Just like we trust our retirement planning to our investment advisor and our appendectomy to a surgeon, when it comes to home renovations, some jobs are best left to a professional.

After all, the last thing you want 鈥� for the safety of your family, and the equity in your home 鈥� is to suffer the consequences of an ill-advised DIY electrical or framing project!

But when it comes to a home renovation, you have even more reasons to consult a professional contractor, says Stephen Tomes, owner of and in 91原创.

鈥淧eople don鈥檛 realize how much is involved before you start digging hole,鈥� Tomes says. 鈥淭he pre-construction process typically accounts for about 8 to 10 per cent of the overall budget, and can take between 6 to 8 weeks, but it鈥檚 vital to ensuring renovation is a success.鈥�

1. They know their stuff 鈥� Choosing a professional, licensed contractor, insured and in good standing with WCB, gives you peace of mind, knowing they have the skills to get the job done right, and the experience to help you determine an accurate budget for your goals.

   With this in mind, it鈥檚 also important to choose a contractor with the right skill set for your unique project 鈥� do they have experience in 鈥済reen鈥� renovations or with waterfront properties, for example? Have they tackled a project as substantial as yours before? This experience will help prevent unwanted surprises and cost jumps that can easily happen when a renovator gets in over their head, Tomes notes.

   Be sure to also ask for 鈥� and check! 鈥� references: Would previous clients hire the contractor for another project?

2. They look after the myriad details 鈥� As soon as you start planning a renovation, you鈥檙e faced with innumerable applications and decisions. From applying for building permits to arranging surveys to creating professional drawings, a professional contractor knows what needs to be done when, and is well-versed in working with local municipalities on permitting, inspections and numerous other requirements. Plus, leaving your contractor with the 鈥渉eadache鈥� tasks leaves you free for the fun stuff, like selecting fixtures and paint colours!

   鈥淭his is a key reason why you need to hire us 鈥� we have the experience of working with all these jurisdictions and City departments you often need to deal with during a renovation,鈥� Tomes notes.

3. They have the right connections 鈥� The last thing you want is to start on your dream project, only to learn your plumbing team or drywallers have left for a more lucrative 鈥� or better organized 鈥� project. The truth is, in the current market, trades are in such high demand that using a general contractor with established industry relationships is vital to completing a project on time and on budget.

To get the help you need to make your home renovation dreams a reality, call Kingsmere Construction at 604-897-5680 or visit New Trendz Flooring and More at . Visit online at and

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