Hiring a Contractor: Tips for Nova Scotia Homeowners
If you’re planning to renovate your home, build a deck, or install a new roof this summer, you’re probably hoping to find a reliable contractor who will do the job well and on time. While hiring a contractor can be daunting, the right preparation can help ensure that your project is completed successfully and to your satisfaction. Here are some steps to consider before hiring a contractor to work on your home.
Define Your Project
Before reaching out to contractors, clearly define your project. Start with a clear idea of what you need and outline your project’s scope, budget, and timeline. Decide in advance what elements of the projects are ‘must-haves’ and which can be negotiable. This will help you communicate your needs effectively and get accurate estimates.
Do Your Research
Start by gathering a list of potential contractors. Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or neighbors who have had similar work done. You can also check online reviews and ratings on websites like the Better Business Bureau. Looking up the business name on Nova Scotia’s Registry of Joint Stock Companies can also give you a sense of how long they’ve been active.
When meeting with potential contractors, ask if they can provide proof of insurance and confirm that any specialist tradespeople are appropriately certified. Ask for references from previous clients and contact the clients to ask about their experience, the quality of work, and whether the project was completed on time and within budget. Seeing examples of their previous work, if possible, can help you make a better decision.
Try to get written estimates from at least three contractors. Make sure each quote includes a detailed breakdown of costs, including materials, labor, and any other expenses. Don’t just go for the lowest bid — consider the overall value and what’s included.
Understand the Contract
Before signing paying any deposit or signing anything, read the contract carefully. Ideally, it should detail the required work, required permits, start and completion dates, project milestones, a payment schedule, materials to be used, and applicable warranties. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions for any changes to the project, including cancellation and how any potential disputes will be resolved. If something is unclear, ask for an explanation.
Be cautious of anyone who asks for large upfront payments. A reasonable deposit could be 10–20% of the total project cost.
Once work is started, be sure to regularly check the progress of the work and communicate with your contractor. Address any issues promptly to keep the project on track.
If You Feel Overwhelmed
Planning a project with a contractor and taking the necessary steps to ensure things go smoothly can seem like a lot of work. On the other hand, do-it-yourself projects can be time-consuming, expensive, and may yet require a skilled tradesperson to repair the repairs! And, there is risk involved when hiring unregistered businesses or uncertified tradespeople-especially if they can only be found on local flyers or social media, or if they only accept cash payments, or they refuse to provide a written contract. Protect yourself and your home by making sure you’re comfortable with your decisions.
Where to Find More Information
The Better Business Bureau has collected more helpful information to consider when preparing to make home improvements; their website is a great place to start, to prepare yourself as much as possible.
While we hope these tips are helpful, they should not be considered professional or legal advice. If you have concerns about a contract, or if a project has ended up incomplete or unsatisfactory and you need to understand your options, we encourage you to seek legal advice.
