I asked to terminate the contract and although they apologize for the very poor communication, they are sticking to the term of the contract that states they get a half months rent for termination within a year... is this normal?

Any "as-is" reference would normally relate to the physical condition of the property itself - NOT to any taxes, liens or mortgage(s) against the property.

Like does he needs to charge me more than a normal service...? 

You’re finding out how it normally works and why the “low money down” doesn’t really work well.You’ll need that money to your contractor up front.

The workforce these days is incredibly mobile and by not having to sell one's  house here, move somewhere else to live in temp housing at the new location while trying to find a new normal in a new place is daunting.

She's normally at our Burlington meeting too, the next one is Feb 18.

They normally stay anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months.

@Forrest WilliamsYou can buzz that off with a diamond saw on a grinder, you could also trim the portion of the schluter edge off that would normally sit under the tile and just use your colour match caulk to adhere it to the tile edge.

A casino doesn't gamble, the individual player is gambling but the House isn't gambling. 

Even if you get some recommendations, you will need to gamble so much capital on a speculative investment.