We hear stories of homeowners getting ripped off by general contractors and renovation companies all the time. Either we have a friend or family member that has had a terrible experience or we’ve caught stories of shoddy work, damages, unfinished work and even fraud on the 6 o ‘clock news. It’s no wonder you feel nervous about who to hire to help with your home renovations. Edmonton homeowners will feel more comfortable if they knew they were hiring a renovation company they can fully trust.
Here are some tips that will help you to hire a credible company for your Edmonton renovations and to make sure you don’t get ripped off:
Get a detailed quote and contract in writing before the work begins.
If you think you have found the right renovation company for your home renovation, make sure they write out every detail of the project and review those details with you. A trustworthy contractor will always provide a detailed and written quote that will include details on materials, labour costs, permit fees and any other costs the project might incur.
A reputable company will also draw up a professional contract that should include:
- a detailed schedule of the project including a start date and estimated completion date
- Materials and products they will be using
- any services they will sub-contract from other trades people
o If using subcontractors, ask if they can provide proof of proper business licensing, insurance and references for those sub-contractors. You can also check to see if those sub-contractors are listed on RenovationFind.com.
- total cost of the home renovation including a payment schedule or plan
Check for a legitimate business license.
This seems like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised to learn how many ‘contractors’ operate without a proper business license. Ask to see a physical license. It is illegal for them do conduct business without one, even if they are skilled. Plus, licensed contractors will know about building code requirements and other regulations and are more likely to also have proper insurance.
Check for proper insurance!
If a home renovation company does not have insurance that means you are not protected should any damages or accidents occur on the work site. For example, if a worker gets hurt on the job they can file a lawsuit against you. Or, if someone accidentally puts a 2x4 through your living room window during construction cost to replace that window will be covered. Ask the contractor if they have both full liability insurance as well as Worker’s Compensation insurance.
Do not put all your trust in consumer reviews.
Thanks to the internet, we able to research and share consumer reviews on products and services. Though these review sites can be helpful, you should be aware that online reviews can be fake. Some companies will create fake profiles and give themselves reviews or even hire people to write raving reviews about their company.
"TrustedPros, a home renovation directory and review site, has discovered and published the fact that in some Canadian cities nearly 50% of renovation companies on their site were posting fake reviews. The culprits at the top of the list were moving companies with 63% posting fake reviews. Close behind are floor refinishers, duct cleaning companies, locksmiths and commercial contractors." - from the RenovationFind Blog
Learn more about why consumer reviews can’t be trusted.
Take a look on the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
The BBB allows you to view complaints consumers may have had about the company in question. Don’t be put off entirely if they have one or two customer complaints. Instead, check to see how they resolved the issue(s). No one is perfect, but a trustworthy company will do all they can to ensure the situation is rectified, their customers are taken care of and happy in the end. Learn more about the BBB Central and Northern Alberta region.
A reputable renovation company will never ask for 100% of the money upfront.
It is likely they will ask you to pay a deposit before the work begins, but a credible general contractor will never ask you to pay the full amount upfront. For larger home renovations in Edmonton, a renovation company will probably set up a payment schedule that is spaced throughout the project, asking for the final payment after everything on that detailed contract you got at the beginning has been completed.
Finding a contractor you can trust for home renovations in Edmonton.
RenovationFind.com is a free online directory of contractors, trades and renovation companies. Every company on the director has been pre-screened and will continue to be monitored to ensure they're constantly meeting important criteria. Each company has been through legal and financial background checks, they've produced a proof of a business liscence, insurance and WCB coverage, consumer complaints have been reviewed and those who are also members of the BBB recieve a higher rating.
Learn more at www.renovationfind.com.
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