Moonlighters, fly-by-nighters and lowballers
Deciding who to hire for your home renovation is a critical part of the planning process. You want to work with a professional contractor who is in business for the long term, who has experience with your particular project and who you feel you can work with comfortably.
Not everyone who offers renovation services is in business legitimately. Some are “fly-by-nighters”-here today, gone tomorrow. Some are “moonlighters”-they do renovation on the side but it’s not their “real job”. Others are “low-ballers”, who ask for cash payment and fly “under the radar” by avoiding registration, taxes and other normal costs of doing business properly.
Any home renovation, no matter the size, is an investment in your home and your life. Look for a contractor who:
– Offers proof of being in business: GST/business registration, workers compensation, insurance, and so on
– Works with a written contract
– Offers a warranty on their work
– Provides referrals to previous work and clients
– Is happy to talk about their company, their experience and their plans for the future
Companies that belong to RenoMark™, a program for professional renovators in 18 cities across Canada including the GTA, commit to a renovation-specific code of conduct. Check www.renomark,ca for more information and a listing of members or visit Destination Renovation at the Fall Home Show, September 18-21 at the Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place (see below).
The term “renovation” covers a lot. While many companies are capable of taking on a wide range of different projects, they may also specialize in certain types or size of projects or a particular type of client. You want to find someone who has experience with the kind of renovation you are planning and can add value to your project through their expertise.
As you search for renovators, ask for references to previous clients, and follow up. If possible, visit one or two completed projects to see if the look and the standards of finishing would meet your expectations.
Unless you are simply repairing or replacing components of your home, your renovation is likely motivated by a desire to improve your home, to make it more comfortable and enjoyable to live in-in other words, it’s a lifestyle decision. That’s why the personal “fit” between you and your renovator matters, not just the renovator’s technical and business expertise. You need to feel confident in renovation process, as well as the end result.
Reputable, experienced renovators are often booked well in advance. Start your search early on in your planning process, and be prepared to wait, if possible. When you find the right renovator, a small delay is a reasonable price to pay for a renovation done right.
Fall Home Show
I mentioned the Fall Home Show because it’s a great opportunity to meet with professional renovation contractors under the auspices of Destination Renovation, presented by BILD.
The three elements of Destination Renovation are ‘renovation conversation,’ which is your opportunity to discuss your project with any of our professional renovators who will be on hand throughout the Show; ‘renovation inspiration,’ our photo gallery of before and after pictures of professional renovations of all types and budgets; and ‘renovation information,’ our wealth of free literature on the renovation process.
