Construction advice for homeowners & site supers Straight talk from the jobsite.
Practical articles for homeowners hiring contractors and for the people running sites. They’re free, with no sign-up.
Free download: 12 questions to ask before you hire a contractor, a one-page printable checklist.
New to renovating? Start here: plan a home renovation in 6 steps, from first idea to final payment.
Doing it yourself? Home Renovation Planner & DIY Guide: scope, budget, materials and when to call a pro. CA$9.95, instant download.
How to review a contractor quote before you sign
Seven things to check, including scope, allowances, the payment schedule, change orders, timeline, permits and warranties. The lowest bid is rarely the lowest final cost.
Read the article →Contractor change orders: what to check before you approve one
Some change orders are legitimate. Hidden damage turns up and plans change. Here’s how to tell whether the change and its price are fair before you sign.
Read the article →Buying an older home in Victoria: 9 renovation risks
Oil tanks, asbestos, old wiring, Poly-B, drainage and more. What to check during your subject period, before the walls are open.
Read the article →Final payment on a BC renovation: holdback and deficiencies
How the 10% holdback works, how to run a final walkthrough and what to collect before you make the last payment.
Read the article →Construction site troubleshooting: 12 problems to catch before they become delays
A checklist for the afternoon before a big day on site.
- Current drawings & revisions
- Unresolved RFIs
- Predecessor work complete
- Trade conflicts
- Materials on site & correct
- Equipment & access
- Inspections scheduled
- Layout & elevations
- Changed site conditions
- Clear responsibilities
- Crew has the info
- Go / no-go decision
Your first 90 days as a site superintendent
A practical plan for new supers: taking over a project, daily reports, the three-week look-ahead, trade meetings and the mistakes to avoid.
Read the article →Winter construction checklist: rain and cold readiness
Erosion control, cold weather concrete, dry-in, temporary heat and weather delay records. Get the site ready before the weather shows up.
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