If you find that investing in granny flats is worthwhile, then it is time for you to do your research. Granny flats are unique as they are not an independent structure. Builders have to account for the already existing structure and wiring of the primary structure. If you are constructing a completely separate property, builders will have to plan out to design and wire an entirely new structure based on the property available.

This type of planning needs experience, designing, and a clear understanding of the legal requirements related to granny flats. So if you are thinking of building a granny flat, you need expert granny flat builders like Granny flat solutions. Below are mentioned some tips to help you find the right builder for the job.

1. Get Recommendations

The first step you have to do is to look for recommendations. Family and friends are a better resource in this matter. Try to contact people who have done remodelling projects recently. Find out who they work with and how was their experience. Your aim is to make a list of contractors. If you don’t know anyone who has gone for remodelling recently, check the National Association of the remodelling industry for the list of members in your area who can share their experience with ADUs. 

Even if you get a list of contractors from someone known, make sure that the contractors are insured, check their accreditation, and keep a list of options you can interview with. You can also get some help from building inspectors and the city planning department. They are in contact with a lot of contractors and will be able to give the names of ADU specialists that they have worked with.

2. Interview Contractors

Once you prepare a list of contractors with solid credentials, now you can interview them. Start calling all the prospective contractors with a list of few questions. You are trying to find out the company’s experience, reliability, and availability. You have to trust your gut on this. If a contractor is not able to answer properly to your question or is not willing to give verification, move ahead. If a contractor is not able to provide references or reviews then it is a red flag, they don’t take reviews from the customers or their customers are not happy to work with them. Do not give too much upfront to a contractor, not more than 10% of the agreed-upon project. 

3. Ask The Relevant Questions 

A meeting is another interview so you should be prepared with your questions. This provides an opportunity for the contractor to closely look at the project. Share your ideas for a granny flat and ask them how they would fulfil your requirements. Also, enquire if they find any issues with the project. Find out how they will design it according to the regulations. Check their licenses, permits, and availability guarantees. Some contractors get a permit for you and work with the companies directly, whereas others expect homeowners to act in this matter. You can ask some questions without hesitation like why should you trust them to build your granny flat? What will you get for your money? 

You are making a big investment, so be sure you get a suitable one because all ADUs are not equally made. There are big differences in value and quality which depend on how you proceed and become as much aware as you can, will set your expectations and help you select the right builder. Go through this process with a few builders so that you can compare the estimates. 

4. Get In Writing 

Once you have selected a contractor and made an agreement then get everything in writing. Before you let a labourer pick up a hammer on your property , draw a contract detailing every part of your project. It should have a work schedule and payment schedule with the deadlines mentioned. It has nothing to do with mistrust. It is to clarify your expectations and make sure that both parties are agreeing to the same project. 

Conclusion 

Good contractors provide a few former clients whom you can talk to. But most of the contractors don’t like to trouble their customers all the time so this should be the last effort before you make a decision. Contractors doing a good job will have clients willing to speak to that work. You are searching for a contractor whose clients give overall positive reviews. Remember that each person has his own experience and a contractor will refer you to the clients who are happy with his work.