Last modified: 2020-01-11 | Approximate reading time 
4 mins
When push comes to shove, if you’ve lived in the same home for a few years, you’ll likely need to do repairs at a point in time. Whether the renovation you take on is big or small, it’s important to think about the quickest, most efficient and least expensive way to make it happen.
In most home renovation projects, it’s recommended that you work with a certified contractor rather than attempting to cut corners and save money by doing-it-yourself or working with someone who hasn’t completed the proper training. Instead of risking it all, read on as to why it’s important to do business with someone who is certified!
Read on for the reasons you should do business with a certified contractor
Skillset
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Now, before beginning any size renovation, you’ll need to be honest with yourself about your abilities to carry out a task. Do you have the skill set required to take on the job? Of course, if you’re simply installing a new lightbulb you obviously won't require the assistance of a contractor. However, if the job is more complicated and outside your immediate comfort zone, it will be beneficial to work with a certified contractor.
When you first start your hunt for the right contractor, we recommend that you ask your friends or family members for referrals. Aside from having the proper paperwork, this will offer insight into how they work, their dependability, the quality of their work, their turnaround time as well as their overall experience. If friends and family members don’t have any options for you, then start conducting your own research including local homebuilders and renovator associations.
When you work with a licensed contractor, to obtain their license the person has already demonstrated that they have the required skills and minimal level of competence to take on the job. Not only this, but they are required to participate in arbitration hearings if an issue may arise. Further, information about local contractors is recorded in the Better Business Bureau network.
This is why it’s paramount to do ample research instead of choosing the first contractor you meet with. Reading other customer experiences could definitely make or break the experience of working with a licenced contractor, even if the price seems right initially. There is no way to guarantee this when it comes to an unlicensed contractor. You’ll want to hire someone with the right skill set for the job, and one of the most obvious testaments to skillset is feedback from customers!
Legal aspects
Although a contractor or entrepreneur without the proper paperwork might be cheaper while claiming to have the skillset you’re looking for, it’s important to consider the legalities of this. In many cases, unlicensed contractors do offer lower quotes, and this can be initially appealing for homeowners working within a strict budget or taking on a large and costly project. However, consider basic protection over obtaining a cheap quote.
When it comes down to working with a contractor with a license, they will need to have workers compensation insurance to cover any situation where they may be injured. As the homeowner, you act as the employer and are required for any accidents that happen on your property. If you choose to hire an uncertified contractor, there are serious legal risks involved. If this person happens to get hurt while working on your home renovation, they could pin the damage or duress on you. This is a situation you’d obviously hope to avoid.
Permits
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In many home renovation projects, permits are required. The permits necessary for a project will come down to the details of the project itself as well as the province, city and municipality where you live. When it comes to working with a licensed contractor, they should have the experience to know exactly what permits will be necessary for your home renovation project.
Working on projects on your own or without a licensed contractor puts your property value at risk. Renovations that require any changes to plumbing, gas or electrical wiring will almost always require you to apply for a permit. These jobs require a permit because the skills needed are highly specialized and on top of that, there can be very dangerous consequences if completed incorrectly. Err on the side of caution in these cases, both working with a professional and making sure that they’ve applied for all of the necessary permits.
Another type of renovation with a serious risk of injury is exterior work that involves heights including roofing, duct work and so forth. A roofer will understand how to work at these heights efficiently, whereas yourself or even a contractor working without a license may not be familiar with specific techniques of the trade.
Not only this, but outdoor jobs require specific equipment that needs to be used correctly. If your contractor arrives without the correct equipment or doesn’t seem like they understand how to use it, chances are they are without the right license.
Comfort
Lastly, working with a certified and licenced contractor will offer you the comfort to take on any renovation project. Especially true of big projects, problems are possible and abundant. The best results for your renovations will come from proper communication and a good working relationship with your contractor. If your contractor is flexible, adaptable and communicative while also holding the correct license, then you’ll likely have a greater chance of success with the outcome of your project.
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