You probably know someone who’s had a nightmare with home renovations. A contractor who disappeared after getting paid, expenses that ended up doubled, and schedules that have taken three times longer than anticipated.
The stories about nightmare renovations and repair projects resulting from hiring the wrong contractor are everywhere.
So, are you thinking about starting a project and wondering how to steer clear of hiring a shady or untrustworthy contractor?
Today, we’ve decided to post our best tips to ensure you get the job done right while keeping yourself safe from an unreliable contractor. Here’s how to tackle your renovation or home repairs with confidence!
- Research!
- Check Reviews: Search for reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp and HomeStars. If you notice consistent praise or complaints, it can give you a good idea of their reliability and work quality.
- Consult Your REALTOR: Your real estate agent probably has a list of reliable home service professionals. Such as electricians, plumbers, painters, roofers, floor installers, handymen, and more.
- Talk to Friends and Family: Reach out to friends, family, and neighbors who have had similar work done. Personal recommendations are a great way to find trustworthy professionals.
- Request References: Good contractors and tradespeople should be able to provide references from past clients without any trouble. Once you get them an info make sure to follow up! Give them a call! Inquire about both the positive and negative aspects of their experience. What went particularly well? What didn’t?
- Get it in writing. Having a written contract is super important for keeping yourself safe and making everything clear. It should cover:
- A Detailed Scope of Work: The contract needs to specify exactly what work will be done. This includes information about materials, timelines, and payment plans.
- Start and Finish Dates: Make sure to agree on specific start and end dates in the contract. This helps set expectations and keeps the project on track.
- Payment Terms: Never pay the full amount upfront. A common payment plan might include a deposit and later payments linked to milestones or completion stages.
- Warranties and Guarantees: Make sure the contract has details about warranties for both labor and materials. This is really important if any problems come up after the work is done.
- Shop around and compare. Don’t just go with the first estimate you get. Also, when requesting quotes, make sure they are thorough and broken down so you know exactly what you’re paying for. Getting several quotes has a few benefits:
- Price Comparison: Multiple quotes give you a sense of the average cost for the job and help you spot any anomalies.
- Scope Clarity: Various contractors may outline different aspects of the work. By comparing these, you can figure out what’s reasonable and what could be an upsell.
- Before you sign anything – verify Contractor information. Make sure you’re working with a legit business!
- Check Credentials: Contractors and tradespeople in Toronto need to have a City of Toronto Trade License and a valid HST number.
- Business Address and Phone Number: Confirm that the contractor has a physical address and a phone number you can reach. Steer clear of contractors who only give a mobile number or a P.O. box.
- Professional Affiliations: Look into whether the contractor is part of any professional groups. For instance, if you’re hiring an electrician, you can see if they’re licensed by checking the Electrical Safety Authority website.
- Check Contractor’s Insurance: Your contractor should carry liability insurance. Feel free to ask for a copy of the insurance certificate. Check to make sure it is valid.
- Once you’ve hired a Contractor – secure and check in on the progress! Put all of your valuables away and make sure to check and see how things are going. Are the project milestones happening on time? Is the work being done the way you had wanted and had agreed to? Also – make sure to inspect the work before you send your final payment.
Renovating your home can be stressful but it doesn’t need to be! Hiring the right Contractor can make the world of difference in how your project ultimately goes. So, take the time and find the right one!