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WeRenovate.com
Home of The Renovation Co-op
A Toronto-Based Organization
416-367-8370
Estimating Procedures
5-Step Estimating Process
4-Automatic Request for Subsidies
5-Online Estimate Review
Having trouble
understanding your
Contractor's Estimate?
The truth is... most general contractors (even the better ones) can't take the time to describe each detail of your project in an initial estimate.
As many Contracting projects (Basement Renovations, Additions, Kitchen Renovations, etc.) involve numerous tasks, along with multiple types of sub-trades etc, most contractors will only provide you with an estimate that is nothing more than a quick summary of the work (Scope of Work) and give you a "guesstimated" price.
Unfortunately, this can become a disappointing and frustrating method of estimating for both the contractor and the homeowner,
As most General Contractor-level projects are individually unique, the lack of detail in the original estimate can cause issues for both parties upon the final version of the estimate.
In fact, there are a number of contractors who will insist upon a deposit and signature based on the initial estimate, and then later add a lot of "hidden extras" that may have been discussed, but were not included in your signed contract.
The Renovation Co-op has developed a structured, 5-step Estimating Processing system designed to ensure accuracy, transparency, and efficiency for both its member-contractors and the homeowner.
To help facilitate the flow of private, secured information and communications between our member-service partners and their clients, we’ve developed our own proprietary, Renovation Management System.
This unique system enables all project-related information to be securely entered, updated and tracked 24/7 by both the registered client and the his/her member-contractor.
When you request an estimate, you'll have access to your own secured account, which will include updated status reports throughout estimating process, as well as ongoing status reports on construction, progressive payment reports etc, along with the balance of your Renovation Credit Account (see Renovation Credit Program)
Request an Estimate
About the
Drawings & Permit...
If you have not already hired an architectural specialist, The Co-op provides Architectural services separately, and you are never obligated to purchase the actual renovations through our organization. This gives you complete control over your own set of drawings, as well as who performs the work.
Our 5-Step
Estimating Process...
Note: The following assumes that a Permit has already been obtained...
A Senior-Level Contractor (referred to as the "Viewing Contractor") is selected to perform an initial Project Assessment Report.
He or she will first review a copy of the client’s Final Permit drawings (if applicable), then personally review the overall project with the homeowner(s).
The Viewing Contractor's Project Assessment Report includes a detailed description of the proposed project (Scope of Work), which the contractor enters through the Co-op's Renovation Management System, along with side notes taken throughout the visit with the homeowner.
The following is a portion of a sample Scope of Work for a Full Basement Renovation estimate, which is included within a Project Assessment report:
Based upon the Project Assessment Report submitted by the senior-level contractor, the Co-op’s Bid Preparation Team determines the type and level of general contracting service that will be required to complete the client’s project.
A Bid Request is then submitted to a carefully targeted group of member-contactors who regularly perform the same type and level of work required by the client.
For Example: If your project involves a Basement Apartment Conversion or an Addition, the bid request would be submitted only to those member-contactors who specialize in projects such as Basement Apartment Conversions or Additions.
This selective targeting of specific types and levels of member-services for each project is what keeps all pricing more stable and consistent, with less chance of the range of bid prices going “all over the board.”
By entering every possible detail about the project proposal, our estimating process provides less room for confusion between the client and the member-specialist throughout the project.
Sample Bid Request Notice
sent to selected contractors
Sample Scope of Work (Description)
submitted by viewing contractor
Normally, those targeted member-contractors who receive the Bid Request must submit their prices within 24-48 hours.
However, longer bid response times are temporarily allowed when higher volumes of inquiries are received (such as during peak seasonal construction periods), or when the project is more complex.
Those member-specialists who respond with bid prices must also guarantee their price for 30 days. This however, does not guarantee their own availability (which can only be secured upon the client’s submission of a deposit or signature of the actual contract.
Once all bids have been received, our in-house team reviews each submission and creates a report of the results as per the following sample:
Sample Bid Response Report
Upon completion of the Bidding Process, an automatic Subsidy Fund Request is submitted to The Canadian Renovation Funding Program on behalf of the project.
Note: As mentioned previously, The Canadian Renovation Funding Program manages all Co-op Subsidies, Rebates and special Grant Programs on behalf of The Renovation Co-op.
The amount of approved Subsidy Funds are based upon the availability of funds at the time of the request, the competitive marketplace for the specific type of project, and other factors.
The Subsidy and Rebate Funds have been established to support The Renovation Co-op's Member-Contractors and Architectural Specialists by enabling the member's final contract price to be reduced by 3rd party assistance, which prevents the "cutting of corners" and a potentially lower quality of workmanship. For details see Subsidies, Rebates & Grant Programs
Following the conclusion of the Automatic Subsidy Request, the client receives a notice requesting an appointment for a review of the entire estimate viewed through The Co-op's Renovation Management System.
The Online Estimate Review generally takes approx. 5-10 minutes and is conducted between an in-house Client Service Rep and the client.
If a Subsidy amount is being offered as part of your estimate, such funds are automatically withdrawn after 5 business days following the Online Estimate Review (if a contract has not been signed, or if a deposit has not been submitted to the selected member).
The Following sample Online Estimate shows the pricing for a Basement Renovation(Pricing Section) with all rebates and discounts displayed:
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