Hiring A Contractor?

So, you are thinking about renovating your bathroom or your kitchen? You've watched the all the TV shows. You've read all the magazines. Now for the big step — finding that perfect "someone" to do the work. But how do you keep your "dream kitchen" from turning into a nightmare of construction debris? How do you take that leap of faith? Well, here at Cabana Renovations, we understand that it is a big responsibility to be invited to work on your home.

The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation offers some sage words to homeowners in the planning phase of kitchen or bathroom renovations "The contractor you hire should have the technical, business and interpersonal skills, the tools and the experience needed to do the job you want done. Hire a contractor who has experience with projects similar to yours. This contractor will know what materials and techniques are needed for your work; and even better, about problems with similar work — and how to solve them."

They also offer the following list of questions that you should ask:

• How long have you been in business?
  At Cabana Renovations, we have been serving Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area for over 20 years.
• What work are you, or your subcontractors, licensed to do, e.g., electrical, plumbing?
  Our team of artisans and tradespeople are fully licensed.
• What kind of work do you specialize in?
  We renovate kitchens and bathrooms.
• Have you done a similar job before?
  Many.
• Will you use your own crew for the work or will you subcontract all or part of the job?
  Whenever possible, we use our own team of talented tradespeople for all kitchen and bathroom renovations.
• How and when do you clean up, particularly fine dust?
  The construction process on your dream bathroom or kitchen can be messy. We use every means available to minimize the disruption in your home by using drop sheets, dust barriers and powerful exhaust fans.
• What work schedule will you follow?
  The entire construction process typically lasts only two to three weeks. We will not disrupt your weekends either, unless you give us permission.
• Will you provide a written contract?
  Absolutely.
• Will you take out all required permits (e.g., building, plumbing, electrical)?
  We wouldn't have it any other way.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Reputable contractors are not afraid to answer questions. If a contractor doesn't seem to have the answers or doesn't want to talk about the technical details of your construction, you may have the wrong contractor.

Finally, make sure that you get along with the person that you are hiring. If you cannot communicate with a contractor, any project can begin to spiral. You need a contractor who, "will explain what’s going on as the project takes shape, who will discuss problems reasonably and who will work with you to make the result as good as it can be."

To learn more about Cabana Renovations, visit our about page. or contact one of our representatives.

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