Strategically renovating prior to listing your home for sale can bring you a big pay off. Or perhaps you're happy where you are, and just want to update your space. Either way, you need to do your homework when looking for a contractor or renovator to help.
The checklist below offers excellent tips to help you get the service and quality you pay for. These are courtesy of Ozzie Jurock's weekly e-news publication*. Ozzie is a well-known Vancouver based real estate investor.
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Most of our renovators and repairers of real estate are good people, but. as with any industry, there are some bad apples. Your renovation project needs planning, thinking – but most of all checking out which individual and which company you will award the job to. The horror stories go like this: I was told it (my new sundeck, my new floor, my garden project etc., etc.) would be finished in June, now it’s August and I can’t get a hold of him. Or, he took half of the projected cost (for materials) but I have not seen him in two weeks, or he brought some materials and then nothing. Most often, things start right. The materials come, a work crew starts and then it takes a few days longer to see someone working and then longer and longer time periods. And yet, when you do see them: They always ask for more money!
WHAT TO DO?
Go to the Better Business Bureau site (see below) and check out the company. Do this ALWAYS (!!!):
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Ask: Are they a member of BBB – if not , why not? Check company rating at BBB.org.
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Identify well-known, local contractors. Ask around; who have friends or collegues used in the past? Also check with your Realtor.
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Interview a few contractors prior to making your decision. Some questions to ask:
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How long have you been in business?
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Do you have a speciality or preferred area of renovation?
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Do you have experience working on similar porjects?
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Do you have your own crew or do you use sub-contractors? Are all licensed for this type of work?
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Will you get any required work permits? What are they?
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What happens if you get behind schedule?
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Do you anticipate any problems and how will you deal with them?
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What sort of warranties do you provide?
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Check work vehicles for branding and make sure the license plate is the correct province.
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Ask for references: BUT - It is more important now to thoroughly verify all references and go see comparable examples of work.(In a recent lawsuit 3 of 7 addresses given did not even exist!) Some questions to ask:
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Did the contractor keep you informed throughout the project?
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Were you satisfied with the quality of work
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Were there any problems?
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Did the project finish on schedule and within budget? If not, what were the reasons?
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Would you use this contractor again?
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Is the contractor licensed? Ask to see proof of licensing and workers' compensation coverage for your province or city and proof they are bonded and insured.
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Get several estimates. Get at least 3 estimates on any big restoration job. The estimates should incude a description of the work, how long the project will take, and the cost. Ensure the estimates are asdetailed as possible - e.g. the type and quality / grade of finishes - as these can significantly impact cost.
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Put it in writing! Everything: put it in writing...
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Follow up every conversation with an email (thanks for meeting, ‘as we discussed you will…I will...’)
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Review all contracts. Get everything in writing and ask to see their copy of the contract. Make sure the contract includes a detailed description of the work to be done, all charges, a payment schedule, timelines, and materials used. Ensure you completely understand any contracts before signing.
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All should be on company letterhead.
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Ask to be called on progress every Tuesday night...even if there is nothing to report – call me.
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Get a schedule ... when foundation, when flooring...divide work into 4 time sections each with a deadline.
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No cash jobs. There is a little larceny in all of us. Pay cash avoid the tax? Don’t do it! BBB feels cash jobs are deceptive business practices and you lack any recourse such as a credit card charge back should something go wrong.
Major Point: If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Organizations that can help you protect yourself against fraud: