Choosing a Contractor
Renovating your home can add to its decor and value. Choosing a qualified and reliable contractor is probably the most important decision you will make during the renovation process, so choose wisely to ensure you safeguard your home - and your wallet.
How do you make sure that you hire a contractor who will give you honest, reputable value for your money and treat both you and your home with respect? First, start out by obtaining at least three detailed quotes from qualified contractors. But what makes someone qualified to perform the work on your home? Find out what qualifications your contractor has to perform the work, as well as what they're licensed and insured to perform (demand that your contractor be insured to cover you and your property). Look for a contractor who has experience with similar projects. It's also a good idea to check with your local professional affiliations, such as your local Home Builders Association and Better Business Bureau, to find out if any complaints have been lodged against the contractor. You can also check with your local municipal licensing office to verify that your contractor has a valid operating license. While a jack-of-all-trades contractor may be able to complete all facets of a major renovation, you may prefer to hire contractors who specialize in trades like plumbing, wiring, tiling or drywall.
Don't be afraid to ask questions - lots of questions. If you don't feel comfortable with the answers you're getting then move on to another contractor. Ask for recent references and follow up on those references. Find out if those projects were completed on time and on budget. Also ask if there were any complications with the project, and if so, ask if the problems were resolved to the customers' satisfaction. If possible, ask to visit the completed project to check on the quality of the work yourself. Good word of mouth references are a positive sign that you are on the right track. A sampling of general questions you should ask your contractor:
- how long have you been in business?
- what kind of work do you specialize in?
- how many jobs have you worked on similar to this?
- do you have the appropriate licenses?
- will you perform all the work yourself or will you subcontract some of the work out?
Get everything in writing, including the estimated start and finishing dates, responsibility for permits, and down-payment and payment schedule (note: a typical down-payment is 10 to 20% of the total project; if the contractor insists on more, this should tip you off). The contractor should provide you with a detailed cost breakdown for material and labour. Keep in mind that if the estimate sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If everything checks out, its time to sign the contract. Always pay by cheque and obtain receipts, and make sure that each stage of the project is completed to your satisfaction before paying, and try to avoid cash deals where possible - a paper trail will be your best friend in the event you do have a problem with the contractor down the road. Specify that no additional work should be completed without your approval, and that the work be performed in a manner that suits both your schedule as well as your contractors' schedule.
Be reasonable. Keep an open and honest dialogue with your suppliers and your contractor. On any project there is bound to be a hiccup or two, but you'll have peace of mind if you can accept this. A renovation to your home can be stressful, but it should also be fun and rewarding, and following these basic steps can help ensure that your home renovation project is completed to your expectations and satisfaction.