Frequently asked questions about residential, commercial and industrial construction

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common questions about our residential, commercial and industrial construction services in the Eastern Townships.

General

Les Constructions Viens serves all of Estrie (the Eastern Townships), with a focus on the Sherbrooke–Magog axis: Sherbrooke, Magog, Orford, North Hatley, Canton-de-Hatley, Waterville, Compton, Coaticook, Eastman, Cookshire-Eaton, Bolton and surrounding municipalities.

We handle six types of projects: new home construction (turnkey or self-build assistance), major residential renovation (whole-home renovation, large-scale interior transformation, full refurbishment), residential additions (second storey, extension, basement), garage construction (single, double, attached or detached), commercial, industrial and institutional construction (offices, retail, clinics, warehouses, workshops, industrial buildings) and agricultural building construction (stables, barns, machinery garages, storage buildings).

No. We focus on large-scale projects, carried from design through to delivery. Small jobs, such as patios, minor repairs or small structures, are not part of what we offer. We would rather say so clearly at the outset than take on a project we could not carry out the way it deserves.

Yes, Les Constructions Viens holds a licence from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) number 5697-7705-01. All our projects are covered by the GCR (Garantie de construction résidentielle) warranty.

Process

Our process has 5 steps: 1) Free initial consultation, 2) Plan design with partner architects, 3) Detailed item-by-item estimate, 4) Construction with regular follow-up by a dedicated project manager, 5) Delivery, inspection and warranty.

Duration varies by project type. A new home typically takes 3 to 8 months of construction. A major renovation 2 to 6 months. An addition 3 to 6 months. A garage 4 to 8 weeks. The design and estimation phase (1 to 2 months) is additional.

Yes, a building permit is required for any new construction or addition in Quebec. We handle the application process with your municipality as part of our service.

Budget

After the design phase, we provide a detailed estimate, item by item. Every cost is clearly explained. The budget is set before work begins.

No, and that is out of respect for your budget. A number given without seeing the land or the building, or understanding the project, would almost always be wrong, in one direction or the other. We prefer a free first meeting, then a detailed line-by-line estimate that you can understand and compare. That way you know exactly what you are paying, and why.

Payment is made in stages, based on milestones defined in the contract. Each payment corresponds to a completed and verified phase of work. Exact terms are agreed upon before the project begins. We accept cheques and direct deposit.

Surprises are rare thanks to our thorough planning. If something does come up, we contact you immediately, explain the situation and present options with associated costs. No additional work is done without your approval.

During Construction

You have site access at all times. We communicate proactively and our invoicing is fast, transparent and detailed so you can track your budget closely.

Our eligible new residential building projects are covered by the GCR (Garantie de construction résidentielle) warranty, subject to the conditions of the applicable plan. Coverage varies by issue type: 1 year for defects existing and not apparent at reception, 3 years for hidden defects, and 5 years for design, construction or execution defects as well as soil defects.

Commercial & Industrial

Yes, we plan the work to minimize impact on your operations. Depending on the project, we can work in phases, outside business hours or by sectioning off work areas. Business continuity is part of our planning from day one.

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