From the construction files…
You have a dream, you have a budget but you don’t have a contractor to help you realize your renovation goals.
For those of you not familiar with the role of a contractor, here is the run down: your contractor manages, schedules, budgets, performs administrative duties such as facilitating engineering, architectural and permit processes, and controls quality; the latter is one role that is worth its weight in gold.
As clients you may fancy yourselves savvy in the budget side of things and perhaps you are however, when it comes to the sub-trade component of the equation, this is one of the areas that requires particular attention, attention that (should) has been paid by your contractor.
The sub-trades do the physical work, they are the “Troops”. Your contractor oversees this process and has a solid relationship with his plumber, electrician, HVAC, flooring, drywaller, finisher etc. The quality of their work depends on your contractor’s knowledge of both the trade itself and knowledge of the sub-trade as a person; this knowledge can only be acquired by being in the business and knowing who is who of the zoo.
Attempting to choose and manage trades that are strangers to you can be daunting and confusing as a homeowner, there is more to it than meets the eye. Dealing with a single contractor ensures that your questions, and concerns are directed to one person; not unlike the relationship between the Commanding Officer and his platoon Sergeant. Choose your contractor carefully, check his/her company website, check the social media platforms, ask for his/her insurance coverage, liability limit, and WCB.
You can also contact various organizations such as the BBB, If your contractor is part of the BBB then you can rest assured that he has gone through a plethora of questions and guidelines that determine his likelihood as a candidate. The BBB has been around since 1912 and has an accredited business member base of over 400 000 across North America, and they are true to their mission statement, they are thorough, methodical and no light weights when it comes to the vetting of candidates.
Lastly but not least, when you are selecting a contractor, check their appearance and most importantly, go with your gut, after all you are trusting them with one of your largest investments… your home.
Good luck with your project!
