How To Deal With Your Tradie
Okay, so you know what kind of renovation you want to undertake, but now you need a tradie (or multiple) to make that dream a reality.
The problem with this is you SHOULD always source your own, and do your research. If you've hired a local architect or planner to help with your renovation, no matter how nice they seem, don't just go with whoever they recommend.
So, how do you handle your tradie?
1. Do your research and make friends
Truth be told, you don't actually need to be the best of friends with your tradie. At the end of the project, if you're still not comfortable enough to invite them around for a meal to enjoy the entertainment area they just installed, that's totally okay. BUT, be friendly with them. These people are going to shape your lives for the next few years, so the last thing you want is for them to hate being on-site, rushing the job and stuffing it up.
More importantly, than that though is doing your research. We've talked about this a few times in some of our other blog posts. Start with friends and family; do they have any recommendation's about who to go with, or who to avoid entirely? Failing that, start with the Yellow Pages and work your way down the list. You want to get at least 3-5 different quotes to start with. Then, when you've narrowed it down to 1 or 2, go and have a chat to them. Ask to see previous work. What are their credentials? Have they done this job for long? What's their timeframe look like? How much do they think this would cost?
2. Write it down, sign it off
This is a step that both of you will appreciate. Getting together both your creative brief and also your construction plans and signing them off.
Not only is your tradie going to be a lot happier that now he doesn't have to run to you every 5 minutes to ask questions, if he stuffs up, you've got it in writing how it should end up. It's a win-win for both parties involved.
As another note, this is also a good way to make sure you're organized. This step means the only way to complete it is to have picked everything about the renovation in advance. You can't wait until the last minute to pick a vanity, or tap handles, or a timber finish. This stops the tradie from having to wait for you and stops you from scrambling last minute to pick everything.
3. Listen to what they have to say
This might seem like one of that common sense, "of course we will" bullet points. But, make sure that you actually do it, because I guarantee they know more about the project than you do. If you're dead-set on a certain aspect of your remodel or renovation, and your builder says that it's a" going to be way more work, or b) is going to negatively impact the space, then make sure you reconsider your options.
They've been doing this a lot longer than you, so it might be about coming up with an alternative, and opening up a dialogue with your tradie about what they can recommend as well.
4. Document changes
Just because you've changed your mind halfway through, or have had to come up with an alternative, doesn't mean that everyone else knows about it. Document those changes, and make sure every single tradie that walks on-site knows about it.
The last thing you need is for the builder to verbally agree to change a number of shelves in the bathroom, but then he sends his apprentice to go do the job who's working on the original design.
Constant communication and documentation will make your lives one hundred times easier and stress-free during this.
5. Big breaths and stay calm
If you've ever talked to your friend about their renovation or watched a DIY show (Grand Design or House Rules etc) you already know that something, somewhere, is going to go wrong. It might be as small as waiting an extra business day for furniture to show up, or as severe as hitting a water main.
Whatever happens, remember to breathe, and try and stay as calm as possible. Everything will work out eventually this definitely isn't the first time something like this has happened.
In these situations, rely heavily on your tradies know-how to work out the best cause of action, it is their job after all!
6. Manage cash flow effectively
At the end of the day, the number one thing that is going to stress you out is the amount of money you sink into this project, no matter its size. A good rule of thumb is to always make sure that you have an extra 10% squirreled away in case something happens (#5). This way, you don't stress so much, things continue to run smoothly and if at the end you have leftover money, well more for decorating with!
If you plan to renovate, remodel or add an extension to your property, chances are you'll need a permit from your local council, as well as building inspections.
We offer in-depth, hassle-free inspection. Call our friendly team on 1300 657 546 or book online today!