Choosing the correct building contractor

[AntennaMan]

We have quite a bit of work to be done at our house.

How does one go about choosing a contractor that will do a good job?
Is there some sort of industry body that regulates this, and if so, is it an indicator of the expected quality?

Up to now we have used small scale teams, but it was hit-or-miss, and due to the scale of the current work, I want to do it right the first time.

To clarify, this isn't necessarily for recommendations on contractors, but rather pointers to look for to see if we can expect good work.

 

[Hemi300c]

Firstly the one that doesn't want a deposit.

 

[WAslayer]

Well the NHBRC has some pretty strict mandates that builders registered with them has to adhere to..

For example, for a new home, if the client enrolls the home, the NHBRC will conduct four inspections during building, contractor will be obliged to rectify anything found wrong with respect to building work and there is provision for snag lists post occupation within 90 days etc..

The NHBRC also has scope for renovations where there are structural changes and municipal plan approval needed..

All that to say that a long time NHBRC registered builder/contractor is probably a good place to shortlist.. then you move onto portfolio of work, reviews etc..

 

[rustypup]

Honestly... verifiable reviews or visitng a project you can verify they completed... as in COMPLETED... snag list and all.

Contractors in ZA are such a mixed bag. Great at plumbing but stuffs up tiling. Great brickwork but sucks at plumbing.

 

[AntennaMan]

Thanks everyone.

I appreciate the feedback.

 

[The_MAC]

Also the MBSA as a registered body, not sure of their efficiency and teeth dealing with scoundrels, but probably worth a check as well

Master Builders

 

[Harmonic]

I've had bad experiences with builders that make you pay for everything as it goes a long. For example, you pay the concrete company and the buco invoices and the shuttering company etc.

Best experiences have been with a builder that gives a monthly invoice for everything once a month.

This points to someone with strong relationships with various suppliers etc