Typical mistakes to avoid when refurbishing your office space and choosing a contractor

Typical mistakes to avoid when refurbishing your office space and choosing a contractor

1)  Price – Don’t go for the cheapest quote. A lot of people do and regret it.

Always get at least three quotes. Depending upon value, you may need to get more. When the prices are returned, always check: a) The wording – is it a quote or estimate? b) What is the price? c) How detailed is the quote; scanty detail leaves you exposed to extras. d) Don’t go for the lowest price. If there are three prices go for the middle one. If there are four prices, look at the quotes that sit close e) Always talk to at least two contractors and interrogate their quote f) Lean towards the quote that covers everything, both in the written and spoken word.

2)    Quality – Don’t compromise and accept second best. People who scrimp on quality always wish for better after it is finished. If only we had!

Always ask about quality. Request references from past clients and ask if it is ok to speak to them. Ask to look at work they’ve carried out. Remember, quality isn’t just the finished job or end result. Quality begins with the way the company answers the telephone and the way they appear when they walk through the door to survey the job. Remember you may have a live environment. The job can be messy but mess can be mitigated.

3)    Health and safety – Don’t put your staff at risk. Accidents are avoidable.

What is their safety track record like? Do they carry the correct accreditations? Look at their quote.  Do they say how they are going to set themselves up on site? Can they demonstrate that they care for the surrounding environment? No risk assessments and method statements, no barriers, no signs NO WORK.

4)    Detail – The devil is in the detail.

Interrogate and dig into the detail. You are like as not going to part with a great deal of money so why shouldn’t you delve into the quote. Always have a list of questions ready to ask and as you proceed other questions are likely to follow.

5)    Track record – bluffers and dreamers.

How many projects have they carried out within the last year? What is their turnover? Have they brought them in on time and in budget?

6)    Knowledge and ideas –  can it be done? They should know.

They are the experts, you may have an idea, but do they have the ability to turn your ideas into the real thing. Bounce your ideas or dreams around and look for positive responses not just dead end answers. Remember you are parting with money so you need to feel comfortable that they have the right level of knowledge. Creativity is what you need and the vision to turn the space into a better working environment.

7)    Works with no guarantee – Not likely.

Written guarantees on all parts and at least twelve months on labour. Push for twelve months defects liability periods.

8)    Contract – Why not?

The minute you strike a deal you are in contract so why not formalise it. Any contractor worth their salt would agree to have one in place. Contracts are so easy to come by and at little expense.

9)    After sales service – The job doesn’t stop when they walk away.

What is their after sales service offer? Negotiate one if they haven’t got one in place.

10) Head office – Nomads no thanks

Check their head office details, don’t deal with a nomad as there is no way to chase them down if something goes wrong.

11) Accreditations – Premier league or non league

Look for their accreditations, ask who they are accredited by and check it out. Constructionline, CHAS, Safcontractor, SMAS, Altius, Gas Safe, Refcom, FSB or Chamber of Commerce members. All accreditations tell a story – professionalism.

For more help and advice with your project, please call us 02476 469605