Can I quote you on that? Renovating a home requires an endless process of decisions. And the first one-choosing who will do the work-is often the most daunting.By Ruth Myles, Calgary HeraldFebruary 26, 2010The most well-known adage in real estate is "Location, location, location." The second-most famous, which applies to renovation, also features a trio: "If you're going to have work done, get three estimates." Easier said than done. What exactly should be in those estimates? Is there a fee involved? Should floor plans and finishes be nailed down before approaching these fabled three companies? Often, the sheer scope of what's involved can overwhelm homeowners interested in a reno, relegating the dream project to the back burner for yet another year. But take a deep breath--even better, take three--and we'll take that first step together.
Ask family, friends, co-workers and neighbours for recommendations. (Basically, everyone you know.) And don't be afraid to knock on a stranger's door if you know that a house down the street had a new kitchen put in. Most people are only too happy to share their experiences. Check out Calgary-based publications, such as the Herald's Life at Home or New Homes sections, for renovation features and profiles of award-winning companies.
Once you've compiled a list of contenders, start calling around. Have footage, features and finances on hand. Many companies employ a multistage approach to estimates. The process starts off with a ballpark figure, then moves into more detailed accounting the further into the process you get. "From ballpark to budget to final, we're going to be plus or minus 10 percent. If 10 percent is going to make or break the project, then we shouldn't be in the running to begin with," says Steve Perlette, project manager at Litwiller Renovations and Custom Homes. (Hence, the wisdom of budgeting an extra 10 to 15 percent of the total cost of the renovation. There's nothing like scrambling to come up with an extra 15K.)
Ultimate Renovations also begins with an educated estimate; then, if both parties agree, they draw up a plan and create a spec document that details anything and everything in the job, from framing to the number of electrical outlets to the kitchen sink and its faucet. "Pay for a proper drawing and then, if you want, go shopping," says Danny Ritchie, president of Ultimate Renovations. "This way, you're comparing the same apples to the same apples."
His company charges two percent of the job cost for these plans, but that fee is waived if Ultimate gets the job.
In addition to checking references, Ritchie recommends that potential renovatees request a visit to the business's office, as well as current job sites, to get a real feel for the kind of work they do. "Sure, they may have been in business for 40 years, but under 40 different names." And, as different companies have different levels of spec, it's important to ask what their level of finish is. "You can do very inexpensive casings, carpet at two bucks a square foot, stuff like that, so there can be a fairly substantial spread in specifications," Perlette adds. Once homeowners have a range of quotes from three companies in hand, Perlette recommends choosing between the ones that are consistent in pricing, throwing out the high and the low. "You'll usually have two or three that are fairly realistic and have valuable numbers in them."
Of course, people need to look at more than just dollars and cents when it comes to choosing a renovator. The potential to establish a real connection should be the final dealmaker. (That has certainly proved true for me. Five people have keys to our home and the only one not related by blood is John, our handyman since we bought the house in 2006.) "Pick the people that you like, that you enjoy talking with, that you think you can communicate with because it's a long process," Perlette says. "It's very invasive. You have to live with these people for a very long time."
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