These days we’re all clued up on avoiding cowboy builders. A basement conversion can seem like a daunting project, requiring specialised knowledge and techniques. That makes hiring the right basement construction company critical to success.
Here are some tips to consider before hiring a company to undertake your basement construction.
Recommendations and reviews
If friends, family or colleagues have had similar work done on their home, ask them for a recommendation. This is the quickest way to find a specialist construction company with a great reputation and you can ask for a first-hand account of the quality of the work.
Once you’ve shortlisted a number of companies, research their website looking for reviews and images of previous work. Pay attention to reviews of working practices as well as the quality of the work itself, as a basement construction can be stressful for you and your neighbours. To mitigate any issues look for companies with Considerate Constructor award status.
Ask the right questions
Next make a checklist of questions for the companies you’ve shortlisted. These should include:
– How long have they been in the business? A good contractor will have been working in the sector for at least five years
– Do they specialise in basement renovation and construction? Look for a specialist company with knowledge of the pitfalls of the job
– Do they take on projects of your size?
– Will they arrange planning permission if necessary?
– Can they give you an estimated budget and completion date for the job?
Check qualifications
The specialist construction company you choose should have the necessary qualifications, licenses and professional recognition. These should be prominently displayed on their website along with samples of their work and testimonials from customers.
You’ll almost certainly need specialised waterproofing work so check that your basement construction company are specialised in waterproofing basements and can offer a range of methods and technological solutions that are right for your project.
This highly technical area is critical to the success of your project and it’s worth getting it right first time as remedial work can be costly. Make sure your basement specialist is a member of the appropriate professional bodies like the BSWA.
The right basement construction company for the right job
Choosing the right construction company is essential if you want to maximise your investment. After all, a company who did a great job of remodelling your next door neighbours’ bathroom or kitchen may not have the expertise to underpin and waterproof a basement construction.
A specialist contractor will be able to answer all your questions and show you references, reviews, certificates and the relevant insurance. At Noble Structures we pride ourselves on the highest standards of workmanship and attention to detail.
Our specialist knowledge makes us one of the leading basement construction companies in London and we’re fully ASUC registered with over 30 years experience in creating show stopping basement conversions and constructions. To find out more, get in touch with us today.