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It's All In The Timing
Getting good help requires planning
Ottawa Citizen. April 16th, 2009
By Hugh Trueman
 Somewhere between making plans to renovate and actually enjoying the results, there lies an area that's like the Black Hole of Calcutta. It's easy enough to want to take advantage of the rebates I told you about in my last column, but if you haven't made plans to get started on your renovation project, you should probably move this task to the front burner. Companies have started to book jobs, and do-it-yourself projects always take longer than expected. Remember that you only have until the end of February 2010 to take advantage of the rebates.
I am a big proponent of do-it-yourself as long as you know how to do-it-yourself. But with a room as complicated as a bathroom, it is very easy to get in over your head. Even if you are good, sometimes it is best to concede to your time constraints and hire a professional.
That last word is the key--- 'professional.' Anyone with a hammer and tool belt can call themselves a renovator, so where do you start? How do you decide? What questions should you ask and how much should it cost? What protection do you have? These are just some of the questions you need to consider.
The Greater Ottawa Home Builder's Association has a designation that requires stringent ethical and professional standards. To earn the right to use the coveted RenoMark next to their name, each renovator must show ongoing due diligence in their work, their customer relations and to their fellow members. They must provide written contracts for every job. They must maintain a minimum of $2 million liability insurance and give a two-year warranty on all work.
Participating companies are listed at http://www.gohba.ca/. Another option is to talk to a Mondeau Showroom Consultant, who can connect you with some of the Mondeau Showroom Referral Program members.
Any way you handle it, make sure you have a very good level of communication with your contractor. Ask for references, and make sure you discuss your budget and expectations regarding money. It's a two-way street; you must be able to work with your contractor in a way that fosters fair and realistic timelines and expectations from both sides.
You can learn more about the details of 'Working with your contractor' by attending one of the free seminars offered by Mondeau Bathroom & Kitchen. Call the showroom at 613.831.6800 for details, or visit the Web site and register online at http://www.mondeau.ca/events.
Remember, things can go off track. Plan for the worst and if you don't feel comfortable, ask questions. It's your home and your money. You want to be able to enjoy the results of your renovation for a long time.
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