It can seem like a daunting task to set about finding a builder or carpenter for your carpentry project.  Once you start looking through the listings and advertisements for builders, you will see there appear to be plenty to choose from.  The problem for most people however, is determining which builder is the best for them and their project. 

Don’t put your carpentry project off just because you are afraid of dodgy firms that hide behind slick adverts and shiny flyers!  Just arm yourself with some information and some good questions.  There are a few things to know as you begin your search, and we would like to share them with you.

REFERENCES

One of the very best ways to find a builder is word of mouth.  If you have friends, neighbours or relatives who have recently had work done, ask them who they hired and whether they were happy with the work (as well as the quotation process, the workers, time frames and communications throughout the carpentry project).

Another way to locate good builders in your area is to simply see them working nearby.  We are often approached by potential customers whilst on another project and asked to make arrangements for quotations.

Remember that a reliable builder is happy to provide you with references from past work and even willing to show you previous work they have done.  It should be a considerable red flag to you if they are hesitant to do so.

LEGALITIES

Ask your prospective builder about any building permissions that will be needed for your carpentry job.  Don’t be afraid to check with council about such permissions on your own just to be sure.  A good builder is not afraid of proper licenses and permissions for the work they are going to do, nor are they afraid of inspectors seeing their work.

If any of your project requires licensed trades people (such as gas fitting), be sure that your builder or his sub-contractor does carry such a license. 

You should also enquire from your prospective builder or carpenter as to whether they carry the proper liability insurance for their business.  No-one likes to think about accidents or damages that can unexpectedly occur during a carpentry project but basic business insurance policies can allay the worry of such occurrences both for you and for your builder.

Having a contract in place for your project is often a good idea, especially for major (and long-term) projects.  Be sure you discuss all the points of the carpentry contract with your builder and make sure there are no verbal agreements that are not listed in the contract. 

RELATIONSHIP

It is important both for you and for your builder that there be good communication during your carpentry project.  This means all the way from the initial enquiries to the final inspection. 

We want you to be happy with our carpentry work and the final results of your project.  We strive to keep an open and professional line of communication going with you throughout all phases of your project. 

We believe that our commitment to customer satisfaction is one of the reasons for our continually having new clients referred to us by our previous clients.