How to choose a reliable contractor

The risks of do-it-yourself renovations

Undertaking work yourself may seem economical at first glance, but it carries risks in terms of safety, quality and regulatory compliance. That’s why it’s important to carefully assess your knowledge, skills and project requirements before taking the plunge.

Here are the main issues: 

1. Safety Some jobs, such as electrical, plumbing or construction work, can be dangerous if not carried out correctly. Serious injuries can result from accidents due to improper handling of tools, and poorly executed work can cause claims. Insurance companies may refuse to cover repairs if the electrical and plumbing work you have done yourself does not comply with current standards, or has been poorly executed.
2. Quality of work It’s possible that work done yourself is not of the same quality as that carried out by a professional team. Lack of experience and skill can lead to future problems, which end in repairs.
3. Additional costs Mistakes made by unqualified people have to be corrected by experts, which means additional costs.
4. Regulatory compliance Some work requires permits or must comply with specific standards. If you don’t meet these requirements, you could be fined or have delays imposed on you.
5. Time and effort Carrying out work yourself can take a lot of energy, especially if you’re inexperienced, and considerably extend the duration of the job. This can cause disruption to your personal and professional life.
6. Legal liability If substandard work causes a problem after the sale, the buyer may sue the seller for latent defect or non-conformity, as the case may be.
7. Inspection and certification Potential buyers may request proof that the work has been carried out by certified professionals. In the absence of such proof, buyers may require additional inspections or refuse to purchase the home.
8. Property value The value of the house can be negatively affected if the work is not certified or guaranteed by professionals. Buyers may offer a lower price because of uncertainties about the quality of the work.

How to find a reliable contractor?

To find a reliable contractor, you can call on the services of an escort company, search online or ask friends and family for recommendations. It’s a good idea to meet candidates in person to discuss your project and check their references. 

Go through RénoAssistance

RénoAssistance can guide you through all these steps, and more! We specialize in helping homeowners with their construction and renovation projects. Acting as an intermediary between customers and contractors, RénoAssistance assesses needs, recommends qualified contractors, obtains bids and monitors the process. Our advisors are with you every step of the way – not only do they minimize your risk, they also save you time by guiding you from one step to the next.

Choosing a contractor and ensuring his reliability

When it comes to choosing a contractor, reliability is key. Here are the key criteria for assessing reputation and experience, as well as practical steps for guaranteeing the quality of their services. It pays to ask the right questions and make the necessary checks.

Verifications

It’s important to do thorough research and background checks on potential contractors before hiring them. Reviews from previous customers, references and examples of previous projects can provide an indication of the quality of the result you can expect. Contractors must be licensed by the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) – this certifies that they have the necessary skills and qualifications to carry out work in compliance with current safety standards.

Referral requests

References provide valuable insight into customers’ experiences with the person you have in mind, enabling you to assess their professionalism, know-how and ability to meet deadlines. They also provide an opportunity to check the level of customer satisfaction.

Details of the contract

It’s crucial to go through the details of the tender with a contractor, as this clearly details the protection of both parties. Terms relating to costs, deadlines, materials used, responsibilities and warranties must be defined to avoid misunderstandings and subsequent disputes. Scrutinizing each clause ensures that expectations are realistic and that the process runs smoothly, laying a solid foundation for a fruitful collaboration.

Ready to start your project? Simply click on the button below to be put in touch with one of our Renovation Advisors. You can also contact us by calling 1 877 736-6360. Our advisor can recommend up to three contractors. All at no cost and with no obligation!