How to Find a Reputable Builder Check List

18/10/2010
Thinking of extending and renovating your home? Don’t trust just anyone with potentially one of your biggest investments. How do you know you are getting the right advice from the right practitioner?

How to Find a Reputable Builder Check List

Thinking of extending and renovating your home?
Don’t trust just anyone with potentially one of your biggest investments.

How do you know you are getting the right advice from the right practitioner?

Firstly, talk to a builder that designs as well

The secret to a good value extension is mostly how well it is designed.

Architects and Drafting companies often draw plans of what you want with out making you aware of the costs involved.

Everyone has a budget even though they often do not wish to let on.

A good design – builder can give you a cost estimate from a simple shopping list of your ideas before any plans are drawn.

For example: if you want a typical two bedroom (upper) extension with bathroom and small gallery this might cost you around $70 K + GST.

If your budget is $30K you know this type of extension is not for you and it hasn’t cost you anything but a call to find out.

If your budget is $90 K you can be comfortable with the thought that this particular builder can come up with a design, within your budget and you will still have some money left for things like painting, floor coverings, air-con. etc.

If you feel comfortable with the builders design representative and he is able to draw you a sketch with indicative costings, what’s next?

• Make sure:

  He/she is a Registered Building or Design Practitioner (Check with Building Control Commission.)
  They provide Home Owners Warranty. (BCC registration.)
  Their Public Liability and Contract Works insurances are current
  Are they Master Builders
  Do they provide safe working conditions for their employees
  Do they keep their sites tidy & EPA compliant.
  Are they a Green Living Master Builder. Do they care about the environment, energy efficient design and building techniques, do they recycle their waste and high energy input building materials.
  They specialise in extending and renovations
  They have been involved in the industry for more than 10 years
  They have references and can show examples of their work
  They provide detailed fixed price quotations and plans
  They explain all exclusions

If you wish to ensure you are dealing with a reputable builder and you want to compare builders prices make sure (like Capital Building) they have the right credentials.