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In this episode of the SRC Toolbox podcast we talk to Nick Hishon from Champion Mortgage here in Guelph.    Nick and I discuss a number of topics including:  The different types of financing available to home owners and home buyers  When you should talk to a mortgage broker or financing professional in your process  And we get side tracked into the labour market in the trades because Nick was a former tool and die maker.   Thanks to Nick for taking the time to chat with us. Once again, I’ve learned a lot about financing renovations that I didn’t know and is going to be really helpful when it comes time for me to renovate my own house.  I hope you learned something from Matt and something in the process. Major apologies to Nick as well since we did this interview a few weeks ago but life has gotten in the way.  If you’re interested in more topics check out our library of content on YouTube, iTunes or wherever you take in your podcasts.   Take care and thanks for listening

In this episode of the SRC Toolbox podcast we talk to Matt Leblanc from Leblanc Roofing here in Guelph. Matt and I sit down and discuss a number of topics including: How to spot the signs you may need a new roof Why you need to clean your gutters And when it makes sense for you to get a steel roof versus a shingled roof Once again, I’ve learned that my success as a contractor is not connected to my failure as a homeowner. So, I need to go out and clean my gutters asap. I hope you learned something from Matt and something in there helps you understand your roof a bit better. If this did help you please give us a like and follow If you’re interested in more topics check out our library of content on YouTube, iTunes or wherever you take in your podcasts. Take care and thanks for listening

In this episode of the SRC Toolbox podcast we talk to an old friend of mine, Mike Rafter, about basement apartments. Mike has a lot of experience with rentals and has had 2 basement apartments. This is a really laid back conversation and Mike shares a ton of what he has learned over the years. Some of the things we discuss include Building a team to get your basement apartment done Having a licensed basement apartment And how get past the sticker shock to get it done It’s always great to talk to Mike and I am hoping to actually see him in person once all this lockdown stuff is over. But I am not the only one anxious for that. I hope you learned something from all of Mike’s experience. If you did please give us a like and a follow If you’re interested in more topics check out our library of content on YouTube, iTunes or wherever you take in your podcasts. Take care and thanks for listening

In this episode of the SRC Toolbox podcast we talk to Jide Atilola from Atilola Real Estate about the age old debate - Renovate vs Relocate We discuss The costs associated with selling your home and moving The benefits of renovating And how the real estate market might be what makes up your mind Special thanks to Jide Atilola from Atilola Real Estate for his time. If you’re interested in more topics check out our library of content on YouTube, iTunes or wherever you take in your podcasts. Take care and thanks for listening

In this episode of the SRC Toolbox Podcast we talk to Adam Leroy of Hy-Mark Mechanical about how your furnace is like the lungs of your home. It's a good idea to take care of it.   We discuss:  1) Maintenance  2) Changing your furnace filter  3) Smart Thermostats   If you’re interested in more topics check out our library of content on YouTube, iTunes or wherever you take in your podcasts.   Take care and thanks for listening

In this episode of the SRC Toolbox podcast we talk to Keegan Egressy from Cornerstone Trade Solutions about everything hotwater tanks including:   The different types of hotwater tanks  Why you need to maintain your hotwater tank  How to maintain your hotwater tank  On Demand Tankless hotwater systems   I hope this helps you understand your your hotwater tank a bit better. I know I learned a ton.   Thanks again to Keegan and Cornerstone Trade Solutions for their time and thanks for listening!

In this episode of the SRC Toolbox we talk to Charlotte Verge from Speed River Contracting about the 3 different types of shower renovations, how much each one costs and how long they take. Thanks for listening!

In this episode of the SRC Toolbox Podcast Charlotte and I discuss all the steps involved with supplying a quote to a client leading into the contract and project starts. Thanks for listening!

In this episode of the SRC Toolbox Podcast we discuss a recent conversation with a client about the first steps in taking an illegal/non-registered basement apartment and get it on the path to being a legal/registered basement apartment. We discuss how these outlaw apartments have come to be and our experience bringing them up to code. Thanks for listening!

In this episode of the SRC Toolbox Podcast we talk to Charlotte Verge, our Project Manager, about what happens in our first conversation with client's to help them achieve their goals. We discuss: 1) Being upfront about where you are in your process 2) That education on the process is a significant piece of the conversation 3) The "ballpark cost" idea 4) Being transparent on cost 5) Changes in material costs due to Covid 19 Thanks for listening. For more content please check out SpeedRiverContracting.ca

Covid 19 is having a very immediate impact on the renovation industry. We dig into what's creating problems currently and what to expect going into the fall and winter with kids going back to school and regular flu season upon us.

With the power of cell phones, it seems like finding a good contractor, or a good anything for that matter, is only a Google search away. But can you fully trust online reviews to help you find a contractor? And once you've found a conctractor, accepted their quote and started work, how do you tell them they screwed something up and still maintain a good working relationship? We delve into the truth about 5 star reviews and how to talk to your contractor if something is wrong. Different types of online reviews (0:45) People make mistakes (1:30) Difficulty getting reviews (2:30) The working relationship with a contractor (3:20) Speak up right away (4:00) How to voice your concerns (4:30) Example - The project isn't clean (5:00) Step 1 - Document (6:10) Step 2 - Talk/Call (6:45) No texting (7:45) Sample conversation (8:00) Use your BS meter (9:20) Email - follow up on step 1 & 2 (9:50) 

 Why does a renovation contractor put time into doing a podcast and a YouTube channel and a blog...why not?  Some of the reasons are personal and some are professional. In this video, we explain what our philosophy is behind our social media and what makes us unique.   My renovation background (0:45)  My media background (1:10)  My personal motivation (1:40)  How this effects the renovation business (2:20)  Sharing our experience to help other renovations (4:00) Secondary benefit for me (4:26)  Helping people with their renovation (5:00)  Building our business and helping our clients (5:27)  The struggle to get out content (6:00) 

With the renovations season upon us, I thought it'd be good to spend some time talking about who finishes their basement, why they finish it, what goes into that project, how long it takes, what the costs are, etc, as well as things you want to think about if you're considering finishing your basement. The number one reason people finish their basement - (00:54) The definition of finishing your basement versus renovating your basement - (01:52) Why home builders don’t finish the basements in most of their homes - (02:49) Why people finish their basements - (03:43) The second most popular reason people finish their basement -(04:35) Why basement apartments cost more - (05:24) Our opinion on renovating for resale - (06:24) When is the best time to renovate your basement - (07:16) How drying time impacts your renovation schedule - (08:04) Putting a subfloor in your basement - (11:00) How effective soundproofing is in your basement - (11:59) Saving money on your basement project - (12:49) Being open about your budget - (14:25) Timelines for a registered basement apartment - (15:18) Approximate cost for a legal, registered basement apartment in Guelph - (16:32) DIY/contractor basement finishing option (17:22) Saving money by getting the permit yourself - (19:16) Thanks for listening and we'll see you on the next one.

In this episode we go deep into what our process is to go from first contact to quote to contract to construction. We detail how itemized our quotes are, what is and is not include in our contracts as well as payment method, scheduling and change orders. Have a listen and let us know your thoughts.

Welcome to the SRC Toolbox Podcast where we talk everything renovations and the renovation business. In this episode we give the 3 reasons you should get multiple renovations quotes and why you should discuss your budget early in the process no matter how awkward it is. Thanks for listening!

Bathroom renovations are one of the most popular projects and in this episode we tackle the big question of, how long does it take to renovate a bathroom. Sure, there are lots of variables, but generally speaking they fit into the same time lines.  Have a listen and lets us know what else you're interested in. And if this helps, please like, comment and subscribe. Thanks for listening!

A year ago we started using a project management software called Knowify. We picked it over Builder Trend and it's really helped us be more efficient as a business. But how does it help our clients? And if you're a contractor, how can it help you? For one, you can get 20% off by using our promo code KNOWBILLG. Have a listen and find out how Knowify, Quickbooks and Plooto makes everyone's renovation better.

Living through a renovation is a stressful experience. In this episode, we discuss how to tell the difference between a bad contractor and project that has some challenges. Deciding when giving someone the benefit of the doubt crosses the line to being taken advantage of is a tough call to make. People are human, which is the epic redundant comment for this episode. Please like, comment and subscribe and let us know if there is something else you want us to talk about! Happy Listening!

In this episode of the SRC Toolbox Podcast we get into the A to Z of building a basement apartment. From parking spaces and laundry facilities to getting a permit and even what floors to use, we put it all into less than 30 minutes. Have a listen and let me know your thoughts.