A new renovation is an exciting venture, and most of us are ready to dive right in and get started as soon as possible. Of course, being a homeowner doesn’t require being great at construction, architecture or the like. Therefore, when working on a new project, it’s necessary to find the right contractor for the job!

The task of looking for a trusty contractor may seem daunting. However, with a few easy simple steps and signs to look out for, you'll be sure to find your ideal match at the drop of a hat! This article is here to help you find the best contractor for your project.

How to choose the right contractor

Learn as much as you can about the contractor

There are many ways to find the right contractor for the job, but some are tried and tested above others. For starters, word-of-mouth has always been a tried and trusted way to find qualified contractors. This is especially true if friends and family members have recommended a contractor, as chances are this person should be reliable as well as being easy to work with. 

If someone is recommending a contractor, make sure to gather as many details as possible about the person including their work-related strengths and weaknesses, their communication methods and so on. If your friends and family don’t have any recommendations, reach out to neighbours or building owners in your area! 

Another suggestion would be to take a trip down to your local lumber yard, asking owners about contractors who visit often.

You might also consider taking to the web. Use the crowdsourcing power of social media, asking your contacts for recommendations. Within a few short hours, you may find yourself with a handful of good recommendations!

Face-to-face meetings

Once you’ve narrowed your list down, you should call at least three contractors and set up face-to-face meetings with them. Remember, this is someone you’re going to be partnering with on a large-scale project, which will include regular communication while entrusting them with your home. Therefore, it’s important to be comfortable with the contractor you choose.

When making initial calls, make sure the company you choose has all the proper licenses for the specific job you’re looking to complete. We’d recommend going one step further and searching their name, phone number and license number on Google. 

This should offer you insight into the work they’ve done before. Another note would be asking your contractors for references. This will offer you another level of security, with the ability to call their references if you need them. 

Then, make sure he has up-to-date insurance. Similarly, the financial and judicial records of the contractor as well as the complaints filed against him could help you make your final choice if you ever hesitate between several contractors after analyzing their quotes of equal value.

If the thought of doing all of this work yourself stresses you out, then why not think about using our services? When you submit your project to RenoQuotes.com, we work to quickly and efficiently put you into contact with up to three contractors who we’ve already taken the time to verify. All the hard work is done, saving you energy, time and money. It’s free to sign up, so give it a shot! We have contractors in several parts of Canada including Quebec, Ontario, Alberta and Nova Scotia.

Ask the right questions

When signing a contract with a contractor or home renovation company, it’s crucial for you to ask plenty of questions. Their answers to your questions will let you know about their reliability, their availability as well as how much attention to detail they’ll pay for your project. Here are some examples of questions you should ask to find the contractor that best suits your needs and expectations:

• What type of license do you own?

• Do you have insurance?

• How long have you been in your business? What is your field of expertise?

• Have you completed this type of project before?

• Do you have your own team to do the work or are you working with subcontractors?

• How much is the deposit?

• How long do you think this project is going to take?

• Can you give me references and pictures from previous projects?

• Is there any guarantee? Are you providing a written contract?

A contractor or renovation company should be able to answer these questions easily. If you find your face-to-face interactions awkward, or their inability to answer some; chances are you may want to move on!

Agreement: signing a contract and agreeing on the clauses

So you’ve narrowed it down to your contractor of choice. We’re happy for you! But what do you do now? It may seem tempting to offer up the deposit in cash right away. but what happens if something goes wrong? If you pay in cash, insurance will not cover the damages.  

Also, it is absolutely necessary to draw up a written contract, an invoice or a proof of payment, as small problems can easily turn into nightmare situations without the proper paperwork. Insist on getting a copy of the contract and going over the terms of insurance so that you’re both well covered.

As mentioned, many contractors will ask for a deposit. These deposits are not regulated by law and therefore, it’s up to the contractor to choose the percentage of the total value of the work. However, it’s important that you be careful about this transaction. 

Make sure that you never accept paying the full price of the work before the job has started. If possible, we’d recommend paying in instalments, which should be sent in different increments in relation to the progression of the work.

Deposits are in place to protect the contractors, allowing them a consistent cash flow to funnel back into their company. If they ask for too much, it’s possible they’re trying to take advantage of you. Be aware of warning signs including asking for the full amount of the job or contractors who are unwilling to negotiate.

The things to consider when choosing the best contractor for you:

• determine if you need a general or specialized contractor;

• consult your entourage for recommendations;

• check if the licences are up to date and suitable for the types of work requested;

• inquire about other certifications, complaints and records;

• ask at least 3 contractors to give you a quote to compare them;

• do not hesitate to consult their former clients or to go see their current projects;

• ask several questions, even if they seem intrusive;

• stay tuned for the contract and the amounts to be paid.