Planning a home renovation may seem like an exciting project to manage, though there’s a lot of tedious work to do before you get started with the bulk of the job, and plenty of research to conduct to make sure you’re doing everything the right way. It’s important that you engage builders and contractors that you can trust to work on your home, but to build an opinion or even a relationship, there are many questions to ask builder renovators beforehand.
We’ve collated some of the most important questions to ask home builder renovators to ensure you’re engaging someone of quality, with the correct qualifications and skills to take care of your home.
For a high-quality renovation service from a team that will bring your dreams to life, reach out to the Renovare Mt Gravatt home renovation builders today.
7 Important Questions to Ask Home Builder Renovators
What Are Your Qualifications/Are You Licensed and Registered?
Before a builder signs any contract, it’s essential that you’re aware of their qualifications, licenses, and registrations. Although hiring an unlicensed builder made seem like the more beneficial financial option, they come with zero protection – this means, should something go wrong during the renovation process, you’ll be out of pocket a lot of money. There are plenty of online options to confirm whether a builder is licensed and registered, so whether they give you an answer, it’s always could to double check for yourself.
Who Is Responsible for Making Sure Permits and Applications Are Met?
Throughout your renovation project there are going to be applications and council permits that need to be met and required. Beforehand, it is essential that you determine who the project manager is going to be for the renovation, so that you know who to delegate the applications and council permits processes to. Doing this before renovations start will allow the project to run smoothly with less delays on waiting for approvals and confirmations.
How Do They Effectively Communicate with Their Clients?
Communication throughout the renovation process is imperative, as this allows the builder and contractors to ensure they are on the right track and better understanding the objectives of the project throughout. Before getting started, ask your potential builder how they effectively communicate with their clients across renovation projects, and how regularly you will be hearing from them about what is going on. This leaves room for you to express how regularly/little you would like to be in contact with your renovation builder.
Do They Deal with Subcontractors Regularly and How Long Have the Relationships Existed?
During the renovation process, builders will engage subcontractors for specific jobs, such as tilers, plasterers, bricklayers etc. One of the most beneficial questions to ask builder renovators before getting started is how often the potential builder will delegate specific works to their subcontractors, and how long they have been working together. This allows you to better understand whether the subcontractors are trusted and reputable for the renovation project, and that your potential builder isn’t hiring just anyone without knowing or doing their homework.
What Are the Specific Costings & Breakdowns of the Materials for Each Room?
Whether you’re renovating one room within your home, or there are multiple rooms being transformed, budgeting is essential. It’s extremely beneficial to have your own budget set out of the materials you want to use within the renovation, but also the materials that the builder is going to be using throughout – so that you can give yourself a rough estimate of an overall cost. Although a general cost is one of the easier parts, a breakdown is where the importance lies. This will outline what is being used, and how much each unit will cost.
Which Suppliers Do They Deal with and Are the Materials Recycled, Budget, or Premium Materials?
Something that is quite common with renovations, is that homeowners assume the materials being used are going to be premium – however, this is rarely the case. Don’t let your builder start renovations without letting you know what is going to be used on your home. One of the most general and helpful questions to ask home builder renovators is whether the materials are recycled, budget, or premium, and allow time to work together to determine what is going to be best for each room, and for the longevity of your home overall.
What Happens If the Renovation Doesn’t Meet the Estimated Timeframe?
Estimated timeframes are quite the important part of our every-day lives, and when it comes to renovations, they are even more so essential. In the event your renovation project runs over the outlined schedule, you should already know (beforehand) what this will incur for both yourself and the renovation builder. Depending on who the project manager is for your home improvements, this person should handle the next steps. Before you ever engage a builder, or sign any contracts, discuss what will happen – and record in writing – what will happen if the renovation doesn’t meet the estimated timeframe.
Ready to Renovate?
Looking for a reliable and reputable builder may seem like a tedious and stressful process, but Renovare Mt Gravatt is here to take the pressure off your shoulders. Contact Adam and his team today on 0477 881 387 to speak about your renovation plans!
For more information on questions to ask builder renovators, reach out to our team through our online form and we’ll be in touch.