Frequently Asked Questions

Unfortunately, issues can occasionally arise, but we stand by the quality of our workmanship on every project and are committed to making things right whenever necessary..  We offer a 2 year workmanship warranty on our hardscaping projects, and a 5 year workmanship warranty on our carpentry projects.  Some exceptions apply, and this is stated in our terms and conditions contract that is presented with each estimate.  If you believe there is an issue please contact us directly so we can address the problem.

Please find the list of our common product suppliers on our company page and contact the company directly for any product related warranty issues.  If they request an invoice number from the original purchase, we will have this on file and can help with that.

Unfortunately wood decking requires a lot more maintenance than a composite or PVC product.  Annual or biennial treating of your wood decking with an oil product is recommended.  We specifically recommend Cutek Extreme wood protection oil as it is guaranteed to never peel or crack and does not require sanding between coats unlike most traditional outdoor wood stains.

While synthetic decking is low maintenance, nothing is truly maintenance free.  Washing your deck once a year – more or less often depending on local surroundings and weather – may be necessary to keep it looking fresh.  Here is the manufacturer recommendations for Timbertech and Azek decking: https://www.timbertech.com/resources/care-cleaning/. 

We offer free estimates for every qualified prospective project, which includes a basic 2D drawing of your space.  We can offer 3D renders for certain projects at additional cost.  For full landscape designs, we recommend contacting a landscape designer who specializes in this service.  We can then price the project off of their design.

We work with designers and engineers when a structural component or entire project requires professional design services.  If you know or have your own designer who offers these services, we can work with them as well.

Yes, we take care of the entire permit process when a permit is required. This includes drafting up a set of drawings, filling out applications, submitting a complete application to the town or city (includes drawings, application forms, product specific engineering documents, etc.), dealing with the permit office and inspectors, and making sure the permit is closed when work is complete.  In all cases a signature is required from the homeowner to be able to allow another individual or company to apply for the permit on your behalf.

Every township has their own local zoning bylaws, and in some cases conservation authority rules that may impact the planning of your project.  This is often important to look into prior to quoting a project to make sure what you are wanting to do will actually be permitted.  It is better to find things out in the early stages of planning rather than after a building permit has been submitted.  It is advisable for you to call the local building department/zoning office first and they can advise on any potential zoning restrictions.  If there are zoning restrictions, it is possible a minor variance can be obtained in order to proceed with applying for a building permit.  If you are in an area governed by a conservation authority, you can contact them separately to see if there are any restrictions and if a conservation permit will be required.  If a conservation permit is required, it will have to be obtained prior to building permit submission.

This timeline varies greatly depending on the following factors: time of year, building department workload, complexity of project, our internal workload, and other factors as well.  For a basic project without any special minor variances or conservation permits required, the first step is to get a set of drawings done – 1-2 weeks.  Next these get sent to the engineer for footing approval – 1 week.  Once this is complete, applications and documents get submitted.  Typical turnaround in the building department should be 10 business days or less, but in some municipalities we have experienced this to be upwards of 30 business days.  At this point if there are any deficiencies, they need to be addressed and then permit approval follows.  This entire process can average 4-6 weeks.  In some cases it could take less (1-2 weeks best case scenario in rare instances if everything is in a row, non-complicated, and expedited), or upwards of 2+ months in extreme cases where the building department is experiencing high permit submission volumes.

We like to follow the order of when customers sign up as best as possible, however in some cases the permit process does not allow for this and we simply have to follow a queue of when permits become issued.

When you sign up for a landscape or construction project with us, we will do our best to give ballpark timing for an anticipated start date.  Depending on the time of year this can range from being just a month or two out, or 6+ months out.  It is not realistic for us to promise you a firm start date at this time.  Once we begin ordering materials, calling for locates, and approaching weeks to starting and not months, we will do our best to contact you again with a more accurate start date.  Once permits (if applicable) are approved, we can also provide a better idea of starting dates at this time.  In the week leading up to the start of your project, and fewer outside factors such as weather, staffing, delays from a past project, etc. are at play, we will then confirm the specific date of our arrival to start your project.  Once we start your project, you have our undivided attention until completion. 

Yes. As a contractor doing any type of work that involves digging on your property, we are responsible for calling for our own locates prior to any digging or ground work commencing. 

If you have a private wire or well on your property and it is close or within the work area, then a private locate will be required.  The Ontario One Call service is free to locate city infrastructure such as sewers, street lights, Rogers or Bell, hydro, and gas.  A private locate is required for any electrical wires you may have installed on your property, or well lines.  This service carries an additional cost and is included on your estimate unless you arranged for one yourself.