Planning a renovation takes a lot of work, but it can be well worth it in the end. Perhaps the most important decision the homeowner will make is not what colours to paint the walls or whether to knock down a wall to create more space, but who they should hire to handle the renovation.
When it’s time to start a renovation, finding the right renovation builder to work with can make a huge difference in how quickly the project is done, how it looks when the work is finished, and how easy it is to get everything completed.
Before hiring anyone, there are some questions to ask a renovation builder that can help homeowners make sure they’re hiring the best person for the job.
1. Who Will be the Contact for the Project?
Homeowners will likely have questions before the work begins, during the renovation, and once it’s complete, so it’s important to figure out who to contact ahead of time.
A trustworthy builder will offer one or two points of contact to make it as easy as possible for homeowners to get answers to any of their questions. This information should be included in the written contract so it’s always easy for the homeowner to find the contact information. No info provided? Run for the hills.
2. What is the Preferred Communication Method?
When hiring a builder in Canberra, it’s a good idea to ask about their preferred communication method. Some may prefer phone calls, while others may prefer text or email so they can respond when it’s more convenient.
Trustworthy builders will have a preference and be more than happy to share contact information with the homeowner in case they need anything.
3. Is There a Way to Contact the Team in an Emergency?
Want to know the unfortunate thing of any build? Emergencies can happen. Even though they’re rate, they can definitely occur and may cause delays, require repairs, or need other responses.
It’s important to find out how to contact the team in an emergency, especially after hours, so that nothing has to wait until the next business day to be addressed. Reputable builders will have a way to contact them no matter the time of day (…as long as we aren’t asleep).
4. What is the Renovation Schedule?
The renovation will likely consist of different jobs that need to be done to get to the end result. Knowing the schedule, even if changes need to be made later on, can help homeowners see progress and know whether everything will be done on time.
The type of builder you want in your corner will offer a written schedule for homeowners to know what to expect.
5. What Protections are in Place for the Property?
Dust, falling items, contamination of belongings in the room, and more can happen if there aren’t any protections in place for the property.
A reputable builder will not only be prepared to help protect the home from damage during any demolition, but will be happy to explain these preparations and how they help.
6. Does the Team Have the Right Licenses for the Work?
Different types of work that may be done on the home require licenses through the ACT Government’s construction occupations licensing department. It is important to make sure those who are handling the renovations are licensed in case anything goes wrong.
Reputable renovation builders will offer their licensing information so it can be checked before work begins. Like a cop pulling someone over, ask for their license!
7. Is There a Written Contract for the Work?
Before working with a renovation builder Canberra, it’s crucial to make sure there is a written contract. This helps detail exactly what the renovation entails so that if there are any questions or disputes later on, it can help clarify what should be done. Builders worth their weight will always offer a detailed and written contract.
8. What Happens if there are Variations?
Things don’t always go as planned, so variation notices are common in renovations. The contract should detail how these are handled.
For instance, if the change is going to cost the homeowner or result in a delay, the homeowner should be notified about it. A builder who knows what they are doing will always make sure to notify homeowners of any variations, especially if they could impact the final result or cost of the project.
9. How are Disputes Handled?
Disputes can be minimized by having a written contract, going over the entire project in detail before it begins, and knowing what to do if there are any variations that require homeowner approval.
However, even with all of this, they can still happen, and there should be information in the contract about how to handle them. A good quality builder will know how to handle disputes diplomatically and be willing to work with the homeowner to find a resolution.
10. What Paperwork is Provided at the End of the Renovation?
Once the renovation is complete, the homeowner may need to sign off on the work that was done and that it was done to their standards. They may also receive information about warranties, inspection reports, and more.
They type of builder you want in your corner will be able to let the homeowner know what paperwork to expect at the end of the renovation and can explain why it’s important to have.
Renovations are often stressful enough, so homeowners won’t want to make the situation worse by choosing the wrong builder to handle their project. It’s important to ask these and other questions to find the right builder for the job.
Remember, being informed enables homeowners to be better positioned for a successful renovation and can make sure the end result is exactly what they want.
