Don’t know how to choose the right contractor for your build or renovation?

Choosing the right contractor for your new build or renovation is extremely important and can be very costly if you don’t choose wisely. 

As is the case with most things in life, you get what you pay for and hence choosing the “cheapest quote” more often than not ends up more expensive in the long run.

Here are 8 tips to choose a good contractor:

1. Get building quotes from at least 4 reputable contractors based on their experience.

Your architect should guide you here but try and make some reference calls to clients that have dealt with the respective contractors before and, if you can, visit one or two of their completed jobs.

2. Once you have chosen a contractor based on their price as well as experience then ensure that you use the correct contract to sign them up.

There are various options and your architect should guide you as to which best suites your particular needs and circumstances.

Alternatively, you can visit the KwaZulu-Natal Master Builders Association website or offices for guidance.

3. Ensure that you allow a realistic contract period to complete the works.

If you are building a new house which is not located in an estate in Ballito then allow at least 10 months.

If you are in one of the local estates, then allow at least 12 months.

Many of the estates do not allow building over weekends and have many strict rules which account for the extra time required.

4. Expect a market related building cost. I won’t be going into specifics here since price varies greatly in relation to the type of materials and finishes used as well as complexity of the design but expect to pay at least R11k per m2.

Always remember that m2 includes all under cover areas inside and out.

5. Try to start with construction at the beginning of winter (March or April), which will minimize the delays and disruptions caused by rain.

Never have your completion date before the December holidays as this is a mad rush time in the building industry and super stressful.

Any time after the December break is ideal.

6. Don’t rush the building in order to move in; always make sure that the contractor finishes everything off properly.

Only move in once the house is 100% certified complete by your architect.

7. Plan properly before you begin but don’t be scared to make changes during construction if this adds value to your house.

Understand that there are cost implications in the short term.

8. Expect hiccups along the way, but always try and keep the end goal in mind.

Most of us only have the opportunity of possibly building one house in our lifetime so enjoy the ride.

Mark Taylor is an architect in Ballito.