Questions to Ask When Renovating a House

If you want to build a new home it will be pricey and take some time. Government-incentivized construction schemes are falling short of the initial targets of a ten-year plan. Building materials are scarce and expensive. The construction trades workforce is understaffed and under-skilled for the family growth rate and construction demand.

We are choosing to remodel, renovate, and add to our existing homes more often. Similar to home construction, companies who hire their own trades produce better quality in more reliable timeframes than subcontracted teams. Your plumbing & electrical contractors should have control of the pace and quality of any work, or the project will overrun the budget and schedule.

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Questions to Ask a Builder When Renovating

There are some standard planning and contract questions we should ask for renovation projects.

Are you licensed by appropriate government bodies for the state and territory the work is being conducted? Each one is different.
Are you bonded and insured for the safety of your workers, their workmanship, the safety of my family, and property while you are working on it? Make copies of all documents and verify expiry dates and valid areas or exemptions.
Do you have recent similar references that you can share with me? I’d like to talk to satisfied customers to verify my concerns.
Do you hire or subcontract your labour? What control do they have over the subcontractors? Who is their lead, and what is their contact information?
What is the overall project timeline? What days will special equipment need to be scheduled? When are the building inspectors scheduled for project visitation and assessment?
What is the expected, daily arrival and departure schedule for your team? Are there any holidays during the contract period? Will there be any times our family needs to be out of the house for safety?
Will the contractor obtain permits, or should I? Do they have industry relationships to make the documentation process smoother?
Does their team include project designers to help select fittings, furniture, or amenities and appliances?
How will we communicate with the contractor? What is their workload and what type of response time can we expect? Set clear expectations for all parties.

Eco-Friendly Appliances

Energy-efficient appliances, solar systems, eco-friendly paint, insulation, and renewable building materials are fantastic but not free. As things break down, we replace them. Through this attrition, we can add an eco-friendly appliance slowly. During major remodels a full kitchen kit can cost us a lot.

Government Subsidies

The government has home builder and renovation subsidies, incentives, rebates, and up to $25,000 in grant money for your eco-friendly home. Each state and territory will have different grants. Stay current on government websites as grants expire and are renewed without notice.

Remodelling Big Ben in London is around-the-clock work. Be certain your home renovation or addition will go as planned by having a plan and including professional tradesmen’s advice.