Saskatoon builders establish renovator certification program

SASKATOON, SASK. — The Saskatoon and Region Home Builders’ Association (SRHBA) has launched a new certification program for professional renovators.

The Certified Professional RenoMark Renovator designation (CPRR) is the first certification of its kind in Canada. The designation builds on the nationally recognized RenoMark brand by adding additional mandatory requirements for professionals engaged in residential renovation or retrofitting activity.

The association stated it intends to raise industry standards and ensure consumers are protected from underqualified and unscrupulous contractors.

On top of meeting the requirements of professional membership with the SRHBA, certified renovators will be required to complete education courses, a comprehensive safety course, obtain third-party warranty coverage for their work and commit to a code of ethics tied to a professional complaints process.

“This designation, the first of its kind for renovation professionals, mirrors the success of the Certified Professional Home Builder designation. It also furthers the association’s goal to elevate standards in the residential construction industry and educate consumers on the benefits of choosing a certified professional to renovate or build the largest investment most people will ever make — their home,” said Chris Guerette, SRHBA CEO, in a statement.

A key piece of the designation is the requirement to have a third-party warranty for all projects worth more than $20,000.

“Renovating your home is a major investment,” said New Home Warranty CEO John Kozole. “Our warranty program provides a backstop for CPRR professionals so that homeowners can have the confidence their work will be completed to a high standard.”

The certification program idea came from the association’s renovators.

“As renovators, we see the negative impact of underqualified contractors not only on homeowners, but also on the reputation of our entire industry,” said Michael Shaw, leader of operations at Centennial Kitchen & Bath and a CPRR. “The CPRR designation is the culmination of a grassroots initiative to bring much needed minimum standards to the renovation industry.”

The association noted the establishment of a professional designation for renovators comes at a critical time for protecting consumers in the region.

“With higher renovation activity during the pandemic comes an increased risk to homeowners in the form of substandard work and fly-by-night contractors taking advantage of the favourable market conditions,” said Guerette. “We want to ensure consumers continue to be protected from itinerant contractors looking to make a quick buck, putting homeowners at risk.”