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A Builder Reveals: 3 Things I Wish My Clients Knew
A builder shares three important things to know before embarking on a renovation or new build
Building or renovating your home can be one of the most thrilling – and stressful – times of your life. Having a little bit of knowledge ahead of time, however, can help smooth the process beyond measure. Here, Neil Turrell, managing director at Turrell Building Services, reveals the three important things he wishes every client understood before the start of a project.
2. The difference between cheap and realistic building quotes
There is such a range of quality of build – and also quality of attitude – when it comes to how builders work and put quotes together. It’s a bit like buying a car; to really know if the price is right, you’ve got to trust the sales person and have an understanding of the calibre of the car you’re buying. I truly wish clients understood how builders can make quotes look a little cheaper on paper, and then go on to invoice them extra later down the track when the job is on the go.
There is such a range of quality of build – and also quality of attitude – when it comes to how builders work and put quotes together. It’s a bit like buying a car; to really know if the price is right, you’ve got to trust the sales person and have an understanding of the calibre of the car you’re buying. I truly wish clients understood how builders can make quotes look a little cheaper on paper, and then go on to invoice them extra later down the track when the job is on the go.
With my business, we double-membrane bathrooms, use all treated framing, thicker-than-required insulation, and larger-than-standard timber frames. All these items are our standard, but for most builders they are not.
I am very big on quoting for realistic allowances in the project so clients end up spending close to what we costed initially. To do this means more time up-front from the builder to price the job accurately, and be clear about what is and isn’t included in the tender.
Searching for a builder? Find building professionals near you, browse images of their work and read reviews from previous clients
I am very big on quoting for realistic allowances in the project so clients end up spending close to what we costed initially. To do this means more time up-front from the builder to price the job accurately, and be clear about what is and isn’t included in the tender.
Searching for a builder? Find building professionals near you, browse images of their work and read reviews from previous clients
3. How long things can take
Clients often come along and think approvals and costings can all be done and dusted in a matter of weeks. In reality, it can take five months to get initial plans, costings, approvals and a timing schedule done – and even longer if council requires extra approvals.
Clients often come along and think approvals and costings can all be done and dusted in a matter of weeks. In reality, it can take five months to get initial plans, costings, approvals and a timing schedule done – and even longer if council requires extra approvals.
The one thing I always get asked is…
“Will we be done for Christmas?” My answer is always that they will be if we said they would be. This is because we use a realistic timeline with our projects that allows for weather and unexpected delays. A lot of builders do not plan enough with their project, and end up over-committing and under-delivering.
It makes such a difference when you are organised, know your limits and what you can and can’t do. It also makes for a much better relationship with the client.
“Will we be done for Christmas?” My answer is always that they will be if we said they would be. This is because we use a realistic timeline with our projects that allows for weather and unexpected delays. A lot of builders do not plan enough with their project, and end up over-committing and under-delivering.
It makes such a difference when you are organised, know your limits and what you can and can’t do. It also makes for a much better relationship with the client.
My golden nugget
Ideally, have all your fixture and colour selections locked in and ordered before the builder steps foot on site. This way you’re not making rushed decisions during the job – which you might later regret – or causing unnecessary delays while you make your selections.
Ideally, have all your fixture and colour selections locked in and ordered before the builder steps foot on site. This way you’re not making rushed decisions during the job – which you might later regret – or causing unnecessary delays while you make your selections.
Your turn
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More
Want more professional insights to equip yourself for your reno? Read this article – An Interior Designer Reveals: 3 Things I Wish My Clients Knew
Did you find this story useful? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to like or share this story and save your favourite photos. Join the conversation.
More
Want more professional insights to equip yourself for your reno? Read this article – An Interior Designer Reveals: 3 Things I Wish My Clients Knew
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Some clients don’t understand building plans, which means they have no idea what they’re actually signing up for as far as the footprint of their build.
Fortunately, we have building-design software programs nowadays that not only provide construction-plan layouts, but also 3D images of spaces so clients can visualise their project. Programs like these help a lot, but nothing compares with physically seeing the footprint on the ground in front of you.
I’d recommend that clients pull out the tape measure at their current residence and measure out the footprint of their new build or renovation, so they can be sure it’s exactly what they want before work starts.