How to Hire the Right Home Renovation Contractor | D2 Build Toronto
By Raheel Azmi Interior Remodel • Other • • • 0 Comments

How To Hire The Right Home Renovation Contractor

When you’re looking to renovate your home, choosing the right home renovation contractor is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make. The success of your project — whether it’s a small bathroom makeover or a complete home renovation — depends heavily on the contractor you hire. With so many options available, especially in cities like Toronto, finding a general contractor near you that is the perfect fit can feel daunting. 

Here are some helpful tips that will help you find and hire the right contractor for your home renovation, and why D2 Build is a great choice if you’re in the Toronto area.

1. The Importance of Hiring a Qualified Contractor

Hiring a qualified home renovation contractor isn’t just about picking someone who claims they can do the job. It’s about ensuring they have the proper credentials, experience, and reputation to guarantee high-quality work. It’s easy to fall into the trap of hiring the first available contractor or the cheapest option, but this often leads to disappointment, delays, and subpar results.

When searching for a general contractor in Toronto, the stakes are higher. The city’s  regulations, such as requiring contractors to hold a metro licence add an extra layer of complexity to your search. Not all contractors are fully vetted, and some might lack the necessary skills or experience.

You’ll likely find plenty of options when searching for a contractor near you, but not all contractors listed undergo rigorous checks. This is where your research and due diligence come into play. Understanding the risks of poor or illegal contract work is something homeowners need to be mindful of, as we have covered in a previous blog post: https://d2build.ca/blog/protect-your-home-from-hidden-risks/

To ensure you’re hiring the right Toronto home renovation professional, start by asking these crucial questions:

  • Do they have a Metro License?
    In metropolitan Toronto, general contractors must be licensed by the local building department. This ensures they’ve gone through rigorous testing to confirm their competence. At D2 Build, we ensure all our contractors are fully licensed and insured, giving you peace of mind. Without this licence, homeowners cannot claim certain city rebates for projects like sump pump systems, backflow valves, or downspout diversions.
  • Are they insured?
    Accidents can happen, even with the best contractors. Therefore, any professional home renovation contractor should carry substantial liability insurance. D2 Build, for instance, holds a $10 million general liability policy, which covers any potential damage or liability associated with the work performed. This protects homeowners from unexpected legal or financial burdens.
  • Do they offer a warranty?
    A warranty shows that the contractor is confident in the quality of their work. D2 Build offers a 5-year warranty that covers all work performed, ensuring your investment is protected in the long run.

 

2. Benefits of Working With a Licensed Contractor

Working with a licensed general contractor in Toronto offers numerous advantages. For one, they are required to adhere to the latest building codes and safety regulations, ensuring your renovation is up to the highest standards.

Toronto’s Metro License system serves as a safeguard for homeowners. When a contractor has this licence, you know they’ve passed a criminal background check, completed competency tests, and secured proof of liability insurance. Licensed contractors also have access to city rebates for various types of work. For instance, if you’re installing an inside sump pump system or a backflow valve, your Toronto home renovation contractor must provide an invoice with their Metro License number to qualify for the rebate.

Hiring a fully insured contractor is crucial. Should anything go wrong during the renovation, insurance protects both the contractor and homeowner. For instance, if there’s damage to your property or someone is injured, you won’t be held liable. D2 Build’s comprehensive $10 million insurance coverage is an excellent example of a company going the extra mile to provide complete protection.

Find out more by booking a consultation with us today: https://d2build.ca/contact/

booking a consultation with us today

3. Experience and Specialization

Not all contractors have the same level of expertise, especially when it comes to specialized work. For example, D2 Build employs only licensed subcontractors for areas like electrical and plumbing work. This ensures that all aspects of your renovation are handled by professionals with the highest level of proficiency.

Many homeowners make the mistake of hiring a general handyman for complex tasks like wiring or plumbing. While handymen might be jacks of all trades, they often lack the depth of expertise required for specialized work. With D2 Build, you can rest easy knowing that only certified professionals handle these critical tasks.

Tasks like tile-setting, drywall taping, or custom cabinetry are also best left to specialists who perform these duties day in and day out. D2 Build hires expert tradespeople who have honed their craft over years, ensuring that each part of your project is handled with precision and care.

When choosing a general contractor in Toronto, you want someone who has been in the industry for several years and has a solid reputation. Longevity in business often speaks to a contractor’s ability to consistently deliver quality results. D2 Build has a proven track record of successful projects, some dating back over a decade. By reviewing past projects, you can gauge the contractor’s commitment to excellence and see how well they stand by their work over time. https://d2build.ca/projects/

4. The Value of References and Reviews

A professional home renovation contractor should have no problem providing references from satisfied clients. This gives you the opportunity to speak with previous customers, see completed work, and gauge how well the contractor follows up on promises.

When a contractor provides references, make sure to ask for a mix of recent and older projects. This helps you assess how well their work holds up over time. D2 Build goes above and beyond, offering at least three references — including projects completed more than eight years ago. This transparency allows clients to see firsthand how well the company’s work endures and how committed they are to honouring their warranties.

Online reviews are another essential tool in your contractor vetting process. Make sure to read through a variety of reviews, not just the highest or lowest-rated ones. D2 Build has consistently positive reviews across multiple platforms, reflecting their commitment to delivering quality and value to their clients.

Sites like Google Reviews and Houzz can offer insight into the reliability, professionalism, and workmanship of a Toronto home renovation contractor. However, be wary of companies with an overwhelming number of five-star reviews posted within a short time frame, as this could be a red flag for fake or incentivized reviews.

5. Clear Communication and a Detailed Contract

One of the most critical aspects of a successful renovation is communication. From the initial consultation to the project’s completion, your contractor should be transparent about timelines, costs, and potential issues.

A legitimate home renovation contractor will always provide a detailed contract that outlines the scope of work, payment schedule, materials to be used, and estimated timeline. This contract protects both you and the contractor, ensuring there are no misunderstandings or hidden costs.

D2 Build prides itself on clarity and transparency. Before any work begins, you’ll receive a comprehensive contract detailing every aspect of the project. This ensures that both parties are on the same page from day one, reducing the likelihood of disputes or delays.

Home renovations can sometimes be unpredictable. Unexpected issues can arise, especially in older homes. Therefore, maintaining clear and open lines of communication with your contractor is essential. D2 Build makes it a priority to keep clients informed throughout the project, addressing any concerns and making necessary adjustments in real-time. Regular progress updates help homeowners feel confident in the contractor’s ability to deliver on their promises.

Home renovations

 

6. Why Choose D2 Build for Your Toronto Home Renovation?

Choosing D2 Build as your general contractor in Toronto ensures you’re working with a company that meets all the criteria for a successful home renovation project. With a Metro License, extensive insurance coverage, a five-year warranty, and a team of specialized subcontractors, D2 Build sets the standard for quality and professionalism.

A Proven Track Record: D2 Build has a long history of satisfied clients, and their work speaks for itself. By providing references for projects completed over the past decade, they demonstrate that their work stands the test of time. This longevity and transparency set them apart from other contractors.

Licensed, Insured, and Ready for Any Challenge: When you hire D2 Build, you’re hiring a fully licensed and insured Toronto home renovation contractor. Their $10 million general liability policy protects homeowners, while their team of licensed subcontractors ensures every aspect of the project is handled with the utmost care.

High-Quality Work with a Long-Term Warranty: D2 Build stands behind the quality of their work with a five-year warranty, offering homeowners peace of mind long after the project is complete. This commitment to quality makes them a top choice for anyone seeking a reliable general contractor in Toronto. 

If you would like more details about how D2 Build is right for you, check out this blog article: https://d2build.ca/blog/why-d2-build-is-the-right-fit-for-you/

Hiring the right home renovation contractor is essential to the success of your renovation project. Whether you’re searching for a contractor near you or specifically looking for a general contractor in Toronto, make sure to ask the right questions, check for licensing and insurance, and verify references. By choosing a trusted contractor like D2 Build, you ensure your renovation will be completed on time to the highest standards. With their comprehensive warranty, specialized subcontractors, and commitment to quality, D2 Build is the perfect partner for your next Toronto home renovation.

Protect Your East York Home from Knob and Tube Wiring | D2 Build
By Raheel Azmi Other • • • • 0 Comments

Does Your East York Home have Knob and Tube Wiring ??

When it comes to upgrading or renovating an older home in Toronto, especially in neighbourhoods like East York, Danforth, The Beaches, Leslieville, and Riverdale, one common issue that homeowners may face is the presence of knob and tube wiring. This outdated electrical system, commonly found in homes built before 1955, can pose significant risks if left unchecked. If you’re planning a Toronto home renovation, it’s crucial to understand the potential dangers of knob and tube wiring, how it can impact your home insurance, and what steps you should take to protect your home and your family. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about knob and tube wiring, its risks, the cost to rewire a house, and how companies like D2 Build can help you mitigate these dangers.

What is Knob and Tube Wiring?

Knob and tube wiring was the original electrical system used in homes built before the mid-20th century, particularly between the late 1800s and the 1950s. In older neighbourhoods like East York, you’ll often find this wiring system hiding behind walls, often unsuspected by newer homeowners. It consists of wires insulated with cloth that are run through porcelain tubes and secured by porcelain knobs. These wires are ungrounded, meaning they do not provide the same level of electrical safety as modern wiring systems, such as 14/2 NMD insulated wire.

The wiring system earned its name due to the porcelain “knobs” that supported the wires and the porcelain “tubes” that protected them when passing through wooden joists. In its time, knob and tube wiring was considered safe and effective, providing a much-needed solution to the growing demand for electricity in homes. However, over time, as more electrical appliances and outlets were added to homes, this system became insufficient for the increased electrical load.

Why is Knob and Tube Wiring Dangerous?

While knob and tube wiring may have been suitable when first installed, it has become outdated and potentially hazardous. One of the primary reasons it’s considered dangerous today is that the cloth insulation used to protect the wires deteriorates over time, leaving bare wires exposed to potential contact with flammable materials, such as wooden joists and lath and plaster walls.

This degradation, coupled with ungrounded circuits, can lead to electrical fires. In fact, insurance companies in Toronto and across Canada often refuse to insure homes with knob and tube wiring, or they impose extremely high premiums due to the heightened risk of electrical fire.

Additionally, many homes with knob and tube wiring have undergone unlicensed or improper electrical modifications. Homeowners or handymen may have added outlets, lights, or finished basements without adhering to modern electrical codes. If these additions were not installed correctly, it increases the likelihood of short circuits or overheating, posing a significant fire hazard.

For example, in some homes, knob and tube wiring has been improperly spliced into modern 14/2 insulated wire using nothing more than electrical tape—without junction boxes or marette connectors to protect the connection. In extreme cases, homeowners have found burn marks on the joists, evidence of how dangerous improper electrical work can be.

 

knob and tube wiring

The Role of a Home Inspection in Identifying Knob and Tube Wiring

One of the most critical steps when purchasing a home is obtaining a thorough home inspection. A certified home inspector will examine the property’s visible electrical systems, including checking the electrical panel, outlets, and exposed wiring. However, a typical home inspection can only reveal what is visible and accessible. If a home has finished walls, particularly with  lath and plaster walls, it can be challenging for the inspector to assess the full extent of any knob and tube wiring that may still be in place.

Many homeowners in East York are shocked to discover the true extent of the outdated wiring system only during a Toronto home renovation. For example, when walls are gutted to the studs, the previously hidden knob and tube wiring becomes exposed, often revealing a much more extensive network than what was initially expected. Hidden junction boxes are frequently found in joist spaces, where knob and tube wiring is connected to more modern wiring—usually in ways that do not comply with the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) standards.

D2 Build will perform a home inspection prior to performing any of our services: https://d2build.ca/our-services/

You Probably Have More Knob and Tube Wiring Than You Think

If your home still has  lath and plaster walls, there’s a good chance that not all of the knob and tube wiring has been replaced. Even if you have undertaken partial renovations, much of the original wiring could still be hidden behind walls and in ceilings. It’s also common to find hidden junction boxes that connect knob and tube wiring to more modern electrical systems. Unfortunately, unless these connections were made by a licensed electrician, they are often done improperly, using shortcuts that could increase the risk of fire.

One of the most concerning issues is the absence of marrette connectors or proper junction boxes. Instead, homeowners often discover that previous owners or handymen used electrical tape to splice connections, creating an unsafe, unreliable electrical system. These unsafe practices have contributed to the decision of insurance companies to refuse coverage for homes with knob and tube wiring.

The Cost to Rewire a House with Knob and Tube Wiring

If your home still contains knob and tube wiring, it’s essential to replace it with a modern electrical system to ensure safety. The cost to rewire a house can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the size of the house, the complexity of the wiring, and whether the walls are already finished.

In East York, where many homes were built before 1955, the cost to rewire a house generally ranges from $8,000 to $15,000 for smaller homes, while larger homes can expect costs to rise above $20,000. If your house still has  lath  and plaste rwalls, rewiring may require additional labor to carefully remove and replace sections of the wall. On the other hand, if you’re planning a full Toronto home renovation, rewiring can be done more efficiently when the walls are already exposed.

It’s important to work with licensed electricians, like the experts at D2 Build, who are familiar with older homes and experienced in identifying and replacing knob and tube wiring. By working with professionals, you can ensure that all new wiring complies with modern Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) standards, and that any unsafe modifications are corrected.

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How D2 Build Can Help Protect Your East York Home

If you suspect your East York home still contains knob and tube wiring, it’s crucial to take immediate action. At D2 Build, we specialize in identifying and mitigating the risks associated with this outdated electrical system. Whether you’re in the early stages of purchasing a home or planning a Toronto home renovation, our team can help you ensure your home’s electrical system is safe and up to code.

During a home renovation, especially in older homes with plaster lath, we often uncover hidden hazards like knob and tube wiring spliced with modern wiring or missing junction boxes. By working with D2 Build, you can be confident that all electrical work will be done correctly, following the strict standards set by the ESA. 

Take a look at some of our projects: https://d2build.ca/projects/

Mitigating Damage and Reducing Costs

Addressing the issue of knob and tube wiring early on is essential not only for your safety but also to reduce costs in the long run. Homes with knob and tube wiring are not only more expensive to insure but are also at a higher risk of electrical fires and system failures.

When planning your Toronto home renovation, rewiring should be a top priority if knob and tube wiring is present. By updating your electrical system with modern, grounded wiring, you reduce the risk of fire and future costly damage. Additionally, upgrading your electrical system can increase the value of your home, making it more appealing to potential buyers and reducing the likelihood of insurance issues.

The Importance of Working with Licensed Electricians

One of the most important steps in protecting your home from knob and tube wiring hazards is hiring a licensed electrician. DIY fixes or work completed by unlicensed contractors may save money in the short term but can lead to dangerous situations. Licensed electricians, like those at D2 Build, follow proper procedures for connecting circuits, using marette connectors, and installing junction boxes that are easily accessible for future inspections.

When rewiring a house with knob and tube wiring, it’s critical to ensure that all connections meet modern safety standards. This includes using proper grounding techniques, installing arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) where necessary, and ensuring that all wiring is adequately protected and safely installed.

Protecting your home from the dangers of knob and tube wiring is a critical task for any homeowner, especially if you live in an older neighborhood like East York. Left unchecked, this outdated wiring system can pose significant fire risks and drive up insurance costs. By working with experts like D2 Build during your Toronto home renovation, you can ensure that your home is not only safe but also up to modern electrical standards. Whether you need a comprehensive home inspection, rewiring services, or help identifying hidden hazards, D2 Build can help you protect your investment and your family.

Book a consultation with us directly on our website: https://d2build.ca/contact/

Taking action now can save you significant expenses in the future, not to mention the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home is free of the dangers associated with knob and tube wiring.