Home renovations continue to be a popular topic in Winnipeg and across the country. The fact our city has the third-oldest housing stock in the country (behind only Halifax and Montreal) generally translates into a need for renovations.
More Manitobans indicated their intent to renovate their homes in the coming year than any other province in Canada. Some people look at renovating as an exciting new adventure; others see it as a headache. If you take the necessary steps to avoid certain pitfalls, it can be both exciting and rewarding.
First, remember the cheapest deal is not necessarily the best deal. This is a close-knit community, so everyone knows someone who knows someone who is handy with a hammer. That someone may also be willing to do the job on the side for cash, no questions asked. Just think of the money you can save by not paying PST and GST. You'll save even more by not taking out permits, fiddling with cumbersome contracts or worrying about insurance.
Bad ideas all around.
Just as you're hopefully utilizing the services of a professional for medical and financial matters, you should also consult a professional when it comes to home renovations.
The RenoMark logo is your sign of professionalism and confidence. The RenoMark program is nationally recognized by the Canadian Home Builders Association and is now operating in six provinces. Manitoba was actually the first province to adopt RenoMark.
A RenoMark renovator provides a detailed written contract for all jobs. Why is this important? If you don't have a contract, you don't have any control over the scope of work to be done. Furthermore, when the job is finished, you don't have any proof the job was ever done. If there's a problem with materials or labour, you're left holding the bag -- your "contractor" never officially existed.
A RenoMark renovator takes out all applicable licences and permits and carries $2 million in liability insurance. Why is this important? If you don't take out the necessary permits, the job never legally happened. In the event of an accident, fire, flood or some other problem, you may find that you are not insured for damage to or resulting from this work. As well, whoever takes out the permits is the prime contractor. Consult the RenoMark and MHBA websites for more information.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association.
