GPW Construction: Elevating Toronto's Structural Excellence through Collaborative Framing Practices

In the dynamic tapestry of Toronto construction, framing emerges as a defining force shaping the city's skyline. Join us as we delve into the key framing practices that not only enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness but also fortify the robustness of structures across Toronto, underscored by GPW Construction's unwavering commitment to excellence.

1. Strategic Framing for Enhanced Structural Finish

GPW Construction places a premium on efficient framing that transcends mere stability, aiming to elevate the overall finish of your construction project. Our meticulous planning ensures each piece of lumber finds a strategic placement, enhancing both durability and aesthetic appeal. This approach not only fortifies structural soundness but also optimizes costs, creating a seamless blend of efficiency and refined finishing in every project.

2. Prioritizing Durability with Cost-Effective Materials

In Toronto's diverse construction projects, a collective commitment to durability with cost-effective materials is evident in GPW Construction's approach. From residential developments to commercial spaces, our emphasis on using efficient materials is pivotal in constructing buildings that endure, all within budget constraints.

3. Aligning with Local Building Codes for Compliance and Cost Control

Adherence to local building codes is universal in framing practices, setting the benchmark for safety and quality. In Toronto, where these codes influence project costs, construction endeavors aligned with or surpassing these standards demonstrate a commitment to excellence and cost-effective compliance with the city's stringent building regulations.

4. Embracing Technology for Precision, Efficiency, and Cost Savings

The integration of technology is reshaping framing practices in the construction industry, a fundamental aspect of GPW Construction's approach. From traditional craftsmanship to modern techniques, technology enhances precision and efficiency in framing processes, ultimately contributing to substantial cost savings. This adaptability caters to Toronto's fast-paced construction scene while maintaining a keen focus on budget efficiency.

5. Framing for Function and Safety in Building Excellence

Beyond aesthetics and cost considerations, GPW Construction places significant emphasis on framing for function and safety. Each framing decision is carefully crafted to not only fulfill aesthetic aspirations but also to enhance the functional aspects of the structure. Safety is a non-negotiable priority, ensuring that every construction project by GPW Construction meets or exceeds safety standards, contributing to the overall excellence in building.

6. Collaborating with Architects and Designers for Enhanced Designs

GPW Construction goes beyond traditional framing practices by actively collaborating with architects and designers. This partnership ensures that framing decisions not only meet structural requirements but also enhance the overall design vision. By working hand-in-hand with creative professionals, GPW Construction contributes to innovative, aesthetically pleasing, and structurally sound designs that stand out in Toronto's competitive construction landscape.

Conclusion: Shaping Toronto's Construction Excellence with GPW Construction

In Toronto's vibrant construction landscape, framing practices collectively contribute to the city's structural integrity. Whether through meticulous planning, the use of cost-effective materials, compliance with building codes, the integration of technology for efficiency and cost savings, framing for function and safety, or collaborative efforts with architects and designers, GPW Construction seamlessly incorporates these practices. This commitment shapes the framework of Toronto's buildings, contributing to the city's enduring architectural legacy.

Why every contractor needs a copy of the O.B.C (Ontario Building Code) on hand

I can’t tell you the number of times I have heard “That isn’t done to code” by other contractors or homeowners. It can be questions about stairs to insulation. You name it, everyone one has an opinion, even building inspectors.

I found a very simple way to conclude the questions with the correct answer. I always have a copy of the current building code close by. In my office it is sitting on my desk ready to be opened and an electronic copy travels easily with me, no matter where I go.

I don’t use it every day or once a week for that matter. But it is the bible for construction in our province and has 99% of the information you require to build properly. Many of the day to day activities of building are burned into my brain, but on the rare occasion questions do arise.

We recently took on a project that had an “order to comply” from the building department inspector. The client had spent thousands of their hard-earned money on the renovation, with another contractor. Because the renovation did not meet minimum code standards, we had to remove 80% of the previous work and do the repairs to the standards of the building code.

One contributor to the failures of building inspections by the city. The inspectors are now highly trained and have a deeper knowledge base then in the past. They require the projects to be built as per the drawings and are far less forgiving if something is missed as was the practice years ago. Ultimately, this works in the favour of the homeowners and reduces the liability for the city.

One of the many issues that needed to be corrected was the stairs leading into the basement. The landing was undersized, and the minimum head room required was also a problem.

If the contractor looked at chapter 9 of the O.B.C. and read the Section 9.8.6. Landings. This story of lost time and money wasted would not need to be told. The most painful part of this story. Drawings and permits were issued for the project and all the contractor had to do was LOOK and FOLLOW THE DRAWINGS !!!!

This issue of non-compliance with the O.B.C. and poor workmanship seams to be a never-ending growing story. I would like to see some sort of regulation be put into place for contractors. Possibly to take a course so they are aware and understand the basics of how the OBC is written. How to navigate within the OBC. To look up the basic minimum standards that govern how to build structures we live and work in. This could save thousands of dollars and time for the poor homeowners who get roped into working with these shoemaker contractors.

Thank goodness the homeowners had a permit for their project and the building inspector stepped in to ensure their home was built correctly. Unfortunately, the homeowners ended up spending over $50,000 to fix the problems caused by their original contractor.

I’m sure your asking yourself “what happened to the shoemaker contractor”? It’s a long story and I’ll save that for another blog.

Quarry foundations and the problems that come with them

A quarry foundation? What the heck is that?

That’s exactly what I asked myself.  Then the old timer building inspector told me the old failing foundation he was inspecting was a “Quarry Foundation”.

To make a long story short. After pulling off the basement wall finishes (Drywall etc.) we were looking at a crumbling foundation with horizontal cracks running around the mid height of the concrete walls. Which is a major warning sign of big foundation problems. Of course, we showed the homeowners, building inspector and brought in the engineers. After a brief site visit the foundation was condemned by the engineer. To prove conclusively that it was un-savable we had the foundation core tested. The engineering process is to drill into the wall, remove a concrete sample. Then apply a force to the sample till it breaks and that is the strength of the foundation concrete. We ordered 6 samples for testing. After 6 attempts to get the needed core sample, only one didn’t crumble in the core barrel. 6 more core holes were drilled and only ½ a sample was able to be rescued from the core bit. The foundation was truly condemned at that point.

Now to go back in history to the last ice age and Lake Iroquois shoreline reseed to the now Lake Ontario. The old beaches were left high and dry by the reseeding lake and became a great and easy location to mine aggregates for many things. This beach sand can be found in the concrete of many foundations in certain pockets around Toronto.

At the time the concrete technology was not perfected. It was found later that the tumbled beach sand from the wave action of the lake, rounded and smoothed the aggregates (sand and gravel). The rounded polished smoothed surface of the sand and stones made it difficult for the cement to bond to these materials. Over time they separated from each other causing the failure of the concrete.

The foundation fix was interesting. We removed as much of the home as possible, to reduce the weight. Then lifted the home and replaced the foundation. After, the home was placed back onto the new foundation and we continued with the addition and renovations. The picture below is of the house lifted over the new foundation.

Kitchen Renovations and designers

Over the past 30 plus years I have been asked the question by clients “should I have designer draft up the kitchen plans” or “I have spoken with the designer and I should have the drawings soon”.

Which is all fine and I have no problem with someone designing a kitchen. But….. there is a better more economical way to get the best kitchen and best use of your space from a professional in the design faze.

It’s simple, have someone that designs and builds hundreds of kitchens every year. They know what things cost, they know what works best in what position, they know the appliances and their limitations, they know the different countertop materials. They know it all because they do it all the time in so many different homes or condos.

Meet with the Kitchen manufacture and have them draft up the floor plans. In most cases this doesn’t cost you anything but a bit of time. After you have the information you can spend the money on having your designer or architect review the plans and select countertop and cabinet colours etc.

Take a look at some of stunning and highly functional kitchens, that we built and had a hand in designing. the link is posted below.

 https://www.gpwconstruction.com/kitchens

Geoff Woodmansey

President of GPW Construction Inc.

Interior water proofing vs external water proofing

Hi, my name is Geoff Woodmansey president of GPW Construction Inc. I have been working in the residential construction industry for over 38 years. My original skill set was carpentry based and I have built hundreds of homes and structures of all sizes and shapes. I have been a general contractor for 30 of my 38 years and have seen some unbelievably poor work to the most mind-blowing spectacular work. I fell in love with construction as I learned and studied everything and anything I could. Which has expanded my skill set 100-fold. From raising homes to replace foundations to installing exotic hard wood floors at $30+ and square foot for materials. At every turn there was something new to be learned.

I recently took on a project that required a renovation of an existing basement in an upper middle-class home. We started demolition in the usual manner and soon discovered that an internal water proofing system was used to manage an existing leaky foundation.

After a little investigation heavy black mould was discovered behind the waterproofing membrane, forcing us to retreat and bring in a mould remediation team at a large expense to the homeowners.

Not only did it cost a ton of extra money, the family had a two-week-old little boy living in a highly toxin home. They had no idea of the risk or the presence of the mould that had been festering and growing behind their walls.

So, why am I taking the time to write about this? Time and time again we run into homes with leaky or damp foundations. Thank goodness most of my client’s choose the best and, in my opinion, the only way to correct the problem is to waterproof the exterior of your home rather than the inside. After removing a half dozen of these interior water proofing systems in the last 10 years and seeing the mess they had caused, I thought it was time to put out the word and share my experiences.

Here’s a little list, it may be short but it’s the simple facts regarding interior waterproofing.

1.      Water will still be coming through your foundation, which will be slowly but surely worsening the condition of an already compromised foundation.

2.      Leaks never get smaller

3.      Mould will eventually start to grow and thrive behind your basement finish’s.

Don’t be fooled by the propaganda and fast talk that several of the company’s that do this work spin. Ask a soils (geotechnical) Engineer or a structural engineer about what’s the best way to waterproof your wet basement. I’m pretty sure what they will say.

All the best

GPW Construction