“Many consumers do more due diligence shopping for a $20 toaster than for a $200,000 renovation”

A comment about John Bleasby’s article today about Renovation Contractors as Media Punching Bags

Excellent article. Many consumers do more due diligence shopping for a $20 toaster than for a $200,000 renovation. Probably because they buy multiple toasters, TV’s, etc. during their lives and have less experience with renovations. It’s a bit overwhelming for some and becomes a trust issue, so they ask a friend for suggestions and the friend may know even less about construction. There is no substitute for investing your own time in due diligence and demanding professional, balanced contracts protecting both the consumer and builder. That said, should there be a qualification/education baseline for the renovation industry? Absolutely, especially as we move into more building envelope issues.

Casey Edge, Victoria Residential Builders Association