7 ways to save on home improvements & renovations

Hiring a professional tradesperson can bring certain challenges and surprises. Here's how to get exactly what you want at a fair price.

• Collect at least three different quotes (not estimates) for any professional job, and get them in writing.
• Make a careful list so you can ask each tradesperson the same questions.
• Make sure the tradesperson's full name and address is on the quote, so you can follow up with legal action if need be.

Getting the same tradesperson for multiple jobs could get you a better price. You may also save on further call-out fees.

• Know what you want done and be specific. Not only will this get you comparable quotes, but there will be less chance of a dispute when the job is finished.
• Don't believe the worker who explains that a vital part needs replacing at a cost of several hundred dollars. Demand the packaging, the receipt and the damaged part.
• Agree to a timetable of work and payments, and try to negotiate a rebate for every day the job is late.
• Get proper insurance before you proceed with major work. For any job, check that your worker is properly insured in case he damages your property.

• The deposit should be no more than 25% of the total cost.
• Negotiate a 10% retention at the end to give you, say, two weeks to one month to assess whether the job has been properly done.
• Check whether your province has legislation requiring construction lien holdbacks. If you don't hold back a certain sum, you may find yourself owing money to subcontractors the contractor failed to pay.

• If the delivery man won't wait while you check items are in good order, amend the delivery note to say "goods unseen" before you sign for them.
• Keep a detailed log of the work of any work done, and take regular photographs.
• Get receipts for every payment you make.
• Don't sign any satisfaction agreements until you are 100% satisfied.
• In case of problems, you can seek advice from your local Better Business Bureau.
• As a last resort, you can take legal action through the Small Claims Court.

• Make sure you understand what is happening at all times. Don't let tradespeople's jargon confuse you — if you don't understand exactly what is meant, ask.
• If you don't like something that has been done, say so at once.
• Write down any changes agreed upon mid-project.
• If you start running over budget, let the builder know.

• While doing some jobs yourself can save you money, you can't do everything. Before doing something yourself, check to see if a professional is required.
• By law, gas appliances must be installed by a specially licensed tradesperson.
• Electrical appliances must be installed to building code standards.
• Look out for dangerous working conditions, like working at height from an unsecured ladder.

The easiest way to keep your costs low during renovations and home improvements is to keep detailed records. No matter the job, from a new toilet to a new kitchen, make sure you get multiple quotes and keep track of every expense. At the end, you and your tradesperson will be happy with the work, and you could even save some money.