High Renovation Value Comes From The Best Contractors

Hiring contractors and tradespeople for a home renovation is a crucial step that can significantly impact the outcome of your project.

You will want to spend a few weeks, if not months, researching and doing due diligence on the contractors you need for your renovation before choosing them to avoid costly mistakes.

Cost, expertise, experience and consistency should be considered when reviewing your tradespeople selection process. With this in mind, we have a list of the essential considerations to assist you.

Licensed and Insured

Ensure that the contractors are licensed to work in your area. This ensures that they have met the requirements and standards.

Verify that the contractor carries liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance. This protects you from potential liability in case of accidents or damage during the project.

While you may come up against some resistance from some contractors when asking to view their policies, it’s worth it. What you don’t want to do is accept a contractor, and then they walk off the job or go out of business, leaving creditors unpaid and your renovation incomplete.

References and Portfolio

Ask for references from previous clients and follow up with them to get feedback on their experience with the contractor.

Review the contractor’s portfolio of completed projects to assess the quality of their work and to see if they have experience with projects similar to yours.

Every tradesperson is only as good as their last job. Check they completed their work to the satisfaction of the customer.

Experience and Expertise

Look for contractors with experience in the type of renovation you’re planning. Specialized expertise can be crucial for specific projects.

Check if they have the expertise in handling the specific materials or design elements you want for your renovation. One question you can ask is how long has your staff been with your firm? If there is a high staff turnover, it is likely to reveal issues in the business.

Cost Estimates and Payment Schedule

Obtain detailed cost estimates from multiple contractors. Be wary of significantly lower bids, which may indicate a lack of quality or hidden costs.

Establish a clear payment schedule tied to project milestones. Avoid paying the full amount upfront, and ensure you have leverage to complete the work satisfactorily.

If you’re unsure if the costs are within a reasonable range, use a quantity surveyor to check the prices and quantities for your renovation.

Timeline

Discuss and agree upon a realistic timeline for the completion of the project. Delays can be costly and inconvenient, so ensure a clear schedule is in place. Avoid paying for the job before it is complete. If it is a lengthy project, you must settle monthly invoices.

Ensure you get all suppliers’ invoices included with the contractor’s invoice and if you’re unsure if the numbers add up reach out to your quantity surveyor to check the paperwork and actual work done.

Communication

Effective communication is key to a successful renovation. Ensure that the contractor is responsive and has a clear line of contact throughout the project.

Establish how you will communicate, whether it’s through regular meetings, phone calls, or email.

Contracts and Documentation

Have a detailed written contract that includes all aspects of the project, including scope of work, timeline, payment schedule, and any specific materials or products to be used.

Ensure the contract includes a clause for dispute resolution and any warranties on the work. Ideally, your contractor will be part of an association that provides training on new rules and regulations. Plus, the contractor must sign a code of conduct to be a member.

Permits and Regulations

Ensure that the contractor is aware of and will obtain all necessary permits for the renovation. Failure to comply with local regulations can result in fines and delays.

Use your quantity surveyor to check the paperwork for government-required consent and milestone sign-offs.

Cleanup and Disposal

Clarify who is responsible for cleaning the work site and disposing of construction waste. This should be outlined in the contract. When conducting reference checking, ask the previous clients how tidy and clean the site was left daily and at the end of the project.

Flexibility and Problem-solving

Renovations often encounter unexpected challenges. Ensure that the contractor is flexible, can adapt to changes, and is proactive in problem-solving.

Testing and communicating with potential contractors thoroughly will help you choose a reliable and competent professional for your home renovation project.