You will undoubtedly need a General Contractor for your Ottawa renovation, whether starting from scratch or simply choosing to renovate your current property. However, selecting the correct contractor can be as tricky as the actual remodelling or construction process. Putting your trust in the wrong people is the last thing you want to do. You probably have acquaintances with horror stories about contractors that left jobs unfinished or skipped over “small” aspects that led to more significant issues. So, do not be alarmed! We’re here to assist you in selecting the ideal contractor for your project with these pieces of advice.
What to look for when hiring a contractor
Specificity
No, you don’t need to organize your ideas with binders and flow charts and have them down to the last dash. However, a clear picture of what you want before speaking with a contractor will help you understand the necessary work and where you’re going. The more precise your vision is, the simpler it will be for a contractor to fix your issues and make their case to you.
References
Take them. Starting with friends, family, or coworkers who have recently finished a home remodelling is the best course of action. In this battleground, they are your first line of defence. You’re most likely to receive the most honest comments from someone you can trust unless this coworker genuinely doesn’t like you (in which case, what did you do???). Relying only on internet evaluations can be dangerous, especially in the age of social media and catfishing.
Ask at least three different contractors for a quote
It’s preferable to be cautious than sorry, even if you know who you want to utilize based on the advice you received. Occasionally, there is just a breakdown in communication between the parties, which may all be determined during the interview process. Nothing gives you a greater sense of someone than actually meeting them. Though you don’t have to stop at three, you should at least check out three. Having options is far preferable to feel constrained by what you already have.
Travel to old job sites
While we don’t advise you to drive up to a stranger’s house and knock on their door to ask to see their new master bathroom, if you have the opportunity to visit the last location (even if it’s an office or commercial facility), do so. You get to see how their final product turns out and how it holds up over time. If you hire a member of your inner circle, you already know the calibre of their work, and it was probably what first drew you to them.
Workers or contractors?
Ask your contractor if they have a regular team of workers or if they rent out subcontractors as needed. Not all subcontractors are evil, but you want to ensure your contractor’s respect and trust for his other employees. Better yet, if you have access to their employee list, the vital thing to remember is that this staff will have access to your home while the job is being done. You should feel at ease around everyone involved in the procedure.
Drive home the details
Before starting work:
- Iron out all the details to avoid unauthorized visitors entering your home, specify the ground rules for where they must be and how they must move, and where they can use the bathroom, store supplies and materials, and clean up at the end of the day.
- Establish work start and end times and a notification system for deliveries and other events.
- Set your limits and make sure your contractor and their team respect them.
There are more ideas to consider, but we’ll let you focus on these for now. Keep an eye out for some future lists with further details. However, this is a great place to start. Perform the necessary research and conduct in-depth interviews. Finally, believe in your instincts.
If you are looking for a general contractor in Ottawa, give CP&Son a call and the chance to wow you. We are happy to answer any questions you might have. Contact us today!