So you’ve purchased a renovation home and you’re excited and eager to bring your vision to life and make it your dream home. Or perhaps you have a growing family and need more space so you have decided to renovate and extend your space. Whatever reason you are considering a renovation in Queensland before you dive in head first, check out below the 5 biggest mistakes Queensland homeowners make when choosing a builder to renovate their home.

1. Choosing the builder to renovate based on cost and time frame

This is one of the biggest mistakes Queensland homeowners make when deciding who they are going to trust with their renovation. It’s all too common to see people scouring through the internet and ‘calling in’ to see what they can offer you. While price is important, it should not be your sole reason for choosing your builder. You need to determine the builder who is the right fit for your project, then use cost as a benchmark to compare between them. Some builders will charge you a set fee for things like building design or detailing, and some may charge you on an hourly basis. Ultimately when it comes down to it, you want a builder who is going to keep in touch with you throughout the whole process. Not only will they voice any concerns or questions, but they will be on hand if you have any issues with the work being done.

2. Not having an experienced builder

It’s also very important to choose a local builder who has been in the industry, working on the older homes for many years. While new builders may seem like a good cost-saving measure, they may not have the experience you need in order to complete your project. You want someone whose been involved in countless projects, and who knows what they’re doing, and knows all of the ins and outs of building. This is especially important if you have a complicated project such as renovating a character home such as a Queenslander or heritage home.

3. Checking out their references and testimonials

One of the easiest ways to choose a builder is by checking what previous clients have had to say about them. While it is important to read online reviews, it is equally as important to get more than one opinion from different sources. Checking out your builder’s online gallery or portfolio will give you a good idea of the type of finishes and attention to detail you can expect. If you are renovating an older style home ask your builder how many homes they have renovated of the same era, and can they provide 2-3 phone numbers of past clients who can verify their reputation. A good builder won’t have any issue with sharing these details.

4. Building a relationship

It is difficult to leave your home for months at a time with someone you don’t know, even if they have the best reviews in town. Building a solid relationship with your builder will help ensure that you feel comfortable throughout the duration of the project. We can’t stress enough how important it is to be on-site and be present during your renovations. It’s easy to get left out of parts of the process after a few weeks, and before you know it, you may miss some critical information or instructions.

5. Checking their credentials

Contact the QBCC or use their online licensee search to see if your builder holds a current license and has been operating a business for at least 2 years. The QBCC is the governing body for the building industry and they will verify your builder’s details, as well as their contact details in Queensland. You can also check their information around public liability insurance, workplace safety, and residential building regulation. So there you have it, these are the 5 biggest mistakes Queenslanders make when choosing a builder to renovate their home. Want more articles about renovations and building a home? Follow us on Facebook to learn about our latest tips and tricks, news of featured projects, as well as updates on the latest home building trends. T & J Bowden Constructions specialise in traditional Queenslander home renovations and Character style home renovations. Terry Bowden, along with his son Justin, combines over 60 years of experience in home renovations, to help you achieve your goals on time and on budget. Get in touch 0418 784 246.