General Questions:
1. Does Normar Construction offer Design/Build construction services?
Yes. With this approach to construction, we can offer superior cost and scheduling control for your project. We will work with architects and engineers during the design phase of your project if you would like us too. Then during the construction phase, we will manage your project keeping your interests and goals as a top priority.
2. Does your company have in house architects and engineers?
No. We have long standing working relationships with many highly qualified Architect & Engineering firms throughout the GTA. This allows us to select the firms with the best fit for the project needs.
3. Which aspects of renovation and construction can you assist with?
Our team of experienced professionals can address almost anything that relates to your home renovation or new build. We can provide full permits (along with the required drawings) budgeting for large scale projects, aiding your finished construction with a touch of Interior Design, as well as taking control of the planning and scheduling of the project.
4. Is it important to know my budget from the first steps of the project?
Yes, having an initial understanding of your budget allows us to design within a context. If we overestimate your budget, time is wasted by proposing something that you cannot afford, while underestimating your budget leads to a proposed project that may not live up to the potential of what could otherwise be made. We customize to you in accordance with your budget. We have had a lot of success creating a rough estimate of what projects may cost before construction has begun, and we need to have a realistic sense of your budget to be able to schedule a site visit. Otherwise, time is wasted by considering possibilities that can’t be afforded instead of focusing on how to create the most value for you as we possibly can.
5. Is there a way that I can form an idea of a realistic budget for my project?
Yes, you can conduct research online, ask your network of friends, family, and coworkers if they have any information on the subject. If you contact us, our personnel will determine what budget should be expected for the project you are thinking about. Again, a logical first step is to fill out our form so we will work with a ballpark figure.
6. How long does a typical renovation take?
This is completely dependent on the type of project and project size. A sweeping, full-home renovation (gut job) generally takes around 4-6 months. A renovation complete with an addition takes 5-7 months, and building a custom home takes just less than a year, beginning with a 1-2 month design process. Permits usually take an average of 4 to 6 weeks, so long as committee of adjustments is not required. Minor renovations obviously take less time. Bathrooms usually take 2 weeks, and full basements take 4-6 weeks. Depending on the scope of the project, the design and planning phase is key… Even if this is a time consuming step, it is absolutely worthwhile and necessary.
7. Why does so much planning have to be involved?
Planning is the most important factor in regards to a successful completion of the project. If the project begins on the right path, less problems will occur while the construction or renovation is taking place. No matter what, stressful situations will arise in almost any project. With the right planning in place, this stress will be minimized. Once all of the commotion of construction has gotten underway, you will be glad that you started with a solid plan to create a less chaotic atmosphere.
8. Can you give me more details about your renovation process?
Please visit Our Process page to learn more about the steps we follow for each of our projects
9. What type of quality assurance principles does your company uphold?
We take many steps to ensure that you don’t have to worry about the way your project is progressing. By having the owners of the company on site, supervising the project on a daily basis, the chance of facing to problems is drastically minimized. Since we only take on a manageable amount of projects at any given time, and only focus on a few jobs at once, we are able to spend enough time on each project; treating it as our own home. It is natural that things deviate from an organized plan on massive projects, and we acknowledge this. This is why a major part of our work is designing systems that lessen the occurrence and impact of the types of problems that occur during construction and renovation. We are a Certified Tarion Warranty Contractor, and our initial way of addressing these problems is by hiring extremely high quality subcontractors and employees.
10. Do you offer a warranty?
Yes, our 12-month warranty is considered to be one of the best in the industry for the client. The warranty covers the labour, as well as the installation of the entirety of your renovation project. There have been circumstances in the past where we have performed fixes and amendments on aspects of our projects after the warranty has expired, because it seemed to be the reasonable and honest course of action. Just because a project is complete, does not mean it is necessarily finished. We still take pride in everything that we build
11. Will I need permits?
Rule of thumb to go by: If a wall needs to be built or taken out, you need a permit. Electrical, plumbing and HVAC modifications are also areas where permits might be required. Most projects we work on require permits, so we are well versed in the inspection process.
12. Am I allowed to independently find materials?
Yes, many clients have specific suppliers they like working with. Should you not know where to look, or want different ideas, you can find our preferred sources here.
13. What if we have our own architect?
We will work with your designer or architect, as long as everyone’s role is communicated and agreed upon.
14. Will it cost more than I am expecting?
This is why is so important to have a good idea of your budget. Most people have never gone through a large scale renovation. Once they start the process of selecting materials and looking at different designs, creative juices being to flow and costs can start spiralling out of control. We will help you with your vision and your budget.
Home Renovation Questions:
1. How much responsibility do I hold during the construction process?
Under the law, as a home owner, you are liable for any injury that happens to people working on your home. That’s why we are a WSIB registered contractor and we are also insured.
2. What is covered under my new home warranty from Tarion?
For the Tarion warranty coverage please visit,
https://www.tarion.com/index.php/homeowners/your-warranty-coverage/outline-your-warranty
3. How can we be part of the process so that we know our original vision is being honoured?
The planning begins with multiple meetings, in which we will completely work with and around your schedule. In these meetings, every aspect of the process will be discussed and agreements will be made. Our clients leave the planning process educated on the building process, and ready to make an informed decision as to what course they want to take. As decisions are made, we will carefully document them within the scope of your project.
4. How frequent is the communication during the entire process? Can changes be made once plans have been set?
The lines of communication are always clear and open, and we prioritize keeping you in the loop. If you are clear about your availability, we will go out of our way to facilitate frequent communication.
5. Do you have a philosophy concerning unplanned issues and problems?
Issues do arise in projects. We pride ourselves in not allowing most issues to become problems.
6. Do I have a say in changing set plans?
Yes, plans are completely open to fluid change during the process of planning. Once construction has begun, changing plans is addressed on a case by case basis, but we will do our best to facilitate any want or need that arises.