Choosing the right contractor

When deciding on a contractor, these tips can help you make the right choice.

Ask around

There’s no greater endorsement than referral from a satisfied customer. If you know someone who has been happy with their builder, plumber, electrician or other contractor, ask for contact details. Word of mouth is a wonderful thing.

Check licences and insurance

Housing Industry Association senior executive director David Humphrey says it’s important to do your due diligence before choosing a builder or other tradesperson. This includes checking licences and insurance. ”While some home projects, such as tiling and painting, don’t require a licence, any renovation works that are structural, or feature an electrical, plumbing or gas-fitting component, must be carried out by licensed professionals,” says Humphrey. “Ensure you check the relevant authority in your state to confirm your builder or contractor is licensed.” Also check that the builder’s/contractor’s warranty insurance is up to date by asking for a copy of their policy.

Are they a good fit for your project?

“If you’re planning a major renovation, it’s wise to choose a builder who has experience with doing this kind of project – likewise for a small renovation or a specialised project, such as a bathroom renovation,” says Humphrey.

Is their business healthy?

Seasoned home renovator Marilla O’Sullivan says that only choosing the builder whose business is in good shape can pay dividends. ”I’d always choose a builder with a great reputation and a healthy business,” she says. “You might pay a little bit more, but at the end of the day, you want to see the job completed as promised. If a builder has cash-flow or other business problems, it can end up costing you a lot of time and money.”

Humphrey agrees. “Check how long they’ve been in business,” he says. “The building industry is highly competitive, so if a builder or other tradesperson has been around for a while, it’s normally a sign that their business has been resilient enough to cope with the ebbs and flows of the market.”

Get a range of quotes

“Even though lots of builders and other tradespeople use estimator software to generate their quotes, there’s still a lot of variation out there on price,” says Humphrey. ”Take the time to work through each quote to compare what you’re actually getting for your money.”

Inspect work and check references

“As well as looking at past projects and testimonials on a contractor’s website, ask them for a list of former clients you can speak to. Also inspect their work if you can,” suggests Humphrey.

“Ask former clients if the contractor was punctual and if they left the site clean and tidy at the end of each day,” adds O’Sullivan. “These might seem like small details, but they mean a lot when a project is in full swing.”

Do you like them?

Depending on the size of your renovation project, you may need to liaise and communicate with your chosen contractor a lot. Even daily. Humphrey says having a positive rapport with this person is priceless. ”The investment in your home – its purchase and any renovation or improvement – is often the largest expenditure you make in your life. When you’re talking about this type of outlay, you need to be comfortable with the person you’re doing business with.”

Choosing a contractor is a vital step in any home-renovation project. A thorough approach can save you time and money in the long run.