I first saw this sign while checking a recommendation from an Ask around member. Thinking you would want to know more I tracked it back to the Canadian Home Builder's Association; an organisation that supports and promotes.the housing and renovation industry.
Helpful staff at the Home Builder's Association Ottawa office explained that renovators who belong to the Canadian and Ontario Home Builder's Association are obliged to sign up for the Renomark programme. The Greater Ottawa HBA includes 21 renovation companies: you can check the list here.
So what does the mark tell you? The 'criteria' section of the website is a bit thin on facts, so I asked for more details.
Members of Ontario Home Builders Association pay annual dues of $950 to $1222 a year and renovators pay an extra $50 for the Renomark programme. Members agree to abide by the association's code of conduct, which states that they must operate a registered business, carry liability insurance and also have workplace safety and employee liabillity coverage, or show that their subcontractors have this protection. They must provide written contracts to customers and return phone calls with 48 hours.
John Herbert, the Greater Ottawa HBA Executive Director, told me that they see the Renomark as providing additional protection for homeowners without over-regulation.
It seems unlikely that individual tradespeople will invest in the Renomark programme. However, if you are planning a larger project the Renomark shows that a business is well established and concerned about its reputation. The code of conduct suggests some good questions to ask any contractor. The CHBA website also has useful guides on planning a renovation, hiring contractors and surviving the process!
But . . . if you want to know about customer service, availability and real-life stories, you still need to Ask Around.
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