Renovation hints

Feb. 25, 2013, 1:28 p.m.

NCH NEWSKarstan Smith and Maxine Stokes who are renovating Karstan's grandmother's house at Merewether. Pictured with their dog DUKE. Story about an increase in renovations and drop in new home approvals.13th November 2012NCH NEWS Picture by DEAN OSLAND
NCH NEWSKarstan Smith and Maxine Stokes who are renovating Karstan's grandmother's house at Merewether. Pictured with their dog DUKE. Story about an increase in renovations and drop in new home approvals.13th November 2012NCH NEWS Picture by DEAN OSLAND

Building and renovating can be an exciting experience — perhaps nothing short of an adventure — with all the many decisions which need to be made.

Some people enjoy doing their own renovations, while others prefer to use a builder to do the hard yards.

However, to give yourself peace of mind when trusting a builder to do your home projects it's important you take all the necessary precautions.

The Department of Fair Trading provides some great information on how you can ensure your renovations go off without too much drama.

Here is some very sound advice:

■ You should always use a licensed builder, and the Department of Fair Trading licence check will allow you to check that your builder is correctly licensed.

■ You must have approval for the work you are having done. For example, if you are going to build a second storey on your house, you must have approval from your council or an accredited certifier for any work you wish to have done.

The Department of Fair Trading website notes that before you start a home building project you get answers to the following questions:

■ What is your contractor licence number?

■ Where can I see examples of your work?

■ What other jobs have you got on at the moment?

■ Who will supervise the work?

■ Do you have proper insurance?

■ How much deposit do you need?

■ When can you start the work and how long will it take?

■ What sort of contract will be used?