These are the ten most important questions to ask your building contractor before they start working on your project.
In a perfect world, home improvement projects and construction would be as much fun as the happy-go-lucky TV shows of the 90’s made it look…sadly, that’s not the case. To combat home-improver’s remorse, we suggest that you pin a couple of things down and get clarity before you break ground on the kitchen expansion or new braai room/bathroom you have planned.
This is going to be a stressful time, you’re spending a lot of money, and we want to help you get the most out of your contractor.
1. How long have you been doing this?
In the construction game, time, and longevity matters. Even if they are a bit pricier, going with established builders with a long track record of completed projects (in the same realm as what you want to do) is the safest way to get the right people for the job.
2. Contact details of your most recently completed project?
As much as a long history of success matters, it doesn’t help if there has suddenly been a significant drop in customer satisfaction. Call their last client and check if their good name is in fact, still in good standing.
3. If something happens to you, who takes over?
This sounds like a grim question, but if the pandemic has thought us anything it’s the importance of succession planning. It doesn’t help if only one person in the firm or company knows about your project…Life happens, and you need to have a 2IC in case your main contact person falls ill or is incapacitated in some way.
4. What happens when you experience labour problems?
Ask about contingency plans for when the construction team can’t work due to some form of strike or other labour issues. Although this can be unavoidable it’s a worthwhile question to ask, if only to get a feel for the general labour climate of the team.
5. Who are your usual suppliers, and how long have you been working with them?
Material costs are often the most volatile part of any building project. If your contractor has a good relationship with a reputable supplier, they could be able to secure lower prices on certain bulk orders. Otherwise, feel free to shop around and ask for referrals. This is the one part of the project where your involvement can make a direct difference in cost.
6. What are the structural hazards to existing buildings, electricity or plumbing that this new project poses?
So, you are knocking out a wall to expand your kitchen – but have you checked which cables go through it, which plumbing might be affected and most importantly, are you completely sure about the integrity of the remaining structure?
7. Who is responsible for cleanup and rehabilitation of area? (Slab where cement is mixed etc)
Construction waste is a tricky thing to clean up and most municipal garbage services do not accept it for curb-side pickup. Will they arrange for it to be carted away, will they provide bins/skips for its storage until that time? Piles of rubble can pose a risk to pets and kids but can also wreak havoc on your garden and lawn if its left for extended periods.
8. What is the timeframe for this project?
Even though projects rarely stay within their time frame, it’s important to get a ballpark figure and to have that in writing/electronically agreed upon. This means that you’ll have some proof and bargaining power should the project be unreasonably delayed.
9. What risks are there for hidden costs? (unforeseen excavations or additional materials needed…)
This is important for you to be able to assess your risks and ensure you have the necessary funds to deal with any unforeseen expenses.
10. Will there be stability in terms of the team of workers who are on site during the course of the project?
Unfortunately, this question needs to be asked. You are trusting these builders to come into your home and work there, maybe for weeks on end. It’s best if you get to build a good working relationship with them instead of having anonymous and interchangeable workers who you do not know coming in and out of your home without check. For the same reason its good to have someone from the household as contact person between the builders and you to help smooth things over. A friendly smile and cup of tee can go a long way towards builders take a little bit of extra care when it comes to clean up and finishing on time…
