Finding the right contractor for you

The type of renovation professional you need will depend on what's involved in your project.

• For simple projects involving only one activity such as replacement of roofing, siding or windows, a specialized trade contractor or contract installer may be best.

• If your project involves changes to your heating, electrical or plumbing systems, you should consult a licensed trade contractor.

• For renovation projects that will involve more than one trade or require structural changes to your home, you should look for a general renovation contractor who can manage all aspects of the work, including development of detailed plans.

Regardless of the type of work involved in your project, you need to make sure that any contractor you hire has the necessary skill and experience to do the job right.  Professional contractors run their businesses properly and have a track record of satisfied customers and will provide you with customer references upon request.

To get the names of contractors in your community, contact your local Home Builders' Association or use the search engine located in the toolkit below. You can also often get contractor leads from friends and neighbours who have carried out renovations similar to those you plan.

It is important to interview any prospective contractor and discuss your project in detail before deciding who to hire.

Even if you give an architect or designer the fullest degree of responsibility, you should understand the renovation process, including budgets, quotes and contracts, in order to protect your interests.

Choosing the right contractor, ask for recommendations from:

• Friends and colleagues

• Building supply and hardware stores

• Local home builder and renovator associations

• Better Business Bureau

• Municipal building departments

• Satisfied people who have recently completed a renovation

Beware of contractors who:

• Quote a price without seeing the job

• Demand a large down payment to buy materials: all reputable renovators maintain charge accounts with suppliers

• Refuse to provide a written contract that specifies exactly what they will do

• Come to the door offering a "special price" because they happen to be working in the area

• Promise a discount in exchange for using your home to "advertise" their work — the same offer will have been made to everyone

• Can't give you an actual business address, only a post office box, telephone number, or the address of an answering service

No matter how large or small your project, always get at least three estimates or "bids" to ensure that you are paying a fair price.  Invite several contractors to go over your plans and specifications, inspect the work site and submit an estimate. Never, ever sign or pay for anything on the first visit.

An estimate is a contractor's best prediction of the charges you can expect to incur, based on their understanding of what you want, labour and material costs, and any anticipated difficulties.

An estimate should be in writing and include a job description, the full price, terms of payment, schedule of work, and start and completion dates. Don't mistake an estimate for a guarantee, though, and remember that it's no substitute for a written contract.

The lowest bid is not necessarily the best bid.  Contractors who submit unusually low estimates may have made a mistake, or may be too inexperienced to estimate properly. When they find out they are going to lose money, they might look for ways to cut costs, add unjustified extras to the bill, or abandon the job.                                                         Article Courtesy of HLC