Frequently Asked Questions

A General Contractor is responsible for the construction. Their focus is soley on the build of the house.

Your project is much more than the actual construction.

Let's not forget about the zoning, planning, soil reports, surveys, driveway, utilities, architecture, engineering, trees, permits, interior design, insurance, landscaping, etc.

These are all additional topics that need to be managed, and are not typically part of a General Contractors scope of work.

A Project Manager (PM) acts as your trusted advisor, managing planning, logistics, timelines, budgets, contractors, and quality—but unlike a general contractor, we don’t take control away from you. You retain decision-making power and contract directly with trades and suppliers, giving you more transparency and cost control.

The best time to hire a Project Manager is as early as possible—ideally before design or planning begins. Bringing a PM on board early helps you avoid costly missteps, build a realistic budget, and ensure your architect, designer, and trades are aligned from the start. We help you make informed decisions, review plans, prepare permit applications, and structure your project for success—before any work begins. That early involvement often saves time, money, and headaches down the road.

However, if you're already mid-project and feeling overwhelmed, behind schedule, or if things are getting out of control—it’s not too late. We can step in to assess the current state of your project, identify issues, reorganize the workflow, and provide the structure and oversight needed to get things back on track. Whether you're just starting or already knee-deep, we can add value at any stage.

Garrison provides coordination and management of all applications for payment.
The customer pays everyone directly. The PM does not hold subcontracts.

Not at all. We coordinate all scheduling, communication, and quality checks. You’re still in control of hiring decisions and payments, but we take the day-to-day management off your shoulders—so you get the benefits of control without the burden of administration.

No—we handle all of that for you. We assist with permitting, coordinate inspections, and ensure your project complies with all building codes and municipal requirements.

Yes. While we don’t perform the physical work, we carry Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance and Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance for our role as Project Manager. We also make sure your trades carry the appropriate coverage, including WSIB where required.

Absolutely. You can bring your own preferred contractors or we can recommend vetted professionals. Our job is to manage the process, regardless of who’s on your team.

It's not just the charges that need to be closely monitored. The language used in a subcontractors quotation can lead to problems if not managed correctly. 

We help you compare quotes, negotiate fair terms, and review scopes of work to make sure you’re getting value for your investment. And since you pay trades directly, there’s no hidden markup.

Our sister companies include Cracked Pencil Design for architectural and interior design services, and Construction Solutions offers dealer discounted pricing on premium products for the entire home.

As us about our product package such as windows, doors, plumbing fixtures, flooring and green technology for your project.

Absolutely, Garrison is a full service PM firm specializing in residential custom builds. From single family to multi-unit, we're perfectly positioned to manage your GTA project. You don't need to be here. With today's technology we are able to communicate and showcase progress with no issues.

As long as we have a clear direction on your vision, and we work as a team, it's no problem for us.