Home improvements are not only a great investment, but also a great way to spruce up your home’s exterior and interior.
However, having the right builder is essential for the successful completion of the project.
Whether you want to have a basement conversion, home extension, conversion, or perhaps a complete renovation, there are several designs that your builder can build a home for you.
Apart from choosing the suitable design, hiring a qualified builder will also be beneficial for your home as it will be able to withstand the test of time. A poorly constructed house could end up costing you a fortune in the long run. So, how do you select a suitable builder for your project?
Check builders level of experience
A qualified builder should have the skills and expertise to undertake and complete the home improvement project efficiently.
As highlighted by a building company Proficiency, working with a builder with years of experience means you can rest assured that they’ll be well equipped with the experience and expertise to handle the whole project.
Go through the reviews from previous clients
Looking at reviews from previous clients is a great way to get deeper insight on the type of work your builder is likely to deliver. This is also a good way to gauge their expertise and way of doing business.
Seeking recommendations from friends
With your friends or neighbours, you’ll be able to get honest feedback regarding the builder you want to work with.
This way, it will be easier for you to determine whether the contractor is the perfect fit for your home improvement (big or small) project or not.
How well do you communicate with your builder?
For your project to run smoothly, you should ensure that you work with a builder who you can communicate with freely.
You should be able to communicate all of the project details to your contractor without filtering any information. Hire someone who you trust and get along with.
Establish whether the builder is a member of any trade body or licensed.
If your builder is a member of any trade body, this means that they’re up to date with the latest trends in the construction industry.
Not to mention adherent to the building regulations and legal requirements.
If a builder tells you they’re part of any trade body or licensed, they should show you the certification and all the documents.
Don’t just believe the word of mouth since this is one way to find yourself working with a scammer.
Does the builder have a website?
A well established builder should have a website showcasing all the important information a potential client would need.
From the contact details, online reviews from previous clients to a portfolio showcasing both completed and ongoing projects.
You’ll be able to establish whether the builder is the right fit by going through the details in the website.
What red-flags should I avoid when choosing the right builder?
Choosing the right builder for your project isn’t something you can do overnight.
As the building industry continues to grow rapidly, so does the number of unqualified builders.
This brings about the need to be extra careful and diligent when choosing the right builder.
Highlighted below are some of the things you should avoid when choosing the right builder.
- A builder who asks for upfront payment of cash.
- A deal that is too good to be true. Whoever said you should think twice when the deal is too good wasn’t wrong.
- Avoid a builder with no physical address/ location.
- A quote that is not comprehensive or detailed.
- Opting for the builder with the cheapest quote because you assume they’re the best.
- Working with a builder without any written agreement.
From the red-flags to the important things you should consider when choosing the right builder, the tips discussed above will come in handy when choosing the right builder.
This way you’ll be able to avoid any structural expenses that may arise as a result of hiring incompetent builders for your home improvement project.
