1. Hiring a contractor who works under the table for cash, without a contract, without any guarantees and most importantly without insurance. Insurance is a must so that you aren’t sued if anyone gets hurt.
2. Doing work yourself without the necessary knowledge and know-how or time needed to complete the project.
3. Neglecting any household maintenance like crumbling brick walls or water leaks around windows before renovating. Make sure everything is in good shape before covering it up.
4. Using materials and finishes that do not somewhat match or work with the rest of the home. A home usually looks better when the materials in the house marry in style and colour scheme. This is true unless you are planning on changing the house’s style room by room.
5. Making renovation choices without the approval of other household members. Be sure to speak to your partner before starting. You should come up with ideas together.
6. Starting negotiations with a contractor without knowing what you want. Get ideas from family, friends, television shows, magazines and an interior decorator or designer before contacting a contractor.
7. Failing to include all the details you require in your contract with your contractor. Make sure all details are included in writing so you and your contractor don’t get in trouble later.
8. Signing a contract where the totals are equivalent to what you expect to pay. Always have extra money on the side to cover any snags you may run into. Be aware that they usually happen!
9. Planning your project with only the ideas and suggestions others give you. Make sure you do what you want and what you like.
10. Changing project details after it has started. This will cause a delay in the renovation and will cost you money. Usually thousands of dollars.
USEFUL RESOURCES
Canada Housing and Mortgage Corp: www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca
Ontario General Contractors Association: www.ogca.ca
The Appraisal Institute of Canada: www.aicanada.ca
The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing: www.mah.gov.on.ca
The Ontario Ministry of Energy: www.energy.gov.on.ca
The Office of Energy Efficiency: www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca
Until next time,
Liz Pimenta Interior Decorator Toute Suite Home Accessories Tel: (416)262-7130 Email: info@toute-suite.com
Nice tips,
It’s simple steps like this that will keep your project going.
And safe.
By: Contractor on March 16, 2008
at 8:00 am
Great tips and suggestion Hire a license and insure contractor with background check is always the best way and cheapest way to go.
Shortcoming falls with cash under the table and cheap labor.
By: contractors on March 22, 2008
at 8:45 pm