Custom Home Renovations

It’s a question every homeowner wants to answer. The truth is that no square foot estimate will do your project justice because every project is unique. In order to be realistic and avoid disappointment it is essential to plan for contingency.

We would be willing to do a free onsite estimate based on your wish list.

In a temperate rainforest climate like Vancouver, it’s often easier to get exterior work on the roof, chimneys, siding, etc. done in the summer and fall. But, with proper rain coverage and equipment, exterior work can be done at any time of the year because the temperatures are relatively stable. Because we have a full roster of in-house office, design, and production staff, we can accommodate your project at any time of year. Most interior renovations are unaffected by the weather.

If the option is available to you, by all means, move out. Or plan that long-awaited vacation to happen at the same. That said, if you have a smaller renovation—a bathroom that is not your only source for showering and toileting, for example—then staying is not a big deal because the work will be localized to a small area and be over relatively quickly. If you have pets or small children, even more of a reason to vacate. Both will find the noise and activity stressful. No matter how many things we do to accommodate your needs (we use a negative-pressure dust extractor at all times), you will still find your day-to-day routine disrupted.

Our approach is to gather some basic information over the phone to see if we are a good fit, then schedule an in-person consultation to meet you personally and ask (and answer) the deeper questions. After this meeting, we may recommend a feasibility study to firm up an estimate. We’ll look into permitting and zoning restrictions and investigate the quality of your home’s systems—including structural, electrical, plumbing, and more. Doing this minimizes surprises from occurring. We’ll then do a pre-construction agreement, which includes written specifications, the scope of work, and the master schedule. Once the contracts are signed, construction can begin.

The biggest source of frustration for people doing renovations is unrealistic schedules. Poor planning by your contractor not only leads to extra costs but also pushes back completion dates. We try to prevent this by ordering all the specialty materials (windows, doors, countertops) as soon as the contract is signed, and building a schedule around their arrival dates. All of our processes—from our pre-construction checklists to weekly project reviews—are designed to keep your project on time and on budget.

We provide an industry-leading, 24-month warranty for the labour and installation of all aspects of our renovation projects. We stand behind our work.  

Yes, we carry $10 million in WorkSafeBC liability coverage to ensure you are never liable for accidents on the job site. All workers take an in-house safety training program and adhere to a rigorous set of safety protocols.

Permits are required for any structural, electrical, or plumbing additions in Greater Vancouver. Cosmetic or energy efficiency changes like flooring, tiles, windows, doors, and heating systems do not require permits. The process may seem complicated because, often, it is. At iForest, our experienced architects and engineers will guide you through this process.

A hazardous risk assessment is required by Greater Vancouver municipalities and WorkSafeBC before any licensed contractor can perform renovation work in your home. It checks your home for hazards like asbestos, lead, PCBs, mould, arsenic, and other toxic substances that can harm our crews or your family. iForest will guide you through this process.