If you’re anything like me, when it comes to home projects—whether it’s a full-scale renovation or just adding a new deck—you want everything to go smoothly, with as little stress as possible. I’ve learned that finding the right contractor is key to making that happen, especially here in cottage country where we live, where the logistics can sometimes be tricky.
As a decorator and someone about to start a new home build myself here in cottage country, I know firsthand how important it is to have trustworthy, skilled tradespeople on your side. I’ve been through this process with clients, and now I’m about to live it myself as we kick off building our dream home this spring (and yes, I’ll be sharing all the details!).
So, I wanted to pass along a few tips I’ve picked up along the way to help you find the perfect contractor to bring your vision to life—whether you’re dreaming of a lakeside escape or a cozy city home. Keep reading, and by the end, you’ll be ready and fully prepared for your next project:
Consider What Projects Need To Be Completed
Before you start the process of finding a reliable contractor, figure out exactly what projects you need done. It’s important to do this step first, as it can get expensive quickly when you change your mind about details mid-project!
Take some time to think carefully about the area(s) of your home you want to renovate. How do you want the area to look once it’s completed? Are there parts of the process or features that are non-negotiable for you? Make note of these details! Having a clearly written and detailed list makes it easier to find a contractor that is the perfect fit for your project.
Find Trusted Professionals
Once you’re clear on your project outcome, it’s time to start looking for a contractor to hire. Not sure where to find a reliable tradesperson? Here are my suggestions:
Look At Your Local Hardware Store OR Building Centre
At our family’s hardware store in Bobcaygeon, we often have cottagers or homeowners who come in and ask if we know a good electrician, plumber, or other home renovation professional. We have a pegboard in-store with subcontractor business cards to point customers to when they’re in need! So check in with your local hardware store or building centre to see if they offer a similar service, or if any of the staff have any recommendations.
Word of mouth
Asking for referrals is a great way to get a trusted recommendation! Ask your neighbours or try searching in any local Facebook groups for your community. Whether a contractor or tradesperson has a good or bad reputation, you’re going to find out when you start asking around in your community.
Search Online
Check out your local business directory to find painters, contractors, architects, and other home professionals in your area. Google is an easy way to find multiple contractors in your area at once– simply search for “[type of contractor] near me”.
Ask Contractors You See In Your Neighbourhood
See any contractors working in your area? Approach them and ask for their card! We did this ourselves recently when we saw a window-washing business and a pest control company in our neighbourhood. It’s a great way to see the contractor’s work before you hire them. Alternatively, if you’re in need of some caffeine, you can kill two birds with one stone by finding the local coffee shop that tradespeople frequent in the morning before heading to their jobs!
Do Your Research
Once you get recommendations, it’s important to do your own research for each contractor before hiring them. Make sure you look at:
Open and Honest Communication
Trust is an important part of your relationship with your home renovation contractor. You should feel confident sharing any feedback and trust that they can bring your dreams to life.
Check For Credentials and Licenses
Don’t forget to make sure your contractor can legally complete your project! Ask for and verify any credentials of any contractors before you hire them. In Ontario, certifications or licenses can vary depending on the trade and municipality, but any trustworthy contractor should be more than willing to prove they have them.
Look For Feedback
Finally, read testimonials and ask for references from previous customers. Search for testimonials online on Google, social media, or on the company website. A reliable contractor should have no problem providing customer references before you hire them.
When reviewing testimonials and references, pay attention to how the contractor’s former customers talk about their work. Is the contractor reliable and always meeting deadlines? Are they consistently and clearly communicating with their clients? Do they finish their projects without cutting any corners? Seeing positive feedback like this in testimonials is a great sign that the contractor is consistently reliable.
Get An Estimate Before Proceeding
Once you’ve done your research, it’s time to get an estimate. Share the detailed project list you created with your contractor for them to give you an accurate estimate.
If it’s a pricey project with a long timeline, I recommend you get written estimates from at least three contractors before proceeding. Compare the estimates by looking at the pricing, the timelines, and the project outcomes.
When getting a written estimate, make sure it includes:
- A list of the work required to complete the job. Make sure this includes everything you’ve communicated with the contractor
- The project timeline (specifically, when the project will start and end)
- The full cost of the project
If anything is not specifically included in the estimate, clarify with your contractor if it will cost extra (or potentially take more time).
Consider the Contractor’s Availability
Once you’ve done your research, review the timeline provided by each contractor in your written estimates. Do these timelines match up with your renovation needs?
Keep in mind, home renovation projects often require multiple professionals, including designers, electricians, and other subcontractors. Make sure the contractor you choose has availability and can complete your project within the agreed-upon timeframe. You don’t want to work with a contractor who has overbooked themselves and will inevitably have delays in your project.
Most importantly, don’t forget to plan ahead of time! Tradespeople are extremely busy right now, and it’s worth it to be patient and kind for an excellent project outcome. Don’t burn bridges with a reliable tradesperson– they can be difficult to find, and they speak amongst themselves.
Ask Questions!
Lastly, before hiring any contractor, remember that it’s okay to ask questions. Any professional should be more than willing to answer any and all of your questions before you sign a contract.
Here are some questions you can ask before hiring:
- What happens if there are delays? How do you communicate about delays in projects?
- Have you worked on similar projects before?
- What happens if there are changes to the scope of the project?
Finding the right contractor for your home project, whether in cottage country or beyond, can feel overwhelming, but with these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a smooth and successful experience. Trust me, having the right team makes all the difference in bringing your vision to life. I’m certainly excited to be working with some incredibly skilled contractors for our own new home build!
And if you ever need a little extra help pulling it all together, I offer in-person decorating and colour consultations here in the Kawartha Lakes area. For those outside the area, I also offer online consultations, so no matter where you are, you can still get the guidance you need to create a home you love. And be sure to follow me on social for ongoing inspiration!
