Five Questions To Ask Your Brisbane Patio Builder

As a home owner, it is very important to understand the fact that: in the process of preparing to implement your chosen patio landscape design, the slightest mistake can ruin you all of the hard work which you may have already put in which by the way can be very discouraging. Just so you know, an improperly installed patio can be such an unsightly blight to your landscape taking into consideration the fact that it will be prone to unevenly settling as well as a series of drainage issues which could seriously compromise the foundation of your house/property. 

This being the case, it is very important to identify the best contractor like propatiosbrisbane.com.au/ to assist you in all aspects of your patio installation. Take note, as you prepare the to choose a patio landscape design firm it is very important that you ask the right questions because doing so will help make sure that you choose the most suitable contractor for the task that lies ahead. Remember, apart from simply helping you identify the most suitable contractor to hire, asking important questions will equally bring you out as a savvy client who besides having high expectations equally understands what he/she wants upon completion of the construction project. 

Below is an overview of the Five Questions To Ask Your Brisbane Patio Builder? 

Question 1: What are your Qualifications?

Being an open ended question, expect a detailed reply from the builder you are interviewing. For this question, expect responses such as:

•  “I am a licensed building contractor with several years of experience”. Apart from such straight forward response, they contractor should go ahead to provide you with relevant documentation to prove this. 

•  “We have been operation since XXXX”. The builder should openly admit how long the company has been operational consequently directing you to examples of their previous projects. Simply out, they should willingly provide you with references the moment you request for them.

•  “We have been able to successfully complete the construction of patio designed in ways similar to your laid out plan”. This serves as a clear indication that the builder is not willing to take on a project that they are not familiar with. It is also serves as surety that the contractor will be able to do a good job assuming that you are interested in using unusual building materials or the building plan is different from common designs.

Question 2: What is included in your quote?

As strange as it may sound, most of the times, it usually comes as a surprise to many home builders that a quote is not all inclusive. Just so you know, even the most detailed contracts usually feature clauses which may allow for extra costs running into the thousands sometimes even tens of thousands. Taking this into consideration, make a point of always checking in details the specifications of your builder’s final quote prior to signing any form of legally binding contract. 

Question 3: Are you fully insured?

This will help you find out whether the building contractor is fully insured. Take note, working with a builder who is not is insured means the blame lies squarely on you in the event that there are any accidents or any of the workers sustains any injuries in the course of the construction. 

Some of the main insurance covers which you should focus on making sure that the builder has include:

• The workers compensation
• The public liability insurance 

In addition to the above, make sure that the builder is able to take out home warranty insurance before commencing the process of construction. This is very important because the home warranty insurance serves as a guarantee to cover any possible defects that might result from the construction works or in the end after construction is complete. Take note, this should be done prior to the start of the construction for it to be valid. 

Question 4: Can you clarify details of my building design plans and the specifications?

Make sure that the builder satisfactorily answers all of your questions pertaining to your already drawn building plans and specifications. Do not leave anything to chance and do not take anything lightly. For instance, in case you mentioned that you are interested in double gazed windows, refrain from assuming that you will automatically get them without making sure that they are available in writing. In short, do not assume everything will be included not unless they are specified. 

Making sure of this is very important because, such small details might seem like simple oversights only that in real sense they could be very costly and form the basis for some serious misunderstandings.

Question 5: What is your estimated time frame to complete the construction?

The builder should be able to share with you the dates on which he intends to start off the construction and when he predicts that he would finish emphasizing on the details of each and every phase. These details should include issues such as payments, ongoing inspections amongst other costs. In addition to the above, the builder should also come out and warn you about any possible construction delays likely to occur. Simply put, the more you get to find out before construction starts, the more prepared you will be. 

Asking the above, questions serves as a guarantee to make sure that the Brisbane patio builder who you are interested in has the capacity to satisfactorily construct the patio on your behalf taking into consideration all the specifications of your design. In the end by the time you are signing the binding agreement you will be certain that everything is in order as per your personal preferences.

REFERENCE:

http://www.angieslist.com/articles/10-questions-ask-when-hiring-paver-patio-installation-contractor.htm
http://www.realestate.com.au/blog/10-questions-to-ask-before-hiring-a-builder/

Brisbane Timber Decking Ideas For Your Property

There are few things more enjoyable and captivating than spending summer evening outside, surrounded by a quiet tree-line yard, a silent garden or manicured lawn. Nowadays, many homes enjoy such evenings through the use of a deck. Decks and patios offer a great place to enjoy activities like yoga, play table tennis, bird watching or having a party. Garden and backyard decks allow homeowners and their guest’s access to private, tranquil settings of a garden at any time. If you are a homeowner in Brisbane, the following are some of the timber decking ideas for your property.

There are several timber decking ideas that you can embrace. Even a conservative timber decking arrangement stemming from the most basic of decorating ideas is going to cost a tidy sum. It is prudent to get good ideas that can get your timber decking project off the ground in the right direction.

Brisbane Timber Decking Ideas for your Property

Ensure you know the Size of your house and garden

Just like any other design related projects, proportion and balance are very crucial when it comes to timber decking. For instance, it will look dreadful to have a tiny deck attached to a large house or a huge deck in a small garden.

However, with excellent measurements of the outside compound and the house, you will have great ideas that will suit your measurements from qualified companies in Australia. For example, if your garden is very small, you can opt to do away with it and have decking fill the whole space. This ensures that every inch is usable and plenty of room for garden pots and entertaining. The compound will also look less cluttered.

Select the correct construction materials

There are several timber decking materials that you can select from. Some of these materials can depend on the patio design, for instance; Merbau and Kwila are the most popular used. However, if you are on a budget, you can opt for treated pine or cypress pine that can create real decks. You can also opt to go for hardwood because it is pest resistant.

Making a right choice in the type of material to use will ensure a smooth and comfortable transition from your current home to the timber decked. Most professional builders in Brisbane like propatiosbrisbane.com.au/ use quick drive screws to prevent decking boards from moving. They are preferred because they can be adjusted during maintenance unlike nails. You can also go for the following in order to have a classy deck.

• Timber decking patterns

• Timber deck board options

• Design with different size board

• Stylish setting

• Deck hand rails

What time of day will you be using your timber decking?

If you want to gain the best out of your wood deck, it is wise to know your how your day is structured. Can you spend time outside in the evenings? Where will the sun be then, does it matter? If you are not comfortable with the sun, site and shape your timber deck so that you get what you want and where you want it.

What is the purpose of the timber deck?

Are you planning to entertain friends? Is it for a romantic hideaway? Or do you want to make it a relaxing zone? Your decking ideas should incorporate all the things that you love doing. It’s important to be aware of what you want before you start having a deck.

Advantages of timber decking

• It extends your internal space at the same time creating a smooth transition from indoor/outdoor.

• Sloping or Uneven ground can be made use-able by supporting a deck on posts.

• Decking over poorly drained grass areas, allowing you to re-use the space again

• Areas prone to flooding benefit from elevated decks

• Can be modified quickly to accommodate changing example a growing family

It is never late to manage your home and choose the right design for your family. Give your home a new look by searching for great images about timber decking to have an idea of what you like. There are a lot of companies in Australia that deal with building and will get you the right deck that you want. To know more about timber decking, you should go on-line or ask neighbours who have timber decks.

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How To Find A Reliable Brisbane Patios Builder

Installing a patio at your Brisbane home provides you with a beautiful place to host family gatherings, sit with your morning coffee, or watch the sun set. However, installing one on your own may be a bit out of reach. If you’d really like to add a patio to your property, it may be time to consult with local contractors. A skilled individual from Pro Patios Brisbane can provide you with a beautiful addition to your property that you’ll be able to enjoy for years to come.

Let’s examine some tips for finding a reliable patio contractor: 

Ask for an Itemized Estimate

It’s always important to get an estimate when you’re working with a contractor, but it’s even more important to get an itemized estimate. If you ask all potential contractors to break your patio project down into several itemized line items, you’ll be able to see precisely where your money is going. This may allow you to save money on your project by cutting back on the amount spent on a specific line item, and will also allow you to see where the contractor plans to spend the fee you’re paying them. 

Obtain all Estimates and Contracts in Writing

As you evaluate contractors for your patio project, avoid relying on verbal contracts. While it would be wonderful if you could rely on a handshake to do business, it often doesn’t work out well. Instead, ask that all potential contractors provide you with a written estimate. Once you’ve chosen a specific contractor, insist that they provide you with a contract in writing. These documents will provide you with important documentation if the project goes poorly, and may be crucial evidence if you wind up needing to take the contractor to court for any reason. 

Be sure that the contract you’re signing contains: 

• The contractor’s name and contact information
• Signatures of all parties involved
• Details about how the project will proceed, including milestones and a payment schedule. 
• The date that service will begin
• An itemized estimate of how much the project will cost

This information will help document important facts about your project in case you need them in the future. 

Ask the Contractor for References

While you’re evaluating contractors of Pro Patios Brisbane, be sure to ask any that you’re seriously considering to provide you with a list of several references. Take the time to contact these references and to ask them questions about the work that the contractor did for them. 

Consider asking: 

• What type of project did the contractor work on for you? 
• Do you have pictures of the completed patio?
• How satisfied were you with this contractor? 
• Did the project that the contractor completed stand up over time?
• Did the contractor perform high-quality work?
• Would you consider hiring this contractor again?
• Did you have any issues or problems with this contractor? If so, can you tell me a little bit about the problem and how it was resolved?

Pay Attention to Customer Service Skills

As you evaluate potential patio contractors in Brisbane, pay attention to the customer service skills of everyone you speak to. The service that they provide to potential clients is probably about the same quality as the service you’ll receive as a customer. This means that if they decline phone calls or don’t return calls, are rude when they correspond with you, or are late for appointments, these behaviors likely won’t change after you’ve hired them. In short, if a patio contractor is rude to potential clients, they’ll be rude to contracted clients as well. If a service provider acts in any of these manners as you’re evaluating them, you may need to choose another provider. 

Avoid Paying Cash

Avoid paying any contractor in cash. If you pay in cash, there’s no way to trace the payment, and no way to prove that you actually paid the contractor for services rendered. In addition, if you have issues with the way the job is performed, there’s no way to document the amount you paid the contractor, and therefore the amount you’d be owed in a court settlement. It’s far better to play it safe and make all payments by credit card or cheque. 

To approval your patios Project in Brisbane visit here.

Obtain Proof of Insurance

A private contractor’s insurance protects the company itself, as well as any employees, in the event of an accident. If a contractor does not carry insurance and an accident occurs on your property, you run the risk of them attempting to sue you for damages. This makes it especially important that you ask all potential contractors for your patio project about the insurance coverage that they carry. In addition, ask for written proof of the insurance policy. Add these documents to your permanent records so that you’ll have them if you need them. 

Ask the Contractor About their Suppliers

Before you hire a contractor, while you’re still asking for estimates and checking references, you should also ask the contractor about their suppliers. If possible, get the names of two to three individuals or companies that supply the contractor with the items that they need in order to do business. First, this will let you see that the contractor is running a reputable business with legitimate suppliers. However, this will also allow you to contact these individuals to learn more about the contractor and their business practices. If a supplier isn’t receiving payments regularly or complains bitterly about the way that they’re treated by a contractor, you may want to steer clear of them. 

Trust Your Instincts

Above all else, it’s important that you trust your instincts as you evaluate potential patio contractors. If someone gives you an odd feeling or sets off a series of strange emotions, you may want to opt for another contractor. If you don’t trust an individual or company, it’s going to be quite difficult for you to do business with them long term. Instead, choose a contractor that provides you with solid communication, a professional appearance, and high-quality customer service. 

When it’s time to begin construction on your patio project, you’ll need a skilled, reputable contractor to provide you with the best possible service. Use the tips mentioned in this article to evaluate contractors in your area and choose the one that works well for you. 

To find patios builders in your city you can search here

Benefits Of Using Colorbond For Your Brisbane Patio

So you are looking to install a patio in your Australian home, but you are wondering what the best options are for this project. Should you use Colorbond for your Brisbane patio, or not? We will consider the benefits of why using the Colorbond steel is smart, and why in the long run it can save you quite a bit of money. We will consider how to choose a contractor for the job, and finally why this is the best option for any patio you build.

What Does Colorbond Sell?

The Colorbond steel is a product that is trademarked and completely made in Australia. The products include pieces you can build your patio with, a veranda, or even carports. Beams for roofing, and gutters are also another part of the Colorbond line. Basically you could have a full patio or other project that is made up of Colorbond for your Brisbane patio or any other Australian location for that matter. Colorbond has been on the market for over 40 years now and is much loved by people who have used it in building projects.

Benefits Of Colorbond

Benefits of using Colorbond include the following:

This product will not warp, rot, chip or peel.Termites will not be able to eat it.Since the paint that is on the original product is oven baked, you will not have to paint it or finish it in any way once it’s installed.Colorbond now has Thermatech technology to reflect the sun, creating a cooler location for you to sit outside under during a hot summer day in Australia.There are a lot of choices when it comes to colors. More Benefits For You

Some locations will provide a layer of antibacterial to your Colorbond steel. This trademarked technology is Microban. This will help with risks of any cross-contamination if germs are around, which everyone knows germs are all over the place. This is a great option to consider if you want to keep colds from passing around the family.

Only The Best

When you talk to a company about building your patio, be sure that you ask to ensure that the Colorbond they are using is made in Australia and will meet the standards of AS2728. This means that the products have the highest standards set forth by the government.

Finding Your Contractor

Compare the companies who use Colorbond in your area, and ask the following questions before you pick one for the job.

• What is the warranty?
• Is the Colorbond only made in Australia?
• How much will it cost?
• How long has your company been in business? 
• Other Research

As with picking any contractor you may want to read forums online to see if they have any past complaints. To hire Qualified and professional tradesman propatiosbrisbane.com.au/ You may be able to avoid a company who seems to do a bad job all the time, or you may find people who love a place, and it will help you make your decision.

Conclusion

Benefits of using Colorbond on your Brisbane patio are many, it’s a great choice. With adding in the antibacterial coating, and the cooling technology, you’ll find yourself spending a ton of time outside.