Question 1

How often do I pay my builder?

Accepted Answer

A deposit is required to confirm your job. This will be a percentage of the estimated cost of work. Depending on the size of the job, progress payments may be required. We will discuss this with you at the time.

Question 2

What is a progress payment?

Accepted Answer

A progress payment is where you pay instalments of the total cost of your build at certain stages throughout the build process.

Question 3

What work does Smart Build Solutions do?

Accepted Answer

We specialise in home renovation projects such as bathrooms, kitchens, and extensions as well as outdoor living spaces such as decks, pergolas, fences and retaining walls.

Question 4

Is there a cost for you to come out to my property and give me an estimate of the work to be done?

Accepted Answer

Easy answer – no. We do not charge to give you an estimate.

Question 5

What are the main things I should look for when choosing a builder?

Accepted Answer

It’s best to look out for  
• A trade qualification
• A current Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP)
• A builder who is a member of a builders association 
• A builder with Public Liability insurance, and Statutory Liability Insurance cover 
• First aid training. 
• Has an active Health and Safety plan 
 
You also want to find a builder you get along with and feel comfortable with them working on your project.

Question 6

Why is it important for my builder to have current Public Liability Insurance?

Accepted Answer

Public Liability Insurance covers a variety of incidents that can happen while work is being done on your property.

In case of the unlikely event of any loss or damage to your property, this is covered by the PLI.

This ensures that the builder working on your property has the correct cover to ensure any damages are repaired.

Question 7

What is Statutory Liability Insurance?

Accepted Answer

It is an insurance that covers any penalties or fines that may result due to breeching any Acts of parliament. Such as doing work without a consent when required, doing restricted building work without the correct license or the correct supervision.

Frequently Asked Questions