Red Flags to Look Out For!
Red Flags to Look Out For!
Picking your dream team is one of the most important tasks you have when building or renovating. Relationships are key as you will likely be working with these contractors for a number of months, if not years for a bigger build or renovation project!
Picking your team can feel daunting, but if you know what to look out for you can feel prepared and confident when choosing your design and construction team. Referrals are a great place to start but just because a friend has had a positive experience with a builder, architect or designer doesn't mean it's necessarily the dream team for you! Considerations include budget and style - your expectations may be vastly different to your friends and your way of working may differ. Keep in mind a good designer should be adaptable and able to work to any brief! Seeing more than one example of their work is important when it comes Architects, Interior Designers, Builders and trades. If you can identify any Red Flags, you can be confident you aren't picking a team that might cause you a headache along the way!
Relationships and transparency are two of the most important factors on a successful build or renovation. Being clear about your budget is also hugely beneficial to all parties so that you don't waste a lot of time planning a Grand Design home that will never eventuate. Openness on both sides means you can maximise your budget and stay within the constraints of the project.
Relationships can break down when expectations are not met. You will want to select a design and architect who are realistic about what you can achieve and be willing to make compromises where necessary to get as close as possible to your vision without blowing the budget (damn those annoying budgets!!). Side note: a good interior designer and architect can save you money through their experience, network of suppliers and trade relationships and their ability to maximise and restrain budgets in the right places.
I saw a great quote once "You think hiring a professional is expensive - you should try hiring an amateur!". Although budgets can be a tricky conversation to have, there is a lot of value in being honest with your designer and architect so that you are presented with the very best options that maximise your spend. We like to treat our clients money like our own and get the best value and end result for the investment.
You may also start to feel frustrated when time frames are not being adhered to and that can start costing you extra money along the way. Designing a home from scratch and building can be very stressful and there are many moving parts. Having a design and build team that can stay on track with timelines and be available is very important to ensuring a smooth build process which saves you time and money!
We have heard horror stories of builds blowing massively over budget because a fixed price contract has not been agreed upon in the planning stage. The more pricing you can have nailed down before you begin the less heartache you will experience along the way. A good contract is crucial!
Below are just a few Red Flags to be aware of. Remember - no team gets it perfect 100% of the time but if you work with a good team they will be one step ahead of the issues and ready to communicate any delays with you along the way. The build or renovation process will undoubtedly encounter problems but at the end of the day you need a team that you can laugh with and overcome the challengers together.
References are a great place to start. Talk to previous clients and see how the process went for them, ask to see examples of a builder or joiners' workmanship and see how the relationship with the client is at the end of the project.
The proof is in the pudding as they say!
Red Flags:
- Lack of clear communication
- Replies take a long time with large periods of silence
- Hidden costs or many promises of things being free or very cheap
- A messy building site and poor attention to detail
- A lack of professionalism
- A team that doesn't welcome or appreciate your views and thoughts
- Poor reputation (A good referral helps!)
- Poor relationships within the industry
- Lack of time and detail put into your quote
- Being let down with timing and punctuality in the planning phase
These are just some Red Flags which would be warning signs to me that you may have more project issues to deal with along the way. I would select someone who has a clear communication style and who you feel at ease and comfortable with. You need to feel confident picking up the phone and making your thoughts known. No question is a silly question! Remember this is your build or renovation! You should always feel welcome on your project site.
If you would like to talk to us about your project - big or small, pick up the phone today! We are small and very passionate team ready and waiting to collaborate with you!
