"A good contractor is hard to find." This phrase can be heard in homes across the country and today more than ever this statement rings true. I've operated a contractor referral service for four years now, and that is the number one complaint I hear from home owners across the country. Believe it or not, there is hope. Reliable contractors do exist; if that wasn't the case I wouldn't be in business. It is simply a matter of knowing where to find them and more importantly, how to screen them.



Whether you are taking on a large home-improvement project or small repairs around your home, these five tips will help you find a contractor you can trust.

1. FINDING THE RIGHT REFERRALS

For years, word of mouth has been the method of choice when looking for a contractor;many home-owners ask their friends and family for recommendations. But no two home-improvement projects are alike, and your friend's contractor may not have the skills necessary to tackle your job. Trades people (painters, plumbers, carpenters) deal with contractors repeatedly, over a long period of time and on a variety of projects. They are, therefore, in a better position to offer a contractor referral. If a recommended contractor tells you that they're too busy to take on your job, ask them to refer you to a colleague who may be suitable.

2. PREVIOUS CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS

Taking a contractor's word about previous work is a recipe for trouble. When purchasing a car you test drive it & the same principal applies in this instance.Ask for the names & phone numbers of three to five customers who've had similar work completed by them in the past two years. Asking for specific references makes it more difficult for a contractor to handpick only their best clients. Call each reference and ask the following questions:

• What did you like & dislike about the contractor?

• Did the final cost of the job exceed the estimate?

• Did the contractor complete the work in a neat and timely fashion?

• Would you hire them again for another home-improvement project?

3. CHECK YOUR CONTRACTOR'S CREDENTIALS

Before checking to see if the contractor you would like to hire is adequately insured and licensed, you'll need to contact your local city office to research what credentials are required for home-improvement contractors in your province. I also recommend that the contractor you hire have a minimum of $1 million in general liability insurance. Be sure to get a copy of their license and insurance/WSIB for your records.

4. PLAYING MATCH MAKER

The success of a home renovation project, much like success in the world of dating, hinges on chemistry. Are you the type of person who likes to be involved in every decision, or do you prefer to leave your job "to the experts?” Believe it or not, your contractor's personality can make or break the success of your project. Some contractors prefer not to be micro-managed, & others want the homeowner's input on every aspect of the job. Be up front about how involved you'd like to be in the renovation process. And ask your contractor to tell you how comfortable they are with customer involvement. If your approaches aren't compatible, it's a good sign that they might not be the right person for the job.

5. GET IT IN WRITING FIRST!

In addition to getting a written estimate for the project, ensure the contractor documents all details about the type of materials they plan to use as well as their anticipated start date, project schedule and completion date. Upon signing the contract, most contractors will request a 10 to 30 percent down payment. The remaining balance most often is paid in increments throughout the course of the project. A rule of thumb is to hold onto the remaining 10 percent balance until the final details of the project are completed to your satisfaction. Two of the most common reasons to cancel work with a contractor are: They are hesitant to put the details of your job in writing, or they warn you that the cost of the job could exceed the initial estimate. There is always the potential for unexpected surprises in general contracting projects, and it's good to allow for at least a 10 percent cushion before beginning any project. If the expense surpasses the original estimate, ask the contractor to provide you with documentation that justifies the additional material and labour costs.