Exterior Renovation Advice
What I’d Tell Anyone Looking for Guidance
Article Written by
Ryan Vandenhaak
I’ll just say it: Renovations can suck.
Your hand might be forced because something in (or on) your home is visibly decaying and needs immediate attention.
Here’s what I tell anyone in your shoes — whether you’re a potential client, friend, or family member.
More than I want your money, I want you to choose the best option available to you. If this page can point you in the right direction, it’s done its job.
1. Don’t pay anyone that doesn’t understand your real problem
I’ll admit it: quoting and site-surveys can be a pain for all of us. I’ve lost track of how many jobs I’ve checked out in person only to see the job go to a cheaper contractor in the end (effectively donating my time and expertise to help someone else win the business).
But — site visits and a proper diagnosis of your problems are essential to knowing you’re paying for the right service for your home.
How a homeowner describes a problem and what a contractor finds on-site are not always the same thing. It’s important to both understand the root cause of any issues that need fixing.
If you get someone charismatic on the phone who exudes confidence but lacks on the details: it’s probably a sign. “If it’s too good to be true, it probably is” became a cliché for good reason.
2. Ask questions — and get clear answers — if you don’t understand something
Everyone’s busy. It’s easy to forget a client’s questions or fail to get back to someone in a timely manner. I’m not saying that’s reason in and of itself not to work with a contractor (or I’d be in trouble), but it is a sign you should slow down long enough to get a clear answer to your question before moving forward.
Anyone married understands that good communication is a bedrock to a good relationship. Hiring a contractor is no different.
Parter with people whom you fundamentally trust, and who demonstrate the right approach to educating you on exactly what’s happening with your home.
An honest contractor will have nothing to hide.
3. Align with your contractor on the goals of your project
Some clients (and contractors) are motivated primarily by a low price. Others prefer the highest quality. (Sidenote: those things are not always mutually exclusive.)
Ensure that you and the contractor both agree on:
What types of materials should be used on the job
What you’re expecting in the end
How you want to handle unexpected surprises during the renovation
Being clear about exactly what you’re looking for is a great way to weed out contractors that don’t align with your vision for your home.
4. Be clear about your budget. Honest contractors want to help you maximize it
It’s a common (and reasonable) fear: that if you state your total budget for a particular project, a contractor is going to find a way to spend every dollar of it (and maximize his profit in the process).
Quality contractors usually have the opposite problem: They want to take your budget and maximize every dollar of value you get out of it. Most of the time, it’s about bringing the project down to the size of the budget, and not the other way around.
Money’s a sensitive topic: I get it. If you’re ignorant about what to expect, sticker-shock can be a really real thing.
That’s why I wrote this article that provides rough estimates on average exterior renovations. If necessary, start there as a frame of reference.
5. If in doubt, ask for more economical options or get another quote
There is an art to comparing quotes from various contractors, as what you believe to be apples-to-apples comparisons may end up being nothing of the sort in the end.
If you’re communicating with a contractor you like (that you think you’d like to hire) but their quote was too high for you to consider, ask them if there are more economical alternatives that they can provide you. Not all projects have this flexibility, but they might be able to find cheaper materials or creative ways to cut labour costs. It’s worth an ask.
But, if you’re communicating with a contractor and you just have no idea if there quote aligns with industry standards or not, getting another quote is always an option. As the homeowner, you are the one driving the project. No one can tell you what to do.
Don’t settle for something you’re unhappy with.
That might seem like obvious advice, but it’s shocking how easy it is to forget.
Some contractors are ultra high-pressure and they move quick. If you have a pit in your stomach about anything, slow down long enough to feel confident moving to the next stage.
And, of course, I’m always available for a second opinion. Reach out to me and I’d love to chat with you.
