How to avoid hiring the wrong contractor for your next renovation or home build
This article was prompted by an email we received from an “almost” client (A.K.A. a client who almost worked with us but decided not to, because they received a much lower quote for the work). See the screenshot below.
Haters will say this email isn’t real, but it is.
This is an email we received from a lovely family that bought a home that they were looking to renovate before they moved into it. Instead of working with us (we priced it out and they didn’t like the price), they decided to trust one of their friends who was in the construction industry to take on the project for them instead.
It ended up in shambles, they are no longer friends, and there are a lot of regrets about their decision to blend business with their personal lives. We received this email after the renovations were “completed”, but there were way too many issues to count so did it really count as complete? We’d say no.
The above situation isn’t an isolated incident. One-third of Ontario homeowners have been victims of renovation scams and countless more have been part of renovations gone wrong. Almost half know someone who has been scammed. These aren't just statistics. They represent real people with damaged homes, depleted bank accounts, and renovation dreams turned into nightmares.
At BVM Contracting, we've spent over 25 years in Toronto's residential construction industry. We've seen firsthand what happens when homeowners prioritize price over quality and experience. The consequences extend far beyond financial loss.
The Hidden Costs Behind the Lowest Bid
When comparing contractor quotes, the lowest bid often seems most attractive. But experienced builders (and homeowners who have undergone previous major renovations or builds) understand a fundamental economic principle: Good, Fast, Cheap – you can only pick two.
This isn't just industry wisdom. It's mathematics.
Quality work requires skilled labor, proper materials, and thorough planning. Rushing increases mistakes. Cutting costs means cutting corners. Something always gives.
The data confirms this reality. 78% of homeowners go over budget on renovation projects. Of those, 44% exceed their budget by at least $5,000, while 35% go over by $10,000 or more.
When a quote seems too good to be true, it usually is.
Beyond Budget Blowouts
Financial overruns are just the beginning. The wrong contractor brings additional costs that never appear on any invoice:
Time lost to delays and rework.
Stress from managing problems.
Relationships strained by disagreements.
And potentially, legal expenses to resolve disputes.
The emotional toll can be substantial. Almost half of those who experienced contractor fraud reported significant impacts on their mental health.
We've consulted with numerous Toronto homeowners who initially chose lower-bid contractors, only to call us later for help fixing substandard work. By then, they've typically spent more than our original quote would have cost and are trying to pick up the pieces of a failed construction project.
Why Toronto's Renovation Market Is Particularly Challenging
Toronto presents unique renovation challenges. Our housing stock includes many century homes with hidden issues that only become apparent once walls are opened.
Older homes often conceal outdated electrical systems, plumbing problems, and structural issues that must be addressed to meet current building codes.
Inexperienced or unscrupulous contractors may provide quotes that ignore these potential complications. We recommend including between a 5 to 10 percent contingency in renovation budgets to start for unexpected expenses, especially in older homes. The more work you do upfront to understand the existing conditions of the home (which we do with every single one of our projects), the more accurate your scope of work and budget will be for your project.
Without proper planning before a project starts, these surprises can derail projects and budgets.
Red Flags When Selecting a Contractor
How can you spot potential problems before they start? Watch for these warning signs:
Unusually low bids compared to other quotes.
Vague contracts lacking specifics.
Requests for large upfront payments.
Reluctance to provide references or show previous work.
Pressure to make immediate decisions.
Most importantly, pay attention to the pre-construction process. Does the contractor take time to thoroughly understand your project? Do they explain potential challenges? Are they transparent about costs? Do they itemize their scope? Do they offer insight into ways to save money on your project? If the answer is no to any of these you should save yourself the trouble and look elsewhere.
In our experience, the quality of planning often predicts the quality of execution. If you are unwilling to properly plan your project before it starts you are going to end up with a project that is riddled with costly mistakes and huge regrets.
The Value of Thorough Pre-Construction
At BVM Contracting, we believe proper planning prevents poor performance. That's why we offer the most comprehensive pre-construction services in Toronto's residential market at no charge.
This isn't standard practice in our industry. Most contractors charge for detailed planning or skip it entirely. We invest this time because we know it builds trust and leads to better outcomes.
Our pre-construction process includes property zoning analysis, detailed scope development, and transparent budgeting. We maintain an extensive database of past projects to provide realistic cost expectations for similar work.
This approach allows us to identify potential issues before work begins, preventing the mid-project surprises that cause budget overruns and delays.
Quality Contractors as Investment, Not Expense
When evaluating renovation quotes, we encourage homeowners to shift their perspective. Quality contractors aren't an expense to minimize. They're an investment in your property's value and your peace of mind.
Consider the long-term return on investment. Will the work add lasting value? Will it meet your needs for years to come? Will it pass inspection and comply with building codes?
The true cost of a renovation includes not just the initial price, but also future maintenance, repairs, and potential remediation of poor workmanship.
Making an Informed Decision
As a family-owned business operating in Toronto since 1997, we've built our reputation on transparency and education. We believe informed homeowners make better decisions about their renovation projects.
Before selecting any contractor, we recommend:
Obtaining multiple detailed quotes.
Checking references and viewing past work.
Understanding what permits your project requires.
Having a clear, written contract.
Being wary of prices significantly below market rates.
Most importantly, choose a contractor who values communication and demonstrates thoroughness from the first meeting onwards. We are a favourite among homeowners who have already been through a major renovation before and do not want to repeat the traumatic history of their previous project.
Building Trust in an Untrustworthy Industry
We recognize that residential construction has earned its reputation for misinformation and disappointment. Too many homeowners have stories of projects gone wrong.
Our mission is to change that narrative by providing an honest, educational lens for residential construction in Toronto. We aim to be the beacon of hope in an otherwise untrustworthy industry.
Whether you choose BVM Contracting or another company for your renovation, we hope this information helps you avoid becoming another renovation regret statistic.
Your home deserves better. And so do you.
About BVM COntracting
BVM Contracting is a full-service General Contractor or Home Builder located in Toronto. We provide home renovation and building services for major home renovations (kitchen renovations, bathroom renovations, basement renovations, full interior renovations, home additions, lot severances, new home construction, multi-unit renovations, garden suite construction, and laneway suite construction). Our goal is to help guide our clients through the process of renovating their home, from concept to completion.
Further than providing General Contracting and Project Management for major home renovations, we also offer value-added services such as renovation financing, renovation rebate consultations and services, building permit and design services, smart home installation services, and real estate investor services.
To learn more about our offering by visiting our services page.