HOMEOWNER GUIDE
Your home project, step by step.
A plain-language guide to planning, budgeting and hiring for home repairs, from the first warning sign to the final walkthrough.
01Plan
Know what your home needs
Most projects start with a symptom: a draft, a stain on the ceiling, a bill that keeps climbing. Before you call anyone, take notes and photos so you can describe the problem clearly.
Repair or replace?
Signs to look for in each part of the home.
Roofing
- Repair
- A few missing shingles or one leaking flashing area.
- Replace
- Curling or bald shingles across whole slopes, or a roof past 20 years.
Attic insulation
- Top up
- Insulation is dry and even but sits below the joists.
- Replace
- It is wet, mouldy, compressed or has signs of pests.
Spray foam
- Repair
- Small gaps or shrinkage at the edges of a wall or joist.
- Redo
- Foam pulls away over large areas or a smell persists.
Doors & windows
- Repair
- Worn weatherstripping, seals or hardware.
- Replace
- Fog between the panes, soft or rotting frames, drafts that stay.
HVAC
- Repair
- One failed part on a system under 10 years old.
- Replace
- Repairs near half the price of a new unit, or a system past 15 years.
Paving
- Seal
- Hairline cracks and faded colour.
- Replace
- Cracks that spread like a web, sinking spots or pooling water.
Epoxy flooring
- Recoat
- The finish is dull or scuffed but still bonded.
- Redo
- Peeling, bubbling or lifting from moisture below.
02Budget
Set a realistic budget
Get at least three written quotes for the same scope of work. The lowest price is only a good deal if it covers everything the others do.
What a written quote should include
Detailed scope of work and materials, with brands where relevant
Labour, materials, permits and disposal listed separately
Start date and expected duration
Payment schedule tied to completed milestones
Warranty on both workmanship and materials
Financing & rebates
Rebates and grants
Insulation, windows and heat pumps often qualify for government or utility programs. Many require an energy assessment before work starts, so check first.
Financing
Some contractors offer payment plans. Compare the rate and total cost with a line of credit before you sign.
Phasing
On a tight budget, ask which work is urgent and which can wait a season. Safety and water damage come first.
03Hire
Choose the right pro
A good contractor explains the work, puts everything in writing and doesn’t rush your decision.
What to check
Licence and insurance
Ask for proof of a valid licence for the trade and liability insurance. Confirm both are current.
Recent references
Speak with two or three past clients whose projects were similar to yours, ideally from the last year.
Red flags
Cash-only pricing, a large deposit upfront, pressure to sign today, or no written contract.
Questions to ask a pro
Who will be on site, and who is my point of contact?
Will you handle permits and inspections?
What happens if you find more damage once work starts?
How will you protect the rest of my home during the work?
What does your warranty cover, and for how long?
How and when will you clean up?
How we vet our pros
Every pro on BlueProprty is checked before their first job.
- Licence and insurance verified
- References and past work reviewed
- Interview on scope, pricing and warranty
- Homeowner reviews followed after every project
04During the work
Stay informed while the work is done
Agree on how you’ll communicate before day one, then keep a simple record of anything that changes.
Prepare the space
Clear access to the work area and move valuables. Ask where the crew will park and store materials.
Changes in writing
Any change to scope or price should be a signed change order before the work goes ahead.
Pay by milestone
Release payments as stages are completed, not ahead of them.
Keep records
Save photos, receipts and messages in one folder. They help with warranty claims and resale.
05After
Close the project properly
Walk through the finished work with your contractor before you make the final payment.
Walk through together and list anything unfinished
Hold the final payment until that list is done
Get warranty documents for workmanship and materials
Confirm permits are closed and inspections passed
Ask for care and maintenance instructions
Common questions
How many quotes should I get?
Three is a good number. It shows you the fair price range without dragging out the decision.
Do I need a permit?
It depends on the work and your municipality. Roofing, HVAC and structural changes often need one. Your contractor should know the rules and handle the application.
How much of a deposit is normal?
A deposit that covers materials is common. Be cautious of anyone asking for most of the price before work begins.
Is the cheapest quote the best choice?
Not always. Compare scope, materials and warranty line by line. A low quote can leave out disposal, permits or prep work.
What if I’m not happy with the work?
Raise it in writing with your contractor first, with photos. If it isn’t resolved, contact us and we’ll help you reach a fair outcome.