Plan the decisions before the demolition.

Begin with one room-by-room scope.

Before requesting prices, write down what stays, what is removed, what moves, and what the finished space must do.

Separate required repairs from optional upgrades. Record walls, openings, cabinets, plumbing fixtures, electrical locations, flooring transitions, trim, doors, ventilation, storage, lighting, and finish expectations. Add photographs and approximate measurements so the first walkthrough can focus on decisions instead of rediscovering the basics.

Check municipal requirements early

The City of Brampton provides permit information and application packages for projects including additions, basement finishes, minor interior alterations, plumbing changes, and new or enlarged openings. The correct requirement depends on the actual address and proposed work. A general online article cannot determine whether a specific project needs a permit.

If walls, structure, plumbing, HVAC, windows, doors, occupancy, basement use, or additional units are changing, raise the permit question before demolition or ordering. Also identify whether zoning, conservation authority, heritage, or other approvals may apply.

Create a decision package

• Existing and proposed room layouts with useful dimensions.
• Photographs of every affected wall, floor, ceiling, fixture, and access path.
• Product selections or clear allowances for cabinets, tile, flooring, fixtures, and hardware.
• Permit, drawing, designer, engineering, inspection, and approval responsibilities.
• Parking, material delivery, debris removal, neighbour, and occupied-space constraints.
• A target completion window with any move-in, leasing, or family deadlines.

Compare the same scope

A low total can hide missing preparation, protection, disposal, patching, transitions, fixtures, finish materials, permits, or closeout. Ask each contractor to identify inclusions, exclusions, allowances, owner-supplied items, change procedures, payment milestones, and warranty terms in writing.

Keep a separate contingency for concealed conditions and approved changes. Do not treat the contingency as extra finish money before demolition confirms the existing construction.

Use the walkthrough to close gaps

Confirm measurements, substrate conditions, moisture concerns, access, protection, temporary services, sequencing, related trades, material lead times, and who approves changes. A useful walkthrough should turn unanswered questions into assigned next steps.

Explore JT’s Brampton service-area page →