How to minimise renovation uncertainty in today’s market

> How long have you been trading under your current business name?
> Do you have an office or showroom(s)?
> Do you employ staff, use experienced subcontractors or rely on short-term labour?
> How many renovations have you completed in the past 12 months?
> Can you provide recent reviews from at least 10 previous customers — on platforms you don’t control?

Tip: Avoid businesses with no online footprint — or only reviews on their own website. A lack of independent feedback (or a stream of negative reviews) can be a red flag.

> We’ve been trading since 2010. Our owners, staff and sub-contractors have over 30 years of experience in the industry.
> We operate showrooms in Essendon, Oakleigh and Nunawading — plus our own manufacturing facility.
> Our team includes 25 staff and over 40 regular tradespeople and craftsmen.
> We complete more than 300 kitchen, bathroom and laundry renovations each year.
> We’re proud to have hundreds of independent customer reviews online, averaging 4.9 out of 5 on Google and Product Review.

> How often will the project manager visit the site to check on progress?
> What’s the best way to contact that person directly?
> Will it be the same team of trades throughout the job, or will new people come and go?

Tip: Be wary of providers who avoid specifics. If you’re not getting clear answers now, communication won’t magically improve once work starts.

> We agree on a project plan with each client in advance, covering access, working hours and how the job will be staged.
> You’ll know when tradespeople will be on-site — and that they’ll treat your home with the respect it deserves.
> We assign every client a dedicated project manager who visits regularly, oversees each stage of the renovation and can be contacted directly by phone, text or email.

> What guarantees do you offer on your workmanship?
> What warranties apply to the products and fittings you’re supplying?
> Will you commit — in writing — to fixing any issues that arise?

Tip: If a company seems vague or reluctant to take responsibility for their mistakes, consider that a red flag.

> All cabinetry, benchtops, fittings and accessories we supply are covered by a 10-year guarantee.
> We only use high-quality materials and trusted hardware, like Blum drawer runners and soft-close door hinges. 
> Our project managers stay involved throughout — visiting each job and remaining available to clients if any issues arise.
> And our philosophy is simple: the job isn’t complete until you’re 100% happy.

> Do you provide a line-by-line breakdown of costs in your quote?
> How much is required as a deposit, and when are other payments due?
> Are there any extra or hidden charges beyond the quoted amount?

Tip: Be cautious of providers who ask for large deposits or full upfront payment — or who are vague about what’s included.

> We take a 5% deposit to begin the project — with additional payments tied to clear project milestones.
> Our pricing is fully itemised and transparent, so you know the cost of each component from the outset.
> If anything unexpected comes up that requires additional work, we’ll talk through the options with you — and we’ll never proceed without your approval.

> For any kitchen, bathroom or laundry renovation over $10,000, the business must be a Registered Building Practitioner with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA)
> For projects over $16,000, they must:

• Provide a Domestic Building Contract, and
• Take out Domestic Building Insurance (DBI) on your behalf

> Before signing, they must give you a Certificate of Currency for the DBI policy

Why This Matters:

If your builder is not registered:

> You have no legal protection if the job is done poorly or left incomplete
> You will not be covered by insurance
> If you decide to sell your home, you may be asked for a copy of the Domestic Building Contract and DBI certificate — and this can impact the sale

Take Note: Don’t be misled by memberships alone — being a member of HIA or Master Builders is not the same as being a Registered Builder with a current licence.

DBI (formerly Builder’s Warranty Insurance) protects you when building work is:

> Incomplete or defective, and
> The builder has died, disappeared, become insolvent, or
> Failed to comply with a court or tribunal order

The builder is responsible for arranging this insurance for you, and they must be approved by the VMIA to do so.

> Are you a Registered Builder? What is your licence number?
> Have you been approved to purchase DBI through the VMIA?
> Do you use Domestic Building Contracts?
> Are your tradespeople licensed and qualified?

Tip: You can check a builder’s credentials at:

• vba.vic.gov.au (VBA licence check)
• dbi.vmia.vic.gov.au (DBI provider approval)

If a company avoids providing a written contract or proof of licence, or asks you to sign before explaining terms — walk away.

> Registered Building Practitioner (Licence No: CDB-L 48241)
> Approved by the VMIA to purchase Domestic Building Insurance
> We use formal Domestic Building Contracts for every project
> Proud members of Master Builders Victoria, HIA and the Australian Cabinet and Furniture Association