Scope
Define what is included before pricing: demolition, preparation, materials, finishes, cleanup and related work.
Project plan
Build a complete project, not just a number
Enter the project type, dimensions and a few assumptions. RenoAtlas returns a structured work plan with budget, quantities, contingency, sequencing and checks.
Important: Results are for planning. Permit, electrical, plumbing, structural and asbestos requirements must be confirmed for the building and jurisdiction.
Logical sequence
Correct water, structure and enclosure before closing walls; complete services before drywall and finishes.
Budget
Separate base cost, waste, contingency and options so the cost drivers stay visible.
Plan the whole home
After diagnosis: organize the project
Complete project lifecycle
From idea to closeout
Move from a technical decision to a comparable, tracked and documented project.
Permit assistant
Prepare triggers, questions and documents.
Open →Compare financing
Compare cost using your own rates, terms and fees.
Open →Scope of work
Send the same scope to every contractor.
Open →Contract and contractor
Check licence, contract, payments and changes.
Open →Budget / schedule tracker
Compare planned and actual during the project.
Open →Punch list and closeout
Close the project with a list and evidence.
Open →One home profile for every tool
Save province, year, well/septic, electrical service, budget and context once. RenoAtlas can then prefill compatible tools without sending this data to a server.
Manage profile and backupsExplore: Systems to check before closing the work
Systems to check before closing the work
This section connects envelope, air, fire, structure, water and code instead of treating each project in isolation.
Envelope and condensationVentilation and pressureFire safetyShower waterproofingDeck, stairs and guardsLoad-bearing walls and openingsRoof penetrations and flashingPlumbing pressure and systemHydronic and radiant heatRenovating while living at homeHidden services before drillingCode versionsRenovation dependencies
Explore: Remaining system checks not to miss
Remaining system checks not to miss
This section covers issues that can block a project, cause a loss or become expensive once concealed.
Underground utilities before diggingPool/spa safetyPrivate sewer/water serviceRenovating a rented unitOil, propane and tankOld electrical systemFireplace, stove and chimneyBefore closing wallsPost-renovation commissioningGarage door and springsTrees, roots and utilitiesAppliance connections and leaksDryer vent and exhaustCodes + climate by province
Explore: Advanced diagnostics to cross-check
Advanced diagnostics to cross-check
This section connects water, soil, climate, safety, materials and seasonal use to existing projects.
Drinking-water quality and treatmentRodents, bats and exclusionRoof snow and iceJobsite safety and silicaNoise and vibrationRainwater and greywaterAddition, sunroom and atticRetaining wall and slopePyrite, pyrrhotite and ochreCottage winterizationMasonry and lintelsMaterial compatibilityCuring, drying and acclimation
Explore: Specialized systems to cross-check
Specialized systems to cross-check
This section completes gas, soil, water, fire, climate and structural interfaces.
Explore: Specialized diagnostics to verify
Specialized diagnostics to verify
This section connects systems that become costly or regulated when a primary project triggers them.
Explore: Edge systems to integrate into the project
Edge systems to integrate into the project
This section covers interfaces that become important when multiple home systems interact.
Explore: Legacy conditions and resilience systems
Legacy conditions and resilience systems
Check these before enclosing, excavating, modernizing or automating an existing system.
- Roof and gutter de-icing heat cables
- Well pump, pressure tank and booster
- Permanent wood foundation (PWF)
- Workshop ventilation: dust, fumes and solvents
- Attached greenhouse or four-season sunroom
- Solar panels and roof lifecycle sequencing
- Water leak detection and automatic shutoff
- Vermiculite, asbestos and attic renovation
- Shoreline, riparian zone, dock and stabilization
- Sewage ejector or grinder pump
- Sump pump, backwater valve and backup
- UFFI and renovation of an older home
Explore: Advanced systems and special cases
Advanced systems and special cases
Checks that change sequencing, risk or which professionals must be coordinated.
- Manufactured or mobile home renovation
- Indoor pool humidity, envelope and ventilation
- Steam shower / steam room envelope
- HVAC, heat-pump and dehumidifier condensate drainage
- Duplex/multi-unit shared systems before renovation
- Log and heavy-timber home renovation
- Abandoned well decommissioning
- Exterior basement entry and drainage
- Flat roof overflow, scupper and secondary drainage
- Heated driveway and snowmelt system
- Residential potable-water cistern
- Outdoor kitchen: gas, electrical, water and fire
Explore: Hidden systems and critical interfaces
Hidden systems and critical interfaces
These checks target costly problems that often appear only after opening assemblies, conversions or changes of use.
- Legacy plumbing: materials, transitions and history
- I-joists/LVL: holes, notches and services
- Roof trusses: modification and attic storage
- Sewer gas, traps and plumbing vents
- Sensitive clay and landslide constraints
- Heavy floor loads: gym, aquarium, safe, piano
- Wildfire smoke: filtration and cleaner indoor air
- Water stagnation and recommissioning after work or vacancy
- Orphaned chimney after electrification
- Water-service replacement: grounding and bonding continuity
- Electric radiant floor heating in renovation
- Metal roof: sliding snow and ice
Explore: Deep retrofit and envelope interfaces
Deep retrofit and envelope interfaces
Measure, sequence, drain, dry and verify interfaces before concealing work.
- Deep energy retrofit: whole-home sequencing
- Blower-door airtightness testing
- Residential thermal storage heating
- Solar thermal water heating
- Continuous exterior insulation and thermal bridges
- Rainscreen and wall drainage plane
- Opening flashings: windows, doors and sill pans
- Stone foundation and compatible mortar
- Concrete balcony: spalling and reinforcement corrosion
- Brick veneer: cavity, flashings, ties and weeps
- Home emergency shutoff map
Explore: Building interfaces to diagnose before enclosure or replacement
Building interfaces to diagnose before enclosure or replacement
These tools connect structure, water, air, frost, wind and mechanical systems so repairs do not hide the cause.
- Cold-climate heat pump: load, balance point and backup
- Ductwork, static pressure, airflow and balancing
- EIFS/acrylic stucco: water, drainage and repairs
- Spray polyurethane foam: assembly and quality control
- Slab-on-grade: moisture, vapour, radon and flooring
- Frost-protected shallow foundation
- Wind uplift: roof-to-wall-to-foundation load path
- Cathedral ceiling and compact roof: air, vapour and moisture
- Foundation cracks: track movement before repair
- Chimney removal: structure, roof, floors and safety
- Garage slab: heave, settlement and frost
Explore: Hidden details to verify before repair or enclosure
Hidden details to verify before repair or enclosure
These diagnostics separate simple maintenance from measurement-first and conditions where structure, fire or services require professional review.
- Basement subfloor and moisture
- Cold room/root cellar: condensation and thermal separation
- Steel beams and columns in renovation
- Ductless mini-split: placement, condensate and maintenance
- Exterior stairs and landings: frost movement
- Firestopping around pipes, cables and ducts
- Tankless water heater: demand, energy and maintenance
- Adjustable steel posts: load and footing
- Bouncy or deflecting floors
- Sagging roof: rafters, ridge and supports
Explore: Often-overlooked service interfaces
Often-overlooked service interfaces
This section connects systems that cross utility, plumbing, HVAC, envelope and metering boundaries.
Electrical service, mast and meterGenerator and backup powerDomestic hot-water recirculationWater pressure, PRV and thermal expansionHVAC zoning and motorized dampersVoltage quality, flicker and sagsAttic hatch and pull-down stairsExterior window shading and overheatingElectricity submetering in multi-unit buildingsHeat pump outdoor unit, snow and defrost
Explore: Project risks and overlooked interfaces
Project risks and overlooked interfaces
This section connects payment, water, envelope, ventilation and jobsite details that often create costly surprises.
Payments, change orders, releases and construction liensGutters, downspouts and roof drainageTile, stone and substrate deflectionSafety glazing, showers and guardsVacant home during renovationTemporary weather protection during renovationOutdoor air intakes and exhaust terminationsBuilding-envelope penetrationsDeck ledger, cladding and masonry interfaceLaundry room leak containment
Explore: Finish and service details to verify
Finish and service details to verify
This section connects small details that become costly once finishes are closed.
Traditional cement stucco, lath and drainageSlate or clay tile roofingKitchen island/peninsula services and supportHidden backing for grab bars and wall-mounted fixturesPlumbing cleanouts and service accessPost-renovation cleaning and indoor airOutdoor faucet: freeze and backflow protectionCladding clearance above gradeCondensation in exhaust ductsAttic soffit baffles and ventilation
Explore: Household safety and compliance details
Household safety and compliance details
This section connects smaller risks that often fall between finishes, appliances, plumbing and local code.
Sealant joints, backer rod and movementRange anti-tip and appliance anchoringAwning, canopy and pergola loadsInterior stairs, handrails and guardsWater-treatment backwash and reject dischargeMechanical room service access and clearancesCeiling fan and heavy light supportCorded window coverings and child safetyOutdoor receptacle: GFCI and weather protectionFloor drain trap seals and primers
Explore: Shared, access and specialized interfaces
Shared, access and specialized interfaces
This section connects projects where multiple systems, owners or rules meet.
Party walls: fire, sound and penetrationsDetached accessory dwelling / garden suiteEV charging in condos and multi-unit housingSolar PV: roof attachment, structure and flashingAccessible exterior entry: ramp, landing and thresholdStone veneer: support, drainage and attachmentPool: pump, filter, heating and equipmentSauna: heater, ventilation and enclosureSmoke/CO alarms during renovationWindows in masonry openings
Explore: Commissioning and everyday safety
Commissioning and everyday safety
This section helps verify systems after work and document the values that make a home safer to operate.
Range hood: capture, duct and makeup airHRV/ERV: frost, condensate and balancingCondensing-appliance condensateGas-to-induction cooking conversionLithium e-bike/e-scooter batteries at homeWater heater: temperature/pressure relief and dischargeHot-water temperature and anti-scald protectionPlumbing vents: frost, snow and roof terminationWindows and child fall preventionElectrical panel: circuit directory and mapping
Explore: Post-disaster and legacy systems
Post-disaster and legacy systems
This section connects contamination, storm damage, legacy materials and recommissioning before rebuilding.
Sewage backup: contamination and recoveryPost-fire smoke, soot and wet materialsKnob-and-tube wiring in an older homeHail: roof and envelope impact assessmentFrozen/burst pipes: safe recommissioningTermites and wood-boring insects in structural woodMercury thermostats and legacy controlsStorm/tree impact: structure, re-entry and stabilizationLead paint: renovation dustElectrical systems after flooding: re-energization
Explore: Invisible constraints before work
Invisible constraints before work
This section checks electrical, legal, environmental and climate constraints that can block a project before demolition starts.
Aluminum branch-circuit wiringOld fuse panels and overfusingLegacy fluorescent ballasts and PCBsMigratory-bird nests and renovation workEasements and rights-of-way before workRenovating in a flood-hazard zonePermafrost and northern home foundationsCoastal homes: storm surge, salt and corrosionOverhead powerlines near home workGFCI/AFCI and modern protection during renovation
Explore: Use, excavation and construction constraints
Use, excavation and construction constraints
This section connects use permits, soil, excavation, neighbouring structures and public-space logistics before hard-to-reverse work.
Building use or occupancy change before renovationArchaeological find during excavationContaminated soil found during excavationPost-tensioned slabs: drilling, anchoring and coringBlasting and vibration near buildingsExcavation dewatering and groundwater pumpingExcavation shoring and adjacent structuresPreconstruction condition survey of neighbouring buildingsProtected trees, roots and constructionPublic right-of-way occupation during construction
Explore: Before finalizing the project
Before finalizing the project
This section checks that can change drawings, permits, construction methods or structure.
- Professional plans: architect, engineer or other designer?
- Permit closeout, final inspection and occupancy
- Variance, design review and discretionary planning approval
- Temporary construction heating and drying
- Hot work, permits and fire watch
- Infrared thermography and moisture mapping
- Well yield, recovery and storage
- Snow drift at additions and roof steps
- Balloon framing and continuous cavities in old homes
- Wetlands and watercourses before construction
Explore: Blind spots before proceeding
Blind spots before proceeding
This section checks that can change methods, insurance, testing or work sequence.
- Temporary structural bracing during renovation
- Soil vapour intrusion into a home
- Foam-plastic insulation: thermal and fire protection
- Well, septic system and new project siting
- Permit expiry, extension and reactivation
- Potable-water flushing and recommissioning
- Controlled building-envelope water penetration testing
- Insurance during a major renovation
- Pre-demolition hazardous-materials survey
- Acoustic flanking paths in renovation
Explore: After the work: money, warranties and records
After the work: money, warranties and records
This section closes administrative and financial risks that remain after project reception.
- GCR warranty, pre-delivery inspection and warranty start
- GST/QST rebate after a major renovation
- Transition from well/septic to municipal services
- Post-renovation as-built record package
- Property assessment after renovation
- Insurance after renovation and replacement cost
- RBQ contractor licence, bond and client recourse
- Renovation financing and progress advances
- Rénoclimat: post-retrofit evaluation and evidence file
Explore: Warranties, disputes and resale
Warranties, disputes and resale
This section organizes evidence and rules that survive the construction project.
- Installed-product warranty passport
- Defect: manufacturer, installer or contractor?
- Contractor dispute: evidence, formal demand and remedies
- Resale: disclose renovations, events and known issues
- Condo: post-renovation record handoff
- Principal residence and rental: tax change of use
- Major renovations and rent adjustment
- Quick resale after renovation: 365-day flipping rule
- Transfer warranties and records to the next owner
- Recalls for installed products and building materials
Explore: Hidden interfaces
Hidden V50 interfaces
Explore: Detail interfaces
Detail interfaces
Explore: Residual interfaces
Residual interfaces
Explore: Hidden junctions
Hidden junctions
Explore: Remaining specialized systems
Remaining specialized systems
This section connects uncommon but costly decisions to systems already tracked by RenoAtlas.
- Construction legal hypothec: protect the homeowner file
- Metal roof: snow sliding and retention
- Domestic hot-water recirculation: comfort, energy and plumbing
- Wine cellar or cold room: temperature, vapour and condensation
- Sewage ejector and grinder pump
- Water softener: brine, drainage and septic system
- Storm windows and secondary glazing
- Exterior shading, awnings and overheating
- Tankless water heater: flow, capacity and maintenance
- Heat-pump / ventless dryer
- Gas-to-induction range conversion
- Solar carport / PV canopy
Explore: Blind spots to verify before proceeding
Blind spots to verify before proceeding
This section covers situations that change compliance, safety, project recovery or system design.
- Unpermitted work: regularize without guessing
- Failed inspection or correction notice
- Contractor abandons a renovation
- Construction erosion and sediment control
- Mould remediation: cause, containment and verification
- Existing building: when does renovation trigger an upgrade?
- Air-to-water heat pump and hydronic system
- Hybrid / dual-fuel heat-pump system
- Solar: inverter, interconnection and grid authorization
- Accessible-ready kitchen and bathroom
- Temporary access to neighbouring land for work
Explore: Checkpoints before an irreversible step
Checkpoints before an irreversible step
This section helps stop at the right moment before placement, fabrication, ordering, concealment or installation.
- Before concrete placement: irreversible checkpoint
- Layout and elevation benchmark before foundation
- Product substitution: equivalent does not mean identical
- Shop drawings and submittals before fabrication
- Hidden conditions discovered after demolition
- Flatness, level, plumb and square before finishes
- Construction material storage and protection
- Material receiving before installation
- Roof deck after tear-off: inspect before membrane
- Owner-supplied materials: who is responsible for what?
Explore: Specialized systems not to overlook
Specialized systems not to overlook
This section covers legacy, energy and envelope systems that can change the method or required professional.
- Legacy steam heating and cast-iron radiators
- MERV/HEPA air filtration without choking the system
- Legacy sewer lateral: camera, material and trenchless rehabilitation
- Copper pitting and pinhole leaks
- Door-to-door renovation sales: contract, 10 days and current prohibitions
- Electrification: actually decommission gas service
- Window security bars and egress
- Off-grid home and microgrid: energy, storage and islanding
- Building-integrated photovoltaics and solar shingles
- Foundation: dampproofing is not waterproofing
- Chimney flue liner and relining
Explore: V43 specialized blind spots
V43 specialized blind spots
- Water heater: anode, sediment and corrosion
- UV, ionizer and ozone air cleaners
- Tiny home: classification, site and compliance
- Portable fire extinguisher: selection, location and maintenance
- Garage drain and oil-water separator
- Second shingle layer or full tear-off?
- Helical/screw piles: load, soil and traceability
- Powered attic fan: why it is not the default solution
Explore: V44 decisions not to oversimplify
V44 decisions not to oversimplify
- Duct cleaning: when is it actually useful?
- Air-admittance valve (AAV): when is it allowed?
- Bowed or leaning block foundation wall
- Reflective / cool roofs in Canada
- Upper-storey evacuation: window, ladder and escape plan
- Home inspection: what it sees — and what it does not
- Acidic condensate: drainage, trap and neutralization
- Ice-and-water membrane at eaves: protection, not a cure
Explore: V45 decisions to verify before locking in the work
V45 decisions to verify before locking in the work
- Issued permit: changing approved plans safely
- Cold-weather concrete: freezing, temperature and curing
- Expansive and shrink-swell clay beneath a home
- Older CCA-treated wood: decks, fences and dust
- Concrete slab: joints, shrinkage and curling
- Ducts in attics/crawlspaces: sealing and insulation
- Map foundation drains, sump, storm and sanitary connections
- Solar arrays: snow, ice and shedding zones
- Masonry: movement joints, expansion and cracking
- Tornado and extreme winds: choose a refuge in the home
Explore: V46 decisions to diagnose before fixing
V46 decisions to diagnose before fixing
- Roof-truss uplift: seasonal ceiling-wall cracks
- De-icing salts: concrete, corrosion and scaling
- Older electric radiant ceiling: before drilling or demolition
- Wood flooring: shrinkage, swelling, cupping and moisture
- Central vacuum: exhaust, depressurization and fire separations
- Multi-unit dryer exhaust: shared ducts, pressure and fire
- Recessed lights under attic insulation: heat, air and safety
Explore: V47 interfaces not to miss
V47 interfaces not to miss
These details are small on a drawing but can control water, structure or durability.