Posting your Renovation Project on a Trade web site.

You have finally held your breath & decided to make the big Leap.  You just can't take looking the stained grout, missing tiles and dated cabinets. However you have a budget so you have to do this right.

Who do you trust?
Then you find all these sites where you can post you project & get the trades to come to you, simple right?
Remember anyone can sign up for these sites & some actually pay to be listed.

1. - Handyman Service Companies: These Companies normally charge a min. of hours & by the hour.  Also just because they say they can do tile, stone, electrical & plumbing does not mean they can.  If you need Tile done, when the Company tells you "Paul" has been in the business for 30  years. That does not mean he has been doing tile. You could get a carpenter for your tile that he may have done once or twice.  If you are paying by the hour a tile setter will do tile much faster than a person that did it  once a year. Plus the tile-setter will be used to working with different types of tile. If you need a door installed  or basic handyman work that is what they do.
2. Contractors:   Some are Great some are a complete disaster, we have all heard the stories. We have seen the shows.  How do you know? A good Contractor should be knowledgeable, He should take into account your budget, but should be honest with you. Just because you want it does not mean you can have it.  You can have tell tale signs of a problem.  Can he or she offer solutions? Get references. Does he have work he can show you. Some Contractors like Decorators / Designers have trades they work with. There are a couple of Contractors I have worked with that have done the entire renovation process . However no one does everything perfectly. So I usually will do the glass tiles , painting, and other things they do not do as well. 
3. Designers & Decorator:  Contractors & Trades like this arrangement, they get to work but do not deal directly with the client. Benefit to you is they schedule trades, & work. You can also get the benefit of a decorated space.  You may also get the Designers discounts  for Art, cabinets, bathtubs etc. Some Designers just Design order & schedule. Some like us actually will paint, do tile, etc. They normally have trades and companies they work with & trust. Rates vary some are high end ask what they charge & what for. 
4. Individual Trades:  You may need an Electrician , Plumber for your renovation. depending on Code changes & issues that may arise. make sure they are licenced & insured. Are up on latest codes. Also make sure you don't get talked into more than you want or need.
5. Strata Rules:  You may want to renovate but make sure you get approval. Every Strata has different rules so make sure you know what yours are. You may be restricted as to what you can do or who you can hire.
6. Get it in Writing & READ IT: We have had clients wanting to sign it as soon as we hand it to them. We always have them read it & send it back.  Pay attention to the wording remember the - Carpenter that was sent for tile.  "Paul" has been in the business for 30 years is not " Paul" is a qualified tile setter.
7. GOOD LUCK!