If you are ready to take the plunge and make those home improvements you’ve been discussing, then you are at an exciting crossroad. Before you dive all the way in, take a few words of caution to help you avoid some of the more common mistakes people make in this business. Make sure any Toronto contractor you hire has a solid contract written for you, and when you do, keep an eye open for these important parts.

Licenses and Certifications

This will vary by location, but a lot of contracting work requires Journeyman’s and other special qualifications. Moreover, each type of work usually needs a different stamp to be legal, so make sure they are qualified for construction, plumbing, electrical and any other work they suggest. Some contractors will actually hire specialists when necessary, but you are best protected when all of it is in writing. The last thing you want is for your investment to fail an inspection.

Insurance and Liability

If the contractor doesn’t have insurance for the work, consider shopping around. Again, rules can sometimes vary, but generally the contractor is responsible for any expenses that arise from work accidents. You should never be on the hook for work related injuries or damages caused by construction work. In some cases, the liability might be split between the contractor and your homeowner’s policy, such as in cases of extreme weather, but it all needs to be clear before work begins.

Scope of Work

Any experienced contractor will want to include this in the paperwork because it protects them from you. In general, every required task will be written in the contract. It’s often too easy to think of little things you want to add when you see progress begins to unfold, but this is expensive and dangerous. You’ll save yourself a lot of pain by making such add-ons impossible. There is an important exception to this rule. Every contract should also include clauses for necessary additional work. If asbestos or substandard conditions are revealed during demolition or remodeling, the contract should allow changes that enable safe work. Again, experienced contractors have run into this before, so they can help outline how your situation can deal with these occasions.

Time Frames

It is unlikely you are hearing this for the first time, but a completion schedule should be part of the contract. Now, the contractor will want to include wiggle room in case unexpected problems arise, and that is ok. Just avoid completely open-ended time windows and you’ll be fine. On that same train of thought, the payment plan should also be scheduled. In general, you should not be paying for work that you have not seen completed. That said, the contractor doesn’t need to be on the hook for all materials and labor until everything is complete.

Contractors are people. While they are usually hard-working and as honest as they can be, they are not above simple mistakes. The key components of your contract protect you from those mistakes, and anyone who has been in the business for a while will not begrudge you for wanting a clear contract before you begin. Experts like those at Alair Homes Toronto can help you understand your contract, so both parties are entering a mutually beneficial agreement.