FAQs
Building and renovating your home is an exciting process to be sure. However, the construction process can also be a complicated, and sometimes, overwhelming endeavor; leaving one with many questions. Know that we are here to answer all of those questions. If your question(s) is not answered here, please feel free to [contact us] directly with your inquiries.
Please Check Back Soon. A fuller and more detailed FAQ is coming soon...
Location
Where do you build?
We service most of the major cities in Western Canada. We are based from Calgary and have worked in surrounding areas like Cochrane, Airdrie, Okotoks and Chestermere. Today we are also prepared to service cities in British Columbia and Saskatchewan.
Can you build in my location if it is rural or in a province outside of Western Canada?
While we are primarily focused on major towns and cities in Western Canada (as well as rural areas in Alberta) we are open to working with you in other, more distant, locations. Whether we can service your area, however, depends on the size of your project. Please contact us with more information to see if SIGMA is right for you.
If, however, you found our website through a Google Ad, then that means we service your area!
Prices
Who are your clientele? What price range do your projects fall under?
Our company is designed to handle various sizes of projects tailored to fit a wide range of budgets. While the majority of our work handles medium to large scale projects, we have also worked on smaller renovations in the past.
How much will my project cost?
The best way for us to give you an accurate estimate is for you to contact us with more information. Each project's costs will vary depending on the materials you wish to use, and the scope of construction.
How do you calculate prices for renovations, additions, and new homes?
Our prices are based upon the full cost of the materials used, as well as the costs of labor, management, transportation, and cleanup. Taxes (%GST), warranties and insurance fees (when applicable) are included in our contracts and are presented in plain view.
Are the best products always the most expensive?
Absolutely not! Whether you are looking at granite counter-tops or heated floor technology, the best products are not necessarily the most expensive. Customers often, unnecessarily, pay extra for a brand name - when there are alternative products of equal (if not better) quality being sold at lower prices. We've been in the business long enough to know which products and manufacturers offer the best value for each dollar spent. That said, some products are cheap for a reason, and should be avoided.
Do you make profit or commission from retailers/manufacturers?
No. SIGMA does not make commission from any retailers/manufacturers. That means that we are not financially motivated to sell you the most expensive products. The retailers/manufacturers that we recommend are those who have satisfied our customers in the past.
Customization
Can I personalize my project?
Absolutely! We pride ourselves on our custom designs. We bring designs that are original to every project we handle. No two houses or renovations will ever look the same.
What customization options are available to me?
SIGMA has the experience to customize a project that is tailored to your tastes. We've worked on projects ranging from rustic to modern designs and everything in-between. Chances are, if you can think of it, we can deliver.
What to Expect
What can I expect when starting a project with SIGMA?
We believe that customers should make decisions based on complete information. In keeping with this belief, we will provide you with a full list of pricing options, including a breakdown of the costs associated with each option before the start of any project. Essentially, we make sure you understand why each option costs what it does, and what alternative pricing options are available to you.
Additional Costs and Fees
Are there any hidden fees that I am unaware of?
No. We present costumers with a list of pricing options that fully include the costs of materials, labor, transportation, management, clean-up, taxes, and warranties. You can read more about our business policy regarding transparency [HERE].
Do you ever charge additional costs?
Rarely. But it does happen. Extra costs may be incurred for one of three reasons. First, in the event that a homeowner decides to change the scope of work after a project has already been started. Second, in the event that we discover "differing site conditions" that fundamentally change the scope of the original work. Finally, if we discover structural defects that require repair before the original project can continue.
I. What if I decide to change the details of my project halfway through?
Should you decide to change your project after already having signed a contract we will not charge any additional fees relating to the termination of previous work. Instead we will work with you to come up with a new action plan, adjusting the price accordingly, and will then continue in the direction of your choosing.
II. What are "differing site conditions" and how might they affect my contract price?
While extremely rare, differing site conditions refer to discoveries made during the construction process that fundamentally change the scope of work of a given project; for example, the discovery of an unexpected electrical cable. Differing site conditions may pose serious environmental and human hazards and should be approached with prudence. SIGMA takes all precautions necessary to expect the unexpected working with due diligence to discover any reasonably foreseeable site conditions before starting any project. In the rare event that such site discoveries are made, we will know how to proceed to ensure we act in accordance with the law, and with respect to human and environmental safety. Should a differing site condition be discovered we will adjust the contract price accordingly. If the new price is not to your liking you reserve the right to terminate work with SIGMA at no additional cost.
III. What happens when you find defects during a renovation project?
In the event of substantial defects (e.g. structural defects, water-rated damages, faulty flashings, mold, etc.) additional costs may be charged. A common example, involves installing new flashings (a material designed to protect from water seepage) during a roofing renovation. In most homes flashings will be functional, but in some cases we find them to be damaged or missing. In keeping with our commitment to transparent pricing we will make sure that you are aware of the possibility of such additional costs before starting your project. Estimates for extra costs, like those associated with installing flashings, will be presented to you in your original contract price.
If the defects are small we will fix them at no additional cost to you. Our way of showing customer appreciation.
We hope this FAQ has been helpful. We want your construction experience to be as worry and headache free as possible. Know that at SIGMA we are dedicated to our clients, and want to foster a reputation of trust and transparency. If you have additional questions you can call me directly (403-512-9039), email us: build@sigmahomes.ca, or contact us through our website [HERE] - sincerely, Slav Czarnecki