What to look for in a Home renovator or Contractor

Do you know what to look for when hiring a contractor for home renovation?

When it comes to renovating your home, you want a renovation that is done right and has an overall great experience. A lot of this outcome rests on choosing the right contractor. That is why it is so important to choose a reputable contractor to do your home renovation.

Our team at Coleridge Construction wants you to have a great experience with renovating, no matter who you choose to work with. That’s why we have put together a list of things to look for when hiring a contractor for home renovation.

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Insured & licensed

Unfortunately, anyone can legally renovate and call themselves a possessional renovator in B.C. All they need is a city business license and they are legally allowed to start swinging a hammer in your home.

Therefore when hiring a contractor for home renovation, it is helpful to find one who is not only insured for the work they do but also has the education and licence to do the construction work. Look for someone who has their Red Seal Certification in construction, or their Home Builders Licence.

Pro-Permits

If a contractor is telling you not to do permits, take this as a huge red flag. Any reputable contractor will recommend that your project go through your city permit process. Yes, this process takes a little time and planning, but in the end, you will have a project that is regulated by your city building code and most importantly, is legal. See our post on legal vs illegal basement suites in BC.

A Detailed Contract

A contract with your renovation contractor covers all areas of a renovation project, such as scope of work, timeline, budget, material usage, payments, etc. Having a detailed contract helps you avoid future surprises further down the road during a renovation project.

Experience & Expertise

Take a moment and check out their online portfolio, look at their style, project size, and overall presence. A quick look online can tell you a lot about the reputation of a contractor and their company.

Trustworthiness

In the end, all good renovation projects come down to a foundation of trust. Making sure you feel comfortable around your contractor is the most important. If you see any red flags in their character or history, it is best to walk away and find someone more qualified to do your renovation project.