TIPS TO HELP AVOID RENOVATOR SCAMS
GUIDE USEFUL FOR FLOOD VICTIMS
Due to the number of Calgary and area residents now seeking home renovations after last month’s floods, fly-by-night contractors have many potential targets.
A step-by-step guide for working with a contractor called Get it in Writing is meant to help give homeowners the tools to steer clear of renovation scams.
The guide is available at hiringacontractor.com as part of a joint effort by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp.
“It is important for hom- eowners to arm themselves with the information they need to hire a reputable contractor,” says Doug Whitney, president of CHBA—Calgary Region, in a news release.
“You have already been through the tragedy of a flood; don’t put yourself in a position to be victimized twice.”
Get it in Writing covers what should be included in a written contract with the contractor, including insurance, building codes, permits, warranties and compensation.
It’s also a resource for where to find the right contractor, checking references and how to know if they’re the type of contractor you need.
Another resource for find- ing a reputable contractor is a program called RenoMark. Its members must abide to a code of ethics, which includes carrying a minimum $2 million liability insurance and offering a minimum two-year warranty on work.
For more information on the program, visit the website at renomark.ca.
“Consumers need to ensure they are dealing with profes- sionals,” says Whitney.
“Do your research, ask for references and names of past clients, get a budget estimate before signing the contract, and never agree to do business with a contractor who insists on cash payments.”