You wouldn’t buy the first home you laid eyes upon without taking the time to research the foundations of the house, the neighbourhood, and nearby businesses. So, when it comes to deciding who to choose to build the extensions for your home, it’s a good idea not to make any rash decisions, either.
Home extension building is a specialised field, and uses the newest available techniques and tools to safely, efficiently and effectively complete the task. There can be no room for errors. That’s why treating your home builder like a candidate for a job interview is a great way to discover who is right for the job.
From assessing their expertise to quality of work and mindset when it comes to regulatory compliance, here’s some questions you might want to ask your home extension builder before signing any contract.
What are your qualifications and how long have you been a home builder?
A good builder will be able to clearly explain why they are the best choice for the job, and demonstrate their qualifications, years of experience, and any other important bits of information that can help you make a more informed decision.
Do you specialise in my type of building work?
Just like commercial and domestic builds are different, you want to be certain you are working with someone who has the necessary knowledge, skill, and experience to do the exact task that you want.
Are you a licensed builder?
This should be the first question you ask, and it goes without saying that you should only ever work with licensed tradesmen. All builders in New South Wales should have the following qualifications: Certificate IV in Building and Construction, as well as a relevant diploma or degree in Building and Construction, Housing, or a valid bricklaying or carpentry contractor license.
Do you have Home Indemnity Insurance?
Get covered for financial loss should the builder die, announce bankruptcy or run off. Ask your builder to issue you a Certificate of Currency for Home Indemnity Insurance before you sign on the dotted line.
Do you have any testimonials from clients?
Ask your builder for feedback from past clients. Visit their website and view testimonials from their recently completed projects. If the builder takes pride in their work, you should be able to see a lot of positive comments from happy homeowners, as well as accompanying images and videos.
How much will the job cost me?
It’s always a good idea to talk about your budget as early as you can. That way, you can gauge whether a house extension builder is within your means – and remove any surprises on the bill at the end of the project. A transparent and honest home extension builder will be happy to quote an approximate cost, as they take into consideration all factors relating to your build.
Build your dream home extension with the best
With over 25 years of experience in second storey additions and ground floor extensions, Family Home Designers & Builders is the one to trust for your home extensions. We’re proud to have built a reputation in the local community for our great work on major renovations and interior renovations. If you’re looking for a home renovation designer and builder in the North Shore area, contact us on (02) 9119 1820.
