Making it through final stretch of a reno
Renovations can be a stressful experience for many homeowners, and when they start to see the light at the end of the tunnel that leads to a finished project, a homeowner may think that it’s time to sprint for the finish line. If you’re in a rush to reclaim your home from construction dust and the sound of power tools, it can be easy to unknowingly overlook some minor problems with a renovation that’s not quite complete.
Before you hand over that final cheque to your contractor, make sure the renovation is up to the standards you set. Here’s how to make it through that final stretch of your next renovation for a build that’s safe, strong, and secure.
SIGNING ON THE DOTTED LINE
Before even starting your renovation you and your contractor need a written contract that outlines exactly what work they’ll be doing, if they’re using subcontractors, and that has start and completion dates. Remember, as a homeowner, it’s your responsibility to ensure that all the proper permits are obtained for work done on your property. Make sure that the contract says your contractor will get the permits, and complete all work to code.
When you set up the payment schedule for your project, I recommend marking to milestones in work completed, not specific dates. That way, once you’re nearing the end of the renovation, you can see which jobs are left to complete, supply your list to the contractor, and pay them once completed. Most provinces in Canada stipulate that you can hold off payment for the last 10 per cent of the contract for 45 days to ensure all subcontractors have been paid.
MAKE YOUR LIST
When you do a major renovation, you’re bound to be excited when you see big changes happening around the home. Don’t be blinded by your renovation high — there will be plenty of time to enjoy your new space, but before you hand over the final payment, take a hard look around and make sure it’s been done right.
Walk around your renovation site and list the items that remain incomplete or that cause you concern. By making that list now, and discussing it with your contractor, you can be sure that the renovation will be finished and to your expectations. Here are a few questions to ask as you walk around:
Do all the new appliances work properly?
Are your faucets working as they should? Hot and cold water properly connected?
Are fixtures caulked and sealed?
Do doors, windows, and cabinets open easily? Are your cabinets secure? Is all the moulding completed? Are there any spots in need of paint touch-ups?
Is there unevenness or chipping in your grout or tiles?
Once you’ve prepared your list, go over it with your contractor so you can communicate exactly what needs to be completed. Once those items are completed, and you and your contractor are both happy, you can provide the final payment.
MAINTAINING YOUR RENOVATION
I know what you’re thinking. “Mike, I just finished a major renovation, can’t I sit back and enjoy it?” Believe me, if you want to keep it working for years to come, you’ll be willing to do the maintenance. You’ve already put a lot of money and time into your renovation, and it pays to protect your investment.
Here’s the good news: if you did your research and hired the right contractors, you’re already off on the right foot. When done the right way with the proper materials and techniques, you’ve already got a leg up on creating a renovation that will last you for years.
If you’ve renovated your kitchen or bathroom in the last few years, be on the lookout for fixtures that are starting to wear out. If you notice any leaks around fixtures, tubs, or sinks — look for the source of the water before it leads to mould problems. Some small fixtures you may be able to check and replace on your own, but if you need help, it doesn’t hurt to call in a pro to make a small fix now, instead of letting the problem grow, leading to a big headache later.
When you’re in the middle of a renovation, sometimes it can seem like it’s dragging on forever. But just because you can see the end, doesn’t mean you can rush to get the job done more quickly. That can lead to overlooked problems or cut corners. Take your time to make it right — it will all be worth it in the end. Watch Mike Holmes in his new series, Holmes: Buy It Right, premièring Sept. 10 on HGTV Canada. For more about Holmes, visit makeitright.ca.