When times are tough, we all look for ways to cut costs and save money. Many homeowners turn to DIY options to keep their homes in top condition or make small improvements on a budget. DIY is certainly an option for small maintenance jobs such as painting the walls or restoring timber floors however trades that require qualifications should be left to the experts.
When it comes to house construction, you should never try to cut costs by using unqualified builders. It is very important that all construction that take place on your property are conducted by licensed builders. Here are 3 reasons why:
Legal requirements
Firstly and most importantly, it is the law for all builders to be fully licensed. It’s a basic health and safety requirement to protect yourself and the public from potential harm that can occur at an unsafe building site. While you may not be prosecuted personally for using an unlicensed builder, it will mean that the construction you have paid for may not adhere to building regulations. This may lead to authorities demanding the structure be removed. All of your money will have gone to waste building a structure that cannot remain. Using a
fully licensed builder will ensure that your construction is safe and law abiding. There are a number of different classes for domestic builders so ensure your builder has the right qualifications. Renovations or extensions also require local council approval and a permit.
It gives you more security
Building work can be expensive. Luckily, when you use a registered builder, you will be insured. This guarantees the work will be covered in the case of death, bankruptcy or if your builder disappears. Using a registered builder guarantees they will be responsible for ensuring that the work complies with the relevant legislation at the time of construction. They’ll have the relevant insurance that also extends to future homeowners. You can offer buyers the guarantee that the property complies to the legislation and if it doesn’t, the builder takes responsibility for the appropriate time-frame. Cowboy builders will try to put your project down as ‘Owner Builder’ so the risk isn’t on them.
The quality of work is superior
The quality of work from a licensed builder will usually be superior to that of unlicensed builder. Qualified builders go through a renewal process to ensure their skill are up to date. This is incredibly important since new standards are often introduced in the building trade. You may recall the
cladding fire safety issues that have been covered in the media in recent years. Fire safety requirements have been enhanced as a result of these concerns. Changes like this are common. Licensed contractors stay up-to-date with industry requirements. They are examined to ensure they meet the right standards. On top of this, builders rely on word-of-mouth publicity and positive reviews to increase business. Because of this, registered builders take pride in the quality of their work. If you use unlicensed builders, you may be lucky and get a good quality job done however the risks are high. The cowboy builders simply want to earn their money quickly and move on. They are not serious about the profession or they would have done things properly and become fully qualified. They probably won’t give you the right advice when it comes to permits either and won’t want their work inspected. It’s worth having your work done by registered builders who understand potential compliance issues and can ensure quality workmanship.
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