Your Renovation Timeline: What to Expect After Design Approval

At Big Dog Renovations, we know that great results come from great planning. Once your design is approved, our team works through a proven step-by-step process that keeps your renovation on track – from the first delivery to the final walkthrough.

Our goal? A smooth, predictable build with clear communication, clean jobsites, and craftsmanship that stands out.

The Big Dog Renovation Timeline

Every project is unique, but most single-space renovations in the GTA follow a similar flow. Here’s what happens after you approve your design:

1. Final Selections & Procurement (1–3 weeks)
This is where we lock in your finishes, confirm shop drawings, and order long-lead items such as cabinetry, tile, or fixtures. Early selections help avoid unnecessary delays once construction begins.

2. Permits & Engineering (Varies by Municipality)
If your project requires permits, we handle the submission process, respond to municipal comments, and post your permit card onsite. Structural and HVAC sign-offs are also coordinated as needed.

3. Pre-Construction Planning (3–5 business days)
Before demolition begins, we finalize logistics, site protection, and trade scheduling — ensuring every detail is accounted for.

4. Mobilization & Site Protection (1–2 days)
We install floor protection, dust barriers, and safety signage to keep your home clean and secure.

5. Demolition & Prep (1–5 days)
Out with the old! We complete selective demolition, remove debris, and prep the space for framing.

6. Framing & Rough Carpentry (2–10 days)
This is where the new structure takes shape — including bulkheads, blocking, and framing adjustments based on your new layout.

7. Mechanical Rough-Ins (3–10 days)
Our licensed trades handle electrical, plumbing, and HVAC rough-ins. Bath fans, hood vents, and low-voltage wiring are all prepped at this stage.

8. Inspections (1–5 days)
Inspections are scheduled as required for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and framing. We ensure full compliance with Ontario Building Code.

9. Insulation & Drywall (5–10 days)
We insulate, hang drywall, and complete taping and finishing. The project now starts to look like a room again.

10. Finishes: Tile, Paint, Flooring (5–20 days)
Here’s where it gets exciting — tile, paint, and flooring bring the design to life.

11. Cabinetry & Millwork (2–7 days)
Your cabinetry, trim, and built-ins are installed, adjusted, and detailed to perfection.

12. Fixtures & Final Connections (1–3 days)
Plumbing and electrical trims are installed, appliances connected, and accessories added.

13. Quality Check & Walkthrough (1–2 days)
We perform a detailed punch list and walkthrough to make sure every finish meets our standards — and yours.

14. Project Closeout (Same Day)
You’ll receive your warranty package, care instructions, and optional professional photography.

Who Does What

Our Clients:

• Approve final design and material selections.

• Provide site access and protect personal items.

• Review change orders and progress draws through the Client Dashboard.

• Attend scheduled walkthroughs during key project stages.

Our Team:

• Coordinate permits, inspections, and trade schedules.

• Maintain clean jobsites and handle all material procurement.

• Post weekly progress updates with photos in the Client Dashboard.

• Manage quality control, warranty documentation, and closeout.

Communication That Keeps You In Control

Transparency is a core part of how we work. Clients receive weekly progress updates and photos through the Client Dashboard, so you always know what’s happening and what’s next.

We also schedule milestone walkthroughs after major phases — like demolition, pre-drywall, and before tile/finishes — to keep you involved every step of the way.

Permits, Inspections & Compliance

Every Big Dog project is completed to Ontario Building Code standards and local municipal requirements.
We coordinate all inspections, including:

• ESA Electrical (rough-in and final)

• Plumbing and HVAC

• Building (framing, insulation, and final)

• Structural or mechanical engineering sign-offs as needed

Payments, Changes & Cleanliness

We offer a clear progress draw schedule customized to your project, so payments are simple and transparent.
If hidden conditions arise (like framing or subfloor issues), we issue a detailed change order before proceeding — no surprises.

Our teams follow strict site cleanliness standards every day, maintaining protection, organizing tools, and performing a full professional clean before handover.

The Big Dog Difference

When you work with Big Dog Renovations, you’re getting more than a contractor — you’re getting a promise.

• 5-Year Transferable Workmanship Warranty

• $100/Day On-Time Guarantee

• Design-First Approach that minimizes change orders

• Transparent pricing and scheduling through our Client Dashboard

Your renovation deserves more than good work – it deserves peace of mind.