Bathroom Renovation - How to select a Builder

Bathroom Renovation- how to select a builder Choosing a builder can be daunting but it really isn't as hard as you may think. Remember that you are not purchasing a product but a service. It’s an important decision, but a good decision can be made by applying some practical theory. Calling for quotes - tips • Understand yourself - Consider what you want in scope, service and quality of work. • Budget - Establish a budget before you start calling for prices. • Specification - Build a simple form of specification of what you want. • Communication - Be open and honest with Trades about what you expect. Gauge responses carefully. • Collaborate - Work with Trades to form a relationship that is clear for both but with a mutual goal. • People - Chose Trades that are similar to you. Look for reciprocal trust. • Negotiating - Negotiate any terms or price in a respectful way and seek responses. • Promises - Be wary of anyone that makes unrealistic promises. If it's sounds too good to be true, it usually is. • Mindset - Set your expectations reasonably and present these to your Trades before they price your work.

Previous work Your builder’s previous work, and client relationships are a good indication of what you may expect. Ask for two or three previous client’s details. Contact them and have a chat about the process, result and satisfaction. Once you are satisfied that you wish to proceed, ask one of those referrals if they would be happy to meet with you and show you the completed work.

Legislation, contracts and Authority approvals Ask your builder what approvals are required, if any. Enquire what type of contract they use and ask to receive a blank contract before you commit. Make some enquiries of your own, to ensure your builder is being upfront with you.

How much to pay Building seems very expensive and we all want a good deal! Having said that, no one wants to end up with poor quality, slow progress, endless variations in cost, or worse still the dreaded legal dispute. As you’re engaging a service, not a product, it stands to reason that there are traders offering prices that are unrealistically low. It’s pretty tempting to take the lowest price, but is it smart? Sometimes yes and sometimes no. Once you have received 4 quotes, it’s a good idea to broadly establish what the “true value” of the work is. Granted, this changes with factors unrelated to the work itself, like the economy, but this doesn’t generally affect small works much. As an example, let’s say the “true value” of you’re project is $20,000. You will generally receive prices that give a broad spread similar to this; 1 Over $24,000 – Minority of quotes 2 Under $18,000 – Minority of quotes 3 $18,00 to $24,000 – Majority of quotes 1 This builder either doesn’t really want the project, have made a mistake in working out, or conducts quite a bespoke service. If very high quality, service and attention to detail appeals to you, this builder is worth discussing things with further. 2 This builder is either inexperienced, has made a mistake in working out, or conducts a low quality service. If budget is your primary consideration, you may wish to speak with this builder. You would have to have low expectations and be accommodating. Be careful with a price this low. 3 These builders would service most of the work in your area. For most people, builders in this price range are most likely to satisfy them to a large extent.

Unforeseen things during the job Because building is a fluid process, there will always be unforeseen things. This may result in increased cost, delays or a change of plans. If you have specific requirements in this regard, tell your Trades before the job.