16/05/2021
RED FLAGS WHEN GETTING A RENOVATION QUOTE.
I've been doing renovations for a long time, and the question I get asked the most is “How do you know you are hiring the right people?” Renovations cost a lot of money, your hard-earned money – so it’s important to make sure to spend the time finding the right person for the job. One thing to keep in mind is that a good renovator can’t start a job right away. So if you call up a renovator and have them take a look, get an estimate, and they’re ready to start tomorrow; this is a definite red flag. Here are some other things to look out for when looking to hire a renovator.
Number #1: The quote this is a basic breakdown of a job that includes general estimates on such things as demolition, framing, drywall, painting, carpentry, flooring, electrical, plumbing, and materials. The quote is supposed to give you a general idea of what a proper job will cost. If the quote is done cut and dry as if it was done before they even had a look at your situation, then you are most likely being given a cookie-cutter quote and are paying for things that may not need to be done. If the materials are the highest price on the quote you are probably paying for markup on materials and not getting custom-built products. If the price seems too good to be true then you are going to be paying for it, in the end, as add on's due to underquoting to get the contract. A quote should be flexible based on your desires and your budget, you should feel the price is fair and confident that your renovator is giving you the best price they can while still not sacrificing quality.
Number #2: A good renovator shouldn’t ask for more than 10% as a deposit or retainer. Any renovator who doesn’t have enough money or trust to get a job started either isn’t doing many jobs, or their business isn’t doing so well. And these are things you need to be concerned about. Why would a renovator need money today to start tomorrow’s job? A deposit or retainer only serves one purpose – it’s a guarantee for the contractor and lets them know that you’re serious about the renovation. So a renovator who asks for more than 10% is a definite red flag.
Number #3: The Internet can be a good tool to use when researching a renovator, but don’t just trust what you read. I’ve heard stories of people being swindled by a renovator who had great reviews. But were just fly-by-night businesses who would take the deposit and do a sh*tty job. You need to research the referrals and see who writes the reviews? See if they are recommended by other pros in the industry? If you can, pick up the phone and contact a client directly. Keep in mind that experienced renovators don’t just need referrals; they need a few good jobs under their belt, integrity, and a network of connections. The best place to start is to ask someone you know who has had work done and will highly recommend someone. Word gets around and they say a bad review gets told to a dozen people but a great review gets told to one, you.
What it ultimately comes down to is, did this renovator seem to have your best interest at heart, did they want to give you the best service at a fair price, did you feel confident in what they were saying and the advice they were giving. Or did they seem to want you to commit to them and were they trying to convince you they were your best option. A great renovator will let their work speak for their quality and your recommendation is what they really want not your money.
happy renovating.
