When embarking on a new home extension project, choosing the right construction company is do or die. A bit alarmist perhaps, but it can’t be understated that while a home extension can transform your living space, it can also be a logistical and financial nightmare if carried out by untrustworthy extension builders. In this guide, we’ll walk you through making sure you’re selecting from the top construction firms and home renovation experts rather than unknowingly scraping from the bottom of the barrel. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to find the best construction company for your home extension.
What You Need to Know Before You Start Researching
Before you begin searching for construction companies, you need to have a clear understanding of your project requirements. Make sure to have a clear plans and ideas on the following before you commence your search.
Scope of the Project
Be very clear on what you want to achieve with your home extension. Are you adding a new room, expanding an existing space, or trying to add a whole new floor to your home? All of these options will drastically affect the scope of your project, so it’s important that you know how you want to expand your home, and by how much.
Timeline
Consider when you want the project to start and finish. Different construction firms will have longer lead times, so it’s essential to align your timeline with their availability. Be clear on your ideal timeline, but be willing to be flexible and compromise in case anything unexpected happens that delays the project.
Budget
Make sure to set a realistic budget for your project. This will help you narrow down your choices for construction companies, but you have to make sure your budget is realistic for the kind of project you want to do.
Researching Top Construction Firms
Once you have a clear plan for your project needs, it’s time to research construction firms. Here’s what to look out for.
Ask for Recommendations
Ask friends, family, and neighbours who have undertaken similar projects in your area for recommendations. Personal referrals can provide valuable insights into the quality of work and customer service you can expect from a construction company.
Search Online
Use search engines and review websites to locate the top construction firms in your area. Look for companies with high ratings and positive customer feedback. Pay attention to any recurring issues or complaints mentioned in reviews. Have them on hand when querying companies for quotes, their answers will be very revealing into how they conduct their business.
Check Credentials
Ensure that the construction companies you’re considering are licensed and insured. Licensing is what makes sure a company meets industry standards, while insurance protects you from liability in case of accidents or damages during the project. If you’re unsure about a builder’s reputation, make sure to look up their license number to be sure they are reputable builders.
Evaluating Home Renovation Experts
As you go through the process of narrowing down your list of potential construction companies, it’s vital to evaluate their expertise and reliability. Here’s what to look for:
Experience and Expertise
Choose a company with a proven track record in home extensions. Experienced firms are more likely to handle unexpected challenges effectively and provide high-quality results. Ask about their experience with projects similar to yours.
Portfolio of Past Projects
Review the company’s portfolio to see examples of their work. This will give you a sense of their style, the quality of their craftsmanship, and whether they’ve done projects similar to what you’re looking for in the past. You’re likely to get the best results from builders who have a positive track record and reputation for doing the kinds of home extensions you’re looking to do.
Client References
Request references from past clients. Try contacting people online who have left reviews, or ask a building company for testimonials. If you can get in contact with a past client, make sure to query them on the quality of the work, adherence to timelines, and their overall satisfaction with the project.
Comparing Quotes from the Best Construction Companies
Once you’ve shortlisted a few companies and have verified that they make quality and compliant work, it’s time to request quotes. Here’s how to make sure the estimates you you get accurate and comparable estimates:
Detailed Project Specifications
Provide each company with the same detailed project specifications you have. This includes the scope of work, materials to be used, and any specific requirements you have. Consistent information will lead to more accurate quotes. It’s easier to notice differences between companies by gauging how they respond to the exact same prompt.
Breakdown of Costs
Make sure to ask for a detailed breakdown of costs in each quote. This should include labour, materials, permits, and any additional fees. Understanding the cost structure will help you compare quotes more effectively. It also lets you ask questions, such as why they charge that amount for that service.
Payment Terms
Discuss payment terms with each company. Beware of companies that demand a large upfront payment. Reputable firms usually work with a payment schedule tied to project milestones, and will be flexible with payment plans.
Making the Final Decision
With all this information gathered, you’ll be ready to make an informed decision. Overall, you want to choose home extension builders that you feel comfortable communicating with. This means that they listen to your input, are respectful, but still give excellent expertise and insight into the building process. You also want to make sure the builders you choose have strong communication skills, and will give frequent updates on the progress of the build, even when things go wrong. Finally, make sure to carefully read the contract back to front to make sure all aspects of the project are properly outlined, the payment schedule is above board, and there aren’t any sketchy hidden fees or clauses.
Let JVK & Sons Guide You Through Your Upcoming Home Extension
Thanks to this guide, you should hopefully have a clear understanding of the factors involved in choosing the best construction company for your home extension project. By understanding your project’s needs, researching top construction firms, and comparing quotes, you’ll be able to make a confident decision.
If you’re in the market for a home extension company that radiates confidence and expertise in all aspects of their home construction, then you can’t do better than JVK & Sons. With strong expertise in woodworking, carpentry, and home building, we can bring you stunning home renovations that are compliant, efficiently built, and remain on budget. We are also an eco-friendly home builder, making us the perfect choice for property owners on the hunt for builders who are both reliable and environmentally conscious. If you want a quote on how we can transform your home, feel free to get in touch with us.
