Builders section - Hiring Contractors
Deciding on a Contractor:It always makes good renovaton sense to talk to more than one contractor for your home improvement project. Opinions can vary from contractor to contractor. The renovation that you want to have completed can sometimes be done several different ways. If you only talk to one contractor about your renovation, then you've only given yourself one professional opinion to go by. If you talk to more than one contractor, you get more information on which to make the decision that is best for your home renovation project. Make sure references are for work similar to yours:You should never be afraid to ask for references from the contractor doing your renovation. If the contractor is reputable, with more than a few years in the industry, then this company will likely have a number of references that they can refer to you. If they do not... then are you sure you want them working on your renovation. Make sure that the contractor you choose knows and has performed the work you are asking them to perform. It may sound obvious but it is surprising how often a second contractor with more experience has to be called in to complete someone else's work. This will usually cost more because the second contractor may have to repair the work started by the first contractor and then go ahead and finish the renovation. Protect yourself:Dealing with a professional renovator is your greatest protection against an incompetent or unfinished job. A written contract spells out the arrangements between you and your renovator and describes your renovation in detail. Professional renovators also carry Workers' Compensation, insurance and any licences required by your province. Contact your local Home Builders Association to see if the company is a member, and check with the Better Business Bureau. Don't choose on price alone:While it is always tempting to go for the lowest price, you need to consider the implications of doing so. Will the low-bid renovator agree to a binding contract? Carry insurance to protect workers on your job? Complete the renovation to your satisfaction? Warranty the work? Or still be in business if you need to call back? Likewise, don't jeopardize the quality of the overall renovation by compromising on the quality of products or materials. |