Trusted Tips and Resources

Trusted Tips & Resources

Robert MacKay Trusted Regina Real Estate Lawyer expert tip on GST & Acreages

It’s an exciting time – the old house is sold, the new one is ready, and all that’s left is the move…..oh wait – not quite yet! There’s all that legal “stuff” to deal with now….signatures….titles to be given…and pages and pages of documents that need to be signed before the key is in your hand!!! And to top it all off – who really knows a good real estate lawyer?

MacKay & McLean provides the professional services of a large Regina law firm, with the intimate attention of a small firm. The legal process can be daunting and overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. MacKay & McLean is with you every step of the way.

MacKay &  McLean are TRUSTED REGINA LAWYERS


Here Robert shares a tip on GST & Acreages:

When buying an acreage Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has an administrative presumption that the land in excess of 1/2 a hectare (1.235 acres) is not reasonably necessary for the use and enjoyment of the building as a place of residence. In otherwords, CRA presumes that the excess land does not form part of the residential complex.

However, a taxpayer may be able to establish that the excess land is reasonably necessary for the residential building to properly fulfill its function as a residence. This requires that the excess land be more than simply desirable.

The prior use of the land is also critical in determining whether G.S.T. will be payable. Where the prior use was residential or maybe used as a hobby farm, then it appears that G.S.T. is not payable. If the prior use of the land was commercial, e.g. farming, then it appears that G.S.T. is payable by the Buyer.

For more information see:

 

Depending on the situation, Buyers and Sellers may want to agree in advance on the value of the land in excess of the 1/2 hectare or otherwise how they wish to apportion the G.S.T. Careful consultation should be had between the realtors and/or lawyers involved in the transaction.


For advice, Robert MacKay's team provides professional, personalized service and with their assistance, you can rest assured that your real estate transactions will be handled with the utmost consideration and care.

They  provide a full range of legal services including:

  • Real Estate & Mortgages
  • Wills & Estates
  • Family Law & Divorce
  • Commercial & Corporate Law
  • Litigation & Personal Injury

ROBERT Mackay is your TRUSTED REGINA LAWYERS!

 

Al Schick Construction your Trusted Regina Contractor and Renovation expert shares a tip on hiring a Contractor - PART 2

If its time to finally finish that basement or the year you refresh that tired old bathroom, maybe your office could use a redesign and some upgrades.... Whether you are planning a renovation to your home or office space, AL SCHICK CONSTRUCTION can help!

They specialize in residential and commercial projects including interior and exterior renovations....from offices to old character and newly built homes. If you are planning a project or a renovation on a specific area of your home or business, look to the experts at AL SCHICK Construction to get the job done right!

AL SCHICK CONSTRUCTION are a TRUSTED REGINA CONTRACTOR and Renovation Experts

Here Al shares a tip on hiring a Contractor:

PART 2 

After You Hire a Contractor

Keep Records

 

Keep all paperwork related to your project in one place. This includes:

  • copies of the contract
  • change orders
  • any correspondence with your home improvement professionals
  • a record of all payments. You may need receipts for tax purposes.

Keep a log or journal of all phone calls, conversations, and activities. You also might want to take photographs as the job progresses. These records are especially important if you have problems with your project — during or after construction.

Pay Wisely

 

 

Don’t make the final payment or sign an affidavit of final release until you’re satisfied

Besides being satisfied with the work, you also need to know that subcontractors and suppliers have been paid. Laws in your state might allow them to file a mechanic’s lien against your home to satisfy their unpaid bills, forcing you to sell your home to pay them. Protect yourself by asking the contractor, and every subcontractor and supplier, for a lien release or lien waiver.

Know the limit for the final bill

Some state or local laws limit the amount by which the final bill can exceed the estimate, unless you have approved the increase.

Know when you can withhold payment

If you have a problem with merchandise or services charged to a credit card, and you’ve made a good faith effort to work out the problem with the seller, you have the right to contact your credit card company and withhold payment from the card issuer for the merchandise or services. You can withhold payment up to the amount of credit outstanding for the purchase, plus any finance or related charges.

Use a Sign-Off Checklist

 

 

 

Before you sign off and make the final payment, check that:

  • all work meets the standards spelled out in the contract
  • you have written warranties for materials and workmanship
  • you have proof that all subcontractors and suppliers have been paid
  • the job site has been cleaned up and cleared of excess materials, tools, and equipment
  • you have inspected and approved the completed work

Signs of a Home Improvement Scam

 

How can you tell if a contractor might not be reputable? You may not want to do business with someone who:

  • knocks on your door for business or offers you discounts for finding other customers
  • just happens to have materials left over from a previous job
  • pressures you for an immediate decision
  • only accepts cash, asks you to pay everything up-front, or suggests you borrow money from a lender the contractor knows
  • asks you to get the required building permits
  • tells you your job will be a "demonstration” or offers a lifetime warranty or long-term guarantee
  • doesn’t list a business number in the local telephone directory

 

The Home Improvement Loan Scam

 

 

Here’s how it works: a contractor calls or comes to your door and offers a deal to install a new roof or remodel your kitchen. He says he can arrange financing through a lender he knows. After he starts, he asks you to sign papers; they may be blank — or he might hustle you along and not give you time to read through them. Later you find out you’ve agreed to a home equity loan with a high interest rate, points, and fees. What’s worse, the work on your home isn’t done right or isn’t completed, and the contractor — who may already have been paid by the lender — has lost interest.

To avoid a loan scam, don’t:

  • agree to a home equity loan if you don’t have the money to make the payments
  • sign a document you haven’t read or that has blank spaces to be filled in after you sign
  • let anyone pressure you into signing any document
  • deed your property to anyone. Consult an attorney, a knowledgeable family member, or someone else you trust if you’re asked to.
  • agree to financing through your contractor without shopping around and comparing loan terms

Report a Problem

If you have a problem with a home improvement project, first try to resolve it with the contractor. Many disputes can be resolved at this level. Follow any phone conversations with a letter you send by certified mail. Request a return receipt. That’s your proof that the company received your letter. Keep a copy for your files.

If that fails, consider getting outside help like:

For More Information

National Association of Home Builders

National Association of the Remodeling Industry

The American Institute of Architects

ENERGY STAR

 

 

Check out his listing to read the great things his clients has to say about Al Schick Construction in the Regina Contrators category on the Regina Directory 

 

 

Al Schick Construction Trusted Regina Contractor and Renovators tip on hiring a Contractor

If it's time to finally finish that basement or the year you refresh that tired old bathroom, maybe your office could use a redesign and some upgrades. Whether you are planning a renovation to your home or office space, AL SCHICK CONSTRUCTION can help!  They specialize in residential and commercial projects including interior and exterior renovations....from offices to old character and newly built homes. If you are planning a project or a renovation on a specific area of your home or business, look to the experts at AL SCHICK Construction to get the job done right! AL SCHICK CONSTRUCTION a TRUSTED REGINA CONTRACTOR and Renovation Expert

Al's tip on hiring a Contractor


Adding a room, renovating a basement, or doing some much-needed repairs? Finding a good contractor is important — a home improvement project gone wrong can cost you. A good ad isn’t proof a contractor does quality work. Find out for yourself. Check with friends, neighbours, or co-workers who’ve had improvement work done, and check out a contractor’s reputation on online review sites you trust( Like Trusted Regina ). Get written estimates from several firms, keeping in mind the lowest bidder may not be the best choice. Also important: know the signs of a scam.

Finding a Contractor

Depending on how big or complex a project is, you might hire a:

  • general contractor, who manages all aspects of a project, including hiring and supervising subcontractors, getting building permits, and scheduling inspections
  • specialty contractor, who installs particular products like cabinets and bathroom fixtures
  • architect, who designs homes, additions, and major renovations — especially ones involving structural changes
  • designer or design/build contractor, who provides both services

 

Do Your Research

Check with friends, neighbours, or co-workers who’ve used a contractor

If you can, take a look at the work done and ask about their experience.

Look at sites you trust that post ratings and reviews

Do people seem to have similar experiences, good or bad? You also can check out a contractor’s online reputation by searching for the company’s name with words like “scam,” “rip-off,” or “complaint.”


Find out how long they’ve been in business

Look for an established company whose record and reputation you can check out.

Check for qualifications, like licensing

Many states, but not all, require contractors to be licensed and/or bonded. Check with your local building department or consumer protection agency to find out about licensing requirements in your area. Licensing can range from simple registration to a detailed qualification process. If your state or locality has licensing laws, make sure the contractor’s license is current.

Before You Hire a Contractor

Get Estimates

Once you’ve narrowed your options, get written estimates from several firms. Don’t automatically choose the lowest bidder. Ask for an explanation to see if there’s a reason for the difference in price.

Ask Questions

How many projects like mine have you completed in the last year?

Ask for a list so you can see how familiar the contractor is with your type of project.

Will my project require a permit?

Most states and localities require permits for building projects, even for simple jobs like decks. A competent contractor will get all the necessary permits before starting work on your project. You may want to choose a contractor familiar with the permitting process in your county, city, or town.

May I have a list of references?

A contractor should be able to give you the names, addresses, and phone numbers of at least three clients with projects like yours. Ask each client how long ago the project was and whether it was completed on time. Was the client satisfied? Were there any unexpected costs? Did workers show up on time and clean up after finishing the job? You also could tell the contractor that you’d like to visit jobs in progress.

What types of insurance do you carry?

Contractors should have:

  • personal liability
  • worker’s compensation
  • property damage coverage

Ask for copies of insurance certificates, and make sure they’re current, or you could be held liable for any injuries and damages that occur during the project.

Will you be using subcontractors on this project?

If so, make sure the subcontractors have current insurance coverage and licenses, too, if required.

To find builders, remodelers, and related providers in your area that are members of the National Association of Home Builders, visit nahb.org. To find detailed information about a builder, service provider, or remodeler in your area, contact your local home builders association.

Understand Your Payment Options

Don’t pay cash

For smaller projects, you can pay by check or credit card. Many people finance larger projects.

Try to limit your down payment

Some state laws limit the amount of money a contractor can request as a down payment. 

Try to make payments during the project contingent upon completion of defined amounts of work

This way, if the work isn’t going according to schedule, the payments to your contractor also are delayed.

Get a Written Contract

Contract requirements vary by state. Even if your state doesn’t require a written agreement, ask for one. It should be clear and concise and include the who, what, where, when, and cost of your project. Before you sign a contract, make sure it includes:

  • the contractor’s name, address, phone, and license number (if required)
  • an estimated start and completion date
  • the payment schedule for the contractor, subcontractors, and suppliers
  • the contractor’s obligation to get all necessary permits
  • how change orders are handled. A change order is a written authorization to the contractor to make a change or addition to the work described in the original contract and could affect the project’s cost and schedule.
  • a detailed list of all materials including each product’s colour, model, size, and brand. If some materials will be chosen later, the contract should say who’s responsible for choosing each item and how much money is budgeted for it (this is also known as the “allowance”).
  • information about warranties covering materials and workmanship, with names and addresses of who is honouring them — the contractor, distributor, or manufacturer. The length of the warranty period and any limitations also should be spelled out.
  • what the contractor will and won’t do. For example, is site clean-up and trash hauling included in the price? Ask for a "broom clause" that makes the contractor responsible for all clean-up work, including spills and stains.
  • any promises made during conversations or calls. If they don’t remember, you may be out of luck — or charged extra.
  • a written statement of your right to cancel the contract within three business days if you signed it in your home or at a location other than the seller’s permanent place of business.


 

Trusted Regina COMMERCIAL Real Estate tip- Part 3

 How to Purchase Commercial Real Estate: PART 3

Purchasing Commercial Real Estate: Identify the Right Property

There are a number of factors to consider when looking for suitable commercial real estate to purchase. The old adage "location, location, location" is true for commercial properties just as much as it is for residential. But there are other issues at play, as well. Here are some things to consider:

Location:
This is still the No. 1 issue. You want to be close to your customers, your workers, and your vendors or suppliers. "You want to be convenient to customers to the extent that you have a business where the customer comes to you," Martin says. "But depending on the type of business, access to rail and highway and shipping lanes may be important, too."

 

Physical condition: After identifying the general location, consider how the property was used, the wear-and-tear, whether there are any environmental issues or potential liability issues, such as asbestos or lead paint.

Allowable uses: If your business is an accounting firm, you likely need commercial office space. If you are a manufacturer, you need an industrial space. Either way, you need to make sure the zoning allows you to do what you need to do on the property.

Limitations on exterior or interior: Whether due to zoning laws or building codes or covenants, there may be limits to changes or alterations you can make to the property. A good example is a building that is in an historic area and subject to restrictions on changes that can be made to the façade.

Adequacy of access and parking
: You need to make sure your customers can park and take into consideration whether access is compliant with laws such as the Americans With Disabilities Act.

Opportunity for expansion or leasing: Entrepreneurs often have a rosy outlook about growth and so the potential to expand is a consideration as is the flipside – if you don't grow as much as planned, can you lease out extra space?

 

Part 4 coming soon!! 

 

Winmar Regina Trusted Regina Disaster Services Experts Explain The Insurance Claim Process

WINMAR® Regina performs restoration services for residential and commercial properties across Saskatchewan. Our crews offer prompt and professional services to help our customers get back to pre-loss life with the least amount of interruption and associated costs as possible. . They are the Regina property restoration specialistsWINMAR IS A TRUSTED REGINA DISASTER SERVICES & REGINA GENERAL CONTRACTOR. In their latest WINMAR® Regina Trusted tip they share a tip on the Insurance Claim Process. 



 The Insurance Claim Process Explained 

WINMAR we do all general contracting services, however, we are particularly well known for specializing in insurance restoration. Dealing with insurance companies is what we do every day. We know the process inside and out. However, more times than not, this is the homeowner’s first insurance claim ever – they have never been through it and don’t know what to expect. 

We are here to help! The following is a typical (and lengthy) insurance claim process:

1) Most homeowners purchase their home insurance from a Broker or Agent – someone who sells insurance. 

Upon experiencing water damage, fire damage or any other type of property damage to your home, you will call your broker to inform them of what happened.

2) Your broker will inform your insurance company. 

Your insurance company will then assign an Adjuster. This can take minutes or several hours, depending on the severity of the claim. In extreme cases, this can even take a day or more.

What can I do in the meantime?
If your home requires immediate attention (i.e. there is water in your basement) feel free to call a trusted restoration company (WINMAR) to get started on what the insurance world calls “loss mitigation” or, simply put, cleaning up to prevent further damages.

3) Your adjuster will contact you to discuss the claim. 

Depending on the insurance company, they will refer you to a restoration company to help clean up the damages. If you’ve already called a company in to help, they will take note of that and confirm coverage. Sometimes your adjuster will want to attend the home to view the damages and determine the next steps.

Note about determining Coverage: under no circumstances can your restoration company confirm insurance coverage. Every policy is written differently and every adjuster interprets your policy differently. Our job as a restoration company is to confirm the cause of loss, report this to the insurance company and your adjuster is the only person who can confirm coverage.

4) Your restoration company will come to your home, view the damages and, if necessary, begin the emergency services portion of your claim. 

The goal of this step is to do the minimal work required to prevent further damages from occurring to your home. i.e. water can lead to mould growth – our job is to prevent this.

5) Once the emergency portion is complete, your insurance company will require quotes for the repair work

Most companies require 2 quotes. Depending on the size of the job, they may require 3. Often they will recommend companies to call, or you can always choose your own.

Homeowner’s choice: Do not feel obligated to use a company your insurance adjuster or broker recommends. They should never “bully” you into using someone you aren’t comfortable with. This is your home, your belongings and it is always YOUR choice as to what company completes the work.

6) Waiting for quotes

This is the step that always frustrates homeowners. It takes time to put together an accurate quote as there are many things to consider. If it is a smaller job, this can take 1-5 days. However, if you’ve had a fire or your finished basement was damaged by water, this can take 7+ days. If 3 companies are required to quote, you now have to wait for all of those companies to get the paperwork done. Is there flooring involved? The insurance world uses a special system for determining flooring values, called ICC. This means samples of your flooring have to be sent away to Toronto for evaluation. Depending on what part of the country you live in, this could take 3+ days for turnaround. After the values are determined, they have to be sent to an ICC-certified flooring vendor to provide an ICC quote. Restoration companies have to coordinate this and wait for results before they are able to submit their estimate. We ask for your patience during this process. Please feel free to call your restoration company anytime and ask about the status of your quote. You should always receive a friendly answer.

7) Once all of the quotes have been submitted to your insurance company, your insurance adjuster will contact you to discuss your options

This isn’t always the same day the quotes are received. If we have submitted the quote, it is out of our hands until you talk to your adjuster. You have several options at this point, which your adjuster will describe to you.

8) Your insurance adjuster will often approve the lowest quote, regardless of who the company is. 

This is where your homeowner choice comes in. If the lowest quote isn’t the company you want, you don’t have to use them! However, your insurance company will only pay that amount. If there is a difference between what the insurance is willing to pay and what the restoration company you want has quoted, you will be responsible for the difference. Ask your preferred restoration company if they are willing to match the approved dollar amount, or if they are willing to lower their quote at all to make it more reasonable for you. Often the quotes are just a fraction apart from each other. Forming a good relationship with your restoration company of choice will help you immensely at this stage. Sometimes paying a small amount of money out of your pocket is worth it to have a company you trust working in your home.

9) Meet with your restoration company at your house. 

This gives both you and the restoration company the perfect opportunity to discuss the entirety of the job. Time frames, schedules, colour choices etc. can be discussed at this time. Also, if there are any changes you’d like to make or extra work you want completed at the same time, this can be brought up now. Also, make sure to discuss their warranty policy. Do they have one? How long is it? What does it cover? Things to consider: How long have they been in business? Can they back up their warranty? Are they part of a larger organization? These are all good questions to ask.


10) Deductibles

Despite popular belief that you will have to pay your deductible to your insurance company, most likely you will need to pay this to your restoration company. Typically the insurance adjuster will deduct your deductible amount from the restoration company’s invoice amount, leaving an outstanding balance payable to your restoration company. Discuss this with your restoration company of choice prior to work starting. Many restoration companies require this amount before starting work. Ask if there is anything you can do to help minimize this cost. Maybe you’re willing to allow them a sign in your yard, or to do some of the work yourself.

11) Getting The Work Done

After you’ve picked your restoration company and the amount has been approved, work starts! This is an exciting time for homeowners, they start to see some real progress on putting their house back to the way it was. Your restoration company will work with you to schedule all of the work that needs to be completed. There will be things you will need to do, like choosing flooring, paint colours, cabinets, etc. The faster you can make these choices, the faster work can continue.

12) Job Complete! 

Do a happy dance in your newly restored home and smile. If you’re satisfied with the work, find your restoration company on Facebook and/or Google and leave a positive review. Handwritten cards & letters of reference are always appreciated as well. The insurance industry is a tough and often disliked industry, you’d be surprised how a small “thank you” or “job well done” can change someone’s day.

What if you’re not satisfied? 

Always call your restoration company first. Give them the opportunity to make things right. If you’re having trouble with your contact, ask for the manager or boss. If you are still having difficulty getting things corrected, call your insurance adjuster. Often a phone call from them will get the ball rolling back in the right direction.

Start to Finish, this process can take anywhere from 30 days to 6+ months. It can be frustrating trying to deal with all of the steps and people involved, and waiting for things to happen is always the worst part. A good restoration company will understand that you didn’t plan for this to happen and will accommodate you so you have as little disturbance to your life as possible. Finding a company you are comfortable with is your best bet to a satisfactory result.

Open communication, honesty, & integrity are 3 rules we live by here at WINMAR. If you’re experiencing an insurance claim & damage to your home or business, please give us a call!


WINMAR® Regina's experienced and certified staff provide full-disaster service restoration for all types of loss:

With their 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year service they always come through for you. See more services by clicking on the show more info button below. They also offer full general contracting services to Regina and the surrounding area.

General Contractor Services include:

  • Renovations
  • New Constructions

WINMAR® knows what it takes to satisfy its customers.

'WINMAR® Coming Through For You!'

Winmar is a Trusted Regina Disaster Services, Abatement Specialist and  Regina General Contractor

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