)
)
Picking a contractor can be a difficult job for anyone who seeks to renovate or to build
First things first -- do not choose a contractor based on their price. Instead, look for
experience, look at their work teams and ask questions. Lots of questions, but there's more
too!
Consumers depend on the contractor's expertise to guide them through all the technical
issues and count on that contractor's integrity to stay within budget, and at the same time
they are around your family and a part of life for the life of the project. So the first thing,
is to check for complaints against the contractor or their crews with your local Better
Business Bureau. Then check with the Ministry of Consumer and Corporate Affairs for any
unresolved complaints, while your local Police Department can help you avoid any contractors
facing criminal charges.
Next, ask yourself if you're comfortable with the contractor himself. Do you trust what he
says and does his proposal ring true. Do you believe that he knows what he is talking
about? Does his attention to detail seem solid and will you be comfortable having him and
his crews in your home?
Another thing to consider is warrantys and materials used. Does the contractor offer up a valid
warranty on both his workmanship and the products being used? Has the company been in
business long enough to assure you that it will be around to honor those warranties? Can
you obtain business references to check out their past projects, and when you do, does that
contractor have a long-standing history of honoring their commitments? And don't forget to
check out the products warranties too!
Check out past clients references too, and make sure to ask about the subtrades and work
crews too. Ask if they would hire him again and if the job came in on time and on budget
too.
Check the contractors licences and insurance as well, and note the date of issue and
expiry dates as well. Make sure that he has property damage insurance, liability and
worker's compensation insurance and do not take his word on it. This is simple
protection for your home and your own property, and should never be neglected as there
may be cause to use same should an accident happen.
Lastly, how does the contractor "feel" to you as a skilled craftsman who will get the job
done for your project? Do you think that they can do the job and will do their best to
create an environment that you will enjoy for years to come? Answer that and all these
other questions, and you'll find your contractor!
or refurbish any part of their home. We know that, and we'd like to help!
Click here to see our Client Testimonials...