Ten questions to consider before asking for an estimate: Part 1
Budget, cost and the final outcome.
It may feel like a drag when you just want to get on with it, but thinking through some of the practicalities, as well as softer relationship side of the process is much more likely to lead you to your best outcome.
- What do you need in a relationship?
You’re going to be in a relationship with this builder – so think about what helps you make a good relationship.
- Do you need someone who listens well?
- What behaviours that drive you mad?
- What leads you to feel confident and trusting?
You’re not getting married (at least I assume not!) but you will spend quite a lot of time with this person and it’s certain to get tense at some point (it always does), so much easier if you like and trust them.
- How good are you at reading plans?
If you’re not used to reading plans, find someone who can teach you. The plans are your roadmap, so being able to use them will help you keep track of next steps and how each elements needs to look. The more you are involved in the process, the more confident you’ll feel about getting the outcome you want.
- How involved do you want to be?
Do you want a detailed account of each step or for the work to be done and ‘don’t bother me’? Get clear about this then you can you make an agreement at the outset.
There is a real advantage understanding what needs to happen, especially if you want to retrofit sustainably. It’s still rare to find builders who really understand the sustainable world, so getting involved is probably your only way of making this happen. Read my book: Beginner’s Guide to Eco Renovation; follow your local renovations page on Facebook, look up retrofit on the web – there are a number of ways to find out. See yourself as part of the building team and you’ll get a more satisfactory output.
- Will you live in or move out?
Living in allows you to keep an eye on day to day progress, you can answer questions and have regular contact with the builder. It may not be comfortable – depending on the extent of the work – and the builders will use a little time at the end of each day to tidy up for you.
Renting should be more comfortable. You can live dust free without bits of insulation sticking to your clothes! A normal life. You’ll probably still want regular meetings with the builder to keep track of what’s going on. The downside of living out is that the money you pay out on rent could have been spent on the build.
- What reassurance do you need about the builder?
What will give you peace of mind about this person you’re handing your home to? There are a number of options:
- Ask friends and neighbours who they have used and whether they were satisfied.
- Look on local renovation forums. In my area is a Facebook page reserved for those having the work done. It’s not allowed for providers to advertise, so you can search on a specific builder or ask if anyone has used them.
- Go to the Federation of Master Builders website and look up the builder in question. https://www.fmb.org.uk/find-a-builder/ultimate-guides-to-home-renovation/how-to-choose-a-builder.html#reliable
- Also worth asking about their insurance cover for any damage to the house during the build or afterwards.
Start with the first five questions and have a good think, then move on to the next blog for Part 2.
I know you’ll just want to get on with it. The anticipation is an exciting time – all before you and not yet covered in dust! But it will definitely stand you in good stead to be prepared.