Tips for finding the right remodeling contractors
When you have decided to renovate your home, one of your biggest problems is finding the right remodeling contractors for the job. Experience and a good reputation count for a lot when you are selecting your contractors, so let’s take a look at how you can make sure that your builders are right for your project.
1. Make a plan for your renovations
No contractor can give you a quote for the work when they don’t know what you want. It’s not good enough to just tell them that you want a new kitchen, you actually need a scale plan of your new kitchen and a list of all the new appliances that need to be fitted. It’s only when remodeling contractors understand the entire scope of the work that they can give you a realistic quote. Not specifying all the work is often the cause of budget blowouts, when owners think that work is included in the quote, but it wasn’t specified, so it’s an extra and unexpected cost.
2. Research remodeling contractors online
Even if someone has recommended a contractor to you, always perform an online search and investigate at least 3 or 4 other contractors. Check their websites, read customer testimonials and get a ‘feel’ for the company, before setting up a meeting with them. Also, don’t forget to make sure that they are a licenced builder and you can do that on the QBCC website.
3. Request quotes from each contractor
Never take anyone’s word for the costs of your renovations, always ask for a written all-inclusive quote. This way, you can compare quotes between contractors and also make sure that EVERYTHING has been included in the quote. If you aren’t sure that something has been included in the quote (maybe you don’t understand the terminology used by the builder) always ask for clarifications and even go so far as to ask that these clarifications are included in the quote, so it’s clear what is and isn’t included. Go through each quote with a fine tooth comb, because if you select the cheapest quote and then find out later that an expense wasn’t included, you might be in financial trouble and unable to complete your renovations.
4. Meet face-to-face with each builder on your shortlist
There are plenty of remodeling contractors who are experienced, don’t overcharge and have a sunny disposition, so there’s no need to select someone who you can’t work with on your project. Don’t forget to go over the quote with each builder and also ask whether they will be managing your renovation themselves or will someone else do that – because you want to meet whoever is going to project manage your renovation and be on-site every day. Also ask about rubbish removal and keeping the site clean at the end of each day, because even though renovations can disrupt your life, you don’t want to live in a rubbish heap simply because the builders don’t keep a tight ship!
5. Ask for references of previous projects
Whilst no builder is going to give you bad references, it’s still a good idea to speak to previous clients and ask about their experiences with the builder. Did they have any problems? Were their renovations completed on time and on budget? These are the type of questions that will help you to make your final decision on the remodeling contractors you hire for your renovations. If you want a quality renovation by a friendly and experienced builder, call us on 07 3342 6675 or shoot us an email.