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Be prepared
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Have a clear idea in your mind as to what work you want done. |
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Make it easy for the contractor to understand and visualize what the completed job will look like. Draw a sketch and/or write a page describing, in as much detail as possible, what you want completed.
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| 2. |
Get off on the right foot
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Communication is the key. Ask questions and expect the contractor to ask questions back.
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First impressions are very important for both you and the contractor. Make sure you are at home and ready to meet with the contractor at the scheduled time. If something unavoidable comes up, call the contractor to reschedule. Expect the same from the contractor as well.
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Do not ask the contractor for a "drop off bid." It is important for both of you to meet face to face.
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| 3. |
Ask the right questions
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Is the contractor the owner of the business, or a salesman?
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Ask who will be performing the work? Will the contractor or a foreman be there each day leading the crew, or will the contractor be sub-contracting some of the work to another company?
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Does the contractor have experience in projects like yours?
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What is the contractor's policy regarding clean-up and removal of waste from your property?
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What is and isn't covered in the contractors warranty?
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Who is responsible for getting the proper permits?
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Does the contractor have a minimum of $1-Million liability insurance? (Will this be stated - in writing! - in your contract?)
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Does the contractor state in their contract that you are not (never!) going to be held responsible if any of their staff gets injured during construction on your property?
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Does the contractor have WSIB insurance for each (!) person that will be working on your property? ==> This is extremely important: If they don't have WSIB insurance, YOU (the property owner) will be held responsible for their injuries. It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to make certain, before you sign the contract, that you are informed in writing that you will never be held responsible for any of the contractor's staff's injuries.
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| 4. |
Get the right documents
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Make sure you receive a written estimate that specifically states the work to be done, and how much it will cost. The price should be broken down into materials to be used and labour. The price should also include an estimated start and completion date.
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A blueprint should be used for any major project, along with floor plans and elevations, so there are no misunderstandings as to what the finished job should look like.
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| 5. |
Review the estimates
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Take the time to review each company's estimate. If you are uncertain about any item on the estimate, call for an explanation.
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Even if you don't have questions, call each contractor regardless just to see how easy they are to reach, and how promptly they return phone calls.
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| 6. |
Ask yourself some questions
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Which contractor did you feel the most at ease with?
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Which one seemed the most knowledgeable and professional?
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Which one was the easiest to reach, and provided polite, courteous answers to your questions?
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Who had the lowest price? Who had the highest price? What are the differences between these two bids?
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| 7. |
Make your final decision
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Use the process of elimination to exclude contractors who did not provide proper paperwork, or did not return your phone calls within a reasonable time.
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Never make your decision on price alone.
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Choose the contractor you felt the most comfortable with and who you felt the most trust with.
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