So you’ve decided to extend your home. You might have settled on covering your patio or deck to make it a truly useful and comfortable space, or maybe you’re looking at enclosing an outdoor area that’s already covered. Unless you’re a DIY master, you will likely need some help to make sure your home extension is fully functional and looks amazing.
With tradies and contractors notorious for leaving jobs half finished, arriving late every day, or making a mess of the site, it can be difficult to find a team that you really trust. Here are our top tips for finding a patio builder that you can count on, whether you’re located in Brisbane or live in a regional centre elsewhere around the country.
Reputation
Word of mouth is a valuable tool in the building industry, both for you as a customer and for businesses looking to expand their client base. It’s worth asking friends and family if they have had any experiences with specialised builders in your area, as they may be able to help you eliminate or shortlist any standouts.
Proof of skills
Every builder worth their salt should have some sort of portfolio showcasing previous work, so you can see what sort of projects they’ve taken on in the past. You can also look for online reviews and testimonials, so you know what to expect should you engage them for your job. It’s also worth asking if they have any industry awards or qualifications that set them apart from competitors.
This includes making sure they are a licenced operator – to check this, simply visit the Queensland Building and Construction Commission website and search for the company. You will be able to see if they hold any licences, what licences they hold, and what work they have completed, all of which will help you make an informed decision.
Design expertise
What do they offer as part of a standard service? Do they simply order a package and put it up for you? For a patio or extension that adds genuine value to your home, you should look for a business that provides not just construction as standard, but also custom design.
Material recommendations
While you’re probably not looking for an endless sales pitch, you also don’t want someone who builds with cheap materials as a default. Take the time to ask what materials they recommend, and what the specific benefits and drawbacks are.
Guarantees and warranties
Do they offer any sort of guarantee for their work? If they are confident in the quality of their workmanship, then there should always be some sort of system in place for the rare event of something going wrong, both for your peace of mind and for their own reputation.
When it comes to your home, you should always be cautious with alterations. Asking yourself the questions set out above is a great way to assess the quality of a building company, and time spent researching is never a waste. For more information on our work, practices and policies, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly and experienced team.
Quick Checklist for Choosing Your Building Company
• Positive reputation
• Portfolio of work
• Positive reviews
• Customer testimonials
• Design expertise
• High-quality materials on offer
• Guarantees and/or warranties on products and workmanship
