When you decide to undertake a home renovation project, it’s about making your dreams come true. Choosing the right contractor is crucial. If you make the mistake of trusting your renovation to a sloppy, inexperienced, or unreliable contractor, that dream can quickly become a nightmare. Keep your renovations on the right track with these questions for choosing the right contractor:

How many similar jobs have you completed?

You want to choose a contractor who is experienced with your particular type of project. You never want your home to be someone’s first renovation. Look for a contractor with experience in managing and executing home renovation projects of a similar size, scope, and complexity.

What is the estimated cost?

Choose a contractor who is prepared to give a detailed written quote outlining the estimated costs on a line-by-line basis. You deserve transparency and clear communication. The right contractor would be happy to explain any item in the estimate so you can understand what you are getting for your money.

What experience do you have with special/unique features?

If you have a special interest like green renovations or want a unique feature to be installed (like floor-to-ceiling windows), choose a contractor who has experience with these elements or has connection to a highly-skilled subcontractor who can perform the task to perfection. If you desire an outside-of-the-box feature for your home renovation project, you want to make sure you hire a contractor who can handle it.

Who will manage the project?

Some contracting companies are very large and have a long roster of homes to manage. In such circumstances, your home can get lost in the shuffle. That’s why you should choose a medium-sized contracting company that has access to all of the best materials and resources, but also has the availability to properly devote time and attention to your home renovation. Your project will be managed by the company owners, not a middleman, hired foreman, or salesperson.

What insurance and warranties do you carry?

Home renovations are big and complex projects with a lot of money on the line. Choose a contractor who is insured in the event of worst case scenarios and offers warranties to cover major structural or mechanical issues in the first year. Make sure your contractor carries liability insurance, WSIB coverage, and is compliant with the Tarion New Home Warranty. Don’t put your home renovation project in the hands of an unreliable contractor. When you ask the right questions, you can choose the right contractor to make your project a reality.