Quote & Estimate Terms

Effective date: 2026-09-28

An estimate is a good-faith assessment of work we can see and understand. Property work has a habit of revealing surprises, so we would rather explain how we handle them now than explain an invoice later.

1. What this page covers

These terms apply to estimates, quotes and proposals we give you for property work, and to how changes to that work are priced. They sit alongside our Terms of Service and our Cancellation and Refund Policy.

2. Estimates, quotes and proposals

We use these words with specific meanings:

• Estimate — our assessment of the likely cost, based on what we could see and what you told us. It may change if conditions differ.
• Quote — a fixed price for a defined scope, valid for the period stated. It changes only through an agreed change order, or if conditions differ materially from what was described.
• Proposal — the written document setting out scope, materials, exclusions and price for a larger project.

If a document does not say which of these it is, treat it as an estimate.

3. How we price work

• Fixed price for a defined scope, where the work can be assessed accurately in advance
• Time and materials with an agreed rate, where the extent of a problem cannot be known until it is opened up — in that case you get a rate, an expected range and a written authorisation before we proceed
• Emergency work, which is priced on attendance and scope, confirmed with you as soon as it is practical

Unless stated otherwise, prices are in Canadian dollars, exclude HST, and exclude permits, engineering, disposal fees, hoarding, scaffolding and equipment rentals.

4. How long an estimate stays valid

Unless the document says otherwise, an estimate or quote is valid for 30 days. Material prices, availability and lead times move; if a quote expires, ask us to refresh it and we will.

5. Site visits and inspections

Anything beyond a simple, clearly described repair requires a look at the property before we will give a firm price. We will tell you if there is a charge for a site visit or assessment before we attend. A site visit is not a home inspection, a building inspection report or a structural assessment, and does not replace one.

6. Conditions we cannot see

Estimates are based on the property as visible and accessible at the time of assessment. If work reveals concealed or differing conditions — rot behind a finished surface, failed framing, no or inadequate flashing, undersized or damaged structure, corroded plumbing, asbestos or another designated substance, hidden wiring, poor subgrade — we will stop, show you what we found, and give you the options and the cost of each before continuing.

You are never obliged to accept additional work. You are entitled to a written change order for anything that affects the price.

7. What is usually excluded

• Engineering, architectural drawings, surveys and permit fees, unless listed
• Permits, approvals and inspections we have not included in the scope
• Asbestos, mould or other designated substance abatement by a licensed specialist
• Restoration or redecoration of finishes outside the described work area
• Concealed services — plumbing, electrical, gas, data, irrigation or drainage we did not know about
• Repair of damage caused by other trades or by the property owner
• Snow, weather or access delays beyond our control
• Landscaping restoration beyond making the work area safe and tidy

Anything excluded can usually be added by agreement. We would rather quote it than surprise you with it.

8. Change orders

If the scope changes, we provide the change in writing — what changes, what it costs, and how it affects the schedule. Work on the change begins after you approve it. Verbal approvals are confirmed by us in writing or by text the same day, so there is always a record.

9. Materials and substitutions

We use materials suitable for the application and local climate. Where a specified product is unavailable, discontinued or subject to an unreasonable price increase, we will propose an equivalent or better alternative and get your agreement before substituting. Leftover and removed materials remain our responsibility and are disposed of as part of the work unless stated otherwise.

10. Access, utilities and site facilities

You agree to provide safe access to the work area during our working hours, and reasonable use of water and electricity. If the work requires us to occupy space, we will agree in advance how that space is protected and how it is left at the end of each day. Parking, hoarding, temporary washrooms and storage are extra unless the estimate includes them.

11. Scheduling, weather and delays

We give realistic dates and keep you informed. Exterior work depends on weather: roofing, concrete, painting, sealing and waterproofing cannot be done safely or durably in unsuitable conditions. When weather stops work, we reschedule and tell you the new date. We are not responsible for delays outside our reasonable control.

12. Payment schedule

The payment schedule — deposits, progress payments and final payment — is set out in the written estimate or agreement before work starts. Deposits are used to secure materials, bookings and subcontractors. Emergency work is invoiced on completion or as agreed at the time of the call.

We never ask for payment card details by text or email. If you receive a message like that claiming to be from MK Build, call us at (905) 536-6173 before doing anything.

13. Authorising emergency work

For urgent work we may act on your verbal authorisation to prevent further damage — isolating water, covering an opening, securing a building or making an area safe. We record the work performed and the cost basis, and confirm it in writing afterwards.

14. Clean-up and waste

We remove our own waste and leave the work area clean and safe at the end of each working day. Where a property has limited disposal access, or where a bin is required, that is arranged as part of the scope.

15. On completion

At the end of the work we walk through it with you, note anything outstanding and provide photos where they are useful. If something is not right, tell us at that point or as soon as you notice — we fix our own issues.

16. Acceptance

Accepting an estimate or quote means you accept these terms and the Terms of Service, and you confirm that you are authorised to approve work at the property (as the owner, or as an agent for the owner, property manager, condominium corporation or tenant in accordance with their obligations).

This document is written in plain language to be genuinely readable. It is not legal advice to you, and it does not limit any right you have under the laws of Ontario or Canada, including the Consumer Protection Act, 2002 and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).