The Upper Ottawa Valley (UOV) Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to remind area residents, due to a recent fraud complaint regarding home renovations, to perform their due diligence when hiring a contractor for a home renovation project. The following tips can help protect you from being the victim of a fraud.
Choosing a contractor for your renovation
It’s a good idea to meet at least three potential contractors and compare their quotes for the work.
You should ask potential contractors about:
- how long they have been in business
- similar projects they have handled
- the time required for the job
- the stages of progress
- permit and inspection requirements
- whether any subcontractors will be involved
- any liability insurance or worker’s compensation that may be required
- a list of suppliers who specialize in renovation work
You should also ask for references from recent clients and check them.
Most tradespeople need to be certified (e.g., plumbers, electricians, etc.).
- Make sure the person or company you hire is certified.
- Check with your local Better Business Bureau or business association to see whether any complaints have been filed against any firm that you are thinking of hiring.
- Consult with the Canadian Home Builders’ Association is your area. They follow RenoMark, a renovator and trade contractor program that requires members to agree to, and abide by, a renovation-specific Code of Conduct, provide a warranty on their work and always provide clients with a proper contract.
Review all the quotes carefully. Make sure potential contractors provide estimates using the same specifications so that they can be compared effectively. Check that the estimates include:
- all costs, including labour and extra charges
- applicable taxes
- an outline of your project
- at least a partial cost breakdown
(Richard Evans)
