Why does anybody shell out for a home improvement project? To better customise their property to support their lifestyle? To boost the value of their property? In most cases, the answer is bound to be a bit of both, which is why you want to make sure you see a good return on your investment into any building and construction project.
The sad truth is, however, that not all builders and contractors trading in Australia deliver to the same standard, which makes a lot of homeowners consider working with tradies to be a little risky. Our team understands that a level of caution and apprehension is expected and in fact, totally reasonable considering that all of our clients are entrusting us with their property assets.
That’s why we don’t hesitate to answer any and all questions that our clients may have before they start working with us, and also pride ourselves on giving prompt, no-obligation quotations on all of our services, from pergola and verandah construction to decking and carport quotes.
In fact, in the spirit of giving all the information our clients need, our team is here today to share some qualifying questions that you could be asking not only when you hire us, but when you set out to hire any tradesmen, be they builders, contractors, or home maintenance service providers like HVAC specialists.
Without further ado, here are our 6 essential qualifying questions you should ask before you hire any builder or tradie.
1. Are you fully licensed and insured?
If your prospective tradies don’t have at least PL (public liability) insurance, then walk away – quickly. Without adequate insurance cover, you may be left bearing the cost of any poorly or improperly completed work. Look for insurance information on their website and if there’s nothing in sight, then don’t hesitate to ask them point blank for their insurance details.
The same goes for qualifications or licensing issues. Any professional tradie worth their salt will vouch for their compliance and qualifications, so don’t hesitate to ask for these upfront. From there, you can verify their info through your state authority; for example, the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) or Service NSW.
Choosing an unlicensed and uninsured tradie, whether by ignorance or deceit, is the choice you never want to make. It’s a legal slippery dip that could have you sliding for years so ultimately, never a risk you should want to take.
2. Have you worked on projects like this before?
As we briefly touched upon, no two tradies are built the same. Experience can (and will) differ considerably from one person to the next. For instance, a builder known for exceptional residential work may struggle when hired for a commercial project.
Why? Commercial projects often present a more dynamic working environment; stricter compliance, coordination with trades, and, if you decide to continue trading during the project, working around staff and customers. It’s a lot to consider.
The best approach? Don’t assume. Ask them, Do you have examples of similar projects? Have you dealt with an operating business before? The more relevant their answers, the more likely they are suitable for hire.
Pro tip: look for a gallery or projects page on their website to gauge their scope of experience and quality of work. We have our timber designs available to browse online that speak to the quality of our work alongside also giving our prospective clients plenty of inspo.
3. Who will do the work?
Another consideration where it’s best not to assume. Unless you’re hiring a solo contractor, there’s a chance the person who quoted you isn’t the person who shows up to do the work. Of course, this isn’t a problem, but it can take you by surprise.
In the end, it’s about accountability and quality control, regardless of whether you hire a builder who relies on subcontractors or has an in-house team. Ask who will be on site. Even better, ask for a schedule of expected tradies. Clear communication with your project manager will ensure nothing catches you off guard.
4. What does your quote include?
Avoid vague quotes. Anything that involves money should never be unclear. Vague quotes are cause for dispute, and that’s a path you don’t want to walk. This is when a healthy dose of suspicion helps. Yes, that low price looks appealing. You might find it’s stuffed with hidden exclusions that only appear once work begins. Think after-hours labour and compliance modifications. Think waste removal.
The quote you receive should be meticulous in detail; if it isn’t, ask why. If you need to, consult with a legal professional who specialises in construction. Remember: clarity rules.
5. How do you manage timelines and disruption?
If disruption-free building projects exist, we’ve not heard of them. At some point, you will have to deal with some type of delay; the right tradie will know how to navigate them and steer the project onward.
The builder you end up hiring should be able to confidently explain how they plan and manage timelines, along with how they handle delays or deviations. Managing site access, coordinating subcontractors, these kinds of things. Answers simple and crystal are what you’re looking for.
6. What does your aftercare look like?
Statutory warranties apply to all building work in Australia. That said, it’s best to understand exactly what this means for you, rather than trust things blindly.
Getting the project finished is half the challenge; the other half is being covered should issues arise. If you’ve signed off on the project and paid the invoice, convincing a tradie to return can prove frustrating. Unless it’s stipulated in your contract.
Embrace the adage: no such thing as a stupid question. Ask which warranties apply, how defects are handled, and who you contact for support. Your persistence will (literally) pay off in the long run.
Hire your next builder or tradie with the utmost confidence
Choosing a tradie to fix or improve your business should never be a decision you make based only on price; too many other critical factors exist. Cheap quotes always look great at the start. That is, until delay, disputes, and compliance issues begin to mount. It’s about doing your due diligence, which isn’t easy. And maybe it shouldn’t be.
The six questions above aren’t gospel by any means. Instead, they’re guiding points of logic, points that will help you reduce risk and increase protection for your business. In the end, this is what matters most. Keep them handy, and you’ll likely be met with a project that runs smoothly and looks great.
