Make RenoMark part of your reno plans next year
December 03, 2019
Renovating your own home looks so easy in all those TV shows, magazines and Instagram stories, doesn’t it? Appearances can be deceiving, though. Before you try your hand at redoing your bathroom or finishing your basement, think through a few simple questions to determine whether you will be better served by calling in a professional RenoMark renovator.
The first question to answer is whether you have the skills and knowledge needed for your renovation project. Can you carry out the work safely and effectively? Do you know what permits you need to obtain? When it comes to renovations involving plumbing, electrical, gas appliances, structural changes or roofing, it’s safer to leave the work to the professionals, unless you know exactly what you are doing.
If you determine you have the skills and knowledge to tackle your renovation project, the second question to ask yourself is whether you have the time. If the work is extensive and you cannot devote enough time to it, you could end up disrupting your home and your daily routine for weeks or months. A RenoMark professional, on the other hand, can give your project the time and attention it deserves.
Finally, ask yourself whether your main motivation for wanting to tackle the renovation on your own is saving money. If so, talk to a RenoMark renovator before you decide. He or she may be able to suggest ways to reduce the cost of your project while still using professional services.
Working with a RenoMark renovator has many benefits in addition to those I’ve mentioned above. RenoMark members commit to a Code of Conduct that requires they provide a written contract for all jobs, carry all applicable licenses and permits, offer a warranty on their work, carry a minimum of $2 million in liability insurance, and work only with subcontractors who are properly insured.
You may know someone who promises to do the work under the table for cheap, but working with a renovator who does not adhere to the high standards outlined in RenoMark’s Code of Conduct could cost you more in the end. For instance, if a renovator does not provide a written contract, what recourse do you have if some of the work doesn’t get done? And if a renovator is not adequately insured, who will pay in case of property damage or injuries on the work site? Hiring a RenoMark renovator gives you peace of mind that these important details are covered.
As part of our ongoing efforts to make the RenoMark program the best it can be, in 2020 we are adding a requirement that RenoMark renovators complete a certain amount of professional education every year to keep up with changes in regulations, practices and materials in the industry. You can have confidence that your RenoMark renovator is providing you with the very latest information and advice.
If you have thought through the questions I mentioned earlier and have decided to work with a RenoMark renovator for your home renovation project, look for one in your area at www.renomark.ca. It’s your best start for a successful home renovation.