The Third Step to Renovation Success: Get a Written Contract

Over the last few weeks, we have discussed how crucial planning is to your renovation's success and the importance of hiring a RenoMark™ renovator. In this blog post, we'll review why having a written contract is an absolute necessity for every home renovation project.

When you've made your decision to hire a contractor, get the details in writing before any work begins.

In "Read Before You Renovate," Renomark advises homeowners to ensure all contracts include:

• the precise scope of work;
• the exact price, including a schedule of payments;
• a reasonable timetable for completing work;
• and any instructions for protecting parts of the house not under construction.

Iron out all the details before signing the contract.
Once construction begins, significant changes to the design plan or material choices can cause delays and incur added costs. If your renovator and design professional aren't seeing eye-to-eye on procedures or materials, make sure the issues are resolved before the contract is signed.

At Monarch, you will receive copies of your approved final detailed plans, as well as documents outlining the exact products and services we provide.

Avoid renovators who offer to work without a contract to avoid a HST payment.
While it may be tempting to hire a renovator who is willing to work without a signed contract (and save you the HST), it should also serve as a red flag. The renovator may also not be paying provincial worker's compensation coverage or carrying adequate insurance, leaving you at financial risk.

Read more about asking the right questions of your potential renovation contractor in Home Renovations -- Don't Get Hustled!
 

Related: The First Step to Renovation Success: Carefully Plan Your Project
               The Second Step to Renovation Success: RenoMark™ Renovator

Are you ready to renovate? Contact Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre at 905-686-2001.

Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre Helps Feed the Need in Durham Region

After a week of ice storms and power outages, it is our pleasure to say goodbye to 2013 and welcome in a brand new year!

We are pleased to announce that thanks to the generosity of our design team and the thoughtfulness of our clients, Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre was able to drop off a substantial amount of food to Feed the Need in Durham last month.

Feed the Need in Durham is a non-profit charitable organization that delivers food to food banks, soup kitchens, community service centres, shelters, drop-in centres and breakfast feed programs.

Our thanks to everyone who took the time to drop off food at our showroom.

Monarch Kitchen Helps Give Kids the Competitive Edge

Nigel Wilson runs The Competitive Edge Summer Camps

Former major league hitter Nigel Wilson has a long list of accomplishments under his belt.

Signed by the Blue Jays at the young age of 16, Nigel was drafted first by the Florida Marlins in 1993 and left MLB for a successful baseball career in Japan. From 1997 to 1999, he led the Japanese Baseball League in home runs, and is only the second player in Japanese history to hit home runs in four consecutive at-bats. Recently, he was selected to participate in the 2013 World Baseball Classic as hitting coach for Great Britain's team.

At The Competitive Edge in Ajax, Nigel dedicates his time to teaching young athletes the finer points of baseball. With the assistance of private and corporate sponsorships, Nigel is able to provide summer camp opportunities to many of Durham Region's youth, many of whom would not be able to participate without financial aid. At summer camp, players enjoy lessons on hitting, infielding, outfielding, pitching, base running and game situations.

Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre is a proud sponsor of The Competitive Edge summer camps and encourages you to participate in this worthwhile program in 2013.

To learn more about The Competitive Edge summer camps and their training facility, visit www.the-competitive-edge.ca.

Nigel Wilson's Competitive Edge 2012 Summer Camp sponsored by Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre