Planning a Renovation?

Here is some helpful advice on all steps of planning. Know what you are getting in to and what to expect of your contractor.

• Know what you want and have a clear vision for your project. Be decisive when it comes time to meet with a contractor and making decisions. Significant delays and problems can come from indecision.



• Interior design consultants (if you have the budget for them), can be a great asset in making design decisions and making sure the project goes smoothly without delays. Winchester Construction Ltd. can connect you with an interior design consultant.



• Set a realistic budget. You need to get an idea of what things will really cost you. Remember, any time you want something custom it is not going to be cheap. Many people will have what we call a "Champagne taste on a Beer budget." You first need to know how much you can reasonably afford.


• Make sure you have discussed with your bank and know your budget. The last thing anybody wants is a half-finished project, an upset contractor, and no money to buy groceries.


• Winchester Construction Ltd. can help you with cost-saving advice and recommendations.



• Let the contractor supply the materials. Many contractors have suppliers that sell to them at reduced or wholesale prices, and have access to many better products than are available at retail or box stores. Even after their mark-up, it is usually similar or less expensive than paying retail. The benefits of letting the contractor supply the materials are many. They:


• Save you time from shopping and worrying about which product to order.


• Can more easily schedule delivery to match their schedule.


• Order the correct materials for the job. Many times customer-supplied material is not the correct thing, which causes delays.


• Cover products they supply under their warranty.


• Will usually add mark-up, but it is the reason they work hard to establish a relationship with their supplier for a discount. Professional contractors have discounts and they use their discounts wisely, and save you money.




• Some things that are commonly purchased by customers are: appliances, furniture, and bathroom vanities. Just be sure of the measurements and dimensions and consult the contractor before purchasing things to be installed by them.



• Get more than one estimate. Getting more than one estimate can give you a better idea of what the project should realistically cost.



• Don't just go for the lowest price. Just because someone has the lowest price does not mean they are the best deal. If any prices are significantly lower than the others, there is often a good reason, so use caution.


• The lowest price doesn't mean the best deal.


• Alternately, the highest price does not mean that it is the best choice.


• The best value combines the quality of service, the quality of the finished product, and a professional process, at a reasonable price.


• A professional contractor should have liability insurance, worker’s compensation insurance, a provincial or municipal license, and use licensed and insured sub-trades. They should also provide a warranty for their work. Should anything go wrong, you and your assets are protected.


• Carefully consider your options and choose the best value, not the best price.




• Protect yourself by dealing with a professional, licensed, insured contractor. Get a written contract that accurately describes the scope of work and matches all of your expectations.



• Never give someone any money without signing a written contract, and never pay the whole cost upfront. Many contractors require a deposit upon signing of the contract. This is for many reasons. A deposit signifies the customer's commitment to the project and it also pays for many of the initial costs. You must get a receipt for all deposits and payments made.