Choosing the Right Fit for Your Building Needs

Choosing the Right Fit for Your Building Needs

Building projects can  turn into a nightmare when you don’t have the right building contractor at hand.

Today, one of the first things we do when looking for a property is rush to Google, and if you’re more old-school, you prefer things to happen in person. After long searches both online and physically, you might find yourself at the decision of actually building your dream home, because nothing speaks your personality than a home you design. However, before building that ideal home, you need to be prepared.

Here are some nifty tips on what to do when hiring a building contractor.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Designing and building a home from scratch sounds exciting, and it should be. However, there’s ample room for fraught pitfalls. So, firstly, if you’re not very patient or have issues with dipping deep in your pockets, then this isn’t for you. You might have heard of plenty nightmarishly taunting stories of builders producing sub-standard work, or a contractor running way past your budget and time, or not delivering at all. That’s probably because that wasn’t a professional building contractor hired in the first place.

It is imperative that you do as much homework as possible, and that you have a full understanding of  what it is you’re getting yourself into.

Pro Tips for Hiring a Building Contractor

Recommendations

Often times a friend, family member or someone we know seems like the best route to take when hiring a building contractor, this course of action sometimes falls flat. What happens when things go wrong and the person you hired is a close friend? Shoddy workmanship can ruin relationships so you want to avoid such.

Get an Architect

A professional architect is always the best route to takes especially because they probably have a good reputation and can assist with the building process and hiring the right building contractor. If you don’t know where to start, try the South African Institute of Architects (SAIA).

Your building contractor needs to be registered!

It is vital that you hire building contractors who are registered, particularly with a professional organisation, like the Master Builders Association (MBSA) or the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC).

Get it in writing

It is also in your benefit to make sure that all arrangements with your builder is in writing. Make sure that a contract is drawn by reputable attorneys, from both parties so that everyone is held liable for their part.

Finally, use common sense. Make sure you have as many quotes and references as possible so you can have a clear view of projects your prospective builder has completed. Ask the hard questions. Make sure your budget is intact and most importantly, plan ahead!