How to find the right builder for your renovation

Sharri from Munruben asks:

We are ready to hire a builder or project manager to complete our renovation for us but are nervous about the amount of money we are about to spend. How do we make sure that we hire the right contractor for the job?

Jane says:

You are right to be particular about who you hire to work on your home. Not only are you making a large investment, you are trusting them with your largest asset. Here are some steps that you can go through to help ensure that you hire a contractor that you will be happy to work with and will give you great results.

1. Ask for referrals.

If possible, visit some of the homes that prospective contractors have worked on so that you can evaluate the finished product for yourself. At minimum you should speak to the contractor’s past clients and ask about how the process went compared to their expectations. Consider the elements of the job that concern you most. Are you concerned about the job being completed on time or on budget? Maybe you’re worried about how much construction is going to disrupt your daily life. This is your chance to ask those questions that previous clients can give you candid answers to.

2. Request a comprehensive quote.

The first part of this is on you. Be specific about what you need done, so that the contractor is able to give you a detailed and accurate quote. Ask about what factors could cause the cost to increase, such as choice of materials, scope creep or other complications. The more accurate you can be about what you want done, the more you can count on the quote you receive. 

A Renovation Action Plan from Hotspace could help you with this.

3. Verify credentials.

Before choosing a contractor, verify that the one you’re considering is properly licensed. Also request that they hire subcontractors that are licensed in their area of expertise. While some people are able to make a living by performing plumbing or wiring work without a license, they are not the people that you want working on your home. Even if your contractor is licensed, you will still want to verify that they have completed work similar to what you need done. You do not want to be your contractor’s first big job.

4. Consider price.

It will be tempting to accept the lowest bid for the work, but the cheapest contract may not wind up being your best price. A bargain basement price may indicate a lack of expertise, low quality, or other issues with the contractor’s work. Be sure to carefully evaluate any contractor you are considering rather than deciding based on price alone.

5. Find a good fit.

Interview each contractor that you are considering with a set of questions that you have about the work that you would like to have done. Along with the answers to those questions, think about whether or not you would enjoy working with that person. Regardless of quality of work or cost, if the contractor is someone you will not be comfortable with in your home, you should not choose them.

Jane Eyles-Bennett is the founder of Hotspace Consultants and has more than 20 years of interior design and renovation experience.

Send your renovation questions to Jane at scoop@brisbanetimes.com.au