Muskoka Builders' Association
Building Muskoka, building dreams

• Have realistic timelines for your project. Contractors are often booked well in advance and it will take time to obtain the necessary permits, before work can even begin.
• Research potential contractors carefully. Browse the member directory on this site. Ask for referrals from friends and neighbours who have had work done recently.
• Obtain several quotes and be sure you understand why the quotes are different. Be suspicious of quotes that are much lower than others.
• Always insist on a written document or contract outlining costs, what's included and what's not, payment schedules, holdbacks and warranty for work and materials.
• Just say no to cash. Contractors asking for cash payments are often doing so to avoid income tax or GST and companies built on such questionable ethical practices are not companies you want to deal with. And that "discount" you think you'll get for paying cash may turn out to be not such a deal when problems arise later on.
• Be aware that if you oversee your own construction project in Ontario, you may be deemed to be a "constructor" under the law and are subject to all the regulations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Check with your Home Insurer before starting any renovation project to discuss the project and any additional coverages that may be needed.
• Every renovation project that involves changes to the structure or systems of your home requires a building permit. Talk to your contractor about who is responsible for getting the permit and ensure it is posted at your location before work begins. If the contractor tells you that you don't need one, check with the local Building Department yourself just to be sure. Remember, no permit means no inspections and no protection for you as the homeowner that things are being done properly. Failure to obtain a permit for work can also cause complications when trying to sell your home or may also affect your ability to make an insurance claim in the future if problems arise.

Of course, this list is no where near exhaustive. One of the best resources online for advice can be found at hiringacontractor.com and is well worth spending an evening with before you start your next project.