How to Find a Good Basement Contractor in Toronto

When remodeling your basement, one of the most important decisions a homeowner will make is hiring a basement contractor. Having the right basement renovation company makes all the difference. This is why taking the time to find a team of experienced renovation contractors in Toronto is imperative.

What Makes a Basement Contractor in Toronto Worth Hiring

The search for a basement renovation contractor in Toronto or the GTA can be somewhat tedious. However, you should keep in mind that investing in an experienced renovation company will save you a lot of trouble in every aspect.

Learn how you can narrow down your options with your basement renovation project:

Word of mouth is one of the best ways to advertise. If someone you know is pleased with a renovation contractor’s work in their home, they will recommend their services to you. On the other hand, they can also warn you if they have had a bad experience with a renovation contractor.

Google is the modern-day phone book where you can find a list of basement renovation contractors in Toronto. Since Google ranks companies based on certain criteria and delivers all the basic information about the company in the search results. By entering keywords like “basement renovation in Toronto” you can see a list of renovation contractors in the area. The higher up a basement renovation company appears on the results page is, the more reputable it is.

There are plenty of websites that provide a platform for customers to rate contractors in various fields. Customers give reviews on a basement renovation company based on how well it handled a basement renovation job. Previous clients also express their overall satisfaction of the contractor they hired. Such reviews will give you a good indication of how well a company performs.

This is something you should do before committing to a contractor. A company may look good on paper, but it’s wise to assess how you feel when you interact with them. Write down a list of questions you have and ask potential contractors to answer your questions.

Ask them about previous projects and their qualifications. You need to be satisfied that you are dealing with a reputable company and often a phone call or a visit to the company can give you an idea of how the company conducts business.

Trust a Qualified Basement Contractor

Once you find a renovation company to work on your basement, check the company’s name in the Consumer Beware List to make sure there aren’t any charges or complaints against it. Remember that renovations are expensive. To save yourself the trouble of a poor renovation job, do your homework and look for a basement contractor that is bonded, insured, licensed, and experienced.

The additional space you get from your basement remodeling will undoubtedly improve the value of your home. Consider the advantages, like extra storage space, adding a new room to rent out, or maybe using the space as an office.

Many homeowners choose to undertake renovations without the assistance of experts, especially if the renovations are minor. Those who take the DIY path, eventually realize that hiring a basement renovation firm is usually the best option. Not only will they do a professional job, but they will also ensure that your space is optimally utilized.

If you’re a homeowner in Toronto and plan to get your basement renovated, then it’s important that you find the right man or firm for the job. You need to find a contractor that is reputable and reliable. How do you do that? The following tips will help you get started with your basement renovation project.

Setting a Budget for Basement Renovation

One of the most important things you can do when starting a basement renovation project or any remodeling project, for that matter, is to set a budget. Then hire a contractor who will work within your budget. When it comes to renovations, costs can add up quickly.

The following are the primary factors that contribute to the final cost of your renovation:

  • Basement size
  • Appliances and fixtures that need to be installed
  • Any type of preparatory work required, such as waterproofing
  • The quality of materials to be used
  • The complexity of your desired renovation design

The average basement renovation cost in Toronto ranges from $35 to $55 per square foot. Costs tend to be generally similar across Canada but depending on the factors mentioned above, as well as any additional upgrades and customizations, renovation prices may vary.

Below are some estimates on the average costs per material:

  • Framing: $15 to $30 per linear foot of wall space
  • Drywall: $40 to $60 if using standard 8×4 feet drywall panels at $1.50 per square foot
  • Plumbing: $1,500 to $15,000 (depending on the number of fixtures to be installed)
  • Ceilings: Around $1 to $6 per square foot, or $12 to $30 per panel if using sheet panels
  • Painting: $3 to $7 per square foot
  • Electrical: $50 to $100 per hour for a professional electrician’s fee
  • Flooring: $1 to $8 per square foot if using vinyl, $7 to $12 per square foot if using carpet, and $5 to $20 per square foot if using ceramic tiles

What to Do Before the Renovation

There are a few things you should do before the contractor arrives to start work on your basement:

  • Clear Out the Space: One thing you need to do before the contractor’s arrival is clear out the space. This may mean moving furniture and other items stored in your basement to another room or renting a storage unit for a short period.
  • Make Sure There’s Adequate Lighting: Another important thing to do is ensure adequate lighting in the basement. Basements rarely have enough natural light, and the absence of sufficient light can make it difficult for the contractor to do a good job. If the lighting in your basement is inadequate, a renovation is also a good time to consider the lighting in your design.
  • Prepare for Dust and Noise: Since renovations can be messy and noisy, it’s important to prepare yourself and your family for the disruption. If you have young kids or pets at home that might be affected by the noise, you might consider making alternative arrangements.
  • Get Permits: In some cases, you may need to get permits from your local municipality before the contractor can start work on your basement. Check with the contractor ahead of time to see if they will be responsible for the permits.
  • Check Your Insurance Coverage: It’s also important to check with your insurance company to see if your policy covers any damages that may occur during the renovation project.

Tips For Hiring a Contractor

The construction industry has a poor reputation. You may have heard family members, friends, or colleagues sharing about their frustration when dealing with a contractor or the terrible experience they may have had. The good news is there are many good contractors out there. You only need to find them, and to do that right, you should know what to look for when hiring a contractor for renovations.

Here’s how you can narrow down your options with your basement renovation project:

Ask around. Word of mouth is one of the most effective ways people promote service providers. Check with friends, family members, and neighbors about the contractors they may have worked with. If you have zeroed in on a contractor, check what people are saying about them.  Client reviews will give you a good indication of how good and reliable a contractor is. You want to see a lot of completed projects with excellent feedback. One without the other could suggest a negative connection between experience and client satisfaction.

Google is the modern-day phone book where you can find a list of basement renovation contractors in Toronto. Google ranks companies based on certain criteria and delivers all the basic information about the company in the search results.By entering keywords like “basement renovation in Toronto,” you can see a list of renovation contractors in the area. The higher up a basement renovation company appears on the results page, the more reputable it is.

When you have a list of potential contractors, it is best to check their credentials and portfolios. Evaluate the contractor’s work for yourself by checking out their past projects.  Look into the contractor’s licensing and insurance since Toronto contractors must have a license from the city in order to work. A reputed basement remodeling firm only works with certified and licensed experts and keeps them up to date on examinations and certifications. This includes electrical, plumbing, and building contractors.

This is your chance to ask any questions you may have about the job they are proposing. By interviewing a few contractors, you will get a good sense of who would be the best for the job. The best contractor should be able to provide a detailed scope of work, timeframe, and budget for the project. They should also be willing to answer any questions you have about the project. A company may look good on paper, but it’s wise to assess how you feel when interacting with them. Write down a list of questions you have and ask potential contractors to answer your questions. Ask them about previous projects and their qualifications. You need to be satisfied that you are dealing with a reputable firm or contractor, and often a phone call or a visit to their premises can give you an idea of how the company conducts business.

A good contractor will be able to provide you with an estimate for the entire renovation project, so you know exactly what to expect. And, given their experience in the industry, that should not be very difficult for them. You must get several estimates from different contractors so you can compare prices and make sure you’re getting the best deal.

Did the basement renovation contractor arrive on time for your scheduled meeting? Did he seem interested in the work? Was his estimate comprehensive, and did he have a deadline? These are all good indications that the contractor is reliable and will do good work. Avoid employing a basement renovation company if you are not convinced it is the best fit for you or if you find they do not answer your questions satisfactorily. If you have any doubts about the contractor, it’s best to move on and find someone else.

Once you find a renovation company to work on your basement, check the company or contractor’s name in the Consumer Beware List to ensure there aren’t any charges or complaints against them. Remember that renovations are expensive. To save yourself the trouble of a poor or shoddy renovation job, it’s important that you do your homework. That involves looking for a basement contractor that is bonded, insured, licensed, and experienced. A reliable contractor will also provide you with a written warranty. This way, you’re assured that they will be available should something go wrong after the completion of the project.

Conclusion

Basement renovations can be a great way to increase the value of your home while also providing you with additional living space. However, it’s important to carefully consider all aspects of the project before getting started, from the contractor you hire to the permits you’ll need. Planning will ensure that your basement renovation goes smoothly and is exactly as you’d hoped.

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