About Whole House Renovation

Guide · By Royce (Roy) S.

How a General Contractor Runs Your Project

A general contractor (GC) is the one company responsible for your renovation getting built: on budget, on schedule, to code and to the standard you were promised. Here is how we run a project from the first call to the warranty, and what you should expect from any GC you hire.

1. Scope before price, price before design

We visit, measure, photograph conditions and open inspection points where we suspect problems. Then you get a written scope and a fixed, hard-cap price, along with the tier timeline and draw schedule, before any design agreement. A GC who will not put a number in writing until drawings are done is asking you to commit before you know the cost.

2. Design with the builder in the room

Our ARIDO-affiliated design lead settles layout, structure, cabinetry and finishes in a few focused meetings, with the project manager and carpenter able to answer cost and buildability questions on the spot. That is the core advantage of design-build: decisions happen once. See whole house renovation for a design-build vs architect comparison.

3. Permits and approvals

Our permit coordinator checks zoning, heritage status and lot limits before design is final, then files the building permit and any Committee of Adjustment or minor variance application. Approvals typically take 6-16 weeks depending on heritage and variance needs, and that time is in your schedule from day one. For additions, see our home addition page on zoning feasibility.

4. Scheduling trades and materials

The GC sequences demolition, structure, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, inspections, insulation, drywall and finishes, and orders long-lead items like windows, cabinetry and stone early. Most delays on renovations come from ordering late, not building slowly.

5. Site supervision, safety and inspections

Diego F., our Red Seal lead carpenter and BCIN Part 9 qualified site supervisor, runs the site daily. Crews are WHMIS 2015-trained and WSIB-covered, and every required inspection is booked and attended by us.

6. Communication and money

You get a weekly call with your project manager. Tier 2+ projects pay on a 6-draw schedule tied to milestones, so you never pay far ahead of the work. Any change you request is written, priced and signed before it happens. See our payment schedule.

7. Deficiency walkthrough and warranty

At substantial completion we walk every room with you and write down anything that is not right. The final 15% draw is paid once that list is closed. You then receive your written warranty and documentation for the work.

Result: in 2024, 92% of our projects were delivered within the quoted timeline range, and most Tier 2+ projects closed within 5% of contracted scope.