Canberra, the capital of mighty Australia, is developing every time you blink. Due to this rapid development, homeowners also want to upgrade their properties and stay up to date with the latest trends. And when you are upgrading your house, the bathroom shouldn’t be an exception.
Your bathroom, also known as the sanctuary for the most private ablutions, shouldn’t be ignored in times when the rest of the house is up for a revamp. For a successful bathroom renovation, you need a design and layout, materials, and above all, a contractor. The contractor you choose can transform your loo into a sanctuary or completely destroy its look.
Therefore, hiring just anyone won’t do.
You need someone skilled and experienced who doesn’t go overboard with the budget. To make the hiring process simpler, we have compiled a list of 10 questions you can ask before hiring a renowned contractor in the market.
1. Are You Licensed and Fully Insured in the ACT?
The first and foremost question you need to ask any contractor is whether they are licensed, because in Canberra, this is not an option. All contractors are required to have an ACT builder’s license that confirms their capability to remodel and reconstruct your bathroom. These contractors are also covered by public liability insurance.
Having a license ensures that the contractor you are hiring understands the local building codes and processes to successfully complete a project. Additionally, the insurance protects the homeowners in case something goes south during the project. Reborn Renovations is an example of reputable companies that provide all relevant documentation to build their client’s trust before the project begins.
So, no matter how much your potential contractor assures you of their experience, never trust verbal arguments and ask for their license.
2. Is Your Bathroom Renovation Experience Specific to Canberra?
Canberra is a city that comes with its own challenges. Whether it’s the tricky weather, working on older homes, or dealing with the compliance requirements, a new tradie would require some time to adjust to this complex setup.
It is essential for homeowners to ask renovation experts about the previous projects they completed locally, along with their general experience. Anyone who has previously worked in the local market would be much more familiar with your expectations and the kind of change your bathroom needs. Also, not to mention their ability to tackle complex issues related to material, labour and other concerns.
3. How Do You Aim to Handle Compliance, Inspections, and Approvals?
Many homeowners think that they do not require any approvals when it comes to renovating their bathrooms. However, this isn’t always the case when it comes to housing in Canberra. Many homeowners do not understand the approvals required to make structural changes, waterproofing, or plumbing.
This is where your tradie comes in. A reliable bathroom renovator will manage the entire process for you, without putting any additional stress on you. You can sit back and relax, sip a mojito while the contractor tackles ‘your problem’ as their own.
4. Who Will Be Working in My Bathroom?
Before you finalise your terms and conditions with a contractor, it is worth discussing with a tradie whether they have their own team or would be outsourcing the work. While neither of the two approaches is wrong, it is important to clarify this beforehand to avoid any last-minute concerns and arguments.
You can discuss with the contractor about the number of people required to get things done. A professional contractor will be transparent about how many people will be required and what their potential responsibilities will be. If someone tries to dodge this question, it’s better to steer away from their offer.
5. What Is Included in the Quote Offered?
A lot of contractors in the market quote a lower price at the start to land a contract. However, this quickly piles up when you are supposed to pay the bill. These hidden charges are often quoted at the last moment, putting financial strain on the homeowners. Unfortunately, by that time, it’s a bit too late to sort this matter.
A professional tradie will always be upfront with the quote and ask you for the amount that is directly related to the task at hand without any hidden charges. The reliable ones will even give you a breakdown of the entire quote from material to labour and service charges.
Therefore, instead of being shy, it is best to come upfront and get a quotation before signing a contract with a particular bathroom renovation expert.
6. Are You Using Any Waterproofing System?
Keeping in mind Canberra’s diverse and confusing weather conditions, waterproofing is a must for all houses. During renovation, you can consider waterproofing as a serious job that needs to be handled with care because a single mistake can cause serious damage.
Ask your contractor about how they will install the waterproofing system and whether it meets the Australian standards. The renovator with experience in this should be able to provide you with a waterproofing certificate.
7. What Is the Realistic Timeline for My Renovation?
Another mandatory question, because unless you have a spare house or a bathroom, this renovation will seriously disrupt your everyday routine. Discuss the changes you want in the bathroom and ask your tradie about the timeline required to bring this vision to life.
Make sure to get an insight from multiple contractors to see which one sounds the most realistic. Remember that if a deal or timeline seems too good to be true, that’s because it really is. You should brush aside such offers and consider only bathroom renovators who intend to have a straightforward conversation with you.
8. Are There Any Warranties?
Just because a tradie is paid, doesn’t mean their job is done. They still need to be in touch with you and offer any post-job services if needed. Reliable contractors offer clear post-completion support, signed in the contract rather than vague guarantees.
It is ideal to include terms and conditions for your warranty, post-contract services, and maintenance to ensure your bathroom remains in top-notch condition.
Getting your bathroom renovated as a Canberra resident is a big deal because you are a part of the city’s drive to rise as a modern metropolitan. However, it is essential for homeowners to ensure they are hiring the right person for this role.
You need to discuss your terms and conditions by scrutinising a number of contractors. Ask them questions that would give you a better picture of who the best man for the job is. Once you are clear, only then onboard someone for your bathroom renovation in Canberra.
