The OakWood Consumer’s Handbook
Your complete guide to choosing a professional Renovator. OakWood.ca
Your complete guide to choosing
a professional Renovator.
OakWood.ca
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<strong>The</strong> <strong>OakWood</strong><br />
<strong>Consumer’s</strong> <strong>Handbook</strong><br />
Your complete guide to choosing<br />
a professional Renovator
Your complete<br />
guide to choosing<br />
a professional<br />
Renovator<br />
Dear Homeowner,<br />
You are about to make an important decision: choosing what Renovator will design, plan, and build your<br />
renovation project. This is a big decision whether you are renovating a single room, adding an extension,<br />
or renovating your entire house from the basement up.<br />
Unfortunately, Renovation Contractors are consistently one of the most complained about businesses to the<br />
Ontario Minister of Consumer Services. One of the primary reasons is that almost anyone can claim to be a<br />
qualified Renovator. Yet there are few reliable guidelines available to help a Homeowner choose a Renovator<br />
wisely or objectively evaluate the credentials and qualifications of potential Renovators.<br />
That’s why <strong>OakWood</strong> has created this <strong>Consumer’s</strong> Guide. This gives you the information you need to make<br />
the best decision possible when it comes to hiring, evaluating and working with a professional Renovation<br />
Contractor to design and build your project.<br />
Why is this so important? Like many homeowners, you may not realize that at the start of any renovation,<br />
your home is temporarily depreciated once construction begins. Of course, if you engage the services<br />
of a professional Renovator, this will be a brief and quickly forgotten phase of your renovation: a minor<br />
blip on the way to great rewards and enjoyment.<br />
We live by our Guide and believe this sets the professional standard you need to choose a qualified<br />
Renovator. And ensure you get a worry free, high quality renovation that is completed on budget and<br />
on time with no surprises.<br />
This guide has the following sections:<br />
• Section 1: Qualifications and Stability of the Contractor<br />
• Section 2: Essential Requirements for Every Project Proposal<br />
• Section 3: Experience and Service<br />
• Section 4: Follow up and Guarantee<br />
Each section:<br />
• Provides the key questions we recommend you ask to ensure<br />
you make an “apples to apples” comparison<br />
• Explains why we think these are critically important questions<br />
• Provides proof of <strong>OakWood</strong>’s compliance and why we are qualified<br />
to be your Renovator of Choice<br />
We hope you find these guidelines useful as you set out to make an important decision:<br />
who will be your Renovator of Choice?<br />
Copyright © 2013 <strong>OakWood</strong>.<br />
All rights reserved. This document contains information intended for the exclusive use of <strong>OakWood</strong>s’ customers, personnel, Trade Partners and potential customers. <strong>The</strong><br />
information herein is restricted in use and is strictly confidential and subject to change without notice. No part of this document may be altered, reproduced, or transmitted<br />
in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose, without the express written permission of <strong>OakWood</strong>.<br />
<strong>OakWood</strong> is a registered trademark of <strong>OakWood</strong> Inc., licensed for use by <strong>OakWood</strong>, Inc. All other names and trademarks are the property of their respective holders.<br />
Sincerely,<br />
John Liptak<br />
President and CEO, <strong>OakWood</strong>
Contents<br />
SECTION 1<br />
Qualifications and Stability of the Contractor<br />
Part 1 Key questions we recommend.....................................5<br />
Part 2 Why this is important....................................................7<br />
Part 3 <strong>OakWood</strong>’s compliance..............................................10<br />
SECTION 2<br />
Essential Requirements for Every Project Proposal<br />
Part 1 Key questions we recommend...................................29<br />
Part 2 Why this is important..................................................31<br />
Part 3 <strong>OakWood</strong>’s compliance..............................................34<br />
SECTION 3<br />
Experience and Service<br />
Part 1 Key questions we recommend...................................41<br />
Part 2 Why this is important..................................................44<br />
Part 3 <strong>OakWood</strong>’s experience & services..............................48<br />
SECTION 4<br />
Follow-up and Guarantee<br />
Part 1 Key questions we recommend...................................67<br />
Part 2 Why this is important..................................................69<br />
Part 3 <strong>OakWood</strong>’s compliance..............................................72
“<br />
<strong>The</strong>re are two areas that<br />
particularly impress us about<br />
<strong>OakWood</strong>: the quality of work<br />
and the exceptional work<br />
crew…We always felt confident<br />
that our home was in good<br />
hands. We wouldn’t hesitate<br />
to recommend Oakwood<br />
to friends and family. Thank<br />
you for a job well done.<br />
– Carolyn Turner<br />
”
SECTION 1<br />
Qualifications and Stability<br />
of the Renovator<br />
SECTION 1<br />
Qualifications and<br />
Stability of Contractor<br />
» Key questions we recommend<br />
Why this is important<br />
<strong>OakWood</strong>’s compliance<br />
PART 1 Key questions we recommend<br />
PART 2 Why this is important<br />
PART 3 <strong>OakWood</strong>’s compliance<br />
Part 1<br />
Top questions we<br />
recommend you ask<br />
to make an “Apples to<br />
Apples” comparison<br />
Category 1<br />
Qualifications and Stability of<br />
Contractor<br />
1 Has the Renovator ever been<br />
awarded the Ottawa Consumer<br />
Choice Award for<br />
Best Home Designer and/or<br />
Renovation Company?<br />
2 Has the Renovator ever won<br />
an Ontario Home builders<br />
Association or Ottawa Home<br />
Builders Association award?<br />
3 Is the Renovator a member<br />
of the Greater Ottawa Home<br />
Builders Association Renovator’s<br />
Council and does it abide<br />
by a strict members code of<br />
Ethics and Business Professionalism?<br />
4 Does the Renovator meet the<br />
elite standards of the Greater<br />
Ottawa Home Builders Association<br />
RenoMark program?<br />
5 Does the Renovator have<br />
a minimum of ten years of<br />
experience designing and<br />
building renovations in the City<br />
of Ottawa?<br />
place the homeowner at risk?<br />
– PPSA.ca Search Results<br />
9 Does the Renovator maintain<br />
the $5 Million of Liability,<br />
Commercial Auto and Workers<br />
Compensation Insurance and<br />
will their insurance agent send<br />
you their certificate directly?<br />
10 Does the Renovator require<br />
that all of their Trade Partners<br />
maintain the same levels of<br />
insurance and sign an SOP?<br />
11 Does the Renovator provide<br />
a statutory declaration of<br />
protection, the most important<br />
protection for homeowners?<br />
12 Does the Renovator maintain<br />
business accounts with local<br />
suppliers and are they in good<br />
standing?<br />
13 Does the Renovator have<br />
a list of client references for<br />
projects designed and built<br />
that you can call?<br />
SECTION 1<br />
6 Is the Renovator a member<br />
of the Ottawa Better Business<br />
Bureau with an A + rating and<br />
with zero complaints?<br />
14 Is the Renovator in good<br />
standing with the Ministry of<br />
Labour for Workplace Safety<br />
with zero claims?<br />
7 Does the Renovator have a<br />
letter of good standing from<br />
their business bank?<br />
8 Does the Renovator have any<br />
company Debt that could<br />
15 Does the Renovator have a<br />
Workplace Safety Manual,<br />
Ministry of Labour site registration<br />
and certified first aid<br />
workers?<br />
613 236.8001 oakwood.ca<br />
5
“<br />
<strong>The</strong> attention to detail<br />
that <strong>OakWood</strong> brought<br />
to the project… the results<br />
speak for themselves.<br />
”<br />
SECTION 1<br />
Qualifications and<br />
Stability of Contractor<br />
Key questions we recommend<br />
» Why this is important<br />
<strong>OakWood</strong>’s compliance<br />
– Jennifer Spence + Pablo Sobrino<br />
Part 2<br />
Why qualifications<br />
and stability are<br />
important<br />
AWARDS<br />
• Awards are a good indication<br />
that a Renovator has been<br />
independently acknowledged<br />
for excellence in some<br />
category—and they will<br />
provide quality workmanship.<br />
• One of the most important<br />
awards in our industry is<br />
the Consumers’ Choice<br />
Awards (www.ccaward.com).<br />
We consider these awards<br />
particularly important because<br />
a Builder cannot enter these<br />
awards. It is done by an<br />
independent consulting<br />
company using telephone<br />
surveys to businesses and<br />
consumers. That’s why<br />
these awards are so much<br />
more meaningful and a good<br />
indication of the quality and<br />
professionalism of the Builder:<br />
they are based on the<br />
consumer experiences.<br />
Less than 7%<br />
of Renovators actually<br />
CREDENTIALS<br />
• Credentials provide proof<br />
that the Renovator is fairly,<br />
accurately, and honestly<br />
representing themselves<br />
to the customer.<br />
• At minimum we recommend<br />
looking for the RenoMark<br />
(www.renomark.ca/ottawa)<br />
and GOHBA designations.<br />
• <strong>The</strong> Renomark program<br />
is dedicated to raising the<br />
level of professionalism in<br />
the local building industry.<br />
You may be surprised<br />
to learn that currently out<br />
of over 430 so called<br />
Renovators in Ottawa, less<br />
than 7% actually meet the<br />
qualifications established by<br />
the RenoMark Program.<br />
• GOHBA represents recognized<br />
home building and renovation<br />
professionals in the Greater<br />
Ottawa region and supports<br />
the professionalism of its<br />
members.<br />
SECTION 1<br />
meet the qualifications<br />
established by the<br />
RenoMark program.<br />
• <strong>The</strong> GOHBA and Renomark<br />
logos are the marks of<br />
a professional: look for them<br />
on your Renovator’s website,<br />
proposal or promotional<br />
material.<br />
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7
SECTION 1<br />
SECTION 1<br />
Qualifications and<br />
Stability of Contractor<br />
Key questions we recommend<br />
» Why this is important<br />
<strong>OakWood</strong>’s compliance<br />
FINANCIAL STABILITY<br />
• A high debt Renovation<br />
company puts you at risk<br />
of not having your project<br />
completed because if the<br />
Renovator does not pay<br />
their Sub Trades and Trade<br />
Partners or Suppliers,<br />
a mechanics lien goes on<br />
your property to guarantee<br />
payment.<br />
• Until debts are paid, the<br />
homeowner does not own<br />
a clear title.<br />
• Few homeowners understand<br />
this and yet it unfortunately<br />
happens frequently.<br />
• Doing BBB and PPSA checks<br />
will give you confidence that<br />
the Renovator is a financially<br />
stable and well run business.<br />
• Use the BBB to find out<br />
if there are any complaints<br />
or warranty claims against<br />
a Renovator.<br />
• <strong>The</strong> PPSA tells you if the<br />
Renovator owes money<br />
to Subcontractors or material<br />
Suppliers or if there are any<br />
liens registered.<br />
Check the Better<br />
Business Bureau and<br />
PPSA websites.<br />
www.bbb.org/canada<br />
www.ppsa.ca<br />
• You can also check the<br />
Ministry of Labour website<br />
for Renovators who have<br />
been charged for health<br />
and safety violations. This is<br />
important because ultimately<br />
it is you, the homeowner,<br />
who is responsible for all<br />
health and safety issues<br />
on your project.<br />
• Doing these kinds of reference<br />
checks will tell you how<br />
respected the Renovator is<br />
in the City and most importantly<br />
whether you will feel<br />
comfortable and trust them<br />
in your home.<br />
• This is why we recommend<br />
choosing a Renovator that:<br />
» Maintains $5 Million of<br />
Liability, Commercial Auto<br />
and Workers Compensation<br />
Insurance.<br />
» Provides a statutory declaration,<br />
the most important<br />
protection for homeowners.<br />
YEARS IN BUSINESS<br />
• <strong>The</strong> number of years a Builder<br />
has been in business is a<br />
good indication of how long<br />
they will be in business.<br />
• <strong>The</strong> fact is, 93% of all<br />
construction companies do<br />
not stick around long enough<br />
to celebrate their 10th birthday.<br />
<strong>The</strong> majority of those go out<br />
of business within the first<br />
two years. That means a five<br />
year warranty may have<br />
little value.<br />
• Any Renovator can do good<br />
work for a couple of years.<br />
It’s much more difficult to do<br />
consistently good work for<br />
ten, thirty, fifty years or more.<br />
That’s why we recommend<br />
choosing a Renovator with<br />
a minimum of ten years<br />
business experience under<br />
the same name.<br />
• It’s also why we strongly<br />
recommend you check their<br />
credentials and ensure they<br />
have a professional address<br />
other than a truck or a<br />
PO box! A professional<br />
Renovator will provide you<br />
with professional results.<br />
<strong>The</strong>y will build it right!<br />
“<br />
Thank you for your excellent<br />
service and commitment<br />
to doing quality home<br />
renovation work for us over<br />
the past 10 years.<br />
”<br />
– Walter Wood<br />
8<br />
oakwood.ca 613 236.8001
SECTION 1<br />
Qualifications and<br />
Stability of Contractor<br />
Key questions we recommend<br />
Why this is important<br />
» <strong>OakWood</strong>’s compliance<br />
SECTION 1<br />
Qualifications and<br />
Stability of Contractor<br />
Key questions we recommend<br />
Why this is important<br />
» <strong>OakWood</strong>’s compliance<br />
SECTION 1<br />
Part 3<br />
<strong>OakWood</strong><br />
is compliant<br />
OAKWOOD IS AN AWARD<br />
WINNING DESIGN AND<br />
BUILD RENOVATOR<br />
• Oakwood has been<br />
awarded the Consumers’<br />
Choice Award every year<br />
since they were first<br />
introduced in 2008.<br />
“ We are very happy with the renovation<br />
work done on our home… We had no real<br />
surprises and all change orders but one<br />
were initiated by us so we ultimately had<br />
control of expenditures. Overall, the<br />
renovation was much less stressful than<br />
we anticipated. I should add, that we stayed<br />
in the house for the entire renovation…<br />
In the end, I would be more than happy<br />
to work with <strong>OakWood</strong> again. ”<br />
Dan Wayner<br />
• We are also the winner<br />
of many GOHBA (Greater<br />
Ottawa Home Builders’<br />
Association www.gohba.ca )<br />
Design and Safety Awards.<br />
OAKWOOD CREDENTIALS<br />
• Renomark<br />
<strong>OakWood</strong> is a founding<br />
member of the RenoMark<br />
program for Renovator<br />
excellence in Ottawa and<br />
is a proud member in good<br />
standing with the GOHBA<br />
(representing recognized<br />
home building and renovation<br />
professionals in the Greater<br />
Ottawa region.)<br />
• Renovators Council<br />
<strong>OakWood</strong> has two seats<br />
on the Ottawa Renovators<br />
Council. Typically there<br />
are 25 members at these<br />
meetings which have the<br />
purpose of discussing trends<br />
and suggesting solutions for<br />
challenges pertinent to the<br />
Ottawa Renovation industry.<br />
• Innovation and Green<br />
Committee<br />
<strong>OakWood</strong> has two seats<br />
out of typically eight active<br />
members. <strong>The</strong> purpose of<br />
the Green Committee is to<br />
make suggestions to building<br />
code authorities and further<br />
the advancement of green<br />
and innovation building in<br />
Ottawa.<br />
• National Kitchen and<br />
Bath Association (NKBA)<br />
advances the knowledge<br />
base of local companies<br />
involved in kitchen and bathroom<br />
design and building.<br />
• Canada Green<br />
Building Council<br />
we actively support the Green<br />
Building Council mission to<br />
lead and accelerate the transformation<br />
to high-performing,<br />
healthy green buildings,<br />
homes and communities<br />
throughout Canada.<br />
• Better Business Bureau<br />
<strong>OakWood</strong> is honoured to<br />
be an accredited member<br />
in the highest standing with<br />
the Better Business Bureau<br />
(BBB)—and not every<br />
company is eligible.<br />
SECTION 1<br />
10 oakwood.ca 613 236.8001<br />
613 236.8001 oakwood.ca<br />
11
SECTION 1<br />
SECTION 1<br />
OAKWOOD IS A FOUNDING MEMBER OF THE RENOMARK PROGRAM<br />
FOR BUILDER EXCELLENCE IN OTTAWA<br />
INSURANCE (LIABILITY, E&O, WORKERS COMPENSATION)<br />
12 oakwood.ca 613 236.8001<br />
613 236.8001 oakwood.ca<br />
13
SECTION 1<br />
Qualifications and<br />
Stability of Contractor<br />
Key questions we recommend<br />
Why this is important<br />
» <strong>OakWood</strong>’s compliance<br />
SECTION 1<br />
OAKWOOD IS<br />
A FINANCIALLY<br />
STABLE COMPANY<br />
Better Business Bureau (BBB)<br />
• <strong>OakWood</strong> enjoys an A+<br />
Rating with the BBB<br />
(on a scale from A+ to F).<br />
• 0 complaints have ever been<br />
filed against <strong>OakWood</strong> and<br />
the BBB only reports the past<br />
36 months.<br />
A high debt Renovation<br />
Company can put you at risk<br />
of not having your project<br />
completed.<br />
• <strong>The</strong> PPSA tells you if the<br />
Renovator owes money to<br />
Subcontractors or material<br />
Suppliers or if there are any<br />
liens registered.<br />
OAKWOOD IS<br />
A RESPECTED MEMBER<br />
OF THE LOCAL BUILDING<br />
COMMUNITY<br />
• Suppliers and Trade Partners<br />
respect <strong>OakWood</strong>’s organizational<br />
skills and commitment<br />
to quality.<br />
• <strong>OakWood</strong> has earned a reputation<br />
for high professionalism<br />
and paying Contractors and<br />
Suppliers on time.<br />
SECTION 1<br />
• <strong>OakWood</strong> has been<br />
a BBB accredited business<br />
since March 1999 with<br />
zero complaints ever.<br />
• PPSA checks will give you<br />
confidence that the Renovator<br />
is a financially stable and<br />
well run business.<br />
• <strong>OakWood</strong> is a debt free<br />
company with 0 liens.<br />
LETTER OF REFERENCE FROM RONA HOME & GARDEN<br />
14<br />
oakwood.ca 613 236.8001<br />
613 236.8001 oakwood.ca<br />
15
SECTION 1<br />
SECTION 1<br />
LETTER OF REFERENCE FROM SCOTIABANK<br />
LETTER OF REFERENCE FROM McQUILLAN ELECTRIC<br />
16 oakwood.ca 613 236.8001<br />
613 236.8001 oakwood.ca<br />
17
SECTION 1<br />
Qualifications and<br />
Stability of Contractor<br />
Key questions we recommend<br />
Why this is important<br />
» <strong>OakWood</strong>’s compliance<br />
<strong>The</strong> Cowans<br />
51 Woodhill Crescent<br />
Blackburn Hamlet<br />
Ottawa, Ontario<br />
K1B 3B7<br />
______________________________________________________________________________________<br />
SECTION 1<br />
OVER 57 YEARS<br />
OF EXPERIENCE AND<br />
DEEP ROOTS IN THE<br />
LOCAL CONSTRUCTION<br />
INDUSTRY<br />
In 2013 the Liptak family<br />
celebrated 57 years of building<br />
in the Ottawa community.<br />
Reaching the half century mark<br />
is a notable accomplishment<br />
in this industry. 90% off all<br />
construction company’s fail<br />
within the first 10 years<br />
of operation and 30% fail within<br />
the first 3 years. It is extremely<br />
rare to find a company with<br />
as much experience and<br />
a longstanding dedicated<br />
team as <strong>OakWood</strong>.<br />
CUSTOMER REFERENCES<br />
• It is one thing for a Renovator<br />
to claim they have satisfied<br />
clients and do work to a high<br />
quality standard. Can they<br />
back it up?<br />
• In the end, it is not what<br />
the Renovator says about<br />
their workmanship: it is what<br />
end customers say about<br />
their experience and the<br />
quality of the final product<br />
that counts.<br />
• <strong>OakWood</strong> has helped<br />
thousands of clients to<br />
beautify their homes and<br />
make their lives more<br />
comfortable. We can provide<br />
over 100 references from<br />
satisfied clients. Below is<br />
a very small sample of letters<br />
of referral from happy<br />
<strong>OakWood</strong> clients.<br />
Mr. John Liptak, President<br />
Oakwood Designers & Builders Inc.<br />
1200 Colonial Road, Navan (Ottawa)<br />
Ontario, Canada K4B 1J4<br />
Dear John,<br />
<strong>The</strong> purpose in writing to you is to express our extreme satisfaction with the recent work<br />
that Oakwood, and particularly Karl and Guillaume undertook at our house. As you are<br />
aware the original work was completed some six years ago and we are still so pleased<br />
with the “new” family room. I still say new because it still looks like new and every time<br />
we are in the room it brings us a great deal of pleasure.<br />
<strong>The</strong> fact that after six years you and your team returned to “fix-up” a problem that only<br />
just became evident speaks volumes in relation to the pride of workmanship of you and<br />
your staff. <strong>The</strong> repairs were done quickly, efficiently and to our satisfaction.<br />
John, I cannot speak too highly of Oakwood. I have passed along your name to a number<br />
of friends who are contemplating renovations in the next year or so. Furthermore, if you<br />
wish to use our name and house as a reference just let us know and we will be happy to<br />
assist.<br />
Again thank you very much for “looking-after” us.<br />
Both Betty Ann and I want to take this opportunity to wish you and yours a very Merry<br />
Christmas.<br />
SECTION 1<br />
• For more letters and<br />
testimonials please visit<br />
www.oakwood.ca<br />
Yours truly,<br />
Bert Cowan.<br />
CUSTOMER LETTER OF REFERENCE<br />
18<br />
oakwood.ca 613 236.8001<br />
613 236.8001 oakwood.ca<br />
19
SECTION 1<br />
SECTION 1<br />
CUSTOMER LETTER OF REFERENCE<br />
CUSTOMER LETTER OF REFERENCE<br />
20 oakwood.ca 613 236.8001<br />
613 236.8001 oakwood.ca<br />
21
SECTION 1<br />
SECTION 1<br />
CUSTOMER LETTER OF REFERENCE<br />
CUSTOMER LETTER OF REFERENCE<br />
22 oakwood.ca 613 236.8001<br />
613 236.8001 oakwood.ca<br />
23
SECTION 1<br />
CUSTOMER LETTER OF REFERENCE<br />
24<br />
oakwood.ca 613 236.8001
“<br />
We have never been surprised<br />
by invoices requesting more<br />
than we anticipated.<br />
”<br />
– Ruth + Malcolm Vant
SECTION 2<br />
Essential Requirements for<br />
Every Project Proposal<br />
SECTION 2<br />
Essential Requirements<br />
for Every Project Proposal<br />
» Key questions we recommend<br />
Why this is important<br />
<strong>OakWood</strong>’s compliance<br />
PART 1 Key questions we recommend<br />
PART 2 Why this is important<br />
PART 3 <strong>OakWood</strong>’s compliance<br />
Part 1<br />
Top questions<br />
we recommend<br />
you ask to make<br />
an apples-to-apples<br />
comparison AND<br />
avoid costly<br />
surprises<br />
1 Will the Renovator provide<br />
a written, fixed-price proposal<br />
with a detailed breakdown<br />
and a price guarantee for<br />
the work specified once your<br />
design is completed?<br />
2 Will the Renovator provide<br />
scaled drawings for work being<br />
done?<br />
4 Does the Renovator provide<br />
line item detail of all tasks<br />
associated with the project?<br />
5 Does the Renovator provide<br />
an easy to understand<br />
payment schedule based<br />
on project benchmarks<br />
and milestones?<br />
3 Does the Renovator specify<br />
materials by brand, model<br />
and finish?<br />
SECTION 2<br />
613 236.8001 oakwood.ca<br />
29
“<br />
We have been spreading the<br />
word about the outstanding<br />
reputation, professionalism,<br />
and customer service<br />
of <strong>OakWood</strong> Builders.<br />
– Walter Wood<br />
”<br />
Part 2<br />
Why a<br />
Detailed<br />
Proposal is<br />
Essential<br />
• Surprising fact: the average<br />
renovation project racks<br />
up 27% more in costs due<br />
to extras charged at the end<br />
of the project. <strong>The</strong> reason<br />
is that many Renovators<br />
purposefully bid the project<br />
low and come to you with an<br />
extra when the project<br />
is completed and demand<br />
payment without giving you<br />
any options.<br />
“We recommend you<br />
get a room-by-room<br />
description of your<br />
SECTION 2<br />
Essential Requirements<br />
for Every Project Proposal<br />
Key questions we recommend<br />
» Why this is important<br />
<strong>OakWood</strong>’s compliance<br />
• Insisting on a detailed<br />
proposal is one of the easiest<br />
things you can do to avoid<br />
getting unpleasant surprises<br />
after your renovation<br />
is completed.<br />
• A detailed proposal also<br />
shows you that the Renovator<br />
knows what they’re doing.<br />
Many Renovators will give<br />
you a five to ten page proposal<br />
that is vague on details. You<br />
shouldn’t accept this because<br />
it is a recipe for extras and<br />
hidden costs once the<br />
renovation starts.<br />
SECTION 2<br />
renovation project<br />
to know what you are<br />
building—right down<br />
to the number<br />
of electrical outlets<br />
per room and their<br />
• We recommend you get<br />
a room-by-room description<br />
of your renovation project to<br />
know what you are building—<br />
right down to the number<br />
of electrical outlets per room<br />
and their specific location.<br />
specific location.”<br />
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SECTION 2<br />
SECTION 2<br />
Essential Requirements<br />
for Every Project Proposal<br />
Key questions we recommend<br />
» Why this is important<br />
<strong>OakWood</strong>’s compliance<br />
• This kind of detail shows<br />
the Renovator knows what<br />
they are doing. If you are<br />
not getting this, you are not<br />
getting enough detail to<br />
know what you are actually<br />
buying.<br />
• A room-by-room proposal<br />
also enables you to fairly<br />
compare apples to apples:<br />
if one Renovator is significantly<br />
lower, there is a reason and<br />
there is definitely a different<br />
scope of work being priced.<br />
• Please remember: finishes<br />
and materials can vary greatly<br />
in price.<br />
• Make sure the proposal<br />
is based on using licensed<br />
Subcontractors and a qualified<br />
certified team: certified and<br />
experienced workers cost<br />
more than “handymen” but<br />
are always worth the money.<br />
• We also recommend getting<br />
a fixed price quote because<br />
this doesn’t allow the Renovator<br />
to deviate from the scope<br />
of work that was quoted<br />
and effectively eliminates<br />
wiggle room.<br />
“<br />
We have our friends and<br />
family over all the time<br />
to watch movies and it’s<br />
as if we are at the theatre,<br />
except we are in the comfort<br />
of our own home.<br />
”<br />
– Atul + Richa Aggarwal<br />
• Finally, we recommend you<br />
review the proposal with each<br />
Renovator thoroughly.<br />
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Essential Requirements<br />
for Every Project Proposal<br />
Key questions we recommend<br />
Why this is important<br />
» <strong>OakWood</strong>’s compliance<br />
SECTION 2<br />
Essential Requirements<br />
for Every Project Proposal<br />
Key questions we recommend<br />
Why this is important<br />
» <strong>OakWood</strong>’s compliance<br />
Part 3<br />
What our proposal<br />
will include!<br />
WITH OVER 57 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN THE<br />
CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS, WE KNOW A THING<br />
OR TWO ABOUT WHAT TO PUT IN A PROPOSAL!<br />
<strong>The</strong> detailed proposal that you<br />
will get from <strong>OakWood</strong> will cover<br />
every facet of your renovation<br />
from start to finish. Our proposals<br />
often exceed 150 pages and<br />
ensure you get the detail you<br />
need for a worry-free, high<br />
quality renovation with no<br />
surprises. Below is a sample<br />
of a typical table of contents<br />
from an <strong>OakWood</strong> proposal.<br />
A KEY PART OF OAKWOOD’S PROPOSAL TO YOU:<br />
A ROOM-BY-ROOM PROJECT SUMMARY<br />
SECTION 2<br />
SECTION 2<br />
WHAT A DETAILED PROPOSAL SHOULD INCLUDE<br />
TO ENSURE NO COSTLY “SURPRISES”<br />
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Essential Requirements<br />
for Every Project Proposal<br />
Key questions we recommend<br />
Why this is important<br />
» <strong>OakWood</strong>’s compliance<br />
SECTION 2<br />
Essential Requirements<br />
for Every Project Proposal<br />
Key questions we recommend<br />
Why this is important<br />
» <strong>OakWood</strong>’s compliance<br />
OUR PROPOSAL WILL INCLUDE ALL MATERIALS,<br />
FINISHES AND COLOURS<br />
WE WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH A CONTRACT AGREEMENT<br />
THAT WE WILL HONOUR TO THE LETTER<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
0969000 Round<br />
321 - Frosted<br />
0113.404.020<br />
Bowl<br />
731100.400.02<br />
0 Leg<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
540-MPU-DST<br />
SGL HDL<br />
2521 LHP H25<br />
2540 – LHP<br />
H240<br />
frosted<br />
white<br />
chrome<br />
chrome<br />
chrome<br />
OAKWOOD’S AGREEMENT<br />
WILL INCLUDE<br />
• Conformity with standards<br />
and specifications<br />
• Delays and how these will<br />
be handled<br />
• Proof of Worker’s<br />
compensation insurance<br />
SECTION 2<br />
<br />
2530-LHP H24<br />
chrome<br />
• Insurance that will be<br />
provided by <strong>OakWood</strong><br />
<br />
2551 chrome<br />
<br />
585-V chrome<br />
<br />
• Contractor’s responsibility<br />
and protection of work<br />
and property<br />
• <strong>The</strong> total investment of your<br />
renovation (plus HST)<br />
• Schedule of payments<br />
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“<br />
When we go to parties<br />
and find ourselves listening<br />
to horror story after horror story<br />
about renovation disasters,<br />
we can only shake our heads<br />
and think: <strong>The</strong>y should have<br />
used <strong>OakWood</strong>.<br />
”<br />
– Guy + Meredith Charlebois
SECTION 3<br />
Experience and Service<br />
SECTION 3<br />
Experience and Service<br />
» Key questions we recommend<br />
Why this is important<br />
PART 1 Key questions we recommend<br />
PART 2 Why this is important<br />
PART 3 <strong>OakWood</strong>’s experience & services<br />
Part 1<br />
Top questions<br />
we recommend<br />
you ask to ensure<br />
you choose<br />
an experienced<br />
and qualified<br />
Renovator<br />
1 Does the Renovator offer<br />
an in-house design service<br />
with 3-D renderings so the<br />
customer can see what they<br />
are purchasing before committing?<br />
2 Can the renovator show examples<br />
of designs for relevant<br />
renovation projects with before<br />
and after photos of the actual<br />
completed renovation<br />
3 Does the Renovator have<br />
licenced Interior Designers &<br />
Architectural Technologists<br />
with BCIN & LEED certification<br />
on staff?<br />
4 Will the Renovator take care of<br />
required asbestos and hazardous<br />
waste testing to meet<br />
Ministry of Labour and Workplace<br />
Safety guidelines?<br />
5 Will the Renovator apply,<br />
purchase and be responsible<br />
for all Permits including; building,<br />
plumbing, and electrical<br />
permits?<br />
6 Does the Renovator have<br />
a company policy to return<br />
phone calls within two hours<br />
of receiving a message and<br />
maintain a 24/7 emergency<br />
service line?<br />
<strong>OakWood</strong>’s experience & services<br />
average of over 10 years of<br />
experience in the construction<br />
industry?<br />
8 Does the Renovator review a<br />
pre-construction checklist with<br />
the Homeowner in their home<br />
prior to the start of construction?<br />
9 Does the Renovator utilize<br />
a professional CRM Project<br />
Management System with<br />
Gantt Charts to control every<br />
phase of your projects?<br />
10 Does the Renovator assemble<br />
and maintain a Project Binder,<br />
complete with plans, material<br />
specifications, warranties,<br />
site safety policies and other<br />
relevant information for each<br />
trade?<br />
11 Does the Renovator conduct<br />
extensive daily site visits with<br />
weekly onsite project updates<br />
with the Homeowner?<br />
12 Does the Renovator provide,<br />
start and completion dates in<br />
writting, for your project?<br />
13 Does the Renovator have a<br />
strict written policy that prohibits<br />
smoking in your home<br />
as well as the use of alcohol or<br />
drugs by their crews?<br />
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7 Do the renovation company’s<br />
Project Managers have an<br />
14 Does the Renovator provide a<br />
written Work Schedule showing<br />
start and finish dates as<br />
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» Key questions we recommend<br />
Why this is important<br />
<strong>OakWood</strong>’s experience & services<br />
well as all project milestone<br />
dates? Is it updated daily<br />
and provided at Homeowner<br />
request?<br />
15 Does the Renovator require<br />
all Trade Partners sign off on<br />
standard operating procedures<br />
and health and safety policies?<br />
18 Does the Renovator practice<br />
environmentally friendly<br />
construction methods and<br />
support the Canada Green<br />
Building Council mission, and<br />
are they LEED certified?<br />
“<br />
<strong>OakWood</strong> came through as<br />
advertised. <strong>The</strong>y kept their<br />
promises. <strong>The</strong> work was<br />
done well and on time<br />
and on budget.<br />
”<br />
– Linda Moran<br />
16 Does the Renovator’s work<br />
crew have written daily cleanup<br />
procedures?<br />
17 Does the Renovator provide;<br />
no-go zones in your home,<br />
home protection with zip-walls<br />
and safe areas for material?<br />
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Experience and Service<br />
SECTION 3<br />
Experience and Service<br />
Key questions we recommend<br />
» Why this is important<br />
<strong>OakWood</strong>’s experience & services<br />
Key questions we recommend<br />
» Why this is important<br />
<strong>OakWood</strong>’s experience & services<br />
SECTION 3<br />
Part 2<br />
Why this<br />
Experience<br />
is Critical<br />
3D CONCEPT DESIGN<br />
SERVICE<br />
• Many Clients have a hard<br />
time visualizing what their<br />
project will look like before<br />
it is built.<br />
• A 3D Concept Design Service<br />
enables you to brainstorm<br />
and see life-like renderings<br />
of your project and cost<br />
effectively make changes<br />
Be wary of free design:<br />
you’ll likely get what<br />
you pay for or the design<br />
costs will be buried!<br />
before construction begins.<br />
• A comprehensive Concept<br />
Design Service also establishes<br />
an accurate scope of work<br />
document and budget based<br />
on your final decisions.<br />
• Be wary of free design:<br />
if a Renovator offers to do<br />
free design, you’ll likely get<br />
what you pay for. Also, if a<br />
Renovator is offering “free<br />
design” it’s likely that the<br />
design fees are hidden<br />
somewhere in the overall<br />
cost of construction. No<br />
one works for free.<br />
QUALIFIED IN-HOUSE<br />
EXPERTISE<br />
• <strong>The</strong> success of your renovation<br />
hinges on having experienced,<br />
licensed professionals at each<br />
phase of your project including:<br />
architectural requirements,<br />
design elements, construction<br />
& scheduling, field and office<br />
project management, City<br />
permits & inspections.<br />
• Only qualified professionals<br />
can meet the requirements<br />
of each step in your project:<br />
Project Consultants, Architectural<br />
Technologists, Interior<br />
Designers, Materials Selection<br />
Coordinators, Estimators,<br />
Schedulers, Quantity Surveyors<br />
and Production as well as<br />
Project Managers.<br />
• Make sure any proposal you<br />
receive is based only on using<br />
licensed Sub-Contractors and<br />
a qualified certified team: certified<br />
and experienced workers<br />
cost more than “handymen”.<br />
• In-house design expertise also<br />
ensures tighter quality controls<br />
because everything is under<br />
“one roof” with a single point of<br />
accountability – you only have<br />
to deal with one firm.<br />
DESIGN + BUILD<br />
• Having the design done by<br />
one person and the building<br />
completed by someone else<br />
is a recipe for problems and<br />
cost overruns: this is why<br />
over 50% of projects that<br />
start with a Designer or<br />
Architect never get built.<br />
• <strong>The</strong> only way to avoid this<br />
disconnect is by going through<br />
a design process that links<br />
the design to a plan that<br />
drives a detailed scope<br />
of work that you can have<br />
confidence in. <strong>The</strong> design<br />
phase has to drive the plan<br />
and the detailed proposal<br />
that follows.<br />
• If you make changes to the<br />
design or materials selection,<br />
those changes must be<br />
reflected in both the plan<br />
and budget to avoid costly<br />
surprises: it is a dynamic,<br />
highly iterative process.<br />
Only a true Design + Build<br />
Renovator can ensure this<br />
linkage between design (and<br />
any changes) and the final<br />
plan and budget:<br />
• <strong>The</strong> cost of the project<br />
is constantly updated<br />
through changes made at<br />
the design stage to give<br />
you an updated total project<br />
cost at all times.<br />
• In our experience, an in-house<br />
Design + Build firm will greatly<br />
enhance the chances of<br />
identifying the true scope<br />
of work and ultimately giving<br />
you a successful renovation.<br />
Poor planning is the<br />
#1 reason project<br />
budgets and timelines<br />
go off the rails.<br />
PLANNING<br />
• For a detailed proposal to be<br />
worth its salt, it really needs<br />
to be part of an overall plan.<br />
You have to know what you<br />
are building; what materials<br />
you are using – right down<br />
to the number of electrical<br />
outlets per room and their<br />
specific location.<br />
• A plan forces a Renovator to<br />
nail down the project details<br />
before they start any work –<br />
and shows you they know<br />
what they are doing.<br />
• A good plan also provides<br />
you with a roadmap for<br />
your entire project with all<br />
milestones from start to finish.<br />
<strong>The</strong> plan you get should<br />
anticipate all costs and timelines.<br />
For example, <strong>OakWood</strong><br />
uses a detailed GANTT chart<br />
that gives you all milestones<br />
for your project from start<br />
to finish.<br />
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Experience and Service<br />
Key questions we recommend<br />
» Why this is important<br />
<strong>OakWood</strong>’s experience & services<br />
• Good planning goes<br />
hand in hand with project<br />
management: Renovators<br />
with good planning and<br />
project management skills<br />
will usually provide you with<br />
a single point of contact<br />
throughout your project. And<br />
they should provide you with<br />
a real person that you can call<br />
during working hours.<br />
• <strong>The</strong> most detailed plans can’t<br />
anticipate hidden structural<br />
issues or problems that are<br />
concealed behind a wall. <strong>The</strong><br />
question is this: how will your<br />
Renovator deal with problems<br />
or changes to ensure you don’t<br />
get any surprises at the end<br />
of your renovation project?<br />
CLEAN-UP AND RESPECT<br />
FOR YOUR HOME<br />
• Any renovation results in a<br />
certain amount of upheaval<br />
that can be stressful for some<br />
homeowners. A good Renovator<br />
will take specific steps<br />
to minimize the disruption while<br />
also protecting your home.<br />
oakwood.ca 613 236.8001<br />
ENVIRONMENTALLY<br />
FRIENDLY CONSTRUCTION<br />
METHODS<br />
• Green building or sustainable<br />
building practices are a fast<br />
changing part of our industry:<br />
new technologies and products<br />
are constantly being<br />
developed.<br />
• A good Renovator will<br />
not only incorporate green<br />
practices into their way<br />
of doing business but also<br />
provide you with expert<br />
advice on how to design<br />
and build your renovation<br />
in a way that reduces the<br />
impact on the environment.<br />
• Make sure your Renovator<br />
of Choice is up-to-date and<br />
can provide you with expert<br />
advice on green material and<br />
eco-friendly options.<br />
•<br />
Ask if your Renovator<br />
of choice supports the<br />
Canada Green Building<br />
Council mission.<br />
WHAT TO LOOK FOR?<br />
• Ensure your Renovator<br />
doesn’t just haul material<br />
to the landfill – especially<br />
asbestos products! Do<br />
they recycle materials?<br />
• Do they use sustainable<br />
materials and methods that<br />
use fewer resources to build,<br />
less energy to operate,<br />
have a reduced impact<br />
on the environment whenever<br />
possible, and when<br />
economically feasible?<br />
• Do they actively support<br />
the Canada Green Building<br />
Council mission to lead<br />
and generate the transformation<br />
to high-performing,<br />
healthy green buildings,<br />
homes, and communities<br />
throughout Canada?<br />
• Can your Renovator<br />
provide a wide range<br />
of energy saving and<br />
green material options<br />
in key product categories –<br />
such as dual flush toilets,<br />
LED light fixtures, flooring<br />
products that use natural,<br />
biodegradable materials,<br />
and many other new<br />
options?<br />
3D DRAWING<br />
Our state-of-the art 3D<br />
Concept and Design service<br />
is one more reason you<br />
can trust <strong>OakWood</strong> to do<br />
a high quality Renovation<br />
on time and on budget<br />
with no surprises.
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Experience and Service<br />
SECTION 3<br />
Experience and Service<br />
Key questions we recommend<br />
Why this is important<br />
» <strong>OakWood</strong>’s experience & services<br />
Key questions we recommend<br />
Why this is important<br />
» <strong>OakWood</strong>’s experience & services<br />
SECTION 3<br />
Part 3<br />
<strong>OakWood</strong>’s<br />
Experience<br />
& Services<br />
OAKWOOD’S CONCEPT<br />
DESIGN SERVICE<br />
Your design options are bounded<br />
only by your imagination!<br />
We offer a comprehensive inhouse<br />
concept design service to<br />
help you get started, and quickly<br />
assess your options. This unique<br />
and engaging service:<br />
• Uses our proprietary software<br />
to help you visualize your<br />
finished renovation before<br />
any work is started. Is led by<br />
an experienced Architectural<br />
Technologist, and helped by<br />
Interior Designers, who ensure<br />
nothing is lost between<br />
your design, the final plan,<br />
and the build.<br />
• Includes brainstorming<br />
on different creative design<br />
options to help create or<br />
clarify your vision.<br />
• Enables you to visualize the<br />
finished project with unique<br />
and realistic 3D concept<br />
renderings.<br />
• Establishes an accurate<br />
scope of work document and<br />
budget based on your final<br />
decisions.<br />
• Allows you to be actively<br />
involved and in full control<br />
over the project design and<br />
cost prior to committing to<br />
the construction process.<br />
This service is a great way<br />
to jumpstart your project and<br />
it can include a number of<br />
“What If” scenarios to ensure<br />
a renovation that matches your<br />
vision and budget.<br />
QUALIFIED IN-HOUSE<br />
RESOURCES<br />
In-house Architectural<br />
Technologists and Interior<br />
Designers<br />
<strong>The</strong>re was a time when you had<br />
to hire an Architect to get this<br />
level of service – no longer:<br />
• <strong>OakWood</strong>’s Architectural<br />
Technologists work hand in<br />
glove with our Interior Design<br />
Team for all architectural elements<br />
and to ensure nothing<br />
is lost between the design<br />
concept, the final plan, and<br />
the build.<br />
• Architectural Technologists<br />
and Interior Designers are an<br />
integral part of our Design +<br />
Build process. <strong>The</strong>y can<br />
provide complete construction<br />
details required for permit<br />
plans – all at a reduced cost<br />
of commissioning an outside<br />
Architect or Design firm.<br />
Merchandise Selection<br />
One of the most highly valued<br />
services that our customers love<br />
is our ability to provide a detailed<br />
Material Selection process:<br />
• Covers everything required<br />
to create a coordinated look<br />
and includes all finish selections<br />
from handles, faucets,<br />
cabinets, and flooring to paint<br />
colours.<br />
• <strong>OakWood</strong> has a unique<br />
system in place where our<br />
Designers hold your hand<br />
and guide you through the<br />
finish selection process to<br />
ensure a trouble-free and<br />
smooth running Renovation<br />
project from start to finish.<br />
Project Management<br />
Good project management is an<br />
essential skill to ensure our ability<br />
to complete your project to your<br />
satisfaction, on-budget and<br />
on-time. Project management is<br />
much more than simply working<br />
with sticky notes attached to the<br />
dashboard of a truck:<br />
• <strong>OakWood</strong> uses a comprehensive<br />
project management<br />
software system that includes<br />
scheduling and detailed,<br />
up-to-date scope of work<br />
information.<br />
• Telephone calls and emails<br />
are logged in one place so<br />
that all team members have<br />
access to pertinent information<br />
about your project.<br />
• Our Project Managers and<br />
Production Managers are<br />
equipped with iPads, tablet<br />
and mini PCs that are wirelessly<br />
connected with the<br />
same office information.<br />
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Experience and Service<br />
Key questions we recommend<br />
Why this is important<br />
» <strong>OakWood</strong>’s experience & services<br />
Key questions we recommend<br />
Why this is important<br />
» <strong>OakWood</strong>’s experience & services<br />
SECTION 3<br />
<strong>The</strong>se advanced project management<br />
systems help ensure a<br />
smooth, on-time and worry-free<br />
renovation project. Here is what<br />
you can expect from <strong>OakWood</strong>:<br />
• Your project schedule will<br />
be updated every day;<br />
• We will assign a dedicated<br />
Production Manager to provide<br />
one point of contact;<br />
• Our Project Manager will<br />
meet with you once a week;<br />
• We will return all phone calls<br />
and emails the same day or<br />
by 9:00 am the next morning;<br />
• We will have a live person<br />
answering the phone, and;<br />
• We will provide you with<br />
a 24 hour emergency<br />
phone number.<br />
Client Portal – see the exact<br />
status of your renovation<br />
anytime, anywhere<br />
You’ll get secure access to our<br />
Client Portal to follow every step<br />
of your project from initial approval<br />
to final walk-about. Our<br />
portal can be viewed 24/7 on<br />
any Apple, PC, smartphone or<br />
tablet and it includes:<br />
• Permit plans<br />
• Contract documents<br />
• Engineering and inspection<br />
documents<br />
• Invoices, Change Orders and<br />
Credits<br />
• Client Statement of Accounts<br />
showing where every dollar is<br />
spent<br />
• Before, during and after pictures<br />
and videos<br />
• Project Notes<br />
• All Material Selections<br />
• Tasks board to leave<br />
reminders<br />
• Meeting Calendar<br />
• Document library for Owners<br />
Manuals<br />
• Project Schedule with Gantt<br />
Chart<br />
• Live Punch List showing<br />
outstanding items and<br />
progress of approved items<br />
• And lots more!<br />
Licensed Carpenters<br />
Mike Holmes said on CBC Dragons<br />
Den “I would only let a qualified<br />
person work in my house”:<br />
• Every person on the Oak-<br />
Wood Team is qualified to<br />
work in your home, including<br />
<strong>OakWood</strong>’s President, John<br />
Liptak, who is a qualified<br />
licensed carpenter.<br />
• We even have a Carpenter<br />
Apprenticeship program<br />
in place where we train the<br />
next generation of qualified<br />
licensed carpenters.<br />
• <strong>The</strong>re will come a time when<br />
all trades-people working on<br />
your home will be required to<br />
be licensed: with <strong>OakWood</strong>,<br />
you can take advantage of a<br />
qualified team right now.<br />
Resource Scheduling<br />
Few Renovators stick to or use<br />
schedules. Many simply showup<br />
on site and look around to<br />
figure out what they need to do<br />
next. <strong>OakWood</strong> is different and<br />
takes scheduling and time commitments<br />
very seriously:<br />
• We use state-of-the-art project<br />
scheduling software to<br />
build a detailed work schedule<br />
for every project before<br />
the job starts.<br />
• We use resource levelling<br />
to ensure your projects stay<br />
on-track.<br />
• Your schedule is fine-tuned<br />
and updated daily: that means<br />
we can have a Plan-B or even<br />
a Plan-C should flexibility be<br />
required, all the while keeping<br />
every trade supplier and you,<br />
the homeowner, updated and<br />
on the same page.<br />
This is the key to <strong>OakWood</strong>’s<br />
ability to keep your project<br />
on-time and on-budget.<br />
Qualified Office Support Staff<br />
<strong>OakWood</strong> has an in-house team<br />
of highly specialized and trained<br />
professional to support your<br />
project. <strong>The</strong>se professionals<br />
abide by the <strong>OakWood</strong> Code of<br />
Ethics, a commitment to a way<br />
of doing business and an explicit<br />
promise of how we will operate<br />
as a company. See our Code<br />
of Ethics at oakwood.ca under<br />
Why <strong>OakWood</strong>.<br />
Our talented “dream team”<br />
includes:<br />
• Qualified Project Consultants,<br />
Architectural Technologists,<br />
Interior Designers, Material<br />
Selection Coordinators,<br />
Quantity Surveyors, Resource<br />
Schedulers and in office<br />
Project Managers.<br />
• Rigorously trained and qualified<br />
to help you throughout<br />
the complete Design + Build<br />
process.<br />
SECTION 3<br />
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SECTION 3<br />
Experience and Service<br />
SECTION 3<br />
Experience and Service<br />
Key questions we recommend<br />
Why this is important<br />
» <strong>OakWood</strong>’s experience & services<br />
Key questions we recommend<br />
Why this is important<br />
» <strong>OakWood</strong>’s experience & services<br />
SECTION 3<br />
Clean, professional Trade<br />
Partners<br />
• We only use the very best<br />
Trade Partners in the area<br />
to work on your home – to<br />
ensure the work is done correctly<br />
the first time and you<br />
will have few or no problems<br />
with your job. <strong>The</strong>se are all<br />
clean professional workers<br />
who:<br />
• Don’t smoke, don’t play the<br />
radio very loudly, don’t swear,<br />
don’t drink or use any nonprescription<br />
drugs while they<br />
are on your job.<br />
• Have all the required licenses,<br />
workplace safety, workers<br />
compensation insurance and<br />
Contractor insurance including<br />
5 million dollars liability coverage<br />
for your project.<br />
PROJECT PLAN<br />
We have spent over five decades<br />
developing a unique and<br />
comprehensive Design + Build<br />
planning process that covers<br />
every facet of your renovation<br />
from start-up to final inspection.<br />
Our plan includes all:<br />
• Construction & scheduling;<br />
• Field project management,<br />
and;<br />
City permits & inspections.<br />
All details for your Renovation<br />
project are summarized in<br />
the OAKplan following the<br />
Concept Design phase. This<br />
includes the final scope of work<br />
agreement, a GANTT chart with<br />
project milestones, and all material<br />
selections for your custom<br />
renovation project.<br />
How changes to your plan are<br />
handled by <strong>OakWood</strong><br />
<strong>The</strong> most detailed plans can’t<br />
anticipate hidden structural<br />
issues or problems that are<br />
concealed behind a wall. Even<br />
the best Renovators do not have<br />
X-Ray vision! Here’s how we<br />
handle this at <strong>OakWood</strong>:<br />
• We will provide you with a<br />
fixed price for a clear scope<br />
of work.<br />
• Any changes are professionally<br />
addressed with a change<br />
order process that allows you<br />
to say “yes” or “no”.<br />
• We will supply you with a<br />
written quote for any change<br />
before proceeding or giving<br />
you the opportunity to<br />
say “yes, go ahead” or “no,<br />
we’ll deal with this in another<br />
way” – otherwise we’ll move<br />
forward without that change.<br />
DAILY CLEAN-UP AND<br />
RESPECT YOUR HOME<br />
We will take the following specific<br />
steps to prepare, protect and<br />
respect your home:<br />
• Dust protection: covers for all<br />
stairs and flooring, vent protection,<br />
blue skin over tubes<br />
and shower bases, dust<br />
protection walls, etc.;<br />
• Zippered plastic barriers from<br />
work areas to clean areas;<br />
• Broom clean home at end of<br />
every day with major clean up<br />
at end of every week, and;<br />
• No-Go-Zones in your home<br />
where Trades and workers<br />
cannot go so that the homeowner<br />
can keep their privacy.<br />
Will meet or exceed all workplace<br />
safety standards while<br />
on your property:<br />
• Fence protection on<br />
appropriate sites to prevent<br />
accidents and theft;<br />
• PortaPoty on all sites to keep<br />
your home clean;<br />
• Ministry of Labour and Workplace<br />
Safety guidelines in the<br />
onsite project binders, and;<br />
• <strong>OakWood</strong> has established a<br />
complete and comprehensive<br />
safety policy to protect you<br />
the homeowner from litigation<br />
should an accident ever<br />
occur.<br />
<strong>OakWood</strong> provides all Trade<br />
Partners with a detailed 16 page<br />
Standard Operating Manual<br />
that clearly explains how we<br />
expect Trade Partners to conduct<br />
themselves while providing<br />
Renovation Services to customers<br />
for <strong>OakWood</strong>. This includes<br />
policies on communication,<br />
clean up, insurance requirements,<br />
uniforms, and much more.<br />
Please ask us for a copy to see<br />
the work standards and professionalism<br />
we enforce and that<br />
you can expect.<br />
SECTION 3<br />
• Architectural requirements;<br />
• Design elements;<br />
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SECTION 3<br />
Experience and Service<br />
SECTION 3<br />
Experience and Service<br />
Key questions we recommend<br />
Key questions we recommend<br />
Why this is important<br />
Why this is important<br />
» <strong>OakWood</strong>’s experience & services<br />
» <strong>OakWood</strong>’s experience & services<br />
SECTION 3<br />
OAKWOOD IS AN<br />
ECO-WISE BUILDER<br />
<strong>OakWood</strong> has not only incorporated<br />
green practices into<br />
our way of doing business but<br />
we also provide you with expert<br />
advice on how to design and<br />
build your renovation in a way<br />
that reduces the impact on the<br />
environment.<br />
Our proactive eco-wise practices<br />
also include:<br />
• <strong>The</strong> use of sustainable materials<br />
and methods that use<br />
fewer resources to build, less<br />
energy to operate, have a reduced<br />
impact on the environment<br />
whenever possible, and<br />
when economically feasible.<br />
• We support suppliers and<br />
design professionals who<br />
share our philosophy and our<br />
commitment to the planet<br />
and that use sustainable and<br />
renewable resources.<br />
Green material options<br />
<strong>OakWood</strong> offers a wide range of<br />
green material selection options<br />
in most product categories. For<br />
example:<br />
• Dual flush toilets are offered<br />
as one of our five standard<br />
toilet options included in our<br />
price.<br />
• We offer LED light fixtures for<br />
a modest upgrade.<br />
• Flooring products with natural,<br />
biodegradable materials<br />
such as wool carpets, bamboo<br />
and cork flooring.<br />
You are in control<br />
<strong>The</strong> level of “greenness” of your<br />
project is totally up to you. We<br />
will always use <strong>OakWood</strong>’s high<br />
green standards as a base and<br />
allow you to determine how<br />
much greener you want the<br />
design and build of your project<br />
to be. <strong>OakWood</strong> will help guide<br />
you all the way.<br />
OVER 1,800 PROJECTS IN THE LAST 10 YEARS! DARE TO DREAM!<br />
Here is a small sample of renovation projects that we have completed. Visit the Gallery section of our<br />
website (www.oakwood.ca) to see many more photos in these categories:<br />
Kitchens<br />
Basements<br />
Bathrooms<br />
Additions<br />
Large Projects<br />
Renovations<br />
Attics<br />
Sunrooms & Solariums<br />
In-law suites<br />
Windows & Doors<br />
SECTION 3<br />
• Active support for the Canada<br />
Green Building Council<br />
mission to lead and generate<br />
the transformation to highperforming,<br />
healthy green<br />
buildings, homes, and communities<br />
throughout Canada.<br />
• Tankless or instantaneous<br />
water heaters that only heat<br />
water when needed to reduce<br />
energy costs.<br />
• And many other green options.<br />
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“<br />
We’re very pleased with the<br />
results and with our experience<br />
working with <strong>OakWood</strong>.<br />
”<br />
– Alex and Mindee Mirhady<br />
“<br />
In the space of about four<br />
months you took us from a<br />
virtually useless space to<br />
a modern kitchen that fit<br />
to the style of the house.<br />
”<br />
– Jennifer Spence and Pablo Sobrino
“<br />
In my Rolodex, under the<br />
heading “Contractors”, there<br />
is only one listing: <strong>OakWood</strong>.<br />
– Guy and Meredith Charlebois<br />
”<br />
“<br />
<strong>The</strong> quality of the workmanship<br />
is hard to beat.<br />
”<br />
– Rhona Lahey
“<br />
We now know why <strong>OakWood</strong><br />
has been in business for so<br />
many years and why we see<br />
so many of their signs in our<br />
neighborhood.<br />
”<br />
– Michelle and Glen<br />
“<br />
We look forward to working<br />
with <strong>OakWood</strong> in the future<br />
and enthusiastically recommend<br />
their services without<br />
any reservations.<br />
”<br />
– Dr. John Martins
“<br />
Our kitchen is more than<br />
the dream that we hoped<br />
it would be…<br />
”<br />
– Michelle and Glen
“<br />
<strong>OakWood</strong> was our number<br />
one choice and will be on any<br />
future projects.<br />
”<br />
– Carole + Lee Fasken
SECTION 4<br />
Follow-up and Guarantee<br />
PART 1 Key questions we recommend<br />
PART 2 Why this is important<br />
PART 3 <strong>OakWood</strong>’s compliance<br />
SECTION 4<br />
Follow-up and Guarantee<br />
» Key questions we recommend<br />
Why this is important<br />
<strong>OakWood</strong>’s compliance<br />
Part 1<br />
Top questions we<br />
recommend you<br />
ask to ensure you<br />
get an industry<br />
leading warranty<br />
and follow-up<br />
1 Will the Renovator guarantee<br />
that all work will meet the<br />
Ontario Building Code and as<br />
required be reviewed by a City<br />
Inspector?<br />
2 Does the Renovator provide a<br />
comprehensive walk-through<br />
checklist with the Homeowner<br />
at the completion of the<br />
project?<br />
3 Is the Renovator a small one<br />
to two person operation with<br />
the company owner physically<br />
working on your site?<br />
4 Does the Renovator provide<br />
a satisfaction survey at the<br />
conclusion of your project?<br />
5 Does the Renovator provide<br />
an after project completion<br />
service six-month to one-year<br />
free onsite inspection?<br />
6 Does the Renovator abide by<br />
the Ontario Tarion Warranty<br />
protection guidelines applied<br />
to home renovation projects?<br />
7 Does the Renovator provide<br />
a five-year warranty on labor<br />
and installation - with an optional<br />
ten-year warranty?<br />
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“<br />
Rest assured you will<br />
be in great company<br />
with <strong>OakWood</strong>.<br />
”<br />
SECTION 4<br />
Follow-up and Guarantee<br />
Key questions we recommend<br />
» Why this is important<br />
<strong>OakWood</strong>’s compliance<br />
– Tony + Kelly Bailey<br />
Part 2<br />
Why Follow-up and<br />
Warranty is Critical<br />
FOLLOW-UP<br />
• Trying to schedule a Renovator<br />
to come back after the<br />
work is completed and paid<br />
for is both inconvenient for<br />
you and can be challenging<br />
for smaller Renovators.<br />
• A detailed walk through with<br />
a Senior Project Manager at<br />
the end of a project will ensure<br />
nothing was missed and<br />
that there are no deficiencies<br />
or corrections required.<br />
• Your Renovator should show<br />
you everything that has been<br />
done, including any agreed to<br />
change orders, and include<br />
a list of all items that are not<br />
finished.<br />
• Don’t sign off on anything<br />
until the work is completely<br />
finished to your complete<br />
satisfaction using the Tarion<br />
Construction Performance<br />
Guidelines.<br />
• A good Renovator will ask<br />
for candid feedback on your<br />
experience and ask you to<br />
complete a Customer Satisfaction<br />
Survey or form –<br />
without feedback a Renovator<br />
cannot change and improve<br />
their processes and services<br />
or celebrate their successes<br />
with any confidence.<br />
• All work should be carefully<br />
inspected before you make<br />
the final payment! When<br />
doing a final walkabout, look<br />
closely at the workmanship<br />
and note any problems or<br />
imperfections. Look for things<br />
like faceplates for switches<br />
and outlets, baseboard trim<br />
fit and finish, flushing mechanisms,<br />
sticky doors, cracks<br />
in drywall, popped screw<br />
heads, etc.<br />
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SECTION 4<br />
Follow-up and Guarantee<br />
Key questions we recommend<br />
» Why this is important<br />
<strong>OakWood</strong>’s compliance<br />
WARRANTY<br />
AND GUARANTEE<br />
• When the job is finished, what<br />
kind of warranty will you get?<br />
Will your Renovator of Choice<br />
stand unconditionally behind<br />
their workmanship?<br />
• Remember, if something goes<br />
wrong, it won’t fail in the first<br />
few months. A guarantee<br />
matters down the road. What<br />
type of “hoops” do you need<br />
to go through to get action<br />
on your problem?<br />
• Ideally the warranty is with<br />
your Renovator who will<br />
represent your interests to<br />
any third party manufacturers<br />
and other Contractors where<br />
applicable.<br />
• At minimum, a comprehensive<br />
5-year warranty should<br />
be in place. An optional<br />
10-year warranty would be<br />
excellent.<br />
“At minimum, you should<br />
expect a comprehensive<br />
5-year warranty to be<br />
in place. An optional<br />
10-year warranty would<br />
be excellent.”<br />
“<br />
We now have a new home<br />
for years to enjoy! We want<br />
to thank the <strong>OakWood</strong> team<br />
and would highly recommend<br />
them to my family, friends<br />
and colleagues.<br />
”<br />
– Mike Hanna<br />
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SECTION 4<br />
Follow-up and Guarantee<br />
SECTION 4<br />
Follow-up and Guarantee<br />
Key questions we recommend<br />
Key questions we recommend<br />
Why this is important<br />
Why this is important<br />
» <strong>OakWood</strong>’s compliance<br />
» <strong>OakWood</strong>’s compliance<br />
SECTION 4<br />
Part 3<br />
What you can<br />
expect when your<br />
Renovation project<br />
is complete<br />
DETAILED, POST<br />
CONSTRUCTION ONSITE<br />
INSPECTION<br />
• <strong>OakWood</strong>’s Project Manager<br />
will do a final walk through<br />
with you to inspect your<br />
entire renovation.<br />
• <strong>The</strong> Project Manager will<br />
ensure everything is finished<br />
to your complete satisfaction<br />
and the industry quality<br />
standards set by the Tarion<br />
Construction Performance<br />
Guidelines before final payment<br />
is requested.<br />
• <strong>The</strong> final inspection will also<br />
include a detailed Customer<br />
Satisfaction Survey where you<br />
can provide candid feedback<br />
on your experience with<br />
<strong>OakWood</strong>.<br />
• If as you settle back into your<br />
normal family life, you notice<br />
any problems that were not<br />
caught on our final walk<br />
through, one call is all you<br />
will need for us to schedule<br />
a time at your convenience<br />
for an <strong>OakWood</strong> professional<br />
to fix or correct the problem<br />
at once.<br />
INDUSTRY LEADING<br />
WARRANTY: YOU ARE<br />
PROTECTED<br />
As you would expect, we stand<br />
unconditionally behind our products<br />
and services. That’s why we<br />
offer an industry leading, 5-year<br />
warranty.<br />
How our warranty works:<br />
• Valid from the date of<br />
substantial completion or<br />
move-in on all additions<br />
and renovations.<br />
• Includes our complete<br />
customer care program:<br />
we will respond to all warranty<br />
situations within 24 hours.<br />
• We will work together with<br />
you to solve any warranty<br />
issues and ensure your<br />
satisfaction.<br />
THE OAKWOOD<br />
EXTENDED WARRANTY<br />
PROGRAM<br />
• In addition to our industry<br />
leading five-year warranty,<br />
we were the first to offer an<br />
optional 10-year upgraded<br />
warranty on all renovations.<br />
We recommend<br />
TARION Guidelines<br />
• Warranty guidelines that we<br />
recommend to our homeowners<br />
on their renovation<br />
are the TARION guidelines<br />
(www.tarion.com).<br />
• Tarion Warranty Corporation<br />
has been around for over<br />
30 years protecting new<br />
home owners in Ontario with<br />
a mandatory warranty that<br />
must be provided by the<br />
builder – and guaranteed<br />
by Tarion.<br />
• Although the Tarion guidelines<br />
are designed for new home<br />
construction they are just as<br />
applicable to renovations.<br />
• Ask your Renovator of Choice<br />
whether they will respect and<br />
follow these warranty guidelines<br />
and ensure you have<br />
proper protection.<br />
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“<br />
We look forward to working<br />
with <strong>OakWood</strong> in the<br />
future and enthusiastically<br />
recommend their services<br />
without any reservations.<br />
– Dr. John Martins<br />
”<br />
Thank you for reviewing our <strong>Consumer’s</strong> Guide <strong>Handbook</strong> and<br />
considering <strong>OakWood</strong> to be your Renovator of Choice.<br />
We take the responsibility of helping you realize your dream home<br />
very seriously. That is why we have taken the time to provide you<br />
with this list of important questions to ask each of the Renovators<br />
you are considering for your project. And why we have taken the<br />
time to explain why we think these questions are so important for<br />
you to ask, and provided you with our answers.<br />
We trust our <strong>Handbook</strong> has provided you with valuable information<br />
that will help you choose your Renovator with greater confidence.<br />
You may have many more questions. Please do not hesitate to ask<br />
our Team. <strong>OakWood</strong> is ready to provide as much detail as you need<br />
on how we will work with you to ensure a high quality renovation<br />
that is completed on-budget and on-time.