Design-Build Contractors in Kitchener-Waterloo
A BETTER WAY TO BUILD
A great renovation isn't just about the final space; it's about the experience of creating it. We started Catalyst nearly 15 years ago because we knew there was a better, more thoughtful way to bring beautiful, functional homes to life in the Kitchener-Waterloo area.
Instead of juggling separate designers and contractors, our design-build process brings everyone to the same table from day one. This means you get a collaborative partner, a seamless plan, and a dedicated team obsessed with the details. We’re your guides from the first sketch to the final walkthrough, ensuring the end result is a space that works for you and your family for years to come.
Our Process: Your renovation journey, simplified.
Our design-build process is built on clarity, collaboration, and communication. We've refined our steps to ensure your project is a seamless and positive experience from our first conversation to the final walkthrough.
Step One: Discovery
Let's Talk About What's Possible.
Every great renovation begins with a great conversation. This is where we get to know you, your home, and your vision. We’ll discuss your goals, your lifestyle, and what you’re hoping to achieve. Following our complimentary consultation, we’ll present a Pre-Construction Proposal with a preliminary budget range to ensure we're all on the same page before diving into the details.
Step Two: Pre-Construction
Bringing Your Vision to Life on Paper
This is where true planning happens. Once a pre-construction agreement is in place, you'll collaborate closely with our design team. We handle everything from creating architectural drawings and refining the scope of work, to selecting finishes and establishing a final, transparent budget. This meticulous planning phase is the secret to a smooth construction process, ensuring every detail is considered and every decision is made with confidence before any walls come down.
Step Three: Construction
Watching Your Dream Take Shape
With a solid plan in hand, our construction team takes over to bring the vision to life. You'll be assigned a dedicated Project Manager who will be your single point of contact, providing daily updates and managing every aspect of the build. We treat your home with the respect it deserves, focusing on quality craftsmanship and maintaining a clean, organized site. With key milestones signed off by you along the way, you’ll have peace of mind and a clear view of the progress at every stage.
Your Project, At Your Fingertips
We believe in full transparency. That’s why every Catalyst project comes with access to your own personalized client portal through Billdr Pro. Here, you can easily track your project's schedule, review and approve selections and change orders, view progress photos, and access all important documents in one organized place. It’s our way of ensuring you feel connected and informed every step of the way.
The Catalyst Experience:
In Our Clients' Words
We recently hired Catalyst for a major kitchen and living room renovation, and we couldn't be more impressed with the entire experience. From start to finish, they exceeded all of our expectations. The design process was incredibly smooth. Andrew and Sara took the time to understand our vision and Sara offered the perfect design suggestions that blended the modern concept we wanted with finishes that were durable enough for daily life with our young kids. We appreciated how she listened to our thoughts while also providing her own insights to ensure the space was both functional and beautiful. Communication throughout the project was outstanding. Nick kept us in the loop every morning to let us know what to expect, and any questions or concerns we had were addressed quickly and thoroughly. When it came to the actual work, the attention to detail was incredible. After the sub-contractors installed the cabinetry we thought it was done perfectly, but the next morning Josh and Ben immediately caught things we hadn't noticed, and had the contractors come back and re-install. Without that knowledge it would have taken us months to notice, but they caught it within minutes. The level of craftsmanship is evident in every corner of our kitchen and living room, and it shows. I think what honestly sets Catalyst apart was the customer service, specifically how great the team was with our kids. We lived at home with a 5 and 3 year old through the reno, and every morning Josh and Ben took the time to talk with the kids and always made them feel included. Our 3 year old would get excited every morning when he heard them arrive and would race down to talk to them. At the end of the day when they were going home they would always take the time to ask the kids how their day was. They were so patient and kind with the kids, its the kind of small detail that made a tremendous difference to the kids experience throughout the whole process, which made all the difference to me as well. The finished kitchen and living room are absolutely perfect – it’s everything we envisioned and more. We’ve already been recommending Catalyst to friends and colleagues, and without a doubt, we will be using them again for future projects. Highly, highly recommend!
Julie H., Waterloo.
We love our renovated kitchen and highly recommend Catalyst General Contracting! During the design process, the team took time to understand our priorities and hopes for our kitchen. When we decided to change plans, the team quickly shifted their focus and incorporated any ‘extras’ we added into the plan. We could not have imagined the number of decisions we would need to make. Sara and Jayden gave us options without overwhelming us and helped us to develop a plan that met all of our needs. Then they made it beautiful! We were incredibly impressed with communication throughout the project. Emails were responded to promptly, questions were clearly answered, and through the approvals process, we knew each feature that was included in our kitchen. We found the app really helpful to see schedules, messages, and invoices. During construction, some adjustments needed to be made. These issues were quickly brought to our attention and we were presented with possible solutions. We felt confident making these decisions because the team had already thought through the options. We also appreciated knowing who would be in our home each day. Josh, Scott, and Nick were professional and respectful. We were impressed with their attention to detail and level of craftsmanship. They also took time to answer our questions and cleaned up the space before leaving for the day. In the end, we have a stunning kitchen that functions well for our family. We have already recommended Catalyst to others and would have them back without hesitation.
Tiffany J., New Dundee
We are absolutely thrilled with the transformation of our basement and bathroom! Thanks to Catalyst, the entire space feels brighter, lighter, and uniquely ours. From the outset, the team demonstrated an incredible level of hard work and dedication. They genuinely took the time to understand our needs and provided expert advice every step of the way. Their supportive approach and commitment to excellence made a significant difference to our renovation experience. We trust them completely and highly recommend Catalyst to anyone looking to transform their home. Thank you for making our vision come to life!
Anna M., Waterloo.
See What We’re Building Next.
Let’s Build Something Great Together.
Have a project in mind for your home? We'd love to learn more about it. Use the form below to tell us about your vision, and we’ll get back to you by the next business day to schedule an initial consultation. We look forward to hearing from you!
Contact Info:
Email: info@catalystgc.ca | Phone: 519-489-0393 Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 7am to 5pm