Your build, run by a carpenter.
Custom homes, additions, renovations and backyard studios. I plan the job, schedule the trades, watch the budget and check the work, so you're not the one chasing people.
You choose how hands-on you want to be.
Project management
You hire the trades and pay them directly. I run the job for you for a set fee.
- Scope, written budget and schedule
- Find, vet and book the trades
- Check the work at every stage
- Weekly photos and budget update
Good if you want to make the choices and see every invoice, without managing the site yourself.
General contracting
I hire and pay the trades, do the carpentry myself, and stand behind the whole job.
- One price or an open-book cost-plus contract
- One point of contact from start to finish
- I handle the trades, materials and schedule
- Final walkthrough and deficiency list
Good if you want it handled and would rather not deal with the trades at all.
The parts that go wrong when nobody's in charge.
Scope and plan
We agree in writing what's being built, in what order, and what "done" looks like, before anyone picks up a tool.
Budget you can read
A line-by-line budget. Every invoice is checked against it, and changes are priced in writing before they happen.
Trades and schedule
Electricians, plumbers, roofers, drywallers and framers I trust, booked in the right order so nobody waits on anybody.
Permits and inspections
I'll gather what HRM needs, help with the permit application, and book inspections as the job goes.
Quality checks
Flashing, framing and insulation get checked before walls close up. Nothing gets covered until it's been looked at.
Weekly updates
Photos, what got done, what's next and where the budget stands, every week, in plain language.
From backyard studios to custom homes.
Additions and kickouts
Extra room where you need it, tied in and flashed so it doesn't leak at the joint.
Renovations
Rooms opened up, finished basements and whole-floor updates.
Garages, sheds and studios
Backyard studios, workshops and detached garages, from footings to trim.
Porches, decks and pergolas
Covered porches and larger outdoor builds that need more than one trade.
Custom homes
Small, well-built custom homes, including energy-efficient and near-Passive House designs, managed or built from footings to finish.
I take on a few projects at a time so each one gets proper attention. Serving Halifax & area.
Four steps, start to finish.
- Site visitWe walk the space, talk about what you want and what you want to spend.
- Written plan and budgetScope, schedule, budget and which way of working suits you, all on paper.
- Build with weekly updatesTrades booked, work checked, and you get photos and numbers every week.
- Walkthrough and handoverA deficiency list fixed before the final payment, plus a binder of warranties, paint colours and trade contacts.
Before you call.
What's the difference between project management and general contracting?
With project management you hire and pay the trades, and I run the job for a fee. With general contracting you sign one contract with me, and I hire, pay and manage everyone.
Do you still do the carpentry yourself?
Yes, on most jobs. For bigger framing I bring in a framer I trust, and I do the finish work.
Can you work with trades I already have?
Yes. If you have an electrician or plumber you like, I'll schedule around them and check their work like anyone else's.
Who looks after permits?
I'll gather what HRM needs, help with the application and book inspections as the job goes. The permit is issued to the owner or the contractor, depending on how we work together.
How do you keep the budget on track?
Every cost goes on a line-by-line budget you can see. Invoices are checked against it, and any change is priced and agreed in writing before the work is done.
Planning a project?
Send me a few photos, rough sizes in metres or feet, and what you'd like to end up with. I'll come and have a look.
902-580-9633shannon@sagecarpentry.com · @sage.carpentry
Serving Halifax & area.