Fall is a busy time of the year for home renovations but unfortunately, it’s also high season for home contractor scams. This may come as a surprise to some because it’s not that often heard of; many people are ashamed of reporting that they’ve been duped. Often times, like with other scams it’s often that seniors are the most likely to be victimized — but anyone may fall prey to a slick grifter. And once ripped off, it’s highly unlikely to get that money back. So, how can you avoid a contractor scam? Knowing is half the battle. By knowing what clues to look for if approached with a too good to be true deal you can avoid falling prey to such scams.

When to be Suspicious

Anyone who knocks on your door and offers a ‘one day only’ deal because they happen to be in the neighborhood working on other projects is a prime example of an “opportunity” to be leery of. Keep in mind that the law in most areas require that such salespersons must be licensed with a business permit.

What to look for

A representative from a large company such as a serviceman or repairman will be in uniform with an ID badge, along with business cards that have a physical address of the company. These aren’t guarantees of trustworthiness but they certainly are more clues to legitimacy. If the offer seems legitimate and you’d like to investigate further, remember that it’s important not to feel pressured into anything until you are satisfied with obtaining all the necessary information.

What about payment?

Is there a preferred method of payment? It’s better not to pay in cash and if the demand is cash only, that’s dodgy. Using a credit card or check creates a record of the transaction – don’t forget to get receipts each time. Expect to pay 10 to 20 percent of the total job costs as a deposit after the contract is drawn up and signed. Be wary if more than that is demanded. If the project is comprised of many stages with a longer timeline, it’s likely the contractor will ask for payments to cover material costs. If so, make sure to set installments to align with completed tasks and include all of this in detail in the contract.

Get references

Any reputable contractor would be proud to show his work off. If possible, visit a current site that is being worked on. Contact the references and ask about how well they performed, how satisfied they are with the finished work and whether they would hire them again to do more work. Ask to see what they built. It’s best to hire a company that is bonded and insured and offers a warranty. Call their insurance company and ask for a copy of the policy for proof they are currently insured. Do background checks on the company such as calling the Better Business Bureau or other regulatory agencies to make sure no complaints have been lodged. When interviewing, get a least three detailed estimates of a similar scope to get a good idea of the true cost of your desired project.

Be savvy

With any business deal the old adage is true - “let the buyer beware” - but there’s no need to get paranoid. There are many reputable companies that do excellent work.  By knowing what to be watch out for, first time renovators have nothing to fear when it comes to hiring the right company to build a dream house.

Planning on getting tickets to the Fall Home Show Oct 1-4, 2009 at the Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place? You can easily buy tickets online and by entering the promo code: RENOVATION, you’ll save $4 off the door price.

The Calgary Home & Interior Design Show is happening this weekend so it’s not too late to pick up some last minute tickets. Buy online and use the same promo code: RENOVATION to save $4 off the original price.

Hope to see you there!

As the economy is picking up (or so they tell us in the news), it looks like home construction and the home improvement industry are too. All perfect timing for the upcoming fall home shows across North America where hungry home enthusiasts can meet their fave TV makeover show celeb, get a first look at the latest trends & technologies and find those dream items and unexpected treasures.

In Canada

First up it’s the Calgary Home & Interior Design Show running Sept 17th-20th

Fall Home Show 2009 , Oct 01 - Oct 04, Toronto, ON

Vancouver Home + Interior Design Show, Oct 15 - Oct 18, Vancouver, BC

In the US:

Orlando Home Show, Sep 18 - Sep 20, Orlando, FL

Capital Home Show, Sep 25 - Sep 27, Washington, D.C., DC

Jacksonville Fall Home & Patio Show, Oct 01 - Oct 04, Jacksonville, FL

Deseret News Fall Home Show, Oct 09 - Oct 11, Salt Lake City, UT

If you know of any home shows in your local area please let us know!

by Rob Wright

In the present economic climate it may be hard to believe that there is a shortage of workers in parts of our economy.  Currently there is one in the construction trades and it will get worse, before it gets better.

So why do we have this shortage?

Is it because 20 or 30 years ago we thought this work would be taken over by machines? Is it because parents didn’t want their children to work hard physically or to get dirty? Is it because most people think it is not well paid?  Is it because smart people aren’t needed?

I have heard all of these false reasons many times.  Also the governments of the past, did cut back on the training for the trades and apprenticeships.

While more and better machines are now available to do some parts of the work, a person is still needed to run them.  Some of the trades’ wages are very impressive and when you consider that the apprentices start at +/- 50% of the journeyman wage; you could be earning $15/hr to start; to sweep up, fetch materials, and learn right out of high school.  Getting paid to learn is a lot easier than college or university on mom and dad!

After you have been working in the trade for a few years; you could be running several crews, or you could be running a multi million dollar job site, or you could be running your own business.  The possibilities are there.

While there are a small number of jobs that don’t require much thought, but if you can’t do basic math and/or plan ahead, you are not going to go far.  You have to be able calculate materials amounts, understand how things are assembled and see the big picture.

So how bad is the problem?  Most of the trades have average worker ages of mid 40’s, and some trades wish they were that young. The bricklayers’ average is mid 50’s.

This means that a lot of talented people are going to retire shortly and the skills they have honed over the years, will not be passed on to the younger generation.

This means that it will get a lot more expensive in the future for your homes, office buildings, power plants, shopping centers, and factories to be built and repaired.

While the governments have started to fund the trades and the schools, more young people need to enter these programs to satisfy the demand for new tradesmen.  More and more women are looking to work or train in non-traditional industries, an opportunity to choose a career which fulfils their true potential at the same time as meeting employers needs by addressing the huge skill shortages across these industries.

The trades give you a job that is physically and mentally demanding; that you can see what you accomplished that day, week, or year; that can be very well paid; you will work with and meet interesting people everyday; and provide all the satisfaction you could ever want!

About the Author

Rob Wright has grown up around construction and in the mid 1990’s, Rob joined and took over Citadel Renovations in Ottawa. Rob has presented seminars at the local home shows on various renovations subjects and is a contributor to the Home Renovation Guide. Rob has been active in the Greater Ottawa Home Builders Association for many years and previously served as the Renovation Council Chair. For more information, visit CitadelRenovations.com.

Education is your best friend when it comes to building a greener life. It’s not the easiest way to live for most of us in a hectic 9 -5, but it’s good to know there are doable steps that will bring you closer to making an impact (versus being a pseudo green washer with a head full of half-truths and slogans). There are many simple and cheap steps we can take to increase energy efficiency, reduce waste and toxicity.

Using less electricity is the easiest way to conserve energy. In the home, bringing in sunlight keeps the light switches off and in winter, your home will absorb its heat (remember to cover windows at night). Installing a skylight can cut down on heating, cooling and lighting costs and conserve energy and they are durable, long-lasting and trouble free. Drips and drabs of wasted energy can be prevented by unplugging unused appliances. “Phantom load” is energy that is that in use/wasted via plugged in appliances although they are shut off. Plugging everything into a power bar makes it easy to turn everything off with a single switch.

If replacing your furnaces, appliances, or toilets use Energy Star models as these versions can use 15% less than standard types. Switch to fluorescent bulbs, take military showers (water on only to wet and rinse, off while sudsing) and use a programmable thermostat (turn up a degree in the summer and down one degree in the winter); these changes will make a difference on your heating bill.

Do an energy audit by yourself, or bring an expert for an all over inspection. Small air leaks via windows, insulation, doorways can easily be sealed with caulk, etc., - - how many you have may surprise you. Add more insulation to plug in the leaks in your attic or to further retain heat in the home. Look for new types of insulation made of recycled newspapers and denim.

And speaking of other recycled materials, consider reusing as much as you can of what you already have especially in a renovation. Ask you contractor about what existing materials can be converted to other use, or can be refinished. Refacing kitchen cabinets is less wasteful than a complete renovation. Consider using old lumber/reclaimed wood instead of buying new. Visit your nearest Habitat for Humanity ReStore for unexpected finds or make a donation of your extra unused material. And when it comes to material finishes and paints, look for VOC (volatile organic compounds) and formaldehyde-free products.

Do you have other helpful green tips? Please let us know!

Find more energy efficiency tips in The Home Renovation Guide’s Article Library.