FAQ

Q. Where do I start.?

Before you meet with your contractor, try to determine what your scope of work will be. Include rough floor plans if possible, new cabinet layout, magazine clippings or pictures of what you are trying to achieve, in essence the look you are most comfortable with. The more information you can provide, the easier it will be for your Contractor to quote your job accurately.

Be realistic. Determine what your budget for the project will be. Relay this to your contractor during initial consultation, this will allow your contractor to know you have a budget in mind, and his/her quoting should fall within this range. It is very difficult for a contractor to price a job within your price range if you choose to keep it a secret. More than likely the labour rate cannot change. You have the ability to control the budget by choosing affordable finished product. Most projects go over budget when choosing finished product. Determine your wants from your needs.

 

Q. What should I look for in a Contractor?

You should feel very comfortable with your Contractor. You will share your home with his team for the next few weeks or months depending on the size of the project.
A reputable Contractor will supply you with a written detailed scope of work clearly stating what is included in his/her price and what costs are your responsibility. A renovations contract should be signed stating start & finish dates, pay schedules, scope of work, disposal of construction debris, etc. everything should be clear to you, be sure you are both on the same page.

Always ask for and check references, this should not be a problem for a reputable Contractor. His/her previous customers will be more than happy to give you a few minutes of their time.

Ask to see a portfolio of work. A good Contractor is proud of what he does and will love the opportunity to show it off.
Ask about Sub-Contractors, plumbers and electricians have to be licensed with the City in order to pull permits for your project.
Does your Contractor carry WCB for workers and liability insurance? If someone is hurt in your house and your Contractor is not insured, you could be held liable.

 

Q. Do we need permits?

Almost all renovation work will require a permit. This will vary from a simple repairs permit, or your project may require several different permits depending on the scope of work being performed and determined by city inspectors. If plumbing, electrical, or structural framing are being altered permits will be applicable in these cases. Contractors who have nothing to hide will pull the appropriate permits required to make sure every step of your project meets with the national building codes. Having no permits pulled allows for corners to be cut. This is your home and a valuable investment, be sure its done right and your renovation money is spent wisely. Did you know ? It is the owners responsibility to ensure a permit is in place.

 

Q. Can I live in my house while renovations are taking place?

This depends on the scope of work, smaller renovations will offer little disruption to your daily schedule. Main floor renovations & additions may pose a greater challenge. Its really up to you and your contractor. If you are able to set up make shift accommodations in another part of your house and you are comfortable with that, then by all means yes.

It will be essential to have all furniture & personal belonging removed from the space being renovated. Don't try to make your construction crew work around such items, its highly probable that damage will occur and it will certainly cause delays in productivity.

 

Q. I am replacing my kitchen cabinets, should I replace the old drywall?

Yes. More than likely your kitchen remodel will include plumbing and electrical relocates. Drywall is inexpensive. Lets take the opportunity to check out what we can't see behind the drywall. Do you have proper insulation and vapour barrier in place? Is my 25 year old electrical adequate for modern day operation of appliances and technology? Electrical codes have changed a lot in the last 25 years. In order to run new, or relocate electrical circuits, your electrician will need proper access. If you try to do this without drywall removal it's likely that you could end up with illegal junction boxes, or the integrity of your existing insulation and vapour barrier will be compromised.

You are probably most interested and excited about the finished look of your new kitchen but try to remember that the mechanical you can't see behind the drywall is very important to the function and longevity of your investment. In the big scheme of things it could be money well spent.