These days, with prices continually rising and incomes shrinking, it’s understandable that people want to save money and cut costs. But construction should not be one of these areas. While we now live in a time when the media makes it seem as though anyone can build or renovate a home, the truth is far different. It’s not actually those novices building that home while the guest contractor looks on during that reality show. It’s actually the other way around. And that’s as it should be. In terms of the emotional and financial commitment that you will make, few events are bigger than buying or building a home. It is important that the right builder is selected, one that not only can build a showplace, but one that can build a sturdy, secure house that generations of people can call home. But there are multiple builders in the Toronto area. So what are some pointers to make sure that you are getting the right one?

Can This Builder Provide References?

Are these references both word of mouth and provided by the builder?

Is This Builder Appropriate And Available?

The building company will be working for you, so don’t be afraid to interview potential builders thoroughly before selecting. Make sure that the home work that you want done is something that a particular company can provide. Also learn how many other projects a potential builder will be working on at the same time that they are working on yours. Sure, a busy builder can well be a sign of a good one, but does this mean that the company has the time to devote to your project and get it done on schedule?

Is This Builder Realistic About Money?

Your parents told you that it wasn’t polite to talk about money? Not when you’re talking to a builder. One of the first questions that a building company representative should be asking you is how much you plan to spend on the project. Let prospective builders know whom your financial lender will be, and make sure that the builder is comfortable in working with them.

Paperwork

There is a lot of paperwork in construction, and you should be seeing almost all of it. Documents should include quotes, contracts, schedules, supplier information, as builts, possible modifications, and more.

Contract

Not much fun to read,but a vitally important document that protects the rights of both you and the builder. Never work with a builder who wants to use an abbreviated contract, or wants you to sign a contract without reading and understanding it, or who wants to start work without a contract in place.

Contact

Does the builder provide frequent work updates? Do you and the builder have mutual ways to contact each other in case of emergency?

Community Ties

Is the builder a local one, able to respond quickly to issues and using local suppliers and subcontractors? That certainly describes Alair Homes, a company not only with multiple locations in Toronto, but Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan.

Insurance

Is your builder fully insured to protect both its employees, visitors, and adjacent property owners?

Bonded And Licensed

Is your company licensed by appropriate parties to practice construction? Is it bonded by a surety company to protect you financially in case of mishap?

Subcontractors

They’re temporary workers, but their presence on your project will be constant. Does your builder have a good relationship with them?