SPRING: WHEN A YOUNG MAN’S FANCY TURNS TO

…RENOVATIONS…

There is another saying that begins like that; but this is the one that begins our story.  After a long winter, the young homeowners were finally able to walk in their backyard, look longingly at the empty space, and wonder what it would be like to have a new family room addition.  They each had their own ideas about what it should look like and, while there were some hiccups along the way, they were able to come up with a compromise that satisfied them both.  They drew up some basic plans and called a contractor who advertised on a telephone pole near their home.

He showed up as scheduled; well actually one hour late, and they had the basic discussion about what they wanted.  The contractor asked them what they were prepared to spend and promised to be back the next evening with an estimate.  Sure enough, the estimate came in within 10% of what they had told him they could afford.  Attached to the contract was a list of what the contractor was going to do and a payment schedule.  Of the $35,000.00 contract, the deposit was $10,000.00 (for materials, he said) and with a quick schedule of further payments.  The entire job was to take 1 month.

Digging was done quickly and another payment became due.  The foundation was poured and another payment became due.  The framing was done and another payment became due.  Before you knew it, the contractor had $30,000.00 and the job was 40% done.  Then he stopped showing up.  Calls were ignored, promises were made then broken.  Then his phone was disconnected.  Just to make things worse, a lien was placed on the house by a subcontractor who hadn’t been paid the $5,000.00 he had been promised for his work.

This  is an all-to-common story.  The renovation business is one of the least controlled businesses around.  Anyone can call themselves a contractor, start advertising and start taking deposits from unwary homeowners.  There is no government protection for consumers, so we must take our own  measures to protect ourselves.

Get references and check them; look at past projects; talk to your friends and neighbours.  Make sure the payment schedule reflects the work schedule so the contractor never has too much of your money before doing the work.  It is just too tempting to walk away.  Let your lawyer look at the contract.

An addition to a home can be a dream come true if you just take reasonable precautions to protect yourself.

Brian McMurter is a lifelong Durham resident practicing real estate; wills; and estates in Whitby.