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Finding the best tradies… and keeping them

April 13, 2017 Leave a Comment

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Let’s face it: you can do all the research, planning and bargain shopping that you like, but it’s your trade team that’s going to make or break your renovation. That’s because labour is generally the biggest component of typical renovations – bathrooms particularly come to mind – and if anything is going to throw your timeline out, it’s unreliable tradies.

On the upside, a great team of tradies can make a potentially tricky renovation run like a well-oiled machine, bringing years of trouble-shooting experience and lateral thinking to the job.

Here are some of my top tips for finding the best team for the job.

Finding the best tradies

Finding the best tradies… and keeping them

1. Tap the network – Start by asking friends, colleagues and family for their personal recommendations. Having someone you trust vouch for a person’s quality of workmanship, reliability and that they charge a fair price for the work they do – that’s gold!

2. Don’t just take their word – There are some key people in your team – and one is definitely your builder. Even if he comes recommended, ask if you can speak to the property owner on his current job and the one before. If he’s confident in his work, this shouldn’t be a problem.

3. Get it all in writing – When it comes time to sign your building contract, make sure everything is itemised, and that you’ve read over every term and condition to minimise costly variations during construction.

4. Check their credentials – This can be done online in minutes, so there’s no excuse for not doing it. You can check licences of any builder or tradie at http://www.licensedtrades.com.au. Make sure they’re licensed for the work they’re doing and have all the necessary insurances.

5. Get 3 quotes – Get at least three quotes for any job. A seasoned renovator will have a ball park of what things cost; a novice won’t. The middle range quotes are generally the most realistic guide to the true value of the job. A really cheap quote should ring alarm bells and a really high one is possibly just trying it on or isn’t really interested in the job.

The bottom line is, always do proper due diligence on ANYONE you’re engaging to work on your renovation. Impulsive hiring decisions are a gamble that can cost you dearly.

TRADIE ETIQUETTE

  1. Always pay your tradies promptly, as per the terms of your agreement. Chances are they have equipment hire and labour costs associated with your project that they in turn need to pay on time.
  2. Never let tense situations get the better of you and lose your cool. Be firm, but fair, in all dealings.
  3. Hone your communication skills. Take time to learn some of the key tradie terms, as it saves tedious explanations and gives you credibility. Terms like “roughing in” and “scope of works” spring to mind.
  4. Go the extra mile for a great team, as they’re keepers. Make the occasional cuppa, offers cold drinks on a hot day, maybe shout them a case of beer at the end of the job.

Cherie’s next 3-day renovating workshop in Sydney is on May 19. See details here

Cherie Barber is the director of Renovating for Profit, a company that teaches everyday people how to buy and renovate properties for a profit.

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Not many friends in life fall into the unofficial Not many friends in life fall into the unofficial family category and they're a special gift. So ends three weeks with @danisteve81 who left her husband and son in the UK (I'm forever grateful they lent her to me!) to come and cheer me up and help me in the most practical ways after I spent Christmas and New Year in hospital. There were tears and I miss her so much already but how amazing to have had all that time together as adults. Such a rare treat and would never have happened without having been through something so challenging. Silver linings and all that. So many other friends have also been incredibly thoughtful and kind. There aren't many times I'd say this without cringing but I am 100% blessed!

I still cannot believe we have been friends since we were 12! 12! Are you still close with your childhood besties?
The renovation of this 80s beach shack @camillo_ho The renovation of this 80s beach shack @camillo_house is a work of art and while almost every surface was updated, the decision to keep the original slate floor was genius if you ask us. 

Owner @clarehillier__ says: "With its purple, pink, red and brown tones, the slate was the starting point for our interior palette."

Come and check out the before and afters via link in bio now and read the reno story. It's a real beauty.

And you can book it for your next holiday too!

Blair Smith Architecture @kateshanasy

#slatefloor #slatefloors #80shouse #80sbeauty #camillohouse #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #realreno #holidayhousesofinstagram #morningtonpeninsulahomes #morningtonpeninsula #morningtonpeninsulasmallbusiness #blairgowrie #blairgowriebeach #airbnbstyle
Me and my boys 💗 Me and my boys 💗
Just a couple of dorks who've been friends for thr Just a couple of dorks who've been friends for three decades going out for a child-free dinner 💓😁
Excuse me while I die of a cute attack 🥰 @damia Excuse me while I die of a cute attack 🥰 @damianfrancis 

This doesn't happen often these days!
Hello friends! Just thought I'd say hi. Two weeks Hello friends! Just thought I'd say hi. Two weeks since leaving hospital and I'm doing much better than I expected to be at this early stage. A long recovery road ahead but making progress in how much I can move my arm and although I drag myself through some days non-stop yawning, others I can go for a little walk or out for lunch before collapsing on the couch! I can now tie my own hair back and put on a real bra which is very exciting 🤣 Having my bestie here to help us with the boys, drive me places and just be brilliant positive company is the best thing I could have asked for not to mention the many Dinner Ladies vouchers from friends! Thanks for all your kind messages, cards, flowers, gifts and offers of help ❤️
I definitely feel like a statistic now but hoping I definitely feel like a statistic now but hoping to raise some awareness off the back of my misfortune (and also very lucky escape).

@newsouthwaleshealth have just put out this warning about a rise in serious bacterial infections. iGAS (invasive group A streptococcus) is what caused my necrotising fasciitis and sepsis.

Apparently there's similar happening in VIC too.

It's extremely rare but very serious nonetheless so please have a read and be aware of symptoms. I've linked to the article from a button via my link in bio.

#interiorsaddict #jenbishop #necrotisingfasciitis #groupastrep #groupastreptococcus #sepsis
While new technologies continue to shape the inter While new technologies continue to shape the interior design scene, one that has been getting a fair bit of traction of late is marble-look porcelain. A cheaper alternative to natural stone, the latest printed porcelain tile technology makes it difficult to distinguish from the real thing.

Founded by husband and wife duo Anton and Rita Bourtsev, Sydney’s @kaolintiles has a unique offering in this space with over 100 different marble-look tile designs in small and large formats.

More via link in bio now.

#porcelain #porcelaintile #porcelaintiles #largeformattiles #largeformattile #marblelooktiles #bathroomtrends2023 #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #heartyourhome #realrenovations #goldsink #brasssink #jenbishop #kaolin #kaolintiles #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger
Promise this is the last wretched hospital photo I Promise this is the last wretched hospital photo I'll post and I hope to be home and with my lippie back on by Monday. You know it's serious when I'm lipstick free, right?!

This was about a week ago in intensive care. And although my arm is still bloody sore I'm now on a normal ward and no longer attached to any drips, drains or a catheter. I've come a long way.

This has been the most physical and mental challenge of my life but I'm through the worst. I kept my arm. The doctors saved my life.

I cannot say it enough times. If you're worried about your health, don't hang around. Things can change so quickly. 

A huge thanks to my amazing husband @damianfrancis We've had the hardest year yet and our marriage has never been stronger, even if my rings did get cut off my finger in hospital 😜

As great of a job as he is doing at home with the kids, I cannot wait to get home now. Countdown is on to a new year and a fresh start.

And I can't say enough just how overwhelmingly grateful I am to all the medical professionals involved in my care, from the @healthdirectaus nurse who sent me to Emergency to the exceptional surgeons, doctors, nurses and support staff.

Happy New Year, everyone. Remember you never know what's around the corner and this is not a dress rehearsal!

And huge thank you for all your kindness here. Has been amazing while stuck in bed.

Xxx

For those who missed it, I was unlucky enough to get necrotising fasciitis. You'll have to Google it.
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About Naomi Foxall

Naomi Foxall is a freelance writer, content and social media manager, living on the NSW South Coast.

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