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FAQ'S
We at Blue Sky appreciate that as a homeowner, you will probably only
undertake one major renovation of this type at your home, so, let
us share some of our knowledge and expertise with you, answering some
of the questions you might consider during your project
Do I need a Building Permit, and if so what does this involve?
Yes, all construction work of this type
requires a Building Permit. We oversee and provide all drawings, both
Architectural and Engineered, as part of our package for your glass
addition, and any other part of the construction process. Most municipalities
and towns offer a swift turnaround, once all the paperwork is submitted
and design drawings agreed upon.
I think there is a problem with zoning or some other issue regarding
my property and the lot?
It is common, especially in an urban situation
for there to be by-laws restricting development. As part of our drawings
package, we may need to submit to the town to ask for relief from
a by-law (lot coverage, set-backs from the property line etc.). As
we do this a great deal, and our projects are sympathetic to the surroundings
and generally 'small' in scale, these appeals are professionally approached
and looked upon favorably. Most importantly for you we undertake the
process on your behalf.
What types of foundations are required?
Building code dictates that we go beyond
the frost line with the footings of the foundation (e.g. 4 feet in
Southern Ontario ). This can be done in 3 basic ways;
Pier point foundation
Large 'sono-tubes' designed and positioned by the
engineers, with a fully insulated floor deck system over is the
most cost effective foundation.
4 foot crawl-space foundation
Commonly termed a 'full foundation' this creates a
full concrete perimeter to the addition. This foundation is commonly
used when full brick or stone is required to the outer face of the
addition.
Full basement foundation
An extension of the 4 foot foundation, some homeowners
like the extra space a basement foundation can provide to their
home.
Whatever the outcome, our professionals at Blue Sky
will determine which solution is best for you, your home, and your
budget.
Are other colours available?
With our manufacturing partners we offer a colour bonding
process, and offer any colour match to suit your existing trims
or natural surroundings.
I hear a lot about the importance of
the glass. Does it let a lot of heat through in winter and summer?
Glass technology has reached an exceptionally high level
in comparison to years gone by. We at Blue Sky use our best glass
available on all our projects. This means that you, the homeowner,
are kept warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and most importantly
ultra violet light is kept to a minimum, meaning, your décor,
furnishings and your family live in a safe and healthy environment.
Please review our Features and benefits page to get a clearer picture
of our glass options.
How should I heat the room?
Any addition open to the home, without separating doors,
requires calculations submitted to the Building Permit offices to
justify the existing furnace. These are called HVAC calculations
and are part of our turnkey package. If the furnace does not have
enough capacity to tap into the existing ductwork and extend to
the room (preferred option), a separate heat/ cool ductless conditioning
unit can be specified to suit the project. These are both unobtrusive
and highly efficient. Some homeowners choose to make a feature of
a gas/propane stove or fireplace in their glass addition.
I have patio doors at the position of
the room. Should they be left on, and can the room be opened up
to the home?
Homeowner preference always determines the outcome. A Blue
Sky room is designed to be open to the rest of the home and adjoining
rooms, and can be spectacular if a large opening is created - sometimes
the full width of the addition. Either way, it is your choice, and
taste. The gallery and before and after pages will give you a clearer
picture
The room is glass - is it secure and
safe?
We use the finest safety glass available in the walls and
the roof. All window openings come with individual locking mechanisms.
The glass door system used by Blue Sky is a custom European styled
French Door, with '5-way shoot bolts' as a locking mechanism, making
your glass addition a fortress from the outside. The features and
benefits page gives more technical detail.
We have an awkward roof line on our home
- will this be a problem?
At Blue Sky we have provided solutions for most, if not all, awkward
construction situations. Feel free to email a digital photo, for
our technical team to assess, and help provide a solution. A site
visit to your property can also resolve.
How long will the project take?
Once Building Permit has been issued and the room
delivered, we will be at your home for approximately 5 weeks. Remember,
we work external of the envelope of your home, so disruption is
kept to a minimum.
I want the room as part of a larger renovation
project, can you assist?
Yes, of course. At Blue Sky we provide the services
of an architect at a fraction of the cost, leaving room in your
budget for the kitchen renovation of your dreams.
I am at the planning stage - when should
I call you in?
We are ready when you are - Please contact
us by email or telephone to guide and advise you through the next
stage of your project.
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