The verdict is in. You definitely need a carpenter to help make your home renovation dreams come true. The problem is, where do you find one? And how can you be sure that they are any good and that you won't get ripped off? Current affair's programs can make employing tradesmen seem like a terrifying experience. If visions of falling down retaining walls and half built houses are not enough to put you off, the laws and liabilities can seem even scarier! Fear not! This article is going to step you through some basic actions that you can take, to make sure that you are putting your hard earned money into qualified and reputable hands.
Step 1. Start Looking
Check your local stores for business cards. Steer clear of printed pages on noticeboards and homemade business cards. You want someone who is established, experienced and professional.
Ring local contractors that you have previously used and been happy with. Tradespeople spend a lot of time on job sites with other types of tradies. They often network and your usual plumber, electrician or painter may be able to recommend a good carpenter to use.
Ring your friends and family. Can they recommend a good carpenter? Ask them specifics, were they on time? Did they complete the job in the time they said they would? Would they use them again?
Check your local newspapers trade directory, online trade directories for your area or the yellow pages.
You can also search through websites like startlocal.com.au, truelocal.com.au or hotfrog.com.au.
2. Create a short list
Start ringing the recommendations and leads that you find. Ask them to come and give you a free quote. When they come over ask them about their experience level and whether they have done any other work in town that they could show you.
Ask them if they guarantee their work? If there is a problem will they come back promptly and fix it for free? Make sure to get their business card and tell them you will get in contact if you wish to proceed after receiving their quote.
3. Check your facts
You should now have narrowed down your prospective carpenters based on what you've heard about them, your meeting with them and their quote prices. The next step is to check your facts. On their business cards and quote should be two very important numbers, an ABN or Australian Business Number and a BSA or Building Services Authority number. If they don't have BOTH of these numbers, tear their business card and quote up.
Go to http://www.bsa.qld.gov.au/SearchForLicensee
Read the disclaimer and click "I agree"
Click the first link on the top left "Search for BSA Licensee"
Fill out the fields that you know. Either their licence number, company name or first and last name. In this case, you will have their BSA number so use that to search.
Once you have located and clicked on the name of the carpenter, you are looking for you will be presented with a basic overview of their licensing information.
You are looking specifically for "Carpentry - Trade Contractor Licence"
You might even find that your carpenter has other site supervisor licence grades.
If you click "Licensee's full history" you will be able to view further information. Check that there are no conditions on the license and that there are no disciplinary records.
That is your BSA check completed.
4. Make the final decision
By now you should have a list of one, if not two or three carpenters who have done other work in your area, come recommended, have experience, guarantee their work, are qualified, licensed and operate a registered business. All you need to do is choose the one that you prefer from that shortlist. You can base this on their personal presentation, quote price, availability to do the work or even the one you feel most comfortable with.
5. Hire!
Ring your chosen carpenter. Make a time to meet with them, draw up contracts, discuss plans and get started on your project. Rest assured knowing that you have done your homework and focus instead of getting that dream en suite built.
Nadia Ward
Brisbane Valley Carpentry
http://www.bvcarpentry.com.au
Customer focused, quality carpentry in the Brisbane Valley region.
Want to complete the renovations you started, need to extend the family home, or simply looking for an obligation free quote? Go to http://www.bvcarpentry.com.au to find out how we can help you make your vision a reality.
Copyright 2012 - Nadia K. Ward All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Reprint Rights: You may reprint this article as long as you leave all of the links active, do not edit the article in any way, give author name credit and follow all of the EzineArticles terms of service for Publishers.
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