THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE
sCHEDULING
Once you have signed the construction agreement and provided us with a 10% deposit, we place your name on our construction schedule. Book your consultation early because demand is very high for early spring and summer start dates. Projects are scheduled on a first-come, first-serve basis.
permits & Permissions
Permits are required on projects where structures, swimming pools, retaining walls or decks have been included. In addition to meeting Ontario Building Codes (structural issues), each municipality has its own by-laws to be satisfied before we gain permission to build (tree protection, property drainage, storm water management, lot-coverage, allowable building heights, set-backs etc.…)
Be prepared that securing permits will invariably add extra design fees, permit fees and possibly engineering fees to your project.
construction preparation
We advise you to inform your immediate neighbors of the upcoming project. Historically, a simple heads-up goes a long way towards maintaining good neighbor relations. We recommend you keep your windows closed during construction. This will help to keep the dust and noise on the outside, where it belongs. Irrigation systems should be turned off. Manual watering is recommended, and only as necessary. (A wet construction zone can create safety issues and cause delays).
We have a small list of conditions we need from you to make our work possible:
Access to a reliable source of electricity (110 volt outlet)
Access to fresh water (garden hose is fine)
Clear access to the work area (gates unlocked, open driveway, pets contained)
On-site storage area for our tools & equipment
On large projects, we will furnish on-site toilet facilities for our workers.
construction
This is the exciting stage where congestion, noise, dust and the mud comes into play but rest assured we’ll do our best to minimize our impact to you and the neighborhood.
We will be erecting a boulevard sign, identifying your property as a hinkley/associates construction site. This allows both employees and suppliers to locate your home easier and posts our phone number if you or your neighbors need to contact our office.
Company and personal vehicles are to be parked on the city streets and our employees have been instructed to use one side of the road only - to minimize congestion on the street.
All our staff have been instructed to clean up at the end of each day. If you feel this is not being done to your satisfaction, please let us know.
Jobsite Safety
We at hinkley/associates are committed to promoting safe work practices and healthy work environments but we need your cooperation to make certain this happens. Therefore, during construction we urge you to follow and respect the following safety guidelines:
Refrain from offering our employees any alcoholic beverages before, during or after work. (Alcohol and power tools don’t mix well!) Cold drinks or coffee are always appreciated, but we have no expectations.
Please keep all pets and children away from the work area during work hours. If curiosity becomes too much, please keep them under close supervision once the workers have left.
When personally inspecting the work, wear supportive footwear and use extreme caution around any heavy equipment.
Do not walk or climb on structures that are temporary or incomplete.
The edges of any excavated areas are cave-in hazards. Please stay at least four feet back from any excavated areas.
Pond and pool liners should only be walked on in stocking feet only.
Keep off the machines please, there’s lots of levers and buttons that need to remain where they are. Pushing or pulling the wrong lever can release hydraulic line pressure and cause part of the machine to move (drop) abruptly and potentially cause bodily harm.