home section - Hiring Contractors
Hiring a Contractor:A RENOVATION CONTRACTOR needs to provide expert renovation management that keeps the home improvement project under control and on schedule, from start to finish. This is demanding work that requires a high level of skill and experience. Poor management means unnecessary disruption and inconvenience to you and your family. If you want the job done right, finding an experienced and knowledgeable renovation contractor is very important. A professional BUILDING CONTRACTOR brings skill, judgment and integrity to your home improvement project. This will be reflected in both the quality of their work and in the quality of their business relationship with you. It is good practise to interview three to four contractors to enable yourself to make an informed choice. The most important factor to remember in hiring a contractor for any home improvement or renovation project is to always GET IT IN WRITING! Make sure references are for work similar to yours:Most home owners check with a contractor's past clients to find out if they were satisfied with the process and the results. But there is more to a reference check than that. You want to assure yourself that the renovator is the right person for your job. For instance, if you are upgrading your KITCHEN or BATH, make sure that the contractor has relevant experience and satisfied clients for that type of work. Likewise, if you are planning a major overhaul of your home, you will want to know that the contractor has the required managerial experience along with the technical expertise. 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. |