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Construction Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you are starting your own home building journey or find yourself a neighbour to a new development, we hope these answers provide context, peace of mind, and confidence. These are just a few of the construction frequently asked questions we receive. We’re always happy to chat more! Contact us with your questions.

What happens after a house is demolished?

For new builds on lots with existing structures, we start by removing the current building from the property. This involves asbestos testing and removal if necessary, disconnecting all services, safety checks, and finally using machinery to take down the structure. Trees are not always involved in the demo. The client can decide whether a private property tree will remain on the property. Public trees require additional protection and approvals by the city to ensure their survival.

After the building is knocked down, detritus is removed from the construction site. Where possible materials are recycled.

Once the site has been cleared excavation can begin. This is the process of digging a hole to the proper elevation needed as noted in the site plans. Footings, the part of the foundation that the new homes walls are built on, must be placed correctly before any more work can continue. This process, also called “Cribbing,” is closely monitored by our Project Managers and Engineer trade partners.

Why are construction fences so close to the sidewalk?

To keep the construction site as open as possible, with as much room to complete the construction of the new home as possible, fences are placed at the property line.

It’s always our intention to be as conscientious as possible to ensure the fences stay standing, do not impede pedestrian travel, and do not cause tripping hazards.

Fences are an important part of keeping a site safe. Not only do they provide a physical boundary to prevent entry they also display important information like our contact info, safety signage, and our building permit.

Why does it take so long to build a custom home?

Depending on the complexity and size of the home a new build can take two years or longer. The homes we build are full of original features that offer us unique challenges and the opportunity to collaborate with Architect Technologists, Engineers, and many trades. Managing everyone’s schedules, ensuring a high quality build every step of the way with internal inspections, and allowing time for the clients to visit site and make selections all contribute to the length of build time.

Collaborating with our trade partners in a respectful and positive manner is important to us. Sometimes a trade will require an empty site to complete their work while other times many trades can be working on the same house all at once. Our Project Managers consider road access, service requirements (like electricity usage), supply deliveries, and more to keep work flowing efficiently.

Of course, weather is also a factor with construction! An especially rainy summer can cause muddy conditions that take a large amount of time from our team to clean up. A cold winter can increase our heating costs, which may mean we delay work until the Spring. This has the added benefit of reducing the expense for our clients as well.

When can clients tour their new home?

We love touring clients around their new home throughout the construction process! Clients will be notified of important dates on site, invited for tours, sent pictures and included in weekly updates. We provide clients a pair of safety shoes before visiting. Clients also contact their assigned Project Manager before visits to ensure the smoothest and safest visit. The Project Manager is a Maillot Homes staff member who is dedicated to only a few homes. They have a holistic view of the project and know exactly what is happening on site from day to day. The Project Managers are supported by a Site Assistant who helps communicate with our trade partners, clients, and neighbours. Clients will receive the direct contact information for these individuals.

For more information about the new home building process read our Interior Design Frequently Asked Questions blog post next!