04 Jan, 2015
A high-quality finished build is the product of work carried out by a skilled, efficient and committed builder.
Embarking on a construction project is an exciting journey but it is also an important investment, one that involves time, money, planning and effort.
Protect your investment by choosing a builder who can deliver what they promise, ensuring that all your time, effort and money are not wasted.
The signs of a reliable building professional
Look for references!
Word of mouth references from past customers is one of the most reliable ways to gauge a builder. A competent and established builder will have plenty of references from happy customers. If a builder cannot provide references, this may point to lack of experience or an unhappy client base.
It is advisable to talk to about 3 past clients before choosing a builder. Some important questions to ask include:
Honest and accurate quotes
An honest builder will scope a job properly in order to provide you with an accurate quotation. Beware of the builder who delivers a cheap quote that seems too good to be true- this may be an indication that they have neglected to include costs or that inferior quality materials may be used, ultimately resulting in an inferior quality build.
Building is a process which requires much planning to successfully navigate the different stages of construction. A reputable builder will stick to the agreed upon budget and will consult with you before making any decisions that may affect the final costs.
There are certainly unforeseen events which can delay even the most prepared building team, such as bad weather conditions or a shortage of materials; however, if additional costs and delays consistently occur this is an indication of a dishonest builder.
A good builder is above board
A builder must be registered, with the relevant licences to carry out the promised work.
In WA, the Building Commission ensures that a builder has the proper skills, experience and financial capacity to deliver high quality building services.
Prior to engaging a builder you should check the Building Commission website, to establish whether they are appropriately registered to carry out building work.
A reputable builder will ask for a reasonable deposit, which should be limited to the builder’s initial costs. The building contract should include a payment schedule; this will usually be set out as a staggered-payment schedule to meet various phases of work. They will also have insurance, in the case that something happens during the project.
Professional conduct
An experienced and reliable builder will carry out work with the utmost professionalism.
A professional builder will also communicate effectively and honestly with you throughout every stage of the building process, keeping you up-to-date with developments and aware of the progress being made.
Choosing the right builder for your project relies on you doing the proper research, to find an efficient and committed professional who will deliver a high-quality finished build.
If you would like to discuss your next commercial building project, contact Adam at RapidTilt on 08 9248 5272.
