Photography: Armelle Habib | Styling: Julia Green
Navigating a new renovation can feel daunting, but with the right approach, it doesn’t have to be stressful. From hiring tradespeople to help with renovating a bathroom, rewiring a kitchen, or building a deck, you’ll want to ensure you hire the right person to get the job done. But with so many options on the market, how can you make sure you’re getting top-quality work, on time and on budget?
For every room in the house, there’s a qualified tradesperson who can help bring your dream home to life. Here are five simple steps to help you get the best from your tradie and ensure your project runs as smoothly as possible.
Hire the right tradie for the job
Most people are aware that electricians, plumbers and gas-fitters require a licence to operate, but fewer would know that tradespeople such as plasterers, painters, floor tilers and fencers also need a licence. Not all tradies are built the same; a plumber won’t always be a great tiler, just like how not all electricians specialise in the same work. To make sure yours is the right person to go with, make sure they have all the necessary qualifications, look for specialists, not generalists, and don’t be afraid to ask for references or previous examples of work.
Communicate clearly
Clear communication can make or break your experience. From the very first conversation, you should ensure you’re clear about what you want and don’t want. You should have a clearly mapped out project brief and budget in detail, and an agreed-upon price up front. Ensure that your tradie can contact you should any issues arise, and be clear about what you can and can’t afford to spend on the job. Also, be clear about how your tradie can get access to your site, what time frames you can expect to hit major milestones in the project, what materials or finishes you prefer, any must-haves or design inspiration, and when you will be paying.
Be upfront about budget and cost expectations
Awkwardness around the project’s budget is a sure-fire way to create tension between yourself and the tradesperson. To avoid this, you should encourage transparency in communication early on. That means clearly mapping out the project brief and budget in detail with your tradesperson, agreeing on a set price up front and locking it in. Don’t forget to request written quotes, not just verbal estimates, as you don’t want to be caught out down the track. Remember, any good tradie will appreciate the honesty and be happy to work within your budget.
Ask questions
If you aren’t sure about an aspect of the job, the cost of materials or anything else related to your project, don’t be afraid to speak up. Any tradie worth their salt welcomes questions as an opportunity to help you feel 100% satisfied with your decisions. If any doubts arise, be sure to bring it up with your tradesperson as soon as possible, and talk it through until you have clarification. Some questions you might like answered include time frames (how long will the job take?), any potential risks, what’s the plan B, and whether they provide warranties.
Have a collaborative relationship
Regardless of who you hire for a job, ensure that you feel comfortable working with your chosen tradesperson. The relationship between you and your tradie should be a collaborative one, where your dream project is shaped and realised by their expertise and positive input.
Whether it’s a small job or a bigger renovation or home project, hipages connects Aussie homeowners with trusted tradies to bring dream renovations to life. Easily post your job today at hipages.com.au.
How to find the right tradie
