Most people have lots of questions before they choose a contractor and undertake a home renovation. Some of the questions we hear most often are answered below. Please contact us if you’d like to discuss your specific questions.
Q. How much will my renovation cost?
A. Many factors impact the cost of a home renovation – from the location of the area to be renovated on your property, to the choices of finish and much more. The most effective way to get an accurate cost estimate is to inspect site conditions and speak one-on-one about the type of finishes you prefer. Our goal is always to meet your quality expectations within your budget.
Q. Can I have a ballpark figure?
A. We believe it’s best to provide an accurate estimate right from the outset. We’ll discuss the relevant details with you up front and then advise you of the cost.
Q. How long will my renovation take?
A. The time to complete a project depends entirely on its size and scope. Of course, with your satisfaction as our goal, we will finish every project as quickly as we can, without sacrificing quality. Once we commit to a time, we try makes every effort to meet all deadlines.
Q. What disruptions can I expect?
A. We will do our best to minimize disruptions in your home during renovations. It is difficult to anticipate how much disruption will be necessary until the project is underway. We will discuss the situation with you as it unfolds.
Q. Do I have to leave my house during a renovation?
A. Most of the time, you can stay in your home during any renovation. If you are required to leave, we will let you know well in advance.
Q. What kind of reporting should I expect?
A. Weekly reporting is suggested. This keeps you up-to-date on progress and gives you the opportunity to bring forward your questions and feedback.
Q. Does your company carry workers compensation and liability insurance?
A. Yes, we carry $2,000,000 general liability insurance on all projects and all work is in compliance with WSIB.
Q. I have three different estimates, and the prices vary greatly. Why?
A. There are a number of different factors that go into pricing a remodeling project. Be sure that every estimate has the same scope of work. If the estimates are vague—meaning they don't spell out what work is going to be done— and you cannot interpret that information, go back to the contractor for clarification in writing. If you are unable to get adequate written clarification, it may be wise to eliminate that remodeling contractor from the process.
Q. How many projects like mine have you completed in the past?
A. We offer a wide range of renovation services and with over 90 different residential and commercial completed projects so that you can be sure that projects like yours will be on the list. Please see our gallery and list of services for more details and references on our project history.
Before project Start
During the initial meeting in your home, we learn your requirements and show you work in our portfolio that is relevant to your renovation. To help you determine that we are the right contractors for your home, we make available references and, when possible, visits to our current renovation sites to meet the people who work with us and allow you to see our high standard of craftsmanship.
For smaller renovations, we all sign a contract, and, upon request, we show you our liability insurance,
and our up-to-date city license. Then we begin working on your renovation.
Larger renovations require highly detailed planning and scheduling of trades. We agree on a price range
for your renovation. A letter of intent is signed and a deposit is given to validate your decision to work with
SPOK Home Renovation. Then we do the detailed and professional planning a major renovation requires. We bring each of the trades-people to your home, have them submit exact prices, and work schedule to
ensure that your renovation is completed on time. We develop a detailed, itemized contract, so that you can
see exactly what you are paying for.
When a detailed contract has been signed, it governs the work. The major work begins as scheduled. To make changes or amendments to the original renovation contract, a change work order must be signed and the price adjustments will be made accordingly. As work begins, we deal with any questions or concerns you have through day-to-day communications. We know that a smoothly run renovation, completed on schedule, is important for your satisfaction and is our best recommendations refunded.
During Renovation Tips
Make a plan and stick to it to help ensure that your home renovation runs smoothly. A renovation is a journey you take with your contractors, your family, and even your neighbors. As with any journey, preparation is everything.
Notify your neighbors.
Talk to your neighbors well in advance if you are planning a major renovation. They'll appreciate knowing about potential construction noise and when to expect extra vehicles parked on the street. They're also more likely to be cooperative about things such as allowing a builder to rest ladders on their lawns if they*ve been included in the plans.
Set a time-line.
Talk to your contractor about the various steps and stages of the renovation. Usually, with an addition, the foundation is dug first, then the floors and walls are roughed-in and the roof is shingled before breaking through to the existing part of the house. Be aware that exterior work goes fairly quickly relative to the more detailed work inside.
Get an outline of work involved.
Ask your contractor to outline what the work involves and present a realistic timetable. Experienced contractors know to build in a time-cushion for the unforeseen, and you should include a 15-percent cushion in your budget as well.
Try to move out.
If possible, move out during major construction or part of it. Perhaps you could you live with relatives or rent a place nearby. It might be a good time to take a vacation or send kids to camp. Also, consider boarding your pets at a kennel or having them stay with friends until your house is settled.
Plan your meals ahead of time.
Set up a temporary kitchen with a hot plate, microwave and a small fridge. Many people choose the laundry room so they have a water source and can wash their dishes in the sink. Plan your meals ahead of time, especially if you are having a kitchen renovation, even if you are not, there will be days you cannot bear the clutter and disorder and will not want to cook. Make food ahead and freeze it. Stock up on plastic and paper products so you do not have to worry about clean up. Call family and friends to plan meals out of the home.
Be family-friendly.
Try not to make any major life changes, such as starting a new job or having a baby, during a major renovation. If a big change does occur just before a planned project begins, consider postponing the work. Involve older children in the planning stages so they feel part of what is going on. Plan to spend quality time with younger children off-site, swimming or at a library program. Work out playtimes with neighbors and family so young children don't feel bored and cooped up.
Work with your contractor.
Make sure you have solid communication with your contractor. You trust this person with your major asset and your sanctuary. You need to know that he or she will be there for you if a problem arises. Be sure to check in with the site supervisor on a daily basis. If you have a partner, run all major questions by each other before giving the contractor a final answer. Discuss concerns with your contractor as soon as they arise. Don't wait for 'the right moment.'
Keep up communication with your contractor.
It is easy to get frustrated, when your home seems to be inside out. Your contractor surely wants a satisfied client, as well as a job well done. It is your responsibility to express any concerns you may be having right away. Then be open to what your contractor has to say. There are many variables that go into home remodeling; it is not a science, it is an art.
Make choices in advance.
Choose everything before the work starts -- sinks, cabinets, toilets, tiles, colors. You don't want to have to take time off work at the last minute to run around to design stores. If choosing colors is not your thing, consider hiring an interior decorator. He or she can advise you on how to choose paint colors that harmonize with tiles and cabinetry, and how to ensure color flows from area to area.
Post plans and keep an objective mind.
It is very easy to lose sight of the end product when going through a renovation, so tape up your plans so you can remind yourself why you are putting yourself through what feels like a calamity. It is so easy to lose patience over how long a project is taking or not wanting to wait the extra week for the perfect vanity. However, when you keep in mind the expense of home renovations, and the amount of YEARS you will be enjoying the new room, level, etc... it is important to do it right the first time. Remember, this too shall pass.
Construction dust is inevitable.
On most large jobs, a renovator will build a temporary wall and put in a plastic doorway between the new and existing part of a home. But don*t expect it to keep out all of the dust. Take down your drapes and cover, or even store, your good furnishings. When the renovation is complete, many contractors will come in and clean the whole house as part of the job. Adding a cushion of 10 to 25 percent into your kitchen-remodeling budget will allow for any upgrades or changes you need to make during the renovation process.
Take pictures of your home.
Be sure to take pictures before you remodel and the throughout the renovation process, and of course after the project is complete. This is a good way to keep your spirits high during the renovation, and a great way to show off your new kitchen after the remodeling is complete.
