Cutting corners is costly
Previously, I wrote about the impact of Trump’s tariff threats on Canada’s home renovation industry. While it has had a minimal effect on reno-related supply chains to this point, it is giving pause to homeowners who are concerned about job security.
Overall, home renovations are going ahead. For anyone proceeding with one while cutting corners to save money, I offer a strong word of caution.
Far too often I’ve seen homeowners attempting to save money upfront by moving forward on major projects with building permits based on basic plans, skipping critical design and costing work from qualified builders and avoiding required procedures.
I want to highlight the very real consequences of cutting corners, particularly related to the latter.
Even small to medium-scale renovations require proper permitting and licensed trades. As I wrote in a previous article, one of the most overlooked but legally mandatory steps before demolition is a Designated Substance Survey (DSS). A qualified professional service, such as the Healthy Abode, looks for asbestos, lead and other hazardous materials. Based on their findings, they produce a DSS to instruct the builder on a remediation plan, if needed. If you don’t have a DSS, you are not just cutting corners, you are breaking the law in Ontario.
If your project is more than $50,000 or involves hazardous activities such as asbestos removal, it requires a Ministry of Labour Notice of Project (NOP), submitted by the builder to the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development prior to construction. It informs the Ministry where the project is located, its scope, estimated cost, relevant safety details and who is responsible.
Failure to submit a NOP and produce a DSS risks shutdowns and fines, as well as legal liabilities if an injury is involved. These consequences are very real.
A neighbouring project to ours, similar in scope, was shut down twice because they failed to obtain a DSS, despite the presence of asbestos, and file the Ministry notice.
Their effort to cut corners only led to escalating costs and delays, not to mention a very real health hazard for the workers!
I cannot emphasize enough the importance of hiring a qualified and accredited professional builder to renovate your home. It may not seem like it at first, but in doing so, you really will have better control over your project.
Professional builders who work with you to develop a detailed and fully costed plan offer transparency and accountability in an industry where trust is everything. They also offer a reality check on what your project will actually cost and what to prioritize if needed.
To accommodate a limited budget, homeowners are sometimes advised to plan their renovations in stages. Note, though, that even phased renovations require full up-front planning, in addition to roughing in electrical, plumbing and air sealing considerations for future phases.
Bottom line – rather than cut corners, plan well to make the most out of your project budget.