As homeowners we all wonder what questions to ask a contractor to avoid a potentially horrible situation.  We have all heard  nightmare stories of home renovations gone wrong but how can anyone be sure this wont happen to them?   At Trusted Regina we believe we can help.  Trusted Regina was formed to help the public find local businesses you can TRUST.  In this article we share some of the ways we research businesses to ensure we have the best local contractors.  Giving you peace of mind knowing you have hired someone you can TRUST to do the job right.  

Requesting proof of insurance is one of the first steps in searching for a quality and Trusted Regina contractor.  

Are they Insured ? Any good contractor should carry liability and worker’s compensation Insurance this is something you should always require a contractor to have.

Contractor Liability Insurance

This will protect you if a contractor creates damage to your home, neighboring properties or injury to a third party that may occur during the renovation.  Ask to see a Certificate of Insurance; it should state the name and address of the contractor, the amount of general liability, including coverage for bodily injury and property damage, and the effective and expiry dates of the policy as well as the date of issue of the certificate.  Once you know the contractors liability coverage take it to your Insurance provider to ensure you are fully covered during the renovation as a renovation may require you to increase your coverage for a period of time.   

Workers Compensation

Except for single-person companies, Contractors are required by law to pay WCB premiums on behalf of their employees in the event of a workplace injury. Hiring a contractor that is not in compliance makes YOU the homeowner the project manager and liable for ANY injuries occurred during the renovation. Request a letter of good standing to ensure their premiums are paid up.  

Ask for references 

When anyone applies for a job they are required to provide references.  Why should a contractor be any different!  At Trusted we ask for so many references it's borderline obscene... it is A LOT and we call them all!. We don't anticipate you calling the number we do but we do think it is always a good idea to request references and that you call them.  Typed references or letters of recommendation are ok but a voice and a person are always best. 

There are two types of references you should request.

Client References:

Gaining a list of people who have used there service is extremely helpful and an indication of the amount of jobs they have done.  Asking if they did a good job is not always a good indication of the quality of their work and dedication to customer service.  Dig deeper. here are some suggested questions. - How did you find the contractor? how many jobs have they done for you?  Would you hire them again?  Would you recommend them to a family member? Did they finish the job on time?  Did they charge you the price quoted?  We have the 5 Trusted Guarantees and all of our contractors have to uphold them these are only some of the questions we ask. 

Supplier references

Though not always foolproof, supplier references are very important and help give some insight as to weather or not the contractor pays it's suppliers on time.  Which may in turn help you protect yourself from creditor liabilities.  Builders lien's are something you should know about and try to avoid!.  Here is a great article on how to avoid a builders lien.  

Check their online rating and memberships 

Another way to check and see if a contractor is worth hiring it to check sources like Trusted Regina to see if they have been put through a process of ensuring that they are who they claim to be. This is also are a very strong indicator of a company's commitment to professionalism. You should also search to see if any complaints have been made about them online and how they dealt with those complaints.  From time to time mistakes can happen.  But it is how a company deals with those mistakes that can show a great deal about how they would deal with you.  

Experience, education and certification 

Trade licencing requirements 

A contractor should easily be able to tell you how long they have been in business and have a valid business licence.  Beyond that there are other things you should ask.  Depending on the type of work you want done there are licencing requirements for different trades in Saskatchewan.  Ensuring that each trade has the proper licencing can prevent major issues down the line.  In Saskatchewan there are four compulsory apprenticeship trades. Electrician, Plumber, Refrigeration Mechanic and Sheet Metal Worker. To work in a compulsory apprenticeship trade you must have a journey person certificate or be registered as an apprentice with the SATCC. If one of the trades your contractor has working on your project claims to be a professional in this area ask for their certification. 

Ask for Examples of their work

Most contractors have tons of images of work they have done in the past.  See examples of their work can give you a good indication of the type of work they can do.  We do caution you however that sometimes that though they may be very lovely images you can't always be sure of the quality of the underlying work!

More info...

We hope this article helps you find the right contractor for your renovation project. We always hope you choose one of our Trusted Regina Contractors for any of your projects.   

If you are looking for more information about hiring a contractor we have several other articles that can help steer you in the right direction.

• The difference between a General Contractor vs Builder
• 5 Tips to Surviving a Renovation
• 10 Questions to Ask an Electrician Before Hiring
• Contractor and Renovators tip on hiring a Contractor - PART 1
• Contractor and Renovation expert shares a tip on hiring a Contractor - PART 2
• Renovation Expert shares a tip on Hiring a Professional
• 7 Smart Strategies for Bathroom Remodeling
• What is Trusted about and why do businesses want to be Trusted?

Condensation: 

Condensation on windows is a major issue for most homeowners in Regina. This issue affects new windows as much as old windows.

You might ask, why does my new window have condensation, that's why I replaced it? 

Well actually, if you don't adjust other factors in your home, your new window might gather more condensation than your old one.  This happens because your new window has created a better seal then your old window, which leads to less heat transfer.  A greater difference of temperature between the inside of your home and the exterior, the more likely you are to have condensation on your windows. This is highly evident during our lovely Regina winters. 

                                                    

What is condensation?

Condensation comes from the moisture in the air. As the air heats up, it expands, allowing it to contain more moisture, and vice versa when it cools.  The warm air from the inside of your home comes in contact with the colder glass pane in your window.  When this air reaches a cooling saturation point, the excess moisture liquifies, creating condensation.  Another thing to keep in mind is, the less amount of panes that your window has, the colder the inside pane will be which results in a higher chance of condensation .

Condensation on your windows and doors is most noticeable when the temperature outside drops quickly, creating a big difference between the inside and outside air. It is also noticeable in the early fall because during a humid summer, the home can absorb a fair amount of moisture, and when the temperature falls outside in the fall, this moisture becomes trapped inside the home, resulting in higher humidity levels and formation of condensation on the window.

Here they share 10 Tips to Perfect Vinyl Siding: 

Installing your own vinyl siding is a great way to save big, but it's not a job for the faint of heart. It requires careful planning, dangerous ladders, and basic DIY skills. If you plan on installing your own vinyl, it can be done but you'll need to understand a few basics fist. Use these 10 vinyl contractor tips and you'll be sure to get the perfect vinyl siding for your home or business.

• When you're removing old siding, always be sure you inspect the subwall for damages. Repair any problems or damages. Make certain that a waterproof membrane is intact around the entire structure. Ensure a Good Subwall is in Place-
• When you are measuring for siding, keep your measurements simple. Always round up odd shaped spaces and exclude doors and windows to account for waste. If you have to go back to buy more, chances are the colors will vary between factory batches. Buying Materials-
• Get Help- Never do any vinyl siding without at least one helper. In ideal installation scenarios, three people work one wall. This allows two people to be on ladders or scaffolding and one person to cut and handle materials.
• Layouts- When you are laying out starter strips around the exterior of your home, you want it as level to the soffit as possible. Always measure down from the soffit; never use a level to layout the starter strip.
• Lapping Measurements- Because vinyl expands and contracts with the rise and setting of the sun, it's recommended that you leave a ¼" gap on each end of the overall measurement to allow for expansion and prevent crinkling.
• Nailing- When you're nailing vinyl, always make sure you're setting the nail in the center of the groove to allow for expansion. Never set a nail head tight to allow for play in vinyl.

• Expansion Joints- When you're installing vinyl siding over a second story, it's best to add a wooden expansion joint at the seam. This will prevent any stress to the vinyl caused by expansion of the house.
• Hide the Seams- When vinyl siding overlaps, it creates a visible seam. Hide your seams by keeping them staggered. Also, start your siding from the opposite direction of the most viewed side to disguise lapped ends.
• Direct Sunlight- Too much direct sunlight can damage siding and make it brittle over time. You may want to use another material where heavy sunlight can damage vinyl.
• Vinyl is Final- Opt out for all vinyl soffit and fascia. It better matches your vinyl siding and it prevents oxidation that can occur between aluminum and vinyl. 

Here they share a tip on Window maintanace to keep your windows like new:  

Basic window maintenance can save you from the high costs of window replacement. While modern windows are certifiably energy efficient and impervious to air and water infiltration, older windows when properly cared for can still be made air- and water-tight.

For little investment, some routine maintenance will extend the life of your windows—while updating the look of your home and protecting it from the ravages of the elements.

Restoring and Painting Wood Framing 

Window frames with rotting wood can be saved if caught in time, with some cleaning, treatment and painting. Use a screwdriver to dig out any moisture-damaged wood, which hopefully has not been invaded by termites. Then prep the wood using water mixed with bleach, preferably nontoxic oxygen bleach, to clean away any mold and mildew. Then restore the framing by filling holes and cracks with a suitable wood epoxy, followed by a layer of wood protectant. The result is a permanent surface, which can be easily sanded and primed for painting.

Keeping window frames painted every couple of years is one of the top ways to protect and preserve your windows for decades. When finishes wear away, windows are not only permeable, but they become increasingly difficult to open and close.

Painting with a water-based acrylic reduces peeling. There are also acrylic-urethane paint blends, which are especially durable. Keeping windows well painted prolongs their life.

Maintaining Vinyl, Aluminum or Fiberglass

Vinyl, aluminum and fiberglass are not vulnerable to rotting like wood, but they should still be buffed and cleaned with a nontoxic or mild detergent solution to keep your home looking new.

Seal Windows to Stop Water Infiltration

Sealing windows with caulking should be a prime priority of your window maintenance. Water seeping through window frames and wall openings rots wood and causes damage to a home’s infrastructure over time. Seal the smallest openings in between the window and window framing—especially on the exterior of the window. The area in between the window and house structure should also be caulked tightly. 

Keep Weatherstripping Up-to-Date

Weatherstripping between the movable parts of window openings and framing, shields from wind and moisture. Cleaning it periodically keeps weatherstripping intact, but if too much is damaged, it’s best to replace all it. Types range from moisture-resistant vinyl to attractive, long-lasting metals. You can combine different types of weatherstripping to accommodate spaces.

Keeping Up Window Maintenance Keeps Your Home Up to Date

Keeping window framing clean, painted and caulked keeps windows functional—protecting your home’s infrastructure and enhancing energy efficiency. Taking care of your existing windows can save you from costly window replacements while keeping your home looking good.

Quick Tips:

• Basic window maintenance saves on energy costs and can keep you from needing expensive window replacements.

• Clean and restore wood window framing using epoxy, wood protectant and paint.

• Keeping window frames painted every couple of years is one of the top ways to protect and preserve your windows. (Water based acrylic paints won’t peel.)

• Vinyl, Aluminum or Fiberglass won’t rot like wood, but need cleaning for upkeep.

• Sealing the smallest openings around windows with caulk is essential for stopping water infiltration.

• Weatherstripping installed around window openings comes in materials from vinyl and metal to felt and open cell. Replace weatherstripping when it is dirty and worn.

• Window maintenance is an inexpensive home improvement, protecting your home while making it look more attractive.

From a Wife's Point of View!

Hire a Contractor...Don't marry one!  The contractor's house is ALWAYS last on the priority list. Below are images of our home which is always prtically completed but the vision is there. Notice all nice new windows and doors...and lack of siding!

Notice all nice new windows and doors...and lack of siding!