Whether you’re replacing an out-dated splashback or looking to add an extension, you need to find the right person for the job. With so many different tradespeople out there, it can be hard to know just who to choose – which is why we’ve compiled our top 5 tips for guaranteed success on your next project.
1. Review
A good place to start when hiring any tradesperson is feedback from previous clients. Both word of mouth and online comments will provide you with honest feedback about the quality of their work and often touch on professionalism and pricing.
2. Qualifications
Checking the qualifications of the tradesperson is a crucial step to guaranteeing the success of your project. They should be registered with the correct industry body, and willing to provide proof. Maybe a friend-of-a-friend’s son built their deck however, if he’s not qualified you’re putting the safety of your family at risk and the work may not be compliant with building regulations.
3. Insurance
Accidents happen, and in construction they can be lethal and costly. Before hiring anyone it’s important to check their insurance so you won’t be held liable just in case anything should go wrong. While it may save you a few dollars initially to hire a tradesperson who’s uninsured, it’s never a risk worth taking.
4. The Quote
As a general rule, you want to get quotes by two to three different people before deciding. When accepting a quote, it’s important to define whether the quote is ‘fixed’ or a mere estimate. A fixed quote is obviously preferable as it ensures no extra costs will be incurred by you. However, some projects will require more materials or work to give the best outcome. Before construction starts, ask your tradesperson about the likelihood of additional costs, and also be upfront about your budget.
5. Timeline
We’ve all heard horror stories of builds that never seem to end with budgets inevitably being thrown out the window. To avoid falling into this trap it’s wise to establish an end date before work has commenced. A good tradesperson will be able to give you a concrete timeline from start and finish as a part of the quote.