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ANDERSON WINDOWS
 
Improving Window Energy Efficiency
Consumer information for selecting the right windows including how to reduce heat loss and condensation in this 12-page pdf guide		 Consumer's Guide to Buying Energy-Efficient Windows & Doors
A 50-page pdf booklet to help make wise choices when selecting window and door products. Topics include window performance, condensation, high-performance windows, doors, patio doors and skylights and more.

CONDENSATION FACTS

RENOVATION TIPS

First, you'll need to decide who should perform the work:
  • hire the services of an experienced contractor
  • or take on that role yourself.

If you're handy with power tools and skilled with blueprints, you may elect to do-it-yourself.

Take a good look at your options to determine the game plan that works best for you. While renovations can be costly, doing it yourself is not always the cheapest solution. While you may significantly reduce your project costs, other factors should be taken into account before you proceed.

Time

You'll likely be using up valuable spare time - perhaps even vacation time - to work on your project. And because of your time constraints, the whole project could take longer and cause more disruption than if someone else performed the work.

Skill

In general, you can undertake any type of renovation project yourself provided you have the necessary permits, follow local building codes and have the work inspected by appropriate authorities as required. In some places, however, certain types of jobs such as plumbing, wiring or work on heating systems must be carried out by licensed tradespeople.

While it's probably sound advice to leave the more hazardous jobs such as roofing, or the more structural jobs such as pouring a foundation, to the experts, getting involved in any project beyond your skill level can be costly in the long run. Calling in a professional to undo what you have done can quickly put a dent in any renovation budget.

Savings on Materials

Because it's their business, trades people generally purchase building materials more cheaply than individuals. If these savings are passed on to you, you may find it more reasonably priced than you think to contract the job out entirely. As a final note, be sure to take into account the cost of any special tools or equipment you'll need to buy or rent before deciding to take on the project yourself.

Doing the work yourself

Larger projects generally require the services of a variety of trades people such as general carpenters, roofers, plumbers, electricians and painters.

For those who have the time and the skills to manage this type of project, acting as the general contractor and hiring the individual tradespeople or subcontractors yourself can potentially save you a great deal of money - some estimate as much as 20% of the value of your project.

As general contractor you will be required to coordinate the efforts and schedule of the entire work crew; to order materials and schedule delivery; to pay workers, suppliers and subcontractors and to supervise the quality of the work being done each step of the way. You will also be responsible for maintaining adequate public liability and property damage insurance during the job as well as workers' compensation coverage in case of an accident.

Be prepared to commit yourself to spending as much time as needed on your renovation, and make sure that you have an in-depth understanding of the process involved.

Contracting out the work

For larger projects, or for those who do not have the time or know-how, hiring a general contractor usually is the best solution.

Essentially, the contractor assumes full responsibility for coordinating the work, obtaining materials as required, and ensuring that the work is performed on time and according to the standards of quality you require.

A contractor is more than a coordinator that gets the job done. A contractor has hands-on field experience and can tell the difference between what looks good on paper and what actually works. Involving your contractor early on at the planning stage could potentially save you a lot of money.

As the home owner, all you will need to do is determine the scope of the work to be done, provide the work crew with the space they need to complete the job, inform the contractor of any errors or deficiencies as soon as possible and pay the bill.

The Plans

Developing plans and specifications can be either a very simple step that you can do yourself, or a much more complex task requiring the services of a professional. It all depends on the scope of your project and your particular experience and skills.

Many building supply centres and renovation superstores provide ready-made plans, or can help you customize a plan and then put together your specifications. They'll also be able to help you determine whether your project would benefit from the input of a professional.

Specialized design consultants, like kitchen design consultants, can create a complete plan for you, and may also act as contractors if your entire renovation falls within their area of specialization.

Many general contractors are also equipped to develop plans and specifications. If you were planning to hire a contractor anyway, this may prove to be the best solution for you. Note that because this is a separate step from the actual execution of your renovation, you will be charged separately for the plans.

Finally, for a particularly extensive project, you may want to or have to retain the services of an architect.

Things to consider

1. Know the local building regulations.

Make certain that the renovations you are planning comply with local zoning by-laws. Check with the building department of your municipality before beginning and find out what permits or licenses may be required.

2. Be realistic.

If you plan to do the renovations yourself, be realistic about the time and skills you possess. Allow adequate time to have the job completed and get professional assistance - or at least have a back-up plan - in case the job proves to be more than you can handle.

3. Make the work site easily accessible.

Ensure that the crew has adequate space to work and access to the specific facilities they need. Remove furniture and valuables as required.

4. Keep an eye on it.

Whether you decide to be your own contractor or whether you hire a contractor to oversee the whole project, keep a close watch as the work progresses to avoid having small problems become major ones.

5. Understand the warranties.

Make sure you understand exactly what is covered by warranties or guarantees and how long they are in effect. And get it in writing!

6. Protect your investment.

If your improvements add significant value to your home, speak to your insurance agent about additional coverage.

7. Be sure your renovations fit.

Consider carefully before undertaking renovations that are inconsistent with your neighbourhood, whether it's by overvaluing your house for the area or by selecting an obviously different style of architecture. You may not recover some or all of your costs when you sell.

8. Check out your home insurance policy.

Find out exactly what your home insurance policy covers during the renovation. Some policies, for instance, don't cover the theft or damage of uninstalled building materials (bricks, lumber, etc.) if you have moved out of the house during the renovation.

 

CHECKLIST

  • Read books and magazines, talk to your local renovation/building supply centre. Once you have a good idea of what you want, prepare a detailed description of your renovation project. Put as much of it as possible in writing.

  • Get a clear picture of your current financial situation. Set a goal to stay within budget. If you need financing, determine how much you can borrow, and allow a contingency.

  • Spend as much time as needed fleshing out your plans and specifications, whether you do this yourself or hire out. The better the planning, the smoother the execution.

  • If you have decided not to do the work yourself, have at least three contractors bid on the job, submitting detailed written quotes.

  • Choose the best contractor for the job, taking into consideration the quote, the start and completion dates, and the contractor's experience, professionalism and references.

  • Have a detailed contract drawn up which specifies, among other details, the terms of payment.

  • Regularly check the work being done. Tell your contractor about any problems or errors as soon as you notice them.

  • Make your payments to the contractor according to the terms of your contract, being sure to hold back a portion of each payment to protect yourself against potential liens on your property.

  • Once the work is completed to your satisfaction and you are certain that no undischarged liens have been placed on your property, make your final payment to the contractor. Then sit back and enjoy!

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