You need to do your research before starting a home renovation to make sure your project is stress-free and successful. It is important to know your rights and responsibilities as a homeowner to protect your investment.
Below we present some frequently asked questions about home renovations to serve as your guide.
Is it mandatory for me to hire a contractor for a home renovation in Ontario?
No law requires a homeowner to hire a renovation contractor. You can decide to DIY home improvements. Know, however, that certain home renovations can be complex and time-consuming. If you are not experienced in this type of project, you could spend more money on a DIY project or even fail to finish it.
Certain works require licensed tradesmen such as electrical work and plumbing. Some renovations have risks such as roofing repairs and replacement. It is better to hire a contractor as he would have the proper training, experience, and equipment to carry out the work safely in less time.
Why do contractors have different quotes?
Contractors also have overhead costs. Larger companies may have bigger overhead costs than smaller ones. This will often account for the variations in quotes. Of course, quality, warranties, and insurance also vary among firms. It is important to compare multiple quotes from different contractors to be able to choose the offer with the highest value.
Do contractors ask for a down payment?
Most contractors will ask for a down-payment when you sign the contract. We recommend paying no more than 10% of the total project cost initially. Contractors will bill you based on the progress of the work. Avoid hiring contractors that ask for a large sum as a down payment or cash-only-transactions.
Do I need a building permit?
Most home renovations require a building permit but requirements may vary from city to city. It is best to check with your municipality or you can refer to these guidelines from the Government of Ontario regarding building permits.
What is a general contractor?
A general contractor is a professional who will oversee or supervise your project. He will help you in planning your budget, schedule delivery of construction materials, coordinate different sub-contractors and schedule their work, and ensure that the project is timely and complies with building standards. He can also assist in obtaining the necessary permits for your project and troubleshoot problems during the construction.
What should be included in the home renovation contract?
Firstly, the contract must clearly indicate the business name of the contractor, address, and contact details. The contract must present a fair and correct description of the scope of the work, the cost of the project, terms of payment, warranties of the goods and services, the start and completion date, and sub-contractors required and who will pay for their work.
Who should get the building permit for a home renovation?
The homeowner is responsible for obtaining the necessary permits for a home renovation. If you hire a contractor, a homeowner can authorize him to apply for the permit. Both are liable for making sure that any construction work is covered by a building permit and that the standards established by zoning regulations are met.
What is a lifestyle renovation?
Lifestyle renovations are designed to satisfy needs that have changed such as turning into a guest room or adding a patio or deck.
What are retrofit renovations?
Retrofit renovations are projects that target the mechanical systems or shell of your house. Examples of retrofit renovations are siding replacement, furnace upgrade, or home insulation upgrade.
Do I need to find temporary housing while my home is being renovated?
Some renovations are extensive and invasive, making your house uncomfortable, noisy, and dusty during construction. Depending on your level of tolerance, you can decide to stay in your home and find ways to adjust with help from your contractor. In some cases, you may need to move out temporarily especially when you are doing a multi-room expansion. Your contractor will be able to advise you on what is most appropriate in your case.
What is a holdback and how does it work?
A holdback is a requirement from the Construction Act that stipulates that homeowners, contractors, and subcontractors retain 10% of the cost of materials or services for a project. Contractors have 60 days to request a lien on a property and 90 days to initiate legal action.
The law allows a homeowner to retain the last payment until he has verified the completeness and quality of the work and that no lien has been placed on the property due to a renovation.
What is the best way to find a good contractor?
The best way to find a good contractor is to compare at least three potential contractors. Check how long they have been in business and ask for their latest references. You can check their record with the Better Business Bureau and Canadian Home Builders Association (CHBA) in your city. You can get started by requesting free and no-obligation quotes using our short online form.