| When you need work done around your home and | | | | needed. If one is needed, it is always optimal for the |
| you're not able to do it yourself you will most likely | | | | contractor to pull the permit. If you obtain a permit in |
| need to find a local professional contractor. Ensure | | | | your name, you will not be able to protect yourself in |
| that you first write up a detailed description of what | | | | the event of substandard work. |
| you are looking for. This will give the contractor a | | | | Next check the contractor track record...history is a |
| clear understanding of what the project entails and it | | | | great predictor of future performance. One way is to |
| will also ensure that all contractors that you have | | | | get a list of references of jobs he or she has done in |
| bidding on the project will be using the same | | | | the past. Don't just look at the list though, call a few |
| reference point. Having multiple bids is important as it | | | | of those people to make sure they thought the |
| will give you a good understanding of the variations in | | | | work was done properly and that the contractor |
| contractor qualifications (years in business, license, | | | | was reliable. Find out if there's anything that in |
| insurance), pricing and range of material used (low, | | | | hindsight would have improved their experience with |
| medium and high end) so that you can decide what is | | | | the contractor so that you can avoid those mistakes |
| most important for you. Getting bids may be as easy | | | | if you choose to work with the contractor. Also, ask |
| as asking a few family members or friends for | | | | if it might be possible that you view a renovation |
| recommended contractors and or using online bidding | | | | that was completed by the contractor. This may not |
| sites which offers detailed profiles of contractors and | | | | always be possible but it doesn't hurt to ask. |
| preliminary screening information. Once you narrow | | | | Does the contractor suggest putting terms of |
| down your bids to a few candidate contractors how | | | | agreement in writing before initiating the project? |
| can you ensure that you hire the right contractor for | | | | This is a good sign. Beware of contractors that try |
| the job? The following are some things that you | | | | to delay putting your agreement in writing. This will |
| should be aware of before making your selection: | | | | only come back to haunt you if you have any |
| In screening your contractor candidates start off by | | | | disputes once the project has commenced. Insist on |
| checking to see that they have a license and are | | | | a complete written contract that identifies all tasks, |
| insured (general liability insurance and workers' | | | | related costs and payment schedule. |
| compensation). You can do this by checking with | | | | Finally, payment is recommended to be by cheque. |
| your provincial or state licensing board to verify | | | | However, it is not necessarily a bad sign if the |
| licensing information provided by the contractor and | | | | contractor is requesting that you pay in cash. Many |
| by asking the contractor for proof of insurance. If | | | | contractors have been given bad checks before... just |
| not insured, keep in mind that any accidents that | | | | ensure you are getting a receipt for your payments |
| occur while they work at your home will be paid by | | | | and only make final payment when the work is |
| you. | | | | complete to your satisfaction. |
| For major renovation projects a permit may be | | | | |