FAQ's
Top Five Questions To Ask Any Contractor
1. ARE THEY LICENCED & INSURED?
Certain cities require a contractor licence. If the contractor doesn’t have one, the municipality can shut them down, leaving you mid-project with no contractor. How about their sub-trades? Do they work with certified plumbers and electricians? Knowing with certainty that your contractor is insured, is one of the first questions you need to ask. Why? If the contractor does not carry insurance, then the liability rests on the homeowner. That means you are responsible for your own home, all those working on the home and even the adjacent homes.
2. DO THEY GIVE ESTIMATES OR QUOTES?
What's the difference? Does it really matter? Absolutely. You’re not building a ballpark, so understand that an estimate is an educated guess at best. Five and Six figure decisions can’t be based on a 3 hour plan. A quote takes longer, and may require a commitment from you.
3. WHAT ARE THE TIME FRAMES?
Some renovations can take a year, or won't start for several months due to permits. Is everyone (you and them) clear on how long the project will take and when it will begin? Also, be aware that how involved you are beyond the design may directly impact the timeframe. If you order your own appliances, or unique products online, delivery and installation could be delayed.
4. WHAT ARE THE TERMS FOR DEPOSITS AND FINAL PAYMENT?
Read the fine print and ask questions. Make sure you are clear on the payment schedule. There should be no plea outside the contract agreement for money to keep going. An organized contractor will work out a payment schedule that is fair and appropriate for the project.
5. IS THERE A WARRANTY OR GUARANTEE?
A good quote leads to a contract. The point of the contract is for the two parties to promise to do what they’ve said they will. An owner will pay on the schedule provided, and the contractor will deliver everything stated in the contract. Materials and finished products should have a warranty. These vary based on the manufacturer, and there are always – often legitimate - restrictions. Find out what they are.
Certain cities require a contractor licence. If the contractor doesn’t have one, the municipality can shut them down, leaving you mid-project with no contractor. How about their sub-trades? Do they work with certified plumbers and electricians? Knowing with certainty that your contractor is insured, is one of the first questions you need to ask. Why? If the contractor does not carry insurance, then the liability rests on the homeowner. That means you are responsible for your own home, all those working on the home and even the adjacent homes.
2. DO THEY GIVE ESTIMATES OR QUOTES?
What's the difference? Does it really matter? Absolutely. You’re not building a ballpark, so understand that an estimate is an educated guess at best. Five and Six figure decisions can’t be based on a 3 hour plan. A quote takes longer, and may require a commitment from you.
3. WHAT ARE THE TIME FRAMES?
Some renovations can take a year, or won't start for several months due to permits. Is everyone (you and them) clear on how long the project will take and when it will begin? Also, be aware that how involved you are beyond the design may directly impact the timeframe. If you order your own appliances, or unique products online, delivery and installation could be delayed.
4. WHAT ARE THE TERMS FOR DEPOSITS AND FINAL PAYMENT?
Read the fine print and ask questions. Make sure you are clear on the payment schedule. There should be no plea outside the contract agreement for money to keep going. An organized contractor will work out a payment schedule that is fair and appropriate for the project.
5. IS THERE A WARRANTY OR GUARANTEE?
A good quote leads to a contract. The point of the contract is for the two parties to promise to do what they’ve said they will. An owner will pay on the schedule provided, and the contractor will deliver everything stated in the contract. Materials and finished products should have a warranty. These vary based on the manufacturer, and there are always – often legitimate - restrictions. Find out what they are.
Decks
1. What type of material can be used to build a deck?
The most common type of material is Pressure Treated Lumber. Cedar and Composite materials are also used.
2. When do I need permit?
Building onto a home or making structural changes will almost always require a construction permit. Building a deck or even replacing an existing one is no exception and may even require more than one permit. Also call Alberta 1 Call and have them come out to mark all you electric, gas and water lines if you are requiring pilings.
3. How can I obtain a building permit?
The best place to start is by calling your local building department or municipal offices. Obtaining a permit for a deck is relatively a simple process. A permit application will need to be filled out and submitted to the building department along with a deck plan, copy a of the property survey and a small filing fee.
4. How much will a new deck cost?
The cost for materials to build a pressure treated deck runs about $7.00 per square foot. To have a deck professionally built including materials starts around $15.00 a square foot, whereas an elaborately built deck using harwoods or composite materials may cost as much as $35.00 per square foot.
5. How can I obtain a building permit?
The best place to start is by calling your local building department or municipal offices. Obtaining a permit for a deck is relatively a simple process. A permit application will need to be filled out and submitted to the building department along with a deck plan, copy a of the property survey and a small filing fee.
6. What should be done with the exposed ground under the deck?
Very little will grow under a deck and relatively few decks have anything underneath them besides dirt. If anything, pitching the grade the correct way for water run off and making sure leader pipes are secured and draining properly are more important. If you like more of an assurance that nothing will grow or would like to dress up the underneath of a deck, landscaping fabric can be installed with a layer 2-3 inch layer of 3/4 inch crush stone on top. For elevated decks that are high enough, concrete patios or pavers are sometimes installed
7. How do I care for a deck?
If you have a wood deck it should be periodically cleaned and sealed to prevent the wood from splitting and degrading. Virtually maintenance free decks will need to be cleaned periodically to remove any stains and dirt.
8. What railings are considered safe for kids or pets?
Local town and state codes mandate what is usually a safe railing for a deck. Four inch spindle spaces are becoming more common among codes. Also, 36 inches in height from the decking to the top of the railing are becoming standard practice. Railings should be constructed so a child will have a hard time climbing up. Check with your local town building official for railing requirements for you town.
9. Should there be a step down to the deck from my house?
In most cases it's a good idea to have the deck installed a couple of inches lower than the house floor. This helps prevent rain, snow and ice from backing up under the door threshold and into the house. Decks with swing doors may have more of a step down particularly if you are in a snow region with no awning overhanging the door.
10. Are 2x6's better to use for the decking than 5/4x6?
A 2x6, although thicker, may in fact be a lesser grade of wood when compared to wood used for decking. Lumber mills tend to use the better grades of lumber for 5/4x6 deck boards, spindles and wood trim. In addition, using 2x6's as decking may do little to improve the overall strength of a deck which is more related to the underneath substructure.
11. How does an outdoor deck affect resale of your home?
Most realtors will tell you that a quality deck gets you "good bang for your bucks." Decks are highly rated for return of investment. A deck adds so much extra area to your home at a relatively low price compared to the enclosed areas of your home. Also, a deck takes a chunk of wear and tear outdoors that would normally take place inside your home.
The most common type of material is Pressure Treated Lumber. Cedar and Composite materials are also used.
2. When do I need permit?
Building onto a home or making structural changes will almost always require a construction permit. Building a deck or even replacing an existing one is no exception and may even require more than one permit. Also call Alberta 1 Call and have them come out to mark all you electric, gas and water lines if you are requiring pilings.
3. How can I obtain a building permit?
The best place to start is by calling your local building department or municipal offices. Obtaining a permit for a deck is relatively a simple process. A permit application will need to be filled out and submitted to the building department along with a deck plan, copy a of the property survey and a small filing fee.
4. How much will a new deck cost?
The cost for materials to build a pressure treated deck runs about $7.00 per square foot. To have a deck professionally built including materials starts around $15.00 a square foot, whereas an elaborately built deck using harwoods or composite materials may cost as much as $35.00 per square foot.
5. How can I obtain a building permit?
The best place to start is by calling your local building department or municipal offices. Obtaining a permit for a deck is relatively a simple process. A permit application will need to be filled out and submitted to the building department along with a deck plan, copy a of the property survey and a small filing fee.
6. What should be done with the exposed ground under the deck?
Very little will grow under a deck and relatively few decks have anything underneath them besides dirt. If anything, pitching the grade the correct way for water run off and making sure leader pipes are secured and draining properly are more important. If you like more of an assurance that nothing will grow or would like to dress up the underneath of a deck, landscaping fabric can be installed with a layer 2-3 inch layer of 3/4 inch crush stone on top. For elevated decks that are high enough, concrete patios or pavers are sometimes installed
7. How do I care for a deck?
If you have a wood deck it should be periodically cleaned and sealed to prevent the wood from splitting and degrading. Virtually maintenance free decks will need to be cleaned periodically to remove any stains and dirt.
8. What railings are considered safe for kids or pets?
Local town and state codes mandate what is usually a safe railing for a deck. Four inch spindle spaces are becoming more common among codes. Also, 36 inches in height from the decking to the top of the railing are becoming standard practice. Railings should be constructed so a child will have a hard time climbing up. Check with your local town building official for railing requirements for you town.
9. Should there be a step down to the deck from my house?
In most cases it's a good idea to have the deck installed a couple of inches lower than the house floor. This helps prevent rain, snow and ice from backing up under the door threshold and into the house. Decks with swing doors may have more of a step down particularly if you are in a snow region with no awning overhanging the door.
10. Are 2x6's better to use for the decking than 5/4x6?
A 2x6, although thicker, may in fact be a lesser grade of wood when compared to wood used for decking. Lumber mills tend to use the better grades of lumber for 5/4x6 deck boards, spindles and wood trim. In addition, using 2x6's as decking may do little to improve the overall strength of a deck which is more related to the underneath substructure.
11. How does an outdoor deck affect resale of your home?
Most realtors will tell you that a quality deck gets you "good bang for your bucks." Decks are highly rated for return of investment. A deck adds so much extra area to your home at a relatively low price compared to the enclosed areas of your home. Also, a deck takes a chunk of wear and tear outdoors that would normally take place inside your home.
Fences
1. What type of material can be used to build a deck?
The most common type of material is Pressure Treated Lumber. Cedar and Composite materials are also used.
2. How deep should you set posts?
Posts should be set at a minimum of 3 feet deep to prevent leaning.
3. Do I need a permit?
Many cities, villages and townships have fence zoning ordinances which control the type and height of fences permissible. If you live in a subdivision with deed restrictions, rules and guidelines it is a good idea to check with the association as well.
4. Do I have to be concerned about utilities on my property before I install a fence?
Almost every property in a village, city or township will have utility that could be running across the area you intend to place the new fence system. It's very important that property owners understand whether their fence will be installed over a water pipe, electrical conduit or gas line. Call Alberta 1 Call and have them come out and mark your lines.
5. Should my fence touch the ground?
Generally it should not. Leaving space at the bottom of your fence keeps debris from being trapped. It also prevents the fence from rot.
6. How do I care for a Fence?
If you have a wood fence it should be periodically cleaned and sealed to prevent the wood from splitting and degrading. Virtually maintenance free fences will need to be cleaned periodically to remove any stains and dirt.
7. How do you know when it is time to replace a fence?
Some of the biggest indicators will be that your fence is leaning, the boards are rotting or splintering really bad and that a standard size gate can't be held up by the post properly.
8. What is your budget?
It sounds like a no-brainer, but having a firm budget in place before the project starts is something that many a homeowner has overlooked. There are fences out there for nearly every budget, and having a specific number in mind right from the start will make it much easier for your fencing contractor to provide you with options.
9. How do my neighbors feel about this?
It's your property, and you have every right to improve it as you see fit, but fences that run along property lines can have an effect on your neighbor's property, too. Before you begin your project, talk to the folks next door and tell them your intentions. In some cases, neighbors have been able to save significant amounts of money by using a single contractor to install two fences!
10. How much a fence cost?
This truly depends on the type of material used and size of posts and rails. A basic wood fence can be from $50 - $100 per 8' section whereas composite materials will be $100 - $400 professionally installed.
The most common type of material is Pressure Treated Lumber. Cedar and Composite materials are also used.
2. How deep should you set posts?
Posts should be set at a minimum of 3 feet deep to prevent leaning.
3. Do I need a permit?
Many cities, villages and townships have fence zoning ordinances which control the type and height of fences permissible. If you live in a subdivision with deed restrictions, rules and guidelines it is a good idea to check with the association as well.
4. Do I have to be concerned about utilities on my property before I install a fence?
Almost every property in a village, city or township will have utility that could be running across the area you intend to place the new fence system. It's very important that property owners understand whether their fence will be installed over a water pipe, electrical conduit or gas line. Call Alberta 1 Call and have them come out and mark your lines.
5. Should my fence touch the ground?
Generally it should not. Leaving space at the bottom of your fence keeps debris from being trapped. It also prevents the fence from rot.
6. How do I care for a Fence?
If you have a wood fence it should be periodically cleaned and sealed to prevent the wood from splitting and degrading. Virtually maintenance free fences will need to be cleaned periodically to remove any stains and dirt.
7. How do you know when it is time to replace a fence?
Some of the biggest indicators will be that your fence is leaning, the boards are rotting or splintering really bad and that a standard size gate can't be held up by the post properly.
8. What is your budget?
It sounds like a no-brainer, but having a firm budget in place before the project starts is something that many a homeowner has overlooked. There are fences out there for nearly every budget, and having a specific number in mind right from the start will make it much easier for your fencing contractor to provide you with options.
9. How do my neighbors feel about this?
It's your property, and you have every right to improve it as you see fit, but fences that run along property lines can have an effect on your neighbor's property, too. Before you begin your project, talk to the folks next door and tell them your intentions. In some cases, neighbors have been able to save significant amounts of money by using a single contractor to install two fences!
10. How much a fence cost?
This truly depends on the type of material used and size of posts and rails. A basic wood fence can be from $50 - $100 per 8' section whereas composite materials will be $100 - $400 professionally installed.
Tiling
1. What type of tiles are there?Ceramic tiles can be glazed or unglazed. Glazed tiles are available plain or decorated and can be used on walls and floors.
Unglazed ceramic floor tiles are more suited to commercial and industrial settings, but can be used in laundries and utility rooms. They are available with a non-slip profile.
Quarry tiles are a traditional product made in the UK for hundreds of year. They are made from natural clay, squeezed through an extruding machine, and then fired. They are mostly available in terracotta, black and white colours.
Terracotta tiles are also made from local clays. Terracotta means "cooked earth" and these products tend to be very absorbent, so need sealing when used on the floor.
Porcelain tiles are ceramic tiles, but with a very low absorbency. They are usually made from kaolin clays, feldspar, silica and colouring oxides and are fired at about 1200oC. Porcelain tiles are hard wearing and can be used on walls or floors.
Mosaics are very small tiles, usually less than 35cm2. Mosaics can be glazed or unglazed and made from porcelain, ceramic, glass or natural stone.
Natural stone products; limestone, marble, granite and slate are quarried from the earth. Some are extremely hard, and some quite soft. Some may need sealing.
2. Does my floor have to be level?
Before installing tile on your floor you must make sure your floor is properly prepared. A properly prepared floor does not have to be level. It must, however, be flat. The only time the level must be taken into consideration is when drainage is an issue, such as on a porch or in a shower. In those cases you must make sure your floor is not level – it has to be angled toward a drainage area. One of the things you must make sure of, among other things, is that your floor is flat. If it is not it will be difficult to set your tiles without what we call “lippage”. Lippage simply describes the difference in the height of two adjacent tiles. If you have a tile that sticks up higher than the tile next to it you have lippage. You don’t want that. Starting with a flat floor helps prevent it.
3. Do I need a waterproof membrane for my shower walls?
There are several ways to prepare the wall of a shower for tile. Depending upon what was originally there, what stage the shower rebuild is currently in, and what type of tile you plan to install plays a minor part in choosing which method to use. The most critical aspects of which product to choose are: how much work you’re willing to put in and how much money you’re willing to spend. The end result should be the same – a waterproof box. The methods used to accomplish that vary in effectiveness and cost.
4. What's the difference between porcelain and ceramic tiles?
Because of their durability and low porosity, porcelain tiles have traditionally been used in commercial applications. Nowadays for similar reasons, more and more people choose porcelain tiles for their homes. Porcelain, or fully vitrified tiles, do not have a glaze over them like traditional tiles. Rather, the colour runs right through the tile from top to bottom, allowing them to be polished, honed or produced in a natural finish, quite like natural stones such as granite and marble.
5. What is the difference between wall and floor tiles?
Wall tiles, because they are not intended to be load bearing are typically thinner, lighter and softer than floor tiles. Wall tile glazes are not designed to handle the abrasive forces from foot traffic. Increasingly, floor tiles are being applied to walls and this is no problem so long as the walls are strong enough to support their weight and proper ceramic tile installation methods are used. However, it is not usual to recommend using wall tiles in floor applications.
6. How many tiles do I need?
Tiles are usually sold by the square feet, so the area to be tiled needs to be carefully measured to establish how many square feet are involved. This can be done by your architect, builder or preferably your tile setter. Note that there is always a degree of “wastage” resulting from the cuts required to achieve your tile layout. The contingency allowance for wastage is best estimated by your tile setter, but is typically between +5% and +15%, depending on the tiles being used and the complexity of the particular design and layout. Also, consider that it is always wise to keep several spare tiles just in case replacements are required at a later date.
Unglazed ceramic floor tiles are more suited to commercial and industrial settings, but can be used in laundries and utility rooms. They are available with a non-slip profile.
Quarry tiles are a traditional product made in the UK for hundreds of year. They are made from natural clay, squeezed through an extruding machine, and then fired. They are mostly available in terracotta, black and white colours.
Terracotta tiles are also made from local clays. Terracotta means "cooked earth" and these products tend to be very absorbent, so need sealing when used on the floor.
Porcelain tiles are ceramic tiles, but with a very low absorbency. They are usually made from kaolin clays, feldspar, silica and colouring oxides and are fired at about 1200oC. Porcelain tiles are hard wearing and can be used on walls or floors.
Mosaics are very small tiles, usually less than 35cm2. Mosaics can be glazed or unglazed and made from porcelain, ceramic, glass or natural stone.
Natural stone products; limestone, marble, granite and slate are quarried from the earth. Some are extremely hard, and some quite soft. Some may need sealing.
2. Does my floor have to be level?
Before installing tile on your floor you must make sure your floor is properly prepared. A properly prepared floor does not have to be level. It must, however, be flat. The only time the level must be taken into consideration is when drainage is an issue, such as on a porch or in a shower. In those cases you must make sure your floor is not level – it has to be angled toward a drainage area. One of the things you must make sure of, among other things, is that your floor is flat. If it is not it will be difficult to set your tiles without what we call “lippage”. Lippage simply describes the difference in the height of two adjacent tiles. If you have a tile that sticks up higher than the tile next to it you have lippage. You don’t want that. Starting with a flat floor helps prevent it.
3. Do I need a waterproof membrane for my shower walls?
There are several ways to prepare the wall of a shower for tile. Depending upon what was originally there, what stage the shower rebuild is currently in, and what type of tile you plan to install plays a minor part in choosing which method to use. The most critical aspects of which product to choose are: how much work you’re willing to put in and how much money you’re willing to spend. The end result should be the same – a waterproof box. The methods used to accomplish that vary in effectiveness and cost.
4. What's the difference between porcelain and ceramic tiles?
Because of their durability and low porosity, porcelain tiles have traditionally been used in commercial applications. Nowadays for similar reasons, more and more people choose porcelain tiles for their homes. Porcelain, or fully vitrified tiles, do not have a glaze over them like traditional tiles. Rather, the colour runs right through the tile from top to bottom, allowing them to be polished, honed or produced in a natural finish, quite like natural stones such as granite and marble.
5. What is the difference between wall and floor tiles?
Wall tiles, because they are not intended to be load bearing are typically thinner, lighter and softer than floor tiles. Wall tile glazes are not designed to handle the abrasive forces from foot traffic. Increasingly, floor tiles are being applied to walls and this is no problem so long as the walls are strong enough to support their weight and proper ceramic tile installation methods are used. However, it is not usual to recommend using wall tiles in floor applications.
6. How many tiles do I need?
Tiles are usually sold by the square feet, so the area to be tiled needs to be carefully measured to establish how many square feet are involved. This can be done by your architect, builder or preferably your tile setter. Note that there is always a degree of “wastage” resulting from the cuts required to achieve your tile layout. The contingency allowance for wastage is best estimated by your tile setter, but is typically between +5% and +15%, depending on the tiles being used and the complexity of the particular design and layout. Also, consider that it is always wise to keep several spare tiles just in case replacements are required at a later date.