We at Woodcastle Homes try to make your decision making process as easy and understandable as possible. We understand how confusing the entire decision making process can be. We do not know how to do your job, and certainly do not expect you to know ours. For this reason we take pride in presenting you with easy to understand estimates, contracts, and construction schedules.

Below is the typical chain of events that will transpire when you start you journey into the Custom Home Building or Renovation World.

Upon your initial call to us to enquire about having a Custom Home or Renovation built, our first question to you will be, “Do you have architectural drawings yet?” These are also referred to as blue prints or working drawings.

If you do already have acceptable drawings than we will proceed to Phase Four – Project Estimating Phase.

If you do not already have drawings than we will proceed to Phase Two – Preliminary Consultation.

In phase one; we can advise you very roughly to as what type of costs will be involved with the project that you have in mind. This rough pricing can even be determined over the phone, based on your description of the scope of work.

One of our designers, project managers or both, will meet on site to obtain general information with regards to your anticipated project. At this time, with your input, we will determine your family’s wants, needs, and budget with regards to the project. At this time we will determine what type of design work you will need. This will vary due to the complexity of the project. We will determine whether your project requires the skills of a draftsman, an architectural technologist, or an architect.

(not needed if you already have drawings)

At this point you will need to enter into a design agreement with Woodcastle or one of our many designer associates. This agreement will outline our responsibilities in the design of your project. A typical design agreement will cover:

• Initial measurements of existing house if required (renovations only)
• Presentation of preliminary drawings for the project
• Review and changes to preliminary drawings by client.
• Final review by client.
• Drawings are now engineered by a certified P. Eng.

You will generally be charged a flat rate for this service.

Upon the completion of the above you will have in your possession a complete set of working drawings. These drawings will include architectural drawings, including layout, plan view, elevations, plumbing fixture location, cross sections, roof layout and site plan.

These drawings will be acceptable for the submission of a building permit application and for committee of adjustment purposes.

The design agreement will also outline associated costs with regards to the submission of the drawings for a building permit application and obtaining of an actual building permit. These items will include survey’s, heat loss/gain calculations, HVAC design drawings, site plan approval (if required), committee of adjustment costs (if required), and municipal deposits.

Phase Four – Project Estimating Phase

Upon completion or presentation of acceptable working drawings, Woodcastle Homes will be in a position to price your project properly. We can price your job one of three ways:

Lump Sum Method :

We can successfully price your project using the lump sum method. This method involves us providing you with a detailed estimate based on the working drawings. We will provide a unit price for the complete scope of work with allowances for various finishes.

Cost Plus Method :

This method involves a set percentage rate that will be charged over And above the actual construction costs of the project.

Project Management Set Fee :

This method allows the client to be in full control of all costs. This generally saves clients a substantial amount off of traditional construction costs

All of the above methods include a fully prepared budget estimate for all of the construction phases & a detailed construction schedule.

By the time that you have finished reviewing the budget estimate, you should feel confident that Woodcastle Homes can provide you with the best service, quality and reasonable price to build your project. It will now be time to sign the building contract.

Once the contract has been signed and the initial deposit has been recieved, Woodcastle Homes will be at your service to guide you through the entire process.

Once we have entered into contract, Woodcastle Homes qualified staff will be available to answer any questions and address any issues that you may have during the construction and until the final inspection has been signed off. We will guide you through the entire process and make your experience as stress free as possible.

Woodcastle will completely manage the project from the day the contract is signed, until the day the project is completely signed off by the city inspectors. We will provide you with a complete set of schedules including, construction schedule, interior finishing schedule and exterior finishing schedule. These schedules will help you understand the stages of construction and the timelines that certain decisions will have to be made by. These decisions will involve specific selections such as cabinetry, plumbing fixtures, flooring, appliances and other specific finishes.

Within the construction phase, Woodcastle Homes will manage and coordinate the activities and schedules of all tradesmen, laborers, craftsmen, architects, engineers, technicians, interior decorators, mechanical contractors, home owners, city officials, electrical authority officials, utility contractors, regional service providers and even nosy neighbors. We will coordinate all applicable inspections including your final occupancy permit.

Once the project is completed, it is time to sit down and enjoy a glass of wine and a fine dinner with your family in your new or renovated home. It is Woodcastle’s goal and expectation that you will be able to reflect on the tremendous amount of time, energy, scheduling, decisions, laboring and craftsmanship that went into building your dream. We strive to have left you with a huge sense of accomplishment and of a job well done. You will deserve to give your self a pat on the back for all the contributions that you have made to make the outcome of your project a successful one. We hope that you will remember this entire process as an enlightening, fulfilling, and pleasurable experience.

Woodcastle Homes is a registered builder with the TARION HOME WARRANTY PROGRAM. Through this association provide you a 7 year warranty on your home.

Please see the TARION website for details.