Protect yourself when doing home improvements
By Lanny McInnes
Date Posted: April 1, 2023
While it feels like this winter weather may never leave, Manitobans are starting to turn their attention to planning and preparing for spring yard work, gardening, and how best to enjoy the long and beautiful summer we all deserve. Sometimes, that also means planning a summer renovation project for your home. One thing to keep in mind when researching both your renovation project and the renovator to do it, is that when a deal sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
There are some key points to remember when you are getting a “really great deal” on home renovations, especially on “cash deals” where the person doing the work is being paid “under the table”. These deals usually mean no taxes are paid and no permits are taken out for the work done. Having no receipt and no contract also means that there is no record of the work being done. If your contractor cuts a few corners and uses sub-standard materials, you have no recourse because there was no formal agreement. If the workmanship was shoddy or the renovation caused some damage to your home, there is no formal record of the work ever taking place. If you encounter problems a month or two down the line, don’t bother calling the person who originally did the work. Technically, they were never there. And rectifying a poor job can cost you more than having the job done right in the first place.
Not taking out the proper permits can also lead to issues further down the road, especially if you look at selling your home. Work done on undeveloped areas of your home, usually basements, require permits if there is any structural, electrical or plumbing work done. If you have work done to finish a basement or attic that required proper permits and they weren’t taken out, it could lead to issues in terms of finalizing a sale when you are looking to sell your home in the future. It could also put the new home buyer in a position of applying for permits on work already done and then incurring the added cost of rectifying any issues if the work was not done properly. Legitimate contractors take out all necessary permits and ensure that a licensed tradesperson does the work. Using a legitimate contractor who ensures the work is done properly and is properly permitted, combined with a written contract, are your best insurance as a consumer.
Don’t assume your home insurance will cover the costs if something goes wrong. Imagine you had a roofing company working on your home and someone fell and was injured. Without workers’ compensation coverage and a clear contract, you could be held responsible, possibly sued, and your home insurance might not cover you. If a worker accidentally caused a fire or a leak in the roof that resulted in water damage, you might be paying out of pocket to fix the damage if your contractor doesn’t have liability insurance.
A great first step in planning your next home renovation project and learning how to hire the right contractor is by visiting the Manitoba Home Builders’ Association’s Ask a Renovator booth at the 2023 Winnipeg Home and Garden Show taking place at the RBC Convention Centre from April 13 to 16.
Our Ask a Renovator booth will once again be staffed by professional Manitoba Home Builders’ Association RenoMark renovators who are available to answer your questions about an upgrade or renovation project. These professional renovators can provide you with a free 15-minute consultation to help steer you in the right direction towards a new project for your home. For more information and to purchase tickets online, go to the event website winnipeghomeandgardenshow.com.
Once you’ve decided on your contractor, make sure you protect yourself from future costs by taking the right precautions.
When a cash deal is “too good to pass up” on a renovation, be aware that it may end up costing you much more down the road.
Lanny McInnes is the President & CEO of the Manitoba Home Builders’ Association.