7 Tips for Working with Contractors When Renovating Your House

Building a house is an exciting juncture of life. It’s also a big step, so everything has to be perfect. There comes a time when you have to give a new touch to the old house instead of buying a new one. Renovating the house is not a small project - it requires patience, time, money, and a lot of research too.

Homeowners put trust in the contractors they hire for the project. But the idea of hiring a contractor can be overwhelming. You are new to this and have zero clue about working with contractors.

Although there are many beautiful houses for sale in Brampton, some people like to renovate their old house. Perhaps they want to sell it off to a new buyer or wish to restore the old house and get it back in mint condition.

If you have decided to renovate the house, skim this post as we have some useful tips for you. Dive right in!

1. Get the Best Contractor Onboard

There are two kinds of contractors. The first type is a general contractor and the other is a specialty contractor.

A general contractor works on certain projects such as a home renovation project. They manage the entire projects like getting a permit, all the materials, and bringing labour.

General contractors have a full-fledged team and they handle all the aspects of the project.

Specialty contractors are subcontractors. They focus on architectural elements like flooring, windows, roof and are specifically involved in renovating bedrooms and kitchens.

2. Conduct Thorough Research Before Getting a Contractor Onboard

You have to ask for referrals before doing some research on your own. Ask your friends, neighbours, family, and colleagues for referrals. A top realtor in Brampton would have in-depth knowledge about the best contractors near you.

Once you get a list of contractors, go online and check the reviews and ratings of all the contractors. The internet is such a helpful place - you get first-hand reviews and ratings.

3. Discuss the Project with the Contractor

You need to discuss the project with your contractor. Let them know what you want. Since this is a renovation project and not a build-from-scratch project, you have to tell them how you want your house to look after the renovation.

Are there any specific areas you wish to renovate? If yes, speak to the contractor and be clear about your requirements.

Let them come to your home and see what you want. You can also send them pictures of the spaces you wish to renovate. This will give the contractor a fair idea about your vision and can also share their ideas with you.

4. Choose Off-Season to Get the Work Done

There are not many good contractors out there. The good ones are busy with different projects. The best way to go about it is to get the work done during the off-season.

Contractors usually get busy around spring or summer. Avoid getting them onboard during this season because chances are they will do a half-hearted job. The worst thing is they might not even take your project.

If there is an urgency, you can find the best real estate near me to ask for recommendations. They might be able to help you get a contractor for the immediate job.

5. Talk about the Payment Terms in Advance

Before the work starts, you must discuss the payment terms and the deadline. Most of the contractors require an advance or what they call ‘down payment.’

Ideally, you should not pay anything more than ten percent of the total cost. The contractor will buy the materials or use your credit card. You want quality and results, and that’s why avoid paying too much advance.

Terms should be in writing, so make sure you have it in place. Agree on the final amount and sign the agreement. Once the project is complete, you can pay the contractor but ensure that you check everything.

The contracts should have the timeline as well so that you can avoid all kinds of fights later on. A clear deadline will help you communicate clearly. Why do you want any kind of frustration anyway?

6. Check the History of the Contractor

Has the contractor worked on similar renovation projects before?

Checking the history of the contractor is crucial. Besides that, you have to keep a watch on how the contractors are working on your project.

Inspect the house after the contractors leave for the day. Take a look at the blueprint and ensure that all the fixtures are in place. If there are any quality concerns, you must note them down and convey it to the contractor.

As a wise consumer, you must be vocal about your dissatisfaction and focus on finding ways to fix the errors.

7. Be Nice to Your Contractor and the Workers

When working with contractors and workers, you should be kind. Don’t be too friendly, but never be rude to them unless the situation demands you to put your foot down. Greet them when they reach the house. You can designate a specific bathroom for the workers and contractor.

In case it’s a chilly morning, offer hot chocolate or coffee to keep them comfortable. Overall, be a good person so that they also complete the work with a positive attitude.

Hiring the best contractor in your area can be a daunting task. A top realtor in Brampton can help you find the best contractors.

Just in case you have found a contractor, make sure you are clear about the payment terms, working terms, deadline, and other prerequisites. Lastly, be good to them. It’s important to treat them like human beings and not just someone who is renovating your house.