After ten years of squeezing family dinners into a kitchen that felt two sizes too small, Project Village homeowners, Fraser and Ellianne,decided patch‑ups were no longer enough. Their living room was oversized while the kitchen and dining areas were boxed in. Hosting felt awkward, and keeping eyes on young children meant constant shuffling.
Main Floor for Hosting and Family Life
During the consultation, step one of Our Process, it became clear that an open-concept floor plan with a spacious kitchen and dining area that flowed into a cozy living room was the solution they were looking for. As a family that loves to host, they found the original layout wasn’t suited for entertaining, often leaving guests crowded into tight, uncomfortable spaces.
We quickly got to work designing a space that preserved the key features and elements from the century home while incorporating new modern elements that matched their design style.
Open-concept layout with warm wood cabinetry, large island seating, panoramic windows, and mid-century pendant lights.
Open Space with Mid‑Century Character
We removed the centre wall between the kitchen, dining, and living rooms to create one continuous view. At the same time, original features such as the open wood partition at the front entry were thoughtfully preserved, offering a subtle nod to the home’s past while blending seamlessly with the new modern design.
Mid-century modern open-concept living room with a yellow accent wall and an open kitchen layout.
Our Signature Process That Makes Renovations Stress Free.
Our Process, is a strict nice step procedure that we follow to keep surprises at bay.
Listen and Plan – After listening to their needs, we were able to understand areas that needed improvement. We crafted a detailed proposal and sent it to them shortly after.
Measure and Check – A full‑house laser scan plus a dedicated Trades Day let our electrician, plumber, HVAC, and structural partners spot hidden issues early.
Design – With all the checks in place, we began on concept sketches, 3‑D renderings, and finish boards that helped turn ideas into clear plans. A plan was set in place, and the next step was to begin building.
Build – To ease the stress brought on by renovations, we provided our clients with daily updates and weekly Friday emails, allowing us to keep them updated on everything happening in their homes. We were able to complete this renovation ahead of schedule due to our strict planning before starting the build.
Warranty – After the final walk‑through, our two‑year workmanship warranty began, backing every detail with peace of mind.
Ready to take the first step? Book a consultation to explore your options.
The Finishing Details
Custom cabinetry, warm oak floors, and a large island anchored the new space. Brass accents nod to the mid‑century era, and the layered lighting kept everything bright and welcoming.
Our client was thrilled with the process, noting that, “Every day, something happened, and we’d come into the space and it would be different; it was so exciting.” (Ellianne R., Homeowner, Project Village)
Scheduled and On Budget
“We finished ahead of schedule and on budget.” (Fraser S., Homeowner, Project Village)
Clear milestones and open communication kept surprises away. The project met the three‑month target, proudly wrapping up early, which let the family host friends sooner than expected.
We take pride in every project we complete. Your home is more than just an address in our books. It’s an exciting journey where we can bring your dreams to life, creating a space that you will love for years. Explore more of our projects in our gallery.
A Home Ready for the Future
The new windows flood every corner with light, and clear sightlines make it easy to keep an eye on the kids. We’re so thrilled to have been able to help these clients create a home they’ll love for years to come.
Ready to feel in good hands with your own renovation? Schedule your design consultation and let us map out a plan that fits your life.
Right out of the gate, I think it’s worth acknowledging that we, the authors of this article, are a general contractor and design and build general contracting company. While I am immensely proud of our capabilities, I’m also the first to admit that we are not always the best fit for every project or client, and that’s OK. The purpose of this article is to hopefully demystify the overall renovation process and guide readers toward the best option for their particular needs. And of, course, if that means you need a general contractor, and you're in an area we service, we’d be honoured to hear from you!
Choosing to renovate is a major investment of time, energy, and money. Unlike other major investments, such as buying a car or a new home, there isn’t a well-known process that everyone knows to follow, and yet, everyone has heard of someone with a horror story about a renovation project gone wrong. A question we commonly receive is, “Where do I start?” That’s the purpose of this article - to go through the various approaches homeowners can take to tackle their renovation projects and which options tend to be best suited for different types of projects.
Types of Service Providers in the Renovation Space:
When planning a home renovation, homeowners have several options for the type of company they can work with, each offering unique expertise and services. These companies range from handyman services for small repairs to full-service design and build contractors for larger, more complex projects. Whether a homeowner is looking for specialized trade professionals, comprehensive project management from a general contractor, or a creative design solution from a design firm, understanding the different types of companies available is key to selecting the right partner for your project. The following are the main types of companies that homeowners will have to choose from.
1. Handyman Companies
Handyman companies are typically small businesses that provide a wide range of basic home repair and maintenance services. These services often include tasks like minor plumbing repairs, fixing fixtures, painting, and other small-scale renovations. Handyman companies are ideal for homeowners who need quick and affordable fixes without major structural changes.
2. Specialty Trades
Specialty trades refer to companies or individual contractors that focus on a specific area of home renovation, such as electrical work, plumbing, HVAC (heating/cooling), roofing, or flooring. These professionals are specialized experts in their field and are usually brought in for projects that require technical skills or licensed professionals. Clients often hire specialty trades directly for specific tasks, such as replacing a roof or fixing a leak.
3. General Contractors
General contractors oversee and manage all aspects of a home renovation or construction project. They are responsible for hiring and coordinating subcontractors, obtaining permits, and ensuring that the project adheres to timelines, budgets, and regulations. General contractors are well-suited for medium to large-scale renovations, offering a comprehensive approach to managing various trades and suppliers.
4. Design and Build General Contractors:
Design and build general contractors offer a full-service solution by combining both the design and construction phases of a renovation project under one roof. These firms handle everything from initial concept design to final construction, providing a streamlined process for clients. This integrated approach can lead to better coordination, faster timelines, and potentially lower costs by reducing communication gaps between designers and builders.
5. Design Firms
Design firms specialize in creating the aesthetic and functional layout of a renovation or new construction project. These firms typically employ architects, interior designers, and space planners to develop detailed plans and blueprints that match the client’s vision. Design firms are ideal for clients who want a custom design solution before moving into the construction phase of a project. After the completion of the design process, design firms typically work with a general contractor.
Size and Complexity Matter When Selecting Who to Work With for Renovations
When deciding who to work with, the size and complexity of the project are key indicators of which type of service provider is best suited.
If a project is small, more repair-oriented, or focused solely on a single item, a handyman company or specialty trade is typically a good start. These types of projects could include things like:
If your shingles are looking worn, you’d probably be best served by calling a roofing company directly.
If you want some Ikea wardrobes assembled and installed, you’d likely be better off calling a handyman company.
If you want to replace the faucet and toilet in your bathroom, you’re probably best served by calling a plumber.
If your furnace is making unusual noises and likely needs to be replaced, you’re likely best to call an HVAC company.
If you’re looking to refresh the colors of your home with new paint, it’s likely you just need a painting company.
If you’re looking to have windows replaced, working directly with a window and door company likely makes the most sense.
If your project is more complex, will involve coordination between multiple trades, or if there is difficulty conceptualizing what you want, it is likely that a general contractor (GC) might be the correct choice. Some projects where a GC is well-suited include:
Projects where multiple trades are involved that require coordination, such as bathroom and basement renovations on the smaller end, up to whole home remodels, additions, and additional dwelling units on the larger end.
Projects where design and visualization are important, which is pretty much every project, would be well served by working with either a standalone designer or a general contractor with in-house design capability.
What is a General Contractor?
While it’s straightforward to understand what handyman companies and specialty trades do, the concept of a General Contractor (GC) isn’t always as broadly understood.
General contracting companies can be structured differently, but they all share one key role. They are typically responsible for coordinating and managing the overall project. Some general contracting companies have in-house capacity to complete portions of the construction work; for example, we have a staff of carpenters who handle all carpentry-related tasks for our projects. Other GCs are purely project managers and subcontract all aspects of construction to other companies.
At its core, a general contractor is a professional responsible for overseeing and managing a construction project from start to finish. Here’s a detailed look at the role and responsibilities of a general contractor.
1. Project Management:
Overseeing the entire construction process, including scheduling, budgeting, and quality control.
Coordinating between various trades and subcontractors (e.g., electricians, plumbers and carpenters).
2. Hiring Subcontractors
Selecting, hiring, and managing subcontractors for specific tasks.
Ensuring that subcontractors are licensed and insured.
3.Permits and Regulations
Obtaining necessary building permits and ensuring compliance with local building codes and regulations.
Navigating zoning laws and environmental regulations.
4. Budget Management
Estimating project costs and managing the budget throughout the construction process.
Handling payments to subcontractors and suppliers.
5.Communication
Acting as the main point of contact between the homeowner and the construction team.
Providing regular updates to clients on project progress and addressing any concerns.
6. Problem Solving
Addressing unexpected issues during construction, such as delays, design changes, or material shortages.
Finding solutions to keep the project on track.
7. Quality Control
Ensuring the work meets the required standards and specifications.
Conducting inspections and coordinating with inspectors as necessary.
The main value a general contractor brings to a project is ensuring it is well managed and as stress-free as possible for the homeowner. General contractors are professional project managers, and while the cost of working with a GC may initially seem more expensive than hiring individual trades, their expertise in managing timelines and budgets can make the upfront investment worthwhile in the end.
If you think that a GC is the right fit for your project, check out our other articles about things to consider when selecting a GC for your project.
Should I Use a Design Firm or a Design and Build General Contractor?
Deciding between a design firm and a design and build general contractor for your home renovation project depends on the scope of your project, your preferences, and how involved you want to be in managing different phases.
A design firm specializes in creating a custom design solution, focusing on the layout, aesthetics, and overall vision for the space. If you already have a contractor or plan to hire one separately, a design firm can work with you to develop detailed plans and blueprints, which can then be executed by your chosen construction team. This option allows you to work with experts solely dedicated to design, giving you greater flexibility to choose contractors for the build phase.
On the other hand, a design and build general contractor offers an all-in-one service, handling both the design and construction aspects of your project. This integrated approach ensures that the design is practical and feasible from the start, as the same team is responsible for executing the project. With this option, you avoid the need to coordinate between separate design and construction teams, which can save time, streamline communication, and prevent potential misalignment (also known as, finger pointing). Additionally, design and build firms tend to provide more accurate cost estimates upfront, as the entire process is managed under one roof.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your needs. If you have a unique design vision that requires specialized attention, a design firm might be the best option. However, if you want a more seamless process and value convenience, a design and build general contractor can provide a comprehensive solution from start to finish.
It should also be noted that most design and build GCs are happy to work with external designers. For example, at Eagleview Construction, we proudly work with a number of external designers, and are always excited to work with new ones, where we often complement their services when necessary. We often complete the construction and permit drawings for projects where we are working with an interior design company, or we assist with interior design and finishes selection for some of the architects we work with.
Above all, anyone looking to undertake a renovation project more complex than the smaller, repair-type projects mentioned above should understand how critical design is to ensuring the success of the project. For more information about things to consider regarding design and home renovations, check out our content on that topic.
Conclusion:
In this article, we’ve tried to answer the question of “Who should I call?” when considering a renovation project. To do this, we reviewed the most common types of companies in the home renovation space and provided insight into what they do and when they are likely the best fit for your project.
If you are considering a renovation project and have any doubts about where to start, feel free to give us a call. We’d be happy to chat about your project and where we think you’d be best served. For those in our area, we love the opportunity to refer people to great specialty trades or other GCs if we’re not the best fit for your project. If you’re outside our area, we’re happy to offer broader advice about who might best serve your needs. When people have a great renovation experience, it benefits the entire industry, and we’re passionate about improving that experience. So, please don’t hesitate to connect.
Everyone has heard horror stories about shady contractors, or renovation projects gone wrong. So, in order to protect yourself against these nightmare scenarios, one of the best things that you, as a homeowner, can do is follow a thorough selection process when choosing which contractor to work with. Choosing the right contractor for your project is crucial to its success and can significantly impact both how stressful the process is, and ultimately, the overall quality of the final product.
As a General Contractor ourselves, we’re likely biased about what makes a good contractor; however, we’re also well positioned to see what works and what doesn’t. At Eagleview we’re obsessed with ensuring that our clients have a great renovation experience, and we work hard to make that a reality. Despite there being other amazing contractors out there who share that same goal, every year, we receive calls from homeowners who are stressed out beyond belief and in the throes of a dispute with their contractor. Many times, they have had to fire their contractor and are looking for assistance to get things back on track. While we endeavour to assist these folks, it often quickly becomes obvious that there were many red flags that were ignored early on, and had they been paid attention to, could have avoided a lot of pain and suffering.
So, here’s our best effort to summarize what you can do to confidently choose a fantastic contractor for your project:
1. It Starts with You
Begin by defining the intent of your project and what problems you are looking to solve.
Set a budget. When heading into a renovation, know that you own your budget and stick to what you are comfortable paying for on a project. Any contractor should be respectful of that and take staying within those parameters very seriously. To assist with understanding what certain types of projects costs, please read our article titled “How Much Will My Renovation Cost.” It can also be helpful to speak with a financial advisor or mortgage broker very early in the process to assist in determining what you are able to spend.
Understand your desired timeline for when you would like the work to be started and completed.
2. Create a Shortlist of Potential Contractors
Find out what type of contractor you need. To do so, please see our article on that.
Gather recommendations from friends and family. Another source is finding contractors with high reviews and ratings online.
3. Interview Potential Contractors
Ask about their process (hint: if a contractor doesn’t follow a set process or is willing to change their process based on your demands, that’s a red flag).
For design and build contractors, they should be able to clearly outline both the design process as well as the build portion of the project.
Ask about their experience with similar projects (e.g. Similar sized projects and similar aged properties, etc.). Or even ask to see examples of their past work.
Reputable contractors are very proud of their past projects and happy to show them off!
Ask for references and check online reviews. A reputable contractor should be more than happy to provide you with past clients who can share their experiences.
Ask about insurance and warranties. A reputable contractor will be able to easily summarize their insurance coverages and even provide a Certificate of Insurance if requested.
Ask about who they use as subcontractors and how long they’ve worked with their trade partners.
A general contractor’s sub trades are integral to a project's success. A general contractor’s ability to maintain longstanding relationships with excellent trades is typically a strong indication that they are a competent contractor.
Ask about affiliations and organizations that they are a part of. Organizations such as the Better Business Bureau and RenoMark require members to adhere to strict codes of conduct and provide proof that they are in conformity.
4. Get it in Writing
A reputable contract should put everything into writing that will clearly outline what they will be delivering, how you will pay for it, timelines that you can expect, and any other details that are pertinent to your project.
5. Making a Selection
In addition to everything above, it’s also important to ensure that communication style, professionalism and values of a potential contractor are in alignment with yours. Renovation projects are typically long-term relationships, so it’s critical that you will enjoy who you’re working with.
Don’t just base your decision on price. There are so many aspects of a project that add value to a project than simply the initial price.
In August 2023, Eagleview Construction was listed as one of the Top 3 Home Builders in Kitchener, ON by ThreeBestRated! ThreeBestRated® helps 4.5 Million customers find the best local businesses, professionals, restaurants, health care providers, etc., in key cities. They have thoroughly evaluated and updated our business based on a rigorous 50-Point Inspection. Customers use Description, Price, List of Specialties, Awards, 6 High-Resolution Photos and Video to find the best businesses.
On October 28, 2021 it was announced that Eagleview Construction was once again Diamond Winners in the Favourite General Contractor & Favourite Home Renovation categories! This year, they were also Diamond winners in 5 other categories including Kitchen Design & Renovation and Bathroom Design & Renovation.
On February 12, 2019 it was announced that for first time every Eagleview Construction won the "Best of Houzz" award for Design! This comes after five consecutive years of winning the "Best of Houzz" award for Customer Service. This award is based on several factors, including the number and quality of client reviews a professional received throughout the year.
This is an award that we are extremely proud to win as it is a direct result of our clients' satisfaction with both our customer service and workmanship" said Iain Kent, Partner of Eagleview Construction.
This year’s Best Of Houzz awards go to an incredibly talented and service-oriented group of home remodeling and design professionals, and we’re proud to highlight the winners on the Houzz website and app,” said Liza Hausman, vice president of Industry Marketing for Houzz. “This award is particularly meaningful as it reflects the sentiment of the millions of homeowners in the Houzz community who are hiring home professionals for their projects across the U.S. and around the world.
.jpg)
%20(1).jpg)
.png)
