Before you search for a contractor, you must do some Homework about your specific home
improvement, stucco job. Your goal is not to become a technical expert. Instead, you want to
learn enough to ask the right questions and evaluate the answers. When problems exist in a
homeowner/contractor relationship, it is usually because the Homework step was skipped.
There are 10 questions you should ask a contractor before you consider doing business with them:
1. Does the contractor have a good reputation and track record?
Make sure your contractor is not a fly-by-night operation and has been providing quality service in your area. Look for supporting indicators such as does he has an office location and permanent signage on his vehicles? Does he have letterhead, company forms or are you getting your quotes on the back of an envelope? Is the contractor a registered member of reputable business organizations such as Better Business Bureau or Toronto Construction Association?
YES! Visit Canadian Stucco’s
office any time from 9 AM to 5 PM Monday to Friday.
2. Does the contractor carry general liability insurance?
Make sure your contractor carries general liability insurance. This type of insurance protects your property in case of damage caused by the contractor and/or their employees. The insurance company will pay for the cost of replacing and/or repairing any damage that might occur.
YES! Canadian Stucco has a valid 5 million general liability insurance.
3. Does the contractor carry workplace safety and insurance board (WSIB) certificate?
Make sure your contractor carries workman's compensation. Workman's compensation insurance protects you from liability if a worker is injured while on your property. Be aware that if the contractor doesn't carry workman's compensation coverage, YOU ARE liable for any injuries suffered by any of the contractor's employees on your property. If the contractor does carry workman's comp, ask him to show you a VALID copy of his policy.
YES! At Canadian Stucco, we understand the high risk of working on scaffolding - absolutely we are registered with the WSIB.
4. Does the contractor guarantee their work?
Your contractor should guarantee his work. Every job should be backed with a material and labor warranty. Many contractors will not guarantee in writing their work. Some may provide you with a one year workmanship warranty. Most faulty workmanship will be easily detected within one year time period. A manufacturer warranties their product for 5 years only if it’s installed according to the specifications and only by approved applicators. If your contractor won't guarantee it, don't buy it. If the warranty is to long (20 years) again don’t buy, you are dealing with a sales man.
YES! At Canadian Stucco we have five years “bumper to bumper” warranty.
5. Will the contractor provide you with written lien waivers if requested?
Your contractor should be willing to provide you with written lien waivers. Sub-contractors and suppliers have the right to file construction lien against your property if they are not paid by the contractor. Even though you may have paid the contractor for those materials or work, if he doesn't meet his obligations the supplier can look to you and, sue you. On the bigger jobs, you may want to get copies of lien waivers to protect yourself from these suits.
YES! Canadian Stucco can provide free of charge!
6. What is the contractor's after service support?
A stucco or restoration project does not end with the crew leaving the site after the last coat has been applied. Ask the Contractor if they have check lists that will be reviewed with you before you sign off. How do they deal with the small items and what is the timeframe for resolving all identified items.
YES! At Canadian Stucco we have a “walk through” process after each project!
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7. Who will be in charge of the job?
Ask who will be on the job every day? A foreman or superintendent, the business owner? This is especially significant on a large project where several workers and/or sub-contractors will be necessary to complete the project. If you will be gone during the day and will leave your home unlocked for the work to be completed, you do not want to be worried about what is going on when you are not there.
YES! At Canadian Stucco we build a long term relationship with our main employees.
8. How can they be reached (pager, cell phone, receptionist, or answering machine)?
There is a problem in the industry. Some guy, buys or leases himself a truck, decides to do or sell stucco for customers, than take some nice pictures from his neighborhood and suddenly he is a professional. Be aware of such fly by night Stucco Guy’s. Usually when something turns wrong, you never see them again, or they do repairs, just to make you happy but it is not really repaired well. Usually it is just quick fix. Next year you have a bigger problem and the “Stucco Guy” is long gone, or too bad, guarantee is over. Isn’t that a heart braking? You paid for it and now you have to pay again to have it repaired or removed.
YES! Canadian Stucco provides for all his customers not only the office number but the General Manager personal phone number too.
9. Will the contractor provide you written references?
A good contractor should gladly provide you references. You should look for a well established contractor who can give you several customer references - usually previous customers from the last 6 months to five years. Make sure and receive minimum 2 references from the contractor. You want to ensure that the contractor is financially sound and won't be declaring bankruptcy in the middle of your project.
YES! Canadian Stucco can provide original written references upon request.
10. Ask the contractor about how they handle their "dirty work".
Styrofoam, base and finish coat. It can get everywhere! Especially when sanding is being done, make sure the contractor will cover your windows, doors and roof with poly or driveway, patio deck, flowers with tarps. If possible have him seal off the construction site with a plastic drop cloth. Make sure it's understood you want the debris cleaned up at disposed at the end of the contract. Today the disposal of debris is more difficult and costly. Discuss the possibility of recycling or reusing building materials. This is definitely more responsible and can sometimes save you money.
YES! At Canadian Stucco the debris cleaned up at the end of each day.
Definitely YES! Canadian Stucco is recycling!
Do your Homework! Stucco is an investment; it is wise to check carefully how you invest your money!
1. Don’t rush into a project or take the first bid that comes along (including door-to-door solicitations).
2. Don’t accept a verbal estimate; it must be in writing.
3. Don’t make cash payments or full payment up front.
4. Don’t think you’ve discovered a great bargain if you get a bid that is substantially lower than other bids. Remember, you get what you pay for…and if it looks too good to be true, it probably is…
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