Inspiration & Planning

Choosing a Contractor, Designer or Supplier

Finding the perfect partners for your renovation may seem overwhelming, but we can help you find the best fit for your project. Listed below is the criteria you should look for in a contractor, decorator and supplier.

Contractors

The first thing you should look for in a contractor is if they have experience in renovating the room(s) you want to complete. If you have a friend or neighbour who recently renovated their bathroom or kitchen, ask them about their tradesperson. Once you have a list of contractors, you should:

• Ask for recommendations, call former clients or visit a current job site if possible to see if it’s neat and safe.
• Find out if they have any disciplinary history. Start by contacting your province’s Better Business Bureau.
• Make sure the contractor is licensed to work in your area, registered, bonded and insured.

Finally, once you check off all the boxes, get bids from your top three choices. Then, go beyond cost. Ask yourself, are you more comfortable with one contractor and their team than another? Do you have a good feeling about them? Trust your instincts.

Decorator

Like with contractors, asking friends for recommendations is a great place to start. If you have already selected your contractor, ask them if they work with a decorator. Since they will be working closely together, an established relationship will be beneficial. You should also look for a decorator who is:

• A good listener. Do they pay attention to what you want or push their preference?
• A lot of experience with many connections in the industry. These connections could result in discounts for you.
• A long list of qualifications.

You should also look at their portfolio. If you are inspired by it and like their style, then they are the decorator for you.

Suppliers

Your contractor or decorator may have a list of suppliers they prefer to work with, which is good news for you. These long-standing relationships may mean your tradespeople get special discounts and treatment. However, if you don’t like what their recommended supplier has to offer, it’s your right to choose another one. Look for a supplier that:

• Offers Energy Star rated appliances, fittings and fixtures.
• Has a good reputation with contractors and decorators.
• Features an impressive showroom
• Offers a wide range of styles, at a variety of prices.

You should also ask a supplier about their deposit, payment and delivery policies. If a store requires you to pay in-full and up front or doesn’t guarantee delivery times, you may want to see if another supplier offers the products you want.