October is Renovation Month in Canada, a national campaign led by the Canadian Home Builders' Association (CHBA) to promote professionalism, safety, and consumer protection in residential renovations.
RenoMark is a national certification program developed by the CHBA to help homeowners easily identify professional renovators who follow high standards.
Hiring a RenoMark renovator means you're working with someone who is:
Verified and accountable: reviewed by their local builders' association
Licensed and insured: so you're protected if anything goes wrong
Contract-based: with transparent pricing, timelines, and warranties
Code-compliant: all permits and inspections are properly handled
Transparent and communicative: so you're never left guessing about the next step
These aren't just "nice-to-haves". They're essential protections that can save you from costly problems, legal issues, or unsafe work. At Eagleview Construction, we build every project with these principles in mind.
What Can Go Wrong Without a RenoMark Contractor?
Not all contractors play by the rules. When you hire someone who isn't certified or doesn't follow proper procedures, you take serious risks.
Without a RenoMark-certified contractor, you may face:
No written contract: leading to unclear costs, delays, or unfinished work
No permits or inspections, which can result in unsafe or illegal construction
No warranty or protection: leaving you to pay for fixes if things go wrong
No insurance, which could make you liable for accidents on your property
Many "cash deal" renovations skip these steps to cut corners. But what seems like a discount often leads to costly problems down the road, especially when you go to sell your home or need repairs.
Hiring a RenoMark renovator helps you avoid these risks and ensures your project is done the right way.
At Eagleview Construction, we're proud to be part of the RenoMark program and serve homeowners across Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and Guelph.
If you're outside our region, you can visit RenoMark.ca to find certified renovators in your area.
Ready to Renovate With Confidence?
Renovating your home should feel exciting, not stressful. Working with a RenoMark-certified contractor means you get a team that's transparent, experienced, and committed to doing things the right way.
Eagleview Construction is proud to serve Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, and Guelph as:
A RenoMark-certified renovator
A Qualified Adaptiv Home Specialist
A Proud member of the Waterloo Region Home Builders' Association
We bring decades of experience, a proven Signature Process, and a passion for building thoughtful, lasting spaces. Whether you're planning a bathroom upgrade, a modern kitchen, or a full-home transformation, we're here to help.
When it comes to planning a home renovation, few decisions are more important than choosing the right construction partner. Whether you're dreaming of a kitchen overhaul, an addition, or a full home transformation, who you work with can make or break your experience—and your budget.
At Eagleview Construction, we know how overwhelming this decision can feel. Many homeowners don't realize there’s a difference between hiring a General Contractor (GC) and partnering with a Design-Build Firm—and that difference can have a big impact on your time, cost, and stress levels.
Let’s break it down.
Home Renovations Are Complex—Period.
And they’re usually your largest single investment. That’s why having the right team in your corner is critical.
Both GC’s and Design-Build firms can lead renovation projects—but they do so in very different ways. One puts you in the driver’s seat whereas the other offers a turn-key experience with a single point of contact from start to finish.
So, which is right for you?
What Is a Design-Build Firm?
A design-build firm, like Eagleview Construction, manages the entire process under one roof—from initial design, through construction phase to the final clean.
Instead of hiring a separate Architect, Designer, Project Manager, and contractor, you get a unified team that collaborates from Day One. The goal? A streamlined experience with fewer surprises and better alignment between your design vision and your construction budget.
Key Features of a Design-Build Approach:
Integrated Team: Designers, Project Managers and contractors all work for the same company. With an experienced team and a proven process—the project flows through seamlessly. There is less risk of costly redesigns or delays—and more confidence that your vision will be brought to life.
Unified Technology: From the start of your engagement through to the pains of the project—all your points of contact are using the same technology, notes and project management systems.
Consistent Communication: With one fluid team, there is less hands offs making for less communication gaps.
Budget-Conscious Design: We consider your budget before we put pen to paper, not after. We design based on what you want and what you’re comfortable spending.
Transparent Process & Clear Roadmap: You'll know what decisions are coming and when through our guided process.
Fixed-Price Contracts: The entire project is scoped and priced before we begin so you know the total cost. At Eagleview Construction, we are proud to complete 98% of our projects on time and on budget because great work shouldn’t come with surprises.
With design and construction working hand in hand, there’s less risk of costly redesigns or delays—and more confidence that your vision will be truly brought to life.
What About a General Contractor?
A GC typically steps in after you’ve completed your design with an Architect or Designer. Their role is to manage the construction phase and coordinate trades—but the rest is up to you.
That means you're in charge of:
Hiring and managing your Designer or Architect
Getting permits and navigating local bylaws or variances
Requesting and comparing bids
Managing communication between design and construction teams
This option gives homeowners more control, but also more responsibility—and more room for a disconnect between design and budget.
Key Features of a General Contractor Approach:
Builder, Not Designer: GCs build from completed plans and rarely get involved in design development.
Homeowner as Project Manager: You’ll coordinate between all professionals involved.
Variable Pricing: Many GCs use cost-plus contracts, meaning you pay for time and materials plus markup, which can lead to unexpected budget increases.
Separate Design and Build Phases: There's no collaboration during the design stage to ensure budget feasibility.
So, How Do You Choose?
If you’re trying to decide which approach is right for your home, it comes down to your goals, time availability, and risk tolerance.
Here’s how to know if a Design-Build Firm might be the better fit:
1. You Want Clarity on Your Budget and Timeline Right From the Start
We’ve seen it too many times, a homeowner works with an Architect, falls in love with a design and then learns it's way over budget. Like our client Steve—who came to us with a stunning two-story addition plan. Unfortunately, his $550K budget wouldn’t stretch to the $750K plus price tag.
Had Steve started with a Design-Build Firm, we could have worked with him to design within his means—saving time, money, and a whole lot of frustration.
2. You Want a Seamless, Stress-Free Experience
Most of our clients don’t want to manage trades or juggle timelines—they want a trusted team that handles it all. At Eagleview Construction, 98% of our projects finish on time and on budget because we do the planning work upfront, with transparency every step of the way.
3. You Want to Stay on Schedule
Design-build teams move faster because we’re already aligned on scope, materials, and cost. No need to pause and re-design when the construction quote comes in too high. With us, design meets budget from day one.
When Is a General Contractor a Better Choice?
The GC model works well for homeowners who are:
Hands-on: You enjoy overseeing the details and managing professionals.
Experienced: You’re comfortable reading plans, comparing quotes, and managing a complex project.
Looking for Specific Experts: Maybe you already have a Designer in mind, or you're hoping to compare multiple construction bids.
This path can offer more flexibility, but it also comes with more moving parts to juggle.
Bottom Line: There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Answer
Choosing between a GC and a Design-Build Firm depends on how involved you want to be, and how important budget alignment, communication, and simplicity are to you.
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.
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.
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