Our Process
No delays! No surprises! No mess!
That’s our promise.
And we keep it. Every single time. Because we adhere to a strict process that involves all the steps you see in the video and images below.
Our meticulous 10-step process, developed through years of experience, means we can confidently guarantee your home renovation will be done when we say, at the price we quote, with a minimum of disruption to you and your family.
You can be confident that you’ve hired a renovator you can trust:
- Who has your best interests at heart
- Who will ensure you know exactly what your home will look like when it’s finished — and then deliver that
- And who will back up their work with a best-in-class warranty
Our process takes you step by step through the renovation journey, and we won’t move on to the next step until both sides are satisfied with the current one. We do not rush through this process because it’s important for you to be comfortable with the plan and for us to know it intimately.
This process is our road map to a successful renovation and a home you will love.
Our Process
Initial phone call
We begin our relationship with a short phone call to learn if we are potentially a good fit for each other. On this call, we’ll get a brief idea of the scope of your project and expectations and confirm you’re in our service area.
Discovery meeting
Optional feasibility study
This service is helpful if it will be difficult to estimate your project or if you want to explore multiple options. We guide you on what’s possible within your budget and the investment needed to achieve your goals. From experience, we’ve found that client budgets often don’t cover everything they want.
The feasibility study clarifies what’s realistic, outlines options, and estimates costs.
We start by laser measuring your home, creating drawings and a 3D virtual tour. Understanding the entire home ensures that changes won’t negatively impact other areas.
Our designers, estimator, and project manager then explore different options and potential challenges. We present several design options, each with a detailed scope of work and estimate, and review them with you to find the best fit.
Our goal is to choose the right option and proceed with planning, but if no option fits, you’ll leave with a clear understanding of what’s achievable, avoiding the risk of starting an unrealistic project.
The investment for this service is $2,500 + tax, which is credited back if we proceed with construction.
Design
- Design layout & selections: You are matched with one of our in-house designers, who works with you to develop the best possible design plan for your budget and needs. Your designer provides knowledge and guidance to you to help you select all finishing materials and fixtures needed to bring your vision to life.
- Investigation: Our production team (engineers, specialists, and trades) conducts inspections to discover obstacles that may impact either the design elements you’ve chosen or the investment budget you have so we can eliminate unpleasant surprises during construction. We may ask your permission to cut holes and openings in walls and ceilings to conduct a thorough investigation of mechanical and structural elements.
- Estimating & project scope: In this stage, we prepare detailed drawings and a thorough scope of work with a comprehensive list of all materials. We also collect quotes and estimates from vendors.
The design stage typically requires an investment from you of 3% to 5% of the preliminary budget, which will be credited against the construction cost should you authorize us to do the work.
Quote and signed agreement
We meet again in your home to review:
- Our accurate fixed-price quotation
- The renovation agreement
- And the construction and payment schedules
If everything is acceptable and you are comfortable authorizing the agreement, we will schedule the work.
Pre-construction meeting
Approximately 2-3 weeks before construction starts, we introduce you to the dedicated project manager we have identified as the best match for your renovation and your family. A thorough scope of work and associated logistics is meticulously reviewed and discussed during this meeting. Final details are fine-tuned and any questions or concerns you have are addressed.
Construction
Pre-delivery inspection
Final walk-through
Warranty & support
Design Steps
Laser measuring
Wants and needs meeting
You will meet your designer for the first time to review and authorize your preliminary scope of work. It is important for the designer to “get inside your head” and to understand your wants and needs before offering any solutions.
Concept planning
With the information you provided, your designer will prepare concept sketches of the different options. Then, your designer will brainstorm the feasibility of these options with our construction team. Once realistic options are established, your designer will present them to you for you to choose from. The construction team then prepares for the home inspection, selecting trade specialists, to identify possible obstacles and assess how complex it will be to implement your favourite options.
Home inspection
We at SOSNA offer a unique opportunity to minimize mistakes and surprises during construction. To achieve this we conduct thorough inspections of your home with the help of our construction team:
- Structural. We will have a structural engineer and master carpenter examine your existing house structure and recommend possible options if you wish to create an open concept, remove / relocate walls, or make other changes to the house’s structure.
- Mechanical. During renovations, it is common for air ducts, plumbing, and other mechanical lines in your home to be affected. During the inspection, we will identify all hidden lines that are inside your floors, walls, and ceilings and make a plan to address them. If not addressed properly, renovations can cause more harm than good to your home. Our plumbing and HVAC experts usually handle this inspection.
- Specialty. Trades such as electrical, roofing, masonry, stairs, and flooring specialists, to name a few, may be required to inspect at this point, depending on the complexity of your renovation.
Feasibility / layout options
What we discover during the home inspection may affect your budget or design decisions. Your designer, estimator and our construction team will review the findings.
Based on that, your designer may prepare several layout options and how they may affect the budget. This information will help you decide on what option is the best for you and your family. There are few designers as skilled as ours at planning space and creating layouts that are both efficient and aesthetic
3D Visualisation/layout selection
Your designer will show you 3D models and elevations of your favourite options to help you visualize what your home/space will look like. It will be easier to confirm the space layout once you have budget numbers and an idea of what the end result will look like.
Since a building permit takes time to obtain, we can offer to apply for the permit even before the design is complete if you would like to start construction sooner rather than later.
Finishes and fixtures selection
Our designers are experts when it comes to fixtures, materials and products. They know well the advantages and disadvantages of each product and what is of high quality and what is not. Your designer will educate and guide you in selecting all fixtures and finishing materials (FFs). You will be offered to tour our suppliers’ showrooms to select things like tiles & stone slabs, plumbing & light fixtures.
Drawings and FFS approval
Detail. Detail. Detail. The more details we have, the less risk of misunderstanding or mistake during construction. Your designer will prepare very detailed drawings that will show all aspects of your renovation and review them thoroughly with you.
Your designer will explain every aspect and element until you are totally satisfied. Any changes or adjustments are made promptly and accurately. A detailed list of all materials and fixtures is prepared with all necessary information about them, such as manufacturer, specifications, and description. You will know exactly what will go into your home! Guessing is not an option.
Estimating and scoping of work
Agreement, quote and schedule approval
A renovation agreement, quote, & construction schedule approval will be issued to you at the end of the design process so that you know exactly what we will be doing, how much it will cost, and when it will be completed. Our price and deadline do not change during construction!
Ready to Transform Your Home & Elevate Your Life?
Let’s connect and make your vision a reality! Our team is dedicated to understanding your unique needs and providing personalized renovation solutions that align with your vision and budget.
