This is a significant and exciting year for BILD. Not only are we celebrating our 100th anniversary as an association, but we are also marking the 20th anniversary of our renovator-specific RenoMark program.
The end of a renovation project is one of the busiest times, often with many questions and decisions that need to be made quickly. A RenoMark renovator will prepare you for this phase and walk you through the following steps:
- Substantial performance This is a legally defined stage in your project, as outlined in the Construction Lien Act, and means that the work on your project is about 97- to 98-per-cent complete. This starts the release of holdback funds that the client has kept and publicly tells all the trade companies that worked on your home that their final payments are pending.
- Final inspection Be diligent during your final inspection to catch any defects, damage or work that is not yet complete. Remember that you will have done many other inspections during the renovation process, giving you opportunities to catch problems as they arise.
- Create a ‘punch list’ This list will be the result of your final inspection and will list all items that need to be addressed. Adding new items to a punch list after it is created is typically not done, so make sure you’re thorough when you do your final inspection.
- Final homeowner approval Final approval is your opportunity to review all the completed items from your punch list. If there’s still a problem, don’t approve that item.
- Substantial completion This is a legal term defined in the Building Code, signifying that the house is safe and ready for the occupancy permit to be approved, thus allowing a homeowner to move back home.
- Learn your new systems and appliances Some contractors offer an ongoing maintenance program that can manage the replacement of air filters or other items.
- Review your warranty Be aware of everything that is included. If you aren’t sure about something, ask questions.
- Plan your move back in You can only move back after the city official has issued an Occupancy Permit.
- Notify your home insurance carrier You will need to update your insurance coverage, especially the details of your home (such as an addition).
Dave Wilkes is President and CEO of the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD), the voice of the home building, land development and professional renovation industry in the GTA. For the latest industry news and new home data, follow BILD on Twitter, @bildgta, or visit bildgta.ca .