After you make your home renovation list, check it twice

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 21/12/2022 (768 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

While Santa makes his list and checks it twice, so do homeowners staring down a renovation project. There are many checklists homeowners must complete to get their projects started and finished efficiently, with sub-lists for each company the homeowner must deal with throughout the process. When it comes to these businesses, you must do a lot of research to ensure you’re choosing the right ones.

Of course, the Better Business Bureau does a lot of that work for you. The BBB accredits companies which commit to and maintain a high level of ethical standards, making it easier for consumers to quickly find companies they can trust. Companies with the blue BBB seal stand out above the crowd as beacons of light in what can sometimes be a very dark marketplace.

Canadians have been cheated out of their hard-earned money in various home renovation scams. Some look reputable through online reviews, only to leave the jobs incomplete and never return. Some have quoted homeowners at a low price, only to ask for more when “unexpected” challenges arise halfway through the project. Others have used the opportunity to gain access to people’s homes for a variety of sinister reasons.

Dreamstime
                                A new kitchen before and after renovation. When you’re checkinig your to-do list, be sure to check bbb.org for reviews of your contractor.

Dreamstime

A new kitchen before and after renovation. When you’re checkinig your to-do list, be sure to check bbb.org for reviews of your contractor.

Yet companies that are accredited by the BBB — a third-party not-for-profit corporation that’s dedicated to increasing trust in the marketplace — promise to advertise honestly, tell the truth, be transparent, honour promises, be responsive, safeguard privacy and embody integrity. These are requirements they must maintain to keep their accreditation, which symbolizes these promises in a single blue seal.

At the Winnipeg Renovation Show, which runs from Jan. 13-15, 2023, look for this seal as you weigh your options. The BBB will also be available to give consumers tips on how to make the most of their money and avoid the pitfalls of home renovation.

For example, before beginning a home renovation project, there are several things you should consider. First, does this particular fix require a city permit? Some do, while others don’t. It’s always worth searching through the city’s policies to see what you need before getting started.

Next, the BBB recommends sketching out a complete budget. Homeowners often get trapped by the idea of home renovation, thinking it’ll be easy to do entirely themselves, before running into budget concerns or unexpected costs. If there are certain tasks that require a more professional hand, it is often worth hiring that part of the project out. Consider home efficiency and look at eco-friendly solutions when putting your home back together. There are sometimes tax breaks you can take advantage of, so keep that in mind when you’re planning out the project and budgeting.

The BBB is also warning homeowners to watch out for red flags in the renovation world, such as high-pressure sales tactics, oral contracts and cash-only deals. Beware of anyone who offers an unsolicited free inspection. They often try to tell the homeowner they’ve identified a slew of major problems that are either non-existent or minor then offer to fix them for a price. They may even try to sell their price as a steal of a deal to further persuade the homeowner.

All these scams and more can be avoided with the advice of the BBB, as they help you work through your checklist in the best way possible. Drop by to say hi or learn more at the Winnipeg Renovation Show from Jan. 13-15. Always visit bbb.org before you buy to assist in your research to find a business you want to build a relationship with.

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