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.

OHBA proposes changes to the upcoming HST tax law

In a media release issued on November 2, 2009, the Ontario Home Builder’s Association urges the government to reconsider current HST laws, in an effort to protect homeowners and OHBA members from underground renovation schemes.  According to the advisory, the government will lose up to$1.6B annually in falsified income tax schemes, and as much as $298M per year in GST as consumers choose to pay cash.

To curb growing activity in the underground economy, save jobs and stem government revenue losses, OHBA says consumers should get HST and GST rebates on contractor renovation projects.  For example, the current Home Renovation Tax Credit has been tremendously popular and encourages consumers to seek out legitimate contractors.

With the future of the Home Renovation Tax Credit unknown, and the looming HST introduction for July 1, 2010, the future looks somewhat uncertain for the renovation industry.  To find the full Altus report on the impact of sales tax harmonization on the residential renovation sector, please visit the Ontario Home Builder’s Association website.

Time to Renovate: The Home Renovation Tax Credit Explained

This year the Government of Canada introduced the new Home Renovation Tax Credit, a first of it’s kind.  Due to the recent slump in economic markets and consumer spending, the 2009 budget includes new programs such as the Home Renovation Tax Credit, to make investing in equity easier and more rewarding to Canadians.  Find out what that means for your next renovation project with Super 7 Group! Continue Reading…

Three Types of Construction, What you need to know

Many people don’t realize that contracts fall into three categories: Lump Sum Tender, Construction Management or Design/Build.  Depending on the details of your project, owners may opt for one category over another, so it’s important to know what type of contracting a job you need. Continue Reading…

Welcome to the Super 7 Group Blog

Do you have questions about renovation, landscaping, or design?  If so, this is your forum to ask questions and interact with our expert construction and tradespeople.

E-mail us your questions about construction, renovation, landscaping, and design, and we’ll feature your question on our new blog.  In addition, you’ll receive a free design consultation from our expert project managers.

In addition, we’ll feature hot topics on construction and interesting reading materials for anyone considering starting a project.

-The Super 7 Team.