So, you’ve decided to take on a home renovation. You’ve determined what renovations you want done and landed on a rough budget. You’ve also started looking for contractors, but you’re having trouble deciding which ones are right for your renovation, even though you’ve done your due diligence getting recommendations and thoroughly interviewed possible candidates. During … Continued
After purchasing a 100-year old home, the new home owners decided to undertake a whole-home renovation. The house needed upgrading and one of the new owners had a medical condition that made indoor air quality very important. Knowing that the renovation was going to be a long and complex project, the homeowners met with 12 … Continued
The writer is a member of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA). This project involved a rental property that needed renovations to an addition. The planned changes were not complex, and for most professional renovators would have been a relatively small project. There was a 2-storey addition in place. The original goal for the project … Continued
The writer is a member of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA). This homeowner hired a friend-of-a-friend for a basement renovation and to do some exterior refinishing. Although no contract was signed, an advance payment was made to the “contractor,” and he started work. The basement was gutted and the resulting debris piled in the backyard. … Continued
Does your house cost a fortune to heat and cool? Should you switch energy sources? Get a new furnace? While all these questions are valid, they are not the most important ones. The main issue is something more basic — how fast does your house lose energy? You can have the most efficient furnace or … Continued
“What’s wrong about wanting to get the best price on my home repair work? Lots of people do deals for cash.” When homeowners repair or renovate, cash deals are all too common. No contract, no paperwork, nobody’s the wiser. Contractors shave their prices by eliminating taxes; consumers pay less and get a better deal. Or … Continued
When homeowners repair or renovate, cash deals are all too common. “Pay me cash” contractors shave their prices by eliminating taxes and consumers pay less and get a better deal. Or do they? There’s a definite downside to cash deals — the increased risk for homeowners. When you hear about renovation nightmares, odds are this … Continued
Home renovations may seem daunting during the planning stages but with the right contractor & these 3 tips, you and your family can enjoy a hassle-free home renovation. Do your research Have you ever heard the saying, “If you’re going to do something, do it right”? That’s how you should approach deciding on a contractor. … Continued
Price is a critical aspect of any renovation project. What will it cost to do the job you want? Alternatively, how far can you go on a set budget? Different Sized Projects, Different Sized Price Quotes Determining the cost of a small project, like replacing your roofing, can be fairly simple. Just make sure all … Continued
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 … Continued