FAQ

A: Extreme deposits are a red flag. At Amitaf, we follow a professional milestone-based payment schedule. You pay for mobilization and materials to start, and subsequent payments are tied to tangible progress. You never pay for work that hasn't happened.

A: It is true that government projects have absorbed much of the city's labor. However, Amitaf operates with a dedicated core of residential structural specialists. We do not over-book; when you are on our schedule, you have our full attention.

A: You have met Ahmed—he oversees every structural project. While we have a skilled crew for heavy lifting and partner with licensed master trades, Ahmed is your point of contact and is on-site to verify the Amitaf Standard is met at every milestone.

A: A handyman quotes for demolition. We quote for Structural Integrity. Our price includes $2M liability insurance, WSIB-cleared professionals, and precision engineering. As the saying goes: If you think a professional is expensive, wait until you hire an amateur.

A: This is the #1 complaint in our industry. At Amitaf, once we start your project, we stay on your project. While there are cure times for materials, you won't see your job site sit empty for weeks while we start another house.

A: The only way to be 100% certain is a professional structural audit. We trace the load path to the foundation from the basement or attic. Never trust a contractor who guesses by tapping on the drywall.

A: It won't fall instantly, but your home will sag. You will see cracks in the drywall and sloping floors within weeks. At Amitaf, we use temporary shoring towers to support your home’s weight before the wall is even touched.

A: It depends on the span. LVL wood is great for smaller openings, but for massive Open Concept spans, steel is the gold standard because it is thinner and stronger, allowing us to hide the beam inside your ceiling for a flush look.

A: Start with us. We work closely with local Professional Engineers (P.Eng) to ensure the design is actually buildable and fits your budget, rather than getting a theoretically possible plan that is impossible to execute.

A: For a kitchen or single wall removal, yes. For a full-house flip, it is difficult. We use zip-wall systems and HEPA air scrubbers to contain dust, but structural work is loud and heavy. We give you an honest assessment during your consultation.

A: For a mid-to-high-end kitchen with structural changes, most projects range from $60k to $100k+. This includes cabinetry, counters, updated electrical, and structural steel. Beware of low-ball quotes that ignore the engineering required.

A: Yes, but it adds complexity. We coordinate with licensed plumbers and HVAC techs to reroute stacks into adjacent walls or slim bulkheads, ensuring your vision isn't ruined by a misplaced column.

A: A full gut and structural remodel typically takes 6 to 10 weeks. We provide a Critical Path schedule so you know exactly when the water and gas will be off.

A: Not if caught early. Mold is usually a sign of a failed waterproofing membrane. We strip to the studs, treat the area, and rebuild using waterproof systems like Schluter-Kerdi.

A: For a primary ensuite, walk-in showers are the top request in 2026. However, for resale value, we recommend keeping at least one bathtub in the house for families with children.

A: It requires 30-minute fire-rated barriers, an egress window, minimum 6’5” ceiling height, and proper HVAC separation. We ensure your investment passes the City’s final inspection.

A: We use a combination of closed-cell spray foam for a vapor barrier and strategic plumbing layout—keeping pipes away from exterior walls to survive -30°C winters.

A: Yes, but it requires benching or underpinning to lower the floor. This is a major structural project that we can assess for your foundation.

A: Yes. Any structural alteration requires a permit. This protects you during a future sale; an unpermitted wall removal can kill a real estate deal. We handle all drawings and inspections.

A: If we are opening walls in areas like Westboro or Vanier, we may find asbestos in plaster. We coordinate professional testing and abatement before demolition to protect your air quality.

A: Residential permits usually take 2 to 4 weeks. We submit Decision-Ready applications with engineering stamps included to minimize delays.