Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding Potential Project Costs
This guide helps you understand potential costs that are not part of the standard building estimate, as they depend on the specific conditions of your property. A final assessment will always be provided after our free site investigation.
Part 1: Site Preparation Phase
Q: What about the cost of removing construction debris from my property?
A: The cost for garbage removal depends on the amount of debris generated. A rough estimate is about $1,000 per 20-yard bin, which includes the cost of the bin and the labor for removal.
Q: What if my backyard currently has an old concrete patio or brick pavers? Do they need to be removed and what is the cost?
A: Yes, any existing hard surfaces in the construction area need to be broken up and disposed of. The estimated cost for removing concrete is approximately $5 per square foot, and for brick, it's about $3.5 per square foot.
Q: What happens if there are communication lines (like phone or internet cables) running overhead across the construction area in my backyard?
A: It is the homeowner's responsibility to contact the service provider (e.g., Bell, Rogers) to have these lines rerouted. This is due to customer privacy protection policies. The process typically takes 1-2 weeks, depending on the vendor and the season.
Q: How do I know if there are any private underground lines for water, hydro, gas, or internet on my property?
A: The homeowner is responsible for providing the contractor with any known information about private underground lines. It is crucial not to hide this information. While our contractors may be able to detect some metal wires, full disclosure from you is the safest approach.
Q: What if there's a large tree or significant tree roots in the construction area?
A: Any large trees or roots obstructing the build site must be addressed before construction begins. Depending on the situation and municipal regulations, this may involve either cutting or protecting the tree, both of which require a permit. We can assist you in finding a certified arborist. To save time, the Tree Permit can be applied for concurrently with the Garden/Laneway Suite Permit.
Q: What if I have an old swimming pool in my backyard that needs to be filled in?
A: Filling in a pool will incur an additional cost, typically ranging from $3,000 to $20,000. The final price depends on the pool's size and depth, as well as the difficulty of accessing the site. We can help you find a suitable contractor for this work if needed.
Part 2: Construction & Finishing Phase
Q: Will the electrical panel in my main house need to be upgraded?
A: Yes, in most cases, the electrical panel in the main house must be 200 Amps or higher to supply power to both the main building and the new Garden/Laneway Suite. It is the homeowner's responsibility to arrange and pay for this upgrade directly with the utility provider (e.g., Toronto Hydro, Hydro One). We can assist with communication if needed.
Q: Are the costs for connecting utilities like water, electricity, and sewage included in the price?
A: Our standard package includes utility connections up to a distance of 40 feet. If your property is a deep lot and the connection distance exceeds 40 feet, an additional charge of $150 per foot will apply for the extra length.
Q: What is "shoring," and will my project require it?
A: Shoring is a process of providing temporary support to a structure, like a neighboring building, to ensure its stability, especially during excavation. If the construction site is very close to a neighbor's property, shoring may be required for safety. This is a significant undertaking with costs starting at $60,000 and up. The need for shoring is determined after a detailed site investigation.
Q: Do I need to communicate with my neighbors or tenants about the construction project?
A: Yes, it is the homeowner's responsibility to properly communicate with neighbors and any tenants about the upcoming project. Please be aware that if the construction progress is interrupted by the actions of neighbors or tenants, any resulting work delays will be charged to the owner.
Q: What will my backyard look like after construction is finished? Is landscaping included?
A: Our standard service includes final grading of the construction site to ensure a smooth surface as required by the permit plan. However, landscaping services (such as planting grass, flowers, or creating patios) are not included. If you would like us to handle the landscaping, we can provide a price and scope of work in a separate contract.
Have More Questions?
Our team is here to help you understand every aspect of your ADU project.