When it comes to home renovations, there are few things as important as hiring the right builder. A reputable builder will have the experience, skills, and resources to get your work done on time, on budget, and to your satisfaction. But with so many renovation builders out there, how do you know who to choose?

Learn everything you need to know about renovation builders, including:

• What tasks renovation builders can take care of
• The most common renovation issues
• The cost of hiring a renovation builder
• How to hire a reputable local renovation builder
• Benefits of hiring a renovation builder
• Getting quotes from renovation builders

What does a renovation builder do?

Renovation builders specialise in all aspects of home renovations, from small projects like bathroom remodels to large-scale additions. They can help you with everything from design and planning to demolition and construction.

Here are just a few of the tasks that they can take care of:

• Kitchen remodels
• Bathroom remodels
• Additions
• Extensions
• Decks and patios
• Garage conversions
• Basement finishing
• Whole-house remodels

Read more: Does a kitchen renovation sell a house?

Most common renovation issues

Some of the most common renovation issues include:

• Poor workmanship, which can lead to leaks, cracks, and uneven surfaces
• Cost overruns
• Delays, especially without the appropriate approvals
• Hidden problems, such as mould, termite damage, or faulty wiring

How much does it cost to hire a renovation builder?

The cost of renovations varies depending on the size and complexity of the project, but renovation builders typically charge between $1,000 and $2,000 per square metre. This means that a small kitchen makeover could cost around $10,000, while a large home extension could cost upwards of $100,000.

For more complex jobs with major renovations, such as those that require removing load-bearing walls, the cost will be higher, ranging from $2,500 to $3,000 per square metre.

Read more: Understanding the rising cost of home renovations and how much does it cost to renovate your home?

How to hire a renovation builder

Once you've decided to hire some help, the next step is to start talking with potential prospective builders.

Here are a few questions you should ask:

• What types of projects do you specialise in?
• What is your estimated timeline and budget for my project?
• Do you have experience with renovating projects similar to mine?
• What are your thoughts on the current trends in renovation?
• How do you stay up-to-date on the latest building codes and regulations?
• What is your process for managing permits and approvals?
• How do you handle unexpected costs or delays?
• Do you build a buffer into your quote for any hidden problems?
• What is your warranty policy?

Once you've interviewed a few different builders, you should have a good idea of who is the best fit for your project.

Benefits of hiring a renovation builder

Hiring a builder that specialises in renovations offers many advantages, top of the list being their expertise. They have the knowledge, skills, and experience to complete your project on time, within budget, and to the highest standards. They can anticipate and overcome common problems and challenges, and help you avoid costly mistakes.

They are skilled tradespeople who will produce high-quality results, especially for complex or large-scale projects. You can relax knowing your project is in good hands, and most builders offer warranties on their work to protect your investment.

Getting quotes for a renovation

To get quotes for a renovation, contact multiple builders and provide as much detail as possible about your project and budget. Compare the quotes to find the best builder for your needs, and choose the one who makes you feel confident in their skills, capabilities, and understanding of your project.

*Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.