5 Factors to Consider When Hiring a Contractor in NL
Upgrading your home is a great way to increase its value and tailor the space to your family’s needs. However, planning a renovation can be a stressful and confusing experience. How can you know where to start? Check out these 5 points to consider when hiring your next contractor in Newfoundland & Labrador.1) COR Standard
When a contractor displays the COR logo, that means their health and safety policies have been independently verified by a third party. Homeowners can trust COR contractors to maintain national OH&S standards and so that your project goes smoothly and safely. The Certification of Recognition (COR) program is a national occupational health and safety accreditation program that verifies construction company is upholding industry-leading safety standards.
Endorsed by the Canadian Federation of Construction Safety Associations (CFCSA), COR is administered by the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Safety Association within our province. COR contractors must meet membership requirements, attend training, and undertake annual audits to maintain this certification. At Impact Construction, our superstar office manager Lisa insures we maintain the COR Standard on all worksites.
2) Member of the CHBA-NL
The Canadian Home Builders Association of Newfoundland and Labrador works together with manufacturers, financial institutions, warranty programs, and governments to be better informed and effect change in the construction industry.
Members of the CHBA-NL adhere to a Code of Ethics from the National Building Code of Canada and can avail of training, networking, and other development opportunities. Homeowners can trust CHBA-NL members to provide a written, detailed contract for all work to be completed and uphold high standards of professionalism. Impact Construction is a proud and active member of the Canadian Home Builders Association of Newfoundland and Labrador.
3) Asbestos: GovNL Approved
Does your project include safely removing asbestos materials? Asbestos is a natural mineral fibre that was used before the early 1980s in many building and construction materials like cement, plaster, siding, insulation, and more. When disturbed, Asbestos causes many long-term health risks when people are repeatedly exposed to airborne levels above permissible exposure limits.
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador maintains a list of Registered Asbestos Abatement Contractors. Asbestos removal companies must provide proof of training, equipment maintenance, and appropriate safety policies. Be sure to look for a Government Approved asbestos abatement contractor like Impact Construction!
4) Award Winning
Another way that contractors set themselves apart is through awards from industry associations and community organizations. For example, the CHBA-NL Building Excellence and Residential Growth Awards (BERG) recognize achievements in high quality workmanship, consumer service, energy efficiency, marketing, and professionalism in business dealings within the Newfoundland and Labrador construction industry. In 2019, Impact Construction won the BERG Award for “Excellence in Affordable Housing” for their work on the Southside Road housing project for Choices for Youth.
Contractors can also receive recognition for their social impact in the community at large. Buys Social Canada is a non-profit organization that promotes social enterprise and aims to further social business practices within Canada. In 2021, Impact was named a “Social Procurement Champion” for creating skilled, meaningful, and well-paying work for youth 16-29 in Newfoundland and Labrador.
5) Qualified Staff
A company is only as good as their staff! When choosing a contractor, look for companies that have experience leadership and offer ongoing training for their staff. At Impact Construction, our managers and supervisors have years of experience in new home construction, renovations, hazardous materials removal, demolition, and project management. Before stepping foot on the jobsite, our new recruits attend pre-employment training and numerous certificate-based training programs including First Aid, Fall Arrest, LEAN, and WHIMIS. While working at Impact Construction, our recruits can access ongoing learning and training opportunities, in a supportive environment.
Looking for a qualified contractor?
Impact Construction is a competitive, unique and reliable option!