Reno Tip: Doh. Get it in writing. Everyone read this.
Say you just hired a contractor and he says something like this, “I prefer to work hourly because that way I don’t have to charge you extra to cover ‘what ifs’. You just pay for the time I put in. Sound familiar? Coming from someone honest you think, Sure! Then you notice it seems to be taking too long or nothing is happening at all. Suddenly the job is done and you look at the invoice and it is double, triple maybe 4 times what you thought it should be. Think it can’t happen because you are really smart? I’m a professional contractor and it just happened to me. I broke my own rule. Had a verbal then when I got a major whopping bill it was because I misunderstood. I settled with the criminal for twice what it was worth to avoid a potential lien on the customers property. Needless to say I’m still stinging so I go back to the thing you will read the most on this blog. GET IT IN WRITING. When you get a price don’t just take it as a price, ask for clarity, what is it per square foot? Is it the whole job, are they supplying materials or are you. Check referrences. Ask for WCB. The honest one’s have no problem supplying. The crooks can not.
In progress: Strathcona
We are nearing the end of framing. Photos to come. We have passed our inspections for Drain tile, in ground plumbing rough in and our concrete work. We have begun plumbing and electrical rough in and we have windows and exterior doors in ready for framing inspections. Upon completion of our services and their subsequent inspections we will call for an engineering inspection then upon City approval we will insulate and drywall. Planned target for handoff is to get our customer in for Christmas. Oh, and by the way, this was going to be a 45 day interior makeover and we have now been here 6 months with a new foundation and complete new legal suite. Can you say left turn.
Reno Tip: Get a contract
We have worked on projects other contractors started and we have come in to finish. The consistent theme in this situation is the absence of a contract. In the contract it should spell out the complete scope of work, costing, details of what happens in the event of. Other important factors like does the contractor have WCB, Insurance, business licences etc. During your chat have you discussed permits and regulations concerning work hours for starters. Does the contractor you are talking to appear to have a grip on these basics. If you ask a question technical in nature which may require engineering, architectural or design work, does the contractor have resources or do they ask you to sort it out. Bottom line – get it in writing.
Reno tip: Hire a renovator
Well, this might be obvious, or maybe not. No substitution for checking references. Check out whoever you plan to hire. Get references then call them. Ask to visit current job sites. Ask to talk to the owners of the project. Anyone in the biz should be happy to set you up to see two or three projects. We have a current project about to start on a full 3 story 1910 home that will get a complete 5 month makeover. The owners have seen at least 4 of our houses over the last year. Can’t be too diligent.
House Lift Strathcona
Site currently in progress. Due to many issues with the existing structure we lifted a 3 story 1890’s home (90 tons) and proceeded with construction of new footings, foundation, slab, framing etc. Check back with this one. Many challenges including the whole family living in it while we did our thing. Temporary electrical, plumbing, heat, stairs. What more can we say. Check out the photos.
Blog coming soon…
Hi Folks,
We’ve launched our new website, and we’ll be uploading some great blog content soon. We’ll be using our blog to:
Provide Renovation Tips and Techniques
Document our Renovations in process
Showcase our completed Renovations
Please check back soon for exciting blog content. You can subscribe to our RSS feed too!
Thanks, Will
