Tag: choosing a tradie

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Choosing a builder: the 6 questions you need to ask

After one of the most challenging years in memory, many of us are spending more time away from the office and starting to appreciate the importance of home. Now could be the right time to seize the day and optimise the space you live in rather than putting off those dreams to improve your home.

Rick Simmons and Scott Somerville, owners of One Up Building

Done right, a quality builder can turn your house into a forever home. MBA Young Builder of the Year, Rick Simmons from One Up Building, believes with careful planning you can find a builder you’ll enjoy collaborating with, who’ll exceed your expectations and help you create a home you never want to leave. Instead of making do with spaces you’re unhappy in, great design and quality building can enrich your daily life.

Amanda Kelly from the NSW Master Builders Association says that quality requires planning and patience. “Reality TV shows focusing on fast turnaround over quality craftsmanship aren’t what it’s about. You’ll need to choose a builder carefully who you enjoy having at home as part of the family to help achieve your vision.”

Rick has put together these questions to ask, to help you pick the right builder.

Do you have any similar projects you’ve completed – how compatible are we?

You need to look for compatibility to work together. Look for similar types of projects the builder has completed and how they approach their service and delivery. For example, a large-scale renovation with tough access requires a different type of builder to a simple kitchen and bathroom makeover

What’s your availability and how many projects are you working on at the same time?

A great approach is to be upfront and speak to builders well in advance about your project so you can work with your best match, not just who is available. There’s no sense in signing up with a builder if he is committed already. For the builder it’s a balance between managing projects and client communications to get it right.

What are your Covid safe practices? Are there limited people on site at a time?

This is changing daily and as builders we are fortunate to keep our sites
running. An understanding needs to be reached between all parties as to how many workers can be onsite at any time and the best way to handle health and safety during restrictions.

Can I see a copy of your current licence and insurance details?

It’s a standard question and a great compliance check. By checking the insurances it will also indicate what sort of project sizes the builder has worked on in the past.

How do you complete a cost appraisal and quotation for projects and what is included in your project submission and quotation?

Each builder will assess and adopt their own approach and cost structure to a project. The more detail a builder can provide helps illustrate the cost placement for the project and allow better communication between parties. Good communication is critical for a successful build.

What warranties and guarantees will be provided to me? What is the defect liability period, how long, and what is covered?

The relationship with your builder never stops at handover. There is a period where your building settles and minor adjustments will always be required. It is important to understand the builder’s after sales and maintenance service so that you know how to care and maintain your home you have just created.

–Rick Simmons and Scott Somerville are co-owners of Sydney-based One Up Building, winners of Best Attic Conversion of the Year at last year’s Master Builder Awards. Rick was also winner of Young Builder of the Year.

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RENO ADDICT

How to find the best double-storey builders

How to find the best double-storey builders

Many homeowners and investors are choosing to build double-storey homes over single properties nation wide. When it comes to maximising your space, double-storey homes tick all the boxes, especially on smaller blocks. Not everyone has the luxury of extending out. But having the option to build vertically can open up a world of possibilities when you’re craving that extra room.

How to find the best double-storey builders

Two levels enable multiple living options. With that, comes the freedom and flexibility to design a floor plan that suits your needs perfectly. Splitting a home build gives you many different options to create zones for relaxing and socialising in. Double-storey properties optimise the liveability of the house, so you can enjoy coming home to a well-crafted space. Engaging with the right double-storey home builders in is crucial to a successful outcome though.

Here are the top tips to find the best builder for your dream:

Establish Your Budget, Style and Property Size

A two-storey home doesn’t necessarily cost twice as much as a single home, but the budget still plays a big role in dictating the design. Establish your budget first to help determine the style and size of your home build. This will help narrow down the list of suitable builders for the job. Avoid the common mistakes with budgeting, like underestimating expenses and overspending, by adequate planning early in the process. Size up your lifestyle needs to establish the style and property magnitude. Location and price play a big role in where you choose to build. If you’re looking to reduce costs, opt for a double-storey home on a small block. This reduces the overall cost of building two-storeys, as opposed to building on a large block with higher construction and land costs.

Make License and Insurance a Priority

After you have narrowed down your list of builders to fit your budget, style and size, check if your preferred builder is licensed with insurance. At the bare minimum, your home builder should have appropriate licenses and liability insurance coverage. This is crucial in protecting your investment and ensuring you engage with builders that are experienced and legal.

Check Builder’s Accreditation

Is the builder a member of a recognised trading association, such as the Home Builder’s Association? Relevant accreditations are a good sign the builder is reputable, recognised and trustworthy in the industry. You can check the Home Builder’s Association directory for a database of expert builders, subcontractors, suppliers and consultants. Builders that do have accreditations will most likely show them off on their website and social media channels too. Have a look during your research stages before committing to anything.

Research References and Reviews

What previous clients say about your chosen builder matters. You want to trust that past homeowners and investors were happy with the final product and engaging with the builder. Any reputable builder won’t mind showing off their references. Don’t be afraid to ask for any references and check them out. Also, look online for reviews. Facebook and Google My Business are great tools for checking whether or not past clients were satisfied.

Ask for a Portfolio of Work

It goes without saying then, you want to inspect the builder’s previous work to make sure it aligns with your vision. Ask for a portfolio of work with examples builds that are similar to what you’re after. Go and check out any properties completed by the same builder, and look for signs of quality and workmanship.

Don’t Compare Apples with Oranges

Before making a final decision, grab several quotes to compare value for money between builders. It’s important you get quotes from the same style of builders, however. There’s no use in comparing quotes from a builder that specialises in single storey homes, with a builder that specialises in double-storey.
Although some builders claim to have similar skills across the board, it’s always better to engage with a builder that’s experienced in exactly what you’re after. This will benefit your budget, brief, creative vision and overall success of the project. It’ll also help maximise space to the best of the block and floor plan.

Triple Check the Contract

Go through the contract with a fine-tooth comb to ensure you’re clear on what is and isn’t included in the price. Many building contracts will come with a list of inclusions regarding design features and build specifications. Check – double check and triple check – that the contract is clear about exactly what you’re paying for. It’s easy to become dazzled by the display homes, which usually have multiple and costly add-ons. Consider the finishing expenses and whether there are any discrepancies with material and appliance choices.

Ask About Timelines and Consequences of Running Behind Schedule

When does the builder expect to complete the project and will there be a penalty if the deadline is missed? There’s nothing more frustrating than a home-build that goes over schedule. Sure, you have to take into account unexpected delays that may come up during the project, but an expert builder will also be as close to the schedule as possible. Try to arrange a time schedule in advance with the builder, and be clear about any urgent deadlines. Putting timelines in place will assist with staging payments throughout the project too.

Finding a good double-storey builder shouldn’t be a challenge. At the end of the day, you want someone you can trust, adds value to your current vision and maximises space. For the best possible price. Remember, cheaper isn’t always better, and choosing a builder that’s specifically trained in your project makes for a more successful outcome.

Author Bio
This article is written by Jayde Ferguson, who writes for Lakeshore Group – specialised double-storey home builders with over 10 years’ experience, priding themselves on the highest level of customer service and attention to detail. You can catch Jayde on Google+.

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RENO ADDICT

8 questions to ask before hiring a builder or tradie

8 questions to ask before hiring a builder or tradie

Choosing the right builder or tradie is a huge, huge decision for any renovator. Unless you plan on completely DIY-ing every aspect of your reno, you’re going to need to bring in the professionals at some stage and who you choose can have an enormous bearing on the success (both financial and physical) of your plans.

Finding the right fit with a builder or tradie is one of the best ways to ensure that your renovation is a success. They are able to  ‘see’ your vision and help make it a reality. Alternatively, the wrong builder or tradesperson can lead to a succession of issues that can ultimately end up derailing your best laid plans.

So how do you ensure that the builder or tradie you choose is the right one for you? By asking the right questions! Here’s what we recommend:

8 questions to ask before hiring a builder or tradieImage source: TradifyHQ

8 questions to ask before hiring a builder or tradie

1. Do you need a builder or a tradie? – There’s a big difference between the role of the builder and the role of the tradie. Many builders these days take on more of a project management role. They tend to manage and coordinate building and renovation projects and coordinate the sub-contractors hired to do the job. A tradesperson carries out work in a particular field in the home building industry for example, a plumber, painter or tiler. It’s important to work out what your exact needs are and whether you need a builder (necessary for larger scale projects) or a specific tradie (or tradies) i.e. a electrician for your wiring.

2. What is your contractor licence number? You should only ever deal with a builder or tradie who is currently licensed by the fair trading department in your state. You can usually go to the Fair Trading Home building online licence check for your state and look up the contractors details yourself or call the relevant office and ask them to check the public register for you.

3. Where can I see some of your previous work? These days, it’s easier than ever to view examples of a contractors previous work. Whether it’s on their website, social media channels or actually doing an old fashioned drive past, it’s always important to get a clear idea of your chosen contractors abilities and style.

4. Can you tell me about your insurance and the kind of contract the job will entail? Different jobs require different insurance types and written contracts. Any job over $5000 should have a written contract in place by law. This contract should include:

  • the total cost of the work
  • clear reasons why costs may change and how the total cost can be affected (eg. some builders will specify the site cost in the contract as a ‘provisionary cost item’. This means that this cost may change depending on what the builder’s actual costs are in preparing the site. If the site is difficult to build on, or the builders hit solid rock, it will cost you more).

5. What other jobs do you have on at the moment? Knowing how busy your chosen contractor is can give an indication of their popularity but also should give an idea of where your job fits into their overall work plan. If they’re very, very busy and don’t have the staff to manage, it may be worth looking at other options to ensure your job gets the attention that it deserves.

6. What will the deposit be and when will progress payments need to be made? Most state law dictates that the maximum deposit required for building work is 10% of the total cost. It’s important however to check what your individual contractor requires and also what the repayment schedule will be.

7. Can we meet and chat about the job? Much of the initial contact you may have with builders and tradies will probably be via email or over the phone. While this is a perfectly valid way to find and have your initial queries answered, it is incredibly important to meet the person or people you plan on employing face to face. Remember that this is someone who you are going to be speaking with/dealing with on a daily basis, sometimes for weeks or months on end. Communication is all important during a renovation and if you struggle from the onset, it’s going to be a very long process indeed.

8. What is the process if something happens with the work you’ve completed? It is always so important to cover yourself and have a process in place should an issue arise. By finding out how your contractor usually deals with issues or problems, you can get a sense of how to handle anything that crops up during the process.

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Expert Tips RENO ADDICT

How to: Pick the right tradie

We’ve all heard the horror stories. Having difficulty with a tradie is almost par for the course in the renovating game but there are ways you can minimise your risk. Given that your role in a renovation project is, at a minimum, to make sure the renovation comes in on time, on budget and is a good project, your choice of trades is key. Your team is the one thing you can control, that will directly impact on the success of your renovation. No pressure!

tradie
Image courtesy of Tradie Point

Word of mouth

Just as when you engage any sort of service in life, referrals are key. Ask your friends and family for tradie recommendations and you can even cast the net wider and put the call out on social media. Finding a trade through word of mouth should help mitigate some of the risk of things going awry – it’s akin to vetting someone for a job.

Registration & insurance

Make sure you check that your tradie has a current licence that ensures they are qualified to carry out your job – you should also check their insurance too. The Master Builders Association and other similar, more trade-specific bodies, should be able to point you in the right direction of accredited tradies in your area.

Quotes

The general rule of thumb is that you should obtain three quotes for any job and this is obviously an important part of choosing a tradie. As for the quote, check that it includes basics like an ABN and licence number. Also, you should ask yourself – is it detailed? If not, it’s usually a red flag, as you could be leaving yourself wide open for extra costs. You should also ask what is excluded from the quote so that you know what other expenses may be coming your way. And as for making your final decision, cheaper isn’t necessarily better – make sure to check the finer details as the cheaper quote may have omitted some key things.

tradiequote
Image courtesy of Tradie Point

Are you on the same page?

It sounds basic but does your tradie understand your end working goal? First up, it’s up to you to share it with them but you should ask yourself – do they truly understand? This is essential to any working relationship, but especially a renovating one.

Communication

This one is mostly your responsibility but it helps if your tradie is a good communicator too as communication is key to any team environment. As an aside, make sure to provide instructions in verbal, written and visual form throughout all stages of the project.

Reliability

This one doesn’t really require much explanation other than to say that, when it comes to trades, reliability is key. When you are working against the clock and every day is an extra day of holding costs or an extra day off market, it is essential that your trades are reliable. A dependable trade could save you money in the long run.

 Are they a team player?

Given there are so many people involved in a renovation, it’s important that you choose a tradie that is a team player. It will make your life so much easier.

Naomi Findlay is one of our resident experts, principal of Silk Home and founder of the International Institute of Home Staging. 

Read all her articles for Reno Addict.

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Bathrooms Design Expert Tips RENO ADDICT

How to: choose a bathroom renovator

Image source: Integriti Bathrooms

Choosing to get your bathroom renovated is a big decision. It is going to increase the value of your house, absolutely, but it is also going to disrupt your life for a few weeks, as you demolish and rebuild this room.  So it is important that you choose the right person for the job and end up with your dream bathroom at the end of the process.

But how do you know what to look for in a renovator?

Check out their work: If you were going to go and buy a couch, but you looked in their showroom window and didn’t see anything you liked, would you still buy a couch from that store? Probably not. If the bathroom renovator you are looking at doesn’t have any projects that make you sigh out loud with happiness, then they probably aren’t the guys for you. Looking through their portfolio of work, case studies, or even visiting a past job, you should absolutely love the look and finishes of the bathrooms you come across. Even if it is not quite your personal taste or style, you should be able to appreciate layout, functionality, quality and finish.

Image source: Integriti Bathrooms
Image source: Integriti Bathrooms

Review pricing: Does the renovator in question only ever talk about high end luxury bathrooms that cost way over what you can afford? Are they only ever talking about budget finishes and cheap cabinetry? Make sure that the bathroom renovator is on the same page you are – whether you can afford a luxury bathroom or not. If you look at their work and see luxury homes but know you have a tight budget, then it is likely that they wont be able to help you at your price point. Alternatively, if they are focussed on producing cheap, serviceable bathrooms but don’t do the luxury Art Deco-inspired bathroom you are dreaming of, then they probably aren’t going to be able to deliver on that look. Make sure you are up front and clear with your budget it will not be an issues or bargaining but will help guide you both to provide realistic solutions.

Image source: Integriti Bathrooms
Image source: Integriti Bathrooms

Check out their process:  How does this renovator work? Do you just turn up the next day and you have a demolished bathroom? What is their design process like and how does it all come together? When asking for a quote, do you feel like they are communicating with you clearly, or is it very sporadic? All of these questions (especially at an early stage) offer you a tiny insight into what it will be like working with these renovators. If you’re not happy with the level of communication or knowledge of what will happen when, then maybe you need to speak to someone else.

Check out online reviews:  One of the biggest benefits of social media is that it’s a completely open platform for people to share their experiences. If people have a really great experience or a really terrible experience, chances are it will be shared online. So go and check out what people are saying – a review isn’t going to be indicative of every experience with a particular renovator, but if there are heaps of complaints or heaps of glowing reviews, the chances are pretty good that that will be your experience too.

Lindfield Bathroom0107
Image source: Integriti Bathrooms

–Andrew Stenos is managing director of leading Sydney bathroom renovation company, Integriti Bathrooms and one of our Resident Experts. Integriti Bathrooms have a great showcase of bathroom makeovers online to inspire you, ranging from affordable to luxury.

More about Andrew