Renovating your home should be an exciting and rewarding process, but hiring the wrong contractor can turn it into a nightmare. I recently met a potential client whose experience compelled me to write this blog in hopes of preventing others from going through the same ordeal.
A Cautionary Tale
This homeowner wanted to renovate three bathrooms in her house and hired a contractor who appeared professional and claimed to be the director of a company. She paid a deposit, expecting quality work and timely completion. However, four months later without any available bathrooms to use for the homeowner, the renovations remained unfinished, and the work that had been done was completely unacceptable.
Some of the issues included:
A master bathroom left completely dismantled, rendering it unusable for months.
A shower niche installed on an exterior wall, creating serious insulation and moisture risks that could lead to long-term structural damage.
Sloppy and improper grouting, along with unfinished tiling that left the bathroom looking incomplete and unprofessional.
Loose tiles hastily placed under the vanity as a makeshift balance instead of properly leveling the floor, compromising safety and durability.
Numerous poorly executed and unprofessional installations, showcasing a complete lack of skill and attention to detail.
Different colored finishes applied without client approval, completely disregarding the homeowner’s design choices.
A safety hand rail not mounted to backing, which if pulled on could be a serious safety concern
After months of frustration, she fired the contractor and turned to consumer protection services. Unfortunately, she discovered that he was not actually the director of the company, and she did not have enough information to reclaim her deposit. Now, she is left with incomplete and unacceptable work, along with the stress of starting over.
How to Protect Yourself from Renovation Scams
To prevent such costly mistakes, here are crucial steps to take before hiring a contractor:
Ensure the Contractor Has an Alberta Prepaid Contractor License - Contractors accepting deposits must have this license, which ensures they use an approved contract format. This also means that deposits are bonded, legally binding the contractor to complete the agreed-upon work.
Request Business Credentials - Always ask for a copy of the contractor’s business license (This is a different license than the Alberta Prepaid Contractor License) , Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) clearance letter, and liability insurance. These documents confirm the legitimacy and coverage of the contractor.
Research the Company Thoroughly - Look at reviews, gather references, and verify their reputation. A well-reviewed and established company is less likely to disappear with your money or leave work incomplete.
Never Pay a Deposit Without an Approved, Detailed Contract - Ensure you receive a contract that includes all business details, an itemized list of work to be completed, payment terms, and a confirmed start date.
Know Who Is Completing the Work - If only one or two people are handling the entire project, it could indicate a lack of specialization. Different renovation tasks require different skill sets, and a reputable contractor will have a qualified team for each aspect of the job.
Confirm That Required Permits Are Pulled - Certain renovations require permits, and failing to obtain them can result in fines or safety hazards. If you’re unsure about permit requirements, call Calgary’s 311 service for guidance.
Final Thoughts
Home renovations are a significant investment, and it’s essential to take the right steps to ensure your money—and more importantly, your home—is protected. We are always happy to answer any questions about preparing for your renovation and ensuring you hire the right professionals. Reach out to day at info@lbprojects.ca. Taking precautions now can save you stress, time, and thousands of dollars in the long run.
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