Hiring a Contractor Checklist and Tips

When you own a house, your thoughts inevitably turn to how you can make your home feel even more special. Sometimes a simple weekend project can improve an area of your dwelling. Paint and wallpaper can bring new life to a room, and updating the decor with new furnishings can rejuvenate your space. Even changing curtains and bed coverings can make a difference in how a room feels.

If you've been contemplating bigger home improvement dreams, you'll want to be sure that you hire the right contractor for your project. Major jobs like a kitchen remodel are a substantial investment, so you'll want to take time to consider the design elements and pick out just the right appliances and design elements. With bigger projects, like a first floor addition, taking the time to select the best contractor is even more important.

Do Your Research

It pays to do your research when you are looking for the perfect contractor for your job. You'll want a top-notch company that's been in business and been successful in your area for at least 15 years. If you want to add a first floor addition for your home in Sydney, look for a company that specialises in house extensions.

When you hire a well-established firm you can rest easy knowing they have substantial knowledge and expertise and aren't a company that will disappear. Once you've pre-screened your initial candidates, it's time to read through their online reviews. Pay attention to what other clients say about the contractor, their service and the quality of their work.

Verify Their License and Look for Adverse Actions or Claims

Once you've come up with a list of possible contractors, you'll want to go to the Department of Fair Trading “Builder Check” to verify that their license is current and in good standing. Contractors can come and go, so it's important to follow this step.

As part of this process, it's also a good idea to see if there have been any claims against the contractor filed through the Department of Fair Trading, the Building Services Corporation or the courts. Ideally, your house extensions Sydney contractor will not have any claims.

Get Multiple Written Estimates and Check References

With any major home improvement project, you are going to be investing a significant amount of time and money. You'll want to make sure to protect your interests by getting multiple written estimates. All of the specifics of the work to be done, the timeframe for the project and the final cost should be spelled out in detail.

Each contractor should also provide client references that you can contact on jobs where they have done similar work.