Renovating
Your Home
Looking to upgrade your current home, dreaming of transforming your space or have just purchased a resale home that needs an uplift? Find the information, insights, inspiration, tips, tools and list of LHBA professional renovators to ensure the job is done right!
When it comes to major renovations or additions, the stakes are particularly high – costs are substantial, projects take months to complete, disruption to your daily routine is unavoidable, and the consequences of mistakes can be long-lasting.
Major renovations or additions are usually once-in-a-lifetime projects, and should receive the same care and attention as other family milestones, with lengthy anticipation, careful planning and thoughtful execution.
The LHBA aims to give homeowners confidence with resources to help reduce risk, minimize inconvenience, maximize the pleasure of a renovation and highlight how a well-conceived and executed project can add to your home.
RenoMark Verified Renovators
Why you should use them
There are many experienced and reliable contractors working in your community—highly skilled professionals who do business the right way. But not all contractors play by the same rules. You should know what the financial and legal risks risks are and how to find professional renovators you can trust.
RenoMark is the voice of the professional renovation industry in the London area and serves to connect homeowners to professional renovators and contractors who are committed to quality workmanship and customer satisfaction.
RenoMark Renovators Must:
- Be a member in good standing with the LHBA.
- Return homeowner phone calls within two business days.
- Provide a detailed, written contract (including scope of work) for all jobs.
- Provide a minimum two-year warranty (some conditions may apply - see contract for details).
- Carry a minimum of $2 million liability insurance.
- Abide by all of the local Home Builders' Code of Ethics.
- Carry all applicable licenses and permits as required.
- Have and/or work with sub-contractor which have workplace safety and employer's liability coverage.
- Maintain a safe and organized work site at all times.
- Have access to education, training and professional development.
Renovate with Confidence - Look for the RenoMark Symbol
The RenoMark symbol identifies those renovation contractors who have been verified through the national CHBA verification system and have agreed to the LHBA Code of Ethics as well as a renovation-specific Code of Conduct (see below), who provide warranties, who understand the value of customer service during and following projects, and who have access to information on current trends, the latest materials and new regulations. Being RenoMark verified also signifies a renovator’s dedication to professionalism, integrity, and continuous improvement.
For homeowners, the RenoMark symbol recognizes trusted members of CHBA who abide by a rigorous, renovation-specific Code of Conduct. For members, the program sets your business apart from others, creates trust with potential clients, and gives you a marketing advantage.
Ready to find a pro?
Visit our Member Directory to search for renovators who can help with installations, specific room renovations, electrical, mechanical, heating and plumbing repair and full home renovations.
Why
Renovate
There are many reasons to renovate beyond just increasing the convenience and comfort of your home; and many reasons to build additions beyond just creating more space. Many projects will make your home more attractive, safer, easier to maintain as well as more energy-efficient and less costly to operate. Except for the most personal of aesthetic improvements, you may also add to the market value of your home.
Planning, Designing
& Budgeting
There’s a lot to consider when taking on a renovation and it’s important to prioritize your needs and wants, determine your goals, decide on budget and consider your future needs. You may also be considering some DIY. Click here for more resources and worksheets to help with these considerations and with decision making.
Step by Step
The Renovation Process
Choosing A Renovator You Trust
This is crucial to a good renovation experience. You need to check out the renovator thoroughly. Ask lots of questions when you meet. Talk with previous customers. Visit past or current projects. You also need to be confident that the company is financially stable and has a solid history. Many experienced homeowners also comment on the importance comfortable personal fit with the people they hire, that they easy to talk with and responsive.
Find out what services the renovator offers
Homeowners often don't realize that many professional renovation contractors also provide design and planning services. Even if you want to work with a designer or architect of your own choosing, a contractor can add a lot of value to the process. "Our renovator saw opportunities for improving our design and offered alternative solutions to structural challenges, saving us money in the process."
Get it
in Writing
Make sure you have a detailed written contract. "We chose the renovator who had it all written out. We knew what we were in for and didn't have to lie awake at night worrying what the final costs would be.
Know the Facts Before Work Begins
Ask a lot of questions of your renovator or contractor. What does the work entail? How will it be done and by whom? How will it affect your day-to-day living? Should you consider moving out during any portion of the construction process? What if want to make changes? The more you know upfront about the whole process, the less anxious you'll feel.
Take An Active Roll In the Project
It's your investment and home, so follow things closely and know what's going on at all times. The best results come from good communication and a good working relationship with your renovator. Ask for (and expect) regular updates and reach out the renovator if you have questions. Be prepared to review drawings, monitor progress, and discuss decisions with your renovator.
Don't Expect a Problem-Free Reno
The bigger the project, the more likely you will run into the unexpected, such as existing deficiencies hidden in the walls, delays in special orders or bad weather. Be flexible and understand that some things are beyond the renovator's or your control. If there is good rapport and trust between you and your renovator, it is usually easy to find a solution and move beyond the problem.
Plan Ahead For Your Finishes
Typically, homeowners are responsible for choosing cabinets, flooring, tiles, fixtures and the many other finishes that will complete the job. This can be time-consuming: "My afternoon at the bath showroom turned into two full days." Set aside plenty of time and begin early – in some markets, there may be a significant delay for special orders. And take full advantage of your renovator's experience to help you find the best options.
Keep Money In Reserve for Extras
Keep money in reserve for extras. Once the work begins, it is not uncommon for homeowners to want to go an extra step - a better quality tile, brand new appliances and so on. "Once you are into it, you realize that just so-so is not good enough, and that now is the best time to get those extra little touches of style or luxury."
Home Buyer vs
Renovator Responsibilities
Dealing with disruptions and changes, communication, meeting timelines and sticking to deadlines, daily clean-up, being available for decisions, dealing with concerns and making payment are all part of the process. Review the responsibilities of your renovator, and make sure you know what you’ll be responsible for.
After The
Job Is Done
Once the job is complete, your renovator’s commitment continues! Make sure you are aware of what is under warranty and the timelines of the coverage by reviewing your contract thoroughly so you can report any deficiencies (in writing) prior to the warranty expiring.
Ready to find a pro?
Check out our comprehensive online member directory, featuring 280+ home building professionals including builders, renovators, sub-subtrades and suppliers of products and professional services.
