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Tips on Contractors

Before you hire someone to build, renovate or repair your home, make sure you've picked a professional to do the job, says the Canadian Home Builders' Association.
Price is just one part of the equation, its says. Many other factors must be considered and the organization has teamed up with the federal government to help ensure you're protected through every step of the process.
The Get it in Writing! campaign offers advice and helpful hints to put you in the know. Cash deals with nothing in writing could mean serious risks for you, says the association.

"Contractors who don't do business properly don't protect you from accidents or their mistakes," says a pamphlet. "If there is a work-related injury or damage to your home, you could face lawsuits and financial loss. You could be responsible for your contractor's unpaid bills. And you could be stuck with work that is incomplete or babdly done."

Here are a few tips to finding the right contractor:
* Ask for references, then follow up. Find out if the work was done properly, on time and on budget.
* No matter how big or small the project, you need to be protected should something go wrong. Ask to see the contractor's business liability insurance, Workers' COmpensation coverage, valid business number or GST/HST number.
* Insist on new home warranty program coverage if building a new home, or a written warranty for other work.
* Check lien regulations in the province to see how much money you must hold back from payments - something that will protect you should your contractor fail to pay suppliers or subcontractors.
* Get written receipts for all deposites and payments you make to your contractor as work progresses.
* You could need building permits, even for minor changes to your home. If you don't get them yourself, ensure you have them so you know your project meets code requirements.
* Inform your home insurance company before any work is done. Some home-owners policies won't cover contruction-related ricks or theft of building materials.
* And finally, make sure you have a contract in writing, no matter how small the project.

Details needed in the contract can be simple, but it should contain a few elements at the minimum. These include the name, address and phone number of the contractor; his business number or GST/HST number; his business license number, if applicable, proof of coverge as noted; a full description of the work and the materials and products to be used; a timeline of start and completion dates; and the method of payment - how much you will be charged for the work, when you will have to pay, and the amount of payment you will hold back as required by the lien legislation.
"Professional contractors always work with a proper, written contract," says the Get it in Written! pamphlet. "Their price iincludes protection you need in case something goes wrong or an accident occurs. This is a valuable part of the service you're paying for." See the Web sits: www.HiringAContractor.com
Tips for finding the right contractor
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