QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions our new clients have about who we are and what we do. If you don’t find an answer here, or you’d like us to elaborate on any point, feel free to contact us for a quick reply.

1. Are you insured?

Bluefish Projects is covered by a $2,000,000 General Liability policy. This is critical for you, the homeowner, as damage caused by a contractor to your home may not be covered by your home insurance.

2. Are you bonded?

Bonding (also known as a “Surety Bond”) is important if a contractor requests any money, such as a deposit, up front, or before the job is finished. A contractor pays to acquire the bond and leverages against their assets, to provide a guarantee for the consumer. Bluefish Projects is secured with a $25,000.00 Surety Bond — the amount required in Alberta to be licensed as a prepaid contractor.

3. Are you licensed?

Bluefish Projects is licensed with the province of Alberta as a prepaid contractor and with the City of Calgary. Our provincial license requires Bluefish to be bonded (as described above) and the City of Calgary conducts routine criminal background checks on all owners/directors of companies that apply for a license. Strict licensing rules help homeowners avoid fraudulent contractors.

4. What should we budget?

During renovations, we often discover issues in the walls, floor, or ceiling that need to be addressed. In these situations, we meet with homeowners to explain the issue and propose a solution. You should plan for an additional 10 to 20 percent of the following project budgets to cover any unforeseen issues.

For a kitchen renovation, clients should budget a minimum of $45,000.00 to $55,000.00 plus GST. This does not include appliances, and your material selections and the size of the space will influence the budget.

For a bathroom renovation, clients should budget a minimum of $12,000.00 for a main bathroom and $25,000.00 for a master ensuite, plus GST. As with kitchens, your material selections and the size of the space will influence the budget.

Whole home renovations, new builds, and additions are large projects that require personal consultation for an accurate estimate. No two projects are alike, so each project is reviewed thoroughly before estimates are provided.

5. Can you create plans or drawings?

Working with a designer or architect is incredibly helpful when pricing a project, and it ensures that everyone has a shared understanding of the project’s scope. We don’t offer in-house design services, but we would be happy to recommend an architect or designer to you, and to consult with them during the planning phase to help keep your project costs under control.