Before signing any contracts, it is essential to conduct thorough research to prevent your dream renovation from turning into a nightmare.
Jeremy Van Dyck, project manager and co-owner of Capital Contracting, emphasizes the importance of choosing the right contractor for your project to prevent potential issues.
Jeremy recommends that individuals conduct a comprehensive examination of the company's credibility and background. This includes assessing their longevity in the industry, their past performance, and the scope of their subcontracting activities.
Here are four renovation nightmares you might encounter, along with tips on how to avoid them:
Contractor Takes a Deposit and Disappears
Consumer organizations advise against charismatic door-to-door contractors who offer to repair a roof or remodel a bathroom, take an upfront payment, and then vanish. Jeremy advises against selecting a contractor solely based on personal appeal. It is crucial to request a business card, validate their qualifications, and carefully decide before engaging with uninvited contractors.
Costly "Extras" Start Adding Up
It's crucial that a quoted price clearly outlines what it covers to avoid unexpected charges later on. Jeremy's company typically presents a "scope of work" document for bigger projects, specifying material details to prevent any surprise expenses. “This may involve specifics such as the quantity of pot lights to be placed in a kitchen, rather than just a broad electrical estimate,” he clarified.
Renovation Is Taking Forever
Jeremy warns that a deceitful contractor might mislead you regarding the project timeline to please you, even if it's not realistic. He mentions that he often informs clients that their project will require three to four months, only for them to compare it to quicker estimates from other contractors. Jeremy stresses that a standard kitchen renovation usually lasts two to three months, not weeks, so it's important to be cautious of promises for a rapid completion.
Renovator Doesn't Stand Behind Their Workmanship
Following the completion of a renovation, there are likely to be some issues that require a follow-up visit for repairs or touch-ups. Therefore, a homeowner will be left in a difficult situation if the contractor fails to respond.
Jeremy suggests that being part of the RenoMark program is a strong indication that a company supports its craftsmanship, as the program mandates companies to provide a minimum two-year warranty on renovations.
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