Renovation is harder than new construction. Working with existing structures, unknown conditions, and often occupied homes requires a different skill set. The builder who does great new homes might struggle with your renovation.
Finding the right renovator means looking beyond price to experience, communication style, and how they handle the inevitable surprises that come with older homes.
Types of Renovation Builders
Specialist Renovation Companies
Builders who focus primarily on renovation work. They understand old building methods, are experienced with asbestos management, and know how to solve the problems older homes present. Often more expensive but bring valuable expertise.
General Builders with Renovation Experience
Builders who do a mix of new and renovation work. Quality varies significantly. Look for demonstrated renovation experience, not just new build portfolios. Ask specifically about renovation projects similar to yours.
Design-and-Build Renovators
Companies offering in-house design and construction. Convenient for straightforward projects. Can lack the design sophistication of architect-led renovations but offer simpler process and single point of responsibility.
Owner-Builder Pathway (Self-Managing)
Educational onlyHomeowners managing trades themselves can reduce costs on smaller projects but it requires significant time, building knowledge and project-management capability. Not recommended for major structural renovations without construction experience. BuildPilot does not provide owner-builder services or engage trades on your behalf.
What to Look For
Relevant portfolio: Ask to see completed renovations similar to yours in scope and style. Photos of finished kitchens don't tell you much. Ask about the challenges they faced and how they solved them.
References you can actually contact: Speak to previous clients, not just look at online reviews. Ask about communication, how variations were handled, whether the project finished on budget, and if they'd use the same renovator again.
Clear communication: How they communicate during quoting reflects how they'll communicate during construction. If they're slow, vague, or hard to get hold of now, expect the same during your project.
Detailed quotes: Vague quotes lead to expensive variations. A professional renovator should provide itemised pricing so you understand what you're getting and can compare quotes fairly.
Proper licensing and insurance: Verify their builder's licence on CBS SA. Check they have current public liability and home warranty insurance. Don't take their word for it.
Red Flags to Avoid
No renovation-specific experience: "We mainly do new homes but can do renovations" is a warning sign. Renovation requires different skills and mindset.
Quoting without proper inspection: If they'll quote without thoroughly inspecting your home and understanding your scope, the quote isn't reliable.
Significantly cheaper than others: If one quote is dramatically lower, they're either missing something, cutting corners, or will make it up in variations.
Reluctant to provide references: Professional renovators are proud of their work and happy to connect you with past clients.
Pressure to sign quickly: Good renovators are in demand and confident. They don't need to pressure you into decisions.
Large upfront deposits: Deposits over 10% or significant payments before work starts are unusual and risky.
Questions to Ask
- 1.How many renovations similar to mine have you completed in the last two years?
- 2.Can I speak to three previous renovation clients?
- 3.Who will supervise my project day-to-day? How many other projects will they be managing?
- 4.How do you handle unexpected discoveries like asbestos or structural issues?
- 5.What's your variation process? How will I approve and pay for changes?
- 6.What allowances or provisional sums are in your quote? What happens if they're not enough?
- 7.What's a realistic timeline for this project? What could extend it?
How BuildPilot Helps
- *Shortlist renovators suited to your project and budget
- *Review and compare quotes on a like-for-like basis
- *Check renovator track records and identify any concerns
- *Help you negotiate contract terms before signing
Common Questions
All renovators are builders, but not all builders are good at renovations. Renovation work requires different skills: problem-solving hidden issues, working in occupied homes, matching new work to old, and managing the complexity of partial demolition. Builders who mainly do new homes may lack this experience.
Related Guidance
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