Career Path and Experience

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When someone is a RENOVATOR, it means that they work on existing buildings to maintain, upgrade or repair parts of structure, finishes or control layers. The job requires great skill in problem solving and a depth of knowledge about how buildings are constructed.

Photo by Steve Sponseller, NETZERO Insulation - London, Ontario

Many renovators make their living upgrading kitchens and bathrooms for homeowners, but today there's a great need for a specific type of renovation called an "energy retrofit". This means that work will be done to improve the operational performance of a building, making it more energy efficient, more comfortable and easier to heat and cool.

A skilled RENOVATOR may have the following work experience:

  • 5 - 10 years in construction carpentry, especially in home building;
  • A background in design or project management;
  • Years of experience installing insulation, air barriers, windows and doors;
  • Experience with preparing and installing finish layers like drywall, tile and trim;
  • Possible certification in regulated trades like electrical or HVAC;
  • Strong skills in business and construction planning.