We’ve all pretended not to see it: a two-by-four piece of lumber painted white that serves as a baseboard. Misaligned tile from a DIY patch job. Brown and yellow-streaked walls from a roof repair gone wrong.
Although we applaud the resourcefulness of all those handymen and handywomen, as well as would-be weekend warriors, amateurs beware — home reno can leave a mark. That promise of an inexpensive remodel is attractive, but without specialized knowledge it typically leads to bigger problems later. Property owners in Toronto that tap the expertise of a qualified contractor will almost always realize this as well.
Hiring a Professional Contractor: Pros and Cons
While some clients might believe that they can cut costs on their own, we are here to tell you that’s not always the best approach. From our years of experience in renovating all types of structures, we’ve put together a list of pros and cons of hiring professionals to help with your renovation. They include:
- Specialized expertise
- Comprehensive project management
- High-quality workmanship
- Warranty and insurance
Professional Contractors Are Experienced and Reliable
When you contract with a professional renovation service, you benefit from the expertise of an experienced crew. A licensed contractor is much more likely to do the job right, whether it be from a small or large project, and they won’t leave you with any surprises at the end…or in between! For example, Canadian builders have to know their building codes and keep up on materials and techniques in kitchen reno. An amateur? Not so much.
Full Project Management
Professional renovators manage every facet, from preparation to implementation of your project. They take care of suppliers, permits and keep each phase on track according to the timeline and budget. This is important for large projects such as whole house renovations or commercial space upgrades where many trades and contractors are involved.
High-Quality Workmanship
Professional craftspeople follow industry standards and best practices in the work they do to ensure you get a quality output. This is apparent in projects like basement renovations and other large-scale renos where precise workmanship and quality finishes are key.
Warranty and Insurance
Most reputable renovation companies will offer warranties for their work and are insured for added protection. On the other hand, you might not get the same level of confidence with a local handyman, and you may find yourself having to pay for more work if there are issues.
The Cons In Hiring A Professional Contractor
Yes, there are some cons to hiring a professional, but the pros definitely outweigh them as you will receive both high quality and a guarantee your money has been used well. The drawbacks include:
- Higher initial cost
- Longer initial timeframes
We emphasize initial costs and initial time frames because cutting corners can often result in delays and budget overages in the long run. Although contractors on the surface appear more expensive and have longer timeframes for completion, you really do get what you pay. Often, the costs are directly related to the quality of materials and level or service you can expect. Therefore, cutting corners on cost and time by working with a handyman who promises a lower cost often results in more headaches.
For example, the same handyman who promises to do a job at half the price and twice as fast may not have an understanding of how much time it takes to get the necessary permits, source special materials, or follow safety guidelines. Consequently, when an amateur encounters an unexpected problem, they may have to wait longer to resolve it than what would be required by someone with more professional expertise.
Advantages of Appointing a Handyman Service
There are some benefits of hiring a handyman service. They include:
- Lower initial cost
- Flexibility
Lower Initial Cost
While handyman services tend to be less expensive up front, they are more suitable for the smaller tasks or minor fixes. This is great for a homeowner that needs to make simple updates.
Flexibility
The other benefit to handyman services is that they can typically start projects sooner and have more flexible schedules than larger renovation companies. This could be useful for those who want to get a quick repair done or another small job.
The Cons of Handyman Services
Hiring a handyman service has several significant drawbacks that often outweigh the benefits, such as:
- Limited experience and/or expertise
- Lack of quality assurance
- Inconsistent results
- No warranty or insurance
- No project management oversight
Limited Expertise
Most handyman services do not possess the critical skills necessary to take on extensive renovations. A handyman, for example, may not be able to handle a complete kitchen or basement renovation like you would otherwise. Things like architectural millwork, specialty finishes and other custom craftsmanship may appear less perfect than desired which can lead to re-do’s taking more time and a few extra loonies.
Quality and Consistency
The quality of work from a handyman can vary greatly. When it comes to a full house renovation or even an open concept living space, your final result may not be what you had hoped for without the high standards a professional services must meet.
No Warranty or Guarantee
Most handyman services do not have warranties and may also be uninsured. That can be a risk, as it leaves you wide open to potential extra costs if something goes wrong during or after the reno.
No Project Management Oversight
Many handyman services do not offer project management. This leaves you vulnerable to budget overages, delays, and other hiccups that could be easily mitigated by a dedicated project manager.
Need for Professional Renovation Services
Hiring a professional renovation service for your home or commercial space is more reliable, offers a better quality outcome, and provides you with peace at mind. Sure, handymen are fine for these little simple jobs, but nothing can get in the way of what a professional contractor brings to the table; quality craftsmanship paired with beautiful finishes — all while turning your space into something to be proud of.