide comprehensive advice on the implications for pricing and scheduling, ensuring that the project evolves seamlessly with your vision.
Throughout the renovation, you will have access to sophisticated online tools for tracking the schedule, payments, allowances, and change orders, offering you a clear overview of the project’s progression. As we approach completion, we introduce an online “Punch List” to prioritize the finishing touches, driving the project towards a punctual and satisfactory conclusion.
Operational Hours:
Our operations adhere to the City of Toronto bylaw hours, ensuring minimal disruption to your routine:
Monday to Friday: 7 AM – 7 PM
Saturday: 9 AM – 5 PM
Sundays & Statutory Holidays: Closed Your Project Manager is available during these hours for correspondence and is on standby 24/7 for emergencies.
Progress Tracking:
We provide weekly progress updates through our project management portal or by phone, complementing the regularly updated schedule that is shared with you.
Client Responsibilities:
While Du-al Construction manages the entire construction process, your role includes making timely decisions on selections and providing materials as per the agreement. We handle coordination, material delivery, waste disposal, site maintenance, and all necessary inspections.
Addressing Unexpected Site Conditions:
During the progression of the project, particularly during the demolition phase, we may uncover concealed defects hidden behind walls, floors, or ceilings that necessitate attention. These unexpected discoveries and their necessary resolutions are referred to as Site Generated (SG) Changes to the Scope of Work, as they are prompted by site conditions rather than by your directives. In the event of such occurrences, we promptly inform you of the situation and present our recommendations for addressing the issue. If required, we schedule site meetings with you to discuss the matter in detail. We collaborate with engineers and inspectors to explore solution options and consult with the relevant trades to determine pricing and scheduling. Once you have selected the preferred option that aligns with your objectives and budget, we proceed to coordinate and oversee the necessary work. The additional work is documented on your Additions and Deletions Spreadsheet (ADS), and the cost is deducted from your 20% Contingency balance.
Scope Modifications by Client Request:
Throughout the project, you may decide to make additions or deletions to the Scope of Work (SOW). These decisions are often influenced by budget considerations, although sometimes they stem from newfound clarity or preferences that arise during the construction phase. Client-Requested (CR) Changes to the Scope of Work follow a similar process to site-generated changes, with one key distinction: you initiate the change by describing it to us. We then strategize the implementation of the change, consulting with trades, inspectors, and engineers if necessary, and provide you with a pricing estimate along with an assessment of the additional time required for the modification. If the proposed pricing and timing align with your preferences, we proceed to schedule and oversee the work, using the Additions and Deletions Spreadsheet (ADS) to monitor payments. In the case of a deletion of a line item, we document the removed work on the ADS and allocate the value of the work to your 20% Contingency balance.
Our construction phase is characterized by transparency, responsiveness, and interaction. We maintain open lines of communication, keeping you informed of progress and any necessary adjustments. Should you wish to modify any aspect of the work, we provide comprehensive advice on the implications for pricing and scheduling, ensuring that the project evolves seamlessly with your vision.
Throughout the renovation, you will have access to sophisticated online tools for tracking the schedule, payments, allowances, and change orders, offering you a clear overview of the project’s progression. As we approach completion, we introduce an online “Punch List” to prioritize the finishing touches, driving the project towards a punctual and satisfactory conclusion.
Operational Hours:
Our operations adhere to the City of Toronto bylaw hours, ensuring minimal disruption to your routine:
Monday to Friday: 7 AM – 7 PM
Saturday: 9 AM – 5 PM
Sundays & Statutory Holidays: Closed Your Project Manager is available during these hours for correspondence and is on standby 24/7 for emergencies.
Progress Tracking:
We provide weekly progress updates through our project management portal or by phone, complementing the regularly updated schedule that is shared with you.
Client Responsibilities:
While Du-al Construction manages the entire construction process, your role includes making timely decisions on selections and providing materials as per the agreement. We handle coordination, material delivery, waste disposal, site maintenance, and all necessary inspections.
Addressing Unexpected Site Conditions:
During the progression of the project, particularly during the demolition phase, we may uncover concealed defects hidden behind walls, floors, or ceilings that necessitate attention. These unexpected discoveries and their necessary resolutions are referred to as Site Generated (SG) Changes to the Scope of Work, as they are prompted by site conditions rather than by your directives. In the event of such occurrences, we promptly inform you of the situation and present our recommendations for addressing the issue. If required, we schedule site meetings with you to discuss the matter in detail. We collaborate with engineers and inspectors to explore solution options and consult with the relevant trades to determine pricing and scheduling. Once you have selected the preferred option that aligns with your objectives and budget, we proceed to coordinate and oversee the necessary work. The additional work is documented on your Additions and Deletions Spreadsheet (ADS), and the cost is deducted from your 20% Contingency balance.
Scope Modifications by Client Request:
Throughout the project, you may decide to make additions or deletions to the Scope of Work (SOW). These decisions are often influenced by budget considerations, although sometimes they stem from newfound clarity or preferences that arise during the construction phase. Client-Requested (CR) Changes to the Scope of Work follow a similar process to site-generated changes, with one key distinction: you initiate the change by describing it to us. We then strategize the implementation of the change, consulting with trades, inspectors, and engineers if necessary, and provide you with a pricing estimate along with an assessment of the additional time required for the modification. If the proposed pricing and timing align with your preferences, we proceed to schedule and oversee the work, using the Additions and Deletions Spreadsheet (ADS) to monitor payments. In the case of a deletion of a line item, we document the removed work on the ADS and allocate the value of the work to your 20% Contingency balance.
Phase V – Warranty: Ensuring Your Peace of Mind
Phase V – Warranty: Ensuring Your Peace of Mind
Our warranty phase commences upon the successful completion of your project, marked by the final inspections, closure of the building permit, and settlement of the final invoice. This phase extends for a minimum of five years, providing you with long-term assurance.
We stand behind the quality of our labour and materials, offering a robust warranty that includes the installation of any materials or equipment we have supplied. The only exception to our coverage is appliances that come with their own manufacturer’s warranty. For instance, a Carrier furnace supplied and installed by us comes with its own warranty—5 years if unregistered, and 10 years if registered. While our warranty would be supplementary in this case, we facilitate the registration process and advocate on your behalf with retailers and manufacturers should any issues arise.
Our warranty encompasses not only the repair and replacement of the items we’ve installed but also any collateral damage to other items or property not covered by insurance. For example, if a shower leak is due to improper drain installation, we will comprehensively address the issue, including any necessary re-installation, re-tiling, and repairs to affected areas such as drywall, flooring, and even personal property like computers and furniture.
Our ultimate goal is to become your lifelong renovation partner, fostering a relationship built on trust, care, fairness, accountability, and integrity—the core values that define our approach. Our longstanding clients, some of whom have been with us for over a decade, can attest to the reliability and effectiveness of our warranty service.
We are committed to delivering not just a renovated space, but a promise of quality and reliability that lasts well beyond the completion of your project. If you have any questions or need further information about our warranty phase, please feel free to reach out.
Our warranty phase commences upon the successful completion of your project, marked by the final inspections, closure of the building permit, and settlement of the final invoice. This phase extends for a minimum of five years, providing you with long-term assurance.
We stand behind the quality of our labour and materials, offering a robust warranty that includes the installation of any materials or equipment we have supplied. The only exception to our coverage is appliances that come with their own manufacturer’s warranty. For instance, a Carrier furnace supplied and installed by us comes with its own warranty—5 years if unregistered, and 10 years if registered. While our warranty would be supplementary in this case, we facilitate the registration process and advocate on your behalf with retailers and manufacturers should any issues arise.
Our warranty encompasses not only the repair and replacement of the items we’ve installed but also any collateral damage to other items or property not covered by insurance. For example, if a shower leak is due to improper drain installation, we will comprehensively address the issue, including any necessary re-installation, re-tiling, and repairs to affected areas such as drywall, flooring, and even personal property like computers and furniture.
Our ultimate goal is to become your lifelong renovation partner, fostering a relationship built on trust, care, fairness, accountability, and integrity—the core values that define our approach. Our longstanding clients, some of whom have been with us for over a decade, can attest to the reliability and effectiveness of our warranty service.
We are committed to delivering not just a renovated space, but a promise of quality and reliability that lasts well beyond the completion of your project. If you have any questions or need further information about our warranty phase, please feel free to reach out.
