Frequently Asked Questions

Every time we engage a prospective client, they naturally have questions. Most of these questions are fairly common and our response is always the same. So in an effort help get some of these “frequently asked questions” answered quickly, we have listed them below.

We know how you feel

Remodeling, building and renovating your home, or just a small portion of it, is both exciting and a little unnerving for many homeowners. We spend the time and work very closely with each of our clients and do our best to reduce stress and mitigate feelings of uneasiness with good communication and proper planning. However, we've learned over the years that the clients' moods often change in direct correlation to where we are within the project. We then found this graphic from a remodeling company in Seattle (credit: Model Remodel Seattle, WA) that perfectly illustrates the emotional experience of many homeowners...even if they are thrilled with the completed project.

Why do we share this with you? Because it's important for you to know that we understand your feelings throughout the entire remodeling process and will do everything we can to help you through each and every step. 

Great question - Hopefully We'll have the answers for you below...

We service a 60 kilometer radius from Whistler, Squamish, Lions Bay, Horseshoe Bay, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, Delta, New Westminster, Port Moody, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, Langley, White Rock, Tsawassen, and Ladner. 

Yes, we carry general liability insurance and commercial auto. 

Yes. Insurance certificates are provided upon request. 

Yes, we licensed to build everything we list in our services list. 

Our goal is to be on-site for a consult either the same day or within 48 hours pending geographic location. Written estimates are provided for all work.

One of our qualified sales representatives or the owner. 

Generally we hold prices for 30 days. When the markets are volatile, sometimes we can only hold prices for a week. 

Yes, 2D and/or 3D drawings provided upon request. Simple general floor plan drawings are available. 

We aim to leave the job site cleaner than when we arrived. Of course, what we do can be dirty. We tarp our work area, broom sweep and magnetic broom sweep the work area to get any possible debris. We also provide porta potties where applicable. We cover floors with Ram Board and carpets with plastic film protector. Separation plastic sheets are hung from the ceiling to contain dust and debris where required. 

With any remodeling project, you can’t see everything until exposed. We over-communicate every exception we see and involve you in the process and solution. Any changes are discussed prior and agreed upon by you prior to us taking any action. 

Sometimes we do but almost all of our subcontractors have been part of our company for many many years. 

Yes, you can view our Photo Galleries by selecting the tab at the top of this page. 

Yes, we bring samples as well an iPad to show additional projects. 

We will work with you to meet your specific needs. Our payments are structured into 3 phases – First Deposit at start – Second Deposit halfway through the job - Last Deposit when the job is finished. Generally, special order items are required to be paid in full when ordering which is what our distributors make us do. 

Any home constructed prior to 1978 falls under the federal rule. It is enforced at the federal level. British Columbia enforces it at the provincial level as well. Any home constructed prior to 1987 would in most cases be free from drywall containing Asbestos and will not require a professional HAZMAT Contractors' removal services. Homes built prior to 1987 are considered to have asbestos containing material in the compound and will require a Licensed Hazmat Contractor to remove and dispose of the drywall according to provincial requirements. 

On new construction projects, 10% is a good number. On remodeling projects 10% - 15% is best. If you don't need it, all the better. 

Building codes have been established by most cities, towns and municipalities. They vary considerably from one jurisdiction to another. A building permit generally is required whenever structural work is involved or when the basic living area of the home is to be changed. A professional contractor who works in your city or town every day will know the local requirements. 

In most cases, it is not required to pull a permit for what is commonly called "cosmetic" work to your home. The examples of that are: New kitchen or bathroom cabinets, new counter tops, trim work, new doors, new flooring, tiling, painting, new lighting fixtures, new plumbing fixtures, roofing material and installation, concrete work, non-structural interior framing, etc... 

Quite a bit! Basically you get what you pay for. Most times same brand name products are of lower quality even though they have the same brand name at big box stores. Every situation is different, so it's important to carefully compare estimates from each of these types of companies. 

Many factors go into estimating a remodeling job. The most obvious is making sure all estimates have the same materials and scope of work. If you cannot understand all the information, go back and ask the contractor for clarification. If you cannot get satisfactory written results, eliminate that contractor from future bidding. Quality of work is hard to show in a written estimate and is also a factor in costs. This part of the cost difference is usually only confirmed by calling references and/or visiting jobs the contractor has completed or look at previous work photos. When a contractor carries all the proper and required licenses and insurances, his prices will be higher than a “Chuck in a Truck” or “fly by night” contractor. 

Some municipalities require workers compensation insurance to be provided before a permit is issued. 

We give you our cell phone numbers and emails to stay in touch. 

Not for residential projects but in some commercial projects, we are required to.