Choosing a reputable renovation contractor means partnering with an experienced professional who will guide your project from the design phase to completion. They can help with everything from coordinating trades and managing permits to ensuring quality work throughout every step of the project.
The Role of Professional Renovation Contractors
To help you understand what you should expect from a professional renovation contractor, here’s a breakdown of the main roles they perform:
Providing Quotes and In-Depth Planning
A professional renovation contractor will be with you from the very start, assisting in the design and consultation phases.
This includes assessing the existing location where the renovation will take place. They’ll check everything from the structural integrity of the walls and supports to the plumbing and electrical work that may need updating.
After discussing your vision for the renovation and assessing the site’s condition, they will walk you through a realistic budget. Beyond providing estimates for their own costs, they’ll get material quotes and create a cost projection for any outside labour and trades that might be required.
Your contractor should also procure any permits you may need to obtain to complete the renovation. This is the type of care that can help you avoid costly and frustrating delays down the line.
Sticking to a Budget and Managing Rising Costs
Given the high cost of materials and labour, it’s important to have a realistic budget from the start.
According to Statistics Canada’s Residential Renovation Price Index, renovation costs rose by 0.5 per cent in 2024 alone, and this trend seems set to continue. Having an experienced contractor who fully understands the current market will help you set a realistic budget.
They can also acquire the materials your project requires early, so you can avoid sticker shock if prices increase in the future. Beyond getting materials at favourable rates, they should also have the local relationships with reliable suppliers and skilled tradespeople that the project requires.
Coordination and Scheduling Trades Work
Speaking of skilled trades, another critical advantage you get when working with a capable renovation contractor is their ability to get the trade professionals needed at the right time. With their experience, they will know exactly when your project will require trades professionals like plumbers and electricians. If they have strong relationships, they can then schedule that work to avoid delays.
With one in four polled Canadian homeowners stating that they will carry out some form of renovation in the next year, coordinating trades can be difficult. A skilled, experienced renovation contractor has these contacts in place and will be able to work with them efficiently.
Ensuring Quality, Safety and Compliance
Renovation contractors also ensure the actual work is completed to the highest standards. Not only can they oversee the craftsmanship, but they also ensure that it complies with all local building codes and safety standards.
While many people focus on how a renovation looks, a professional contractor will ensure the practical work is completed to the highest standards. This includes details like making sure the insulation is installed correctly so the space is comfortable and moisture-controlled year-round.
With Canadian home renovation costs averaging between $15 and $60 per square foot, you want to make sure the money you invest pays off for decades.
Professional Problem-Solving
If you’ve ever carried out a large-scale renovation, you know that surprises are inevitable. When the unexpected happens, a professional renovation contractor can provide transparency into what is happening and solutions to problems that arise.
Rather than being left entirely on your own to figure out how to address delays and unexpected issues, your contractor can provide practical guidance on the best and most cost-effective steps to take.
The Final Walkthrough and Follow-Ups
Once the work has wrapped up, your contractor will walk through the space with you to address any minor touch-ups and guarantee that it meets your expectations. If something goes wrong a few months down the road, you have the peace of mind of a direct contact you can call.
Consult with a Professional Renovation Contractor Today
Working with a renovation contractor brings expertise and professionalism to your project. Since 2003, DeCarli Contractors has provided reliable service and the highest quality of craftsmanship across hundreds of renovation projects.
If you’re ready to get your renovation project started, we want to work with you.
