Homeowners across Canada spend a combined average of fifty million dollars annually on home renovations, repairs and upgrades. Whether the projects is on a small scale, a significantly larger one, or somewhere in the middle, most home projects interfere with the homeowner’s life to a relatively large extent, and the costs associated with home improvements are also usually substantial. These factors make the choice of a contractor for a home improvement to be an exceptionally important one. Home renovations should be cost effective, reliable and completed in a timely manner, and the contractor of the renovation is a key player in the achievement of these renovation goals. When selecting a contractor, home owners should be selective and chose a company or person whom they feel comfortable working with, and letting into their home. For many homeowners a large scale renovation or addition marks a milestone in their lives, and is something which they have been planning and anticipating for sometime. It should go without saying that the contractor chosen for a home renovation project should be honest and dependable, however, when selecting a contractor many home owners fall into the traps and gimmicks of lower quality contractors, and their renovation is not completed to their satisfaction. For your next home renovation, no matter how large, avoid contractors who fall below par by following the five stages below:
Initial Investigations:
Initially finding prospects to consider hiring as your contractor may be found through a variety of mediums. Searching the Yellow Pages, the internet, or inquiring friends and family about their recommendations, are all efficient ways to obtain potential candidates for your home improvement job. However, one of the key thoughts to focus on during this process is that you are looking for companies who specialize in your home improvement job. Be weary of the “Jacks of all trades”, as chances are that you will receive better quality with a specialist. Once you have gathered a list of potential candidates, further investigation should be done before you call them for an estimate. Looking at a companies rating from your local Better Business Bureau, will allow you to begin to rule out some companies on your list, and continue to maximize your chances of a successful home renovation.
The Interview Process:
The interview process with your potential contractor should primarily involve them submitting to you a detailed estimate, as well as the proper plan drawings and specifications they will be implementing into your renovation. A number scribbled on the back of a business card is not a sufficient estimate. Even if your renovation is on the smaller scale, a detailed estimate, as well as proper plans should be given to you, so that you may make a well informed decision. During the interview process you should also be asking your candidates a lot of questions. Questions such as “How long have you been in business?”, “What work schedule will you follow?”, and “Will you provide a written contract?” are all questions which must be asked during this process. Although questioning a contractor may be tough for some homeowners, reputable and dependable companies won’t be offended by these types of questions. The interview process also provides you with an opportunity to evaluate a potential contractor’s punctuality and interpersonal skills. After receiving estimates, homeowners should refrain from automatically choosing the lowest price. Detailed estimates should provide for a more in depth comparison between companies, which may explain price discrepancies through attributing more financial reliance on quality material. During interviews the homeowner should not allow themselves to become fully sold by a contractor. While it is alright to remove potential contractors from the candidate list, selecting a contractor based almost solely on an interview, fails to factor in other aspects of the full decision making the process, and the homeowner will not be making a fully informed decision.
Reference Check:
After the interview process a reference check should be completed for each potential contractor. References should not be taken merely on face value, as it is important for the homeowner to actually contact the references to gather valuable feedback about the contractor. Previously satisfied customers are excellent proof of a contractors work quality, and may be able to articulate valuable feedback. References should also be asked about any shortcomings they experienced through working with a specific contractor.
Proof of Documents:
Similar to a reference check, after the interview process all potential contractors should be asked to provide proof of an operating license, proof of proper insurance, and proof of workers compensation coverage. It would also be valuable for the homeowner to note how long it takes potential contractors to provide copies of these documents, as it could be an indication of how communication between the two parties may fare during the future project.
Signing the Contract:
Through a combination of the interview process, the reference check, and once all proper documentation from potential contractors have been received, the homeowner is now is a position to make an educated decision on who they will employ. After the decision is made, a contract between the contractor and the homeowner must be completed. The contract must be written and contain a detailed step by step process of the renovation project, including a detailed financial break down and material list. Purely verbal contracts or agreements are unacceptable, and do not protect the homeowner. If it is a larger home renovation job, most contractors allow installments or payments as the project progresses. If this is the case, homeowners need to ensure that the contract specifies when they payments are to be made, which should only be when milestones of the project have been completed. If again the project is on the larger scale, making the contract more complex, the homeowner may want to consult a lawyer, thinking of the legal fees as an added insurance.
Although choosing the right contractor may seem like a substantial amount of work, choosing a reliable and reputable company will save the homeowner a lot of potential aggravation, time and money. A renovation is an investment in the value and enjoyment of your home and hiring the right contractor will help in ensuring the home renovation process goes as smoothly as possible.