The prospect of replacing one’s roof or completing an exterior remodeling project can be a daunting task for anyone. There are considerations of budgets, appearance, products, quality, and how to navigate the process.
The staff at ARR® are here to help you. We believe the best way is to provide information and options where they may exist and to explain those details so you have understanding and confidence in the decisions you will make concerning your business or home.
Some people fear being “sold”. Likely because they do not want to be pushed, or have had a prior bad construction investment that resulted in upset or aggravation.
Knowledge is power. Whether you choose to work with us or others, the more information you have and the more education on the process and realities of completing a construction project; you will gain trust that you have made the right decisions for yourself and your family.
It is worthwhile to learn how to properly evaluate a construction proposal. Most people have the idea to get a number of bids. Likely, one will discover that prices will be varied between contractors. On the surface, many people will conclude that some prices appear high and some will be low, and some may be in the middle. Why such differences in price?
The key is to discern the differences and similarities, not just on the materials being specified, but the methods being used, and perhaps most important of all, is checking the contractor’s business itself. There is a reason that some bids are higher than others, and often with vast price differences that can puzzle the consumer.
Factually in the construction industry, you can’t get good for cheap. Materials cost everyone about the same, qualified labour costs everyone about the same. The other variables can be many that influence the price.
A famous writer from the mid 1,800’s once written: “There are few things in this world that cannot be manufactured cheaper or faster, but to that end, let that man be their lawful prey”. That phrase holds true today.
There are many good contractors in the GTA both large and small. From a consumer’s perspective, what should matter is that there are necessary elements in place to insure that the contractor can remain in business to honour their work because at the end of the day, it is your hard-earned money being spent.
Contractors that may charge too little, signal that they may not have the experience to account for their true costs of being in business. Factually, four in five contractor businesses fail within the first five years according to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.™
The most commonly cited items that contractors fail to account for include: Proper liability insurance, government payroll requirements, HST submittal, sales costs, warranty costs, direct and indirect operating costs, etc.
Such contractors while well-meaning or even skilled well in their trade, can find themselves in a position of too much or not enough consistent work volume, and end up in a position of “robbing Peter to pay Paul”.
Check that the contractor business is financially stable, and has good supplier relations.
Check for a permanent/established business location. Visit that location. A picture is worth a thousand words.
Does a contractor have sufficient insurance and proof of WSIB coverage to complete the work described?
Does the business request or encourage payment in cash? This signals that the business avoids paying taxes and remittances that other contractors who are playing by the rules and obeying the law must do. While it can seem tempting to get a “bargain”, the reality is you will likely have trouble in the future and it puts the property owner at risk for liability. Factually you will forfeit any rights you may have under the law to protect your interests.
When you have checked to insure that you are receiving bids from like-kind organizations, the next process involves finding out the similarities and differences in products and methods. Insist on learning what the critical details used in the job will be.
Consider this:
- A good roofer using good products will typically result in a good job.
- A good roofer using bad products will eventually result in a poor job.
- A bad roofer using good products will likely result in a poor job.
- A bad roofer using bad products will almost assuredly result in a poor job.
While the above statements seem to be common sense, many people have experienced the pitfalls of not considering these facts when making a construction investment decision. Everyone can make mistakes from time to time, and errors can happen, but you want to choose a contractor who can take responsibility and make the situation right. That is the cost of doing business and truly taking care of one’s customers.
Our estimating team, whether for commercial, industrial, institutional, or residential projects, are pleased to meet with you and take the time to provide the advice you need and to answer your questions. The time you spend will be worth it.