Choosing a renovation contractor
Renovation needs patience and problem-solving. Ask contractors about renovations they have done on houses of a similar age and what they found once the walls were opened. Good contractors will talk about surprises honestly.
Check that they have reliable electricians and plumbers, because services are the core of most full renovations. Ask how they will protect parts of the house that are not being worked on.
Ask, too, how they schedule the trades. A well-run renovation keeps electricians, plumbers, masons and carpenters moving in a sensible order so one team is not waiting for another or breaking work that has just been finished.
- Similar renovations you can see
- Strong electrical and plumbing teams
- Plan for dust control and protection
- Clear approach to hidden problems
Contracts and payments
A renovation contract should list fixed work, such as measured areas of flooring and counted fittings, and provisional work, such as hidden pipe replacement or damp repairs, with agreed rates and limits.
Tie payments to finished stages and keep every variation in writing. Agree how long the house may be without water or power at a time if you are living there.
Quality checks before walls close
The most important inspection happens before plaster and tiles cover new services. Check that pipes are pressure tested, wiring runs in proper conduit with the correct cable sizes and every circuit is labelled on the board.
In washrooms and on roofs, see that waterproofing is complete and tested before tiles go down. Take photos of every wall before it is covered so you know where services run.
Finally, check finishes room by room at handover: tile joints, paint coverage, door alignment, socket positions and water pressure at every tap.
- Pressure test new water lines
- Check wiring sizes and earthing
- Flood test washroom floors and roofs
- Photograph walls before plaster