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Whether you're moving for work, to be closer to your family, to prepare for your retirement or any other reason; everyone enjoys having a place to call home. Many people spend a lot of time in their home, therefore they deserve to have a home that fits their needs and has been designed to their liking. New home construction has multiple phases and it's common for most new home builders to have questions regarding this process.

Here is an outline of the typical construction process. Keep in mind that this is a generalized description—each home builder could use a different approach. This process and schedule can also be affected by the size and style of the build; the lot the build is taking place on; the construction techniques being used; the amount of customization required for the build; the number of municipal inspections that need to take place; whether the home is located in a largely developed area; availability of laborers and subcontractors, and a number of other factors.

• Phase One: Pre-Construction
  • Before any construction can take place, plans for your home are developed, finalized and submitted to the municipal building permit office in your area for review. Permits may be required for all or some of the following work: building, electrical, plumbing, septic system and sewer connection. Prior to this, a number of site tests may need to be conducted to examine the water table, the soil and the bearing capacity of the ground and to conduct environmental tests. With this information, final engineering adjustments can be made to the plans before construction begins.
• Phase Two: Foundation
  • Your house is staked out and the land is prepared. Often, the topsoil is removed and piled elsewhere in case it needs to be used later on. Excavation is done, and the footings (concrete slabs to support the foundation walls) are formed and poured. Water, electricity, telephone and cable services may be brought in at this time.
  • The foundation walls are put up (may use poured concrete in temporary wooden forms or permanent insulated blocks, concrete blocks or preserved wood). The foundation may be insulated and damp-proofed. Drainage is installed to keep moisture in the ground away from the house. A municipal inspection of the foundation may be conducted before the outside perimeter is backfilled.
  • At this time, the builder may ask you to begin making your selections on things such as flooring, tiles, cabinets, fixtures, hardware and so on. It will be weeks before these items are installed, however they need to be ordered early enough to prevent delays later throughout the process.
• Phase Three: Framing
  • Exterior walls, interior partitions and the roof are assembled. This can mean putting up a framing skeleton and applying an exterior sheeting.
  • Once the house is fully framed, windows and doors are installed. The builder's goal is to get the building "water tight" where it is closed as quickly as possible to protect the structure from the elements.
  • The basement floor is installed.Electrical and plumbing services are roughed in, and ducting for heating, cooling and ventilation is put in place.
  • At this time, your municipality will most likely require structural inspection to ensure that the home meets all building code requirements. Electrical and plumbing inspections will be conducted as well.
• Phase Four: Near Completion to House Handover
  • At this point, your builder is busy completing the final touches and cleaning up. You will be asked to do a walk-through of your home with the builder. Any last-minute touch-ups will be done. On the date of possession, you will be handed the keys and this beautiful new home is now yours!

Kitchens are often described as rooms that are used for cooking and entertaining. A kitchen can be made to suit anyone’s culinary and decorative needs. Putting some new touches on your kitchen, or completely redoing it can give your home an entirely new look and feel.

Victorian, Southwestern, Traditional, Modern, Country and Eclectic and the most commonly referred to kitchen styles.

• Victorian:
  • Can usually be characterized by steeply pitched roofs, pointed arch windows, elaborate trim along the roof edges, high dormers, lancet windows and other Gothic details. Light fixtures can range from chandeliers, kerosene and electric lamps. This style can also include Astra and sconces. The cabinets are usually "weathered" looking and made of heavy, real wood with chrome knobs, pulls and handles.
• Southwestern:
  • This kitchen style contains a lot of attention to detail and craftsmanship. Natural materials such as stucco and many hand-painted fabrics are commonly used. The wood, quarry, tile, ceramic tile, earth tones and vibrant accessories. The colors typically reflect the nature of a desert with warm oranges, greens, tans and browns. Southwestern style kitchens can often incorporate ceramic materials and terra cotton elements.
• Traditional:
  • A traditional style kitchen plays up and enhances the architectural details, such as crown molding, raised wood paneling and deep, rich colors to enhance the mood and more "traditional" feel. Dark stains, honey tones, semi-opaque paints, oak cabinets and whicker baskets add to the usual more formal feel.
• Modern:
  • A modern style changes from year to year. The most recent modern designs include sleek, straight and clean lines. Less is more, and there are less visible accessories and appliances in this style of kitchen. Common materials can include stainless steel, marble, granite and "frosted" glass. Basic geometric shapes are used and colors such as red, blue, yellow, black and white prevail.
• Country:
  • This style of kitchen uses rustic, weathered looks to create a cozy, warm feeling in a country styled home. Common colors used range from muted hues or earth tones. Often exposed beams, pine paneling, brick and barn board elements are included to express this particular style. Fabric and pattern choices are a way to create a "country" feeling as well as the use of wallpaper, baskets and other rustic accents.
• Eclectic:
  • A mix of old and new features paired together for an aesthetically pleasing, harmonious look. This style is not characterized by a specific color palette or scheme, but is a mix of extravagant decorations from different eras including hand-me-down, second-hand items and other recycled pieces. Kitchens of this style can range from modern appliances mixed with antique decorations.
  • Whether you know right away what style kitchen you'd like to have or you need some guidance, we can help you filter through the abundance of choices that await you, everything from cabinets, fixtures, hardware and tile, this will ensure in the end that you're left with a room that you love and will be proud to show off. Also if there are questions regarding the layout or design of your kitchen that we are unable to help you answer, we can put you in touch with the appropriate people to do so.

Whether you have a simple powder room, a master en suite or something in between, the functionality should be at the centre of your bathroom renovation. Here are some things to consider before diving into your bathroom remodel.

• Plumbing:
  • Residential plumbing typically uses 1½-inch pipes for drains. The amount of gunk, hair and other unmentionables that go down that drain can be disturbing. The larger the size of the drain, the less likely it is to become clogged. The cost difference to upgrade to a larger 2-inch diameter drain is practically insignificant, and unless your existing framing doesn’t allow for it, increasing the pipe size is definitely something you should consider. Something else to consider is the temperature of the area that you live. If the temperature regularly drops below freezing during the winter months, it's important that the lines supplying your water don't get routed through any exterior walls, this will help reduce the risk of your pipes freezing and causing leaks and also water damage.
• Lighting:
  • If you're thinking about changing the light fixtures and bulbs during your remodel, consider switching to recessed light fixtures throughout your ceiling to brighten up the room. It can be helpful to include one or two lights inside your shower, but be sure to install proper shower trim. People sometimes opt to install a dimmer switch so you can adjust the mood in your bathroom during those much needed stress reliever bubble baths. You’ll want to consider how often you’ll be using the mirror in your bathroom and whether you want aesthetically pleasing or more functional lighting. Whether you’ll be applying make-up or shaving, bright light fixtures properly placed go a long way to help you see what you’re doing close up to avoid any mistakes, nicks or cuts.
• Cabinets:
  • During your bathroom remodel ensure that you have adequate cabinet space to fit your needs. Be sure to express everything you currently store in your bathroom, or hope to store in there once the renovation is complete. This will help ensure that you have all the required drawer and cabinet space that you need. Something else to consider is installing self-closing drawers and doors, this will help eliminate slamming and anyone's fingers getting jammed, which is helpful if you have young children or grandchildren.
• Toilets:
  • The style of toilet you install is something else to consider. We don't like to admit it, but we do spend a great deal of time in this room, so we want to make sure we are comfortable. Consider the height and size of the toilet for the space you have to work with and also whether or not you would like to have a floor mount or a wall mounted toilet. Wall hung toilets have grown in popularity lately, and for good reason. They are no longer overly expensive, and they also save space since the tank is hidden behind the wall. But there is a big consideration with these special fixtures. Because of how these toilets drain, if you ever change your mind and opt for a floor-mounted unit, you’ll have to rework the supply lines.
• A Shower Window:
  • If your shower is situated on an exterior wall you may want to consider putting a window in your shower to allow for natural light. This can be a great feature if done correctly. However, there are some things to consider before making this decision: Choose a frosted-glass panel for privacy and preferably one that opens for fresh air. Next, ensure that there are stone jams along the entire installation so that this area is watertight. Also, ensure that the sill gets sloped down and away for proper drainage. Lastly, you may want to ask about a tilt-and-turn window in a shower, because the screen is located on the outside of the window; the handles are plastic, so they won’t rust; and the window provides full privacy even when tilted open.
• Shower Sill:
  • If you're putting in a shower as opposed to a tub and your space allows for it, you may want to consider adding a shower sill. However, much like a window, what’s important is to ensure that it is sloped properly into the shower. Try choosing a material that is solid, like stone or quartz. If you tile your shower sill, water can sit on the grout lines and eventually seep through to the framing causing water damage and mold.
• Shower Flooring:
  • When considering the type of tile you want on your shower floor you may want to think about the size. Larger size tiles are typically more difficult to slope properly, and unless they’re textured, they tend to be slipperier because of the grout lines being spaced further apart. Smaller tiles, textured or not, offer better traction and are typically the go to choice for shower floors.
• Shower or tub:
  • When considering a bathtub or a shower-only option, ask yourself these questions: how many baths you take a year? and which option will your family get the most use out of? Also be mindful of the space you are working with for this room and whether a tub or shower will allow you to do everything to this space that you'd like. Something to keep in mind throughout the renovation process is that you are renovating the space for yourself, not for future buyers, so you need to make sure that once everything is done, it will be something you're happy with and a space that will fit your needs. There’s no guaranteed way to tell what will appeal to a future buyer.
  • When it comes to answering all of these questions and more we would be happy to help you wade through the endless options that are out there to ensure that once your bathroom renovation is done the room that you use mainly for hygiene looks as good as you do.

A building that some of us use to make money out of, some use for storage and others use this as a quiet space for their hobbies. It can add value to your home and allows you to create a space for the hobbyist or businessman to utilize. Some people prefer for their garages to be attached to their house as a means of extra storage, they can also be used to house seasonal equipment, tools or their cars. The benefit of the garage being attached to your house allows you access to it without having to go outside. We can help you decide whether your garage will be used for residential or commercial purposes and the size and layout that will be required to fit your needs. When choosing the layout it's important to think about how many windows you'll need and how many doors. In a residential garage their is typically a door that leads from the garage to the house, a door that leads outside and often an overhead door big enough for whatever may be coming in and out of your garage. You can also choose if you want the overhead door to be opened manually or electronically by remote.

Garages that are not connected to the house are called detached garages and often require the same materials as a new home construction. A detached garage can be made in a similar style to the house (this can include siding, roofing material, windows, doors), this can be done so that it appears the two go together or it can look completely different. During discussions with the builder is the time we can help you make these decisions.

Decks are a great way to add additional value to your home, while helping you create an outdoor space that everyone will love. A deck is an excellent way to add square footage to your home without going through the hassle of enduring a messy house during your renovation process. When it comes to what you'd like to achieve from your deck there are a number of factors to consider. Do you do a lot of outdoor entertaining? Do you use it to BBQ or would you benefit from more from having an outdoor kitchen? Would you like to use your deck during inclement weather? Would you enjoy a fire pit for those chiller evenings? If you'll be dining outside then you'll need to allow enough square footage for a table and chairs. The style of railing you'd like and the material your deck should be made of are things to take into consideration.

• Pressure Treated Lumber:
  • Even though there have been many advancements in decking materials over the years, the popular choice is still this green tinted wood. Some reasons that this is still an extremely common choice of material has to be the affordability, accessibility, it's also easy to cut and fasten with nails or screws. One of the down sides to pressure treated lumber is it can be unstable and has a tendency to warp, crack or split. Routine maintenance is necessary to help preserve the look and life of your deck. This includes but is not limited to yearly power washing and staining every two-three years.
• Redwood or Cedar:
  • Both of these are western softwoods and are rich in color. Unlike pressure treated lumber they are not pumped full of preservatives or chemicals. Both woods also contain oils and tannins that aide them in being more naturally resistant to decay, rot or insect damage. Hardwoods grow closer to the center of the tree which is what makes them resistant to rot or decay. Much like pressure treated lumber, redwood or cedar require annual power washing and a finish coat every three - four years. Redwood or cedar also requires a stain to help protect their color, if left unstained their color will fade over time to a grayish hue. Cedar or Redwoods are more expensive than pressure treated lumber.
• Tropical Hardwoods:
  • Massaranduba, cumaru, red tauari, tigerwood, ipe, and Philippine mahogany are just some of the tropical hardwoods available for decking. These exotic, rich-grained woods are extremely hard, very durable and naturally resistant to rot and insects. However, because these woods are so dense, they're heavy and difficult to cut and drill. In fact, it's virtually impossible to drive a nail or screw without first boring a pilot hole, which is why tropical decking is typically installed with some sort of hidden fastener that clips or screws into the edge of the boards. Tropical hardwoods are relatively expensive, especially when compared with pressure treated lumber, they can be comparable in cost to redwood and cedar. Most tropical hardwoods are so dense they don't accept stains very well. But if you'd like to apply a stain, be sure it's an oil-based penetrating stain specifically formulated for hardwood decking. If you choose not to stain the deck, you should at least apply a UV-blocking clear wood preservative every three to four years. And like cedar and redwood, most tropical hardwoods weather to a soft silvery color if they're not stained. The amount and speed of any fading depends greatly upon the deck's exposure to the elements.
• Composite Decking:
  • Composite decking is quickly becoming one of the fastest-growing decking materials sold today. Most products are made from polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride, and come in a wide range of colors. Other composites are composed primarily of wood fibers and recycled plastic. The result is an extremely weather- and stain-resistant board that won't splinter, warp, rot or split. The idea of installing manmade decking doesn't always appeal to everyone, but composite decking does have certain advantages over wood. Composite decking is extremely low-maintenance and never needs to be sanded, refinished or stained. However, they aren't maintenance-free. Mold and mildew can grow in shady, damp areas of the deck, and some composites can eventually show signs of decay, which makes sense since they are partly wood.

If you're looking for a way to spruce up your yard a fence is a great way to do that. Not only does it establish where the property line between you and your neighbors is, but it is a way to add privacy to your property and a good way to help ensure your pets have a safe place to wander, without roaming too far. Adding a fence to your property can be an investment, so you want to be sure you're happy with the choice you've made. There are several types of fences to choose from and they vary based on the level of maintenance they require, durability and aesthetic.

Some of the fencing materials you'll have to choose from are as follows:

• Wrought Iron:
  • PROS: Extremely sturdy and durable; won’t dent or scratch easily. Fences that are decades old can be restored with hand scraping, wire-brushing, or sandblasting. Virtually limitless variations of styles available.
  • CONS: Heavy. Will rust and flake after many years if not well maintained.
  • MAINTENANCE: Moderate. Periodically apply a coat of liquid wax or clear linseed oil. Rinse occasionally with soapy water. Tackle rust by using a commercial rust remover and steel wool. Apply exterior paint every five years.

• Wooden Fences:
  • These style of fences that are well maintained can last a number of years. They can be a good choice for increased privacy.
  • PROS: Available in many styles and a wide variety of durable species, such as cedar, redwood, and various tropical hardwoods. For the most environmentally responsible options.
  • CONS: Will rot or turn gray if not sealed properly. Must use non-rusting fasteners to prevent staining. Relatively heavy.
  • MAINTENANCE: Moderate to high. For best optimum results, apply a water-repellent sealer containing wood preservative every year. Painted or stained wood must be scraped and repainted or re-stained every few years.

• Vinyl Fences:
  • An attractive style of fencing for home owners and offers substantial privacy.
  • PROS: Comes in a variety of colors. No need for painting or staining. Won’t split or crack. Doesn't get termite damage, fungus, or dry rot. Fire resistant.
  • CONS: Costs more upfront than wood fences. Some types can have mildew problems, but are easy to clean. Repair can require more work than wood.
  • MAINTENANCE: Very low. Rinse occasionally with water.

The “bones” of a house, garage or any new construction or renovation is how it is constructed and the materials are used to build it. This is what determines how structurally sound a building will be for years to come. Whether you are building from scratch, remodeling, or buying, it’s important to understand the basics of how a house is built.

Building code: Is one of the reasons why we don’t often see houses tumble down everywhere. It is a set of rules to make sure that any large structure follows basic principles of engineering. Any kind of house framing must adhere to these codes.

Factors that Affect the House Framing Process: How long it takes to complete the house framing process depends on several factors. These include:
- The size of the home being built
- How complex the framing project is
- What the weather is like while the house is being framed.

Building Materials: Most house framing is done with wood. Wood is less expensive, easier to work with (it requires no welding, can easily be cut, and weighs a whole lot less), and has proven durability. Homes with metal frames are not unheard of, but the ease and cost effectiveness of wood often outweighs the stability benefits of metal. Foundations for houses are concrete. It is inexpensive, versatile, and above all else, it's tough.

House Framing Basics: Start with a large amount of concrete. This concrete can be poured beneath ground level if there is going to be a basement, or near the surface for a “slab” foundation. Either way, basement or slab, extra long and wide sections of concrete (called “footers”) are poured along the perimeter to provide the support needed for the exterior house walls. Beams are often sunk into the foundation to provide support for load bearing walls inside the house.

Platform House Framing: Most modern houses make use of platform framing. Walls on each floor are independent of each other and rely on their own construction for stability, rather than depending on foundation to roof studs. Platform framing is less of a fire hazard than balloon framing. It is also preferred because the platforms make it easier to work on upper floors as less scaffolding is required.

Basement Framing: Basement framing is the process where a cement or concrete wall is overlaid with a more finished, more usable wall, which can be wired for electricity and insulated against the elements. As in regular wall framing, vertical 2x4s, called studs, butt against horizontal 2x4s, called plates, at the top and bottom; these form the “ribs” of the walls. But basement framing comes with its own unique set of issues.

Things to think about when you decide to undertake the wall-framing process in your basement include:
- Leveling: Not all basement walls and floors are completely level. You will need to measure all of the walls ceiling-to-floor, and use a plumb line to make sure they’re vertical before you start.
- Materials: For the bottom plates, pressure-treated lumber should be used, since dampness can be an issue with basement framing, and causes the wood to weaken over time.
- Moisture Problems: Many basements are plagued by leaks during thunderstorms, or an excess of condensation. This can cause mold to grow in your walls, and needs to be addressed prior to beginning.
- Obstructions: Most basements hold ductwork, furnaces, hot water heaters, and all manner of equipment for the house. You should make note of where these things are, and plan ways to work around them.
- Building Codes: Depending on where you live, you will probably need to get a building permit before you start work. Codes may require inspections at various stages, and things like large “egress” windows in case of emergency.

The cost to frame a basement is a worthwhile investment for your home, as it will increase your space while you’re there, and add to your home’s resale value in the future.

Siding also known as wall cladding, is the protective material attached to the exterior side of a wall on a house or other building. Along with the roof of the house, siding forms the first line of defense against the elements, most importantly sun, rain/snow, heat and cold, thus creating a stable, more comfortable environment on the inside of your home or garage. The siding material and style also can enhance the building's beauty. There is a wide and expanding variety of materials to side your home or garage with, both natural and artificial, each with its own benefits and negatives. Walls that are internally framed, whether with wood, or steel I-beams, must always be sided.

Most siding consists of pieces of weather-resistant material that are smaller than the wall they cover, to allow for expansion and narrowing of the materials due to moisture and fluctuations in the temperature. There are various styles of joining the pieces, from board and baton, where the butt joints between panels is covered with a thin strip (usually 1 to 2 inches wide) of wood, to a variety of clapboard, also called lap siding, in which planks are laid horizontally across the wall starting from the bottom, and working your way up toward the roof. The board below overlapped by the board above it. This technique of joining is designed to prevent water from entering the walls. Siding that does not consist of pieces joined together would include stucco. It is a plaster-like siding and is applied over a lattice, just like plaster. However, because of the lack of joints, it eventually cracks and is susceptible to water damage. From brick to stucco to vinyl to wood, there are a number of different options for your next project.

Offer us a way to allow natural light into our home, office, garage, shed, etc. We use them to allow us access to and from a building. But windows and doors are more than just a way to allow light in as well as access, they are a great way to add personality to your home without changing an entire space. Whether you're building a new home or remodeling an existing one, windows and doors influence the overall appearance of your home from the inside and out. Something to consider when adding windows and doors to your new home or changing out existing ones for a fresh look, it's important to understand the differences in window and door styles and your options for modifying those designs or going with a custom design. Before you visit a show room or meet with someone to discuss the windows and doors of your choice, there are some thing you need to consider:

- How do I want my windows to open?
- What style of window will best suit my space?
- Should my door swing in or out?
- Is this an exterior door that needs to provide security? or does it overlook the backyard?
- Do I want to make a decorative statement that ties into the existing exterior of the house?
- How to ensure my new windows and doors are energy-efficient?

The right choice for you, should be a combination of design, flexibility, structural integrity and budget.

Whether you're looking to update a current room/home or are building from the ground up, flooring is a great way to liven up living room, kitchen, bathroom or bedroom. It's something we walk on it every day, yet we often underestimate it's ability to change the overall appearance of a space. There are many varieties to choose from and some important considerations that need to be given, before deciding the type of flooring that's right for your space.

- Will your flooring be installed in a basement, full bathroom or another high moisture area?
- Do you have pets, kids, or another need for a flooring that's more durable?
- What is your square footage budget?
- Do you want a type of flooring that requires little maintenance?

Options include ceramic or porcelain tile, hardwood or bamboo, laminate, carpet, vinyl and linoleum.

Tile work can mean different things to different people. It can range anywhere from an entryway, to a bathtub or shower, to a beautiful backsplash in a kitchen or bathroom.

Applications include shower floor, shower walls, shower ceiling and shower seats.

A backsplash refers to the material used to cover the area of a wall between kitchen countertop and upper cabinets. This detail of a kitchen is the perfect opportunity for homeowners to express themselves when it comes to choosing between textures, colors, and materials. The most important feature a backslash requires is to be resistant to the substances that it could be splashed with. Backsplash is an area of the home decor where visual appeal and functionality must work together.

Options include tile, flass panels, natural stone slabs, exposed brick, wood or plywood, metal panels and tiles.

This a term used to describe interior wood work such as moldings that are applied around the openings of windows and doors. It can also be used to describe wood placed at the floor (baseboard) or the ceiling of a room (crown molding). Interior trim can be used to add a clean design accent to a finished room. Despite being an aesthetically pleasing part of a room, trim can also be used to hide unavoidable joints, gaps and openings around doors and windows. Trim is often painted with a white gloss or semi-gloss, although other styles can showcase natural stains, colors or more elaborate multi-toned-designs.

Applications include baseboards, door and window casings, crown molding, chair rail, wainscoting and wall frame molding.