Board questions
Working with CK: who it works for, how it is paid and what it does
These answers describe how CK says it works for condominium boards. They come from statements on CK's own website, so they show CK's approach rather than an independent review. One answer also cites Alberta's Occupational Health and Safety Act. Anything that matters to your board should be confirmed with CK in writing.
Last reviewed . General information for condominium boards, not legal or engineering advice.
At a glance
- CK says it works solely for the condominium corporation and its board of directors, and that the corporation pays it directly.
- CK says contractors bid on individual trades, all bids and estimates go directly to the corporation, and the board signs each contractor's contract.
- CK describes itself as a construction management firm, not a general contractor.
- CK says it works on projects from a 5-unit condominium to buildings with more than 200 units.
- Once the contracts are finalized, CK says it sets up on site and oversees the renovation from start to finish.
Questions and answers
Who does CK work for?
CK's own FAQ says it works solely for the condominium corporation and its board of directors. Its projects page says its client is the condo board and/or the condo corporation and that, while CK works with property managers, they are not who it focuses on.
Next step. Ask CK to confirm in writing who its client is for your project.
Sources: CK Condominium FAQ page, CK Condominium projects page
Who pays CK, and does CK take money from contractors?
CK's own FAQ says the condominium corporation pays CK directly and that CK is not paid by any contractor. It also says that, with each vendor billing the condominium directly, there is no additional mark-up.
Next step. Ask any adviser, CK included, to state in writing who pays them and how.
Sources: CK Condominium FAQ page
Is CK a general contractor?
CK's own FAQ says no. It says CK is a construction management firm, not a general contractor, and that CK gathers bids on behalf of the condominium corporation for each phase of construction. CK also says all contractor bids and estimates go directly to the corporation and that, once the contracts are finalized, it oversees the renovation from start to finish.
Next step. Ask any firm you are considering, CK included, who will hold the contract with each trade and who will hold the warranties.
Sources: CK Condominium FAQ page, CK Condominium services page
How is CK's model different from hiring a general contractor?
CK says that in its own model contractors bid on individual trades rather than the entire project, all bids and estimates go directly to the corporation, the board signs each contractor's contract and each vendor bills the condominium directly.
CK describes the traditional model this way: three to five general contractors are contacted, and each collects its subcontractors' bids and submits a bid package with its mark-up to the engineer. Once the condominium awards the job, the general contractor takes over and supplies a construction manager to run all trades.
Next step. Whichever model a board chooses, ask how every price will be shown to the board.
How do contractor bids work with CK?
CK says it reviews the scope of work and contacts each appropriate contractor directly. It says companies bid on individual trades, not on the entire project, and that all contractor bids and estimates go directly to the corporation. CK also says it creates a report of its findings from the estimates, presents it to the corporation and gives recommendations on which contractors the board should hire.
Next step. See contractor bids for how a board can compare what comes back.
Who signs the contracts, and who holds the warranties?
CK's own FAQ says each contractor's contract is signed directly by the board, and that all warranties go directly to the condominium rather than to a general contractor.
Next step. Read each contract and warranty before the board signs, and ask what each warranty covers.
Sources: CK Condominium FAQ page
Does CK work with engineers?
CK's own FAQ says CK has a program that works with a local engineering firm, and that CK meets with the engineering firm that works for the condo corporation. CK's services page says all engineering services are provided independently and directly to the condominium.
Next step. Ask CK which engineering firm would be engaged and who it would report to; the stucco and building envelope questions show how to check that an engineer is licensed in Alberta.
Sources: CK Condominium FAQ page, CK Condominium services page
What does CK say about deconstructive testing and test-unit reporting?
CK's own FAQ says deconstructive testing is done with the engineer to fine-tune the scope of the project. CK's services page lists building envelope inspection with test-unit reporting by an engineering firm.
The services page does not define a test unit, and the FAQ does not describe the testing further. These are CK's own descriptions of its approach, not definitions.
Next step. Ask CK to put in writing what testing it proposes, who will do it and what the report will say; the stucco and building envelope questions cover how testing, engineers and reports fit in.
Sources: CK Condominium FAQ page, CK Condominium services page
What does CK say it does once the contracts are finalized?
CK's own FAQ says that once the contracts are finalized, CK sets up on site and oversees the renovation from start to finish. It adds that CK sets up schedules and daily progress and, as required, meets with the engineer to review site conditions and provide sign-off when rot is discovered.
Next step. Ask CK how the board will be kept informed of progress during the work; the running a construction project questions cover what boards meet once work is under way.
Sources: CK Condominium FAQ page
Does CK help with the budget for a special assessment?
CK says it provides complete budgeting overviews for proposed and planned condo project renovations, including special assessments, and that all contractor bids and estimates go directly to the corporation.
Next step. See special assessments for how a levy works under Alberta's Condominium Property Act.
Sources: CK Condominium home page, CK Condominium services page
Does CK deal with City of Edmonton permits?
CK's services page says CK works on behalf of the condo corporation with the City of Edmonton for building and development permits. The page does not say who holds or signs the permit. It also lists working with the City on the Final Grade Certificate and compliance as part of its landscape and grade programs.
Next step. Ask CK which permits your project is likely to need and who applies for each.
Sources: CK Condominium services page
What size and type of condominium does CK work with?
CK says it works on all sizes of project, from a 5-unit condominium to buildings with more than 200 units. Its services page says its inspection, repair and replacement programs cover townhome, coach home and apartment-style condominiums.
Sources: CK Condominium FAQ page, CK Condominium services page
Does CK only do complete building-envelope projects?
CK's own FAQ says no. It says CK also works on specific projects, such as roof replacements, windows and doors. Its services page lists roof replacement programs and insulation replacement, and windows and doors, alongside stucco inspection, repair and replacement.
Sources: CK Condominium FAQ page, CK Condominium services page
Which exterior and roofing services does CK's services page list?
CK's services page lists siding replacement and repair, soffit, fascia, eavestrough and downspout work, windows and doors, and stucco programs. It also lists inspection of existing roof decks and attics, roof replacement, and paint, stain and decking.
The page also says CK oversees parking and ground services for condo boards; parking lots and grounds sets out the parking, concrete and grounds work CK says it oversees.
Next step. Ask CK to list in writing which of these services your project would involve.
Sources: CK Condominium services page
Will CK report to our property manager?
CK says it gives the property management company updates on project renovations, that it works solely for the condo corporation and its board of directors, and that it serves the board's interests.
Next step. Ask CK to set out who receives which updates, and when.
Sources: CK Condominium FAQ page, CK Condominium projects page
Who is the prime contractor for occupational health and safety on a CK project?
CK's own FAQ asks "Who is the Prime Contractor for Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S)?" and answers "We are!" That is CK's own statement, not a legal conclusion.
Alberta's Occupational Health and Safety Act (consolidation current to 11 June 2025) says in section 10(2) that the person in control of a work site that must have a prime contractor must designate one in writing.
Next step. Ask CK whether a written designation exists for your site and who made it, and check its wording with the corporation's lawyer; the running a construction project questions cover what the Act says if no one is designated.
Sources: CK Condominium FAQ page, Occupational Health and Safety Act
Sources and further reading
Each answer names the public document behind it. Statements about how CK works come from CK's own website; everything else comes from the organisation named, read on the date shown at the top of this page.
- CK Condominium FAQ page, "How is CK Condominium Different?" (ckcondominium.ca/resources-eg/) — CK Condominium Consultants (its own website)
- CK Condominium home page (ckcondominium.ca) — CK Condominium Consultants (its own website)
- CK Condominium projects page (ckcondominium.ca/projects/) — CK Condominium Consultants (its own website)
- CK Condominium services page (ckcondominium.ca/services/) — CK Condominium Consultants (its own website)
- Occupational Health and Safety Act, SA 2020, c O-2.2 (office consolidation, current as of June 11, 2025) — Alberta King's Printer (Government of Alberta)