Frequently Asked Renovations Questions

MDL FAQ’s

  • What is the role of a general contractor?
    A general contractor who specializes in kitchen and interior remodelling has in depth knowledge of what makes an artistically designed and safe-to-use kitchen. From top-of-the-line materials and fixtures that make your special place look warm and vibrant to a functional design plan that puts everything within reach affords good traffic flows, your renovations specialist must be able to serve up an exciting space for your family and guests. Click here to read more about what a general contractor can do for you. Back to Top
  • What does the MDL Designs renovation services include?
    In addition to a creative design and detailed project plan, the MDL Designs’ renovations team provides all the professional trades and services necessary to carry out your renovation to a successful completion. Back to Top
  • Should I have a contract?
    When hiring a contractor for any job, it is essential to have a written contract agreement. This prevents any complications and misunderstandings from occurring whether legally or otherwise. For further details please contact the Canadian Home Builders’ Association website www.HiringAContractor.com   Back to Top
  • What should be in my contract?
    Here are some important points that your contract should include:
    • Name, address and phone numbers of the contractor and client
    • Complete description of the work agreed upon including drawings and attachments if necessary
    • Contractor’s ‘Business’ or ‘GST’ number
    • Contractor’s warranty
    • Contractor’s business license (where required by the municipality)
    • Start and finish dates
    • A detailed payment schedule based on the progress of the project.
  • What permits do I need and who is responsible for obtaining them?
    You need different permits that cover multiple processes. The inspections are usually carried out according to the kind of renovations being done. Your project may not involve all of them. It is your contractor’s responsibility to supervise the necessary inspections required for your permits and approvals. Typical permits required are as follows: Municipal: Your municipality generally requires one permit although different inspections are carried out in stages: Footings and foundations, plumbing, framing, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) and insulation, pre-occupancy and completion. Electrical: A separate inspection is obtained from the Electrical Safety Authority for all electrical work performed. This is always obtained by the licensed electrician performing your electrical work. Back to Top
  • Why do I need a ‘building’ permit?
    Both the contactor and the homeowner benefit from having a building permit so you should insist on having one. You will rest easy knowing that your renovations conform to local as well as Ontario building codes. Your local building inspector will approve each stage and permit your contactor to move on to the next. The cost for permits is minimal and any good contractor is used to dealing with the building inspectors on a regular basis. If your contractor does not have the required permits and necessary inspections are not carried out, you may not know whether the work has been done properly until problems arise. Beware of contractors who do not want to obtain permits as they are probably not licensed or qualified to renovate or cannot organize their work to accommodate the inspection process. In either case, this is not the kind of contractor you want working in your home. Back to Top
  • Does MDL obtain building permits for its projects?
    MDL insists on permits and uses only licensed trades as required by law. Some smaller projects do not require any approval, but where needed MDL obtains permits without exception. Using qualified and specialized trades ensures quality service and projects are completed in a shorter span of time. Back to Top
  • Is MDL licensed and insured?
    MDL and all the trades we work with are licensed and insured where required. We have a WSIB (Workplace Safety Insurance Board) license and private liability insurance and are licensed members of several municipalities. We are also accredited to organizations like NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath Association), BBB (Better Business Bureau), BILD (Building Industry and Land Development) and Renomark. Back to Top
  • How long does a renovations project take?
    The length of each project depends on the scope of work. A kitchen renovation typically takes 6 weeks, bathroom renovation could take , main floor renovation 8 to 12 weeks, and entire home interior 4 to 6 months. Your MDL representative will provide a planned work schedule and we take pride in maintaining all schedules to ensure that we meet all deadlines. Back to Top
  • Can I live at home during the renovation process?
    We try to not to disrupt your daily schedule and in most cases like kitchen and main floor renovations, you can continue living in your home. We even set up temporary kitchen facilities to make it easy for you. Our team will help you decide what is most feasible for your renovation project. Back to Top
  • Does MDL Designs use sub-contractors and sub-trades?
    MDL Designs has spent several years choosing sub-contractors and trades that meet our stringent criteria of quality workmanship, cleanliness and customer courtesy. We use a mix of staff employees and selected trades we have worked with on a regular basis, to provide customized work that may not be directly available to homeowners. Back to Top

Our smooth working relationships come together in an efficient renovations team that completes all jobs to your utmost satisfaction.

Contact MDL Designs for a satisfying renovations experience from concept to completion.

 

Request a consultation        Why do I need a contractor? 
Copyright ©   MDL Designs. Oakville Web Design by WSI.