FAQ

Architectural Design

  • Architecture is a reflection of society at a given point in time and place. Like all art, it is an expression of who we are. It is a reflection of our culture and our values. Architectural works can be seen as cultural and political, and as elegant works of art. Yet, why do we need architecture? Why is it important to our society and our culture? There are three core aspects of architecture: function, technical, and aesthetic. Architects design buildings and spaces that are curated to the needs and tasks of those that use them. Design involves the building itself, the spaces within, and the environment surrounding it. Architectural design shapes the physical environment, and has a profound impact on how we live, work, and interact, not only with the spaces it has created, but also with each other.

  • Our Architectural design team will help you make your vision a reality. From sketches on napkins to mood boards, we can interpret your ideas into a viable design for a successful project. We will guide you through the design process for your project, and provide functional planning and design solutions.

Cost Monitoring

  • In Atlantic Canada, most large-scale construction projects require independent, third-party cost monitoring as a condition of financing. We understand this can be challenging and time consuming for companies to complete, which is why we offer cost monitoring.

    Through the cost monitoring service we keep your project cash flow strong while maintaining financial integrity for your financing institution. We communicate regularly with your stakeholders and ensure they are informed of the financial status of the project and flag any concerns as they arise.

  • The difference between the two comes down to who provides the certification. A cost certification means a certification of the company detailing the reasonable costs to be incurred, and possible costs to be incurred by the Company in delivering the project. A payment certification is a document produced by a contractor containing financial information regarding payment to a subcontractor for completed work or work still in progress.

  • Vigilant is registered with the Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (CIQS) to provide both Quantity Surveying and Construction Cost Estimating services to our clients. Vigilant’s team of Professional Quantity Surveyors (PQS) and Construction Estimator Certified (CEC) professionals are able to help with all of your project monitoring needs.

Cost Estimating

  • Reach out to our sales team, identify the needs & requirements of your project, and we will provide a quote for our work. If accepted, we start take-offs to determine quantities and constructibility implications. Then we start to devise the estimate and costing for the appropriate scopes of work, followed by an internal estimate review for quality assurance and provide you with a final report and estimate.

  • As always, it depends on the size of the building and the complexity of the design, systems, etc. Usually we require 2-3 weeks. When we quote any work, we ask for current drawings and ask our team how many hours they will need - that’s where our prices come from (hours required).

  • Yes, if you can provide us with drawings, we can give you an estimate of our cost for full services.

  • D - Concept design, basic floor plan of each level, design program, site layout and identification of any unique components

    C - 30% design development, detailed floor plan, building elevations, material selections wherever available, M&E + plumbing requirements & intended systems if available

    B - 60% design development, reflected ceiling plans, building sections/interior elevations, door & hardware types, furnishings if required, finalized materials & finishes, M&E+plumbing requirements & intended systems

    A - 90% design drawings, or IFC, or IFT, finalized M&E + plumbing, specifications.

  • We use a nationalized costing database, localized by province and major area, and updated quarterly. This is in conjunction with numerous disciplines’ perspectives, and decades worth of construction expertise.

  • A material take-off is how we determine the exact quantities of materials needed for your project. We perform a take-off by virtual markup of the drawings to quantify the basic elements of the project. If a developed material take-off is required, we will extrapolate the material quantities out of the basic items.

  • According to the Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, Class D estimates are a unit cost analysis, such as $ per SF, as a basic indication of cost. A class C estimate is an elemental cost analysis where approximate quantities of major elements are measured and priced, while a class B is an elemental cost analysis of all items of work, and finally a class A involves a detailed quantity takeoff to perform a more accurate cost estimate.

  • According to the Canadian Construction Association:

    Class D: up to +/- 30%

    Class C: +/- 15-20%

    Class B: +/- 10-15%

    Class A: +/- 5-10%

  • Most projects have an individual uniqueness and subsequent challenges. Given that, some of the feedback provided to us indicates many estimates have a high degree of accuracy (<5%). However, estimates are only guesses at probable construction costs, so these ideally, but not always, will match a contractor’s willingness to stand behind their quote, and their interpretation/judgement of the efforts required for a project.

  • Yes, we use a constantly updated pricing database, as well as live subcontractor and supplier information.

  • Yes, we offer a variety of services to aid in project development. Our company is built on general contractor experience which allows for unique insights.

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