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You may deal with a builder or a contractor if you buy a new home, have one custom built or require renovations for a preowned home.
To confirm a builder’s credibility and quality, ask for references. Talk to other customers about the builder’s work or check with the new home warranty program.
If you're buying a new home from a contractor or a builder, visit other housing developments that the company has built. You can also ask builders or contractors if they are a member of a local home builders' association, or ask for a provincial license number to ensure your contractor is registered.
If you're building a custom home, you may also want to hire an architect. Standard architects fees are 10% of the total project cost.
Builders of custom homes and renovators usually work on either a fixed-price or a cost-plus formula. Your contract should outline what the payment type is. All contracts with a builder should be as specific as possible about construction details, right down to the brand name or model number of any finishes. Any changes to your contract should be initialed by you.
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