Renovation dreams sound exciting but in the same instance can invoke anxiety and stress.  Even the simple task of embarking on a renovation journey is tricky.  It can be difficult to know where exactly to start and with whom initial discussions should be with.  On your renovation journey you’ll soon appreciate trusting in your builder to be the right decision as the very first point of call.  You can trust that they are already experts in the day-to-day operations of a renovation anyway and that they are expert planners with a suite of sub-contractors at the ready.  You can trust them to aid in budget management and trust that they will have an ability to fight fires and build bridges.  Trust in your builder will become paramount as they navigate so many crucial and various aspects of your renovation journey. 

Many renovators initiate a project by engaging an architect or designer to discuss their ideas and then go from there.  But this can prove challenging as budgets soon become over-run at the planning stage, resulting in projects never even leaving the confines of a page.  If you start your renovation with the builder first, it often means visions of grandeur will be discussed within the context of practicality in terms of budget, product use and availability and the projects’ end use functionality…before an initial concept of the ideas are then brought to life by a designer or architect.  Not only can your builder initiate the project, but they’ll be the glue that holds everything together by managing the project throughout its entirety.  Sometimes designers, architects, an external project manager or even the owner themselves can manage a renovation project, but the builder builds day in and day out, so is already across the physical build, planning and collaboration.  They already serve as a linchpin of the project.

A particularly important part to trusting your builder is knowing their renovation management toolbox (construction pun intended), is full of a suite of tried and true sub-contractors (or subbies).  Each subbie is an important brick in the wall that is a renovation and each of those bricks must be laid at exactly the right time.  This is where a builder’s management skills are really put to the test as planning for subbies often needs to be done months in advance to coincide perfectly with each stage of the renovation.   Getting the right subbies for a renovation project is so important too.  There are many components of a renovation that are sub-contracted out now from windows to floor coverings, from concrete placement to painting.  But your builder will know exactly which company to use for each aspect as they will have already filtered out the ‘rough and readies’ over the years.  Your builder's reputation will attract skilled professionals who share their commitment to quality and reliability too.  When you trust your builder, you not only trust their team, but their subbies and this will ensure a smooth and coordinated construction process.

One of the most anxiety-inducing elements of a renovation project is the budget.   Builders who manage the renovation project should always be completely transparent regarding progress, quality control, cost control, technical issues and the cost of subbies.   They'll provide transparent estimates too and discuss potential cost overruns ensuring they work with clients to find cost-effective solutions.  When you trust your builder, you’ll trust in their guidance to aid in relieving financial stress.

Navigating the beast that is the Building Consent Authority (Council) is not easy either.  It seems simple, the fees are all outlined on the website, oh and the staff are lovely on the phone too.  But the world of building consents and inspections is anything but easy.  Your builder can navigate all of this for you though.  Builders will already have a rapport with building inspectors and already have an understanding of how to fight the fires that come their way.

That’s actually something that should be at the heart of you putting your trust in your builder - their fire fighting ability.  Construction projects rarely go off without a hitch and this is particularly the case with renovations….despite all parties’ best efforts, once you open up those walls and floor boards, there will more often than not be a can of worms at the ready.   Of course there will be weather induced delays and even product supply issues as has been a significant problem over the past two years.  Sometimes products need to be ordered months in advance.  Currently there is a 6 week wait at a local aluminium joinery company, to get the window product delivered to site.  But your builder will know what planning schedules are to be accorded and these scenarios will be where your trustworthy builder will shine.  They are problem solving extraordinaires and will present solutions and work diligently to overcome obstacles.  Your trust in their expertise can turn a potential crisis into a manageable hiccup.

Trust in your builder is vital. It's the foundation (excuse another construction pun) upon which successful renovation projects are built.  You must have a reliable partner guiding you through the complexities renovations present.  Your builder is your liaison with all parties - architects, engineers, suppliers, subbies and inspectors.  Trust in your builder's ability to communicate effectively and professionally with these stakeholders is essential.  Everyone involved must be on the same page to reduce misunderstandings and to streamline the renovations progress.

So, do your due diligence when embarking on your renovation adventure and take some time to research your builder.  Trust in your builder is at the cornerstone of a successful renovation project and this is personally what I love about renovations - working with clients whom I know have invested their trust in me.

I’m not just a builder, I’m your builder.

Wade Smith