subject: Should The Cheapest Quote Always Win When Choosing Builders In Melbourne? [print this page] For most homeowners, receiving quotes from three potential builders in Melbourne and choosing the cheapest is the end of their search for a contractor, but this could prove to be a costly mistake. Receiving quotes should, in fact, mark the beginning of the second stage of the search process, which involves asking some more questions and delving deeper with your research.
If you havent already, ask your potential builders in Melbourne for the name, address and contact number of the homeowner for the job he is currently working on. You should also ask for the same details for the homeowners of his two previous jobs. These references will form the basis of your second stage of research.
Whenever possible, try to visit the sites of your builders past jobs, even if you just drive past. This way, you will prove to yourself that he actually completed the work and hasnt just given you information for his friends or family. If you stop to view the finished project more closely, make sure that you speak to the homeowner about their experience with the builder. If you are uncomfortable with just dropping by, give the homeowner a call at a convenient time.
Make sure that you have prepared a list of questions that you would like to ask the references of a builder in Melbourne. Take a sheet of paper and write your list of questions in a column down the left hand side. Divide the remaining page into three columns, writing the name of each reference at the top. Do this on another two sheets of paper so that you have one for each potential builder.
Some of the questions that you might like to ask your references for builders in Melbourne include:
How would you rate your experience with this builder?
What were the builders communication skills like?
Why did you choose this contractor (was it price, recommended, etc)?
Was the work finished on time? If not, ask why (reasons outside the contractors control, such as bad weather, should be ignored).
Did the final bill match the original quote you were given?
Would you use this contractor again?
Once you have done this for all three builders in Melbourne, you will begin to see whether any problems exist. For example, contractor number one may have given you the cheapest quote, but your research suggests that he never finishes on time. Contractor number two may have had a slightly more expensive quote, but is prone to adding a list of extras onto their final bill. And contractor three may have quoted you the most, but always finishes early and to budget. It is clear the builder number three is your best choice, and will probably save you money in the end.
