Finding the right renovator is key to getting the results you want. The sooner you get a professional involved, the more you can benefit from their knowledge and expertise.
With a little legwork, you should have no trouble finding the company that is best suited to your project.
Look first to names listed within the Manitoba Home Builders' Association. Membership in the MHBA is a solid indication of professionalism. Members have access to training and the latest information on all aspects of renovation.
They also agree to adhere voluntarily to the RenoMark Code of Ethics, which sets out a framework for fair and honest business practices.
Although the MHBA cannot make recommendations about a specific company, there is a comprehensive a list of members who may be suitable for your project online at www.homebuilders.mb.ca From there, you can check the websites of individual renovator members.
All MHBA renovators belong to the RenoMark program. At www.renomark.com one can find out what puts these renovators a cut above the rest.
Ask around for recommendations. Many renovators do little, if any, advertising. They often don't have to, as the "word" travels from one client to the next. Most people are happy to talk about their own renovation experiences and tell you what they think about their contractors. Ask friends, family, co-workers and neighbours who have had work done recently. Look around your neighbourhood for projects in progress and talk with the homeowners.
Visit home shows to meet renovators. Home shows can provide a great opportunity to check out local contractors. The annual Kitchen Bath and Renovation Show features the Ask a Renovator booth, where visitors book private 15-minute appointments to talk further about their planned renovation projects.
Check advertising by renovation companies. You can also look in newspapers for advertisements, review flyers that come to your door, check building material stores for business cards or brochures, and browse the Yellow Pages. Making certain that your renovator adheres to the RenoMark Code of Ethics is key to a successful project.
Investing a little time in finding the right renovator is well worth it. When you begin with a list of professional renovators, the next steps are easy --SEmD interviewing, checking credentials and hiring the company that's right for your project.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association.
