What To Tell Your Trader When Doing Home Improvements

• November 20, 2018|
• News|
• Darren Clarke

Whatever kind of renovation project you have in mind, whether it’s new orangeries at your Tameside home or simply an upgrade of your double glazing, do make sure that you take the time to sit down and have a proper chat with the professional tradesmen you’ve hired to get the job done.

A new Which? study has just revealed the most important things you should tell your trader, with the top three being timescales, your end vision and your budget.

In terms of timescale, your choice of construction company will need to know what your proposed timings are so they can work out whether they can fit the job in their own schedule If you have a deadline in mind, do let them know and also when you’d expect them to start the job.

Remember that some companies can be booked up months in advance so don’t expect that you’ll be able to just hire the company you want and the job will be done in a matter of weeks. It will likely take an awful lot longer than that.

By the same token, it’s just as important to make sure you’ve told your trader exactly what the end product to look like. Try to be as clear as you can where this is concerned as it’s vital that the professional and qualified builders know exactly what you want to achieve. Without this, they won’t be able to offer you as helpful advice – and you do need to trust them as the experts in their field. It can also help companies give you more accurate quotes for the work that needs doing.

And don’t forget to be as clear as you can about your budget and just how much you have to spend. Do you have an ideal amount for the work, have you researched material costs, what is your real maximum budget for the job? Have answers to all these questions and you’ll be well on your way.

By the same token, there are a few things you apparently should never say to your builder, according to Homebuilding & Renovating! These include “I’ve changed my mind”… since doing this will cost you both time and money, possibly shunting the entire project off schedule. So take time at the beginning to think through design and material choices as it’s far more efficient and will keep you on budget.

Also never say “we don’t need a contract”… you’ll protect yourself if you do have a signed agreement with your trader just in case something does go wrong later down the line. It needn’t be a lengthy legal document but just something to fall back on if issues start to crop up.

If you’d like any further help or advice, get in touch with us here at Malbern Windows & Doors today.