Helping Avoid Home Renovation Headaches!

Most home renovation contractors are reliable and honest. However, some "suede shoe" operators are flourishing yet. Using the following checklist, you can thwart many headaches at the outset of your project.

> Get at least three bids on the project. Find out the salesperson's name and the name and address of the company. Check them out with your local Better Business Bureau for a reliability report. (www.bbbmanitoba.ca)

> Ask the companies for references. Then check out the references. Beware of salespersons that promise to save you money by using your project as a "model" job.

> Know the bottom line costs. Also know the time frame in which the project will start and will be completed. Get these terms written into the contract. If subcontractors will be used, the contractor should post a bond to protect you against liens on your home.

> If financing is involved and the contractor wants to handle it, shop other financial institutions - banks and savings and loans - for cost comparisons. o Know whether any warranty is "full" or "limited." Know your responsibilities and the contractor's responsibilities for the entire job. What is the duration of the warranty?

> Does the contract spell out all labor and material costs? Does it include the quality, brand, grade, color, weight, and size of materials and appliances to be used? It is difficult to hold a contractor to any commitments unless these specifications are written into a contract.

> Pay by check only no cash.

> If a completion certificate is part of the contract agreement, do not sign this certificate until you are satisfied that the job has been done to your satisfaction and to specifications.