More and more, Quebecers are taking advantage of their holidays and long weekends to shop for a contractor or to do their own home renovations. Some 11.3 billion dollars will be spent on renovations in the province this year. To make sure that the money is well spent, CAA-Quebec would like to point out a few important guidelines that homeowners should keep in mind when renovating.
"A large number of Quebec homes were built in the 70s and 80s when baby-boomers were starting their families," noted Sophie Gagnon, CAA-Quebec's Director of Public and Government Relations. "Many homeowners would like to modernize their homes or undertake major maintenance work. To do so, they must identify their needs, assess their ability to pay for the work, given that the cost of materials has climbed 25% in recent years, and rely on trusted specialists."
Looking for that perfect match - Shopping for a reliable contractor is no easy task. The best idea is to choose a few contractors that are recommended by friends and family who have already dealt with them and to ask them each to submit an estimate based on the same criteria. "When asking for an estimate, it is important to present a detailed plan of the work to be carried out so that similar estimates can be compared. Beware of contractors who are unclear or in a hurry as well as those who do not have professional liability insurance," added Ms. Gagnon. CAA-Quebec strongly suggests that homeowners sign a contract with the selected contractor that specifies the details of labour and material costs as well as deadlines and warranties. Payment terms must also be included in the contract. If the contractor asks for a deposit before beginning the work, you should ensure that the amount is as small as possible. You should also withhold the last payment until the work is finished so that you can ensure that everything has been done properly.
Do-it-yourselfers beware! - Quebecers are big do-it-yourselfers. Currently, one out of four people who renovates his or her home carries out every step without professional assistance. Actually, people are often unprepared for this type of work. "Many people do not obtain a renovation permit, which is required by municipalities for virtually all renovation work. However, a permit ensures that the changes made are in compliance with municipal regulations and that the house is safe, which is certainly an important factor," added Ms. Gagnon.
In addition, plans may be required by the municipality for all construction work that alters the shape or appearance of the home. Homeowners are strongly advised to think about their needs and their budget in order to avoid any unwelcome surprises during the project. Finally, they must make sure that they understand basic safety rules, particularly when using tools or working high above ground.
Peace of mind, right into your home - Over 600 residential experts in over 100 specialties and trades are approved by CAA-Quebec's residential professionals. To receive CAA-Quebec approval, the experts must show that they excel based on the quality of their work and customer service, the warranties they offer and, in particular, the necessary certifications and professional insurance. In addition, CAA-Quebec members can receive free advice from CAA-Quebec's Residential Advisory Services at every step in the renovation process. The organization even offers conciliation and mediation services in the event of a dispute between a member and an approved contractor.
CAA-Quebec (www.caaquebec.com), a not-for-profit organization founded in 1904, provides automotive, travel, residential and financial services, benefits and privileges to its 850,000 members. The organization's residential services were created in 1998.
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