Process
Phases & Deliverables
Consultation
The consultation process will determine the scope, budget and schedule of your project. Attic Dwellings offers a variety of services that include site design, building model modifications, permitting and assembly oversight. In this phase we will determine what services your project requires and develop a project strategy.
Project Schedule
Project Budget
Attic Dwellings Model Selection
Feasibility Study
Bylaw & Zoning Analysis
Program Planning
Delivery Method
Construction Estimate
Documentation
Once the scope of project has been clearly established we will begin a zoning and land-use study to ensure the proposed project meets the permitting and environmental regulations for your specific location. At this time we will develop a customized drawings package that includes all the information required to retain permits and start the coordination with sub-trades.
Site Survey
Permitting
Additional Design Work
Engage Consultants
Development Permit Issue
Construction Schedule
Builder Contract & Agreement
Fabrication
During this phase our fabrication crew will begin the construction of your building in our Halifax shop. Site preparation such as foundations, road access, water cistern or well, and septic installation should begin on site. The end of this phase will be marked by the shipment of your building.
Attic Dwelling Building Brief
Prefabrication Model
Coordination with Builder
Site Preparations
Foundation Construction Coordination
Shipping Logistics & Planning
Packaging of Components
Assembly
Once the building panels arrives on site, Attic Dwellings will be available to answer any questions your local contractor has. This is to ensure the building is assembled as designed and assure local building codes and structural engineering requirements are met. During assembly your local contractor will connect the building to site services such as septic, water, and electricity.
Delivery of Components
Model Assembly Coordination
Site Connections
Sub Contractor Work
Landscape Construction
Interior Construction
Occupancy
Frequently Asked Questions
01. How much does an Attic Dwelling Model cost and what is included?
Pricing varies depending on the building model selected and the alterations or customizations requested. All models include a drawings package that outlines the building details and structural components for coordination with building officials and sub-contractors, as well as all structural and non-structural components (exclusive of site work/foundations), building envelope, cladding system package, and a window + door package. Site preparations, electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation, insulation, and interior finishes may be included dependent on project scope, but this must be discussed with our team during initial consultation.
Although this is something we will organize for you, shipping is not included in the price. Site locations, means of transportation and access to site will affect the cost of shipping.
02. Is shipping included in the base price?
03. What services are included in the starting price?
Architecture
Drawing Packages
Design
Structural Engineering
Schedules
Target Feasibility Schedule
Order Contract Schedule
Coordination with General Contractor
Building Code and Zoning Analysis Support
Feasibility Support
Documentation Drawings
Assembly Drawings & Guide
Fabrication Deliverables
Panel Fabrication
Accommodation for Services
Packaging of Assemblies
Connections and Fasteners
04. What other services can you offer to clients?
All of our models can be fully customized, inside and out. We can provide design consultation and customization to ensure your Attic Dwellings model suits your needs and style.
For our local clients, our team of carpenters can offer a complete process including design, fabrication, assembly and finishing. This can also include the management of sub-trades and site preparation.
Architecture
All the same services above
Design Consultation and Customization
Custom Interior Design
Interior Drawing Package
Construction (only offered locally)
Panel Installation
Custom Millwork
Sub-trade Coordination
Packaging of Assemblies
Connections and Fasteners
On Site Assembly
Interior Finishes
Project Management
Yes!
The models we offer on the website have been fine tuned for prefabrication and are capable of modifications. Keep in mind that the starting price of each model does not reflect modifications. If you want to create something new with us, contact our studio and start the journey of an new prefabricated design!
05. Are your models customizable?
They can be! If you are a local resident looking to utilize our building team at Attic Dwellings we can design it, build it and assemble it for you. Contact us or look at our 04. What other services can you offer to local clients?
If you are ordering from outside of our local building area, unfortunately we are not offering interior packages as this needs to be installed once the model has been assembled and cannot be shipped with the panels. Those interested in having our team design the interior, we can accommodate that and coordinate with your builder.
06. Are interiors included?
07. If I am outside of the Atlantic Canada, how do I proceed?
First, contact us and let us know where you are from! Once you pick a model we can have a consultation about what services you would like included. During this process you will need to hire a builder in your area to complete the building assembly for you. We can provide drawings and coordination of assembly with your contractor to ensure everything is in order. The builder will assemble the model and complete all other aspects of the construction project.
08. How long does take to get my design after I order it?
Starting the process as early as possible will help expedite this. We recommend that you get in contact with us 8 - 12 months in prior to assembly. This is the a typical timeline for our clients building in Atlantic Canada. Those ordering from outside Atlantic Canada will likely have added logistics which will need to be discussed.
Even within Atlantic Canada, the timeline for permit applications and approvals can vary and unfortunately is outside of our control. Some key considerations before we ship the panels are, securing a building permit, completing the site preparations and appropriate foundation construction. Having these measures in order will keep your project on time.
If you are planning on using Attic Dwellings as your builder, we can support you through all of these considerations.
Our products must be built and installed by qualified professionals to ensure structural and code compliance. The non-structural components and finishing can be completed by someone the owner sees fit.
09. Can I build it myself?
All our models are all designed to meet National Building Code standards and regulations. We can support you with the permit application process and will provide all the required drawings/ documents required.
10. Can I get a building permit?
11. Does Attic Dwellings assemble the model?
Yes! Unfortunately only for local clients.
We have our own dedicated team of skilled carpenters that can assemble your model on site. Our team at Attic Dwellings can take on the full scope of the project from site preparation to finishing. This is something we discuss during our consultation process. Check out our 04. What other services can you offer to local clients? FAQ for more information.
At this time we are shipping to anywhere inside Canada. Please note that your site must be accessible by barge, truck or other means of equipments capable of moving our prefab panels.
Interested clients outside of Canada can contact us to discuss the potential of shipments.
12. Where does Attic Dwellings ship to?
Due to the unique considerations of each project, shipping is not included in the price listed on the website.
The factors that can affect the price of shipping are:
Model(s) type
Distance from Halifax, Nova Scotia
Site Access
Transportation Equipment
13. How much is shipping?
14. Who is qualified to build an Attic Dwelling model?
Our models are designed to be built by qualified builders and professional support from sub-trades like plumbing, electrical and concrete contractors. Any experienced building teams can assemble our models. Although it is the owners responsibility to hire a building team, we can coordinate with your builder to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Most of our models can be completed with 6-8 weeks with a dedicated team of builders and well coordinated sub-trades. Completed site preparation will also be a key component to keeping the project on schedule.
15. How long does it take to assemble?
Yes.
Each municipality will have specific bylaws and building code regulations which will define foundation limitations. During our consultation and documentation phase, we will determine what options are available for your site. Each of our models are equipped to accommodate a variety of foundation types as each site will be it’s own unique situation.
16. Do I need a foundation?
You and your builder will determine what is right for your project. This can often fall under the responsibility of the builder but may in some cases, be subcontracted to a foundation company.
17. Who builds the foundation?
You and your builder will need to determine when and what inspections will be necessary based on local bylaws and zoning. Each design package offered by Attic Dwellings has undergone review and approval by structural engineers. Once assembled, our engineers will need to inspect the building to ensure it has been built according to the drawings.
18. Do I need to get it inspected?
No.
Although we can provide packages of insulation to be installed by your contractor on-site, services such as electrical, plumbing and ventilation must be completed and inspected before insulation can be installed. Insulation may be included, but this would require consideration in the consultation phase.
19. Does it come insulated?
20. How are electrical and plumbing run into the building?
Electrical wiring and plumbing is something that you will coordinate with your contractor and sub-trades. All of our models are designed to accommodate services. There are specific penetrations in the buildings envelope, which are predetermined, to allow for site connections.
Yes!
Each of our models are designed to accept services, but it is up to you to determine what services you want. This should be mentioned as early as possible in the consultation phase of your project to ensure any appropriate changes are made to the drawings. Please note, some jurisdictions may not accept a building off-grid. This can be determined in the consultation phase.
21. Are the models off-grid capable?
Each product we use in our models will be covered under their individual manufacturer warranties. The General Contractor of your project will provide you with standard construction warranties based on local requirements.
22. Does it come with a warranty?
23. Can I renovate my Attic Dwellings model?
Once you have purchased an Attic Dwelling model, you now own the building and may add or remove anything you prefer. The models are designed and engineered to be single dwellings without additions.
If you are looking to add more to your Attic Dwellings model, our team over at Peter Braithwaite Studio can take care of your architecture needs. Contact them through peterbraithewaitestudio.com