Design, Permits & Planning

No custom home or renovation project is the same. During the pre-construction phase, we gather the details we need to plan your unique project and meet your specific needs. The scope of planning is important because it ensures your project will run smoothly and be an enjoyable experience for everyone involved. We want to make sure we iron out any complications or surprises early on so we can provide clear expectations before any construction starts.

It is through our fine-tuned process that we build a successful plan for the smooth completion of your project.

During this phase is when we identify what is truly possible for your property. While the sky’s the limit when it comes to the scope of design, there are a number of restrictions that help determine what can and can’t be built, or what is legally allowed on your property. Our goal is to provide you with realistic expectations of what will be approved on the permit application

We work with a trusted team of specialty contractors and consultants. They are trusted because we’ve built long standing relationships with them and we know we can rely on their timelines, commitment, and quality of work. These relationships are a formula for successful projects. Some of these consultants include people who are contracted to write bylaws and zoning allowances for the municipalities themselves.

This is where your project comes to life, and great design is an essential part of that. Not only does it set the tone and personality for your home, but it will ensure your valuable renovation dollars are spent wisely. How? Experienced, cost-forward designers will strike a balance between:

• Aesthetic

• Functionality

• Budget

We will translate your vision, goals and needs into a conceptual design. Once approved, that design will be reviewed and detailed to complete the scope of work.

No one ever has extra time or money. That’s why one of these usually becomes the primary consideration and why we prioritize your schedule and budget as the backbone for all project planning. Before we begin, we’ll have an initial conversation to align on timelines, budgets and the details for your specific project so expectations are clear from the beginning. We’ll also share examples of past projects similar to what you have in mind. Once you’re ready to move forward, we will start the design and feasibility phase.

Your project budget and schedule will go through two phases. The terminology that we use is based on the CCDC Agreement.

Class B - Defined as the “higher level” or “preliminary budget.” The budget and preliminary schedule are an estimate based on the careful research we have completed during the design and feasibility phase.

Class A - Defined as the “detailed” or “finalized” budget that accurately reflects your exact project and the final decisions that have been made.

After reviewing everything you’ll receive a Feasibility Report that reflects the range and scope of of work, including:

• A zoning analysis and conceptual design for the project that meets municipal bylaw requirements.

• Professional advice on the best way to complete the project.

• Approximate timelines to complete the project (Class B detailed schedule).

• Accurate budget range to complete the project (Class B detailed budget).

With all the information at hand, you’ll be in an educated position to decide how best to move forward with your project. Now you have some big decisions to make about where you want to prioritize your spending. If changes need to be made to the project to make it feasible, we’ll work together to revise the scope to work for you.