Working with your builder
Finding a builder or tradesperson
See the 'Brief for Builder/Trades' template
Your designer should be able to recommend good licensed builders* and tradespeople they've worked with before.
Some professional associations for builders, plumbers and electricians have searchable databases on their websites. Many have now undergone 'green' training and accreditation to expand their skills.
Also ask friends who've renovated recently. When you're looking through magazines, check to see who built your favourite homes - they may be a local builder.
* In Victoria you should use a Registered Building Practitioner.
Getting quotes
Create a shortlist of builders or tradespeople you will ask for quotes - it's always wise to get several quotes.
If you've engaged a designer, they will prepare the tender documents for your builder. This will include the drawings as well as the specification, which spells out the standards builders must comply with and any specifics relating to building products you want them to use.
Be clear about what you want builders to include in their price and what's excluded.
'Our last builder tried to talk us out of the environmentally friendly products we wanted to try. Our new builder is all for it!'
Also ask about the start date and how long the work will take, as this can have budget implications too. The 'Brief for Builder/Trades' template can help you to communicate your priorities to your builder.
Choosing your builder
Once you've assessed quotes, you may want to ask your preferred builder if you can see some of their past work or talk to past clients, if you haven't already done so.
There are various contracts you can use when engaging a builder. Your designer can help you identify the most suitable one.
Among other things, the contract will set out payment details. Payment is usually made in increments (called 'progress payments') when the builder finishes agreed stages in the renovation.
The drawings and specification form part of the contract documents so it's important to get them right! If you want something, such as new skirting boards, but forget to include them in the drawings or specification, they will be charged as an extra.
During construction
Make sure your builder has a waste and recycling management plan detailing site management practices, such as recycling your demolition and construction material or, even better, finding innovative ways to reuse it.
Your builder also needs to have measures in place to stop sediment from the site getting into the stormwater system or waterways.
Good site management will keep
your neighbours and the authorities happy, and avoid
the risk of fines. Lock these requirements in at the
contract negotiation stage.
[See Your Home: Sediment
control]
