Renovations can be a worthy investment
While there are many reasons to renovate, the bottom line is that it makes your home a more enjoyable place to live.The intangible value of this pleasure needs to be considered along with any resale value you may gain.
All renovations are not equal.The rule of thumb is that any renovation that you do which will bring your home up to the level of your neighbours’ is a worthy investment.
Potential buyers will be comparing your home to newly built ones. You’ll want to look at the design trends and amenities being built into new homes such as great rooms, master bedroom and bath suites, high ceilings, and upto-date features and finishes.
Renovating kitchens and bathrooms create the greatest return on investment, as these are two of the most-used rooms in the home, and receive the most scrutiny from potential buyers.
Renovating your home should be a positive experience — enjoyable and free from worry and stress.You should have full confidence in your renovator and know that you are getting the best.
“When undertaking a renovation, whether you are re-doing your kitchen or bathroom, or finishing your basement, do it right the first time by hiring a professional renovator,” said Stu Niebergall, President & CEO of the Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association (RRHBA).
What do you look for to determine whether the renovator you are hiring is a professional? Niebergall said that a professional renovator will be able to help you from start to finish, from design to completion and should be able to offer you suggestions on the best way to accomplish your plans. A professional renovator will have the technical know-how and be able to deal with challenges and problems, and have access to a network of staff, sub-trades and suppliers who are ready to contribute their expertise to your project.
Other things to look for would include an open book with a proven track record. A professional renovator will be ready to supply you with references — previous customers who can testify to the quality of the work done. Your renovator should also be able to provide you with accurate pricing and provide a detailed written contract. Niebergall said that if a project goes poorly you have little, if any, legal recourse in court when there is no written contract.
A professional renovator also carries insurance and has protection when it comes to workplace safety. “It is better to be safe than sorry,” said Niebergall, “and in the unlikely event of an accident causing injury or damage to your own or neighboring properties, a professional renovator’s insurance protects you from liability and cost.”
Professional renovators will also carry all applicable licenses and permits. “Without a permit, there is no inspection to ensure that the job was done right,” said Niebergall. Finally, a professional renovator will provide a warranty on their work, and with professional installation, there is no risk of voiding the manufacturers’ warranties on materials and products.
Niebergall warns that some of the red flags to look for are when the renovator insists on cash payment. “Be wary of renovators who ask for a cash payment before the work is done,” said Niebergall. “Some shady renovators demand cash payment and then have been known to run off with your money. ”Also watch for those who vastly underbid all other contractors. They may have the best price, but that doesn’t guarantee the best work.
Another red flag is when you have difficulty being able to contact the contractor. A reliable renovator should be returning calls in a timely manner, and should supply you with all of their contact information.
Where do consumers look to hire a professional renovator? They look to the RRHBA RenoMark™ Program.The RenoMark™ is the mark of excellence in the home renovation industry. RenoMark™ renovators have agreed to abide by a Code of Conduct which includes being a member in good standing with the RRHBA; providing a detailed written contract; offering a minimum two-year written warranty; carrying a minimum of $2 million in liability insurance; and having coverage for workplace safety and employers’ liability.
RenoMark ™renovators also agree to carry applicable licenses and permits, maintain a professional level of knowledge and technical knowhow, maintain a safe and organized work site, and return calls within two business days.
The renovator members of the RRHBA hold regular meetings to keep up to date on the industry.The meetings provide a forum for renovators to get to know and learn from each other. In addition, renovator members of the RRHBA have access to all kinds of suppliers and tradespeople who are also qualified members of the association.
So how do you find a RenoMark™ Renovator? Go to www.reginahomebuilders.com and trust your next renovation to the qualified professionals of the RRHBA.