Navigating construction and renovation projects for faith community buildings requires careful planning and consideration. Unlike residential projects, these projects can demand specialized expertise and understanding of community needs. While handling some tasks yourself can minimize costs and risks, professional assistance is often needed. Choosing the right contractor can sometimes be a stressful decision. This blog shares four essential tips to ensure you know how to make an informed decision and hire the best contractor for your building project.
Tip 1: Ask Around
It is essential to recognize that faith community buildings differ significantly from residential homes. Your go-to contractor for home projects may not necessarily have the expertise required for commercial buildings, which can vary based on size and usage. If you have a trusted contractor in mind, ask about their experience with buildings of similar size and type. If they lack experience in this area, consider asking for recommendations from professionals who they trust.
You can also consult your municipality’s building official, especially in smaller municipalities, for referrals. They will usually provide several names without favouritism but will suggest people who make their lives easier. Local insurance companies follow a similar approach, due to liability concerns. These recommendations will help narrow down your options. Additionally, don’t be afraid to reach out to neighbouring communities of faith, regardless of denomination or faith. They may recommend experienced contractors who understand how faith communities work.
Tip 2: Compare Quotes
Projects Located in the City
In a big city, receiving multiple quotes is important. Unfortunately, larger urban areas can attract fly-by-night contractors who may disappear after delivering shoddy work. By gathering several quotes you can better compare prices, services, and deliverables. This not only helps you understand the market rate in your area but also allows you to identify any outliers who may be underbidding to win the contract without the intention or capability to deliver quality work and others who are overcharging.
Additionally, multiple quotes give you leverage to negotiate better terms and understand what is included in each contractor's offer. For instance, some quotes might include cleanup services, and warranties, while others might charge extra for these services. Being aware of these details helps you avoid hidden costs and choose a contractor who offers the best value for your budget.
Projects Located in Small and Rural Towns
For those in small towns, shopping around can be more challenging. Getting three quotes may not be possible for a certain trade. However, the advantage of small-town and rural contractors is you can’t do terrible work and get away with it for long. In a close-knit community, everyone knows everyone, and word travels fast, so maintaining a good reputation is crucial. This often means that you might end up using "Chris’s Contracting" simply because it's the only option available.
Expanding your search to a nearby town or city can be more difficult and may drive up costs. However, if the contractor from another town is more competent, the quality of the result is what ultimately matters most. On the other hand, if the local contractor is willing to learn and is keen to get involved, then that becomes a conversation for your board. Some of the best outcomes, in my opinion, come from those who are keen to learn and do things right.
Tip 3: Confirm Reputability
Call References
When evaluating potential contractors, it's crucial to call references and ask detailed, tough questions. Inquire about how they handled cost overruns, their approach to problem-solving, and whether they followed through to the project schedule. Understanding their performance in these areas will give you a clearer picture of their professionalism and reliability. Don't hesitate to ask about their responsiveness to questions and concerns, as well as their availability for follow-up after the project’s completion. These aspects are important for assessing their customer service and long-term commitment. People often gloss over the stressful parts once a project is completed, so make sure to ask about the specific pinch points during the project. Were there areas where the contractor's performance was lacking? How did these issues impact the overall experience?
Years of Service
For those focused on advancing energy efficiency and decarbonization, certain trades tend to grow when funding is available. Solar and heat pump installers are prime examples of this trend. While there are excellent solar and heat pump installers across Canada, some companies emerge when the trough is full and vanish afterward, leaving you in the lurch with follow-up maintenance. This doesn’t mean you should avoid or not support new or small companies, but it's essential to approach their promises with caution.
Registered Professionals
For specialized heritage work, such as examining stained glass or addressing structural concerns in a 150-year-old building, you can find experts through the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals' website. Provincial Trust Websites may also list heritage professionals. Additionally, you can search for local experts through professional organizations related to the specific trade you need. For instance, the Canadian Solar Industries Association and the Canadian Renewable Energy Association are excellent resources for finding reputable professionals in the renewable energy sector.
Tip 4: Choose People Over Products
It’s important to prioritize people over products or price. The person you're working with can significantly impact your experience and the project's success. Look for individuals who are pleasant, patient, and responsive to questions. They should respect and understand the committee process of your faith community, be eager to learn, solve problems, and price their services fairly. These types of individuals are the ones likely to remain available and supportive long after the initial work is completed and the ones willing to provide ongoing assistance when you have follow-up questions or encounter an issue.
Choosing the cheapest option often doesn't equate to the best decision. Low prices can sometimes indicate compromises in quality or service. When spending your faith community's money, it's crucial to do your due diligence. By selecting the right people, and focusing on those who demonstrate dedication and compatibility, you can relax, be confident that you've made the best decision possible, and enjoy the results.
Faithful Footprints Program
The United Church of Canada’s Faithful Footprints program offers inspiration, tools, and grants to help its faith communities reduce their carbon footprint. With the Church’s commitment to reducing its greenhouse gasses (GHG) emissions by 80% by 2030, this one-of-a-kind program offers up to $30,000 in grants towards energy conservation and renewable energy projects (conditions apply).
Faith & the Common Good is the delivery partner for the Faithful Footprints program. To date, we have engaged over 400 congregations, camps, and buildings across the country. Your participation in the program puts your faith into action and helps the Church reach its target.
Stephen Collette is the Building Manager for Faith & the Common Good and can be reached at 705-930-1011 EDT, scollette@faithcommongood.org