Get referrals
Before you start checking classifieds and other business listings to spot carpenter service providers operational in Brisbane, it is a good idea to ask around for referrals. Find out if any of your friends, relatives or colleagues bought, or constructed a new house recently. Even if they were not satisfied with the quality of work done by a company, you can still gain some insights from their experiences.
Ask for an estimate
Most companies nowadays have online tools on their websites that help customers to get a quick estimate. However, these estimates are not always accurate. In some cases, the actual estimate can be 50% less or 100% more! Reliable carpenters in Brisbane are always keen on inspecting your home before quoting a final price. When a service provider quotes a final price in a hurry (high or low, it doesn’t matter) without first understanding your ideas and requirements, you should take it as a red flag and look around for some other contractor.
Compare Cost Estimates
If cost estimates for a carpentry job differ widely for two carpenters, you should directly ask them about the reason why they’re cheap, or expensive. Established companies in Brisbane have low operational costs and procure materials at cheaper prices. They’re in a position to offer low-cost services without compromising on the quality. Newly established companies and small firms either provider higher estimates or cut corners somewhere to lower the total cost. In any case, you should be aware of the underlying reasons.
Ask for details
Directly ask a carpenter or company about the number of years he’s been in business in Brisbane. Also, you should find out whether the service provider has insurance, business license, membership of local or state level carpenters’ association etc. The best carpenters in Brisbane not only guarantee quality but also offer reasonably priced repair services once the warranty period is over. Also, you should know well in advance if you’ll directly work with a service provider or it is going to sub-contract a job.
Ask for references
Before you pay any money upfront or sign a contract, make sure you ask for a list of 4-5 references. Cross checking references becomes even more important if you need to hire someone for a job that could cost you thousands of dollars. A reliable carpenter service in Brisbane is more than glad to provide references at request.
Study the service contract
All terms and conditions of service, payments, repairs, quality and guarantees should be described clearly in a service contract. Ask for such a contract before making an advance payment and study it carefully. Feel free to ask questions about the quality of material being used, possibilities of delay, scope of work, payment method, stages of payment etc.