What do I need to know? Q & A

Interiors

1. Interior & Exterior renovations are in different categories when it comes to what to look for. You can come up with a plan for what you want done on the interior, and most contractors can oblige in this area. However, if there is no showroom/office or base of operations to see, then a City License, WCB coverage, and private insurance is a must. (WCB however, is optional for certain companies, for instance if they are a one-man operation)


2. Consumer & Corporate Affairs have the records of licensed company names, who owns/runs them, and dates of inception. Be careful of the many who say they have 20 years in the business, but work out of a truck with a cell phone, and who have just registered recently.


3. Check the date on their business license, and don't forget that anyone could apply for, and get a license within 30 days - this does not make them a contractor! If you are dealing with a reputable company with a retail location, facilities etc., then licensing comes with the registered address. These firms are not in the same category as those based at home.


4. The BBB (Better Business Bureau), RHBA (Regina Home Builders Association) etc. are excellent organizations. But no history means no records, and almost any company can join and be a member of these groups just by paying the membership fee. This can also be done quickly, so always check the dates.


5. Contractors who do reputable work and have a good history will have a picture book demonstrating years and years of work that they have performed in the past. Referrals from friends are also a big help in this area, as you can physically see what was done and you aren't impinging on strangers.
   This may sound repetitive but if you've never heard of them, and they are working out of a truck with a cell phone for an office, then they may not be the most reliable. You have to consider this when you think about making payments, future service needs and even the durability of the work being done.

Exteriors

1. Guidelines for exteriors are almost the same as for interiors, with some important differences for you to consider.
   WCB rates differ for companies doing exterior work as the likelihood of injury is far greater. Not only should contractors be covered by WCB, but they should also carry their own liability coverage, preferably around the two million dollar range.
   If a contractor does not have proper coverage (such as WCB) and there happens to be an injury, the contractor or his employees can sue the owner of the property where the injury occurred. While this rarely happens, there have been such cases.


2. Products
   There are so many suppliers out there, and everyone says their product is the best! How do you choose?
   The electronic age has helped with this process, there are still a few of the old "Tin Men" types out there with the "If you order today, I'll give you a deal" talk.
   Have a good look at who is quoting, what their pricing is, and where the product comes from. The salesperson you see is not the one who does the work, and sometimes is even new to the business. Some of them only want your signature and your money. You may never see them again, so decisions are best made on the strength of the company, not because of how nice the salesperson is.
   Factory warranties are useless if there is no factory - as in the case of Sasko and Bestway Windows who were pushed by other competition in Regina and as a result, are no longer in business. Of course, if you had dealt with them before they went out of business, they would have raved about their service and the warranties on their products!


3. How do you start the process once you have decided to have work done on your house?
   You wouldn't buy a car if the salesperson showed you a cut-off section of a fender and a swatch of different colours, so don't do this when it comes to your house either. Make sure you first see something tangible. If for example, you intend on making changes to your whole house, have a careful look at what is going in and on it. Make it your decision and not the contractors. There are good people and reputable companies out there, but there are also "Backyard Bobs" and "Weekend Warriors" turned contractors, who give good contractors a bad name.


4. Is there an easy way or a short cut to making the decision on whom I get to price my job?
   Choose a company (preferably a dealer) that has a proven record and a good BBB rating. If a company has been in business 10 years plus, chances are they will still be there in a few years after your project is complete. Make sure they deal in everything you are looking for, and don't go for the "I can get it" routine. Experienced tradesmen, specializing in what you want done is what you need, not someone learning on the job.
   If a company is a dealer, they will not only have an office, but also a showroom carrying their product on display for you. You will be able to see, touch, probe every product and ask questions about it. This will help you make an informed decision, which in turn will make you feel better, having done your homework.
   Start with companies that have thier own facilities, but also check on how long they've had a facility. Look at lots of before and after photographs and protect yourself because talk is cheap.