If you are planning a project or a renovation for your home or business, or if you require insurance work or project management in Regina look to the experts at Al Schick Construction to get the job done right! In our latest blog post we share tips on hiring a Regina contractor you can trust to do a good job!
Adding a room, renovating a basement, or doing some much-needed repairs? Finding a good contractor is important — a home improvement project gone wrong can cost you. A good ad isn’t proof a contractor does quality work. Find out for yourself. Check with friends, neighbours, or co-workers who’ve had improvement work done, and check out a contractor’s reputation on online review sites you trust( Like Trusted Regina ). Get written estimates from several firms, keeping in mind the lowest bidder may not be the best choice. Also important: know the signs of a scam.
Finding a Regina Contractor
Depending on how big or complex a project is, you might hire a:
- General contractor, who project manages all aspects of a project, including hiring and supervising subcontractors, getting building permits, and scheduling inspections
- Specialty contractor, who installs particular products like cabinets and bathroom fixtures
architect, who designs homes, additions, and major renovations — especially ones involving structural changes - Designer or design/build contractor, who provides both services.
Do Your Research
Check with friends, neighbours, or co-workers who’ve used a contractor.
If you can, take a look at the work done and ask about their experience.
Look at Regina sites you trust that post ratings and reviews
Do people seem to have similar experiences, good or bad?
You also can check out a contractor’s online reputation by searching for the company’s name with words like “scam,” “rip-off,” or “complaint.” ( trustedregina.com)
Find out how long they’ve been in business.
Look for an established company whose record and reputation you can check out.
Check for qualifications, like licensing.
Many places, but not all, require contractors to be licensed and/or bonded. Check with the city building department to find out about local licensing requirements in your area. Licensing can range from simple registration to a detailed qualification process. Make sure the contractor’s license, WCB and insurance is current.
Before You Hire a Regina Contractor
Get Estimates
Once you’ve narrowed your options, get written estimates from several firms. Don’t automatically choose the lowest bidder. Ask for an explanation to see if there’s a reason for the difference in price.
Ask Questions
How many projects like mine have you completed in the last year?
Ask for a list so you can see how familiar the contractor is with your type of project.
Will my project require a permit?
Most states and localities require permits for building projects, even for simple jobs like decks. A competent contractor will get all the necessary permits before starting work on your project. You may want to choose a contractor familiar with the permitting process in your county, city, or town.
May I have a list of references?
A contractor should be able to give you the names, addresses, and phone numbers of at least three clients with projects like yours. Ask each client how long ago the project was and whether it was completed on time. Was the client satisfied? Were there any unexpected costs? Did workers show up on time and clean up after finishing the job? You also could tell the contractor that you’d like to visit jobs in progress.
What types of insurance do you carry?
Contractors should have:
- personal liability
- worker’s compensation
- property damage coverage
- Ask for copies of insurance certificates, and make sure they’re current, or you could be held liable for any injuries and damages that occur during the project.
Will you be using subcontractors on this project?
If so, make sure the subcontractors have current insurance coverage and licenses, too, if required.
To find detailed information about a builder, service provider, or remodeler in your area, contact your local home builders association.
Understand Your Payment Options
Don’t pay cash
Try to make payments during the project contingent upon completion of defined amounts of work.
This way, if the work isn’t going according to schedule, the payments to your contractor also are delayed.
Get a Written Quote and Contract.
Contract requirements – It should be clear and concise and include the who, what, where, when, and cost of your project. Before you sign a contract, make sure it includes:
- The contractor’s name, address, phone, and license number (if required)
an estimated start and completion date - The payment schedule for the contractor, subcontractors, and suppliers
the contractor’s obligation to get all necessary permits how change orders are handled. A change order is a written authorization to the contractor to make a change or addition to the work described in the original contract and could affect the project’s cost and schedule. - A detailed list of all materials including each product’s colour, model, size, and brand. If some materials will be chosen later, the contract should say who’s responsible for choosing each item and how much money is budgeted for it (this is also known as the “allowance”).
information about warranties covering materials and workmanship, with names and addresses of who is honouring them — the contractor, distributor, or manufacturer. The length of the warranty period and any limitations also should be spelled out. - What the contractor will and won’t do. For example, is site clean-up included in the price? Ask for a “broom clause” that makes the contractor responsible for all clean-up work, including spills and stains.
- Any promises made during conversations or calls. If they don’t remember, you may be out of luck — or charged extra. Be sure to always have important things in writing or via email.