Construction can be complex and stressful anywhere in the world. The basics of building work are the same everywhere but there are always local customs and rules you must know.
Planning a construction project in Canada will take a lot of research. Whether you are a Canadian native or coming to Canada from the outside, there are some things you should know to smooth out the process.
There is Paperwork in Canada too
No matter what type of construction you want to do there is going to be paperwork. There is always government bureaucracy to be contended with, local and national. Having a plan for all your documentation creates a roadmap that you can use to navigate the paper trail.
Start by investigating local and national building regulations and legislation. You need to know the lay of the land and what is expected of you and your project.
Parts of Canada sit above deep seams of uranium, which releases radioactive radon gas. During the construction, you may be responsible for detecting radon around your site. Using a radon detector in Canada is a widespread practice on construction sites and in homes. Radon monitoring may be mandated by local regulations in some areas of Canada.
Make Friends with the Locals
If you are an outsider coming in, you need to build relationships. Working with local regulators and government officials is far easier than fighting against them.
Canada is a friendly place so this should be easy. Make the first move and introduce yourself and your project to the regulators. By working together, you can ensure that you meet the local building standards and construction regulations.
You will have responsibility for the safety of your workers when construction begins. Local regulators can help you adhere to the occupational health and safety standards for your site.
Budget in Canadian Currency and Prices
Most of your labour and building supplies will come from areas close to your construction. If this is the first time you have done business in Canada, you need to build a financial foundation there before you break any ground.
The switch from your native currency to Canadian dollars will not be the only change that can impact your budget. The price of materials like concrete or lumber can vary across Canada.
When budgeting your project, you will have to do some extra research on material costs, as well as tax liabilities. This will help prevent financial losses to the project down the line.
Executing a Construction Plan in Canada
The challenging work is only beginning. Putting a construction plan together takes a lot of effort and dedication. It is even harder if you are Pplanning a construction project in Canada for the first time.
Without a plan for executing your construction, all the arduous work is wasted. You need to plan past day one to know how you are going to monitor your progress. Supply lines need to be in place too, so workers stay busy.
The good news is that Canada is a wonderful place for construction projects. With your planning in place and the Canadian can-do spirit on your side, you are almost guaranteed to succeed.
