You’ve been planning your home renovation for months, been to all the home shows, and spent countless homes online looking at renovation projects and products. You’ve also interviewed  a number of renovation contractors, checked their references and received written price quotes from those you are interested in hiring. Now it’s time to decide who will be doing your job.

Do your homework

Once you have met with the contractors who are bidding on your job, you should review each set of bid documents carefully before deciding who to hire.

Compare every aspect of their bids – the description of the work, specifications (materials and products), price and allowances, deposit and payment milestones, project schedule and any additional recommendations or ideas for your project.

While overall price is important, it is only one factor. Many homeowners who have successfully completed major home renovations speak about the importance of peace of mind – working with a renovator they trusted and felt confident in.

If you have a particularly strong sense of confidence in one of the renovators, they are probably your best choice, even if their price is not the lowest. In the end, you should choose the renovator based on your sense of the overall value they can provide to you.

Is the price too good to be true?

If, during your discussions with prospective contractors, any have suggested to you they can provide you with a better price if you pay them in cash and skip the paperwork, you should eliminate them from further consideration – they have essentially told you they cheat on their taxes and lie to the government.  You shouldn’t expect they will treat you any better.

Before you hire a contractor, get informed. The Canadian Home Builder’s Association offers Canada’s best free, unbiased information on how to hire a contractor the smart and safe way. Visit www.getitinwriting.ca