Home Improvement Steps by Steps

STEP 1: Decide on reasonable projects and rank them by priority. If you're thinking of several projects, rank them in order of importance. Maintenance items should generally be given top priority. You'll want to fix a leaky roof, for instance, before refinishing the floor under it!

STEP 2: Assess your home's potential and limitations, and understand the impact your renovations will have. Every house is different and has its unique strengths and weaknesses. You can perform your own inspection, or better yet, you can hire a qualified private home inspector to give professional advice. Architects, renovators and contractors are also valuable sources of information.

Now, consider impact. That addition you want may look wonderful on paper, but will your existing heating, plumbing and electrical systems be able to service it? A house may look like a static structure, but it's actually a collection of components that interact with one another. Thus, if you make a change to one part of your home, it may affect some other part. Take energy-efficiency upgrades, for example. If you add insulation and make your house more airtight (by installing new windows, for example) you will improve your energy efficiency, but your furnace may no longer operate properly or safely!

Improving airtightness will reduce uncomfortable drafts but will also affect heat flow, air flow and indoor moisture. You have to understand how these factors are inter-related before you can effectively upgrade for better energy efficiency.

Remember that building codes and local by-laws may also limit what and how you renovate. There is nothing worse than planning your renovation only to discover that it is not allowed. Be sure to talk to your local municipal building department about your plans and any permits you may need.

STEP 3: Decide whether your project makes financial sense. Can you really afford to renovate? To get an idea of costs, ask for quotes from two or more reputable local renovators, architectural firms or materials suppliers. Explain exactly what you want to do. Discuss various options. Take the most reasonable of these quotes and add 10­15% for unexpected costs.

Discuss the financial implications with your real estate agent, banker or financial advisor. If you need financing, you may be able to renegotiate your mortgage or apply for a personal loan. You may even be eligible for assistance, as some utilities and provincial and municipal governments offer incentive programs for energy-efficiency upgrades.

STEP 4: Decide who will do the work, and under what conditions. Many homeowners, convinced of their own skills, decide to do the job themselves.

In most provinces, you can do most of the work you want on your own house, provided you take out the required permits, follow local building codes, and have the work inspected by the appropriate authorities.

Although it's true you can save money that way, consider all of the costs as well. Are you prepared to draw up your own plans, get your own permits, and schedule inspections? How much time can you spend away from your regular job, your family and other commitments? Can you be as efficient or as skilled as tradespeople who do this specialized work every day?

How much will it cost you to rent or buy the necessary tools you don't already own? How long will it take you to complete the job compared with an experienced crew? Who will you call when problems occur? Can you cope with the stress and the responsibility? Will you be satisfied with less than professional-looking results?

It doesn't take much skill to paint a room or remove an old fence, but specialized tasks involving wiring, plumbing or heating are usually best left to professionals. Some municipalities, in fact, require certain kinds of work to be done by certified tradespeople.

Most people find that contracting the work is best. But choosing the right renovator is crucial.

Many small jobs can be done by your friendly neighbourhood handy person. But for larger or more complex projects, it may be a good idea to consult an architect, a design firm or a full-service renovator. The services offered may be a simple walk-through of your house to help you generate ideas, but they can also assume overall responsibility for your renovation. In addition to drawing up plans and layouts and hiring a contractor for you, they can also obtain your zoning approval and building permits, supervise the contractor's work, ensure its quality and approve payments. Even if you give responsibility for the entire project to an architect or designer, to protect your own interests, you should understand the renovation process, budgeting, quotes and contracts.

Favour firms that have been in business in your area for a number of years. Satisfied customers are the best recommendation for a renovator; ask each firm bidding on your project to supply you with references from former customers. You may wish to tour the renovator's current job site before making a decision. The renovating company and its subcontractors should also have proper licences to do the work you require, and adequate insurance. Don't be shy about asking: reputable firms will not hesitate to answer your questions.

Get written estimates from at least two (preferably three) of the renovators recommended to you. An estimate is exactly that. It is a renovator's best estimate as to the charges you can expect, based on the renovator's understanding of what you want and the labour and material costs and the difficulties he or she expects to encounter. An estimate should be in writing and include a full job description, the full price and terms of payment, a schedule of work, and start and completion dates.

Don't mistake an estimate for a guarantee, and remember that it is no substitute for a written contract.

Should you give the job to the renovator with the lowest bid? Not necessarily. Renovators who submit unusually low bids may have made a mistake, or may be too inexperienced to estimate it properly. When they find out they are going to lose money, they may look for ways to cut costs, add unjustified extras to the bill, or abandon the job.

  Should you pay cash? Some contractors may offer you a discount for payment in cash with no written contract. Don't be tempted. 'Underground economy' transactions involve a wide range of risks and pitfalls that can easily offset any promised savings. A contractor who insists on cash with no contract may be unlicensed and uninsured and your cash advances are unprotected. He or she could neglect to obtain the required building permits, inspections, licences and certificates, and you could find yourself in trouble with your municipal building department. Also, product warranties may not be valid unless the items are installed by a recognized contractor.

You could face personal health and safety problems due to poor workmanship.

If the contractor's crew members are improperly trained and one of them is injured during your renovation or causes damage to your property or someone else's, you may find that your homeowner's insurance won't cover you and that you can be held financially liable for the person's injuries and any property damage.

If something goes wrong or the work proves unsatisfactory, or if the contractor walks off the job without finishing it, cash payments may leave you with no legal recourse. Cash payments make it difficult for you to prove the contractor was ever there. You could end up having to pay another contractor to finish the job properly or make the necessary repairs.

After paying the contractor in full, you may discover that he or she has not paid for materials and labour employed at your site, and you may be held accountable for those bills!

Your home represents the largest single investment you will likely ever make. Protect its value - and yourself - by dealing with a reputable firm operating in the open market in a legal and responsible way. Your peace of mind is worth it!

STEP 5: Insist on a written contract and work schedule.

A contract is a document that describes the work and quotes a price for doing it. Once signed by you and your renovator, it is legally binding.

  As a homeowner, you are responsible for:
deciding what is to be done 
choosing materials and products as required 
selecting the renovator or design firm 
making sure the contract describes the job completely and correctly 
obtaining zoning approval and building permits 
providing space, access and utilities workers need 
informing the renovator about deficiencies or mistakes as soon as possible 
paying for the job 
deciding whether the job has been done to your satisfaction 

Your renovator is responsible for:
being licensed 
performing work as contracted (unless you authorize changes in writing) 
maintaining liability and property damage insurance, and workers' compensation 
hiring skilled workers 
paying workers, suppliers and subcontractors 
overseeing the quality of work 

Therefore, make sure that any agreement you sign describes exactly what you want. Most client-renovator disputes occur because there was no contract, or the contract was vague or incomplete.

Remember: get it in writing. Oral assurances are worthless. If you have any doubts or questions about the contract, have your lawyer review it before you sign. If your renovator refuses to accept a written contract, get a new renovator.

There is no such thing as a standard contract. There are clauses that may be standard but each contract is an individual document covering your special requirements. All contracts should include:
correct and complete address of the property where the work will be done
your name and address
renovator's name, address and telephone number (if a company name is used, the name of the company's official on-site representative should be indicated)
detailed description, sketches and list of materials to be used
the type of work that will be subcontracted
the right to retain a mechanic's lien holdback as specified under provincial law
a clause stating that work will conform to the requirements of all applicable codes
start and completion dates
agreement on who (homeowner or contractor) is responsible for obtaining all necessary permits, licences and certificates
responsibility of the contractor for removing all debris as soon as construction is completed
a statement of all warranties, explaining exactly what is covered and for how long
a statement of the contractor's public liability and property damage insurance price and terms of payment

Both you and the contractor should sign two copies of the contract, one for you and one for the contractor.

Paying by cheque is another important part of getting it in writing ­ it gives you a written record of what you have paid for and how much. You should also insist on a signed receipt.

No matter how well you plan your project, some changes will probably be necessary. These can result in increased costs and delays. For the protection of both parties, changes to your original plans should be made only through a written change order outlining the details of the change and the associated differences in cost (either up or down).

Your renovator may ask for a deposit on contract signing, especially for larger jobs. If so, it should be a nominal sum unless special items or materials must be ordered.

Should you hold back some of the payment?

Pay only for work completed, and never for the full amount. Holding back some of the money from each payment protects you against liens that can be placed on your property by suppliers or workers not paid by the renovator. In effect, such liens hold your property as security for the renovator's debts even if you have paid the renovator in full! (You can guard against this by making out some cheques jointly to both the renovator and supplier or workers, provided this was stipulated in the contract.)

STEP 6: Prepare your house and your family for disruptions. It's no fun living in a construction site. If you're undertaking major renovations, you may want to consider moving out for a while. If that isn't possible, ask your renovator what you can expect in the way of major disruptions. As the renovation progresses, ask for specific dates and times, so that you and your family can plan accordingly.

For example, water and electricity may have to be turned off, heavy equipment brought in, or sanding done at some stage of your project. You may have to reorganize your schedule, or stay with friends for a few days.

You'll also want to negotiate the times at which workers will be starting and finishing each day, and whether they'll be working on weekends. Renovators often keep several jobs going at once, especially during the busy summer season. Consequently, there may be days or even weeks between their appearances (this must be reflected in the renovator's work schedule).

  How to Handle Problems with Your Renovator
What if you're not happy with the job? If negotiation fails, the next step is to send the renovator a registered letter noting your objections and the fact that a copy has been mailed to your provincial consumer protection branch and the local homebuilders association, if your renovator is a member.

In it you can either:
a) threaten to cancel the contract and obtain a refund of your deposit (permitted in some provinces); or
b) give the renovator a set time in which to finish the work to your satisfaction, after which you will hire another contractor to complete the work with monies remaining from the original contract. This latter option should be taken only after you have obtained advice from your lawyer and a new estimate from another contractor.

Poor workmanship and unsatisfactory business practices can be reported to the municipal licensing bureau that issued the contractor's licence. Work that is not up to building standards can be reported to your local buildings inspections office.
There are laws designed to protect you from dishonest or incompetent contractors. A call or letter to your federal or provincial ministry or department responsible for consumer protection may get them involved. Your local better business bureau will also hear your complaints and help mediate your dispute. Finally, you may be able to file a claim in small claims court.

Renovating can be a dirty job, or at least a very dusty one. If you decide to stay in your house, remove all furnishings and other personal items from the work site. If something can't easily be moved, it should be covered with plastic and duct tape. Doors to non-work areas should also be sealed off, as should heating and ventilation ducts in the work area. Sealed-off areas will probably require a supplemental source of heat during the winter.

The renovator and crew will probably need access to toilets, water and the phone. Plastic runners leading to these house areas will help keep your carpets and floors clean. You should also indicate which areas and/or belongings are off-limits, and the times at which you would prefer not to be disturbed.

If workers have habits that annoy you, discuss your concerns with the project manager or your renovator, not with individual crew members. If you allow smoking in your house, place ashtrays in the work area. Otherwise, ask that crew members smoke outside.

STEP 7: Inspect the work at each stage of completion.

The vast majority of renovation experiences are happy ones. But don't assume that things are going according to plan just because you have a sound contract and good rapport with your renovator. Stay on top of your project to prevent minor errors from becoming major problems.

If you have a disagreement, be reasonable. Go over the contract and listen carefully to the renovator's explanations. If you're still not satisfied, get a second opinion from a recognized home inspector or an architect before taking further action.

STEP 8: Inspect the finished work before making the final payment.

As the work winds down, check to be certain that the job has been done to your satisfaction and according to your contract. Never make the final payment or sign a certificate of work completion or any other document releasing the renovator from further responsibility until all deficiencies are corrected.

You should also wait until the time limit for mechanics' liens to be registered has passed and any outstanding liens have been paid, before releasing the lien holdback.