Top 3 home renovation scams – and how to avoid them

 

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Top 3 home renovation scams – and how to avoid them

(NC) Home makeovers and repairs are on the rise, as we try to make our spaces more livable and functional. But even if you prefer to DIY most projects, some inevitably require the help of a professional. Finding a reliable contractor is where you can run into trouble, as there are many contractor scams in the industry.  

“While on the ground supporting our customers, some have told us that they have been approached by contractors going door-to-door to offer repair services with deals that seem too good to be true,” explains Bryant Vernon, Chief Claims Officer at Aviva Canada. “It’s important for everyone to protect themselves against contractors who may be taking advantage of homeowners especially after a severe weather event.” 

Here are some of the most common scams to beware of, and some tips on what you can do about them: 

The storm chaser. 

These nomad roofers go across the country chasing hailstorms and other natural disasters. They are quick to show up on your doorstep after a severe weather event. Familiar with how insurance companies work, these contractors charge a hefty amount using inferior quality products and promise to help you close your file quickly with the insurance company. But they are nowhere to be found should you find yourself with a leaky roof a few years later. 

The unbelievably low bid.

This roofing contractor will offer a bid that is far lower than any other construction companies in the area. But once the job starts, unexpected costs and unforeseen problems may suddenly appear. Some contractors may even resort to removing the old roof or threaten to leave the roof bare if additional payments aren’t made. 

The door-to-door free roof inspection. 

Similar to the storm chaser, this door-to-door salesperson will come knocking offering a free roof inspection. They will go up on your roof and possibly fabricate damage to mimic storm damage or show you a photo with roof damage from a different home and claim it came from your roof. 

What you can do 

Always do your research and get a couple of quotes from reputable companies to compare before deciding on the one to hire. Be cautious of those asking for upfront deposits and make sure the payment structure is clear from the beginning. Ask about all the steps of the project, completion times, and liability insurance. While not required by law, a company that does not have liability insurance means any damage to property resulting from the renovation may not be covered by them. 

Find more information at aviva.ca/en/tools/approved-vendor-and-contractors-program.  

 

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Top home renovations to invest in this fall

(NC) Today, many families are focused on improving their homes instead of spending money on vacations and entertainment outside. With autumn as your last major chance to renovate before the winter, here are some of the best projects to tackle now for maximum enjoyment of your space.

Upgrade your kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of your home, and where you’ll be spending lots of time cooking for the holidays and entertaining your small social circle. So, give it a facelift to make sure it’s a bright and welcoming environment. A great DIY project is painting the cabinets in a bold or warm shade and updating the hardware in a metallic neutral. You can also invest in sleek, energy-efficient appliances for a clean, modern aesthetic and get fresh seasonal linens for your tablescape.   

Finish your basement
A finished basement extends your living space and has an excellent return on investment. It’s also the perfect place to turn into a spacious dedicated home office, so you can finally stop working on your dining table or couch and boost your productivity and comfort. But whether you want to turn your basement into that, a rec room or in-law suite, the first step is installing a high-performance subfloor. The best option for this is Dricore subfloor panels, which are designed with air gap technology to help protect against mould and moisture and keep floors dry, comfortable and cozy all year. It’s an easy DIY project, as the panels are easy to install and a room only takes half a day to do.

Elevate your exteriors
Not only does the exterior of your home make the first impression, it can also extend your living space – which is crucial when we’re working, living and playing at home. Make the most of it with areas you can spend time in even when the temperature drops. For example, you can create a sitting area to relax in or host smaller outdoor get-togethers for your social bubble by screening in your porch or installing an awning over your backyard patio. Laying down Dricore panels can work here too, as they will make cold surface feel warmer, softer and cozier for your feet. Complete the space with a heating lamp and you’ll be able to enjoy your exteriors almost all year-round.