Where can I find a builder or contractor? I could not answer this question for one of my clients when he was asked a little over 3 years ago. Today is another story, and I am pleased to report that after many years of frustration, I understood how to minimize my chances of making a costly mistake when hiring a home builder in Toronto.
When you call someone who claims that you can build your dream home, how do you know that you can trust him? Well, one way would be to ask to speak with a client who is in your common place, who had a customized house made for them at least 1 - 3 years ago. Other recommendations from previous clients living near you would also be helpful, but make sure you can contact them. This should not be too difficult, since you live in one common area. Take a short drive (recommended) or give them a quick phone call.
My experience and travels in the field of real estate led me to several incredible, skilled, talented and very very honest builders and luxury contractors. Those that attracted me the most, and those that I would highly recommend to my friends and clients, are builders and contractors. I get a good idea of those who meet with me as a perfectionist, and also very proud of my work and, if I may say so, consider all my projects under the brand.
I found great information about these builders and contractors in one key area. Keeping your promises. If they fulfill the smallest promises they have made to you, then most likely they will pass through all the big ones. Being on time is something incredibly important. In one case, I booked a meeting with a potential builder, and he was 45 minutes late. This appointment served as an interview for him to decide whether we would consider him for work. The fact that he was 45 minutes late (I actually think he forgot about us at first) showed us that he didn’t take the interview enough. Such an attitude, in my opinion, would lead to a recipe for disaster.
Is there anything more unpleasant than investing so much of your hard-earned money, time and energy in creating a beautiful, custom-built house, or a renovation project made for you, just so that everything happens wrong? This is what I ran into with many clients as a real estate broker. Everything from lanterns seeping into crumbling kitchens. This should no longer happen, and for me, wow, what pleasure and relief will finally be able to offer and recommend to my friends and clients the opportunity to find a quality home builder or contractor specializing in all kinds of additions and repairs, a word man and a luxury home builder who is behind his work!
Here are some tips to consider when choosing the right builder or restorer for you:
1. Ask someone you know and trust him. Word of mouth is very powerful.
2. Interviews with at least three past clients in Toronto and a list of questions prepared for them, including “how long have they been doing business?”.
3. Price is important, but more focused on material quality and workmanship.
4. Get their written guarantee.
5. Ask past customers and don't just say their word for it, do the basics, call and / or visit them.
6. Call and check them using the Toronto Business News Bureau.
7. Do not hurry with the contract. Give yourself some time to review all the information you receive, and then use your instincts. The project will certainly be a partnership between you and the builder, so ask yourself this question: “Is this a person / builder / contractor that I see that I have a good working relationship for the time needed to complete this project?”
These are just a few tips to help you make the right decision when deciding whether to create a home, luxury or even a contractor extension. Happy building, happy update!
