Working with a great tradie makes all the difference when it comes to home improvement projects. But how can you work well with your tradie to get the best results? We asked Fouad Reaiche from ETH Group construction for the inside scoop.
Thanks to technology, it’s never been easier to find a tradie across any industry or location. hipages is the #1 place to connect with tradies, with over 32,000 trusted tradies, meaning you can quickly locate registered tradies that service your area.
When it comes to getting the best value, result and working experience from your tradie, Fouad Reaiche a Sydney-based site engineer at construction company ETH Group, says it all starts with doing your homework and making sure you get the right person for the job.
Once you’ve created a shortlist, Fouad suggests a few more checks will help you secure the best tradie for your project.
“Check out online reviews from customers, but don’t rely solely on them as not everyone leaves them. “Ask to see examples of their work – and get an address if you can. Some will have customers you can go and visit who are happy to show you their work.
He says previous clients are not the whole picture either. “If possible, ask other tradespeople or builders who have worked with them for feedback,” he suggests.
Fouad Reaiche – ETH Group
While we’re all well versed in “you get what you pay for”, rising cost-of-living pressures mean we’re all watching our pennies more than ever and cost will inevitably form part of the decision.
While this is an important consideration, Fouad implores homeowners to make sure they are comparing apples with apples – not just the dollar amount quoted.
“Ask detailed questions about the quoted work. Timeframes are a cost factor, quality of fixtures, fittings and finishes impact cost, as do exclusions. One quote may be $1,000 more, but the job may be paid on a turn-key completion with everything supplied, whereas the other quote may put more responsibilities on you that you don’t have time for – so the extra cost may be worth the extra money.”
He also suggests getting multiple quotes for every trade involved in your project. Using the example of a bathroom renovation, Fouad explains you will likely see a plumber, electrician, concrete worker, tiler, cabinet maker, and even glass specialist.
Fouad recommends doing your due diligence on all of them and making sure you understand the fine print on what is – and importantly, what is not – included in every quote.
Being a great client starts with having a clear idea of what you want. Even if some of your ideas are still verging on vague, having done your homework on styles, how the space needs to function, and a clear budget is a great start.
If you don’t know what you want, spending the money to get the design right is a worthwhile – if not essential – expense.
“In this scenario, I will usually recommend an architect. A lot of people don’t want to spend the time or money on this, but if you don’t know what you want, it is very hard for me to deliver it on time and on budget, so it is a worthwhile investment.”
It’s one that can save you money too. “In the example of a bathroom build or renovation, I need to know things like what shower head and taps you want before we get the plumbers and tilers in. Changing your mind because you start to get a clearer idea of what you want as the project takes shape can mean costly re-work – a change of hardware can mean ripping off tilework and re-plumbing.”
A willingness to be transparent about your budget and not assume your tradie wants to rip you off is also the path you want to tread.
“I don’t ask for your budget so I know how much I can charge. It means when I prepare a quote, I won’t be wasting your time suggesting options that will blow out your budget. It also allows me to find the best value for the money you have to spend – in the bathroom example, there is a huge variety in price on everything from tiles to tapware. If I know your budget, I can recommend something in the style you want, but at a suitable price point.”
If you’re on a tight budget, your tradie can help.
“Purchasing your own hardware could save you money – for example, you have time to shop the sales, whereas I will go through my regular suppliers.”
However, if you decide to go the more hands-on route, Fouad says in order to keep the project on track and save costly mistakes, conversation is again key. “Keep a spreadsheet so everyone knows who is in charge of what and when it is required so there are no miscommunications, double ups, or costly delays while you wait for that discount tap set to arrive.”
Being available and open to discussion can help your budget and the final product.
“If we have a relationship with trust and plenty of communication, it means I can come to you when I identify opportunities to save some money. I can also make suggestions – for example, that lovely cabinet you admired in the store may actually be cheaper or made to perfectly fit and maximise your space if my cabinet maker does a bespoke version for you.”
His final tip? If you’ve done your due diligence and you’re happy with the people you have chosen, then let them exercise their expertise and show you what they can do.
“When a client trusts me enough to let me get on with the job and do what I do best – turn their vision into reality, I will work harder than ever to deliver my best work,” he says.
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