expertadvice
Bryan Baeumler’s tips to hiring
a good contractor B Y S I R K K A VA N D E R G A A F
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pring is on its way, and with it comes renovation season! Attempting a DIY reno can quickly become a nightmare, so hiring a qualified contractor is a good idea for the novice. We asked Bryan Baeumler, Canada’s contractor extraordinaire and host of HGTV’s hit shows like Disaster DIY and Canada’s Handyman Challenge, for some foundational thoughts for those seeking a contractor they can lean on. Baeumler’s first tip: “Take the time to do your research. The key to a successful renovation is a great relationship between homeowners and their contractor.” A contractor must be many things to many people – organizational guru, budget specialist, communications expert, designer visionary and finally, maintain an encyclopedic knowledge of construction. An experienced and reliable contractor will ease the stress of renovating and provide quality results. What should you look for once you’ve decided to spend your hardearned cash and bring your renovation dreams to life? Ask friends and family members who have renovated for some contractor names. Word-of-mouth is the most honest representation of a contractor’s work. Once you have a list of contractors, narrow it down to three to five front runners. Look for those who have extended experience in the area you plan to renovate. During your interview process, ask multiple questions, aside from how much it will cost. “Asking all the right questions limits your personal liability and protects your home,” Baeumler says. Remember to provide all the same information
to all the contractors regarding the renovation plan to receive the best quotes possible without significant discrepancies. Be respectfully bold – it’s your home and your money, so be responsible to yourself and do your homework. Not just anyone can be trusted to be allowed into your home, tear it apart and artfully put it back together again. Once hired, maintaining a healthy homeowner/contractor relationship requires excellent communication and mutual trust. “Assumptions are deadly,” Baeumler says. “Every detail needs to be discussed so there is little discrepancy,” he advises. Baeumler also recommends the following blueprint for homeowners and contractors: make decisions quickly, delays lengthen the process; be available; set up a time once a week to meet with your contractor; don’t micro-manage; be up-front about your budget and have a contingency fund for unexpected surprises. “Renovating is like an archeological dig. You never know what you’re going to find, so a contingency fund is always necessary.” No one knows better than Baeumler how frequently people try to renovate their own home and end up creating a money-pit disaster. “Many people don’t realize the knowledge and skill required or the true cost of renovating,” Baeumler says. Hiring a professional to do a complete and quality job will increase the equity of the home and its purchase appeal. “Gone are the days of slapping on a coat of paint and expecting to get increased equity out of the house. Ours is a knowledgeable population and people know what to look for,” Baeumler notes. A quality job
will result in homeowner satisfaction and enjoyment, as well as financial payoffs when you choose to sell. Although a renovation on TV can happen within a half-hour show, a real reno will take much longer, and the stress is real. When hiring a contractor, expect the best – professionalism, courtesy, quality workmanship, and an end result that takes you over the moon.
Volume14 Issue02 ResaleHome&CondoGuide •
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