GCs in Edmonton usually charge a management fee between 10% and 20% of the total project. If someone says they'll do it for 5%, be carefull, they'll usually hide the profit in the material markups instead.
Brikon Story: We had a client in Windermere hire a "cheap" guy who vanished halfway through the framing. We had to fix everything and it cost them double what they would have paid originally. Even if it's not us, Hire based on reputation (reviews or ask locally), proof of previous work and transparency!
A good builder spends way more time talking about your foundation and "permits" than they do about kitchen tile. If they aren't worried about whats behind the walls, they aren't a builder, they're a decorator.
Brikon Story: In St. Albert, our lead builder spent 3 hours just checking a foundation crack before even giving a quote. That's how you know they actually care about the house standing up. Very few contractors are willing to take those steps let alone make you aware of everything.
Check for WCB, insurance, and real local references you can actually call. Ask them how they handle it when something goes wrong, because in construction, something always does.
Brikon Story: A lady in Glenora chose us because we knew the specific city bylaws for heritage trees on her lot. Others didn't even notice them, That attention to detail, local rules and practical problem solving is exactly why neighbours can count on us time and time again.
If the foundation is literal dust or the house is "leaning" toward the neighbor, its time to walk away. Sometimes a knockdown is cheaper then trying to fix a structural nightmare.
Brikon Story: We met with the owner of a house in the West End where both owners spent a combined $74k on the upstairs kitchen but the basement wall was caving in. Always fix the bones first.
Yes! In Edmonton, a legal suite can pay for 60% of your mortgage easily. Its the best way to live in a nice area like Keswick for half the price while building equity.
Brikon Story: One couple in Summerside built a suite for $80k and now their tenant pays for their entire lifestyle while they live upstairs.
Expect to spend between $60,000 and $100,000 for a proper, permit ready legal suite in Edmonton. Anything less and you are probably cutting corners on safety.
Brikon Story: A Leduc homeowner tried to do it for $30k with "unlicensed buddies." The city made them tear out all the drywall because they missed the fire-rated inspections.
In Most Cases Yes! Current Alberta code requires independent heating controls for both units so nobody is fighting over the thermostat or freezing in the winter.
Brikon Story: We fixed a suite in Ellerslie where the tenant was freezing at certain times. We installed a separate zone and now everyone in that property are happy and the tenant signed consistently for 4 years after.
Its a window big enough that a firefighter in full gear can fit through in an emergency. Without this, your bedroom is illegal and a huge safety risk.
Brikon Story: After finishing up a kitchen we noticed a bedroom in Mill Creek with a window the size of a shoebox. We cut through drywall and concrete then installed a proper egress window within 24 hours.
Expect from 3 to 6 months. This includes the time for the city to approve the permits and for the three major inspections (framing, rough-ins, and final).
Brikon Story: We finished a Griesbach basement in 10 weeks because the homeowner had all their finishes picked out before we even started.
Talk to a team that understands Edmonton homes, bylaws, and real construction not just finishes.
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