That exciting time has finally come! It feels as if there is nothing that can stand between you and your new balustrade system that will put the final touches on your house or building project.
Before you hire a balustrade contractor, I urge you to take a moment to read the points below. I’ve seen many balustrade projects end in disaster and the common factor is almost always an inexperienced, non-compliant or downright dodgy contractor. Unfortunately most of the time the client is the one left without a leg to stand on. To help you ensure that your balustrade project goes as smoothly as possible, I’m going to go through some of the ways you can avoid getting taken for a ride by your balustrade contractor or company.
Demand recommendations from more than one of their previous clients.
The first thing you should ask your potential balustrade contractor is that they provide you with at least two contactable references. If a contractor can’t produce contactable references, I’d strongly advise that you look elsewhere. A reliable contractor should have a long list of happy clients who will be happy to provide a reference for them.
Find out how long have they been around?
As you’re investing a lot of financial resources into your balustrade project, the last thing you want to do is hire a contractor who has little or no experience. Do some research about how long your contractor has been in the business, as it can really help ensure the best quality possible for your balustrade installation.
Use Google to help identify the frauds.
Take some time to research your potential contractors online before putting any money on the table. A little bit of time spent behind a computer can really help prevent you from being taken for a ride or throwing money down the drain.
Make sure they have the appropriate accreditations.
You wouldn’t allow a random person on the street to perform surgery on you without the proper qualifications and accreditations. The same goes for your balustrade contractor. Ensure that your balustrade contractor has all the necessary accreditations and qualifications.
Find out if they specialise in your project type.
While an individual who specialises in installing wooden flooring may be very skilled at his job, it doesn’t mean he can install a balustrade system. Make sure your potential contractor specialises in your project type to ensure that you get the best final result possible.
Get more than one quote.
Make sure you get at least two to three quotes to help give yourself a rough understanding of the going rate. Be extra suspicious of contractors who under quote as it indicates that they either don’t understand your project, or they intend to hit you with some extra fees at a later stage.
Ensure that there is a contract in place.
To protect you (and your chosen contractor), ensure that there is a contract in place before any work is done. This will help clarify deliverables, layout timelines and identify payment milestones for your project. A legally binding document gives you the added peace of mind that you’ll get what you’re paying for.
Make sure that they’re SANS compliant.
Any balustrade project should follow the guidelines set out by SANS. If it doesn’t, your balustrade system could be a safety hazard for all that utilise it. Question your potential contractor about their view on SANS and make sure that they are mentioned in the contact between the two of you. Your balustrade project is an exciting time for any home or building owner, however, it is important to keep a level head when hiring a contractor and even more important to ensure that you get the right company for the job at hand.
By taking the points listed above into consideration, you’ll help ensure that you get the best final product possible.