HIRING THE RIGHT PEOPLE WILL SAVE YOU MONEY IN LONG RUN
Contractors, home inspectors should be backed by the proper qualifications
I say this all the time: for most of us, our homes are the biggest investments we’ll make. That’s why it makes me so angry to hear from homeowners who’ve hired a bad contractor, trusted the wrong “expert” or picked the wrong home inspector (or skipped the inspection entirely). I get it. For such a big investment, if you find a way to save a couple bucks during the purchase or renovation process, it’s easy to be swayed into thinking you can skip a few steps and pay less. The problem is, when you hire that shady contractor because he’ll knock off 10 per cent for paying cash or you hire someone who’s still a little too green for the project, you might not consider that while you’re saving money up front, if a mistake is made, you may pay more in the long run to correct it. Before you hire anyone to work on or inspect your home, make sure they’ve got the proper qualifications.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR CONTRACTOR
When you find good contractors, hold on to them for life because they can be worth their weight in gold. How do you know you’ve got good ones? Above anything else, you want to know that they’re properly licensed and experienced enough to handle the job. Now, I’m not saying that someone a little newer won’t do great work, but you want to know the individual is serious about the trade. Holding the proper licensing shows contractors have taken the time to hone their craft. Your contractor must have the proper insurance, including liability coverage and workers’ compensation. Liability coverage protects your home from damage caused by the contractor or their team, while workers’ compensation protects you from liability should a crew member be injured on your property. Before you sign on the dotted line, give their insurance company a call to check that their coverage hasn’t expired. These days, you want more than a handshake and a promise from your contractor. You need to have a thorough contract that details the complete scope of the project. It must include a detailed estimate, start and end times for the job, the subtrades contractors will be using, timing of materials delivery and a clear payment schedule. These protect you as a homeowner and protect the contractor, too. Contracts that are too vague are a red flag. A good contractor will insist on having one.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR HOME INSPECTOR
A home inspection can be some of the smartest money you spend during the purchase of your home. But I hear from so many homeowners who got a bum inspection from a person who missed some big-ticket red flags. How do you ensure that the inspector you hire is the right person for the job? Ideally, you want an inspector who has a background in construction. Why? You don’t want just any old person walking in
off the street and claiming to be a home inspector. You want someone who can come into your home and point out any potential cause for alarm. They need to have knowledge of structures, electrical and HVAC systems, plumbing and more. That’s not something you learn overnight. It takes time and experience to know how to properly perform a home inspection — and if you choose an inspector who gets it wrong, you might find they missed a major structural issue that you’re now on the hook to fix. Not worth it. Is your inspector a member of any professional programs? In Canada, check that your inspector is a member of an organization like the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors (CAHPI). Being part of programs
like these ensure your inspector has the experience and skill set needed to give you a thorough home inspection. To be a member of CAHPI, for example, inspectors must complete either 500 inspections or have provided residential home inspections for a minimum of five years. Like I said, our homes are the biggest investments we’ll make. At the end of the day, you’re the one who has to live there — not your contractor and not your home inspector. If it’s not done right, you’ll be the one who lives with the consequences. Avoid that by hiring smartly — and only bring in qualified, insured workers.
Watch Mike Holmes in his series Holmes Makes It Right on HGTV. For more information, visit makeitright.ca.