- Architectural drawings? Check.
- Building permits? Check.
- 50+ photos from Pinterest that inspire me? Check.
- Notice of project from the Ministry of Labour? Wait, what?
- Locates? Hold on a minute, I…
- Notified my insurance broker that I’m renovating? Woah… um… No.
Construction is more than just brick and mortar. It is more than having a good blueprint. It’s about hiring and working with the right people. It’s about due diligence and safety. Everyone deserves to be safe at work and go home to their family at the end of the day.
You will never go wrong by hiring the right people.
Do your research and ask for references. The least expensive isn’t always the best. For that matter, neither is the middle price or the most expensive. It’s about finding who you trust that is important. Who will be there to assist when unforeseen items come up? Make sure you ask questions and hire the right people.
When hiring a qualified general contractor (GC), they will handle items that you may not have thought of. Things like safety fencing around an excavation and making sure all sub trades on site have proper insurance/ training. Hiring a general contractor for larger projects is usually the right way to go.
As an owner, being informed is part of your homework. Do your due diligence. Notify your insurance broker when you will be carrying out a renovation or new build. Will you be moving out of your residence during the renovation or building a new commercial building perhaps? Builder’s risk insurance may be required.
Yes, contractors have their own insurance. That doesn’t mean it covers you for everything. As the owner, you must also inquire about your own, personal insurance. Sure it will cost a bit more but it will be worth it to be covered for the unforeseen.
Here is a quick list of items that you may require:
A Notice of project from the Ministry of Labour.
This is required for any project that costs $50,000 or more. Is your General Contractor taking care of this or are you? (are you the general)?
Locates.
These are required whenever you plan on digging no matter the depth or location. Is your GC taking care of this or are you? (are you the general)?
Insurance requirements for your personal property
Are all sub trades insured? Do they have ‘’working at heights’’ training when required? Is your General Contractor overseeing this or are you? (are you the general)?
Who is coordinating the permit inspections?
Do propane tanks have to be relocated before you start work?
Will the road need to be temporarily blocked to bring dump trucks in and out of the job site?
Having your cousin work on weekends for pizza and drinks? Maybe not the best idea. A sub trade doesn’t have insurance? Better get that fixed before they show up on site. Safety fencing came down on Friday afternoon by accident? You’ll have to fix that before heading to the cottage so no one gets hurt.
Bottom line: If you are planning on being the general contractor then you are responsible for everyone and everything that is on site. Messy job site? Stay on top of it.
Final thought:
Regardless of who the general is or what the scope of work is, safety remains the top priority. Make sure you do your homework and know what you are getting into. Hire the right people. It may cost you a bit more to do things right but it’s worth it.
A properly planned project will be much less stressful for everyone and will have a better success rate in the end.
Happy planning and stay safe!
Drafting and Design. What’s the difference?
