Question 1

Can you help with the design phase?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In fact, if all you want us to do is design your project, we will do that for you. By working with Magnolia, you can take full advantage of our process, which breaks down remodelling into various components.

Question 2

How do I know where to start?

Accepted Answer

Simple. You always start from the outside-in. We'd all love that gourmet kitchen or professionally finished basement, but those finishes are pointless if you have foundation issues or a leaky roof. Always protect the building envelope first, then focus on the fancy finishes.

Question 3

What disruptions can I expect?

Accepted Answer

We will do our best to minimize disruptions in your home during renovations. It is difficult to anticipate how much disruption will be necessary until the project is underway, and we will discuss the situation with you as it unfolds.

Question 4

How do I budget for a renovation?

Accepted Answer

Be realistic about what you can afford and always budget for those unexpected surprises that may pop up along the way. We recommend budgeting about 20 percent to cover them.

Question 5

How long will my renovation take?

Accepted Answer

The time to complete a project depends entirely on its size and scope. With your satisfaction as our goal, we finish every project as quickly as we can without sacrificing quality. Once we commit to a time, we make every effort to meet all deadlines.

Question 6

Are prices firm or could there be extra costs?

Accepted Answer

Our quotes are very detailed and the prices within them are firm, however there are occasionally unexpected costs that occur once a project has started. We will always discuss extra charges before proceeding.

Question 7

How much does a renovation cost in Ottawa?

Accepted Answer

It depends entirely on scope, but ranges exist. A full bathroom gut and rebuild, a basement finish with a bathroom, a kitchen renovation and an addition all sit in very different bands. We publish detailed cost guides for basements and bathrooms in our journal, and we give you a firm, itemised number after a site visit — never a range dressed up as a quote.

Question 8

How long will my project take?

Accepted Answer

Bathrooms typically run four to seven weeks, kitchens six to twelve, basements ten to fourteen, and additions anywhere from three to eight months. Permit review and material lead times are the two variables that move those numbers most, and we build both into the schedule you're given.

Question 9

Do I need a permit?

Accepted Answer

Structural changes, additions, new bedrooms, plumbing relocation, electrical work and secondary suites all require permits in Ottawa. Cosmetic replacement generally does not. We tell you which category you're in at the first meeting and we pull every permit the project needs.

Question 10

How does payment work?

Accepted Answer

A deposit at contract signing, then progress draws tied to completed milestones, with a holdback at substantial completion. You never pay for work that hasn't been done.

Question 11

Are you licensed and insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We carry full liability insurance and WSIB coverage, and we can provide certificates before work begins. Our workmanship is warrantied for two years.

Question 12

Can I live in the house during the renovation?

Accepted Answer

For basements and single-room projects, almost always. For kitchens, expect a temporary setup elsewhere in the house. For whole-home renovations and second storeys, most clients relocate for part of the project — we tell you honestly which weeks are the difficult ones.

Question 13

Do you provide design services?

Accepted Answer

We work with designers and drafting professionals throughout the city, and for many projects we handle the design coordination in-house. If you already have a designer, we'll work with them directly.

Question 14

What happens if you find something unexpected?

Accepted Answer

Older houses hide things. When we find one, we stop, document it, price the remedy and get your written approval before proceeding. No surprise line items appear on a final invoice.

Frequently asked questions

Ready to create a home that lasts?