They were newly married. They had recently bought their first house, and saved up enough money to fix the one room that really needed it: their master bathroom. So they hired a contractor. But it didn’t go according to plan. Here’s what Elizabeth Elliott and her husband learned, the hard way, about renoing.
RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH
We thought we had obtained enough information before our renovations began, but despite talking to family and friends who had gone through the experience, some new info was gleaned from them after our renovation was done. So sure, ask around, but also do your homework—at the bookstore, on the web and at home-supply stores. As well as preparing you for what lies ahead, your research will teach you the right questions to ask along the way.
LOOK FOR SOMEONE TRUSTWORTHY
We went with a contractor whom our friends recommended, which blew up in our faces when a job—stippling the ceiling—came up that our contractor wasn’t experienced at. While a recommendation from a friend or relative is a great starting point, be sure to check out local trade associations, hardware stores and home shows, and get at least three quotes. When you interview a contractor, ask how long they’ve been in the business and always request a list of references. Do they offer guarantees for their workmanship? Do they work alone or with a team? Do they subcontract any jobs? Also make sure that your contractor has the licences required by your city or province. (And find out if you need a permit.) Most importantly, be sure that they specialize in the work you require.
GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING
As we waited to have the ceiling stippled by our contractor’s tile guy’s cousin—a specialist in the field—everyone became confused about who was in charge of the work. When we finally got our stippled ceiling—a month later—it came with a hefty bill from the stippler for what he thought was a “short notice job.” We were pissed, but there was nothing we could do—we had nothing in writing. Be sure to have written agreements with all of the contractors involved. Get supply and labour quotes in writing, as well as a timeline for the required work and commitments on who will do each task. And if changes come up, draft new agreements for the additional work.
PROTECT YOURSELF
What if a subcontractor is injured while working at your house or your neighbour’s property is damaged during a renovation? Get protected by making sure that you, your contractor and their subcontractors have the proper insurance policies in place before the renovations begin. Ask to see proof of your contractor’s workers’ compensation coverage, as well as their liability and accident insurance for property damage and personal injury. Also, inform your home insurance company about the intended renovations and find out if you need any additional coverage for the course of the work.
For more info and tips on renoing, visit: hiringacontractor.com, cmhc.gc.ca and chba.ca.
