When disaster strikes and you need to rectify your home for zero to minimal cost with your insurance, you need to hire builders for insurance repair.
You can’t just choose anyone when it comes to hiring reliable builders for your insurance repairs, as poor workmanship and damages they caused are not a part of the policy. If you’re not careful about who you will entrust your property to, you’ll end up paying more instead of saving some bucks from your insurance.
How to Evaluate the Trustworthiness of Builders for Insurance Repairs
Here’s what you need to look out for when hiring builders for insurance repairs:
Check for Licences and Certifications
Hiring a licensed and certified builder ensures that the rectification of your damaged property is completed based on local standards and regulations.
A licensed builder you want to hire for insurance repairs should meet the requirements set by the local government to perform construction work. It ensures they have the knowledge and skills to complete a job to a high standard.
To check if a builder is licensed, visit your state’s website and search for how to verify. For NSW, you can inspect it through verify.licence.nsw.gov.au. You can enter either the name, licence number, ABN, or ACN in the search field, and it will return results that provide information about the builder.
Their affiliation with reputable organisations is also a sign of commitment. It proves they uphold the high standards in the construction industry, as reputable organisations like the Master Builders Association have strict membership requirements.
Check References and Reviews
Check the builders’ references and reviews for valuable insights into their past performance. It’s best to speak directly to people who have worked with the builder and get their honest feedback about the quality of their work, level of professionalism, and ability to complete projects on the expected timeline.
You can ask for photos or examples of their previous work to get an idea about the quality of their work.
Reliable sources like Google, Yelp, or Facebook will also help you gain insight into the builders’ reputation. Just remember that you can’t trust all the reviews you can find online. Assess the legibility too.
Review the Contract
When hiring builders for insurance repair, pay attention to the contract to protect yourself and ensure a smooth process.
Check your insurance coverage, and figure out how much of your expenses are covered. Some costs will come out of your pocket if it’s out of your insurance coverage. If this happens, assess if the payment terms are fair and reasonable.
Avoid builders who ask for full payment upfront, as this is a red flag that will put you at risk of losing your money without receiving the agreed-upon services.
Review the contract to ensure all terms and conditions are clear. Put all your transactions in writing, including the scope of work, timeline, warranties or guarantees, and any changes or deviations from the original contract during the project.
Communication and Customer Service
Effective communication is key to successfully repairing your property.
A good builder should be responsive and easy to reach. They should also be able to explain technical details in a way you can understand and be willing to answer any questions you have about the repairs or process.
They should also provide you with regular updates on the project’s progress, including being transparent about the possible changes or delays that may arise.
Check Previous Work and Portfolio
When searching for a builder to handle your insurance repairs, review their previous work and portfolio to give you an idea of the quality of their work and their expertise.
Look for examples of the projects that the builder has completed to give you an idea of their experience and familiarity with the type of repairs you need. Ask for photos or visit the projects they completed in the past.
Ask about the builder’s approach to handling insurance claims. Assess how familiar they are with the insurance claims process, how they work with your insurance company, and how they deal with insurance adjusters.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right builders for insurance repairs can save you from headaches and additional expenses in the long run. By following these tips and guidelines, you can evaluate the trustworthiness of builders and ensure that you get the best service.
MKJ Projects has been in the industry for more than a decade. We are a proud member of the Master Builders Association and the NSW Fair Trading Builders License Holder.
If you’re looking for a builder for your insurance repair, choose someone with proven experience and credentials. Choose MKJ Projects.
