Handy building survival tips

Moving out

Depending on how big your renovation is, it may be more efficient for the builders (and more enjoyable for you!) if you live off site and put your belongings in storage. Builders and tradies need large areas for storing equipment and materials, and a clear space to work in. It makes their job more difficult and time consuming if they need to work around your furniture. Plus, no matter how well they're covered, dust will get into your furniture and possessions!

Staying put

If you decide to live in your home during the renovation, you should consider the season you'll be building in. Cooking on the BBQ and coping with draughts will be much easier during warmer summer months. From experience, we can assure you there's nothing worse than having to deal with damp and mud from around the site area in the middle of winter.

It’s all in the planning

Make sure you’ve finalised every detail well before your builders start working on site. Once building is underway, changes can be expensive and cause delays. If changes do need to be made, ensure they're documented so you and your builder are clear on what needs to be done, and you have an estimate of the cost.

Communication is key

Timely and open communication is critical to keep track of the build as it progresses. It also help you plan ahead and find solutions for any issues that might come up.

Qualitas Builders uses Buildertrend, an award-winning software that acts as a central point for all communication. We keep a daily log of activities and will let you know about anything that needs to be finalised or if there's upcoming deadlines you need to be aware of.

Safety first!

Safety is paramount and responsibility for anyone visiting the building site rest with the project manager. Anyone, whether they are a sub trade or a private visitor, must have an induction with any safety hazards clearly pointed out to them.

It’s important to coordinate visits with the project manager to avoid busy times, for example, during delivery of large items like steel beams and joinery. Closed, flat shoes are a must when visiting the site.