Finding information on the web is but a couple of clicks away these days. From design ideas, to 3D planning tools, to tips on saving cash; good old Doctor Google can answer almost any burning question you have. Despite this, information on finding and engaging the right professional for you, including renovators, can be tricky! Beyond a quick search for companies in your area, how do you really know that you’re picking the right professional renovator for you, and that their experience aligns with your goals (and your budget)?
Qualifications mean everything
The sad truth of the matter is, there are a lot of cowboy builders out there. In the hunt for a bargain price, you may just be handing your home over to someone who is less than qualified to take on the task. Be sure that when you’re scrawling the pages of Google (or the yellow pages, for that matter), you ensure that your shortlist comprises only those professional renovators who list their QBCC license on their website. This way, you know that you’re selecting from a range of qualified professionals.
Experience trumps flashy sales pitches
It is startlingly easy to create a website, an Instagram account and run an ad campaign these days. While some firms might spend all of their cash on advertising, social media and flashy sales slogans, this is no guarantee of the quality of their work. In terms of home renovation, experience is the name of the game. Ensuring that your professional renovator has the experience you’d expect is paramount. Do they have photos on their website of previous work? Do these photos reflect the kind of work you’d be happy to have in your home? Experience is everything, and an experienced professional renovator will have great examples of their work for you to peruse.
Word of mouth is golden
Remember the days when word of mouth was the only way to find a hairdresser, a landscaper or a builder? While the age of the internet has put information at our fingertips, it cannot always give an accurate representation of someone’s quality of work, not to mention their general demeanour. When you let someone into your home, you’re bestowing a great deal of trust in that person. You want to know that your professional renovator is going to listen to your needs, and transform your vision into a wonderful new bathroom or kitchen (or entire home, as the case may be.) Finding a renovator who suits your needs might be as simple as asking friends, family and even other professional services, and receiving a recommendation from them. You might even find out who to avoid, while you’re at it.
Look for a local
Hiring a local renovator will not only save you time (think last-minute deliveries, or changes that need attending to), it can also save you a lot of hassle. Being able to meet your renovating specialist in person, to discuss your project’s requirements, can help you both to understand each other more clearly, and can help you to develop a healthy working relationship. Furthermore, a local professional will bring with them a wealth of knowledge about the area, about past and future developments, and about suppliers in the region who might be able to help you with other services. Building a relationship with a renovator who is local to you will also be handy for any future projects you wish to undertake.
You get what you pay for
Ah, that old adage. We’re probably all fairly sick of hearing it, but unfortunately the cliché ‘you get what you pay for’ is a cliché for a reason. Whether it’s buying a car, shopping on eBay for a new outfit, or renovating a home – a bargain-basement price means a bargain-basement result. While it’s important to have a clear budget in mind, and to get bang for your buck, it is equally important to hire a professional with the skills and experience to achieve the quality result you’re looking for. That’s not to say that an experienced renovator is out of your budget, in fact, they may be more affordable than you think. But when shopping for a professional to help you with your renovation project, your final decision should not come down to who can provide you the cheapest quote.
Considering all of the factors above, you can make an informed decision about hiring a renovation specialist that will suit your needs. Once you’ve narrowed down your search to just a couple of renovators, it’s time to pick up the phone and give each of them a call. Discuss your project, as well as your budget, and you will be ready to get started in no time. To discuss how Intrend Bathrooms and Interiors can turn your renovation dream into a reality, give us a call today.
