Ask The Pros

Choose the home builder or renovation contractor or other professional who appears best to do the work: here are some guidelines: What kind of Home Renovation Professional do you need?

• Specialty renovation contractor: specializing in kitchens or bathrooms or sunrooms or windows, environmental sensitivities, energy conservation, etc.
• Design/build renovation contractor: contracts for large projects and provides both design with drawings before costing, and construction.
• Trade contractor: electricians, roofers, plumbers, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) installers, etc., for specific work like installing a new furnace or rewiring the home.
• Retailer associated contractors: contractors associated with retailers like kitchen and bathroom stores who will install the store’s products once you choose them from the retail showroom (or you can do it yourself.)
• Designers and architects: before construction, you may need professionals to assist you with plans and to prepare working drawings and specifications.
• These designers and architects can work with your renovation or building contractor.
• Home inspectors: a third party inspector, properly qualified with references and warranty documentation, may be hired to assess your home and plans before you hire a construction contractor.
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Despite the size, complexity and sophistication of the industry, however, some professional renovators get a failing grade in one of the most important and basic parts of the renovation process – estimating what the job will cost in the first place.

To the homeowner, the estimated cost of a renovation job is probably the most critical influence on the decision as to whether the project is undertaken or remains on the wish list forever. As well, the actual cost of the renovation in progress is critical to whether or not the job is done the way it was contemplated – with all the bells and whistles hoped for – and even to whether the job is completed.

One third of homeowners say their renovation projects went well above estimates and the CMHC didn’t survey how many renovation projects were abandoned in mid-stream because of cost overruns. With so much riding on it, one would think every professional renovator would know how to cost each job down to the last penny. This is likely why the typical homeowner simply picks the contractor who provides the lowest quote for the job. That homeowner thinks everything is equal in the pro renovation world.

"Get it in Writing!" is a Registered Trademark of the Canadian Home Builders' Association.

When you hire a contractor to work on your home, you need to be protected from a number of risks. These fall into two general categories:

Risks related to poor work or dishonesty by the contractor and risks related to accidents that cause damage to property or injure someone.

The best protection from risk is to hire a contractor with a solid reputation for doing good work, and having a comprehensive written contract in place before the work begins.

Some consumers choose to deal with "underground" contractors who charge less, but only work for cash and do not provide a written contract. This type of business arrangement involves significant risks that you need to be aware of. This article provides information about these risks, and how to avoid them.

When building or renovating your home, the budget will often determine all aspects of the project. People often make the mistake of only considering construction costs when planning their project. However there are a number of other costs to consider.

Building permits
Most municipalities have a sliding scale for the building permit fees based on the value of construction. For example: $5 per $1,000 of construction up to $10,000, $6 per $1,000 of construction between $10,000 and $20,000 etc. $1000 and $6000 for construction value of $100,000 and up. Plumbing and electrical permits may be additional to this.

Elevation Surveys
Most municipalities require an elevation survey by a legal surveyor to determine the elevations of the grade at the corners of the lot and the corners of the house. This will determine the setting out point for the building height. The survey also locates pins used for construction and locates existing buildings if any. This determines zoning set back requirements.
$1000 to $4000 depending on the number points surveyed.

.Building or renovating a home can be a complicated and costly process. Hiring an architect or designer can be an effective way of making sure the job goes smoothly and efficiently.  However there are some things to consider when working with architects or designers.

I have heard many people say their designer or architect gave them a single design that didn’t reflect anything they had asked for and they still had to pay the fee for something they couldn’t use.

When getting drawings done ask for two or three options to choose from. One of the options should be what you originally asked for. This helps you to explore some ideas you may not have thought of. Often the final design is a hybrid of the three options.

Also, ask for a three-dimensional drawing or model, as plans and elevations are difficult to understand. Don’t be afraid to say you don’t like it. Ask lots of questions. Take time to think about it and discuss the design before making any decisions.