(Photo credit: Djun Kim/Flickr)
When you’re shopping around for a contractor, you’ve likely heard some candidates say they’re a member of the RenoMark program.
If you’ve never heard of this certification before, we can fill you in on why you might consider hiring someone who has it.
The RenoMark is a program started by the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) in Toronto in 2001. Since its inception, the mark has garnered support from the Canadian Home Builders’ Association and the Ontario Home Builders’ Association and it’s now used in nine provinces across Canada.
The home renovation industry has ballooned thanks to the HGTV effect with its GDP contributions reaching $63.4 billion, according to CBC News. Homeowners have either taken it upon themselves to handle some DIY renovations, but others are relying on contractors to help them transform their houses into dream homes.
What sets a RenoMark contractor apart?
We’ve all heard horror stories of renovation jobs gone wrong, whether a contractor installs shoddy cabinets or they’ve stopped doing the work midway and aren’t taking your phone calls. With homeowners investing an average of $19,754 into renovations this year, according to a survey by the CIBC, the RenoMark can help you choose the right contractor for the job.
One key difference with RenoMark contractors is that to be a member, they must follow a specific code of conduct and a code of ethics, which should help assuage your fears. The code of conduct sets certain expectations in how you can expect a contractor to handle your business.
Some of the points include: returning your phone call within two business days, which means no more chasing down contractors; offering a two-year minimum warranty on the work they do, excluding minor repairs, which offers peace of mind; carrying the necessary licenses and permits, which eases your worries that they know what they’re doing; having a minimum $2 million liability insurance policy and giving customers a written contract that also includes a scope of the work involved. (A detailed written contract can make a difference in whether you’re able to take legal action for renovation work done on your home.)
They also need to be a member of their local Canadian Home Builders’ Association, which shows you that you’re hiring a professional.
Of course, you’ll still want to do your due diligence of checking their references before making a decision, but the RenoMark can help you narrow down your list of candidates.
Tell us: Did you use a contractor who had a RenoMark?
If you’ve done a major renovation to your property, such as added a new addition to your home, this could make you eligible for an HST rebate. Rebate4U can help you receive the maximum HST housing rebate. Our priority is to provide our clients with the most professional and quality service in obtaining rebates for their new and renovated homes. We are proud to offer our clients the most personal and attentive service, and we make sure that all of our clients are 100% satisfied.