The decision to build a new house or to renovate your existing home is a big commitment, exciting and potentially daunting one. The process may be fraught with possible risks and complications that can go along with hiring and trusting contractors and subcontractors. Knowing how to minimize risk is key to having a comfortable, pleasant experience.
Qualified Renovators
Particularly in booming cities such as Calgary and other large cities, the demand for trades is huge, allowing for a market of potentially under qualified companies and persons. Before hiring a contractor or a trade, do your research: ask your neighbors for recommendations, listen to positive word-of-mouth advertising, conduct interviews and seek out and follow up with references. This ensures that the contractor is backed by positive feedback from previous jobs, decreasing the possibility of sub-par workmanship, a cheap result, or any other unfortunate conduct.
Have a Scope of Work and detailed Trade Agreement made up for and signed by each trade, including pricing, start/finish dates, liability for damages to your property and quality of work. This holds workers and homeowners accountable to agreed costs, timing and standards throughout the construction/renovation process.
Renovation Deposits
Beware of contractors and trades who request a large deposit before starting or completing a job. The unfortunate truth is that there are scammers out there, preying on unsuspecting and uninformed homeowners. Request copies of business licenses and insurance information to ensure credibility, and have the aforementioned scope of works and trade agreements signed before money exchanges hands.
Be hands-on throughout the process. Review plans and do regular walk-throughs to inspect work being done. Furthermore, make sure each trade provides a warranty on their work and products in case anything goes amiss down the road.
Finally, ask for WCB numbers and up to date first aid certifications in order to ensure work pace safety and liability coverage. Ensure that safety standards are met and respected to keep yourself and your tradesmen safe during the construction process.
If the prospect still seems overly formidable, seek the expert knowledge of a professional home-builder, such as Alair Homes. Allowing a trusted, experienced home building company to design and build your dream home or enhance your nearly perfect one can significantly decrease hassle and stress from the entire experience. They provide trades that are vetted and approved and ensure a safe environment and quality results, taking away much of the responsibility and liability from you, the homeowner!