Slow Times = Inexperienced Renovation Companies

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.