HOW TO SELECT THE RIGHT BUILDER OR CONTRACTOR?

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  5. HOW TO SELECT THE RIGHT BUILDER OR CONTRACTOR?

The decision to build a new home, extend you’re existing, or to give that tired bathroom or kitchen a much-needed makeover is a BIG one! And generally a pretty BIG investment, so a few hours spent doing some extra reconnaissance will be more than worth your while.

To ensure that there are no expensive errors, regrets or on-going maintenance problems and that you have achieved what you intended, does require the support, skill and experience from a professional.

But these days everyone calls themselves professionals, so we have put the following 5 key considerations together to assist you in determining who’s fit to undertake your works and worthy of your investment.

1. ASK FOR A WRITTEN QUOTATION

It is very important for you to know the cost involved. A written quotation demonstrates that both parties understand what work is needed to achieve an excellent and complete job.
The more detail in the quote, the better. This will also avoid any potential ambiguous disputes at a later date. Also, you must agree on the price prior to the work starting, no one wants to deal with extra or hidden costs!

Don’t forget to check if the works are required to be undertaken by a registered builder?

2. COMPARE PRICES

It’s smart to obtain 2 or 3 quotations, but remember that price is not the only criteria and that you may get what you pay for.
Your final quotes should be fixed price, not a budget.
A budget quote is used by Builders to give their clients an estimate of what the works will cost; this will help to make sure it is feasible in the early stages of your planning. But once decisions are made having a fixed quote will give you a realistic idea of how much your building work should cost and this will help compare apples with apples.

3. CHECK CREDIBILITY

reputable Builder will always allow you to make contact with 2 or 3 of their recent customers so that you can inquire about the quality of their work and their values.

Check there social media pages and webpage, are they current and up to date?

Is the Builder registered with the Builders Registration Board of WA?

Do they have the relevant insurances in place?
I.e. workers compensation, public liability insurance and housing indemnity insurance.
Don’t be afraid to ask, you Builder should be able to provide all of these certificates.

4. ASK YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS
  • Was the Builder easy to get in contact with?
  • Did they arrive on time for the initial site visit?
  • Did they appear content to do the job?
  • Could I communicate with them easily?
  • Was the quotation delivered on time, fairly priced and did it cover all work required?
  • Am I sure they understand what I want and expect?
  • Am I comfortable with this person/company to handle my work and be in my home?
5. LOOK AT THE COMPLETE PICTURE

Price is not everything. Lowest prices could mean poor workmanship, but the most expensive prices do not necessarily guarantee the best workmanship.
Remember that workmanship includes the presentation, the minimum amount of inconvenience, cleanliness and overall professionalism.

If the quotation is fair, the references are good, the timing is suitable and you feel comfortable that the Builder understands what you are trying to achieve, then choosing the right Builder for your project should be an easy one.
RELEVANT BLOGS:

The WBC Way – https://whitebuildingco.com.au/thewbcway/
Testimonials – https://whitebuildingco.com.au/testimonials/
Meet the Team – https://whitebuildingco.com.au/meet-the-wbc-team/