Hiring a Contractor: Tips & Renovation Advice from QUAY

September 8, 2024

As interior designers, we work closely with contractors to transform our concepts into reality. This collaboration is essential to ensuring every detail, from planning to execution, comes together perfectly for a successful project. This week, I had the pleasure of speaking with Matin Quay, the CEO of QUAY, a 5-star-rated residential and commercial construction company based in Vancouver, BC. Known for their home renovation and project management expertise, I wanted to understand how they consistently deliver high-quality results. 

In our interview, Matin shared insights on what inspired him to become a contractor, how detailed planning ensures projects stay on time and within budget, and the value of collaborating with an interior designer during renovations. Keep reading for helpful advice and practical tips on making your home renovation a success with the right contractor by your side.

Yaletown penthouse renovation completed by QUAY

What inspired you to become a contractor, and what do you enjoy most about your work?

I started my career as an engineer working on large-scale industrial projects where I was a part of a massive team. When working on projects with thousands of people, it can be challenging to see the impact of your work. This made me switch to being a project manager for a mid-sized developer, managing their condo projects. I found this line of work so much more fulfilling as I was able to take pride in the projects we built, and I knew this was the right path for me. I continued working for smaller and smaller companies to learn the challenges and advantages of being a part of a small business. This also made me realize some opportunities where I could improve the service being provided by renovation companies through streamlined processes and efficient, client-centric business practices. I took the leap in 2019 and have never looked back.

Can you describe your ideal project? What type of work do you find most fulfilling?

This is a great question and a tough one to answer. I love building and problem-solving, and every project comes with its own set of unique challenges. If I had to pick one, I guess it would have to be condo renovations. Over the years, we’ve done a lot of full condo transformations. We complete them efficiently, and it’s always nice to see our client’s reactions after transforming their entire space.

What are some of the latest trends in home renovation that you've seen recently? Are there any materials you prefer to avoid, and why?

Wall slat paneling seems to be becoming more popular each year. They look fantastic (especially in completion photos) and have a place in the right setting. That being said, due to maintenance challenges with some designs, we sometimes advise against them if they’re not the right fit for a specific client or project.

How do you ensure quality workmanship in your projects? 

I’m a big believer in letting people do what they are best at. That’s why we hire specialized trades for every aspect of our projects. We maintain a large pool of qualified trades and a good working relationship with them, and they help us deliver exceptional quality for our clients.

Yaletown penthouse renovation completed by QUAY

Do you see value in clients collaborating with an interior designer during a renovation project? How does this collaboration benefit the overall outcome?

Absolutely. Having a designer makes a huge difference. Planning is the biggest part of any construction project, and when you have someone there to plan every detail from layout to specifications to colours and lighting, it takes the guesswork out of the equation.

What’s a common misconception about working with contractors you’d like to clear up?

I would say it’s an overall level of professionalism or lack thereof. The common misconception is that contractors are hard to get a hold of, miss meetings, never answer their phones, etc. I think this culture is changing. There are definitely a few of us in the “new generation” of contractors who are client-focused, and I hope we’ll be able to change this view of the industry as a whole.

How do you ensure that a project stays on time and within budget? Can you share any tips for avoiding common delays?

Planning. Planning. And more planning. I can’t stress this enough. We spend just as long planning a project as we do building it. By the time we start demolition, we will complete the majority of the fabrication and all procurement. Doing this ensures we will not have any material delays. We also create a detailed project plan, onboard our trades and schedule everyone in advance to ensure we can complete our projects as efficiently as possible. It’s not uncommon for us to schedule our Final Cleaning before we even start the project.

Yaletown penthouse renovation completed by QUAY

What should homeowners look for when choosing a contractor, and what red flags should they avoid?

Initial consultation is usually a great indicator. You can generally get a pretty good sense of whether you’d like to work with the person or the team, and whether they’re knowledgeable about their work. You can ask them about their process, their communication plan, their typical timelines for a similar project. Checking their website, online reviews and reputation and project portfolio is also a good way of vetting your potential contractor.

What advice do you have for homeowners looking to budget for their renovation projects?

I’m a big believer in price transparency. The Estimator built into our website helps our clients gauge approximate pricing for various projects. Another great resource is checking recent blog posts. You can find many great articles about detailed cost breakdowns for kitchen, bathroom, condo or house renovation projects.

To learn more about QUAY -

info@quayconstruction.ca

@quayconstruction on Instagram