How To Avoid Dodgy Tradesmen

We’ve all heard a story or 10 about a dodgy tradie. Go to a dinner party with friends, and the tales of woe often bring tears to the eyes. To be honest, it makes my blood boil. Melbourne kitchen renovation companies like ours are obsessed with making sure clients get the best possible result.

They’re spending a sizeable amount of money, and investing a huge amount of trust, when they contract us to carry out such a major project. Our tradesmen do everything possible to get it right.

Sadly, the same can’t be said for tradies out there who – for a host of reasons – make their customers’ lives a misery.

Some just aren’t up to the job, others too inexperienced. Occasionally you find those simply lacking in basic moral fibre.

How to pick the right professional for the job

The question is: how can someone considering a kitchen renovation ensure they appoint the best person or company to do the job?

My main piece of advice would be to avoid making your decision based on cost alone.

Dishonest operators will often quote you a cheaper overall price and ask for 50% up front – payable in cash. The tradie then doesn’t turn up when he said he would, doesn’t do the job he promised, and the homeowner has a kitchen reno horror story to start telling friends about.

The truth is, the biggest risk of going for the cheapest option is that it will often end up being the most expensive. And that doesn’t even start to take into the account the heartache involved.

Questions to ask to avoid a bad result

Here are some questions you should ask. If you don’t get satisfactory answers, walk away.

–       How long have you been doing kitchen renovations?