New program updates RenoMark renovators
When BILD established RenoMark nearly 20 years ago in 2001, its purpose was to identify professional contractors who agreed to a renovationspecific code of conduct.
We now want to differentiate your expectations of RenoMark by introducing a mandatory Professional Renovator Education Program (PREP) for all member renovators. You could say we’re looking to renovate your expectations one course at a time.
Much has changed in the renovation industry since 2001. We have seen updates to building codes, advances in building science and construction materials, new design trends and — with the advent of the internet customers that more engaged and better informed.
With all these changes, RenoMark renovators need to adapt and continue to keep learning. Our members must stay up-to-date on changing practices and also stay educated if they want to remain relevant. That’s why continuing education and lifelong learning is important for everyone in the industry. And it should be important to you as a consumer when choosing a renovator.
This past summer, RenoMark renovators participated in the three-day PREP education program where they took a refresher course on the RenoMark Code of Conduct. New courses included customer service, dispute resolution, finance, documentation, insurance, and risk and contracts.
The code of conduct course is the pillar of the program and it is written with the consumer in mind. All RenoMark renovators must provide their clients with a written contract, offer a minimum one-year warranty, carry $2 million in liability insurance, carry all licenses and permits, return client phone calls with two business days and have workplace liability insurance (WSIB).
How does renovator continuing education affect you as a consumer? For starters, the contracts course places an emphasis on providing a written contract for every job. The importance of getting a written contract from your renovator cannot be overstated. A contract protects you by setting out clearly what you are getting, when you are getting it and how much you will pay for it.
The customer service module lets contractors see the renovation from the consumer’s point of view. The consumer wants a quality renovation that is on time and on budget — with minimal corrections and minimal call-backs. Consumers want protection and peace of mind by ensuring that their renovator has all the necessary permits, licenses and insurance.
The remainder of the courses review new financial software, update them on environmental risks and give them a refresher on how to deal with consumers in a professional manner.
If you are interested in finding out more about RenoMark, please visit us at www.renomark.ca or email us at renomark@bildgta.ca.