So you’ve finally decided to renovate your outdoor kitchen, or even build an entertaining area. That was the easy part. Now comes the hard bit – choosing a builder that’s not only qualified, honest and good, but right for you.
Being in the industry, we might know a thing or two. So to help you out, we’ve pulled together an easy checklist to help you get the builder of your dreams.
How will the builder measure your outdoor kitchen?
Not one builder measures a space the same, and it could affect how your outdoor kitchen or entertaining area turns out. Some builders include the little nooks, like the gap above the barbeque, while others measure the paved area outside. So ask some questions to see if your builder ‘measures up’ to your expectations.
Is the builder quoting your outdoor kitchen correctly?
When looking over your quote, you may see the words ‘PC sum’. This stands for Provisional Cost, meaning an amount of money your builder has allowed for items or services they don’t know the accurate price for. Some builders may include a low PC sum so that their overall quote appears more affordable. Be cautious of this – as you will be paying the difference if your builder doesn’t quote correctly.
Will your outdoor kitchen be finished on time?
Is your builder including an agreed-upon completion date in their contact? Find one that does – a fixed build time means a fixed construction price. If your builder offers a ‘rough’ or ‘loose’ time frame to have your kitchen finished, you may have to cough up for additional rental, mortgage and storage payments. All of which could blow out your budget.
Can the builder show you their previous work?
Ask your builder if you can see any of their previous work in person. Are they able to take you to any other outdoor kitchens they are currently renovating? Maybe they could show you their finished projects? A competent builder will be more than happy to oblige, and you can see the quality of workmanship for yourself.
Are you thinking of renovating your outdoor kitchen, or even starting from scratch? Looking for the right builder for you? Have questions? We would love to answer them. Contact us here to get started!
