OUR PROCESS

OVERVIEW

Construction is a complex but fulfilling process that starts with a vision and ends in something that can bring joy and comfort for generations to come.

No two projects are identical, but over the years we’ve developed a consistent and reliable process for our clients. Here’s an overview of the W.C. Meek Design-Build delivery process, so you know exactly what to expect.

BUILD TRUST AND THE RELATIONSHIP

During the initial consultation and meeting, you will speak with and meet Bill to discuss the project to be addressed. W.C. Meek assesses every prospective project for its feasibility. Dream home projects are great, but expectations must be set early if we’re to bring that dream to reality.

PRE-PHASE 1

Design Planning Proposal

An initial consultation is held to review the client’s needs, thought and ideas about the project. An on-site meeting and review will take place to develop a Design Planning Proposal, which includes a scope of work for Phases 1 and 2, and then a Pre-Concept Project Budget Range for Phase 3. Once you’ve reviewed and signed off on the proposal, we move into Phase 1.

PHASE 1

Design Concept and Budget Development

We develop a questionnaire to help you and our team determine your needs and how you currently live and or want to live in your new home. Afterward, we'll develop conceptual drawings, concept costs and blueprints to help you visualize your project, and we’ll refine them until you’re satisfied.

In this phase the drawings are typically plan views, with some details including locations for cabinetry, plumbing and possible mechanical changes. Interior and exterior finishes are discussed and touched on but are not finalized yet. Renderings can also be provided at the client’s request, so they can see how the build might look in the future.

When a project has structural implications, we get as much information as we can with or without exposing the building elements, and we have our engineer on board to inspect and make sure we are on the right track for both design and budget. Depending on the type of project, we will know if there are permit implications related to the City’s Committee of Adjustment (C of A) as we will submit the plans for a Zoning Applicable Law Certificate (ZAP). For more information on the process for this please ask us.

Phase 1 ends with a sign off on the design concept and budget that is ready for development. We’ll know the scope of work, where the costs are headed and whether there are any zoning issues.

PHASE 2

Design Development, Engineering and Architectural

The concept is chosen, and we have a very good idea of where the costs are going, so we’re ready to develop the drawings: design, architectural and permit related drawings happen in parallel. For design development, you’ll get elevations, electrical/plumbing and HVAC plans, flooring and tile patterns, as well as any other project details for both the interior and exterior to make sure it’s planned out thoroughly.

The architectural and design drawing package along with the detailed scope of work become the schematics from which the project will be built. The cost is then finalized for client approval and building permit application packages are put together and sent to the city. Parallel to this, contracts, payment and work schedules are created so we’re ready to build once the permits come through. This is our system in action: Build in theory, before you Build in reality.

PHASE 3

Construction and Hand-off

Our detailed work schedule is reviewed and revised on a consistent basis from the start of construction to completion. Clients receive frequent updates on the construction’s progress and the lines of communication are open. WCM Project Managers ensure sites are running efficiently in conjunction with the WCM Project Site Lead. Our Site Lead is the WCM employee who is assigned to your project and is on site each day, working and overseeing the project from start to finish. With help of other WCM support staff and Designers this ensures nothing slips through the cracks when it comes to the day-to-day happenings on a construction site.

We provide all the deliverables at the end: drawings, documentation, warranties, maintenance manuals and notes taken throughout the project.

Now your new space is yours to enjoy. But wait, there’s one more phase that we recommend.

PHASE 4

360 HOME — Warranty and Maintenance

Once a project is finished, whether it’s a bathroom, kitchen, renovation or a new home, you should maintain it to keep it looking the way you want and functioning the way it needs to. This means maintaining what has been built, whether it’s cleaning and re-silicone showers, touching up chipped paint, replacing light bulbs, servicing the HVAC, cleaning the eaves or windows, or repairing a popped drywall screw.

WCM covers the first two years of construction-related repairs. After that, 360 HOME stays on with you to keep your house running like new. Ask further about what our 360 HOME service can do for you.

BUILD WITH PROTECTION

Build with protection: Set your mind at ease with a worry-free renovation. As an award-winning member of BILD and RenoMark since 2008, WCM subscribes to an ironclad Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct. Our projects are covered by a two-year warranty with Workman’s Safety Insurance Board (WSIB) and $5,000,000.00 liability insurance coverage, plus $2,000,000 designer’s errors and omissions coverage. Terms and conditions apply.