FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Answers about estimates, scheduling and each of our six trades.

Carpentry

Can baseboards be installed in older homes with uneven walls and floors?

Yes — trim can be scribed and fitted to uneven surfaces, with small gaps filled and caulked. Significant unevenness is noted during the assessment so the finished look is agreed in advance.

What is the difference between a prehung door and a slab door?

A prehung door comes already mounted in its frame, which suits new openings or replacing a damaged frame. A slab door is the door alone and fits an existing frame that is in good condition.

Is painting the new trim included?

Filling, caulking and painting can be included in the scope. The estimate states clearly whether finishing is part of the work.

Drywall & Plaster

Should damaged drywall be repaired or replaced?

Small holes, dents and cracks can usually be patched and blended. Water-damaged, mouldy or badly broken sections are usually better replaced. The cause of water damage should be fixed first.

What do drywall finish levels mean?

Finish levels (0 to 5) describe how much taping and compound work is done. Higher levels give a smoother surface for gloss paint or strong side lighting. The level is confirmed in the estimate so expectations are clear.

Do you repair plaster walls in older homes?

Plaster repair and skim coating can be part of the scope where suitable. Extensive plaster failure, or plaster that has come away from its lath, needs an on-site assessment before a repair approach is recommended.

Flooring

Should I choose hardwood or engineered hardwood?

Solid hardwood can be sanded and refinished many times and suits stable, above-grade rooms. Engineered hardwood has a real wood wear layer over a layered core, which makes it more dimensionally stable and better suited to some subfloors and basements. The right choice depends on the room, the subfloor and how the space is used.

Is vinyl plank or laminate better for kitchens and basements?

Vinyl plank (LVP) generally tolerates moisture better than laminate, which is more sensitive to standing water. Product specifications vary, and below-grade spaces need a moisture check before any flooring is chosen.

What subfloor preparation is needed?

The subfloor must be clean, dry, structurally sound and flat within the product manufacturer’s tolerance. Levelling, repairs or moisture testing on concrete may be needed and are listed in the estimate.

General Questions

What services does Sara Construction offer?

Six service categories: Stucco & Exterior, Flooring, Tile Installation, Drywall & Plaster, Painting and Carpentry. Each category page lists the specific work included, such as EIFS stucco repair, vinyl plank flooring or kitchen backsplash installation.

How do I request an estimate?

Use the Request an Estimate form. Choose the service, describe the work and, if you can, attach a few photos. We review the details, arrange a site visit or remote review where appropriate, and then prepare a written estimate for the agreed scope.

What information helps you prepare an accurate estimate?

Clear photos of the area, approximate measurements, the project location, your preferred timeline and anything you already know about existing conditions — for example water damage, uneven floors or previous repairs.

Can one project include more than one trade?

Yes. You can select more than one trade on the estimate form. We will confirm which parts of the scope we can deliver and how the work would be sequenced before anything is scheduled.

Do you work on residential and commercial projects?

Yes. We work on residential and commercial spaces. For occupied commercial spaces, tell us about access hours and downtime limits so the plan can account for them.

Painting

How much preparation goes into a paint job?

Preparation usually includes protecting floors and furniture, cleaning, filling and sanding, and priming where needed. Most of the final finish quality depends on this stage, so it is described in the estimate.

When is the best time for exterior painting?

Exterior coatings need dry weather and temperatures within the paint manufacturer’s application range. In Ontario this is usually late spring to early fall, depending on the product and the weather.

Can stucco or EIFS be painted?

Yes, with coatings that are compatible with the assembly. Stucco and EIFS painting is covered on our Stucco & Exterior page.

Stucco & Exterior

What is the difference between EIFS and conventional stucco?

EIFS (exterior insulation and finish system) combines insulation board, a reinforced base coat and a textured finish coat. Conventional stucco is a cement-based plaster applied in several coats over lath or masonry. Which repair or finish is appropriate depends on the existing wall assembly, so we confirm it on site before recommending anything.

Can damaged stucco be repaired without redoing the whole wall?

Often, yes — damaged areas can be cut out and repaired. Matching texture and colour exactly can be difficult, so recoating a full section may give a more consistent result. If the damage is moisture-related, the cause should be investigated before the surface is repaired.

What does foundation parging do?

Parging is a thin cementitious coating applied to exposed foundation walls. It gives a uniform finish and protects the surface. It is not a waterproofing system — active leaks or structural cracks need a separate assessment.

Tile Installation

Can new tile be installed over existing tile?

Sometimes — if the existing tile is well bonded, flat and the added height will not cause problems at doors and transitions. In many cases removing the old tile gives a more reliable result. We assess this on site.

Do I supply the tile or do you?

Either can work. If you supply the tile, order extra to allow for cuts and breakage — commonly 10–15%, depending on the layout and tile size — and keep a few spares for future repairs.

When can I use a newly tiled bathroom?

It depends on the setting materials, grout and sealant used, each of which has a cure time set by its manufacturer. We confirm the timing for your materials when the work is complete.

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