How do I choose a renovation contractor?
So why would you choose one over the other? And how do you decipher what you want and need in a general contractor? We’re here to help! Keep reading for a narrowed down a list of criteria to keep in mind when you’re picking your renovation company.
Plan what you want from your renovation
You’ve spent the time thinking about what you want and scrolling through Pinterest to find inspiration – now it’s time to make your plan for your must-have items. Take a look at what you want and what you need from your renovation.
As you make a clear plan of what you need from your renovation it will help you narrow down your choices and make your conversations more informed with your potential contractor. They’ll be able to provide you with a more accurate estimate when you have outlined some of the details already, saving you from surprises down the line .
Making a short list of contractors
There can be a lot of options when it comes to hiring a contractor for your remodel. Now that you have your list of wants and needs, it’s time to look at companies that match with your values. Certain companies specialize in different types of renovations; for instance, here at Melanson, we work mostly with families. We make their newly purchased home feel like it’s their own or update their existing home to match their evolving needs as they move through different life stages.
The main focus in our home renovations is:
- Making your home kid-friendly
- Adapting your home as your family grows
- Making your accessible to multiple generations
Those renovations could include:
- Making new use of a bedroom
- Refreshing your kitchen
- Updating your bathroom
- Giving your exterior a facelift
- Increasing the energy-efficiency of your home
Choosing a local company
Loving local isn’t just about artisanal candles or handmade clothing – it’s about picking businesses within your immediate radius.
Hiring a company that works within the Calgary area means they are within reach at all times. They are on-site to manage the process and are well-acquainted with the trades working on your home.
The added benefits of working through them to access their local subcontractors directly affects your bottom line.
- It saves you on transportation
- Gets you faster delivery
- And, most importantly, means your contractor has long-standing relationships that gives them more bargaining power for lower supply costs
It can also increase your chances for a trusted word-of-mouth referral since they’ll be more likely to have worked with someone within your circle.
Make contact with your list
The research stage is complete and it’s time to make contact with your short list of contractors. You should be down to your top 4-5 options at this point and are ready to find out more about how their services can benefit you.
Compare at least 3 bids
Comparing 3 bids will give you the best idea of how much your project will cost. Here’s how to pick the best one from there:
- Throw out the lowest bid right away if they are drastically lower than the other two – they’re likely cutting corners or aren’t using skilled labourers
- Look for any red flags or hidden costs, sometimes the most expensive bid is the most expensive because they’ve fully disclosed all of their costs. They may seem more expensive but once you add up the hidden costs of the competitors you could be way out of budget
- Weigh your needs and wants against the bid – if the best contractor is a little over your budget for what you’ve asked for, there might be some wants you can compromise to ensure you get the best quality work
Make a payment schedule
Your chosen contractor should be willing to work with you on a payment schedule. Beware of contractors that ask for 50-100% up front, this can be a red flag for financial issues or they may fear that you won’t like the work when it’s complete.
- Expect to pay approx. 10-20% up front unless substantial material costs are required right away
- Expect an additional 5-15% for additional interior selection upgrades. For the freestanding tub that you just have to have!
Agree on the contract
The contractor should supply you with a contract – make sure it is clear and comprehensive – and ask for anything you feel is missing or needs clarifying.
- This should outline the payment schedule, start date and expected completion date
- Have an understanding of the hours they’ll be working on the project, for your own peace of mind and to notify your neighbours
- Find out who will be responsible for securing the permits
- Ensure it includes proof of insurance, WCB coverage and that you’re waived from any liens a subcontractor could take out against the company
- Find out what the final approval walk-through looks like and if there’s any warranty on the work
- Clarify who is responsible for cleaning up after the job is complete
The easy steps all home renovators should know
The initial appointment
From your initial contact you should be made to feel your Renovation enquiry is important, even if you are right at the beginning of your Renovation Ideas. A suitable appointment should be made and attended to on time by the contractor. This contractor should display a trade confidence but also demonstrate a willingness to discuss your ideas and concerns with you, after all,
THIS IS YOUR HOME!
Most importantly, this appointment should be offered as an Obligation and Cost Free opportunity for you to discuss your ideas with a trade professional. You may then decide to progress to Quotation stage where a small quotation fee may be charged for an all inclusive quotation.
Your renovation quote
Your Renovation quote should arrive to you quickly, no longer than 3 weeks. This is the contractors chance to deliver its first promise to you. It should be a comprehensive, all inclusive quote that accurately costs your proposed renovation to you. It should include all the specifications mentioned in the initial appointment and consider all council, trade and certification requirements. On review of this quote, the contractor should welcome any questions or changes you may have.
This renovation quote should leave you confident about a realistic price to achieve a high quality renovation to your home.
Getting to know the contractor
Before making a final decision on which contractor you will engage, take the time to get to know them. It’s very important to do some research on any prospective contractors. Confirm their license validity with QBCC and any records against them. This should always yield a clear result. Does the contractor have an office you can visit? Are you speaking with a trades person or a salesperson? What is the “vibe” you are getting from them? What’s the contractor’s response to your questions and concerns? Can you preview a contract before signing? Do they have testimonials and past clients you can speak with? These answers are a great indication of the company you are thinking of entrusting your family home to!
You have decided on a contractor. What now?
Congratulations… You have decided on a contractor but now is the time when you should be listening hardest to your instincts. If you have chosen the right contractor they will continue giving you the time and attention to details you deserve, even after informing them they are your chosen contractor. The right Contractor puts a great deal of emphasis on client communication and will guide you through the steps following a contract signing.- Drafting Certification and Construction- right through to the end of your completed renovation and then tells you to contact them anytime for any future questions or concerns, that you are a client for life!