Selecting the best contractor for your next home renovation mississauga is an essential first step in the planning process. Make sure you check the contractor’s work quality beforehand, write down the work you want done and the project’s scope, and find out whether the contractor has the right insurance and license in case something goes wrong.
The top ten factors to take into account while choosing a contractor are compiled in this checklist:
1. Obtain several estimations
Speak with many contractors and obtain written quotes from a minimum of three. When you receive many estimates, be sure you’re comparing them to each other. Examine construction materials, techniques, schedules, and other elements that can differ depending on the contractor. Estimates that are too high or low should be avoided.
2. Whenever feasible, use licensed, local contractors
Local contractors are more likely to be aware with local construction codes and are quicker to get in touch with if issues arise later on with the project. Request the contractor’s physical, local address. Anyone who goes door-to-door or won’t leave a contract overnight may raise suspicions.
3. Examine their prior work.
What is the past outcome of their work? Are they experts in the type of job you need done? Verify references on the caliber of their labor, customer service, and product quality. Ask them about their years of experience doing business with the Better Business Bureau and their professional reputation. It is better if the contractor has more than five years of experience.
4. Take your time and make a wise choice.
Obtain many bids before choosing one. Avoid feeling compelled to make a choice right away, especially when it comes to signing a contract. When requested to make a sizable upfront deposit, proceed with caution. Verify the tiny print on all contracts and estimates. Ask your neighbors, relatives, or acquaintances whether they have had a positive experience with an emergency services provider if you need repairs done quickly and don’t have time to conduct extensive research on potential contractors.
5. Examine their bonds and insurance.
Verify the contractor’s bond and insurance coverage. Request a certificate of insurance (COI) from the contractor, which should include the policy number, name of the insurance provider, and policy limits the contractor is carrying. To confirm the coverage and confirm that the policy is still in force, you can get in touch with the insurance provider directly. Avoid doing business with a contractor that lacks the necessary insurance. You could be held accountable for mishaps that take place on your premises if the contractor lacks insurance.
6. Put everything in writing.
Before work starts, have a thorough contract. Make sure the contract is well-written and understandable, and get everything in writing. If the project is going to cost a lot of money, think about having a lawyer look over the proposed contract before you sign it for your safety. Included in the contract should be:
a thorough explanation of the tasks involved and the cost of each item.
a payment plan, such as a half-down payment, a third when work is partly finished, and the remaining amount required when repairs are finished.
For larger projects, the anticipated start and finish dates.
Any relevant promises ought to be included in the contract and should specify exactly what is promised, who is liable for it, and how long it will last.
both parties’ signatures. A contract with blank portions should never be signed.
All parties must recognize changes to the contract in writing. Verify with the contractor that all necessary building permits have been secured. You should abide by the cancellation provision of any signed contract if you choose to end it. To guarantee that you have documentation of the cancellation, written notice of the cancellation should be submitted via registered mail.
7. Recognize your cancellation rights
A “cooling off” time, during which you can terminate the contract without incurring penalties, may be mandated by federal law. To learn about your rights, consult your state’s laws and the Federal Trade Commission. During the cooling-off period, make sure you abide by all applicable regulations. To make sure you have documentation of the cancellation, if you decide to cancel, think about sending the notification by registered mail.
8. Avoid making an advance payment.
Don’t pay for the job in full before it’s finished. Don’t pay with cash; instead, make cheques payable to a business, not a person. It is customary to provide an upfront payment equal to one-third of the projected expenses for larger projects. You can save your cashed check as a receipt in this manner.
9. Expect delays
There are delays, and they might not be your contractor’s fault. Despite the timetable specified in your contract, unforeseen events like bad weather might make it impossible for the work to be completed on time. Be practical and be ready to modify your plans if necessary.
10. Maintain a work file
Maintain a single folder including your contract and any supporting documentation. Change orders, plans, specifications, bills, invoices, canceled checks, insurance certificates, and any letters, notes, or communication with the contractor should all be included in your file.