28 || August• 2017
MONEY
COMPARE QUOTES Shopping
around is crucial, but beware of
simply going with the most affordable
option. Some builders may list major
parts of your project as ‘variations’
rather than essentials, allowing them
to be omitted from the original quote
in order to keep the apparent
cost down. Check each quote
thoroughly and question every
item you’re unsure of to guard
against nasty surprises.WILL YOU GET ALONG?
This might not sound that
crucial, but when you
consider they’re going to
be in your life for quite
a while, actually liking
the way your builders
communicate and how
they overcome obstacles
becomes paramount.
This could also prove to be
one of the most stressful and
expensive undertakings of your
life, so you’ll want to surround
yourself with professionals who
care as much about the project
as you do.Choosing the Right Builder
BY GREG BARTON
PHOTO: iSTOCKWhetherbuildingor renovating,
finding the right person for the job
can make or break the project – and
your budget.
DOYOUR RESEARCHDigdgpeeper
than simplyconfirminga builder’s
liccence and qualifications. Have
theywon awards for their work? Are
theywell regarded in the industry?
Chhecktheir website to see that
suuccessfulprojects matchthe
styyleofbuild you want, and
ifttheypromote their work
throughsocialmedia pages
suuch as Facebook; there’s
noobetter place toget a feel
fortheir most up-to-date
woork.
ASSK FOR REFERENCES
Goood builders won’t hesitate
toreferyou topast clients. If
theyare reluctant, stayaway!
Always follow through and
coontact them to see ifthey
weere satisfiedwiththe work,
anndconsider askingto view the
buuildingsoyou can inspect the
quualityandfinishings.