Thinking of renovating your home? Many "do-it-yourselfers" wouldn't hesitate to pick up a hammer or a drill, even open up a bag of mortar and maybe after a little bit of online research, feel confident to get the job done themselves to save a bit of cash. I've done it, and it can be very rewarding. But it can also cause setbacks, disappointment and you may even end up spending more money in the end fixing mistakes you have made. So when should you put down the tools and call in the professionals? And how do you know which one to hire? It can be a tricky business, but I have laid out some basic guidelines below to help you with the process.
Should you hire a Contractor?
Let’s face it, when it comes to plumbing, electrical and structural issues in your home, you should definitely be hiring a licenced contractor. And please don’t skimp out on the finishing work! Many a job has been destroyed by poor finishing work. Yes, the guts need to be in fine working order, but that’s not what shows on the surface. There is nothing more disheartening than putting a ton of money, time and effort into a project to get it done right, only to see a poorly finished product. If you’re not skilled in the construction trades, it is probably best to hire a contractor so that the job gets done right.
Which Contractor should you pick?
It is always best to talk to a minimum of three contractors – more if possible. According to Mike Holmes, the truly professional contractors make up about 20% of all of the contractors out there. So three is definitely a minimum. And remember, in order for a contractor to quote properly, they need to physically visit the potential job site.
The first question that usually comes to our minds when trying to choose a contractor is – how much will it cost? This question is certainly important; everyone has a budget, but it is not the most important question. The first question you should ask is – what quality of work do you do? A good contractor should be able to provide you with references and also a portfolio featuring the work they have accomplished.
Next: ask about permits. Always ensure the contractor obtains the correct permits for the work they do. This will provide peace of mind for you – the client – that the job has in fact been done right.
Finally, never pay for a job up front. 10% down is a reasonable price to pay to get a job started.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. But remember that price will depend on what the job is, and what quality of products are being used.
How to manage a Contractor
There are two basic ways to do this:
Whether you choose the first or second option, communication is key. You need to be clear with your requirements. It is best to go into a contract agreement with whomever you hire so that there are no misunderstandings about the job. If any red flags pop up, you always have the contract to fall back on.
Finally, as long as there is mutual respect, clear communication and a solid contract, management of a contractor should be a smooth process.
Should you hire a Contractor?
Let’s face it, when it comes to plumbing, electrical and structural issues in your home, you should definitely be hiring a licenced contractor. And please don’t skimp out on the finishing work! Many a job has been destroyed by poor finishing work. Yes, the guts need to be in fine working order, but that’s not what shows on the surface. There is nothing more disheartening than putting a ton of money, time and effort into a project to get it done right, only to see a poorly finished product. If you’re not skilled in the construction trades, it is probably best to hire a contractor so that the job gets done right.
Which Contractor should you pick?
It is always best to talk to a minimum of three contractors – more if possible. According to Mike Holmes, the truly professional contractors make up about 20% of all of the contractors out there. So three is definitely a minimum. And remember, in order for a contractor to quote properly, they need to physically visit the potential job site.
The first question that usually comes to our minds when trying to choose a contractor is – how much will it cost? This question is certainly important; everyone has a budget, but it is not the most important question. The first question you should ask is – what quality of work do you do? A good contractor should be able to provide you with references and also a portfolio featuring the work they have accomplished.
Next: ask about permits. Always ensure the contractor obtains the correct permits for the work they do. This will provide peace of mind for you – the client – that the job has in fact been done right.
Finally, never pay for a job up front. 10% down is a reasonable price to pay to get a job started.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. But remember that price will depend on what the job is, and what quality of products are being used.
How to manage a Contractor
There are two basic ways to do this:
- Hire a general contractor to manage the work
- Manage the individual contractors yourself
Whether you choose the first or second option, communication is key. You need to be clear with your requirements. It is best to go into a contract agreement with whomever you hire so that there are no misunderstandings about the job. If any red flags pop up, you always have the contract to fall back on.
Finally, as long as there is mutual respect, clear communication and a solid contract, management of a contractor should be a smooth process.
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