Time to read: 4 mins
Choosing your partner in renovation is almost as important as choosing your partner in life, and making the wrong choice could see you paying even more to have it fixed or redone.
While there are no guarantees, apart from the one your builder should offer on completed work, there is a process you can follow to find the best fit for you and your project.
Ask for referrals & examples of work
Does the builder have a website, reviews, or a referral from someone your trust? These are the first positive signs you have found a great builder to work with – especially if you have seen their work ‘in person’.
Take the time to really study their work – what are the finishes like? Does it look polished? Are you pleased by the details, fixtures and finishes used?
Compare quotes
A builder’s quote is only as good the details you provide – simply saying a ‘deck’ is not enough to accurately quote on what you’ll end up with at the end of the day.
Be specific including details or examples of the fixtures you prefer. In the case of the bathroom give the builders an idea of the basins, toilets, and showers fixtures you prefer.
Also be sure to ask about which elements of the quote could affect the delivery or final cost such as supply of inclusions, and how many other jobs they are currently working on.
Another important note – be sure you understand the jargon and terminology used in the quote, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Check credentials
Are they licensed to do what they are quoting on? And if not, do they work with qualified and licensed contractors? Believe it or not this is important to ask as not all builders are fully licensed and are still running profitable businesses.
Other questions to ask include:
- Are the members of any industry associations?
- Do they have the necessary insurance?
- What are their qualifications and how long have they been working as a builder?
Consider price
Don’t fall for the temptation of taking the first or the lowest quote. Double check the quality of the inclusions and ensure you are signing on for the best quality and qualifications on offer.
Find a good fit
Do your homework and make a list of questions. With each builder you meet take the time to go through the questions and make a note of how easy they were to speak with. One of the most important and often overlooked aspects of finding a good builder is simply how comfortable you feel working with them. If they are not to be the point of contact, then find out who is and be sure to meet with them before committing.
