Building envelope (shell construction)
Building envelope and shell construction in the GTA, scoped before it is built.
Structure, cladding, roofing and waterproofing scoped together as one system.
Overview
The shell that protects the building
The building envelope is the structure, cladding, roofing, insulation and waterproofing that keeps the outside out. We scope it as one system, so each part works with the others.
Everything included
What the building envelope includes
Structure and framing
Shell framing and structural work, reviewed by an engineer where required.
Cladding and siding
Exterior cladding and siding, scoped with the finishes.
Roofing
Roof structure and roofing, planned against the rest of the envelope.
Insulation and air barrier
Insulation and air barrier detailed as one system.
Waterproofing and drainage
Water management detailed at every joint and penetration.
Windows and doors
Openings sized and installed within the envelope.
Inspections and records
Inspection points and records kept at each stage.
Let’s scope your project
Tell us about your project.
Share the layout, the timeline and what you want to change. We reply within one business day.
Questions to ask any contractor
Six questions. Ask them of anyone.
These questions show how complete a shell and envelope quote really is.
Who reviews the structure before shell work starts?
Why it matters: Load and support decisions should be made before anything is removed.
How are cladding, roofing and waterproofing detailed together?
Why it matters: Gaps at joints are where water gets in.
Is insulation and the air barrier scoped as one system?
Why it matters: A partial air barrier causes condensation and comfort problems.
Who is responsible for the inspection points?
Why it matters: Inspection points need to be planned into the schedule.
How are envelope changes priced and approved?
Why it matters: Each change should be written and approved before it is done.
What records do I receive at handover?
Why it matters: Drawings, product information and warranties protect the building for years.
Timeline
The shell, phase by phase
Each layer depends on the one below it. Inspections happen before the next layer covers the work.
Illustrative schedule. Real dates are set in the written scope once approvals, selections and lead times are confirmed.
Price
What changes the price
The main factors in a shell and envelope job, and how each one moves the number.
Structure and framing
Varies by scope
Depends on the size, span and loads of the structure.
Cladding and siding
Varies by scope
Depends on the area, material and detailing.
Roofing
Varies by scope
Depends on roof area, pitch and material.
Insulation and air barrier
Varies by scope
Depends on the wall and roof areas and the system chosen.
Waterproofing and drainage
Varies by scope
Depends on the number of joints, penetrations and drainage needed.
Windows and doors
Varies by scope
Depends on the number and size of openings.
Engineering and permits
Varies by scope
Depends on the structural review and permit requirements.
One itemized price built from your scope.
Engineering
Structure first, then the envelope
The envelope is only as good as the structure under it. Engineering review comes before any shell work is decided.
Structural review
An engineer reviews loads and support before anything is removed.
Water management
Water is managed at every joint, penetration and transition.
Air and thermal performance
Insulation and air barrier treated as one system.
Quick check
Is your building shell ready for work?
Tick what applies. It takes about 30 seconds. Nothing is saved or sent from this check.
Strong candidate for a ClearScope.
Several of these point to work that needs planning before it starts. Your free ClearScope puts the scope in writing, line by line.
Worth a closer look.
A few things are worth checking. A short call can tell you whether they need work now or can wait.
This may be fine for now.
Keep an eye on anything you ticked. If plans change, a ClearScope can show what the work would involve.
Structural and wall changes are reviewed by an engineer before anything is removed.
The ClearScope™ method
Four steps. Written at every one.
Scope
Site visit and measured drawing. You receive the site notes and open questions.
Estimate
Itemized scope and price, with selections confirmed in writing.
Build
One team sequences the trades. Changes are written and priced before they happen.
Handover
Walkthrough, close-out of open items, and a records package with photos.
Why The Builders Plug in the GTA
With 20 years of renovation experience, the scope is written before the first cut, not after.
- One team, one scope. Every kitchen is run as a single project with one written scope.
- ClearScope™ on every job. Scope, estimate, build and handover, each documented.
- Insurance and WSIB. WSIB covered and $5 million liability insurance.
- One point of contact. You speak to one person from the first visit to the walkthrough.
- Itemized pricing. Every line is visible, and changes are priced before they happen.
- Experience across the GTA homes. Older, mid-century and newer builds.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is a structural engineer involved?
Structural work is reviewed by an engineer where the scope requires it.
Will I get a written scope?
Yes. Every project starts with a site visit and a written scope before any work begins.
Do you handle permits?
Yes, where the work requires one. We confirm the requirement with the city during the scope.
How is water management detailed?
Water management is detailed at each joint, penetration and transition, and listed in the written scope.
How long does shell work take?
It depends on the scope, engineering review and materials. The schedule is set in the written scope once those are confirmed.
What happens at handover?
You receive drawings, product information, inspection records and warranty information.
Ready for a written scope?
Products and materials
Cladding, membranes and roofing
The systems that make up the building envelope. Each is detailed to work with the layers around it.
Cladding and siding
Cladding and siding systems, detailed at joints and transitions.
Insulation and air barrier
Continuous insulation and air barrier as one system.
Waterproofing membranes
Membranes and flashing detailed at every penetration.
Roofing
Roofing system matched to the roof structure and pitch.
Windows and doors
Windows and doors installed within the envelope.
Structural products
Beams, connectors and framing sized by the engineer.
Other services
Services that work with this one
Many projects combine more than one service. Each one starts with a written scope, so the work is planned together.
Let’s talk
Turn plans into reality.
Start with a site visit. We reply within one business day.
Our portfolio
Recent projects
Selected projects from our portfolio. Every project is scoped in writing before the first cut, and each stage is photographed as the work happens.
01 Drone aerial
The site from above: roof, framing and layout checked before each trade starts.
02 Excavation and foundations
Excavation, forming and foundation walls, checked before anything is built on them.
03 Demolition
Interiors opened up and removed to the scope, documented as the structure is revealed.
04 Framing and structure
New walls, floors and roof framing built to the plan, checked before the trades close anything in.
05 Trusses and crane day
Roof trusses delivered, staged and set in place, checked before the roof is closed.
06 Exterior build
The exterior going on as the structure closes in.
07 3D site scan
The site captured in 3D, for measuring and planning.
08 Crew on site
The crew at work on the job.
