Finding the right contractor
With the renovation season open, homeowners are once again reminded and cautioned by the Ministry of Consumer Services to do their homework before committing to a contractor for any work on their property.
Tips from Sophia Aggelonitis, MPP (Hamilton Mountain) and Minister of Consumer services includes:
- Getting everything in writing, resisting the temptation of an offer to work for cash and avoid the GST (and HST effective July 1)
- Avoid contractors that approach you because they are “working in your area” and notice “something wrong” that needs to get “fixed right away”.
- Do your homework, make a list of what you want to do, get written, detailed estimates from at least three contractors.
- Ask for referrals from your real estate agent, friends and neighbours, but make sure you check their references on previous contracts, and if possible, go and inspect their work.
- Check out the Building Industry and Land Development Association’s Renomark program, which lists approved contractors across Canada, including the GTA.
- Check out the ministry’s website where you can search the names of contractors (or any business) which has had issues with compliance.
- Remember that the best place to sign a contract is in your house because the law says you have 10 days to change your mind and cancel.
- Ensure contracts list the cost of building permits, sub trades, materials, and labour, and ensure your contractor is licensed and insured.
- Be wary of any contractor that asks for more than 10% down payment before work begins. Sometimes it’s good practice to hold back 10% for 30 days after all work is completed to make sure there are no clean-up issues.
One of the best pieces of advice is to come up with a plan and stick to it. To determine which renovations add the most resale value, check with a local real estate agent.
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