Since the slow down in New Home Sales we have witnessed the "Contractor / Renovator" section of our local paper swell to 3-4 pages ...... unreal.
The problem is that these new "renovation" companies consist of framers, drywallers , labourers and painters that have been laid off and assembled their own crew.
Well let me tell you, there is such a vast difference "framing" for a general contractor / renovator and running your own renovation company !
With RENOVATIONS ......... its "experience" that makes a job run smoothly, not doing things twice, not wasting the clients money . That only comes with experience, I can't stress that enough.
I give the guys a salute for being creative and making work,
........ but ........ I'll give it month, till I hear, ....... "why did I hire that jerk" !
**Tips from Chris ;
Do your homework before hiring a renovator, ask about the company's history ( be careful, if there isn't any ), ask how long they have actually been in business, the size of the company, do they belong to the local builders assoc. Does the company have a particular focus or area of expertise, ie; kitchens or bathrooms.
........ and the big question that separates "the craft from the crap"......ASK TO GO SEE THEIR PAST PROJECTS . Should be no problem at all for them to supply a list of previous clients, NONE.
.... use your common sense while looking to hire someone for your project. The lowest price is NOT always the best price. ( do they have licenses , insurance ) Compare "apples to apples", you have to give both contractors the EXACT SAME list, with exactly the same "scope" of work, you have to compare the same work being offered by each company.
Be careful out there ! ................... need me , ask me ...........................Chris.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Sunday, July 19, 2009
BASICS....."Get it in writing"
....... lets talk about a problem you could have ...... "misunderstandings".
A major reason for disputes and headaches over renovation work is the "lack of a contract". Which in turn creates a lot of gray areas. The contract helps put things in black and white.
So, head problems off before they start by drawing up an agreement that describes the work to be done and its cost. This contract then becomes a legal document, binding both parties once they have singed it.
But what should that contract include ?
In Canada, according to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation checklist, it should include :
* The correct and complete address of the property where the work will be done;
* The home owner's name and address;
* The renovator's name, address and telephone number;
* A detailed description of the project, plus sketches and a list of materials to be used
( once again, all we are trying to do is eliminate the gray areas, ...... ie: "baseboard to be used is profile # 123 , 4", pine"....... now its in black and white, and there to refer to , if needed.)
* The right to retain a construction lien holdback as specified under provincial law ( Canada) ;
* The type of work that will be subcontracted;
* A clause stating that work will conform to the requirements of all applicable codes;
* The start and completion dates;
* State "who" is responsible for obtaining all necessary permits, licences and certificates;
* The requirement that the renovator be responsible for removing all debris as soon as construction is completed;
* A statement of all warranties, explaining exactly what is covered and for how long;
* A statement of the renovator's public liability and property damage insurance;
* Price and terms of payment.
Unfortunately, no matter how well-planned a renovation is , changes will be necessary, and they'll often result in increased costs and delays. In the interest of protecting "both" the homeowner and the renovator, however, changes should be made only through a written change order detailing what's involved and the associated cost differences.
Do not accept verbal assurances - .......... GET IT IN WRITING.
Play fair,......Chris.
A major reason for disputes and headaches over renovation work is the "lack of a contract". Which in turn creates a lot of gray areas. The contract helps put things in black and white.
So, head problems off before they start by drawing up an agreement that describes the work to be done and its cost. This contract then becomes a legal document, binding both parties once they have singed it.
But what should that contract include ?
In Canada, according to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation checklist, it should include :
* The correct and complete address of the property where the work will be done;
* The home owner's name and address;
* The renovator's name, address and telephone number;
* A detailed description of the project, plus sketches and a list of materials to be used
( once again, all we are trying to do is eliminate the gray areas, ...... ie: "baseboard to be used is profile # 123 , 4", pine"....... now its in black and white, and there to refer to , if needed.)
* The right to retain a construction lien holdback as specified under provincial law ( Canada) ;
* The type of work that will be subcontracted;
* A clause stating that work will conform to the requirements of all applicable codes;
* The start and completion dates;
* State "who" is responsible for obtaining all necessary permits, licences and certificates;
* The requirement that the renovator be responsible for removing all debris as soon as construction is completed;
* A statement of all warranties, explaining exactly what is covered and for how long;
* A statement of the renovator's public liability and property damage insurance;
* Price and terms of payment.
Unfortunately, no matter how well-planned a renovation is , changes will be necessary, and they'll often result in increased costs and delays. In the interest of protecting "both" the homeowner and the renovator, however, changes should be made only through a written change order detailing what's involved and the associated cost differences.
Do not accept verbal assurances - .......... GET IT IN WRITING.
Play fair,......Chris.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Renovation Questions
Good Morning,
.......... just wanted to keep in touch and comment on the questions I have been asked.
First off, there are no stupid questions. You are not professional contractors or renovators, how could you possibly be versed in this arena.
Secondly, I respect you for attempting to put the "puzzle" together. There are a lot of pieces.
As you can see in the article on this blog page, we have strong feelings regarding .............
"Do-It- Yourselfers" and SAFETY. Please be very cautious while working in your new environment......... " the job site ".
Keep the questions coming, and stay safe,
Best regards , Chris.
.......... just wanted to keep in touch and comment on the questions I have been asked.
First off, there are no stupid questions. You are not professional contractors or renovators, how could you possibly be versed in this arena.
Secondly, I respect you for attempting to put the "puzzle" together. There are a lot of pieces.
As you can see in the article on this blog page, we have strong feelings regarding .............
"Do-It- Yourselfers" and SAFETY. Please be very cautious while working in your new environment......... " the job site ".
Keep the questions coming, and stay safe,
Best regards , Chris.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
"BUDGET" Numbers
"Cost Plus" ....... anyone ?
Well, you can either price the job .... or.... can work on a cost-plus basis.
Lots of times when you're dealing with "renovations", its a difficult task to arrive at a accurate price for the project. The unforeseen challenges will ...... no doubt , play a part ! The contractor will inevitably incorporate some "cushions" in his/her number to compensate for the unknown.
Without knowing the "exact" location of your mechanical routes, its hard to determine what is lurking behind the drywall, in your walls or beneath your feet. "Guess-timates" play a big part.
O.K., our experience does help, but you are constantly holding your breath hoping the previous
builder "did it right", most times its ....... surprise, surprise !! Can't believe your eyes !
Because we do a lot of "renos", ....... "cost-plus", is a common road to take. BUT, with cost-plus, comes the "evil"....... "BUDGET-NUMBER".
(Don't laugh, because I'm usually right)...... When we first meet a client to discuss a proposed project, I often say ...... " before you mention any of your numbers or your idea of what this job will cost, ..... DOUBLE IT ! " That comment usually garners a laugh.
When our estimate is handed in , we ask the customers to reveal "their" idea of the costs ....... and what do you know, the amount is "about double of what the home-owner thought".
Two of our projects that we completed last week ,............ were over our "budget-numbers",
NOT GOOD !
It is always better to ...... " under-promise and over-deliver". We're lucky to be well known for our integrity and our accounting is very , transparent, we show it , like it is . But, you can't help like feeling, that you let the client down, instead of .... $30,000. ..... its $36,000. ...... you get the idea. Be careful with "budget-numbers", better to start off with a higher number and come in below budget for your renovations .
Aaaaaahhhhh, let the learning, begin.
Later, Chris.
Well, you can either price the job .... or.... can work on a cost-plus basis.
Lots of times when you're dealing with "renovations", its a difficult task to arrive at a accurate price for the project. The unforeseen challenges will ...... no doubt , play a part ! The contractor will inevitably incorporate some "cushions" in his/her number to compensate for the unknown.
Without knowing the "exact" location of your mechanical routes, its hard to determine what is lurking behind the drywall, in your walls or beneath your feet. "Guess-timates" play a big part.
O.K., our experience does help, but you are constantly holding your breath hoping the previous
builder "did it right", most times its ....... surprise, surprise !! Can't believe your eyes !
Because we do a lot of "renos", ....... "cost-plus", is a common road to take. BUT, with cost-plus, comes the "evil"....... "BUDGET-NUMBER".
(Don't laugh, because I'm usually right)...... When we first meet a client to discuss a proposed project, I often say ...... " before you mention any of your numbers or your idea of what this job will cost, ..... DOUBLE IT ! " That comment usually garners a laugh.
When our estimate is handed in , we ask the customers to reveal "their" idea of the costs ....... and what do you know, the amount is "about double of what the home-owner thought".
Two of our projects that we completed last week ,............ were over our "budget-numbers",
NOT GOOD !
It is always better to ...... " under-promise and over-deliver". We're lucky to be well known for our integrity and our accounting is very , transparent, we show it , like it is . But, you can't help like feeling, that you let the client down, instead of .... $30,000. ..... its $36,000. ...... you get the idea. Be careful with "budget-numbers", better to start off with a higher number and come in below budget for your renovations .
Aaaaaahhhhh, let the learning, begin.
Later, Chris.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Work hard, Play harder !
Hi, just finished a cruise on the seven seas :)
...... well not all seven, just one really .... and .... it was an ocean.
..... Port Canaveral to Nassau, Bahamas ..... St Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands..... then St. Maarten ....... except for lining up for "everything" ..... it was fun ! ( I didn't plan on a cruise until I was at least a "100" :) , ..... but the swine flu put an end to our Mexican vacation, so I had to be creative, quickly. )
I must say , I'm a little concerned with the number of people that were , lets say ...... a little overweight, I think we were lucky that they didn't announce they saw something special on a particular side of the ship , the onslaught of ...... weighty souls would have flipped us over !!
..... don't misunderstand me , there is nothing wrong with enjoying a good meal , but for gods sake ..... take enough for just ONE person and choose something healthy !
With this construction game I'm involved with , I work hard ............ and I make sure to play harder !
Drop us a line when you need me , you know the drill.
take care .......... Chris
...... well not all seven, just one really .... and .... it was an ocean.
..... Port Canaveral to Nassau, Bahamas ..... St Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands..... then St. Maarten ....... except for lining up for "everything" ..... it was fun ! ( I didn't plan on a cruise until I was at least a "100" :) , ..... but the swine flu put an end to our Mexican vacation, so I had to be creative, quickly. )
I must say , I'm a little concerned with the number of people that were , lets say ...... a little overweight, I think we were lucky that they didn't announce they saw something special on a particular side of the ship , the onslaught of ...... weighty souls would have flipped us over !!
..... don't misunderstand me , there is nothing wrong with enjoying a good meal , but for gods sake ..... take enough for just ONE person and choose something healthy !
With this construction game I'm involved with , I work hard ............ and I make sure to play harder !
Drop us a line when you need me , you know the drill.
take care .......... Chris
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Yes, you May ! ..... anytime you're ready !
Already May 7th 2009, ...... we are "still" waiting for the spring to arrive here in the Rockies !
We have a very short season to do a lot of exterior work, the winters are tough on the buildings here, and they do need maintenance. If you need any advice regarding your construction or renovation projects , please don't hesitate to drop us a line .
I'm taking off for a couple of weeks ....... will be back on May 25th.
take care and think safe ........... GOOD BUILDING !! ....................... Chris
We have a very short season to do a lot of exterior work, the winters are tough on the buildings here, and they do need maintenance. If you need any advice regarding your construction or renovation projects , please don't hesitate to drop us a line .
I'm taking off for a couple of weeks ....... will be back on May 25th.
take care and think safe ........... GOOD BUILDING !! ....................... Chris
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Trials n' Tribulations
Well,.... that took some patience, seems Blogger.com has made some changes without letting anyone know. I finally figured it out, and got to my blog page.
Hope the upcoming spring season is motivating you to undertake a new project around the house. Some renovations, or an addition ...... ( We'll be waiting a little longer than most of you, living in the mountains, supposed to receive 15 cm' s of the white stuff tomorrow ! )
If you need any advice regarding your renovations , or help with your design ...... please drop us a line. Glad to help with your construction concerns.
Thanks for visiting " Constructionwithchris " ......... be careful .......... Chris.
Hope the upcoming spring season is motivating you to undertake a new project around the house. Some renovations, or an addition ...... ( We'll be waiting a little longer than most of you, living in the mountains, supposed to receive 15 cm' s of the white stuff tomorrow ! )
If you need any advice regarding your renovations , or help with your design ...... please drop us a line. Glad to help with your construction concerns.
Thanks for visiting " Constructionwithchris " ......... be careful .......... Chris.
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