MONTREAL- Last week's On Your Side told the story of a woman whose kitchen renovation turned into a nightmare, partly due to a poorly-defined agreement with her contractor.
Here are some tips on how to proceed with a renovation in order to avoid a similar fate.
1-Do your research
Check with the Regie du Batiment du Quebec to find out if the contractor is covered by workman's compensation and has liability insurance. An absence thereof could lead to expensive scenarios, particularly if the worker is doing the job under the table.
"The biggest job, long before the hammer ever hits, is finding the right people, planning the contract and organizing it," says home renovation expert Jon Eakes.
"If they have an accident and they are not paid, they are very likely not covered by the workman's compensation and it can be a serious problem."
CAA offers a list of reputable, registered contractors that it verifies before listing.
2 – Ask for references and call
"You call the references. Nobody calls references," bemoans Eakes.
3 – Ask what was done and go to see the job
Knowing a job was done is not necessarily enough, seeing the actual work is key.
Eakes suggests reno-shoppers ask, "could I come over and take a look? That's where you'll be able to see the details."
4-Write up a detailed contract
The contract should describe the work to be done, who will do it and exactly what materials will be used.
Eakes points out that something as simple as a faucet can vary in price from $30 to $300, it not overtly specified, one might get the low-end model.
5- Include a work and payment schedule and never pay up front
Shoppers should pay no more than 25 percent up front and then offer to pay in 10 – 15 percent installments until the work is finished.
"The contractor shouldn't be financing the project with your money. He should be financing it himself," says Eakes.
6-If worried, consult an expert
If you have concerns about the completed work, hire an inspector.
"It will cost you 250 bucks but it's worth it," says Eakes.
