The construction process can be complex, and has impacts on both the property where the project is taking place, and those around it. Some common construction questions are included below.
Construction FAQs
Prior to a construction project commencing the following takes place.
Pre-Construction Inspection
This is carried out by Town staff or consultant on behalf of the Town. It includes the area of the Town's right-of-way only. The Town inspector takes photos/video of areas in the Town's right-of-way that may be disturbed during construction. These are kept for our records and are to be used during reinstatement.
Pre-Construction Survey
This is conducted by an outside organization which the contractor hires. The Town will send homeowners a notice of construction which will identify the company performing the pre-construction survey. A subsequent letter from the company performing the pre-construction survey will follow. This is so the homeowner is aware of the company performing the pre-construction surveys. It is up to the homeowner to contact this company to set up an appointment. A representative will then come to your home and take photos/videos of the inside and outside of your property and note any existing issues. Taking part in the pre-construction survey is voluntary but it is very helpful should there be any damage to your house or property during construction.
Information regarding road closures will be advertised in the local papers, the Town website, and social media as well as notices being delivered to affected individual homeowners.
For damage to your property, home or vehicle due to construction related project a claim will need to be submitted to the contractor. Please contact the on-site inspector or the Town’s project manager for that project for additional information.
Please note: the Town does not entertain loss of business claims due to construction work.
Any sprinkler heads or related piping on Town property must be marked by the home owner prior to the start of construction. The Contractor will not be responsible for any sprinkler systems that have not be identified. This will also be noted in the project notice delivered prior to the start of construction.
Hours of construction are governed by the Town’s Noise By-Law #4588-12. Construction hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Saturday work may be necessary and the same work hours will be followed.
If you feel there is a lot of dust due to the construction, please mention this to the on-site Inspector or call the Town’s Project Manager. The contact information will be noted on the project notice delivered prior to the start of construction.
Please note: dust suppressant is usually put down at the end of the day by the contractor.
It is not uncommon for construction activities to generate vibrations through homes and buildings. For that reason we encourage residents to have a pre-construction survey completed. This will assist with any claim between the home owner and the contractor and/or Town.
Typically, the contractor is required to provide at least 48 hours’ notice for required water shut offs by way of a notice from the Town. In the case of an emergency shut down limited notice may be necessary and will involve the contractor/inspector or Town staff contacting affected residents in person door to door.
Any hedges or other plantings within the municipal right of way that interfere with construction, should be removed from the work area by the home owner prior to the start of construction. The Town’s inspector will notify the homeowner of any such occurrences.
Landscaping restoration usually takes place at the end of a project. Any areas that have been disturbed by our construction activities, will be reinstated by the contractor. Restoration timing will be dependent on availability of material and weather conditions.