The time has come. You’ve thought about it. You’ve done your homework. You’re going to take the plunge and do a major home improvement.
It’s going to be a big investment of time and money, so you need to hire the right people.
So now what? How do you select the perfect contractor who will not only work well with you but who will fulfill your renovation dream?
It comes down to a series of basic questions to ask yourself.
Is this really the right time? Do you understand the disruption and mess ahead of you? The shuffling around of people and things in your home? The upset of routines, including your pets? What about your contractor’s availability? Will it suit YOUR schedule?
What is the process? This is critical. There must be a process that outlines the steps in planning, architectural design and construction. This is so important that if the process is not specifically and professionally set out, it will make the difference between success and failure.
Can you withstand the pain of a budget? Anyone who has been through a renovation will tell you this is the most critical consideration. Your contractor must understand exactly what you can spend, if it’s enough to achieve what you want, and guide you through what is and what is not a sound renovation investment.
Exactly WHO is your renovator? This is the time to investigate your contractor’s reputation. Get references. Talk to people who are in the middle of a renovation or who have completed one with this same contractor. Ask them: Is this renovator pleasant to work with? What is the quality of workmanship? How tidy are they at the end of each day?
Do you “click” with your renovator? Chemistry is so important! There’s no point in having even an excellent renovator if you don’t get a good sense of how you’ll get along. You’ll be spending lots of time together, potentially for months. You’ll be in some tight spaces, especially if you’re living on-site during all the upheaval. Like any good marriage, honest, open and constant communication will be essential. You have to like each other.
There are many excellent choices in Ottawa, but selecting the right one – the one for you – requires investigation and research. Take your time. It will be worth it.
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