Frequently Asked Questions...?

Choosing a general contractor wisely can play a crucial role in the successful completion of your project. In fact, even having good contracts, plans and construction documents may not be able to save you from a contractor who lacks to coordinate a project with skill and integrity. Always choose a contractor who you trust and are comfortable working with. If you choose to embark on this type of journey, you are basically deciding to commit a significant amount of time, money, and energy into a project that will change your life. With this in mind, you owe it to yourself to make the a well thought out, wise decision about which professional service you will trust with this massive responsibility. We offer all of this and more, as you will learn if you choose to read our answers to these frequently asked questions:

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Please click on contact us page, or call us on 855.442.4300.

Our team of experienced professionals can address almost anything that relates to your home. Our skills range from providing architectural blueprints, helping you to obtain permits, budgeting for large scale projects, aiding your finished construction with a touch of Interior Design, as well as taking control of the planning and scheduling aspects of your home renovation.

Yes, having an initial grasp of your budget allows us to design within a context. If we overestimate your budget, time is wasted by proposing something that you cannot afford, while underestimating your budget leads to a proposed project that may not live up to the potential of what could otherwise be made. Our designs and plans are customized for you in accordance with your budget. We have had a lot of success creating a rough estimate of what projects may cost before construction has begun, and we need to have a realistic sense of your budget to be able to schedule a site visit. Otherwise, time is wasted by considering possibilities that can’t be afforded instead of focusing on how to create the most value for you as we possibly can.

There are many ways to accomplish this. Conduct research online, and ask your network of friends, family, and coworkers if they have any information on the subject. If you contact us, our personnel will determine what budget should be expected for the project you are thinking about. Again, a logical first step is to fill out our form so that we can establish a ballpark estimation.

This is completely dependent on the type of project and project size. A sweeping, full-home renovation generally takes around 4-6 months. A renovation complete with an addition takes 5-7 months, and building a custom home takes just less than a year, beginning with a 1-2 month design process. Minor renovations obviously take less time. Bathrooms usually take 2 weeks, and full basements take 4-6 weeks. If either of these require additions, as well as renovations, we usually project that it will take around 2-4 months to build. Depending on the scope of the project, the design and planning phase can take anywhere from 4 weeks to 8 months… Even if this is a time consuming step, it is absolutely worthwhile.

Planning is the most important factor in regards to a successful completion of the project. If the project begins on the right trajectory, less problems will occur while the construction or renovation is taking place. No matter what, stressful situations will arise in a project like this. With the right planning in place, this stress will be minimized. Once all of the commotion of construction has gotten underway, you will be glad that you started with a solid plan to create a less chaotic atmosphere. We never rush our clients, and won’t move forward until you are fully on board with the design. After the demolition, we will provide a measured drawings for all of the millwork-- such as cabinets, vanities, built-ins and whichever others have been agreed upon. After the approval of the design, we will allow you to choose the color and profile. After you have approved every aspect of the design plan, we will start the production ourselves. The next steps are simple and effective.

We do use subcontractors for specific trades, and we use the best of the best. We trust our subcontractors, but as the company that is in charge of the project’s development, our professional workers will be on site every single day. Our standards of quality are higher than our competitors, and we always use professional, licensed tradesmen for every stage of the project. both our own lead carpenters and labourers as well as a team of Durham Region's best specialty contractors (electricians, Plumbers, HVAC Technicians, roofers , etc.) We only hire professionally licensed trades people, and any apprentice on site is supervised by a senior journeyman. We’re rigorous about quality because we want to make all the clients happy as possible and empress ourselves as well. lead the industry with a 24-month workmanship warranty.

Please visit Our Process page to learn more about the steps we follow for each of our projects.

We take many steps to ensure that you don’t have to worry about the way your project is progressing. By having the owner of the company on site, supervising the project on daily basis, the chance of facing problems is drastically minimized. Since we only take on a manageable amount of projects at any given time, and only focus on a few jobs at once, we are able to do our best to spend enough time on each project; treating it as our own project. It is natural that things deviate from an organized plan on massive projects, and we acknowledge this. This is why a major part of our work is designing systems that lessen the occurrence and impact of the types of problems that occur during construction and renovation. We are a Certified Renovator, and our initial way of addressing these problems is by hiring extremely high quality subcontractors and employees.

Yes, our 12-month warranty is considered to be one of the best in the industry for the client. The warranty covers the labour, as well as the installation of the entirety of your renovation project. The warranty on our finishing materials comes with a warranty that lasts another 5 years-10 years. There have been circumstances in the past where we have performed fixes and amendments on aspects of our projects after the warranty has expired, because it seemed to be the reasonable and honest course of action. Just because a project is complete, does not mean it is necessarily finished. We still take pride in everything that we build.

We are a fully insured company, which means that we carry over $5 million in liability coverage. This insurance declares that you, the client, will never be held liable for any harm or accident that occurs on our job site Our works are all highly trained in regards to health and safety, and we take serious internal measures to make sure that they are doing everything possible to avoid dangerous situations. Our works must be obedient to very strict safety protocols.

If you are looking to make major structural changes, such as additions or extensions of an electrical or plumbing variety, then you will likely need a permit. If your renovations are mostly decorative or aesthetic in natural, or internal functions such as a new heating system, you will not require a permit. If you have never gone through the process of obtaining a permit, you may find it to be a real headache due to its complexity. Luckily, we’re here to help. With the guidance of our experienced contractors, we guarantee that this part of the process will become less stressful and time consuming; in the short-term for the renovation, as well as in the long-term if you ever choose to sell your renovated home.

That is not a possibility. We must do this, as we are considered to be the prime contractor by laws and regulations. This gives us the sole responsibility of these aspects of the job, and this is especially important in the case of exposure to hazardous situations and materials. Also, our connections ensure that we have access to wonderful discounts and details, allowed to us due to our status as quality contractors; this will undoubtedly save you money. If you would like, you are allowed to purchase your own appliances and finishing's, but we still ask that you communicate with us about this. We have built trusted relationships with the best subcontractors available, and our mass of experience regarding a wide array of materials is another reason to hire us-- these aspects add a lot of value to our services.

We will work with your designer or architect, as long as everyone’s role is communicated and agreed upon.

In some cases, projects end up being more expensive to complete than what you may have projected. However, the more you research you do, you will likely realize that this type of project may not be as simple as you might have imagined. Any type of construction is expensive, and this is especially true when it you are working with highly professional companies, rather than independent handymen and/or apathetic employees on an hourly wage. The answer to this question also depends on the scale and scope of your project.

Our company mostly focuses on a large-scale, major, and challenging projects. We use our wide range of skills and abilities to build your dream home into a reality. We do this by creating more space; we specialize in providing an open concept feeling, changing layouts, using high-end products, and especially by ensuring that the work is done by the best professionals. We will even create a unique “Before and After” video. We believe that kitchens have a few options. We are not so interested if you are looking to have your kitchen done with sheet vinyl flooring, typical cabinets, cheap plastic counter tops, and basic, uncreative lighting. But, if you are willing to invest, the exact same floor plan can be finished with beautiful combinations of ceramic tile, custom-built millwork and cabinets, something special like stone countertops, and thought-out, effective, aesthetically pleasing ways of lighting. Here, the difference in costs can be as much as several tens of thousands of dollars-- yet, still are classified as the same type of job. We are willing to work somewhere in the middle, and, in the end, the project must fit into your budget.

Generally, we service Durham Region including Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, Bowmanville, Courtice and Kawartha Lakes. If you are curious about our perimeters, feel free to contact us @ 905.442.4300 or email.

We have been working to establish a reputation as “the best” for over fifteen years.

HOME RENOVATIONS

The first step is finding a trusted contractor; someone who you are not only willing to work with, but excited to engage in a long time project of huge personal importance with like JSC. Finding the right contractor for you is not a step to fast track. Take your time, do a lot of research, and ask friends and family if they know anybody who they feel comfortable referring. If you find a contractor you like, ask to see their portfolio, and consider contacting previous people who have worked with the contractor. Ask the contractor for their credentials and ensure they are licensed and insured. Again, make sure that, on an individual level, this is a person that you trust and like. This is a major commitment and it is worth waiting for a person who you have no reason to doubt. This contractor should be as invested in the success of your project as you are. To address this side of the development of the project, you will be provided with a free consultation with Jon. He truly care's about the growth and healthy development of the project, and will continue to take all the required steps to ensure that you are comfortable every step of the way.

This is a very common question, but it is hard to give an answer without first knowing the scale of your project. For a rough estimation, get in contact with us. We would be happy to discuss this with you. Typically, we ask that our clients to fill out the “Request a Quote” form that can be found on our website. Once you have completed this form with the details of your vision, we can give you an estimated quote, and the process will have started in an accurate and professional way.

Considering the scale of the renovations we typically perform, it is advisable that you live elsewhere. Living in a home that is undergoing massive renovations is not safe or conducive to creating a productive work environment. If your renovation is a more minor one, like a spare room, or a bathroom in a house that has several toilets and showers, then staying is totally fine, but may still feel like an inconvenience or annoyance. If your situation involves pets and/or children, we recommend vacating the premises during the renovation procedure, as this activity can be very stressful for them.

No, this is a myth. We complete projects with great success through the entire year. Toronto has always been busy and bustling with construction and renovation projects during every month of the year. Regardless it's best to schedule your project at least 3 months before you would like the renovation to begin.

CUSTOM HOME BUILDS

This is an important question, and, if you are asking it, it can show that you are overwhelmed by the limitations, or that you have a misunderstanding of the potential within your own home. It is necessary to get an experienced opinion to help determine whether it is necessary to put in such work to start from scratch. Without exception, an experienced interior designer will show you possibilities which you had never even imagined. Such a pristine renovation will rejuvenate your commitment to your neighborhood, as well as add value to your property. However, we might suggest building new if your lofty ideals for a new home don’t suit the aesthetic or culture of your neighborhood-- if you are willing to invest in building, there will be plenty of communities enthused to have you move in and build new. In this situation, opening dialogues with Jon & our inhouse realtor would be positive actions to take. Property prices are rising by the second and there has never been a better time to renovate your home. Avoid the costs that come with paying for realtors and lawyers, and build something that you can be proud of, a home that will last for a long time, increase in value, and be everything that you have ever wanted for home.

Though we make a massive contribution, your partnership is required in many ways. This means that, though we will certainly offer assistance, it is not uncommon that organizing basic amenities such as electricity, hydro, and cable will fall onto your shoulders. We will, however, walk you through the process of securing a building permit.

This is completely dependent on the specifics of your project. The range of time of completion between our vast array of projects is very wide, but in most circumstances we can assure that it will be completed with one year with exceptions.

This is dependent on multiple factors, since we are custom home builders. The design of your home, the finishes, and the specific structural elements all have an impact on the cost per square foot, but roughly $175-$350/sqft is a decent budget to consider.

For a full 2-years your custom home will be protected by our warranty, which covers any damage or malfunctions related to the construction or our impact on the home.

There are certainly some important ideals to consider when starting your custom home project. These include finding your ideal location, working within a budget that you can afford, and how your potential home suits the way you live. We will transform your dream into a reality by giving you what's best. We will create your ideal space, with a unique atmosphere, based solely on your wants and needs, as well as consideration for the future re-sale value of your house. Deciding to build a custom home means that you are doing away with the pre-planned designs usually offered by contractors, and allows the exciting possibilities that you have imagined to come to fruition. Custom homes are perfect for those who want to live a unique, bold life. One main difference between custom homes and pre-planned designs is that the time it takes to develop the plan. This is where you will distinguish the difference between your wants and your needs, and consider the feasibility of your vision. Financial considerations play a large role in this part of the process, as well as communication with potential builders. A healthy line of communication between you and your builder is essential to optimizing your results. You will want to find a builder who is communicative, collaborative, and cooperative. Check references, talk to previous customers, and try to get to know your builder on a personal level before making your choice. Though it is wise to prepare to work through unexpected challenges during construction, we will make sure solve your issues efficiently and professionally, helping to keep you informed by explaining everything to you on a step by step basis. Insist on an organized schedule for construction, communications, and completion from your builder, but don’t fail to consider that things will change; be adaptable. Building a custom home is a commitment as much as an investment.

When we work, we ensure that the professional expertise, rigorous discipline, and the best trends and design concept are all united in an impressive harmony. Despite our vast array of projects, this way of working always leads to one common result: that each house appeals to your tastes and reflects your lifestyle. On the inside and the outside, an enjoyable place to spend your time, as well as time with family and friends, is created and cultivated. We offer the best in residential and commercial construction, and have earned a trusted reputation with our customers and clients through our dedication to designing and constructing great projects. We keep a manageable workload on a year-by-year basis so that each project can be given the time it needs to be built to perfection. Our highly trained employees and management will work with you every step of the way, from your first call until well after you have taken over your finished project. We believe that our work is not done until you are fully satisfied, and our satisfaction depends on getting the job done right.

It is absolutely essential that every house we build begins by having its own look and design. We value unique visions and thoroughly original completions: we don’t copy or scale designs in our projects. It is true that we work closely with other leaders in the field of home design, and research deeply into trends being applied to modern model home building. Freshly designed model homes often carry the types of innovations and ideas that inspire our architecture moving forward, helping us to bring forth extremely bold proposals for the components of a home.

Each customer that comes our way will be directed to working with our architects to plan and build a custom home. Bring your concept to the table, and we will use our expertise to bring it to life while using durable, environmental friendly, top of the line products, to embolden the design a quintessentially timeless style. We focus on creating a dynamic between the exterior and interior of your house that will stay fresh and aesthetically pleasing. The planning begins with multiple meetings, in your home or at our office, in which we will completely work with and around your schedule. In these meetings, every aspect of the process will be discussed and agreements will be made. Our clients leave the planning process educated on the building process, and ready to make an informed decision as to what course they want to take. The level of detail that we put into our designs is immense, and if you want to fully understand every design feature, we will let you in fully as we plot out each step towards our final destination. As they are made, we will carefully document the clarified decisions that are made on your project.

The lines of communication are always clear and open, and we prioritize keeping you in the loop. If you are clear about your availability, we will go out of our way to facilitate frequent communication. Jon take great pride in his systematic planning and ability to come to firm decisions before construction, but it is true that, on occasion, there is a desired change to the design after construction has already began. If there is any way to accommodate your change of heart, Jon will do it. Depending on the change, additional costs may be required, but these terms will be agreed upon before any changes are made. Then, you will once again meet with Jon to update the documented plan of action. This has not been a major issue in the past, as his collaborative style of production seems to ensure that changes will be thought of and communicated early enough to keep the budget and schedule mostly in line.

Issues do arise in projects of this magnitude. However, Jon has been praised for not allowing most issues to become problems. JSC's team's collective sense of detail is a point of pride, and we have earned the trust of even the most doubtful of customers through our effective way of managing risk and using communication to put out fires before they are lit. Just when the house seems to be “complete,” there is always a final walk-through, and the project is not “over” until you assure us that you are satisfied. Jon remains available to contact about any problem or concern after your house has been built and you have moved in.

Yes, plans are completely open to fluid change during the process of planning. There is a reason that such a time is allotted to decision making and exploring options prior to construction; working so closely with Jon is intended to allow changes of mind and generally create the foundation for a smooth building process. Once construction has begun, changing plans is addressed on a case by case basis, but Jon will do his best to facilitate any wants or needs that arises.

If you have any query regarding our renovation services of J Slavin Contracting, please feel free to ask us.



Contact us

We work on both residential and commercial buildings, offering a broad range of services. You'll love the convenience of having just one company that can complete your entire project.

855.442.4300



Turning Houses into Homes Since 2003.

Call us today at 905-442-4300

Our Services

We work on both residential and commercial projects, offering a broad range of services. You'll love the convenience of having just one company that can complete your entire project.

Contact Us

Jon Slavin, Owner / Operator

2747 Taunton Rd. East,

Bowmanville Ontario,

L1C 3K5

1-905-442-4300

1-855-442-4300 (Toll Free)

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